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West Ham United have gone from relegation contenders to Europa Conference League champions and a side comfortably sitting in mid-table all in the space of a year. And this is all whilst losing star man Declan Rice during the summer window. David Moyes' side have so far enjoyed an impressive campaign despite some inconistent performances, having qualified out of their Europa League group and risen to ninth in the Premier League.

They won't want to just simply sit back and rest on their laurels now that they're back to their best, however. Instead, reports suggest that they've already turned their attention towards one particular January target.

West Ham transfer news

Those at the London Stadium spent the Rice money incredibly well during the summer transfer window. James Ward-Prowse, Edson Alvarez and Mohammed Kudus have continued to impress throughout the current campaign to make their former golden boy's exit somewhat of an afterthought. If West Ham can qualify for European football once again, meanwhile, then Rice's exit may even be looked back on as a blessing in disguise.

The Hammers will reportedly look to repeat their transfer genius in January to land even more upgrades. According to Rudy Galetti, West Ham are considering an attempt to sign Ian Maatsen from Chelsea in January and have already asked their London rivals for information about their left-back.

Maatsen's current Chelsea deal is due to run out in the summer of 2025, meaning that the Blues have just over a year to cash in before facing the risk of losing the reported West Ham target on a free deal.

"Pacy" Maatsen needs minutes

Maatsen's stats expose just how desperately he needs a move during the January transfer window. The young Dutchman is yet to start a single Premier League game and has played just 106 minutes – the same as just over one full game. Even when Ben Chilwell has been unavailable, it has been Marc Cucurella who has been given the role, perhaps leaving Maatsen to wonder what more he has to do to break into Mauricio Pochettino's side.

West Ham could offer the full-back the minutes he so desperately needs though. Maatsen would be left competing with former Chelsea left-back Emerson Palmieri, but would also have the chance to feature in Europe – something that Chelsea cannot currently offer.

At his best, Maatsen has been at the centre of praise, including from Burnley boss Vincent Kompany upon the start of his loan move at the Clarets last season. Kompany told the club's official website: “We’re pleased to add Ian to our team, he’s a talented, energetic and pacy player, who can defend and get forward well. Ian will be a great addition to our team on and off the pitch.”

Manchester United could reportedly receive a bid for Mason Greenwood but it must be around £40 million ($50m) for the club to consider a sale.

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• Juventus ramp up interest in Greenwood
• Man Utd seek £40 million for the striker
• Would not be sold at a discounted rate

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  According toJuventus have emerged as the leading contenders to secure the services of the English forward. Atletico Madrid have also closely monitored Greenwood's development during his loan spell at Getafe in Spain, along with several other European clubs, who have expressed interest in acquiring the talented forward, adding further intrigue to his future.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The report further mentions that while selling Greenwood remains high on the agenda, United's new co-owners, Ineos, remain determined that they would not let him go at “fire-sale prices”. In the absence of suitable offers, around the £40m mark, United may opt to extend Greenwood's contract, which is set to expire in 2025. The possibility of another loan stint while under contract appears more plausible as it remains a difficult proposition to bring the player back to Old Trafford.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Apart from Juventus and Atletico, Barcelona were also in the race but it is believed that the Balugrana are now exploring alternative options. Nonetheless, the competition for Greenwood's services is expected to be fierce, given his resurgence with Getafe after a prolonged absence from competitive action during the investigation into allegations against him.

  His performances have strengthened United's position on the negotiating table with any potential suitor and if retaining him becomes necessary, they will do so by further extending his contract. Moreover, the potential inclusion of Juventus defender Bremer in a swap deal also remains on the cards as the Red Devils are looking to shore up their defence ahead of the next season.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Greenwood has 10 goals and six assists in 31 appearances for Getafe in the 2023-24 campaign. His manager, Jose Bordalas, has hailed him for his "exemplary behaviour" and would count on him to finish the season on a high by racking up maximum points from the five remaining fixtures.

It was always going to be difficult for Birmingham City supporters to take to Wayne Rooney, having succeeded a manager who took the side into the playoffs following a 3-1 win in the West Midlands Derby against West Bromwich Albion.

A good start to life in the dugout was what was required to ease pressure off his shoulders but Rooney has had anything but. In his nine games in charge so far, the Blues have suffered six defeats, drawn twice and picked up merely one win which came against Sheffield Wednesday, who had been bottom of the league at the time.

Nevertheless, every game offers a new opportunity to pick up some points and a win against Cardiff City tonight would give Birmingham a huge lift in their fight to climb back up the table. Here is the side's predicted lineup ahead of their visit to the Bluebirds.

1

GK – John Ruddy

Veteran goalkeeper John Ruddy has started in every single Championship game for Birmingham City this season and this likely won't change against Cardiff. On Friday night at the CBS Arena, the 37-year-old faced seven shots in total and the scoreline could have been a lot worse for the Midlands club had Ruddy not come to the rescue on a number of occasions.

2

LB – Lee Buchanan

22-year-old fullback Lee Buchanan struggled to get going against Coventry at the weekend. The former Derby County defender didn't put a single successful cross into the box and failed to complete one dribble throughout the game, offering very little on Birmingham's left side. Furthermore, Buchanan lost 88% of his ground duels, as per FotMob, in what was ultimately a subpar display.

Nonetheless, having started in every game since returning from injury in November and having played under Rooney at Pride Park as well, the manager will likely leave Buchanan in at left-back.

3

CB – Dion Sanderson

Dion Sanderson had been an ever-present member of the lineup across Eustace and Rooney's spells in the dugout. However, after Friday's clash with the Sky Blues, Rooney confirmed that the former Sunderland defender was absent from the team due to a "strange" foot injury. Sanderson is still being assessed ahead of kick-off tonight but will likely be rushed back into the first eleven as a result of Emanuel Aiwu's torrid display at Coventry.

The loanee failed to win a single ground duel and lost 75% of his aerial battles against Coventry's physically strong attacking duo of Ellis Simms and Haji Wright, who bullied the 22-year-old aerially.

If fit, Sanderson should return to add that bit of steel at the back, having won 55% of his aerial duels this season.

4

CB – Marc Roberts

Marc Roberts has been nothing but a bit part player this season. In fact, his start away at Coventry was his first of the season, having made merely four appearances in total in the Championship this term. The 33-year-old didn't cover himself in glory but still won 67% of his aerial duels which will matter against Cardiff, particularly with Ike Ugbo up top.

Roberts could keep his place and partner with Sanderson for the first time in the 2023/24 campaign as Rooney looks to add some defensive quality to a backline that is leaking goals at the moment, having conceded 11 in their last five outings.

5

RB – Juninho Bacuna

Juninho Bacuna is possibly the only player who is guaranteed to start tonight after Friday's display. The 26-year-old looked like Birmingham's most dangerous player, whipping eleven crosses into the penalty box and playing nine passes into the final third. Meanwhile, the fullback also made ten ball recoveries and three interceptions, according to FotMob.

6

LM – Jay Stansfield

Jay Stansfield struggled to make any impact against Coventry last week. The Fulham loanee failed to have a single shot on goal throughout the match before being hooked in the 70th minute by Rooney.

Nonetheless, the 21-year-old is Birmingham City's joint top scorer this season with five goals and still created two chances at the CBS Arena so will likely keep his place in the starting lineup.

7

CM – Krystian Bielik

Krystian Bielik had another off night against Coventry and hindered his team defensively.

The 25-year-old was dispossessed twice, leading to opposition counterattacks, while he also lost 57% of his ground duels and 60% of his aerial duels, and committed two fouls. Nevertheless, given Birmingham's lack of depth in the middle of the park, the Poland international will maintain his spot in the team.

8

CM – Jordan James

Jordan James has been making waves with the Midlands since making his debut two seasons ago. At the age of 19, he is already a Wales international and should be one of the first names on Rooney's teamsheet. Former manager Lee Bowyer once claimed that James can "be as good as he wants to be".

However, over the course of this season, James has been in the starting lineup just six times. If Rooney wants consistency from the young man, he'll need to start offering him some more regular appearances in the first eleven.

9

RM – Ivan Sunjic

Ivan Sunjic is a central midfield player but certainly has the legs to operate in the wide areas. The inclusion of the Croatian could offer Rooney some tactical flexibility.

The new boss has preferred to use a 4-4-2 out of possession, with two flat banks of four. However, when Birmingham have the ball, Sunjic can tuck inside, with Stansfield getting forward on the left to create a 4-3-3 which could offer a little more stability defensively and offensively for the Blues.

As a result, Sunjic would be replacing Koji Miyoshi in the starting lineup. After the defeat to Coventry City on Friday, Birmingham Live handed the Japanese playmaker a 5/10 match rating, describing his display as 'one of his worst of the season.

Miyoshi was replaced in the 70th minute and could find himself on the bench tonight.

10

ST – Lukas Jutkiewicz

Lukas Jutkiewicz was one of Birmingham's better players against Coventry. The experienced striker won more duels than any other player during the game and managed to get into three different goalscoring positions despite not tucking his chances away.

The 34-year-old is also the club's captain so it's likely that Rooney will keep him in the starting lineup once more.

AC Milan players wore their mother's maiden names on their kits Saturday to bring attention to personal identity rights for all individuals.

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• Players wearing mother's names
• Part of personal identity initiative
• Five Serie A clubs taking part

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  On the eve of Mother's Day on May 12, the Rossoneri sported kits with the surnames of players' mothers in the game against Cagliari in an attempt to shed light on the initiative. AC Milan, along with five other Serie A clubs, are all taking part in it across the weekend.

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  The initiative's aim is to bring awareness to personal identity rights, and it comes as a result of the Constitutional Court's ruling from April 27, 2022. The Italian court of law ruled that automatic attribution of the paternal surname was discriminatory. Since June 1 of that year, both parents of the child must now have the right to choose the surname, deeming it a fundamental part of establishing their personal identity.

• WHAT CHRISTIAN PULISIC SAID

  “Playing with our mothers' names on our jerseys is a special way to honor the incredible women who have shaped and supported us throughout our lives," Pulisic said. "It's a meaningful gesture that highlights the importance of family and the strong bonds that drive us both on and off the pitch. I'm proud to represent my mom in this unique and heartfelt way alongside my teammates at AC Milan.”

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  WHAT NEXT FOR MILAN?

  The Rossoneri will wrap up Saturday's match against Cagliari before finishing the season against Torino and Salernitana to round out the month of May. Pulisic, meanwhile, will look to continue his hot form of late before heading to the 2024 Copa America with the USMNT.

Manchester United have underperformed on every front this season, which has caused them to drop out of European football and sit eighth in the Premier League.

Erik ten Hag’s biggest issue this campaign has been in the final third, with his side scoring just 18 goals, only the bottom four teams have netted fewer.

With that in mind, the ex-Ajax coach will turn to the transfer market to fix his attacking problem this January.

Man Utd transfers latest – Benjamin Sesko

According to 90min, Benjamin Sesko is drawing attention from a number of Premier League clubs, with the Red Devils being one of those interested in signing the attacker.

Despite having a contract until 2028, RB Leipzig are willing to cash in on the Slovenian star, and they are set to demand a fee of around £39m according to other reports.

A loan with the obligation to buy could be on the cards, with Sesko reportedly unhappy with the lack of game time in Germany.

Benjamin Sesko’s style of play

Just like Manchester City striker Erling Haaland, the 20-year-old burst onto the scene at RB Salzburg before moving to a Bundesliga club, which instantly earned him the nickname "Mini-Haaland," as called by Goal’s features editor, Tom Maston.

Although he doesn’t like being compared to the Norwegian, Sesko himself has admitted they have similarities, stating: “we have height, and we are both fast."

The 6 foot 4 forward is a true goal-scorer who has netted 54 goals in 112 career appearances so far. Sesko is “absolutely rapid” and a composed finisher, according to Maston, using his large frame to bully defenders all game.

That does sound like the ex-Dortmund number nine, but how does Sesko actually compare to Haaland based on statistics from the last year, and how could he improve United?

As you can see, not only is the Slovenian an incredible goal scorer, but he also has excellent technical ability, which means he often likes to get on the ball and use his direct dribbling to get past the defender, almost in a similar way to the chaotic Darwin Nunez at Liverpool.

This is the first main difference between the two, as Haaland and even current United striker Rasmus Hojlund stay on the fringe of the game and can go long spells without even touching the ball.

The other aspect of Sesko’s game that makes him different from Haaland is that he works tirelessly out of possession to win the ball back for his side. This is an underrated side of the ex-Salzburg forward's game, and it would allow him to thrive in every game state at United, whether it be leading a high press and a counter press, or when Ten Hag opts for a low block like we saw at Anfield last weekend.

Overall, Sesko would be an excellent signing for Man United as he would offer a slightly different style to Hojlund, who has struggled to adapt to the Premier League by failing to score a goal in 13 appearances. Also, United having their own version of Haaland would make for some fantastic Derby Day stories.

Arthur Okonkwo’s brutal jaw injury features on Welcome to Wrexham, with the on-loan goalkeeper suffering a huge bone crack under his mouth.

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• Goalkeeper involved in heavy collision
• Returned to action in protective brace
• Helped Red Dragons to promotion

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  The 22-year-old, who joined the Red Dragons from Premier League giants Arsenal, took a heavy blow to his face during a League Two clash with Harrogate on November 28. He was forced back to north London for treatment and missed almost a month of action.

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  Okonkwo returned to Wrexham with a protective brace in place, allowing him to rejoin a promotion bid that ultimately delivered a runners-up finish. He joined the party in Las Vegas since then, which was funded by Hollywood co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  He is fully recovered from the knock that threatened to derail a promising campaign, with the Welcome to Wrexham documentary series showing how serious his injury was. X-rays taken at the time picked up a giant crack that ran from Okonkwo’s bottom row of teeth and underneath his jaw.

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• WHAT NEXT?

  Wrexham had been hoping that a deal could be done that kept Okonkwo on their books for 2024-25 – as they step up into League One. He may prove to be out of reach for Phil Parkinson’s side, with interest building as he prepares to sever ties with Arsenal as a free agent.

The Champions League final was disrupted after a matter of seconds due to multiple pitch invaders.

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• Game stopped in the first minute
• Multiple pitch invaders
• Marcel Sabitzer pushed one over

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The European showdown at Wembley was disrupted almost immediately after kick-off by multiple pitch invaders, enforcing an early pause as Borussia Dortmund lined up against Real Madrid.

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  WHAT THE FANS ARE SAYING

  @KopitesForever joked on X: "That pitch invader has so much time in the middle of the park. Wembley's security has the same midfield as United's."

  @JoeHarakis also questioned the security team at Wembley, writing: "Doesn't say much for the Wembley security team that 30 seconds into the Champions League final there's a pitch invader, followed by a period of 2 mins where another 2 people invaded the pitch."

  Meanwhile, @AdamsEdema added: "You get a ticket to enter Wembley to watch a #UCLfinaljust to become a pitch invader??? Nah you have serious problems for real."

  @JacobsBen said: "Marcel Sabitzer making the first tackle of the #UCLFinal… on a pitch invader, just 30 seconds in."

  @peds9421 wasn't happy with the disruptors, writing: "They gotta rough up the pitch invader rn. This is some bullsh*t".

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  The pitch invaders made sure to make their presence known. One was seen imitating Cristiano Ronaldo's 'SIUUU' celebration, while another tried to snap a selfie with Real's Vinicius Jr.

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• DID YOU KNOW?

  The stunt appears to be the work of a Russian streamer called Mellstroy, who allegedly offered £300,000 to anyone who ran onto the pitch with his name on their back.

Tottenham have now reached a full exit agreement right after their signing of Radu Dragusin, with news breaking on Thursday morning.

Spurs getting business done early

The north Londoners are getting most of their business done nice and early, just as manager Ange Postecoglou intended, with the club signing both Timo Werner and Radu Dragusin already.

All confirmed Premier League done deals: January transfer window 2024

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Werner joins on a six-month loan deal with the option to make it permanent in the summer, while Dragusin signs for around £26 million with right-back Djed Spence going the other way temporarily.

Strengthening both attack in defence in one quick swoop, Postecoglou will be thrilled with his side's haste so early in the transfer window – something he said would be imperative.

"If you can bring them in early, even if they don't play you can bed them into training and our style of football because it's not like we're going to sign somebody and they'll hit the ground running. Maybe they could," said Postecoglou on Spurs transfers last month.

"Whereas if you leave it towards the end of January, it's potentially not until mid to end of February when they get up to speed, depending where they're coming from, the league they're coming from. So there's a whole lot of moving parts. So yes, I'd love to do something early in the window but even me saying that puts a challenge on us – because other clubs know we want to do something early."

Outgoings will be just as important when it comes to balancing the books and trimming unwanted members off Postecoglou's squad, and it appears some real headway has been made when it comes to out-of-favour defender Eric Dier.

Tottenham reach agreement to sell Dier

The 29-year-old doesn't feature in Postecoglou's plans at all, made evident by the fact Spurs would rather play a makeshift pairing of Emerson Royal and Ben Davies when Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero aren't available.

Dier has been linked with a move to Bayern Munich, where his former teammate Harry Kane is currently flying. Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg, sharing breaking news on Thursday morning, says Dier to Bayern Munich is now a "done deal".

It appears the Englishman's long stay at Spurs is coming to an end, and while the latter part of his stay was one to forget, he will be remembered as a faithful N17 servant.

Crystal Palace’s season has been rather underwhelming so far, however progress has been made over the last few matches.

On Thursday night, the Eagles drew 0-0 with Everton in the FA Cup, but their most recent Premier League game was a 3-1 home victory against Brentford.

All confirmed Premier League done deals: January transfer window 2024

With the January transfer window coming towards its conclusion, FFC has all the info for tracking your club’s winter transfer activity.

By
Luke Randall

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That result put Roy Hodgson's side in 14th, which highlights that additions are needed in January.

Crystal Palace transfers latest – Eddie Nketiah

According to journalist Ben Jacobs, Palace are interested in signing a forward, with Eddie Nketiah on the list.

The Arsenal star, who is “very Ian Wright like” according to pundit Tony Cascarino, is valued at £40m by the Gunners, according to Football Insider.

However, the north Londoners aren't willing to sell Nketiah unless they sign a new striker in January, leaving the ball in Arsenal’s court.

How Nketiah compares to Jean-Phillipe Mateta

Neither Odsonne Edouard nor Jean-Phillipe Mateta have been able to make the number nine role at Selhurst Park their own, as shown by the fact that they have both netted just 35 goals between them in 172 combined appearances.

Over the last few years, it seems that a true centre forward has been the final piece of the Palace puzzle, and they could have done with a player like Ian Wright, who scored 118 goals in 227 appearances for the Eagles between 1985 and 1991 – prior to his own heroics in the red of Arsenal.

Wright was a clinical poacher with a vast skillset, and Nketiah’s movement and “pure goal scorer” trait, as per Football Talent Scout Jacek Kulig, are reminiscent of the former Palace and Gunners icon.

The table below displays Mateta’s and Nketiah’s stats from the last year across the top European leagues, with the Englishman seemingly set to offer a potential upgrade for Hodgson and co.

As you can see by the non-penalty goals per 90 stats, the Arsenal forward is much more of a goal-scorer than Mateta. Nketiah also possesses athletic attributes that Hodgson doesn’t currently have within his striker options, such as pace and dynamism.

The Englishman’s movement – which has been likened to Wright by pundit Roy Keane – is also elite, which would give Palace an option to play the ball in behind, as Mateta is a striker who lacks speed and is essentially a target player.

With the creativity of Eberechi Eze and Michael Olise, who star on opposite sides, Nketiah would thrive in the box where he likes to operate, as displayed by the high number of touches he has in the attacking penalty area. Furthermore, the 24-year-old is capable of carrying the ball forward, which will make him dangerous in the Palace side which tends to create most of their chances on the counterattack.

Another attribute that would be vital at Palace and make him an upgrade on their number 14 is that the Gunners attacker retains the ball brilliantly. This is portrayed by his high pass completion statistics, and as the Eagles tend to endure spells without possession, it is important that they aren’t wasteful when they do win it back.

Overall, it is clear that Nketiah has plenty of desirable traits that would enhance Palace. If they can keep hold of Eze and Olise and sign the Arsenal forward, the Eagles could go from a steady mid-table side to a team that could be challenging for European spots.

Erik ten Hag has hit out at the expectation at Manchester United in a fiery interview ahead of the FA Cup final and his likely sacking.

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• Ten Hag interview blasts expectations
• United face City in FA Cup final
• Tuchel emerges as favourite for job

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The United boss was defiant as he defended his time at the club and argued that he had been held to unrealistic expectations. Ten Hag is widely expected to be sacked following the final, regardless of whether he is victorious or not, and does not appear to be going quietly. The Dutchman also suggests that his successor will suffer the same fate unless the club faces reality.

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  WHAT TEN HAG SAID

  Speaking to , the United boss said: “Manchester United won the league for the last time in 2013, 11 years ago. But, still, they expect us to win every game while competing at the top. This club is not ready for that.

  “We were supposed to start building something and we made the first steps last year, but then you find out how big this club is and that nobody is ever satisfied. Within the club people were satisfied, but outside the club there was noise by saying I won only the Carabao Cup, lost the FA Cup Final and finished third. Well, then you have no sense of reality. Other clubs had a much better squad.”

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Ten Hag is keen to point to the fact that the owners had initially offered him support. “They said they want to change everything and that they want to rebuild WITH me. This is what they told me directly,” he explained.

  However, with the club recording its worst-ever Premier League finish this season under the Dutchman, the United board have started looking at alternative options. Despite his poor finish, Ten Hag defended a campaign that could end in silverware.

  He said: “Let me be clear. It has been bad. It has been crap. But despite everything, we are going to play an FA Cup final."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR TEN HAG?

  Even if United beat Manchester City in the FA Cup final on Saturday, it will be too little, too late. Ten Hag will almost certainly be sacked by United and the Red Devils will be forced to undergo yet another rebuild. Former Bayern Munich and Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel has emerged as favourite to take to the dugout at Old Trafford.