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Newcastle United’s hunt for a striker is still ongoing, and Alexander Isak’s future has still not been resolved. Of course, the Magpies played against Liverpool on Monday night, the club that their striker wants to sign for this summer, and after the game, Fabrizio Romano confirmed on X that the Sweden international still wants his move to Anfield.

Regardless of what happens to Isak in the final few days of the summer window, Eddie Howe’s side are still in the market for a centre-forward. Callum Wilson departed the club at the end of his contract, and with Isak’s situation ongoing, William Osula is the only recognised striker at the club.

With days left in the window, the situation will need to come to a head soon.

Newcastle’s hunt for a striker

One of the names that has consistently cropped up concerning the Magpies’ hunt for a new centre-forward is Brentford star Yoane Wissa. However, they have already seen two bids rejected for the DR Congo international.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

Now, it seems like the North East side could turn their attention to Wolverhampton Wanderers striker Jorgen Strand Larsen. According to a report from the Daily Mail’s Craig Hope, the Norwegian star was subject to a bid from Howe’s side. It was said to be worth £55m, but that was rejected by the higher-ups at Molineux.

However, that is not going to stop Newcastle in their pursuit of Strand Larsen. Hope revealed that they are “weighing up” another bid for the striker, who is said to be “keen” on switching to St James’ Park.

As for the price, Wolves could demand as much as £70m, according to a recent report.

Why Strand Larsen would be a good signing

Should Newcastle pull off a deal for Strand Larsen, they would be signing a striker who is already used to the pace and physicality of the Premier League. Last season, Magpies legend Alan Shearer described him as a “superb” striker on Match of the Day, and he certainly knows what he is talking about.

Indeed, the 25-year-old impressed during his first-ever season in the Premier League. He played 35 games in the top flight, finding the back of the net on 14 occasions and assisting four goals, too.

The 2025/26 season has already started off well for Strand Larsen, too. The former Celta Vigo striker bagged two goals in Wolves’ Carabao Cup second-round win over West Ham United, showing excellent instinct in the penalty box for each strike.

There is certainly a case to be made that bringing the Norwegian star to St James’ Park would be an even better addition than that of Wissa.

That is despite the obvious progression shown by the Brentford striker, who has impressed for the Bees over the past couple of seasons.

The DR Congo star bagged 19 goals last term for Thomas Frank’s side, the second time he has hit double figures in the Premier League after scoring 12 the previous season, although that was less than Strand Larsen’s 13 for Celta Vigo in the 2023/24 La Liga season.

An article from BBC Sport highlights one area in which Strand Larsen is better than Wissa, and in fact, most other strikers in the Premier League. As of March last year, his 69% shot accuracy was the most accurate in the top flight, making him one of the most efficient strikers.

The underlying stats from the 2023/24 and 2024/25 seasons also make for interesting reading. For example, in that time, Strand Larsen averaged 1.12 shots on target per 90 minutes, compared to Wissa’s tally of 1.08 shots on target each game.

Goals

0.45

0.52

Shots on target

1.12

1.08

Goals per shot

0.2

0.2

Shot on target %

50%

41.4%

Aerial duels won

2.31

1.13

It is easy to see why Strand Larsen could be considered an upgrade on Wissa. Not only is he a more accurate and efficient striker, but he has the goals to back it up in the Premier League, doubling Wissa’s tally from his first season of top-flight English football.

£70m is a huge investment for Newcastle, but one they need to make this summer to add to their striking options.

Gordon upgrade: Al-Rumayyan in talks to sign £65m "nuisance" for Newcastle

Newcastle are approaching crunch time in their drawn-out bid to sign a striker this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair Aug 26, 2025

Everton felt the excitement as they waved goodbye to Goodison Park and geared up for a new chapter at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, led once again by David Moyes.

But that excitement has been tempered by a frustrating summer transfer window, with the Premier League season now up and running and Everton still in need of a few more faces.

The Toffees were defeated at Leeds United in their season opener, and while the likes of off-the-bench debutants Jack Grealish and Thierno Barry illustrated the start of a new-look Everton, there’s no question that the performance was flat, and that it’s imperative that something is done before the closure of the transfer window.

Everton hunting more signings

Everton’s one-goal defeat at Elland Road left a lot to be desired, and it’s clear that the club need more sparkle going forward.

Grealish will be billed as one of the principal providers in that regard, but the Blues could do with a few more signings to assist the England international.

Though Everton need right-siders and perhaps another forward too, Moyes is considering a move that would bolster his central ranks, and he’s peering over the edge of the Premier League and into the Championship.

Well, according to Football Insider, Everton are now working on a deal for Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney, though they face stiff competition from Crystal Palace in the race for the 23-year-old.

A move to Ipswich Town has already fallen through for the English talent, with a £20m fee agreed between the clubs, but personal terms proving insurmountable at the negotiating table.

What Hayden Hackney would bring to Everton

Hackney has completed 116 appearances for Middlesbrough since graduating from the club’s youth academy, establishing himself as one of the maestros of England’s second tier.

An all-action player, Hackney is calm and composed when against the ball and sharp and intelligent when in possession, with his natural-born creativity allowing him to influence from the deeper fathoms of the midfield.

Last season, he started 43 times in the Championship, completing 85% of his passes and averaging 1.5 key passes and 6.5 ball recoveries per game, via Sofascore.

Such vast ground-covering performances would add much to Moyes’ Everton side, and the Boro star might even prove the perfect midfield partner to restore Grealish to his one-time level, having been untouchable during that final year at Aston Villa in 2020/21.

Matches (starts)

26 (24)

Goals

6

Assists

10

Shots (on target)*

1.9 (0.7)

Big chances missed

4

Pass completion

83%

Big chances created

14

Key passes*

3.2

Dribbles*

2.5

Tackles + interceptions*

1.7

Total duels (won)*

8.9 (61%)

It was a truly remarkable year from the Three Lions star, one that saw him earn his record-breaking move to Pep Guardiola’s brood. However, Grealish has lost his sparkle over the past few years in Manchester and could rekindle that flame on Merseyside.

Everton aren’t blessed with the same depth of technical quality as Man City, but the Birmingham-born forward should have greater freedom to roam and make things happen, and with Hackney playing in balls from behind, the chances of a fluent system are only increased.

As per data from FBref, Hackney ranked among the top 5% of midfielders in the Championship last season for passes attempted, the top 1% for progressive passes, the top 8% for shot-creating actions and the top 9% for progressive carries per 90.

There’s no question that he bears the range of passing and the athleticism to add a dimension to Everton’s midfield, thus providing the fleet-footed Grealish with a constant supply line from which he can work his magic in and around the penalty area.

Hailed by former Boro boss Michael Carrick for his “immense” performance against Chelsea in the Carabao Cup during the 2023/24 season, Hackney has spent plenty of time developing his skills in the Championship and is surely now ready to take the leap forward into the Premier League.

His long, calculated passing puts him in a different category from Everton’s current midfield crop, and he would be the perfect kind of deep-lying playmaker to restore Grealish’s X-factor and ensure the Toffees make it a successful and exciting season.

Their new Stones: TFG begin talks to sign "special" £26m star for Everton

Everton still hope to make a few signings before the end of the summer transfer window.

ByAngus Sinclair Aug 18, 2025

Manchester United are in deadline day contact to sign a £45m “machine” who is similar to former Red Devils midfielder Scott McTominay.

Man Utd agree deal to sign new goalkeeper for Amorim

Ruben Amorim looks set to welcome at least one new signing on deadline day, with an agreement now reached for Man Utd to sign Royal Antwerp goalkeeper Senne Lammens.

United will fork out a total of €21m (£18.2m) to sign Lammens after shaky starts to the season from both Altay Bayındir and Andre Onana.

After Lammens’ transfer goes through, Man Utd’s summer spending will jump to more than £220m, the majority of which have been spent on attackers, and it looks as if INEOS are exploring a late loan move for a midfield target.

Bryan Mbeumo

Brentford

£71m

Benjamin Sesko

RB Leipzig

£66.4m

Matheus Cunha

Wolves

£62.5m

Senne Lammens

Royal Antwerp

£18.2m

Diego Leon

Cerro Porteno

£7m

Man Utd in contact to sign £45m Conor Gallagher

According to reports coming out of Spain on deadline day, Man Utd have enquired with the agents of Atletico Madrid midfielder Conor Gallagher.

Signed from Chelsea in 2024, Gallagher is under contract until 2029, however, the Red Devils have made contact to see if there is the possibility of a loan.

The La Liga giants want to include a £45m obligation to buy in a temporary deal, although Man Utd would prefer a straightforward loan deal.

Gavi

Barcelona

Sandro Tonali

Newcastle

Scott McTominay

Napoli

Bruno Guimaraes

Newcastle

Boubacar Kamara

Aston Villa

Gallagher, dubbed a “machine” has certainly made an impression under Diego Simeone, with the Atletico Madrid boss praising the Englishman earlier this year.

“When we think of him we think of his youth, energy and intensity in the game. He also strikes the ball very well. It’s never easy for players coming from England to adapt to the Spanish championship, to the language. He has competed very well in different places and in positions where he doesn’t feel more comfortable.

“He will evolve, he has room for growth. He is very intense in offensive and defensive play, he brings a lot to us.”

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ByAlex Caple Jul 24, 2025

As can be seen, Gallagher has been likened to former United midfielder McTominay, who has starred for Napoli after leaving Old Trafford.

A move could be one to watch, but INEOS need to act fast and potentially accept Atletico Madrid’s demands.

A “tremendous” Liverpool player is now in advanced talks over a move away from the club in the near future, in a potential big blow for the Reds.

Liverpool star Konate coy over his future

The Premier League champions enjoyed a summer transfer window to treasure, bringing in Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak for club-record amounts, and also signing the likes of Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez and Hugo Ekitike, among others.

That said, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Luis Diaz were among the Liverpool players to move on, and there are also doubts surrounding the futures of some other current stars.

One of them is Ibrahima Konate, with the 26-year-old continually linked with a move to Real Madrid in the near future, and he discussed his future during the summer, playing down an exit but also not exactly committing himself to the Reds.

“You know, I just want to say one thing: Everything you saw on social media is completely fake. I didn’t even ask for something from the club. They made me an offer, and I replied to them with something, that is it. The rest (speculation) that I want to wait until the end…I want this, all of it is completely fake.

“And even the big journalists said in November I am very close to signing the deal. I was like: ‘Ah, they have more information than me!?’ Because it was not true at that moment and that is why I was a little bit mad because it was not true at this moment.”

Konate in advance talks to leave Liverpool for Real Madrid

According to Marca journalist Jose Felix Diaz on YouTube, Liverpool centre-back Konate is now in “very advanced” talks to join Madrid in 2026.

The Frenchman is out of contract at the end of this season, and he is yet to commit his future to the Reds by signing a new long-term deal at the club.

This is clearly a worrying situation for Liverpool, with the lure of Madrid great for any player, and Kylian Mbappe could be doing his utmost to persuade his international colleague to join him at the club, as well as Alexander-Arnold.

Konate may have made a patchy start to the season for the Reds, admittedly performing well in the 1-0 win over Arsenal, but he is a key man who remains a great foil for Virgil van Dijk, being hailed by Micah Richards in the past.

“I watched him a lot at Leipzig – there’s so much potential. There’s all these things he’s tremendous at – last ditch tackles he can do that, he can get back in, pace – no problem at all. To go to the next level now if he can just concentrate a little bit more and be a bit more assured on the ball.”

Granted, Konate isn’t irreplaceable, and he is guilty of having lapses in form from time to time, but keeping hold of him makes far more sense than selling him.

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Liverpool’s original version of Wirtz was sold for a healthy profit.

ByWill Miller Sep 9, 2025

In fairness to the France international, he deserves to be earning more than his current £70,000-a-week wages, and if Liverpool aren’t offering him what he wants, there is an inevitability about what will happen next.

AC Milan captain Mike Maignan is still yet to sign a contract extension at the San Siro, giving Chelsea or Man United a chance to sign him for free in 2026.

The France number one is classed as one of the world’s best shot-stoppers, and his availability on a free transfer next year is putting Premier League clubs on red alert.

Chelsea have long been after Maignan and attempted to agree a cut-price deal in the summer window.

Enzo Maresca also personally asked Chelsea’s hierarchy to sign a world-class new goalkeeper to replace Robert Sanchez (Graeme Bailey), with the Blues previously sensing an opportunity to go for Maignan to grant their manager’s wish.

Appearances

168

Bookings

8

Red Cards

1

Goals conceded

172

Clean sheets

63

Minutes played

14,963

via Transfermarkt

However, a major difference in pricing saw Milan refuse to sanction his move to Stamford Bridge, despite the 30-year-old’s eagerness to join them. Chelsea wanted him before their Club World Cup campaign, but snubbed the Rossoneri’s attempts to demand an extortionate fee because of that.

A deal for Maignan ultimately wasn’t revisited before deadline day on September 1, with Max Allegri since captaining the shot-stopper as Milan potentially give him something to think about.

They’re just three points behind Serie A leaders and Italian champions Napoli after three consecutive wins, and if Milan continue in this fashion, who knows, Maignan could be tempted to pen an extension.

In the meantime, though, he is set to leave for free at the end of the season, and reports suggest that Chelsea are ready to offer Maignan a pre-contract in January to end their reliance on Sanchez, who was sent off against Man United last weekend.

Mike Maignan decides whether he wants to join Chelsea or Man United

Ruben Amorim’s Red Devils are also after a reliable keeper, but according to journalist Graeme Bailey, Maignan wants to join Chelsea next year as things stand.

This comes as an almighty boost for the west Londoners, as Maignan is an arguably unmissable opportunity.

Why Chelsea need to sign Mike Maignan

All Premier League title-winning sides have one thing in common — the presence of a truly commanding star between the sticks.

Chelsea acknowledge that Sanchez has displayed improvements lately, but the jury is out on whether he can still be Maresca’s main point of call if they’re truly serious about ending their long wait for a top flight crown.

Maignan, available at zero cost, is set to become Europe’s most available, high-pedigree keeper next year, with the former Lille favourite possessing years of top-level experience and proven ability.

He’s also highly-rated by his peers, like Liverpool’s Alisson, who recently explained why Maignan is one of the best in the world.

Former Aston Villa striker and pundit Gabriel Agbonlahor has doubted whether Tottenham manager Thomas Frank can truly rely on one Spurs star this season.

Tottenham battle to 2-1 victory at Leeds United

On a rainy afternoon in Yorkshire, Frank’s side battled to a 2-1 win at Leeds United in the early kick-off, becoming the first team to beat Daniel Farke’s side at Elland Road in the league for over a year.

The match began with Leeds on the front foot, but it was Tottenham who opened the scoring midway through the first half. Mathys Tel broke the deadlock, his shot taking a deflection on its way past the Leeds goalkeeper after being set up by man of the match Mohammed Kudus.

Mohammed Kudus

8.4

Mathys Tel

7.8

Noah Okafor

7.0

Sean Longstaff

7.0

Jayden Bogle

6.8

via WhoScored

The home side responded well — grabbing an equalizer before the break through Noah Okafor — and supporters would’ve been forgiven for thinking Tottenham may well capitulate.

After half-time, both teams pressed for a winner in a lively contest, but the decisive moment arrived in the 64th minute when Kudus capped off a strong display by cutting inside and firing a low shot that deflected off a Pascal Struijk and into the net.

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Leeds pushed for another equalizer, but Spurs’ defense held firm, and goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario made crucial second-half saves.

Before what was a hard-fought contest, where the Leeds faithful were in full voice and Spurs made to work hard for their win, Frank axed struggling striker Richarlison in favour of Tel.

His decision was justly rewarded by the Frenchman’s opening goal, and while Richarlison did replace Tel late in the second half, he once again failed to make an impact when Frank’s side were under the cosh.

Gabriel Agbonlahor says Thomas Frank should be worried about Richarlison

The Brazil international started 2025/2026 in fine form, scoring a brace against Burnley, which included a stunning bicycle kick in what was an early goal of the season contender.

He also notched an assist during Tottenham’s superb 2-0 win away to Man City, but apart from a tap-in against Brighton thereafter, Richarlison has largely struggled to make a serious impact in place of Dominic Solanke.

While Spurs hope that Solanke will return soon after the international break, following the Englishman’s minor ankle surgery, Frank has just Tel and Richarlison to choose from in the number nine role.

Tel’s strike against Leeds this afternoon was perhaps the beginning of the end of Richarlison’s run in the starting eleven, and Agbonlahor said earlier this week that Tottenham cannot rely on the 28-year-old who cost £60 million to sign from Everton in 2022.

The former Toffees star, despite flashes of true brilliance at times, has largely failed to justify his price tag — with Richarlison also suffering lengthy injury lay-offs during Ange Postecoglou’s final campaign in charge.

His contract expires in 2027, and some reports suggest that Richarlison could join Crystal Palace for around £20-25 million next year.

CEO Vinai Venkatesham and the Lilywhites hierarchy have a key decision to make on the attacker’s future, and it will be interesting to see whether suitors could come forward in January.

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca wanted a centre-back in the summer transfer window, but the west Londoners could be set to finally grant his wish in January.

Chelsea's defensive struggles laid bare after 3-1 defeat to Brighton

Blues legend José Mourinho returns to Stamford Bridge tonight as Chelsea take on Benfica in the Champions League, and the ‘special one’ will be well aware of just how fragile his former club look defensively right now.

Trevoh Chalobah was sent off for denying a goal-scoring opportunity in Chelsea’s last outing, a humbling 3-1 defeat at home to Brighton, where Fabian Hurzeler’s side made the extra man count and ran out deserved winners in the English capital.

Levi Colwill’s ACL injury, which is expected to keep him out for most of 2025/2026, has undoubtedly contributed to Chelsea’s weakness at the back, and Maresca is left with precious few options right now with Tosin Adarabioyo and Wesley Fofana also injured.

Chelsea are winless in the Premier League since this time last month and have conceded 11 goals in their last five outings across all competitions, with BlueCo arguably paying the price for not signing a centre-back in the summer.

Despite being one of the division’s biggest spenders, Chelsea’s priority at the time was to bring in new attackers, with no room left to bolster Maresca’s backline.

Liverpool

£415,000,000

£187,000,000

£228,000,000

Chelsea

£285,000,000

£288,000,000

-£3,000,000

Arsenal

£255,000,000

£9,000,000

£246,000,000

Newcastle

£250,000,000

£152,000,000

£98,000,000

Man Utd

£216,000,000

£68,000,000

£148,000,000

Nottm Forest

£205,000,000

£107,000,000

£98,000,000

Tottenham

£181,000,000

£36,000,000

£145,000,000

Sunderland

£162,000,000

£44,000,000

£118,000,000

Man City

£152,000,000

£53,000,000

£99,000,000

West Ham

£124,000,000

£55,000,000

£69,000,000

via BBC

Chelsea did try to sign Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth, before the Spaniard’s £50 million move to Real Madrid, and Maresca strongly suggested towards the end of the transfer window that they needed another body in that area.

Since then, reports have claimed that Chelsea could dip back into the market for a new defender mid-season, with journalist Pete O’Rourke sharing an update on this.

Chelsea and Maresca agree on "priority" signing as club work to sign centre-back

According to the reporter, in a piece for Football Insider, Chelsea and Maresca are in alignment about signing a centre-back.

Both the club and manager feel that bringing one is now a “priority” for January, with Chelsea believed to be working on defensive reinforcements for when the window reopens.

It is imperative that Chelsea back Maresca and provide the Italian with another world-class option. Tosin and Fofana’s injuries have added to his woes, as Chelsea brace to take on table-topping Liverpool this weekend with a very weakened backline.

Benoit Badiashile’s return to the fold couldn’t have come at a better time, but Chalobah will be suspended for their Stamford Bridge clash against Arne Slot’s side.

Luckily for Chelsea, the Cobham academy graduate will only serve a one-match domestic ban before returning after the international break against Nottingham Forest.

In the meantime, Chelsea’s recruitment team must get to work on finding the right profile for January, with Club Brugge starlet Joel Ordonez among BlueCo’s potential targets alongside Benfica’s Antonio Silva (Simon Phillips).

West Ham are plotting to sign a new striker in the January transfer window amid concerns surrounding Niclas Füllkrug and Callum Wilson, with the former recently sidelined yet again.

Niclas Füllkrug injury confirmed in blow for West Ham

Fullkrug missed both of Germany’s World Cup qualifying wins against Luxembourg and Northern Ireland, and manager Julian Nagelsmann confirmed exactly why.

In what is a major blow for new manager Nuno Espírito Santo, Fullkrug finds himself back on the treatment table, having torn a muscle bundle in his thigh, with a report by Kicker suggesting he faces “several weeks” on the sidelines.

Sunderland 3-0 West Ham

West Ham 1-5 Chelsea

Nottingham Forest 0-3 West Ham

West Ham 0-3 Tottenham

West Ham 1-2 Crystal Palace

Everton 1-1 West Ham

Arsenal 2-0 West Ham

The 32-year-old’s London Stadium stay has been marred by repeated fitness issues, with Fullkrug missing 28 games for West Ham and Germany combined last season as his physical problems continue.

It’s becoming crystal clear that Nuno cannot rely on the ex-Borussia Dortmund hitman to lead his line, and the Portuguese has precious few alternatives bar another injury-prone star in Callum Wilson and unproven youngster Callum Marshall.

The importance of signing a proven, reliable goalscorer cannot be understated, with West Ham also among the Premier League’s lowest scoring sides thus far as the Hammers yearn for attacking creativity.

Man United’s Joshua Zirkzee has been repeatedly linked with a move to West Ham already in the build up to January, and despite failing to establish himself as a key man under Ruben Amorim this term, he could be a good option.

The arrivals of Benjamin Sesko and Matheus Cunha at Old Trafford have heightened competition for places, but Zirkzee was called a potential “elite” number nine in the making during his impressive spell at Bologna, so perhaps he simply needs consistent minutes to reach those heights once again.

A more ambitious option could be Juventus star Dušan Vlahović, considering he’s out of contract in 2026 and could potentially move for a cut-price fee in January.

That being said, West Ham could face stiff competition from the likes of Spurs and Chelsea for Vlahovic, while it is debatable whether the Serie A star would choose to join a side who appear likely to be battling relegation.

West Ham's striker "plan" for January involving Lucas Paqueta

In any case, no matter their desired target, it is believed that West Ham have every intention of bringing in a centre-forward when the window reopens.

That is according to journalist Dean Jones, who also reports that star £150,000-per-week midfielder Lucas Paqueta won’t be going anywhere in January despite reports, as West Ham want any new striker to feed off the Brazilian’s creativity through the middle.

The 28-year-old was subject to an offer from Aston Villa in the summer, but decided to stay at West Ham after the club stuck by him through his spot-fixing allegations.

Taking this into account, Paqueta will be itching to repay the faith with some vital performances under Nuno.

However, the East Londoners also have to make a key decision about Paqueta’s long-term future pretty soon, considering his deal expires in under two years.

West Ham chiefs are already working to try and save Nuno Espírito Santo when the January window opens for business, with Brazil international defender Alexsandro now a key winter target.

According to recent reports, and amid the Hammers’ dire start to 2025/2026, David Sullivan, Karren Brady and the board are ready to back Nuno to the hilt with new additions mid-season.

Sky Sports reported last week that Nuno has got confirmation funds will be available to spend in January, and West Ham are actively targeting a new defender, midfielder and forward.

Much has been made of their glaring need for a new striker, with Real Madrid sensation Endrick rumoured to be on West Ham’s January shortlist as the east Londoners ponder a loan deal.

However, long-term injuries to Konstantinos Mavropanos and Ollie Scarles have left West Ham desperately short at the back too.

Sunderland 3-0 West Ham

West Ham 1-5 Chelsea

Nottingham Forest 0-3 West Ham

West Ham 0-3 Tottenham

West Ham 1-2 Crystal Palace

Everton 1-1 West Ham

Arsenal 2-0 West Ham

West Ham 0-2 Brentford

Leeds 2-1 West Ham

Mavropanos is expected to be out for up to six weeks after picking up a hamstring injury against Brentford, while Scarles was forced to undergo surgery on his collarbone and could be missing until 2026 (ExWHUemployee).

If West Ham’s desire for a star new defender to shore up their leaky backline wasn’t already there, it definitely is now.

So far, West Ham have conceded more goals than any other side in the Premier League, and it is crystal clear that Nuno needs to resolve this issue as soon as possible.

Bearing this in mind, Nuno has now got his eyes on Alexsandro.

The 26-year-old has been a mainstay for Lille and his impressive performances in France even attracted attention from Premier League title frontrunners Arsenal in the summer.

Before Mikel Arteta’s side eventually signed Piero Hincapie and Cristhian Mosquera as their central defensive additions, credible South American news outlet UOL reported that Arsenal held initial talks over Alexsandro, which eventually went nowhere.

This is good news for West Ham, as Nuno is believed to be extremely keen.

Alexsandro makes key demand to join West Ham in January

According to Hammers News, the Irons boss wants him in the first week of January after identifying Alexsandro as the club’s priority defender signing this winter.

A deal is described by one transfer source as having a “good” chance of happening, and early talks have already been held over the centre-back’s potential arrival.

However, Alexsandro has apparently set out a key condition to join West Ham.

It is believed the Ligue 1 star wants “assurances” that there will be a route out of the London Stadium if West Ham enter the doomsday scenario of relegation, so it appears he’s looking for a safety net before committing.

While Alexsandro has been excellent for Lille overall, as evident by the Gunners’ reported interest earlier this year, he has real disciplinary issues.

Last season, the player was handed a seismic 13 bookings in all competitions, picking up three yellow card suspensions in the French top flight alone.

Nuno would need to try and work this out of Alexsandro’s game if the defender moves to Rush Green at the start of next year, but according to ESPN, he could be available for just £26 million.

West Ham have also held talks to sign two more players from the same club

Tottenham manager Thomas Frank has a grand plan for striker Dominic Solanke once he returns from injury, contrary to other reports.

In the last few days, Spurs’ club-record signing has actually been linked with the January exit door.

The 28-year-old’s last appearance came during a brief cameo in Tottenham’s 2-0 win away to Man City at the very start of the campaign, but he’s been sidelined with a niggling ankle problem ever since.

Dejan Kulusevski

Knee

22/11/2025

James Maddison

ACL

01/06/2026

Radu Dragusin

Knee

22/11/2025

Ben Davies

Thigh

23/11/2025

Kota Takai

Ankle/Foot

08/11/2025

Yves Bissouma

Ankle/Foot

08/11/2025

Wilson Odobert

Abdominal

01/11/2025

Cristian Romero

Groin

01/11/2025

Destiny Udogie

Knee

08/11/2025

Dominic Solanke

Ankle

08/11/2025

Archie Gray

Calf/Shin/Heel

06/11/2025

via Premier Injuries

Solanke underwent minor surgery to fix the issue, with Frank’s forward still working his way back to full fitness ahead of a tough run of fixtures.

Despite playing just 49 minutes in total under Spurs’ new boss, reports have surprisingly suggested that Frank isn’t particularly impressed by Solanke and could look to sell the England international.

Solanke’s inconsistency and fitness issues have raised some doubts among supporters about his suitability as Tottenham’s long-term first-choice striker, with Juventus striker Dušan Vlahović reportedly emerging as a prime alternative as the Serbian’s contract expires at the end of this season.

Links to Vlahovic could raise some questions about Solanke’s future in N17, but according to reporter Dean Jones, the former Bournemouth star shouldn’t be too worried about his place.

Thomas Frank's grand plan for Dominic Solanke at Tottenham

Jones, writing for TEAMtalk, says that Frank is preparing to make Solanke the focal point of his attack once the striker returns from injury, with growing “inside” belief that he can add a fresh and “new” dimension to their attacking play.

Despite Solanke’s challenges, there’s a clear sense among Tottenham’s coaching staff and insiders that he has the qualities to lead the line effectively.

The return of Solanke is eagerly anticipated by Frank, with hopes that he will elevate Tottenham’s attacking threat in crucial matches.

The delay in his comeback may also be put down to Spurs adopting a more cautious approach with the number nine’s overall fitness as they look to avoid any setbacks.

Mathys Tel, bar his goal away to Leeds United, has struggled to replace Solanke overall, while Richarlison endured another night to forget during Tottenham’s 2-0 defeat at Newcastle in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday.

Last season, Solanke proved his worth by scoring 16 goals across all competitions, finishing as Spurs’ second top scorer behind Brennan Johnson. This goal tally underscores his importance to the team’s attack and highlights the threat he poses when fully fit.

Solanke’s presence allows Frank to build the attack around a proven goalscorer, providing a sense of stability to the entire forward line.

The ‘underrated’ forward’s ability to deliver crucial goals will be vital, especially in tight games where a clinical finish can make all the difference.

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