Moyes Could Ditch Sensational West Ham Star For ‘Wonderkid’

West Ham United have endured a terrible season by all accounts, fighting a relegation battle which even David Moyes may not survive judging by their performances of late.

With the success of last season, finishing seventh in the Premier League and reaching the Europa League semi-finals, the Hammers were expected to kick on this term, yet it has almost been the complete opposite.

There have to be changes, if not this season then certainly next, and with Lukasz Fabianksi coming towards the end of his career, a change of goalkeeper might not be a bad thing.

The 37-year-old was notably "sensational" in the win over Fulham last weekend – as per journalist Malik Ouzia – however, just a week prior was in calamitous form as his failed clearance gifted Alexander Isak with a simple chance to score from in the drubbing against Newcastle.

It perhaps suggests that the Polish ‘keeper may need to be replaced with it appearing as though he's now an inconsistent figure in the Hammers side.

As a result, Moyes could soon unleash youngster Krisztián Hegyi if he is still in charge during 2023/24 as he is making a big splash for the U21s this term.

Who is Krisztián Hegyi?

The 20-year-old has been at West Ham since 2019, with the club reportedly beating off competition from Manchester United and Real Madrid in order to sign the young talent.

The move has worked out extremely well for the Hungarian gloveman, as he has risen through the youth ranks during his four years at Rush Green. The “wonderkid” – as dubbed by Sam Inkersole not long after he joined in 2019 – played 30 times for the U18 side before moving up a level, and he has impressed ever since.

Hegyi has kept 11 clean sheets in 51 matches for the higher age group and has even turned out against senior opposition six times during his career so far in the EFL trophy.

West Ham boss David Moyes

He appeared twice in that very competition earlier this term, averaging a strong Sofascore rating of 6.9. The youngster conceded just 0.5 goals per game, and made 1.5 saves each match – at a success rate of 75% – while averaging 42.5 touches, suggesting he is solid with the ball at his feet and can play out well from the back.

Having been included in Moyes’ matchday squads on no less than 11 occasions this term, he is clearly in the long-term plans of the club and if Fabianski does move on at the end of the season, there is a perfectly solid replacement already waiting in the wings.

Klopp Eyeing £155k p/w Bellingham Alternative For Liverpool

Liverpool are one of the clubs that appreciate the Bayern Munich midfielder Ryan Gravenberch ahead of the summer transfer window.

Have Liverpool lost hope of signing Bellingham?

The Reds were believed to be one of the main clubs in the race to sign Jude Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund in the summer alongside Manchester City and Real Madrid.

That is seemingly no longer the case with Liverpool believed to have pulled out of the race as a result of the finances involved in bringing Bellingham to Anfield.

However, the Liverpool midfield is one that has been criticised enormously this season with the Reds falling massively short of the expectations put on them.

Despite the clamour around Bellingham, there have been reports suggesting the Reds are working on identifying other midfield targets ahead of the summer.

One of them being the Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher who alongside Mason Mount is believed to be on the radar for the Reds this summer.

However, it seems as if there is another midfield candidate on their list who may come from further afield than the Premier League.

Indeed, speaking on his YouTube channel, Fabrizio Romano has claimed the Reds are big fans of Gravenberch with his time at Bayern under serious speculation:

(5:20) "But for the summer, Liverpool appreciate the player but not only Liverpool also other clubs in Premier League are following the situation of Ryan Gravenberch. So let's keep an eye on the Dutch midfielder."

Is Gravenberch a good fit for Liverpool?

The Dutchman is suffering from a serious lack of opportunities in the Bayern side this season with only one of his 18 appearances in the Bundesliga this season coming from the starting XI (via Transfermarkt).

But this is a player who arrived in Munich on the back of an impressive time at Ajax where he rose through the ranks at the club to become a regular in the starting XI.

Hailed as "sensational" by Andrew Cesare, the Bayern midfielder is someone who could certainly offer Jurgen Klopp with an option to bolster his midfield.

Ryan Gravenberch celebrates a Bayern Munich victory in the Bundesliga.

Comparing Gravenberch's 2021/22 campaign to Gallagher's current season, the Dutchman provided (4.82) significantly more shot-creating actions than the Chelsea man (2.88) (via Fbref).

However, defensively, the Englishman came out on top with Gallagher (2.64) offering slightly more tackles per. 90 minutes than Gravenberch (1.92).

But this is a Liverpool midfield which could potentially see a lot of change over the coming months and perhaps this is a midfield pairing which could work together at Anfield.

There is a case to be made that Liverpool's current midfield lacks a powerful player who can break through the lines, but that could certainly be something which the £155k-per-week Gravenberch could add.

In comparison to Jordan Henderson and Fabinho, Gravenberch offers significantly more take-ons with the Dutchman potentially able to provide Klopp with something this midfield lacks massively (via Fbref).

Crystal Palace’s "special talent" and his rising value

Crystal Palace has enjoyed a remarkable resurgence under Roy Hodgson since his return to the Selhurst Park helm until the end of the season.

Prior to the 75-year-old’s appointment, the Eagles were winless in their previous 12 league games under Patrick Vieira and were perilously lurking above the drop zone. But Hodgson has won his first three games in charge by an aggregate score of 9-2 against fellow relegation candidates Leicester City, Leeds United, and Southampton.

A key figure of this tremendous upturn in form has been the indomitable Michael Olise, who has recorded ten goal contributions in 24 Premier League starts.

Since signing for the South London outfit from Reading for £8m in the summer of 2021, the 21-year-old has established himself as one of Palace’s most influential, creative, and penetrating forces.

Crystal Palace midfielder Michael Olise.

How much is Michael Olise worth now?

Journalist Pete O’Rourke recently spoke to Football FanCast regarding the winger and how he could be valued at over £50m, saying:

“You're probably thinking that for a young midfielder, a goalscoring midfielder, who can provide goals. He's got everything Michael Olise, he’s a top performer and can do wonderful things on the ball.

“I think he's only gonna get better and better now and he's got two good seasons of Premier League experience under his belt as well at such a young age.

“If anybody was to come knocking at Crystal Palace’s door they could demand big money for him and £50m doesn't get you a lot these days when you think about the transfer market so I'm sure Palace probably would be starting the bidding at that price.”

Former Eagles boss Vieira described the prodigy as a “special talent” and is now valued at around £24m by Transfermarkt, but this is an extremely modest fee for a player brimming with limitless potential.

In a recent league fixture with Leeds on 9 April, the London-born forward registered a monstrous 9.7 rating, courtesy of three assists, five successful dribbles, six key passes, and the creation of three big chances, as per Sofascore.

It was a wondrous display by a player who possesses an uncoachable brilliance and when in full motion, can glide past opponents with incredible ease.

His pace, agility, and quick thinking are showcased by the fact he ranks in the top 21% among his positional peers for successful take-ons per 90.

Judging by O’Rourke’s prediction and Olise’s spell-binding mastery on the ball, the £45k-per-week ace could make Palace an extraordinary profit in the summer.

Chelsea: Pochettino Could Find His Next Kane In Amazing Teen

Mauricio Pochettino looks set to be confirmed as the new Chelsea manager in the coming days and the Argentine will perhaps already be thinking about how to solve the Blues' problems in front of goal.

Why do Chelsea need a new striker under Pochettino?

Chelsea have mustered just 30 goals in the Premier League so far this season, with only relegation-threatened Southampton, Nottingham Forest, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Everton scoring fewer, so it is obvious what Pochettino has to improve upon if he is going to transform his new side back into top-four contenders.

Unfortunately, while he is certainly not lacking in terms of attacking options at the club, few seem to be of the necessary quality to fire the Blues back up the table, with experienced summer signings Raheem Sterling and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang both struggling to replicate their previous Premier League displays, with just five goals and two assists between them in the top flight.

The 51-year-old manager has been blessed with some world-class strikers in his last two jobs at PSG and Tottenham Hotspur, with Kylian Mbappe and Harry Kane crashing in 236 goals between them under his management, with both strikers cultivating their reputations as two of the best in the world during Pochettino's time at the club.

harry-kane-tottenham-hotspur-newcastle-united-goal-record-premier-league

Kane, in particular, was thrust into the role of star man under Pochettino having graduated from Spurs' academy and has gone on to become a legend with the north London club, breaking Jimmy Greaves' long-standing goalscoring record earlier this year.

The former Southampton boss may well turn to Chelsea's academy as he searches for his next Kane with the Stamford Bridge outfit, and he could find him in 19-year-old star, Mason Burstow.

Who is Mason Burstow?

Chelsea would sign Burstow from Charlton Athletic in February 2022, as he became the final signing of the Roman Abramovich era ahead of Todd Boehly's takeover at Stamford Bridge.

The teenage forward had been catching the eye in League One with the Addicks, contributing an impressive six goals and three assists in 23 appearances for the club, having returned on loan for the remainder of the 2021/22 season after moving to Chelsea on a permanent deal.

Former manager Johnnie Jackson was full of praise for the youngster after he made his first league appearance for the club in 2021.

He said: “He is a great kid. He is so confident I had no qualms [about bringing him on against Plymouth]. It was a big game to come on, a big crowd – there was quite a lot of weight on his shoulders. I was happy to fling him in because I think he can handle that.

“I’ve got confidence in him and he’s got confidence in himself. He is a good player.

“I’m absolutely delighted for him. It is great for the young lads to get their debuts and he deserves it. He has been there training with us every day. He holds his own and doesn’t look out of place. He warrants his place and he’ll be travelling with us.”

Unsurprisingly, Burstow's experience in senior football has meant that Premier League 2 football this season has been comfortable for him, as he boasts ten goals and four assists in 24 appearances at that level.

He also scored an unbelievable 40-yard strike in the EFL Trophy win against Oxford United, with his technique when striking the ball certainly reminiscent of a top striker such as Kane.

He is yet to make his senior debut at Chelsea but given there is essentially nothing to play for in the Blues' final seven Premier League games, perhaps we could see him given a chance by either Frank Lampard or Pochettino, depending on how soon the Argentine actually takes over at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea's record of bringing through talented academy players has certainly improved in recent years, with the likes of Reece James, Mason Mount and Conor Gallagher all first-team regulars this season, and while Burstow didn't start life at Cobham, his impressive displays there this season must not go unnoticed when Pochettino takes over as manager.

Mauricio Pochettino

Finding a consistent goalscorer is surely key for the 51-year-old manager if he is to be a success with the Blues and if Boehly isn't keen to spend millions on another big name, Burstow could be the man to step up for Chelsea.

If the youngster is able to develop in the same way that Kane did under Pochettino at Spurs, then the Blues could soon have their own version of the England captain at Stamford Bridge. Wouldn't that be a treat?

Manchester United Now Fronrunners For £133m "Superstar"

Manchester United are now leading the race for Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, who could cost at least £133m this summer, according to a recent report from Football Insider.

Which strikers could Man United sign this summer?

It has now been reported that Man United are planning to bid for Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane, as he is unwilling to sign a contract this summer, with his current deal set to expire in the summer of 2024.

The Red Devils also remain interested in signing Brentford's Ivan Toney, however they are concerned about tabling a bid while his gambling investigation is ongoing, as he could face a lengthy ban from football when the case is settled.

Another forward on Erik ten Hag's radar is Atalanta's Rasmus Hojlund, with United said to have concrete interest in the forward, although they will face competition for his signature from European heavyweights Real Madrid.

According to a report from Football Insider, Man United are now in pole position to sign Osimhen, having been handed a huge boost in their pursuit of the striker, with the recent news that Chelsea could be forced to drop out of the race.

The Blues are struggling to keep within Financial Fair Play limitations, and therefore may not be able to meet Napoli's nine-digit asking price.

The Nigerian is at the top of Ten Hag's shopping list, as the manager is eager to sign a marquee striker, and United are now the Premier League frontrunners, however they face fierce competition from Paris Saint-Germain, who are lining up a massive £133m bid.

Should Man United sign Victor Osimhen?

Kane would be a relatively low-risk signing, given that he has impressed at Premier League level over a number of years, while Osimhen has no experience of playing in England, and might take time to adapt.

That said, the Napoli star is five years younger than the England captain, at just 24-years-old, meaning he is likely to be playing at the top level for far longer, and he is showing signs that he is coming into his prime.

Napoli striker Victor Osimhen.

This season, the Nigeria international has scored 26 goals in all competitions, spearheading his side's charge for the Serie A title by netting 21 in the league, six more than any other player in the Italian top flight.

Hailed as a "superstar" by members of the media, the Lagos-born forward would be an excellent signing for Man United, and it is fantastic news they are now in pole position for his signature.

Spurs Must Ditch £85k-p/w Dud This Summer

Tottenham Hotspur's slim hopes of securing a Champions League berth appear to have gone up and smoke amid this recent run of poor results, with the Lilywhites having now failed to win any of their last four Premier League games.

The club's most recent outing ended in heartbreak as Ryan Mason's men conceded at the death in what was a thrilling contest against Liverpool at Anfield, with Diogo Jota capitalising on a Lucas Moura mistake to seal all three points for the Reds in stoppage time.

While the experienced Brazilian was the obvious villain in that crushing, 4-3 defeat, the 30-year-old was not alone in having underwhelmed on the day, with long-serving asset, Eric Dier, having produced 'another utterly dreadful display', according to 90min's Sean Walsh.

Despite winning all three of his total duels against Jurgen Klopp's side, the England international 'struggled to do the basics in possession' – as per the Evening Standard's Dan Kilpatrick – after losing the ball on 15 occasions, while recording a rather dismal 72% pass accuracy rate.

That grim showing from the one-time Sporting CP man has come amid an extended run of poor form, with Daily Express journalist Ryan Taylor having stated back in February that the 29-year-old is "just nowhere near the required level for what Spurs are trying to achieve."

Although there have been reports that the struggling centre-back could be in line for a new deal this summer – with his current contract set to expire in 2024 – chairman Daniel Levy should well think again before handing out an extension.

Should Spurs give Dier a new deal?

On the evidence of recent weeks, in particular, it could well be wise for Levy and co to try and move on the 49-cap dud at the end of the season, with journalist Jonathan Veal suggesting that the defender's "time is up" at the club.

The £85k-per-week liability was notably culpable in the recent 2-2 draw at home to Manchester United, having failed to adequately prevent compatriot Marcus Rashford from bursting clear to score the Red Devils' second goal of the game.

Tottenham's Eric Dier

That lax defending sparked notable criticism from BT Sport pundit Rio Ferdinand who suggested that it was "very easy" for Rashford to drive through on goal, while ex-Spurs midfielder Jermaine Jenas claimed that Dier was "panicking" due to his "lack of pace".

Having clearly struggled despite the protection of being part of a back three, it was no surprise to see the one-time Everton loanee capitulate even further without that comfort blanket in the 6-1 thrashing away to Newcastle United last month, as he was simply 'all over the place positionally' as part of a flat back four, according to Kilpatrick.

In truth, Dier is hardly showcasing that he should remain a key part of the side under the next managerial regime, with 6 foot 2 brute perhaps in need of a fresh start elsewhere after almost nine years at N17.

As ruthlessly as he has done with managers in recent times, Levy must wield the axe again to move on the Cheltenham-born dud…

Chelsea Must Unleash "Undefendable" £97k-p/w Monster v NFFC

Chelsea's season has slumped beyond mediocrity, and as the prestigious west London outfit welcome Nottingham Forest to Stamford Bridge, pride is the only thing to play for.

Out of both domestic cup competitions in the early phases at the hands of Manchester City, defeated in the Champions League quarter-finals against record-holders Real Madrid, mired in the pit of mid-table in the Premier League; the Blues need to recoup and devise a plan to ensure this season's mistakes do not seep into the next.

Languishing in 11th with four matches to play and mathematically unable to qualify for any of the three European competitions up for grabs, interim manager Frank Lampard – Chelsea's fourth to take the dugout of the season – will be hoping to cultivate confidence before the end of the campaign and clinch successive victories with a triumph over Steve Cooper's Forest.

The Blues dispatched Bournemouth 3-1 on the south coast last time out, and must now navigate towards a late-season purple patch to provide a foundation from which to build upon next term.

Should Chelsea start Mudryk v Forest?

With this in mind, Lampard must unleash £88.5m winter acquisition Mykhailo Mudryk against the Reds this afternoon, despite the Ukrainian's endeavours on English soil being less than auspicious thus far.

After a blistering start to the season with Shakhtar Donetsk that saw the 22-year-old plunder ten goals and eight assists from 18 matches and hailed as "frightening" by the likes of journalist Josh Bunting, Mudryk's transfer to Stamford Bridge has coincided with the club's detrimental discord.

Chelsea winger MykhailoMudryk

Yielding only two assists and yet to find the back of the net himself, the £97k-per-week phenom has looked lively across his recent performances. Starting in the previous win over the Cherries, he completed 94% of his passes and won three of his five duels, and preceding that, a 19-minute cameo against title-challenging Arsenal saw Mudryk make three key passes and earn an admirable 7.0 match rating.

Against Forest, who have shipped 65 goals from 35 matches upon their return to the top flight, Mudryk has a brilliant chance to finally break his duck and gather a bit of confidence before heading into the new term, where he can finally assert his authority on English football and be the "undefendable" – as he was lauded by Jack Collins – whiz that many expect him to be.

And with Chelsea now looking to make it consecutive victories in the Premier League, Mudryk being the centrepiece would only enhance the club's prospects of flourishing once more and seeking out silverware and success in abundance.

Man United Could Swoop For 26 y/o Midfield "Best"

Manchester United were keen to bring in Sofyan Amrabat over the January transfer window and this is a player who could be on the move over the coming months.

Are United interested in Amrabat?

The Red Devils still have an awful lot to play for in the handful of games that they have left in their 2022/23 campaign with Champions League football not wrapped up yet.

And that could lie insignificant in comparison to the upcoming derby at Wembley Stadium against Manchester City.

But failing to finish inside the top four and potentially losing to City could bring a real sour end to what has been a positive first season under Erik ten Hag.

Although the Dutchman has clearly taken United forward in his short spell at the club, it is apparent they will be looking for upgrades over the summer.

Indeed, United are being linked with a possible move for a big-money striker and it is also believed they are in the market to bolster their midfield.

Speaking on his Youtube channel, Fabrizio Romano has claimed the Red Devils had a serious interest in Amrabat in the January window and he will be a player to keep an eye out for:

(4:15) "And for Manchester United he's a player who was appreciated, so this is a small secret looking for January let's see what's going to happen in the summer for Sofyan Amrabat.

"For sure he remains in Barcelona's list. At the moment, no direct contact with Manchester United but we have to keep an eye on this midfielder."

Would Amrabat be a good signing?

Last summer, the Fiorentina midfielder was linked with a move away last year with a Premier League club believed to be interested.

Indeed, Tottenham Hotspur were heavily linked with the Moroccan midfielder who went on to shine at the World Cup over the weekend.

The 26-year-old certainly went on to impress during the Qatar World Cup as he played a big role in his country's impressive journey to the semi-final.

Premier League, Manchester United, Manchester United news, Man United team news, Man United injury news, Man United injuries, Man United predicted xi, MUFC news, MUFC latest news, MUFC update, MUFC team news, MUFC injury news, Brighton and Hove Albion vs Manchester United, Erik ten Hag

CBS Sports editor Ives Galarcep hailed the midfielder as a "beast" during the World Cup as he became the first player in the tournament to win the ball back 50 times.

The Moroccan has ranked inside the top fifth percentile in pass success rate over the last year in comparison to other midfielders in the top five leagues (via FBref).

However, he has provided (1.91) significantly fewer shot-creating actions per 90 minutes than Casemiro (2.72) this season and over double the number of tackles per game (via Fbref).

On the back of his displays in the World Cup, Amrabat could still prove an attractive option for a number of sides this summer.

And with just one yea remaining on his current deal, it could force Fiorentina into allowing his potential departure if he is keen to do so.

Leeds Heading For Milner Repeat With Phenomenal Talent

Leeds United were once a club renowned for giving their academy stars regular opportunities in the first-team, with the Yorkshire outfit reaping the financial benefits of Kalvin Phillips, Jack Clarke and Lewis Cook in recent years.

However, their Premier League struggles in the last two campaigns, which could culminate in relegation this season, have meant that those at Thorp Arch have struggled for regular game time in the top flight.

The club opted to loan out defenders Charlie Cresswell and Cody Drameh to the Championship, with both catching the eye with their performances for Millwall and Luton Town respectively, in a time when the Whites' defence has been leaking goals left right and centre.

Cresswell averaged a superb 7.08 rating from WhoScored as Millwall narrowly missed out on the playoffs, while Drameh has been a mainstay in Rob Edwards' side as they reached the playoff final on Tuesday night, earning an impressive 7.20 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

Unsurprisingly, the 21-year-old's lack of opportunities at Elland Road, combined with his superb displays in the second tier, has meant that he is now reportedly likely to leave this summer, with the Yorkshire Evening Post suggesting that he will depart despite his contract not set to expire until 2024.

A promising young player leaving on the back of a potential relegation to the Championship may well remind Leeds fans of James Milner, who departed for Newcastle back in 2004 after the Yorkshire outfit failed to retain their Premier League status.

Could Drameh be Leeds' next James Milner?

Although Milner was a more established member of Leeds' first team than Drameh, having featured 53 times, it is far less common these days to see teenagers become regular starters in the Premier League, and the right-back does have eight senior appearances under his belt for the Whites.

Football – Stock 03/04 , 7/2/04
James Milner – Leeds United
Mandatory Credit:Action Images / Andy Couldridge

He also has 40 Championship appearances to his name across spells with Cardiff City and now Luton, and is one game away from reaching the promised land of the Premier League with the Hatters, where he could ironically swap places with his parent club.

It is something of a surprise that the Thorp Arch sensation has been given so few opportunities at Leeds given that both Luke Ayling and Rasmus Kristensen have struggled in the right-back position this season.

Indeed, they have averaged simply woeful 6.59 and 6.64 ratings from WhoScored respectively, with both also recording far fewer tackles, dribbles and key passes per game than the academy graduate has done at Luton.

His "phenomenal" displays at Cardiff, in the words of former manager Steve Morison, should have seen him earn more Premier League minutes but Leeds failed to put their faith in him and look set to lose another talented youngster as a result.

If he goes on to have even half the career that Milner has done since leaving Elland Road, with the 37-year-old winning every English trophy and the Champions League in his time with Manchester City and Liverpool, then losing Drameh could be another disastrous blow for Leeds.

Aston Villa Could Ditch £75K-P/W "Little Warrior" vs Liverpool

Aston Villa will head to Merseyside this afternoon for their penultimate Premier League clash with Liverpool and Unai Emery will be hoping his team can take some important points from the outing.

The Villans are in the chase for a spot in European football next season and are currently eighth in the league table, matching points with Tottenham Hotspur, so taking a result away from Anfield will be crucial to stay in contention.

There is no denying that Emery has done a phenomenal job since making the move to Villa Park last October, and the Spanish manager could now achieve something that was completely unthinkable just six months ago by leading the club to European football for the first time since 2010.

Indeed, it will be no easy task for the Villans when they step out against Jurgen Klopp's side today as the Reds are trying to do everything in their power to keep themselves in the conversation for Champions League football.

Therefore, Emery could look to make some tactical tweaks to stump their opponents and ensure that they can stay in the game as long as possible – and Emiliano Buendia could be the player who doesn't quite make the cut as a result.

Will Emery drop Buendia vs Liverpool?

The return of Boubacar Kamara has been highly anticipated for the Midlands club after suffering an ankle injury that put an abrupt stop to his excellent partnership with Douglas Luiz in midfield.

However, the clash with Liverpool could be the perfect opportunity for the Frenchman to reprise his role to bolster the huge presence needed in the centre of the pitch alongside Luiz, Jacob Ramsey and John McGinn, a setup that could see Emery sacrifice an attacking player.

Ollie Watkins is likely to remain the focal point in the centre-forward position as his 11 goals scored since the turn of the year have been integral to Villa's rapid climb up the league table, whilst retaining Leon Bailey in the final third would be advantageous in counter-attacking opportunities due to his undeniable pace.

This means that the most likely solution would be to drop Buendia from the starting XI and instead utilise him as an impact substitute should the game not be going in Villa's way during the second half.

Aston Villa forward Emiliano Buendia

The talented £75k-per-week winger – dubbed a "little warrior" by former manager Steven Gerrard – has been involved in every single league game this season so far. However, with Liverpool on an incredible nine-game unbeaten run and fully focused on taking all three points in their last home fixture, a more defensive approach may be wise for Villa.

With that being said, it will be interesting to see how Emery sets up his team against their relentless opponents this afternoon as it could be the difference in securing a spot in Europe next season.

Game
Register
Service
Bonus