West Ham: Hammers come forward for Danilo

West Ham United are one of the teams that have now come forward to sign Palmeiras midfielder Danilo, according to a new report.

The Lowdown: Interest in Danilo

Interest in Danilo from Premier League clubs has been well documented for a while, with Nottingham Forest making an enquiry in the summer, while Arsenal went as far as submitting a £20m offer.

However, West Ham now appear to have entered the race for the defensive midfielder, perhaps viewing him as a long-term replacement for Declan Rice, who is showing no signs of wanting to extend his stay at the club past 2024.

The Latest: West Ham enter race

According to a report from CalcioMercato, the Hammers have now come forward as potential suitors for the 21-year-old gem, although plenty of other English teams are also named.

Arsenal, Newcastle and Wolverhampton Wanderers are detailed as interested parties, but special attention must also be paid to Nottingham Forest. The Tricky Trees’ interest appears to be the most concrete, so the Irons will need to hijack the deal from Steve Cooper’s grasp.

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The Verdict: Get it done?

Lauded by football scout Jacek Kulig as being ‘technically gifted’, as well as having ‘superb long passing ability’, these attributes could make the Brazilian a perfect replacement for Rice, should he decide to leave the London Stadium.

The starlet displayed his defensive aptitude in Palmeiras’ last home game, making six tackles, double the amount of any other player on the pitch, while he also made two interceptions and two clearances.

Interest in Danilo appears to be high, and he will not come cheap, given the fact that £20m wasn’t deemed enough in the summer, but he would be a fantastic addition to David Moyes’ squad, capable of running the show in the engine room for years to come.

Spurs see Pedro Porro proposal rejected

Tottenham Hotspur have had an official bid to Sporting for right wing-back Pedro Porro rejected, with the offer believed to have consisted of cash as well as a player.

What’s the latest?

Spurs have earmarked the Spanish wing-back as their priority for the January transfer window but it is believed they are unexpected to pay his release clause.

The north London club have now been linked with the wing-back for the entirety of the January window but with less than two weeks remaining have only just submitted an official offer.

And with Spurs slipping out of the top four and failing to bring in any other players in this winter window, it has seen Spurs fans vent their frustrations with the owners.

However, Fabrizio Romano has now claimed on his YouTube channel that the Lilywhites have made an opening bid turned down for the 23-year-old in a cash-plus-player deal as they seek to bolster their squad:

“We have to mention Tottenham because Tottenham have made an official bid for Pedro Porro from Sporting.

“From what I’m told, a bid around €35m with a player included. I’m still checking who was the player but I’m told it’s [a] defender. So Tottenham discussed about this possibility with Sporting, but Sporting said no.”

“Tottenham are really pushing to sign Pedro Porro in January. Conversations will continue in the next days.”

Mystery player offered

It is interesting to hear Romano suggest Spurs were looking to offload a player to potentially bring in Porro this month, which does raise the question of who it could be.

If it was a like-for-like swap, Emerson Royal or Djed Spence could be a possible option, with the pair both linked to potential Spurs exits this month.

However, there are also defenders such as Japhet Tanganga not being used often by Conte, and the 23-year-old was heavily linked with a possible move abroad in the summer.

Regardless, it seems as if Sporting are not interested in the offer, with Romano claiming the Portuguese side have rejected the proposal.

This has us wondering where Spurs go next in this pursuit.

Sporting have reportedly remained firm throughout this month in that if Spurs want Porro, they must pay his £39.5m release clause.

Yet, Spurs continue to mull over this and have since offered Sporting this proposal which Romano has revealed.

If Spurs now walk away from the deal, it will likely frustrate the fans given Sporting’s demands have been clear from day one and over two weeks will have been wasted on chasing Porro.

Equally, if Spurs do activate the release clause, there will potentially still be some frustration among the Spurs fans who will feel the club have wasted weeks when they were aware of what was needed to bring him to N17.

With tensions high among the fans, we think a big few days lie ahead for Daniel Levy and Fabio Paratici over their next move in their pursuit to sign Porro.

Chelsea one of the clubs still keen on Moises Caicedo

Chelsea are still looking to sign Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Moises Caicedo, according to a fresh update from Sky Sports.

The Lowdown: Big spenders

The Blues were extremely busy in the transfer window last summer and have continued to bring in players this month. Ukraine international Mykhaylo Mudryk has become the latest arrival at Stamford Bridge, taking the club’s spending since the start of the campaign to €425m.

It looks as if there could be more to come, though, with Caicedo, lauded as a ‘machine’ by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, on their radar.

The Latest: Sky Sports update

Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth shared a story on Wednesday evening regarding Caicedo, where Chelsea were named. The report claimed that the Blues are one of three Premier League clubs chasing the central midfielder, however, Brighton are under no pressure to sell and don’t want to.

Director of global talent and transfers Paul Winstanley was actually involved in the deal that took Caicedo to the south coast, and it looks as if he might be keen on another transfer involving the Ecuador international.

The Verdict: Fits the bill…

The Blues have brought in a number of players aged 21 or younger such as Wesley Fofana, Benoit Badiashile, Carney Chukwuemeka, Andrey Santos and David Datro Fofana, with one eye potentially on the future.

Caicedo, who South American football expert Tim Vickery once dubbed a ‘terrific athlete’ appears to be another star in the making and is currently valued at a career-high €38m by Transfermarkt, so seems to fit the bill in London.

He has worked under Graham Potter at Brighton, so the Chelsea manager will know all about the qualities of the central midfielder, who can also play in a holding role. Caicedo actually contributed to four goals in 16 appearances under Potter, and it looks as if a move before the end of the month may be one to watch, but it looks a tricky one to complete due to Brighton’s current stance.

Darren Randolph could leave West Ham

Insider ExWHUemployee has claimed that West Ham United goalkeeper Darren Randolph could leave as Joseph Anang returns from loan.

What’s the word?

As we enter the final week of the January transfer window, there may yet be plenty of twists and turns as players are linked with moves both to and away from east London.

In a recent development, young shot-stopper Anang has returned from his loan spell with League One club Derby County and is expected to link up with David Moyes’ senior side.

While the 22-year-old would not be expected to play many minutes any time soon – barring injuries to the likes of Lukasz Fabianski and Alphonse Areola – this could open the door for Randolph to depart.

That is according to Ex, who explained as much in an update shared on The West Ham Way Patreon page.

He said: “A number of clubs are said to be eyeing up a move for Irish third-choice ‘keeper Darren Randolph.

“The 35-year-old is out of contract in the summer and West Ham could be about to cash in now. Bournemouth are said to be leading the race with some Championship clubs also in the mix.”Joseph Anang has returned to the club following an injury-plagued time at Derby County. The player injured his arm and was unable to figure for the first team. It is thought his recall to the squad is said to coincide with Randolph being allowed to leave.” Time to move on?

Anang was on the bench for just one league game during his time with Derby before injury curtailed his loan spell. While he has featured plenty of times at academy level, the 22-year-old is yet to play for the first team at West Ham.

However, as mentioned before, it’s not as if he will be expected to step onto the pitch any time soon even if Randolph does depart. Indeed, the Irishman hasn’t played once so far this season and finds himself way down in the pecking order.

At 35 years of age now, Randolph has plenty of experience – despite his lack of recent game time – with over 400 competitive games under his belt across the span of his career.

With that in mind, he could do a decent job if Bournemouth or any Championship teams do come calling. What’s more, with his contract up in the summer, he likely wouldn’t cost very much.

Manchester United must sign Luiz Henrique

Manchester United are interested in Real Betis winger Luiz Henrique, who has dazzled following his move from his Brazilian homeland last summer.

Having made a steady start in La Liga, Henrique has offered glimpses of the supreme dribbling ability that could be channelled and refined over the coming years, and United manager Erik ten Hag’s interest has consequently been piqued.

According to reports in Spain, Arsenal and the Red Devils are considering rivalling Aston Villa for the gem’s signature, with the Villans running their attention to the wily winger after seeing a bid for Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams rebuffed.

The report from the Spanish outlet continues that while the South American starlet holds a release clause of €100m (£88m), a bid within the region of £44m would be sufficient in compelling the Heliopolitans to cash in.

Bye-bye Sancho?

Henrique is at the maiden period of his career on the European scene, but he has certainly raised a few eyebrows following his initial endeavours.

Having made 24 appearances for his current team, starting 17, the 22-year-old has scored three goals and served five assists, but it is the quality of his overall play that is attracting interest from some of the Premier League’s most prominent names.

As per Sofascore, he has recorded an impressive average rating of 7.18 in the Europa League, where he has scored two goals and assists apiece from just three starts, averaging 2.3 shots per game and making one key pass, also offering a glimpse into his defensive capability with 1.5 tackles each outing.

Speaking of his protective skills when under pressure, Henrique ranks within the top 1% of attacking midfielders and wingers in Europe’s big five leagues for tackles, the top 9% for blocks and the top 17% for interceptions, which would add a layer of resilience that could be a difference-maker when United require a defensive emphasis in the definitive moments of the campaign.

If his signature is indeed acquired, beating Villa and the Gunners to the deal, Ten Hag could issue a ruthless shift across the offensive ranks by replacing the beleaguered Jason Sancho with a deal for the phenom.

Sancho has fallen well below expectations since arriving at Old Trafford from German giants Borussia Dortmund for a lucrative £73m in 2021, having only registered 12 direct contributions from 52 appearances.

And with the “spectacular” Henrique – as lauded by scout Jacek Kulig – earning plaudits for his dynamism and seamless offensive flow, his arrival would not bode well for the Englishman if he was indeed to earn a place in the Theatre of Dreams’ squad.

In the words of reporter Dean Jones, Henrique “makes things happen”, and thus, would be a breath of fresh life at Old Trafford. Indeed, he could be that direct conduit that will boost United’s attempts to flourish with their progressive, transitional play, and while Sancho certainly boasts an abundance of natural talent and flair, if he cannot pull the strings into place, Henrique would be the perfect alternative.

Chelsea: Silva willing to ‘accept’ new deal

Chelsea defender Thiago Silva is willing to ‘accept’ a new contract to extend his stay at Stamford Bridge, according to journalist Simon Phillips.

The Lowdown: Fresh terms being prepared

The Brazilian first arrived in the Premier League when he put pen to paper on an initial one-year deal back in 2020, but with his contract set to expire at the end of the season, his future is up in the air.

The Guardian have reported that Graham Potter’s side are planning to offer the 38-year-old veteran fresh terms in a bid to fend off interest ahead of the summer, amid recent links to his former club Fluminense.

However, other outlets have since suggested that the centre-back has made it clear to the Blues that he is happy with his position at the club, offering hope that he will sign on the dotted line.

The Latest: Silva set to sign new deal?

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Phillips backed up reports regarding Silva’s stance at Chelsea and insisted that it was likely only a matter of a time before a development occurs.

“I’ve been hearing positive things on this one the last couple of days and I share the same information as what’s gone out there.

“Chelsea decided recently that they will be offering him this new contract and Thiago Silva is willing to listen to the terms and pretty much accept the contract.”

The Verdict: Boost for Potter

Silva has been hailed a ‘class act’ by journalist Josh Bunting and it would be a huge boost for Chelsea and Potter should he agree to extending his stay.

The Nike-sponsored star currently averages 4.4 clearances and 2.1 aerial wins per top-flight game, alongside recording an impressive 90.4% pass success rate, highlighting the rock he is at the heart of the backline (WhoScored).

The Rio de Janeiro native also provides a threat in the final third, having scored five goals and provided the same number of assists during his time at the club so far, making him a massively important player to keep in the building.

Tottenham fans ‘must be pulling their hair out’ over Trossard

Former Liverpool forward Stan Collymore says Tottenham supporters ‘must be pulling their hair out’ over failed Leandro Trossard move.

The Lowdown: Spurs move fails…

Over the January transfer window, reliable reports claimed Spurs were attempting to sign former Brighton star Leandro Trossard before he joined Arsenal.

David Ornstein of The Athletic stated last month that Antonio Conte’s side made a ‘verbal offer’ of around £12 million for the Belgium international which was swiftly rejected.

Spurs’ brief attempt to hijack Arsenal’s move for Trossard ultimately failed, resulting in them missing out on the 28-year-old.

The Latest: Collymore makes Trossard regret claim…

Writing in a column for CaughtOffside, Collymore now claims Spurs supporters ‘must be pulling their hair out’ after not signing Trossard.

Going on to call new signing Pedro Porro an average player, the pundit has also criticised the atmosphere around Spurs right now and believes stability will only return if Mauricio Pochettino is appointed.

The Verdict: Right call?

Trossard was on fire for Brighton under Roberto De Zerbi before he joined the Gunners, undoubtedly.

According to WhoScored, the attacker ranked in their top two for both attempts at goal and key passes made per 90 in the final third – scoring seven goals and two assists to boot.

Spurs have arguably been lacking that creative presence in midfield this season, resulting in them trying to sign Nicolo Zaniolo who has been called a ‘Conte sort of player’ and capable of filling the Christian Eriksen void.

That being said, Arnaut Danjuma starred for Villarreal last season and could also prove to a shrewd Spurs signing for the attacking areas – especially on loan.

Time will tell whether Spurs do indeed regret not signing Trossard and that will largely depend on Danjuma’s contribution.

Spurs set for Harry Kane contract talks

Tottenham Hotspur will pick up talks with Harry Kane in the coming weeks over a potential new deal for the 29-year-old striker.

What’s the latest?

The England captain’s future in north London is coming under serious questioning currently with just over one year remaining on his current deal with the club.

This will mean if he is not to put pen to paper on a new deal, this summer will provide Spurs with their final opportunity to cash in on a considerable fee for the striker.

And there have been reports linking him to believed interest coming from the likes of Manchester United and Bayern Munich ahead of the summer transfer window.

However, speaking on the House of Champions YouTube channel, Fabrizio Romano has claimed the 29-year-old still wishes to win trophies with Tottenham and will pick up talks over the next few weeks:

“I’m told that he still wants to win Tottenham. He still wants to win [at] Tottenham. He’s still fighting for Tottenham and there will be conversations in the next weeks between his brother the agent of Harry Kane, Charlie, and Tottenham to discuss about the new contract.”

Contract talks soon

It will be interesting to see what Kane decides to do ahead of the summer as it would be difficult to imagine Spurs would allow him to leave for free next summer if he isn’t to sign a deal.

Kane has now broken Jimmy Greaves’ record as Tottenham’s all-time record goalscorer which leaves Alan Shearer’s Premier League record to go for.

However, there will naturally be the hunger for trophies which has so far eluded Kane so far in his career.

And that is something which he may feel, come the end of the season, is more achievable through a potential departure to a club like United.

But there is still a lot for Spurs to play for this season with a spot in the quarter-final of the FA Cup at stake when they face either Sheffield United or Wrexham in the next round.

Although Kane will surely back himself to score in any team, it would be interesting to see whether he feels the best place to do so would be at Spurs.

He has shown throughout the years he can score consistently in this environment and there could be the notion that a move could potentially disrupt his pursuit of the record.

Thilo Kehrer faces West Ham fitness test

Insider ExWHUemployee has revealed that Thilo Kehrer faces a late fitness test for West Ham United and could be in line to start on Saturday lunchtime.

What’s the word?

The Hammers will take on Chelsea in the Premier League at home hoping to pick up another positive result.

Indeed, David Moyes’ men claimed an impressive point away at Newcastle United last weekend and beat Everton in the league the game before.

However, in that 1-1 draw at St James’ Park, Kehrer was forced off at half-time with an injury and his manager even claimed that the defender would miss this London derby against the Blues.

He said: “Thilo is a problem, Thilo came off with an injury, so that’s the main one.”

Despite this, in an update on The West Ham Way Patreon page , Ex has now revealed that the German faces a late fitness test – but he is in the squad and could come in for Ben Johnson.He explained: “There were some injury concerns around Kehrer who had to be replaced at halftime against Newcastle. The club will do a late test on him but he is in the squad.”

He added: “One selection dilemma Moyes has to make is whether, if Kehrer is fit, he sticks with him or brings in Ben Johnson, who was impressive as his replacement in the second half.”

Big call

Since arriving from PSG in the summer, Kehrer has played regularly for Moyes but had actually been dropped to the bench in three of the last five games he’d been available.

However, with Kurt Zouma injured, the defender came back into the team against Newcastle before coming off with his own fitness struggles.

In the game, he was replaced by Johnson who performed solidly and helped the side cling on for a point without letting in any goals while he was on the pitch.

Indeed, as per Sofascore, he finished the match with three clearances, one tackle, 1/1 aerial duels won, and 1/3 ground duels won. As a result, his match score rating was 6.7 – which is better than the 6.3 display Kehrer managed in his 45-minute spell.

All in all, it sounds like German may well be fit enough to make the squad but Moyes may prefer to keep a fully fit Johnson in the starting team regardless.

Wolves: Kilman ‘could be on the move’

Wolverhampton Wanderers centre-back Max Kilman ‘could be on the move’ this summer, according to journalist Ben Jacobs.

The Lowdown: Four exits on the cards?

Wolves have several players who are being linked with moves away from the club at the end of the season, with Ruben Neves being touted for a move to Liverpool, given that his contract will soon have just one year left before expiry.

Raul Jimenez is also expected to leave this summer, while Adama Traore is set to seek pastures new and Diego Costa looks likely to go once his short-term deal ends.

There could be a real changing of the guard at Molineux, with Lopetegui needing to revamp his squad.

The Latest: Another departure?

According to Jacobs, writing in his exclusive column for CaughtOffside, Kilman could well be on the move at the end of the season.

The centre-back is said to have attracted the interest of Tottenham Hotspur, but the north London club will have to pay a handsome fee given that he is currently contracted until 2026.

The Verdict: Kilman must stay

Hailed as ‘outstanding’ by journalist Tim Spiers, the 25-year-old has been very impressive for Wolves once again this season, ranking fifth in the squad for his average match rating, weighing in with a 6.88, as per Sofascore.

Recent performances have been even better, with the 6 foot 4 colossus putting in an extraordinary display in the 3-0 home victory against Liverpool, proving he has what it takes to go toe-to-toe with some top attackers by blocking five shots and making two clearances off the line.

With the Old Gold already set to lose so many players this summer, they cannot afford to let another one of their key performers leave, and they should do whatever it takes to keep hold of Kilman, or at the very least hold out for a massive transfer fee.

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