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West Ham United are set to receive a welcome boost, following an update on the fitness of defender Vladimir Coufal.

What’s the word?

According to Claret and Hugh, the 30-year-old will be in line to feature against Aston Villa later this week, despite having been forced off late on in the defeat to Brighton and Hove Albion at the London Stadium on Sunday.

The report suggests that the Czech Republic international was knocked unconscious in that disappointing 2-0 loss, although should be available for the trip to Villa Park next weekend, with a club insider stating: “He was concussed after being knocked unconscious. As a result it will be the stipulated six days before he can play again”.

That fact should, however, ensure that the full-back is absent from Thursday’s Europa Conference League, second-leg clash away at Viborg FF, albeit with the Hammers already firmly in control of the tie following their 3-1 victory at home last week.

Welcome relief

Amid what is already proving a tricky start to the new season for the east London outfit, it will surely come as a welcome relief to manager David Moyes that Coufal won’t be out for an extended period of time, with the Scotsman likely needing all the help he can get to reverse the current slump.

Having won just one of their final seven league games of last season – with that solitary triumph coming against relegated Norwich City – the Irons have seemingly carried that form into the current campaign, having slipped to three straight defeats in the top-flight thus far.

As such, Moyes’ men currently find themselves at the foot of the Premier League table with five goals conceded and none scored as yet, with one key factor in that dismal opening having been the absence of key figures in defence.

Summer signing Nayef Aguerd could potentially be out until the New Year after undergoing ankle surgery, while the typically reliable Craig Dawson is yet to feature this season as he nurses a thigh complaint.

With veteran ace Angelo Ogbonna only recently making his long-awaited return from injury in the victory in midweek, the Hammers have been left desperately short of options at the back, even with the addition of Paris Saint-Germain man, Thilo Kehrer.

Losing Coufal for the clash with Steven Gerrard’s side on Sunday would have been yet another unwanted headache for Moyes and co, although the assumption is that the right-back should be to retain his place in the starting XI.

The £35k-per-week brute has been a hugely consistent figure at the club since joining from Slavia Prague back in October 2020, providing 12 assists in 74 games in all competitions thus far, with his involvement no doubt set to be vital as West Ham chase their first three points of the season.

Arsenal could be set to finally move for a long-time target, snatching one of the Premier League’s stars…

 What’s the word?

According to transfer insider Dean Jones, the Gunners could be ready to table a bid for Crystal Palace’s talisman Wilfried Zaha.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, he said:

“He’s looking in hot form and if an offer doesn’t land in the next week from someone, then I’ll be surprised.

“He’s not the main man Arsenal are thinking about at this stage, as far as I know, Yeremy Pino is more appealing, but this one could become interesting.”

He is reportedly become available for just £25m, given his expiring contract.

 They can finally axe Pepe

The club record signing of Nicolas Pepe, for a mouth-watering fee of £72m will go down as one of the worst pieces of transfer business in Arsenal’s recent history.

However, Unai Emery has since stated that he was a huge advocate for a move for Zaha over Pepe, but was overruled.

Perhaps now with the Arsenal man poised to exit on loan to OGC Nice, they could acquire Palace’s Ivorian superstar in a move that should have probably happened years ago.

Zaha has been a mainstay for the Eagles since his return following a small stint at Manchester United, actually rising to become their second top scorer in the Premier League.

Last season he scored 14 times from predominantly the left wing and has started this season by scoring three in his first three matches.

At 29 years old, now would be the perfect time for Arsenal to invest and reap the rewards of a prime Zaha. He could be the missing piece to propelling them towards the likes of Manchester City and Liverpool.

Former teammate Yannick Bolasie even claimed that he had “Neymar-like ability”, likening him to one of the best wingers on the planet.

Pepe has only managed 19 goals in his 80 games for the club, suggesting that he has had plenty of time to acclimate to the Emirates. It just seems not destined to happen for him in the English capital.

It is time for him to move on, and in his place would come the man who could have saved Emery’s job had he been signed all those years ago. He might now come in to elevate Arteta to new levels of hero status, if he can finally perform at a top club.

Liverpool have been linked with a late summer move for Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder Kouadio Kone.

What’s the news?

In a recent report for Sky Sports from journalist Melissa Reddy, the Frenchman is one of the options under consideration for the Merseyside club to make a late transfer swoop for as the summer window draws to a close.

Monchengladbach signed the 21-year-old from French club Toulouse in January 2021, where he spent the remainder of that season on loan before moving to Germany the following summer.

With 33 appearances for the Bundesliga club under his belt, the Frenchman has chipped in with three goals and one assist.

Klopp’s next Fabinho

Kone’s debut season in the Bundesliga saw the midfielder showcase just what sort of player he is and why he could potentially be seen as Liverpool’s next version of Fabinho.

For example, comparing the two players from their previous domestic campaigns, the duo racked up an almost identical percentage for pass completion, with the Brazilian (88.1%) just edging Kone (88%).

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There was also a meagre difference of three in the number of progressive passes that the two players made, with the Monchengladbach youngster making 110 compared to Fabinho’s 107.

From an attacking point of view, the duo had the same number of shot-creating actions for their respective teams (39), with both making 31 live-ball passes leading to an attempt at goal.

In terms of their defensive contributions, the 21-year-old ended up with a higher combined total of tackles and interceptions (135) than Fabinho (113), which shows just how tough the Frenchman can be without the ball while also being productive in possession.

Hailed by football talent scout Jacek Kulig as a “monstrous box-to-box midfielder”, Kone certainly appears to have what it takes to be a strong prospective addition to Jurgen Klopp’s squad and be their ideal heir for Fabinho.

Bearing in mind how the Reds currently have the likes of Thiago Alcantara, Naby Keita, Curtis Jones and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain out injured, securing a deal for the Monchengladbach talent would not only be a long-term investment for the club but one which would certainly help them out on a short-term basis as well.

With transfer deadline day looming, the Merseyside club should do all that they can to get the midfield prodigy to come to England.

Southampton have reportedly made a surprise late swoop for Wolfsburg defender Maxence Lacroix, with manager Ralph Hasenhuttl seemingly keen to bolster his centre-back options before the transfer window closes.

What’s the word?

That’s according to journalist Fabrizio Romano, who revealed on Twitter: “Exclusive: Southampton are in talks to sign Maxime Lacroix! Could be a huge one, not easy but negotiations are ongoing between clubs. Lacroix, keen on the move. Saints now trying — Caleta Car another option in the list.”

This interest comes amid reports that Saints defender Jan Bednarek is nearing a departure from St Mary’s, with both Aston Villa and West Ham United believed to be battling it out for his signature, while Jack Stephens has sealed a loan move to Bournemouth.

Southampton’s own Rio Ferdinand

Having already bolstered their backline this summer with the addition of Armel Bella-Kotchap, it would appear that Southampton are keen to strengthen even further with the addition of Lacroix, with the Frenchman having made 77 appearances for his current club after joining from Sochaux two years ago.

The imposing 6 foot 3 gem notably enjoyed a fine Bundesliga campaign last time out, averaging an impressive 4.8 clearances, two tackles and 2.1 interceptions per game from his 29 outings. That record was superior to the eye-catching Bella-Kotchap, who averaged four clearances, 1.6 tackles and 1.9 interceptions per game from his 21 appearances in the German top flight last term for Bochum.

The former France under-20 international also notably ranks in the top 1% for interceptions made in comparison to those in his position across Europe’s top five leagues, while the 22-year-old also ranks in the top 1% for dribbles completed, showcasing his composed brilliance in possession from his centre-back berth.

That combination of defensive strength and quality on the ball has even sparked comparisons between the £18m-rated sensation and former Manchester United star Rio Ferdinand, with the Bundesliga website noting the youngster’s ‘grace’ and ‘elegance’ which is akin to the now-retired Englishman.

Such a likeness bodes well considering the career that the defender-turned-pundit enjoyed at the elite level, winning six league titles and racking up 504 top-flight appearances, having even been lauded as an “icon” by former Saints colossus Virgil van Dijk.

One of the finest talents that the Premier League has seen, it is undoubtedly a hugely exciting prospect that Hasenhuttl and co could well be in line to snap up his heir apparent, with such an addition likely to be yet another astute piece of business for the Saints.

A “magnificent” asset in the words of Alex Chaffer, Lacroix could prove to be one of the statement signings of deadline day if Southampton get their man.

Newcastle United smashed their club-record transfer fee by signing Sweden international Alexander Isak from Real Sociedad in the summer.

Dan Ashworth decided to swoop for the La Liga centre-forward and splashed out a reported fee of £59m to bring him to St. James’ Park to bolster Eddie Howe’s squad.

The former Borussia Dortmund attacker has enjoyed a solid start to life in England with two goals in his first three Premier League appearances, with his strike against Bournemouth coming from the penalty spot.

However, the Magpies may not have needed to splash the cash on Isak if things had gone differently for Ivan Toney on Tyneside, following his move to the club from Northampton in 2015.

He joined the Toon Army as a 19-year-old during Steve McClaren’s tenure and penned a long-term contract ahead of the 2015/16 campaign.

The youngster made four senior appearances throughout the season, including two in the Premier League, but failed to get off the mark in front of goal, although he did produce five goals and three assists in nine outings for the U21s.

Newcastle then sent him out on loan in four different windows before selling him to Peterborough, who were in League One at the time, in the summer of 2018.

In his two seasons in East Anglia, Toney plundered an eye-catching 40 goals and 13 assists in 76 third-tier appearances and his form earned him a move to Championship side Brentford.

Thomas Frank got him firing in the second tier as he scored a phenomenal 33 goals and assisted ten in 48 matches, including the play-offs, to help the Bees secure promotion to the Premier League.

Toney, who Journalist Rob Blanchette recently described as “underrated”, has since proven that he has the quality to score goals at the top level of English football as he has found the back of the net 17 times in 40 league matches for Brentford, whilst also providing seven assists.

He would be a dream for Howe at Newcastle in 2022 as he is a lethal goalscorer, a creator for his teammate, and works hard defensively for his team.

The Magpies’ head coach wants his team to press teams high up the pitch and the England international would suit that style as he ranks in the 92nd percentile among players in his position over the last 365 days in Europe’s top five leagues for interceptions per 90 with 0.75.

This suggests that he is adept at cutting out opposition passes and this could allow him to thrive in a high-pressing team as he could create counter-attacking opportunities by winning the ball in the final third, whilst his record in terms of goals and assists indicates that he has the quality to make the most of those chances.

Therefore, the striker, who Frank claimed has the “mindset of a lion”, would be a dream striker for Howe at St. James’ Park and it is a shame that things did not work out for him on Tyneside.

West Bromwich Albion looked like they might have England’s next big star in 2013 when a young Saido Berahino burst onto the scene.

Having represented England at all youth levels from U16s to U21, after a stellar breakout season which included a hat-trick against Newport County and the winning goal at Old Trafford against Manchester United, he was called up to the senior squad.

The youngster did not get any game time, however, later switching his allegiance to Burundi in 2018.

But before that, it seemed like he would soon have the world at his feet.

The 2014/15 season was his true standout year, as he bagged 14 times in the Premier League as well as scoring five and assisting five more in just four FA Cup appearances. He announced himself as much more than just an academy graduate who had enjoyed a fortunate start.

He had already scored 36 goals before the age of 23.

It was, however, these performances that proved to be his downfall, as they inevitably drew attention from clubs much bigger than the Baggies.

A rejected bid from Tottenham Hotspur led the striker to vow never to play again for West Brom, souring his relationship with the fans and ownership.

His playtime unsurprisingly dwindled following this damning claim, and along with it his goals. Despite a combined 32 appearances across the 2016/17 and 2017/18 seasons, he did not score a single goal in the league.

Having been touted for a £22m move away in 2015, to manage a £12m fee from Stoke City in 2017 despite his form having dropped off significantly was impressive business.

His story will always be a tale of ‘what if?’, as many question how high he could have gone had Spurs managed to secure the deal for him.

It was said that his attitude is what let him down, with his Hawthorns outburst standing as a testament to that. Glen Johnson actually revealed how he acted when playing at the Potters, claiming: “He had the wrong mentality. It was every day. I didn’t like him.”

Berahino now plays his football in Cyprus for AEL Limassol, marking the tragic end of a career that promised so much.

With the right attitude, he could certainly have overcome the setback of being denied his dream move to continue progressing forward. Instead, he nosedived his own career out of pettiness and has now paid the price.

Erik ten Hag faces his biggest test as Manchester United boss when his side travels to the Etihad to take on Manchester City on Sunday afternoon.

The Red Devils have won each of their last four games in the Premier League but haven’t played in the Premier League for nearly a month, with a combination of the Queen’s death and the international break bringing an end to United’s momentum.

After suffering back-to-back defeats against Brighton and Brentford in his two opening fixtures, Ten Hag looked doomed to be another failed United manager but his side have bounced back with impressive wins over Liverpool, Southampton, Leicester City and Arsenal.

While Scott McTominay has silenced critics with some eye-catching form in those games, earning above a 7/10 rating from WhoScored in three of his last four Premier League appearances, Manchester City presents a very different challenge for United.

Considering the huge threat posed by City’s creative players, perhaps most notably Kevin de Bruyne, Ten Hag should consider handing Casemiro his first Premier League start.

De Bruyne has six assists in his first six Premier League games of the season, so is clearly on top form at the moment, and must be nullified if United are going to take anything from the game.

The Brazilan joined United from Champions League winners Real Madrid during the summer, having become one of the most decorated players of all time during his time with Los Blancos.

When he joined, Rio Ferdinand was full of praise for the 30-year-old, saying:

“First and foremost, the guy’s a real winner, he knows how to win, he’s been integral in everything positive about Real Madrid in recent years.”

The £300k-per-week midfielder is something of an expert when it comes to winning and has a CV filled with experience in big matches, so he could be the ideal man to stop De Bruyne on Sunday.

Last season saw Casemiro average more tackles, interceptions and blocks than McTominay would in the Premier League, which suggests that he holds the edge when it comes to defending his own goal.

Casemiro started when Real Madrid triumphed over Manchester City in the Champions League last season so he knows what it takes to defeat Pep Guardiola’s side and his immense experience and ability mark him out as the ideal man to stop De Bruyne from running the show at the Etihad this weekend.

Tottenham Hotspur have been no stranger to the odd transfer blunder over the years, with one notable period, in particular, having seen the north Londoners make a string of costly mistakes in the market.

That dismal spell came following the £85m departure of former talisman Gareth Bale to Real Madrid in the summer of 2013, with then-boss Andre Villas-Boas subsequently splashing the cash on seven new arrivals having been bolstered by that influx of funds, only for the majority of those moves to ultimately backfire.

One figure from that infamous ‘magnificent seven’ was striker Roberto Soldado, with the Spaniard having been snapped up from La Liga side Valencia for a reported fee of around £26m, having recorded an impressive tally of 82 goals in just 141 games at his former club.

The then 28-year-old had made a solid start to life in England after scoring two goals in his opening two Premier League games, although would end his debut season with just 11 goals in all competitions – five of which had come in the Europa League.

One notable display, in particular, during the 6-0 defeat to Manchester City saw the 12-cap dud come in for severe criticism, with Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville stating: “He doesn’t make anywhere near enough runs. He’s got to adapt quickly. I’m not sure he wants to become alive until the ball reaches the 18-yard box.”

The following campaign would prove even dourer amid the emergence of a certain Harry Kane, with Soldado netting just five times across all fronts having seen his involvement reduced, with only one of those efforts having come in the league.

That dismal form saw the former Real Madrid man ultimately moved on at the end of that 2014/15 season, having scored just seven league goals across his two campaigns with the Lilywhites – four of which had come from the penalty spot.

His subsequent exit to Villarreal saw Daniel Levy forced to take a notable hit on his initial investment as the struggling marksman was sold for just £10m, joining the likes of Etienne Capoue, Vlad Chiriches and Paulinho in departing the club just two years after their Bale-funded arrival.

The 5 foot 10 striker would go on to underwhelm for the Yellow Submarine as he scored just 12 goals in 55 appearances – albeit while laying on 19 assists – before joining Turkish outfit Fenerbahce in 2017.

A steady, yet far from prolific two-year spell in Istanbul ensured for the ageing forward as he scored 19 goals and provided 11 assists in 59 games, before returning to his homeland to join Granada where he bagged just 25 goals in 80 appearances.

The veteran dud was snapped up by Levante last summer, although the 37-year-old has scored just seven goals for the club since then, with the Spanish outfit currently plying their trade in the second tier after last season’s relegation.

West Bromwich Albion finally decided that enough was enough with Steve Bruce on Monday, as the club’s hierarchy decided to part ways with the 61-year-old.

Under-21s boss Richard Beale took over whilst the managerial search goes on, and today they had to travel to a Reading side who occupy a play-off spot. The Royals remain there despite a sensational away victory for the Baggies, which made a mockery of the form book.

Before today, West Brom were on an eight-match run in the Championship without a win. However, following today’s result, they have finally crawled out of the relegation zone.

Whilst there were a few star performers for Beale this afternoon, and despite surrendering 58% of the ball to Reading, it was Taylor Gardner-Hickman whose clinical quality won them the match.

Despite Matt Phillips being the man to open the scoring, earning a SofaScore rating of 7.0, he was far outplayed by the youngster, who was handed the second-highest rating of anyone on the field with 8.0.

The versatile gem was deployed in central midfield alongside Jake Livermore in a 3-4-3 system, and in addition to teeing up Phillips for the opener, he also managed to nab a goal himself to secure the result.

His insistence on creating was outlined in the fact that he lost the ball 18 times, suggesting that he often came up short in pursuit of that killer ball.

The 20-year-old, who has previously been dubbed “a cut above the rest” and “menacing” by journalists Joe Ellis and Alex Dickens respectively, showed once again why he has earned these plaudits in the past. However, it was the youngster’s defensive work which truly made him shine today.

Gardner-Hickman won seven tackles this afternoon, also making three interceptions in midfield. He was everywhere on the pitch, and the fact that his two goal contributions came despite his team having less of the ball than their opponents further outlines his proficiency.

When West Brom really needed someone to step up and be a hero to end their miserable run, it was an academy graduate who stole the show with an immense performance.

Newcastle United’s smooth start to the new Premier League season continued on Wednesday evening, as Eddie Howe’s side produced a dominant display against Everton at St James’ Park to leave themselves just two points off the Champions League places.

The Magpies – who have only lost once in the top flight so far this term – secured all three points as a result of another stunning effort from the in-form Miguel Almiron, with the Paraguayan midfielder netting his fifth league goal of the season in exquisite fashion.

On a night in which the visitors were restricted to just a solitary shot, it also proved another impressive performance for the northeast side’s defensive unit, having now conceded just nine goals in 11 games this term – the best record in the division at present.

Just days after keeping out Manchester United during Sunday’s goalless draw at Old Trafford, the Tynesiders again managed to walk away with a clean sheet yesterday evening, with summer signing Sven Botman having once again shown his undoubted class against Frank Lampard’s men.

The towering Dutchman – who arrived on a £35m deal from Lille in the recent window – is yet to taste defeat in his new surroundings, having again looked somewhat impenetrable alongside centre-back partner Fabian Schar on the night.

The 6 foot 4 colossus has made a “huge difference” to Newcastle already – in the words of journalist Josh Bunting – with that importance showing against the Toffees, as the 22-year-old notably recorded three clearances and two tackles, while also winning two of his three ground duels.

While the £31.5m-rated ace did lose possession on 11 occasions, that was seemingly a result of his willingness to get his side moving up the pitch, having also recorded two key passes as a sign of his ball-playing quality.

That showing unsurprisingly saw the new arrival – who is bizarrely still yet to be capped at senior level for his country – record a strong match rating of 7.2, as per SofaScore, with it clear to see the growing influence he is having on a side that shipped 62 goals last term, the sixth-worst record in the league.

It had been a notable coup at the time to be able to bring the one-time Ajax man to England – amid hefty interest from AC Milan – with it already appearing a real masterstroke for Howe and co, as Botman has shown himself to be a “leader”, while “his reading of the game is so advanced”, according to the aforementioned Bunting.

If such displays are to continue, then European qualification could well be a very real possibility for the Magpies this season.