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West Bromwich Albion have parted ways with Jordan Hugill in the January transfer window.

What’s the latest?

In a short statement on the West Brom website, the club confirmed that the centre-forward has now returned to Norwich City – with his season-long loan spell at The Hawthorns being cut six months short.

A further report by the Express & Star went on to state that, since the opening of the winter market, the 29-year-old has been continually linked with a move back to his parent club, although it was questionable whether the striker would be able to leave the Baggies due to having no recall clause in his temporary contract.

However, in the club’s recent post, Albion confirmed that Hugill has indeed returned to the Premier League side, stating: “Jordan Hugill has today returned to Norwich City following a loan spell at The Hawthorns. The striker made 20 appearances during a five-month stint with the Baggies after joining last summer. Everybody at Albion thanks Jordan for his efforts and wishes him well in his future career.”

What fans have been waiting for

Considering just how poor Hugill has been since his arrival at The Hawthorns last summer, the news that the centre-forward has now left the club is sure to have delighted the Baggies’ fanbase – as seeing the back of the forward very much looks to be something Albion supporters have been waiting for.

Indeed, over his 20 Championship appearances – only seven of which came as starts – the £1.62m-rated hitman managed to find the back of the net just once, failed to provide his teammates with a single assist, created no big chances for his side and missed nine big chances of his own.

These returns saw the 29-year-old average an extremely disappointing SofaScore match rating of 6.56, ranking him as Valerien Ismael’s sixth-worst performer in the second tier of English football – something which makes it clear for all to see why the Frenchman was happy to send the centre-forward back to Norwich this month.

However, exactly why the club believed Hugill would be the striker to fire them to promotion in the first place – following a season in which he scored four goals over 31 Championship appearances for the Canaries – will quite rightly raise questions about the Albion’s recruitment and scouting processes.

In other news: Huge blow: Joseph Masi reveals fresh West Brom “nightmare”, Ismael will be seething

Newcastle United are less than two weeks away from entering their first transfer window under the ownership of PIF and fans may be excited about what could be to come under the Saudi-Arabian consortium.

We have seen plenty of transfer speculation in recent weeks building up to January, with the Magpies reportedly looking at players to come in and bolster their squad ahead of the second half of the season.

However, the players currently at the club must also be taken into account as any new signing will need to take up a previously occupied spot in the XI and squad.

Finally axe Ritchie

One player who could finally be axed from the team is left-back Matt Ritchie. Newcastle are, according to the Daily Mail, interested in a deal to sign Lucas Digne from Everton and the Frenchman’s arrival would allow Eddie Howe to jettison the Scot by either leaving him on the bench or selling him.

Ritchie has been in poor form this season and signing a new player in his position could solve a problem area for the Magpies. He has averaged a dismal WhoScored rating of 6.43 in 16 Premier League outings this season, which shows that he has struggled to maintain a high standard throughout the campaign.

In the 2020/21 term, he averaged a higher – albeit uninspiring – score of 6.64. This suggests that he has not been performing well over the past 18 months and fans would surely love to see Howe finally axe him from the team by bringing Digne in.

The Blues defender averaged a WhoScored rating of 7.08 in the top-flight last season, after averaging scores of 7.38 and 7.16 in the two previous years. This shows that he can consistently churn out excellent displays at this level, making him a sizeable upgrade on Ritchie.

Chelsea and England midfielder Ross Barkley Tweeted earlier this year: “Lucas Digne, wand of a left foot,” seemingly in awe of the defender’s talents.

The £110k-per-week gem’s statistics back up this claim from the former Toffees man, with 18 assists in his first three Premier League campaigns for Everton. He has also set up three goals in his last six starts for France, highlighting the creative threat he can provide from left-back.

Therefore, Howe must now ensure that he can complete a deal for Digne so that he can axe Ritchie from the XI whilst upgrading in his position with a top-class performer who is proven in this division.

AND in other news, Move over Ashworth: NUFC must consider “irate” DoF whose “behaviour’s been a disgrace”…

Flocking to Twitter, many West Ham United fans have been left talking after Sky Sports shared a live TV transfer update involving their club.

Manager David Moyes, seeking to maintain his side’s push for a Champions League-qualifying spot whilst continuing to battle in the FA Cup and Europa League, will need reinforcements before January 31.

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The club have been linked with signing a new striker, central defender, Jesse Lingard and potentially a left-back this month as reliable reports suggest these are the priorities of Moyes and recruitment chief Rob Newman (The Evening Standard).

Nearly half way through the window, West Ham are still yet to seal any deals, with Sky sharing the latest on their transfer plans on live TV.

As relayed by the broadcast giant on their Transfer Show, presented by Sky reporters Kaveh Solhehol and Dharmesh Sheth, Moyes has personally set his sights on ‘forward and centre-back options’ with the Scotsman revealing he has GSB’s backing.

“David Moyes says the West Ham board have told him he has money to spend if he wants to strengthen his squad,” they explained.

“Moyes is looking at forward and centre-back options.”

West Ham fans react…

Flocking to this Sky update (shared on Twitter by @WestHamViews), many West Ham fans have been left talking, with some optimistic given the positions being targeted and backing from their owners.

Others pitch who the club should sign, but given how far we are into the winter window, there are also some supporters pleading for West Ham to start making moves.

Find all of their best reactions down below:

“Finally the best news all year”

Credit: @Heardy768

“So he is being backed kind of. Get to it then David!”

Credit: @FromTheAnvilWHU

“Time to sort it out david…. we need players in Asap!”

Credit: @fatboyfeaver16

“Would love Origi and Diallo from PSG”

Credit: @HammersMighty

“Moyes has always been known for dithering with regards to signings. I’m satisfied by the only want the right players statement. But I believe the right players are available on 1st of Jan as well as 31st. And we could use those players. Prices are driven down end of window?”

Credit: @dazwhufifa

“Jonathan David please.”

Credit: @matthewpeet87

In other news: ExWHUemployee: West Ham could make move for 63-goal ‘monster’ loved by Irons chiefs, find out more here.

Newcastle United are keen on Burnley’s Ben Mee in addition to his centre-back partner James Tarkowski, according to The Mirror’s James Nursey. 

The lowdown

Back in October, it was reported that Tarkowski was one of the first targets of the new regime (via The Telegraph), but it has now emerged that Mee, whose contract is also up at the end of the season, is attracting the Magpies’ interest as well.

The Northern Echo’s Scott Wilson has previously written that Newcastle’s new owners would focus heavily on players in the final months of their deals.

It should be noted that, in the case of Mee, who is valued at £5.4m by Transfermarkt, there is the option for a further year. He has been described as a ‘true leader’ and an ‘underrated’ defender by TV pundit Micah Richards.

The latest

According to The Mirror, Eddie Howe is ‘desperate’ to bring in a new centre-back and likes both players. His former club Burnley are unlikely to let both of them leave, but importantly, Newcastle are in a position to double their wages.

Mee and Tarkowski are the top two earners at Turf Moor, taking home £55,000 and £50,000 per week respectively.

The verdict

As noted by Nursey, there is an added advantage to targeting Burnley players – weakening a likely relegation rival.

Newcastle are shipping an average of two goals per game this season, and the hope would be that Mee and/or Tarkowski could give them a more secure platform for their survival bid. This was a duo which helped Burnley to keep 15 clean sheets in the 2019/20 season – a record bettered only by Manchester City.

Compared to positional peers in the top five leagues, Mee ranks in the 99th percentile for aerial duels won and the 97th for clearances. Based on those figures, he could help Newcastle immeasurably when their backs are against the wall.

In other news, Newcastle are also interested in this ‘incredible talent’

As per Sky Sports Germany, Tottenham Hotspur may have been handed a possible boost in the race to sign Barcelona forward Ousmane Dembele.

The Lowdown: Tottenham table offer…

According to a recent update in the paper edition of Mundo Deportivo (via Sport Witness), Tottenham and transfer chief Fabio Paratici are well in the race to sign Dembele as his contract at the Camp Nou winds down.

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Currently set to expire in 2022, the Frenchman could leave Barcelona on a free deal in the summer and is free to negotiate pre-contract moves in January.

This has apparently alerted Spurs and Paratici according to the Spanish source, with the club even making an ‘offer’ to his agents as they attempt to sign Dembele for new manager Antonio Conte.

Paratici has allegedly set his sights on bringing in ‘quality players’ for Conte at ‘zero cost’ with Spurs already tabling a proposal to the 24-year-old’s entourage as they attempt to sign him on a free in 2022.

However, as per 90min, Spurs are not the only club interested in signing Dembele with many big names keeping tabs – including Liverpool, Manchester City, Newcastle United, Paris-Saint Germain, Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich.

The Latest: Bayern ruled out…

As per Sky Germany, Spurs may now have been gifted a boost in the race for Dembele as the reliable broadcaster now rules out one contender.

Indeed, according to their information, Bayern are not interested in signing the £210,000-per-week forward with there being ‘doubters’ at the Allianz Arena after analysing him.

The Verdict: Spurs gifted boost…

The Bundesliga heavyweights being ruled out of the race for Dembele can surely only come as good news for Spurs and Conte as they eye a move for the in-demand winger.

Tottenham’s restricted financial power, as evident by the fact they announced pre-tax losses of £80.2m and club debt rising to £706m recently (The Guardian), means they will need all the assistance they can get in the transfer market with European heavyweights like Bayern providing major competition.

However, as they hold no interest according to Sky, it appears Paratici and co won’t have to be concerned about them posing a January threat in a possible boost for Spurs.

In other news: Spurs in pole position to sign ‘perfect’ player for Conte after price tag drops by nearly half, find out more here.

Leeds United are still reportedly interested in signing Arsenal youngster Eddie Nketiah, bringing him back to Elland Road in the process.

The Lowdown: Nketiah struggling at Arsenal

The 22-year-old may be England under-21s’ all-time record goalscorer but his stock has fallen in recent times.

Nketiah has found himself out of favour at Arsenal, with Mikel Arteta opting for the likes of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette ahead of him. The striker is yet to play a single minute of Premier League action this season and his only two appearances have come in the Carabao Cup.

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The Latest: Leeds return on the cards?

According to TransferMarketWeb, Leeds have contacted Nketiah about a move to Elland Road, with West Ham, Crystal Palace and other European clubs also mentioned as potential suitors.

The young striker enjoyed a spell on loan with the Whites back in 2019/20, scoring five times in 19 appearances.

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The Verdict: Added squad depth

There may be question marks about whether or not Nketiah is good enough to regularly lead the line for a Premier League club, but he could be a good squad option for Leeds.

He could provide competition for the likes of Patrick Bamford and Rodrigo, and at 22 and having broken the England under-21 goalscoring record, there is no reason why he can’t still reach his potential, with Arteta once describing him as ‘extraordinary’.

Nketia has played under Marcelo Bielsa before at Elland Road during that loan spell and the Argentine could be the perfect man to get the best out of him.

In other news, Leeds have been mentioned as possible suitors for one exciting player. Find out who it is here.

A number of Wolves supporters have hailed Daniel Podence’s Twitter post following an excellent performance in the 1-0 win over West Ham.

Bruno Lage’s side returned to Premier League action on Saturday afternoon, looking to respond from the 2-0 defeat at Crystal Palace before the international break.

They came up against an in-form Hammers team sitting third in the table before the game but the hosts came away with all three points at Molineux.

A tight game was eventually decided by a Raul Jimenez goal in the second half and one player who stood out throughout proceedings was Podence.

On his first league start for nearly two months, the Portuguese forward played three key passes, had two shots on target and provided the assist for the goal. After the game he posted on Twitter, simply saying: “Always delivering” followed by emojis including the number 3 and a check mark.

Wolves fans laud Podence

It was a fantastic performance from the winger against West Ham, and these Wolves fans took to Twitter to shower him with praise, with one supporter calling him an “absolute baller” and others imploring Lage to start him consistently.

“I proper love Danny P”

Credit: @GladonK

“Absolute baller today lad”

Credit: @Cal_Wood1990

“Postman Pod”

Credit: @wwfcscott

“Maybe not always but today when it counted. Great to have you back: love to see you at your best. UTW”

Credit: @dobspoon

“Great game lad”

Credit: @jlewwfc

“The most underrated Wolves player. Bruno should start him every match. Oi Oi Podence!”

Credit: @Joeybrainsgood

In other news, some Wolves fans have bemoaned a transfer rumour that has emerged. Read more here.

Speaking in a Leeds Live Q&A session, journalist Beren Cross has shared what he knows on star midfielder Kalvin Phillips and a possible new deal.

The Lowdown: Phillips exit rumours…

Due to his stellar performances at club and international level last season, the Leeds favourite has been linked with a move away from Elland Road all summer until now.

Indeed, the Englishman has attracted interest from Manchester United amid their search for central midfield alternatives in what could be a future worry for manager Marcelo Bielsa.

Now, in an update, Cross has shared what he believes involving Phillips and his future at the club.

The Latest: Cross makes Phillips claim…

Speaking in the Q&A, Leeds reporter Cross refuses to rule out an exit for the 25-year-old in future but has made an exciting contract claim – and one which could ensure the Whites get the ‘best deal possible’.

When asked about the Phillips situation, he replied: “There would need to be some eye-watering bids for Leeds to even contemplate selling Raphinha or Phillips in January, especially if they’re still in the bottom quarter of the table at that time.

“Next summer is a more realistic time for those bids to come in and Leeds cannot stop other clubs bidding for their players. Sporting directors would not be doing their jobs properly if they did not take a look at talents like those two who, currently, do not play European football with their club.

“Leeds may not want to sell next summer, but they will surely be realistic enough to know every player has their price. Do not be surprised to see Phillips sign a new contract in the near future.

“That will boost his transfer value even higher and as Bielsa said recently, if and when he decides to go, he will ensure Leeds get the best deal possible from it.”

The Verdict: Smart move…

If Bielsa and Leeds do have to surrender one of their best players in future, the least they can do is recuperate as much money as possible from any deal.

Lauded as an ‘unbelievable’ player by pundit Kevin Phillips, the tenacious midfielder should have no trouble attracting big bids considering his age, form, performances and the fact he is homegrown.

Adding a new contract on top of that would only better Leeds’ chances to really make a profit.

Liverpool fans are not happy with the news that RB Leipzig are targeting Michael Edwards to be the club’s new sporting director.

Edwards has played an important role in the club’s rise to the top of Premier League and European football since joining as the Reds’ sporting director in 2016. He has overseen a number of game-changing transfers, such as the Philippe Coutinho sale that allowed the Reds to capture Alisson and Virgil van Dijk.

Anfield correspondent James Pearce has even gone so far as to call the Merseysiders’ transfer guru the ‘visionary behind Liverpool’s remarkable rise’.

As it stands, Edwards is set to depart at the end of the season (via The Athletic) and, although it is not beyond the realms of possibility that he signs a new deal, other clubs are interested. According to Dominic King, sources in Germany believe Leipzig are eager to hire Edwards after Markus Krosche left for Eintracht Frankfurt in the summer.

King shared the news on his official Twitter account, and it attracted plenty of attention from the supporters. They took to the social media platform to share their thoughts.

Let’s see what the fans had to say about the Edwards news

“Mike Edwards please stay… I’ll even accept the GK mural having Adrian on it just for you.”

Credit: @NoSwearingHere7

“Feels like Gini all over again”

Credit: @kjannati

“I feel safe knowing Michael Edwards is one of our man. Don’t want him going anywhere else. Hope Liverpool does everything to keep him here.”

Credit: @LFC_obsessed8

“why would Liverpool not offer him a new contract, or why would he want to leave? something going on behind the scenes!”

Credit: @dennism53706722

“LFC should do whatever it takes to keep him. He’s been a big part of our recent success story.”

Credit: @__eante

“Sort it Liverpool !”

Credit: @Muazlskandar

In other news, Liverpool fans were far from happy with this James Pearce tweet.

Rob Newman has finally started his new role as West Ham’s head of recruitment and an exciting claim has emerged from behind-the-scenes at Rush Green…

What’s the word?

ExWHUemployee told ‘The West Ham Way’ podcast this week that the former Manchester City talent-spotter is effectively replacing David Sullivan when it comes to transfers, whilst the 57-year-old is already getting to work around the east London club.

“He has already started watching the academy under 23s and under 18s games, so he’s already started to get involved as such with West Ham before resuming his full-time role with us.

“It will be interesting to see what an impact he has because potentially this summer window was the last time David Sullivan would be the head of recruitment, so to speak, and Rob Newman is very highly rated.

“Apparently he speaks a number of languages quite fluently. [He ]did a very good job at Man City – he is highly rated at that level. In terms of new signings, of course they were going to wait until he was in and make sure he is on board before they start to sign people.”

An encouraging sign

This latest development from Ex should leave plenty around the London Stadium absolutely buzzing as it seems as if there are exciting times ahead.

Newman was heavily involved in City’s recruitment over the years, having first joined them in 2008.

During his time there, he was partly responsible for finding young talent that had the potential of being sold for much more later down the line.

For example, he helped spot the likes of Brahim Diaz, Angelino and Pablo Maffeo, who were signed for a combined £200k. They were all sold for a combined total of £40m, as per The Athletic.

The former Norwich City defender also helped secure Aymeric Laporte from Athletic Bilbao back in 2018.

This is something that Moyes wants to make happen at West Ham and Newman’s arrival will help the Scotsman do that tenfold.

The Irons have often been too reliant on Sullivan and his ‘preferred’ agents, such as Will Salthouse who has no fewer than six first-teamers on his books, but this move largely puts a stop to that.

“I want to get us a state-of-the-art recruitment department for the future which we can look to use,” Moyes said shortly before last year’s January transfer window. “We are undoubtedly behind, I would argue, probably every other club in that area. But it’s something I will fix, it’s something I want to get in place better.”

Again, Newman’s arrival helps this. And he’s already attending the club’s youth matches to get involved early and spot where they may need additions or even see who could be the next Declan Rice.

Now that he’s through the door, proper preparations for the winter transfer window can begin and after signing players like Kurt Zouma, Said Benrahma and Tomas Soucek in recent windows, it is certainly an encouraging time to be a Hammers fan.

The London Stadium faithful must be buzzing by this latest claim.

AND in other news, West Ham source reveals worrying Rush Green development, it’ll leave fans furious…