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West Ham United’s owners are not looking to get rid of David Moyes following their 2-0 defeat against Leicester City in the Premier League at the weekend. 

The Lowdown: West Ham’s poor form

This recent defeat against the Foxes was the Hammers’ fourth from their last five top-flight outings. As a result of this disappointing form, the 59-year-old has reportedly found himself under pressure, particularly from sections of the fan base.

However, with the Premier League now on a break to accommodate the upcoming World Cup in Qatar, an update has emerged regarding Moyes’ position at the London Stadium from club sources.

The Latest: West Ham owners backing Moyes

According to a report from BBC Sport on Sunday, the east London club’s hierarchy are backing the Scotsman to get West Ham back on track and out of their current rut.

The report also adds that, while there is concern over the form of the team, senior sources at the club believe Moyes deserves the right to turn the situation around.

The Verdict: West Ham should stick with Moyes

After 15 league games of the current campaign, West Ham have won four, drawn two and lost nine, leaving them with 14 points on the board in 16th place.

Bearing in mind how Moyes brought in several new players to the club during the summer transfer window, getting these to settle into life in east London and into the rhythm of what the manager wants could be a reason why the Irons have had such a mixed run of results in the league this season.

In our view, the club’s hierarchy are right to back their manager through this poor spell of form, and hopefully the World Cup break will help the 59-year-old to refresh things and get his players back on track for when the league resumes at the end of next month.

However, if results don’t start going their way throughout the second half of the season, we feel that the club’s owners may then need to reconsider their loyalty to Moyes for the sake of the team.

Sky Sports pundit Kevin Campbell has claimed that he could see Ange Postecoglou leaving Celtic to take over from Frank Lampard at Everton if the latter departs Goodison Park.

The Lowdown: Everton targeting Postecoglou

According to journalist Alan Nixon, Postecoglou is ‘top of the wish list’ for the Merseyside club to potentially replace Lampard as manager.

The 44-year-old is under pressure after a poor run of results which has seen his side win just one of their last eight matches in total across all competitions, slumping to a worrying 17th place in the Premier League table and at risk of enduring another potential relegation battle.

The Latest: Move possible

Speaking to Football Insider, Campbell has claimed that, given the ‘remarkable’ work that Postecoglou has done at Parkhead, he would not rule out the Celtic manager potentially replacing Lampard at Goodison Park should the latter be sacked.

The former Arsenal striker said: “I think Lampard is the man for the job right now. But who knows? He could be sacked next week.

“What Postecoglou has done at Celtic has been remarkable. He came with a resume that no one really knew too much about, as a wildcard – and he’s made a real difference.

“Could I see him taking that to Everton? Potentially.

“He’s got his own style and his own methods both on the pitch and in the transfer market. Why wouldn’t that work at Everton?”

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The Verdict: Worrying

Given that Postecoglou has been linked with managerial jobs at Wolves and Leeds United recently, the fact that he has been named in conjunction with with another high-profile Premier League job must be worrying for Celtic supporters.

The 57-year-old was vital in the Hoops taking the Premiership title back off the hands of bitter rivals Rangers, in his first season in charge no less, and his side are dominating the league once again this term, already opening a nine-point lead at the summit.

Nonetheless, the break for the World Cup presents an ideal time for the Toffees to change their manager, and the Bhoys will be hoping that Postecoglou’s camp will be quiet if Lampard is dismissed at Goodison Park.

Newcastle United have been closely linked with Stuttgart defender, Borna Sosa, in recent times, with the highly-rated gem potentially set to strengthen the Magpies’ full-back options.

What’s the word?

The Croatia international – who is currently representing his country at the World Cup in Qatar – has seemingly been a long-term target for the Tynesiders, with reports in the summer having suggested that he was on Eddie Howe’s radar.

This has been followed by a recent report from German outlet Bild which has claimed that the northeast side – as well as Serie A duo Inter Milan and Atalanta – are interested in signing the 24-year-old, with the player set to command a fee of around £17m.

Journalist Pete O’Rourke – in an interview with Football FanCast – has now provided his thoughts on that potential move to bring the nine-cap starlet to St James’ Park, suggesting that he could well prove to be an improvement on the Premier League side’s current options.

Asked whether the Zagreb-born ace would be an ‘upgrade’ on both Matt Targett and Dan Burn, the transfer insider stated: “Yeah, I think you would have to say he would be an upgrade.

“He’s an out-and-out left-back. Dan Burn’s done a brilliant job that has to be said for Newcastle at left-back this season,  he’s been part of that really mean Newcastle defence. So it’d be harsh on him if they were to bring in a new left-back”

Big ‘upgrade’

As O’Rourke alluded to, it may well be somewhat ‘harsh’ to dislodge the aforementioned Burn – who has helped form the meanest defence in the league this season after shipping only 11 goals – although Sosa’s quality end product should well make a move a no brainer.

The “outstanding” talent – as described by Stuttgart coach Pellegrino Matarazzo – has proven a truly lethal asset from his wide berth, having produced 31 assists in just 96 games during his time in Germany thus far, including a stunning haul of eight assists in just 11 games this season.

A player who is simply a “weapon” due to his David Beckham-esque delivery, in the words of Sven Mislintat, the 6 foot 2 ace also offers real attacking intent from his full-back or wing-back, as he ranks in the top 10% for progressive passes and in the top 12% for dribbles completed among those in his position in Europe.

Burn, by contrast, has chipped in with just one goal involvement since his arrival from Brighton and Hove Albion back in January, with the towering defender also ranking in just the bottom 23% for progressive passes and only the bottom 6% for dribbles completed, having provided a less glamorous, more robust option at left-back.

While the 30-year-old could well still have a role to play in the side in a central defensive berth, if the ambitious outfit are to kick on and push towards Champions League qualification and major honours moving forward, it could well need a quality ‘upgrade’ such as Sosa to come through the door.

Scottish champions Celtic are reportedly eyeing a move for Al Ahly midfielder, Afsha, as manager Ange Postecoglou looks to add to his recent transfer activity.

What’s the word?

That’s according to journalist Mark Hendry, who revealed that the Hoops have made an approach to the agent of the 26-year-old regarding a potential swoop in the upcoming January transfer window.

The transfer insider stated on Twitter: “EXCLUSIVE! Celtic contact Afsha representatives over January transfer as Ange Postecoglou eyes further additions”.

In his attached piece for Football Scotland, Hendry goes on to add that the Old Firm outfit’s interest has gone no further than mere ‘brief discussions’ at present, although the Egyptian ace has seemingly been a long-term target for the club, having previously been linked back in the summer of 2021.

The report also states that the playmaker is attracting interest from clubs in the Championship as well as in Turkey, while also adding that any move is set to be a permanent one, rather than on a loan deal.

‘Wonderful move’

The winter window is still just under a month away yet the Parkhead giants have already moved quickly to help bolster their squad heading into the second half of the season, with Postecoglou and head of recruitment Mark Lawwell overseeing the signings of both Yuki Kobayashi and Alistair Johnston of late.

The latter man only joined from MLS side CF Montreal for a reported fee of £3.5m earlier this week, with the Glasgow side seemingly not willing to rest on their laurels despite the healthy, nine-point lead they have obtained at the top of the Scottish Premiership table.

Adding Afsha – whose full name is Mohammed Magdy – into the mix could well help to drive the Bhoys on even further in 2023, with the 20-cap sensation having showcased his quality for his current side of late.

The 5 foot 6 maestro has two assists in just six outings for the Cairo outfit so far this season, while his total tally for the club stands at 61 goal involvements in 146 games to date as a marker of his creative brilliance.

A dynamic presence in the final third, the diminutive gem – who has 47 club career goals to his name and five at international level – has notably been dubbed a “wonderful player” by former boss Ante Cacic, as well as earning the label of the “the best player in Egypt”, according to Cacic.

Such a talent could well slot in nicely in Postecoglou’s attacking and progressive outfit, with the club still potentially in need of a further creative spark after having seen long-serving genius Tom Rogic depart at the end of last season.

With the Johnston deal now wrapped up, it would seemingly be an astute and wonderful move as far as Celtic are concerned to now get the experienced Afsha through the door next.

Scottish champions Celtic currently have a few representatives at the ongoing World Cup, with the likes of Aaron Mooy, Josip Juranovic, Cameron Carter-Vickers and Daizen Maeda all having been selected by their respective national sides.

The latter man was something of a surprise pick as the only member of the Hoops’ Japanese contingent to be included on the plane to Qatar, with both Kyogo Furuhashi and Reo Hatate having been notable omissions from Hajime Moriyasu’s squad.

Hatate, in particular, can seemingly count himself unlucky amid his sparkling form at Parkhead in recent times, with the 25-year-old having emerged as a leading asset for manager Ange Postecoglou since his January arrival.

The former Kawasaki Frontale man – who scored 12 goals and laid on ten assists during his time in his homeland – has been on the periphery of the international fold in his career thus far, having been afforded just a solitary cap at senior level to date.

Despite that inexperience for his country, the diminutive ace seemingly could well have made a difference had he been part of the World Cup list, having been simply “tremendous” during his time in Glasgow to date, in the words of pundit Frank McAvennie.

Dubbed the “best signing” made by Postecoglou in his tenure thus far – as per McAvennie – the £12k-per-week maestro has scored six times and laid on seven assists in 41 games in all competitions for the Bhoys to date, notably producing two assists in the comeback win over Ross County last time out prior to this current halt to proceedings.

The 5 foot 8 ace has perhaps shown Japan just what they are missing having also gone on to impress during the Sydney Super Cup clash with Everton, with journalist Sacha Pisani having dubbed him a “beast in midfield” following that display.

Pisani also commented on Hatate’s World Cup snub, suggesting that the player could well go on to become the “heart of that team moving forward”, while the aforementioned McAvennie suggested that the Asian nation must have “one hell of a midfield” if they are to able to leave the Hoops ace out the side.

In his absence, Moriyasu’s side went on to stun 2014 champions Germany late on in their opening group game, although were brought crashing back down to earth after slipping up against Costa Rica on matchday two.

Following that dismal showing, journalist Josh Bunting expressed his belief that Hatate could well have made a real difference had he been selected, stating: “baffles me that Reo Hatate isn’t in that squad to break the lines.”

Bunting had also suggested that it was “insane” that the Suzuka-born ace had been left out of the travelling party to begin with, with such a decision potentially set to prove costly as far as Japan are concerned if they are unable to secure progression.

As for Celtic, the Scottish Premiership side will likely be thankful that the player has been able to enjoy a well-earned rest after putting in an “enormous shift” in recent months – according to Postecoglou – with Hatate likely to be chomping at the bit to show his quality once again when club action resumes next month.

Liverpool have made contact to sign Valencia midfielder Yunus Musah in 2023, according to reports this week.

The Lowdown: Musah stars for USA

The American has recently been in Qatar having been named in Gregg Berhalter’s 26-man squad for the World Cup, but that hasn’t stopped speculation surrounding his club future at the Mestalla Stadium.

Premier League club Arsenal have been monitoring him for the past three years, and with his current contract, which expires in 2026, having a €100m (£86m) release clause included, two more clubs have joined the race for his signature.

The Latest: Liverpool make enquiry

According to 90min, Liverpool and Chelsea have both ‘made contact’ with Musah’s representatives to ‘register their interest’ in a potential move next year.

Reds scouts have ‘identified’ the 20-year-old as a ‘transfer target’, though Valencia are ‘relaxed’ about his future and are likely to demand a ‘significant fee’ to even consider letting him leave.

The Spanish giants have therefore ‘opened contract talks’ in a bid to ‘fend off’ interest and keep him in La Liga, where he is seen as a ‘key part’ of Gennaro Gattuso’s plans.

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The Verdict: Keita replacement?

Liverpool are reportedly willing to allow Naby Keita to depart for free next summer, and Musah could be the perfect replacement should he leave Anfield.

The New York native, dubbed an ‘elite engine’ by talent scout Jacek Kulig, already has three goal contributions to his name this season and has the ability to operate in four different central positions (WhoScored).

FSG splashing big-money on a player so young could be a risk, but given Valencia’s financial orders, putting the cash on the table might be the only way to land him ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.

Sunderland are reportedly interested in Hibernian centre-back Ryan Porteous, and the 23-year-old could be the ideal man to eventually replace Danny Batth at the Stadium of Light.

According to Football League World, the young defender is likely to leave Easter Road in January after failing to agree on a new contract with the Edinburgh club, with the Championship seemingly his most likely destination.

The Black Cats, Norwich City, West Bromwich Albion, and Watford are all mentioned as interested suitors in the report, although Celtic and Rangers are also said to have been keen in the past, so the Glasgow duo could provide added competition.

Porteous’ contract situation means that Tony Mowbray would be free to approach him with a pre-contract deal next month, but it seems as if Hibernian want to cash in on the player while they still can, which means that he could arrive at the Stadium of Light in January.

Despite being just 23, the centre-back has already made 151 appearances for Hibs, contributing 12 goals and eight assists, which suggests that he can also offer a threat in the final third.

Should he agree terms with the Black Cats, he could be the ideal man to take over from Batth in the long run. The latter will turn 33 next season, which may suggest that his best days could soon be behind them.

There is no doubt that the former Wolves man is still one of the most important players in Mowbray’s squad, as he has averaged an impressive 6.76 rating from WhoScored for his performances in the current campaign, which ranks him as the joint-seventh best player for the Black Cats.

As per Whoscored, Batth and Porteous have averaged similar numbers this season in terms of aerial duels won (four vs 3.2), interceptions (both 0.8) and clearances per game (4.3 vs 3.6), which suggests that they are both no-nonsense players who put defending first.

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John Hughes, former manager of Hibs, spoke quite highly of Porteous’ ability and attitude earlier this year, saying: “One hundred per cent Porto has a target on his back and he’s been hard done by. But that goes with the territory of being a heart-on-sleeve, full-blooded type of player.

“Maybe that’s a reason to get out of Scotland. I don’t know. But at the same time he has been capped by Scotland because he has all those qualities.

“He has become a much better footballer over the last couple of years too. And he is still evolving and will be even better. Nothing intimidates Ryan. Going to Ibrox is not a problem for him. That’s the kind of guy you want in your team.”

Batth has captained Wolves in the past and is demonstrably one of the leaders at the Stadium of Light, as illustrated by his performance metrics above, so Hughes’ description of Porteous will surely remind Mackems of their current starting centre-back.

Considering his reputation and the minimal fee which would be involved, Sunderland should definitely look to sign the 23-year-old Scotland defender next month.

Southampton have a monumental task on their hands in trying to secure Premier League survival this season, with Nathan Jones’ appointment marking the first managerial turnover at St Mary’s since 2018.

It remains to be seen whether the former Luton Town boss has the credentials to steer them to safety, but one thing that he must do is add some firepower in January.

With his side currently marooned in 19th place, they have scored just 13 times in 15 games in the Premier League. This toothless nature can be traced back to the lack of proficiency out wide, with plenty of their wingers stealing a living of late.

Therefore, the recent report revealing Ryan Fraser’s availability in January is something which should certainly interest them. At least that’s the feeling of transfer expert Dean Jones, who claimed just over a week ago that “it would be a really nice option”.

If it means that Southampton could finally ditch the likes of Theo Walcott, the journalist could well be proven correct.

Having joined on a free transfer from Everton in 2021 following a loan spell in the season prior, the 33-year-old has now spent the last two-and-a-bit years at St Mary’s. earning £75k-per-week. This astronomical outlay has been rewarded with just 33 Premier League appearances and six goal contributions.

Although Fraser has not set the world alight of late, he has proven to be a dependable option in the Premier League throughout his career.

The diminutive Scotsman offered five goal contributions last term for Newcastle United, and in his best season for Bournemouth he posted some remarkable statistics under Eddie Howe.

Across 38 games during the 2018/19 season, he scored seven goals and set up 14 as the Cherries propelled themselves to 14th place in the final standings.

Should he recapture consistent fitness, there is every reason to believe that this form could be rediscovered once more to ensure Southampton’s place in the top flight.

The £42k-per-week speedster has impressed on occasion of late, with one display for Scotland in September leading Dominic Schurr to say that he was “back with a bang”.

Perhaps his return to the south coast could see him once again return with a bang, and help Jones to steer Southampton out of the bottom three.

Julen Lopetegui is reportedly eyeing up a Wolves move for Stoke City central defender Harry Souttar in the January transfer window.

The Lowdown: Impressive World Cup

Souttar has come off the back of an impressive FIFA World Cup with Australia, where he ranked as their best-performing player and helped them qualify for the knockout stages of the competition, before they were lost to eventual winners Argentina.

Lauded as ‘huge, quick’ and an ‘absolute monster’ of a defender by The Athletic journalist Jordan Campbell after his heroics in Qatar, and ‘like superman’ by pundit Danny Murphy after a stunning late challenge in a 1-0 win over Tunisia in the group stages, Souttar is now concentrating in firing Stoke up the league table in the Championship, although he may have just earned himself a move to the Premier League come January.

The Latest: Lopetegui interest

As per TEAMtalk, Lopetegui is eyeing a January move for Souttar in order to bolster his team’s defensive options.

The report outlines his ‘remarkable’ performances at the World Cup, considering that he only recently recovered from a serious knee injury, which ruled him out for over a year.

Souttar was attracting interest from clubs in the top flight prior to his injury, and Stoke are bracing themselves for interest again in January.

West Ham United are also thought to be eying up a deal, and Stoke would find it hard to resist any sizeable offers.

The Verdict: Get it done

After letting the likes of Conor Coady, Willy Boly, Romain Saiss and Leander Dendoncker go in the summer, the Old Gold have left themselves fairly short in the centre-back area.

Souttar would surely relish the opportunity of the step up from the Championship to the Premier League, where he has excelled as Stoke’s best performer, despite missing a large chunk of the campaign through injury.

Nonetheless, the six-foot-six colossus has been a standout performer for both club and country, and at 24 years of age, deserves a chance to prove himself in the top flight.

An update has emerged on Glasgow Rangers and who they would like to bring to Ibrox during the January transfer window…

What’s the talk?

Journalist Pete O’Rourke has revealed that Sunderland centre-forward Ross Stewart, who has been valued at £10m, is a player the club want to strike a deal for heading into 2023 as Michael Beale looks to bolster his squad.

The reporter told GIVEMESPORT: “I think Ross Stewart will definitely be somebody who figures highly on their wanted list.

“He is somebody who could come in there and do a job for Rangers. They’ll be looking at his contract situation at Sunderland, with the player entering the last six months of his deal. It’s definitely one that Rangers would like to pursue.”

This comes shortly after fellow journalist Dean Jones told GIVEMESPORT: “They do like him and that’s particularly in line with the fact that so far, he hasn’t signed a new contract at Sunderland. So, they’re keeping an eye on the situation.”

Alfredo Morelos upgrade

Beale could land an upgrade on current Rangers forward Alfredo Morelos by sealing a deal to sign Stewart from the English Championship side in January.

The Colombia international has struggled in the Premiership this season, scoring four goals and providing one assist in 15 appearances, and the upcoming window is the perfect opportunity to bring in a better option in the final third to compete with Antonio Colak.

Stewart could be the upgrade they are looking for as he has been on fire for Sunderland in 2022/23. The Scotland international has plundered seven goals and three assists in nine Championship outings for the Black Cats – averaging a Sofascore rating of 7.60 – after managing 26 goals in 49 League One matches last term.

His current teammate Alex Pritchard, last season, heaped praise on the attacker’s attributes at the top end of the pitch, saying:

“[Stewart] is unbelievable. The size of him, on the ball, he can run, he can hold the ball up, he’s good with his feet. He’s got everything. He’s great in the air. Holds the ball up and he gets in behind and you see in the semi-finals – the goal he got in behind and he’s so quick. And he’s been a revelation this year for us.”

These comments suggest that Stewart is the complete package and would be able to lead the line for the Gers as the sole number nine, whilst his goal record indicates that he has the potential to be prolific in front of goal.

Therefore, he would be an upgrade on Morelos, who has averaged a Sofascore rating of 6.79 in the Premiership this season, if he can translate his form over to Scotland as he has shown that he can offer more in terms of both goals and assists.