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Insider ExWHUEmployee has revealed that West Ham United trio Emerson Palmieri, Nayef Aguerd and Gianluca Scamacca are all in contention to play today despite fitness concerns.

What's the latest West Ham team news?

The Hammers face a huge game at the bottom of the Premier League today as they take on fellow relegation rivals Southampton at the London Stadium.

Indeed, both teams come into the fixture inside the bottom three, with David Moyes' men only one place and one point above the last-placed Saints.

Remarkably, with things so tight at the bottom of the division, a win could see West Ham rise as far as 14th in the division thanks to superior goal difference and with Everton not playing until tomorrow.

With that in mind, Moyes will want his best team available for selection and it sounds as though that could be a possibility with a few players potentially in line to play amid recent fitness issues.

Indeed, in a written post on The West Ham Way, Ex revealed that Emerson, Aguerd and Scamacca could all be involved in this important fixture.

He said: "The manager reported in his press conference that Emerson was suffering from a virus, Aguerd a sore hip and Scamacca was still feeling his knees but we believe all of them could be available for selection today."

Will Emerson, Aguerd and Scamacca play against Southampton?

As alluded to by Ex, it had looked as though the Hammers had been dealt a triple fitness blow with the aforementioned players all doubts coming into the game.

Indeed, speaking to the press in the week, Moyes explained that his team have "got a couple of illnesses here and there and a couple of odd injuries" to deal with.

He then went on to specifically say: “Emerson has got a bit of sickness, Aguerd came back with a bit of a grumbly hip and Scamacca’s got a sore knee. We’ll need to see how they are in the next few days.”

But following this update from Ex, it now seems as though that woe could be turned into joy with all three potentially available to pass a late fitness test and be involved.

All three have played over 1300 minutes for the club this season – with the most in the team being Jarrod Bowen on 2900 – so they're important squad players, even if Moyes has had to make do without them on other occasions this term.

With so much on the line today, it would be a major boost to have any of the three back, let alone all of them.

Liverpool midfielder Harvey Elliott will be available for the Reds' crunch Premier League clash with Arsenal on Sunday afternoon, according to reliable journalist David Lynch.

How has Elliott done this season?

The Reds had another forgettable game in midweek away to Chelsea in a "tame" goalless stalemate. It meant more points were dropped in the battle for a top-four finish, while Newcastle United and Manchester United's wins on Wednesday night further hampered their chances.

Someone who played no part against the Blues was Elliott, who missed his first game of the season after making 41 appearances in 2022/23 to date.

The youngster was hailed as "exceptional" earlier in the season and has clearly been a favourite of Jurgen Klopp's given his increased playing time this term.

And in an update on his situation, there is positive news for the Merseysiders ahead of their weekend meeting with the Gunners.

Is Elliott fit for the Arsenal clash?

Taking to Twitter, Football Insider reporter David Lynch confirmed that Elliott was simply rested against Chelsea and will be in contention to start at home to Premier League leaders Arsenal this weekend:

"Harvey Elliott expected to return to the Liverpool squad for Sunday's meeting with Arsenal. No injury concern behind his omission against Chelsea – more a recognition of a remarkable 41-game workload so far this season."

This is an undoubted boost for Liverpool, with Elliott someone who hasn't necessarily been perfect this season, but has contributed more than many struggling midfielders, registering two league assists – which is as many as Fabinho, Jordan Henderson and James Milner combined. At 19, he is already playing with a maturity beyond his years, scoring twice in the Champions League and also averaging one tackle per game in Europe's premier club competition.The Englishman deserves to come back into the side against Arsenal, with his guile capable of opening up the visitors' defence, as highlighted by 11 assists on loan at Blackburn Rovers back in 2020/21. He also boasts seven goal contributions this term, having had three in his senior Liverpool career at the start of this campaign.If Thiago is fit, it could make the most sense to start the Spaniard and Elliott in the No 8 roles, with either Fabinho or Henderson anchoring the midfield. The latter pair have been panned for their poor seasons, and if their lacklustre displays continue, starting both together could be a huge issue against a Gunners side brimming with confidence as they continue their title tilt.

There is also an argument to say that Elliott's lack of physicality and 5-foot-7 frame could be an issue on the day up against Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka, who both top six feet. However, as mentioned, we think Elliott merits a starting berth more than others, especially after getting a rest in midweek.

Newcastle United will surely be looking to bolster their squad with talent ahead of their long-awaited return to Champions League football next season and now a new update has emerged on a potential transfer target.

What's the latest on Newcastle's interest in Moussa Diaby?

According to French newspaper L'Equipe (via Sport Witness), Newcastle have been keen to make Bayer Leverkusen winger Moussa Diaby the face of their project at St James' Park for a year.

As per the report, the Magpies remain keen on snapping up the services of the talented player this summer but will need to compete with Premier League club Arsenal who are now leading the race to complete a deal.

Who would Moussa Diaby replace in the Newcastle team?

There is no doubt that Eddie Howe will be thrilled with the rapid progress and quality his squad has shown over his first full season in charge at the North East club, however, there will be little room for sentiment when it comes to competing in the Champions League.

Indeed, the former Bournemouth boss already boasts some incredible talent with Bruno Guimaraes, Sven Botman and Alexander Isak making an instant impact on the performances, so now there is an opportunity to even further improve key positions on the pitch, especially in the wider attacking roles.

As a result, the signing of Diaby – who has a reported £65m price tag – would undoubtedly be a major coup for Newcastle, but could spell the end of an era for his compatriot Allan Saint-Maximin who could be even further pushed out of the team should Dan Ashworth seal a deal.

The Newcastle wide-man has struggled for consistency with injuries plaguing his tenure at St James' and recently spoke out in an Instagram post fuelling speculation about his future at the club next season.

When comparing the Leverkusen ace's output to Saint-Maximin's last season, it is clear that Diaby has outperformed his positional peer in a number of attributes including goal contributions (17 v 6), shots on target per 90 (1.13 v 0.88), pass completion (73.9% v 70.7%) and progressive carries (125 v 93), as per FBref.

It is clear that acquiring the services of Diaby – once hailed for his "electrifying pace" by journalist Aaron Stokes – could drastically improve the goal contributions from the wide positions in the final third which would be a great asset to Howe when competing in multiple competitions next season and could ultimately push them forward in their pursuit of trophies.

With that being said, if Newcastle can beat Arsenal to the signing of Diaby it could be a great opportunity to improve the attacking threat ahead of competing on the European stage next season, but could also be the final nail in the coffin for Saint-Maximin's future in the North East.

Manchester United will be desperate to build on their solid debut campaign under Erik ten Hag and as Champions League football is set to grace the Old Trafford pitch once again following a hiatus last term, the Dutchman will be keen to strengthen.

Not only that, but he will also be looking at moving some of the deadwood out of United that has dragged them down, with Harry Maguire being a player who must be banished from the Red Devils.

Tottenham Hotspur were linked with a move for the player last month and despite claims that he wants to remain at the club and fight for his place, the Dutchman looks certain to improve his defensive options.

Maguire started just 16 games last season, with only half of those coming in the Premier League and his current earnings of £190k-per-week were not rewarded with regular game time – hence why he should be moved on.

United have shown interest in Bayern Munich defender Benjamin Pavard according to Football Transfers and he could be the perfect replacement for the club's struggling skipper.

Could Benjamin Pavard sign for Manchester United?

The Bundesliga giants are reportedly allowing the Frenchman to leave should they receive offers of around €30m (£26m) this summer and Ten Hag could see this as a deal which represents excellent value.

The World Cup winner has tended to play more as a right-back during his career, but last season for Bayern, he featured heavily at centre-back and this adaptability could be a big plus in terms of Ten Hag launching a potential move.

Pavard could give United an unlikely goal threat, as he ranks in the top 1% across Europe’s big five leagues for non-penalty goals per 90 (0.18) and top 3% for shot-creating actions per 90 (1.58) however, it is his ability to bring the ball out of defence that could entice the United boss into signing him.

The 27-year-old ranks in the top 1% for progressive passes per 90 (7.59) and the top 9% for progressive carries per 90 (1.31) across the big five leagues in Europe among those in his position, suggesting that he’d be a perfect fit for Ten Hag’s tactical system which relies heavily on defenders playing out from the back.

In contrast, Maguire makes only 3.09 progressive passes per 90 and 0.95 progressive carries per 90 across Europe's big five leagues, and these are much lower totals than the Bayern star, thus rendering his role as obsolete should he arrive.

The former Stuttgart defender was lauded as being a “real talent” by former Germany international Thomas Hitzlsperger and for a paltry £26m, Ten Hag might not make a better signing in terms of value for money all summer.

Nottingham Forest have seen Benfica goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos as a key target in the summer transfer window and now a new update could excite supporters.

Do Nottingham Forest want to sign Odysseas Vlachodimos?

The Reds have enjoyed a solid start to their Premier League season, as they look to build on retaining their top-flight status last time around, in what was their first year back in the division.

Two defeats to Arsenal and Manchester United may have been disappointing, but they were both one-goal losses where they made a good account of themselves, while the late 2-1 victory at home to Sheffield United was a positive night at the office earlier this month.

While Forest look well-equipped to once again compete well in the Premier League in 2023/24, some more signings could arguably do with arriving before the transfer window closes on Friday night.

A new goalkeeper seems to be at the top of their list of priorities, even though Matt Turner has already arrived from Arsenal, and Vlachodimos has emerged as a primary target in that position. The 29-year-old is currently plying his trade at Benfica, who he started 34 Primeira Liga games for last season, also appearing 10 times in the Champions League.

Now, a new update has emerged regarding Forest's chase for the 33-cap Greece international – one that has now seen some significant progress made.

Will Nottingham Forest sign Odysseas Vlachodimos?

According to a key update from journalist Fabrizio Romano on X, Forest have officially submitted an offer to sign Vlachodimos this summer, as the Reds look to seal a deal sooner rather than later:

"EXCL: Nottingham Forest submit formal bid for Odisseas Vlachodimos, package close to €9m fee — it’s the first official bid from Forest. Benfica want more to make it happen but talks continue. Vlachodimos, Man Utd 2nd option as backup GK after priority Bayindir."

Vlachodimos could be the ideal summer addition for Forest between now and the end of the window, possessing a huge amount of experience at a high level in Europe, as highlighted by regular playing time in the Champions League over the years.

He could come straight in and rival Turner between the sticks with Jurgen Klopp once praising him as the "best player" on the pitch when Benfica came up against his Liverpool side.

At 29, Vlachodimos appears to be at the peak of his powers, especially for a goalkeeper, with players in that position capable of being in their prime well into their 30s in the modern game.

Realistically, Forest will have matches this season when they are under big spells of pressure, and for them to get through those periods as best as possible, they need a proven figure between the sticks who can make key saves, make the defence feel safe and generally enjoy a big influence week in, week out, just like Keylor Navas did during his loan spell.

Vlachodimos looks like he could be the man to do exactly that, given his pedigree, so the Reds appear to be doing all they can to ensure that they get a deal over the line in the new few days.

Liverpool forward Luis Diaz is now back running on the training pitches after a lengthy absence through injury.

The Lowdown: Diaz a huge loss for Liverpool

The Colombian was an instant hit when he arrived from Porto last January, adding new life to the Reds’ season as they pushed to win an unprecedented quadruple.

Diaz came into this season as an undisputed key man, but unfortunately, he was limited to just seven Premier League starts before picking up a knee injury against Arsenal.

Thankfully, it now looks as though the 26-year-old’s return isn’t a million miles away, following a new update.

The Latest: Back on track

Taking to Twitter, Jones reacted to an image showing Diaz is now running outside again, albeit not taking part in full contact training:

“Another positive step for Luis Díaz in his recovery from injury.”

The Verdict: Massive boost for Reds

It may still be a while before Diaz officially returns to the pitch for Liverpool but this is undoubtedly a huge positive in their season, given his importance to the team.

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The 37-cap Colombia international’s pace and directness have been a major loss for Jurgen Klopp, with that left-sided position tough to fill without him around.

The manager has hailed Diaz as ‘exceptional’ in the past and he is someone who could be such a key player in the latter weeks of the season, should Liverpool be pushing for a top-four finish.

Moving forward, the £56,000-a-week star can become an even greater force, with his best years potentially coming up, and his absence has to be considered a big reason for the Reds’ struggles this season.

Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg has some 'news' for Tottenham Hotspur supporters on their links to former Bayern Munich boss Julian Nagelsmann.

Will Nagelsmann join Spurs?

Ever since his shock dismissal from Bayern Munich last week, with ex-Spurs manager candidate Thomas Tuchel coming in to replace him, there have been non-stop rumours of Nagelsmann potentially replacing Antonio Conte. The German and Bayern parted company with the former now up for grabs and a free agent, something which has seriously alerted Spurs and chairman Daniel Levy.

Nagelsmann is now readily-available and reports suggest that he is a prime contender for the Tottenham job this summer alongside the likes of Mauricio Pochettino and Luis Enrique. In the meantime, Cristian Stellini has taken the reins and will be assisted by Ryan Mason in the dug out – all while Levy and sporting director Fabio Paratici scour for a replacement in the background.

It is believed that Nagelsmann could be open to taking the Spurs job, coming after claims that he was actually planning to join the club after they sacked Jose Mourinho in 2021. Levy eventually turned to Nuno Espirito Santo at the time after Nagelsmann opted for Bayern, but Sky journalist Plettenberg has shared an update which suggests they're set to target the German now.

According to the reporter's information, a behind-scenes move has been made for the ex-Leipzig head coach, with Plettenberg stating Spurs have lodged a 'casual request'. While there has been no concrete talks or negotiations, the Sky Germany correspondent goes on to add that Spurs are 'definitely interested' in appointing Nagelsmann.

He explained on Twitter:

"News #Nagelsmann: @SpursOfficial definitely interested! There has already been a casual request but no concrete talks or negotiations. Been told it’s unlikely that he will replace Conte immediately. He wants to take his time."

Is Nagelsmann perfect for Spurs?

The 35-year-old is arguably one of Europe's most exciting young coaches and his intense/high pressing philosophy certainly has the potential to excite Spurs supporters. He has also been called a 'sensational manager' by Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp, which is very high praise from one of the Premier League's most prestigious bosses.

Nagelsmann has got the better of Spurs before, thrashing then-Mourinho's side 4-0 on aggregate in their 2020 Champions League Last 16 tie. Leipzig put on an attacking masterclass, especially at the Red Bull Arena where they won 3-0, so Lilywhites know all about Nagelsmann's very eye-catching style.

Chelsea's expansive Cobham academy has unearthed its fair share of talent over the years, but with such a steady flow of budding potential, several gems have slipped through before the club could tie them down to professional deals.

And none more regrettable than West Ham United phenom Declan Rice, who has forged his way into eminent standing on the Premier League scene and been instrumental in the Irons' ascension to European endeavours over the past few seasons.

Why did Declan Rice leave Chelsea?

Rice had spent much of his formative years earning his stripes among the academy ranks in west London, but, according to The Athletic, was released at just 14-years-old after concerns that his lack of physicality and vacillation from the coaches on where the young starlet's best position would be; indecisiveness and a heavy influx off players, resulting in his bitter termination.

Following a youth stint with Fulham, Rice found a home with West Ham where he earned his professional breakthrough and remains to this day.

Now 24 years old, the 39-cap England international has made 225 appearances for his east London outfit and scored 12 goals and assists apiece, and given the Hammers' qualification for Europe in both of the past two seasons, the club's rise to eminence coinciding with the emergence of the “monster” – as dubbed by ESPN’s David Cartlidge – comes as little surprise.

How much is Rice worth now?

How Chelsea must rue their decision.

Earlier this season, the £60k-per-week machine sent shockwaves through David Moyes' team by confirming to the club that he wishes to depart at the end of the season, hoping to taste coveted Champions League football for the very first time, and given his pedigree, his hopes of reaching the very top are probably justified, given the years he has devoted to ensuring West Ham return to the upper end of the Premier League.

Many of England's top outfits have expressed an interest, and among those Chelsea, who have reportedly been mulling over a move to complete their midfield with a superlative and iron-clad anchor, with his outfit demanding £100m to grudgingly grant his departure, although a fee of £70m now appears a more realistic proposition.

Hailed a "force of nature" by journalist Rob Blanchette, Rice could be the perfect cog to get the Stamford Bridge outfit whirring, with the Blues currently languishing in tenth place in the English top-flight and beset with a startling fall from grace.

As per FBref, the 6 foot 1 ace ranks among the top 7% of midfielders in Europe's top five leagues for pass completion, 11% for progressive passes, 11% for progressive carries and 5% for interceptions per 90, illustrating his refined scope and assurance as one of Europe's foremost industrious central engines.

Given Blues owner Todd Boehly has spent more than £550m on new signings since taking a seat at the head of Stamford Bridge's table last year, it would not come as a surprise to anyone if a formal offer were to be lodged.

But considering transfer funds needn't have been a discussion in the first place, had he just been granted time to continue his development and channel his ability into what it is at present, there will be an unequivocal and unanimous acceptance that the club had a nightmare on this particular prodigy.

Southampton are keen on raiding the Premier League for an exciting young striker this window as Russell Martin looks to strengthen his frontline, according to reports.

Is Cameron Archer moving to Southampton?

According to The Daily Mail, Southampton are keen on Aston Villa striker Cameron Archer this window as they look to add some attacking reinforcements in the latter stages of market activity.

The report states that Swansea City forward Joel Piroe is also on the radar at St Mary's Stadium; however, they face competition from Championship rivals Leeds United for both strikers.

Premier League newcomers Sheffield United are also keen on the £20k-a-week ace and saw a bid in the region of £10 million rejected for Archer earlier this month, with parent club Aston Villa said to want around £20 million before parting ways with the 21-year-old, as per Football Insider.

Aston Villa boss Unai Emery is believed to be open to letting Archer depart Villa Park this summer and has given the 'green light' to the Walsall-born star to leave before the end of the window.

Southampton look like they will need to enter the market to secure another striker as star man Che Adams is closing in on a move to Everton after a fee of £15 million was agreed between both parties for the Scotland international, according to FootballTransfers.

TEAMtalk understand that Saints have also inquired about the availability of Heart of Midlothian striker Lawrence Shankland as their search for a new forward gathers pace.

Nevertheless, the former Dundee United man has also attracted interest from the Saudi Pro League due to his blistering form in front of the target.

Would Cameron Archer be a good signing for Southampton?

Archer is someone who certainly possesses all the attributes to be a regular goalscorer at a decent level and definitely has room for development that can be accelerated by gaining regular game time.

Last term, the 21-year-old spent time out on loan at Middlesbrough and made a lasting impression at the Riverside Stadium, notching 11 goals and six assists in 23 appearances across all competitions, as per Transfermarkt.

According to FBRef, Archer, hailed as "outstanding" by Clinton Morrison, has also excelled in comparison to his positional peers across Europe's next eight leagues below the top five divisions on the continent in the art of successful take-ons, recording around 1.38 per 90 minutes in the last 365 days at the time of writing, putting him in the 89th percentile for this metric.

Realistically, additional depth in the final third at Southampton may be needed, especially in light of Bayer Leverkusen's pursuit of Nathan Tella.

Sky Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg issued an update on X surrounding the admiration Bayer Leverkusen have for Tella, stating:

"Bayer 04 Leverkusen is pushing for Nathan Tella! Understand there‘s a verbal agreement with the 24 y/o winger from Southampton. But: No agreement between the clubs yet. Price expectation from Leverkusen around €16-18m guaranteed + add-ons at this stage. Southampton should demand between €25-30m. Negotiations ongoing."

Aberdeen forward Duk is being monitored by Southampton and Leeds United alongside two other sides and has been previously scouted by Saints, according to journalist Darren Witcoop.

Leeds United ran riot today in their Championship win over Millwall, defying all expectations to truly kickstart Daniel Farke's reign at Elland Road.

Described by journalist Joe Donnohue as the "most complete performance of the season", many thought that today's clash would mark the first true test of this new regime, travelling to the feared Den.

How did Joel Piroe play vs Millwall?

Having weathered an early storm from the hosts, it clearly gave the Whites the confidence needed to grow into the game and go ahead after a nice run of play saw Joel Piroe score his first.

Although his second was slightly more fortuitous, his brace spearheaded an emphatic victory for the visitors to propel them up the table.

Unsurprisingly, the Dutchman's 8.2 Sofascore rating for the game was merited, although it was hugely buoyed by those two goals which proved so important.

Other than that, the striker largely struggled to make an impact despite once again being deployed deeper.

In fact, it was arguably his strike partner who truly stole the show for Farke, as Georginio Rutter continues to mastermind his comeback after last season's thorough disappointment.

How did Georginio Rutter play vs Millwall?

Having signed for a club record £35m, expectations were understandably but perhaps unfairly high for the 21-year-old who was expected to spearhead their survival push.

Given today's clash was played in the Championship, it is clear that this was a failed venture, although that was far from Rutter's burden to hold.

Should he prove to be as instrumental as this early-season form suggests, that could end up being one of Jesse Marsch's unwise investments that actually come to fruition.

After all, the £70k-per-week forward's 8.6 rating was the highest of anyone on the pitch, as he managed to not only score but assist too, via Sofascore.

However, it was his creativity that truly stood out in a match that was crying out for a magical moment, which Rutter gladly provided on numerous occasions.

The former Hoffenheim ace provided a startling five key passes despite starting the match up front, with his positional fluidity proving tough for the hosts to compete with.

Some stellar defensive work buoyed the aforementioned figure further, as he would also win four duels whilst making two interceptions and one tackle, as per Sofascore.

It was a performance bound to draw praise, with the away support handing him "his flowers" in the words of Donnohue.

Then, another writer in Graham Smyth would wax lyrical after handing the forward an admirable 8/10 in his post-match ratings: "Fought to try and hold the ball up, provided an assist, played a part in the second goal and scored the third. Not everything he tried came off but he deserved his ovation."

Such a persistent effort to create something special helped him to stand out in a game that could have easily devolved into a scrappy affair. Fortunately for Farke, he was in possession of a magician with true quality which shone through on the day.

Although Piroe will steal the headlines for his brace, Rutter's continued performances at a level befitting a side hoping for promotion will be of far more importance to the German tactician after today.