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With West Ham United vying for a European place yet again in the Premier League this season, David Moyes could turn to the January transfer window to cement his side's place in the top six and potentially beyond. The Hammers currently sit as high as sixth and just seven points adrift of the top four in what could be a dream campaign in England's top flight.

Those at the London Stadium will be well aware that there's still a long way to go, but the winter window could suddenly put an even greater positive spin on their season so far if they land their targets. Among those that they're reportedly eyeing is a rival player who knows all about qualifying for European football.

West Ham transfer news

When West Ham lost Declan Rice to Arsenal in the summer, it was easy to worry about just how they'd replace the midfielder and splash the cash gained from his departure. Months later, however, and those fears have been firmly put to bed. The Hammers signed Edson Alvarez and James Ward-Prowse to boost their midfield, before turning their attention to Mohammed Kudus, who has starred further forward. Now, they could repeat their transfer genius by landing a defensive target on the cheap.

West Ham want breakthrough Serie A star with "extraordinary qualities"

A breakthrough star appears to be catching the eye of West Ham United.

ByLuke Randall Jan 1, 2024

According to Football Transfers, West Ham have made contact to sign Eric Dier, who will be allowed to leave Tottenham Hotspur this month. The defender's current contract runs out in the summer, meaning that the Lilywhites are on course to lose him for free if they do not cash in this month. Given that Moyes is reportedly impressed by Dier and sees him as a player similar to summer target Harry Maguire, a deal could certainly be on the cards for West Ham in the transfer window this month.

"Reliable" Dier desperately needs move

Dier's game time shows just how much he needs a Spurs departure. The England international has started just one Premier League game for the Lilywhites this season, even amid injuries to both Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero.

A January switch to West Ham would be coming at the perfect time for both parties. Dier would be staying at the top level in England's top flight, with West Ham competing for a place in the top six, and the Hammers would be getting a player with the experience that could make all the difference in the remainder of the campaign.

It's been some fall from grace for Dier since Ange Postecoglou arrived since he was once at the centre of praise from former boss Antonio Conte. Conte said via The Daily Mail: "What I can tell you is that Eric has improved a lot since I arrived. We are talking about a reliable player, 100 per cent focused in every game. He is not a player who alternates with a big performance then a drop. He is providing great continuity in his role and playing every game. I can also tell you he is a really good guy, with great will, desire to work and improve."

Even despite his struggles under the Aussie manager, there is no question his experience and know-how could add crucial depth and leadership to a Hammers side riding the crest of a wave.

Newcastle United are reportedly set to make further efforts this month to complete the signing of an "elite" player, as they look to get a key piece of transfer business over the line.

Newcastle transfer news

The Magpies need new signings in the January transfer window, in order to breathe new life into their season, with Saturday's late 3-2 defeat at home to Manchester City their latest disappointing result. There are lots of players who have been touted as possible targets for Newcastle, with Kalvin Phillips perhaps the individual looking the most likely to seal a loan move to St James' Park, bringing an end to his spell at Manchester City.

VfB Stuttgart striker Serhou Guirassy is someone who the Magpies are believed to be looking at as a strong addition in attack, with the 27-year-old scoring a remarkable 17 goals in only 14 Bundesliga appearances so far this season and has a relatively cheap release clause.

Meanwhile, there is also a chance that Eddie Howe looks to bolster his defensive options in 2024, which is why the likes of Ousmane Diomande and Goncalo Inacio, both of whom are currently at Sporting CP, have been linked with moves to Newcastle.

Ousmane Diomande to Newcastle latest

According to a report from The Mirror, Newcastle arse set to step up their attempts to sign Ousmane Diomande, with owners PIF meaning business despite being "under the microscope" with FFP.

"Newcastle will step up their scouting of Ousmane Diomande this month in a bid to head off expected stiff competition for the Ivory Coast defender. Diomande, 20, has shot to prominence starring this season for Sporting Lisbon, who top the Portuguese Primeira Liga. He has made 21 appearances this term in Portugal playing recently at the centre of a back three for Sporting but can also play on the right."

The report goes on to add that "Newcastle may have to break their transfer record to land the starlet after previously buying Swedish striker Alexander Isak from Real Sociedad for a record £58million rising to £63m, including add-ons", with Diomande "valued at £70m". With Newcastle's finances "under the microscope", however, they are expected to bid lower than that to begin with, "amid the Premier League Financial Fair Play climate."

If the Magpies could strike a deal for Diomande in 2024, it could prove to be one of their most important pieces of business in some time, given the long-term ceiling that he has as a player. The 20-year-old is already a key figure for Sporting, starting 15 Primeira Liga matches this season and completing 91.2% of his passes, and the table below outlines the positive influence he is having:

Ousmane Diomande's Primeira Liga stats this season Total

Appearances 15 Goals 1 Assists 1 Clearances per game 1.7 Tackles per game 1.5 Pass completion rate 91.2%

The young Frenchman has been hailed as an "elite" player by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, who added that "you rarely see a player with such high ball-playing and pure defender skills", and Newcastle must do all they can to snap him up in January, making him a big signing for years to come.

Before Jurgen Klopp arrived, Liverpool supporters just wanted to see their team be competitive in the fight for Champions League qualification, year in, year out.

This is a proud and prestigious football club, one of the biggest worldwide, but it was a fallen giant despite the anomaly of that 2013/14 season, supercharged by the once-in-a-lifetime Luis Suarez.

Only, he wasn’t actually an unrepeatable kind of forward, for Mohamed Salah would arrive three years beyond the Uruguayan’s sale, and has forged a legacy for the ages.

Mohamed Salah has surpassed Luis Suarez

Salah might be the greatest Liverpool forward of the Premier League era. Sure, Suarez took a rather average team, fused together with the very spirit of Steven Gerrard and posted 31 goals and 13 assists across 33 top-flight fixtures.

Again, Robbie Fowler is a division great, while Fernando Torres’ time on Merseyside was unforgettable, almost indefinable in the connection he forged with the city. Michael Owen literally won the Ballon d’Or in 2001 while rising to prominence with the Anfield side.

No one compares to Salah though, whose unceasing brilliance over what will be eight years this summer has etched his name into eternal Premier League folklore. Journalist David Lynch has called him an “all-time great”, praise that echoes across the country.

1.

Alan Shearer

441

260 (0.59)

2.

Harry Kane

320

213 (0.67)

3.

Wayne Rooney

491

208 (0.42)

4.

Andy Cole

414

187 (0.45)

5.

Sergio Aguero

275

184 (0.67)

6.

Frank Lampard

609

177 (0.29)

7.

Thierry Henry

258

175 (0.68)

8.

Mohamed Salah

274

165 (0.60)

9.

Robbie Fowler

379

163 (0.43)

10.

Jermaine Defoe

496

162 (0.33)

Salah needs just 11 Premier League goals to surpass Thierry Henry and insinuate himself among the top seven goalscorers in the league’s history. The 32-year-old requires merely 20 strikes to overtake Sergio Aguero in the top five. The big-boy league.

Liverpool have been treated to a wondrous talent, one who spearheaded trophy-laden success throughout the Klopp era and might just have a definitive say in a similar fight under Arne Slot’s wing this season.

It all could have been so different though. In that weird, bleak hinterland between Suarez’s exit and Klopp’s advent, Liverpool wanted to replace their all-powerful number nine with a new attacking talisman – and settled on Lazar Markovic.

Lazar Markovic was supposed to be Liverpool's superstar

Farewell, Suarez. At least that £75m transfer fee can be put toward a thrilling rebuild that will set Liverpool up for an age at the highest echelon of English football, right?

Right?

Adam Lallana

Southampton

£25m

Lazar Markovic

SL Benfica

£20m

Dejan Lovren

Southampton

£20m

Mario Balotelli

AC Milan

£16m

Alberto Moreno

Sevilla

£12m

Divock Origi

LOSC Lille

£10m

Emre Can

Bayer Leverkusen

£10m

Rickie Lambert

Southampton

£4m

Javier Manquillo

Atletico Madrid

Loan

It was a disaster of a window, though not without its (in hindsight) silver linings. How funny that Divock Origi, a £10m signing from Lille who was tasked with replacing Suarez in the aggregate, would score the win-settling goal in the Champions League final against Tottenham Hotspur, five years later, despite never really establishing himself as a high-scoring star.

For Markovic, no such luck. The young winger arrived from SL Benfica for a pretty hefty £20m fee, with correspondent James Pearce looking back at the transfer flop and saying: “He was rated as one of the most exciting young talents in Europe.”

His Liverpool career probably reached its apotheosis when he played a rather simple, Busquets-esque pass into Phil Coutinho’s vicinity against Southampton in 2015, who thus proceeded to dispatch one of the most awe-inspiring ranged strikes in the Reds’ Premier League history.

That, sadly, is the tale of the tape. Or rather, a fleeting bright moment bespeaking high footballing merit that sits alongside a sweep of struggle.

Markovic’s poignant failure is one of sadness, but it’s not unusual. Many a highly-touted prospect has been hurtled to the wayside upon stepping into the rigours of big-time football.

He featured 34 times for Liverpool throughout the 2014/15 season, posting three goals and one assist. His growth was stunted, however, and the now-30-year-old was loaned out to Fenerbahce the following campaign. Klopp arrived during this time and probably took one perfunctory glance at the Serbian’s file before eliminating him from contention.

Avram Grant, formerly of Chelsea and Markovic’s manager during his first stint at Partizan, even said this: “I can say that apart from Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, Markovic is one of the best talents I’ve ever seen at 19 years of age.”

This gushing praise fell flat, sort of like a drunk in the rain.

Journalist Andy Brassel said that Liverpool’s young acquisition was a player of “rare talent”, but unfortunately it was so recherché that Markovic was unable to find it within himself. He toiled.

Throughout his maiden year, Markovic featured often, but that was all she wrote. One year after his arrival, he was discarded and thrown out on a series of loan moves that culminated in a permanent move to Fulham on a free transfer.

For a player who was of such ‘rare’ quality, indeed likened to Messi and Ronaldo, arguably the two greatest footballers in history, he quite heavily fell from a promising position and failed to pick himself back up.

Perhaps, in a way, this was the ‘OG’ Salah. A talented and electric forward with a growing sense of style and skill, capable of shouldering that Atlas burden that Suarez balanced on his back with such preternatural poise.

Supposed to be, in any case. Liverpool are hardly complaining now, not with one of the greatest forwards in modern history flourishing for their team.

Forget Diaz: Liverpool may have unearthed their very own Vinicius Jr

Liverpool appear to have themselves a serious talent that could dislodge Luis Diaz.

ByEthan Lamb Nov 14, 2024

Chelsea made it four out of four in the UEFA Conference League, beating Heidenheim 2-0 away from home, with goals coming from Christopher Nkunku and Mykhailo Mudryk on Thursday evening.

The Blues held 67% possession against the German outfit, taking 17 shots, creating five“big chances and generating 2.90 xG.

Unfortunately, the performance ended with Cesare Casadei being sent off, receiving a second yellow card, which means he will not be available to face Astana in their next Conference League game.

It was a game full of good performances though, and one of the best came from the goalkeeper, Filip Jorgensen, who is now breathing down Robert Sanchez’s neck for the number one spot.

Filip Jorgensen's performance in numbers

So far this season, Jorgensen has found himself as the back-up to Sanchez, with the youngster playing in cup competitions, whilst the latter starts in the Premier League. However, after the Swede’s performance against Heidenheim, Maresca could have a decision on his hands.

The 22-year-old was impeccable, making as many as 11 saves in the game. That meant he prevented a total of 2.18 xG while making seven saves inside the box, and completing 37/44 accurate passes (84% completion).

It’s safe to say that both his shot-stopping and composure on the ball were brilliant, the latter being a big deal for his Italian manager.

And Jorgensen isn’t the only one knocking on the door for a Premier League start, as another Chelsea man put in a brilliant display returning from injury, stating his case to start against Aston Villa this weekend.

Performance in Numbers

Want data and stats? Football FanCast's Performance in Numbers series provides you with the latest match analysis from across Europe.

Jadon Sancho's performance in numbers

Jadon Sancho put in a brilliant display against the German club, where he had so much success with Borussia Dortmund in the past. The 24-year-old winger received a 9/10 match rating from The Express, playing a big part in both goals in Chelsea’s 2-0 victory.

Minutes

89

Assists

1

Touches

61

Accurate Passes

44/48

Key Passes

2

Long Balls

1/1

Successful Dribbles

3/6

Ground Duels Won

4/7

Tackles

1

But it wasn’t just his assist and part in both goals, Sancho also made two key passes, kept things simple at times to circulate play, making 44/48 accurate passes (94% completion).

He completed 50% of his dribble attempts, and also worked hard on the defensive end to make one tackle and win four ground duels.

Maresca has been playing with Noni Madueke and Pedro Neto on the wings in recent weeks, with João Félix the player who came in at the weekend in the absence of Neto, but after Sancho’s performance, he could be knocking on the door for a place in the starting XI against Aston Villa, on either the left or right wing.

The Italian boss has proven he isn’t afraid to make big decisions, and if tonight’s performance is anything to go by, both Jorgensen and Sancho could be called upon this weekend in an important Premier League fixture against the Villans.

Chelsea must sell £100k-p/w flop who Boehly thought was "hugely exciting"

The Chelsea flop has failed to live up to expectations since his move to the Bridge.

ByEthan Lamb Nov 27, 2024

Newcastle United suffered a surprise defeat against West Ham United at St. James’ Park on Monday evening, and thus the gravity of this weekend’s Premier League contest against Crystal Palace is heightened.

Eddie Howe’s side have shown flashes of brilliance this season but are stuck in a stream of inconsistency that is hindering the quest for European football.

Palace have failed to kick on this season after displaying such remarkable progress under Oliver Glasner last year, but they remain a threat and Selhurst Park is a ground known to swallow teams up.

It won’t be easy, but with Alexander Isak back in red-hot form, the Magpies have a weapon that could silence the south Londoners.

Alexander Isak could be Palace's undoing

Newcastle signed Real Sociedad’s talented striker in a club-record £63m package in 2022, and while he suffered an injury-affected debut campaign, Isak has posted 40 goals and seven assists across 79 appearances for the English club.

Since the start of last season, the Sweden international has scored 25 goals across 40 Premier League outings, missing only 27 big chances throughout.

Aged 25, Isak has plenty of football still ahead of him, perhaps his brightest, most awe-inspiring days are still to come. With four goals from five recent matches under Howe’s wing, he’s found his feet after a slow start and will be the chief supplier of success, should it arrive, on Saturday.

However, Newcastle aren’t quite purring this term, lacking some of that bite from previous years. Isak can’t do it alone, and with Anthony Gordon failing to produce his best football at the moment, Howe must unleash Harvey Barnes from the outset.

He could be the perfect weapon against the Eagles backline, containing, of course, Marc Guehi.

Why Harvey Barnes must start at Selhurst Park

In August, Newcastle threw the kitchen sink at Steve Parish, whose transfer resolve – or perhaps obstinance – remained moveless. Four bids were lodged for Guehi, but the England centre-half was prevented from moving to Tyneside.

Neither outfit have enjoyed the campaign that they had hoped for so far, but Guehi has still been a titanic presence in Glasner’s backline, winning 63% of his duels and averaging a whopping 5.8 clearances per game, as per Sofascore.

He’ll be tasked with subduing Isak, and that’s why Barnes needs to start, providing the visitors with a varying attacking outlet to ensure that three points are claimed.

Creativity isn’t flowing as Howe would have hoped, with the 15 big chances created in the Premier League this season ranking Newcastle in joint-15th for that metric.

As such, a player of Barnes’ clinical quality could be crucial. As per FBref, the English winger ranks among the top 1% of positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for non-penalty goals scored (0.62) per 90, highlighting the goalscoring edge that Newcastle so desperately need.

2024/25

Newcastle

12 (5)

4

1

0.42

2023/24

Newcastle

21 (7)

5

3

0.38

2022/23

Leicester

34 (32)

13

1

0.41

2021/22

Leicester

32 (24)

6

10

0.50

2020/21

Leicester

25 (22)

9

4

0.52

Such potency, four goals from only five Premier League starts in 2024/25, could see the Eagles downed and the Magpies take flight.

Guehi’s gritty, no-nonsense defending makes him a tough adversary for any forward worth their salt, but Barnes is a “menace” – as he has been praised by journalist Mikey Stafford – and could prove too much for his countryman, whose mind will be focused on Isak and his ball-striking prowess.

Isak can’t do it all himself, and while he had an off day against the Hammers last time out, he was let down by the profligacy and stuttered attacking labours of his teammates.

Barnes needs to play from the outset and be allowed to develop his relationship with the lively Lewis Hall down the left lane.

New role: Howe can replicate Joelinton success with Newcastle sensation

Howe should unleash a rising Newcastle star in a new role to create Joelinton 2.0

ByAngus Sinclair Nov 29, 2024

As the Arne Slot machine keeps hitting the jackpot, Liverpool are now reportedly plotting to get an early victory over new Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim by signing one Sporting CP gem ahead of interest from their rivals.

Liverpool transfer news

If there was a definition for seamless transition then 14 wins in 16 games would be among them. Slot has entered Anfield and simply picked up where Jurgen Klopp left off whilst implementing his own calmer, more controlled approach than the exciting, positively frantic style of the German. And things were no different against Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League, as Luis Diaz’s hat-trick sent Xabi Alonso packing.

Back on top in the Premier League and in European football, Michael Edwards will now want to get Liverpool back to the top in the transfer market following a quiet window last time out.

The Reds have already been linked with the likes of Aurelien Tchouameni, but now reportedly want to spoil one of Amorim’s first plans at Manchester United.

According to TeamTalk, Liverpool now want to sign Geovany Quenda from Sporting Club, who will only let their 17-year-old winger leave if his hefty €100m (£84m) release clause is triggered.

Those at Anfield sit alongside Manchester City and Manchester United with their interest and the latter may well have the advantage on paper given Amorim’s Sporting links. That said, it would then be quite the way to deal an early blow to the new Red Devils boss by instantly luring one of his former players away from his grasp.

90% passing, 100% dribbles: 8/10 Liverpool star was just as good as Diaz

Liverpool swept Bayer Leverkusen aside with a rip-roaring Champions League win.

ByAngus Sinclair Nov 6, 2024

Quenda – still a teenager – is considered one of Sporting’s hottest prospects and is undoubtedly one to keep an eye on.

"Talented" Quenda is one for the future

Whilst it remains uncertain whether Mohamed Salah will put pen to paper on a new Liverpool deal, what is a known fact is that the Egyptian doesn’t have several years left at the top now that he’s 32 years old. In an ideal world, the Liverpool great will sign a new contract just as the Reds welcome the heir to his throne in the form of Quenda – a player who would instantly learn from Salah.

The young right-winger has been at the centre of significant praise so far this season, including from Football Talent Scout’s Jacek Kulig, who described him as “one of the most talented wingers in world football” this week.

Replacing Salah will be no easy task, whenever that may be, but getting one over on Manchester United and Amorim whilst doing exactly that would be quite the move from those at Anfield.

Junior Firpo, in the absence of other left-backs, has stepped up to the mark for Daniel Farke's Leeds United in recent games after his Whites career looked in danger of completely fizzling out at one point.

Firpo has three assists from three after being reinstated into the first team ranks in West Yorkshire, starring against Birmingham City on New Year's Day to show to everyone at Elland Road that he won't just exit the Championship club with a whimper – notching up two assists in a convincing 3-0 home win.

Yet, despite this new lease of life coursing through Firpo's veins encouraging the Leeds fanbase that once got on his back to reevaluate their preconceptions, one transfer development coming out of the Whites could see the ex-Barcelona man's improved game time cut once again.

Leeds looking for a left-back

Linked with the likes of Conor Roberts, Neco Williams and even Ben Davies recently, as per The Athletic it's obvious the problem area Leeds are trying to add depth to this January.

Another name that keeps popping up is West Ham United defender Ben Johnson, who could give Leeds a versatile and adaptable figure that can play anywhere across the defence.

Confirmed to have interest in the Hammers man by Phil Hay, whilst writing for the Athletic this Wednesday, the defender's competence at playing left-back across his time at the London Stadium could have Firpo worrying about his newly found first-team spot.

In detail, Hay wrote: "Johnson is also on the list. The 23-year-old has seen relatively few minutes this season, is on course to be out of contract in the summer and has rejected offers of an extension to his current deal, but Leeds would favour a loan agreement in this window. "

Leeds could land "fantastic" upgrade on Firpo & Spence after Phil Hay reveal

Leeds United could upgrade their defence significantly with this signing, slotting him in alongside an in-form Joe Rodon.

ByKelan Sarson Jan 17, 2024

With TEAMtalk reporting last month that Firpo was talking to former club Real Betis over a possible move back to Spain – before his reintroduction into the starting XI by Farke – this news involving Johnson could see the 27-year-old itch for a move away again.

How Ben Johnson compares to Junior Firpo

Johnson's potential arrival to Elland Road would see Leeds opt for a no-thrills player over the slaloming and exciting nature of Firpo, but a dependable presence who very rarely lets anyone down.

Johnson has come into David Moyes' side when needed without causing any disruption to harmony present at the London Stadium, making 57 Premier League appearances for the Londoners as a useful if unflashy player.

The West Ham number two has arguably excelled playing down the left-hand side when called into action, registering two assists from 22 appearances filling in there.

Described as being a "wonderful professional" by ex-Hammers first team coach Stuart Pearce for his acceptance at being a utility player, he could well be the sort of presence Farke fancies during a promotion push.

Firpo, in stark contrast, struggled when Leeds were in the top-flight – only helping the Whites keep one clean sheet from the 19 times he featured during their disastrous relegation season down to the second tier.

On top of that, the 27-year-old would only help himself to a singular assist from those games with a dire 6.55 Sofascore rating averaged over the pitiful campaign.

With the likes of Archie Gray and Joe Rodon comfortable on the ball and progressing up the field, Johnson's addition could also give the Whites a dogged defender who is unafraid to do the dirty work away from beginning attacking moves.

The 23-year-old trumps Firpo when it comes to undergoing his basic defensive duties according to FBRef, bettering the revitalised Leeds defender in aerials won with Johnson winning 1.48 per 90 minutes over the last year compared to Firpo's 1.01.

Yet, Johnson won't hesitate in helping his team push further up the field if needed with the fringe Hammers defender bettering Firpo surprisingly in progressive carries with 1.97 managed to Firpo's lesser 1.44.

Former West Ham player Frank McAvennie commented on the potential of this deal with Football Insider, stating that the Whites would be gaining a "quality" player who could help steer the West Yorkshire titans to a pivotal promotion.

Proving himself to be an all-rounder at the London Stadium, Farke should go all in for the services of the wantaway 23-year-old with Firpo prone to blowing hot and cold across his topsy-turvy Leeds career to date.

For all the positive strides that Leeds United have made under Daniel Farke this season, it appears likely that the Yorkshire side will have to endure the lottery of the playoffs if they are to secure promotion at the first time of asking, with competition fierce for the places above.

An automatic route back into the Premier League is not out of the question, however, even amid the imperious form of fellow relegated side, Southampton, with a strong start to 2024 having seen the Whites close the gap on high-flyers, Ipswich Town.

To maintain this recent momentum, the Elland Road outfit are likely to require further reinforcements this month in order to strengthen Farke's hand, with one sparkling top-flight talent believed to be on the German's radar.

Leeds want to sign young Premier League sensation

According to a report from Football Insider earlier this week, Leeds are believed to have 'registered their interest' in Liverpool playmaker, Mateusz Musialowski, with the club having been 'making checks' regarding the 20-year-old's availability.

The report revealed that as many as seven clubs had expressed an interest in signing the Polish talent this month, with the Championship side seemingly 'firmly in the race' for a player who is out of contract at the end of the season.

While the Anfield academy ace is yet to secure a first-team appearance under Jurgen Klopp, a move to Elland Road could be the perfect opportunity for this dazzling diamond to showcase his quality at senior level.

Mateusz Musialowski's style of play

Leeds do, of course, already boast their own sparkling youngster in the form of Archie Gray, with the 17-year-old – who has made 30 appearances in all competitions this season – only recently signing a new 'long-term' deal with the club.

The versatile wonderkid – who can feature at right-back or in central midfield – had been the subject of interest from Liverpool, ironically, in recent times, with a fee of £40m having been even been mooted, with that a marker of just what a talent the Englishman truly is.

Leeds could sign Archie Gray 2.0 before the deadline

Leeds could get the best of out this up and coming talent this January.

ByKelan Sarson Jan 22, 2024

In Musialowski, however, Farke could potentially acquire a figure who can go on to even greater heights than Gray, with the Poland U21 international having earned rave reviews amid his performances at youth level to date.

Described as a "Little Messi" by compatriot Jerzy Dudek, as well as being likened to former Chelsea and Belgium hero, Eden Hazard, the 5 foot 9 playmaker has certainly caught the eye in recent years, notably registering eight goals and assists in just 11 games for Liverpool's U21 side this term.

Lauded for his "ridiculous quality" by journalist Lewis Bower last year, the in-demand gem also came to wider attention following a breathtaking solo goal for the Reds back in 2021, even edging out his more senior colleague's to claim the club's Goal of the Month award.

The manner in which the then-teenager weaved his way past a sea of bodies before rifling home a fierce effort on goal made it evident as to why those comparisons with both Messi and Hazard have come about, with Farke no doubt relishing the prospect of having a potential world-beater on his hands.

Managing to make that step up from playing with an academy to thriving at first-team level – as Gray has done effortlessly – is no small feat, yet all the evidence points to Musialowski being able to flourish if afforded a prominent role at Leeds, should a deal be wrapped up this month.

Manchester United have been known for their ability to develop youth talent into key first-team members, as seen by the current side and teams over the years gone by.

Kobbie Mainoo is just one player who’s been able to make the jump seamlessly, wasting no time in making an immediate impact with his boyhood club.

The 19-year-old made a name for himself during the previous campaign under Erik ten Hag, making his first-ever Premier League start in the meeting with Everton – claiming the Man of the Match award for his display.

The midfielder has gone from strength to strength in recent months, becoming a vital member of United’s squad, ending up with a total of 32 appearances in all competitions by the end of 2023/24.

Such displays led to an England call-up to Gareth Southgate’s squad for Euro 2024, as the Three Lions fell at the final hurdle, suffering defeat against Spain in the final.

Mainoo isn’t the only academy player currently plying his trade under new boss Ruben Amorim at Old Trafford, with one sensation already impressing under the 39-year-old.

Alejandro Garnacho’s stats for Manchester United

After arriving from Atlético Madrid back in 2020, winger Alejandro Garnacho originally linked up with the United academy setup, before making the step up into the first-team.

After a couple of years with the U18 and U21 side, he would make his senior debut for the Red Devils off the bench in the meeting with Chelsea back in April 2022.

It would be the following campaign that would allow him to become a dependable option for new boss Ten Hag, registering nine goal contributions in his debut season as a professional – a really solid return for a 19-year-old.

Garnacho endured his best-ever year last time out, notching 15 goals and assists, helping the Red Devils claim the FA Cup after scoring alongside fellow academy graduate Mainoo, preventing their noisy neighbours from a third trophy that campaign.

The now 20-year-old has continued his excellent form into the current season, notching 12 goal contributions in 20 appearances – including a goal within the first minute of the latest Europa League clash last night.

His goal was the second of the Amorim era, showcasing he has the ability to become a vital player during the 39-year-old’s reign in the North West.

However, he wasn’t the original academy graduate who was seen as a potential world-beater, with one former United ace coming through the youth system with real hype around him – but ultimately failed to deliver.

The player who was United’s original Garnacho

Not many United supporters would’ve recognised the name of Tahith Chong after joining the academy as a 16-year-old from Dutch side Feyenoord.

However, the attacker quickly demonstrated his talent, featuring at U18 level before becoming a regular in the U23 side between 2018 and 2020, making 33 appearances, scoring 16 times – earning his first-team debut during the aforementioned period.

Chong would get his opportunity off the bench for the first time in the FA Cup victory over Reading at Old Trafford back in January 2019, before also being involved in the memorable comeback win in the Champions League against PSG.

22. Sergio Romero

20. Diogo Dalot

36. Matteo Darmian

4. Phil Jones

18. Ashley Young (C)

39. Scott McTominay

15. Andreas Pereira

17. Fred

8. Juan Mata

9. Romelu Lukaku

7. Alexis Sanchez

He would make a total of 16 appearances for the Red Devils, before various loans at Werder Bremen and Club Brugge, joining Championship side Birmingham City on a permanent basis for just £1.5m in the summer of 2022.

The attacker has since departed the Blues to join Luton Town as they attempted to complete the impossible and survive relegation in the Premier League last season – notching five goals that season, taking his tally to 11 since leaving the Red Devils a couple of years ago.

It’s safe to say that the youngster – who was even likened to compatriot Arjen Robben in his youth, while also idolizing a certain Ryan Giggs – never managed to reach his full potential at United, with the move elsewhere potentially getting his once-promising career back on track.

He was seen as a “big talent” a couple of years ago – in the words of former Birmingham boss Lee Bowyer – but at 24, he needs to get a move on if he is to reach the top level of European football as many expected him to as a teenager.

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West Ham are searching for remedies to improve their lack of available offensive options, and Nuno Espirito Santo could look to change things up tactically at the London Stadium.

West Ham prepare to face Brentford

Despite the Premier League weekend being in full swing, the Hammers have an extra couple of days to prepare for the visit of Brentford in a London Derby of sorts.

Although neither team is exactly a direct rival, local bragging rights are at stake. More importantly, West Ham also have a chance to eat into their unfortunate position in the league table, which will see them remain in the bottom three until kick-off in the capital.

Nuno has plenty of issues to solve now that the international break has concluded, and former Denmark keeper Peter Kjaer suggests that West Ham should recall Mads Hermansen to the starting eleven.

That being said, Nuno has much more pressing matters, like West Ham’s problems in attack.

Injury-prone striker Niclas Füllkrug has torn his thigh, leaving Callum Wilson and youngster Callum Marshall as Nuno’s only options to contest for the number nine role.

This striking shortage will be difficult to manage, and there is no easy way around the enforced changes.

Nevertheless, Nuno will have time to tinker with his side over their upcoming heavy fixture schedule, and it is likely that winger Jarrod Bowen could once again play a makeshift striker role.

With that in mind, there is one man he could turn to elsewhere on the field as a central point of creativity amid his recent displays for the club.

Nuno could turn to West Ham man Crysencio Summerville for inspiration

Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Nuno admitted he could tap into young winger Crysencio Summerville’s pace and agility to help give West Ham an edge in their upcoming fixtures.

Nuno suggests that West Ham’s play could revolve around Summerville’s success in the attacking areas against Brentford, urging his side to support the 23-year-old.

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After coming up with two assists in his first five appearances, the Netherlands international has enjoyed a respectable start to the campaign and is a source of inspiration on the left flank, completing six dribbles so far in the Premier League.

Ultimately, times of need call for assets to step up and deliver. Summerville is enjoying his campaign from a personal standpoint, and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see his numbers grow further.