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Speaking to the press, via football.london, West Ham United boss David Moyes has dropped an enticing Hammers summer transfer hint that GSB could be busy in the next window – saying the ‘job’ is to try and add to their roster as he hopes for summer signings. 

The Scotsman, in a message to the media, also hinted at how he is keen to see Manchester United loanee Jesse Lingard sign at the end of the season – saying he hopes the 28-year-old sees east London as a good place whilst admitting he is considering the possibility of a permanent deal.

Moyes drops West Ham transfer hint

Lingard has been a revelation since signing in January, already notching four goals and an assist over just six Premier League starts at the London Stadium (WhoScored) – with Hammers keen to see him put pen to paper on a concrete move.

Moyes, speaking to the press, has hinted at that possibility whilst also suggesting West Ham could be busy in general as the summer window looms.

“Jesse wanted to come here, right from the start,” explained Moyes.

“When I was talking to him he wanted to come to West Ham. He saw it as a really good place for him. I think he’ll have seen what we’re trying to do. He’s joined a good group of players as well.

“We’ve got international players and I’m hoping we can add to that in the coming transfer window. The job is to try to add to that. But I would hope Jesse sees this as a good place if it’s possible to be done, and if we think that we want to do it at the end of the season.”

Transfer Tavern take

Time will tell whether the Red Devils and West Ham can negotiate a move successfully at the end of the campaign, but it does seem like a possibility judging by this Moyes message.

Irons supporters could also be comfortable in the knowledge that their manager intends to try and be active in the summer.

In other news: West Ham have commenced talks for this 6 foot 2 gem, find out more here.

Many Everton fans have been left delighted at some early team news ahead of their next game at home to Crystal Palace in the Premier League on April 5th, as James Rodriguez has declared himself fit.

Caracol Radio have quoted the former Real Madrid ace as saying on one of his live streams on Twitch: “I’ll play again until the next game, April 3, I think. I’m very well thank God and I want to play again.”

The Merseyside club’s next match is actually on Monday April 5th against Roy Hodgson’s men at Goodison Park, but nonetheless it has come as a much welcome relief to several members of the Toffees faithful – the Colombian will even get two more days to rest than he realised.

The Blues have lost their last three games in total over all competitions, scoring a mere one goal in the process, in which Rodriguez has not been able to play a part through injury (Transfermarkt), showing that they have clearly been missing his creative influence in the final third.

However, it looks as if the 29 year-old will be back for their next match at home to CPFC in what will be a big boost for Carlo Ancelotti’s team.

Everton fan reaction to Rodriguez injury update

These EFC supporters lauded the injury update from Rodriguez on Twitter:

“Well that’s a win then.”

Credit: @terrifyinglogic

“Let’s hope he’s ready on the 5th when we play”

Credit: @jimefc81

“Can’t wait for him to be back.”Credit: @Hanstours”Yes James lad”Credit: @steffan38wen”I cannot wait”Credit: @GJS41991″The PL ain’t ready for 100% fit James.”Credit: @lewissefcIn other news, find out which two global stars Everton may be offered the chance to sign here!

In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, Rob Lee, who played for both Newcastle United and West Ham, believes the Hammers must win at the weekend if they are serious about qualifying for the Champions League.

David Moyes has been hit with a whole host of injuries in recent weeks with Michail Antonio, Declan Rice, Aaron Cresswell and Mark Noble all picking up knocks with the latter two going off during their 3-2 win against Leicester City last week.

The Hammers have won four of their previous five games in the Premier League, with their only defeat coming in a 1-0 defeat to Man United last month thanks to a Craig Dawson own goal.

Speaking on why West Ham must take all three points against Newcastle if they want to finish in the top four and how it’s a winnable game for both sides, Lee told FFC:

“It’s a winnable game for both teams so I don’t expect it to finish a draw, I think one of them will win.

“If West Ham want to qualify for the Champions League, with all due respect to Newcastle, they have to win this game and they are playing very well and scoring lots of goals at the minute.”

The Hammers will look to keep their position in the top four heading into next weekend’s match against Chelsea, who are currently just one point behind them in fifth.

Newcastle have given themselves some breathing space after taking four points from their previous games two games whereas Fulham have lost their previous four games and are now six points behind the Magpies.

Slowly but surely, Crystal Palace are starting to look like better bets to stay in the Premier League.

Of course, their 4-1 battering at the hands of Tottenham on Sunday evening provided evidence to the contrary but a period of three unbeaten games before that must have pleased Roy Hodgson.

The Eagles have been incredibly inconsistent this season and that shone through in north London over the weekend. Spurs haven’t been particularly swashbuckling in recent months but the effervescent trio of Harry Kane, Heung-min Son and Gareth Bale all ran riot on Sunday.

How Hodgson would love for three players of their quality. Bale looks back to his best and in the process of scoring twice, was a lively energetic threat.

The same cannot be said for Palace’s right-hand side where Andros Townsend severely disappointed. The winger began his career at Spurs where he played for 16 years, starting out as a young schoolboy to becoming a senior professional.

Yet, on Sunday evening, he showed exactly why he never made a name for himself at the very top of the game.

Townsend was devoid of much quality and very rarely had a chance to threaten the Spurs backline. Of course, there are better litmus tests for this Eagles attack but the 29-year-old did little to try and haunt his former employers.

He was hauled off after just 65 minutes having had a minimal impact on proceedings. Townsend touched the ball on just 40 occasions which was the lowest tally of any outfield Palace player to start the match.

On top of that, the winger made only 13 passes during his time on the field. That was fewer than goalkeeper Vicente Guaita and only more than Hodgson’s three substitutes; Wilfried Zaha, Jeffrey Schlupp and Jean-Philippe Mateta.

Townsend clearly isn’t as creative and hustling as he once was. The attacker managed a solitary key pass and when faced with the likes of Sergio Reguilon and Son in the channels, he often came out second best; winning just 37.5% of his defensive duels.

The fact that Hodgson took him off so early into the game spoke volumes, especially when it was the defence who were being given the biggest runaround.

Townsend did his best to inject a slice of energy into proceedings, and as he always proves, he was willing to work hard for the team. Yet, the forward’s end product was ultimately missing.

With Zaha now back from injury, the former England international better be wary. His place in the team could soon be under threat.

AND in other news, Imagine him & Mateta: 22-goal Palace target could create dream attack for Hodgson…

Southampton are looking to add a full-back to their squad before next Monday’s transfer deadline, and Everton’s Jonjoe Kenny could be an excellent option for Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side.

Hampshire Live journalist Tom Leach has suggested that the right-back is available and that he could be a potential option for Saints.

The South Coast club allowed Jake Vokins to depart on loan to League One Sunderland earlier this week, suggesting that they are looking to bring in more defensive reinforcements, with Arsenal’s Ainsley Maitland-Niles touted as one possible option.

However, the 23-year-old has emphasised in the past that he is a midfielder, rather than a defender, and he would struggle for regular game time in that position in Hasenhuttl’s side, when considering the form of James Ward-Prowse, Oriol Romeu and Ibrahima Diallo so far this campaign.

Southampton’s need for defensive cover was clear to see against Arsenal recently when Vokins and Yan Valery started in the absence of Ryan Bertrand and Kyle Walker-Peters, so Maitland-Niles perhaps wouldn’t be the best option if he isn’t willing to play as a full-back.

Therefore, signing someone such as Kenny, who is reportedly available, could be an ideal solution for Hasenhuttl this window as he looks to strengthen his squad.

The £6.3 million-rated defender spent last season on loan with Schalke in the Bundesliga, where he would make 31 appearances, contributing two goals and three assists, averaging a 6.51 rating.

However, he has been limited to just one start in the Premier League this season and has been linked with a move to Burnley in recent weeks.

The Toffees may not be keen to strengthen a potential top-six rival for this season, but if they are and Kenny is up for the challenge of trying to displace either Ryan Bertrand or the currently injured Kyle Walker-Peters, he could prove to be a solid addition.

The Austrian spoke recently about wanting flexible players in his side and with the young Everton defender having played in multiple positions across defence and midfield in his career, he could certainly add something to this Southampton team.

And, in other news, Southampton transfer stance on 23 y/o is baffling for two reasons; he could’ve helped Ralph…

According to the Express & Star’s Joseph Masi, new West Brom loanee Ainsley Maitland-Niles is in line to make an instant impact at the Premier League strugglers when they head to Spurs this lunchtime.

The Baggies are sitting precariously in 19th position, some 11 points adrift of safety and now will have to face a side who will be looking for a reaction after a run of three straight league defeats.

And starting the versatile 23-year-old midfielder is a good way to go about business as he’s going to provide the much-needed quality that’s currently lacking from their engine room.

On the Chalkboard

Indeed, both Romaine Sawyers (6.13) and Jake Livermore (6.19), who have started the most games of any central midfield options, currently rank as Albion’s two worst players as per WhoScored ratings.

Maitland-Niles arrives at the Hawthorns with bags of experience having played 121 times for the Gunners across the likes of the Premier League, Europa League and the FA Cup.

Allardyce has also revealed that he was only able to secure the coveted three-time England international because he’ll be playing in his favoured central position, which means there’s a high chance that one of Sawyers or Livermore isn’t going to start in north London.

The £16.2m-rated maestro will offer an industrious presence in the heart of the pitch and one that is capable of influencing the game at either end of the pitch.

Throughout his career, as per WhoScored statistics, the Hale End youth product has averaged 2.5 tackles per 90 at a success rate just shy of 70%, proving his defensive capability and off-the-ball work rate whilst he has also averaged 1.5 dribbles and one key pass per 90, meaning he isn’t shy of breaking into the final third to deliver some creativity too.

By comparison, only Conor Gallagher and Grady Diangana have pulled off more successful tackles per 90 for Albion with Maitland-Niles tying the enigmatic Matheus Pereira for dribbles too, also via WhoScored.

Interestingly, the Englishman has had success against Spurs before – even though Arsenal came from behind to draw 2-2 with their rivals last season, Maitland-Niles haunted Heung-min Son all afternoon at right-back.

And in doing so, managed to stop him from having any major influence on the game. Per SofaScore, he made a match-high three interceptions, won 75% of his ground duels and made two tackles.

Son was hooked after 79 minutes by Mauricio Pochettino. He won only 40% of his ground duels and failed to provide an accurate cross past Maitland-Niles, so despite it being all-square, the new Albion loanee enjoyed a very good game.

If Big Sam needs to change it up at all, then his versatility could prove crucial too as he’s played in five different roles this season alone.

Maitland-Niles, who is thought to only be on around £35k-per-week at the Emirates, was dubbed a “Rolls-Royce of a player at times” by Martin Keown just two months ago when Arsenal defeated Rapid Wien 4-1 (BT Sport via football.london).

You can’t not start these sorts of players, his addition could well be a game-changer of a signing.

AND in other news, 20 y/o “real talent” could be Albion’s perfect Pereira heir…

Celtic legend John Hartson has called the customary guard of honour gesture ‘nonsense’.

The Hoops saw their run of nine consecutive league titles officially come to an end last weekend as they were held to a 0-0 draw by Dundee United.

There are still six matches left to play and they are set to meet arch-rivals and newly-crowned champions Rangers at Parkhead on 21 March.

‘Celtic don’t need to be told that they have deserved it’

Hartson said that ‘mutual respect’ is important, but adhering to the football tradition of applauding their rivals onto the field that day would be a step too far in his opinion.

He told the Daily Record: “Why would you start it now? And where do you stop it? There is respect between players.

“Celtic don’t need to be told this season that Rangers have deserved it. And the players will appreciate just how well Rangers have played and how consistent they have been.

“But the guard of honour thing is just a nonsense really. They are rivals and there has to be mutual respect but you can have that without needing to go down the guard of honour road.”

Celtic will be looking to send a ‘next season starts now’ message when the two sides face off on Sunday week. Rangers have won on their last two visits to Parkhead, having previously gone nine years without tasting victory on the Hoops’ turf.

Transfer Tavern verdict

You can’t help but be reminded of the debate over whether Manchester City should adhere to the tradition ahead of their meeting with champions Liverpool last summer.

Whilst there is a degree of humiliation involved, this can serve as a source of motivation to strike back, and Pep Guardiola insisted that his team show respect to their rivals (via Sky Sports).

Of course, the antipathy in Glasgow is on a vast scale, and you would ultimately expect neither team to agree to pay homage, behind closed doors or otherwise.

In other news, find out which England-based manager is reportedly being groomed for the permanent Celtic job.

Following the injury to Joel Matip in Liverpool’s draw against West Brom on Sunday, Jurgen Klopp’s side are now without a single senior centre-back in their side, as they chase a second successive Premier League title.

Injuries to Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez have left the Reds desperately short of options at the back, especially as they failed to replace Dejan Lovren in the summer after he left to join Zenit St Petersburg.

Youngsters Nathaniel Phillips and Rhys Williams have done a stellar job at times this season when called upon by Klopp, so much so that it has been suggested that the Reds weren’t planning to delve into the January transfer window to bring in a centre-back next month.

However, it has now been suggested in an exclusive article by The Transfer Tavern, that Liverpool fear that Matip could miss the rest of the season with his latest injury, which must surely change their transfer stance.

If the Reds don’t replace the former Schalke man, they risk going the rest of the season with either Phillips or Williams partnering Fabinho at centre-back, provided they avoid injuries themselves.

The Brazilian international has done a superb job filling in at centre-back amidst the Liverpool injury crisis but Klopp would surely love to have enough options available to restore him in midfield, so signing a centre-back in January makes a lot of sense for both the short and long-term, as it would surely help prevent the Reds suffering this sort of injury crisis again.

Even when Matip returns, the Cameroonian international has been extremely injury-prone during his time with the Merseyside club, so it could definitely be argued that Klopp should look for a more reliable option in his defence.

Therefore, Klopp must convince sporting director Michael Edwards that it is worth bringing in a central defender in the January transfer window, otherwise, it puts the Reds’ chances of retaining their Premier League title at real risk.

And, in other news… Liverpool can sign their next Owen in teenage prodigy, he might not cost Edwards a penny

Glasgow Rangers romped to a ruthless 8-0 win over Hamilton at Ibrox as Steven Gerrard’s side restored their nine-point lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership.

Scott Arfield opened the scoring, Kemar Roofe scored the second goal, before Joe Aribo added the third after his shot was deflected into the back of the net to put the game beyond the Accies. Aribo and Roofe doubled their efforts after the break before substitute Brandon Barker and a brace from James Tavernier secured the victory.

Arfield was immense, Aribo was impressive, but the club captain hit back at his critics in sensational style against Hamilton. Tavernier was often criticised over his defensive frailties last term but has been in fine form for Gerrard’s side so far this season.

Per SofaScore, the 29-year-old received a high statistical rating of 10 for his sublime performance – he won six out of his eight duels overall (75%), took 110 touches of the ball, four shots on target and two shots off target, created one big chance, completed two successful dribble attempts and produced 60 out of 73 passes (82%), whilst he made one clearance and three interceptions, which shows that he contributed defensively as well.

Sky Sports gave him a grade of 9/10, whilst GlasgowLive awarded him with the same score, insisting it was “another day, another afternoon where James Tavernier’s deliveries are causing all sorts of bother.”

Once hailed as a “powerhouse” by the Ibrox boss, Tavernier has scored 12 goals and supplied 9 assists in 20 appearances in all competitions for the Gers this season so far, via Transfermarkt.

As the stats show, the right-back is going from strength to strength as he is the club’s top scorer in the Scottish Premiership, ahead of Ryan Kent, Aribo and Roofe, who have all bagged four goals apiece.

If he can continue his hot streak, he will leave no room for criticism of any kind in the months ahead.

AND in other news, Glasgow Rangers chief Ross Wilson may have struck gold with Kai Kennedy loan move… 

David Sullivan must sanction a new contract for Tomas Soucek amid claims Bayern Munich are interested in signing the West Ham United midfielder.

What’s the word?

According to TEAMtalk, the Hammers are set to present Soucek with a bumper new deal to ward off any potential approach from Bayern Munich following the Czech Republic international’s stellar start to life at the London Stadium.

The Irons have been mightily impressed by how Soucek has adapted to the Premier League since joining on an initial loan deal last winter, with the 25-year-old arriving from Slavia Prague having never previously played for a club outside of his native country.

Soucek only penned a £67,308-per-week, three-year contract in the summer after West Ham turned his temporary spell permanent for £19.1million, yet club chiefs are already in discussions with his agent over a potential pay rise as his reputation only continues to grow.

Bayern Munich and a clutch of European clubs are said to be monitoring the Czech Player of the Year, who has scored three goals in 12 Premier League games this season as one of just four players to have played all 1,080 minutes under David Moyes so far.

Sullivan must sanction a deal

While Soucek only penned his current terms in July, Sullivan should see no reason to not sanction West Ham chiefs to offer the midfielder a bumper new deal that better matches his importance to Moyes.

Soucek currently ranks as the seventh-highest earner at the London Stadium with Andriy Yarmolenko and Manuel Lanzini each paid greater sums, despite the pair featuring for just 97 and 62 minutes in the Premier League respectively thus far this term.

The Czech box-to-box titan is pivotal on the pitch beyond his goals which have directly influenced two wins, too, as only winger Jarrod Bowen (30) has registered more shots than Soucek (23) in the top-flight this season, while directing the third-most on target (seven) behind strikers Michail Antonio and Sebastien Haller (nine), per WhoScored.

Soucek, who Moyes lauds as a player who has made an impact since joining in January and believes is “beginning to blossom”, also ranks first by a clear margin for aerial duels contended (116) and won (65), is second only to Vladimir Coufal for successful tackles (21), is third for interceptions (16) and fourth for clearances (28).

Moyes would likely have never imagined Soucek making such an impact when brought to the club last winter, and must urge Sullivan to ignore the potential payday selling the midfielder would bring with the CIES Observatory valuing the 30-cap gem at €50m (£45m).

AND in other news, a £27m-rated West Ham dud is playing on borrowed time after a shocking showing at Leeds United.