All posts by z3u9t.icu

Tottenham Hotspur signing an in-form star is "on the cards" this winter, and it is believed that manager Ange Postecoglou is personally a "big fan".

Will Spurs sign anyone in January?

While Spurs are absolutely flying under Postecoglou so far this campaign, enjoying their best ever start to a Premier League campaign and most superior since the 1960/1961 season, there is still work to be done on the signings front. Recent Spurs transfer rumours suggest they're chasing the signing of a new central defender for January, with Galatasaray defender Victor Nelsson, Juventus star Gleison Bremer, Bournemouth's Lloyd Kelly and Bayer Leverkusen star Edmond Tapsoba all mentioned as rumoured Tottenham targets.

Meanwhile, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg news over the last few weeks indicates that the Denmark international is now considering his options in the winter window. Juventus are apparently eyeing a move for the Spurs midfielder, who has since found himself on the periphery of Postecoglou's first team despite being a mainstay under Antonio Conte last term. As a result, Chelsea star Conor Gallagher is one of the names under consideration, if he doesn't end up signing a new contract at Stamford Bridge.

While Tottenham are really impressing without star striker Harry Kane, who joined Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich in a multi-million pound move over the summer window, it has also been claimed that a new number nine could join Spurs in 2024. Indeed, the likes of Brentford star Ivan Toney and even marquee Napoli striker Victor Osimhen have been linked in this regard.

Santiago Gimenez transfer news

Another striker who's found himself on the list of Tottenham transfer targets is Feyenoord star Santiago Gimenez. The Mexico international has scored an exceptional 12 goals in just eight Eredivisie appearances this season, making him one of the most in-form strikers in Europe. Postecoglou is currently lacking an out-and-out striker of real quality, with Son Heung-min instead dazzling in a more central role.

The South Korea international has been one of Tottenham's players of the season so far, but if they're to maintain their place among England's most elite sides, more strength in depth may be required. According to TEAMtalk, Gimenez is a candidate to fill Kane's shoes and could even join as soon as January.

Sharing their information at the bottom of a piece about Tiago Pinto, they claim the 22-year-old's potential move to Spurs is "on the cards" for the new year. They add that Postecoglou is personally a "big fan" of Gimenez, who may become one of European football's hottest commodities next year.

Finishing

Holding on to the ball

Passing

Defensive contribution

The North American, branded a "machine" by Football Talent Scout Jacek Kulig, has been praised by sections of the press for his excellent form this season. Journalist Graeme Bailey, recently sharing his own update on Tottenham's transfer plans to the Talking Transfers Podcast, absolutely heralded Gimenez as one to watch.

“Santiago Gimenez looks sensational by the way, he looks so good. He looks amazing to me,” Bailey said. “Teams have been watching Feyenoord, of which there is a few, they are the best team in Holland, we know Arsenal and Tottenham have been watching Gimenez as of late.”

Tottenham Hotspur have been named as a possible Premier League destination for one young star who's left them "very impressed".

Will Spurs replace Hojbjerg?

Over the last month or so, there have been many reports suggesting that Spurs midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg could depart north London as early as the January transfer window. Despite being a mainstay under Antonio Conte last season, and throughout his entire stay at Tottenham really, the Dane is no longer a lynchpin of their midfield as both Yves Bissouma and Pape Matar Sarr are preferred by new boss Ange Postecoglou.

Hojbjerg scored four goals and assisted five others over 35 league starts last term, but this season, he's not even started a single top flight match; making all six of his appearances from the bench. As a result, there have been suggestions that Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher is a target for Tottenham, among others. A new midfielder appears to be on the Spurs agenda if Hojbjerg quits in the winter window, while Spurs are rumoured to be targeting a new striker and new central defender for 2024 as well.

Postecoglou's side have started the season remarkably well; tasting victory in five out of a possible seven league matches so far while scoring 17 goals. However, there may still be some gaping holes to fix in the squad, as injuries to key players could threaten to ruin their exceptional early-season form. Ivan Perisic, Brennan Johnson, Manor Solomon, Bryan Gil, Alfie Whiteman, Giovani Lo Celso and Ryan Sessegnon have all found themselves injured at Spurs recently.

If one of James Maddison, Son Heung-min, Yves Bissouma, Micky van de Ven or Cristian Romero – Tottenham's arguable star players right now – are sidelined, Postecoglou would be in big trouble.

Quinten Timber transfer news

A new option who may emerge for Spurs, as per journalist Graeme Bailey on the Talking Transfers Podcast, is Feyenoord midfielder Quinten Timber; who would seemingly come in as a potential alternative to Hojbjerg. The brother of Arsenal star Jurrien, he already has a very interesting connection to the top flight through Tottenham's arch rivals.

Timber has been in brilliant Eredivisie form this campaign, scoring one goal and assisting three others in seven Dutch top flight starts. According to WhoScored, the 22-year-old is among Feyenoord's best-performing players per 90 this term, a fact not lost on Tottenham.

Dribbling

Aerial duels

Tackling

It is believed that Spurs are "very impressed" by Timber's form, and Bailey urges supporters to "keep an eye" him potentially making a move to England.

“I like Quintin Timber in this role, and so do the teams who have been watching Feyenoord, the likes of Liverpool, Man City, Man United, Tottenham, Arsenal, they have all been very impressed by this young lad, he’s more a midfielder than his twin brother, so let’s keep an eye on him, could we see Timber’s brother in England? I wouldn’t rule it out." said the 90min journalist.

The Dutch midfield ace facing off against his brother would make a rather intriguing development.

When it rains it pours for Manchester United, with Erik ten Hag's men likely still licking their wounds following the weekend's dismal 3-1 defeat at home to high-flying Brighton and Hove Albion – a result that has contributed to the club's worst-ever start to a Premier League season.

With three defeats from five so far, ahead of Wednesday's trip to face Bayern Munich in the Champions League, things on the pitch are going about as well as they are off it, with the former Ajax boss also having to deal with the banishment of both Antony and Jadon Sancho at present.

Those woes have only been heightened by the ongoing injury crisis which has engulfed the club, with the likes of Mason Mount and Sofyan Amrabat currently sidelined – the latter man having yet to feature since his deadline day arrival.

It is in the defensive ranks, in particular, where the Red Devils currently look particularly depleted, as Ten Hag is set to be without Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia for the foreseeable future, while Raphael Varane has also been absent in recent weeks.

That dearth of options has now been compounded by the news that resurgent right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka is also set to be sidelined over the next two months or so, with the Englishman having sustained a hamstring injury during his brief, late substitute appearance against the Seagulls.

How good has Wan-Bissaka been this season?

After initially enjoying just four minutes of action in the first half of the 2022/23 campaign – sparking speculation that a January exit could be on the cards – it is fair to say that 2023 has been the year of 'The Spider', as he has enjoyed a remarkable return to form of late.

The former Crystal Palace man appears to be in line for a new contract extension such has been his renaissance since the World Cup break, having notably been one of the few bright sparks in the current campaign, providing one assist and averaging 83% successful dribbles per game as a marker of his improved attacking displays.

The 25-year-old was particularly impressive in the win over Wolverhampton Wanderers on the opening weekend after teeing up Raphael Varane for the game's winning goal, having been a 'good performer' on the day, according to Manchester Evening News journalist, Samuel Luckhurst.

For such a promising beginning to the season on an individual basis to be halted by injury will be of real frustration to both the full-back and Ten Hag, with the Dutchman now needing to consider just how he can replace the stricken star moving forward.

Who can replace Wan-Bissaka at Man United?

Of course, the obvious candidate to take on that starting role is Diogo Dalot, with the Portuguese right-back having been deployed in that berth on Saturday after Wan-Bissaka was hampered due to illness.

Games

26

19

Starts

24

16

Goals/Assists

3

0

Tackles and interceptions (per game)

3.5

3.3

Total duels won

65%

55%

Key passes (per game)

1.1

0.8

Avg. match rating

7.05

6.98

While that is the former Porto man's natural role, the 24-year-old has also been forced to cover at left-back this season due to the loss of both Malacia and Shaw, with it likely that he may be asked to slot into that unorthodox role over the coming weeks, if Sergio Reguilon fails to perform.

That latter man did initially impress on debut against Roberto De Zerbi's side after producing a lively, attacking display, although as Luckhurst noted, the Spaniard was 'exploited' for the game's opening goal, while his 'rustiness was apparent in the second half'.

There may be a case to be made that Dalot could shift over to the left to provide greater defensive security, while the right-back vacancy could be taken over by a promising academy talent, despite Ten Hag's prior claim that Sofyan Amrabat can fill in at full-back.

With the Moroccan international needed to help aid United's midfield woes – with that department branded as "non-existent" during the win over Wolves by Gary Neville – Ten Hag would be better served prising Habeeb Ogunneye from the youth set-up instead.

Who is Habeeb Ogunneye?

With the Old Trafford outfit having allowed promising Spaniard and FA Youth Cup-winning defender, Marc Jurado to join Espanyol on a permanent deal this summer, it is young Ogunneye who has stepped up to replace the 20-year-old in the U21 side.

The London-born teenager – who previously made 18 appearances for the U18's, assisting three goals – has played in all four Premier League 2 games so far this term at right-back, while also starting in the EFL Trophy clash with Stockport County last month.

That outing against senior opposition showcased the full array of the 17-year-old's talents, as he made two tackles and two interceptions as a sign of his defensive prowess, while also providing one key pass as a marker of his ability in an attacking sense, as per Sofascore.

It is that threat going forward that has particularly caught the eye in recent times, with the Englishman appearing to possess the ability to simply glide past opponents when carrying the ball out from defence.

Of course, attempting to replicate such displays in the senior ranks is a difficult task, although Ogunneye can likely take inspiration from the likes of Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo, two teenagers who have already forced their way firmly into Ten Hag's plans.

It may seem too hasty to already be thinking about plunging a 17-year-old into the backline, but with injuries mounting at the Theatre of Dreams, the experienced tactician may have little choice but to put his faith in the gifted and emerging superstar.

With rumours already rife that the United boss is keen to strengthen at right-back next summer – with Bayer Leverkusen's Jeremie Frimpong one name to have been mentioned – he could potentially save the club millions by unearthing an exciting academy prospect such as Ogenneye over the coming weeks and months.

Everton haven't enjoyed the most productive transfer windows in the last few years, welcoming several players to forget rather than improving their side. Last time out in the market, however, the Toffees did well to sign the likes of Beto and Jack Harrison for Sean Dyche, who is actively guiding his side away from Premier League relegation troubles and into the comforts of mid-table.

Turning things around at Goodison Park, Dyche will hope to breathe new life into previous transfer flops to give himself added reinforcements before the January window even opens. And that could include one particular player with talks underway to re-negotiate Everton's deal, which would hand the Toffees another option on the pitch.

Everton transfer news

When the January transfer window does open, Everton will hope to be in a position to welcome some crucial additions. The Premier League's financial fair play investigation could yet prevent that, of course, or even hand the Merseyside club a 12-point deduction. If Everton are handed transfer sanctions, then they'll have no choice but to turn to internal options for Dyche. With their top flight status potentially on the line, they can't afford to get things wrong, and the return of Dele Alli could help avoid disastrous consequences this season.

According to The Telegraph, Everton are attempting to get Dele's appearance clause waived by former club Tottenham Hotspur. As things stand, when the midfielder reaches 20 appearances, Everton will have to pay Spurs £10m in a deal that is not currently feasible for those at Goodison Park. Dele is currently on 13 appearances for the club, who may limit his game-time unless the aforementioned fee is waived by Spurs.

The former Besiktas loanee is, of course, currently out injured, but when he returns, Dyche may well attempt to rediscover his best form once more. Dyche said recently: ‌“I must make it clear he is on the grass but still a long way from being fit, he is not training with us he is with the sports science staff.

"He is just really getting back to where he was He was drastically unfortunate when the rehab (went) wrong after an operation, and it is almost more time than the original moment. But the specialists advised to leave it alone and just let it heal naturally. He is in a good place, but he is still quite far away (from playing)."

"Very good" Dele Alli can boost Everton

Football loves a comeback story, and Dele has the chance to provide the sport with one of its best yet. At his best, this has been a player touted as the next Frank Lampard or Steven Gerrard. The fact is, if Dyche can get anywhere close to that version of the midfielder back firing, then Everton won't just survive in England's top flight, they'll potentially flourish – Dele's stats at such a young age prove as much.

Player

Premier League Goal Involvements Before Turning 21

Dele Alli

40

Frank Lampard

15

Steven Gerrard

13

David Beckham

12

Jose Mourinho, despite his difficult relationship with the midfielder, has been one of many to praise Dele, saying via BBC Sport: "He could try to score but for Vinicius it was an easy goal. A team player does that, no risk and 2-0. It does not surprise me that he did that. Dele was like the team. A very good first half. In the second half in the first 20 to 25 minutes they closed and tried not to concede more goals."

Leeds United failed to sign Bayer Leverkusen star Nadiem Amiri over the summer, but a reliable journalist has delivered an update on the chances of him potentially joining in January.

Nadiem Amiri profiled

Amiri is naturally a central midfielder who has plied his trade at the BayArena since 2019 having joined from Hoffenheim, and he’s since gone on to make a total of 142 appearances to date (Transfermarkt – Amiri statistics).

However, Germany’s international is set to reach the conclusion of his deal at the end of the season (Bayer Leverkusen contracts), so his side will know that they don’t have long left to cash in should they not want to risk losing their prized asset for free.

The Bundesliga’s 27-year-old is reportedly looking to leave at the start of next year, with the same outlet claiming that chiefs are willing to sanction his sale should they receive a respectable offer from one of his potential suitors, one of those being in the Championship.

Over the summer, Xabi Alonso’s talisman turned down a move to Elland Road after visiting the city and even the training ground, but now looking to move onto new pastures, Daniel Farke may have been handed an ideal second opportunity to secure his target's services.

Phil Hay offers verdict on Nadiem Amiri

Speaking on The Square Ball Podcast (as quoted by Leeds United News), Phil Hay shared his view on Leeds making another approach for Nadiem Amiri in January.

“It would be fascinating if they did revisit it, given the way it ended – given he was told to find his own private jet home. He is really good. It wouldn’t be unheard of, but it would be odd for that to go through. Farke really likes him.

"There was a stage where Amiri thought he’d join Marseille. It was not an astute decision [to reject Leeds], he needs to go. It feels like bridges burned. Would have been a huge asset.”

Nadiem Amiri's style of play

While Amiri is naturally a central midfielder, he’s much stronger in the offensive aspect of his game having posted 77 contributions (41 assists and 36 goals) since the start of his career, form which has previously seen him described as a “superb player” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig.

The Ludwigshafen native, who pockets £47k-per-week (Bayer Leverkusen salaries), also currently ranks in the 94th percentile for successful take-ons which shows that he loves to use his pace to dribble past his marker and create chances in the final third (FBRef – Amiri statistics).

Likes to play short passes

Gets fouled often

Likes to do layoffs

Likes to dribble

Likes to shoot from distance

Does not dive into tackles (Data via WhoScored)

Furthermore, Amiri shares the same representative, CAA Base Ltd, as Djed Spence (Leeds agents), so this existing connection that his management already have to the club could give the board a small advantage should they decide to pursue another deal for their target in January.

Newcastle United are looking to sign a stopgap for Sandro Tonali in January, and a move for an "excellent" midfielder could still happen, according to journalist Alex Crook.

Newcastle eyeing Tonali replacement

Ever since the Magpies were rocked by the news that Tonali has been banned for 10 months for betting offences, it has been clear that they badly need a replacement when the January transfer window arrives.

While Eddie Howe still has strong options in the middle of the park, from Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton, squad depth will likely become more and more important as the season goes on, as legs begin to tire.

Newcastle willing to pay £26m for “extremely agile” potential ace

Could he be an ideal Sandro Tonali replacement?

ByHenry Jackson Nov 26, 2023

Newcastle have been linked with a plethora of players when it comes to filling the void left by Tonali, and the first-choice target arguably appears to be Kalvin Phillips, with the Manchester City and England man continually tipped to make a move to St James' Park.

The Magpies could also look to Saudi Arabia for potential additions, however, with both Ruben Neves and N'Golo Kante mentioned as possible solutions for Newcastle in the recent past. Whatever happens, at least one new midfielder is needed midway through the season, and now another name has been mentioned as an option to come in.

Newcastle could sign Gabri Veiga

Speaking on the Premier League All Access Podcast [via The Boot Room], Crook claimed that Newcastle could potentially sign Gabri Veiga in January, with the Spaniard currently playing for Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli.

"I think they’re still worried with how they’re perceived, but it would be a surprise for me if they didn’t take at least one player from Saudi in January.

"It might not be Ruben Neves, Al-Hilal are keen to keep him. But Gabri Veiga was a player who was very much in their sights this summer and it was a bit of a surprise at such a young age that he went to Saudi, so I’d keep an eye on that one."

Veiga could be an interesting option for Newcastle, with the 21-year-old's move to Al-Ahli arguably raising eyebrows during the summer, due to his age and the fact that he had been flourishing so much for Celta.

Last season, the Newcastle transfer target scored 11 goals in 28 La Liga starts, showcasing his ability to provide end product from his attacking midfield role, and a future call-up to Spain's senior squad feels possible, considering he has won 14 caps for the Under-21s.

Appearances

56

Goals

11

Assists

4

Veiga isn't necessarily a like-for-like replacement for Tonali, with the current Magpies ace a more disciplined figure who often plays deeper, but if the chance to sign the ex-Celta star arrives, it is still a move that Howe should consider going through with.

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has called the youngster an "excellent player who has something special", which is high praise from one of the most renowned bosses in the game, and he could decide that his time in Saudi Arabia hasn't been successful, instead making a speedy return to Europe and kicking on in his career.

While Premier League table-toppers Tottenham Hotspur are currently flying under new boss Ange Postecoglou, that has not prevented speculation regarding the club's desire to build on this momentum by strengthening even further in the New Year.

Tottenham transfer targets for January

As per a report from journalist Graeme Bailey earlier this week, writing on Twitter, the Lilywhites are one of a "host of Premier League clubs" who have an "active interest" in Athletic Bilbao sensation, Nico Williams, with the 21-year-old having come onto the "radar" of those at N17, as well as the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool.

In his attached piece for 90min, the respected insider revealed that the promising Spaniard faces an uncertain future with the Basque outfit with just over six months left to run on his existing deal, ensuring that any interested parties can potentially pounce in January ahead of a free transfer move next summer.

The suggestion is that competition will be rife in the battle to land the fleet-footed starlet, with the likes of Bayern Munich and Juventus also said to be showing an interest, while Aston Villa are believed to have made a move during the recent window for the ten-cap international – who is valued at €80m (£69m), according to CIES Football Observatory.

The stats to show why Tottenham should sign Nico Williams

That wave of interest in the Bilbao talent is telling of just what a standout prospect he truly is, having previously been described as an "extremely dangerous" asset who can simply "torment the opposition", in the words of journalist and U23 scout, Antonio Mango.

As Mango also noted, the young winger is also known for "his pace, quick feet and creativity", as well as having "dynamite in his footwork", with such hefty praise likely to pique the interest of Postecoglou, who will be looking for further attacking reinforcement following the exit of Harry Kane over the summer.

While the north Londoners did recruit Brennan Johnson on a £47.5m deal, further additions may be needed with Richarlison still struggling to fire, the former Everton man scoring just two league goals since signing last year.

Recruited as a potential understudy to Kane, the Brazilian has since been shifted onto the flanks this season, albeit with limited success, hence why the addition of Williams could be a perfect upgrade on the misfiring marksman.

Not only does the latter man boast the benefit of being a more natural, out-and-out winger, but he has also been far more clinical and creative in recent times, having contributed nine goals and six assists in all competitions last term – far beyond Richarlison's tally of just seven goals and assists in 2022/23.

As for the current campaign, Williams already has four assists to his name from just seven La Liga appearances, with the current Tottenham man, by contrast, racking up one goal and just three assists in nine league games in England's top-flight.

What particularly sets the Bilbao man apart is his ability to beat a man down the flanks and drive forward with the ball at every opportunity, ranking in the top 3% for progressive carries among his peers in Europe's top five leagues, as well as the top 6% for successful take-ons per 90.

With Richarlison, by contrast, ranking in just the bottom 21% and the bottom 23% for those same two metrics, respectively, it indicates the improvement that Spurs could make by bringing in the in-demand wideman in 2024.

Equally, at a time when Destiny Udogie and Pape Matar Sarr have forced their way into Postecoglou's starting side, such an exciting, youthful addition would help to maintain that trend of assembling a young and hungry squad that can be nurtured for years to come.

Manchester United are believed to be planning an offer to sign an “unplayable” Premier League player in a potential £65m deal this summer, according to a fresh update.

Man Utd defeat highlights need for signings

The Red Devils were beaten 4-3 away to Brentford on Sunday afternoon, as their hugely disappointing league campaign continues, amid their continued search for Europa League glory later this week.

The loss leaves Ruben Amorim’s side still sitting in 15th place in the table, having lost 16 of their matches in the league in 2024/25, highlighting how important it is for new signings in the summer transfer window.

Bournemouth attacker Antoine Semenyo has been linked with a move to United at the end of the season, following an impressive season for the Cherries that has seen him score nine times in the league, also bagging five assists in the competition.

Meanwhile, Lyon youngster Rayan Cherki has been mentioned as a target for the Red Devils, with the 21-year-old thought to be open about the idea of moving to Old Trafford if he is made the leading man in Amorim’s attack.

Man Utd planning offer for £65m Brentford star

According to a new update from Caught Offside, Manchester United are planning to make an offer for Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo, looking to snap him up in the summer window. The Bees could be looking for as much as £65m for the Cameroonian, with Tottenham, Arsenal and Newcastle United also interested in him.

Mbeumo has arguably been one of the Premier League’s most dangerous attacking players throughout this season, scoring 18 goals, which is only fewer than Mohamed Salah, Alexander Isak, Erling Haaland and Chris Wood.

Meanwhile, his importance isn’t lost on Brentford manager Thomas Frank, who heaped praise on him earlier in the season: “Bryan Mbeumo today was unplayable. The way he holds the ball up and links play, like today to Kevin Schade [for the fourth goal] was very impressive.”

Admittedly, Mbeumo takes up the same right-sided attacking role that Amad Diallo likes to play in, so there is a risk of blocking his path, but strong competition is needed all over the pitch.

The 25-year-old is in the perfect place to come in and be a star man from the off at Old Trafford, having already shown that he can take the Premier League by storm, bagging 68 goal contributions (40 goals and 28 assists) in 133 appearances since joining the Bees.

With the likes of Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund all arguably feeling like flawed attacking options currently, it is essential that a couple of genuinely top-level players arrive in that area this summer.

As bad as Shaw: Amorim must axe Man Utd dud after 4/10 Brentford display

Ruben Amorim must ring the changes for Manchester United’s next game.

ByMatt Dawson May 5, 2025

In Mbeumo, United could have a fantastic option who could be a key man for the next five or six years, producing relentless end product and making Amorim’s men a far greater force.

Claret and blue is one of the most famous colour combinations in all of English football, and Aston Villa & West Ham United are perhaps the two clubs most synonymous with these colours.

Both sides have enjoyed huge successes over the years and a number of players have played for both Villa and the Irons.

Here is Football FanCast's list detailing some of the best players to play for both of these teams in the Premier League era.

John Carew (Aston Villa 2007-2011; West Ham United 2011-2012)

English football fans will remember John Carew best for his time with Aston Villa, but he did have a season at the Boleyn Ground as well.

Carew joined Aston Villa in January 2007 as part of a swap deal with French side Lyon, with Milan Baros being the man to go the other way.

The Norway international reached double figures for league goals on three occasions with Villa, his highest tally being 13 from 32 appearances in the 2007/08 season.

Carew may have failed to make a long-lasting impact on the West Ham faithful but he is certainly a hero of yesteryear at Villa Park.

Carlton Cole (Aston Villa 2004-2005; West Ham United 2006-2015)

If you want a striker that is loved by all West Ham fans, look no further than Carlton Cole.

Cole scored 40 times in the Premier League for the Hammers, on top of an additional 14 during their time in the Championship.

One of his most famous goals for West Ham came at Wembley Stadium, giving them the lead in the play-off final against Blackpool. A young Tom Ince struck back before Ricardo Vaz Te wrote himself into club folklore with the winner.

Prior to arriving in east London in 2006, Cole had a loan spell at Villa from Chelsea, where he made 27 league appearances, scoring three times.

Joe Cole (West Ham United 1998-2003, 2013-2014; Aston Villa 2014-2016)

Next up is Carlton’s namesake Joe Cole, another attacking player that the West Ham fans will have fond memories of.

Cole scored that superb goal against Sweden in an England shirt at the 2006 World Cup and also won three Premier League titles in Chelsea blue. Before that, though, he played for his beloved West Ham just like Frank Lampard did.

The 41-year-old was named Hammer of the Year in 2002/03, a campaign which saw him play all but two top-flight games, scoring four times. However, he was unable to help steer the Hammers clear of relegation. Cole also scored in a 3-2 FA Cup victory over Nottingham Forest that season.

Joe Cole returned to Upton Park a decade after he first left, and after one season there, joined Villa in 2014 in what was a relatively unsuccessful spell for all concerned.

James Collins (West Ham United 2005-2009, 2012-2018; Aston Villa 2009-2012)

Welsh defender James Collins was with West Ham for a long while, though he spent three years at Aston Villa while the Hammers were relegated and promoted back to the Premier League.

He first broke through into professional football as a Cardiff City player, with his first transfer taking him to the English capital.

Collins wasn’t used as regularly as he may have liked, and so, with the 2009/10 season already underway, he jumped ship to the other team in claret and blue.

The centre-back made nearly double the number of appearances for West Ham as he did for Villa, and so is better known for playing for the former. His second spell with Villa isn't one many will recall due to the fact that he only signed a short contract and then got injured almost immediately.

Rachel Daly (West Ham United 2020; Aston Villa 2022-present)

Moving over to the Women’s Super League, where Aston Villa fans must have been on cloud nine watching Rachel Daly last season.

The striker arrived from NWSL side Houston Dash and picked up the Golden Boot having taken up a centre-forward slot for Carla Ward's side. Daly’s 22 goals were rivalled closely by Khadija Shaw of Manchester City, but it was the England star that prevailed.

Daly had been playing her club football in the US for the best part of a decade when she arrived on loan at West Ham in 2020, so fans this side of the pond weren’t used to watching her in action regularly.

Four goal contributions in less than 800 minutes represented a very solid stint in east London, but West Ham didn’t make the move permanent and it was in Birmingham where the European Championship winner truly came to the fore.

Stewart Downing (Aston Villa 2009-2011; West Ham United 2013-2015)

Stewart Downing played over 400 times for Middlesbrough and is a club legend there, as well as representing both halves of this claret and blue duo.

Aston Villa came first for Downing, making the move in 2009 from Boro following their relegation. He was always a player with a bright creative spark that could also find the back of the net himself, and that shone through during his time Villa Park.

Downing’s 11 goals and 13 assists for them is slightly better than his record of seven and 11 respectively for West Ham, with both of these returns coming in 79 outings, remarkably enough.

Marlon Harewood (West Ham United 2003-2007; Aston Villa 2007-2010)

Marlon Harewood played for a number of different clubs but only made more appearances than in his West Ham tenure with Nottingham Forest. The City Ground was his home as a youngster and made the move south to London in his mid-20s.

Alan Pardew was the man to sign Harewood for the Hammers, and he had an instant impact, scoring 17 and assisting 11 on the way to play-off promotion out of the Championship.

Harewood’s form continued up front in the top flight, including a hat-trick against who else but Aston Villa.

After four years with West Ham, the forward joined the West Midlanders but was unable to replicate his form in front of goal. Harewood scored five league goals in the 2007/08 season before spending the majority of 2009 on loan at Wolverhampton Wanderers and Newcastle United.

Thomas Hitzlsperger (Aston Villa 2001-2005; West Ham United 2010-2011)

After playing youth football in his home country of Germany, Thomas Hitzlsperger joined Aston Villa.

His professional debut came at Villa Park against Liverpool, and following a loan spell with Chesterfield, he was deemed ready to be a regular. Hitzlsperger made over 100 appearances in a Villa shirt, including 10 in the EFL Cup, scoring four goals in that tournament alone.

He left Villa for Stuttgart where he received a lot of praise from the powers that be in Germany in the form of 52 international caps.

The midfielder from Munich spent a single season at West Ham between 2010 and 2011 and was unable to make a notable impact, in truth.

Danny Ings (Aston Villa 2021-2023; West Ham United 2023-present)

Danny Ings is still a West Ham player currently and the jury is still out on him from the London Stadium faithful.

His injury issues have continued over from earlier in his career and the feisty striker has been unable to provide capable support to Michail Antonio, let alone challenge him for a starting spot under David Moyes.

Ings joined West Ham from Aston Villa, and it was definitely the latter club who got the better end of the deal.

He contributed to 22 goals in 52 Villa appearances and then the club from Birmingham secured an eight-figure fee for his services, recouping most of their outlay for him when signing from Southampton in 2021.

David James (Aston Villa 1999-2001; West Ham United 2001-2004)

At the other end of the field, David James also played for both of these clubs, with a mixture of fortunes.

Injuries and relegation struck during his time with West Ham, so Aston Villa perhaps chose the perfect time to sell once again.

James, who earned 53 caps for England, made a combined 186 appearances for these two teams, which is a decent tally no matter what.

Liverpool and Portsmouth were probably his more famous clubs, however, while it has to be said that he was prone to an error here and there.

After suffering the heartbreak of Premier League relegation, Leeds United were forced to bid farewell to a number of players in the summer transfer window, giving new manager Daniel Farke an immediate headache at the start of his tenure.

The former Norwich boss recruited well, however, alongside new owners the 49ers Enterprises, and the Whites are now in the race for automatic promotion alongside Ipswich Town and Leicester City.

Farke's attention may soon turn towards the January transfer window and keeping hold of the new stars that have emerged this season at Elland Road. The last thing he'll want is to do is lose players once again in what would be a major dent in his side's Championship promotion push. And reports suggest that the manager is set to get his wish when it comes to keeping one particular player, too.

Leeds United transfer news

Whilst exits took place during the summer, they did at least give Farke the opportunity to discover new options at Elland Road, whether through the market or the academy. And that includes Archie Gray, who has emerged as one of Leeds' standout stars this season. The teenager has taken his opportunity incredibly well and has quickly become an important part of Farke's side – so much so that the Whites may face a battle to keep hold of him.

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According to Football Insider, Leeds and the 49ers are set to reject offers for Gray during the January transfer window and are adamant that he'll be staying at the club amid reported interest from Liverpool, Everton and Crystal Palace. The midfielder's current deal runs out in 2025, which hands Leeds a fairly urgent task when it comes to securing his future in Yorkshire, and talks are thought to be in the works over a new contract.

"Fantastic" Gray has become key for Farke

Gray's stats this season show just how important he's been for Leeds. The 17-year-old has started plenty of Championship games throughout the current campaign, whether that be in midfield or at right-back, proving his versatility. Still so young, Gray is only likely to get even better, which is exciting for those at Elland Road.

Farke is certainly a fan too, speaking about Gray's ability to fill in at right-back, saying:

"For Archie, it's definitely not a bad choice at times. We don't play him there just to develop him, it's more we've got the feeling for this game, we need a player there who is capable to handle the pace and the speed and the mobility of the opponent's wingers.

"Also to play a bit more like an inverted full-back, a bit more like a traditional midfield player, Archie would have been the right choice. Thank God he repaid my trust and played some really good games there. He was fantastic in the last home game, solid last away game and he was crucial, especially in the second half."