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Leeds United are back in Premier League action this evening as they welcome West Ham United to Elland Road in what is a clash at the foot of the table.

Both teams have struggled so far this campaign and with the Whites winless in four outings across all competitions, manager Jesse Marsch needs to find a solution fast or he’ll risk his side facing a relegation fight for the second successive season.

The Hammers are just two points behind the west Yorkshire outfit and occupy that final spot of safety, so a defeat tonight could be disastrous for Leeds.

Marsch’s side have looked woeful in the final third, having managed just two shots on target in their last two games, albeit against defending champions Manchester City and the division’s best defensive side in third-placed Newcastle United.

One player who has epitomised the struggles is Jack Harrison, who is on a barren run of 12 games without a goal or assist. He was one of the poorer players against the Magpies, having lasted a little over an hour before being hooked.

The 26-year-old looked a bit lost as suggested by LeedsLive reporter Beren Cross after the game:

“Harrison, unfortunately for him, it just continued in the same vein that he finished the first phase of the season in.

“Really not having any real impact on the match in any way at all. Going under the radar, not making an impression in an attacking or defending sense.”

Well, the Whites cannot afford to carry a passenger in what is one of their most important games of the season, so Marsch must make the ruthless call to axe him from the starting XI, something he has only done once in the top-flight this campaign.

The £50k-per-week winger – once dubbed “awful” by CBS Sports’ Jake Winderman – has been a shadow of the star that bagged eight goals and eight assists in 2020/21 before another eight-goal return last term, having only found the net just once from 13 starts, via FBref.

Harrison is also registering fewer shots per game than seven other players, which is the worst of all but two of Marsch’s other attacking options (Joe Gelhardt and Wilfried Gnonto).

Such poor form would usually see a player dropped without question but injuries to his nearest challengers have kept that at bay for now, though with Crysencio Summerville lurking, it could be time for that to happen.

His inclusion in the starting XI is only holding Leeds back right now, so the American head coach must make the bold decision to name one of his favourites in Harrison on the bench against the Hammers this evening.

AND in other news, Orta could sign Leeds’ next Milner in swoop for £40m “leader” who’s “Mr Dependable”…

West Ham United still have a chance of signing Torino right-back Ola Aina, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

The Lowdown: West Ham’s Aina interest

West Ham enquired about the availability of Aina back in September, with it being reported that they went as far as launching a £3.4m bid for the right-back, but they were unsuccessful in bringing him to the London Stadium.

However, the Hammers’ current options in his position have struggled this season, with Roshane Thomas slamming Thilo Kehrer after the recent match against Leeds United, while Vladimir Coufal has received online backlash from fans for his performances.

The Latest: Deal still possible

With the position becoming a problem for David Moyes, Jones has now claimed that the Nigerian could still be signed, telling GIVEMESPORT:

“There is still a chance. He is one of the options that they’ve had in mind.

“Honestly, there are three or four teams at the moment with him on a shortlist. It’s not 100% that he moves in this transfer window at all, but given the amount of interest it does seem like it’s feasible.”

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The Verdict: Make it happen

Dubbed ‘Mr Versatile’ by Fulham podcaster Sammy James, the 26-year-old is able to play at right-back, left-back and left-midfield, according to Transfermarkt, meaning that he could also provide back-up for Aaron Cresswell.

The London-born defender has missed the last 11 games through a bicep injury, but when he has had the opportunity to play he has often impressed, particularly in his last outing against Udinese, in which he scored and received the highest SofaScore rating of any player.

West Ham’s priority in January should be a striker, given that they are the joint-third lowest scorers in the league, but if Aina does become available, then it is a deal that they should definitely pursue.

Everton are one of a number of Premier League clubs interested in signing exciting Lorient striker Terem Moffi, according to a new transfer update.

The Lowdown: Everton lacking firepower

The Blues are in a dreadful run of form currently, with Frank Lampard’s side sitting 18th in the table and looking set for another tense relegation battle.

A lack of firepower has been an issue all season long – Anthony Gordon and Demarai Gray are Everton’s joint-top scorers in the Premier League with three goals apiece, which sums it up.

A new attacker is badly needed in the January transfer window and it looks as though they have their eye on Moffi.

The Latest: Blues linked with Moffi signing

According to Football Insider, the 23-year-old is wanted by the Blues, but they are battling with Newcastle United, Southampton, Aston Villa, West Ham, Leicester City and Bournemouth for his signature.

Moffi’s current Lorient deal expires at the end of next season, meaning the French side are running out of time to receive a sizeable fee for his services.

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The Verdict: Great option for Lampard

Moffi could be exactly what Everton are looking for in this window, with the Nigerian already bagging 11 goals in 16 Ligue 1 starts this season, as well as being described as ‘superb’ by football talent scout Jacek Kulig.

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While the step up to the Premier League is undeniably great, the Lorient man can’t do much worse than the Blues’ current options, with summer signing Neal Maupay netting just once in 13 league outings.

It clearly won’t be easy for Everton to get their man – Newcastle look a particularly exciting proposition at the moment – but Lampard may feel that Moffi can be the season-changing player he needs in the final third.

Arsenal have made a €70million (£62m) offer for Shakhtar Donetsk star and long-time transfer target Mykhaylo Mudryk, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The Lowdown: Mudryk Arsenal’s main target

The 22-year-old has been the Gunners’ primary transfer target in recent weeks, as they look the get a deal over the line during the January transfer window.

Chelsea have also emerged as potential contenders to sign Mudryk but Arsenal have felt like the front-runners and the player himself seemingly wants to move to north London.

Now, another key update has emerged, as Arteta looks to seal a significant piece of business.

The Latest: Big-money offer made

Writing on Twitter on Thursday night, Romano claimed that Arsenal have submitted a roughly €70million (£62m) for Mudryk, with ‘negotiations ongoing’:

“EXCL: Arsenal new official proposal for Mykhaylo Mudryk is close to €70m fee plus add-ons, submitted tonight as revealed earlier.

“Negotiations ongoing with Shakhtar Donetsk to discuss on the add-ons package. No issues on personal terms, Mudryk wants the move.”

Not only that, but the Ukrainian posted on Instagram with a praying emoji, further suggesting that he hopes the bid is accepted.

The Verdict: Matter of time?

It does feel like a matter of time until Shakhtar eventually cave in to Arsenal, with Mudryk clearly so keen on joining an exciting revolution under Arteta.

The forward looks like a special prospect with a massive future, having been tipped to be a future Ballon d’Or winner by current Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi.

Mudryk registered five goal contributions (three goals and two assists) in six games in this Champions League group stage and he could be an exceptional signing by Arsenal, dovetailing to perfection with the likes of Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Sako and Gabriel Martinelli, operating predominantly as a left-sided attacker this season.

If Mudryk comes in, it could even be that Arteta uses Martinelli down the middle in place of Eddie Nketiah, despite the latter’s good recent form, in order to fit their new signing into the team.

Leeds United could be set to make a miraculous turnaround in their pursuit of a top target…

What’s the latest?

That’s according to journalist Pete O’Rourke, who offered an update on the Whites’ interest in Azzedine Ounahi.

Whilst it had seemed like Napoli might run away with the transfer, of which Angers are demanding £26m, Victor Orta seems to have pulled something of a turnaround as detailed in O’Rourke’s interview for GIVEMESPORT.

He claimed: “I think it’ll have to be a big deal. They’ve been in talks over a possible move but have been unable to agree any fee with Angers right now.

“Obviously, Angers are going to be looking for a big-money offer considering how well the player performed for Morocco at the World Cup, so that will raise his price tag and also other clubs interested in his services, with Napoli keen to do a deal.”

Ditch Forshaw

It seems like this has been a saga that has dragged on for months, but now it seems like it could come to a close with either the Yorkshire or the Italian outfit set to swoop on the Moroccan superstar.

Should Jesse Marsch secure his man, it could spell the end of Adam Forshaw’s time at Elland Road, who has seen his play time dwindle since returning to the Premier League.

The 31-year-old has featured 84 times for Leeds, yet has only managed five short appearances this campaign amidst his imminent contract expiry in the summer.

What will further encourage his potential departure is his displays across the 33 minutes per game he is averaging, as he has been handed a 6.48 rating for those performances too.

To replace him with the fresh talents of Ounahi would be a masterstroke, as his injection of energy and skill is sure to offer a big upgrade on the midfield stalwart.

Having already starred in Qatar, where he proved his ability to shine on the biggest stage, he could now join Marsch’s revolution in an attempt to secure a much safer finish than last season, with an eye to continually improving with each year.

Earning a 6.97 average rating at the World Cup, he would outline his tough nature but show glimpses of the classy playmaker he might transition into. Even Jose Mourinho lauded him as “incredible” for his country.

As such, he recorded 1.3 tackles and one interception alongside 0.9 key passes per 90, statistics which he upholds in the domestic game as outlined by the fact he records the same number of tackles and interceptions, but improves his key passes to 1.1 per game (via Sofascore).

This is married with an ability with the ball at his feet unmatched across Europe, with the maestro ranking in the top 1% for dribbles completed when compared with other midfielders across the continent.

To replace Forshaw with Ounahi is a no-brainer, with the 22-year-old already offering far more than the ageing stopper could.

However, Orta will have to continue fighting hard to secure his signature.

Presenter ExWHUemployee has claimed that Rafa Benitez is his personal favourite to become West Ham United manager if David Moyes is sacked.

What’s the word?

Seeing as the Hammers currently sit just two places and one spot above the bottom three having managed just five wins from 20 Premier League games so far, the current boss could be on his way out of the club soon.

And while a win over Everton on the weekend may have eased some of the pressure – the same couldn’t be said about his opposition number Frank Lampard – Moyes isn’t quite out of the woods just yet.

Indeed, if form remains inconsistent it’s hard to imagine he will remain in the job for much longer, although the board will supposedly back him for the time being.

That is according to Ex who has revealed that Moyes almost certainly be in charge for the club’s next game against Derby County in the FA Cup.

However, the insider did also tip Benitez as his favourite to potentially come in, explaining on Monday’s edition of The West Ham Way podcast: “I think there’s nothing, no manager you could say is definitely the one for West Ham.

“But Rafa Benitez, if I was to put money on it being one of them, it would be him at the moment with Sean Dyche maybe an outside one at the moment.

“But they’ve [the board] already stated they want to stick with Moyes. I’d be hugely surprised if David Moyes is not the manager for Derby.”

Time for a change?

Beyond this personal call by Ex, Benitez has actually been linked with the job in a recent report by The Telegraph which also named Nuno Espirito Santo as an option to come in and help steady the ship until the end of the season.

Of course, with Lampard being sacked this week, Everton are in the market for a new manager which could take some options away from West Ham.

For instance, Dyche seems to be in the running for that job with the Toffees. If he was to end up in Merseyside, it would surely only enhance Benitez’s chances of joining the Hammers.

Having spent time at Everton, Newcastle United, Chelsea and Liverpool in the past, the Spaniard certainly could be expected to come in and make an immediate impact if the Irons need.

For now, though, it seems as though Moyes will be given every chance to turn things around himself.

Chelsea are one of several big clubs who are interested in signing Inter Milan right-back Denzel Dumfries, whose agent has been in contact over a possible move, according to a transfer report from Italy.

The Lowdown: Dumfries shines at World Cup

The 26-year-old has impressed at the last couple of major tournaments for the Netherlands, catching the eye at both Euro 2020 and the 2022 World Cup, with three goal contributions in each of those.

In Qatar, Dumfries registered two assists and also chipped in with a goal against the USA, being hailed as a ‘brilliant’ player by Micah Richards and a ‘breath of fresh air’ by Rio Ferdinand.

It could be that the Dutchman’s future lies away from Inter Milan as he looks for a fresh challenge, which is where Chelsea come into the picture – along with other prospective suitors.

The Latest: Chelsea contacted over Dumfries

According to Italian outlet Calciomercato, the Blues are interested in signing Dumfries, whose current deal at Inter expires at the end of the 2024/25 season.

Manchester United and Bayern Munich are also believed to be in the mix, in what looks like a strong battle for his signature, with all three clubs reportedly in contact with agent Rafaela Pimenta over a possible €50m+ (£44m) transfer.

The Verdict: Good competition for James

Dumfries could be a strong prospective signing for Chelsea, especially considering how often he has played as a right wing-back for both Inter and Netherlands in a 3-5-2 formation, a system that Graham Potter has used a few times at Stamford Bridge already.

The £55k-per-week defender could provide good competition for Reece James, admittedly having to accept being likely second choice initially but potentially profiting from the Englishman’s ongoing injury problems.

A tally of seven goals and 10 assists in 68 appearances for Inter highlights his attacking quality, while also finding the net six times for his country.

Whether or not Dumfries is content with possibly being a squad player at Chelsea could be pivotal in deciding his next club, though, with James likely to be Potter’s first-choice when fit, having been a regular for the past two full seasons.

An update has emerged regarding Alex Pritchard’s availability ahead of Sunderland’s clash against Millwall this weekend…

What’s the talk?

The Black Cats travel away from Wearside to face the Lions in the Championship this afternoon, and Tony Mowbray has revealed that the English midfielder is on course to be available for selection.

When asked about Pritchard and Dennis Cirkin’s fitness on Friday, the Black Cats boss told the Sunderland Echo: “They should both be out there training with us today, Alex has been training all week.

“I think they’re just about there and all being well they’ll be coming with us today. I’ll speak to Alex after today’s training, we’re mindful that we don’t repeat what happened last time where he maybe came back a day or too early because he was so desperate to be involved.

“He’ll have had a full week if he comes through today and that hopefully means he can play some part for us tomorrow. That’s good for us because we need those options in the front end of the pitch.”

Big boost for Sunderland

Sunderland were in desperate need of some good news after it was confirmed that centre-forward Ross Stewart is set to miss the rest of the season through injury.

The return of Pritchard, who has not played since the turn of the year, is a welcome relief and a huge boost for Mowbray after taking such a big hit with Stewart.

In the Championship this season, the English midfielder has caught the eye with his creative displays in the middle of the park. The former Huddersfield and Norwich playmaker has averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.03 in the division, scoring twice and setting up three goals for his side in 23 appearances.

Only Stewart (7.40) has averaged a higher Sofascore rating than Pritchard for the Black Cats, and this indicates that the 29-year-old has been one of the team’s top performers so far. He has created 0.4 more chances per game than any other player in the Sunderland squad in the league this term, which suggests that he is by far the team’s most creative player.

Therefore, having the midfielder back and available for selection – whether that is from the start or off the bench – is a big boost for Mowbray, as Pritchard has proven himself to be an excellent performer at this level.

The dynamo is a creative talent who could provide Joe Gelhardt with the chances that he needs in order to thrive at the top end of the pitch during his loan spell from Leeds, and Sunderland supporters could hopefully get their first glimpse of that link-up this afternoon.

BBC radio host and comedian Maisie Adam has claimed the future of Tottenham Hotspur star Harry Kane is “a ticking time bomb” as he could leave this summer.

What’s the word?

There was no strong expectation that the Englishman would abandon Spurs mid-way through the current campaign and with the January transfer window now closed any concerned fans can relax on that front anyway.

However, when the season is over, the summer market will open and Kane will have just one year left on his contract which expires in 2024. While the player is said to be open to extending, nothing is set in stone yet.

Manchester United seem to be one name perpetually linked with a move for Kane while Bayern Munich also remain very much in the picture. With giants such as that interested, a summer saga could potentially develop.

Adam certainly seems to think so. Indeed, while speaking about what future transfer will be “one to watch” next summer on BBC Sounds’ Transfer Gossip Daily, she made her point clearly.

The host said: “Obviously it’s going to be Kane again, obviously. It’s a ticking time bomb, surely. Surely!”

Talk about statement signing

While it’s unclear if Kane will commit his future to Spurs, doubt also remains over the future of manager Antonio Conte. The Italian’s contract is up in the summer and if he won’t be at the club, then perhaps his star striker will be on the move too.

Of course, the 29-year-old has a lot of love for the club and is now a legend in his own right, regardless of his empty trophy cabinet, having equalled Jimmy Greaves’ record as Tottenham’s all-time top scorer netting his 266th goal in a Premier League win over Fulham.

Still, it’s hard not to escape the feeling that the England captain may be ready to seek out a new challenge as he comes into the latter stages of his career (turning 30 this summer). A past attempt to try and force a move to Manchester City proves that he was once open to leaving north London.

For now, it seems as though Spurs fans best enjoy their key man for the rest of the season because dark clouds of uncertainty may soon begin to hang over Kane’s head.

Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou will no doubt be considering his team selection ahead of Saturday’s Scottish Cup meeting at home to St Mirren, with the title-winning coach likely to be contemplating whether to rotate his charges for the visit of Stephen Robinson’s side.

One man who should well be exempt from dropping out of the side, however, is man of the moment, Aaron Mooy, with the experienced Aussie having been in truly “outstanding” form in recent months, according to his manager.

Having seemingly benefitted from his “immense” displays at the World Cup in Qatar, as per journalist Josh Bunting, the 32-year-old has forced his way firmly into the starting lineup of late, with previous regular Matt O’Riley having been usurped as the Old Firm outfit’s creative hub.

The former Huddersfield Town playmaker currently boasts a tally of six goals and six assists in all competitions so far this term, having most recently netted a delightful dinked effort in the win away at St Johnstone at the weekend.

The manner in which the 57-cap maestro – who has been described as a “leader” for his country by national team boss Graham Arnold – lofted the ball over the onrushing Remi Matthews was a testament to his burgeoning confidence, with it looking as if he is now “one of Celtic’s best”, according to writer Sacha Pisani.

This upcoming clash with the Buddies will seemingly allow the 5 foot 9 ace the chance to showcase just how far he has come since his initial struggles following his free transfer arrival, having been hooked at half-time in the meeting in Paisley back in September on what was his first league start for the club.

That rather limp showing from the £23k-per-week man – in which he failed to win any duels nor register any key passes – sparked notable criticism from former Parkhead hero, Stiliyan Petrov, who suggested that Mooy should have done better to track Mark O’Hara for the Buddies’ opener.

Another former Bhoys man, Charlie Nicholas, was also critical of Mooy’s display at the time, stating that the new man had looked ‘off the pace’ whenever he had featured in the early weeks of the season.

Since enjoying a regular run in the side following the league’s resumption in December, however, the one-time Brighton and Hove Albion gem has begun to truly showcase his class, firmly quashing those doubts over his suitability to life in Glasgow.

The aim will be for the in-form asset to maintain that hot streak on Saturday evening against one of his former employers, with the Saints no doubt set to be fearful of facing a player who looks somewhat unstoppable at present.