West Ham United could be poised to sell one of their players to a top-tier football club during the upcoming January transfer window.

The window will be crucial for West Ham and potentially for Julen Lopetegui, if he remains in charge at the London Stadium.

Reports suggest the Hammers’ board is willing to give Lopetegui more time to prove himself, though opinions vary on whether this is the right decision.

If Lopetegui is allowed to strengthen the squad in January, bringing in at least two high-quality players will be essential. However, offloading underperforming players will also be a priority.

One player who appears likely to depart is Guido Rodríguez, who joined West Ham just four months ago.

According to Soy Del Millio, the 30-year-old midfielder is in discussions to join Argentine giants River Plate during the January window.

River Plate, a club with a storied history and 38 league titles in Argentina, previously welcomed former Hammer Manuel Lanzini back in the summer of 2023. Rodríguez could now reunite with Lanzini at the club.

Rodríguez’s time at West Ham has been disappointing, with the player struggling to adapt to the physical demands of the Premier League.

Despite arriving on a free transfer, his performances have not met expectations, making him one of several players viewed as surplus to requirements.

While his signing has been criticized as a poor decision, selling Rodríguez in January could represent good business for the Hammers if they manage to secure a reasonable fee for him.

While a new right-winger is reportedly Newcastle United’s primary target this winter, the club continues to be linked with center-backs as the January transfer window approaches.

Although a move for Marc Guehi appears to be on hold, reports from Italy suggest interest in AC Milan’s Fikayo Tomori, while Spanish media have introduced another potential target.

According to Sport, Newcastle have made a formal bid for Barcelona center-back Eric García. The Catalan outlet claims the Magpies have presented an offer that Barcelona finds “interesting.”

Similarly, FootballTransfers reported last week that Newcastle are considering signing the 23-year-old, who is valued at €25m.

Despite limited game time this season – García has made just four starts after an impressive loan spell at Girona – he is reportedly unwilling to leave Barcelona mid-season.

Instead, the Spaniard is determined to fight for his place under Barca boss Hansi Flick and is only open to a potential summer move.

The former Manchester City defender, who made 35 appearances for the club before joining Barcelona on a free transfer in 2021, has yet to secure a consistent role with the La Liga side.

Known for his potential and versatility – able to play as a center-back or holding midfielder – García remains determined to prove himself at the Nou Camp.

If Newcastle’s offer has piqued Barcelona’s interest but not García’s, the club must work to convince him of the benefits of returning to the Premier League or shift their focus elsewhere.

Newcastle previously pursued Marc Guehi over the summer, but it’s expected that the Crystal Palace captain will remain with his club through January, evaluating his future in the summer when he enters the final year of his contract.

Sporting director Paul Mitchell has Eddie Howe’s January wishlist in hand, but it is his responsibility to ensure Newcastle has the best chance of securing European football after narrowly missing out last season.

Mitchell must navigate PSR (Profitability and Sustainability Regulations), as it is expected that Newcastle will need to offload players before making significant signings.

The club managed to avoid a points deduction for the season by selling Elliot Anderson and Yankuba Minteh, a decision that displeased Howe.

However, there are several players who could leave in January. MLS club Charlotte FC is interested in Miguel Almiron, who came close to leaving in the summer.

Newcastle is reportedly asking for £8 million for Almiron, who also has loan interest from Premier League clubs.

Martin Dubravka might also depart, with a potential move to the Saudi Pro League in the works. The 35-year-old has started the last three games for Newcastle, keeping two clean sheets.

Additionally, one of Newcastle’s previous summer targets, Benfica defender Antonio Silva, is reportedly unhappy at his current club. Silva was linked to Newcastle in 2023, but a move was hindered by his £85 million price tag.

Silva, who has made just six appearances in Liga Portugal this season, is said to be frustrated with his reduced playing time.

Newcastle remains interested, and it’s believed they made a €50 million (£41.4 million) offer in the summer, which was rejected by Benfica.

Juventus is also monitoring the situation, though a move to Italy appears unlikely for now. Silva is seen by Newcastle as an alternative to Marc Guehi, who stayed at Crystal Palace despite multiple bids from the Magpies.

Despite limited playing time, Silva has impressed with his performances, averaging 74 passes per game with a 91.4% completion rate.

His ability to complete six long balls per game, just shy of Fabian Schar’s 10, makes him an ideal fit for Howe’s system. As Schar is now 33, Silva could be a future replacement for the Swiss international, who has been a key player in Howe’s squad this season.