English Premier League
West Ham dealt really bad news ahead of Aston Villa clash after official FA Cup statement
West Ham fans will be hoping for a positive “new manager bounce” in the FA Cup clash against Aston Villa, with Graham Potter stepping in to replace Julen Lopetegui.
The Hammers have struggled this season, and Potter has already emphasized that addressing the team’s defensive issues is his top priority. There’s no denying that a lot of work lies ahead.
A strong performance tonight against Villa could secure progression to the fourth round, providing a much-needed morale boost for players and fans alike.
However, the team has already been hit with disappointing news even before kickoff at Villa Park. Facing Villa away is already a tough challenge, but it now seems even more daunting with the announcement that Tim Robinson will referee the match, as confirmed by the FA.
For many West Ham supporters, Robinson’s appointment is concerning. His controversial officiating during the draw with Bournemouth in February 2024 left a lasting negative impression. Robinson was widely criticized for allowing persistent fouls by Bournemouth players while penalizing nearly every challenge made by West Ham.
His refusal to let the game flow, coupled with a glaring failure to award a penalty for a clear foul on Mohammed Kudus—eventually overturned by VAR—highlighted his poor decision-making. He also made questionable calls while on VAR duty during West Ham’s match against Nottingham Forest last season.
Robinson’s track record doesn’t inspire confidence. Known for being overly card-happy, he has already issued 63 yellow cards in just 13 matches this season (Transfermarkt). Many view his officiating as inconsistent and error-prone.
To make matters worse, VAR won’t be in use at Villa Park tonight, as video technology is only implemented from the fifth round of the FA Cup. This lack of oversight further compounds concerns about Robinson’s performance in such a crucial match.
West Ham faces an uphill battle tonight, but fans will hope the team can rise above the challenges and secure a vital win.
English Premier League
Garnacho Keen on Napoli Move but Price Tag Is an Issue
Napoli has had constructive discussions with Alejandro Garnacho’s representatives, but Manchester United has placed a hefty price tag on him, making his move unlikely for now, despite the funds generated from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s sale, according to Alfredo Pedullà.
The Argentine is open to a transfer, but Manchester United has several other matters to address.
Marcus Rashford will soon make his decision, and Joshua Zirkzee’s future remains uncertain due to his limited role under Ruben Amorim. The club may not want to lose too many attackers in the same window.
Napoli began with a €45M bid for Garnacho, but it fell short of United’s demand of at least £60M. The Italian club is hesitant to use nearly all the funds from Kvaratskhelia’s departure on one player.
Garnacho is the only player directly recommended by Antonio Conte as a replacement for Kvaratskhelia, and Napoli will continue to pursue him as long as there’s any chance of securing the deal.
Juventus has made serious inquiries about him, but they are looking at a summer move. Manchester United may prefer to delay the transfer until after resolving their other priorities.
Fabrizio Romano gives Randal Kolo Muani transfer update
Manchester United had been strongly linked with PSG forward Randal Kolo Muani, who was expected to leave Paris in January. A six-month loan deal, likely with an option to buy, seemed like a perfect move for United to strengthen their struggling attack.
It was even reported that United would do everything in their power to secure Kolo Muani’s signing. However, that’s no longer the case.
Fabrizio Romano has now confirmed Kolo Muani’s loan move to Juventus for six months, without any buy option, whether permanent or optional.
Romano added that the French striker has accepted the offer and will undergo medical tests in Turin this week as Juventus bolsters their attacking squad.
This deal removes one forward from the market for United, while also concluding another transfer saga, this time involving an outgoing player.
Juventus’s Randal Kolo Muani signing gives Joshua Zirkzee clarity
The impact of Kolo Muani’s transfer will likely ripple through the market, as he was also linked to Tottenham and had an influence on Joshua Zirkzee’s future.
Zirkzee’s future at United had been uncertain until recently, with Amorim acknowledging that some movement could occur.
Juventus had been the most reliable club linked with Zirkzee, and a move there made sense for all involved. Zirkzee could reunite with Thiago Motta, Juventus would get a player they had pursued in the summer, and United could cut their losses on a player who hadn’t made much of an impact.
However, Zirkzee seems to have turned things around and can now focus on succeeding at United, especially with Juventus now signing a striker.
Given that no other clubs had been linked to Zirkzee, it seems unlikely he will move this January, particularly after Kolo Muani’s transfer to Juventus.
While a surprise move can never be entirely ruled out, it appears that Romano’s statement has resolved two transfer sagas at United—one incoming and one outgoing.
English Premier League
Aston Villa in hunt to sign Andres Garcia – report
Aston Villa are reportedly interested in signing Levante defender Andres Garcia, according to Portuguese newspaper Record.
The report suggests Villa are among the clubs eyeing the versatile 21-year-old right-back, adding him to their list of potential January defensive targets.
After already securing Donyell Malen from Borussia Dortmund this week, Villa are keen to make further winter market additions.
Strengthening the right-back position has become a priority, and Garcia is now the latest target.
In addition to his right-back role, Garcia can also play as a centre-back. His impressive performances for Levante, where he has started every match this season in Spain’s second tier, scoring three goals and providing three assists, have caught the attention of clubs such as Sporting Lisbon, Real Betis, Sevilla, and Villa.
The young talent seems promising, but Villa must act quickly.
Garcia has a £10 million release clause, which could rise to £21 million if Levante secure promotion to La Liga. Sporting believe they can sign him for around £5.9 million this winter, a fee Villa should be able to meet.
However, Villa could also shift focus to other right-back options, with Fabrizio Romano recently reporting that the club may turn their attention to Celta Vigo’s Oscar Mingueza.
Emery is keen on the 25-year-old Spanish defender, but no formal bid has been made yet. Mingueza has a £16.6 million release clause, and Villa would need to meet that amount to bring him to Villa Park.
While Garcia offers a more affordable option, Villa might ultimately need a player who can contribute immediately, making Mingueza a stronger choice.
English Premier League
‘Embarrassing’ – Darren Bent stunned by West Ham transfer news he’s told live on air
Graeme Bailey reports that West Ham have made a new offer for the 20-year-old striker, surpassing the £30 million bid, plus a young player, they proposed during the summer transfer window [Fabrizio Romano].
Since his move to the London Stadium fell through, Duran has netted 12 goals in all competitions, while Julen Lopetegui and Graham Potter have been left to rely on Niclas Fullkrug and Danny Ings.
Speaking live via talkSPORT [14 January, 4:37pm], Andy Goldstein said: “They offered £35million and Aston Villa wanted £40million, and now they’ve gone back going, ‘Do you remember that bid we put in?’
Bent simply said: “Yeah, it’s embarrassing,” as Goldstein continued: “Does Villa’s valuation of £60million feel a bit cheap? I think it does.
Bent replied: “Someone will pay it. If he continues at the rate he’s going, he’s looking really good. He had a bit of a malfunction against Newcastle, losing his head a bit after being sent off for studding someone in the back.
“Before that, he looked every bit as good of a player we thought he’d be. £60million is nothing – someone will pay that.”
West Ham United to finally strike deal for Jhon Duran?
Potter is urgently seeking a new striker before the winter transfer window closes next month, with Michail Antonio still recovering from a car crash and Fullkrug facing another injury setback.
Although Danny Ings remains in the squad, he struggled for appearances under Lopetegui and appears to have slipped down the pecking order, especially after the latest injury blow.
David Sullivan was willing to spend during the summer transfer window, bringing in several new players, but Duran wasn’t one of them.
For reasons that remain unclear, the Hammers didn’t budge by a few million to secure the talented striker’s signature, a decision that has faced heavy criticism from fans.
Even as a backup to Ollie Watkins, Duran has scored seven Premier League goals, despite starting only four of his 18 appearances, with five more goals in all competitions.
Tim Steidten must surely regret not finalizing the transfer last window.
-
English Premier League2 weeks ago
Arsenal ‘agree terms’ with Premier League forward, could cost over £50m
-
Tennis1 month ago
Jimmy Connors shares honest opinion on Novak Djokovic hiring Andy Murray as coach
-
Tennis1 month ago
Andy Murray showcases his acting skills in a new TV commercial, portraying a fugitive on the run.
-
Tennis1 month ago
Andy Murray expected to miss Novak Djokovic’s first tournament of 2025
-
English Premier League1 week ago
Arsenal to sign “world-class” £58m “machine” who could be their own Gyokeres
-
English Premier League1 month ago
West Ham Board Split Could Save Lopetegui
-
English Premier League1 month ago
Premier League announce official Newcastle United decision after ‘unacceptable’ Ipswich Town claim
-
Championship1 month ago
Frank Lampard makes four changes to his Coventry City side to face Millwall at The Den