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West Ham United have endured a dire start to the new Premier League season thus far, having suffered five defeats from their opening seven top-flight games, including their latest loss at the hands of fellow strugglers Everton at Goodison Park.

The Hammers must be contemplating just what has gone wrong after two hugely impressive seasons under manager David Moyes prior to the current campaign, with the former Toffees boss having secured European qualification in successive seasons.

The east Londoners had looked set to build on that recent rise having enjoyed what had appeared to be a strong window with regards to recruitment – completing eight major summer deals – although those arrivals have failed to have the desired effect thus far.

It is not just the new faces who have underwhelmed at the London Stadium in recent months, however, with Jarrod Bowen one of the notable figures to have suffered a drastic downturn in performances following what had been a sparkling 2021/22 campaign.

Plucked from Hull City in January 2020 on a £20m deal, the 25-year-old has since gone on to become a key figure for the Irons in recent seasons, scoring 29 goals and registering 23 assists in 113 games in all competitions to date.

That haul was largely bolstered by a particularly fruitful run of goalscoring form last season, as the £96k-per-week menace scored 12 goals and registered a further ten assists in the top-flight alone, while his tally of 31 goal contributions in all competitions was the highest of any player in the West Ham squad last term.

Such sparkling form has seen the former Hereford United man linked with a move to Liverpool in recent times, with the winger potentially set to command a fee of around £75m were he to be sold in the near future.

Equally, that potent attacking threat saw the forward catch the eye of England boss Gareth Southgate at the end of last season, resulting in his first appearances at senior level for his country during the Nations League meetings in June.

To the surprise of some, the £37.8m-rated man has retained his place in the Three Lions squad for the upcoming international break, despite having endured a relatively “poor start” to the season in the words of Martin Laurence.

While the new campaign is still in its infancy, Moyes will no doubt be concerned that the wide man has failed to register a single goal or assist in the league thus far, scoring his only two goals in Europa Conference League qualifying and the subsequent group stage.

Although the Hammers boss has suggested there are “signs” that Bowen could be getting back to his best, the latter man failed to make the difference once again in the recent defeat on Merseyside, failing to record a single successful dribble and losing possession 20 times from just 59 touches.

The hope will be that the Leominster-born gem can rediscover his confidence over the next week or so while on international duty, with West Ham needing him to be fit and firing once league action resumes next month.

Tottenham Hotspur transfer target Ruslan Malinovskyi wanted to join the club this summer with a report hinting he could still move in the winter.

The Lowdown: Spurs enjoy superb summer…

The Lilywhites enjoyed a superb summer, having made eight major signings in total including a permanent deal for star defender Cristian Romero.

Joining the Argentine, Ivan Perisic, Fraser Forster, Yves Bissouma, Richarlison, Clement Lenglet, Djed Spence and Destiny Udogie also put pen to paper on contracts at Spurs.

Reports suggest the north Londoners were after further additions, including Ukraine international, Ruslan Malinovskyi, but a move to the Premier League did not materialise.

The Latest: Malinovskyi preferred summer move to Spurs…

According to a new report by Tutto Atalanta, the 29-year-old had a ‘preferential’ move to Spurs in his sights during the summer window.

However, while the transfer failed to come to any fruition, the Italian source hints a deal could still happen in the winter.

Indeed, they claim that while Malinovskyi is set to stay put, this is ‘at least until January’ and they may ‘talk about him in the next winter transfer session’.

The Verdict: Move back in…

An attacking midfield addition was not added to manager Antonio Conte’s squad in time, and depending on results, Spurs should certainly consider another move for Malinovskyi in January.

He ranked in Atalanta’s top five last season for attempts at goal, key passes made and successful take-ons per 90 (WhoScored) with his manager Gian Piero Gasperini calling him ‘extraordinary’.

His international experience will be another attractive aspect for sporting director Fabio Paratici and Conte.

Pete O’Rourke has dropped a claim concerning reported Leeds United transfer target Kai Wagner.

What’s been said?

Speaking recently to Football FanCast, the journalist stated his belief that, following a number of reports linking Jesse Marsch with a $3m (£2.5m) move for the Philadelphia Union left-back this summer, the American manager will indeed be well aware of the 25-year-old due to his contacts in the MLS.

Regarding the Whites’ interest in the defender, O’Rourke said: “I’m sure he’s a player that Jesse Marsch is well aware of. With his MLS contacts, I’m sure he’s been keeping tabs on Wagner during his time at Philadelphia Union. I’m sure he’s been getting glowing reports on him from his other MLS contacts.”

Perfect for Leeds

Considering just how impressive Wagner has been in America so far this season, in addition to the fact that left-back is well-known to be a position in Marsch’s squad that requires greater depth, the argument that the German full-back would be something of a perfect signing for Leeds is an easy one to make.

With Junior Firpo having underwhelmed during his debut campaign with the Whites last season – averaging a SofaScore match rating of just 6.60 over his 24 league outings, ranking him as Leeds’ seventh-worst player in the league last time out – as well as the 25-year-old currently being sidelined due to injury, Marsch has been left with no natural left-back for the first two fixtures of the 2022/23 campaign.

And, with Wagner having very much caught the eye for Philadelphia so far in 2022, coupled with the fact that he could be available for an extremely reasonable £2.5m fee, a move for the 25-year-old would appear to be something of a no-brainer prior to September’s transfer deadline.

Indeed, over his 26 MLS appearances so far this season, the £2.7m-rated talent has been in spectacular form, helping his side keep ten clean sheets, as well as making an average of 1.8 interceptions, 1.3 tackles, 1.9 clearances and winning 3.5 duels – at a success rate of 55% – per game.

The defender has also impressed going forwards, providing five assists and creating seven big chances for his teammates, as well as making an average of 2.6 key passes – the joint ninth-most in the league – 4.1 long balls and 3.0 crosses per fixture.

These returns have seen the full-back who MLS insider Tom Bogert dubbed “elite” average a simply sensational SofaScore match rating of 7.42, ranking him as the ninth-best performer in the division.

As such, should Marsch believe that Wagner could replicate this form following a switch to Elland Road in the coming weeks, it would indeed appear as if the German’s signing should be something of a priority over the remainder of the summer transfer window – especially for a fee of just £2.5m – as the left-back would be a perfect fit for what Leeds require.

West Ham United are reportedly eyeing a move for Napoli midfielder, Fabian Ruiz, according to reports coming out of Italy.

What’s the word?

As per Il Mattino (via Sports Witness), the Hammers are said to have ‘never stopped thinking’ about the Spaniard – as well as teammate Piotr Zielinski – as manager David Moyes plots a new midfield recruit.

The suggestion is that the east London outfit are yet to tempt the Serie A side into a sale with their offers thus far, with previous reports having revealed that the 26-year-old could be available for a fee in the region of €30m (£26m), with just a year remaining on his existing deal.

Despite having already brought in Flynn Downes from Swansea City so far this summer, the Premier League side are in need of further additions in the centre of the park following the retirement of long-serving skipper, Mark Noble, having also opted against signing Alex Kral on a permanent deal.

Thiago 2.0

Dubbed an “artist” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, Ruiz is a gloriously gifted playmaker who simply oozes class when in possession of the ball, helping to keep things ticking over while also providing a cutting edge in the final third.

The £48k-per-week menace enjoyed a particularly impressive campaign last time out in Naples, netting seven goals and providing four assists in 32 league games for Luciano Spalletti’s side, while also averaging an impressive 90% pass accuracy rate per game.

Formerly of Real Betis – whom he left to join his current side back in 2018 – the 15-cap international is comfortable both in a deep-lying or more advanced midfield role, proving himself a hugely versatile and flexible asset who could well thrive in Moyes’ side.

Not only a star at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium, the £49.5m-rated gem also compares favourably among those in his position across Europe’s top five leagues, notably averaging 5.74 progressive carries and 5.35 progressive passes per game, while also ranking in the top 3% for attempted passes.

That quality with the ball at his feet sees the “spectacular” ace – as described by former Betis boss Quique Setien –  bare a striking resemblance to that of compatriot Thiago Alcantara, with the pair sharing several statistical and stylistic similarities, as per FBref.

That comparison will set pulses racing at the London Stadium such is the immense talent of the Liverpool man, with the 31-year-old simply a master of his craft and one of the most delightful footballers to watch when in his stride.

Although Ruiz has some way to go to match the consistent brilliance of the former Bayern Munich man – who averages a stunning 9.74 progressive passes and 8.39 progressive carries per game – the signs are that he is a player of similar ilk, with the Irons potentially set to have a real gem on their hands if a deal can be struck.

AND in other news: Moyes can now form “unreal” duo as WHU given green light for “limitless” £13m signing…

Wolves have regularly been linked with Sporting Lisbon midfielder Matheus Nunes throughout the summer transfer window and the Portuguese maestro could represent a big upgrade in Bruno Lage’s side next season.

What’s the word?

The 23-year-old has been heavily linked with a Premier League switch after an impressive season with Sporting, with Wolves, Chelsea and Liverpool all reportedly keen.

In a recent interview with Football FanCast, journalist Pete O’Rourke shared his views on Wolves’ interest in Nunes.

He said: “He’s attracted interest from a number of top clubs [like] Liverpool. Pep Guardiola has spoken highly of him in the past as well. So he’s obviously a very talented player and if Wolves were to get him he would definitely be a big upgrade for that midfield.”

Would Nunes be an upgrade?

Nunes’ form in the Portuguese top-flight last season emphasises just what he could add to Lage’s squad ahead of next season.

The young midfielder, who is reportedly valued at a whopping €60m (£52m), contributed three goals and two assists in 33 domestic appearances, averaging an impressive 7.08 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

According to WhoScored, Nunes’ strengths include passing, dribbling and concentration, while he has no significant weaknesses, which suggests that he could work well alongside fellow pass-masters Joao Moutinho and Ruben Neves in Wolves’ midfield.

Nunes’ average rating was better than any Wolves player would manage last season, while he also averaged more dribbles per game than everyone bar Adama Traore, which suggests that he could be a great player to carry the ball forward in Wolves’ side.

While both Neves and Moutinho are undoubtedly great players, they arguably lack the ability to burst forward with the ball at their feet, and Nunes could definitely provide a different, more dynamic option in Lage’s squad.

Considering Guardiola dubbed the 23-year-old as one of the best players in the world last season, it would be extremely impressive if Wolves could bring him in, and he would undoubtedly be a top signing for the Old Gold.

AND, in other news: Wolves plotting bid for “powerful” £120k-p/w target, he’d be a huge “weapon” for Lage…

Everton have reportedly now asked about the possibility of signing Dwight McNeil this summer.

The Lowdown: Relegated

McNeil was relegated with Burnley on the final day of the Premier League season, meaning that he will play in the Championship next term unless the Clarets can find a suitable buyer.

Dubbed a ‘sensational player‘ by The Athletic journalist Andy Jones, there is no doubt that he is still capable of performing in the top flight, having racked up over 100 appearances in the division over five consecutive seasons, scoring seven goals and making a further 17 assists (Transfermarkt).

The Latest: Enquiry

Writing in his latest piece for 90min, transfer insider Graeme Bailey has revealed that the Goodison Park outfit have now ‘asked’ about the potential to sign McNeil, although they face heavy competition for his signature.

Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United, Brentford, West Ham United and Fulham are also thought to be eyeing up the Englishman following his relegation.

The Verdict: No-brainer

Given his experience in the Premier League, and the fact that he could now be available at a cut price after relegation, it is surely a no-brainer for the Merseyside club to go and sign McNeil.

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They already look set to sign his teammate James Tarkowski, and so it should not take long for him to settle in and adapt to life under Frank Lampard.

The 22-year-old actually shares the same agent as both Anthony Gordon and Andros Townsend, and so this is a deal that shouldn’t be too difficult to negotiate if the Toffees want it.

In other news, find out what ‘amazing’ Blues update has now emerged here!

Liverpool had a rather busy season that ended with the Reds winning the FA Cup and Carabao Cup as well as making it to the Champions League final and running close to securing the Premier League title.

One figure who wasn’t really a key part in Jurgen Klopp’s squad this term was Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

Despite making 29 appearances across all competitions, the midfielder only started 17 of them, with just nine of those starts coming in the Premier League.

In fact, his final league appearance of the season came all the way back in February during the Reds’ 3-1 win over Norwich City at Anfield.

This suggests that the 28-year-old, who is currently picking up a weekly wage of £125k-per-week at the club, is not particularly high up the pecking order.

Combine that with the fact that he will be entering the final year of his contract at the end of the month, this could now be an ideal time to move him on.

One player Liverpool have been linked with recently that could replace Oxlade-Chamberlain is Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips.

Having played in 49 Premier League games throughout his two seasons in the top-flight with the Whites, the 26-year-old certainly has enough experience in him to be a ready-made first-team option for Klopp.

Labelled by Barry Douglas as a player that has “unbelievable attributes,” Phillips could offer Liverpool a lot on the pitch in terms of his work without the ball.

For example, according to FB Ref, Phillips ranks in the elite 98th percentile for his pressures, which would make him a good fit for the Reds and Klopp’s high-tempo style of play.

He also has a rating in the high 90s for his tackles and blocks, making him a very useful defensive option in midfield.

In comparison to Oxlade-Chamberlain, his ratings for defensive attributes aren’t close to the Leeds star.

Even Fabinho’s ratings don’t match up to the England international when it comes to his defensive output.

Moving forward, while it may need Liverpool to stump up a whopping £60m to sign him, adding a very capable player like Phillips to their squad would be a smart move for the Reds, especially if they’re able to get Oxlade-Chamberlain out of the club.

In other news: Imagine him & Nunez: Liverpool can form a scary duo by signing “exceptional” £50m gem

Aston Villa’s transfer business is currently in full swing, although there is still perhaps a nagging feeling that they are missing something, with the void vacated by former skipper Jack Grealish last summer having yet to be adequately filled.

The boyhood Villa man had proved instrumental in dragging the former European champions out of the second tier in 2019, before again stealing the limelight to help maintain their Premier League status the following season, netting a vital, final-day strike to ensure the club’s safety.

Another decisive season followed in the 2020/21 campaign as he bagged 16 goal contributions under then-boss Dean Smith, despite a lengthy absence that essentially put paid to any hopes of European qualification for the Midlands outfit.

Having held firm for so long, unwilling to part ways with their prized asset, a British record, £100m offer from Manchester City ultimately proved too good to ignore, with the Englishman becoming just another special talent in a squad full to the brim with quality.

Perhaps he misses his talismanic role at Villa Park, having somewhat blended into the background at the Etihad, although the 26-year-old’s decision has already resulted in silverware, as Pep Guardiola’s claimed a fourth league title in five seasons with a dramatic last day triumph against, ironically, Villa.

Jubilant scenes ensued for City – and in particular, Grealish – while Steven Gerrard’s side were left reflecting on a campaign that had ended with a whimper, the club languishing in 14th place despite spending over £100m throughout the campaign.

In the absence of their former leading man, there is no question that the club have faltered, with even the statement loan signing of Philippe Coutinho in January – a move which has since become permanent – failing to inspire too great a response, despite an early flurry of goals from the Brazilian upon his arrival.

Gerrard’s men, it would seem, are simply in need of a figurehead – a man to produce something from nothing when they need it most. Step forward, Gareth Bale.

That is the view of pundit Tony Cascarino, who suggested that the Villans may be a suitable destination for the Welshman, as reported by Birmingham Live, with the one-time Southampton man having only just confirmed his expected departure from Real Madrid after almost a decade in the Spanish capital.

It has proved a largely toxic last few years or so for the 102-cap international with Los Blancos, with the winger proving a “controversial” figure in Madrid, in the words of one journalist, for his desire to put his country over his club, a fact only heightened with that infamous ‘Wales.Golf.Madrid’ banner.

Despite that bitter and long overdue ending, the former Tottenham man has provided a good return on the La Liga side’s initial £85.3m investment, scoring 106 goals and providing 67 assists in 258 games across all competitions, winning three league titles and a staggering five Champions Leagues in that time.

The last of those European triumphs came last weekend as Carlo Ancelotti’s side ran out 1-0 winners over Liverpool in Paris, although Bale was, as expected, simply a bystander to proceedings, having largely been overlooked for selection in the most recent campaign.

That lack of game time may be a concern to Gerrard and co, although as he proved on international duty back in March, the £528k-per-week gem still has the ability to grab the game by the scruff of the neck even when not fully fit, netting twice in a vital 2-1 win over Austria in Cardiff – the winger an undoubted “legend” for his country, according to manager Robert Page.

Any doubters should also look to his form during the 2020/21 season following his return to Spurs, when he scored a remarkable 16 goals in just 20 games for the club in all competitions, 11 of those strikes coming in the league.

He may well not be what he was, although at just 32 he is still young enough to make an impact for any side, with Villa in need of someone with such game-winning nous and vast experience at the highest level, while he provides the added bonus of being available on a free.

The hole left by Grealish remains, NSWE should turn to Bale to fill it.

IN other news, Gerrard can land AVFC’s next Southgate with move for “outstanding” £120k-p/w warrior

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has now been dealt a big blow as Etihad Stadium ‘sources’ share a major exit development.

The Lowdown: Eastlands overhaul?

The signing of Borussia Dortmund superstar Erling Braut Haaland, coupled with phenomenal results against the likes of Newcastle and Wolves, have made this week one to remember for Blues.

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Putting the heartbreak of that Champions League semi-final exit at the hands of Real Madrid well and truly behind them, Guardiola’s side have displayed the mentality of real champions and exactly why they’re currently Premier League front-runners.

Still well and truly in a dogfight with arch rivals Liverpool for the domestic crown, that hasn’t stopped City officials from planning for the 2022/2023 campaign.

After Haaland, links have emerged to an array of head-turning new targets, not least Barcelona superstar Frenkie de Jong and even Man United outcast Paul Pogba.

Some of Guardiola’s first-team stars could also be on their way out of Eastlands this summer, perhaps most notably the likes of Riyad Mahrez, Gabriel Jesus and Raheem Sterling who are all out of contract in 2023 as things stand.

The Latest: Guardiola dealt Sterling blow…

90min, sharing an update on the latter man from their ‘City sources’, claim Sterling is ready to quit the Sky Blues and will now ‘inform the club’ that he ‘wants to join Barcelona this summer’.

This comes as a big blow for Guardiola who is ‘hugely keen’ to see the England international put pen to paper on fresh terms after re-instating him into the first team.

The Verdict: Bad news?

Sterling is a player who has polarised sections of the fanbase at times with some absolutely stunning performances also followed by questionable moments.

That being said, there is little doubt that the 27-year-old is a truly phenomenal player and crucial asset for Guardiola when at his very best level.

His 2019/2020 season, where he finished as City’s top goal-scorer in all competitions with over 30, is testament to this – not to mention the fact he’s just nine away from a century of top flight strikes for the club.

Scoring 131 and assisting 94 others in total since signing from Liverpool in 2015, his ability has drawn admiration from players in and outside the club.

Former Man City starlet Tosin Adarabioyo, for example, called Sterling a ‘beast’ amid his fantastic run of form for England at the Euros last year.

Indeed, when taking all of this into account, losing the Three Lions ace would be a blow for Guardiola.

In other news: Man City enter pole position to sign ‘one of the best players in the world’ after Haaland! Find out more here.

TalkSPORT punditTalkSPORT pundit Gabriel Agbonlahor has slammed a lacklustre West Ham United trio as he calls for manager David Moyes to drop them.

The Lowdown: Crucial few months…

The Hammers well and truly backed Moyes in the summer transfer market, possibly enjoying their most eventful and best ever window since the Premier League’s inception.

Alphonse Areola, Nayef Aguerd, Flynn Downes, Gianluca Scamacca, Maxwel Cornet, Thilo Kehrer, Emerson and club record signing Lucas Paqueta have all arrived at the London Stadium as West Ham aim to keep pace with England’s most elite sides.

A consequence of their signings could be the removal of certain players from the starting eleven over these crucial next few months and pundit Agbonlahor certainly knows who he wants out of Moyes’ starting eleven.

The Latest: Agbonlahor slams West Ham trio…

Speaking to Football Insider, the former Aston Villa striker claims Manuel Lanzini, Pablo Fornals and Said Benrahma aren’t good enough to be given the nod.

He explained:

“Fornals and Lanzini are not good enough. Fornals, Lanzini and Benrahma I’d put them all on the bench, not good enough.

“I’d play Paqueta, Soucek and Rice with Bowen, Antonio and Scammaca up front. That would be my team, you’ve got pace then.

“Paqueta looks like he can do a lot more than Fornals, Lanzini and Benrahma. I’m sure West Ham fans would agree.”

The Verdict: Right call?

The likes of Lanzini and Benrahma are hardly untouchables on West Ham’s team sheet but we believe Agbonlahor’s verdict on Fornals is perhaps a harsh one.

The Spaniard has started every single top flight match under Moyes so far this term whilst ranking in as the Irons’ third-best performing player by average match rating (WhoScored).

Fornals is also famed for his desire and work rate, an undoubtedly attractive trait for both the supporters and Moyes.

The 26-year-old has earned his place as a regular West Ham starter and the club’s new signings should have to work to de-throne him.