Leeds United are continuing to perform in the Premier League, despite some obstacles being in their way.

Even with first-team stalwart Joe Rodon being on the sidelines through injury, Daniel Farke’s men have managed to battle well to two draws on the spin versus Liverpool and Manchester United, the second of which saw Ruben Amorim lose his job at the Red Devils.

Farke’s men are now eight points clear of the Premier League drop zone, but the German won’t be counting his chickens just yet when it comes to survival, with the ex-Norwich City manager surely keen for some January additions at Elland Road to boost his valiant team even more.

Leeds well placed to secure Premier League defender's signature

The likes of Sebastiaan Bornauw have bravely stepped up into the first team ranks, with Rodon out with an ankle problem, winning three duels when facing off against the visitors from Manchester.

Still, Farke won’t be completely content with the depth at his disposal in the centre-back positions, even as the Welshman edges closer to being fully fit, as a move for Union Berlin battler Danilho Doekhi continues to be talked up in West Yorkshire.

However, instead of shopping in Germany, Leeds could win themselves a Premier League-recognised defender with Football Insider revealing that the Whites are still well-placed to welcome Axel Disasi to Elland Road before the window is up despite the arrival of Liam Rosenior at Chelsea.

The report states that the top-flight newcomers have identified the ex-AS Monaco man as an ideal centre-back target, with a loan deal until the end of the season the expected move, to ensure Leeds are well-stocked at the back in the short-term. It’s said that a deal is already in the ‘advanced stages’.

Despite his complete lack of action this season at Stamford Bridge, this could go down as a shrewd bit of business, with Disasi impressing in flashes at Aston Villa on loan last campaign.

How Disasi can be Leeds' next Ampadu

Farke has been here before in shopping for Chelsea outcasts, with Ethan Ampadu once stuck on the fringes of the West London giants, before becoming a key first-team presence under the German’s wing.

It must feel like a lifetime ago for Ampadu that he was scrambling for any senior minutes he could get his hands on at Chelsea, with the 25-year-old now a crucial cog in Farke’s Premier League machine, as Leeds’ never-say-die captain.

Indeed, the £7m forked out on Ampadu’s services to free him of his Chelsea nightmare has gone down as money very well spent, with the 59-time Wales international turning into a resilient Championship title-winner at Elland Road, alongside now becoming a Premier League regular in West Yorkshire.

With an 86% pass accuracy average this season in league action, alongside winning a gutsy 4.9 duels per game, Ampadu has only improved up a division as a warrior for his side, with the number four very much living up to his “indispensable” tag once handed to him by scout Jacek Kulig.

Disasi will be aiming to have a similar redemption arc at Elland Road, if a move can be sealed before February’s deadline, having actually excelled at Chelsea in the past to prove he’s a Premier League-ready performer, before his minutes horribly dried up.

Disasi’s PL numbers

Stat (* = per 90 mins)

23/24

24/25

Games played

31

13

Games started

29

9

Goals scored

2

1

Assists

0

0

Touches*

82.1

52.2

Accurate passes*

64.3 (91%)

37.7 (90%)

Ball recoveries*

4.8

2.3

Clearances*

3.1

2.2

Total duels won*

4.3

3.1

Clean sheets

5

2

Stats by Sofascore

In the heart of Chelsea’s defence during his debut season on English shores, the Frenchman would be noted as a “dominant” presence in the air by the aforementioned Kulig, winning 4.3 duels a game, not too far off Ampadu at his Leeds peak.

Subscribe to our newsletter for Leeds transfer insights Want deeper context? Subscribe to the newsletter for analysis of Leeds’ transfer targets, player form and Premier League survival scenarios—detailed coverage and context on moves like Disasi and what they mean for the club.

---

Subscribe By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Additionally, with two clean sheets collected on loan at Villa from just nine starts, Disasi would be hopeful that he could be seen as a dependable figure Farke can rely on, much like Ampadu has grown into after deserting West London.

Disasi is clearly a talent that could explode back into life under the right management, having once been branded as Chelsea’s “best player” on a stern away trip to Manchester City by Sky Sports’ Jamie Carragher, with Farke perhaps the motivating force he needs when considering Ampadu’s unbelievable turnaround.

He could soon work that same magic on the forgotten 27-year-old, as Farke continues to utilise his full squad between now and May, so Leeds don’t run out of steam in their efforts to remain in the Premier League.

Related Worth £18m: 49ers could sign an even bigger talent than Aaronson for Leeds

Leeds United could sign an even bigger talent than Brenden Aaronson with a swoop for this star in January.

Posts ByDan Emery

There’s been no such thing as home comforts for Manchester United of late, with Tuesday’s dour draw with bottom-side Wolverhampton Wanderers having been the fourth time in their last five Old Trafford outings that the Red Devils have failed to win on home soil.

In the absence of Bruno Fernandes and co, Ruben Amorim’s men were simply devoid of creativity and spark, with it taking a fortunate deflection for Joshua Zirkzee to eventually nudge the hosts ahead.

Pegged back before the break, there was to be no second-half surge akin to the win at Molineux not too long ago, with United’s desperate night epitomised late on, as the ageing Casemiro was caught out after labouring on the ball inside the Wolves half.

A collective groan went round the Theatre of Dreams as the 33-year-old had his pocket picked, with the midfielder failing to slide in Brazil teammate Matheus Cunha ahead of him.

In truth, the pairing of the £70m man and Manuel Ugarte simply didn’t work against Rob Edwards’ plucky outfit, with a new midfielder a necessity when the window opens next month.

Man Utd already making calls over midfield signing

After a summer that saw United sound out a possible deal for Brighton’s Carlos Baleba, rumours are also rife that INEOS could look to Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson in 2026, following a breakthrough few months for the England international.

The problem? Neither of those two Premier League rivals is set to sell on the cheap, amid reported £100m plus price tags, with it far more likely that any deal would have to take place over the summer instead.

Indeed, there needs to be a sense of realism over what United can and can’t do in the market next month, after an over £200m outlay last time out, with more affordable, short-term deals needed in January.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

Expand Collapse

It would appear that the club themselves are aware of that, with journalist Ben Jacobs revealing that INEOS have already been making calls over a possible move for Al Hilal star Ruben Neves.

That interest isn’t believed to have progressed to anything more, although that contact comes amid the Portuguese’s expiring contract, ensuring he could be available for a knock-down price in the winter window.

Prior reports have indicated that the ex-Wolves man could be available for as little as £20m.

Why Neves signing could spell the end for Casemiro

Ignoring his significant fee and £350k-per-week salary, Casemiro has been a solid servant for United in recent years, scoring 21 times in all since his arrival in 2022, four of which have come this season.

That said, with his own deal running out in January, the Brazil skipper is coming to the climax of his Old Trafford journey, with Tuesday’s display again highlighting his physical shortcomings.

In all, the experienced warrior has now been dribbled past 1.1 times per game in the Premier League this season, as per Sofascore.

For context, Arsenal’s Declan Rice and Chelsea’s Moises Caicedo have been dribbled past just 0.5 and 0.7 times per game, respectively, in 2025/26.

Perhaps Casemiro is merely being exposed by Amorim’s tactical set-up, but either way, a suitable replacement needs to be found. Neves might just be that.

Lauded as arguably the “most underrated player in world football” in recent years by analyst Raj Chohan, the 28-year-old is a man of proven Premier League experience, having made 177 appearances in the competition during his stint at Molineux, chalking up 30 goal involvements in that time.

While not prolific, the one-time Porto captain does have that knack for the spectacular, regularly seen rifling home from range during his days with the Old Gold.

Subscribe to our newsletter for Man United transfer insight Unpack Manchester United’s midfield needs and transfer options with our newsletter — subscribing provides focused, evidence-based analysis, tactical context, and realistic market appraisal so you can follow the key decisions shaping the club.

---

Subscribe By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Of course, there might be concerns that he has been plying his trade out in Saudi Arabia for the last two years or so, although he has registered 39 goals and assists in 108 games in that time, while remaining part of the national team set-up.

Neves vs Casemiro – 25/26 League Stats

Stat (*per game)

Neves

Casemiro

Games

10

17

Goals

4

4

Assists

0

1

Big chances created

3

1

Key passes

1.5

0.6

Pass accuracy

91%

82%

Total duels won

58%

52%

Dribbled past

0.9

1.1

Stats via Sofascore

The 63-cap Portugal star was also mixing it with the Premier League’s best during his final season in the Midlands, with FBref noting that two of the most statistically similar midfielders to him in the division at the time were the aforementioned Rice and Caicedo.

He was in good company then, and a move back to England could well see him emerge as a vital, if not underrated, figure in Amorim’s midfield unit, with such a deal potentially set to prove the final nail in the coffin for Casemiro’s Old Trafford stay.

Experienced, but still in his peak years, Neves is the ready-made successor to the South American that United are in desperate need of.

Related Amorim must never start £470k-p/w Man Utd duo together again after Wolves

Manchester United rounded off 2025 with a typically limp performance at Old Trafford.

Posts ByRobbie Walls

As per Claret & Hugh, sharing what that they heard from a ‘top club insider’, some potentially exciting transfer news has come out of West Ham involving Czech Republic star Patrik Schick.

The Lowdown: West Ham falter in bid to sign a striker…

Over the January tranfser window, the Hammers failed in multiple attempts to bring a striker to east London, with substantial bids lodged for the likes of Darwin Nunez and Duvan Zapata.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/west-ham-latest-developments-3/” title=”West Ham latest developments!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

Offers for the strikers simply weren’t enough to prise them away from their current clubs given the late nature of those attempts, and David Moyes will have to wait until the summer to try again.

However, in a bit of good news for Irons supporters, it appears that West Ham could be ready to back a ‘huge striker bid’.

The Latest: Top West Ham insider makes Schick claim…

According to Claret & Hugh, as per a ‘top club insider’, West Ham and new board member Daniel Kretinsky could be ready to back a big bid to sign Bayer Leverkusen star Schick.

It is believed that Kretinsky is a big fan of the attacker, who has scored a remarkable 20 goals in as many Bundesliga matches this season.

The Verdict: Exciting claim…

Given that Leverkusen will apparently demand around £50m for Schick, news that Kretinsky could be ready to back Moyes with a big-money bid comes as very promising.

The 26-year-old’s goal return is certainly an incentive to move, with Leverkusen’s managing director of sport Rudi Völler also making some pretty wild comparisons. The former Germany boss likened Schick to superstar strikers Erling Haaland and Robert Lewandowski, all while labelling the towering 6 foot 3 striker a ‘world class’ player (Bundesliga).

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

If West Ham do get backed by Kretinsky, the summer transfer window could certainly be an interesting one for the Irons faithful.

In other news: Talks scheduled: Insider drops fresh update as Moyes eyes ‘massive statement’ at West Ham…find out more here.

Leeds United have only had one game with their new manager Jesse Marsch in charge, which saw the Yorkshire club lose 1-0 against Leicester City at the weekend.

Even though the Whites still have a challenge on their hands to stay in the Premier League before the end of the season, it seems as though some signs have emerged regarding what the club could look to do once the upcoming summer transfer window opens.

What’s the latest?

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, journalist Pete O’Rourke had this to say about the possibility of the Elland Road outfit making a move to sign Liverpool attacker Takumi Minamino, who they have been linked with in the past, during the upcoming summer transfer window.

He said: “Yeah, I still think it’s a position that Leeds need to strengthen.

“They’ve been so badly hit by Patrick Bamford’s absences this season through injury; they haven’t got much up there. Jesse Marsch knows all about him from his time at RB Salzburg.”

It was thought the player could cost as much as £20m as recently as January.

Dream deal for Leeds

Since joining the Merseyside club back in the 2020 January transfer window from Salzburg, the Japanese international has not found regular game time particularly easy to come by. However, he has managed to make himself a useful attacking presence when he has played, scoring 13 goals and providing three assists in 53 appearances.

Having been praised for his “complete” performances in the past by Jurgen Klopp, the 27-year-old had made 22 appearances under Marsch during their time together in Austria where the attacker racked up nine goals and 11 assists.

Taking this into account, it would be safe to assume that the 48-year-old would be delighted if he were able to reunite with Minamino at Leeds, sealing a dream first deal during his stint at Elland Road.

Minamino would undoubtedly add an extra attacking dynamic to his team, which is something that they have needed throughout this season with just 29 goals scored in 27 played league games compared to the 43 they had netted at this stage in their previous campaign.

With a significant amount of experience playing in Europe and winning trophies with Liverpool and Salzburg, securing the winger’s signature in the summer could be a dream deal for Victor Orta to complete too, handing the new manager at Thorp Arch a good start in building the team to how he would want it to be.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Furthermore, he’s been in good form too with his brace against Norwich last week drawing comparisons to one of Liverpool’s finest, as Ian Doyle claimed he was the “new Luis Suarez.” That might be a stretch too far but it shows how appreciated he is at Anfield.

With that in mind, if the Whites were to drop back down to the Championship, this would surely make it a lot harder for them to convince the Reds attacker to swap Merseyside for Yorkshire.

In other news: Huge boost: Phil Hay drops teasing 9-word Leeds update that will have fans elated – opinion

Tottenham Hotspur’s inconsistencies continued under Antonio Conte as his side were beaten by a Cristiano Ronaldo masterclass at Old Trafford on Saturday evening.

Spurs twice responded to the Portuguese’s efforts but the 37-year-old headed home a corner from Alex Telles just nine minutes from time to hand Manchester United all three points on their own turf.

The north Londoners have slipped to seventh in the standings, as a result.

Conte will surely be seething on his way back to Hotspur Way after his side leaked more goals, in fact, it’s now 15 goals conceded across their last nine league outings.

Sergio Reguilon was a fine example of their defensive troubles up against the talismanic veteran as he failed to make the most of his return to the starting lineup. Indeed, in the absence of Ryan Sessegnon, the Spaniard made his first start in six games.

However, it was he who played Jadon Sancho onside before he made things worse with his appeals to the linesman, instead of tracking back with Ronaldo, who fired home his second past Hugo Lloris.

The 25-year-old, who is valued at £25m by CIES Football Observatory, somewhat made amends with his involvement in Harry Maguire’s own goal but overall, he was shocking defensively and that leaves far too many concerned amid their backline woes.

Reguilon was dribbled past on two occasions during the 90 minutes, on top of only one tackle and one interception, via SofaScore.

And just as football.london reporter Alasdair Gold explained in his post-match ratings column, the former Real Madrid dynamo was ‘indecisive in attack.’

You could also say he was ineffective too.

He failed to deliver a single accurate cross to Harry Kane and co from seven attempts, whilst from 73 touches (third-most), he was unable to contribute more than one key chance, also losing possession on 21 occasions – the most of any player on the night, also via SofaScore.

It meant that Reguilon gifted the ball back to the Red Devils once every 3.4 touches or once every 4.2 minutes.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Heung-min Son was one of many names criticised by the aforementioned Spurs reporter after the game but Reguilon failed to have any major influence on the game, one fluke incident that saw Maguire turn the ball into his own net doesn’t fully atone for his ineffectiveness in the final third, nor his weak attempts defensively.

He let Conte down up in Manchester this weekend.

AND in other news, “Might work out…”: Spurs insider drops big transfer claim that’ll excite supporters…

The Chronicle’s Lee Ryder has revealed that Newcastle United have already agreed a deal in principle to sign Matt Targett permanently this summer.

The Lowdown: Targett at NUFC

On January’s transfer deadline day, Newcastle announced the signing of Aston Villa left-back Targett, joining the Magpies on loan until the end of the season as Lucas Digne took his place in the Midlands.

The 26-year-old was Eddie Howe’s fourth transfer of the winter window, following Kieran Trippier, Chris Wood and Bruno Guimarães as they joined up with the squad at St. James’ Park, before Dan Burn followed on the final day.

Since arriving at the club, Targett has played the full 90 minutes in all four games that he’s been available for, and is yet to lose a Premier League game in a Magpies shirt.

The Latest: Deal agreed

Taking to Twitter, Ryder revealed the exciting transfer news.

“Newcastle United already have deal agreed in principle for first summer signing.”

In his article, the Chronicle journalist went on to confirm that Newcastle have agreed an option to turn the defender’s deal into a permanent move, with a fee of around £15 million already set with Steven Gerrard’s Villa side.

The decision is now effectively down to Newcastle and the player himself, who, according to the reliable Ryder, is already looking at accommodation options for beyond his loan spell.

The Verdict: ‘Massive’ signing

Prior to January, Newcastle struggled defensively, leaving them with the current fourth-worst defensive record in the league. Consequently, the club set out to bolster their options at the back, and Howe’s side have since conceded just three goals whilst Targett has been on the pitch.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Upon signing, pundit Noel Whelan insisted that Targett will make a “massive difference” in a struggling Magpies defence, and so far, he has been proven correct, with Targett ranking as the club’s fifth-best player already (Whoscored).

Therefore, if Newcastle are now able to get the personal terms sorted, this will be a great start to the window, meaning the club have immediately ticked off one problem position and can focus on bringing in new additions elsewhere.

In other news: Newcastle: Ryan Fraser a doubt for Southampton clash

West Ham have enjoyed an exciting campaign which has seen attacking midfielders Jarrod Bowen, Pablo Fornals and Said Benrahma kick on and develop into key players for the team, with the trio scoring a combined 19 goals to help the club fight for European football once again next season.

However, one of their star midfielders could be headed for the exit door this summer, much to manager David Moyes and the West Ham faithful’s frustration.

What’s the news?

The Hammers could be about to lose one of their fan-favourites Manuel Lanzini, as according to La Pagina Millonaria, he has already met with representatives from former team River Plate – including their vice club president, ahead of a potential summer move.

At 29-years-old, the creative midfielder still has a number of years left at the top of his game, and despite that and also his recent career revival at the east London club, according to the report he also wants the move back to his native Argentina.

Disaster if he doesn’t stay?

Despite having started just 12 games in the Premier League this season, he has become a critical cog in Moyes’ machine – starting in all of the team’s last six games in all competitions as we head towards the business end of the season.

In the league, he has scored four goals and set up a further two, averaging a 6.92 –  ranking above the likes of Benrahma (6.90), Andriy Yarmolenko (6.73) and £27m signing Nikola Vlasic (6.52).

Since signing from United Arab Emirates outfit Al-Jazira back in 2016 for £10.8m, he has gone on to provide some incredible moments in his West Ham career which has seen him rack up 191 appearances in total – including one which saw him score a last-minute screamer to complete a stunning 3-3 comeback away to rivals Tottenham.

Labelled as a “special player” by teammate Declan Rice, Lanzini is statistically one of the best passers in Europe right now, ranking among wingers and attacking midfielders across the top five leagues and continental competitions over the last year in the top 1% for passes completed per 90 (56.71), pass completion percentage per 90 (90.6%) and top 5% for passes into the final third per 90 (4.16).

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Moyes needs to keep the £69k-per-week earner, for at least another season, in order to build on the positives that can be taken out of this campaign and continue their steady progress towards eventually reaching the top four – and avoiding disaster by letting him go.

In other news: “Good chances..” – Romano drops big West Ham transfer claim, supporters surely buzzing

Aston Villa have been one of the more proactive clubs in England when it comes to being busy in the transfer market and seeing new players make the move to the Midlands side.

The previous January transfer window was a prime example of this as Steven Gerrard’s side brought in four new faces to help strengthen their squad.

Looking ahead to the upcoming summer window, it seems as though the presence of one of Villa’s recent recruits could put the club in a good position to secure a big name once the next window opens.

What’s the news?

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT about the future of Atletico Madrid striker Luis Suarez, who has been linked with a move to Villa Park in recent weeks and months, journalist and transfer insider Dean Jones had this to say on the matter.

He said: “He will have seen what it’s done for [Philippe] Coutinho, playing under Gerrard.

“He would love the chance to come back into the Premier League again and be that impact player that makes a big difference in a squad.”

Villa must sign Suarez

Since arriving at Villa Park, the Brazilian attacker has scored four goals and provided three assists in ten league games, showing that it didn’t take him long to get back into the swing of things in England after leaving Liverpool in 2018 for his mega-money move to Barcelona.

With this in mind, it’s easy to see why Jones has suggested that not only would Suarez be tempted to follow in the footsteps of his former Liverpool and Barcelona teammate and make a return to England with Villa but also to have another one of his former teammates as his manager in Gerrard.

Labelled as a “phenomenal” player in the past by Jordan Henderson, the Uruguayan has racked up a total of 435 goals throughout his senior club career, including 82 in 133 appearances with the Merseyside club, highlighting why he was dubbed a “killer” in front of goal by Luis Enrique and what he’d offer this Villa side if he did join them in the summer.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

If Suarez, who is currently picking up a weekly wage of £263k-per-week according to Salary Sport, is keen on making a return to the Premier League, then Wes Edens and Nassef Sawiris should jump at the chance to get the striker in a Villa shirt and potentially firing in lots of goals for Gerrard’s side to give the manager his dream transfer.

In other news: Lange plotting crucial summer deal that will leave Villa supporters jumping for joy

An update has emerged on Rangers and Gio van Bronckhorst’s plans for the future of the number one position at Ibrox…

What’s the talk?

According to the Daily Mail, the Gers are one of the teams plotting a swoop for a player in the second division of English football.

It’s thought that Rangers want to sign England stopper Sam Johnstone when the window opens in a few months’ time.

The report claims that they are looking at potential replacements for 40-year-old shot-stopper Allan McGregor and have identified the West Brom man as a player who could come in.

He is out of contract at the end of the season and a number of Premier League sides are set to battle the Glasgow giants for his signature. The Daily Mail state that Tottenham, Newcastle, West Ham and Southampton are all eyeing the Baggies star up.

Bargain

Van Bronckhorst is plotting a swoop for the 29-year-old and Ross Wilson must ensure that he can get this deal over the line as it would be a bargain signing for the Gers.

He is available for £0 in the summer because of his contractual situation at The Hawthorns, with his £18k-per-week wages being the only issue for Rangers. Nine of the current squad are reportedly on as much per week or more than the ex-Manchester Unite man, which suggests that the club can afford his wages.

The shot-stopper would be a bargain addition as he has proven his quality south of the border. Steve Bruce, who managed him at Aston Villa, previously showered Johnstone with praise. He said:

“We all knew he was a top class goalkeeper and he’s looking the part now.

“He’s a diamond – first in, last out. He’s a typical goalkeeper who wants to learn. A big pat on the back to my coach, Walshy, too. He’s worked hard with him and has always said to me ‘take him, he’s the best young goalkeeper in the country’.”

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Micah Richards once dubbed the monster as being “exceptional” on Match of the Day and his form in the Premier League for the Baggies backed that up. In the 2020/21 campaign, he averaged an impressive SofaScore rating of 7.01 across 37 matches, making zero errors directly leading to goals and saving 69% of the shots against him.

McGregor, meanwhile, has averaged a SofaScore rating of 6.80 in the Premiership. He has saved 68% of the shots on target against him and made three errors directly leading to goals, which suggests that he is more prone to making mistakes than the Englishman.

Therefore, bringing Johnstone in would improve the Rangers XI as he is more reliable between the sticks and he has proven his quality at the top level. He is also 11 years younger than McGregor and this means that he could be the Gers number one for many, many, years to come.

AND in other news, GvB can save Rangers millions with “brave” 48-goal teen who’s “clinical and calm”…

West Ham are now exploring the possibility of signing a former PSG striker amid growing disharmony at his current club.

The east Londoners remain in hot pursuit of a new centre-forward ahead of the January window, with manager Nuno Espírito Santo reportedly identifying one as his absolute priority amid Niclas Fullkrug’s potentially imminent exit.

Fullkrug is preparing to leave the London Stadium after a disastrous spell that has yielded just three goals in 29 total appearances.

Niclas Fullkrug’s goalscoring record

PL appearances

Goals

2024-25

18

3

2025-26

8

0

The 32-year-old’s struggles with injuries and form have convinced West Ham not to stand in his way when offers arrive, and Norwich City striker Josh Sargent has emerged as a leading target, with Nuno’s side apparently opening initial talks over a deal for the USA international.

Transfer expert Graeme Bailey described Sargent as a “tremendous player” who has improved significantly since his previous Premier League stint with Norwich. The Canaries are apparently holding out for over £20 million, though, and Sargent has actually been on quite a barren run lately.

The 25-year-old has scored just once in the Championship since September following his fantastic early-season haul of five goals in his opening four second-tier games.

Related West Ham hold informal talks for striker who's spoken to Frank about joining Spurs

The Hammers have reached out.

Posts ByEmilio Galantini

Meanwhile, former Premier League scout Mick Brown claimed West Ham were “definitely” targeting Ivan Toney, but the Al-Ahli striker’s £22 million annual wages present a significant obstacle, not to mention his sky-high tax bill if he were to return to England after just under two years.

Additional targets included AC Milan’s Santiago Gimenez, with West Ham reportedly prepared to match the £26 million asking price for the Mexico international who has been compared to Julian Alvarez.

However, Gimenez is now set to undergo surgery due to a niggling injury, meaning a move to London is surely off the cards next month.

Lazio’s Taty Castellanos has also greenlighted a January exit, with the Argentine prepared to join West Ham or any other suitor “straight away” as he seeks regular football at a high level before the World Cup.

We’re going to see more and more reports linking Nuno’s side with a wide range of target men, and it is now believed they have their eyes on former PSG and Juventus striker Moise Kean.

West Ham exploring deal to sign Moise Kean amid Fiorentina bust-ups

The now-Fiorentina striker has enjoyed a renaissance since signing for La Viola in 2024, scoring 28 goals in 62 total games for the club and standing out among their key men.

However, his team are currently embroiled in a relegation battle, with Fiorentina rooted bottom of the Serie A table and eight points adrift from safety.

There is also growing discontent behind-the-scenes which has even led to heated arguments in the dressing room.

That is according to Quotidiano Sportivo, who also report that West Ham are now exploring a deal for Kean ahead of the January transfer window.

Subscribe for sharper transfer insight and analysis Unlock deeper transfer coverage by subscribing to our newsletter for expert analysis of targets, rumours and club strategies. Verified context and tactical perspective cut through speculation on moves like Kean, Sargent and more. Subscribe Subscribe for sharper transfer insight and analysis Unlock deeper transfer coverage by subscribing to our newsletter for expert analysis of targets, rumours and club strategies. Verified context and tactical perspective cut through speculation on moves like Kean, Sargent and more.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

The 25-year-old has emerged as a potential target for Nuno’s side, with Kean rediscovering his goalscoring form in Florence after struggling in spells at Juventus and Everton earlier in his career.

However, Fiorentina have adopted a firm stance regarding potential January departures, with manager Paolo Vanoli and sporting director Goretti making clear their intention to retain key players despite the club’s current struggles.

Vanoli even reportedly told his squad: “No one is leaving here; if we go down, we all go down together.”

The report confirms that Kean is considered untouchable by Fiorentina, viewed as fundamental to their survival battle alongside full-back Fortini.

West Ham therefore face an uphill battle to try and tempt Kean with a return to the Premier League, which wasn’t exactly a happy hunting ground for him last time.

Related Nuno's a big fan: West Ham hold very strong interest in "fantastic" forward

The Hammers’ plans for the January transfer window are now starting to take shape.

Posts ByDominic Lund