Said Benrahma's West Ham career could soon come to an end. According to reports in France, the Irons have "opened the door" for the Algerian to depart this month, and "several" clubs are courting him, with his absence from the Africa Cup of Nations removing one potential obstacle.

Benrahma's exit could pave the way for David Moyes to sign a new winger, and numerous candidates have already been linked, including Jack Clarke at Sunderland and Jonathan Rowe at Norwich. West Ham hold a "definite interest" in the former but have yet to make a formal offer as they continue to assess their options, and now a couple of additional names are in the frame, including another Championship star.

Whittaker a West Ham target

According to ExWHUEmployee, West Ham are interested in Plymouth Argyle's Morgan Whittaker. He's one of "the latest two names to emerge", alongside Sporting's Marcus Edwards, formerly of Tottenham.

As it stands, West Ham aren't considering making an offer this month, but that stance could apparently change before the window is out. You wonder if it could all depend on what happens with Benrahma.

Whittaker could succeed where Benrahma has failed

Whittaker, 23, came through the Derby academy but joined Swansea City in 2021. After a temporary spell at Lincoln City, he spent the first half of the 2022/23 season at Plymouth Argyle and helped them achieve promotion to the Championship.

The Englishman would then secure a permanent move to Home Park at the end of the season, and he's proceeded to light up the second tier. In 27 Championship games so far this term, he's scored 14 times and set up five more, soaring towards the summit of the league's headline leaderboards. Only Blackburn's Sammie Szmodics (16) has found the net more, and only Southampton's Adam Armstrong (25) can better his 19 goal involvements.

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Whittaker is statistically the most clinical player in the division up to this point, having out-performed his xG by a whopping 6.1, and while it will be hard to sustain that level of ruthlessness, his devastating finishes have clearly caught the eye of West Ham.

Beyond shooting, he's particularly dangerous when running with the ball. Only three players in the Championship have carried the ball into the penalty area on more occasions this season (53), and at the end of last year, only two had registered more carries leading to a shot involvement (53).

If West Ham do end up signing him, there may be comparisons to Benrahma, who amassed 51 direct contributions in 83 games for Brentford in the Championship, but has only managed 31 in 110 at Premier League level and is now being nudged toward a departure. He'll hope he can handle the step-up, because the way he's playing right now, it could only be a matter of time before he makes it, whether that's at the London Stadium or elsewhere.

Carlo Ancelotti's side are eyeing a historic double, with the Englishman surrounded by a sublime supporting cast

This was supposed to be a difficult season for Real Madrid. With Karim Benzema gone and no Kylian Mbappe to replace him, Carlo Ancelotti's side were expected to go through something of a transitional season. Instead, they have regained La Liga's title and are favourites to win a 15th European Cup after reaching the Champions League final.

Many players have stepped up to make this such a memorable campaign at Santiago Bernabeu. Vinicius Jr has stepped up in the biggest moments, Jude Bellingham has enjoyed a debut season to remember while the soon-to-retire Toni Kroos has rolled back the years in midfield.

With that in mind, GOAL has rated every Real Madrid player's performance this season to figure out who should win the club's Player of the Season award…

Getty Images23David Alaba (N/A) ⬇️

In December, Alaba became the third Madrid player this season to tear his ACL and missed the remainder of the campaign. The versatile Austrian was a big loss, even if Los Blancos coped admirably without him.

AdvertisementGetty 22Dani Ceballos (2/10) ⬇️

Why did he sign a new contract? Ceballos has barely had a kick this season, only given opportunities in the dead-rubber contests after Madrid secured the title, and he's looked off the pace in those fixtures. He'd probably be better off somewhere else come the start of 2024-25.

Getty Images 21Kepa Arrizabalaga (3/10) ⬇️

What can really be said about Kepa? He was supposed to be the replacement for the injured Thibaut Courtois. However, the occasional shaky moment saw him lose his starting spot mid-season. A failed loan move – at best.

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Getty Images20Eder Militao (4/10) ⬆️

Militao has done well just to be back on the pitch before the end of the campaign. given he lasted just 49 minutes of Madrid's season opener before rupturing his ACL. Since returning he has looked well off the pace, which is what you'd expect. Fitness for the Copa America is likely his priority at this point.

Federico Bernardeschi's superb treble helped Toronto FC blow away rivals Montreal in a one-sided MLS clash.

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• Bernardeschi's treble inspired a huge 5-1 victory
• Matty Longstaff and Prince Owusu also netted
• Toronto FC snapped Montreal's seven-match unbeaten streak

• Getty Images
  

  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Federico Bernardeschi led the way with a sensational hat-trick as Toronto FC put their rivals CF Montreal to the sword on Saturday evening with a 5-1 thrashing in the Canadian Classique. Matty Longstaff opened the scoring on six minutes before Bernardeschi's first and a goal from Prince Owusu saw the hosts go 3-0 up before the 20-minute mark. Italian forward Bernardeschi completed his treble after the break to seal a memorable win for John Herdman's side.

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Toronto FC's win saw them end Montreal's seven-game winning streak and meant they were able to return to winning ways themselves after consecutive defeats to Nashville SC and New York City FC. Herdman, who returned from a suspension after a melee following the NYCFC defeat, saw his side move up to fifth place in the MLS Eastern Conference, while Montreal are 13th, five points off the bottom of the league.

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• WHAT NEXT FOR TORONTO FC AND MONTREAL?

  The MLS season is reaching the halfway point, with Montreal needing to find some form if they are to avoid dropping out of the playoff race. Next up for Laurent Courtois' side is a Canadian Championship quarter-final against Forge on Thursday, before they return to MLS action at home to Nashville on Sunday.

  Toronto, meanwhile will be hoping to build on Saturday's thumping victory when they face a Canadian Championship quarter-final of their own against Saint-Laurent before hosting Cincinnati on Sunday.

تلقى نيس خسارة في الديربي أمام مارسيليا، ضمن منافسات الجولة الرابعة من بطولة الدوري الفرنسي للدرجة الأولى بملعب فيلدروم.

شهدت المباراة مشاركة أولى لـ محمد عبد المنعم أساسيًا، بعدما ظهر بديلًا مع نيس ضد أنجيه قبل التوقف الدولي.

لم يتمكن منعم من أن يمنع نيل موباي من تسجيل الهدف الأول برأسية سكنت شباك الضيوف في الدقيقة 40.

في الشوط الثاني، وبعد 8 دقائق من بدايته، سجل لويس هينريكي هدفًا رائعًا في مرمى الحارس بولكا، كأحد أفضل أهداف الجولة لصالح مارسيليا.

حاول نيس من خلال يوسوفا موكوكو وتغييرات المدرب فرانك هايس، بدخول بدر الدين بوناني وعلي العبدي.

القائم منع الأول من التسجيل، والثاني طالب بركلة جزاء بسبب جذب جرينوود له داخل منطقة الجزاء، لكن الحكم أشهر في وجهه البطاقة الصفراء.

طالع أيضًا.. مدرب منتخب مصر السابق لـ”بطولات”: محمد عبد المنعم يستطيع اللعب في الدوري الإنجليزي

محمد عبد المنعم كان يحمل دفاعات نيس في الشوط الثاني وحده، خاصة بعد خروج دانتي وتغيير طريقة اللعب، وقدم مستوى مقبولًا في المشاركة الأولى أساسيًا.

لعب مارسيليا بـ 10 لاعبين منذ الدقيقة 74، بعد طرد داريك كورنيلويس بسبب إهدار الوقت بحصوله على الإنذار الثاني.

لم يستغل نيس النقص العددي، ليتلقى الهزيمة الثانية هذا الموسم، ويبقى في المركز التاسع برصيد 4 نقاط، بينما مارسيليا يعتلي صدارة الترتيب مؤقتًا بـ 10 نقاط. أهداف مباراة نيس ومارسيليا اليوم في الدوري الفرنسي

After splashing the cash once again in the summer, Chelsea may have expected to make their return to the Premier League's top four, but they've been anything but a side capable of reaching the Champions League under Mauricio Pochettino so far this season. The Blues, instead, have already come up short one too many times, often taking one step forward and two steps back.

Perhaps looking to spend their way out of mid-table stagnation yet again, those at Stamford Bridge could now turn to the upcoming transfer windows, when they may finally solve their long-standing goalscoring problem, whilst getting one over Arsenal off the pitch.

Chelsea transfer news

It's a rare day when Chelsea aren't stealing the headlines for their transfer activity, given how much Todd Boehly is often willing to spend. Throughout the summer, Stamford Bridge saw a number of arrivals in a major squad overhaul – the likes of Nicolas Jackson, Moises Caicedo, Cole Palmer and many more arrived, only for the Blues' struggles to continue under Pochettino. Now, as the January transfer window arrives, reports suggest that Chelsea could win the race to sign a solution for their biggest problem.

According to Football Transfers, Chelsea are in pole position to sign Napoli star Victor Osimhen. This comes after Arsenal reportedly dropped out of the race for the forward's signature as they are unwilling to match his release clause. Money, in contrast, rarely stands in the way of things for Chelsea who could yet meet Osimhen's rumoured price tag of €130-140 million (£113m-£122m) to land Osimhen, but a move may have to wait until the summer.

The London club may still have to fend off interest from Real Madrid and Saudi Arabia if they are to sign the Napoli man, however, even after Arsenal pulled out of the race.

"Complete" Osimhem would be a major upgrade on Jackson

Osimhen could be a major upgrade for Chelsea, who may finally solve a goalscoring problem that hasn't been fixed since the days of Diego Costa. Osimhen's stats prove as much too.

Player

Starts

Goals

Expected Goals

Progressive Carries

Assists

Victor Osimhen

11

7

6.7

19

2

Nicolas Jackson (pre-Wolves)

13

7

9.8

28

1

It's no surprise, given how much success he has enjoyed in Serie A, that Osimhen has earned the praise of Gianfranco Zola. The Chelsea icon said:

"I see a lot of similarities but it’s unfair to compare players from different eras. They both play with a lot of physicality and they are both very good with scoring, taking their opportunities. He’s a very complete player. He’s got a good reference going forward, he can link up play and he’s devastating in the air. He’s a pest to defenders."

With 2024 just around the corner, it will certainly be interesting to see whether Chelsea make their move for Osimhen, either way, they must find their form under Pochettino sooner rather than later, so it looks as if it'll be one to watch with the Blues seemingly in a strong position as it stands.

Composed 78 from wicketkeeper helps Derbyshire to 197 after Chris Rushworth had struck with the first ball of Durham’s season

ECB Reporters Network05-Apr-2019

Durham made full use of helpful conditions to bowl Derbyshire out cheaply despite an impressive half-century from Harvey Hosein as the seamers dominated on the opening day of the Division Two match at Derby. The 22-year-old wicketkeeper made 78 from 172 balls out of 197 with Ben Raine and James Weighell each taking three wickets.Chris Rushworth claimed the first wicket of the County Championship season with the first ball of the match but Derbyshire hit back through Luis Reece to reduce Durham to 41 for 3 at the close.Derbyshire’s decision to bat first was surprising given a grassy pitch and overcast conditions and they were left to regret it as Rushworth struck twice in his opening over. Reece edged to second slip before the third ball knocked out Wayne Madsen’s off stump and Rushworth then saw Tom Lace dropped by wicketkeeper Stuart Poynter in his next over.Raine had Lace caught at second slip and when skipper Billy Godleman edged one that moved late, Derbyshire were in danger of crumbling completely at 36 for 4. But Hosein, who scored a career-best unbeaten 138 against Leeds/Bradford MCCU last week, displayed the technique and temperament required to steer his side towards semi-respectability.Alex Hughes looked ready to dig in and survived for 16 overs until he drove loosely to cover point and Matt Critchley shared a stand of 56 in 18 overs before he was lbw to Gareth Harte.Hosein, who reached 50 from 106 balls, was also supported by Anuj Dal who helped add 50 before he edged Weighell to Poynter but the innings folded quickly after tea.Logan van Beek was bowled by Raine and although Hosein survived his only chance when Poynter dropped him on 73, it did not prove costly. Tony Palladino was yorked first ball by Weighell and when Ravi Rampaul took off for a quick single, Raine’s throw on the run from cover beat Hosein’s despairing dive.When Durham replied, the sun had broken through but batting was still demanding and Harte was close to edging the first ball from Rampaul to Hosein.Derbyshire’s bowlers were getting some swing and Reece made the breakthrough in the 10th over thanks to a stunning catch by Hughes. Harte’s edged drive was brilliantly taken one-handed as Hughes plunged to his right at second slip and Will Smith was lbw to a full length ball in Reece’s next over.The match was back in the balance when van Beek replaced Reece and his second ball hurried Michael Richardson into a miscued pull to midwicket. By now, the light had deteriorated even with the floodlights on and the umpires took the players off with three overs remaining and the match in the balance.

West Ham United are "now in talks" to sign an "exceptional" player for manager David Moyes, according to Sky Sports this morning.

Hammers yet to make January signing

Despite the club being linked with a new midfielder and attacking additions, West Ham are yet to do any business so far this month, but that could be about to change very soon.

Related Fabrizio Romano says West Ham could sign club captain if Benrahma leaves

The east Londoners are admirers.

Posts ByEmilio Galantini Jan 18, 2024

The Hammers' transfer plans have changed after injuries to the likes of star midfielder Lucas Paqueta and striker Michail Antonio, who recently suffered a setback in his recovery from a knee problem.

While star winger Jarrod Bowen could be back to face Sheffield United this weekend, Paqueta's long-term absence and Antonio's unreliability hand Moyes real squad conundrums.

West Ham's lack of depth behind their traditional eleven has been somewhat exposed, and Mohammed Kudus being at the Africa Cup of Nations with Ghana is also leaving Moyes pretty short of options – both in the middle of the park and further forward.

West Ham are being linked with a number of attacking stars, including the likes of Santiago Gimenez and Serhou Guirassy, but it's believed they have a serious interest in Man City outcast Kalvin Phillips for the midfield area.

West Ham enter negotiations to sign Phillips

West Ham are touted as contenders to sign the 28-year-old, who has found game time very difficult to come by under Pep Guardiola since joining City from Leeds in 2022.

Dropping a Friday update, Sky Sports have shared some breaking news "this morning", and they claim West Ham are "now in talks" to sign Phillips and offer him a way out of Eastlands.

"What we're hearing this morning, West Ham are now in talks with Manchester City over a move for Kalvin Phillips", said the broadcaster.

They add that the England international, lauded for his "creativity" by Paul Robinson to Football Insider, is being chased by a host of clubs both in Europe and abroad – but it's West Ham who are making the first moves.

Moyes has publicly expressed his admiration for Phillips before, so it is little surprise the Scotsman is attempting to take advantage of the player's dwindling City career.

"I'm a big admirer of Kalvin Phillips and have been for a long time," said Moyes in 2021.

"Every time I went to watch Leeds, and when I was out of work and they won the Championship, I was always thinking he looked a really influential player and a real prospect.

Kalvin Phillips injury record since 2020

Games missed (via Transfermarkt)

Shoulder injury – 2022/2023

18

Hamstring injury – 2021/2022

16

Calf injury – 2020/2021

6

Shoulder injury – 2020/2021

7

"I think he has stepped up really quickly, I think he got into the England squad when maybe other people were suggested in front of him but I think he's done well."

On a reported £135,000-per-week wage packet (Sky Sports), it will be interesting to see if West Ham manage to whittle down his salary and still sway him to east London.

Tottenham Hotspur marched into the FA Cup fourth round with a hard-fought victory over Premier League rivals Burnley on Friday night, and while Ange Postecoglou's side weren't at their best, victory is all that matters at this stage.

There was a certain profligacy to the hosts that will undoubtedly place a sense of unease within the squad and its supporters with Heung-min Son absent at the Asia Cup for – likely – the next month.

James Maddison's return from an ankle injury that has kept him out for nearly two months does come at the perfect time, however, with the England international an upgrade on Giovani Lo Celso, who was poor last night.

Giovani Lo Celso's game vs Burnley in numbers

Lo Celso has been an important player at Tottenham over the past few months, scoring two goals and supplying two assists (last time out in the Premier League), and providing the creative spark from the centre in Maddison's absence.

Hooked before the hour mark, the Argentinian midfielder suffered one of his less influential showings despite maintaining the technical prowess that has led to a revival on English shores.

Handing him a 5/10 match score, football.london's Alasdair Gold wrote: 'A muted performance from the Argentine and he came off in the second half walking a bit gingerly.'

While his creativity was not at its apex, the blame can hardly be attributed to Lo Celso given the lifeless effort of Richarlison up front, who regressed after his recent purple patch.

Richarlison's performance vs Burnley

Richarlison has scored five goals from his past five Premier League games in a resurgence that has been most pleasing to those of a Tottenham persuasion, but he was bailed out by Pedro Porro's rifled effort late in the second half against Burnley.

As per Sofascore, the 26-year-old took two shots, failed to attempt a single dribble, only took 24 touches all night (fewer than Guglielmo Vicario between the sticks) and failed with his one attempted cross.

Furthermore, he lost all four contested duels as he failed to strike fear and formidability into the arrowhead, also offside once and committing two fouls.

TalkSPORT host Ally McCoist has said in the past that he is a "very frustrating" forward to watch at times, and this was encompassed through last night's wayward performance.

Gold was even more scathing in his post-match remarks when concerning Richarlison – whom he handed a meagre 4/10 match rating – writing: 'Fluffed a couple of early efforts when put into the box. Yes, the service into him wasn't great but he made a mess of what did come his way in the final third so the ball never really stuck up top for Spurs. Postecoglou will need more from him while Son is away.'

The Brazilian will now need to step up, and with recent news filtering through that former Chelsea striker Timo Werner is on his way to Tottenham on a six-month loan deal, he will need to ensure that he returns to top form.

That possible arrival of the German could have the one-time Everton man fearing for his place in the coming weeks, with there an argument to be made that he should be dropped ahead of next weekend's clash with Manchester United, such were his woes on Friday night.

‘To get anywhere near 481 you have to play unbelievably well’ – England skipper

George Dobell02-Jun-2019If there was any danger that England might allow a touch of complacency to creep over them before their match against Pakistan, a quick glance at the record books should set them straight.Yes, Pakistan have lost 11 ODIs in a row. And yes, England are unbeaten in a bilateral ODI series at home since 2015. They go into Monday’s World Cup match as strong favourites.But Pakistan have derailed England’s plans before. Just two years ago, in Cardiff, they ended their Champions Trophy hopes at the semi-final stage, while England’s new retro kit should ensure memories of the 1992 World Cup final remain fresh in the mind. Indeed, England have beaten Pakistan only once in a global ODI tournament (the World Cup or Champions Trophy) since 1983. That England victory, inspired by a young James Anderson, came back in 2003. An England side still searching for that maiden, global ODI trophy can have no room for complacency.There is unlikely to be much swing on offer in Nottingham on Monday. Instead, England look set to reunite their two fastest bowlers – Jofra Archer and Mark Wood – in what may be the quickest ODI opening pair they have ever had.There is logic in the approach. Pakistan looked uncomfortable against West Indies’ fast bowling on the same ground on Friday. And while this pitch is not quite the same – it is two along the square and is the strip that produced the world record 481 last year and 444 against Pakistan in 2016 – England will hope their opening pair have the pace and control to unsettle a Pakistan batting line-up that looks low on confidence. In the ODI here a couple of weeks ago, Wood forced Imam ul Haq to retire hurt following a blow on the elbow, while Archer dismissed the dangerous Asif Ali with a bouncer.With Wood and Archer more than capable of sharing the new balls, there is a possibility Chris Woakes could make way for Tom Curran. There was a time England might have worried about that weakening the batting but, such is Curran’s improvement – and Archer’s promise – with the bat, that is far less of a concern. Curran is also one of England’s more proficient bowlers at the death.That would be tough on Liam Plunkett and Woakes, who would probably be the bowlers to make way. Plunkett dismissed both South Africa openers on Thursday and contributed nicely in the field and with the bat, while Woakes was only required to bowl five overs and is understood to have recovered well. Both could feel justifiably disappointed to miss out. Maybe it is relevant that both Wood and Archer conceded more than six-an-over in that ODI a couple of weeks ago, too. Plunkett’s cutters might not be as glamorous as Wood’s pace, but they can prove just as awkward for batsmen.Either way, England captain, Eoin Morgan, insisted his side would not underestimate Pakistan and cautioned against anyone expecting the vast scores we have seen here in the recent past.Eoin Morgan says England won’t take their opponents lightly•Getty ImagesAnd while he gave nothing away over his team selection – he may even have hinted that it would remain unchanged – the whispers around the England camp gave a slightly different story.”We prepare for Pakistan at their best,” he said. “Two years ago they were the best side in the world in the Champions Trophy. They turned us over and they turned India over. We’ll be preparing as best we can for their A game.”To get anywhere near 481 you have to play unbelievably well. It starts with the very basics of getting ourselves into an innings. You always start on 0. And this pitch maybe a bit different. It looks as if it may be a bit two-paced and with steeper bounce.”There is a chance Wood could play. We saw the wicket the other day went through with more pace and exposed Pakistan, more so with the short ball. That short bowling could be a trend in this tournament. Over the last couple of years, the end in the short formats has been to bowl leg-spin. But the nature of these pitches might mean that short bowling is the trend.”The pitches look pretty good. Cross seam deliveries into the wicket might be getting a better reaction than any other bowling. It’s potentially coming off two-paced which makes cross-bat shots a little bit harder and means you have to take a higher risk.”As the tournament progresses, you will probably see the wickets get slower and we’ll look at playing three spinners or bringing in a death bowler. We’re looking at all aspects.”Rain curtailed England’s training session on Sunday. It was noticeable, however, that Joe Root took to the indoor nets where he faced a barrage of short balls. Pakistan’s bowlers have some pace and skill of their own. They have curtailed England’s plans before. They will not be taken lightly.

Barcelona's Robert Lewandowski has been linked with a potential exit but the Poland international has hit back at the speculation.

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Lewandowski linked with FenerbahceStriker denies links with Turkish clubNot thinking about retirement at the moment(C)Getty ImagesWHAT HAPPENED?

The Polish striker's form for the Catalan side has dwindled since the start of 2023 and as such there has been speculation he could move away from the Blaugrana as they look to return to their peak to challenge Real Madrid'. Recently, Lewandowski has been linked with a move to become Jose Mourinho's marquee signing with Fenerbahce. However, he has outright denied the links.

AdvertisementWHAT LEWANDOWSKI SAID

Speaking to the media, Lewandowski said [via Sport]: "Move to Fenerbahce? Fenerbahce has not contacted me. I don't know anything about it."

When asked about mirroring Toni Kroos' decision to retire, the Pole said: "My heart will tell me that moment. Before making a decision, I must first feel something. I don't know when it will happen, it's difficult to determine it by myself. I need to hear my decision to be sure of it and now I don't have it.

"Physically I feel very good and that means I can't think about retirement. Maybe Toni Kroos felt that moment, but it's not my case. I'm realizing that the hard work I've done and I'm still doing is paying off."

GettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Despite not having been at his previously showcased top level, Lewandowski has been the Blaugrana's top scorer this season with 26 goals to his name, a significant drop off from his first season. Nonetheless, there has been no noise from the Barcelona camp regarding the hierarchy wanting to see the Pole exit the club.

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WHAT NEXT FOR LEWANDOWSKI?

The legendary striker will switch his focus from Barcelona to Poland now. Lewandowski is in the Poland squad for Euro 2024 in Germany.