West Ham make January bid to sign Man United forward target after opening talks

West Ham have moved in with an offer to sign a highly-rated forward wanted by Man United after opening talks with his club, according to a new report.

West Ham set to back Nuno in January

The Hammers find themselves in desperate trouble, sitting eighteenth in the Premier League table with just 13 points from 18 matches following their latest defeat to Fulham.

West Ham are five points adrift of safety and displaying alarming relegation form, having taken just three points from their last seven games without registering a single victory in their previous six league games.

Nuno Espírito Santo’s side have managed only three wins all season and have won just two matches at home, while their defensive record has proved catastrophic with 36 goals conceded and only one clean sheet managed throughout the entire campaign.

The numbers paint a bleak picture.

"Could happen" – Player admits he may join West Ham as agent works on transfer

He’s made a January admission.

ByEmilio Galantini

West Ham currently have fewer points after 17 matchdays than they did during the 2010/11 season when they were relegated to the Championship under Avram Grant, and the London Stadium atmosphere has turned toxic.

Supporters are regularly protesting David Sullivan and Karren Brady’s running of the club after an alarming slide which has seen them go from regular European contenders under David Moyes to relegation candidates, with some reports even suggesting that Nuno is no longer safe in the West Ham hot seat.

However, the Portuguese will be given some more time to turn things around, and West Ham are set to back him in January.

One of the items on West Ham’s transfer agenda is a new forward.

The Irons quite simply need a new number nine with Niclas Füllkrug departing for AC Milan, and there is a belief that Fulham winger Adama Traore is expected to join West Ham next month as well.

West Ham make offer for Moussa Yeo after opening talks

Now, according to Africa Foot, they also have their eyes on young RB Salzburg winger Moussa Yeo.

As per their sources, West Ham have submitted a £7 million offer to Salzburg for the Malian forward as Nuno desperately seeks attacking reinforcements to aid the club’s relegation battle.

AfricaFoot reports that West Ham have contacted Salzburg’s directors about the 21-year-old and discussions remain ongoing over a potential January deal, with the east Londoners looking to sign him ‘as soon as’ the window opens.

Subscribe for Exclusive Transfer Coverage and Analysis For fuller transfer-market context, subscribe to our newsletter for clear, evidence-based coverage of transfer targets, negotiations, and club strategy — perfect for following stories like West Ham’s search for attacking reinforcements.


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 Austrian club are open to sanctioning his departure next month too. However, Salzburg are also demanding a ten percent sell-on clause as part of any agreement.

The Mali international has made 19 appearances this season across all competitions for Salzburg, contributing one goal and three assists while demonstrating his ability to play as a dynamic wide forward.

Africa Foot state that Yeo is also on Man United’s radar, showcasing how highly-rated he is in Premier League circles, with Nuno’s side now joining the hunt and looking to get ahead of them.

West Ham offered La Liga's 2024 top scorer as club tell him to find new club in January

The Irons have a potentially interesting opportunity.

ByEmilio Galantini

Gardner believes Australia still world's best ahead of India series

Ashleigh Gardner has insisted Australia remain the world’s best team despite their back-to-back World Cup exits, confident another overhaul is not required to win back cricket’s two major global trophies.Winners of every T20 and ODI World Cup between 2018 and 2023, Australia are now without either trophy after semi-final exits in both events in the past 15 months.Related

  • India Women set for day-night Test in Perth

  • A brutal game: Tahlia McGrath opens up on form struggle

Australia will return to the field in 50 days at the SCG, with a blockbuster home multi-format series against ODI World Cup champions India in February and March.That series will be followed by another multi-format series in the West Indies, before the first chance to reclaim a major prize with the T20 World Cup in England in June.When Australia were shocked in the T20 World Cup semi-finals by South Africa in 2024, it prompted a concerted effort to be more attacking with their batting.The result was an historic domination of England in last summer’s home Ashes, winning all three T20Is, all three ODIs and the Test match at the MCG.This year’s semi-final defeat to India in the ODI World Cup was largely down to ill-discipline, with several spilled catches costing the Australians dearly.Australia are yet to have a large-scale full-squad review of that exit, with that likely to come when the team regathers in February. But Gardner said that meant a focus would likely be on performing under pressure, rather than bigger changes to Australia’s approach.”I think there’s not going to be too many dramatic changes,” Gardner told AAP.  “I don’t think there necessarily needs to be. It’s more those small moments that I don’t think we won and kind of letting the game go in ebbs and flows.”That’s going to happen at times, but making sure that if those things do arise, we have the tools and capabilities to recognise it and the tools to get out of that.  Everyone’s going to probably respond differently. But I would say overall it’s a pretty, standard thing that we’re trying to achieve.”Gardner will play a key role in Australia’s push to reclaim the trophies and has every chance to be vice-captain or captain when Alyssa Healy retires in the next four-year cycle.Outside of their semi-final defeats, Australia won every group game at both the T20 and ODI World Cups, and remain well clear in top spot of the ICC rankings in each format.All leaving Gardner’s eyes firmly on June and the chance to win back a trophy, from the moment this year’s World Cup ended.”You have to think about that, don’t you?” Gardner said.  “The last couple of World Cups have been frustrating because of the way that they’ve ended.”But I can sit here comfortably and say that I still believe that we’re the best team. It’s just making sure that we’re showing that in those moments where it really matters.”So I’m certainly thinking about June next year, it seems like a long time away but it realistically isn’t and it’ll come around very quickly.”

Newcastle must seal Kalvin Phillips deal

Newcastle United enjoyed a busy January transfer window as they brought in a number of new players to bolster Eddie Howe’s squad.

Dan Burn, Matt Targett, Bruno Guimaraes, Kieran Trippier and Chris Wood all came in and this left the club needing to exclude three first-team players from their Premier League list.

Ciaran Clark, Jamal Lewis and Isaac Hayden were the unfortunate ones to miss out as they now look set to waste away on the sidelines for the rest of the season.

Ruthlessly axe him

Howe must now ruthlessly axe Hayden from the club in the next transfer window by landing Kalvin Phillips on a permanent deal from Leeds United.

FFC previously published an article explaining why he should be kept around at St. James’ Park next season due to his experience in the top-flight – suggesting that he should be re-registered in the summer.

However, 90min have now reported this month that the Magpies are eyeing up a potential swoop for Phillips and their interest in the England international changes our stance.

If PIF can secure a deal for the Whites enforcer that would then surely allow Howe to axe Hayden as he would take up the holding midfield position and be a major upgrade to the team.

The current Newcastle player has averaged a SofaScore rating of 6.60 this year after managing a score of 6.83 in the Premier League last term.

Phillips, meanwhile, has averaged a rating of 6.80 this season – despite injury struggles – and achieved an incredible score of 7.21 in the 2020/21 campaign.

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


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

Former Arsenal player Perry Groves claimed that he would cost “£100million” and his Leeds captain Liam Cooper once lauded him, saying: “He works so hard here (at Leeds), all the boys and the people of Leeds think the world of him and he deserves everything that comes his ways.

“I’ve seen how hard he works every single day, I see how much he takes on and turns it into his game. For me, he is one of the best midfielders in the world right now.”These quotes and his aforementioned statistics highlight his quality at the top level and why he would be an excellent signing for Newcastle. He has proven that he can perform to a high standard in the Premier League, with his performance data standing out above Hayden’s.This is why his arrival at St. James’ Park could result in the ex-Arsenal youth product being sold to another club in the summer.

AND in other news, Howe can finally axe £37k-p/w “weapon” as Newcastle eye swoop for 66-goal “phenomenon”…

Celtic: Conroy drops injury update

Alison Conroy has dropped a promising Celtic injury update ahead of the Bhoys’ upcoming Europa Conference League clash.

What’s the latest?

In a recent post on Twitter, the Sky Sports journalist revealed that Ange Postecoglou’s side have no fresh injury concerns ahead of their trip to Bodo/Glimt on Thursday evening.

Regarding the current state of the Celtic squad, Conroy said: “No new injury concerns, so as you were for tomorrow’s game.”

Fans will be buzzing

While it would appear as if both Kyogo Furuhashi and David Turnbull will remain unavailable for selection for the Conference League clash, the news that Celtic have no fresh injury worries ahead of the crucial fixture against the Norwegian champions is sure to have left the Parkhead faithful buzzing.

Indeed, with the Bhoys suffering a shock 3-1 defeat to Kjetil Knutsen’s side in the first leg of the tie last week, Postecoglou will know that, if his side are to have any hope of making it through to the next stage of the competition, he will require as many of his first-team regulars to be available as possible on Thursday.

Even then, the Hoops still face a monumental task if they are to overturn a two-goal deficit tomorrow night, as Bodo/Glimt were the first team in a long while to make Postecoglou’s outfit look rather ordinary in their last meeting.

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


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

However, the fact that the 56-year-old will not have to deal with any new losses to injury will undoubtedly come as a big boost to the Greek-Australian coach and his side, although, now Postecoglou must decide on what he feels will be the best plan of attack concerning his team selection for what is sure to be an extremely entertaining clash in the Arctic Circle.

In other news: Ange can amend Celtic’s £35m transfer disaster with “dangerous” 22 y/o goal-machine

West Ham must unleash Alex Kral

West Ham United’s star midfielder Declan Rice was absent for their 1-0 defeat at Liverpool on Saturday evening through illness, with manager David Moyes opting to set up with a 4-4-2 as a result, with attacking midfielder Manuel Lanzini playing deeper than usual alongside Tomas Soucek.

Although the Hammers made a decent account of themselves in Merseyside, it did beg the question as to how Moyes should resolve the issue if Rice is to be absent again, either with the same illness or at another point this season.

With the Englishman and Soucek enjoying a solid defensive midfield partnership over the past almost two seasons, it would seem resorting to another defensive midfielder would be the sensible decision if either of the pair are to miss a game during the remainder of the campaign.

Therefore, it only seems right that Alex Kral is given the nod next time.

The 23-year-old Czech Republic international is currently on loan at The London Stadium from Russian outfit Spartak Moscow for the season but hasn’t seen much game time in England.

Kral has made just six appearances for the Hammers, with one game in the Premier League – a one-minute long cameo against Watford, making his loan spell currently an unsuccessful move.

The deal does include an option to buy, however, Kral’s fortunes will have to improve if he is to remain in east London beyond this season.

However, it’s fair to say the Czech defensive midfielder hasn’t been handed enough opportunities to make an impression on Moyes.

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


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

Soon after Kral’s loan move, Spartak wing-back Victor Moses, who was a Premier League winner with Chelsea, showered the 23-year-old with praise, saying: “I wasn’t surprised, Alex is a great player and he went to prove himself at the highest level. This was his dream, I wish that he settles well in London and enjoys playing for West Ham.

“Getting there is a normal desire for any ambitious player, and Alex has all the necessary qualities. He’s youthful, has high endurance, and the ability to play at a high level for 90 minutes.”

There is certainly potential within the £7.2m-rated deep-lying midfielder, having made just under 150 senior appearances at the age of 23 whilst also being capped 29 times by his native Czech Republic.The Hammers have certainly had success with recruiting Czech players over recent seasons with both Soucek and Vladimir Coufal arriving in 2020 and being major contributors to West Ham’s sixth-place finish last season.It would certainly be a valid argument to suggest that the Czech duo’s success was a contributing factor to West Ham’s decision to land Kral.However, unlike Soucek and Coufal, the 23-year-old hasn’t been handed the necessary opportunities to develop into a regular for the east London outfit. Granted, with both Soucek and Rice fit it’s near impossible for any player to shift either of the duo out of the starting lineup. But, with either absent, Kral should get the nod.In Lanzini, the Irons having an attacking midfielder perfectly suited to sit in the hole in a 4-2-3-1 setup but by playing the Argentian deeper and therefore shifting his preferred system, Moyes will see his side struggle.Next up for the Hammers is the first leg of their Europa League round of 16 tie with La Liga outfit Sevilla on Thursday. It appears as though Rice should be available, however, if he fails to recover in time it could be a big opportunity for Kral to be given the nod.Although, it would be a major call from David Moyes in arguably his side’s biggest game of the season so far.In other news: West Ham handed huge injury boost as exciting Rush Green image emerges

Lampard reveals huge Everton blow

Everton have had their fair share of injury problems this season which has ultimately contributed to their poor form in the Premier League, with key players missing for large chunks of the campaign, and now Frank Lampard has delivered some more bad news following the Wolves defeat.

What’s the word?

The Toffees boss delivered an update after Dominic Calvert-Lewin was missing from action against Bruno Lage’s side at Goodison Park on Sunday afternoon, and it could be a huge blow to Everton’s relegation battle.

Lampard had an eight-word response for questions about the striker’s absence in his post-match press conference. He commented:

“He is not well, so we will see.”

Supporters will be gutted

Richarlison, Calvert-Lewin, Demarai Gray, Yerry Mina and Abdoulaye Doucoure are just a few of the players who have suffered from multiple injury problems this season, and the ongoing injury issues have definitely affected the attacking output with Everton not scoring a single goal in their last four league fixtures, conceding defeats consecutively as a result.

Calvert-Lewin, in particular, has had a term full of injury and illness problems, and there is no doubt that his absence in the team has played a huge part in the lack of goals for the Toffees, with the star striker side-lined for the majority of 2021/22, only making nine appearances and scoring three goals so far, missing 17 league fixtures.

Supporters will surely be gutted to hear about the uncertainty surrounding the 24-year-old’s health, especially in the vulnerable situation they have found themselves. The loss of an attacking threat in the crucial final months for the Toffees could be the final nail in the coffin that sends Everton into the Championship at the end of the season.

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


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

We should get more clarity on Calvert-Lewin’s condition when Lampard addresses the press ahead of the Newcastle United game at Goodison Park later this week, but with the side currently only safe from the relegation zone based on goal difference, there will be no room for error or weakness in the Everton team in their battle to maintain safety.

In other news: Alan Myers gives defiant response to relegation woes

Newcastle still interested in Botman

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe addressed one of the team’s biggest issues in January by bolstering the defence with the signings of Matt Targett, Dan Burn and Kieran Tripper – leading them to conceding just five goals in their last eight Premier League games.

However, with them having Champions League ambitions under Saudi PIF, Trippier might be the sole long-term survivor of that trio in Howe’s strongest XI, and Lille centre-back Sven Botman could be a long-term replacement for left-footer Burn.

What’s the news?

While AC Milan are believed to have moved ahead of the Tyneside club, according to Gazzetta dello Sport, they are not giving up hope on attracting Botman to the Premier League.

The report also suggests the Dutchman is looking to play for a club with Champions League football next season, but money talks – and Newcastle have the most money out of any club in the world.

This news comes after journalist Fabrizio Romano ruled out a deal in January, saying: “Lille position on Sven Botman’s still the same: he’s untouchable and his future will be discussed in the summer. Deal off with Newcastle. Magpies already working on two other candidates in order to sign a new centre back this week.”

St James’ would be bouncing

Averaging a 7.14 match rating for Lille in the French Ligue 1 this season, he has also scored three goals in 21 games – and with an excellent set-piece taker in the shape of Trippier, he could potentially contribute even more with the Magpies too.

Standing at 6 foot 4, the 22-year-old has demonstrated his ability in the air regularly on the defensive side of his game too, ranking among centre-backs in Europe’s top five leagues and continental competitions over the last year in the top 7% for percentage of aerials won per 90 (74.6%) and top 12% for least aerials lost per 90 (1.01).

With a valuation of just £27m by Transfermarkt, it’s unlikely that Lille will price Newcastle out of a move, as the French club themselves have only just found their way out of financial troubles – and despite no longer needing to sell, they likely won’t turn away a figure of around £45m.

In the words of Rio Ferdinand, Newcastle should get the contract out, put it on the table, let him sign it, let him write whatever numbers he wants to put on there, because Botman is the real deal – and will continue to get better and better in the years to come, while the owners have the money to tempt him.

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


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

Based on his incredible potential and the January saga that revolved around him, St James’ Park would surely be bouncing if the club finally got their man.

In other news: Sold at £10.9m, now worth £40m: Ashley had NUFC disaster on “nasty” 22 y/o “scorpion”

West Ham United: Ben Dinnery makes David Moyes claim

West Ham United manager David Moyes has been an ‘absolute nightmare’ when it has come to disclosing information about his players’ injuries and fitness this season, claims injury expert Ben Dinnery.

The Lowdown: Recent injuries

Ahead of the Hammers’ return-leg clash against Sevilla in round 16 of the Europa League, striker Michail Antonio and full-back Aaron Cresswell were both doubts for the game after struggling with light injuries.

When questioned over their availability, Moyes responded (as quoted by football.london): “I don’t really know yet but if I did I would not tell you because I am not going to let Sevilla know any idea whether they’re going to be fit or not.”

Even when one reporter tried to catch him out and asked about the new reliance he had on Andriy Yarmolenko, Moyes countered: “That would be unfair to say that as I would not answer that as it would suggest Mich is not going to be fit. At the moment I do not really know and that is the true answer.”

In the end, both players played the full 120 minutes in their 2-0 win over the Spanish side.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/west-ham-latest-developments-4/” title=”West Ham latest developments!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Latest: Dinnery’s claim

Injury expert Dinnery has weighed in on the situation, explaining Moyes’ motivation to do so.

Speaking with Football Insider, he claimed: “David Moyes has been an absolute nightmare this season.

“Most occasions this season, all he has said is that they have had problems but that he isn’t going to give any more information.

“They have had Covid in the past, like every other team. But the manager has chosen not to say who it has affected.

“He is within his rights to do that, of course. We are seeing more and more managers adopt this stance and not being forthcoming with information.”

The Verdict: Clever tactic

This tactic employed by Moyes has clearly been effective, demonstrated by the way in which the Irons took Sevilla by surprise and came back from a one goal deficit to reach the quarter-finals of the Europa League.

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


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

This tactic may even be the case with Jarrod Bowen’s injury – just the other way around. Despite the club announcing that he had not suffered any serious damage, igniting return rumours, it has recently emerged that this is not the case, and that Bowen could be out for a long time. Perhaps Moyes is withholding information on any serious damage to keep the feel-good factor in the London Stadium going.

The Hammers have sustained numerous injuries this season, particularly in areas where they were already short. For example, in the central defender position, Angelo Ogbonna’s season-ending injury back in November led to an injury crisis at the back when Kurt Zouma was sidelined, meaning Craig Dawson and Issa Diop had to step up in their place.

With an important string of games coming up, Moyes will be hoping he doesn’t have to play injury politics too often between now and May.

In other news: West Ham United: David Moyes is a ‘long-term admirer’ of Joe Worrall

Leeds: Bogusz impressing at UD Ibiza

After joining Leeds United in what was a £90k deal back in January of 2019, first-team opportunities have been somewhat sparse for Mateusz Bogusz in the two years since his switch.

Indeed, after featuring twice in the Whites’ 2019/20 campaign, and once in 2020/21, the versatile attacking midfielder was sent out on loan to UD Logrones in October of 2020 – where the Poland U21 international went on to make 23 appearances in LaLiga2, scoring one goal and providing one assist along the way.

Then, after returning to Elland Road last summer, Victor Orta once again decided a temporary spell away from the club would serve the 20-year-old’s development best – with Bogusz returning to the second tier of Spanish football, this time at UD Ibiza.

And, over his 20 LaLiga2 appearances in the current campaign, the £1.35m-rated forward has highly impressed, scoring four goals, registering six assists and creating two big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 1.5 shots and making 1.3 key passes per game.

These returns have seen the youngster average a SofaScore match rating of 7.13, ranking him by far and away as Ibiza’s best player in the league so far this season.

As such, it is perhaps not surprising to learn that Mateusz Klich has extremely high hopes for his fellow Pole, with the midfielder stating of Bogusz back in 2019: “When he trains with us I always try to help him.

“It’s not like I can give him any advice because he’s 17 and going to be better than me! If he needs anything, I am here for him. I’m very curious about him because he looks like a good player.”

Furthermore, the former Leeds U23 head coach, Carlos Corberan, also appeared to be a big fan of the attacker, stating of the 20-year-old shortly after his arrival in England: “I think Mateusz is a young but very talented player.

“He’s only been here a few weeks at the club. And today was the first time he could play a game. I think he’s a special player. We are going to continue to work with him because I think he can give a lot and bring very positive things for this club.”

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


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

As such, should Bogusz continue his impressive run of form with Ibiza over the remainder of the current campaign, the forward-thinking midfielder will undoubtedly be a player who Jesse Marsch considers making a regular part of his first-team squad next season.

And, while Klich may have been joking in his suggestion that the Poland youth international would go on to become a better player than him, Bogusz’s inclusion in the senior squad could very easily come at the expense of the 31-year-old – as the £32k-per-week midfielder who Joe Wainman dubbed “lacklustre” looks as if he could be on his way out of Elland Road this summer.

AND in other news: Orta set for Leeds disaster as terms agreed for £63k-p/w “storm” who’s “a level above”

Who is Newcastle teen Santiago Munoz?

Newcastle’s under-23’s pulled off an incredible victory on Monday night as they beat West Brom 4-3 in a thrilling clash at St James’ Park.

A smattering of supporters attended the match and they got the chance to watch some of the club’s talented young prospects in action live in the flesh. They were able to see an enthralling game and may have come away from it wondering whether or not any of the players on show will make it to the first-team in the future.

One player in particular who caught the eye was Mexican forward Santiago Munoz, as last summer’s signing scored his first goal for the under-23 side in just his second appearance.

He rose highest to brilliantly place the ball into the bottom corner with his head, halving the Baggies’ lead to 2-1 at the time and kickstarting the comeback. The goal showed that he has the aerial quality to leap and score with his head, in a similar fashion to Callum Wilson, as perfectly shown by the latter’s goal against Everton in 2021.

The 19-year-old striker already has experience of senior football. He played 19 games for Santos Laguna in his homeland prior to joining the Magpies, scoring three goals and providing three assists despite his tender age.

He is currently on loan at Newcastle until December and the club have an option to make that deal permanent in January 2023. They should be looking to exercise that clause, as they have may Wilson 2.0 in the making with the Darsley Park teenage talent.

Whilst they were both at Bournemouth, Eddie Howe said about Wilson: “He is an outstanding player with unique attributes for us. He has that ability to run in behind and he’s got the work ethic off the ball and, of course, he knows where the goal is.”

Munoz seemingly shares the £20m Englishman’s work rate, with Lee Ryder noting: “Santiago Muñoz so far. Has battled hard, decent with the ball at his feet and has stood up to a so far physical test from West Brom.”

The journalist’s view on watching the Mexican live suggests that he has the desire to put in a shift for the team, much like Wilson. He was able to find the the net in the process, a trait at which the ex-Cherries predator also excels, with 18 Premier League goals in two seasons for the Tyneside club.

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


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

It is now up to Munoz to kick on and show that he can continue to fire in goals at youth level before earning the chance to play in front of a packed-out crowd for the Toon. Howe will then be able to unearth the new ‘outstanding’ predator in the same vein as Wilson further down the line.

The 19-year-old has rarely been seen so far, but this goal against the Baggies will hopefully spur him on to fulfill his potential in England. Munoz may not go on to play for Real Madrid like his near-namesake in a certain film but he may well have a great journey at St James’ Park…

AND in other news, Howe can get St James’ rocking as Newcastle plot bid for “phenomenal” £50m wizard…

Game
Register
Service
Bonus