Tottenham Hotspur are unlikely to sign Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly this summer, per Sky Sports.
What’s the word?
Sky claims that the Senegal international is set to leave the Serie A club in the summer, with Spurs, Manchester City, and Chelsea all interested in securing his services.
However, the report states that he is more likely to move to PSG, with Koulibaly set to turn 29 in June and unlikely to offer any resale value for his Premier League suitors.
Mourinho’s produced some incredible footballing stars – how much do you know about them?
The Ligue 1 giants are reportedly willing to double his wages to £200,000-per-week.
Koulibaly has previously been valued at £100m by Napoli, the report states, though he is unlikely to leave for that amount in the next transfer window.
Got to be youth
Jose Mourinho needs to be looking for a young defender to come into the club.
They already have two players at centre-back over the age of 30 in Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen, while Davinson Sanchez is 23.
There should be an attempt, then, to bring in a youthful partner for the Colombia international so that the defence is sorted out for the next decade.
FootballFanCast General: Subscribe and never miss what matters 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.
There have been links, via Football Insider, with the likes of Bournemouth’s Nathan Ake, who is 24, and that would be a shrewder, more sensible move.
At the end of the day, Ake is going to provide far more value for money, however good Koulibaly may be.
Meanwhile, Spurs’ Player of the Season has to be absolutely clear at this point.
As they enter into the New Year, Leeds United will hope that their fine form in the Premier League continues.
Daniel Farke’s Whites now no longer look resigned to the drop, with two wins and two draws heading their way across a memorable December so far, pushing them six points clear of West Ham United, occupying the final relegation spot in the division.
Of course, there is still a lot of action that needs to take place before the season is over, with 21 huge clashes yet to be played.
However, everything is now pointing in the direction of the West Yorkshire titans being able to secure survival without breaking a sweat, with the January transfer window also helping them strengthen here and there to achieve this goal.
Leeds could seal statement deal in January
Reports have come out to suggest that Leeds will be somewhat stunted with what they can spend in the bumper window to come, owing to PSR regulations.
Considering their position in the table, that will not be music to the ears of supporters or indeed Farke.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
However, as per an update from Sky Sports, there could be some wiggle room for Leeds to still operate, with the Premier League newcomers reportedly eyeing up some attacking reinforcements, particularly down the wing, as Harry Wilson’s name is touted again.
Leeds’ failed move for the Fulham star was well documented in the summer, and with the Welshman coming into his own at Craven Cottage this season, it does appear unlikely that Marco Silva’s side would entertain losing him anytime soon.
Yet, with his deal in London set to expire in the summer, Leeds could be prepared to make an audacious swoop once more for the Cottagers’ number eight, as they potentially win themselves their new Raphinha in the process.
How Wilson can be Raphinha 2.0
Leeds really did win themselves an almighty coup when they landed the services of the scintillating Brazilian for only £17m in 2020, with the much-loved winger at Elland Road going on to be a £55m purchase for Barcelona, after he garnered a reputation for being a game-changing presence on English shores.
Indeed, without Raphinha’s consistent brilliance during the 2021/22 season, Leeds would have surely fallen back down to the Championship with a whimper, with the sensational South American’s 11 goals making him a crucial individual who, very much singlehandedly, kept his team above the dreaded drop zone at times.
Wilson will hope he can be seen in the same glowing light if he makes the shock switch from Craven Cottage to Elland Road a reality.
Indeed, the Wrexham-born attacker has already been lauded as “world-class” this season by Sky Sports pundit Steve Sidwell, when delightfully placing an effort past Dean Henderson earlier in the month.
With five goals and three assists next to his name for the season, it’s clear that Wilson is managing to stand out in the Fulham XI in much the same way Raphinha did week, in week out when calling Leeds home.
Subscribe to the Newsletter for Leeds Transfer Analysis Craving deeper Leeds United transfer insight? Subscribe to our newsletter for expert analysis, rumor breakdowns and tactical context that explain what moves like a Wilson pursuit would mean for Leeds’ squad and survival hopes.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Blessed with a left foot made of gold, just like Raphinha, Sky Sports’ Dougie Critchley has serenaded him as “the form player in the Premier League” right now, having picked up six of those goal contributions across a standout December.
Wilson’s numbers for Fulham
Stat
Wilson
Games played
165
Minutes played
9685 mins
Goals scored
30
Assists
41
Sourced by Transfermarkt
With a bumper 71 goal contributions under his belt for the Cottagers, too, Leeds should have no divine right, whatsoever to poach the 67-time Wales international from Silva’s grasp next month.
But Leeds punched above their weight when picking up Raphinha all those years ago, and if Wilson is available for a cut-price fee given his contract situation, it’s a deal that must be explored, no matter how fanciful it feels.
If he were to join, survival would surely be even easier to reach, with Wilson’s “incredible” ability – as he was once labelled by his former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp – matched with the goalscoring prowess of Dominic Calvert-Lewin, making Leeds an even more tantalising prospect to behold in attack.
49ers masterclass: Leeds star looks like their best signing since Raphinha
This Leeds United star looks like the club’s best piece of business since they brought Raphinha to Elland Road.
Aston Villa have now joined the race to sign a free agent striker who has held talks with Manchester United, according to a recent report.
Aston Villa chasing first-team arrivals
It’s been a very low-key transfer window for the Villans so far, but with the Premier League season set to get underway in less than three weeks, the Midlands side are now stepping up their plans as they look to improve on last season’s standings.
Aston Villa now racing Wolves to sign "quality" £40m Ligue 1 goalscorer
Aston Villa are among several Premier League teams interested…
ByBrett Worthington
According to The Athletic’s David Orstein, Villa have now placed a bid to sign Jaydee Canvot from Toulouse. The bid from the Premier League side has been rejected, but the Villans are continuing their pursuit of the centre-back, who is viewed as a top prospect. It is believed that Toulouse values Canvot in the region of £17 million, and they will be hoping the next offer is closer to that value.
Toulouse defender Jaydee Canvot.
Meanwhile, it was reported last week that Villa are in a race with Midlands rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers to sign striker Mika Biereth. The AS Monaco forward, who is highly rated by former Arsenal striker Ian Wright, scored 13 goals in 16 Ligue 1 games in the second half of last season, and that form has now put him on the radar of clubs around Europe.
Despite being under contract until 2030, Monaco are said to be opening to letting Biereth leave, but only if they receive a fee of around £40 million
Aston Villa join Calvert-Lewin race
According to The Sun, Aston Villa have now asked about Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s demands, as Unai Emery looks to bolster his attacking options.
Calvert-Lewin left Everton at the end of last season after nine years at Goodison Park, and while he continues to search for a new team, he has already spoken to interested parties. AC Milan and Newcastle United are two teams who are interested in signing the striker, but it is Manchester United who have held talks with Calvert-Lewin to gather information on his demands.
FootballFanCast General: Subscribe and never miss what matters 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’s been reported that the Englishman is looking to earn £100,000 a week at his new club, and while it is unclear if this would fit into Villa’s plans, they do need to bolster the attacking ranks after allowing Marcus Rashford to leave the club following his loan spell.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s Premier League record
Apps
239
Goals
57
Assists
18
Calvert-Lewin is a player Villa are very familiar with, as the 28-year-old, who has been labelled a “top striker” by Jürgen Klopp in the past, has played against Villa 10 times in all competitions, during which he has scored twice at Villa Park, one coming last season in the Premier League and one in the EFL Cup during the 2023/24 campaign.
Manchester United are believed to be in talks over signing a “world-class” superstar in an intriguing swap deal, according to a new update.
A big summer awaits at Man Utd
The Red Devils have had an extremely disappointing season, with both Erik ten Hag and Ruben Amorim struggling to get a tune out of the team.
This summer feels like a huge one for United, with Amorim able to bring in players to suit his style of play and get rid of individuals who he doesn’t see a future for moving forward.
Manchester United manager RubenAmorimlooks dejected at half time
One player who has been linked with an exciting summer move to Old Trafford is Lille striker Jonathan David, who is arguably one of the hottest attackers in Europe.
He has scored 14 goals in just 20 Ligue 1 starts this season, also scoring seven times in the Champions League, including away to Liverpool.
At the other end of the pitch, Jarrad Branthwaite is a rumoured target, with the Everton centre-back a young defender with a huge amount of potential.
Additions are needed in that area of the pitch with Lisandro Martinez a long-term injury absentee, while the likes of Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof don’t represent long-term solutions.
Man Utd in talks with "world-class" ace over swap deal
According to a new report from CaughtOffside, Manchester United are in talks to sign Napoli striker Victor Osimhen in the summer transfer window.
The Red Devils are eyeing a possible swap deal involving Rasmus Hojlund, with the Serie A giants thought to be keen on bringing the €60m-rated (£51m) star to the club.
Galatasaray's VictorOsimhencelebrates scoring a goal that was later disallowed
This could be a sensational piece of business for United, considering Osimhen has been arguably among the best strikers in the world over the past three or four years.
The 26-year-old has been lauded as a “world-class” player by Jose Mourinho, while former Nigeria coach Jose Peseiro has also heaped praise on him, saying: “It is not easy to stop that guy. He created the first goal. He is fantastic for our team.”
FootballFanCast General: Subscribe and never miss what matters 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.
With all due respect to Hojlund, Osimhen would simply be an upgrade on him, even though the Denmark striker is a young player who has shown his quality sporadically in a United shirt.
Negotiations ongoing: Man Utd in serious talks to sign "insane" 23-goal ace
He’d be an instant upgrade…
ByTom Cunningham
There are now lingering doubts over whether Hojlund will ever be at the level required to be a genuine success at Old Trafford, having only scored three goals in 24 Premier League appearances this season.
In Osimhen, United would be signing a player at the peak of his powers – one who has netted 25 times in just 40 caps for Nigeria, outlining his international pedigree.
A wealthy club are reportedly preparing to submit a “lucrative offer” for an “excellent” Everton player, with Sean Dyche a big admirer of him.
Latest Everton news
The Toffees played out another uninspiring Premier League game over the weekend, drawing 0-0 at home to a Brentford side who were playing with 10 men for most of the match. That followed the dull goalless draw away at West Ham before the international break, and while that was far from a bad result, the performance left plenty to be desired.
It means there is still a lot of pressure on Dyche to keep his job, with Everton once again in danger of entering into another relegation fight that supporters had hoped they would have seen the back of by now.
In terms of potential new signings, Everton have been linked with an ambitious move for highly rated Lille striker Jonathan David, who is arguably one of the best attacking players in Ligue 1. He has also scored 31 goals in 59 caps for Canada, further highlighting his class.
Meanwhile, Everton are leading the race to sign Juventus midfielder Arthur Melo, in what would be a controversial move because of his Liverpool past. The Brazilian is surplus to requirements at his current club and is a player with plenty of pedigree, having represented Brazil and Barcelona.
Everton could lose "excellent" player
According to Africa Foot [via Sport Witness], Everton midfielder Idrissa Gueye is wanted by Qatari side Al-Duhail SC, with the club believed to be “ready to offer a lucrative contract” to him.
The deal in question is for next summer, meaning the Toffees would be losing the 35-year-old on a free transfer at the end of this season when his current deal expires.
In truth, next summer does feel like the natural time for Gueye’s time at Everton to reach its conclusion, considering he is now 35 years of age and not the force he used to be.
That’s not to say that the Senegalese isn’t an important player on his day, with Dyche previously describing him as “excellent”, also saying of him:
“I thought Gana was really strong again. I’m really pleased. I think he set the tone – we got a nice clean sheet and his work [was important]. He’s seeing the picture quickly with the ball, without the ball, he snuffs out things and then he attacks and counters.
FootballFanCast General: Subscribe and never miss what matters 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.
“I thought it was just a very good performance for him – and it rubs off on people, with his experience and his knowledge of Everton Football Club – I think that rubs off on others.”
There is still time for the £80,000-a-week Gueye to enjoy an influential end to his time as an Everton player, playing a key role in them remaining in the Premier League.
Imagine him & Ndiaye: Everton can land 'one of the best CF's in the world'
Everton surely need to ditch Calvert-Lewin and replace him with “one of the best CFs in the world”
1 ByAngus Sinclair
He has started nine games in the league in 2024/25 to date, and he should continue to be a key starter between now and the end of the campaign.
After already welcoming Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall, Tottenham Hotspur are now reportedly "closing in" on welcoming a third possible future star for Ange Postecoglou this summer.
Tottenham transfer news
The Lilywhites came out the blocks fairly quickly this summer, with a deal sign Bergvall already agreed in advance and a move to sign Leeds United star Gray agreed as early as the start of this month. Since then, however, Spurs have been quiet on the incoming front with under a month until the 2024/25 Premier League campaign gets underway.
Tottenham officials set for talks with £24m forward who troubled van Dijk
He was a nightmare for the Liverpool defender recently.
ByEmilio Galantini
Having missed out on Champions League qualification in Postecoglou's first season in charge too, it's clear that reinforcements are still needed in north London, with reports linking Spurs to the likes of Eberechi Eze and Semih Kilicsoy. Both players would undoubtedly provide Postecoglou's side with the added edge that they lacked at times throughout the last campaign, but it remains to be seen whether the Lilywhites will splash the cash in abundance this summer.
Before Eze or Kiliksoy, Levy looks set to continue his focus on future stars following Gray and Bergvall. According to Fabrizio Romano, Tottenham are "closing in" on a deal to sign Min-hyuk Yang from Gangwon FC this summer. The 18-year-old right-winger impressed in the K League 1 last season and is now edging closer to joining a man who earns plenty of headlines in South Korea and Spurs captain Heung-min Son.
The dream for Yang could be to follow in Son's footsteps to become a Spurs hero and perhaps even one day replace his compatriot, given his ability to play on both the right and left wing.
"Immense" Yang is one for the future
Although he won't immediately steal the headline, Yang's arrival would represent a third piece of smart business from Spurs this summer, as they plan ahead for the future. It's no surprise that the young winger has attracted the Lilywhites' attention either, with DateMB describing him as an "immense talent" in a post comparing his stats to fellow K League wingers last season.
Having scored seven goals and assisted a further four at Gangwon last season, Yang is a player ready to take the spotlight in the Premier League, where he will hope to grab the attention of Postecoglou and eventually earn a consistent place in the Australian's squad. Should he complete a summer move, Spurs will suddenly have three incredibly talented young stars to call on for years to come in north London.
Manchester City have reportedly "sent scouts" to watch a record-breaking European player in action, with contact already made with the individual in question.
Man City eyeing big-name summer signings
Pep Guardiola has built arguably his strongest-ever squad at the Etihad currently, with so many elite options littered all over the pitch. He is a manager who constantly wants to freshen things up, however, ensuring that players don't rest on their laurels and get too comfortable. For that reason, it has been no surprise to see City being linked with a plethora of big names of late, as they look for another eye-catching summer in the transfer market.
For example, the reigning Premier League champions are believed to be willing to spend a whopping £127m on AC Milan winger Rafael Leao, potentially seeing him as a replacement for Jack Grealish, who has struggled to kick on this season. The Portuguese has nine goals and eight assists in all competitions in 2023/24 to date.
City are also reportedly the front-runners to snap up Bayern Munich superstar Jamal Musiala, jumping to the head of the queue ahead of Liverpool. A move to England could appeal to the youngster, having turned down a new contract at his current club. Former Cityzens player Douglas Luiz could be a target, too, with Guardiola rating him highly and possibly wanting to seal a reunion with him in the summer.
Man City make contact with record-breaking gem
According to a new update from Corriere dello Sport [via Sport Witness], Manchester City have "sent scouts" to watch Milan teenager Francesco Camarda. Contact has been made with him, with north London pair Arsenal and Tottenham also interested, and they all have the "financial ability to mock" any offer that comes his way from Milan.
AC Milan forward Francesco Camarda.
Camarda is certainly an exciting option for City, considering his record-breaking feats in his young career to date, becoming the youngest player in Serie A history last year, appearing as a substitute at the age of just 15.
FootballFanCast General: Subscribe and never miss what matters 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.
Admittedly, the Italian forward has only appeared twice this season, with his two cameos totalling just 12 minutes, but he is considered a player with a huge long-term future. Juventus legend Alessandro Del Piero has shown his support for him recently.
Francesco Camarda's international stats
Caps
Goals
Italy Under-17s
9
4
Italy Under-16s
7
3
Italy Under-15s
9
6
Long-term planning is essential at City, making sure the club continue to thrive long after Guardiola is gone, and Camarda could be a major part of the future at the Etihad, having thrived with three different youth teams at international level.
Newcastle United could decide to make new signings during the January transfer window, and a new update regarding the situation suggests as much.
Newcastle transfer news – Tonali replacement
The Magpies are in scintillating form at the moment, returning from the international break in style with a resounding 4-0 victory at home to Crystal Palace on Saturday afternoon, thanks to goals from Jacob Murphy, Anthony Gordon, Sean Longstaff and Callum Wilson. That being said, Eddie Howe has been rocked by the news of Sandro Tonali's ban for breaching betting rules while still an AC Milan player, with the 23-year-old expected to miss many months through suspension.
It is a massive blow for Newcastle, considering the Italian came in as arguably their most high-profile signing of the summer transfer window, being seen as someone who could take them to that next level with his quality in the middle of the park. Howe's side now have at least two months or so without being able to bring in an ideal replacement for Tonali, should they feel the need to, and it looks as though owners PIF are not messing around when it comes to giving the manager what he wants.
joelinton-sandro-tonali-newcastle-opinion
Newcastle update; new midfielder
Now, according to a fresh piece of Newcastle transfer news from Football Insider reporter Pete O'Rourke, the Magpies want to delve into the market in January, in order to sign a new midfielder. Snapping up someone in that area of the pitch has become "the top priority" for the Magpies, and it is stated that the Tonali news has "forced their hand".
No specific target is mentioned in the report, although Kalvin Phillips to Newcastle is a transfer rumour that appears to have gathered some steam in recent days, with the 27-year-old finding himself constantly out of favour at Manchester City and possibly in need of a different challenge.
It is encouraging to hear that Magpies intend to sign a midfielder once the January window rolls around, with failure to do so something that could derail their season, as they look to impress in the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup and EFL Cup.
FootballFanCast General: Subscribe and never miss what matters 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.
Tonali could prove to be a massive loss at St James' Park, and while the current options without him are still strong – he only came on as a substitute against Palace on Saturday, for example – that extra bit of quality will be required to fill the void left by him. Someone like Phillips could be ideal, considering he will be desperate for minutes away from City ahead of Euro 2024 next summer, and the fact that he is a proven Premier League player, not to mention shining for England in recent years, too.
It is important that Newcastle spend plenty of time assessing who the right man to come in is, rather than making a speedy decision that risks backfiring, and they now have the time to do so. Someone with a similar profile to Tonali makes perfect sense, in terms of bringing box-to-box quality and an ability to link with the likes of Bruno Guimaraes, Joelinton and Longstaff, so a new addition will be one to watch.
Liverpool have an advantage in their pursuit of Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder Manu Kone due to the fact their sporting director Jorg Scmadtke's son Nils is the Bundesliga side's Head of First Team Football, according to BILD journalist Christian Falk.
Will Liverpool go back in for Manu Kone?
Earlier this year, renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano writing for The Guardian, reported that Liverpool were considering making a move for Kone this summer to bolster their midfield.
Sky Sports claimed last month that the club had monitored Kone as they weighed up cheaper alternatives to the likes of failed target Jude Bellingham, now of Real Madrid, alongside now teammate Aurelian Tchouameni and Inter Milan's Nicolo Barella.
Liverpool sporting director Scmadtke knows the £31k-a-week ace well from his time at Borussia Monchengladbach amid speculation that Manchester United were also keen on Kone in the off-season.
Last term, Kone, who has been hailed as a "one-man army", made 31 appearances in all competitions for Borussia Monchengladbach, notching one goal and a solitary assist, as per Transfermarkt.
Snapping into challenges, the 22-year-old managed to win around 2.5 tackles and 1.1 interceptions in the Bundesliga per match over the course of the campaign, according to WhoScored.
Of course, Liverpool have already moved to strengthen their midfield by bringing in Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai from Brighton & Hove Albion and RB Leipzig, respectively.
Nevertheless, BILD journalist Falk hasn't counted out the prospect of Liverpool reviving their interest in Kone and thinks that Scmadtke's son Nils may hold the key to directing the France Under-21 to Anfield, in light of his role in the Borussia Monchengladbach set-up.
Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Falk stated: “He’s also on the list of Liverpool. You know, Schmadtke has an eye on him for six months. Funny thing is that his son is working at Gladbach as a manager, so you see, the direction is very short.”
Who else could join Liverpool's midfield before the season commences?
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has been on a mission to streamline his squad this window and several more signings could be likely at Anfield between now and the close of play in the market.
According to Football Insider, the Reds are confident that Southampton youngster Romeo Lavia would be more reeled in by the possibility of moving to Liverpool than any other interested party.
romeo-lavia-premier-league-transfers-man-united
Despite this, Klopp and company face competition from Chelsea and Arsenal for his signature, with the latter being prepared to push them all the way to land the Belgium international.
FootballFanCast General: Subscribe and never miss what matters 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.
Experienced duo Fabinho and Jordan Henderson look like they could be on their way out of Liverpool amid attraction towards their services from Saudi Pro League outfits Al-Ittihad and Al-Ettifaq, which could pave the way for Klopp to strengthen his engine room further.
Taking to Twitter, Liverpool correspondent for The Athletic, James Pearce, dropped an update namechecking several midfielders that Liverpool could target, stating: "In terms of replacing Fabinho, Moises Caicedo is not viewed as a serious option with the Brighton midfielder expected to join Chelsea. Romeo Lavia, Sofyan Amrabat, Ryan Gravenberch and Kalvin Phillips are among those under consideration."
Movement will be expected in the coming days that may shape the trajectory of the Reds' focus during their remaining time in the transfer window before the door eventually slams shut on business.
Fresh from their weekend win at St James' Park, Newcastle United continue their push for Champions League qualification by taking on relegation strugglers West Ham United later today, with Eddie Howe's men having the chance to strengthen their place in the top four.
Sunday's 2-0 triumph over rivals Manchester United has moved the Magpies into third with just over ten Premier League games left to play, with the hope being that the northeast side can maintain this momentum over the coming weeks.
If the Tynesiders are to remain at their rampant best, however, Howe may need to make notable alterations and tweaks amid this hectic fixture schedule, with the depths of the Englishman's squad likely to be well and truly tested.
With Miguel Almiron currently sidelined with injury and with Ryan Fraser having been banished to the U21s, it does appear that options are rather limited on the flanks, in particular, with rotation likely required to avoid further injury setbacks moving forward.
One man who will likely be chomping at the bit to start this evening is January arrival, Anthony Gordon, with the £45m man having returned off the bench against the Red Devils, following a brief spell out with an ankle issue.
With the former Everton sensation having produced a lively cameo after entering the fray in the closing stages – having enjoyed 'some dangerous moments' according to the Chronicle's Lee Ryder – the 22-year-old may well have justified a starting berth for the trip to the London Stadium.
Will Gordon play against West Ham?
With Allan Saint-Maximin looking "back to his best" against Erik ten Hag's men – as per Northern Echo's Scott Wilson – it is likely that it would have to be Jacob Murphy who makes way for Gordon on the right wing, despite the 28-year-old having "impressed" in flashes at the weekend, according to journalist Dominic Scurr.
Hailed as "outstanding" by his manager following the win last time out, Murphy did offer a relentless presence down the flank after contributing three key passes on the day, albeit while winning just one of his five total duels in that 68-minute outing.
The former Norwich City man was hardly given a glowing endorsement for his performance by the aforementioned Ryder, who stated that the winger 'gave it his best shot', while the Independent's Jamie Braidwood wrote that the Englishman was 'quite limited in his final product'.
That has been a theme throughout Murphy's time at the club as he has just six goals and ten assists to his name in 140 appearances across all fronts, having rarely been able to offer that killer pass or clinical finish when it matters most.
Newcastle winger Jacob Murphy
As such, it could be time for young Gordon to be unleashed this time around, with the "fearless" ace – as per club legend Alan Shearer – having offered his side 'more energy' after his introduction on Sunday, according to Braidwood.
FootballFanCast General: Subscribe and never miss what matters 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.
The Liverpool-born menace certainly made his mark in that 22-minute appearance as he won four of his five ground duels as a marker of his tenacious nature in attack, with it easy to see why the £10k-per-week man ranks in the top 4% among his European peers for tackles made.
Equally, while Murphy has just one league goal to his name this season, Gordon scored three times in the first half of the campaign for the Toffees, showcasing that a run in the side could see him begin to replicate that form in his new home.
Having invested heavily in plucking the player from Goodison Park just a few months ago, Howe needs to begin to put faith in dynamic forward and give him a chance to shine from the start, even if it comes at Murphy's expense.