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West Ham United feel defender Nayef Aguerd could be ‘season defining’ if he can return from the World Cup unscathed.

The Lowdown: Injury struggle

When Aguerd made the summer switch to the London Stadium, there was genuine excitement over the addition of a ball-playing left-footed central defender.

It was a statement of intent from the Hammers, who looked as though they would profit from the signing in terms of boosting the possession ranks, with his ability to play out from the back seemingly the missing piece.

Fast forward to the present day and Aguerd has made just one Premier League appearance, after suffering injury in a pre-season game against Rangers.

The Latest: Hammers hopes boosted

According to Dean Jones, West Ham feel they can majorly benefit for the second half of the season if Aguerd can get through this World Cup with Morocco injury-free.

Having just recovered in time, getting minutes in the 26-year-old’s legs is a must, with the star capable of transforming the Hammers’ campaign.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Jones said: “They’ll probably have a couple of heart in mouth moments if he goes down at all. They are desperate to get this lad regularly into their team.

“They really feel it could be season-defining if he can have a long run in the side for them, so they just want him to get through this World Cup unscathed.”

The Verdict: A ‘new’ signing

If Aguerd can stay fit and register consistent minutes for Morocco, his presence at the London Stadium will be akin to that of a new signing.

His injury that occurred early on in his Irons career was genuinely misfortunate, but he has the opportunity to almost restart the season upon his return from international duty – something that will only benefit David Moyes and co.

Wolves attacker Hwang Hee-chan has been named in South Korea’s squad for the 2022 World Cup, as relayed by Express & Star journalist Liam Keen on Twitter.

The Lowdown: Frustrating season to date

The 26-year-old hasn’t had a good season for the Old Gold so far, often finding himself out of the team under their former manager Bruno Lage.

Prior to last night’s match against Arsenal, Hwang has been limited to just three starts in the Premier League in 2022/23, with no goals and only one assist to his name in 11 top-flight outings overall.

Some positive news has now come his way, though, as the World Cup in Qatar looms ever closer.

The Latest: World Cup call-up confirmed

Taking to Twitter on Saturday, Keen confirmed that Hwang had been named in South Korea’s squad for the tournament, sharing the country’s official announcement of the 26-man roster selected by Paulo Bento.

Keen succinctly tweeted:

“Hwang will be at the World Cup.”

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The Verdict: Great news for Hwang

This is brilliant news for Hwang, who will no doubt see representing his country at a World Cup as arguably the pinnacle of his career to date, playing in the tournament for the second time after also getting the nod for the 2018 finals in Russia.

Some time away from Wolves could be just what he needs, allowing him to find some form and hopefully excel for South Korea on the world stage before returning to England with renewed confidence next month.

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Hwang will be itching to make his mark for his country and he could be a key figure in their attack, having already amassed 49 caps.

Also, let’s not forget that Garth Crooks has previously described him as ‘devastating’ for Wolves, so his stuttering 2022/23 could simply be a temporary blip for the 26-year-old.

Newcastle United striker Chris Wood will be ‘made available’ for a January exit should he want to leave, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

The Lowdown: Magpies eyeing Wood replacement

The New Zealand international was signed by Eddie Howe after he took over at St James’ Park, making the £25m move from then-Premier League side Burnley, but hasn’t made the impact he would have been hoping for upon his arrival on Tyneside in January.

Recent reports have claimed that the Magpies are looking to add a younger attacker to their ranks next year as the 30-year-old’s replacement, which suggests that he might not be at the club for much longer.

The Latest: Newcastle open to Wood sale?

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Jones claimed that Wood is likely viewed as nothing more than a bit-part player by Newcastle, and has his reservations over why the Magpies wanted to complete that deal in the first place.

He said: “It’s always been hard for Chris Wood to fit in at Newcastle. The transfer seemed strange from the start. I think part of it was the fact that they were looking at set pieces and him getting on the end of crosses.

“But, with the way that Newcastle are now improving and moving on to another level, part of me does expect for him to be made available in January if he wants to move on.”

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The Verdict: Time to move on

Callum Wilson has reportedly signed a new contract, and with the summer arrival of Alexander Isak on top of that, it seems that Wood won’t be able to get much of a look-in this season.

Despite being labelled a ‘handful’ by former BBC pundit Noel Whelan, the New Zealand international has made just one Premier League start this season and has scored only three goals in 26 appearances since joining Newcastle.

It’s obvious to see that Wood has fallen down the pecking order at St James’ Park and it will be hard for him to climb back up given the Magpies’ current form, so a move elsewhere for the £80,000-a-week striker would appear to be the best option for everyone involved.

Southampton host Everton this afternoon in the Premier League, with every chance of coming away with a good result.

Although they have won just one in their last four, a spirited result against Chelsea suggests that Ralph Hasenhuttl is capable of springing a tactical surprise.

Frank Lampard brings his Merseyside outfit fresh from their first win of the campaign, and they are currently five unbeaten in the league. It is a game that could go either way, but injuries for both sides could play a huge role.

With that in mind, here’s the team we’re predicting for Southampton this afternoon…

Hasenhuttl’s team for today would represent two changes from the side that fell to defeat against Aston Villa last time out.

Gavin Bazunu is a man unlikely to be removed from his role between the sticks anytime soon, as the Austrian manager will be hoping that by standing by the young goalkeeper he will reap plenty of rewards in the future.

With Tino Livramento still working hard to recover from his ACL injury, we also expect the back four to remain unchanged. Armel Bella-Kotchap will be looking to continue his fine form at the back alongside Mohammed Salisu.

A recall for Joe Aribo will likely see him the most advanced of a midfield three, with Ibrahima Diallo and skipper James Ward-Prowse backing him up.

Romeo Lavia remains out injured, however, is reportedly nearing a return.

We also think Hasenhuttl will spring a surprise by starting 19-year-old Sam Edozie from the off.

The “serious talent” had impressed during his two short cameos in the league off the bench, and has certainly earned a chance to show what he can do from the start.

He will likely displace Mohammed Elyounoussi, as the £60k-per-week dud has been misfiring all season. The Norway international is yet to score or assist in his opening six appearances.

The other flank will be occupied by the tricky Moussa Djenepo, who will fancy his chances against his opposite man. With Nathan Patterson ruled out, Seamus Coleman is expected to deputise.

With his quick feet and blistering speed, he could trouble the Irish defender and feed Che Adams, who will likely start up front.

With two goals already this season, the Scotland international can use his relentless nature to trouble the second-best defence in the league.

It will not be an easy task, but the Saints have a fine opportunity to trouble the travelling Toffees.

The Daily Mail journalist Craig Hope has revealed a big injury boost for Newcastle United before they play AFC Bournemouth at home in the Premier League.

The Lowdown: Team news

Speaking to the media in his pre-game press conference ahead of the game, Eddie Howe gave some key injury updates on some of his players, with Karl Darlow facing up to eight weeks out with an ankle problem and Jono Shelvey making good progress in his recovery.

However, he was tight-lipped on the fitness of Allan Saint-Maximin, Callum Wilson and Bruno Guimaraes.

The Latest: Bruno ‘likely to return’

Taking to Twitter, Hope later revealed that although both Saint-Maximin and Wilson are expected to miss out, Bruno is ‘likely to return’ for the clash against the Cherries:

“Expectation is that ASM & Wilson miss out, but Bruno likely to return.”

The Verdict: Big boost

Having Bruno back in the team is no doubt a big boost for Howe and his squad.

The central midfielder currently ranks as their sixth-best performer in the top flight so far this season, and has recorded more tackles and through balls per game than any of his teammates (WhoScored).

Nonetheless, with no win in the division since the opening 2-0 victory against Nottingham Forest at St. James’ Park, Howe will be desperate to get back to winning ways in front of their home supporters, and Bruno certainly makes their team stronger.

Nottingham Forest have reached an agreement to sign free agent Djibril Sidibe, according to reports.

The Lowdown: On the market

The Frenchman is now available for transfer following the expiration of his contract at AS Monaco, and it appears he hasn’t been short of any potential suitors.

Reports over the summer have suggested that the 30-year-old has been approached by multiple unnamed Premier League clubs enquiring about his availability.

The right-back will already be used to playing in England having had a loan spell with Everton during the 2019/20 season, and it seems as if a return to the UK is now imminent.

The Latest: Forest agree Sidibe deal

According to Foot Mercato (via Sport Witness), it’s claimed that Forest have reached a ‘total agreement’ to sign Sidibe on a one-year deal, with the option for a further year.

It’s stated that whilst the move isn’t completed yet as a result of Evangelos Marinakis still needing to iron out ‘certain details’, the two parties are in ‘advanced negotiations’.

The source report that the Reds are also ‘studying other avenues’ alongside Sidibe, with Serge Aurier also having ‘received an offer’ from the City Ground.

The Verdict: Perfect for Cooper

Forest have already signed Neco Williams and Giulian Biancone so it’s likely that any new arrival in that position would only be a second or third choice option, but Sidibe would be a much better fit than Aurier.

The full-back, dubbed ‘defensively solid’ by sports journalist Josh Bunting, is a FIFA World Cup winner having been part of France’s 2018 squad, so would bring a wealth of experience to the Midlands.

He is also capable of playing down the left flank, offering more versatility than someone like Aurier, and so for Forest to snap him up for free could end up being an absolute bargain.

Rangers are set to be sweating on the fitness of talismanic striker, Alfredo Morelos, ahead of tonight’s pivotal Champions League showdown.

What’s the word?

As per the BBC, Gers boss Giovanni van Bronckhorst has revealed that the Old Firm giants will have to “assess” the striker to decide whether he is fit to start against the Belgian outfit, albeit with the 47-year-old seemingly suggesting that the 11-cap gem will likely be involved at Ibrox at some stage.

The Dutchman stated: “Morelos has been a little bit longer training with us and had his first game on Saturday. He’s there to take part in the game. If it’s from the start, again we need to assess him tomorrow.”

The former HJK Helsinki marksman only made his long-awaited return from injury against Kilmarnock on Saturday, with the 25-year-old marking his comeback with a late goal off the bench having been absent with a thigh issue since March.

Could change Van Bronckhorst’s season

Those connected to the Glasgow side will no doubt be praying that ‘The Buffalo’ can feature from the start this evening. Indeed, should the Colombian pass any late fitness test, it would be a real boost for Rangers as they play out a defining game in the club’s season, such are the potential ramifications of both victory and defeat.

Managing to overturn their two-goal, first-leg deficit to secure progression to the next round would see the Scottish Premiership side take on Monaco or PSV at the playoff stage, edging them one step closer to a return to the group stages of Europe’s premier competition for the first time since the 2010/11 season.

Should they manage to pull off what would be a remarkable turnaround, it would also see Van Bronckhorst achieve what his predecessor Steven Gerrard could not and get beyond the third qualifying stage, with the club having fallen at the same hurdle against Malmo under the Liverpool legend last season.

Failure to overcome Karel Geraerts’s side would, however, prove something of a body blow for the current boss so early on in the new campaign, particularly with bitter rivals Celtic already assured of their group stage berth due to last season’s title triumph.

Having any chance of progression could well rest on whether Morelos is able to feature from the start, with the £11.7m-rated man potentially set to be the difference maker for his side, having netted 114 goals and provided 51 assists in 225 games for the club thus far.

A change in attack is needed with fellow striker and summer arrival Antonio Colak having been a “waste of time” in the first leg last week, in the words of pundit Mark Hateley, with Morelos’ absence having left a sizeable void in the starting XI.

Although doubts remain over his long-term future, in the short term Van Bronckhorst needs him fit and firing to help pull off the improbable tonight.

Rangers’ chances of success and a greater financial windfall potentially rest on his fitness levels…

A teasing Newcastle United claim has emerged on the club’s plans for the rest of the summer transfer window…

What’s the talk?

Journalist Jacque Talbot has revealed that the Magpies are in the market to strengthen their options in the middle of the park.

The reporter has stated that they want to bring in a player with potential and may wait until the latter end of August to do business.

He told GIVEMESPORT: “There’s been some murmurs about a central midfielder [at Newcastle].

“They’re looking for a very young talent and if there’s one available, who can come in for a little bit of money, they’d do that towards the end of the window.”

Supporters will be delighted

This claim will leave Eddie Howe and the Toon Army delighted as they will surely be keen to see a talented young central midfielder arrive ahead of next season.

He already has Joelinton, Joe Willock, Jonjoe Shelvey, Bruno Guimaraes, and Sean Longstaff at his disposal and adding a young prospect to the mix is an exciting thought.

One player who has been linked with a move to St. James’ Park recently is Aston Villa and England U19 gem Carney Chukwuemeka. The Magpies are reportedly eyeing a deal to sign the teenager, who is in the last year of his deal, and he fits the profile of player Talbot believes they want.

At the age of 18, he is a ‘very young talent’ and he is seemingly available as Villa do not want to risk losing him on a free transfer next summer. This means that he could be the player Newcastle are crying out for if they are able to beat other teams to his services ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

Chukwuemeka would be an exciting addition to the squad and bringing in a prospect with his potential, whether it ends up being him or another target, would leave the supporters and Howe buzzing.

Despite his young age, the Englishman has already racked up 12 outings in the Premier League for Villa and registered one assist. Talent scout Jacek Kulig called him a “superstar in the making” recently and this, along with his involvement in Steven Gerrard’s team, highlights his scope for development.

Howe would surely be keen to work with such a promising young player to help them fulfil their potential whilst making an impact on the pitch for Newcastle, which is why he will be delighted by Talbot’s claim.

AND in other news, “Too expensive..”: Craig Hope drops NUFC transfer claim that’ll have supporters gutted…

Tottenham Hotspur correspondent Alasdair Gold has reacted to Clement Lenglet’s arrival and is thrilled by the transfer business that the club have completed so far this summer.

The Lowdown: Lenglet makes it five

The centre-back was finally unveiled as a Lilywhites player on Friday evening after putting pen to paper to join the Premier League giants on a season-long loan from Barcelona, following weeks of negotiations between the two parties.

It’s currently unclear whether the deal has a purchase option included, but the 27-year-old now becomes Antonio Conte’s fifth signing of the summer after Ivan Perisic, Fraser Forster, Yves Bissouma and Richarlison.

The Latest: Gold’s reaction to Lenglet signing

Taking to Twitter, Gold was full of praise for Fabio Paratici and co for how quickly they are going about their business.

Quoting Tottenham’s official Twitter channel announcing the signing of Lenglet, he said: “Five down. Still more to come and just under two months left. What a remarkable transfer window so far at Spurs.”

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The Verdict: Huge strength in depth

This capture further strengthens Conte’s defensive ranks, with the Italian having the likes of Cristian Romero, Eric Dier, Ben Davies, Davinson Sanchez and now Lenglet all at his disposal.

The Frenchman has plenty of experience under his belt in the Champions League, having made 44 appearances in the competition for both Barcelona and Sevilla, and he will likely be keen to bring this knowledge to Spurs as they look forward to a return to Europe’s premier club competition in the autumn.

Lenglet can now join the rest of the travelling squad for the start of Tottenham’s pre-season tour of South Korea, which commences this weekend.

Nottingham Forest are reportedly interested in signing Manchester City full-back Issa Kabore, according to The Athletic. 

The lowdown: Kabore profiled

Signed from Belgian top-flight club KV Mechelen in 2020, Man City immediately allowed the right-back to return on loan before sanctioning a temporary spell at French Ligue 1 side Troyes last season.

As things stand the 21-year-old is yet to make a single senior outing for the Premier League champions but remains a highly-rated prospect, having been named the best young player at this year’s Africa Cup of Nations.

Now as Forest boss Steve Cooper seeks an alternative to the reportedly Tottenham-bound Djed Spence after the youngster enjoyed a glittering loan spell at the City Ground, Kabore could be the chosen one…

The latest: Reds keen

As per The Athletic, Forest are believed to be ‘monitoring’ Kabore ahead of a potential summer swoop.

It’s claimed that the 27-cap Burkina Faso defender is viewed as a player with ‘similar character to Spence’ and is ‘hungry to prove himself’ to the top level.

The report makes no mention of a fee for the youngster hailed as ‘outstanding’ by European football expert Antonio Mango, who even tipped him as a potential Kyle Walker successor.

The verdict: Test the water

Valued at just £3.6million but under contract until 2025 (Transfermarkt), Kabore is expected to spend time out on loan once again next season due to being behind two world-class right full-backs in Walker and the versatile Joao Cancelo in Manchester.

During the 2021/22 season, the right-back earned a 6.60 Sofascore rating whilst winning 4.7 duels and completing 1.5 successful dribbles on average per league game, less than Spence’s 5.8 duels and 1.8 completed dribbles.

Capable of operating as a right-sided midfielder as well as a right-back, Kabore appears ideally suited to play in Cooper’s system as a wing-back and as such the City Ground hierarchy should perhaps test the waters with a temporary move, including an option to buy in case he shines in Spence’s shoes next season.