HYS: Who is West Ham’s signing of the summer?

West Ham were the busiest team in the Premier League this summer, but who will prove to the Hammers’ best summer signing?

West Ham have started the season very poorly, but there is still an overriding sense of hope due to the mass overhaul that took place in the summer.

The much-maligned owners brought in a world class manager, and backed him up with the capital he wanted, bringing in a whopping nine players.

Jack Wilshere on a free signing may be the smartest piece of business, while the deadline day capture of Arsenal forward Lucas Perez could prove to be quite the bargain.

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Felipe Anderson was brilliant in the loss to Arsenal, and fans have high hopes that the Brazilian winger can be their next Dimitri Payet-style superstar.

Then there is Carlos Sanchez, who despite not being a glamorous signing could actually prove to the most necessary capture of the lot.

One man who hasn’t impressed thus far is £22m signing Issa Diop, who was at fault for the crucial goal at the Emirates Stadium.

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So, West Ham fans, who do you think is your signing of the summer? Let us know your thoughts by voting in the poll below…

Sheffield United fans split on Conor Washington signing

Sheffield United announced the signing of striker Conor Washington on Twitter during the deadline day for loan deals and free agents, but Blades fans were split in their opinions on his arrival.

Washington joined the South Yorkshire club on a free transfer, signing a one-year deal following his release by former club Queens Park Rangers.

Many fans were disappointed that boss Chris Wilder had brought in Washington on the cheap though rather than a bigger name striker. The 26-year-old netted just 14 times in 98 appearances for QPR following his move from Peterborough in January 2016.

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However, a whole host of Blades fans were buzzing with the signing, believing that Wilder could rekindle Washington’s form much like he has done with fellow former QPR striker Leon Clarke. Washington was far more prolific at Posh, with his return of 32 goals from 94 appearances earning the Northern Irishman his move to the Championship in the first place.

Check out some of the best tweets from Sheffield United fans in reaction to Washington joining below.

HYS: Should Keita return to Liverpool’s first XI against Tottenham Hotspur?

Liverpool have had an ideal start to the Premier League season in terms of results.

Jurgen Klopp’s side have won all four of their top-flight matches, but the team’s performances have not quite hit the mark.

Nine goals have been scored across matches against West Ham United, Crystal Palace, Brighton and Leicester City.

The club kept clean sheets in the first three games, but their record ended at the King Power Stadium when the Foxes managed to get past Alisson.

This weekend, the Premier League will resume following the international break and the Reds face a difficult test against Tottenham Hotspur at Wembley.

Since the league season began, Klopp has made just one change to the first team, and that was against Leicester when Jordan Henderson started ahead of Naby Keita in what was arguably their weakest performance to date.

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The Guinea international, who scored 17 goals and created 15 assists for RB Leipzig, agreed to move to Anfield last year but only finalised his switch from the Bundesliga this summer.

Keita has impressed the fans since making his debut, and with the Tottenham clash on the horizon, should the 23-year-old return to the first XI?

This under-rated Premier League midfielder would be a solid additon for West Ham United

West Ham United finally got their season up and running this weekend with a 3-1 win over Everton at Goodison Park.

The Hammers, who had gone four without a point thus far under new manager Pellegrini, were good value for the win on Merseyside, and will now be hoping to build some momentum in the coming weeks.

The January transfer will already be something that Hammers fans will be talking about, and on current evidence, it’s clear that the club do indeed to invest once more in the playing squad.

One man we think would be an excellent addition is Burnley midfielder Johann Gudmundsson, who has been superb for the Clarets over a number of seasons now, becoming one of Sean Dyche’s key men in the middle of the park.

Gudmundsson has really developed his craft over the last few years, and his experience at international level with Iceland has started to garner him some recognition on a wider and bigger stage.

The 27-year-old is likely to be entering the prime years of his career, and although a move to West Ham might not be seen as a huge step up from Burnley, the chance to move to London and no doubt increase his salary could well be tempting for the Icelandic star.

A battling player but with enough about him on the ball to succeed, Gudmundsson could prove to be shrewd addition for Pellegrini and co in January.

Hammers fans, what do you think? Would this be a good signing? Let us know in the comments!

Prutton predicts Aston Villa will secure victory over Sheffield Wednesday

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Aston Villa will start to build a run of form by beating Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday, according to Sky Sports pundit David Prutton.

What’s the word?

Steve Bruce’s Aston Villa have struggled for consistency so far this season but managed to stop the rot in midweek by securing a vital victory over Rotherham United, with ended a sequence of five winless matches across all competitions.

The promotion hopefuls will now be looking to put together a run of form to open up an advantage over the mid-table positions in the Championship over the course of the coming weeks and host Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday.

The Owls currently sit just two points behind Villa in the standings and could, therefore, leapfrog Bruce’s men if they secure a victory at Villa Park. However, Sky Sports pundit David Prutton believes the hosts will emerge as 2-1 victors.

What was said?

“Aston Villa got a much-needed win against Rotherham on Tuesday to end their run of five games without one in the Championship and Steve Bruce would have been delighted to have seen new boys Tammy Abraham and Yannick Bolasie on the scoresheet.

“Sheffield Wednesday’s good run of form came to a halt at Nottingham Forest and they face another tricky game here. Narrow home win for me.”

The right call?

While Villa will hope they have turned a corner following the midweek win over Rotherham, Sheffield Wednesday are looking to find their feet again after a defeat at the hands of Nottingham Forest ended their four-match unbeaten run in the Championship.

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That defeat could prove to be a big advantage for Villa in Saturday’s clash, as it will have decreased confidence while the hosts will have been boosted by their midweek win – and the home-field advantage could prove to be decisive.

While Villa kept their first clean sheet of the campaign against Rotherham, it appears that Prutton is far from convinced by Bruce’s backline seeing as he doesn’t expect successive shut-outs.

Arsenal fans want Aaron Ramsey out of the first team after contract dispute

If Aaron Ramsey is going to leave Arsenal soon then he shouldn’t be involved with the team anymore.That is the take of some Arsenal fans following news that contract negotiations between the 27-year-old and the club have been stopped, and that the Welshman will either see out his contract and leave on a free at the end of the season or move in the January transfer window.Ramsey has been heavily involved this season, operating in the number ten position with Mesut Ozil playing on the wing. New manager Unai Emery is yet to get the best of Ramsey, but now the fans want him to be dropped to the bench and Ozil moved back to his preferred central role.The Gunners are experiencing a great run of results, winning six consecutive matches with Watford traveling to the Emirates on Saturday.Here are some of the Twitter reactions by Arsenal fans ahead of Saturday’s match against the Hornets…

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Garth Crooks compares West Ham ace Arnautovic to Eric Cantona

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West Ham star Marko Arnautovic has been compared to Manchester United legend Eric Cantona by BBC pundit Garth Crooks.

What’s the word?

Shining light for the Hammers in a difficult season last term and impressing in the early stages of his second year at the London Stadium, Marko Arnautovic put the icing on the cake of a famous victory for West Ham on Saturday.

The Austrian international scored West Ham’s third in a 3-1 victory over Manchester United to ease any concern of a late fightback from Jose Mourinho’s side, helping to extend the Hammers’ run to four games unbeaten across all competitions.

Arnautovic scored 11 goals in the Premier League last season and has already found the net four times in six appearances this term, in addition to one assist, and earned plenty of praise from BBC pundit Garth Crooks as he compared the Hammers man to Manchester United legend Eric Cantona.

What was said?

“There is something of Eric Cantona about Marko Arnautovic – but without the intimidating stare. The only other difference between these two mercurial characters is that one played for Manchester United and the other should have done. In the meantime, Arnautovic ripped United’s “fragile” team to shreds.”

Is he right?

It is easy to see the similarities between Cantona and Arnautovic, both of whom are physical forwards who are a nightmare for opposing defenders to face off against, but the biggest claim from Crooks is that Manchester United should have signed Arnautovic.

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While he is an effective forward, it is difficult to pinpoint where exactly Arnautovic would fit into Jose Mourinho’s line-up at Old Trafford, especially as the Portuguese boss has failed to find a system that works for the likes of Romelu Lukaku, Anthony Martial, Marcus Rashford and Alexis Sanchez.

Arnautovic is the perfect player for a club like West Ham as he’s happy to get stuck into challenges and is a player who can take advantage of the opportunities he earns, although he is still not perhaps at the level required for a top-four chasing side.

Wolves rival Aston Villa and Celtic for Aberdeen’s Scott McKenna

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Premier League side Wolves have joined Aston Villa and Celtic in the hunt for Aberdeen defender Scott McKenna, The Scottish Sun reports.

What’s the word?

Aston Villa have struggled defensively this season and their issues at the back can be traced back to a failed move for Aberdeen defender Scott McKenna during the summer transfer window, with the SPL side making it clear to Villa and Celtic that they would not approve a sale.

The battle for McKenna’s signature has now been knocked up a notch as The Scottish Sun states that newly-promoted Premier League side Wolves are the latest club to express an interest in the Scottish international, having sent scouts to watch the 21-year-old against Motherwell last week.

Villa still maintain an interest in the highly-rated defender, as they look to unite him with international colleague John McGinn, but the uncertain future of Steve Bruce at Villa Park could derail their chances of securing a move.

Villa’s prime target?

With Villa having a poor defensive record compared to many of their Championship rivals, it is clear why the club remains on the hunt for defensive additions – and missing out on McKenna would be a huge blow.

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The 21-year-old would immediately slot into the heart of Villa’s defence in their quest to push for promotion to the Premier League and that lure could work in the club’s favour, as he may not be guaranteed starts at Wolves or Celtic.

However, Wolves have the ability to blow Villa out of the water financially and this may be an early warning for the Championship strugglers to consider alternative targets as the danger of missing out on McKenna is high.

Crystal Palace fans react as Scott Dann and Connor Wickham are back in contention

[ad_pod ]Crystal Palace duo Scott Dann and Connor Wickham have been out of the action for a long time.Centre-back Dann hasn’t featured since the 2017 New Year’s Eve clash against Manchester City when he sustained a cruciate ligament injury, while striker Wickham has missed 79 games since November 2016, the most recent of his setbacks being a calf strain in June.They have both been named in a Palace XI for a charity game in the international break against Dulwich Hamlet, and the Selhurst faithful will be hoping that this run out will see them make competitive returns once the Premier League restarts.[brid autoplay=”true” video=”304908″ player=”12034″ title=”Rafa’s Pub Facts Spurs’ Impressive Run & A Premier League First”]Mamadou Sakho has been error-prone in recent weeks and Dann will be looking to capitalise by regaining his place in the side, while Wickham will be hoping to boost the Eagles’ misfiring attack.If the latter in particular can find a purple patch of form then his return could feel like a brand new signing and the SE25 outfit might not have to splash the cash in January.Palace fans are certainly pleased with the news that the English pair are back in the fold, and here’s how they reacted on Twitter.

Harry Kane could be unstoppable if Tottenham are successful in Malcom pursuit

Tottenham Hotspur may have drawn a blank in the summer transfer window but a recent report from Spanish media outlet Sport suggests that Daniel Levy is preparing his cheque book ahead of a potential transfer splurge. 

With Lucas Moura, Erik Lamela and Son Heung-min all residing with Mauricio Pochettino’s squad, Tottenham’s need to sign a new wing-wizard is one of the least pressing issues currently facing the club.

That Jan Vertognhen, Toby Alderweireld and Mousa Dembele are all out of contract in 2019 would suggest that Spurs should be looking at central defenders and central midfielders ahead of the January transfer window, but reports from Spain suggest the club are focused on an intriguing attacker.

Indeed, Sport published a report on Friday morning claiming Tottenham Hotspur are willing to fork out what would represent a club record 50 million euros (£44 million) to sign Malcom from Barcelona, although they face competition from London rivals Arsenal and Serie A giants Inter Milan.

Malcom made a last gasp u-turn in the summer to sign for Barcelona when he looked nailed on to join Roma, but he has endured a tough opening to life in La Liga.

The Brazilian wing-wizard has made just two appearances for the club totalling 25 minutes of competitive football and his lack of opportunity could ultimately result in a January departure.

The Catalan giants moved to sign Malcom following an immensely impressive campaign in Ligue 1 last season in which he scored 12 goals and provided 8 assists in all-competitions for Bordeaux.

But a high-profile transfer to one of the world’s most prestigious and demanding clubs seems to have arrived prematurely, and if his situation doesn’t change in the coming months then Tottenham would certainly be wise to capitalise on his potential availability.

Not only would Malcom’s raw individual talent be a huge asset for the club, he would squeeze the best form out of Harry Kane due to his devastating pace on the breakaway and his willingness to make darting runs in the final-third.

During the international break Kane continued to demonstrate his credentials as a deep-lying forward by assisting 2 goals and creating the assist for England’s opener with a perfectly weighted pass into Marcus Rashford’s path.

With electric wide men in Rashford and Raheem Sterling playing either side of him, Kane adopted something resembling a false-nine role and he excelled when collecting the ball from deep.

Kane possess the range of passing, immaculate first-touch and incisive vision which are required to thrive in a deeper role, but the pace and dynamism provided by Rashford and Sterling from the flanks are necessary qualities for Tottenham’s number nine to thrive.

With that being said, the addition of Malcom (valued at £40.5 million by Transfermarkt) would enable Pochettino to emulate the success Gareth Southgate enjoyed with Kane spearheading England’s front-three in Seville on Monday evening.

Tottenham and Arsenal fans – thoughts? Let us know below!

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