Thiago Alcantara has confirmed reports of his retirement from football at the age of 33, with the ex-Liverpool midfielder tipped for Barcelona role.

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Thiago officially hangs up bootsReleased by Liverpool last monthTipped to join Barcelona coaching staffWHAT HAPPENED?

After an injury-hit season in which he played just a handful of minutes for Liverpool and was released at the end of his contract last month, Thiago took to the day after speculation about his impending retirement exploded. But he made it clear not to expect any sort of lengthy absence from the game.

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had already reported that Thiago is in talks to join Barcelona's coaching staff under Hansi Flick. The former Barca player, who graduated La Masia and made 101 first-team appearances, speaks German from seven years with Bayern Munich, where also played under Flick.

WHAT THIAGO SAID

Thiago said: "I will always be willing to give back what I have been given and I am grateful for the time I have enjoyed it. Thank you, football. And to all who accompanied me and made me a better player and person along the way."

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GettyWHAT NEXT FOR THIAGO?

Nothing is finalised regarding a possible return to Barcelona, but Flick started work on Monday ahead of pre-season training getting underway on Wednesday, so it could all happen quite quickly if an agreement can be reached between the parties.

The opener made 129 from 100 balls while Jhye Richardson, Ashton Agar, and AJ Tye claimed three wickets apiece

Alex Malcolm25-Sep-2019

D’Arcy Short plays through the leg side•Getty Images

A rollicking century from D’Arcy Short led a star-studded Western Australia to a thumping bonus-point win over Tasmania at the WACA.Short’s match-winning 129 from 100 balls helped Western Australia, featuring 10 internationals, pile up 312 on a surface with plenty of live grass. He struck 12 fours and four huge sixes and had a second List A double century within reach until he miscued with 12.3 overs left.Despite the innings losing momentum thereafter, 312 proved too much for Tasmania. A frugal new-ball spell from Nathan Coulter-Nile and Jhye Richardson put them well behind the required run rate early and they were never able to recover. Western Australia rocketed to the top of the Marsh Cup table with a second straight victory while Tasmania remain winless following their stunning self-destruction against Victoria.Tasmania had no hesitation in bowling first after their success with the ball against Victoria. But the decision backfired as Western Australia cruised to 1 for 133 by the 22nd over. Short was in complete control sharing a 101-run stand with Shaun Marsh following the early loss of Josh Philippe.Western Australia looked set for another 350-plus score but an outstanding spell from Riley Meredith halted their momentum. His extra pace and bounce forced mistakes from Shaun Marsh, Mitch Marsh, Ashton Turner, and Marcus Stoinis as he finished with 4 for 42 from 10 overs.Short reached his century from just 82 balls and had plenty of time to make 200 but he fell trying to hit James Faulkner into nearby Gloucester Park. The innings fizzled in the last 10 overs, as Western Australia lost 5 for 70 to be bowled out in the 50th over.Tasmania openers Caleb Jewell and Ben McDermott had some luck early in the chase. They were dropped three times between them but were unable to capitalize as they both fell to Ashton Agar.Richardson then returned and ripped through the middle order with some outstanding fast bowling. His pace and skill was too good as he claimed 3 for 23 in eight overs to confirm is back to full fitness after his shoulder injury.George Bailey made an entertaining half-century but Tasmania never got close, and they were unable to prevent Western Australia from claiming the bonus point as Andrew Tye wrapped up the tail after Bailey ran himself out.

MatériaMais Notícias

O Palmeiras vive um dos períodos mais vencedores de sua história. O São Paulo, ainda que não conquiste um título desde 2012, parece finalmente ter encontrado um caminho e apresenta uma equipe competitiva liderada por um técnico promissor, Hernán Crespo. O Corinthians, por sua vez, está num túnel onde não se enxerga luz alguma.

Poucas vezes se viu tamanha distância do Alvinegro para seus dois maiores rivais. Porque existe evidente perspectiva para o Tricolor, diferentemente do que se vê no Timão, que ontem. como era esperado, demitiu Vagner Mancini depois de ser eliminado pelo Palmeiras nas semifinais do pouco importante Campeonato Paulista. Verdão e Tricolor vão se enfrentar em uma decisão com ligeiro favoritismo para o lado verde, que está mais entrosado e tem um elenco que ainda é superior. O resultado, porém, é imprevisível.

De longe, o Corinthians vai observar, apenas. Recém-eliminado também da Copa Sul-Americana – e com duas rodadas de antecedência -, tem pela frente um Campeonato Brasileiro em que sua torcida sabe que não lhe é permitido sonhar e ainda a esperança da Copa do Brasil. Também é bem difícil imaginar que consiga passar pelo Atlético-GO e por mais quatro adversários para alcançar o troféu.

É fundamental que um projeto sério e de médio prazo comece hoje, no primeiro dia após a demissão de Mancini. Que se encontre o técnico adequado, que este técnico saiba reconstruir um gigante que está ferido por uma dívida imensa e por um período sem títulos que já tem dois anos. Ainda que seja dolorido viver isso enquanto os rivais sonham alto.

O LANCE! Espresso é uma newsletter gratuita que chega de manhã ao seu e-mail, de segunda a sexta. A marca registrada do jornalismo do LANCE!, com análises de Fabio Chiorino e Rodrigo Borges. Clique aqui e inscreva-se.

RelacionadasCorinthiansApós demissão de Mancini, Danilo assume o Corinthians interinamenteCorinthians16/05/2021Futebol NacionalPalmeiras abre o placar, segura o Corinthians e garante vaga na final do PaulistãoFutebol Nacional16/05/2021São PauloSão Paulo goleia o Mirassol no Morumbi e encara o Palmeiras na final do Campeonato PaulistaSão Paulo16/05/2021

Aston Villa's injury problems in the centre-back position have mounted up in recent weeks. First, Ezri Konsa picked up a knee issue in the 5-0 Premier League win over Sheffield United, one that's expected to keep him out until the early part of next month.

Then, to make matters worse, Diego Carlos damaged his hamstring in a training session, and he may not be available again until after the March international break. Unai Emery had already lost Tyrone Mings to a season-ending knee injury back in August.

Aston Villa injury list
Player	Injury	Possible return
Boubacar Kamara	Knee	Out for the season
Emi Buendia	Knee	Out for the season
Tyrone Mings	Knee	Out for the season
Jhon Duran	Hamstring	Early April
Diego Carlos	Hamstring	Mid-March
Ezri Konsa	Knee	Early March

The Spaniard was probably cursing his luck again when Pau Torres was forced off at half-time in Saturday's 4-2 win over Nottingham Forest, with Calum Chambers replacing him for his first top-flight playing time of the entire season. We've now received an update on Torres' status, and fortunately, it's good news for Villa.

Torres could feature at Luton

According to The Express and Star, Villa are "cautiously optimistic" that Torres will be able to play when they travel to face relegation-threatened Luton Town this weekend.

Torres' availability hasn't been confirmed just yet – he'll have to undergo further assessment later in the week – but it seems he's avoided any serious setback in the midst of Villa's battle for Champions League qualification.

"Barcelona and Real Madrid" claim shows Torres' value

Torres has become a key figure at Villa since his summer arrival from Emery's former club Villarreal, starting 18 of the 22 league games for which he's been available. The manager has been delighted with how the 27-year-old has been able to carry out his instructions.

He said: "Pau Torres is a very good player and his level is high. He is playing with the Spain national team, more or less being consistent. We worked together in Spain and were doing a plan with him.

"He was progressing. Taking the decision to come here and play in the Premier League is more demanding, even in the duels. That is the first objective he has, in how he can improve, is try to be strong when he has to fight with really very good strikers.

"Not only with the ball but when he has to run back and be in contact with the striker’s body. Then it is about trying to adapt quickly in the best qualities he has, trying to adapt and play with the ball. He is doing it very well and in my idea and style I am trying to create here, he is very important.

He added: "If I was the coach at Barcelona and Real Madrid I would want a player like him."

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Emery mentions Torres' qualities in possession there, and they have been crucial to Villa's build-up this season. Nobody who's started a league match for Villa this season has averaged more passes into the final third than his 5.98 per 90, and he also leads the way among defenders for progressive passes (5.54). When he's not playing, he's a dual miss, so it's a relief for Villa that they should be able to count on him in what promises to be a tense run-in.

Glasgow Rangers face Benfica at Ibrox on Thursday evening with a place in the quarter-finals of the Europa League up for grabs.

Philippe Clement may have to make a few changes to his starting XI from the team that defeated Hibs 2-0 at Easter Road in the Scottish Cup on the weekend, as Dujon Sterling and Ross McCausland both came off with injuries.

The Belgian manager won't just be mixing things up on the wings either, with a couple of changes afoot in other areas of the side, as Cyriel Dessers has failed to impress during his previous two starts…

Cyriel Dessers’ game in numbers vs Benfica

The 29-year-old was given the nod to start against the Portuguese side last week, but he failed to have any meaningful impact during the game.

Cyriel Dessers vs Benfica

Goals

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0

Dribble success

0/2

Total shots

0

Touches

17

Via Sofascore

The Nigerian striker was barely involved, taking only 17 touches, and completing eight passes during his 76 minutes on the field as Rangers had to go down other avenues in search for goals.

Indeed, he failed with both of his dribble attempts, did not take a single shot all game while winning just two of his eight contested duels, and was brought off for Kemar Roofe with just 15 minutes left.

Roofe may have had his injury issues recently, but there is no doubt Clement must give him a start this evening at Ibrox.

Kemar Roofe’s season in numbers

Roofe looked lively during his cameo last week, while he was also given some minutes against Hibs over the weekend as he is building up his fitness.

The centre-forward has missed large chunks of the season due to several injury problems and with his contract expiring at the end of the campaign, he could well be entering the final few months of his spell in Glasgow.

In his 19 appearances this term, Roofe has scored twice and added an assist. One of his goals came in the Europa League back in December as he scored the winner against Real Betis, which meant the Gers topped their group.

It is in Europe that he has impressed the most. Despite starting just once in the competition, Roofe has created a big chance, averaged 0.5 key passes per game, completed 0.5 successful dribbles per game (0.5) while also winning 3.5 total duels per match.

Related Rangers have a surprise Roofe heir who's out on loan

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These stats should give Clement the licence to finally unleash him into the starting XI and if he is ready, there is no doubt the striker could cause problems for the Benfica defence.

The £26k-per-week striker was dubbed a “Duracell bunny” by his former manager Steven Gerrard due to his incredible work rate and hunger during matches, and this is exactly what Clement needs on a big night in Europe.

A win will send the Gers through to the quarter-finals of the event for the second time in three years and not only will it boost the coffers, but also give the club some momentum heading into the final weeks of the season.

Clement has done a wonderful job since arriving, with the Benfica tie proving to be the toughest test yet.

One year out from the T20 World Cup at home, Australia seem like they have the building blocks of a strong team

The Preview by Andrew Fidel Fernando29-Oct-2019

Lasith Malinga reacts as the game slips away•AFP

Big PictureAn upbeat Sri Lanka went to Australia threatening to continue their outstanding Pakistan form, but like a skyrocket that veers off and flies through the neighbour’s open window, they only managed to wreak the most alarming – though spectacular – type of damage. It is difficult to imagine how the Adelaide match could have gone any worse. Kasun Rajitha’s record 0 for 75 made headlines, but the spinners also went at more than 10 an over, and Lasith Malinga went wicketless. On the batting front, no one made 20. Sri Lanka have had some limp limited-overs performances in the past two years, but this was among the very worst.ALSO READ – Maxwell interview: ‘You can’t play cricket bitter, you stop concentrating’ Australia don’t exactly have the record of an ace T20 side, having won only two of their seven most-recent series, but may have reason to consider themselves one of the best outfits in the world, with the return of David Warner and Steve Smith. Plenty is known about the explosive top three – Aaron Finch and Glenn Maxwell rounding it out – but there is a cohesive attack there too. On Sunday, Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins essentially ended what slim chances Sri Lanka had of chasing down a gargantuan target, by blasting out the top three inside four overs. Sri Lanka could then barely get the Australian spinners off the square, and surrendered a clump of wickets to the wristspinner Adam Zampa, as they often do.One year out from the T20 World Cup at home, Australia seem like they have the building blocks of a strong team at their disposal. When they arrived in Australia, Sri Lanka thought they had building blocks too. They have the galling challenge of winning in Brisbane if they are to avoid not only a series loss, but also talk of the Pakistan series having been a false dawn.ALSO READ – Starc to miss second T20I against Sri LankaForm guideAustralia WWWLW (completed matches, most recent first)
Sri Lanka LWWWWIn the spotlightThere seems to be no team Glenn Maxwell enjoys playing more. He walloped 62 at a strike rate of 221 on Sunday, but going by his overall record against Sri Lanka, he might have actually underperformed. In four innings against them, he averages an astounding 140.5 (there are two not outs in there), with a strike rate 225. Particularly on tracks that do not offer drastic turn, Maxwell appears to have a psychological hold over the Sri Lanka attack – their bowlers seemingly incapable of out-manoeuvring or out-thinking him. More than a fifth of Maxwell’s career boundaries have come against Sri Lanka.Glenn Maxwell brought out all the shots•AFP

Sri Lanka made a litany of mistakes in the first match, but the first might have been to put Australia in to bat on what seemed an excellent batting surface. The decision seems especially strange when you account for Sri Lanka’s four previous T20s, which they had won batting first. Captain Lasith Malinga, who finds himself in the odd position of having to reimpose his leadership after the team did well without him in Pakistan. A victory at the Gabba could ease the pressure on him a little.Team newsMitchell Starc will miss the second T20 to attend his high-jump champion brother’s wedding. Billy Stanlake will likely play in his stead.Australia (possible): 1 David Warne, 2 Aaron Finch (capt.), 3 Glenn Maxwell, 4 Steve Smith, 5 Ashton Turner, 6 Alex Carey (wk), 7 Ashton Agar, 8 Pat Cummins, 9 Kane Richardson, 10 Adam Zampa, 11 Billy StanlakeSri Lanka will likely leave Rajitha out and get Isuru Udana into the XI. They may also consider dropping the out-of-form Kusal Perera for Niroshan Dickwella.Sri Lanka (possible): 1 Danushka Gunathilaka, 2 Kusal Mendis, 3 Bhanuka Rajapaksa, 4 Oshada Fernando, 5 Niroshan Dickwella (wk), 6 Dasun Shanaka, 7 Wanindu Hasaranga, 8 Isuru Udana, 9 Lakshan Sandakan, 10 Lasith Malinga (capt.), 11 Nuwan PradeepPitch and conditionsThere is no rain expected, but cloud cover is forecast, which could aid swing with the new ball. Otherwise, expect your standard fast, bouncy Gabba surface.Stats and trivia Sri Lanka have lost seven out of the eight-most recent T20s that Malinga has captained. Their only victory came against New Zealand, when Malinga took four wickets in four balls. Maxwell’s three most-recent T20I scores are 62 off 28, 113* off 55, and 56 off 43. The 113 and 56 had come in February, in India. Sri Lanka have won each of their three previous T20 series in Australia.

Kylian Mbappe is already proving his ‘Galactico’ status at Real Madrid, with the Blancos struggling to deal with demand for his new No.9 shirt.

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French superstar heading to Spanish capitalNew shirt met with unprecedented demandFans excited by arrival of World Cup winnerGetty/GoalWHAT HAPPENED?

The World Cup winner is heading to Santiago Bernabeu as a free agent, having reached the end of his contract at Paris Saint-Germain. He is severing ties with the Ligue 1 giants as the club’s all-time leading scorer, but with Champions League glory having proved elusive.

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Mbappe will be hoping to break that trophy duck after linking up with the current kings of Europe, with the 25-year-old ready to embrace a new challenge while still approaching his peak. His arrival in Spain is generating unprecedented excitement, with supporters around the world clamouring to get a Madrid jersey.

GettyDID YOU KNOW?

On the opening day of sales, with it confirmed that Mbappe will be taking on No.9 for Real as Vinicius Junior already fills his favoured No.7 spot, the Blancos had to contend with an overwhelming surge – with sales far exceeding expectations.

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WHAT REAL MADRID SAID

Real were forced to put out the following statement, with Mbappe’s instant popularity suggesting that he will quickly become a fan favourite: “Due to current high demand, items in this collection may experience a delay in delivery of up to 4-6 additional weeks, regardless of the shipping method selected. This delay will affect both orders exclusive to the Mbappe collection and those that combine products from the Mbappe collection with other products from the online store.”

The captain played through the pain barrier to help his country, but in the end he held them back and needs to step aside

When a new England manager arrives on the scene, long serving greats in their 30s better run for cover. Steve McLaren's first act as England coach was to drop David Beckham from his squad, shortly after the No.7, then aged 31, had stood down as captain following the disappointing 2006 World Cup.

Gareth Southgate left Wayne Rooney, also 31 at the time, out of his first ever game in charge against Slovenia. And now that Southgate is stepping down as Three Lions boss, whoever comes in next should arrange a meeting with Harry Kane and respectfully tell him his time with the national team is up.

Thank you for your service Harry, your leadership, your 66 goals and taking us to two finals. But it's time we went our separate ways before we tear each other apart.

• Getty
  

  Never looked right

  Kane's Euro 2024 story was a paradoxical tale of both selflessness and egotism at the same time. He had done everything to get fit for the tournament, ending his season with Bayern Munich once they had been knocked out of the Champions League by Real Madrid, and treated his back injury with his personal doctor rather than with the club.

  Kane had played down the significance of that injury, as had England, whose official website described it as "a niggle". Kane had said he had ended his season a a "precaution" as there was "a big summer coming up so we didn't want to take any risks with it". He then played both warm-up games against Bosnia & Herzegovina and Iceland before starting all seven of England's games at the tournament.

  But he never looked right. He ended the summer as joint-top scorer with five other players, but his overall statistics told a very different story. He had a total of 18 shots, eight of which were blocked. Six of his attempts hit the target, with half of those resulting in goals. In the final against Spain, he had just one touch in the area, just as he had in the Euro 2020 final against Italy.

  In fact, Kane has had fewer combined touches in European Championship finals than Jack Grealish, who played just 20 minutes against Italy and was left out of the squad this time around.

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• Getty
  

  Couldn't be dropped

  But despite his diminishing powers, there was never any question that Kane would be dropped. He himself cannot be blamed for this, as which player wouldn't want to be involved as much as possible in a major tournament? It was up to Southgate to make that tough decision, but he never had the courage to do it. He did at least realise that Kane had to be withdrawn earlier and earlier.

  The captain completed the whole opening match against Serbia but was taken off after 70 minutes against Denmark. He played another 90 minutes against Slovenia, but was replaced in extra-time against both Slovakia and Switzerland, even with penalties potentially being on the horizon.

  Against the Netherlands he lasted 81 minutes, and in the final it was just 61. The fact he had picked up a booking for a late challenge on Fabian Ruiz in the first half may have hastened Southgate's decision to withdraw his captain, but it was plainly obvious that Kane was having no impact on the game. In fact, he was weighing England down.

  Southgate's side were forced to play on the counter-attack against La Roja, having dominated possession in all their other matches. And when you counter-attack you need speedy players to run in behind on the break. Kane was incapable of doing so and it meant Spain were rarely worried when England took the ball off them and broke.

  John Stones and Phil Foden each created openings in the first half, but Kane's lack of mobility meant they had no real passing opportunities. When Ollie Watkins eventually replaced Kane, he provided speed and purpose in attack, and it was no coincidence that England drew level 12 minutes later through Cole Palmer.

• Getty
  

  Lack of mobility

  Kane's lack of mobility was a constant talking point in analysis of England's performances, but dropping him was seen as too big a move for Southgate to make; a seismic decision which would have sent shockwaves through the nation and unsettled the team. And that sums up the problem Kane has created. He was seen as undroppable, even though had anyone else been playing as badly as him and believed to be carrying an injury, they would have been straight out of the team.

  “I'd be amazed if Harry wasn't carrying some form of injury and patching himself up to get out there," Gary Neville said on . "Whether it will come out or not now, I'm not sure, because they lost in the manner they did.

  "Physically, he never looked like himself during the tournament and everyone could see that. It's not a technical or performance thing – this is England's best player ever in this position. It's more about his mobility around the pitch. There is no doubt he wasn't free and Gareth took him off relatively early.

  "Gareth has a lot of experience managing at these tournaments, but Kane's performances were nowhere near the standards he's set. If it does emerge he was patching himself up, then there might be further questions about why he was picked. It does feel like he was carrying something to me."

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  Infuriating deference

  Southgate's deference to him was infuriating, especially considering the manager had recently shed his previous image of showing undue loyalty to long-serving players. He logically concluded that Grealish, Jordan Henderson, Harry Maguire and Marcus Rashford were not right for the tournament, so why couldn't he see that Kane had to be taken out of the team after underperforming time and time again?

  Southgate's long working relationship with Kane must have been a big factor in why he was so reluctant to drop him from his line-up or take him off earlier in matches. Southgate has known Kane for more than a decade, first picking him when he was in charge of the England Under-21 side in 2014.

  As soon as the final whistle had gone and England's tournament had come to a familiarly painful ending, Southgate started rolling out the excuses about Kane's fitness issues. “Physically it has been tough for him. He came into the tournament short on games and has not quite reached the level we all would have hoped," the coach told .

  The manager then effectively admitted that he had kept Kane in the team for so long for reasons of morale and leadership. He added: “He has led the team really well. We have lost a lot of leadership with the injuries to [Jordan] Henderson and [Harry] Maguire, so a lot has fallen on his shoulders.”

  Kane's team-mates had pointed to his leadership qualities before the semi-final when his performances were being criticised. “When he’s on the pitch he makes other players feel positive,” Luke Shaw said. “I think we all feel very positive when he’s on the pitch, because he’s our leading goal-scorer. At any time he can score a goal and make that difference. He’s a very important player, he’s our captain."

Aston Villa, on course to remarkably finish inside the Premier League's top four and qualify for next season's Champions League, will arguably be in a better position than ever to welcome some of Europe's most promising stars. And that could see one particular midfielder arrive this summer.

Aston Villa transfer news

Unai Emery's side put on another impressive show against Nottingham Forest this weekend, as they eventually eased to a 4-2 victory at Villa Park. Now as many as six points clear of Tottenham Hotspur in fifth, albeit having played one more game than the Lilywhites, Villa's chances of securing a top-four place are growing more and more realistic in what has already been an incredible campaign.

Aston Villa gem who completed 100% of his passes was Emery's hero over Luiz

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With Champions League football to possibly offer, the Villans and NSWE could turn their attention to players at the highest level, including the likes of Exequiel Palacios. The midfielder has played his part in an unbeaten Bayer Leverkusen side under Xabi Alonso this season and is on course to becoming a Bundesliga champion, whilst reportedly attracting the interest of Villa.

Meanwhile, reports suggest that those at Villa Park could turn their attention towards Portugal when it comes to landing a midfield reinforcement. According to Record via The 4th Official, Aston Villa are in a three-way battle to sign Alan Varela from Porto alongside Manchester United and West Ham United. What's more, previous reports linked both Liverpool and Manchester City with the Argentine, who has a release clause of €70m (£60m).

It remains to be seen whether Villa will be willing to spend such money in the summer transfer window, having already seemingly built a squad capable of qualifying for the Champions League. But, should they be in a position to splash the cash, then Varela could be one of the options that they turn to in the coming months.

"Gem" Varela is better than Zaniolo

If Aston Villa replicate Newcastle United's campaign last time out by breaking into the top four, they'll hope that's where the comparisons end with the Magpies crashing out in the Champions League group stage this season. To do what Eddie Howe's side couldn't do, Villa may need to find the right additions in the summer transfer window. And Varela could certainly be that.

The Porto midfielder may well be an instant upgrade on Nicolo Zaniolo, who is currently on loan at Villa Park, and perhaps provide Emery with one of the final pieces needed to continue his side's rise.

Progressive Passes

93

20

Tackles Won

11

4

Interceptions

18

1

Blocks

27

12

Varela is also a player who's earned plenty of praise, including in the early stages of his career from Football Talent Scout's Jacek Kulig, who posted on X:

Potentially better placed than ever to compete with the likes of Manchester United both on and off the pitch in the Premier League, Villa could yet get their man this summer.

An inside source is quoted telling one outlet that West Ham are now in the race for a big name striker, who they think could be a "statement signing".

West Ham failed to sign new forward in January

The Hammers ultimately failed to bring in a new forward over the winter, despite rumours that West Ham attempted half a dozen deals for attackers in January.

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Indeed, journalist Graeme Bailey claimed earlier this year that West Ham tried to bring in a plethora of players that month, including Ismaila Sarr, Stephen Bergwijn, Marcos Leonardo, Ibrahim Osman, Jota, Hugo Ekitike and Armando Broja.

Eventually, none of these proposed moves came to fruition, with West Ham also letting both Pablo Fornals and Said Benrahma out through the exit door – the former on a permanent basis to Real Betis and the latter on loan to Lyon after plenty of drama.

Jarrod Bowen

14

Mohammed Kudus

6

Tomas Soucek

6

James Ward-Prowse

5

Lucas Paqueta

3

The likes of Jarrod Bowen and Mohammed Kudus have stood out as David Moyes' star players this season, but an injury to either one of the pair could spell disaster for the east Londoners.

Michail Antonio's injury history, and growing age, also makes him a questionable option for the future – while uncertainty surrounds the future of striker Danny Ings despite a recent return to first-team football under Moyes.

West Ham have been tipped to sign a new striker this summer as a result, and they're now believed to be surprise contenders to sign Brentford star Ivan Toney.

The England international, who's scored four goals in his last 10 appearances for the Bees since returning from his ban for alleged off-field gambling, is attracting interest from east London.

Source says West Ham want Toney as "statement signing"

Speaking to The Sun this week, an inside source is quoted as saying West Ham want Toney and think he could be a "statement signing".

“If Brentford drop out of the Premier League, which is now looking a real possibility, there will be a race to land Ivan Toney," said the source.

"That’s why some clubs are already taking steps to try and get in pole position to land the player. It’s well-known that Chelsea and Spurs both need a number nine and Toney would fit the bill for both clubs. But West Ham are now interested too.

“The club think Toney could be a real statement signing and help take the team to the next level. West Ham are crying out for a centre-forward who can help turn them from a good side into one that can genuinely challenge for the Champions League.

"Arsenal are now less interested. Mikel Arteta has a system and a way of playing and he doesn’t think a conventional number nine like Ivan Toney is what they need.”