According to reports in The Sun, West Ham United are lining up a surprise move for £4m-rated Hibernian midfielder John McGinn, who has scored 13 goals in 115 appearances for the club.

What’s the word, then?

Well, The Sun says that Irons boss David Moyes is a big fan of the Scotland international, who has been tipped to be a Premier League success if he moves south of the border.

The Sun says that the 23-year-old would cost around £4m if the Scottish Premiership side decide to cash in on him, with Moyes having identified the middle of the park as an area that needs strengthening during the January transfer window.

How has McGinn done this season?

He has done very well.

Even though he primarily plays as a central midfielder, he has made a big impact in the final third for his team by scoring four goals and providing a further four assists in 26 appearances in all competitions this term – including a brilliant brace against Celtic at Celtic Park in September.

His discipline is a slight issue though, seeing as he has already picked up 10 yellow cards before Christmas.

Would he be a good signing for West Ham?

He certainly would be, especially for £4m.

McGinn has scored 13 goals and provided a further 23 assists in 115 appearances in total for Hibernian, and his impressive performance away against Celtic shows that he can perform on the big stage too.

He would certainly add some bite and aggression in the middle of the park, while he has proven that he can be creative and a goal threat when he needs to be.

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West Ham certainly look as though they need strengthening in central midfield, but Irons supporters may not be so impressed with the addition considering they have been linked with the likes of Sporting Lisbon’s William Carvalho and Sevilla’s Steven N’Zonzi over the course of the last few weeks.

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Arsenal fell further adrift of their top four rivals in the English Premier League this weekend, losing away to Bournemouth on Sunday afternoon.

The Gunners are now eight points adrift of fourth place, also having Tottenham Hotspur five points ahead of them in fifth.

Hector Bellerin actually opened the scoring for Arsene Wenger’s side but a Bournemouth double in four minutes midway through the second half secured all three points for the Cherries.

Goalkeeper Petr Cech came under sharp criticism for his performance, misjudging Ryan Fraser’s cross before Callum Wilson prodded home, sending the home side on their way to victory.

Supporters are now questioning whether he should still be Arsenal’s number one, many taking to social media in the aftermath to plead with Wenger to sign a new goalkeeper.

Is he finished as a top level shot-stopper, or can he continue to feature between the posts as Arsenal compete for a top four position?

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Arsenal are reportedly close to agreeing a deal to sign Borussia Dortmund striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang before the January transfer window slams shut on Wednesday, but Gunners fans want them to buy Leicester City winger Riyad Mahrez instead.

Arsene Wenger wants to bring the Gabon international to the Emirates Stadium before the end of the month, and BBC Sport journalist David Ornstein confirmed via his official Twitter account on Sunday that a £60m move is edging closer.

Meanwhile, the 2016 PFA Player of the Year Mahrez has been back to his best since Claude Puel took the reins at the King Power Stadium, scoring eight goals and providing a further eight assists in 24 Premier League appearances this season.

Arsenal supporters were quick to have their say on the Algeria international via social media, and while one said “Arsenal should sign Mahrez instead of Auba”, another said “we should stop going for Aubameyang and just get Mahrez”.

Here is just a selection of the Twitter reaction…

Tottenham Hotspur stole a late point in a thrilling 2-2 draw against Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday, and Spurs fans were quick to praise Jan Vertonghen for his performance.

The Reds looked to be on their way to victory for large periods of the match following Mo Salah’s early goal, but a brilliant second-half strike from substitute Victor Wanyama was followed by Harry Kane winning a penalty, but the England international failed to convert.

Salah then looked to have won the game for Jurgen Klopp’s men before Kane did score from the spot after Erik Lamela was adjudged to have been fouled by Virgil van Dijk.

While Davinson Sanchez visibly struggled, Vertonghen was much more impressive alongside the Colombian, and he was key to Mauricio Pochettino’s men picking up an important point.

Tottenham supporters took to social media to give their thoughts on the 30-year-old’s display, and while one said “Vertonghen is clearly our most important player”, another said he was “head and shoulders above any player out there for Spurs today”.

Here is just a selection of the Twitter reaction…

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West Ham United will look to move further away from the Premier League relegation zone when they face Liverpool at Anfield on Saturday.

The Irons were slipping back towards the bottom three following a 3-1 defeat against Brighton and Hove Albion at the Amex Stadium earlier this month, but they bounced back from that loss with a 2-0 success against Watford at the London Stadium last time out.

Goals from Javier Hernandez and Marko Arnautovic, who came straight back into the starting line-up after recovering from a hamstring injury that saw him miss three matches, gave the east London outfit a crucial win in their battle to avoid the drop, and they are now four points clear of 18th-placed Southampton.

David Moyes’ men will look to build on that victory against the Hornets ahead of the long trip north to Merseyside this weekend, and the Scot will know how important it is that his side keep picking up results to keep them out of trouble.

It certainly won’t be an easy task against Jurgen Klopp’s side though, and their 5-0 win against FC Porto in the Champions League last week saw their attacking trio of Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino and Mo Salah reach the milestone of 60 goals between them this term.

Moyes may well be tempted to stick with the same XI that secured the win against Watford, but the Scot could be asking for trouble unless he makes a couple of alterations.

Here are two changes the 54-year-old must make to his team when they face Liverpool…

Winston Reid for Michail Antonio

Moyes made some big selection decisions ahead of the clash against Watford, including bringing Michail Antonio into the team to play as a left wing-back.

It was a risk that paid off as the 27-year-old assisted Marko Arnautovic’s goal in the 2-0 win, but Moyes shouldn’t play him there again against a Liverpool side that will be far more attacking than the Hornets were.

Antonio seems to struggle defensively and the Scottish boss should move Aaron Cresswell from his previous spot on the left side of a three-man defence to the left wing-back role at Anfield, and bring Reid back into the heart of the defence alongside Angelo Ogbonna and James Collins.

The New Zealand international hasn’t started in the Premier League since the 1-1 draw at Tottenham Hotspur on January 4 having been plagued by a groin injury and illness since then – as well as failing to force his way back into the team at Brighton – but if he has recovered from a throat infection that needs to happen on Saturday in order to use his experience to deal with Liverpool’s free-scoring front three.

Manuel Lanzini for Javier Hernandez

Hernandez has scored three goals in his last four Premier League appearances for West Ham as he finally starts to find some form, but he shouldn’t be on the team-sheet against Liverpool at Anfield on Saturday – if Lanzini is fit to return.

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The Argentina international hinted on his Instagram story, via Football.London, that he is set to be involved against the Reds this weekend having been absent with a hamstring injury he picked up in the 1-1 draw against Bournemouth at the London Stadium last month, and he has been a big miss for the Irons.

Moyes could and probably should choose to go with a more cautious 3-5-1-1 system on Merseyside, and with Marko Arnautovic able to play in the centre-forward role and undroppable in the form he is currently in – as well as the impressive link up he had with Lanzini previously prior to the duo picking up injuries – it is those two that must start in attack for the Hammers on Saturday.

Do you agree, Irons fans? Let us know below.

The Manchester United front-line that failed to find the net against competent but not exactly overwhelming opposition in Sevilla last night cost the club £112million plus the market value of Henrikh Mkhitaryan. And yet, all of those talents were overshadowed at Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan by the performance of Manchester United’s deepest-lying midfielder – Nemanja Matic.

That’s no slight on the 36-cap Serbian international, who is one of the world’s best in his trade and proved it once again against the Spanish side.

Indeed, Matic was a forceful presence at the heart of midfield, weighing in with the most tackles, the most interceptions and the most touches of the ball of any Red Devils player, while completing two dribbles and winning two aerial duels.

And yet, any praise we could direct towards Matic only highlights why Manchester United are so frustrating under Jose Mourinho.

At no point in the match did the Red Devils really take the game to Sevilla, despite their undoubted offensive quality, and Mourinho’s entire game-plan appeared to centre around bogging the home side down as they approached the middle-to-final third, effectively funnelling play towards Matic.

While Mourinho will be delighted with how well formidably the 29-year-old performed his role, it made for a painfully boring ninety minutes that saw the Red Devils manage just four efforts at goal, yet the United boss displayed no real concern with the result or the performance.

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Considering how important away goals are in the Champions League these days, and how United had more than enough offensive talent on the pitch to get one, that mentality from Mourinho borders on mind-boggling.

Inevitably, Mourinho’s approach to the game, epitomised by Matic’s performance, has divided opinion. So, United fans, do you think the scoreless draw was a good or a bad result for the Old Trafford outfit? Let us know by voting below…

West Ham were left frustrated in their attempts to sign Leander Dendoncker in January and despite claims by the London Evening Standard that the Hammers intend to try again in January, there’s still a chance they won’t be able to get a deal over the line before next season, too.

If there’s one fan base in the Premier league that always feels short-changed by its owners, it’s West Ham (although Newcastle might be in there with a shout). The Hammers have rescued their season somewhat, but are certainly not clear of the relegation scrap, which seems remarkable given the size of the club.

Just one of their summer signings has had the intended impact, with Marko Arnautović currently in the form of his life, halted only temporarily by injury. David Moyes is desperate to add another midfielder to his ranks, and despite Dendoncker publicly saying he would like to move to West Ham, there is a growing sense that Anderlecht are not going to lower their price enough to get a deal done.

Here are three players the Hammers could turn to instead…

Abdoulaye Doucouré, Watford

Watford fans may feel a little aggrieved by this one, but given the success of Arnautović, poached from Stoke last summer, it wouldn’t be surprising to see West Ham hunt for their midfield man within the Premier League.

Doucouré has been somewhat of a revelation at Watford this season, and has even drawn interest from Spurs. The French midfielder has been brilliant as a defensive midfielder for the Hornets, and has even got himself involved on the attacking end.

He has the strength and pace required to compete in a Premier League midfield, and the passing ability to aid the Hammers attack. He also averages over two tackles per game in the league this season, which is actually better than Dendoncker.

William Carvalho, Sporting CP

This probably feels a little familiar to Hammers’ fans, as Carvalho’s name has cropped up as a potential target more than once. Still, it’s easy to understand why, as Carvalho has developed from one of Europe’s young stars to one of its sturdiest midfielders.

More of a classic defensive midfielder than Doucouré, Carvalho would offer complete protection to Moyes’ defence. His languid style is often mistaken for laziness, but his reading of the game and physical style make him a force to be reckoned with in the middle of the park.

Carvalho could be pricey, but with his power and eye for a pass he could be worth it.

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Fabián Ruiz, Real Betis

Ruiz is a different mould of midfielder to the two mentioned above, but could be the missing ingredient needed in the Hammers’ midfield. A fantastic dribbler and passer, the 21 year-old has excelled in Betis’ midfield this season after a loan spell at Elche.

His recent performance against Real Madrid caught plenty of eyes, bossing the first half in an almost effortless manner with his control and passing, although Betis did fall apart after the break.

Ruiz recently signed a new contract with Betis, so any move for the midfielder would likely be a pricey one, but if Moyes could manage to convince the youngster to join he could be a fan favourite for years to come.

Newcastle United fans want the anniversary of signing Rafael Benitez to be a national holiday, after his side thrashed Southampton on Saturday.

The Toon Army are now 13th in the Premier League table, five points clear of relegation. Southampton were completely outplayed and outfought on Saturday, as goals from Kenedy and Matt Ritchie secured an emphatic win for the Magpies.

Sunday marked the two-year anniversary of Rafael Benitez taking over at the club, and needless to say the fans just can’t get enough of Rafa.

Benitez has an exceptional knack of connecting with fans, and the relationship he forged with fans at Liverpool is being replicated on Tyneside.

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The Spaniard was relegated upon arrival, and brought the team back up in style at the first time of asking. Despite clashes with the board over the lack of transfer dealings, Benitez seems content on Tyneside and has shown no clear signs to ditch the club.

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Now, with another six pointer to come at the end of the month vs. Huddersfield, Newcastle could find themselves clear of the relegation scrap going into the final months of the season. In Newcastle fans’ minds, there’s only one man to thank.

Some of the best Twitter reactions can be found below…

18-year-old Netherlands international Matthijs de Ligt impressed in his nation’s 3-0 friendly win against Portugal on Monday night, and Manchester United fans have demanded their club signs the talented teenager.

The Ajax centre-back started in a back three alongside Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk and Bournemouth’s Nathan Ake against the Euro 2016 winners, and while he looked comfortable defensively, in possession and had former Red Devil Cristiano Ronaldo in his back pocket for much of the game, he also popped up with two assists at the other end of the pitch, too.

Jose Mourinho looks likely to strengthen his defensive options this summer – the Old Trafford faithful also want him to sign Leicester City and England’s Harry Maguire – and the central defender may have now come on to his radar.

Man United supporters were quick to have their say on the youngster’s display via social media, and while one said “pay whatever it takes and get us De Ligt”, another simply said “sign him now”.

Here is just a selection of the Twitter reaction…

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Aaron Ramsey’s Arsenal contract runs into its final year next season but the Daily Mail report that talks have begun over an extension and that Arsene Wenger is confident that the Welshman will sign an extension.

That is exciting news for Gunners supporters, who have seen a long line of players leave the club after contract situations went unresolved for too long, the most recent of whom was Alexis Sanchez.

What’s the story, then?

The report claims that Ramsey currently earns £110,000 per week at the Emirates and Arsenal are desperate to keep him at the club and avoid another debacle like the Sanchez one that saw him join Manchester United in January.

The arrivals of high-earners Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Henrikh Mkhitaryan could reportedly leave Ramsey demanding a substantial increase to his current pay packet and that could cause a stumbling block.

Nevertheless, Wenger reportedly remains confident that the Welshman will extend his deal, just as Mesut Ozil did when he signed a new £350,000 per week deal in January.

Why is it so important that he signs?

As we’ve touched on, there have been no shortage of Arsenal players who have let their contract run down and then left, which substantially undermines the club’s ambitions.

While it is understandable to let Jack Wilshere leave, because of his injury problems, Ramsey has been slightly more reliable and is a rare midfielder in the Arsenal ranks who can chip in with goals.

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Wenger does have to be careful that he hasn’t smashed his wage structure with the bumper deals for Ozil, Aubameyang and Mkhitaryan but Ramsey has earned an improved deal.

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