West Ham will be without a key defender for Sunday’s Premier League clash with Aston Villa. Graham Potter takes his Hammers side back to Villa Park for the second time this month, having lost in the FA Cup third-round in his first game in charge.

Julio Enciso’s loan exit to Ipswich Town for the rest of the season leaves Danny Welbeck, Joao Pedro and Georginio Rutter as the only available options in the No. 9 and No. 10 combination favoured by head coach Fabian Hurzeler.

Potter is believed to view the Londoner – and Ezechiel Banzuzi – as key parts of a midfield overhaul at West Ham.

West Ham have been impressed by Alberto’s performances for Corinthians and are reportedly prepared to table a €20 million bid this month. Corinthians are not interested in cutting ties with Alberto, but their valuation of the striker is around €10m, so they could be forced to do business if West Ham act on their interest.

West Ham are keen to back new manager Graham Potter with new additions at centre-back and centre-forward before the transfer deadline on 3 February. (Football Insider) What could the future of AI powered video games look like?

Graeme Bailey on TBR Football has reported that West Ham United have faced rejection after they have made their first offer to sign Ezechiel Banzuzi in this transfer window. They have to pay the exact amount that Oud-Heverlee Leumen have been demanding.

Women's Super League side West Ham have signed Austria international defender Verena Hanshaw from Italian Serie A club AS Roma.

Aston Villa hope to sign West Ham goalkeeper Katelin Talbert on loan this month. Villa have been looking for a goalkeeper since New Zealand international Anna Leat left by mutual consent earlier this month and talks are ongoing with the two clubs.

Okafor – who AC Milan signed from RB Salzburg for €15m (£12.7m) back in July 2023 – has scored one goal and provided two assists in 16 appearances so far this season. TBR Football understand West Ham also hold an interest in Marcus Rashford – who Manchester United want to offload.

Ruben Amorim’s side got the better of the Scottish Premiership club at Old Trafford in the Europa League, and the former Red Devil was impressed with one midfielder

The Manchester United futures of Alejandro Garnacho and Marcus Rashford remain uncertain after Thursday's Europa League win against Rangers