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David Moyes should urge West Ham United to sign Aaron Ramsey this summer after Steve Howey claimed that a move to the London Stadium “would suit” the Juventus midfielder.

Former Newcastle ace Howey has been speaking exclusively with Football Transfer Tavern amid widespread rumours linking the Welshman with a return to the Premier League.

Ramsey only moved to the Serie A at the end of his Arsenal contract in 2019, but has struggled to establish himself at the Allianz Stadium, where he earns £400,000 per week.

West Ham is one potential destination for the midfield maestro, with reports in Italy suggesting that the Irons could make a move as Juventus sporting director Fabio Paratici weighs up avenues to clear space in Andrea Pirlo’s squad.

Crystal Palace are also monitoring Ramsey’s situation, while Everton have allegedly been offered the Wales international for €15m (£13m). The 30-year-old has been suggested as Georginio Wijnaldum’s replacement at Liverpool as well.

Newcastle even tried to sign Ramsey last summer, only for the Cardiff City product to reject a move to St James’ Park, and Howey doubts that he would take up the Toon’s offer this year if a return to the capital with West Ham is possible.

“I think it would suit him, it’s London. I can’t see him coming up north, if I’m being brutally honest. I think that could be a good one,” Howey said.

“Jesse Lingard, would he want to go back to Manchester United? He’s gone to West Ham and absolutely turned it around, because he was disappearing and disappearing fast [at Old Trafford].”

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It remains to be seen how highly Juventus value Ramsey come the summer and which clubs are willing to offer the Welshman a return to the Premier League, but Moyes should ensure that West Ham are near the front of the queue.

Ramsey’s time in Turin may have been blighted by injuries which have left the Old Lady considering moving the midfielder on at the end of the season, but he was a creative maestro in the Premier League.

Over 11 seasons at the Emirates Stadium and 262 top-flight appearances for Arsenal, Ramsey was involved in 91 goals (40 scored, 51 assisted) and never ended a campaign with less than five goal involvements between 2011 and 2019.

Only Lingard (six goals, four assists) and Tomas Soucek (nine goals) have been involved in more than five from central midfield positions for West Ham this season, with each of Pablo Fornals’ involvements (three goals, three assists) coming from wide roles.

However, doubt resides over Lingard’s future at the London Stadium as the Hammers could not agree a purchase clause with Manchester United when signing the England international on loan, and recent reports suggest that the Red Devils would now demand £30m.

Moyes also has a lack of depth behind Soucek and Declan Rice in the holding role – which the latter’s lateral knee ligament injury has made clear – with Mark Noble the only natural senior cover.

West Ham could plug two gaps with one stone by signing Ramsey this summer, and add a high-calibre option to Moyes’ squad who Gunners icon Ray Parlour has lauded as “a brilliant player” and expects will “probably finish his career in England”.

AND in other news, West Ham land major boost in race to sign “complete” £11m-rated target for free…

Sheffield Wednesday return to Championship action this afternoon but they will be without manager Darren Moore in the dugout after a fresh health concern, meaning assistant Jamie Smith will lead the Owls out for the fourth time in their last five games.

The South Yorkshire side will be looking to bridge the eight-point gap to safety but know that a defeat would all but confirm relegation to League One as there are only five games left to play, including this one.

Last time out, Wednesday were beaten by promotion-chasing Swansea City and now they welcome an out-of-form Bristol City to Hillsborough Stadium, with both teams desperate to pick up three points.

Moore may not be at the game but he will undoubtedly have a big say in terms of team selection, so here is our predicted XI along with the latest news from the Owls camp…

There could be three changes from the side that tasted defeat in midweek, though it is unlikely that any of their recent injury absentees feature just yet.

Between the sticks, we should see Keiren Westwood remain after his return to the starting XI on Tuesday night and Moore could well revert back to his usual back three, having tinkered it against Swansea.

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That means Julian Borner and Tom Lees welcome back 20-year-old gem Osaze Urhoghide, with Sam Hutchinson moving into midfield to continue his partnership with Barry Bannan once again.

Adam Reach is surely going to keep his place at left wing-back, though the Owls boss could be tempted to inject a spark into his side on the other flank, so don’t be surprised if forgotten man Kadeem Harris is given a run-out over 29-year-old Liam Palmer, despite starting eight of their last nine games.

Harris should give them more flair in attack, and let’s face it, Wednesday need to score more goals to stand a chance of surviving.

The third and final change is likely to be in the attack with top goalscorer Callum Paterson returning alongside Jordan Rhodes up top, having been a casualty from the alterations in midweek.

Soon-to-be departing midfielder Liam Shaw will drop to the bench. The 20-year-old academy graduate is due to join Celtic at the end of the season.

As a result of Wednesday pairing the Scottish duo together, Josh Windass will drop deeper in a no.10 role behind the pair.

It does mean that the likes of Andre Green, Izzy Brown and Elias Kachunga are snubbed again despite the Owls’ lack of fortunes.

AND in other news, Exclusive: Palmer drops Sheffield Wednesday dressing room claim over Darren Moore…

Fans of West Bromwich Albion have been reacting to a post on Twitter, in which the Baggies confirmed that Kieran Gibbs would be leaving the club at the end of the season.

According to a statement on West Brom’s club website, Gibbs will remain at The Hawthorns for the remainder of the Baggies’ Premier League campaign, after which the 31-year-old will leave the club for Major League Soccer side, Inter Miami, on a free transfer.

Having joined West Brom from Arsenal back in the summer of 2017, Gibbs has so far gone on to make 100 appearances in all competitions for the club, chipping in with five goals along the way.

And, after West Brom relayed the news of Gibbs’ impending departure on Twitter, fans of the Baggies flocked to have their say on the matter, with many appearing delighted at the prospect of the £30,000-per-week left-back leaving their club this summer, due mainly to his injury history.

So, what exactly did these West Bromwich Albion fans have to say in reaction to the news regarding Kieran Gibbs?

“I’ll pay for his flight over there.”

@WBADyl

“Good, 70k off the wage bill for someone with a hamstring made of glass.”

@RobWBA_

“Bye then. Rolls Royce in the Championship I saw him once described as. More like clapped out in the prem. 55 grand a week? Nah, not for me.”

@nickwestwood33

“I wouldn’t give him another contract anyway. Never lived up to his name sadly. Good luck to him.”

@KnaveofAlbion

“Great move for him.”

@Blackjack42B

“Get in.”

@vivalaalbion

“Quality most of the time for us, all the best Gibbo.”

@danwba_

In other news: these WBA fans unleashed their fury at “pathetic” stars following John Percy’s report – find out more here!

Steve Bruce must look to let Elliot Anderson off the leash after Newcastle United’s hopes of signing Cardiff City talent Kieron Evans took a huge blow.

What’s the word?

Reports by Wales Online last month claimed that the Toon were one of a small group of Premier League clubs eying Evans’ situation at the Cardiff City Stadium with a view to a potential summer swoop.

However, the Bluebirds announced on Wednesday that the 19-year-old has now agreed on a new, two-year contract with the Championship side, he’d have been a free agent at the end of the season if he didn’t put pen-to-paper.

Evans is on the cusp of making his first-team breakthrough in south Wales after being listed in five senior squads so far this term, but is yet to step foot onto the field for his debut.

Cardiff rate the Wales U19 international’s potential highly and have now moved to avoid losing his services for nothing more than a compensatory sum, amid the alleged interest from Newcastle, West Bromwich Albion, Burnley and Sheffield United.

“Kieron Evans has been a standout performer since I’ve come in,” Cardiff’s U23 coach Steve Morison said following the attacking midfielder’s new contract. “He’s been excellent.

“To top it all off, he’s now adding assists and goals in every game alongside his performances, which have got him really noticed. He deserves it.”

Evans was noted to have attracted attentive glares from top-flight clubs last month after scoring and assisting as the Bluebirds U23s beat Millwall, while also finding the back of the net against Severnside rivals Bristol City.

Should Newcastle test Cardiff’s resolve?

Cardiff moving to tie Evans down to a two-year contract just goes to show how highly he is rated in south Wales, likely making any attempt by Newcastle to prise him away in the off-season a futile pursuit.

But United should not be overly concerned by missing out on the attacking midfielder, who can also operate on the wing, as the Magpies already have a promising rising star in their ranks in Anderson.

Bruce has previously stated that he has been “very pleased” by how Anderson has progressed and settled into the Toon senior fold, after coming on in the closing stages of regular time for his first-team debut against Arsenal in the FA Cup in January.

The 18-year-old did not look out of place among his more experienced teammates in north London, and was expected to force his way into Bruce’s plans more often before the Toon’s form derailed and were engulfed in a relegation battle.

“As soon as he comes on to the pitch, he accepts the ball and receives the ball,” Bruce said following the FA Cup clash, via quotes by Chronicle Live. “He never looks rushed. Everything is effortless to him and easy. We hope he’s got a big future.

“He’ll remember his debut. He could have scored in the last minute, couldn’t he? What a wonderful debut that would have been. I’m very pleased with his progress and he’s one that we hope can do us a good turn over the season.”

More recently, Bruce has shared that Anderson must wait for more opportunities despite the injuries for Miguel Almiron, Allan Saint-Maximin and Callum Wilson, as he needs experienced heads to help with a relegation fight.

But that should not be the case, and Bruce should be looking to unleash Anderson and let him prove that he is ready, while his age is just the number currently being used to hold him back.

AND in other news, Newcastle face a global battle to land a £8.5m striker with 18 goals in 26 league games this term…

Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney has revealed he was caught with cider and cigarettes aged 14 by an Everton youth coach in a hilarious anecdote.

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• Rooney became a United legend
• But started playing days at Everton
• Caught red-handed by coach in hilarious story

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Rooney was chatting alongside fellow Premier League legends Jamie Carragher, Gary Neville and Roy Keane, as well as Lionesses icon Jill Scott, in the latest episode of . The group discussed the the drinking habits of people in Liverpool, as Carragher made a reference to anything from grassroots games to christenings warranting a boozy celebration. Rooney took that opportunity to tell a hilarious anecdote about growing up in his hometown of Croxteth, Liverpool.

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  WHAT ROONEY SAID

  Rooney told : "Where I grew up wasn't an easy place to live, but I used to absolutely love growing up there. It taught me so many different things. I remember when I was 14, I was crossing the road, I think it was a Thursday or something like that. I was playing for the U19s on Saturday for Everton, Colin Harvey was the manager. So I'm crossing the road, I've got a bag of cider and a packet of cigarettes, a car stops to let me cross – and it was Colin Harvey!"

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Rooney's escapades had no effect on a stunning Everton career which saw him seal a switch to United at just 18 years of age back in 2004. He went on to become a legend at Old Trafford before returning to the Toffees in 2017. Rooney then moved to MLS with DC United before finishing his playing career at Championship club Derby County, retiring in January 2021.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR ROONEY?

  Despite such an esteemed playing career, Rooney has largely failed to live up to the billing at managerial level. He has averaged a dire 1.14, 1.04 and 0.67 points per game as permanent manager of Derby, DC United and Birmingham, respectively, and has been out of work since being sacked by the Blues in January following a dreadful spell.

Pep Guardiola hailed his "supermen" Manchester City players following their 1-0 win over Bournemouth – while criticising their busy fixture list.

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• City beat Bournemouth 1-0
• Guardiola hails his 'supermen'
• Manager criticises busy schedule

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  City cut Liverpool's lead at the top of the Premier League to one point thanks to Phil Foden's goal in a 1-0 victory at Bournemouth. That was City's sixth game this month, leading Guardiola to praise his players' fitness and durability. However, the former Barcelona boss said his team are having to play too many matches and their schedule needs to be reduced.

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  WHAT PEP GUARDIOLA SAID

  He told : "I adore my players – they are supermen. They are so good. Where we come from for many years, playing every three days – they [Bournemouth] had seven days to prepare for the game and we always have less. So when people say, you play in the same conditions in the Premier League, no, no – we don't have the same equality, we have much more games than the rest to play, and this is a tough place to come, they are a fantastic team, they won 3-0 at Old Trafford.

  "We demand too much of our players but they respond. I know people say: 'They earn a lot of money' but it [the schedule] is too much. Honestly, but business must go on and it surprises me every time how we are still there, they have an incredible character and are so competitive even when they are tired, they give extra. Our fans have to be so proud of these guys. The last 10-15 minutes were tough – we won the Treble and people think we have to win every game 4-0, 5-0 but that is not the reality and hopefully soon we can have a week off and refresh our minds and legs."

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  City are going for another treble and when your team is successful, playing lots of matches comes with the territory. More games tends to mean players and clubs pocket more earnings as a result, so while footballers may be playing too often – a solution needs to be put forward to find a happy medium.

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• WHAT NEXT?

  City, who have played 36 games this season compared to Bournemouth's 31 in all competitions, round off a busy month with an away trip to Luton Town in the fifth round of the FA Cup on Tuesday. It will be their fifth match in a two-week period.

New USWNT boss Emma Hayes delayed start with the U.S. poses an issue, per sporting director Matt Crocker, but the USSF is happy to wait for her.

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• Emma Hayes delayed start presents issues for U.S. Soccer
• USSF 'hopeful' Hayes can travel to meet squad

• USWNT host China PR on December 2

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  In a press conference on Monday, Crocker said that despite the complications with the current situation regarding Hayes' status with the USWNT, he's 'hopeful' that the new boss will be able to visit the squad in Florida next week. The U.S. has a pair of December international friendlies against China PR to end the calendar year.

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Hayes is a picture-perfect hire for the USWNT, and the way they negotiated her contract, she will still end on good terms with her beloved Chelsea; it's an ideal scenario. The 47-year-old manager will still be on the touchline for at least four games prior to her first major tournament with the national team in the Paris Olympics, too. However, the one negative is that for any matches played in 2024 from January until the end of the WSL season, Hayes won't be on the bench with her squad.

• WHAT CROCKER SAID

  "It's not ideal Emma can’t start with us right away. But from my perspective, what was important is that we’ve got the best candidate for the long term rather than wrong candidate for short term," he said.

  The USSF Sporting Director added: "We're just again working to final details around her schedule… it would be an ideal situation for her to come and meet the players and staff and we're very hopeful that that can happen."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR HAYES AND THE USWNT?

  The current Chelsea boss will continue out the WSL season with the Blues before joining up with the USWNT on a permanent basis in 2024. They're back in action on Thursday in the UEFA Women's Champions League against Paris FC. The U.S. meanwhile, announced the November camp roster Monday morning ahead of a pair of December friendlies against China PR.

Leah Williamson, Mary Earps and Chloe Kelly are among the England Lionesses to have joined the likes of Paul Mullin and Gary Lineker at the GQ Awards.

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• England internationals grace the red carpet
• Goalkeeper among those to pick up a prize
• Wrexham frontman also gets suited up

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The glitzy Men of the Year ceremony for 2023 took place at the Royal Opera House in London on Wednesday evening. Famous names from the worlds of television, music and sport graced the red carpet ahead of the annual event staged by the fashion and culture magazine.

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  THE GOSSIP

  England and Arsenal captain Williamson, who missed the 2023 Women’s World Cup through injury, dazzled onlookers at the star-studded event – with international colleagues Earps and Kelly joining her, along with former Lionesses hero Alex Scott.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Spanish World Cup winner Jenni Hermoso was also on the guest list, with an iconic venue in the English capital swapping songs for gongs. Manchester United goalkeeper Earps was among the 20 honourees to pick up a prize on the night.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Ex-England striker Lineker – who now hosts Match of the Day on the BBC – and prolific Wrexham frontman Paul Mullin suited up for the evening, while Everton forward Dominic Calvert-Lewin brought his unique sense of style to the most glamorous of occasions.

Rangers midfielder Glen Kamara has been heavily linked with a move away from Ibrox ahead of the summer transfer window, but Steven Gerrard may already have his replacement in Nnamdi Ofoborh.

The 21-year-old midfielder, who has been heavily praised by Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba in the past, was signed on a pre-contract deal from AFC Bournemouth and will make the move to Ibrox this summer, to add to Gerrard’s options in the middle of the park ahead of next season.

Although things didn’t go to plan for the youngster in the second half of this season, as he struggled for game time on loan at Wycombe Wanderers, the fact that he was handed a four-year deal with Rangers suggests that they believe he has a lot of potential and therefore, he may well have a big part to play with the Gers next season.

Upon his signing, Ross Wilson had this to say about the Nigerian midfielder:

“We look forward to welcoming Nnamdi to our group in the summer. We are extremely impressed by his qualities and he is a player that has real progression in him.

“He has a positive and determined personality and is very much looking forward to becoming a Rangers player at the end of this season.

“In the meantime, we are really pleased that Nnamdi will play week in week out until the end of the season in the Championship at Wycombe, a club he excelled at previously under Gareth Ainsworth.”

Unfortunately, that has not come to fruition, as he made just three starts for the Chairboys in the second half of the season, failing to make a single appearance after a 1-0 win against Preston North End in March.

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However, he was a regular for Ainsworth’s side last season as they won promotion from League One, making 21 league appearances and scoring one goal, with Bournemouth U’21 manager Shaun Cooper rating it as a “fantastic” loan spell.

He will certainly be given an opportunity to impress in Gerrard’s side next season, and he could even prove to be the man to replace Kamara should he depart Ibrox.

The Finland international has been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League and whilst the Gers can offer him Champions League football ahead of next season, he may find it hard to turn down the wages on offer in England’s top-flight.

Like Kamara, Ofoborh can play as both a defensive and central-midfielder, whilst he has also filled in as a centre-back on two occasions in his senior career.

WhoScored suggests that Ofoborh’s main strengths include his ability to win aerial duels, his dribbling and his tackling, which immediately marks him out as someone who could step up should Kamara leave this summer.

[freshpress-quiz id=“593776″]

And, in other news… Gerrard must axe “dangerous” Rangers beast after huge setback

Despite their 1-0 Premier League defeat to Tottenham at Wembley over the weekend, it has still been a positive period in the season for Newcastle United and their manager Rafael Benitez.

The Spaniard recently watched his side beat Premier League champions Manchester City 2-1 on the day the club were able to agree a deal with Atlanta United for primary target Miguel Almiron.

And things could be about to get even better for Benitez and the St. James’ Park faithful.

The Breakdown

Speaking to Chronicle Live, Benitez confirmed that Mohamed Diame, Paul Dummett and Ki Sung-yueng are all close to returning to full fitness following their respective injuries and could be in line to be selected for the trip to Wolves next Monday.

After picking up so many injuries around the new year period, the return of the trio will come as a massive boost to Benitez as he looks to steer the Tyneside club to Premier League safety once again, something which he looks capable of easily doing.

Following a dismal start to the season, Newcastle now find themselves out of the relegation zone, albeit by just two points, having gained some big wins including their most recent one against Manchester City.

Ultimately, following that and the addition of Almiron, the mood at St. James’ Park has drastically improved with the return of Dummett and co only expected to add to that as the Magpies look to secure more victories in front of their home crowd.