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    Under-fire West Ham boss Moyes REJECTED chance to sign Man City striker and World Cup winner Alvarez from River Plate

    UNDER-FIRE West Ham boss David Moyes TURNED DOWN Julian Alvarez while he was at River Plate due to Michail Antonio’s red-hot form.Moyes revealed he had the chance to sign Manchester City striker Alvarez before he joined the Sky Blues a year ago.
    Moyes passed on the opportunity to sign Alvarez from River PlateCredit: YouTube / Diary of a CEO podcast
    Alvarez is now a World Cup-winning striker playing his club football at Man CityCredit: Getty
    Alvarez was brought to the Scotsman’s attention by a scout and Moyes has admitted he liked what he saw.
    But Antonio’s ruthless streak in front of goal saw Moyes pass up on the opportunity to sign Alvarez – a fatal mistake that could’ve changed the trajectory of his West Ham tenure.
    Antonio led the line for the Hammers on his own for the best part of 18 months but Moyes’ men gassed out in 2022, limping over the finishing line in seventh, as well as losing a Europa League semi-final to Eintracht Frankfurt.
    Moyes told the Diary of a CEO podcast: “I think it’s the ones I’ve missed, the ones where you say ‘Nah, I don’t think he’s quite good enough.’ I’ve had hundreds of them.
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    “Just recently, because we’ve been talking about it, Alvarez who has just played for Argentina in the World Cup, I bought in a new scout who says ‘Look, you should go for Alvarez at River Plate’.
    “I watched him and I thought he was a very good technician and done so many good things as a centre forward but I thought [he’s] maybe not quite the one we want, we had Micky Antonio who had been doing very well and I thought I don’t know.
    “You see sometimes the players change in six months but I have to say there are other players like that who you don’t take and don’t go on to be a real success, but that one at the moment is just one where probably because it was only a year ago where I decided ‘Nah, he’s not one I’m going to take’.”
    Fast forward a year and Alvarez is a World Cup winner, starring alongside Lionel Messi in Qatar last November-December.
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    Alvarez’s World Cup stats
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    Alvarez netted four goals at the winter tournament, helping the South American country claim their third-ever world crown.
    The 22-year-old is also at Premier League title-chasing City, where he effectively plays back-up to star man Erling Halaand.
    And despite playing limited minutes, Alvarez has eight goals across all competitions so far this season.

    West Ham, meanwhile, sit in the relegation zone on 15 points from 19 games.
    The East London club’s last league win came in October against Bournemouth.
    And David Moyes is on thin ice as he struggles to change his team’s fortunes.
    It is believed the under-fire Hammers boss is now operating on a match-by-match basis and potential replacements are NOW being looked at.
    Here’s West Ham’s next five fixtures More

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    West Ham boss David Moyes operating on match-by-match basis but WILL be in charge for crunch relegation clash vs Everton

    DAVID MOYES will be in charge of West Ham’s crunch relegation clash with Everton on Saturday.It is believed the under-fire Hammers boss is now operating on a match-by-match basis after seeing his side drop into the bottom three.
    Pressure is mounting on David Moyes as his West Ham side continue to struggleCredit: Rex
    West Ham have not won a Prem game since October, with Saturday’s 1-0 defeat at Wolves their seventh straight league match without a win.
    For the first time since September, Moyes’ men are in the relegation zone, sitting 18th after 19 games, sparking major concern in the boardroom.
    But Moyes WILL be in the dugout for the vital showdown with Frank Lampard’s 19th-placed Toffees at the London Stadium.
    However, another bad result could see the board take action in order to avoid relegation this campaign.
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    Like Moyes, Lampard is also facing calls for his head after Everton fell to defeat against Prem basement side Southampton.
    The Toffee’s have not been relegated from the top flight since 1951.
    A number of teams are currently facing the prospect of relegation along with West Ham, Everton and Southampton.
    Just two points cover the table from bottom up to 14th.
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    Bournemouth, Wolves, Leicester and Leeds could all drop into the relegation zone if results don’t go their way one weekend.
    Meanwhile, Nottingham Forest and Crystal Palace remain just outside of touching distance, and could easily fall into the bottom three with a few poor results.
    Here’s West Ham’s next five fixtures More

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    West Ham’s four-man shortlist to replace under-fire David Moyes revealed including two ‘dream’ appointments

    WEST HAM have drawn up a four-man shortlist to replace under-fire David Moyes, reports suggest. That includes two “dream appointments” in Thomas Tuchel and Mauricio Pochettino.
    West Ham boss David Moyes has come under fire after some poor resultsCredit: Rex
    West Ham have drawn up a four-man shortlist, including Rafa BenitezCredit: AFP
    Thomas Tuchel poses as a “dream appointment” for West HamCredit: EPA
    The Hammers haven’t won any of their last eight Premier League matches, of which they have only managed two points, and dropped to the relegation zone after Saturday’s 1-0 loss at Wolves.
    According to the Telegraph, the East Londoners prefer to give Moyes more time due to his superb work ever since his return in 2019 as he guided them out of relegation struggle and into Europe.
    However, Saturday’s showdown against fellow strugglers Everton at the London Stadium will be crucial for the 59-year-old’s future.
    That is why West Ham chiefs are already thinking ahead and have come with four potential replacements for the dugout.
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    Tuchel and Pochettino pose as the hierarchy’s biggest challenges in their search for long-term appointments.
    But the powers that be feel like both the ex-Chelsea boss and the former Tottenham manager are currently out of reach.
    That is why West Ham are also considering short-term appointments to guide them out of the danger zone.
    The two other options are former Liverpool, Newcastle, Chelsea and Everton manager Rafa Benitez as well as ex-Wolves and Tottenham boss Nuno Espirito Santo.
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    However, it is understood neither Nuno nor Benitez are popular options among the West Ham fans.
    Tuchel, Pochettino and Benitez are free agents after their departure from Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain and Everton respectively.
    Nuno, however, is currently managing Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia. More

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    Chelsea ‘fail in shock loan transfer bid for Michail Antonio after turning to West Ham striker to solve injury crisis’

    CHELSEA had an offer for Michail Antonio rejected by West Ham, according to reports.The Blues are in the midst of an injury crisis with Armando Broja, Raheem Sterling and Christian Pulisic out of action – while new loan signing Joao Felix is suspended for three games.
    Chelsea enquired about signing Michail Antonio on loanCredit: Getty
    That led Chelsea to enquire about signing Antonio on loan but the Hammers rejected their approach, according to The Guardian.
    The report adds that West Ham are unwilling to let the striker leave on loan, though they are open to a permanent sale amid interest from Wolves.
    Antonio has scored just two goals in 18 Premier League games this season – though one of those did come in a 2-1 defeat to Chelsea.
    He has lost his place in the side to summer signing Gianluca Scamacca and Antonio revealed he was not happy with his game time.
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    The 32-year-old said last month: “No, I’ve not been happy [with game time] I’m someone who wants to play games.
    “That’s something that’s driven me to where I am now. I’m not really about the rotation type of thing — if I’m fit, I want to play. It’s the gaffer’s decision on what he wants to do, but I’m always going to let him know that I want to play.
    “Through my whole career, there’s always been competition, someone that wants to take your shirt. Right now, [Scamacca’s] got the shirt. It’s my turn to try to improve and work on what I need to work on to get my shirt back.”
    Chelsea turned their attention to winger Mykhailo Mudryk and are close to sealing a £97million deal.
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    The Ukrainian is said to have agreed terms on a seven-year deal despite dropping several hints he wanted to join Arsenal.
    The Blues also want to sign PSV Eindhoven star Noni Madueke and have submitted a £27m bid for the winger. More

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    West Ham boss David Moyes keen on Dundee United wonderkid Rory MacLeod and could land £4million transfer

    WEST HAM have joined the queue of clubs after Dundee United starlet Rory MacLeod.The Scot, 16, is the Terrors’ youngest-ever first-team player and is getting SPL game time.
    West Ham boss David Moyes is interested in Dundee’s Rory MacLeodCredit: Getty
    David Moyes is hot on the forward’s trail.
    But his scouts want to see the starlet play a little more before committing.
    MacLeod has made seven appearances for the first team this season, but is yet to score his first goal.
    He has turned out for the Scotland youth sides and has made six outings for the under-17s.
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    Hammers are watching as United would sell for around £4million plus extras.
    Moyes could see Macleod as one for the future with his current leading man Michail Antonio not getting any younger.
    The 32-year-old is the club’s record goalscorer in the Premier League, but is starting to see his powers fade this season.
    Antonio has only managed to score five goals in his 25 appearances in all competitions games and is seeing his role reduced after summer signing Gianluca Scamacca’s arrival.
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    The Italian forward has impressed at times and has been a slightly more regular source of goals, firing in seven goals in 24 appearances.
    Overall the Hammers need to start finding more goals as they are struggle in the Premier League.
    Saturday’s defeat to Wolves saw them drop to 19th in the table, only off the bottom on goal difference.
    The club’s terrible run of form has seen them pick up just one point from their last seven games. More

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    West Ham REJECT Wolves’ transfer bid for defender Craig Dawson who is out of contract this summer

    WEST HAM have rejected a bid from Wolves for defender Craig Dawson and could now lose him for free in the summer.The central defender is out of contract at the end of the season and is believed to be keen on a move closer to home.
    Wolves have had a bid rejected for Craig DawsonCredit: PA
    David Moyes confirmed the bid in a press conferenceCredit: Getty
    The 32-year-old’s family is still living up in the Manchester area and he commutes to the Hammers training ground Rush Green on a regular basis.
    In the summer he attracted interest from northern clubs, but the Hammers convinced him to stay.
    Now, Wolves have made a bid to sign him, but it has been turned down, as confirmed by manager David Moyes.
    He said: “We’ve had an offer from Wolves, we’ve not accepted it and that’s as much as I can tell you.”
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    It is unlikely, West Ham will accept a deal until a replacement has been found, especially as Wolves are currently relegation rivals.
    After an injury crisis earlier in the season, the Hammers do have some more depth in defence with Thilo Kehrer, Nayef Aguerd and Angelo Ogbonna.
    Kurt Zouma has also offered a timely boost as he has returned to training after undergoing minor knee surgery.
    Dawson starred for the Hammers last season as he helped them reach the Europa League semi-finals.
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    He initially joined on loan from Watford in 2020, but after breaking into the team he joined permanently.
    Wolves have also been interested in West Ham’s record Premier League goalscorer Michail Antonio.
    The Midlands side are believed to be”‘very interested” in acquiring the Jamaican international and that Lopetegui is a “fan”. More

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    West Ham keeping tabs on West Brom boss Carlos Corberan as pressure mounts on boss David Moyes

    WEST HAM are keeping tabs on Carlos Corberan with pressure growing on manager David Moyes.The Hammers currently back the Scottish boss to turn things around at the London Stadium but have a plan B in case things get worse.
    West Ham are keeping an eye on West Brom boss Carlos CorberanCredit: Rex
    He is seen as a future replacement for under-pressure manager David MoyesCredit: Rex
    The East London side have failed to continue their recent success in this campaign.
    Last season, Moyes guided the club to a Europa League semi-final and had them battling for a place in the top four for much of the year.
    However, after massive summer investments in big-money signings such as Gianluca Scamacca and Lucas Paqueta, there has been less success on the pitch.
    Despite going perfect in their Europa Conference League group with six wins from six, the Hammers are currently sat one point above the relegation zone in the Premier League.
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    This worrying slip has seen some of the club’s fan base call for Moyes to be sacked, but the club are sticking by him for now.
    However, the club are thinking of future and West Brom’s Carlos Corberan is being considered as a potential replacement beyond this season.
    The Spaniard has only been at the Baggies since October but has worked wonders at the club.
    He took over the club when it was second-bottom in the Championship and has helped them climb up to ninth.
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    West Ham have lost five of their last seven games in all competitions but have not been defeated in their last two.
    The Hammers beat Brentford in the FA Cup third round and picked up a point at Elland Road against Leeds, so there are signs that Moyes is turning things around.
    He still has the backing of owner David Sullivan and the board, who are known not to have quick trigger fingers on managers.
    So it still seems likely that Moyes will be in place at the London Stadium for the remainder of the season.
    He will try to get the club further away from the relegation zone on Saturday as West Ham travel to face fellow strugglers Wolves. More

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    Wolves preparing another Craig Dawson transfer bid with West Ham defender available for free in summer

    WOLVES are preparing another bid for West Ham defender Craig Dawson.The Midlands side tried to bring the Hammers centre back to Molineux last summer only to lose out after boss David Moyes failed to find a replacement.
    Dawson joined West Ham in 2021 from WatfordCredit: Rex
    Dawson, 32, is out of contract in the summer and despite highly rating him, Moyes could see this as an opportunity to cash in while they can.
    Moyes first needs to decide whether his defence can cope without him, seeing as summer signing Nayef Aguerd and Kurt Zouma have spent the past few weeks on the sidelines with injury.
    The Scottish coach has hinted recently that despite spending around £160m in the summer, they could open to bringing in more new faces this month.
    It is also unclear whether West Ham would be keen on strengthening a relegation rival, with just one point and two places separating them and Wolves at the bottom.
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    Wolves manager Julen Lopetegui has had Max Kilman and Nathan Collins at the heart of his defence since taking the reins.
    The ex-Sevilla boss would like to add another centre-back to his ranks following Conor Coady’s loan to Everton.
    It is possible Wolves could be in the market for more talent as they look to drag themselves out of the relegation mire.
    A stunning Boxing day win at Everton following by a hard-fought draw with Aston Villa has got the side off the foot of the table but they remain in the bottom three.
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    Wolves have already moved quickly for reinforcements and beat other Premier League sides to the signing of Brazil star Matheus Cunha.
    The 23-year-old became Lopetegui’s first transfer at Molineux.
    And he did not take long to make an impact with Cunha assisting Hwang Hee-chan’s dramatic equaliser against Liverpool in the FA Cup. More