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Manchester City fans may have been concerned that the club didn’t possess a natural heir to Kyle Walker, but Rico Lewis’ performances this season show that he can be the ideal man to step up as the England international’s long-term replacement at the Etihad Stadium.

Walker, who joined from Tottenham Hotspur in 2017, has gone on to make 223 appearances for the Citizens, scoring six goals and contributing 17 assists.

His recovery pace has always been his strongest attribute, but with the right-back set to turn 33 next year, Pep Guardiola may already be thinking about who can replace Walker once he eventually leaves the Etihad.

Joao Cancelo, who has been moved over to left-back in recent campaigns, would perhaps be the most obvious replacement. However, his performances have been so impressive on the left flank that it would almost be a shame for Guardiola to feel a compulsion to revert him back to the other wing.

In Walker’s recent injury absence, the City manager has turned to 18-year-old Lewis, with the academy talent already boasting seven first-team appearances for his club, which includes a goal in the Champions League this season.

He was trusted to start in City’s first game back against Liverpool in midweek and produced another strong display as they progressed to the Carabao Cup quarter-finals with a 3-2 win against Jurgen Klopp’s side.

The teenage defender earned a 6.5 rating from Sofascore, registering 90 touches of the ball and completing 62 passes, which shows that he is confident enough to demand the ball and doesn’t look out of place at all in a Guardiola team.

The former Barcelona boss was full of praise for Lewis following Thursday night’s victory, suggesting that the 18-year-old will be a “magnificent player” for City for the next decade.

Guardiola clearly believes in the young right-back and it seems as if there will be plenty more first-team opportunities for Lewis over the next couple of years, so if he continues to impress, there seems no reason why he can’t be the man to replace Walker in City’s first-team when the latter eventually moves on.

Wolves ‘have an agreement’ in place to complete the signing of Atletico Madrid attacker Matheus Cunha in January, according to reports from Spain.

The Lowdown: Cunha on the move?

The 23-year-old has struggled to become a key part of Diego Simeone’s plans at Atletico this season, invariably having to accept a squad role for the La Liga giants.

Cunha has only been handed two starts in the league in 2022/23, highlighting his lack of minutes, and it could be that a move away materialises in the near future.

His current Atletico deal doesn’t expire until 2026, although Wolves have been linked with signing him in the past.

The Latest: Wolves ‘have an agreement’ for Cunha

According to Cadena SER [via Sport Witness], Atletico ‘have an agreement’ with Wolves over the transfer of Cunha, with a January switch in the offing.

His current club accept that ‘he will leave’, and it looks as though the Old Gold are in pole position to get their man.

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The Verdict: Could be an inspired signing

Cunha could be a superb signing by Wolves at a time when attacking options are so sparse, due to Sasa Kalajdzic’s long-term injury and Raul Jimenez struggling for form and fitness.

The Brazilian is someone who has proven himself in a top European league, scoring 13 goals in 40 appearances for Hertha Berlin earlier in his career and also winning eight caps for his country.

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Julen Lopetegui’s reputation as an “elite” manager, in the words of Wolves chairman Jeff Shi, could play a pivotal role in Wolves acquiring Cunha’s services and he is someone whose natural ability could transform an attack lacking a spark too often.

West Ham United head into Thursday evening’s Europa Conference League meeting with FCSB safe in the knowledge that they have already sealed top spot in Group B, affording David Moyes the chance to field a rotated squad ahead of the Hammers’ meeting with Crystal Palace in the Premier League this weekend.

Indeed, the 59-year-old has left the likes of Declan Rice, Kurt Zouma, Jarrod Bowen, Tomas Soucek, Said Benrahma, Aaron Cresswell, Gianluca Scamacca and Michail Antonio at home for the trip to Romania, while a number of the club’s most promising youngsters are reported to have been taken along for the fixture at the Arena Națională this evening.

So, how many changes will the Scot make to the side that lined up in the 1-0 defeat against Manchester United last time out?

Here’s how we at Football FanCast think the Irons side could look, as well as the latest team and injury news…

With Moyes suggesting in his pre-match press conference that summer signing Nayef Aguerd could be handed a start as he continues his recovery from an ankle injury, while Maxwel Cornet, Lucas Paqueta and Lukasz Fabianski are all reported to miss out due to knocks, we predict the 59-year-old will make ten changes to the side that started at Old Trafford last weekend.

There are five fresh faces at the back, with European goalkeeper Alphonse Areola making it six starts from six in the competition, while Harrison Ashby, Aguerd, Angelo Ogbonna and 17-year-old debutant Regan Clayton come in at right, centre and left-back respectively.

In the middle of the park, “exciting talent” – in the words of Roshane Thomas – Conor Coventry partners 19-year-old Freddie Potts, while Flynn Downes starts in attacking midfield, with Manuel Lanzini and second debutant of the night, Kamarai Swyer, starting on the left and right flank.

There is a third senior debut awarded at centre-forward, with 18-year-old striker – who Manu Heredia dubbed a “pearl” – Divin Mubama being handed his first outing for the Hammers first-team after scoring an eye-catching 28 goals in the club’s youth set-up.

West Ham United could be an ideal club for Ajax midfielder Edson Alvarez to join in the near future, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

The Lowdown: West Ham linked with Alvarez

The 25-year-old is shining for the Eredivisie giants, proving to be a strong performer in front of the defence and starting all five of his team’s Champions League games so far this season.

Alvarez has been linked with a move to West Ham in recent days, with the Hammers’ recruitment team thought to be impressed by the Mexican.

Midfield is a key area for David Moyes to focus upon moving forward, and a fresh update further suggests that a move for the Ajax man could be on the cards.

The Latest: Jones talks up Alvarez to West Ham

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Jones admitted that West Ham and Alvarez could be a match made in heaven.

He stated:

“I don’t think anyone has been quite convinced yet that he could make the difference to them in terms of making Champions League football.

“So, finding one of those clubs just beneath that, someone like West Ham, can be perfect for him and might actually be a really good platform.”

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The Verdict: Potential Rice replacement?

With Declan Rice’s future at the London Stadium likely to be in doubt in 2023, amid recent reports that he has no intention of signing a new contract at West Ham, along with apparent interest from some of England’s Champions League participants, Alvarez could be a brilliant replacement for the Englishman.

His ability to excel in defensive midfield is undeniable, having averaged 2.8 clearances and 2.6 tackles per game in the Champions League in 2022/23, and he has also been hailed as a ‘winner’ by his coach  Alfred Schreuder.

In an ideal world, Rice would stay and Alvarez would come in as well, with the pair dovetailing with one another and creating strong competition for minutes. If not, signing the 25-year-old as a replacement for the Irons captain would be the next best thing.

Nottingham Forest will host Liverpool at The City Ground in the early kick-off on Saturday afternoon, and Steve Cooper has delivered a big injury blow ahead of the clash.

What’s the latest?

The Forest boss took to his pre-match press conference to reveal that Harry Toffolo has suffered a serious hamstring injury after he came off the pitch just 17 minutes into his appearance against Brighton and Hove Albion.

Cooper told the media, via Nottinghamshire Live:

“Harry is injured. He picked up a hamstring injury, unfortunately, which will rule him out for a little while.”

It’s bad news for Cooper

The injury to Toffolo couldn’t have come at a worse time as Renan Lodi and Omar Richards are already sidelined, so it really is bad news for Cooper as he heads into the clash with the Merseyside giants this weekend.

Nottingham Forest are currently just one point from being rock bottom in the Premier League table but are just three points adrift from safety so at the very least a point at home against Liverpool will be crucial for the Tricky Trees.

Over eight league appearances, Toffolo has been a solid defensive presence in the Forest backline, making one tackle and 2.4 clearances per game, as well as winning the majority of his duels combined (54%).

Neco Williams was deployed at left-back and will likely reprise his role on the left flank this weekend, but his performance against Brighton was largely uninspiring.

The Wales international, who will come up against his former Liverpool teammates on Saturday, was dribbled past twice, lost the majority of his duels (6/11), failed to complete any of his crosses (0/2) and only completed 19 accurate passes throughout.

Williams has only made three appearances as a left-back at club level but has been featuring on the left side regularly for his national team in a more advanced midfield role so the young full-back should have enough experience to hold the position in his teammates absence.

With that being said, Cooper will be hoping that despite the short time his team have to prepare for their visit from the Merseysiders, that they will still be able to take something from the game, even with their mounting injury problems.

Cameron Carter-Vickers being absent for Wednesday night’s Champions League game against RB Leipzig will be a ‘big miss’ for Celtic, according to journalist Dean Jones.

The Lowdown: Carter-Vickers ruled out of Leipzig clash

The Hoops take on the German giants under the European lights at the Red Bull Arena tonight, but will have to do so without one of their key players.

The 24-year-old was left out of Ange Postecoglou’s squad for the 2-0 defeat to St. Mirren in the Scottish Premiership before the international break, and he hasn’t featured since.

It’s now been confirmed that the centre-back won’t be involved in the action during midweek due to sustaining an injury in training last month.

The Latest: Celtic suffer injury ‘setback’

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Jones insisted that Celtic have already suffered a ‘setback’ simply by having to play without the services of Carter-Vickers.

“Carter-Vickers, particularly, will be a big miss in the Champions League. I’m sure they’d be worried about that. So, it sounds to me like his injury, obviously, is a setback.”

The Verdict: Blow for Postecoglou

Celtic not having Carter-Vickers available for selection will come as a huge blow to Postecoglou, who will know exactly how much of an integral member of the starting XI he is.

The defender currently averages four clearances per league game, alongside winning 3.7 of his aerial duels and having an outstanding 91.8% pass success rate (WhoScored), displaying dominance but also composure at the back.

Whilst the 6 foot 1 star won’t be able to make an impact tonight, the boss will be hoping to have his colossus back at his disposal again sooner rather than later.

Journalist Ryan Taylor has dropped an Aston Villa transfer update which could give supporters a morale boost before the transfer window closes next week.

What’s the news?

Taylor was speaking to GIVEMESPORT on Villa’s defensive predicament, saying: “I know they’ve got Chambers, who in fairness is not a bad backup, but given the length of Carlos’ injury, I think they will have to look at potential ones and I definitely think they will have to bring someone in.”

Steven Gerrard will surely make the signing of a centre-back his main priority before the end of the transfer window as he looks to solve this issue which threatened to ruin the season before it has truly begun.

A new defender is crucial

Carlos ruptured his Achilles tendon against Everton in Villa’s second Premier League match of the campaign, having to be stretched off, and it was later revealed he will miss the majority of the season.

The £26m signing was expected to form the backbone of a new-look defence for Gerrard, but the injury has seriously derailed any such plans, and another dip into the transfer market now seems required.

There have been a wide variety of potential signings linked with the club, with names such as Jan Bednarek, Abdou Diallo, and Attila Szalai among those mentioned.

The injury to Carlos means that Gerrard has just three fit centre-backs available – Tyrone Mings, Ezri Konsa, and Calum Chambers – and these options may not exactly fill the Villa faithful with joy going forward.

The pairing of Konsa and Mings didn’t exactly set the world on fire last season as Villa stumbled to a 14th-placed finish in the league. The duo only won 35 tackles between them throughout the campaign and had a combined total of 19 attempted dribbles, which shows that they don’t have the confidence to push forward to provide support for the midfield or attack.

Their disciplinary records were also poor, with Mings (11 yellow cards) and Konsa (six yellows, two reds) often lacking the composure to keep a level head during matches.

It’s clear that a new partnership is required at Villa Park, and Carlos was expected to be the figurehead behind it. Following his injury, though, Gerrard will now need to act fast and bring in another solid defender to ensure that Villa don’t ship another 54 Premier League goals like last term.

If they can, it might just solve perhaps the biggest issue facing the 42-year-old right now.

Recent reports have seen West Ham United linked with a move for Club Brugge talisman, Hans Vanaken, with the Premier League side said to have made an offer for the Belgium international.

Despite already wrapping up six major deals so far this summer – with a seventh potentially on the way in the form of Chelsea’s Emerson Palmieri – it would appear that manager David Moyes is keen to bolster his squad even further, with midfield in particular need of addressing.

While there is a shortage of depth in the defensive midfield ranks behind Declan Rice and Tomas Soucek, there is also a lack of creative talent ahead of that colossal pairing, following the departure of £25m flop Nikola Vlasic and the failure to land former loanee, Jesse Lingard.

With that in mind, it is no surprise that the east London outfit have turned their attention towards Vanaken, with the “extraordinary” 29-year-old – as described by former Lokeren teammate Onur Kaya – offering a real quality addition.

The 21-cap gem has been a hugely prolific presence from his attacking midfield berth during his time with Brugge, scoring 102 goals and providing 73 assists in 338 games in all competitions thus far.

The £14.4m-rated man – who joined his current side back in 2015 – notably registered 15 goals and 12 assists in 50 games across all fronts last term, with only Jarrod Bowen having registered more goal contributions (31) for West Ham during the 2021/22 campaign.

Although there may be concerns over his ability to make the transition to English football, those of an Irons persuasion should take heart from the fact that the 6 foot 5 menace shares a number of stylistic and statistical similarities to a man who is already thriving at the London Stadium – Pablo Fornals – as per FBref.

That likeness is demonstrated by the fact that both the Spaniard and Vanaken rank in the top 5% for interceptions made among those in their position across Europe’s top five leagues and European competition, showcasing their willingness to defend from the front.

Equally, the two creative midfielders are also similar due to their forward-thinking approach while in possession, with Fornals averaging 5.12 progressive passes per game, while the Belgian averages just slightly more at 6.0 progressive passes per game – albeit from fewer minutes played.

That is an indication of just how smoothly the towering gem could fit into Moyes’ side, with the man who is a “genius in the pass” in Fornals – as dubbed by journalist Guillem Balague – having thrived since his switch from Villarreal three years ago.

The 26-year-old has chipped in with 16 goals and 17 assists in 134 games in all competitions for the club thus far, although his role seemingly goes beyond just his end product, with journalist Paul Brown suggesting that the £67k-per-week ace is “very important” due to his quality and character.

Moyes and co will no doubt believe that they’ve struck gold if they can land another Fornals-esque figure in Vanaken before the deadline slams shut.

West Ham United left-back Arthur Masuaku is nearing a loan move to Turkish giants Besiktas, according to Daily Express journalist Ryan Taylor.

The Lowdown: Kostic’s arrival

According to Sky Sports, the Hammers are still working on a deal to sign Eintracht Frankfurt left-midfielder Filip Kostic.

It is reported that the Irons’ initial £12.6m bid for the Serbia international was rejected, with the Bundesliga outfit looking for a fee closer to £16.8m.

Kostic is represented by the World Soccer Agency (WSA) – the same agency that looks after new Irons arrival Gianluca Scamacca.

With the 29-year-old’s agents pushing for a move to the London Stadium, this suggests Masuaku will fall further down David Moyes’ pecking order.

The Latest: Taylor’s claim

Whilst providing an update on West Ham’s pursuit of Kostic, Taylor also shared news on Masuaku’s future at the East London club.

Taking to Twitter, the reliable journalist claimed:

“Expected to be case of one in, one out. Arthur Masuaku nearing departure with Besiktas in talks over loan move.”

The Verdict: Lack of game time

Having only made 13 appearances in the Premier League last season, with just six features in Moyes’ starting XI, the arrival of Kostic at the London Stadium would push the Democratic Republic of the Congo international down to their third-choice option at left-back, also trailing behind current starter Aaron Cresswell.

However, a loan switch to Besiktas would certainly be a good move for both the player and the Turkish side.

As per FBRef, compared with positional peers across Europe over the past year, the 28-year-old ranks in the 99th percentile for tackles, in the 98th percentile for expected assists and in the 96th percentile for interceptions.

Once hailed as ‘the thinking man’s Ronaldinho’ by FourFourTwo journalist Mark White for his iconic piece of skill against Tottenham, a loan move away would be the best option for Masuaku’s career.

West Ham United are maintaining their attempts to sign Napoli midfielder Piotr Zielinski this summer as an update emerges on negotiations.

The Lowdown: West Ham enter talks…

In seeking to further upgrade David Moyes’ options ahead of a crucial 2022/23 Premier League campaign, the Hammers reportedly have their fingers in many pies.

Discussions are currently ongoing for both Sassuolo striker Gianluca Scamacca and Eintracht Frankfurt star Filip Kostic, with reports suggesting that the Irons are also trying to prise Zielinski away from Serie A.

West Ham narrowly missed out on qualification for next season’s Europa League, perhaps showing the need to add more options this summer if they’re to remain competitive at the top level.

The Latest: West Ham negotiations ‘continue’….

As per reports from Italy, it appears that the east Londoners are not halting in their pursuit of Poland’s 72-cap star.

Corriere dello Sport claim (via Sport Witness) that West Ham negotiations ‘continue’ over signing Zielinski, even if their submitted bid of €20m (£17m) has now been rejected by Napoli, who value him at twice that figure.

This hasn’t deterred Moyes and co, who will apparently maintain discussions in hopes of reaching an agreement.

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The Verdict: Make the move?

Having previously drawn comparisons to the likes of Kevin De Bruyne and Phil Foden, the 28-year-old comes with a fairly impressive reputation.

Former Poland manager Paulo Sousa has also called Zielinski ‘exceptional’ and ‘amazing’, with there appearing to be no shortage of plaudits for the Napoli playmaker.

As Moyes aims to add a creator to his ranks at the London Stadium, the former Udinese ace could come as a good candidate, but West Ham will need to significantly invest given his €40m (£34m) valuation.