West Ham United duo Konstantinos Mavropanos and Kurt Zouma have been “pathetic” in recent fixtures. Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, former Hammers and Celtic striker Frank McAvennie slammed the pair and insisted Angelo Ogbonna should return to the starting line-up. The Hammers have failed to keep a clean sheet in the league since early January, with both Mavropanos and Zouma starting in their recent 2-2 draw against Burnley on Sunday (10 March). Much criticism from pundits and fans alike has been levelled at David Moyes’ backline amid a turbulent season in Stratford. Mavropanos has e ..read more

West Ham United fans are absolutely livid that they did not get a late penalty for a “sickening” handball in their draw against Burnley on Sunday (10 March). The Hammers needed a 91st-minute Danny Ings goal to secure a point in the 2-2 draw at the London Stadium which ended their run of two successive league wins. While their performance once again brought David Moyes’ position at the club into question, supporters were enraged that Clarets midfielder Sander Berge did not concede a penalty in stoppage time with the game level. Berge jumped to try and clear a long throw from Michail Antonio but ..read more

West Ham United need a “much better” centre-back option than Kurt Zouma. Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, former Hammers and Celtic striker Frank McAvennie slammed the Frenchman’s work rate in recent performances. Zouma has been a mainstay for David Moyes’ side this season having started every game he has been available for in the Premier League. However, he has frequently been criticised by pundits and the Hammers’ fanbase following poor defensive performances, including their 6-0 thrashing against Arsenal last month and their 5-0 defeat against Fulham in December. He also looked sus ..read more

Talks between David Moyes and West Ham over his future at the club have been put on hold until the summer, sources have told Football Insider. The 60-year-old Hammers boss is expected to make a final decision on his future at the end of the season. It is understood that his decision to stay at the club could hinge on their Europa League campaign with Moyes likely to sign a new contract if West Ham enjoy more continental success this season. The Irons lost 1-0 to Freiburg in the first leg of their Europa League round of 16 clash on Thursday (7 March) with the second leg set to be played next Th ..read more

Lucas Paqueta would be a starter for Man City if he makes the move from West Ham United. Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, former Hammers and Celtic striker Frank McAvennie was adamant that the Brazilian is worth up to £100million and was confident he would already be a Citizen if not for an FA investigation into suspicious betting activity. Sources have told Football Insider (27 February) that Man City have already paved the way for a new swoop for the midfield star. Pep Guardiola’s side had agreed an £80million deal in principle to sign Paqueta last summer, but the investigation saw ..read more

West Ham defender Aaron Cresswell is set to depart the club this summer but could be offered a player-coach role to stay, sources have told Football Insider. The defender’s contract expires at the end of the season, but there is still the possibility he remains at London Stadium. It is believed that Cresswell is keen to continue his playing career and wants to remain in the Premier League. It is unlikely that the left-back will be offered a new one-year playing contract by West Ham as his game time has dramatically reduced this season. The 34-year-old was close to a move to Wolves last summer ..read more

Brentford ace Neal Maupay has a “bigger head than he thinks” after his bust-up with West Ham United assistant coach Kevin Nolan. Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, former Hammers and Celtic striker Frank McAvennie was baffled that the striker would pick to confront Nolan. At halftime of West Ham’s 4-2 victory over the Bees last month (26 February), the former Brighton forward was seen in a verbal altercation with Nolan and had to be pulled away by teammates after he was supposedly waiting outside the officials’ dressing room. Thomas Frank’s side were unhappy that a penalty call went aga ..read more

West Ham left it late to snatch a 3-1 win against Everton during their trip to Goodison Park on Saturday afternoon (2 March). The Hammers have climbed to seventh in the Premier League table after earning a hard-fought victory in Merseyside. After a missed penalty in the first half, Beto gave the hosts the lead with a towering header before Kurt Zouma swiftly replied with a headed goal of his own. Soucek stole all three points for the Irons with a superb injury-time finish and Alvarez added to the lead moments later. David Moyes’ side are now eight points behind Tottenham in fifth place and rem ..read more

Big news from Liverpool, Celtic, Chelsea, Tottenham, West Ham, Leeds United – and more! Welcome to the latest edition of my twice-weekly column – bringing you exclusive transfer and contract news, as well as news from the Premier League, EFL, Scottish Premiership and beyond. Follow Football Insider on Twitter to see the latest news as it breaks! Liverpool facing ‘huge obstacles’ in Alonso appointment Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso has been the leading candidate for the Liverpool job since Jurgen Klopp announced his departure last month. The Spaniard has done a great job at Leverkusen and is ..read more

Man City have already paved the way for a new swoop for West Ham star Lucas Paqueta this summer, sources have told Football Insider. City allowed midfielder Kalvin Phillips to join the Irons for a cut-price fee in January – partly because they want to foster a good relationship with the Londoners as they plot a new Paqueta raid later this year. West Ham paid a knockdown £3million loan fee plus wages to sign Phillips on loan until the end of the 2023-24 campaign. Pep Guardiola’s side maintain a strong interest in Paqueta after seeing their interest in the Brazil international fall through last ..read more