Transfer Talk: West Ham United join Tottenham and Real Madrid in race for Giménez

West Ham United are interested in signing Feyenoord striker Santiago Giménez, but face competition from several top European clubs.

The summer transfer window has come to a close in Europe, but that doesn't mean the transfer rumors and deals have stopped. In this edition of Transfer Talk, we bring you the latest buzz on potential moves and gossip from around the football world.

According to reports from the Mirror, West Ham United have entered the race for Feyenoord striker Santiago Giménez. The 22-year-old has been in sensational form this season, scoring 13 goals and providing three assists in just nine Eredivisie matches. He has also found the back of the net twice in the Champions League, attracting the attention of several top clubs in Europe.

West Ham are said to be interested in making a move for the Mexican international in January. However, they face stiff competition from the likes of Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal, Juventus, Real Madrid, Newcastle United, and AC Milan. Giménez's stock has risen significantly since the summer, making it difficult for the Hammers to secure his signature.

The London club had initial talks with Giménez in August as they searched for a replacement for Gianluca Scamacca, who joined Atalanta. However, the player decided to extend his contract with Feyenoord until 2027.

West Ham manager David Moyes is reportedly keen to bolster his forward options in January, as Michail Antonio has only managed two goals in 11 appearances this season. The club is in need of a prolific striker to strengthen their attack.

In other transfer news, several clubs in Saudi Arabia are monitoring Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz and could make a bid for him in January. Journalist Ekrem Konur suggests that offers of over €60 million could be made for the Brazil international. Luiz has been in fine form this season, scoring five goals in nine Premier League matches. Arsenal are also reportedly interested in the playmaker, but Villa manager Unai Emery is unlikely to want to lose a key member of his squad midway through the season.

Manchester City have set a £50 million asking price for midfielder Kalvin Phillips amid interest from Newcastle United. City paid £42 million to sign Phillips from Leeds United in 2022, and they are now looking for offers in the region of £50 million. Newcastle are keen to strengthen their midfield following Sandro Tonali's ban, and the hefty price tag is not expected to deter them.

AC Milan are closing in on an agreement with Real Betis left-back Juan Miranda. The Italian club is looking to bring him to the San Siro in January. Miranda's contract with Betis expires next summer, and negotiations have stalled between the player and the Spanish club. Milan is considering accelerating the deal to January and is willing to pay less than €5 million for the 23-year-old. Barcelona could also be interested in a deal if Miranda doesn't move to Milan in January.

Atletico Madrid defender Mario Hermoso has seen contract talks stall with the club. The 28-year-old has been a key player for Atleti this season, starting all nine of their LaLiga games. However, if a new deal cannot be agreed upon from January onwards, Hermoso will be free to negotiate with other clubs and could leave Atletico on a free transfer in the summer.

Finally, Juventus and Atletico Madrid are interested in Tottenham midfielder Pierre-Emile Højbjerg. Both clubs are reportedly looking for a loan deal rather than a permanent transfer. Juventus, in particular, are in need of midfield reinforcements following bans to Paul Pogba and Nicolo Fagioli.

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