With the season now up and running, and the summer transfer window closure looming, I catch up with our man-in-the-know ExWHUemployee to discuss the latest goings on at the club.

Ex, a key position which David Moyes has confirmed we are looking to fill is left-back. What can you us in terms of developments signing someone for this role?

Ok so talks with Chelsea and Italy defender Emerson have reignited and they’re going well, the club are doing everything they can to get this over the line. He’s definitely the number one target for this position at this stage.

This is a player we reported on some time ago and Moyes is a big admirer. The stumbling block has been around bonuses and agent fees, however they are continuing to negotiate this with the player very keen on the move too. If this doesn’t happen then the club do have other targets for this position.

Another position Ex which I think has question marks over is central midfield. We have Flynn Downes in already but are the club looking to add further?

Yes we are definitely looking to strengthen further in this position. Its been widely reported that the club are keen to bring in Belgium international Hans Vanaken and they’re hopeful to they can get this over the line.

Conor Gallagher is another one we have reported that the club are eager to get agreed with Chelsea, which at this stage would be a loan. However we do face stiff competition for his signature, with Crystal Palace among others who are interested.

Ex you mentioned there a loan for Gallagher will be pursued by the club, are you expecting other loan deals to happen before the window shuts?

Yes I think there will be at the very least one although I am expecting more. We can do two domestic loans maximum so I think we’ll do that.

I have reported previously that Chelsea have a number of players we are keen on, Gallagher and Emerson of course, but also Loftus-Cheek and Hudson-Odoi are among others.

There are a number of fringe players from the bigger clubs that we are looking at so yes the loan market will definitely be explored.

One we should keep an eye on is Maitland-Niles of Arsenal. Moyes is very keen on him, however I believe at this stage is more likely to be a permanent move, which the club are tempted with too.

Ex finally I have to ask, is this finally the season that you beat Dave Walker on the Patreon predictions league?

Mate he’s already ahead – I honestly don’t know how he does it! He can’t remember simple things but somehow can predict results like a machine… He’s just stupidly lucky! It’s that simple.

No in truth he’s just very good. I need to up my game but I am definitely not confident.