EFL highlights: Coventry & Ipswich win; Wrexham, Southampton beaten

Regis Le Bris stressed that Wilson Isidor is an important player for Sunderland following reported interest in the striker.

The 25-year-old has scored four Premier League goals for the Black Cats this season, but last struck in October against Chelsea and his latest start came against Manchester City at the beginning of December.

Brian Brobbey has since been the preferred option at the top of the pitch and scored the winner in last weekends 2-1 win over Crystal Palace, but despite reported interest in Isidor from other clubs, Le Bris insisted he is still an important part of Sunderlands goalscoring department.

He said: For Wilson we have many conversations with him and his agent recently. Hes a really good player, important for us and did really well in the past and for sure in the future as well. 

We still have momentum and I think for Sunderland at the minute its positive to have Brian in good form and two strikers, Eli (Mayenda) and Wilson ready to go. 

Its normal to have some difficult periods because they are still young, new in the league, so I dont know if its possible to sustain the level for a whole season in this league, so its just normal to have different periods.

Latest from Your Site' Dharmesh Sheth and Michael Bridge:

Tottenham Hotspur have no plans to allow Micky van de Ven to leave. 

The Dutch defender has two years left on his contract with the club holding an option for a further year until 2029.

The club's intention is to sit down with his representatives to discuss an improved contract. 

As yet, there have been no formal talks.

Leicester have completed the signing of Alisha Lehmann, the club has confirmed. 

Lehmann, who last played in the WSL for Aston Villa before moving to Juventus in 2024, joins the club from FC Como on a two-and-a-half year deal. 

"It feels amazing and Im so happy to be here. It feels like a homecoming, coming back to England, and Im really happy," the Swiss international said.

"Leicester is an amazing club. Ive seen the training ground and, of course, the stadium. They want to push womens football forward."

Scott Parker has admitted that some of his Burnley players lacking game time, including Oliver Sonne, could be allowed to leave the club in January. 

Your Site News had reported that Burnley have had interest in full-backSonne, as well as Hjalmar Ekdal and Quilindschy Hartman, but would not be prepared to let anyone leave without finding a replacement first.

"It could do. Maybe there could be an option there [for Sonne]. There could be an option for a few lack of game time," Parker said.

"Again, depending on the circumstances regarding us, we'll make the decision on who we feel can go for game time. 

"Oliver is one that has done incredibly well. Of course there has been a lack of game time. That'll be a decision we will make."

Burnley boss Scott Parker has remained coy on interest in West Ham midfielder James Ward-Prowse. 

Your Site News have reported that Burnley and the Hammers are in talks over a loan deal for the midfielder, even though the two clubs are both relegation rivals.

"Like I've said before regarding transfers, we're active," Parker said ahead of the game against West Ham this weekend.

"We're trying to do things but I'll reiterate wat I've said many times. We're trying to do different things that fall into play. Loads of different variables. We need to make good decisions and right decisions. 

"We don't want to be anybody to the squad that can't bring quality and help us. Regarding individuals, that's not something I'll be quoted on."

Lucas Paqueta will not be available for West Ham's game with Sunderland as he seeks a move away from the club.

The Brazilian midfielder has expressed a desire to join Flamengo and Hammers boss Nuno Espirito Santo has reaffirmed the message that they need to find a "solution" for Paqueta.

The situation is the same as last week. We hope that the club and Lucas find the solution. You know my opinion of Lucas, Ive already said it in this room. 

For this game against Sunderland, hes not going to be in the squad. We have to take Lucas situation day by day.

All the things that happened in the past have created so many problems with individuals. I hope Lucas and the club find the solution.

Nuno Espirito Santo has said there is no update on James Ward-Prowse's situation amid speculation about a move to Burnley.

Your Site News have reported that Burnley and the Hammers are in talks over a loan deal for the midfielder, even though the two clubs are both relegation rivals. 

James is with us and have always been very honest with James regarding his situation," said Nuno. 

Anything regarding rumours, its not what takes care of our minds. We know all the players here are going to be very important.

Pushed more on what Nuno thinks about him joining a relegation rival, Nuno replied: You are talking about rumours and noise. These are not things for us to address, when its real, we can address it. But what can I say about rumours?

Me and James have had conversations, we are clear. James is here. He worked today, if he works tomorrow it will be the same. And its the same with all  the players, I dont waste time on rumours and speculation. It doesnt mean anything. 

West Ham boss Nuno Espirito Santo has branded Callum Wilson as an "important player" for the club amid rumours of a move away.

Wilson was expected to leave the Hammers amid the January arrivals of fellow forwards Taty Castellanos and Pablo - but showed his worth by scoring the winning goal in last weekend's 2-1 win over Spurs.

Rumours have linked Wilson with a move to Celtic among other clubs, but Nuno says the forward is available for Saturday's game with Sunderland.

Callum has given us the winning goal in the match that is so special and important for our fans, Nuno said in a press conference. 

It was beautiful to see, and happy to take those three points. 

Callum is an option, we know what he can give us. Hes working and hes available. An important player.

West Ham have completed the signing of Keiber Lamadrid from Venezuelan club Deportivo La Guaira on loan for the rest of the season.

The loan has an option to make the move permanent in the summer.

Speaking about his new signing Nuno Espirito Santo said in a press conference: Hes a young player the club have brought in. Hes in pre-season, so hes not really ready to play. But we will assess him and see.

The club does that normally, see players for the future and players who can help us. What I focus on is now how important our situations, the club knows the profile we need and we need to rebalance the squad.

Latest from Your Site News' Anthony Joseph and Rob Dorsett:

It is difficult to see how Josh Sargent can play for Norwich again, Your Site News has been told,  following a heated row between him and the clubs sporting director. 

Sargent was called in for a meeting with manager Philippe Clement after the striker told him he wasnt in the right mindset to play for the team. 

But sporting director Ben Knapper was already in the room, and we are told a strong row ensued, which ended with Sargent walking out, visibly upset after an alleged remark about his family.

Sources have told us Norwich want Sargent to apologise for his refusal to play, and the door remains open for him to be selected  again if he does so.

But we have been told this latest dispute means the US international will categorically not apologise. 

 Sargent wants a move to Toronto FC for family reasons, but Norwich will not accept the MLS clubs offer of 15.6m, believing it undervalues their star player.

Sargent has previously refused a much more lucrative move to Wolfsburg, wanting instead to take his family back to his native North America.