West Ham United

Two relegated clubs will go head-to-head to open up their returns to the Championship as Burnley welcome West Ham United on Sunday (16:00 BST).

The Clarets will be under the guidance of new head coach Nicky Hayen as they look to get a third successive promotion to the top flight this season.

While for the Hammers, the headlines remain on off-field issues.

• Since a run of three successive league wins between December 2018 and July 2020, Burnley are winless in each of their last eight league encounters with West Ham United (D3 L5).

• West Ham United have won on three of their last four league visits to Burnley (D1), including a 2-0 victory in the Premier League last season, one of only four away victories.

• Since a 1-2 defeat to QPR in April 2023, Burnley are unbeaten in their last 24 EFL Championship matches at Turf Moor (W15 D9).

• While Burnley picked up fewer home points in the Premier League last season than any other side (13), only Leeds United (15), Burnley (9) and Wolverhampton Wanderers (6) accrued fewer on the road than West Ham (17).

• West Ham's Jarrod Bowen was one of six players in the Premier League last season to record at least 20 goal involvements (9 goals, 11 assists), with only Bruno Fernandes (21) and Rayan Cherki (12) providing more assists

West Ham are confident of agreeing a deal with Celtic to sign £20m-rated Belgium midfielder Arne Engels, 22. (Football Insider), external

Want more transfer news from the EFL? Take a look at Friday's gossip column here.

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Matthew Cresswell
BBC Sport England

Image source, Watford FC

Former West Ham United striker Michail Antonio is currently training with Watford before the start of the Hornets' Championship campaign.

The 36-year-old made his final senior appearance for the Hammers in their 3-1 defeat by Leicester City on 3 December 2024, suffering a broken leg four days later in a car crash.

After being released by the Hammers in June 2025 following a 10-year spell, Antonio returned to the club as part of his rehabilitation and played two games for the under-21 side in Premier League 2.

He trained with Leicester City last December and had also been close to a move to Brentford but sustained a torn calf muscle the day before he was set to sign for the Bees, which scuppered the deal.

Antonio last played in April for Qatari side Al-Sailiya and made a total of four appearances for the club.

Prior to his move to West Ham in September 2015, Antonio played in the EFL for clubs including Reading, Sheffield Wednesday and Nottingham Forest.

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Alex Howell
Arsenal reporter

Image source, Getty Images

West Ham and Arsenal are in talks about a potential move for winger Reiss Nelson.

Both a loan move and a permanent departure are being discussed and the 26-year-old is into the last year of his contract at Arsenal.

Nelson has spent the last two seasons on loan at Fulham and Brentford and is not in manager Mikel Arteta's plans for this season.

The winger was an unused substitute in Arsenal's 3-2 loss to Borussia Dortmund in their friendly on Sunday.

West Ham are looking to strengthen their squad as they look to get out of the Championship at the first time of asking but it remains to be seen if Nelson can be convinced to drop down to that division.

Jamie Vardy could make a sensational return to English football as Championship side West Ham are considering a move for the 39-year-old former Leicester City and England striker, who is a free agent after his contract at Italian side Cremonese ended. (Sun, external)

Want more transfer news from the EFL? Take a look at Tuesday's gossip column here.

Simon Stone
Chief football news reporter

Image source, Getty Images

West Ham are hoping to confirm the signing of Tottenham's Manor Soloman in the next 24 hours for a fee of around £5m.

The Israel international joined Spurs in 2023 and has since spent time on loan at Leeds, Villarreal and Fiorentina.

Solomon made 19 appearances for Italian side Fiorentina on loan last season

It is anticipated the 27-year-old will wear the number 10 shirt.

West Ham are actively pursuing a number of transfer targets before their opening EFL Championship game at Burnley.

Earlier this month they signed experienced former Brighton defender Joel Veltman on a free transfer.

The Hammers are gearing up for their first season outside the top flight since 2011-12.

West Ham United have reached an agreement in principle to sign Israel winger Manor Solomon, 27, from Tottenham for £5m plus a further £2m in potential add-ons. (The Athletic - subscription required), external

West Ham and Wolves sent scouts to watch Colombian Real Betis midfielder Nelson Deossa, 26, in the Spanish La Liga side's 3-1 pre-season friendly win over Arsenal in Dublin. (Mundo Betis - in Spanish), external

West Ham, Wolves, Middlesbrough and Burnley are all battling for the signing of Welsh ex-Leicester City midfielder Jordan James, 22, from French side Rennes. (Alan Nixon - subscription required), external

For more EFL transfer news and rumours, read Monday's full gossip column here.

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Image source, Getty Images

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West Ham are prepared to break the Championship transfer record of £17.5m to sign Republic of Ireland striker Troy Parrott, 24, from Dutch side AZ Alkmaar and talks have opened between the clubs. (Mail - subscription required), external

For more EFL transfer news and rumours, read Friday's full gossip column here.

Don't forget to tap the 'follow' button at the top of this page to stay up to date with your club's latest news.