All posts by h716a5.icu

Wolverhampton Wanderers are reportedly interested in signing Stoke City defender Harry Souttar in this month’s transfer window and the Australia international could be a big upgrade on Nathan Collins in Julen Lopetegui’s side.

According to TEAMtalk, both Wolves and West Ham are keen on adding the 24-year-old to their ranks this month, after the centre-back caught the eye with Australia at the World Cup in Qatar.

Meanwhile, The Sun believe that the Potters had put a £25m price tag on his signature after his recent international exploits.

In a recent interview with Football FanCast, journalist Pete O’Rourke shared his thoughts on a possible Wolves move for the Scottish-born defender in the transfer window.

He said:

“He’s a big strong central defender who is dominant in both boxes as well, so I think he’d be a good fit for Wolves.”

Since returning from a serious ACL injury, Souttar has been a mainstay for both club and country, first starring at the World Cup as Graham Arnold’s side reached the round of 16 before featuring regularly for the Potters in recent fixtures.

If we compare Souttar’s form this season to that of Collins, it seems clear that the Scottish-born defender could be a better option for Lopetegui in the second half of the Premier League campaign.

He has a better overall average rating (6.68 vs 6.59), while he has also averaged more tackles (1.6 vs 1.3), clearances (seven vs 4.2) and aerials won (four vs 1.4), which suggests that he could be a big addition at the back as the Old Gold look to rediscover the defensive form that saw them keep so many clean sheets in the first half of the last campaign.

While he has struggled with his passing in the Championship, he showed his ability on the ball at the World Cup, averaging a respectable 82.6% pass accuracy in Qatar, where he was also lauded as an “absolute beast” by A-League producer Sacha Pisani.

The six-foot-six defender would also add a serious threat for Wolves from set pieces, while his experience and performances at the World Cup will no doubt make him an attractive proposition for a number of Premier League clubs this month, so Lopetegui should make sure that Wolves win the race for him.

[freshpress-quiz id=“785175″]

At 21, Collins arguably lacks the necessary experience for a relegation battle and given the lack of centre-backs currently at Wolves’ disposal, the Old Gold should definitely look at signing Souttar in this month’s window.

Luton Town defender James Bree would happily join Southampton in the January transfer window, Pete O’Rourke has claimed.

What’s the word?

The 25-year-old has been a key player for Luton this season, playing every single minute of their Championship campaign so far, but has been linked with a move to Southampton.

The move would reunite him with Nathan Jones, who recently joined as the successor to Ralph Hasenhuttl.

Speaking to Football FanCast, O’Rourke claimed that the right-back would be delighted to make the move, as Southampton look to strengthen their defence.

He said: “I’m sure the player would jump at the chance to be reunited with Nathan Jones and the chance to go back to the Premier League as well, having had a short time there with Aston Villa previously.

“He’s a top player and I’m sure he’s somebody who could come in there and provide good cover and competition in the right-back spot.”

A useful signing

With Tino Livramento still injured, Bree would provide reliable cover at right-back, and would also be a familiar face for Jones in the dressing room as he tries to steer Southampton out of trouble.

After an initial poor start, Jones has helped Southampton begin to recover their form as they recorded an important victory away at Everton, and bringing in reinforcements should further help their survival efforts.

Bree would gain a chance to prove himself in the Premier League, and if he does so, he could forge a top-flight career as he approaches his peak years, so we would agree with O’Rourke that he would be keen on a move to the south coast before the month is out.

Wolves have made an approach to sign West Ham striker Michail Antonio in January, according to CBS journalist Ben Jacobs.

The Lowdown: Lopetegui backed…

The Premier League relegation-battlers have so far backed new manager Julen Lopetegui in the winter transfer market, completing deals for Matheus Cunha, Craig Dawson, Pablo Sarabia, Mario Lemina and Daniel Bentley.

Wolves are also thought to be chasing a move for Flamengo midfielder Joao Gomes, who has starred for the Brazilian top flight across the Atlantic, with reports suggesting he is eager to make a move to Molineux.

The Midlands side remain locked in a dog-fight to avoid the drop and strengthening Lopetegui’s squad this month will be a crucial factor in determining their survival.

The Latest: Wolves make Antonio approach…

According to a reliable source in Jacobs, Wolves have also made an approach to sign Jamaica international forward Antonio.

The West Ham attacker has refused to rule out leaving east London before January 31 and Lopetegui’s side are thought to be interested.

Wolves have apparently ‘enquired’ over Antonio and are joined in their interest by sides in the MLS, Saudi Arabia and Qatar.

However, West Ham are thought to be reluctant to do business given after new signing Danny Ings’ fresh injury blow.

The Verdict: Keep pushing?

The nature of the transfer window, especially January, means situations can change very rapidly approaching the deadline.

If West Ham were to bring in another attacker, the club may be inclined to do business over Antonio for a reasonable fee, especially since he has entered the last 18 months of his contract.

While the 32-year-old hasn’t exactly been in great form this season, scoring just two goals, he has seriously impressed for West Ham in seasons prior.

Antonio has hit double figures for goals in his last three full Premier League seasons, scoring 30 with a further 16 assists from the beginning of 2019/2020 to the end of 2021/2022 (WhoScored).

A proven top flight player, the former Nottingham Forest star has been called ‘incredible’ by pundits for his form in the last few years under David Moyes.

For the right price, Antonio could prove to be a real asset for Lopetegui.

Wolverhampton Wanderers are reportedly interested in signing Abde Ezzalzouli and the Barcelona winger could be a big upgrade on Adama Traore in Julen Lopetegui’s side.

According to Spanish news outlet Sport, the Old Gold are keen on signing the Morocco international after his impressive performances out on loan with Osasuna this season.

The report claims that Barcelona have also been following his progress closely and plan on giving him a first-team number and a full pre-season ahead of the 2023/24 campaign, which suggests that Wolves may struggle to do a deal before next week’s transfer deadline.

However, he could be a realistic option in the summer if the Catalan outfit decide against keeping him, and his displays so far this term suggest that he could be a better option for Lopetegui than Traore, who has struggled with his end product throughout his spell at Molineux.

In 177 appearances for the Old Gold, the Spanish winger has managed just 13 goals and 18 assists, with his 12 assists in the 2019/20 campaign something which he has been unable to replicate in the seasons since.

At that time, reports suggested that Wolves could demand around £70m for the powerful wide man but now it seems almost certain that he will depart the club on a free transfer when his contract expires in the summer.

Therefore, Lopetegui could need another winger in his squad to replace him, and while Ezzalzouli might lack the pace and power of Traore, his end product and quality looks to be far better.

This season has seen the 21-year-old limited to just 12 LaLiga appearances for Osasuna, in which he has contributed two assists. However, upon breaking into Barcelona’s first team last season, he really showed what he could do, grabbing one goal in 10 appearances and averaging a strong 6.94 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

The young Moroccan would also average 1.6 shots, 0.6 key passes and 3.4 dribbles per game for Barcelona in La Liga, compared to Traore’s 0.6 shots, 0.6 key passes and one dribble per game in the Premier League this season.

Barcelona boss Xavi was full of praise for Ezzalzouli, Nico Gonzalez and Gavi for their displays in the first team last season.

He said:

“Abde, Gavi and Nico are extraordinary. They are supporting the team in difficult times. The effort is extraordinary. Young people make the difference and that is difficult to digest. It is positive and negative because they will not always perform excellently because they are young. The Abde’s match is spectacular, and Nico and Gavi’s too.”

If Ezzalzouli could replicate his Barcelona performances with Wolves and live up to his potential under Lopetegui, there seems little doubt that he could be a far better option for the Spanish manager than Traore in the future.

The January transfer window is set to slam shut on Tuesday night and Aston Villa could add further signings to their squad on top of the two additions they have made so far.

Unai Emery’s first window in charge of the Villans, since taking over from Steven Gerrard earlier this season, has resulted in Alex Moreno and Jhon Duran coming in from Real Betis and Chicago Fire respectively.

Football Insider reported that Villa are interested in a deal to sign Marseille central midfielder Matteo Guendouzi before the end of the month to bolster their squad.

The Ligue 1 side reportedly value the France international, who previously played in the Premier League with Arsenal, at £30m and it remains to be seen whether or not Johan Lange will sanction a move at that price.

Journalist Alex Crook recently told GIVEMESPORT that the midfielder “would be keen” on a move to Villa Park if the two clubs can agree a fee and stated that the club are currently “light” in the middle of the park after Morgan Sanson’s exit.

Emery must now push Villa to snap the Frenchman up as signing Guendouzi before the deadline could complete the Spaniard’s midfield heading into the second half of the campaign.

Douglas Luiz and Boubacar Kamara are both in the club’s top four performers, according to WhoScored’s ratings, in the Premier League this season, whilst Jacob Ramsey is just outside of the top five in sixth.

However, Scotland international John McGinn, who has started 14 of the team’s matches in the division, has averaged a rating of 6.58 and is ranked as low as 13th in the squad.

This suggests that there is scope to bring in an upgrade on the Scottish gem by bringing in a player who can be one of the top-performing players in the team, alongside the likes of Kamara, Luiz, and Ramsey.

Guendouzi could be that man as the talent has averaged a WhoScored rating of 6.75 in Ligue 1 this season and recorded a rating of 6.87 in 35 starts for Marseille in the French top-flight last term. Both of those scores would place him in the top four in Villa’s squad this season and this indicates that the gem could be a fantastic addition to the side.

Along with their respective average ratings, the France international has also averaged more shot-creating actions, assists, non-penalty goals, and progressive passes per 90 than McGinn over the last 365 days.

This means that Guendouzi has performed to a higher standard whilst also contributing more at the top end of the pitch, both in terms of scoring goals and creating chances, and this is why signing the 23-year-old could complete Villa’s starting midfield.

The Frenchman could come in as one of Emery’s top performers, alongside Luiz, Ramsey, and Kamara, and boot McGinn out of the starting XI, which could leave the Villa boss with a midfield full of excellent, consistently impressive, players.

Journalist Charles Watts has reported that Arsenal are still insisting that Emile Smith Rowe is still just absent with injury due to a “precaution” as opposed to any major setback.

What’s the word? Mikel Arteta and his side endured a disappointing trip away from home in the Premier League this weekend as they lost 1-0 at Goodison Park to Everton.They had to get through the match without Smith Rowe who has been absent for a great deal of this season and then suffered a thigh injury in training ahead of the recent fourth-round FA Cup tie at Manchester CityConsidering all of his recent struggles, some fans may well be concerned that this latest issue is another long-term problem. However, the club seem to be confident that it’s nothing too serious.While speaking about the player on YouTube, Watts explained: “We’ll wait and see if Emile Smith Rowe can get involved again at some point this week, be huge if he could.”Disappointing of course that he’s picked up this injury so soon after coming back from his long-term injury. Arsenal continuing to say that it is a precaution, that it’s nothing to do with the original injury.”Which hopefully is true and nothing is being sort of covered up there. You never know when it comes to football clubs, but hopefully it’s true.Back soon?Seeing as the Gunners suffered this bad result on the weekend, Arteta may be keen to have some fresh options available to him against Brentford on the weekend.After all, regular winger Gabriel Martinelli hasn’t scored or registered an assist in his last four Premier League outings and may be suffering a little fatigue having started every game in the top flight this term.Smith Rowe delivered 11 goals in all competitions last season but is yet to score this term with just 62 minutes of game time under his belt. It remains to be seen if he’ll be fit enough to play any part against the Bees but an appearance on the bench would certainly be heartening for supporters.

Injury expert Ben Dinnery says that Gabriel Jesus is ‘bang on schedule’ in terms of his return to Arsenal.

The Lowdown: London Colney return

Arsenal reporter for GOAL Charles Watts has confirmed that Jesus has returned to Arsenal to step up his recovery from a knee injury that he picked up in December.

After surgery, he is able to do light training with a ball, and is walking around freely without the need for crutches or a knee brace.

The Latest: ‘Bang on schedule’

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Denary says that Jesus is ‘bang on schedule’ in terms of his recovery, after he was given a timescale of between three and four months out:

“Mikel Arteta was always fairly vague on the timescale of Jesus’ injury, but my understanding was around that three month period and potentially extending to closer towards four months.

“That fits with that because he picked up that injury in Qatar and that was at the beginning of December.

“As a guide, you would say he is bang on schedule in targeting that, but it really depends on how Arsenal are doing as to whether they rush him back into the team.”

The Verdict: Big boost

The fact that Jesus is on schedule to recover, and has not suffered any injury setbacks, is a big boost for Mikel Arteta and his team going into the latter stages of the season.

Hailed as a ‘world-class’ striker on his day by his former Manchester City team-mate Ilkay Gundogan, Jesus has made a huge difference in terms of turning the Gunners from top-four hopefuls to title contenders.

Aside from his five goals and five assists in the Premier League before his injury, the Brazil international has also averaged more shots and dribbles per game than anyone else in the squad, while he has also won the most fouls (WhoScored).

Nonetheless, after dropping points to both Newcastle United and Everton in the New Year so far, Jesus will be key in terms of keeping their title hopes up.

An update has emerged on Glasgow Rangers and their plan to improve their goalkeeping department at Ibrox in the summer transfer window…

What’s the latest on Angus Gunn to Rangers?

According to Football Insider, the Light Blues are ‘well placed’ to secure a deal to sign shot-stopper Angus Gunn from Norwich City at the end of the campaign.

The report claims that the son of former Scotland international Bryan Gunn has admirers within the Gers camp because of his performances in the Championship this season.

Ross Wilson, who signed him for Premier League side Southampton from Manchester City earlier in his career, is now eyeing a swoop for the colossus to bolster Michael Beale’s squad.

What is Jon McLaughlin’s future at Ibrox?

Bringing Gunn in from the Canaries could open the door for Beale to ditch experienced goalkeeper Jon McLaughlin from the club ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.

His current contract is due to expire in the summer of 2024 but the upcoming transfer window could be the right time for the Light Blues to revamp their goalkeeping options after a difficult season, so far, for the current first choices in that position.

Journalist Mark McDougall recently claimed that the veteran, alongside Allan McGregor, is “struggling badly” and the Scotsman has been unable to claim the no.1 jersey on a regular basis.

McLaughlin has started ten of the club’s 25 Premiership matches this term and saved 58% of the shots against him, while also making two errors directly leading to a goal and failing to complete a single successful run-out – as per Sofascore.

Gunn, meanwhile, has saved 73% of the efforts on his goal in his 15 Championship outings for Norwich. He has made one error leading to a goal and has completed 11 successful run-outs.

These statistics indicate that the Englishman, 27, would be a major upgrade on the former Sunderland man in various areas, including likeliness to make a mistake, shot-stopping, and his sweeping ability.

The £5m titan, who was hailed as being “full of potential” and even claiming that he has “legs like Kate Moss” by his ex-boss Daniel Farke, has averaged a Sofascore rating of 6.90 in the English second tier, whereas McGregor (6.77) and McLaughlin (6.69) have struggled for form in the Scottish top-flight.

Therefore, Gunn could come in as an improvement on both of Beale’s current senior goalkeeping options and his arrival could allow the manager to finally ditch McLaughlin, 35, by selling him on, whilst his 41-year-old teammate is out of contract and due to leave at the end of the campaign already.

Leeds United’s search for their next manager continues to rumble on into another week and with former Ajax boss Alfred Schreuder now out of the running, who could they now turn to?

What is the latest Leeds manager news?

Several names have been linked with the vacant post at Elland Road, including former Premier League managers Steven Gerrard (Aston Villa) and Nuno Espirito Santo (Wolverhampton Wanderers and Tottenham Hotspur), via the Daily Mail.

Arne Slot of Feyenoord was considered to be the top candidate before he rejected the Whites’ advances, whilst one of Marcelo Bielsa’s proteges in Rayo Vallecano’s up-and-coming boss Andoni Irahola has seemingly said no too.

AS Monaco manager Philippe Clement is a more recent addition to the shortlist, according to Dutch outlet De Telegraaf.

Who is Philippe Clement?

It’s been a little over a week since Radrizzani and the Leeds hierarchy sacked Jesse Marsch after a disappointing defeat to Nottingham Forest.

Since then, U21 boss Michael Skubala has taken interim control of the squad, navigating them to two pretty impressive performances against Manchester United – even if they only have one point to show for it.

The Yorkshire outfit needs some clarity over their future, however, as they sit in a rather precarious position above the drop zone heading into the final few months of the season.

They must also ensure that a repeat scenario doesn’t happen because some longevity and stability in the dugout could be exactly what the club needs.

Clement, who is a relatively unknown name in England, would be quite the hire as he has transformed Monaco’s fortunes in recent times, so he could well replicate that at Elland Road.

“His profile as a modern coach, with his teams playing with great intensity and [is] daring, including on the continental stage,” claimed Les Rouge et Blanc sporting director Paul Mitchell. “His ability to combine titles and the development of young players have made him one of the most prominent and successful coaches in Europe in recent years.”

Glowing praise indeed.

The former Club Brugge and KRC Genk stalwart has now been in charge at the Stade Louis II for a little over a year, earning a 55.3% win rate from 56 matches in charge, of which only 11 outings have seen him taste defeat.

Some of his most notable scalps have been against Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain – in fact, they are yet to defeat Clement’s Monaco side since he took the helm, meaning the likes of Lionel Messi, Neymar and ex-ASM wonderkid Kylian Mbappe have all been thwarted by his remarkable tactics.

A 1-1 draw at Les Parc Des Princes is sandwiched between two home victories, 3-0 and most recently 3-1, at the weekend.

Clement came in a time where Monaco were inconsistent and since he’s managed to get the best out of an injury-prone Aleksandr Golovin – think what he could do to help Patrick Bamford and Rodrigo – whilst also reinvigorating players such as Myron Boadu, who has gone from struggling flop to a reborn animal under his control.

Perhaps he could have the same effect on players such as Rasmus Kristensen and Brenden Aaronson in west Yorkshire.

The 48-year-old, who hails from Antwerp in Belgium, has also unearthed some unknown gems such as Vanderson, so he’s clearly an outstanding coach no matter what is at his disposal.

As such, if Radrizzani wants to totally transform the fortunes of Leeds on the pitch, then he could do little wrong in taking a punt on Clement, given the evidence above.

AND in other news, Orta may drop clanger with “clueless” Leeds move for 42 y/o who’s worse than Schreuder…

The pressure appears to be mounting on Chelsea head coach Graham Potter after his side lost 1-0 to 20th-placed Southampton in the Premier League last weekend.

James Ward-Prowse fired in an excellent free-kick just before half time and that was enough to seal all three points for the away side at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea are tenth in the table and have only won five of their 17 matches in the top flight since the English boss was brought in from Brighton to replace Thomas Tuchel.

Potter came in as an inexperienced coach at the top level and that could be his downfall in the end if the 47-year-old fails to turn things around in the coming weeks and months.

The Englishman has not finished higher than fifth in a season since finishing second with Ostersunds in Sweden in 2015 and he has never ended a campaign in a higher position than ninth in England.

Todd Boehly could land an upgrade on the ex-Seagulls boss, if the owner decides to part ways with him soon, by bringing in a proven winner who knows what it takes to be a success at the very top of the game.

Who could replace Graham Potter at Chelsea?

One man who is reportedly being considered for the job if it becomes available is the legendary Zinedine Zidane, who is currently unattached to a club.

The former France international would be a big upgrade on Potter as the 50-year-old is a serial winner who has racked up several trophies during his managerial career so far.

In six LaLiga seasons with Real Madrid, Zidane won two titles and never finished lower than third – averaging 2.24 points per game across 183 matches in the division.

Meanwhile, the Frenchman also led his side to an impressive three Champions League trophies, two UEFA Super Cups, and two FIFA Club World Cup titles.

Speaking about the tactician’s success in Europe, ex-Manchester United star Rio Ferdinand once said: “This guy has incredible ability. It (he) has done so in a short time. He has entered and collected trophy after trophy, the big ones too. Three Champions League as a coach? It’s phenomenal. He doesn’t have much to say, he never had much to say as a player. He let his football speak. Now it’s very similar in management.”

Meanwhile, the only trophy Potter has won in his career – despite only being three years younger than Zidane – is the Swedish Cup with Ostersunds in 2015.

Their respective statistics in management indicate that the French coach would be better suited to the job at Stamford Bridge as he knows how to win trophies and compete at the top end of the table in a major European league, whereas the Englishman is yet to prove his quality as an elite manager.