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Wolverhampton Wanderers are plotting a move to bring Renato Sanches to Molineux in the January transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to John Percy’s recent report for The Telegraph, with the journalist revealing that Bruno Lage and Jeff Shi are planning to revive their summer interest in the LOSC Lille midfielder this winter.

Percy goes on to claim that Wolves are keeping a very close eye on the situation of the 24-year-old ahead of a potential January swoop, with Lage keen to bring in reinforcements to bolster his options in the middle of the park for the second half of the campaign.

He’d solve Wolves’ biggest issue

Following the departure of Morgan Gibbs-White on a season-long loan deal this summer, it was clear for all to see that Wolves were desperately lacking in a more attacking option in central midfield, with none of Ruben Neves, Joao Moutinho or Leander Dendoncker being particularly forward-thinking on the pitch.

Rather predictably, this has caused Lage something of a problem so far this season, as the 45-year-old manager has been heavily reliant on his forwards for both creativity and goals – with only 16% of Wolves’ six Premier League assists coming from midfield, while just 9% of the club’s 11 league goals have come from the middle of the park.

As such, it would certainly appear advisable for Shi to bring in a more attack-minded central midfielder this winter, with Renato Sanches looking to be a very attractive option.

While the Portugal international has suffered from a series of niggling injuries since his £18m move to Lille back in the summer of 2019, the 24-year-old’s returns in Ligue 1 would nevertheless suggest he could well be the creative spark Wolves are crying out for.

Indeed, over his 19 Ligue 1 appearances in 2019/20, the £27m-rated man scored three goals, registered one assist and created five big chances for his teammates, with these returns seeing the midfielder earn a seasonal SofaScore match rating of 7.06.

Over his 23 appearances in the following campaign, Sanches once again impressed, scoring one goal, providing three assists and once more creating five big chances for his teammates, metrics that saw the former Bayern Munich man earn a seasonal SofaScore match rating of 6.90.

And, despite having failed to find the back of the net or register an assist over his five Ligue 1 appearances this season, the £51k-per-week man has made an average of 1.5 key passes per game – a statistic that would rank him top of the Wolves’ midfielder charts.

As such, it would seem a very wise move indeed for Shi to once again pursue a deal for the man who Mats Hummels dubbed an “irresistible” talent this winter, as Sanches could well be the answer to Lage’s midfield.

In other news: Lage could save Wolves millions with “authoritative” £14k-p/w beast, he’s Coady’s heir

Ange Postecoglou has been handed a big Celtic injury lift over centre-back Christopher Jullien… 

What’s the latest?

According to Football Scotland, the central defender was sprawled out on the floor in the 70th minute of a B team match on Tuesday, causing concern over a potential injury setback for the gem.

However, he was able to recover from the blow and see out the full 90 minutes to allay any fears that he will now face another spell on the sidelines.

Supporters will be relieved

This news will surely come as a relief to supporters as it means that he will remain on track in regards to getting back to his best after a long-term injury.

He was out of action for a year between December 2020 and December 2021 with a knee injury as he missed 59 matches for the Hoops, before missing a further eight games due to illness in January.

The 29-year-old has not played a single match in the Premiership this term but the fans will be excited to see him eventually make his way back out on the pitch as he has previously showcased his quality at this level.

However, he will need to be patient to get his chance to make a first-team return. Postecoglou spoke about his return from injury earlier this year, saying:

“I get the level of anticipation with Chris as he’s had a long-term injury and he’s a significant player for the club.

“Chris has been here long enough to know that it doesn’t matter who you are, you are always going to be competing for places – and you want to be.

“It’s not just Cam and Carl, Stephen Welsh has had to be patient as he’s done nothing wrong every time he’s played.”

In the top-flight last term, he averaged a sublime SofaScore rating of 7.43 as he won a whopping 67% of his duels and made 2.4 tackles and interceptions per game. Meanwhile, full-back Anthony Ralston (7.49) is the only Celtic defender with a higher average score than that this season.

This shows that he has the quality to be a major player for the Hoops when he is at his best, which is why fans will want to see him back in action as quickly as possible. It will be a big boost for Postecoglou to have Jullien fit and firing and that is why this injury relief will delight the head coach and the supporters this week.

AND in other news, Sold in 2019, now facing relegation: Celtic sealed masterclass over “stupid” liability…

Ange Postecoglou’s Celtic side will undoubtedly be heading into Wednesday night’s Premiership fixture against St. Mirren in fine spirits, having just won the 56-year-old manager his first trophy as the Bhoys boss – defeating Hibernian 2-1 at Hampden Park in the League Cup final on Sunday afternoon.

However, while Kyogo Furuhashi and Mikey Johnston both returned from injury to play a part in the cup final last weekend, Postecoglou looks as if he will still be without the services of Jota, James Forrest, Giorgos Giakoumakis, Albian Ajeti and the newly injured David Turnbull for the trip to St. Mirren Park tomorrow evening – all of whom appear to be continued absences due to various knocks.

Although, with the games coming thick and fast for Celtic at present, a fixture against the team who currently sit ninth in the Premiership table may not be the worst time to rest a couple of the Hoops’ more regular starters, while simultaneously presenting the 56-year-old Bhoys boss with the opportunity to field a number of his exciting up and coming youth prospects – arguably the most talented of whom is 19-year-old, Owen Moffat.

Postecoglou must unleash Moffat

Having been brought on in both the 2-1 Premiership win over Ross County and the 2-1 League Cup final victory over Hibs last week, the teenage left-winger is undoubtedly a player who will be pushing for a starting spot in Postecoglou’s side over the coming weeks.

And, considering how impressive the youngster has been for Celtic’s B team side so far this season, it would very much appear as if Moffat is worthy of a shot from the off against St. Mirren on Wednesday evening.

Indeed, the forward is the reserve side’s top goalscorer in the Scottish Lowland League, having bagged 11 times in the division already this season – five more than any of his teammates.

As a result of this form, as well as Celtic’s crippling injury list, Postecoglou called the 19-year-old up to first-team training last week, and the 56-year-old appears to be incredibly impressed with the way the youngster has performed at Lennoxtown.

Speaking about Moffat, the Bhoys boss said: “Life is about opportunity. Not just being in the right place at the right time, but also being ready for it. Moff probably wasn’t in the calculations two weeks ago, but we just had so many injuries and we brought him into training and he has looked bright.

“We brought him on the other night and he looked good. That, to me, is a lesson for every player out there. You have to be ready for that opportunity.”

And, although the Hoops’ injury list has been slighted shortened by the return of both Kyogo and Johnston, should Postecoglou wish to keep as many of his first-team players as possible fit over the coming weeks, he must start rotating his squad more efficiently – leading us to believe that the Greek-Australian coach simply must start Moffat against St. Mirren tomorrow night.

In other news: Alan Nixon drops exciting Celtic transfer update that will have fans buzzing

Keith Downie has revealed that Newcastle United are now eyeing other central defenders whose names have not yet been reported.

The Lowdown: Who’s been linked so far?

Following the arrivals of Kieran Trippier and Chris Wood at St. James’ Park, it looks as if the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) consortium are now looking at bringing in a new centre-back as their third signing in the January transfer window.

The names that have been linked the most seem to be Sven Botman, Diego Carlos and Benoit Badiashile, but as the window ticks down it may be that the new owners now look at other targets to bring in, with crucial games against both Watford and Leeds United in the Premier League coming up.

The Latest: Alternatives eyed

Speaking to The Transfer Tavern, Sky Sports journalist Downie has revealed that the North East club are now eyeing alternative targets in the centre-half position, outside of the names already reported:

“I think they’re just juggling a few names at the moment.

“I mean, if I’m honest I was given two other names yesterday that I have not reported yet, because I’m trying to stand those up.”

The Verdict: Get one in now

Whoever the player is, the Tyneside outfit simply need to get a central defender in now.

They currently have the second-worst defensive record in the top flight, and so freshening up the backline would really help Eddie Howe and his team going forward.

Looking at their current options, Ciaran Clark is currently rated as the division’s worst centre-back (to have played at least five games) so far this season, while Federico Fernandez, Fabian Schar and Jamaal Lascelles all rank inside the worst eleven (WhoScored).

It is clearly an area that needs improving, and so a new centre-half must now be the priority for the Magpies.

In other news, find out which six-foot-one ‘phenom’ NUFC are now ‘most interested’ in signing here!

Leeds United fans won’t want to hear what The Athletic’s Phil Hay has to say about deadline day at Elland Road…

What’s the word?

Speaking on Twitter, the ever-reliable reporter delivered a gutting claim about the likelihood of the Whites conducting any sort of business before the 11pm deadline.

“As for incomings at Elland Road, still expecting a quiet day,” he revealed.

In just 11 words, Hay has surely ruined the hopes and dreams of many supporters around west Yorkshire with just a few hours left to go.

Gutting news

Much of the Leeds faithful have been desperate to see Marcelo Bielsa handed some reinforcements to his decimated squad this month but it appears as if it just isn’t going to happen.

Their attempts to bring a new midfielder to the club have fallen short after seeing bids of £15m and £20m rejected by RB Salzburg for their star maestro Brenden Aaronson.

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That’s a deal that is expected to happen in the summer instead, meaning Leeds haven’t signed anyone for the engine room for four years now when Adam Forshaw joined from Middlesbrough in January 2018.

That area of the pitch has been a pressing need with influential England international Kalvin Phillips, who was subject of interest from West Ham United in the past few days, absent through injury until March at the earliest.

He along with skipper Liam Cooper and last season’s leading talisman Patrick Bamford have been huge absentees for the Yorkshiremen.

There have been times where Bielsa has been without as many as 11 first-team players in the Premier League, leaving him to fill the bench with academy players who simply aren’t ready for a crack at the big time.

This latest bombshell from Hay will leave many around Elland Road absolutely furious, that’s for sure.

AND in other news, Enquiry made: Leeds submit last-ditch “offer” on deadline day, Bielsa badly needs him…

Sharing news midweek, 90min journalist and ‘insider’ Graeme Bailey now has a major player update for Manchester City supporters out of Eastlands.

The Lowdown: Sky Blues in contract flurry…

City sporting director Txiki Begiristain and the club have seemingly been renewing contracts left, right and centre over 2021/2022 as Pep Guardiola aims to tie down both future and first team stars.

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The likes of John Stones, Joao Cancelo, Ruben Dias, James McAtee and Ederson, to name a few, have all put pen to paper on fresh terms in the past 12 months.

According to reports, Guardiola and co aren’t done there, with the likes of Rodri and Ilkay Gundogan also tipped to receive the option.

Superstar playmaker Phil Foden is yet another, and if Bailey is to be believed, a major development has come to light on City’s attempts to tie down the England international.

The Latest: Bailey shares Foden development…

Taking to Twitter, the 90min insider says Man City are now closer to agreeing a new deal for the 21-year-old.

“Man City close to finalising Phil Foden contract extension,” he explained.

“Talks have been ongoing since last year but Premier League champions confident their prized asset will re-sign by end of the season.”

The Verdict: Absolutely huge…

As perhaps best summed up on Tuesday night, Foden looks set to be an absolutely crucial player for City for years to come.

The Sky Blues struggled to break down a resilient Atletico Madrid side in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-final tie in Manchester, but thanks to their homegrown starlet’s cameo off the bench, Guardiola’s men eventually found a way through.

Foden’s delicate through ball to Kevin De Bruyne, who subsequently fired home past Jan Oblak, gifted City a 1-0 aggregate advantage as they gear up for their Wanda Metropolitano visit next week.

The midfield gem’s introduction was a crucial one and this is just one example of his importance at the Etihad Stadium.

As City take one step closer towards tying him down further, it’s safe to say this midweek update could be looked back on as massive for years to come.

In other news: Blues now preparing bid to sign ‘special’ £67m star alongside Haaland! Find out more here.

With current Southampton goalkeeper Alex McCarthy and Fraser Forster currently set to see their contracts expire next summer, the club have had their eye on adding a new shot-stopper to their squad in the past with previous reports linking them with a transfer move for West Bromwich Albion goalkeeper Sam Johnstone.

With Johnstone’s contract at the Midlands club also set to run out in 2022, there’s every possibility that he could be on the move at that point unless Johnstone puts pen to paper on a new deal at The Hawthorns before then.

What’s the latest?

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, journalist Tom Barclay had his say on the possibility of Southampton making a move to sign Johnstone in January if West Brom would rather let him go for a fee instead of as a free agent in the summer.

He said: “You’re looking at probably less than £10m. I’m speculating there, but I imagine it’d be less than £10m.”

Fans surely thrilled

Johnston signed for West Brom back in the 2018 summer transfer window from Manchester United for a fee of £6.5m. Since then, the 28-year-old, who is currently valued at £7.2m according to Transfermarkt, has gone on to make a total of 145 appearances for the Baggies, firmly cementing himself as their first-choice goalkeeper.

On the international stage, Johnstone has made three senior appearances for England, keeping three clean sheets in the process.

Even though Barclay made it clear that the potential price tag of under £10m for Johnstone was merely speculation, we feel that if this is true and West Brom would be willing to part with their goalkeeper in January, the Saints should definitely look to see if they can add him to their squad rather than wait until the summer.

Additionally, we feel that if Ralph Hasenhuttl does sign Johnstone in January for the price that Barclay has suggested, we feel the supporters would be thrilled by this swoop.

After all, he is a proven international ‘keeper and performed incredibly well for West Brom last term. For instance, no goalkeeper made more saves (161) than the England stopper in the top-flight throughout 2020/21. That type of record would be crucial for the south coast side who find themselves near the bottom of the table.

With The Athletic claiming that McCarthy has agreed a new deal at St. Mary’s, we feel that Johnstone would be a good replacement for Forster if he leaves in the summer when his deal expires. Crucially, he would provide some healthy competition to the former for a number one spot in Hasenhuttl’s side.

In other news: Ralph must unleash “explosive” £16.2m-rated Southampton machine, he’d terrify Villa – opinion

Richarlison was ‘hugely disrespectful’ to the travelling Everton supporters following Sunday’s defeat against West Ham United.

That’s according to BBC Radio 5 Live pundit Jonathan Woodgate, speaking live on air.

The lowdown

Everton lost 2-1 at the London Stadium to deepen their relegation fears ahead of Wednesday’s crunch encounter with Burnley.

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Aaron Cresswell and Jarrod Bowen scored either side of a deflected Mason Holgate effort to give the Hammers victory against Frank Lampard’s side, who were reduced to 10 men with 25 minutes left when Michael Keane picked up a second yellow card.

Richarlison started on the left of Frank Lampard’s front three, joining Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Demarai Gray in the attack, and completed the full 90 minutes.

However, Woodgate spotted the Brazilian walking straight down the tunnel following the full-time whistle rather than going over to acknowledge the travelling fans.

The latest

Woodgate said that Richarlison really ought to ‘go and clap’ the fans after the game, many of whom would have made a 200+ mile journey from Merseyside.

He accused the 24-year-old of immaturity, claiming that he was effectively throwing his ‘toys out the pram’.

The verdict

Perhaps Richarlison’s frustration got the better of him. He had chances to score what could have been a crucial goal, but two of shots were off target, and the other three were blocked.

Journalist James Nalton wrote that the 24-year-old ‘should have done better’ with the opportunities he was given, picking out instances where he could have teed up Vitaliy Mykolenko or finished a chance created for him by Alex Iwobi.

It has been a difficult season for the £90,000-per-week forward in general, as reflected by his tally of just four goals. For comparison, in each of his first two years at Everton, he struck 13 times in the Premier League (via Transfermarkt).

If some Toffees supporters are upset with Richarlison, then maybe he will be able to redeem himself by tucking a chance away at Turf Moor in midweek.

In other news, Everton are ready to axe this midfielder in the summer

Leeds United are reportedly interested in signing exciting Fulham youngster Fabio Carvalho, but they are not alone in being linked with a move for the starlet.

The Lowdown: Carvalho shining for Fulham

The 19-year-old has been a key player for a Cottagers side currently leading the way in the Championship this season, scoring eight goals and registering two assists in 14 league starts. He has also represented England at various youth levels, including six caps for the country’s under-18 side.

The attacking midfielder’s performances have caught the eye of a number of clubs, and according to a fresh report, Leeds are among the suitors.

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The Latest: Leeds linked with Carvalho move

According to The Daily Mail, the Whites see Carvalho as an exciting option to bring in during the January transfer window, with a move to the Premier League this month potentially ‘too tempting to turn down’. Indeed, the 19-year-old rejected the offer of a new contract at Craven Cottage in November.

Liverpool and West Ham are also credited with taking an interest in the Fulham starlet, so it may not be easy for Whites to get a deal over the line if they are battling with two of the top flight’s current top five.

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The Verdict: Hugely exciting prospect

It is crucial that Marcelo Bielsa plans for both the present and the future, ensuring Leeds that continue to grow after he has left the club, and Carvalho could be a great prospective signing in that respect.

He possesses huge long-term potential, already a standout performer for a team who have scored a ridiculous 73 goals in just 27 league matches this season, and he has been hailed as ‘fantastic’ by his current manager Marco Silva.

The lure of Liverpool in particular could act as a stumbling block for Leeds, but a greater prospect of first-team action at Elland Road – where young talents like Charlie Cresswell, Cody Drameh and Joe Gelhardt have all earned Premier League starts this season – could possibly give the Whites an edge.

In other news, Leeds have been linked with a move for another talented attacking player. Find out who it is here.

Taking to Twitter, many West Ham United fans have been left buzzing amid a fresh transfer claim involving Liverpool defender Nathaniel Phillips.

Irons manager David Moyes, who has stated publicly his wish to strengthen in January, has been mainly tipped to target three main positions for the squad.

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As per The Evening Standard, it is believed that the Scotsman would ideally like to add a striker, a new centre-half and England international Jesse Lingard to his roster as he seeks to reinforce his options.

West Ham have dropped points in their last three Premier League games, losing to both Wolves and Manchester City before failing to see out their home encounter with Brighton on Wednesday night in a 1-1 draw.

As January looms, it could be a chance for the Irons and new recruitment chief Rob Newman to gift Moyes a boost, with Football Insider now claiming that the groundwork is being laid for a move to sign Reds defender Phillips.

According to their sources, as also shared by The Sun, West Ham are lining up a move for the 24-year-old in mid-season, and it is believed that as little as £12m could seal a transfer.

West Ham fans buzzing…

Taking into account Phillips’ age, price tag and ability, it’s little wonder so many Hammers fans believe he is a ‘bargain’ waiting to happen.

According to WhoScored, the towering 6 foot 3 centre-back averaged more clearances per 90 (4.8) than any West Ham defender in the the Premier League over 2020/21. Furthermore, only midfielder Tomas Soucek (6.2) racked up more aerial duels among Moyes’ squad in that time than Phillips (5.6), highlighting the Reds defender’s colossal presence.

Still fairly young at 24, homegrown, seemingly adept at the top level and valued at just £12m, you can understand why many West Ham fans are buzzing as their club eye a “bargain” January move for the Liverpool centre-back.

Check out some of their reactions below:

“he’s absolutely unreal”

Credit: @whucharlie_

“£12m is a bargain for a player of his age and quality. Let’s get it done if that’s all it takes”

Credit: @TEJAddison

“Absolute bargain.”

Credit: @LeeScourfield

“Wouldn’t be a bad signing at all if true, young and already with PL experience, would give us 3 young and experienced CBs in him, Zouma and Diop and then with the years of experience of Dawson too, no brainer for me”

Credit: @TomGuy93

“Would be a great addition.”

Credit: @WHUSamzini

“Yes”

Credit: @mattingram28

“I’d like this. Always looked comfortable when playing for Liverpool.”

Credit: @Denner7s

In other news: Newman now eyeing West Ham bid to sign 129-goal ‘big name’ striker in January, find out more here.