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Manchester United defender Alex Telles is progressing well from the injury suffered at the 2022 World Cup, according to a new update on the situation.

The Lowdown: Telles injured in Qatar

The left-back joined Sevilla on loan during the summer transfer window, having been deemed surplus to requirements by new United boss Erik ten Hag.

Although Telles was doing well in Spain, he suffered a knee injury in Brazil’s 1-0 defeat to Cameroon in Qatar, having played in a much-changed starting lineup.

The defender is now set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines, acting as a major blow.

The Latest: Key update emerges

On the plus side, however, Estadio Deportivo [via Sport Witness] claim that Telles’ injury is ‘not as bad as it first appeared’, as he battles to return as soon as possible.

A ‘speedy recovery’ is in the offing but he remains on crutches at the moment.

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The Verdict: Sell next summer?

This is undoubtedly good news for United, even though Telles now looks like a player whose long-term future very much lies away from Old Trafford.

Serious damage to his knee could affect some future sell-on value, especially considering he is now 30 years of age, but it looks as though that won’t be the case.

That being said, United will lose Telles on a free transfer next summer, with his contract expiring then, so selling him permanently in January could be wise if there is a potential buyer. The injury could put paid to that, though.

West Ham United defender Angelo Ogbonna could finally be on his way out of the club after recent reports linking him with a move abroad.

The Italian centre-back will see his contract expire at the end of the season following an eight-year stint at the London club, where he has played 212 matches across all competitions.

La Gazzetta Express have claimed that Ligue 1 side Marseille are interested in taking Ogbonna from West Ham during the January transfer window, with the French club looking to strengthen their defensive options ahead of the second half of the season.

Moyes can finally ditch Ogbonna

Realistically, it’s a move that makes complete sense for Moyes, with the 34-year-old currently earning £70k-per-week, and freeing up this sort of budget could allow the Scot to bring in someone who could form a key part of the future.

This season, Ogbonna has played just two Premier League matches, mainly being utilised in the Europa Conference League by the manager, playing seven games in total as West Ham sealed progress to the knockout rounds with ease.

Domestically, he has failed to impress, holding a Sofascore rating of just 6.6, and in a 15-minute cameo against Chelsea, the defender took just seven touches, lost possession three times, and made just two accurate passes.

With the likes of Thilo Kehrer and Nayef Aguerd arriving in the summer, Moyes will know exactly who he wants at the heart of his defence going forward, and Ogbonna doesn’t appear to be in his plans.

He was previously dubbed “woeful” and “overrated” by Andy Lapthorne and despite being a club stalwart while having survived numerous managers, the time has come to move on to pastures new.

The likelihood of him leaving at the end of the season was high, however, with Marseille’s interest in the player ahead of next month’s transfer window, Moyes could very well terminate his contract and free up some funds which could be invested elsewhere in the team.

Celtic signing Yokohama F. Marinos midfielder Tomoki Iwata for £828,000 in January would be ‘a steal’, according to journalist Sacha Pisani.

The Lowdown: Iwata deal complete?

The Japan international still has just over two years remaining on his contract in the J1 League but has been put on a shortlist of targets by Hoops manager Ange Postecoglou after showing impressive form under Kevin Muscat.

The Premiership champions have reportedly completed a deal to sign the 25-year-old over the last 48 hours for an initial loan fee of £828,000 with an option to buy included, although the club are yet to make any official announcement.

The Latest: Pisani’s reaction

Taking to Twitter, Pisani reacted to claims that Iwata would play second fiddle to Callum McGregor at Celtic should he sign, suggesting that the Japanese ace would be a bargain purchase for the Hoops.

He wrote: “Central midfield and at the fee being talked about, it’s a steal!”

The Verdict: Potential advantage?

Celtic will already have a strong relationship with Marinos considering that’s where both Postecoglou and Daizen Maeda came from, so this could be an advantage when it comes to securing Iwata.

The Oita native is more of a defensive midfielder, which is shown in his numbers, having made a remarkable 97 recoveries and 51 tackles this calendar year (J League official website).

The Bhoys target has also posted seven goal contributions during his time at the Nissan Stadium, and this ability to impact the game at both ends of the pitch makes him an excellent prospective signing.

Leeds United have been linked with Inter Milan forward Joaquin Correa recently and the Argentine could be Jesse Marsch’s own version of Christopher Nkunku at Elland Road.

The Whites were heavily linked with signing the former Lazio man in the summer and recent reports have claimed that Inter are now willing to part ways with the 28-year-old in this month’s transfer window.

According to Calciomercatoweb, Inter are willing to sell large portions of their squad in order to raise funds, with Correa one of the likely candidates to leave the San Siro, with the report claiming that he would cost around €20m (£17m), although his £106k-per-week wages could prove to be a sticking point in any Leeds negotiations.

Since joining Simone Inzaghi’s side in 2021, Correa has gone on to make 55 appearances for the Nerazzurri, contributing nine goals and five assists in that time.

This season has seen his game time limited even further, with the Argentina international boasting just three starts in Serie A, although he does have three goals and one assist in Italy’s top flight.

Therefore, it seems clear that he needs a fresh start in January and Leeds could be the beneficiaries, with Marsch no doubt looking to recruit attacking additions in the hope that his side can distance themselves from a relegation battle this season.

Should Correa make the move to Elland Road this month, he could replicate Chelsea-bound superstar Christopher Nkunku.

According to FBref, the RB Leipzig sensation is the most similar player to Correa when compared to other forwards across Europe’s top leagues, which certainly bodes well for the Argentine, given that Nkunku would contribute a phenomenal 20 goals and 15 assists in the Bundesliga last season.

While Correa has played far fewer minutes than Nkunku, the two share extremely similar stats when studying their expected goals and assists per 90 minutes (0.73 vs 0.76), goals per shot on target (0.60 vs 0.59) and tackles in the attacking third (both two).

The Argentine might not get many starts for Inter but it is clear that he makes an impact when he is on the pitch, averaging 0.76 goal-creating actions per 90 minutes.

During his time at Lazio, Correa earned a huge amount of praise from Inzaghi after a win against AC Milan.

He said:

“Correa is a formidable player, he’s very intelligent tactically, he sacrifices a lot for the team, I’m happy with his brace, when he has no problems and can train continuously he always shows he can play three matches at the highest level.”

Therefore, Victor Orta should definitely look to bring Correa to Elland Road this month as with regular starts, he could prove to be a crucial player in Leeds’ fight for survival.

Celtic are not pursuing a deal for Luzern midfielder Ardon Jashari in the January transfer window, according to Pete O’Rourke.

What’s the word?

Celtic have been linked with a move for Jashari, who was in Switzerland’s World Cup squad as they reached the knockout rounds in Qatar.

The defensive midfielder has made 17 appearances for Luzern this season, providing four assists, and the 20-year-old is now a coveted player with Eintracht Frankfurt also reportedly interested.

However, speaking exclusively to Football Fancast, O’Rourke has claimed that he is not a priority for Celtic in this window, but he could remain in their sights in the summer.

“I don’t think it’s a top priority for Ange Postecoglu’s side this month in the transfer window, having already brought in Tomoki Iwata, the Japanese midfielder, so I don’t think midfield is the key area of concern for Celtic right now,” he stated.

“But again, it could be a player that might turn to the radar in the summer if he’s still at Luzern l because there is interest from other clubs, I think across European clubs for his services.

A long-term signing

Celtic are already well stocked in midfield, but with Aaron Mooy and James McCarthy ageing, there is a case to bring in younger midfielders, and Jashari, who has been described as an “exciting” talent, could be a good move for the future.

He has already captained his side a lot this season, and would arrive as an internationally experienced midfielder despite his age.

Even if Celtic wait until the summer before doing a deal, he would not have to come in and make an immediate impact, but he can continue his development in Glasgow before eventually earning himself a place in the starting XI.

Any speculation around West Ham’s ownership following the death of David Gold are wide of the mark, finance expert Kieran Maguire has claimed.

What’s the word?

David Gold was one of West Ham’s co-owners alongside David Sullivan and Karen Brady before his passing this week, and it has been mooted that shareholder Daniel Kretinsky will now look to complete a full takeover of the club.

However, Maguire has claimed that any discussions about West Ham’s ownership are not advanced, and no decisions have been made.

Speaking to Football Insider, Maguire explained that the fact that Sullivan had more shares in the club than Gold will mean that Kretinsky has another stumbling block in the way of a takeover.

“There is only speculation at present about what the Gold family are likely to do with his investment in the club,” he stated.

“Sullivan still had a much bigger share than Gold. It would appear that Sullivan still wants to have a significant interest in decision-making at West Ham.

“So, all we have at the moment is speculation and rumour with regards to a full Kretinsky takeover.

“Kretsinsky himself does have other significant investments that he will spend plenty of his time dealing with. That could mean that he will continue to be happy with a minority stake.

“In respect of any potential delays in operational matters, I can’t see anything happening before the April deadline.“

Increased spending

West Ham have spent more in recent seasons, following an impressive few campaigns which saw them finish higher up the table and reach the Europa League semi-finals.

The summer window saw them recruit Gianluca Scamacca, Lucas Paqueta and Nayef Aguerd for large fees, but this has not translated to results.

The Hammers sit 17th in the Premier League, and given their large outlay in the summer, it looks unlikely that they will invest further in the January window, despite the threat of relegation.

David Moyes will be hoping that the uncertainty amongst the ownership does not prove to be a distraction, given the tough relegation battle that lies ahead, and he will hope that despite his comments about a January deal looking unlikely, they will be able to bring in some reinforcements in the window.

Italian football expert Nicky Bandini believes that Liverpool moving for Milan Skriniar could gather momentum in the coming days.

The Lowdown: Defensive recruits a possibility

It doesn’t seem too long ago that Liverpool were facing another defensive crisis under Jurgen Klopp when they were having to field Jordan Henderson as a centre-back.

Fast-forward a few years, and things aren’t looking great, with leader Virgil van Dijk now set for a prolonged period on the sidelines after he was hooked off against Brentford with an injury.

Therefore, it would make sense for FSG and Klopp to move for a defender this month as they look to at least secure a spot in the top four, and they may wish to bring in a like-for-like replacement for Van Dijk in terms of his experience – which is where Skriniar would fit the mould.

The Latest: Liverpool could swoop ahead of rivals

Skriniar has been tipped with a move to Paris Saint-Germain in the past, but Bandini has claimed live on Sky Sports that Liverpool could swoop for the defender this month.

She said: “We know that Skriniar has talked to Paris Saint-Germain, we know that that’s a transfer he’s interested in. The bigger question, I think, right now with Skriniar is, might someone make a move in January to preempt Paris Saint-Germain knowing Inter haven’t been able to get him to sign a new deal?

“They have been pushing for this new contract for months, there hasn’t been any movement, I don’t see any reason that’s about to change.

“What I do think might change the dynamic in general, is PSG think they can sit tight and get him in the summer. Clubs like, for instance, in particular, Liverpool, I think, are looking right now because they’ve got injury concerns in the middle of the season, you’ve got Virgil van Dijk not able to play, and you think, well, is there an opportunity to do a deal here at a good price – knowing what I just said.

“Inter need to bring money in and they know they’re about to lose this asset at the end of the season, and funnily enough, actually, Inter who, a couple of seasons ago, had the best defence in Serie A without changing personnel, are conceding heaps of goals anyway, so I actually think from their point of view, what do you lose?

“They’re not doing well defensively, if they got some money they can make off it. It’s very sort of tentative what I’m saying; I’m not telling you this deal is there ready to happen, but I think that’s a deal that might start picking up momentum in the next few days.”

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The Verdict: Skriniar could be a major coup for Klopp

On paper, it would appear Skriniar would be an ideal signing for Liverpool to have, not only while Van Dijk is out injured, but also once he returns, as the stats between the two defenders are very similar when it comes to progressive passes and touches on the ball – while Skriniar is even more accomplished when it comes to tackling (as per FBref).

So if Klopp and Liverpool could strike up a deal for someone that’s very experienced in Serie A and the Champions League for a cut-price fee given his contractual situation, it would appear to be a no-brainer.

However, if PSG start to hear murmurings of Liverpool plotting a move for Skriniar, they could fast-track their reported plans for the summer and swoop in this month for the defender, who has been hailed as ‘monstrous’ by Antonio Conte in the past.

Manchester United have enjoyed a relatively quiet January window thus far, with their sensational work on the pitch providing enough to keep fans subdued.

Erik ten Hag has masterminded a sensational turnaround from their faltering start to the campaign, leading them on a run of nine straight wins in all competitions that stretched back to before the World Cup. That was, at least, before Crystal Palace’s late equaliser on Wednesday night halted that.

It seems that with the schedule expected to build up as the various European competitions restart, the Dutch manager is looking for added cut-price depth in a number of positions.

As of earlier this week, that could come in the form of a new right back.

Noted by the Italian media, Fulham’s Kevin Mbabu is of particular interest to the Red Devils, who are in advanced negotiations for the Swiss defender.

The £40k-per-week stalwart only made the switch to Craven Cottage this summer, but could be set to make a monumental step up should these rumours be true.

Fans of the Reds will be hoping they are not, especially given the recent performances of Aaron Wan-Bissaka.

It seems that the former Palace star has finally hit his stride at Old Trafford, and seems to get better with each appearance. His average Sofascore rating of 6.95, whilst impressive, arguably does not do justice to how he has turned his career around in Manchester.

It was true that when he first moved his game focused almost solely on defending, and for a modern full-back at the top of the game, this was unacceptable.

It may have taken him four years, but the 25-year-old has now started the last five Premier League games and finally poses a tangible threat outlined in his 0.8 key passes per game and 50% dribble success rate for the season.

Ten Hag even took the time to praise his resurgent performances: “He is doing really well, Aaron, in the last few games. Defending really consistently. He is also reliable in offence. He has a part in it, he contributes well.”

Mbabu offers a similar issue, but they cannot afford him the time they did with the Englishman, especially when his potential is hardly outstanding. 

The 27-year-old has struggled to break through into the Cottagers’ first team, having only made six appearances in the league this season.

Despite this, like Wan-Bissaka, he does impress defensively as he ranks in the top 1% for interceptions and the top 3% for blocks when compared to other full-backs across Europe.

This is contrary to journalist Kyle Bonn’s claim that he remains an “awful defender”.

Mbabu is not a terrible player, but when United have invested so much time and money into Wan-Bissaka, it seems foolish to abandon that in favour of a solid if unspectacular quick fix.

He would face similar teething issues as his potential teammate did, which, given their potential title charge, they cannot afford and simply do not need.

Journalist Rob Guest has mooted a possible future transfer for goalkeeper David Raya amid the recent transfer links to Tottenham Hotspur.

What’s the word?

It’s no secret that current Spurs number one Hugo Lloris is struggling for form at the moment. Indeed, after netting an own goal in the north London derby, he then was guilty of more errors in the most recent loss against Manchester City.

What’s more, the Frenchman is now 36 years of age and so taking everything into account, it’s not surprising to learn that a number of new goalkeepers have been linked with a move to north London.

For instance, the Evening Standard reports that Atletico Madrid’s Jan Oblak could be of interest. However, another name to come up is Raya who currently plays for Brentford.

Indeed, he has been linked of late and Guest has talked up the player’s quality in a new article for football.london, claiming the 27-year-old  has had a ‘brilliant rise’ to prove himself ready to make the step up to a bigger club such as Tottenham.

The journalist wrote: “Raya has made quite a name for himself in the Premier League since helping Brentford gain promotion from the Championship in 2021. Now a Spain international following his brilliant rise, the 27-year-old was part of his country’s squad for the World Cup in Qatar.

“A very good shot-stopper, much has been made of the player’s use of the ball with his feet as he has a range of different passes in his locker. Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp even admitted that Raya could even ‘wear the No 10 shirt’ after creating a handful of attacks with his passing during Brentford’s draw against the Reds in September 2021.

“Crucially boasting Premier League experience after his two seasons in the top flight with the Bees, a summer move away from west London does look likely as he is now in the final 18 months of his contract. A move for Raya would also see Spurs help their homegrown numbers in the process as he is classed as homegrown after joining Blackburn Rovers as a 16-year-old.”

Right man for the job?

Despite Lloris’ very obvious recent struggles, whoever comes in to replace the Frenchman will have big shoes to fill. After all, the 36-year-old is the club captain and has played well over 400 games in north London.

In comparison, Raya has yet to even play 50 times in the Premier League and so is far less experienced in the top flight. Still, in that period of 43 appearances, the Spaniard has kept a respectable 14 clean sheets.

What’s more, his form this season has been fantastic. Indeed, as per SofaScore, his league performances have seen him pick up an average match rating 0f 7.13.

In comparison, Lloris is down at 6.77 but has dropped displays of 5.4 on two occasions in his past four outings, while Raya has not dropped below 6.9 in the same period.

With that in mind, it’s clear who is in better form. The question is, will this be enough to tempt Spurs into a move for the Brentford man and will that happen this winter or in the summer? Only time will tell.

CBS Sports journalist Ben Jacobs has given his verdict on where the future of Liverpool target Moises Caicedo lies.

The Lowdown: Plenty of suitors

According to The Mirror, plenty of Premier League clubs are interested in the Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder.

Jurgen Klopp’s side are thought to be one of those clubs showing a keen interest in the Ecuadorian, with Chelsea also firmly in the running.

Jacobs suggested last week that the asking price for the Seagulls man could end up being north of £75m.

In 18 league appearances this season, Caicedo has a goal and an assist to his name, amassing a total of 1,833 minutes across all competitions.

The Latest: The offer has to be right

Speaking on the TogetherBHA YouTube channel, Jacobs claimed that if the offer is right and the player wants to move, Caicedo won’t be prevented from leaving the Seagulls amid strong links coming from Chelsea at present.

He stated: “Brighton’s stance is it will have to be something incredible, but we have to also make it clear, for balance, that Chelsea are pushing.

“And as I said before, in my interview – but also in conversations with sources, so this isn’t just from Paul Barber – it’s been made clear at the club end that if the right offer is hit and Moises Caicedo says, ‘I want to go now’, the club will understand that.

“And as a consequence, if it is right for – and Barber said this part on record – player and club, then a sale could still happen.”

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The Verdict: Liverpool would have to bid big

We believe that the Reds will have to put forward a big bid to land Caicedo and add a new addition to their midfield, particularly if they wish to strengthen further this month.

In their clash with Chelsea this past weekend, the Liverpool midfield really struggled when attempting to win the ball back – Thiago Alcantara made five tackles, but the rest of the midfield registered one between them in 90 minutes.

Fabinho has previously been labelled as ‘the best’ holding midfielder in the Premier League, but in the past year, Caicedo has proven to have better defensive stats in multiple departments when compared to the Liverpool man.

Per 90 minutes, the Brazilian averages 2.1 tackles per game as well as 1.39 interceptions and 1.53 blocks, whereas the Reds target trumps Fabinho in tackling and interceptions.

Caicedo’s stats show he picks up 2.7 tackles and 1.43 interceptions per 90, with blocks (1.43) being the area where the Liverpool player marginally wins out.

And with Brighton sitting three places above Liverpool and eight points off a Champions League spot, there seems little incentive for Caicedo to make the switch to Anfield at the moment – though whether the league table will determine his future remains to be seen.