Category Uncategorized

Aston Villa have been making waves in the January transfer market under the tutelage of Unai Emery, and could now place the icing on the cake by tying up a deal for Udinese’s Gerard Deulofeu.

What’s the word?

According to a report from the Daily Mail at the end of December, Emery has been urging his technical director Johan Lange to make a move for Deulofeu, who has undergone something of a resurgence since joining his current Serie A outfit in 2020.

And now, speaking to GIVEMESPORT, prominent transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has shed some further light on the potential movement, stating that the Villans are indeed pushing for a move, but have been met with resistance from the Little Zebras.

Romano said: “They really appreciate Deulofeu, another player appreciated by the coach Unai Emery, but at the moment Udinese really want to keep Deulofeu until the end of the season. So not an easy one, but I’m sure that Villa also will be busy with two or three more signings.”

Ashley Young reborn

Emery has won five of his seven matches in the Premier League since arriving at Villa Park in October, and while his side have indeed fallen from both the FA Cup and the Carabao Cup, there has been a swift and discernible difference to both form and results since the 3-0 defeat to newly-promoted Fulham that instigated the dismissal of Steven Gerrard.

On the transfer front, Alex Moreno and Jhon Duran have been acquired to provide a boost to the defensive and offensive departments, but a winger of top-class quality would go a long way towards providing the sheen to ensure the Midlands outfit push for a top-half finish this season, perhaps even reaching as far as the upper third of the table, clinching European football next term.

And with the creative ingenuity of Deulofeu, this could certainly be established; having recently sold Danny Ings to West Ham United for £15m, Villa will likely move for a centre-forward, with the likes of Moussa Dembele touted, and the wily winger’s inclusion would stamp success firmly into proceedings.

Having made 68 appearances for Udinese, the former Everton and Watford “genius” – as once hailed by BBC Sport writer Phil McNulty – has scored 18 goals and 14 assists, including a return of ten direct contributions from 16 starts this season.

And as per FBref, he ranks within the top 5% of his positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues for rate of assists and the top 15% for progressive passes and shot-creating actions, illustrating his superlative technique and efficacy in the final third, which would only enhance Villa’s prospects.

He could emulate Ashley Young, with the 37-year-old veteran currently enjoying his second spell with the Claret & Blue, having previously played for the outfit between 2007 and 2012.

With Young’s career defined by his wand of a delivery and selfless service for his teammates, the £22k-per-week Deulofeu would be wise to copy the blueprint and shower success on the team as they look to continue the ascension back towards prominence.

Indeed, the Spaniard appears just as creative as Young several years ago, with the former England international ranking in the top 10% of full-backs in the 2017/18 Premier League campaign for goal-creating actions, the top 3% for expected assists and the same percentage for crosses into the penalty area.

As such, Villa technical director Johan Lange would do well to ensure Emery clinches his reunion with his former Sevilla ace, offering a layer of creativity and flair that could play a part in clinching European qualification at Villa Park once again, much like it did during Young’s first successful spell in the famous claret shirt.

Glasgow Rangers target Dion Sanderson would be a “really smart signing” at Ibrox by Ross Willson.

What’s been said?

That’s according to Pete O’Rourke, who stated his belief in an interview with Football FanCast that, following a number of reports linking Gers with a £3m move for the Wolverhampton Wanderers centre-back in the January transfer window, the 23-year-old would indeed be an impressive signing for the Light Blues to get over the line this winter.

Regarding Rangers’ interest in the defender, O’Rourke said: “He’s a top young defender, Dion Sanderson, he’s obviously not had many opportunities at Wolves.

“He’s been out on loan over the last couple of seasons and really impressed at Sunderland and also now at Birmingham City this season as well. So I think he’d be a really smart signing from Rangers if they could land him.”

“Rolls-Royce”

As O’Rourke states, considering just how impressive Sanderson has been for both Sunderland and Birmingham in recent seasons, the argument that the centre-back would make a fantastic addition to Micheal Beale’s current options in the heart of his defence is an extremely easy one to make.

Indeed, over his 26 League One appearances for the Black Cats back in 2020/21, the £2.7m-rated talent highly impressed at the back, helping his side keep eight clean sheets, as well as making an average of one tackle, 0.9 interceptions, 2.7 clearances and winning 4.3 duels – at a success rate of 61% – per game.

The 23-year-old also chipped in for the Mackems in an attacking capacity, scoring one goal and creating one big chance, in addition to playing an average of 3.3 long balls, 1.5 chipped passes and completing 32.8 total passes – at a success rate of 82% – per match.

These returns saw the player who Lee Johnson dubbed a “Rolls-Royce” average an extremely impressive Sofascore match rating of 6.92, ranking him as Sunderland’s 13th-best performer in the third tier of English football that season.

It has been a similar story over the centre-back’s 24 Championship fixtures for Birmingham in the current campaign, with the £4k-per-week gem helping the Blues keep seven clean sheets, as well as making an average of 1.7 tackles, 1.4 interceptions, 2.5 clearances and winning 4.4 duels – at a success rate of 55% – per game.

The Wolves academy graduate has once again proven a threat going forwards at St. Andrew’s, having scored one goal, registered one assist and created two big chances for his teammates, in addition to playing an average of 3.3 long balls and 1.7 chipped passes per match.

These metrics have seen the youngster who John Eustace labelled “magnificent” and a “Premier League centre-half” average an eye-catching Sofascore match rating of 6.92, currently ranking him as Birmingham’s sixth-best performer in the second tier.

As such, considering the undoubted ability that Sanderson possesses, in addition to his potential for future growth, it would indeed appear as if the centre-back’s signing would be an extremely smart one for Wilson to get over the line this winter – especially for a reported fee of just £3m.

West Ham United are now plotting a renewed bid for Sao Paulo midfielder Pablo Maia.

The Lowdown: West Ham target Maia

Having already completed the signing of one Sao Paulo youngster, with Luizao joining the club on a deal until 2026 at the weekend, West Ham now appear to be in for one of his teammates.

90min reported that exploratory talks had been held between the two clubs last week, and now the Hammers are taking their interest one step further, potentially looking at bringing Maia to the London Stadium in the January transfer window.

The Latest: Renewed bid?

Relaying information from Brazilian journalist Andre Hernan, Sport Witness state that West Ham initially tried to sign the 20-year-old on a loan deal with an option to buy, however his current club refused to part with him on those terms.

Now, discussions are underway about making an offer to purchase the youngster in January, particularly because interest in him appears to be growing, with Southampton now emerging as rival suitors.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/west-ham-latest-news-5/” title=”West Ham latest news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Verdict: Make it happen

Not only are the Saints interested in the Brazilian, but transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has detailed that he is ‘highly rated by Fulham and other European clubs’, while he has also been dubbed as being akin to a ‘mini-Casemiro’ by Football Talent Scout Jacek Kulig.

With that in mind, the Irons should move quickly to secure his signature in January, particularly because of the sensational performances he has produced in a Sao Paulo shirt over the past year, positing an average pass completion rate of 89.6% per 90 minutes, placing him in the 96th percentile amongst players in his position.

Not only that, but the defensive-midfielder has displayed remarkable aerial prowess, despite only being 5 foot 10, winning an average of 1.58 aerials per 90, in the 86th percentile, while 1.58 blocks over the same timeframe ranks him in the 90th percentile.

This defensive prowess would be of great use to David Moyes, especially considering the uncertain future of Declan Rice, with Maia boasting the potential to be a fantastic long-term replacement for the England international.

Sunderland return to Championship action on Saturday as they take on Millwall at the Stadium of Light and Tony Mowbray should unleash Ross Stewart.

It will feel like a lifetime for a lot of Mackems since the Black Cats’ 2-1 win over Birmingham City on November 11, their last competitive fixture in the second tier.

Fortunately for Sunderland, the break has allowed some players to return to fitness, with Stewart and Dominic Ballard both back on the training pitch after significant spells on the sidelines, although the latter is unlikely to be fit for this weekend’s fixture.

It is a tough re-introduction to life in the Championship for Mowbray’s side, as they face a Millwall side who currently sit sixth in the second tier after some excellent form ahead of the World Cup break.

The Lions have long been renowned as a tough, physical side and that certainly hasn’t changed this season, as they currently lead the way for aerials won per game in the Championship, averaging a remarkable 26 per game.

Sunderland, meanwhile, sit 20th when measured by the same statistic, with just 15.6 aerials won per game, which suggests that they could be in for a tough battle on Saturday.

While Mowbray has admitted that it could be a gamble to introduce the Scotland international from the start on Saturday, his aerial ability makes him a game-changer for the Black Cats.

No player in Sunderland’s squad has averaged more aerials won per game (4.1) than the former Ross County man so far this campaign, while he is also their top scorer and top performer according to WhoScored, despite only featuring in seven league fixtures.

This emphasises how important the “incredible” striker is to the way that Mowbray wants to set his side up, and if he wants to cause problems for Millwall’s defence on Saturday, then he must select the talismanic forward from the start.

[freshpress-quiz id=“659394″]

If reports are to be believed, then Stewart could be heading back to Scotland during the January transfer window, so Mowbray has to take the risk with him now, as he might not have him available in the squad for too much longer.

Leeds United midfielder Mateusz Klich has been backed to make a move away from Elland Road during the upcoming January window by transfer expert Dean Jones. 

The Lowdown: Klich’s season so far

So far this season, Klich has appeared in 11 of Leeds’ 14 Premier League games, but has yet to find himself in a starting XI.

The summer arrivals of Marc Roca and Tyler Adams seem to have pushed the 32-year-old down the pecking order under Jesse Marsch, with those two players being regular figures in the team.

With Klich missing out on a place in Poland’s squad for the World Cup in Qatar, this has led to Jones claiming that a January exit from Elland Road could be on the cards for the player.

The Latest: Klich backed for January departure

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Jones had this to say on Klich current situation and what the future may hold for him.

He said: “It makes sense that he would probably be annoyed at the moment, particularly over the fact that he hasn’t made it to the World Cup with Poland.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-leeds-united-updates-copy/” title=”Latest Leeds United updates” poster=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/cropped-2022-03-10T184055Z_1834933207_UP1EI3A1FW561_RTRMADP_3_SOCCER-ENGLAND-LEE-AVA-REPORT-1-scaled-1.jpg” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”] 

“That’ll be playing on his mind once they return to action too. I think Klich could be one that goes in January.”

The Verdict: Leeds should keep hold of Klich in January

Given the lack of league starts for Klich this season, it’s easy to see why Jones thinks the player may want to leave the club in January.

Across the 11 substitute appearances he’s made this season, the Polish international has still managed to win seven tackles, which is one more than Brenden Aaronson, who has played significantly more minutes than Klich.

This highlights the use the veteran has for the team and why we feel they shouldn’t consider letting him go in January.

Should the likes of Roca or Adams pick up an injury at any point throughout the rest of the season, Klich would provide a suitable option for Marsch to call upon.

Also, with his current contract at Elland Road set to expire in 2024, it may be better for the club to wait until the end of this season, so they’d be able to cash in on him if he wants to leave and not sign a new deal.

West Ham United are keeping a close eye on FC Midtjylland player Gustav Isaksen.

What’s the news?

That’s according to Calciomercato, who reported that the Hammers are amongst the potential suitors for the player, along with Newcastle United and AC Milan.

Paolo Maldini and Frederic Massara, part of the Rossoneri’s management team, watched Isaksen during his club’s match against Lazio in the Europa League.

The Danish side are unlikely to settle for less than €20m (£17m), which is a fee that West Ham could comfortably afford.

Moyes could unearth Leroy Sane 2.0

Football Talent Scout creator Jacek Kulig described the Dane as a “flamboyant winger” while also comparing him to Leroy Sane just under two years ago, with the two players sharing similar statistics.

Last season, the Bayern Munich forward registered 14 goal contributions in the league, compared to ten for Isaksen, as they both proved that they can offer a prominent goalscoring threat from a wide position.

Sane again edged it in terms of shots on target (32 to 31), while the Midtjylland star was able to deliver more crosses over the course of the season (54 to 38).

When it comes to dribbling ability, again there isn’t much to separate either player’s efforts from last season, with Sane’s 53% success rate) edging out Isaksen (41%), although the Germany international has five years of experience on the Danish youngster.

Sane is one of the foremost wingers in Europe and has won major trophies with both Bayern Munich and Manchester City while also leaving his mark in the Premier League, registering 57 goal contributions in just 90 matches in the English top flight.

Moyes could have a potential star in a similar mould to Sane if he manages to entice Isaksen to England, and it’s a prospective move which could work out extremely well.

For just £17m, West Ham would be getting a winger who can both score and create goals, while also having the chance to make a solid profit when he likely moves on in the future to a European heavyweight.

Wolves look no closer to appointing a new manager after QPR boss Michael Beale became the latest man to turn the Old Gold down, but whoever does eventually arrive at Molineux must consider benching Diego Costa.

David Ornstein has suggested that the 42-year-old was Wolves’ number-one choice to take over from Bruno Lage after he was sacked earlier this month.

The Old Gold sit in 18th place in the Premier League after Tuesday’s 2-1 defeat against Crystal Palace and desperately need a new boss as they look to stave off relegation this season.

Beale would have arrived with very little first-team management experience, having only taken over as QPR manager during the summer with his previous roles all being as an assistant, with Sao Paulo, Rangers and Aston Villa.

However, his work with the Hoops has been extremely impressive thus far and perhaps fittingly, the Loftus Road outfit went top of the Championship following a 3-0 win over Cardiff City on Wednesday night. Perhaps it was that result which decided Beale’s future, with the 42-year-old reportedly turning down Wolves’ approach.

This leaves Wolves in a precarious situation ahead of this weekend’s game against Leicester City, as Steve Davis could be set for a fourth game in charge, in what has been a slightly shambolic period for the Old Gold as they look for a new leader.

However, there is one thing that should be for certain, and that is that Costa should be dropped by whoever does take over, as the 34-year-old has been hugely disappointing since signing, which suggests that it was another mistake by Lage to bring him in.

The Spain international was signed by Lage in what was a desperate attempt to bring in attacking reinforcements following the injuries suffered by Raul Jimenez and new signing Sasa Kaladjzic.

The former Chelsea man is clearly no longer the player he once was and has shown little to suggest that he will be the answer to Wolves’ goalscoring woes, which have seen them manage just five strikes in the top flight so far this term.

Costa’s four appearances in the Premier League so far have seen him average a shocking 6.1/10 rating from WhoScored – the worst of any player to start at least one game.

The 34-year-old has averaged just 7.8 passes per game in his four outings thus far, which emphasises that he isn’t involved at all, while his average of one shot per match shows that he no longer possesses that clinical edge in front of goal which he showed in spells at Chelsea and Atletico Madrid, where he scored a combined 142 goals.

This was clear to see on Tuesday night when Costa was fed beautifully by Daniel Podence inside the area, only for him to hesitate and fail to get a shot away, which proved crucial as Wolves ended up losing at Selhurst Park.

While Costa has been praised as “amazing” by Ruben Neves for his influence since joining and dubbed an “animal” for his previous exploits in England by Jose Mourinho, he is yet to show that on the pitch this campaign.

As a result, the new manager will have to make a tough decision for the benefit of the team by dropping the £50k-per-week veteran.

Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth can’t see Aston Villa sacking Steven Gerrard anytime soon.

The Lowdown: Speculation…

Villa haven’t had the best of starts to the campaign, with a number of defensive injuries combined with a lack of quality in the final third leaving them in 14th place with eight points from eight games.

Rumours have already emerged regarding the possibility of Gerrard being sacked, with Unai Emery and Mauricio Pochettino sounded out as potential replacements.

As we know, Gerrard remains in charge at Villa Park heading into Monday’s trip to Nottingham Forest, and Sheth has had his say on the manager’s future.

The Latest: Sheth’s comments

Talking to GiveMeSport, Sheth stated that he ‘can’t see a situation’ where NSWE decide to part ways with Gerrard, citing the effort it took to lure him from Rangers along with the investment in the playing squad.

“I can’t see a situation where Villa would sack him simply because they tried so hard in the first place to get him.

“They’ve put a lot of investment, not only in Steven Gerrard, but in the playing squad that Steven Gerrard wanted to bring in as well, so they have backed him in the transfer window.”

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/aston-villa-latest-updates-copy/” title=”Aston Villa latest updates!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Verdict: Patience required

Villa would have been hoping for a stronger start to the season, however, it makes sense to give Gerrard more time to turn things around.

Sunday’s stalemate against Leeds United was frustrating, especially as Villa played against ten men for almost half of the fixture, but if things can click in the final third relatively soon, results will improve.

Gerrard appears to have tightened things up at the back with two successive clean sheets, even despite being dealt a terrible hand with injuries in that department.

All that said, a disappointing performance against Nottingham Forest on Monday could pile the pressure on the manager.

West Ham United face what should be another routine victory as they travel to Silkeborg in the Europa Conference League tonight.

David Moyes’ side are looking to continue their 100% record in the competition after they came from behind to defeat FCSB 3-1 in east London last week.

After the postponements of last weekend’s fixtures, the Hammers should have a fresh squad going into this game.

So what kind of a side can we expect to see under the Denmark floodlights? Here’s what we are predicting…

Alphonse Areola will likely continue to hold his place in goal throughout this competition, with an eye on displacing the ageing Lucasz Fabianski.

Despite his goal last week, with Aaron Cresswell returning from injury we can expect Emerson Palmieri to return to the bench. Vladamir Coufal will likely retain his full-back spot.

Another injury returnee should see Craig Dawson replace Ogbonna, who we expect to partner Thilo Kehrer. Moyes will be delighted to see a “proper leader” return to the lineup, despite the £52k-per-week colossus’ reported £5.2m move to Wolverhampton Wanderers falling through in summer.

The midfield we expect to stay the same, with captain Declan Rice to continue alongside summer signing Flynn Downes. They will sit just behind the mercurial Manuel Lanzini.

That leaves the front three, which should provide more than enough firepower to see off the Danish minnows.

Gianluca Scamacca is likely to continue up front as Moyes will be keen to integrate him with his teammates as soon as possible. This will leave time for Michail Antonio to rest for their trip to Everton on Sunday.

Said Benrahma could drop out of the squad in favour of Pablo Fornals following the week-long rest, leaving Maxwel Cornet to occupy the other flank. He was a doubt after suffering a minor neck injury against FCSB but looks to have overcome it in time.

This side should have more than enough quality to overcome the opposition but will have to be careful as they fell behind last week at the London Stadium due to complacency.

Nottingham Forest have joined the race to sign Watford striker Joao Pedro, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Newcastle agree Pedro fee

The Hornets won’t be actively looking to sell the 20-year-old given his contract at Vicarage Road isn’t set to expire for another three years, but they have seemingly been listening to offers.

Premier League side Newcastle United have already seen two bids rejected, though it’s been claimed that a £25m fee has now been agreed between the two parties, with the Magpies in the process of deciding whether or not to complete the deal after they also moved for Alexander Isak.

Others clubs are aware that a move is yet to be finalised, and several of them have now put their names forward in the pursuit, one of them being the Reds.

The Latest: Forest monitoring Pedro

According to 90min, Forest are ‘keeping tabs’ on Pedro’s situation, alongside Wolves, Leicester City and Leeds United.

Sources close to Watford have ‘confirmed’ that Everton have also ‘made contact’ regarding the attacker’s availability, while the interest from Steve Cooper’s side is currently not at the stage of a formal enquiry.

It’s believed that the player is ‘keen’ on signing for Newcastle and has ‘made his feelings known’, but the decision is now all down to the northeast outfit.

The Verdict: Not the right profile

Whilst Cooper will be keen to add a new centre-forward to his ranks before September 1st, Pedro is not the player that he should be going after at this moment in time.

The Brazilian, dubbed ‘sensational’ by sports journalist Josh Bunting, is clearly a talent, but has only managed to score 21 goals since his senior career started in 2019, and is more of a long-term project than an immediate upgrade who could walk straight into a starting XI.

If Cooper is to add more firepower to his ranks in the coming days, it should be a proven quantity who is sure to help their efforts to stay in the Premier League, even if that means missing out on an exciting up and comer.