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Aston Villa are interested in a deal to bring Ryan Kent to Villa Park in the January transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by the Daily Mail, who claim that the new Villa boss, Steven Gerrard, is expected to be heavily backed by Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens in the upcoming winter market, with the 41-year-old hoping to make his former Rangers winger, Ryan Kent, the first signing of his reign at Villa Park.

The report goes on to mention the fact that Leeds United have also held a long-term interest in the 25-year-old forward, however, it is suggested that Gerrard’s relationship with the former England U20 international could be enough to convince Kent of a move to the West Midlands club.

Kent could transform Villa

Considering the rather remarkable player Kent developed into under the guidance of Gerrard during his tenure at Ibrox, the signing of the winger this January could well be something that helps to transform the 41-year-old’s current Aston Villa side into one that reflects his own image.

Indeed, over his 37 Scottish Premiership appearances last season, the £12.6m-rated forward scored ten goals, registered 11 assists and created nine big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 2.3 shots and making 1.8 key passes per game.

These returns saw the player who Scott Arfield dubbed a “frightening” talent earn a seasonal SofaScore match rating of 7.23, ranking him as the seventh-best performer in the top flight of Scottish Football.

The £18k-per-week man has continued this fine form over his six league appearances this season, having already bagged one goal, provided one assist and created one big chance for his teammates, in addition to averaging a SofaScore match rating of 7.05.

As such, it is clear to see that Kent would be an extremely effective option on the left of Gerrard’s preferred front three, with the winger’s returns only likely to improve if he were to secure a switch to an Aston Villa side that boasts a considerably greater amount of talent than that of Rangers.

And, with reports suggesting that the player who Gordon Strachan compared to Liverpool’s Sadio Mane would be available for a fee of £20m as a result of a buy-out clause in his contract at Ibrox, a move for the 25-year-old would very much appear to be one that Johan Lange could afford to sanction for Aston Villa this January.

In other news: NSWE must avoid AVFC disaster on £30m beast likened to Pjanic, Gerrard would be fuming

Newcastle United have been dealt yet another setback in their bid to bring Dan Burn to St James’ Park in the January transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a claim made by Luke Edwards, with The Telegraph journalist revealing on Twitter that Brighton have rejected the Magpies’ new and improved offer for the versatile defender, believed to be in the region of £10m.

Edwards added that, should PIF fail to bring a new centre-back into the club this month, it will have been “a failure” on the part of the Newcastle board, as their priority in January has always been strengthening the heart of their defence.

In his tweet, the journalist said: “Brighton, like every club in Europe, know Newcastle are desperate to sign a centre-back. Two bids [have been] rejected for Dan Burn. To fail to sign at least one CB in this window would be a failure, whatever else happens. The priority on January 1 was CBs.”

Howe will be fuming

As Edwards suggests, Newcastle’s main objective in the January transfer window was to bring in at least one if not two new centre-backs. Should the Toon ultimately miss out on Burn despite two hefty offers, it will undoubtedly be an outcome which would leave Eddie Howe fuming.

Indeed, it is easy to see why the heart of the Magpies’ defence is an area of the pitch where the club are eager to strengthen this month. Aside from Norwich City, no Premier League team has conceded more than Newcastle’s 43 goals this season, an average of 2.05 per game.

Considering just how impressive Burn has been over his 13 Premier League appearances, the £3.15m-rated defender would appear to make a fantastic addition to Howe’s current options at the back. The 29-year-old has helped Brighton to keep three clean sheets, in addition to making 1.8 interceptions, 1.7 tackles and 3.6 clearances per game and winning 52% of his duels.

These returns have seen the 6 foot 7 colossus average a SofaScore match rating of 6.96, ranking him as Graham Potter’s 10th-best performer in the top flight.

However, with Edwards revealing that the Seagulls have now rejected Newcastle’s second approach for the centre-back – who is also more than capable of playing on the left of a back four – it very much seems doubtful whether PIF can complete a deal for the defender prior to Monday’s transfer deadline. That would be extremely frustrating for the 44-year-old Toon manager.

In other news – “Been told”: Kaveh Solhekol drops “behind the scenes” transfer update which NUFC fans will love

According to Football Insider, a West Ham United source has lifted the lid on some transfer news involving Wolves forward Adama Traore.

The Lowdown: West Ham want new forward…

Manager David Moyes and new head of recruitment Rob Newman have earmarked the signing of a forward as one of their main goals for the January transfer window.

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Links to out-and-out strikers are prevalent but the Irons have also been touted to swoop for players in a more wide-attacking role as well as through the middle.

West Ham were linked with a move for winger Anwar El Ghazi, for instance, with FI now sharing news on another forward man in Traore.

The Latest: Hammers source makes Traore claim…

As per a Hammers source, speaking to the outlet, West Ham, and by extension their transfer chief Newman, have made a ‘concrete’ move to sign the 25-year-old.

As they join the race with Spurs for signature, it is believed that Wolves could now sell for just £18 million – with his price tag plummeting from £50 million last year.

Amid his £32m drop in valuation, the Irons and Newman have apparently registered their interest.

The Verdict: Get it done?

Despite their need for a more natural centre-forward, Traore could come as astute bit of business and a different option for Moyes in the attacking areas.

Averaging more dribbles per 90 (4.5) than any West Ham player in the Premier League this season, the Spain international is still only 25-years-old with many years left at the top level.

Pundit Paul Robinson is certainly a big admirer, calling Traore ‘devastating’, with it being clear that West Ham may well find him very useful as they continue their chase for Champions League qualification.

In other news: Insider: Moyes tells GSB to sign ‘sensational’ attacker with West Ham now set to move, find out more here.

Rangers boss Giovanni van Bronckhorst is approaching his first transfer window in charge of the Ibrox giants as January is merely days away.

The Dutchman may want to strengthen his Gers squad by making an addition or two to bring some freshness to the side heading into the second half of the campaign.

One player who has been touted with a potential switch to Glasgow is Anderlecht defender Wesley Hoedt, formerly of Premier League club Southampton.

Bye-bye Goldson

The Dutchman could come in as the perfect replacement for Connor Goldson, either in January or in the summer. Van Bronckhorst’s current centre-back is out of contract at the end of the campaign, which means that his time at Ibrox may be up in one of the next two transfer windows, with the Gers either cashing in on him next month or allowing him to run down his deal before leaving on a free.

Football Insider reported this month that, as per Ibrox sources, the former Brighton defender wants another crack at the Premier League, so he may well be coming towards the final few months of his time at Ibrox.

Hoedt has played in a number of top leagues and is currently impressing for Anderlecht in Belgium, which is why he could be a perfect replacement for Goldson. He is in fine form and still has plenty left to give at the age of 27, averaging an impressive SofaScore rating of 7.12 in the Pro League this season.

He has played for Southampton, Lazio and Celta Vigo and been capped by the Netherlands in the past, showing that he has been able to play at the top level in England, Italy, Spain and internationally.

Former Saints chief Les Reed previously heaped praise on the Dutchman, pointing to his potential and experience, saying: “Wesley is one of the most promising young defenders in Europe and represents a significant addition to our squad. Having procured a Champions League finalist from one Italian club we have now added an Italian Supercoppa winner from another.”

Reed continued: “We believe he has all the qualities to play a big part in our future, and we have worked hard to bring him to Southampton, with a number of other high-profile clubs interested in him. Wesley has proven his talent through his performances for Lazio, as well as the Netherlands, and we believe he can develop even further here at Southampton, alongside his international teammate Virgil van Dijk, as well as the likes of Jack Stephens, Maya Yoshida, Jan Bednarek and Florin Gardos.”

This highlights some of the qualities that he could bring to Glasgow, and coupled with his form for Anderlecht, it shows that the 6 foot 3 powerhouse could be an excellent signing. He is a strong defender, as shown by his consistent performances in Belgium, and he could slot straight into the team in place of Goldson, which is why Van Bronckhorst must seal a swoop for his services.

AND in other news, Van Bronckhorst could get Ibrox rocking with Rangers swoop for beast who can do “wonderful things”…

Taking to Twitter, these West Ham United fans have been left excited by an ExWHUemployee transfer update involving Sparta Prague striker Adam Hlozek.

Manager David Moyes and recruitment chief Rob Newman have set their sights on a forward signing before January 31 with Hlozek one of the many names recently linked.

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Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky’s recent purchase of a 27% stake in West Ham has only accelerated reports of the 19-year-old potentially moving to east London, with 90min reporter Toby Cudworth saying his influence could ‘sway’ an agreement (Twitter).

GSB, as a result, may have the opportunity to back Moyes with Hlozek’s acquisition and this is reiterated by reliable club insider ExWHUemployee.

He claims that West Ham could sign the prolific teenager and a ‘deal is there to be done’ (via West Ham Views) if Newman and Moyes opt take it further.

West Ham fans excited…

Reacting with their opinions on Twitter, these Irons supporters have been left excited by the fact an agreement to sign Hlozek is indeed possible this month.

He has been making waves for Sparta, notching an impressive 21 goals and 24 assists since the start of 2020/2021 and earning call-ups to the Czech Republic national team so early in his career.

Taking this into account, it’s little wonder these Hammers fans believe he could be a ‘quality’ addition – find all of their best reactions down below:

“Get him to the bowl”

Credit: @Adamsoitis

“I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, Hlozek and David up top together would be deadly, add Kamara to that and we’d be set for a decade”

Credit: @arrrrrrrchie

“So doooooo itttttt”

Credit: @NStampar

“PLEASEEE!”

Credit: @WestHamNRU

“Get it done West Ham.”

Credit: @PakistanHammers

“Absolutely get it done. Quality striker.”

Credit: @chris31demons

In other news: ‘I know for a fact’ – talkSPORT reporter makes on air West Ham transfer claim involving £17m ace, find out more here.

A number of Crystal Palace fans hit out at Joel Ward for his performance in the 3-1 win over Everton on Sunday afternoon.

Patrick Vieira made three changes to the side which lost 1-0 to Manchester United last time out, with Ward, Will Hughes and Odsonne Edouard coming in for Christian Benteke, Nathaniel Clyne and Jeffrey Schlupp.

However, plenty of Palace fans didn’t like what they saw from the 32-year-old at Selhurst Park and vented their frustration on social media.

Ward was making his 16th appearance of the season in all competitions and lined up alongside James Tomkins, Marc Guehi and Tyrick Mitchell in a back four.

Statistically, he had an evening to forget. As per SofaScore. Ward lost the ball 12 times, was dribbled past on three occasions and failed to make an interception all day. He also lost seven of his eight ground duels and failed to complete a cross, ending with a match rating of 6.3/10, the joint-lowest of any Palace player.

Palace fans react

Here is what these Eagles fans had to say about Ward on social media, with one labelling him as ‘useless’ and another believing that he will be ‘the death of Palace’ when it comes to his attacking attributes.

“Joel Ward is League 1”

Credit: @willz3y

“Joel Ward is finished at this level”

Credit: @MattCPFC

“Joel Ward = weak link”

Credit: @HackeeHackee

“Ward being useless again”

Credit: @w_cpfc

“Ward has had it”

Credit: @PalaceNewton

“Ward in attack will be the death of Palace. Love the guy, but we desperately need creativity at RB. ”

Credit: @Tytantinese

In other news: ‘You beauty’ – Many Palace fans react as club confirm ‘inevitable’ news

Nottingham Forest have reportedly reignited their interest in Blackpool winger Josh Bowler with the 23-year-old subject to Premier League interest too.

What’s the latest?

According to Football League World, the Reds are ready to make a fresh attempt to lure the Englishman away from Bloomfield Road after a failed attempt in January with Leicester, Burnley and Fulham also apparently interested.

The winger has scored seven goals in 40 Championship matches for Neil Critchley’s side this term who currently sit 16th in the second tier having won the League One playoffs last season.

Bowler was a summer addition for the Tangerines having been released by Everton after four years in the U23 set-up with a loan spell at Hull City in the 2019/20 season proving uneventful.

However, the 23-year-old only signed a one year contract last summer, although Blackpool will almost certainly take up the option in his contract to extend his stay by another year.

Forest should swoop for Bowler

There was always going to be some risk for Blackpool by taking on Bowler after a stagnant start to his career. However, the winger has been a revelation on the seaside.

With eight goals in all competitions, this season has seen the attacker make excellent progress hence the interest from Premier League clubs as well as Forest.

Steve Cooper has arguably the Championship’s best winger in Brennan Johnson who has netted 14 goals and registered seven assists in the second tier this term. Although, if the Reds fail to secure promotion it may be hard to keep him at the club.

If that is to be the case, then the East Midlands outfit should undoubtedly swoop to sign the wide man who has already shown that he has become accustomed to the Championship.

Moreover, the £810k-rated Englishman will be available for a bargain fee given his short-term contract.

Having started his career in the QPR youth ranks, Bowler was handed one first-team appearance for the Hoops under former manager Ian Holloway before making the move to Everton in 2017.

Speaking on Quest about the winger, Holloway said: “I gave him his debut as a young man at QPR, unfortunately he played half a game for me and then got sold.

“We got £1.5m for him and his mum and dad needed him to go but he’s only played 35 Championship starts in his career and he’s 23.

“I would pay to watch him myself.”

There’s certainly plenty of excitement surrounding Bowler which may prove to be an obstacle for Forest in their pursuit of the 23-year-old. However, it’s certainly a race worth participating in.

In other news: Imagine him & Johnson: Cooper can unearth a gem in NFFC’s “lovely” rarely-seen 21 y/o

Rangers have enjoyed a sublime start to life with Giovanni van Bronckhorst in Glasgow after two wins from two since his official arrival at Ibrox.

The Gers have beaten Sparta Prague, in the Europa League group stage, and Livingston, in the Premiership, and are now looking to make it three wins in a row.

They face up against Hibernian, who they recently lost to in the semi-final of the League Cup, in the league as they look to build on their 3-1 win at the weekend.

How many changes will he make to the team? Here is our predicted XI…

We are predicting that he will make three alterations to the side, with John Lundstram, Fashion Sakala and Scott Wright coming in.

With a busy festive schedule set to hit the Gers in the coming weeks, van Bronckhorst may need to make changes to his side based on more than just individual performances from week to week. He may need to offer minutes to players to keep them fresh and rest others to avoid burnout.

The first change we are predicting is John Lundstram coming in for Glen Kamara, with the back four and goalkeeper staying the same. Per SofaScore, the Finland international was dribbled past twice and lost six of his 11 duels against Livingston, which could open the door for the ex-Sheffield United man to step in and have his chance to shine.

FFC published an article explaining why Ryan Kent should be axed from the team, after back-to-back disappointing displays under the Dutchman’s reign. Sakala replaced him off the bench against Livingston and scored the third goal for the Gers with a composed header, which could see the £8.3k-per-week Zambian start on the left of the attacking four tonight with the ex-Liverpool man cut from the XI.

Finally, Wright could start out wide on the right ahead of Ianis Hagi. With a busy schedule coming up, van Bronckhorst could keep the Romanian winger fully fit by resting him for this clash, whilst also offering Wright an opportunity to come in and show that he is deserving of more minutes in the coming weeks and months for the Gers.

The 24-year-old has one goal and an average of 1.3 chances created per game despite only starting three games in the Premiership this term. This suggests that the potential is there for him to be a threat in the final third, but he needs to go and show that he can do it on a consistent basis – starting with Hibs.

AND in other news, GVB must brutally axe £18k-p/w Rangers “wizard” vs Hibernian, he’s been a passenger…

Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou is facing a quadruple blow ahead of his side’s Old Firm clash next month.

What’s the story?

Along with Kyogo Furuhashi, the Hoops added to their Japanese contingent this month with the signings of Daizen Maeda, Reo Hatate and Yosuke Ideguchi.

However, all four are likely to be missing from the clash against Rangers on February 2 due to being on international duty with Japan at the time.

A report from Football Scotland explained: “The Japanese FA had been pushing for the government to relax rules on people entering the country from abroad with restrictions in place caused by Omicron.

“It now looks like they have bowed to that pressure with the government recognising it is in the ‘public interest’ for Japan’s best players to be available for the World Cup qualifiers.

“That includes the likes of Kyogo and his new Celtic team-mates, although Hatate is yet to earn a senior cap for his country but is expected to be called up soon.”

Fans will be gutted

With Celtic fans yet to see the likes of Maeda, Hatate and Ideguchi in action just yet, the news that they will now be missing from one of the biggest games of the season in the Premiership is sure to leave them feeling gutted.

If the newly-arrived trio’s time in Scotland could be mirrored by that of Furuhashi’s start to life with the Hoops, then Celtic fans are in for an absolute treat.

However, with Japan facing China on January 27 and Saudi Arabia on February 1, and the Old Firm clash at Celtic Park a day later, it’s improbable that the quartet will be available for the game.

Also, given the nature of the title race right now, Celtic could really have done with being at full strength as they look to close the gap on Rangers. Instead, they have been handed a major early blow before such a big game.

Meanwhile, Celtic must ruthlessly axe this player…

West Ham fans are ecstatic at the news that Armstrong Okoflex scored a hat-trick for the U23s in the young Hammers’ 4-2 win over Crystal Palace, putting them top of the Premier League 2 table.

Irish teenager Okoflex won and converted the penalty that saw West Ham bring back the lead after initially going 2-1 down to Palace, rounding off his hat-trick early on in the second half.

Kamarai Swyer then put the game to bed after left-back Jayden Fevrier fed the ball through to the attacking midfielder, who was able to lash in a near-post finish.

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West Ham fans have been extremely impressed with Okoflex this season, who has totalled 10 goals and one assist in 13 Premier League 2 appearances.

This wasn’t even his first hat-trick of the 2021/22 campaign, as the left winger netted three times in the U23’s 6-1 victory against Arsenal.

Okoflex has proved that he can perform at the senior level too, as he scored in West Ham U23’s EFL Trophy tie against Ipswich, which they won 2-1.

Fans erupt at Okoflex’s hat-trick

Fans have flocked to West Ham’s tweet, which announces the teenager’s third goal, with amazement. They even call for him to be promoted to the first-team, following his fine form.

“Get him on the bench for Thursday – the kid clearly has talent!”

Credit: @KDGAMING1996

“put him innnnnn Moyes”

Credit: @wideasIeep

“this man is a beast”

Credit: @IdkWhat51466692

“serious baller”

Credit: @Big_Ety

“The future is bright”

Credit: @LewisDowling7

“Literally sell Yarmo put this man on the bench”

Credit: @baphap01