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An update has emerged on Aston Villa and their interest in adding a central defender to their squad during the January transfer window…

According to Spanish outlet Sport, Unai Emery has his eye on Real Madrid centre-back Nacho Fernandez after failing to sign him whilst he was the manager of Villarreal.

The report claims that the ex-Arsenal head coach is now looking at the enforcer again as a potential target for Villa heading into his first window in charge of the club.

It is stated that Fernandez is considering his future with Carlo Ancelotti’s team due to his lack of game time on the pitch this season, with his contract due to expire at the end of the campaign.

Upgrade on Ezri Konsa

Emery could land an upgrade on current Villa centre-back Ezri Konsa by swooping for the Spain international, whether that is on a cut-price deal in January or on a free transfer in the summer.

Fernandez, who turns 33 in January, could be an excellent addition to bolster the defensive ranks in the short term, whilst using his experience and quality to help the younger defenders at the club develop their own performances.

In the immediate future, he could be a better option for Emery than Konsa. The former Brentford stopper endured a difficult 2021/22 campaign as he averaged a SofaScore rating of 6.74 across 29 Premier League appearances, completing 86% of his attempted passes and winning 64% of his individual duels.

Meanwhile, the Spanish ace averaged a SofaScore rating of 6.95 in 28 outings in La Liga for Real Madrid, winning 56% of his battles and completing 93% of his passes.

The £129k-per-week enforcer, who former manager Zinedine Zidane hailed as being “important” whenever he plays, has the quality to perform at a higher standard than the Englishman on a consistent basis, whilst he could also be a more reliable option in possession based on their respective passing statistics.

Fernandez has made 3.24 tackles and interceptions per 90 in Europe’s top five leagues and European competitions over the last 365 days. Whereas Konsa has averaged 1.65 tackles and interceptions per 90 in the same time and this indicates that the Spaniard reads the game better than the current Villa man and is, therefore, more likely to cut out opposition attacks.

Emery must now push for the club to snap up the Real Madrid defender in January as his statistics since the start of last season suggest that he would be a sizeable upgrade on what he currently has to work with on the right side of the defence.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly weighing up a potential January transfer bid for Everton winger Anthony Gordon. 

The Lowdown: Previous interest in Gordon

The summer transfer window saw Spurs being mentioned with interest in the winger, along with fellow Premier League side Chelsea, who were reportedly willing to pay £60m for the player.

After that summer interest and links away from Goodison Park, Gordon has been a key figure for Frank Lampard’s side as their leading scorer so far this term, but reports have emerged regarding the uncertainty over whether or not he will sign a new deal with the Toffees.

It now appears that Antonio Conte’s side could look to test the waters in January and see if they can lure the winger away from Merseyside.

The Latest: Spurs planning January move

According to a recent report from The Sun, the Lilywhites will look to make a move for Gordon in January following their previous interest in him and have already made early enquiries about a possible move for the 21-year-old.

The report also adds that Chelsea are apparently not looking to reignite their interest in the player, which could give Conte’s side a clear shot at signing the winger, coming as an obvious boost for the north Londoners.

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The Verdict: Smart target for Spurs

With three goals to his name across his 13 Premier League appearances this season, the 21-year-old has also racked up more shots on target (15) than any other Everton player.

Praised by Alan Shearer for his “fearless” attitude on the pitch, Gordon has shown how dangerous an attacking option he can be in the English top flight.

Bearing in mind how Spurs signed a few players from Premier League clubs during the summer window, including Gordon’s former team-mate Richarlison from Everton, this and the claim that Chelsea aren’t in the race could fill Lilywhites supporters with confidence that their club can land Gordon in January.

Taking all that into account, securing a deal for the Toffees dynamo in the winter could prove to be a smart long-term investment for the Tottenham hierarchy to make, given his young age and impact on the pitch.

Leeds United have been handed a potentially huge boost ahead of their Premier League meeting against Arsenal on Sunday.

What’s the talk?

In recent comments cited by Arsenal.com, Mikel Arteta revealed that, despite initial reports suggesting that Gabriel Jesus had been left out from the Gunners’ squad against Bodo/Glimt on Thursday evening as a precaution, the centre-forward nevertheless remains a doubt for the current Premier League leader’s trip to Elland Road this weekend.

When asked whether the 25-year-old would be available for selection against Leeds, the Spaniard said: “I don’t know, obviously he has some discomfort after the game against Liverpool. That’s why we decided not to bring him in [to Norway], so let’s see how he is [on Friday] and Saturday.”

Huge boost

Considering just how impressive Jesus has been since his £45m move to the Emirates Stadium this summer, it would undoubtedly come as a huge boost to Jesse Marsch and Leeds’ chances of picking up a positive result against the Gunners if the Brazilian is unavailable for his team’s trip to Elland Road on Sunday afternoon.

Indeed, over his nine Premier League appearances so far this season, the £105m-rated talent has been in sensational form. Jesus has scored five goals, registered three assists and created three big chances for his team-mates, in addition to taking 3.3 shots (1.7 of which have hit the target), making 1.6 key passes and completing 2.4 dribbles per game.

These returns have seen the £265k-per-week forward average a quite astonishing SofaScore match rating of 7.31, not only ranking him as Arteta’s third-best performer in the league but also as the 24th-best player in the top flight as a whole.

As such, with Jesus evidently being one of the most dangerous strikers in the Premier League at present, it is clear to see that the 25-year-old’s potential absence against Leeds is great news for Marsch and his side.

The Brazil international’s absence would undoubtedly provide the Whites’ chances of securing a point, or perhaps even all three, against the Gunners with a huge boost.

Wolverhampton Wanderers are reportedly plotting talks regarding the future of forward Adama Traore, with the Spaniard currently on the periphery under manager Bruno Lage.

What’s the word?

That’s according to journalist Dean Jones – speaking to GIVEMESPORT – who revealed discussions may well take place when club action is halted by the start of the World Cup, with a decision to be made over a potential January exit for the 26-year-old.

The transfer insider stated: “The way I understand it is that talks are going to take place during the World Cup break.

“They want to see what happens for him and the team between now and when the Premier League goes on pause. That will basically dictate whether he is on the move in January or not.”

The former Middlesbrough man – who signed for the Old Gold on an £18m deal back in 2018 – has just under a year remaining on his existing deal at Molineux, with a potential move in the winter window having been touted of late.

Lage must ditch

The explosive forward only returned to the Midlands side over the summer having spent the second half of last season on loan at former club Barcelona, with the Catalan outfit opting against triggering the option to buy included as part of that temporary deal.

Now back at his parent club, the £13.5m-rated speedster has failed to earn a start under Lage in the Premier League thus far, making just four substitute appearances as a sign of his fall down the pecking order.

In truth, despite the winger’s “unique” talents – as described by journalist Liam Keen – the Spain international has seemingly flattered to deceive during his time at Wolves to date, with few tears set to be shed if he is to depart any time soon.

While a player loved by supporters and neutrals alike for his devastating strength and speed on the counter, as well as his innate ball-carrying ability – which sees him rank in the top 1% among his peers across Europe’s top five leagues for dribbles completed – there has rarely been the end product to go with it.

A figure who has “amazed and frustrated in equal measure” – in the words of Keen – Traore has scored just 12 goals and provided only 18 assists in 159 games for the club thus far, including just eight top-flight goals in that time.

That is a rather measly return for any forward player let alone someone with the £43k-per-week man’s obvious skillset, with Lage and co having seemingly lost patience with his failings in the final third, hence his inability to secure a starting berth.

As former England boss Sam Allardyce predicted upon the eight-cap gem’s arrival at Molineux, he has simply struggled for consistency throughout the past four years, with such an erratic talent hard to rely on for any manager.

Facing the prospect of losing him for nothing next summer, the club must act ruthlessly and cash in during the winter window.

Leeds United transfer target Kai Wagner will ‘absolutely’ leave Major League Soccer for Europe in January, according to MLS insider Tom Bogert.

The lowdown

The Whites held talks over a deal for the Philadelphia Union left-back during the summer transfer window, as per CBS Sports journalist Ben Jacobs. Jesse Marsch, who has coached in MLS with New York Red Bulls and Montreal Impact, was apparently the ‘driving’ force behind the prospective deal.

Wagner’s contract with Phildadelphia is due to expire at the end of the calendar year, but his club have the option to extend it by a further 12 months.

The latest

Bogert says that Wagner will be on the move in the winter but it warned that it could be ‘difficult’ for Leeds to pull off the deal amid extensive competition.

He wrote on Twitter: “Sources: Expectation is that Philadelphia Union star LB Kai Wagner will ‘absolutely’ be sold to Europe this winter. Leeds United far from the only club interested, will be difficult for them now rather than the summer.”

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The verdict

Leeds lack specialist senior left-back cover for the injured Junior Firpo. Pascal Struijk has played there in the early part of the season but he is naturally a centre-back, while Leo Hjelde is only 19 and boasts a mere four senior Whites appearances.

Wagner could duly be the man to fill that glaring void in the Whites’ squad if Victor Orta can pull off a deal for the German defender.

Jacobs describes the 25-year-old as ‘very creative’, a label which is justified by his tally of eight MLS assists so far this season. That ranks him first in the Philadelphia squad, and joint-sixth in the division overall.

As Bogert warned, though, the timing may not work out in Leeds’ favour considering the added interest in the player.

Steven Gerrard might not think it, but he is a man under pressure at Aston Villa, if some reports are to go by.

They have won only one of their opening three Premier League games despite the 42-year-old recruiting diligently in the transfer market, adding quality such as Diego Carlos and Boubacar Kamara while making Philippe Coutinho’s loan deal a permanent transfer.

Disaster struck when Carlos ruptured his Achilles tendon against Everton a fortnight ago and will most likely miss the majority of the campaign, giving Gerrard another reason to delve back into the transfer market.

With a defender being his priority, he should also be looking at adding another forward, with Danny Ings and Ollie Watkins the only senior strikers at the club.

Gerrard should move for Brereton Diaz

Chile international striker Ben Brereton Diaz has been linked with Villa along with a host of other clubs, and Gerrard should be pushing to make a move happen before the end of the window.

There were rumours that Watkins was reportedly leaving the Midlands for Everton but this now looks unlikely, and the Villa manager could form a dream partnership with Watkins and the £20m Blackburn Rovers man playing together.

The duo scored 33 league goals between them last season and they both averaged more than two shots per game (2.8 for Brereton-Diaz and 2.2 for Watkins), offering a constant attacking threat for their respective teams.

Both also were adept at providing opportunities for others, with the Blackburn striker making 0.6 key passes per match and Watkins averaging one per game. They aren’t just out-and-out scorers, as the numbers show that their all-round game can benefit their teams.

The 23-year-old’s former manager Tony Mowbray described him as “extraordinary”, while FourFourTwo dubbed the striker a “superstar”, so it seems clear that he looks destined for the top.

It remains to be seen what club will prosper having the Chile forward in their ranks, but if Gerrard and Johan Lange are serious about securing European football for this Villa team, then it’s time that they make a move for Brereton Diaz.

talkSPORT journalist Alex Crook has dropped a West Ham transfer update.

What’s the word?

The update concerns Watford striker Emmanuel Dennis with Crook recently speaking to GIVEMESPORT to give an update on West Ham’s reported pursuit of the player, saying:

“Now they’ve got Scamacca, I wonder if they’ve done some background checks on him because, from what I’m told, maybe he’s not necessarily the type of character that David Moyes wants to bring into the dressing room.”

It appears that Moyes and West Ham have dropped their interest in the 24-year-old following this update and it could be a decision that the manager regrets.

Moyes needs another striker

West Ham opened up their Premier League campaign with a 2-0 defeat at home to Manchester City. Erling Haaland grabbed a double for the away side and although Moyes won’t be able to recruit players of his calibre, another striker is required if they are aiming to build on last season’s success.

The club has signed Italian frontman Gianluca Scamacca from Serie A side Sassuolo, but this still just leaves the Hammers with two senior centre forwards in their ranks. With another demanding campaign ahead with continental fixtures, injuries will be commonplace and thus, not signing Dennis could be a decision they live to regret.

A move for the striker looked to make a lot of sense. He wouldn’t break the bank, with Watford valuing him at £20m and he has top-flight goalscoring experience.

The Nigerian international scored ten goals and grabbed a further six assists for Watford last season as they were relegated from the Premier League. With West Ham relying on wingers Said Benrahma (11) and Jarrod Bowen (17) and Michail Antonio (13) for goals last season, its clear that further additions to the front three are required.

Moyes could regret not signing Dennis as the 24-year-old generated more shot-creating actions per match than Antonio last season (3.17 to 3.09) and had a higher percentage of shots on target (44.3% to 32.5%), showing that he could have been a worthwhile addition to the West Ham squad.

Moyes will look at other targets, yet this decision might not be one of his wisest moves.

Sky Sports journalist Anthony Joseph has dropped a claim regarding Celtic’s reported transfer interest in Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Edouard Michut.

What’s the talk?

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Joseph had this to say on the matter: “Michut has played six games in Ligue 1 and is very much seen as a hot prospect at PSG, but there’s been a falling out with the hierarchy and the new manager.

“Well, not a falling out, but he’s not seen in the first-team plans, so he’s looking to move and because of that he could go for quite cheap.

“One source had told us that Celtic were looking at coming with a £2m offer, but I believe it’s probably going to take £4m-£5m for him to move, so I think that’s still one to watch.”

Celtic fans will be buzzing

After it emerged that the Bhoys were looking to secure a deal for the 19-year-old, Ange Postecoglou poured cold water on the subject by saying that the club were not in for the youngster.

However, taking into account what Joseph has now said on the matter and how highly he claims the player is rated at the French club, this should have a lot of Celtic fans excited over a potential move for the 19-year-old this summer.

Over five league appearances last season, the teenager completed 52 of the 55 passes he attempted, while also making three shot-creating actions.

From a defensive point of view, the Frenchman won two tackles and made two clearances, two blocks and 22 pressures.

This shows how well-rounded midfield a option he could be for Celtic should they end up securing a deal for him this summer.

Even though it has been confirmed by the Hoops on Tuesday afternoon that they have signed 31-year-old Aaron Mooy, securing a much younger midfielder such as Michut could be a great long-term investment for the club given his age and clear talent.

Also, having seen the likes of Ewan Henderson, Luca Connell and Kerr McInroy leave the club recently, there is certainly room for another young midfield prodigy to join the ranks at Parkhead and see if they have what it takes to break into the first team.

AND in other news – Celtic set to sign £5.9m dynamo, it could be bye-bye £20k-p/w outcast

Transfer insider Dean Jones has now shared some ‘whispers’ from Arsenal involving Raheem Sterling.

The Lowdown: Raphinha alternative?

It now seems unlikely that the Gunners will sign Raphinha, after reports of FC Barcelona, who are the Leeds United winger’s preferred destination, wanting to gazump Chelsea’s own £60m deal.

Thus, the north Londoners will have to look at alternative targets if they want to strengthen out wide, with Sterling a reported option at the start of the summer, although Chelsea are reportedly now also in talks for his signature.

The Latest: Arsenal ‘whispers’

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Jones has now shared ‘whispers’ of Sterling possibly moving to the Emirates Stadium, although they ‘can’t compete’ with Chelsea in terms of his wages:

“There have been whispers of Arsenal going for Sterling but there is very little chance of them jumping in on that deal to revenge at Chelsea for bidding on Raphinha.

“The main issue, away from the level they’re at, is the wages. I’m told they just can’t compete at his pay level.”

The Verdict: Shame

It would be a shame for Mikel Arteta’s team to miss out on both Raphinha and Sterling, especially if they both end up at London rivals Chelsea.

The latter has shown that he can score and assist goals on a consistent basis for Manchester City, racking up 78 goals in the last five top flight seasons (Transfermarkt).

However, his massive £300,000-per-week salary could prove to be a stumbling block in terms of making the move to North London, and would break their current wage structure.

Given that Chelsea can offer him UEFA Champions League football as well, any deal for Sterling this summer seems highly unlikely.

A major update has emerged regarding the future of a player that Rangers want to bring to Ibrox in the summer transfer window… 

What’s the talk?

Rangers are set to miss out on a deal to land reported target Mateo Cassierra, who has reached an agreement with another club this week.

Speaking to Sport24, one of the player’s representatives said: “Will Cassierra sign a contract with Zenit? We have agreed with the club.”

RBSports are now reporting that Zenit are closing in on a deal with FC Sochi to sign the centre-forward ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

Supporters will be gutted

Rangers supporters will surely be gutted by this news, as Cassierra had the potential to be an excellent signing for the Ibrox club this summer.

Fans will want to see the Gers strengthen their squad in the coming weeks, with the Champions League qualifiers on the horizon. Gio van Bronckhorst’s men have the chance to reach the group stage, after failing to do so last term, and bringing in some fresh faces may give them the boost that they need.

Cassierra enjoyed a sublime spell with Sochi in the Russian top flight as he caught the eye with a string of exceptional performances.

In the 2021/22 Premier Liga, he scored 14 goals and provided four assists in 22 appearances, averaging a SofaScore rating of 7.29. This came after he managed 10 goals and one assist in 32 games in the Portuguese top flight during the 2020/21 campaign prior to his move to Sochi.

These statistics show that he had the potential to arrive at Ibrox and make a big impact in the final third with his ability to score and set up goals, proving his ability in both Russia and Portugal in recent years.

At the age of 25, he would also have come in at the perfect age to kick on as he heads towards the prime years of his career. Having played in multiple countries, he is experienced enough to come in and hit the ground running, whilst also having enough time on his side to be a long-term addition to the team.

Therefore, supporters will now be gutted that he appears to be on his way to Zenit this summer, and they will be hoping that Rangers can identify an excellent alternative to come in and bolster Van Bronckhorst’s options at the top of the pitch.

AND in other news, “Looking at..”: Transfer insider drops exciting Rangers claim that supporters will love…