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Aston Villa have already made substantial efforts in strengthening their squad during the current January transfer window by adding the duo of Philippe Coutinho and Lucas Digne to their ranks.

With two weeks left until the window closes and chief executive Christian Purslow recently claiming that there are “one or two other things” they would like to get done in terms of transfers before the end of the month, one area of their squad that the Midlands club should now be looking to add to is at centre-back.

Having seen Axel Tuanzebe leave Villa Park earlier this month, a space has now opened up in Villa’s squad for a new centre-back to come in alongside the likes of Tyrone Mings, Ezri Konsa and Kortney Hause.

One potential centre-back that could realistically sign a deal with Villa within the next two weeks and join Gerrard’s squad, is Liverpool’s 24-year-old defender Nat Phillips, who has been mentioned with a move away from the Merseyside club this month.

On a short-term basis, Phillips, who is currently picking up a weekly wage of £19k-per-week according to Salary Sport, would be a useful asset for Villa, not only due to Tuanzebe’s absence but also because of the injury Konsa picked up in their recent 2-2 draw against Manchester United that could keep him out for a period of time.

In a long-term regard, with Phillips’ fairly young age and the fact that Hause’s contract is set to expire in the summer, signing the Liverpool man could be a good piece of business from Villa if they get him on a long contract and Gerrard manages to embed him into the team successfully, which would presumably be tempting for Phillips given his lack of game time at Anfield this season.

Having played across the Premier League and Champions League for Liverpool under Jurgen Klopp, who has praised the 24-year-old in the past for his “insane” performances for the Reds, Phillips could be seen as a potential upgrade on Hause despite being younger than the current Villa defender.

In the Premier League last term, the Villa target won a whopping 5.6 aerial duels per game compared to Hause’s 3.2 this term. Meanwhile, Phillips is also a more efficient tackler, prevailing in 1.3 per match in comparison to the 0.5 won by their current option at the back.

Therefore it is worth Gerrard making a call to his former club to see if they would be willing to work out a deal for the defender before the end of the month.

In other news: Lange must avoid big AVFC disaster as insider update emerges, Gerrard would be livid – opinion

With the end of the 2022 January transfer window on the horizon, it seems as though a clue has been dropped on a player that has previously been linked with a move to Wolves that could lead Bruno Lage to making a late transfer move.

What’s the talk?

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, journalist Pete O’Rourke had this to say on the possibility of Wolves making a move to sign Barcelona youngster Riqui Puig, who has been mentioned with a move to Molineux in the past.

He said: “Riqui Puig is a talented young player at Barcelona and I’m sure Wolves would love to have him at Molineux if he is available.”

After working his way through Barcelona’s youth ranks, in the same way that legendary football figures such as Lionel Messi, Xavi and Andres Iniesta among many others have done, Puig has gone on to make a total of 51 appearances for the first team across all competitions, scoring one goal and providing three assists from central midfield.

Lage would be buzzing

Considering the young midfielder’s immense potential and Wolves’ lack of depth in a central area, Lage would surely be delighted if the club could land a deal for Puig this month.

Having only started two of the 12 appearances he’s made for Xavi’s side across all competitions so far this season, it suggests that the £13m-rated talent is not a particularly crucial player for Barca and could be better off moving elsewhere if he’d be guaranteed regular playing time to help his development.

Therefore, Wolves could be the perfect place to go and earn more minutes if a deal can be struck.

Given the fact that they have previous experience of negotiating with Barcelona in a loan deal for Francisco Trincao in the previous summer window and with Nelson Semedo, they could use those players to sell Wolves as an attractive place for young players to come and play football.

Those prior Barca connections should also make negotiations easier, meaning the Midlands outfit should test the waters for a potential deal for Puig either before the current January window closes or in the summer if his situation in Spain isn’t likely to change in terms of his first-team chances.

Labelled as a “spectacular” player by Gennaro Gattuso, Puig could learn a lot at Molineux under Lage’s tutelage as well as having the likes of Ruben Neves and the experienced Joao Moutinho to seek guidance from in their midfield roles as well as get to grips with playing in the Premier League.

The question now would be whether or not the Spanish giants would be happy to let Puig leave this month or in the summer when he enters the final year of his current contract at the club.

If they do sanction a swoop, the manager at Wolves would surely be delighted. After all, he is clearly a player who could become a very able deputy to Neves and Moutinho.

In other news: “I’m sure..” – Journalist drops exciting Wolves transfer claim, fans surely buzzing – opinion

A dramatic late twist has emerged in Newcastle United’s pursuit of Manchester United outcast Jesse Lingard…

What’s the talk?

According to Sky Sports journalist Pete Graves, the Magpies are poised to miss out on a deal to sign the former West Ham loanee this month.

They have been unable to reach an agreement with the Red Devils over a move to bring him to St. James’ Park on a temporary basis.

He Tweeted: “Hearing that #nufc have all but given up hope of singing Jesse Lingard. Lack of progress on talks between clubs over size of loan fee.”

Infuriation

This news will surely leave Eddie Howe infuriated as it comes just days after a report from talkSPORT claiming that the club were confident of being able to sign the midfielder.

The head coach has gone from potentially expecting to have Lingard in his squad in the coming days to now wondering where his addition in the middle of the park is going to come from.

It is a late twist that will leave a sour taste in the mouth of the manager as the window slams shut early next week.

Newcastle do not have an abundance of time to afford to waste their effort on deals that do not come to fruition and this pursuit of the England international appears to have been a huge waste of time if the latest reports are to be believed.

Howe will also be frustrated due to the level of quality he is set to miss out on with Lingard set to stay at Manchester United. The number 10 is a proven performer in the Premier League and could have been a fantastic signing for the Magpies, having scored nine goals and assisted four in 16 games on loan to West Ham in the division last term.

This shows that he has the ability to make a huge impact in the final third with his goalscoring and creativity, which is why the ex-Bournemouth boss will be infuriated by this latest update. He may have been excited to work with such an exciting attacking talent, but will now need to work with the club to identify alternative targets and rush to complete deals with time running out in the window.

AND in other news, Forget Lascelles: NUFC now eye late bid for £20m “leader”, he’d be “integral” for Howe…

Rangers have been dealt a big blow in Giovanni’s pursuit of another attacker signing to Ibrox during the January transfer window.

What’s the talk?

Transfer insider Pete O’Rourke has claimed that Championship side Bournemouth are poised to complete a move for a Gers target ahead of Monday’s deadline.

He Tweeted: “Hearing Bournemouth have agreed a deal for Peterborough’s Siriki Dembele. A number of clubs have been chasing Dembele but Bournemouth have agreed undisclosed fee with Peterborough for the winger.”

The Light Blues have been touted with an interest in the Scottish forward this month and now look set to miss out on him.

Gutted

This news will surely leave van Bronckhorst gutted as it means that he will not be able to bring the attacker in during the current window or in the summer.

Dembele could have been a fine addition to his squad at Ibrox and he will be frustrated that he now appears to be on his way to Bournemouth to work with Scott Parker at the Vitality Stadium.

In his last 66 starts for Peterborough, he has produced 16 goals and 11 assists for the English outfit. This shows that he has the quality to score and create goals in the final third, proving it in the third and second tier in England, suggesting that he could make an impact for the Gers in the Premiership.

Ryan Kent managed three goals and three assists in two Championship seasons for Barnsley and Bristol City combined prior to his move to Rangers and he has been an exceptional signing for the club.

The ex-Liverpool man provided ten goals and nine assists for Steven Gerrard in the league last term, showing the level of quality he has been able to bring to the table.

Therefore, Dembele could have had a similar impact if he came through the door at Ibrox. Instead, he looks to be on his way to Bournemouth and Rangers may have to abandon any plans to further strengthen their wide options this month and wait until the summer to bring in additional firepower.

This is why van Bronckhorst will be gutted with this news, as the 25-year-old could have been an exciting signing for him. At the age of 25, he also has the potential to improve further and the Dutch head coach will not be able to enjoy developing him on the training pitch.

AND in other news, Talks set: Rangers now eyeing key deal for “important” £16k-p/w beast, Gvb needs it…

A key update has emerged in Newcastle United’s pursuit of Atletico Madrid attacker Yannick Carrasco in the January transfer window…

What’s the talk?

According to journalist Matteo Moretto, the Magpies have agreed personal terms with the forward as they look to make a last-gasp deadline day swoop for him.

He tweeted: “Agreement between Newcastle and Yannick Carrasco, who will have a record of 12 million per season. Throughout the afternoon the English club will deposit its termination clause.”

Better than Ekitike

This news could come as a much-needed boost for the Magpies after their deal for Reims forward Hugo Ekitike reportedly fell through.

The Toon are prepared to pay £10m per season to the Belgium international, and he is a player who has the quality to come straight in and have an instant impact on the team. This may not have been the case with Ekitike, which is why he could be a much better alternative to the young Frenchman.

At the age of 19, the Reims talent has limited exposure to first-team football. He has scored eight goals in 18 games in Ligue 1 this season, but he has not proven that he can adapt to playing abroad or that he can do it over a prolonged period of time.

This means that he could have been a signing with the future in mind, rather than a player brought in to help the club immediately in their bid to avoid relegation. By contrast, Carrasco could come in and instantly improve the team, which could make him far better for Eddie Howe than Ekitike as Newcastle are currently 18th in the Premier League and need results as soon as possible.

The 28-year-old has 33 goals and 38 assists in 204 games for Atletico Madrid in Spain, competing in the Champions League and La Liga for Diego Simeone’s side. He also managed 24 goals and 17 assists in 54 matches for Dalian Professional in China, having started his career with 20 goals and 24 assists in 104 outings for Monaco in France.

This shows that he has been able to provide quality in the final third wherever he has been at the top level, which is why he could be a fantastic signing for the Magpies. He is a proven performer, rather than a player with potential, and that is why he could be far better than Ekitike for Howe in the second half of this season.

AND in other news, Keith Downie claims NUFC are now eyeing “another big name player” on D-Day, fans surely elated…

Alfie Devine is surely catching the eye at Tottenham Hotspur after another U23 outing resulted in a direct goal contribution.

It’s now seven goals and three assists in 12 appearances for Wayne Burnett’s side in the Premier League 2 and has emerged as a captain option, taking the armband in the FA Youth Cup this season, too.

Such form has seen a call up to the England U19s squad but’s already telling that at only 17 years of age, he’s mixing it with Spurs’ best young talents.

The teenage sensation earned his senior debut under Jose Mourinho last campaign, playing 45 minutes in a 5-0 whitewash of non-league outfit Marine in the FA Cup.

And the Portuguese, who is now in charge of AS Roma over in Italy, was a huge, huge fan.

‘Mourinho, though, was a big fan and told Devine that he saw shades of Bruno Fernandes in him. Others have compared him stylistically to Chelsea’s Billy Gilmour, and Tim Cahill for his ability to arrive late into the box. The name Steven Gerrard has even been whispered, but we should be wary of getting ahead of ourselves,’ claimed The Athletic.

Indeed, one of his more public endorsements makes that comparison all that more real.

After handing him his debut, the ‘Special One’ told reporters (via Goal.com):

“He’s a kid with good potential. He’s basically a midfield player but with an instinct to appear in finishing zones and to score goals. We like him and of course, for him, it was a special day.”

Capable of playing in a deeper-lying no.8 role or as a no.10, Devine is clearly a hugely talented attacking midfield prospect and one that could not only provide Spurs supporters with excitement and is someone who could save the club several millions of pounds in future transfer windows.

“He’s just the whole package. The talent, the attitude, the ability to always turn it on. The tenacity, the aggression. When it comes to looking at that whole picture, he’s the best player in the academy. He could play for England one day,” claimed Devine’s former coach Harry Brooks to The Athletic.

Historically, new Lilywhites boss Antonio Conte has very rarely turned to youth players and he is unlikely to do so with his side out of the Europa Conference League and now battling for a top-four finish.

But Dane Scarlett and Harvey White have made the bench a few times, so there is room to believe.

Either way, the 17-year-old gem, who has also been dubbed “so special”, is undoubtedly one for the future, so if he can continue his positive development, then he could well emerge as a Bruno-like figure in north London. One that will save chairman Daniel Levy so much money indeed.

AND in other news, “My understanding”: Alasdair Gold drops huge Levy claim at Spurs, fans will be buzzing…

Celtic correspondent Kieran Devlin has all but ruled out Kyogo Furuhashi and David Turnbull from featuring against Bodo/Glimt in the second leg of their Europa Conference League tie.

The Lowdown: Squad inclusion

Both Furuhashi and Turnbull haven’t featured following the winter break due to respective hamstring problems.

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However, despite their continued absence from the side, the pair were both included in a 25-man Europa Conference League squad by Ange Postecoglou earlier this month.

The Celtic boss has admitted that Turnbull is closer to a return out of the two, but Devlin has all but ruled out the two Hoops stars from featuring in Norway next week.

The Latest: Devlin’s claim

Devlin ran a Q&A on The Athletic ahead of the meeting at Parkhead with Bodo/Glimt.

One fan asked if there was a chance that Furuhashi and Turnbull could be available for the return leg next week, to which he said:

“Almost certainly not I’m afraid. Neither is back in training and Postecoglou said last week that Kyogo was “two to three weeks” behind Turnbull in his recovery.”

The Verdict: Not ideal

Knowing the pair are unlikely to feature in either leg isn’t ideal, however, the Hoops have shown since returning to action from the winter break that they can cope without their main creator and goalscorer.

Celtic have won all eight of their fixtures in 2022 and they’ll be looking to do something they haven’t done since 2004 to progress into the last 16 of the Europa Conference League – win a European knock-out tie after Christmas.

Should they do that, then you’d expect that Furuhashi and Turnbull could be available for a possible last 16 clash which is scheduled for March 10 and 17.

In other news: ‘Big’ – Journalist claims Celtic club-record deal could be on the cards this summer.  

Leeds United suffered another devastating defeat in their bid to avoid a relegation battle in the Premier League as they were thrashed again, this time by Tottenham Hotspur at Elland Road.

Another game, another three or more goals conceded and another defeat.

It’s been an all too familiar and worrying story for the Yorkshire giants under Marcelo Bielsa, who is facing increasing pressure with his job now under threat, according to The Athletic.

Three of the four goals were conceded by the half-hour mark, meaning it was an impossible task to salvage anything from the rest of the match – just like in midweek when the Whites were destroyed 6-0 by Liverpool.

If results go against them this weekend, Leeds could be in the drop zone heading into next week.

Boos rang out around Elland Road at half-time as the west Yorkshire fanbase were left bitterly disappointed and quite rightly angry at another abject display from the squad.

Stuart Dallas was one name that should’ve done a lot better when he was staring down at an open goal but Jack Harrison, a winger by trade, was disappointing again.

But he was just as poor defensively as he was in the final third, as explained by LeedsLive reporter Beren Cross, who wrote in his post-match ratings column, where he graded the 25-year-old a 3/10:

“Far too easily beaten by Matt Doherty in a simple footrace for the opening goal. Right wing-back had him on toast all afternoon. Nothing to bother Spurs in the other direction too.”

When Doherty is bettering you in every aspect, you know you’ve had a shocking game and the Irishman scored and assisted to compound Harrison’s woes.

The former Man City dynamo, who is now valued at £25m by CIES, was one of the most wasteful players in the starting XI, having lost possession a whopping 16 times in the opening 45 minutes alone – just imagine what that figure would’ve been had he remained on the pitch.

He lost the ball once every 2.8 minutes.

Indeed, Bielsa hooked him at the break and the Yorkshiremen looked a little better in both regards. Harrison also made only 12 passes at an accuracy rate of just 57%, whilst none of his five crosses were successful and he failed to register a single shot on target or chance created, via SofaScore.

It’s now six straight matches in which the winger has failed to contribute a single goal contribution and in that time, United have managed five goals.

Once again, Harrison badly failed Bielsa and the club with his lacklustre efforts in attack and his lightweight exploits in defence.

AND in other news, Forget Joffy: Leeds could have future star in “fiery” teen who’s shades of Alan Smith…

Celtic have been linked with a move for Bodo/Glimt forward Ola Solbakken, as per a report from CeltsAreHere.

The Lowdown: Solbakken profiled

The Hoops will know all about Solbakken, with the 23-year-old scoring one goal and providing an assist in Bodo/Glimt’s 5-1 aggregate win over Ange Postecoglou’s side in the Europa Conference League over the last fortnight.

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Solbakken is primarily a right winger who can also play on the left and has 21 goals to his name during his career. The Norway international is out of contract at the end of the calendar year, and links with Celtic have now emerged.

The Latest: Solbakken offered to Celtic

CeltsAreHere shared a story on Friday morning regarding Solbakken, with his agency informing the website that the player is 100% out of contract in December and that there is no extension clause.

The report added that the winger had already been offered to Celtic last summer, and urged the Hoops to go back in for his signature over the next six months.

The Verdict: One to watch?

It seems as if Solbakken could move on from Bodo/Glimt for nothing at the end of 2022, so it might make sense for Celtic to keep a close eye on his situation.

He has shown to Postecoglou firsthand that he can impress on the European stage, and the Hoops boss may now be regretting turning down a move over the summer.

Contact has already been made by the player’s agency and Celtic, as per this update, so it wouldn’t come as a shock if the club decide to go after Solbakken over the next six months.

In other news: Celtic may move for ‘incredibly fast’ ace at top of his game; O’Riley has the same agent

Everton got the job done in the end at home to Boreham Wood in the FA Cup on Thursday night with a 2-0 win thanks to a brace from Salomon Rondon.

It was frustrating at times for the hosts, especially in the first half, as some players seemed to cope with the physicality of the non-league side better than others.

Of course, a game like this is the perfect chance for young and fringe players to force their way into Frank Lampard’s thinking, but Nathan Patterson, Jarrad Branthwaite and Asmir Begovic failed to do so.

After statistical experts SofaScore named the trio as Everton’s worst performers (to have played at least 45 minutes), The Transfer Tavern have taken a look at where they went wrong.

Asmir Begovic

Perhaps harsh given that he kept a clean sheet, Begovic was ranked as the Goodison Park faithful’s third-worst player with a 6.9 overall rating.

Maybe a victim of not having much to do, the goalkeeper only had a mere 30 touches of the ball in total, and did manage to give it straight to the visitors with one of those.

His accuracy on long balls was far from perfect too, an area where regular number one Jordan Pickford shines.

Jarrad Branthwaite

Young Branthwaite was largely solid in central defence, but some aspects of his game could have been improved upon, and so he was given a 6.8 rating.

The Englishman lost out on three of his duels in total, while he also failed to make any interceptions or tackles, but it was in possession where he showed he may not quite be up to the task of becoming a regular starter yet, losing the ball seven times.

Nathan Patterson

After being taken off for the second half, Patterson was ranked as the Merseyside club’s worst-rated player at a 6.7.

The former Glasgow Rangers ace lost one duel, and never managed a successful dribble, clearance, interception, accurate cross or long ball, while he also lost possession on 13 separate occasions in total.

In other news, find out what ‘huge’ Toffees update has now emerged here!