Aston Villa are keen to strengthen in January to aid their title bid and have made contact with the current employers of an exciting young star over a potential deal, according to a report.

Aston Villa's title challenge…

On Friday evening, Aston Villa's never-say-die attitude was on full display in the West Midlands after Nicolo Zaniolo salvaged a 1-1 draw at home to Sheffield United courtesy of a 98th-minute header to send Villa Park wild.

Despite dropping points against an opponent who are currently in the relegation zone, the Villans sit one point off the top of the table heading into Christmas Day and will fancy their chances against an out-of-sorts Manchester United side on Boxing Day at Old Trafford.

Speaking in his post-match press conference after sharing the spoils with the Blades, Unai Emery sounded out his appreciation for his players' resilience to claw back a point from the jaws of defeat, saying:

"I’m very happy with how we finished today after 15 matches winning in a row because each match is very difficult to win."

"Today they defended very well. We were controlling the match in the first half like we prepared. We didn’t score but we needed to be patient. I think the goal they refused with VAR is the moment we were being a little bit upset in our minds and we lost a little bit of control of the game. They created one or two chances to score and we needed to avoid chances like that. When they scored it was very difficult but we reacted very well, we scored and we drew. I’m very happy now we have 39 points."

A total of 39 points is an impressive total as the Villans look to prolong their hunt for the title. A new report now suggests that they have made contact regarding the availability of an exciting attacker.

Aston Villa make contact over Samuel Iling-Junior

According to Football Insider, Aston Villa have made contact with Juventus regarding winger Samuel Iling-Junior and his current employers would be willing to sanction his exit for a fee in the region of £17 million.

Five similar players to Samuel Iling-Junior (FBRef)

Player

Club

Mitchell Weiser

Werder Bremen

Darlin Yongwa

Lorient

Destiny Udogie

Tottenham Hotspur

Matias Vina

Sassuolo

Vanderson

Monaco

The report states that the Villans have asked for information regarding the England Under-21 international and he could end up being one of two attacking arrivals in the West Midlands as Emery looks to bolster his options in the final third. Tottenham Hotspur are also keen on the former Chelsea academy man.

Labelled an "assist machine" by journalist Michele Neri, Iling-Junior has made seven appearances in Serie A this term for Juventus, notching one assist in the process (Iling-Junior statistics – Transfermarkt).

Nevertheless, he looks to be firmly on the periphery at the Allianz Stadium and a move back to England could be the perfect next step to keep his positive career trajectory going, possibly at Villa Park.

West Ham United have apparently entered pole position to sign a "clinical" striker, and they're ready to make a January move for him.

West Ham's transfer plans for January

According to reliable transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano, the Hammers look set to be busy in the winter window as their board and directors get "working" on new signings.

This is echoed by another reliable source in club insider ExWHUemployee, who says the club's technical director Tim Steidten is chasing a new striker for West Ham and manager David Moyes.

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Co-chairman David Sullivan and transfer chief Tim Steidten are reportedly planning targets ahead of January.

ByEmilio Galantini Dec 9, 2023

Losing Michail Antonio to injury recently has exposed their real lack of depth in the forward areas, as a lack of faith in Danny Ings has resulted in Moyes deploying both Jarrod Bowen and Mohammed Kudus as makeshift striker options.

Moyes also failed to replace former marksman Gianluca Scamacca over the summer, who left for Atalanta after just one season at the London Stadium. West Ham are reportedly interested in signing Timo Werner from RB Leipzig as one option, while Stuttgart forward Serhou Guirassy is also a reported target for Steidten.

West Ham "leading the way" for Broja

Another rumoured target from the last few weeks is Chelsea striker Armando Broja. Now, according to a report by Football Transfers, West Ham are "leading the way" to sign Broja from Chelsea as Moyes' men enter pole position over "several" Premier League sides.

The east Londoners are also "ready to make a January move" for Broja as the club scour for a new striker and alternative to Antonio. West Ham really like the Albania international, who could also leave Pochettino's side in search of more game time, but the competition for his signature is likely to be "fierce".

This isn't the first time they've been linked with Broja, either. West Ham were apparently chasing him in the summer of 2022 before signing Scamacca, and pundit Noel Whelan tipped him to be a "very successful" addition at the time.

Shots per 90 – 2.3

Key passes per 90 – 0.4

Successful take-ons per 90 – 1.9

Minutes played – 233

“Broja’s proven that he can do it in the Premier League after a good successful season at Southampton," said Whelan to Football Insider. “He’s a player with strength, can run in behind, hold the ball up and scores all different types of goals. With the service that he will get from the wide areas at West Ham, I think he would be a very successful signing and £30million would be a very good price for him.”

Meanwhile, pundit and Newcastle legend Alan Shearer has also called Broja "clinical" in past seasons.

“Let me tell you, this lad is clinical,” Shearer told Premier League Productions. “His goal against Brentford made him the youngest player in Premier League history to score in each of his first four home starts.

“As a striker it’s all about taking chances and scoring goals, so stats like this tell me he can thrive in the Premier League."

Due to Sky Sports' coverage of Nottingham Forest's response to their loss to Everton, the club has reportedly filed a lawsuit against the network.

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• Nottingham criticised by Sky pundit Neville
• Nottingham send legal letter to Sky Sports
• Likely due to Neville's Clatteburg comment

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  After Nottingham Forest lost 2-0 to Everton last month, the club made comments on social media regarding the appointment of Stuart Atwell as the Video Assistant Referee for that game despite his alleged allegiance to Luton Town. During the clash, Nottingham had three very strong penalty calls denied by VAR and hence prompted the relegation-battlers to make the statements. Sky Sports pundit and Manchester United legend, Gary Neville tore into the club's 'mafia-gang statement'.

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• WHAT NEVILLE SAID

  During Sky's post-match broadcast, Neville said: "It's like a mafia gang statement, honestly. I mean what are they playing at? Look, I think anybody and everybody would have empathy and some sympathy for Forest this season with some of the decisions that they've had. The statement is like a petulant child. It's embarrassing. But they're grabbing defeat from victory. They could say, 'Why should we sit here and be badly done to and not say anything'. You can potentially come out at the end of the game – and the manager is a great spokesman at the end of the game, so is your captain – and say that we're not accepting the quality of decisions that are going against us, and that would have a real impact.

  "Today has been a horrendous day for Nottingham Forest. Possibly horrendous because of the decisions that they've had, but horrendous for how they've reacted to the situation. To mention the VAR official as being a Luton fan and inferring in some way that's had an impact on the decision-making process and suggesting to me as a fan, thinking 'Has he cheated us', you're into really dangerous territory."

  On Clattenburg: "Mark Clattenberg must resign tonight. If he saw those words go out in which they question the integrity of a referee and claim someone is a cheat for supporting another club, then he's supporting what is being said. He would lose all credibility with referees in the game. He should stand down tonight and distance himself from that statement."

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  As per The Daily Mail, Nottingham have sent a legal letter to Sky Sports because of Neville's comments on Clattenburg, who did leave his role at the club earlier this week as was suggested by the Sky pundit. Sky Sports have reportedly removed an article from their website, in which Neville had said Clattenburg's resignation was 'not surprising'. This has reportedly been done after Nottingham's legal letter to the broadcaster.

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• WHAT NEXT FOR SKY AND NOTTINGHAM?

  It remains uncertain whether the legal letter will head to any other legal actions against Sky Sports. Nottingham will be in action next up against Chelsea on May 11 as they look to put a further gap between themselves and Luton Town.

West Ham have confirmed that David Moyes will leave the club when his contract expires at the end of the season.

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West Ham confirm Moyes futureContract up at the end of seasonJulen Lopetegui set to arriveWHAT HAPPENED?

After speculation about Moyes' future earlier in the day, the Hammers issued a club statement on Monday evening clarifying his impending departure at the end of his the season after four and a half years in charge. Former Spain, Real Madrid and Wolves boss Julen Lopetegui is widely believed to be West Ham's chosen replacement, although the club has confirmed only that "the recruitment process for David's successor has begun".

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Moyes said in February that he had been offered a new contract by West Ham but was choosing to wait until the end of the season whether to accept it. It seems that no agreement was reached, leading to this parting of ways. Despite delivering the Europa Conference League trophy last season and taking the Hammers to the Europa League semi-finals a year earlier, some fans have made their feelings clear with a 'Moyes Out' banner in recent months.

WHAT MOYES SAID

Moyes said as part of the statement: "I have enjoyed four and a half brilliant years at West Ham, and the club is in a stronger position than when I returned back in 2019.

"When I joined West Ham for a second time, the club was one place above the relegation zone, and it has been a terrific journey to have achieved three consecutive seasons in Europe. After leading the club to safety, we guided the team to finishes of 6th and 7th in the Premier League, and I was delighted when we won the Europa Conference League title last June – the club's first major trophy in 43 years.

"I would like to thank all the players for their support, and all the success they have achieved, over the last four and a half years. I have really enjoyed working with everyone at West Ham, and I would like to thank the board for giving me the opportunity to manage this great club. I wish my eventual successor, the directors, the players, the staff, the fans, and everybody at West Ham, all the very best for the future."

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Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR WEST HAM?

West Ham will finish the season with fixtures against Luton and Manchester City, with the clash with the former at the London Stadium on May 11 to be Moyes' last game in charge. The ninth place Hammers are seeking to hold onto a top half finish amid pressure from Bournemouth, Brighton and Wolves below them.

Arsenal’s latest 1-1 draw against Liverpool at Anfield signified that Mikel Arteta has turned his side into true title challengers.

The Gunners are second in the Premier League, but a win against West Ham United on Thursday evening will see them return to the top of the table.

Despite that, the Spanish boss is still keen to increase his defensive options in January in order to enhance the chance of silverware.

Arsenal transfers latest – Goncalo Inacio

According to news outlet A Bola, Arsenal are currently the favourites to acquire defender Goncalo Inacio.

However, Arteta will have to battle Jurgen Klopp for his signature, with Liverpool also interested in making defensive reinforcements.

The Portugal international has a £52m release clause, and Sporting will not let him leave for a penny less, despite the club understanding they could lose their star defender in January.

How Goncalo Inacio compares to Gabriel.

Gabriel’s time as Arteta’s first-choice left centre-back may be up if Arsenal are successful with their move for Inacio. If it were possible to design the perfect modern-day centre back, then the 22-year-old wouldn't be a million miles away, as he has developed into an incredibly complete defender.

The Brazilian defender has formed a formidable partnership alongside William Saliba since the start of last season, and he is a defender with heaps of quality, but the Sporting star would elevate Arsenal to an entirely new level, and the statistics from the last year across the top European league’s below show why.

Inacio vs Gabriel Stats

Stats (per 90)

Inacio

Gabriel

Progressive passes

6.59

3.67

Passes into final third

9.16

4.00

Passes completed

72.44

55.40

Carries

67.76

44.75

Dribblers tackled

1.05

0.44

Stats via FBref

To begin with, the clear difference between the duo is the superior ball-playing ability of the Portuguese centre back, who has been labelled as a “sensation” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig. With the Gunners dominating possession and often facing a low block, having a defender that can progress the play or step into midfield to create overloads would almost ensure more control and success in the final third.

Inacio often creates attacks via his progressive passing across a variety of ranges. He can slice open the opposition’s midfield with one pass into the striker while also having the technical ability to play the ball in behind for runners. Although Arsenal’s number six is comfortable on the ball, he is slightly safe and doesn’t offer the same progression that Inacio would, as highlighted by the progressive passes stat.

From an out-of-possession perspective, Gabriel is excellent at winning duels and when the play is in front of him, but he could improve when facing dribblers. Yet, in fairness, with Oleksandr Zinchenko inverting and Gabriel Martinelli usually staying high, he can often be left slightly isolated in the left channel.

This is where Inacio would be an upgrade, as he is used to 1v1 scenarios versus tricky attackers due to frequently playing as a wide centre back at Sporting. He uses his athleticism, 6 foot 1 frame, and excellent anticipation to prevent attacks, which would make Arsenal even stronger in transitions.

If Arsenal sign the 22-year-old, they would have a centre-back pairing that would dominate the Premier League for years to come. There is no doubt that Gabriel is a top defender and even Gary Neville described him as "outstanding", but the move for Inacio indicates that he may be used as a rotation option in the future.

Suggesting Arsenal are in a crisis would perhaps be a step too far but after the events over New Year's, their bid to secure a Premier League title for the first time in 20 years is slipping away.

The Gunners lost a consecutive game after tasting defeat to Fulham on Sunday with their profligate nature in front of goal coming back to bite them.

They failed to score against West Ham a few days prior and the only chance of note at Craven Cottage came early on when Bukayo Saka bundled home an easy chance from close range.

It's a worrying theme for a side who were so vibrant, exciting and devastating in the final third last season. So, how do you go about finding a solution? The transfer window, of course.

The strikers Arsenal could sign in January

Bringing in a new striker is always an exciting proposition. This is the man designed to fire you to eternal glory. Think Erling Haaland at Manchester City. However, as we all know, life isn't always as straightforward as that.

On Arsenal's agenda this winter are the likes of Ivan Toney and Dominic Solanke, but signing a player at vast expense from the Premier League is never easy, let alone midway through a campaign.

As a result, they could turn their attention to the Bundesliga and Victor Boniface. That's according to reports in Spain, via Football 365.

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The report claims that Boniface ‘has caught Arteta’s eye’ and is now emerging as ‘an interesting candidate’ to aid the Gunners' title challenge.

An asking price isn't mentioned, although CIES Football Observatory value the Nigerian at a whopping £52m.

How Victor Boniface compares to Gabriel Jesus

This season Arsenal's attack simply hasn't been at the races. Eddie Nketiah, although scorer of a hat-trick against Sheffield United, has not found the back of the net away from the Emirates Stadium in the top-flight all term while Gabriel Jesus has only three Premier League strikes to his name in 2023/24.

If Mikel Arteta is serious about mounting a challenge for the title in the second half of the season then finding a more clinical goalscorer is a necessity.

In Boniface, an emerging star on the European scene this campaign, they could find their answer.

The 23-year-old only signed for Bayer Leverkusen in the summer but has been an instant success story for Xabi Alonso's high-flying side in Germany. Indeed, the lively forward has scored 16 times, seven more than Arsenal's current top goalscorer in Saka.

In fact, that's more goals than any of Arteta's men managed last term, where Saka, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Martinelli finished the term on 15 apiece.

Described as a "physical monster" by Molde assistant coach Trond Strande, who came up against Boniface regularly when he played in Norway, the striker boasts plenty of exciting attributes.

He is more physical than the aforementioned Jesus and crucially, appears to offer more goals. As a result, it wouldn't be a great surprise to see the Brazilian shift away from being a regular starter. Here's how they stack up together.

Victor Boniface vs Gabriel Jesus: 2023/24 Season

Stat (per 90)

Boniface

Jesus

Goals

0.79

0.29

Assists

0.49

0.10

Shots

4.93

3.08

Shot on target %

40%

44%

Pass Success Rate

71%

81%

Key Passes

1.41

1.63

Shot-creating Actions

3.59

3.17

Successful take-ons

2.89

1.73

Progressive Carries

3.03

2.02

Carries into final 3rd

1.83

1.06

Aerial Duels Won %

63%

31%

Stats via FBRef.

As can be seen, Boniface is a much larger threat in the air, winning aerial duels at a higher rate while he's also more likely to carry the ball further up the pitch and through the final third for his team. That's not to mention the number of shots the Nigeria international has per 90 minutes, meaning he's far likelier to score.

Jesus has the edge when it comes to pass success rate, something Boniface would have to improve if he makes a big switch this winter, but on the whole, he is very much the "complete forward" that scout Jacek Kulig says he is.

This campaign has been a remarkable one for both the young striker and his team. They are four points clear of Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga having not lost a single game all season. A big part of that has been Boniface who alongside former Arsenal star Granit Xhaka, is cooking up quite the storm.

The Swiss happens to be a player that the attacker rates highly, noting: "To have a player like Granit and his experience is really good for us. You can see that in every game he plays. He has a big influence on the team."

If a move were to happen in the coming weeks, you can bet Xhaka may well have had some very nice things to say about the club. Watch out Jesus; he could be coming for your spot in the side.

Gary Rowett has revealed what Tom Brady brings to Birmingham amid questions of why the Blues should listen to the NFL icon.

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• American football icon invested at St Andrew's
• Endured disastrous debut campaign
• Committed to long-term project in West Midlands

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  It was revealed early in the 2023-24 campaign that seven-time Super Bowl winner Brady had acquired a stake in Birmingham and become their new chairman of the advisory board. His debut campaign at St Andrew’s proved to be a disastrous one, with relegation suffered into League One.

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  WHAT ROWETT SAID

  Brady knows what it takes to win, but he is a novice when it comes to a different form of football to the one that he dominated in America. Rowett has told when asked why his input in the West Midlands should not be ignored: “In fairness, he would only talk about pressure and high performance. Tom spoke to the players. Tom has tried to play his part in terms of performance and what performance under pressure looks like. Again, of course it’s a different sport, but what I would say is they are here for the long-term and I think there is an opportunity to build the club.”

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  Rowett, who was at the helm when Birmingham tumbled into the third tier – following a failed gamble on Wayne Rooney and health issues for Tony Mowbray – added on Brady and the Blues board being committed for the long haul: “I can only judge what I saw, and the likes of Tom Brady, the likes of Tom Wagner, they are really invested in the club – both financially and also time wise. They are trying to do their bit.”

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  WHAT NEXT FOR BIRMINGHAM?

  The Blues are expected to push for an immediate return to the Championship in 2024-25, with Wrexham – who have Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney calling the shots at boardroom level – set to form part of their League One fixture list.

Ben Stokes has committed to Durham on a three-year contract extension, which will keep him at the club until 2021.Stokes, 27, has been an infrequent presence in the Durham team in recent years, with his busy international schedule limiting him to just two Championship fixtures and a handful of T20 Blast outings since 2016.Nevertheless, he began his career at the club in 2009 and remains a proud symbol of the talent that the club has brought through its youth system in the 27 years since it attained first-class status.”I love playing for Durham and am delighted to be signing a new long-term deal where I learnt my trade,” Stokes said.”I’m very passionate about helping Durham compete at the top level and, if I am given any opportunities to play this season, I will give everything to the club.”It’s an exciting time at Durham, especially with the rebrand of the club this winter and having a new coach, chief executive and sporting director in charge.”Stokes, who has played 52 Tests and 79 ODIs in his international career to date, will be a key figure in England’s quest to win both the World Cup and the Ashes in the course of the coming season.He is currently in India, playing for Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League.”Ben is a shining example of what our young players can achieve with hard work and dedication to go alongside talent,” Durham chief executive Tim Bostock said.”He is now in the prime of his career and, while we may not see him as much as we would like over the next year, his influence remains huge around the club.”

D.C. United's Christian Benteke scored a stupendous hat trick of headers to defeat Atlanta United on Saturday.

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DC defeat Atlanta 3-2Benteke scores second hat trick of seasonBelgian's all three goals headersGet the MLS Season Pass today!Stream games nowWHAT HAPPENED?

Christian Benteke's second hat trick of the season, the former Liverpool forward scored three different headed goals to lead DC to a thrilling road victory Saturday evening.

The Belgian striker is now level on goals scored this season with Inter Miami's Luis Suarez with 11 strikes.

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The Belgian forward has firmly planted his feet in the race for the , but also, for MLS MVP. He's singlehandedly changed the course of the season for DC with his heroic performances.

Atlanta, meanwhile, are on just 12 points through 11 matches. Manager Gonzalo Pineda is on the hottest seat possible after their woeful start to the season.

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USA Today Sports WHAT NEXT FOR BENTEKE?

DC are back in action on Wednesday against the New York Red Bulls as a part of MLS Rivalry week.

The sixth-place Eastern Conference side will look to make it four-straight games with a positive result then.

Liverpool are reportedly showing an interest in signing an "immense" young defender, and the latest report even claims the club have got their cheque book ready to go.

Liverpool need defensive reinforcements as injuries mount

The Reds have a fantastic squad capable of battling on all fronts this season, but arguably the biggest area of concern is at the back. Joel Matip will play no part in the remainder of the campaign because of a serious knee injury, while Ibrahima Konate is a player who finds it difficult to stay fit for sustained periods of time and both Andy Robertson and Kostas Tsimikas are out as well.

Jarell Quansah has impressed greatly this season but is still a work in progress, and Joe Gomez has been used more as a full-back due to the problems on the left side, admittedly enjoying some excellent form.

For that reason, a new centre-back would make sense in January, giving Jurgen Klopp more options in the Premier League title race, and meaning that an injury to Van Dijk or Konate would not be too fatal.

20

13

6

1

45

25

20

13

3

4

42

16

19

12

4

3

40

24

20

12

4

4

40

17

Crystal Palace and England defender Marc Guehi has been linked with a move to Liverpool, although a January purchase could be difficult, while Sporting CP's Goncalo Inacio is a player who has been backed to move to Anfield so often in recent months. It now looks as though the Reds are eyeing up another impressive candidate to come in and make a difference – one who will not be arriving on the cheap.

Liverpool "ready" to sign a cheque for Leny Yoro

According to Le 10 Sport [via Sport Witness], Liverpool are keen on signing Lille centre-back Leny Yoro, but face strong competition for a number of their Premier League rivals.

Manchester United and Manchester City are also considered potential suitors for the 18-year-old, and the Reds know that they will be need to spend an "astronomical sum" to sign him. They are thought to be "ready to sign a nice cheque" for his services, though.

Yoro looks like a footballer of huge potential, so the idea of Liverpool snapping him up this month is mouthwatering, seeing him as a long-term addition, but also someone who could make a big impact from the off.

Incredibly, the Frenchman is two years younger than Quansah but is already an undoubted key man for Lille, starting 15 matches in Ligue 1 so far this season. He has been hailed as an "immense" player by journalist Antonio Mango, who has also praised his "silent leadership" and "composure in and out of possession".

Appearances

16

Starts

15

Goals

2

Clearances per game

3.4

Tackles & interceptions per game

1.3

Pass completion rate

90.9%

Yoro's price tag is clearly the biggest issue, especially if FSG aren't willing to back Klopp with huge funds in the January transfer window, but he is a player with the potential to develop into an elite centre-back, so it could be worth the gamble.

The likes of United and City being interested also won't make it easy for Liverpool to sign the Lille starlet, but he may look at how Klopp has turned things around this season and feel that Anfield is the most exciting destination in England currently.