Sunderland are battling another Championship club for the signing of a “brilliant” Premier League player, according to a new transfer update.
Latest Sunderland news
The Black Cats are preparing to host rivals Middlesbrough on Monday evening, in what represents an important game for both sides in the promotion battle.
There is still time for Sunderland to make new signings before the transfer cutoff, and Willem Geubbels has been linked with a move to the Stadium of Light. The 23-year-old is currently on loan at St. Gallen, scoring seven league goals in 12 starts this season.
Sunderland manager RegisLeBris on the touchline
The Black Cats have also been backed to make a late move for Southampton attacker Cameron Archer, as Regis Le Bris looks for additional firepower in his squad between now and the end of the season. He has scored five goals for a struggling Saints side in 2024/25 to date, including three in as many matches in the EFL Cup.
Sunderland had been pushing to complete the signing of Ajax striker Chuba Akpom, too, but he has favoured a move to Ligue 1 side Lille instead, preferring to move to one of Europe’s top five leagues. Now, another attacker has been linked with a switch to join the Le Bris revolution.
Sunderland want to sign "brilliant" striker
According to a new report from Football Insider, Sunderland want to sign Liverpool striker Jayden Danns before the end of deadline day.
Blackburn Rovers are believed to be providing competition, however, as the two Championship clubs look to boost their promotion chances this season.
Jayden Danns celebrates scoring for Liverpool.
Danns could be exactly what Sunderland are looking for, in terms of bringing in a striker who knows where the goal is, and who will be hungry to prove himself in the second half of the season.
The 19-year-old has already become a handy squad player for Liverpool, scoring in the 4-0 win at home to Accrington Stanley in the FA Cup third round last month, taking his tally to three in nine appearances. Meanwhile, Marc Albrighton has lauded his quality, saying:
“Jayden Danns loves a goal and getting in those positions. That was brilliant from start to finish. He expected the rebound and he finished it well first time. You can see how much it means to him – a great moment for the young lad.”
Danns will be aware that his playing time at Liverpool is going to be limited between now and May, considering the likes of Mohamed Salah, Luis Diaz, Cody Gakpo, Federico Chiesa, Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez are all strong options currently.
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He has been tipped for big things in his career.
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For that reason, a loan move to Sunderland could be ideal, allowing him to grow as a player, and also play a part in a crucial period of the season for one of the best teams in the Championship.
Out of all the promoted sides that came up at the end of the enthralling 2023/24 season in the Championship, Ipswich Town will believe they have the best possible chance of staying up in the Premier League past this campaign.
At the moment, they boast the best points total when weighed up next to Leicester City and Southampton at 15, whilst also being fresh off an unexpected 2-0 victory over Chelsea right at the end of 2024 that will have given them some much-needed confidence.
Ipswich Town managerKieranMcKennaapplauds fans after the match
Still, there will be many twists and turns ahead that will test Ipswich’s resolve, meaning this January transfer window could be key in enabling them to add more quality to a squad desperate to survive.
If the top-flight underdogs could pull off this rumoured swoop, Kieran McKenna would no doubt feel more self-assured that his team stands a fighting chance at remaining put in the elite division.
Ipswich targeting move for Premier League starlet
As per Sky Sports presenter Dharmesh Sheth on X, Ipswich are interested in picking up Jaden Philogene-Bidace at some stage this month.
Of course, in the summer, the Tractor Boys had actually agreed a deal to snap up the tricky winger from Hull City, only for the Villans to reign supreme last minute.
His lack of game-time at Villa Park – which has seen him make just two starts in the Premier League – could mean he’s allowed to leave Unai Emery’s men on a loan basis very soon, with Ipswich keeping an eye on the situation subsequently in case he is let go of.
What Philogene could offer Ipswich
Once noted for having “ridiculous” ability on the ball by ex-Hull boss Liam Rosenior, this could be a move that gets fans out of their seats at Portman Road on an even more regular basis, with the deal also perhaps seeing Ipswich pick up another star in a similar mould to Omari Hutchinson.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Ipswich supporters would certainly be hoping for the same magic Hutchinson provided on a regular basis last season as a loanee from Philogene, with the electric 22-year-old an absolute star for the Tigers in the Championship.
Away from the audacious strike above that saw him be in the running for a Puskas award, Philogene would fire home a further 11 goals for Hull before Villa came calling, alongside picking up six assists as a nuisance for second-tier defences to try and thwart.
Stat – per 90 mins*
Philogene
Hutchinson
Games played
32
44
Goals scored
12
10
Assists
6
5
Shots*
3.6
1.5
Big chances missed
6
4
Big chances created
7
7
Hutchinson operated in a similar way for Ipswich when the club were also situated in the Championship, with the now-permanent Tractor Boys man bagging ten goals and picking up five assists on the way to promotion being achieved.
Arguably, his counterpart’s numbers are more impressive, however, when you consider the Tigers fell just short of the playoff picture, but the 22-year-old managed to still shine so brightly.
Therefore, if given more opportunities to impress in the top flight away from the stifling environment of Emery’s camp, he could well be a success, much like Hutchinson has been in spurts.
The Ipswich number 20 even fired home against Chelsea last time out to get the better of his old employers, with McKenna left licking his lips at the prospect of playing Hutchinson down the right wing, whilst Philogene gets the nod down the left.
Another major plus of this deal would be the fact the wantaway Villa attacker can also play down the right if needed, having played here 11 times for Hull, with Hutchinson also versatile enough to play in a number ten spot.
Whilst it might seem strange that Ipswich would target new reinforcements going forward, considering the firepower already present, adding in the 5 foot 11 ace could help McKenna’s men pick up even more scalps to push away from the bottom three.
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Crystal Palace have struggled to score goals this campaign, scoring 25 goals in 22 games so far this season, making them the joint fifth-lowest goalscorers in the Premier League.
This is despite taking 13.9 shots per game (10th most in the division) with their average xG per shot being 0.12.
With their striker options being Jean Philippe Mateta and Eddie Nketiah -who was a big-money signing in the summer – the Eagles could instead look to add goals to their squad behind the striker, aiming to replace the output of Michael Olise who left in the summer window.
Crystal Palace looking at new forwards
According to reports from Italian outlet Firenze Viola in recent days, Crystal Palace have emerged as potential suitors for Botafogo winger, Luiz Henrique.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Other interested clubs include Fiorentina, who made an offer of around €20m (£16.8m) to Botafogo, but the Brazilian side have not been convinced by this bid.
The reports suggest a fee of around €30m (£25m) would be needed to prise the 24-year-old winger away from the club in the January window. However, it is unknown whether Palace would be willing to meet such an asking price.
Henrique has made 55 appearances since joining Botafogo in 2024, scoring 12 goals and providing six assists.
How Henrique compares to Romain Esse
On Saturday it was confirmed by the Eagles that they had officially signed Romain Esse from Championship side Millwall.
He has made 26 appearances so far this season, scoring five goals, providing one assist and totaling 2,165 minutes played.
Esse is, of course, five years younger than Henrique, and would demand a lower fee, but you would also be gambling on him making the jump from Championship to Premier League football seamlessly. That being said, Henrique has played in LaLiga and the Brazilian Serie A, so he would also be making a change and could potentially struggle with the physicality to begin with.
Goals
0.30
0.21
Assists
0.14
0.04
xG
0.29
0.10
xAG
0.13
0.20
Progressive Carries
2.94
1.65
Progressive Passes
2.66
3.26
Shots Total
2.14
1.38
Key Passes
1.21
1.21
Shot-Creating Actions
3.52
3.13
Successful Take-Ons
2.91
2.28
When comparing the two wide player’s metrics this season, Henrique has much better output, both with goals and assists. However, Esse has shown his ability to create chances for his team, with a higher xAG (expected assisted goals) which could lead to his assist numbers being higher when surrounded by better finishers.
Henrique and Esse both average 1.21 key passes per 90, as well as over three shot-creating actions per 90, showing their ability to create chances. The 24-year-old (Henrique) does offer more potency and goal threat though, having a higher shot-volume to go alongside his higher goals per 90.
Crystal Palace star Michael Olise
The Brazilian was labeled an “absolute sensation” by scout Jacek Kulig, when playing for Brazil in the World Cup qualifiers. The quality of Henrique is clearly huge, but the biggest challenge would be settling into one of/if not the most physical league in the world.
The aim for either one of these players if they both arrived this January would be to replace some of the assets that Palace lost in the summer, specially when one of their jewels in the crown, Michael Olise, left the club. Both players have elements to their game, adding attacking spark, but whether they can provide enough output straight away remains to be seen.
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Manchester City have certainly meant business during the current January transfer window, making three signings over the last few weeks.
Pep Guardiola may be going through the worst run of form during his 16-year managerial career, but it looks as though he is planning ahead for the future with regard to his new arrivals.
While the Premier League title may be out of reach this term, the Spaniard signed a new two-year extension late last year, signalling his intent to get the club back to where they belong.
There is just over a week left of the transfer window, but will City make another signing in that time?
It is no coincidence that City’s form has dropped off a cliff since Rodri suffered his season ending injury back in September. Will the club seek to sign a player who could turn out be to a younger version of the Spanish gem?
Manchester City's search for a midfielder
So far, Omar Marmoush, Vitor Reis and Abdukodir Khusanov have all arrived in Manchester this month, bolstering Guardiola’s attacking and defensive options.
Transfer Focus
Two areas that needed some reinforcements have now been strengthened. Will City’s midfield be next?
According to reports in Spain, City are showing interest in midfielder Mikel Jauregizar, who plays for Athletic Bilbao.
Mikel Jauregizar for Athletic Bilbao.
Having scoured the transfer markets for midfield candidates, it appears as though Guardiola has found his man and is prepared to launch an opening bid of €25m (£21m) to secure his signature.
The report does on to say that any deal will likely take place in the summer, but having a plan in place will see another young talent arrive at the Etihad.
Douglas Luiz has also been targeted by City as a potential signing, but Juventus don’t want to sell which means any move would only be temporary between now and the end of the season.
Douglas Luiz for Juventus.
Jauregizar has all the qualities in his armoury to become Rodri 2.0 for Guardiola in Manchester, that’s for sure.
Rodri’s Manchester City statistics
In the summer of 2019, having just won their second Premier League title in a row, City broke their club record by spending £62.8m to sign Rodri from Atlético Madrid.
“Rodri has proven himself as a hugely talented, young midfielder,” said director of football Txiki Begiristain. “He has as all the attributes we are looking for.”
The midfielder has since proved to be one of Guardiola’s finest signings of his career.
Across his first three seasons, Rodri missed just 12 Premier League matches, but the 2022/23 campaign saw the midfielder establish himself as one of the best in the world.
The Etihad side won the treble of Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League that term, but Rodri conducted the orchestra.
Across the league campaign, the Spaniard averaged a 91% pass success rate, while creating nine big chances, making 1.9 tackles and winning an impressive 59% of his total duels per match.
If this season proved Rodri belonged among the best players in the world, his 2023/24 displays proved he wasn’t a one-season wonder.
He helped his club win another league title, before starring for Spain at Euro 2024, as his nation won every game to win their fourth continental crown.
Season
Games
Goals
Assists
2023/24
50
9
14
2022/23
56
4
7
2021/22
46
7
2
2020/21
53
2
5
2019/20
52
4
2
The 28-year-old subsequently won the Ballon d’Or for playing a key role in the success of his club and country.
His injury this season has hampered the club’s chances of winning five league titles in a row. By signing Jauregizar – whether in the summer or this month – the Manchester side could be bringing an ideal long-term heir to Rodri. That’s a certainty.
Why Mikel Jauregizar could be Rodri 2.0
Like Rodri, Jauregizar emerged from a Spanish side’s youth system as a talented young midfielder with plenty to prove.
The 21-year-old made his senior debut for Bilbao last season, having featured 23 times for the youth team. He showed vast potential to succeed in the club’s top flight.
This season, the youngster has missed just three La Liga matches. During his time on the pitch, he averages 2.1 tackles per game, along with losing possession just 7.5 times per game while winning 50% of his ground duels.
The Spaniard is certainly raw, but his potential is vast, and there is no reason why he can’t be a success in the Premier League.
When compared to his positional peers in La Liga, the Bilbao starlet ranks in the top 3% for tackles (3.1) per 90, the top 21% for ball recoveries (5.67) per 90 and in the top 15% for goal-creating actions (0.44) per 90, proving he is effective whether or not his team have the ball.
Moving to City could be the ideal place for Jauregizar to develop, especially considering he can learn from Rodri, which would allow him to become a better player.
Amid the links to the player, writer David Walker praised the youngster, saying: “Athletic Bilbao’s young talent Mikel Jauregizar has also been mentioned as a possibility. City are very active in the transfer market this month – which is great – but the key position, that of DM. and future cover for Rodri, is the one glaring omission thus far.”
Unfortunately, as much as the City faithful would like him to stay, Rodri won’t be around forever. This means signing a player who could develop into his heir will be Guardiola’s next major priority.
If he can strike a deal to sign the current Bilbao star, especially for a measly £21m, then it could be a wise move in the transfer market.
Manchester City managerPepGuardiolareacts after Jeremy Doku scores
City may not be at the level that has been demonstrated over the previous few years, but with the club’s business in the transfer market recently, they could return to their former glories next season.
Adding Jauregizar to his ranks, Guardiola will be set on returning City to the summit of English football.
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Liverpool meet Manchester United on Sunday afternoon. It’s a fixture typically freighted with emotion, one of the biggest and fiercest rivalries the Premier League has ever hosted.
But for the Anfield side, they know they need a big performance regardless, having fallen to three successive defeats before the October international break. These are uncharted waters for Arne Slot, both during his Liverpool tenure and previously in his Dutch homeland with Feyenoord and AZ Alkmaar.
Despite slipping in the final stages of successive matches against Crystal Palace and Chelsea, Liverpool have fallen just one point behind league leaders Arsenal, and now they are back at Anfield.
The Red Devils have come away from Anfield with the spoils shared across both of the past two top-flight terms, but their own struggle for form under Ruben Amorim’s wing this season suggests that this is a fantastic chance for the defending champions to remind the Premier League what they are made of.
Who Slot should start up front vs Man Utd
Alexander Isak might have been called “the best striker in the Premier League” by pundit Jamie Carragher last season, but the debacle that was his summer transfer saga has disrupted his start to the season.
And Hugo Ekitike has only been too happy to take advantage and kickstart his own career in Liverpool. Having joined from Eintracht Frankfurt for an initial £69m fee in July, the Frenchman has scored five goals and assisted one more across ten matches so far this season, starting eight of those games.
Newly blooded in Didier Deschamps’ Les Bleus set-up, Ekitike boasts a rare attacking profile, deadly in the final third but also mobile and intelligent and electric on the ball.
The Frenchman’s red card for taking his shirt off in celebration, already on a yellow, having scored the winner in Liverpool’s Carabao Cup tie against Southampton, likely knocked him down a peg in Slot’s estimation, and he only made a cameo during the defeat at Stamford Bridge, having previously been suspended for the loss at Crystal Palace.
Will Isak reprise the starting berth he held against Chelsea? It was a tough evening for the visitors, but the Sweden international showed off his quality to claim the assist for Cody Gakpo’s second-half equaliser.
With the cogs not exactly whirring across Liverpool’s frontline right now, it feels like the chance to rise in stature is there for the taking.
Indeed, Slot does have the option to go down a different track, should he choose. Without a doubt, Isak and Ekitike are Liverpool’s most talented and effective centre-forwards, but there’s another who should play a part against Chelsea and even overshadow Ekitike.
Liverpool play Man United this weekend, and this particular Redman could call upon the spirit of former star Xherdan Shaqiri at Anfield.
Liverpool's new version of Shaqiri
Whether Slot decides to deploy him from the opening whistle or as part of a second-half wave that, on the basis of evidence, may be needed, there’s no question that Federico Chiesa will be primed to play his part against Liverpool’s most notorious rivals.
The 27-year-old has been one of the sharper forwards in the Anfield squad so far this season, bouncing back from a testing maiden year in England, struck by injuries and overlooked by Slot after arriving from Juventus for a cut-price £12.5m fee.
But he’s so far been among the most clinical players at Slot’s disposal this season, bagging the winner on the opener against Bournemouth, netting again at Selhurst Park and setting up both Isak and Ekitike’s strikes during the win over Saints.
Hugo Ekitike
10
5 (1)
Mohamed Salah
10
3 (3)
Federico Chiesa
6
2 (2)
Cody Gakpo
10
2 (2)
Alexander Isak
6
1 (1)
Rio Ngumoha
5
1 (0)
Hailed as a “wizard” of a footballer by broadcaster Roger Bennett for his efforts with Juventus, Chiesa has that special ability to make things happen when his team needs him most.
And in this way, he could be the next version of Shaqiri on this important weekend. The Swiss international, now 33 years old, only played 63 matches across three campaigns for the Merseysiders, but he certainly left his mark, instrumental in beating Barcelona on that most historic of nights in the Champions League and popping up with some big moments in the Premier League too.
It was super-sub Shaqiri who came off the bench to score twice and help Liverpool along to a 3-1 win over Manchester United in December 2018, as Jurgen Klopp went neck-and-neck with Pep Guardiola at the height of his City dynasty.
Liverpool ultimately fell short that year, but triumph on the continent certainly helped cushion the blow. And anyway, Liverpool would triumph in the Premier League one year later, with Shaqiri in amongst the celebrations.
Like Shaqiri, Chiesa is an injury-prone forward, but he has immense quality and is now showing an ability to retain his quality in the English game.
Might he steal Ekitike’s thunder against the Red Devils? The Italy international will surely be hoping to grace the field after Slot kept him on the bench against Chelsea. After all, he has, on a number of occasions already this term, looked to be Liverpool’s focal threat.
Last season, opportunities were few and far between for Chiesa at Liverpool. However, he has proved himself as a testament to tenacity and unwavering self-belief. Now, the Italian is a secret weapon for Slot’s side.
In the past, Shaqiri came up trumps for Klopp when facing Man United. Now, Chiesa could repeat that trick.
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On Thursday, the Light Blues were held to a 1-1 draw by Dundee at Dens Park, conceding inside six minutes, before Václav Černý smuggled home an equaliser on the half-hour mark but, despite having 77% possession, they could not find that all-important second, actually ending the night with a lower xG than the Dee: 1.01 to 0.73.
As a result, Philippe Clement’s team are now a humongous 15 points adrift Scottish Premiership leaders Celtic, winless in four away matches. This isn’t a new trend, considering the Gers have won just three of 11 away league games this season, scoring a miserly 13 goals in these fixtures, three of which came at Easter Road on Sunday – and they still didn’t beat Hibs in Edinburgh.
With crucial Europa League fixtures against Manchester United and Royale Union Saint-Gilloise right around the corner, supporters are calling for signings, with pressure mounting on both Clement and newly-appointed Chief executive officer Patrick Stewart.
Rangers seeking defensive reinforcements
According to a report by the Daily Record, defender Ryan Porteous – who was linked with the Gers back in 2023 – is “unhappy” at Watford, while the Hibs Observer added that Hull City are also interested in his services.
Craig Moore, who made 187 appearances for Rangers across two spells, has tipped his former club to pounce on the situation, having told the Go Radio Football Show earlier this week that Porteous “will be one of a few options I am pretty sure Rangers will be looking at”, adding he is “certainly one to consider”.
The defender joined Hibernian as a 13-year-old, making 157 appearances for the Hibees’ first team, before being sold to Watford for a reported £500,000 in January 2023.
During his time at Vicarage Road, Porteous has been lauded by manager Tom Cleverley as one of the club’s “real class leaders in the dressing room”, although he has endured a sticky time of it of late.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Now 25 years old, he has played 80 times for the Hornets, albeit he was left on the bench for their most recent EFL Championship fixture against Sheffield United, having been hooked at half-time at Cardiff a week earlier.
Meanwhile, he’s not featured for Scotland since being sent off during the Euro 2024 opener against Germany, a match Scotland were humiliatingly hammered 5-1, so Porteous could push for a move as he seeks regular game time at club level to force his way back into Steve Clarke’s plans.
This potential move to Glasgow could be controversial, considering Porteous isn’t particularly popular with the Rangers support.
After Hibs beat the Gers 3-1 in the League Cup semi-finals at Hampden in November 2021, the defender mischievously said “do we look happy? Don’t ask silly questions then”, parodying an interview given by then Rangers boss Steven Gerrard, also to reporter Emma Dodds, a month earlier, mere days before he jumped ship for Aston Villa.
Ryan Porteous
Nevertheless, this would all be water under the bridge if he arrived and helped turn Rangers’ form around.
How Ryan Porteous would improve Rangers
Right now, Rangers are faced with a defensive injury crisis.
Captain James Tavernier, Dujon Sterling, John Souttar, Leon Balogun and Neraysho Kasanwirjo all sat out the mid-week trip to Dens Park, meaning 20-year-old Clinton Nsiala was handed his senior debut, with writer Michael McEwan on Twitter, slightly tongue in cheek, comparing him to “prime Franco Baresi”.
The former AC Milan starlet was certainly solid, if not unspectacular, on his first-team bow, making six clearances and producing four blocks, with there perhaps hope that he can nail down a starting berth moving forward. That said, the Light Blues need instant solutions, not just long-term potential.
Indeed, Rangers are yet to properly replace Connor Goldson, who unceremoniously departed last summer for Aris Limassol, having made 309 appearances for the Ibrox side.
So let’s see how Porteous and Goldson compare?
Statistics
Porteous
Goldson
Appearances
80
66
Minutes
6,800
5,888
Passes attempted
2,870
529
Pass completion %
82%
82%
Tackles
101
16
% of dribblers tackled
54.9%
47.4%
Interceptions
117
45
Blocks
80
17
Clearances
185
65
% of aerial duals won
59.6%
75%
Yellow cards
27
15
As outlined in the table, Porteous is much more of an all-action defender than Goldson, whose numbers across his final two seasons at Rangers are actually not that outstanding.
On the flip side, Porteous’ statistics are impressive, meaning he looks to be just what the Gers are looking for, so, if he does become available this month, the Glasgow-based side should be all over that.
A ‘leader’ – as Cleverley hinted at – the wantaway Watford man could fill the shoes of Goldson more than adequately, should talk surrounding a move to Ibrox become more concrete.
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Liverpool are believed to be ahead of the likes of Manchester City and Real Madrid in the race to sign a £50m-rated international ace this summer, according to a new report.
Latest Liverpool news
The Reds reached the EFL Cup final on Thursday evening, following an emphatic 4-0 victory at home to Tottenham at Anfield, as their incredible first season under Arne Slot continues. Goals from Cody Gakpo, Mohamed Salah, Dominik Szoboszlai and Virgil van Dijk saw Liverpool book a place in next month’s final against Newcastle United at Wembley, in what promises to be a thrilling game.
Cody Gakpo celebrates for Liverpool
In terms of transfers, it ended up being a quiet January window at Anfield, with no new signings made and the only business of note seeing youngsters such as Jayden Danns and Kaide Gordon sealing loan moves to Sunderland and Portsmouth, respectively.
Once the summer arrives, however, supporters will rightly be demanding to see a host of new additions come in, allowing Slot to further strengthen his squad, and Liverpool have now been linked with an exciting player with a big future in the game.
Liverpool in talks to sign £50m player
According to Caught Offside, Liverpool are in talks to sign £50m-rated Eintracht Frankfurt midfielder Hugo Larsson this summer, with discussions underway with his representatives. Along with Arsenal and Manchester United, the Reds’ talks are said to be the “most advanced”, putting the trio ahead of City and Madrid in the race to snap him up.
At just 20 years of age, Larsson is a young player with so much potential, already proving to be an important figure in the middle of the park for club and country.
This season, he has made 15 starts in the Bundesliga for Frankfurt, scoring twice in the process, and he also has eight caps for his name for Sweden at international level. Meanwhile, Ben Mattinson has compared him to Jude Bellingham.
“When giving the eye test on Larsson he’s very similar to Bellingham stylistically and was initially my pick to replace Jude at Dortmund but he suits Frankfurt very well and they’re building a top team. Excited to see how he settles in.”
While Liverpool’s midfield is already well-stocked, the chance to sign such a talented player should not be passed up, and he could become a fulcrum of the team over time.
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Competition for places is always healthy for the Reds, keeping top-quality figures on their toes moving forward, and given Larsson’s age, he could be viewed as a long-term replacement for others in midfield.
As they look to use the January transfer window to their advantage in the race to avoid Premier League relegation, Leicester City are reportedly plotting a move to welcome back a familiar face this month.
Leicester City transfer news
The Foxes were at least given some reprieve away from Premier League action when they squared off against Queens Park Rangers in the FA Cup and swept past the Championship side in a 6-2 thrashing, but there’s no doubt that they’ll be fully focused on escaping the dropzone rather than domestic glory. And with Crystal Palace up next, Ruud van Nistelrooy’s side must take that goalscoring form from QPR into a crucial relegation six-pointer.
Of course, alongside a flurry of fixtures this month, Leicester also have the chance to strengthen courtesy of the January transfer window. In that regard, the Foxes have already been linked to names such as Miguel Almiron, as Newcastle United look to cash-in on their struggling winger in what could be a move to boost Leicester’s survival chances.
Before any fresh name, however, those at The King Power Stadium could welcome back a familiar face. According to The Boot Room, Leicester are now plotting a reunion with Ben Chilwell, who is desperate to leave Chelsea after becoming an outcast at Stamford Bridge under Enzo Maresca, who has admitted the player will probably go.
The left-back would certainly have to hit the ground running to get fans back on side after swapping Leicester for Chelsea in 2020 in deal worth a reported £45m, but there’s no doubt that he still has more than enough left in the tank to drag his former side to survival.
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Potentially a full-circle moment, Chilwell should take the opportunity to complete a return with both hands if Leicester come calling this month, but he will of course have to take a significant hit to his current £200,000-a-week wages.
Chilwell desperately needs Chelsea exit
Once a Chelsea vice-captain and Champions League winner, Chilwell now desperately needs a move away from Stamford Bridge like a number of his teammates who have been cast aside and shown the door at the London club. At just 28 years old and with a World Cup coming up next year, the Englishman has the perfect chance to return to his best and earn back his England place as Thomas Tuchel looks to make his mark.
In doing exactly that, the defender would be making up for his previous discretions at Leicester too, whose survival chances would only increase by welcoming such experience.
Speaking to reporters, Maresca revealed that Chilwell will be allowed to leave Chelsea this month, saying via TNT Sports: “Because players want to play more so there’s probably chances for them to leave.
“But Ben has been top. I have to say that, he has been top. Very professional, works hard. I feel shame because of that situation, but in terms of behaviour, he has been very good.”
Before the end of the month, Chilwell simply must move on from his recent Chelsea struggles, whether that results in a Leicester reunion or a move elsewhere in the coming weeks.
Aston Villa failed to take advantage of Ipswich Town receiving a red card in the first half as Unai Emery’s side had to battle to take a point in the clash at Villa Park on Saturday afternoon.
More dropped points won’t help their chances of qualifying for the Champions League next year, as the Midlands outfit currently occupy ninth place in the Premier League table, trailing Manchester City in fourth by six points.
Of course, they can still claw this back, but they will have to make up some ground between now and May to do so. That means as few mistakes and dropped points as possible.
The club enjoyed a solid transfer window and with Emery leading his squad on three fronts, he will have to rotate wisely.
Ollie Watkins proved to be the hero on Saturday, scoring a late equaliser against the Tractor Boys.
Ollie Watkins got Aston Villa out of jail
Watkins’ effort was his 70th Premier League goal scored during his career, and it couldn’t have come at a better time.
When Ipswich went down to ten men, it looked as though the home side could take full advantage, yet Liam Delap scored with just over 30 minutes remaining to throw a spanner in the works.
Metric
Highest-Ranked
Accurate passes
Youri Tielemans (88)
Key passes
Marcus Rashford and Morgan Rogers (4)
Tackles
Omari Hutchinson (5)
Ground duels won
Marcus Rashford (7)
Shots on target
Morgan Rogers (2)
Marcus Rashford’s free-kick smashed back off the crossbar, right into the path of Watkins, who duly converted and this goal secured a 1-1 draw.
While he was the man who rescued a point, it was Youri Tielemans who was arguably the true hero for Emery due to his stunning performance in the heart of the midfield.
Youri Tielemans’ game in numbers vs Ipswich
The Belgian midfielder controlled the game from the heart of the pitch against Ipswich, succeeding with 91% of his passes and taking 114 touches, exerting his control over the game.
Performance in Numbers
Despite this, the club couldn’t secure all three points. Tielemans also made three key passes, succeeded with 75% of his dribbles, won eight of his 11 total duels contested, and made one tackle.
This shows that he contributed to Villa’s play in and out of possession, whilst Watkins just had his goal, and that is why he was even better than the England international.
Youri Tielemans
The former Leicester City star is now one of the key members of Emery’s squad. Journalist John Townley gave the player a match rating of 7/10 for his display on Saturday, stating ‘Ipswich’s red card limited his ability to pick the lock, but he was still the glue in midfield and helped Villa sustain pressure.’
Perhaps if he had faced a full team, Tielemans may have been more productive in the final third, but he was certainly Villa’s finest player on the day.
Villa next play Liverpool at home in midweek, a game in which the Reds will be keen to take all three points to bolster their title aspirations.
If Emery’s side plays how they did against Ipswich, Liverpool will win comfortably, no doubt about that.
Aston Villa now plotting summer swoop for "special" £55m Portuguese prodigy
Leeds United took another step towards automatic promotion to the Premier League on Monday night with a fantastic 2-1 win over Sunderland at Elland Road.
A brilliant first-half goal from Wilson Isidor put the Black Cats ahead at the break, after he rolled Ethan Ampadu with ease and planted a strike into the far bottom corner.
However, substitute Pascal Struijk came on in the second half to score headers in the 78th and 95th minute to turn the game around and secure all three points for the Whites.
This result has left the West Yorkshire outfit seven points clear of third place with 13 matches left to play in the second tier, whilst they are also two points ahead of Sheffield United in second place.
It is getting to the point where Leeds supporters can already begin to think about a possible promotion to the Premier League and all that comes with that, including the summer transfer window.
Chalkboard
The Whites will need to bolster their squad to give themselves the best chance of survival if they do go up, and they have reportedly already been looking around to identify potential targets.
Latest Leeds transfer news
It was recently reported that Leeds are showing an interest in experienced Premier League full-back Kyle Walker-Peters, whose contract at Southampton is due to expire in the summer.
He has started 23 matches in the top-flight for the Saints this season and has the versatility to be deployed as a left-back or a right-back, which would provide Daniel Farke’s side with depth on both flanks.
Southampton defender Kyle Walker-Peters
The Whites are also planning to hold talks with Tottenham Hotspur over a potential deal to sign Manor Solomon on a permanent deal, at the end of his current loan spell.
Starts
17
xG
5.12
Goals
7
Big chances created
11
Assists
7
As you can see in the table above, the Israel international has provided a big threat at the top end of the pitch with a steady stream of goals and assists from the left flank, cutting in on his right foot to make things happen on a consistent basis.
Leeds are also reportedly looking at bringing in a new striker for a potential Premier League campaign. OnTheMinute recently claimed that the club have identified Manchester United centre-forward Rasmus Holjund as a target, amid uncertainty over his future at Old Trafford.
The outlet reported that West Ham United and Juventus are also interested in the Denmark international, who could be available for a fee of £40m in the summer transfer window.
It is interesting that the Whites are looking to possibly bring in an expensive number nine to bolster their squad ahead of a Premier League season when they currently have one of the top scorers in the Championship.
Joel Piroe's goalscoring exploits
Joel Piroe started the 2024/25 campaign as the second-choice number nine behind Mateo Joseph but eventually worked his way into the XI and has been the go-to option for Farke in recent months.
Only Norwich City’s Borja Sainz (15) has scored more goals than the Dutchman (14) in the Championship, and they are the only two players in the division with more than 12 goals – Isidor taking his tally to 12 with his strike against Leeds on Monday.
The left-footed marksman, who was signed from Swansea in the summer of 2023, has provided an efficient presence in the final third with a return of 14 goals from 10.58 xG.
Non-penalty goals
0.59
Top 10%
Non-penalty xG
0.44
Top 13%
Non-penalty xG + xAG
0.57
Top 10%
Shot on target percentage
39.4%
Top 50%
Non-penalty xG per shot
0.14
Bottom 46%
Average shot distance
15.6 yards
Bottom 22%
As you can see in the table above, Piroe ranks highly among his positional peers for non-penalty xG and non-penalty goals, which shows that his teammates are creating a lot of chances for him, and he is finishing them efficiently.
However, despite his strong form in front of goal, there is a concern that he may not have the physical attributes to make the step up to to the Premier League.
Why Joel Piroe may be on borrowed time
The former Swansea striker may be on borrowed time as a starter under Farke as Leeds eye promotion to the Premier League, as his physical data this season suggests that he may not be suited to the top-flight.
Liam Delap is a trending, and brilliant, example of the kind of centre-forward whose game translates well from the Championship to the Premier League. He is a willing runner and someone who thrives off getting into duels with defenders to create opportunities for himself.
The English forward, who has scored ten goals in 24 Premier League games for Ipswich Town, has won 43% of his aerial battles and won 4.5 duels per match.
Delap completed 1.6 dribbles per game and won 3.9 duels per match, winning 38% of his aerial duels, in the Championship with Hull City last season, which suggested that he had the physical attributes to make the step up – and that has proven to be the case.
Pass accuracy
77%
Dribbles completed per game
0.3
Tackles + interceptions per game
0.5
Duels won per game
1.3
Duel success rate
27%
Aerial duel success rate
21%
As you can see in the table above, Piroe does not excel at the physical side of the game, as he has lost a whopping 73% of his duels with opposition defenders in the second tier.
Leeds, if they secure promotion, will be fighting to avoid relegation and will need a centre-forward who can duel with centre-backs and carry the ball up the pitch when needed to alleviate pressure.
Piroe’s statistics in the second tier suggest that he will not be able to do this, as Premier League defenders would be able to dominate him with ease, as he does not have the physicality or pace to cause them many problems in a counter-attacking side.
Therefore, the Dutch lightweight may now be on borrowed time under Farke as Leeds inch closer to promotion, as he does not appear to have the potential to be an effective starting striker for the German boss in the top-flight.
Leeds now keen on signing "infectious" player in summer transfer window
Leeds and Farke already have their eyes on one or two players they would like to sign if they reach the Premier League.