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Arsenal and manager Mikel Arteta have been told that they're now reportedly targeting one of the most "underrated" players around.

Who will Arsenal sign in January?

Edu Gaspar and Emirates Stadium transfer chiefs are said to have a fair few targets in mind for 2024, if recent rumours are to be believed. Indeed, reports have suggested that the likes of Royal Antwerp midfielder Arthur Vermeeren and Club Brugge top scorer Andreas Skov Olsen are on Arsenal's radar heading into January, with other names like Galatasaray full-back Sacha Boey being mentioned in part too.

However, the real noise on Arsenal's activity has revolved around the signing of a new striker. Brentford star Ivan Toney, who was pivotal to the Bees before his gambling ban, is a player repeatedly linked with a switch to north London. The Englishman scored 20 league goals last season, but he's by no means Arsenal's only priority Premier League target. It's been claimed that Wolves winger Pedro Neto, who's enjoyed a blistering start to the new campaign, is another star generating serious interest.

This week, another target for Arteta has surfaced through the media as well, with some Douglas Luiz transfer news claiming the Spaniard is personally eager to bring him in. 90min reported on Monday that Arsenal are keen to sign Luiz, with both Arteta and Edu also huge admirers.

"Arsenal remain interested in trying to sign Douglas Luiz from Aston Villa following his excellent start to the 2023/24 season," wrote journalists Sean Walsh and Graeme Bailey.

"The Gunners would like to add another midfielder to their ranks during the January transfer window and are looking at options across both Europe and South America."

90min go on to make the claim on both Arteta and Edu's admiration, saying that Arsenal's manager wants to "reunite" with Luiz at his new club.

"Gunners boss Mikel Arteta and sporting director Edu Gaspar are both huge admirers of Luiz. Arteta has known of the midfielder since his days as an assistant at Manchester City, where Luiz spent two years under contract but could not play due to work permit issues.

"Since their career paths split, Arteta has kept a watchful eye over Luiz and would like to reunite with him at the Emirates Stadium."

Douglas Luiz praise

Luiz has started the new campaign excellenty at Villa Park; scoring five goals in nine league starts under Unai Emery while marking himself out as one of their key, key players. The former Man City star, during Villa's 4-1 hammering of West Ham on Sunday, was praised by an Arsenal legend and Sky Sports pundit.

Likes to shoot from distance

Plays the long ball

The ex-Gunner professsed his admiration for Luiz, who Arsenal are reportedly targeting. Taking to X, he even called the 25-year-old one of England's most underrated players right now. Paul Merson, thrilled by Luiz's performance against David Moyes's side, stated:

The South American, if he continues this fine form, could be a very hot commodity next year.

Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke enjoyed a busy transfer window ahead of his first season in charge of the club after his arrival earlier this year.

The German tactician was brought in after the Whites were relegated from the Premier League after three years at the top level and is tasked with helping them to return at the first time of asking.

Who did Leeds sign this summer?

He was backed by the board throughout the summer in an attempt to give him the best possible chance of a strong start to life in the Championship.

Jaidon Anthony, Joel Piroe, Joe Rodon, Karl Darlow, Glen Kamara, Djed Spence, Ilia Gruev, Ethan Ampadu, and Sam Byram all came in to bolster the squad.

These new signings have helped Leeds to fifth place in the division as it stands, after 11 matches, but there could be more business to come at the start of next year.

Leeds chief executive Angus Kinnear recently revealed that funds could be available to Farke to use in the upcoming January transfer window, with loan or permanent deals possibly on the cards for the German head coach if needed.

It was recently suggested by LeedsLive that the club could improve their squad by adding a natural number ten to complement their current options, as they stated that supporters were keen to see one brought in over the summer.

With this in mind, Farke must reignite his interest in Burnley midfielder Josh Brownhill to bring him in as a dream alternative to Joel Piroe in that position.

Were Leeds interested in Josh Brownhill?

TEAMtalk reported over the summer that the Whites were keen on a deal to sign the former Bristol City star from the newly promoted club.

Wolverhampton Wanderers, Everton, Leicester City, and Middlesbrough were also said to be interested in the English maestro after his impressive performances at Championship level last term.

Burnley were, ultimately, able to keep hold of the midfield ace but there could be an opportunity for Leeds, or one of the other clubs eyeing him up, to sign the gem in January.

His current contract at Turf Moor is due to expire at the end of the season and this means that clubs from outside of England will be able to negotiate a pre-contract deal with him at the start of next year.

Due to this, the Clarets could be forced to consider offers from the likes of Leeds, and others, in January in order to avoid the possibility of him leaving for nothing in the summer.

Burnley are also 18th in the Premier League as it stands and the prospect of joining a club that could be on the way up to the top-flight could be an attractive proposition for Brownhill, rather than facing a possible relegation back to the second tier with his current side.

How did Brownhill perform last season?

The £45k-per-week ace was an outstanding performer at Championship level last term as his performances resulted in him being named as a contender for the PFA Players' Player of the Year.

He was also included in the PFA Team of the Year for the second division, and these accolades suggest that the Leeds target was one of the best midfielders within the league throughout the 2022/23 campaign.

Brownhill made an impact at both ends of the pitch as he showcased his ability to be a difference-maker within the opposition's third whilst also being able to make vital contributions to cut out attacks for the other team.

Defensively, the 27-year-old whiz made 3.1 tackles and interceptions per game and won 50% of his duels over the course of his 41 league appearances.

Only Ethan Ampadu (2.3) has made more tackles per match (2.2) this season for Leeds out of Farke's current crop of midfielders than Brownhill did for the Clarets last term.

The English magician also caught the eye with seven goals and eight assists from an attacking midfield position as he displayed his quality in the final third on a regular basis.

In fact, he ranked within the top 15% of his Championship positional peers for non-penalty goals (0.18) and shot-creating actions (3.70) per 90 respectively. The talented gem also placed within the top 10% for assists (0.20) per 90, which speaks to the significant impact the Burnley star can make at this level.

How many goals has Piroe scored this season?

Piroe, who joined from league rivals Swansea during the summer transfer window, has been utilised as a number ten behind Georginio Rutter this season and has found the back of the net five times thus far.

The Dutch marksman has scored five goals in eight Championship matches for the Whites so far this season and has three more strikes than any of his teammates.

However, the former Swans star does not offer a regular threat as a creator for his fellow attackers. He has only produced 0.6 key passes per match and 11 other players within the squad have averaged more.

In fact, Rutter (2.4) is the only central-based player with more than one key pass per game for Farke's side this season and this suggests that Brownhill, who made 1.8 key passes per outing last term, would be a much-needed addition.

Should Leeds sign Brownhill?

Farke should, therefore, swoop to snap up the "fabulous" – as he was dubbed by Sky Sports pundit Lee Hendrie – midfielder in January.

Sofascore rating

7.00

Appearances

Seven

Goals

One

Key passes per game

1.3

Tackles per game

1.4

His contractual situation and the respective positions of the two clubs suggest that a move could be viable for the Whites if they decide to reignite their interest in his services.

It will, however, be down to Leeds to beat off competition from any other interested parties in order to secure a deal for his services for the second half of the campaign and beyond.

If they can do that then Farke would have a dream alternative to Piroe, as a creative number ten who could thrive in matches where the opposition deploy a low block and need to be carved open.

He could also be used in a central midfield role behind the Dutch forward and use his creativity to produce opportunities for the former Swansea ace and Rutter to find the back of the net.

Leeds United could be set to lose one of their senior players next summer alongside Sam Greenwood, who has been linked with leaving the club for good at the end of his loan spell.

Leeds departures 2023

At Elland Road, Daniel Farke and the 49ers sanctioned the permanent exits of Tyler Adams, Rodrigo, Tyler Roberts, Adam Forshaw and Joel Robles over the summer, but there were also ten other players to depart on loan for the remainder of the season.

The Whites gave the green light for Robin Koch, Brenden Aaronson, Jack Harrison, Luis Sinisterra, Rasmus Kristensen, Marc Roca, Cody Drameh, Sonny Perkins and Greenwood to hit the road, and the latter has recently been the subject of an interesting claim.

According to The Athletic, Middlesbrough have an option to buy the attacking midfielder turned forward for just £1.5m next summer so there’s a strong possibility that he could depart should he impress during his time at the Riverside Stadium, and it seems he's not the only one who may never play for Leeds again.

In the Bundesliga, Maximilian Wober put pen to paper on a season-long loan at Borussia Monchengladbach and it’s fair to say that the centre-back has made a fantastic start to life in Germany, having established himself as Gerardo Seoane’s overall best-performing player with a match rating of 7.12 (WhoScored – Borussia Monchengladbach squad statistics).

Maximilian Wober transfer update…

Speaking to German outlet BILD (via Football League World) with a transfer update on Maximilian Wober, Borussia Monchengladbach’s sporting director Nils Schmadtke delivered his verdict on the defender’s performances so far:

“A warrior. That’s why we signed him. Max is a guy who radiates something. Max enjoys defending and fighting duels. That’s exactly what we need. He is a leader, a leader".

Further asked about the possibility of signing him permanently next summer, he added: “Everything in it's own time.”

How much did Leeds pay for Maximilian Wober?

According to Sky Sports, Leeds paid a reported £11m for Wober when he joined from RB Salzburg in January, and he was already showing positive signs of what he’s capable of before he left, but he’s arguably made an even better start to life at Borussia Monchengladbach.

The Austria international currently ranks in the 98th percentile for blocks by players in his position (FBRef – Wober statistics), and he's made 15 tackles so far this season which is more than any of his fellow teammates (FBRef – Borussia Monchengladbach squad statistics), highlighting that he’s not afraid to put his body on the line and get stuck into challenges.

The Yorkshire outfit’s 25-year-old has also provided two assists in seven league appearances this term, so he’s even been making an impact at the opposite end of the pitch, with the influence that he has on a side having previously seen him described as a “leader” by former boss Jesse Marsch.

Furthermore, Wober has the versatility to operate at left-back and higher up on both the left side and in defensive midfield alongside his usual role at the heart of the backline, so the club should do everything they can to retain his services beyond next summer if possible.

Chelsea are in a difficult moment on the pitch and could now be set to offload one of their players in January after he held discussions with the club over his future, according to reports.

What's the latest news involving Chelsea?

Blues boss Mauricio Pochettino has urged his players to mature following their difficult start to the 2023/24, which took another negative turn on Sunday against Aston Villa as Ollie Watkins condemned Chelsea to another defeat following Malo Gusto's red card at Stamford Bridge. Nicolas Jackson will also serve a suspension after picking up five yellow cards for dissent.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Pochettino stated: "We need to grow up as a team, not only in an individual way. A player like Nicolas is so young and is feeling his way into the Premier League and learning. He needs time, and in this type of game we are competing and want to win. But the players, when they are young, need to learn with experience and when they make a mistake."

Football Insider report that despite Chelsea taking just five points from their opening six matches, Argentinian boss Pochettino is under no pressure from the club hierarchy and will be given time to turn their fortunes around. Chelsea see Pochettino as someone who can restore the club back near the top of the pile in English football. However, there is an awareness from all sides that results must improve in the coming weeks.

Next up for Chelsea is a home clash against Brighton & Hove Albion in the third round of the Carabao Cup and they will be hoping to arrest their slump in form that has yielded no victories since their 2-1 triumph over AFC Wimbledon in the second round of the competition.

Nevertheless, the Blues continue to have a long injury list and will be without Reece James, Carney Chukwuemeka, Noni Madueke, Benoit Badiashile, Marcus Bettinelli, Christopher Nkunku, Trevoh Chalobah, Romeo Lavia and Wesley Fofana for the tie.

Who could leave Chelsea?

Marc Cucurella is believed to have held talks with Chelsea boss Pochettino about his future at the club and is now eyeing a January exit from Stamford Bridge, according to The Sun.

Manchester United were keen to take the Spain international on loan during the summer, though the deal fell through and they instead brought in Sergio Reguilon from Tottenham Hotspur. Cucurella is now weighing up his options and is keen to leave unless his minutes improve in the Premier League.

Since completing a money-spinning £63 million move to Chelsea last summer, Cucurella has struggled to make an impact at Stamford Bridge, making 34 appearances in total for the Blues, registering two assists in the process, as per Transfermarkt.

Compared to his positional peers across Europe's top five leagues across the last 365 days, Cucurella has excelled in the art of successful challenges, making around 3.83 per 90 minutes, putting him in the 99th percentile for this metric, as per FBRef.

Chelsea may need to grant the full-back more license to show his capabilities in SW6 or they run the risk of losing his services when the January window opens.

Newcastle United have had scouts keeping tabs on an exciting new defender, and a fresh report has revealed the chances of him moving to the Premier League.

What's the latest transfer news at Newcastle?

Last week, Eddie Howe received an in-house boost when Callum Wilson put pen to paper on a one-year contract extension that runs until 2025, but outside of the northeast, there have been a few names doing the rounds as to who the boss could potentially target in the market next year.

CBS reporter Ben Jacobs recently name-checked the black and white stripes as a possible destination for West Ham United’s Jarrod Bowen should he be on the move, while other outlets have linked the likes of Paris Saint-Germain’s Hugo Ekitike and Royal Antwerp’s Arthur Vermeeren with a switch to St. James’ Park.

Now, a new name to have entered the fold is Boca Juniors left-back Valentin Barco who, having worked his way up through the academy ranks to get promoted to the first-team, has so far made 22 senior appearances for Jorge Almiron’s side.

In addition, Argentina’s youth international will be out of contract in December 2024 meaning that his club could be tempted to cash in should they receive a respectable offer to risk not losing him for free at the end of next year, and if the following update is to be believed, the 19-year-old has a whole host of clubs chasing him.

Are Newcastle signing Valentin Barco?

According to 90min, Newcastle, Chelsea, Manchester City, Brentford, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Nottingham Forest have “all watched” Barco in recent weeks. However, Brighton and Hove Albion are currently in pole position to secure the defender’s services having already held talks with his representatives.

Celtic, Bayer Leverkusen, Borussia Dortmund, Benfica, Porto, Roma, Juventus, PSG and Monaco have also been keeping close tabs on the in-demand teenager, but as previously stated, Roberto De Zerbi’s side are the favourites.

Boca Juniors are looking to get their prized asset to sign a new long-term contract to fend off interest, but with his current deal including a €10m (£8m) release clause, potential suitors have sniffed out the ideal opportunity to sign him.

How good is Valentin Barco?

Whilst Barco is still at a very young age, he’s already been dubbed the “Argentinian Marcelo” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, and even though he might not be ready to be thrown straight into the senior action, he would be a fantastic signing for the long-term future of Newcastle.

Boca’s left-footed ace posted three contributions (two assists and one goal) in 19 outings across all competitions last season and loves to use his pace to burst down the flank and whip balls into the opposition’s box, racking up 48 crosses, which is the third-highest total throughout his squad, via FBRef.

Sponsored by Adidas, Barco, who represented his nation at the U20s World Cup, even has the versatility to operate everywhere down the left-hand side of the pitch in defence, midfield and attack, so this really is a no-brainer of a deal to pursue.

Celtic kicked off their Champions League campaign with a disappointing defeat away to Feyenoord as they lost 2-0 on Tuesday night.

The hosts took the lead through Calvin Stengs as his free-kick from distance curled and bounced up in front of Joe Hart, which prevented the former England international from being able to keep it out.

Hart then made up for his error as he saved a penalty from Igor Paixao but he could do nothing to stop Alireza Jahanbakhsh from smashing the ball into the top corner after a clearance fell kindly for him in the box not long after Odin Thiago Holm was sent off for a late challenge. However, he wasn't the only one to head for an early bath.

Why was Gustaf Lagerbielke sent off against Feyenoord?

The Swedish summer signing was given his marching orders by the referee after he was adjudged to have fouled the Feyenoord player racing through on goal, which led to the saved penalty.

It was his second booking of the match and resulted in a red card. However, it was a contentious decision as the opposition forward appeared to go down rather easily under minimal contact from the central defender, although Lagerbielke put himself in a dangerous position by holding onto him at all.

1 tackle

0 interceptions

1 duel won

2 duels lost

The 23-year-old stopper only won one duel in his 63 minutes on the pitch and recorded a game-low Sofascore rating of 5.7 out of all starters, which illustrates just how poorly the ex-Elfsborg titan performed on the night.

That said, alongside Lagerbielke, another player who let Brendan Rodgers down badly on the night was Honduras international Luis Palma as he struggled on the wing.

How well did Luis Palma play against Feyenoord?

The summer signing from Aris FC was handed a big opportunity to put a marker down after his move to Scotland and failed to do so.

He left much to be desired in and out of possession against Feyenoord in his 58 minutes on the pitch before Rodgers decided to haul the 5 foot 10 forward off.

As per Sofascore, Palma lost eight of his 11 duels (73%) and failed to make a single tackle, block, or clearance, whilst he was also dribbled past twice. This suggests that he did not provide Greg Taylor with much protection from the opposition forwards down that side of the pitch.

The 23-year-old did not make up for his lack of defensive work with quality wing play either. As per Sofascore, the former Aris star only completed two of his six attempted dribbles and did not create a single chance for his teammates. To make matters worse, his 38 touches were also fewer than Hart's 52.

Throughout the match, Feyenoord dominated Palma as they prevented him from being able to dribble past them or play dangerous passes to his teammates, meaning that he was ineffectual on and off the ball throughout the 58 minutes he was on the pitch.

The score was only 1-0 to Feyenoord until the 76th minute and there was plenty of time for Celtic to find an equaliser to change the game but Palma, along with the likes of Kyogo Furuhashi and Daizen Maeda, failed to provide the requisite quality to make something happen in the final third.

Pundit Alan Hutton has been reacting to news on who Celtic’s top transfer target appears to be heading into the New Year.

What’s the latest Celtic transfer news?

The Hoops and Brendan Rodgers were busy over the summer in the transfer market after the Northern Irishman made the return to Parkhead.

On the pitch, things have begun relatively well aside from the League Cup defeat to Kilmarnock, with Celtic top of the Scottish Premiership following a Glasgow derby win at Ibrox prior to the international break.

In total, Celtic brought in 10 new players, eight of which arrived on permanent deals at a cost of just under £20m. The club were in profit, though, after Jota made the move to Saudi Pro League side Al Ittihad in a move worth £25m, with Carl Starfelt also moving on.

Despite a productive few months and plenty of new faces coming in, it looks as if those at Celtic Park are already planning for 2024 and further additions.

Reports have suggested that Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher was a target in the summer and contact was made over a transfer.

However, the Reds weren’t willing to let the shot-stopper go, which has led to the player being top of Rodgers’ wanted list heading into January. The Celtic boss wants a long-term replacement for Joe Hart and the Irishman would be keen on a move to Glasgow.

Talking to Football Insider, Hutton, who contributes for the BBC, labelled Kelleher as “outstanding” and feels he “would be an excellent recruit”, albeit a “little bit harsh on Joe Hart”.

“Every time I have seen Kelleher play he has been outstanding.

“It has got to a stage where he must be desperate to play regular football. Would he be a good fit for Celtic? Of course he would but I think it has been a little bit harsh on Joe Hart.

“I know he has made a few mistakes and is not the best when it comes to playing the ball with his feet but I think he has done well at Celtic. “I think all the criticism that has been aimed at him is a little bit harsh but I understand if Brendan Rodgers wants to play a particular way and is looking elsewhere. I get that and I think Kelleher would be an excellent recruit for the squad.”

Who is Caoimhin Kelleher?

Kelleher is 24 years of age and has been on the books at Anfield since 2015 when he left Irish side Ringmahon.

The goalkeeper is now valued at a career-high €12m by Transfermarkt and has made 21 senior appearances for the Reds, keeping 10 clean sheets in the process.

He has mainly served as a backup to Alisson Becker on Merseyside in the Premier League, turning out in cup competitions, and has actually won the most shootouts of any goalkeeper in Liverpool's history (four).

Therefore, the chance of regular first-team football at Celtic could appeal to Kelleher, and by the looks of things, a move could be one to keep an eye on.

Tottenham Hotspur have enjoyed a profitable Deadline Day already even if they fail to bring in anyone else, but reports continue to suggest that they still might…

Who else could Tottenham Hotspur sign on Deadline Day?

With Brennan Johnson the outstanding piece of business for this hectic day, as Ange Postecoglou finally got his key man, the Lilywhites have seemingly not allowed that to slow down their pursuit of bolstering other areas of the field.

After all, they even saw a bid for Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher knocked back earlier in the day, with it being suggested that they could well return again before the window concludes.

However, it is instead another West London star that could be set to make that move, with journalist Fabrizio Romano offering the following update on social media:

"EXCL: Tottenham approach Chelsea to ask for Trevoh Chalobah on loan deal, no green light from Chelsea, difficult due to rival + formula of deal. Complicated deal while Forest still trying to make permanent deal happen for Chalobah but no green light player side."

Read the latest Tottenham transfer news HERE…

The collapse of his move to Bayern Munich has emphasised this possibility, as the German transfer window slammed shut without the Englishman having finalised terms. It could now be the north London outfit who profit, should they see fit to unload the proposed £50m price tag for a possible permanent deal.

How good is Trevoh Chalobah?

Although the 24-year-old has fallen down the pecking order significantly at Stamford Bridge, he still remains an outstanding ball-playing centre-back who would more than align with the style Postecoglou is seeking to usher in.

Having broken into the first team in 2021, he has remained a solid and elegant figure at the back whenever called upon, with the pinnacle of his short career thus far arguably coming during that 2021/22 season.

Maintaining an admirable 7.23 average rating across 20 Premier League appearances, he scored three times and recorded a 91% pass accuracy, alongside two tackles and 2.1 clearances per game, via Sofascore.

An English defensive legend in Rio Ferdinand sought to praise him, noting over two years ago: "I watched him in the Super Cup game the other day with BT in Belfast. Massively impressed with him, the way he defended. He had three or four big moments defensively where he pulled the hat out of the bag, it was unbelievable."

It is his proficiency in possession that has truly caught the eye though, as the quintessential modern-day defender who remains supremely comfortable on the ball. When compared to other centre-backs across Europe, the Cobham graduate even ranks in the top 17% for progressive carries per 90, and the top 18% for passes attempted, via FBref.

This outlet seeks to draw comparisons between Chalobah and Manchester City defender Ruben Dias by including the 26-year-old on his 'similar players' list, likely due to their shared solidity and ability in possession.

The Portugal international has been an instant hit since moving to the Etihad in 2020, winning the Premier League Player of the Year award after his first campaign as they won the league title. There, his average rating of 7.11 from that season was bolstered by figures similar to the Chelsea man, with a 93% pass accuracy, 1.1 interceptions and 2.8 clearances per game, via Sofascore.

It is no surprise to see Pep Guardiola laud his influence, claiming: "Ruben is not playing just his game. He is playing the game for everyone. He has the ability to see and solve the problems for many things. His character is so important. His leadership is huge especially even when he didn’t play."

Should Postecoglou manage to add Chalobah to his side late on in the window, relying on him to be that Dias-esque figure to uphold his new regime, it could actually prove to be their biggest coup of the entire summer.

While Newcastle United appear to be done and dusted during the 2023 transfer window, Eddie Howe is still mulling over fresh faces to bolster his thriving outfit in the future.

Having qualified for the Champions League with a fourth-placed Premier League finish last term, the Magpies have worked diligently on the transfer front this summer to ensure that the squad is ready for European football and a challenge to emulate last year's feats.

Sandro Tonali, Harvey Barnes, Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall have all been added to the first team, and while the spending is ostensibly complete, one exciting star remains of a vested interest.

What's the latest Newcastle transfer news?

According to i news, Newcastle are plotting their next move and have identified Athletic Bilbao's Nico Williams, with the 21-year-old 'under consideration' for a swoop when Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations permit.

Read the latest Newcastle transfer news HERE…

Believed to hold a £42m release clause in his contract, Williams is now in the final year of his contract, and Howe could soon land his man on a cut-price deal.

How good is Nico Williams?

Although Williams is only young, he has already captured the awe of the masses in Basque Country and has been praised for his "daring" approach on the pitch by former manager Marcelinho.

Last season, the eight-cap Spain star scored nine goals and supplied six assists from 43 matches across all competitions as he dazzled in his wide attacking role, receiving praise for his ability in 1v1 situations, pace, and progressive nature.

This is showcased through his ranking among the top 5% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for progressive carries and the top 10% for successful take-ons per 90, as per FBref, and, as such, Howe could have his hands on the next version of Allan Saint-Maximin by securing the winger's signature.

Saint-Maximin departed St. James' Park for £23m in July after forging 124 appearances for the Magpies, posting just 13 goals and 21 assists.

The 26-year-old ranks among the top 14% of positional peers for assists, and the top 1% for progressive carries and successful take-ons per 90, and has also been dubbed a "wizard" by journalist Graeme Bailey for his brilliant, fleet-footed displays on the pitch.

Alas, the 26-year-old never quite ignited the kind of cutting edge that Howe covets, which is evidenced through his Tyneside exit and the subsequent £39m signing of Harvey Barnes, who scored 13 Premier League goals last term and ranks among the top 5% of positional peers for goals per 90.

However, given Williams' youthful age and inexperience, Howe will likely feel he can craft a refined version of the Magpie fan favourite by nurturing the whiz to the fore, maintaining his blistering pace and dribbling skills while adding goals and assists with regularity.

Described as a "sensation" by journalist Shina Oludare, Howe is wise to get in on the action, and while this is a transfer that likely will not occur over the next week, the winter transfer market could prove to be a tantalising time indeed as the burgeoning Premier League side assess their next move.

Aston Villa have had a difficult start to the 2023/24 campaign, after enjoying a magnificent end to last season and a thrilling summer in the build-up to Unai Emery's first full year in charge.

Strong signings, and an encouraging pre-season left an inspired aura at the club in preparation for the new footballing calendar that includes Villa's first involvement in Europe since 2010, but things have taken a turn in a blink.

Less than a week before the Premier League opener, Emiliano Buendia was injured in training which has since been confirmed as an anterior cruciate ligament blow, followed closely by Tyrone Mings’ significant knee injury sustained on the opening day.

The two long-term injuries have left the Villans short of two players that would typically start in Emery’s squad, leaving the Spaniard pondering the transfer market, though he could save the club millions in the future by developing an academy starlet.

Who could replace Tyrone Mings?

Villa have been linked to defensive names such as Kieran Tierney and Marcos Acuna recently, however with both being fielded as full-backs, neither speculated target could cover the areas perfected by Mings.

The summer signing of Pau Torres added to the depth in central defence, however, no one could have anticipated the horrifying blow that Mings would suffer just half an hour into the new campaign.

An enlightening tweak within the club has been recognised on social media, with the club’s official Instagram account posting a picture of the first team in training, with the addition of 19-year-old academy talent Lamare Bogarde.

Welcomed to the academy from Feyenoord back in 2020, the versatile defensive-minded player could be one to watch in the future in terms of eventual heirs to the English centre-back.

Who is Lamare Bogarde?

Born in Rotterdam, the teenager is deployed primarily in defensive midfield, however, has the ability to play at centre-back as he has done when called upon in his career.

Despite not playing for the senior team at Villa yet, the teenager earned himself vital experience away from youth level, spending half of last season on loan in League One at Bristol Rovers, before returning to the club this week on a season-long loan to further his experience and gain regular game time at this stage in his journey.

The Dutchman made 18 league appearances for Rovers last term, showcasing his talents and impressing at his first taste of senior football after featuring heavily in the Premier League 2 for the academy.

Averaging 1.8 tackles and 0.7 interceptions for his loan side, via WhoScored, the teenager certainly impressed during his short time at the Memorial Stadium, praised heavily by club manager and former Premier League midfielder Joey Barton.

As relayed by Birmingham Live, Barton dubbed the Dutchman as “quality”, singling out his composure and maturity as his strengths, as well as being called a player that “does a bit of everything”.

It's no wonder the former Newcastle United and Manchester City midfielder has returned to sign the promising Bodymoor Heath talent on loan once again.

The teenager's spell away from Villa could pave the way to his eventual breakthrough at this parent club, with Mings being 30 years of age and set to miss a huge chunk of the season through injury.

Also hailed by Barton as a player with “enormous potential”, Emery's inclusion of the 19-year-old in training prior to his departure could be an exciting indication that he is set for an extensive future with the Villans, one that is likely to see him usurp the aforementioned first-team star within a few years.