Leeds United midfielder Adam Forshaw is expected to leave Elland Road this summer, according to Football Insider.
The Lowdown: Leeds career
Forshaw was actually the club’s most expensive signing since the 2001/02 season when he arrived in Yorkshire from Middlesbrough at a cost of €5.1m (£4.5m) in 2018.
Since then, the 31-year-old has made 84 appearances for the club but has missed far more of the action with a number of injury issues.
He has featured in just 157 minutes of Premier League action this season, with his last appearance coming on New Year’s Eve against Newcastle.
The Latest: Forshaw’s future
FI reporter Wayne Veysey shared an update on Forshaw, who is out of contract at the end of the current campaign.
He said that the Whites have the option to extend that by a further 12 months, however, that looks unlikely and the club are expected to let the player go.
The Verdict: Right call?
Forshaw has had a frustrating few years with injuries, whereas Leeds have bolstered their midfield ranks over the last 12 months by signing Marc Roca, Tyler Adams and Weston McKennie.
They also have Darko Gyabi coming through the ranks at Thorp Arch, so parting ways with Forshaw appears to be the right decision.
Whether or not Leeds will be a Premier League side in the summer remains to be seen, but hopefully, Forshaw, who shares the same agency as McKennie and Brenden Aaronson, will have no trouble in finding a new club with a number of Championship sides keen on his services towards the end of 2022.
Liverpool are plotting a move to bring Red Bull Salzburg midfielder Luka Sucic to the Premier League, according to reports.
The Lowdown: Reinforcements needed
The Merseyside outfit have Naby Keita, James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Arthur Melo all out of contract at the end of the season, so reinforcements will definitely be needed in the summer.
Jurgen Klopp has already been linked with a couple of primary targets, including Jude Bellingham and Mason Mount, but a new candidate has now emerged in the form of the 20-year-old Salzburg sensation.
The Latest: Liverpool eyeing Sucic
According to Football Transfers, Liverpool have put Sucic on a ‘preliminary list’ of central players that they want to target.
FSG are said to have already held internal ‘conversations’ regarding a move for the Croatian, who has a ‘low release clause’, believed to be somewhere between €15-20m (£13-17m).
The Reds are ‘intent’ on signing a younger star that they can develop in midfield and they do have ‘enough funds’ to bring someone else in alongside the likes of Bellingham.
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The Verdict: One for the future
Sucic has been dubbed a ‘joy to watch’ by talent scout Jacek Kulig and he would be a hugely exciting signing for the future of Liverpool.
The left-footed gem has already made 23 goal contributions for Salzburg despite his young age and also ranks in the 99th percentile for blocks and 88th for interceptions per 90 minutes by midfielders outside Europe’s top five leagues, highlighting the impact he makes at both ends of the pitch.
The Linz native also has the versatility to operate in central, attacking, left and right midfield, which will be an extremely attractive attribute to Klopp.
With four senior international caps to his name, Sucic has bags of potential to offer and he would flourish under the lights should he put pen to paper at Anfield.
Everton are running out of time to bolster their attacking threat at Goodison Park with only a few hours left in the January transfer window and now a new update has emerged on a late swoop for a potential transfer target.
What’s the latest?
According to French news outlet L’Equipe, Everton are in advanced talks to sign forward Andre Ayew.
As per the report, the player – who is currently a free agent after breaking his contract with Al-Sadd – could make his return to Premier League football via the blue side of Merseyside with Everton keen to secure the services of a forward.
Due to the fact that he is not tied to a contract, the club will be able to negotiate a deal beyond tonight’s deadline should they need to.
Dyche’s next Chris Wood
Sean Dyche is only just settling into his new role in the North West as his appointment was only confirmed yesterday by the club, however, the former Burnley boss will surely be stuck into making sure he can save Everton from relegation this season.
The Toffees are currently 19th in the Premier League after 20 outings with the second-worst goal tally in the entire top flight, so the attacking roles in the team are something the newly-appointed manager will need to address as soon as possible to get the side picking up crucial points over their remaining fixtures.
Over 527 career appearances, Ayew has scored 157 goals and registered 58 assists with a goal contribution every 186 minutes so far and has tallied up 113 caps for his native Ghana, proving that he is a player who has a lot of experience and most importantly Premier League experience.
The 33-year-old titan has played four seasons in the English top flight with spells at both West Ham United and Swansea City accumulating 89 appearances and 21 goals.
Dyche could even land his next Chris Wood with the signing of Ayew as just like the Nottingham Forest striker, the veteran forward has been a journeyman over his career playing for seven different clubs but has never struggled to find the back of the net wherever he has been.
That fact ensures he could well hit the ground running in Merseyside quickly, with the Ghanaian possessing the ability to be Dyche’s next Wood-esque attacker who rescues his side from a wretched relegation battle.
Wood was often the saviour during his spell at the wrong end of the table with the Clarets, bagging 53 times in 165 games under the new Everton manager’s tutelage.
Although Ayew has earned most of his experience on the left wing, he has also often been found in the striker role and in the opposite wide-forward position too, so can offer Dyche cover across many positions in the forward line with ease.
With that being said, it would be a good piece of business for the powerbrokers in Goodison Park, however, the player is in the latter stages of his career and will not likely be the long-term solution that is so desperately needed to replace Anthony Gordon and Richarlison’s contributions.
Liverpool are reportedly ‘keeping close tabs’ on West Ham and England midfielder Declan Rice, although they are far from alone in expressing an interest.
The Lowdown: Rice a wanted man
The 24-year-old has matured into one of the most impressive midfielders in the Premier League, producing consistently strong performances for the Hammers.
Rice is already one of the first names on England’s team sheet, too, having started five matches for the Three Lions at the 2022 World Cup and enjoying a 94.3% pass completion rate at the competition, highlighting his composure on the grandest of stages.
Liverpool have been linked a with move for the West Ham captain recently and it is a rumour that is refusing to go away.
The Latest: Liverpool still in the mix
According to Football Insider on Monday morning, the Reds are ‘keeping close tabs’ on Rice ahead of a potential summer saga, but Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United are all mentioned, too.
He is widely expected to leave the Hammers at the end of this season, with his current deal expiring in the summer of 2024.
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The Verdict: Him and Bellingham?
The one negative against Liverpool signing Rice is the amount he would cost, with West Ham surely only likely to accept a monstrous bid for their skipper.
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That being said, the Reds simply have to invest big in midfield this summer and signing both Rice and the heavily linked Jude Bellingham would be an enormous statement of intent by the club if they can get it done.
Rice is a highly impressive player who is still young, having been hailed as ‘superb’ by Tony Cascarino and averaging 2.3 tackles per game in the league this season.
The £60,000-a-week-earning Englishman possesses the legs and physical dominance that have deserted both Fabinho and Jordan Henderson this season and his long-term worth means he could end up being worth every penny.
Tottenham sporting director Fabio Paratici has now personally made a proposal to sign Roma dynamo Nicolo Zaniolo, according to reports.
The Lowdown: Spurs eye attacker…
The Lilywhites and manager Antonio Conte reportedly want to sign a new attacker in January alongside the addition of right-wing-backs like the heavily-linked Pedro Porro.
Brighton winger Leandro Trossard, for example, has been of real interest to Spurs according to reliable outlets like Sky Sports – but it now appears Arsenal may have leaped ahead in the race for his signing.
However, the Seagulls forward isn’t the only attacking player who could come in to strengthen manager Conte’s options this month.
Roma forward Zaniolo has attracted interest from the north Londoners in recent seasons with Tottenham allegedly making a bid in the most recent summer window.
They have reportedly reignited their interest this month and Sky journalist Gianluca Di Marzio has an update for supporters.
The Latest: Paratici personally makes Zaniolo offer…
Writing via his website, the Sky Sports international reporter claims Spurs are well and truly in the hunt for Jose Mourinho’s gem.
Di Marzio states that Tottenham sporting director Paratici has personally ‘proposed’ a loan deal with the obligation to buy.
The obligation would be upon the ‘occurrence’ of various conditions but some good news for Spurs is that Roma chiefs have apparently gave the ‘OK’ for Zaniolo to seek a move away before the deadline.
The Verdict: Get it done?
The 6 foot 3 attacker arguably has the physical presence to compete in a demanding Premier League division but Zaniolo’s injury history could be a concern in this regard.
His contract expires in 2024, potentially prompting Roma to green-light an exit for the player this month, and this aspect could hand Paratici and Spurs a strong hand in negotiations.
In terms of quality, the 23-year-old has just one goal in 13 Serie A appearances but has attracted more fouls per 90 than anyone in Mourinho’s side.
As well as this, Zaniolo has averaged their joint-second highest rate of shots at goal per 90 (WhoScored) – indicating he can be a real threat when at his very best.
Called a ‘prominent’ player by former Liverpool midfielder Momo Sissoko, there are both strengths and weaknesses to the Italian’s current game – but a loan deal could come as fairly low risk on Spurs’ part.
Tottenham have identified England international Jordan Pickford as their ‘main objective’ to replace goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, according to reports.
The Lowdown: Spurs think to future…
Recent reports have suggested that Spurs boss Antonio Conte and sporting director Fabio Paratici are thinking of Lloris’ successor as the Frenchman enters his twilight years.
The World Cup finalist, now 35-years-old, could be nearing the end of what has been a stellar ten-year stay in the Premier League after his 2012 move from Lyon.
Conte and Paratici have reportedly identified their top target to succeed Lloris between the sticks, and it’s apparently Everton’s number one.
The Latest: Pickford ‘main objective’ for Spurs…
According to Italian sources, the former Sunderland shot-stopper has climbed to the top of Spurs’ transfer wish list with the club ‘already looking beyond’ Lloris.
TUTTOmercatoWEB claim the saga could ‘take shape’ next season and Pickford is now the ‘main objective’ for Paratici and co.
The Verdict: Right man…
Pickford’s performances for the Three Lions in Qatar highlight just how dependable he can be and we believe the homegrown ace is a perfect target for Tottenham.
Called a ‘real leader’ by members of the media, he could take up Lloris’ role in that regard, not to mention his ‘world class’ distribution could be a real asset.
Valued at around £25 million by Transfermarkt, Pickford is still just 28-years-old and could serve Spurs for a long while after he is potentially signed.
Newcastle United have been developing their team over the last two transfer windows to improve their presence in the Premier League, and a new potential transfer target has emerged ahead of January.
What’s the latest?
According to Jacque Talbot for Football Transfers, Eddie Howe’s side have joined the race to sign Atletico Madrid and Portugal star Joao Felix.
As per the report, the Magpies – alongside Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal and Aston Villa – are targeting the 23-year-old, so they will have a lot of competition to secure Felix’s signature.
It is claimed that Newcastle believe that they can get Felix on a cut-price deal but are cautious about signing him due to their well-structured wage bill which could be compromised to secure the Atletico forward.
He’s a big Allan Saint-Maximin upgrade
It was reported this week that Newcastle are looking to sign another wide forward in January to bolster their attacking threat in their pursuit to challenge for a Champions League qualification berth in the Premier League.
The Magpies are currently third in the table after a run of impeccable form which has left them four points clear of fifth-placed Manchester United during the World Cup break.
Newcastle have only lost one top-flight game this season, with only current league leaders Arsenal matching them in that regard, and Howe will be hoping that his team can resume their impressive form when they return to action after Christmas.
One way that the 44-year-old could ensure that his team does not drop off in performances or suffer fatigue which could lead to crucial points being dropped over the second half of the season is by adding depth in the most important areas of the pitch.
As a result, signing Felix would be a major coup for the Tyneside outfit and would fit the profile of player that the club is looking to sign in the new year.
Indeed, the £85.9m-priced Portuguese winger – who was dubbed “outstanding” by Jurgen Klopp – would be a huge upgrade on Newcastle’s current left-sided attacker Allan Saint-Maximin, especially when you compare the players’ respective output over the season so far.
Felix has outperformed Saint-Maximin in many attributes, including goal contributions (6 v 4), shots on target percentage (47.4% v 41.7%), pass completion (73.3% v 66.7%), and tackles and interceptions won (8 v 4).
There seems little doubt that Howe will have been watching the 23-year-old closely at the World Cup in Qatar, as the Atletico gem has been one of the standout performers for his Portugal team over their run in the tournament.
Across four appearances, Felix has scored one goal and registered two assists, along with averaging 0.8 key passes, one tackle, 4.3 successful duels and 2.8 shots on goal per game.
With that in mind, if the powers at St James’ Park could secure a deal for the talented winger, it could set up Newcastle’s forward line for years to come.
Celtic have acted on their interest for Al-Ahly midfielder Mohamed Magdy, according to an update shared by Sky Sports journalist Anthony Joseph.
The Lowdown: On the map
Better known as ‘Afsha’, Magdy has endured a gradual rise to prominence, having proved himself at ENPPI and Pyramids FC before his move to Egyptian giants Al-Ahly.
Last season, the midfielder finished the season as his club’s top scorer and leading assists provider. His stellar season for the side saw the 26-year-old bag eight goals and five assists as his side qualified for the CAF Confederation Cup, missing out on the title by seven points.
Celtic have followed up on that interest according to Joseph, who took to Twitter to share the news.
On the Hoops’ potential winter coup, the journalist followed up on the original update from Football Scotland’s Mark Hendry, tweeting: “As per @mhendry92 Celtic have expressed an interest in Al-Ahly attacking midfielder Mohamed Magdy – more commonly known as Afsha.
“It’s understood the Hoops have held discussions with the Egypt international’s representatives, who are exploring his options.”
The Verdict: Astutely unique
With the Egyptian Premier League just four games into the new season, Afsha has predictably played a key role, registering two assists as Al-Ahly top the table with a perfect record of four wins from four.
In that short amount of time, the 20-cap ace has already created 11 chances in the league and will be looking to follow up on his tally of 52 chances created last season – if he is not snapped up by Celtic in the winter, that is.
It’s a left-field move from Ange Postecoglou’s side but it looks to be an astute one if they can pull it off, signing a relatively unknown creative asset who is approaching his prime footballing years.
With discussions already underway, it seems, Celtic could be making good tracks on a potential third January signing.
Everton have found themselves struggling to make their presence known in the Premier League once again after a poor run of form that has left them one point shy of the relegation zone and Frank Lampard will be hoping he will be afforded the opportunity to strengthen his team in the January transfer window.
The Toffees have picked up just four points in their last five games ahead of the World Cup break which will be hugely frustrating for the manager after acquiring eight new signings last summer.
Indeed, the centre-back partnership between Conor Coady and James Tarkowski has flourished since they arrived at Goodison Park but in terms of the attacking prowess of the team, Everton are struggling.
Only Wolverhampton Wanderers have scored fewer goals than Lampard’s side after 15 league outings so far and addressing this issue by finding high-quality natural finishers who can not only boost goal-scoring opportunities but convert them too is a must.
One player who has been linked with a move to the Merseysiders over the last few months is LOSC Lille forward Jonathan David, and he could be just what Lampard needs to replace Richarlison’s output.
The £43.5m-valued talent has scored 78 goals and registered 23 assists over his career so far with a goal contribution every 134 minutes, proving he is consistent and reliable in front of goal something he has displayed for his team this season so far.
Over 15 Ligue 1 appearances, the 22-year-old has scored nine goals, delivered three assists and created three big chances, as well as averaging 1.4 key passes, 3.3 shots and winning 3.6 duels per game.
David has been tipped to be a “silent assassin” in the World Cup with Canada in Qatar by his nation’s manager John Herdman (via talkSPORT):
“Jonathan is one of those silent assassins. He’s very clued up tactically and that’s what I really enjoy about Jonathan, he really wants to get into the details of the game and understand the pressing tactics.
“The forwards at times want to understand other elements, he knows he’s going to lead that defensive line and will get into the details of that with you.”
The powers at Goodison Park will surely be watching the young forward’s performance at the international tournament over the next few weeks before they potentially make a move when the transfer window reopens.
With that being said, the signing of David in the January transfer window could save Everton’s season if he can flourish in the Toffees team and improve their goal contributions.
Leeds United are reportedly close to securing their second senior signing of the summer, with Daniel Farke clearly targetting a true area of weakness.
Is Karl Darlow joining Leeds United?
That's according to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, who took to Twitter to issue an update on the Whites' latest pursuit in the market.
With a deal for Ethan Ampadu having been tied up earlier in the window, it now seems like a goalkeeper has become an area of priority, The backline has obviously been earmarked as a position in desperate need of renovation.
The Italian journalist wrote:
"Leeds United are closing in on Karl Darlow deal as the verbal agreement is in place with Newcastle, waiting to clarify on final details. Almost there."
With just two years left on his current £30k-per-week deal at St James' Park, and chances having been limited since Nick Pope's arrival, to trade Tyneside for west Yorkshire marks a no-brainer for the 32-year-old seeking to squeeze some added life out of the twilight years of his career.
How good is Karl Darlow?
With 100 appearances for the Magpies, the experienced shot-stopper has been a fine servant for the club, stepping in when needed with his acrobatic, athletic and often eccentric performances.
In fact, when compared to others in his position across Europe, the former Nottingham Forest gem ranks in the top 1% for touches per 90, suggesting a desire to be constantly involved in the play even if it can provide some risky moments.
Last season saw him enjoy a fine stint on loan at Hull City though, where he showcased his safety in between the sticks, as a key factor in driving the Tigers towards safety.
He would maintain a 7.08 average rating across the 12 Championship appearances he mustered, keeping five clean sheets and making 2.9 saves per game, at a success rate of 71%, via Sofascore. That rating would have made him comfortably Leeds' best performer last season.
Darlow clearly offers a much safer pair of hands than Illan Meslier, and in signing him he would arguably fix the club's greatest issue from last campaign.
illan-meslier
The young Frenchman was a mainstay in a backline that shipped 78 goals, the most in the entire Premier League as they fell to the drop.
For all the attacking impetus they threatened to possess, it was always marred by a lack of organisation that could see them undone at a moment's notice.
It also did not help that their 23-year-old goalkeeper was incredibly prone to errors, as he made three which directly led to a goal (joint-second worst in the Premier League), maintaining an abysmal 6.65 average rating in the league, via Sofascore.
By signing Darlow, not only would they hopefully eradicate these mistakes, but his experience and quality far surpass that of his potential predecessor. He would bolster their defence tenfold, and in turn, solve the club's standout issue.
Former Whites midfielder and now pundit Carlton Palmer had recently suggested that the capture of the keeper would represent fine business for whoever pulled it off, noting:
"This would be a shrewd bit of business. He spent the second half the season on loan at Hull where he was outstanding".
Now that it seems like the Elland Road outfit are the ones set to enjoy his presence, Farke can perhaps move on to some more exciting offensive deals, safe in the knowledge that his big problem is solved for now, with the additions of both Darlow and Ampadu.