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Aston Villa youngster Keinan Davis still has a bright future at the club despite a lack of playing time recently, according to journalist Luke Hatfield.

The Lowdown: Davis struggling for playing time

The 23-year-old is yet to make an appearance for Villa’s senior team this season, having fallen down the pecking order under Dean Smith.

Davis could have left Villa Park on loan in the summer but ended up staying put, and it could be that a temporary exit in January makes sense.

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The Latest: Hatfield provides key update

Despite Davis’ career stalling a little in recent times, Hatfield believes that he still has plenty to offer at Aston Villa.

Speaking to Give Me Sport, the journalist claimed that Villa think highly of the striker and that his opportunity to become a key figure could arise in the future, tipping him to possibly join Nottingham Forest on loan. Hatfield said:

“Aston Villa have high hopes for Keinan Davis, regardless of whether they send him out on loan or not.

“They just want to make sure he gets the time on the pitch and hopefully he develops into the football player that is potentially there to be.

“So, I’m sure Villa will be looking at teams that play a similar style, and it seems like Nottingham Forest would work out pretty well.”

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The Verdict: Persevere with him

At 23, Davis isn’t necessarily an up-and-coming player anymore, but there is still lots of time for him to develop as a footballer and become more polished.

A loan move away could do him the world of good, allowing him to pick up confidence and get minutes under his belt before returning to Villa next summer.

Jack Grealish once described his former Villa team-mate as ‘unplayable’, which speaks to how much ability Davis appears to have, so hopefully the striker will be able to forge out a stable future under Smith.

In other news, some Villa fans have reacted to an image of one player. Find out who it is here.

Some Wolves fans have been left buzzing over some transfer news involving Adama Traore and Ousmane Dembele.

As per Sport (via The Daily Express), FC Barcelona are now planning to offer the latter to Bruno Lage’s team in exchange for the Spain international, as both players continue to refuse to sign a new deal at their respective clubs.

While Traore still has 18 months left on his, Dembele’s contract is up in the summer, and so it may now be an option for both to move elsewhere.

Comparing their stats in their respective domestic leagues so far this season, Traore has recorded no goals or assists, while Dembele only has two assists to his name (WhoScored).

The Frenchman is also however averaging more shots (2.8), key passes (1.7) and crosses (1.8) per game (WhoScored), and is one year younger than Traore, suggesting that a swap deal could well be a good move for the Midlands club.

Wolves fans on Dembele transfer news

These WWFC supporters buzzed as the transfer news was shared on Twitter, with one even going as far as to claim that it would be ‘incredible’:

“Would be incredible”

Credit: @ethanlilley1877

“Make it happen!”

Credit: @fowls21wwfc

“YES”

Credit: @pjsaturday63

“Get this done now!”

Credit: @CremDeLaCrem86

“HAHAHAHAHAHA ANNOUNCE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE”

Credit: @wwfcglover

“Barcelona our feeders club. We are massive”

Credit: @samburts

In other news, find out who the Wanderers are now interested in signing here!

Wolverhampton Wanderers have once again been linked with a move for Brentford striker Ivan Toney this summer.

According to a recent report by 90min (via Birmingham Live), Bruno Lage is in the market for adding a striker to his squad ahead of next season, although his side could be priced out of a move for the Englishman.

Toney has settled into the top-flight excellently after catapulting the Bees into the Premier League last term with 33 Championship goals, finding the back of the net 12 times in the current campaign for Thomas Frank’s side, who now look all but safe after their first season in the first division.

Having played in League One, the Championship and now the Premier League over the last three seasons, the 26-year-old’s rise up the English football ladder has been remarkable.

Netting 139 senior goals over the course of his career, Toney has been a kingpin for Frank’s men, despite only joining in September 2020.

The Danish manager has previously labelled the striker as “special” whilst also claiming that he has the “mindset of a lion.”

The former Newcastle youth player has quickly established himself as one of England’s most prolific forwards and is certainly destined for bigger things, with no disrespect to Brentford.

Although the Englishman would see sides that can offer European football as a preference, joining Wolves would certainly be a step up with the West Midlands club enjoying a successful first campaign under the management of Bruno Lage.

The Old Gold currently find themselves eighth in the Premier League, although they are three points behind seventh-placed West Ham with a game in hand.

Securing European football is still very realistic for Lage’s men which, if they are successful in doing so, will make them a much more attractive prospect for potential signings.

Despite their strong campaign, quality in the final third has frequently been lacking for Wolves who have scored just 33 goals in 32 matches – with only Brighton, Burnley, Watford and Norwich have scored fewer.

Therefore, adding a prolific striker will certainly be a priority for the Portuguese manager.

This season has seen the return of forward Raul Jimenez after a horrific skull fracture that could’ve easily forced the Mexican into early retirement.

However, while the 30-year-old is Wolves’ joint-top goalscorer this term, he has been well below the standard previously set prior to his injury, scoring just six goals.

Although there were extra matches with the West Midlands outfit reaching the quarter-final of the Europa League, the 2019/20 campaign saw Jimenez score a whopping 27 goals and assist a further 10 in 55 games.

Moreover, the season prior saw the Mexican find the back of the net on 17 occasions in 44 appearances.

Had Wolves’ defence not been as good as it has been this campaign, the Golden Boys would undoubtedly find themselves well out of contention for a European spot.

Therefore, adding a more consistent goalscorer over the summer is vital as Lage’s men cannot rely on solely shutting teams out regularly to progress. With a good record, plenty of potential and top-flight experience, Toney would be an excellent candidate.

AND in other news: Huge blow: Wolves dealt late injury setback ahead of Burnley, Lage will be gutted

With Sheffield Wednesday currently sat ninth in the League One table, 13 points away from Rotherham United and Sunderland at the top of the pile, the January transfer window could give the Owls the best opportunity to strengthen their squad so that they can make a strong push towards a play-off place.

However, it seems as though Wednesday fans may have to sit tight for the time being when it comes to seeing any potential new players come into the club.

What’s the latest?

In a recent online Q&A for Yorkshire Live, Howson was asked if there are currently any new signings in the pipeline for Darren Moore’s side.

In response, he said: “As things stand, there is nothing close. I am not expecting a new player to come in before Plymouth. Wednesday are working hard behind the scenes on a number of deals. DM has a few irons in the fire.

“The issue is clubs are hoarding players. They are worried about the possibility of being hit by a [virus] outbreak. Clubs don’t want to leave themselves short in the second half of the season.”

Sheffield Wednesday fans could be sweating

With just three centre-backs, one left-back and two right-backs in their squad at the moment according to Transfermarkt, it seems as though the Owls could do with adding some defensive reinforcements to their ranks at some point this month.

Given how Moore’s side have conceded six goals in their two previous league outings, this only highlights the need for some extra stability and strength at the back if they are to have any chance of making their way up the table in the coming weeks and months.

Moving forward, with just over two weeks left until the January transfer window closes, Wednesday will need to ensure that the “irons in the fire”, as Howson put it, will materialise into one or two new recruits at Hillsborough, particularly in defence. Otherwise, Owls fans could well be sweating over the possibility of facing up to another season in League One.

In other news: Howson drops transfer claim on “key component” at Hillsborough which will have fans buzzing

A key boost has emerged for Rangers in their pursuit of a centre-back signing for Gio van Bronckhorst…

What’s the talk?

According to 24Sata, via the Daily Record, Gers target Danilho Doekhi has rejected a contract offer from Dinamo Zagreb in a last-gasp twist on deadline day.

It was reported last week that the player was set to make a decision between signing a pre-contract deal with the Croatian outfit or Rangers. The latest report does not state that he has now agreed to join the Scottish giants, but they now appear to be the only horse left in the race for the Vitesse beast.

Elation

This update will surely leave fans feeling elated as this news suggests that the club will be able to snap Doekhi up on a free transfer in the summer.

If the earlier report is to be believed then the defender may be keen on a move to the Gers and a late deadline day pre-contract deal could be on the cards. Although, it remains to be seen whether or not Ross Wilson will look to strike an agreement now or wait until the end of the season when he officially leaves Vitesse.

Either way, supporters will be buzzing with the prospect of him arriving at the club as he could be an excellent addition to the squad. He is enjoying a fine season with the Dutch club in the Eredivisie, with an average SofaScore rating of 6.99.

The Dutchman has won an impressive 66% of his duels, making 3.4 tackles and interceptions per game. This shows that he is strong in his individual battles and capable of regularly winning possession back for his side, which is why he could be a solid player to add to the Gers squad.

He could also be a fantastic piece of business for the future. At the age of 23, van Bronckhorst could work with him in training to help him improve over time, making him a shrewd signing in the short and long term for the Gers.

It is now down to Wilson to take advantage of this boost that he has been given by Zagreb’s offer being rejected. He must swoop in on Doekhi and close out a deal for the defender.

AND in other news, Rangers suffer key transfer D-Day “knock back” that’ll leave fans devastated…

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West Ham United manager Manuel Pellegrini has been speaking about midfielder Manuel Lanzini ahead of his side’s clash against Manchester City on Wednesday night, and the signs are that the Argentine star won’t be making his first start for the club since May.

What did he say?

After a long injury absence, the 26-year-old finally made his long-awaited return to action as a substitute in the 3-1 win against Fulham at the London Stadium on Friday, and no doubt Irons fans will be hoping to see their man back in the XI as soon as possible now.

Speaking prior to the perhaps daunting trip to the Etihad Stadium, Pellegrini looks to have dampened those hopes by telling whufc.com: “We must be careful with [Manu].

“He did very well in his 15 minutes and the important thing was that he was not afraid and remembering his knee, so we will see what the best way is to get minutes in every game. You must be careful when you give more minutes.”

Will he definitely not start?

While West Ham will want to finish in seventh position and as the best of the rest this season, taking a risk on a player of the calibre of Lanzini away against City would be a huge risk given he has only just returned, and his manager seems to acknowledge that.

Yes, Pep Guardiola’s men may have played 120 minutes in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday and could be a little leggy just a few days later, but Pellegrini can’t risk potentially aggravating the injury given the South American ace isn’t 100% match fit.

Irons supporters will need to be more patient in their bid to see the London Stadium hero back in the side, and they now have the squad depth for that to be an acceptable thing.

The previous summer window saw Liverpool say goodbye to Georginio Wijnaldum, who joined Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer after making a total of 237 appearances across all competitions for the Merseyside club.

Now, it seems as though Liverpool could be set to potentially lose one of their current midfield players in the near future.

What’s the news?

According to Portuguese journalist Pedro Almeida, newly appointed Barcelona manager Xavi, is keen on bringing Thiago Alcantara back to the Spanish club.

As a product of Barcelona’s youth system, Thiago, who has been previously described as an “extraordinary” player by Xavi, made a total of 100 senior appearances for the club across all competitions in which he managed to score 20 goals and provide 10 assists in the process before joining Bayern Munich in the 2013 summer transfer window.

Since moving to Liverpool in September 2020, the 30-year-old, who is currently valued at £22.5m according to Transfermarkt, has made 37 appearances for the Reds across all competitions, with one goal and one assist under his belt.

Despite not being too busy in front of goal during his time at the Merseyside club so far in terms of goals and assists, Thiago proved with his performances in the Premier League last season that he can be an impressive figure for Jurgen Klopp’s side, ending his debut campaign with an overall season rating of 7.12/10, making him Liverpool’s third-highest rated player according to WhoScored.

This season has also seen the midfielder prove himself as a useful player for them in the middle of the park having racked up an average of 1.2 shots per game, 1.2 tackles per game and win 79% of his duels in the Premier League so far this season.

This is why it would be a disaster if the Spaniard left the club for a move back to Barcelona this summer, especially since his current contract isn’t set to expire until the end of June 2024.

Also, with current Liverpool sporting director Michael Edwards recently revealing that he will be stepping down from his position at the end of the season, he could well end his time at the club on a bad note if Thiago does go to Barcelona at that point.

Moving forward, if Xavi and Barcelona do make an approach in the near future to try and lure Thiago back to La Liga, Liverpool will have to convince the midfielder that he is an important figure for them and should see out his contract at Anfield.

In other news: Forget VVD: “Influential” LFC ace with 1.5 tackles a game has been Klopp’s unsung hero – opinion

Leeds United have been dealt a setback in their efforts to sign Ben Brereton Diaz this winter…

What’s the word?

The Yorkshire giants have regularly been linked with a move for the Blackburn Rovers forward in recent windows, with claims earlier this month suggesting that a serious push to sign him would be made in January.

However, according to The Sun’s Alan Nixon, it’s going to take a massive offer for the Championship outfit to even consider letting him go, so that puts a big dent in their chances of sealing him.

“I don’t think he goes … unless offer is mad,” he tweeted.

Diaz is out of contract in the summer but the Lancashire side have an option to extend that by a further year. Meanwhile, a fee in the region of £20m has previously been mooted, as per the Mirror.

Unlikely move?

Historically, the January transfer window has not been one that Leeds often get involved in.

“The feeling in the club and in the recruitment department is generally that they would like to do as little business as they can in January,” once claimed The Athletic’s Phil Hay, whilst Marcelo Bielsa’s comments in the past have hinted towards there being a lack of activity.

The Argentina head coach also spent a lot of money in the summer, breaking Untied’s club record to sign Dan James, one of several £20m+ signings, so there are questions over how much of the budget is left for further additions next month,

However, Leeds need reinforcements as their injury list continues to pile up. They have missed the likes of vice-captain Luke Ayling and leading goalscorer Patrick Bamford for most of the season, without an adequate backup, whilst a fresh blow to Kalvin Phillips is certainly worrying.

Bamford returned from injury and suffered another setback, meaning he has played only 22 minutes in the top-flight since September, so it’s no wonder Bielsa has his sights set on a new frontline addition in Diaz.

Reports in Chile have previously suggested that the 66-year-old has been a huge fan of the Blackburn star, ever since the two sides met in the Championship for the first time several years ago, so he will be absolutely gutted to not be able to sign him this January, if Nixon’s claims are accurate.

The striker, dubbed a “beast” and an “extraordinary talent” by his manager Tony Mowbray, has been in electric form this campaign, where he has delivered 19 goals and one assist in 23 league games, via Transfermarkt.

Bamford’s only backup is academy gem Joe Gelhardt, so a move for one of the Championship’s most prolific goalscorers does make sense but it now seems unlikely given that Rovers will not sell him on the cheap, despite his contractual situation,

As such, Bielsa and co have been dealt a big blow in their attempts to bring in an alternative this winter. He will surely be devastated as his nightmare campaign at Elland Road looks set to continue.

AND in other news, Big relief: Phil Hay finally relays positive injury news for LUFC, fans surely buzzing…

Celtic have two distinct financial plans in place for whether or not they qualify for next season’s Champions League, according to football finance expert Doctor Dan Plumley.

The Lowdown: Celtic closing in on title

The Hoops are enjoying a memorable season to date, with Ange Postecoglou proving to be an inspired managerial appointment last summer despite a rocky start in Glasgow.

As the season slowly reaches its conclusion, Celtic find themselves six points clear of Rangers in the Scottish Premiership title race, as well as preparing to face their arch-rivals in the Scottish Cup semi-finals.

If Postecoglou’s side are crowned champions of the league they would of course qualify for the Champions League, as they look to make their mark in Europe’s biggest club competition.

The Latest: Financial plan in place

Speaking to Football Insider, Plumley revealed that plans are in place at Celtic financially, in terms of them qualifying for the competition or not, as it could make a £17m difference:

“You have to be careful, of course. Celtic know near enough what their revenue will be each year because it’s almost guaranteed that you’re going to finish first or second.

“They sell out every week and they know what they’re working with. The differentiator is, of course, European football. If they win the league this year, they get automatic qualification, which is going to be worth £17m minimum.

“That makes a big difference, so they’ll have different models depending on different possibilities.  Model A, they make the Champions League. Model B, they don’t. That extra money makes a big difference.

“Everything is based around those distinct models and whether you can repeat the trick and qualify year on year.”

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The Verdict: Shrewd approach from Desmond

This is a really smart approach after major shareholder Dermot Desmond hinted at as much recently, ensuring the club is run in sensible fashion rather than recklessly.

The expectation should be that Celtic are in the Champions League next season, of course, but in the event that it doesn’t happen, it is only right that a contingency plan is in place.

While Postecoglou and his players deserve huge praise for their performance on the pitch this season, the manner in which the club is being run as a whole is also worthy of positive reviews.

In other news, Kieran Devlin has singled out one Celtic player for praise. Find out who it is here.

An update has emerged on Newcastle United full-back Kieran Trippier and his current situation…

What’s the talk?

Magpies boss Eddie Howe has revealed that the defender has suffered a setback in his recovery from injury and will not be back in action on schedule.

The full-back has been out since he broke a bone in his foot in the 1-0 win over Aston Villa back in February and it remains to be seen how much longer he will be on the sidelines following this latest blow.

Howe told The Shields Gazette: “His injury is healing, (but) it’s not totally healed.

“Yeah, I think that’s where it is. I think we’ll be able to start pushing him not maybe as quickly as we initially wanted to, but I still think he’ll come back this season. Again, there’s no definite date on that, but he’s making good progress.”

Gutted

The St. James’ Park faithful will surely be left gutted by this body blow as it is a major setback for the full-back and will be mean that they will not be able to watch Trippier play for a while yet.

Howe needs the defender back as quickly as possible as his other right-back options are, quite simply, not up to the job.

Javier Manquillo put in a dreadful showing against Tottenham in the 5-1 defeat to the Premier League side on Sunday, as he lost all of his aerial duels and only made one tackle, interception and block combined. He also fell asleep at the back post for Matt Doherty’s goal, which opened the floodgates for Spurs and allowed them to go on and thrash the Toon.

The Spaniard and Emil Krafth, the two understudies to Trippier, have averaged WhoScored ratings of 6.48 and 6.45 respectively in the top-flight. Meanwhile, the England international has averaged a score of 7.87 across four outings for the club, scoring twice from full-back.

He is light years ahead of the pair in terms of the quality he is able to provide on the pitch, which is why his absence is a major setback for him and the club. Fans will want to see him back in the right-back slot sooner rather than later because they are currently suffering with the lack of Premier League class in the two players who have been playing in his place.

This will be particularly frustrating for the supporters as it comes just days after Callum Wilson also suffered a setback in his recovery from injury. The attacker will not be back in action as soon as he was expected to be, with Trippier’s problems now compounding the misery.

AND in other news, Less touches than Dubravka: “Struggling” NUFC flop with 6 passes was useless yesterday…