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Stoke City are interested in signing Sam Vokes from Burnley before the transfer deadline, according to Sky Sports News.

The Potters have identified the striker as a potential acquisition but Sean Dyche will not let any player leave unless he can source a replacement.

What’s the word?

Stoke, per Sky Sports, could sell both Peter Crouch and Bojan Krkic before the transfer deadline and are keen to bolster their attacking options.

The club are currently 15th in the Championship, but believe Vokes has the ability to play in both the second-tier and the Premier League.

Who are the best away fans in the Championship? Pl>ymaker FC’s Thogden gives his top 10 in the video below…

Vokes has been a key member of Dyche’s side this season, making 28 appearances in all competitions, per Transfermarkt.

However, he has scored just four goals in all competitions and his last strike for the club came in November 2018, in a 2-1 defeat to Newcastle United.

Per The Mirror, Burnley are interested in Birmingham City’s Che Adams, who could be a replacement for the Welshman.

Soar up the table

Stoke could soar up the table if they manage to sign Vokes.

The 29-year-old has played 113 games in the Premier League and has 198 appearances to his name in the Championship, according to Transfermarkt.

As per the same stats-based website, his goalscoring record is light-years better in the second-tier than the top-flight; he has scored 52 goals in the Championship, compared to 17 in the Premier League.

Stoke bringing him in, particularly to replace the enigmatic Bojan and the ageing Crouch, would do wonders for their hopes of working their way into the top 10 and potentially into the play-offs.

The Potters are currently eight points behind sixth-placed Derby County; Vokes could be just the man to score the goals needed to close that gap.

According to Football Insider, Tottenham Hotspur have ‘turned their attention’ to a new target as they eye a move for Oxford United defender Luke McNally.

The Lowdown: Spurs eye lower league talent…

The Lilywhites’ on-going search for new defensive additions isn’t exclusive to just the top tiers of European football.

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Some of the lower league’s brightest have been linked to Spurs in recent months, including the likes of Djed Spence, who Fabio Paratici lodged multiple January bids for.

Peterborough United defender Benjamin Mensah has also been the subject of interest, as previously revealed by the club’s own director Barry Fry.

Now, however, it seems Tottenham now have their eyes on yet another talent from below the Premier League.

The Latest: Lilywhites turn attention…

According to FI, Spurs have turned their attention to McNally with a recruitment source explaining that one bid of £2 million has already been put on the table.

Tottenham club officials are also apparently being sent to run the rule over Oxford’s towering defender until the end of this season with regular scouting trips planned.

The Verdict: Get it done?

The 22-year-old has been impressing for Oxford in England’s third tier with teammate Sam Long branding McNally an ‘absolute machine’.

Oxford’s centre-back possesses a physicality which could be perfect for the intensity of Premier League football with the player standing at a colossal 6 foot 3.

The fact he is attracting ‘extensive interest’ from rival clubs is also an indicator of his real potential, leaving little wonder he’s caught Tottenham’s eye also.

As McNally joins the list of talent on Tottenham’s agenda, it’s clear there is reason to believe he could be a promising addition.

In other news: Paratici sets sights on ‘phenomenal’ £100m man who Spurs have been offered before, find out more here.

After already securing deals for Philippe Coutinho and Lucas Digne, as well as apparently being close to signing Kerr Smith, Aston Villa have been rather busy in terms of their transfer activity this month.

Even with some time still left in the window, it seems as though the club are eyeing up yet another deal to add a bit of strength and depth to Steven Gerrard’s side.

What’s the news?

In a recent Twitter post from journalist and transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Villa “have an agreement on personal terms” with AS Roma goalkeeper Robin Olsen, who is currently on loan with Championship club Sheffield United.

Romano also said that the Blades have yet to decided whether or not to let him go and that a potential move to Villa would see him join on loan until the end of the season.

Villa have also been linked with a move for West Ham goalkeeper Darren Randolph in recent days, only for Irons manager David Moyes to come out and say that they have no intention of letting their shot-stopper leave this month.Along with Romano’s claim of the club apparently agreeing personal terms with Olsen, this shows that Villa are certainly looking to add a goalkeeper to their ranks this month.With current Villa number one Emiliano Martinez playing in all but one of their Premier League games so far this season, it’s safe to say that any shot-stopper who does make the move to Villa Park this month may not necessarily knock the Argentine out of the team straight away.Taking this into account, it seems as though Olsen – who is currently picking up £13k-per-week according to Salary Sport – or any other goalkeeper who may come to Villa this month will have to settle with being a backup option not getting regular game-time.Labelled a “big presence” by Blades defender John Egan, Olsen has played in 11 Championship games with the Yorkshire club so far this season but has only managed to keep one clean sheet along the way, which suggests that Martinez may not have to be too concerned about his place in the starting XI if Olsen were to join Villa.Nonetheless, Gerrard would still be elated to have another goalkeeper in his squad with some experience of playing in the Premier League who can add some welcome depth in that area, and Romano’s update suggests that the Swedish netminder could well be in Villa colours by the end of the month.In other news – Imagine him & Coutinho: Gerrard can form scary Villa duo with “clever” £43k-p/w gem

Many Everton fans have been buzzing over some transfer news which has emerged regarding Vitaliy Mykolenko.

As per the club’s official website, they have now confirmed the signing of the player from Dynamo Kiev for an ‘undisclosed fee’, and he has signed a four-and-a-half-year deal at the Merseyside club until the end of June 2026.

The Ukraine international becomes the Toffees’ first signing of the January transfer window after impressing with both club and country over recent years.

Mykolenko brings with him a lot of promise, having already won four trophies in his career at just 22 years of age, while he has registered three assists from left-back in the Ukrainian top flight and played in the Champions League this season (Transfermarkt).

Of course, this will only fuel the speculation surrounding the future of Lucas Digne, but a lot of Everton supporters are just excited for now that a new face is coming through the door.

Everton fans on Mykolenko transfer news

These Toffees fans buzzed as the transfer news was shared on Twitter, with one going as far as to claim that it is a ‘great’ start to the month:

“YESSS”

Credit: @EFCOliver7

“HE’S MAGIC YOU KNOW”

Credit: @WhitesideKp

“Yessssssss”

Credit: @Callum14655523

“Moooorning!”

Credit: @ToffeeMc1878

“Great to get business done early, welcome!”

Credit: @TacticallyEv

“New Year. New you Everton. I like it! Happy New Year.”

Credit: @EFCLynne

In other news, these training images have had many Evertonians gushing

Following the appointment of Steven Gerrard as Dean Smith’s replacement at Aston Villa, it was revealed that the owners at Villa Park would give financial backing to the 41-year-old during the January transfer window.

The first example of this could be seen in their recent loan deal for Barcelona and former Liverpool star Philippe Coutinho.

Looking ahead to the rest of the window, the Midlands club have plenty of time left to complete any deals that they think will improve Gerrard’s squad and enable them to end their season on a high.

However, one potential target who the Villans should definitely avoid this month is Norwich City’s Todd Cantwell.

With Villa having been linked with a potential £40m move for the midfielder last summer, The Athletic’s David Ornstein recently claimed that the Canaries would be willing to sell the 23-year-old for a reduced fee of £15m or more.

Despite this substantial drop in price, the Midlanders should still avoid making a move to sign him this month.

From a Villa point of view, even before the arrival of Coutinho, they have a significant number of midfield and attacking players in their squad, including youngsters Jacob Ramsey, Carney Chukwuemeka and Cameron Archer, who could end up being overlooked if Cantwell were to join.

In terms of what the 23-year-old – who is currently valued at £18m by Transfermarkt – could offer to Villa, he has not scored a goal or provided an assist in eight Premier League appearances so far this season. That suggests that the Englishman may not have the quality to get into the Villa team in the first place.

In addition to Cantwell’s lack of goal contributions in the league this season, his performances haven’t been much to shout about either. WhoScored give him an overall rating of 6.23/10, which would rank him among Villa’s lowest-rated players this season.

Having been accused of “getting above his station” by pundit Chris Sutton after walking down the tunnel at Carrow Road when he was substituted in Norwich’s game against Villa last month, the 23-year-old may not necessarily have the attitude that Gerrard would want in his squad either.

Overall, Villa must avoid a potential transfer howler and forget about securing a deal for Cantwell this month despite the apparent decrease in Norwich’s asking price.

In other news – Forget Coutinho: Lange can transform Gerrard’s Villa by signing “aggressive” £22.5m beast

Many Everton fans have been left buzzing over an official social media post from club ahead of their game at Crystal Palace later today.

As per the  Toffees’ official Twitter channel, Dominic Calvert-Lewin is now back on the pitch doing individual training as he continues to recover from his injury setback, which has kept him out of action since August.

The match at Selhurst Park this evening may come too soon for him, but it is such a boost to see the striker back in training, meaning that he should be ready to return soon.

Calvert-Lewin scored three goals in his first three appearances of the season prior to his injury (Transfermarkt) and was their top scorer in 2020/21 with 21 goals, showing just how crucial he is to the team, so his return will very much be welcomed by Rafael Benitez and Everton supporters.

Everton fans on Calvert-Lewin’s return to training

These Toffees fans buzzed as the images of the 24-year-old in training were shared on Twitter:

“Things you love to see”

Credit: @___MC88

“He’s back.”

Credit: @_adamefc_

“SIUUU”

Credit: @efcdoyley

“WWWWWWWW”

Credit: @pwefc1

“Great to see”

Credit: @StacyMu78345188

“Yeah!”

Credit: @JoAschoolHR

In other news, find out what latest Lucas Digne news has had these Evertonians talking

Everton have been plagued with injury problems so far this season and have seen injuries to some of their most influential players in their side.

Richarlison, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Yerry Mina and Abdoulaye Doucoure have all been side-lined at various points of the first eleven games in the side’s current Premier League campaign, which has quite obviously had an effect on their current form, taking only 15 points from a possible 33.

Rafa Benitez will be relieved that the injury crisis seems to be over, as Richarlison and Mina have both returned to training over the last few weeks, with Doucoure and Calvert Lewin expected back imminently too.

The return of these important and experienced players will be crucial for the Toffees, as the side take on a hard run of games in the lead up to Christmas that could be rather problematic, facing Arsenal, Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea in the next few weeks.

One return that, in particular, is highly anticipated by both the Spanish manager and the fans, is that of midfielder Doucoure.

The 28-year-old has been a huge loss to the side and was praised by former Watford midfielder, David Prentice, recently, talking about his impact to the team and his versatility as a player under Benitez before his recent injury issues.

Prentice told The Royal Blues Podcast;

“Doucoure, who you know, has been a revelation under Rafa Benitez already, a good signing anyway but seems to be playing a very, very different role, just underlined again what he’s got in his armoury.”

Before the attacking midfielder became injured with a foot injury a month ago, he had offered a number of impressive performances scoring two goals and offering clinical direct link up play with the forward line of the team by offering four assists to his attacking teammates in just nine appearances so far.

This kind of aggressive impact and direct attacking threat is something Everton have been lacking since the £120k-per-week Frenchman’s injury in October, and they will be hoping to get him back into the team as soon as possible to unleash his talent on the title challenging sides Everton are preparing to face in the near future.

Doucoure is expected back after the international break, with Fabrizio Romano writing on Twitter:

“Abdoulaye Doucoure injury update. [The] Everton midfielder will be back earlier than expected.

“He’s preparing his comeback in four/four and half weeks, after the international break.

“Finally some good news for Rafa Benitez.”

Rafa Benitez’s side face a challenging fixture this weekend as they travel to the Ethiad to face Premier League Champions, Manchester City, on Sunday afternoon, but following that, Doucoure could be just the man to revive their form ahead of some tough encounters.

In other news: Dominic Calvert-Lewin teases injury return

According to a report by The Times, a major midweek update has come to light on Tottenham Hotspur’s plans for loanee winger Dejan Kulusevski.

The Lowdown: ‘Decky’ shining at Spurs…

The Sweden international, who is nicknamed ‘Decky’, is currently enjoying life at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on loan from Juventus, with Spurs manager Antonio Conte raving over his starlet to the press.

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Kulusevski joined the club in January alongside midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur, with both players impressing as part of Conte’s new-look Spurs contingent.

The 21-year-old has racked up two goals and five assists over his 10 Premier League outings so far as he forms an effective understanding with Son Heung-min and Harry Kane as part of Tottenham’s front three.

As per The Times, his form has now prompted Spurs to make a major transfer call.

The Latest: The Times share big Kulusevski update…

According to their information, the Lilywhites are now ‘ready to move early’ to ‘snap up’ the player in an eight-figure £25 million permanent deal.

Indeed, Tottenham and their transfer chief Fabio Paratici apparently plan to trigger Kulusevski’s £25m clause this summer rather than waiting until his loan expires, when the option could cost around £33.5m.

The Verdict: Get it done…

Going by his performances so far, £25m could be a real bargain for Kulusevski’s signature permanently, with Serie A expert Nima Tavallaey Roodsari telling 101 Great Goals that the Swede would be a hit under Conte.

The Italian football journalist tipped the 21-year-old to become an ‘absolute monster’ working with Tottenham’s head coach, drawing emphasis Kulusevski being a ‘non-stop machine’ who ‘never steps running’ (101 Great Goals).

Going by the player’s WhoScored returns, Nima has been proven correct, with the winger already averaging a higher match rating than anyone in the Spurs squad bar Kane and Son.

Taking this into account, it’s crystal clear to see why Spurs are now ready to make his move a permanent one.

In other news: Tottenham eye agreement ‘in the coming weeks’ as they make offer for exciting midfielder, find out more here.

Tottenham and Manchester City have both launched enquiries for Bologna midfielder Mattias Svanberg, according to Calciomercato.com.

The Lowdown: Svanberg profiled

Svanberg is a 15-cap Sweden international who can play in a defensive, central or even attacking midfield role.

The 23-year-old has been with Bologna since 2018 and has made over 100 appearances for the club – 20 of which have come this season.

He holds a career-high Transfermarkt valuation of £13.5m so appears to be at absolute the peak of his powers, with reports previously suggesting that Svanberg is a top target for Antonio Conte.

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The Latest: Enquiry made

Calciomercato.com shared an update on Thursday morning, claiming both Spurs and City have made contact for Svanberg.

The report added that the midfielder’s agent, Martin Dahlin, is set to arrive in Italy for a meeting with Bologna to discuss a possible renewal or future sale.

A January exit was also mentioned, should the parties fail to reach an imminent agreement.

The Verdict: Shrewd addition?

Conte will know just what Svanberg could bring to Spurs following his time in Italy managing Inter Milan, and it seems he likes what he sees in the player after making him a top target.

Capable of playing in three different midfield roles, it could be a wise under-the-radar addition, with Svanberg not exactly a name known around the world.

Franck Kessie is another Serie A midfielder linked with Spurs, and Conte could really do with bringing both to the club. Tottenham have a total of six defensive, central and attacking midfielders on the books, and that number could decrease with the likes of Dele Alli and Giovani Lo Celso tipped for possible exits, meaning reinforcements would be needed this month.

In other news: Spurs now take next steps to sign ‘one of the best’ from PL rivals; Conte personally wants him. 

Crystal Palace are expected to hand key midfielder James McArthur a new contract following his impressive performances this season, according to journalist Tom Barclay.

What’s the story?

The 34-year-old’s current deal is set to expire next summer, meaning he would become a free agent at the end of June.

However, following a string of standout performances in Palace’s engine room in the opening weeks of 2021/22, Barclay believes new manager Patrick Vieira will sanction an offer of fresh terms over the coming months.

He told GIVEMESPORT: “He won’t get the assists, he won’t score the goals, he won’t do those raking passes here and there – that highlights reel kind of player. But, there’s a reason why Vieira likes him so much, and why he’s so effective in this team.”

Barclay added: “I probably expect them, despite being 34, to give him a new contract and keep him next season.”

McArthur has been with the capital club since 2014 following his arrival from Wigan Atheltic and could extend his stay into an eighth year if he puts pen to paper on a new contract.

Crystal Palace fans will be delighted

Despite the fact that the former Scotland international is set to turn 35 next October, Palace fans will still be delighted at Barclay’s latest revelation, given his importance to Vieira’s charges.

As per WhoScored, McArthur has averaged 2.3 tackles per Premier League fixture this season, 1.2 interceptions and 1.8 defensive dribbles, placing him in the top-four amongst his teammates for each metric.

His eye-catching displays in the middle of the park have caught the attention of several impressed onlookers, including his manager.

“He is valuable, he’s our captain, and so he has a responsibility to bring his leadership to the squad,” said Vieira after their recent victory over Wolves.

“He’s a fighter, he’s a warrior, he’s the benchmark for a professional. This is the same in training, he is no different.”

Injury kept McArthur out of Palace’s 3-3 draw with Burnley last time out, but the box-to-box dynamo had started every top-flight fixture prior to his fitness concerns, skippering the side on six occasions.

Therefore, news that a fresh deal could be on the horizon will please Vieira and the south London outfit’s supporters alike, providing some stability throughout the club’s transitional period.

And, in other news…Forget Gallagher: Palace monster who made 8 clearances was Vieira’s hero vs Burnley