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Newcastle United are interested in signing a highly-rated "athletic" Championship starlet who "likes a tackle", according to a fresh transfer update.

Newcastle transfer news

The Magpies have been linked with so many players of late, although it is bizarrely outgoing January transfer business dominating the recent headlines, amid their unpredictable form in the Premier League.

Rennes midfielder Desire Doue is believed to be of interest, with the youngster seen as a prodigious talent, while Everton ace Amadou Onana appears to be considered a good option to come in and make up for the absence of the injured Joelinton, albeit an expensive one. The middle of the park does look to be an area that the Magpies are keen on strengthening in, with Bournemouth's Philip Billing another individual who is reportedly being looked at, too.

There are also potentially significant departures on the cards at St James' Park this month, with Bayern Munich still pushing to complete the signing of the hugely popular and influential Kieran Trippier. It remains to be seen if he will leave, but it is a concerning siuation, and striker Callum Wilson is also wanted by Atletico Madrid before the end of the month, while Miguel Almiron is strongly linked with a move to Saudi Arabia.

Newcastle want Jordan James

According to an update from Corriere Della Sera [via Sport Witness], Newcastle are interested in signing Birmingham City youngster Jordan James.

Fellow Premier League clubs Brighton and Brentford are also believed to be keen on snapping up the 19-year-old, while Championship side West Brom are also in the mix. James could be a brilliant long-term purchase by Newcastle, considering he is seen as one of the brightest players that Wales have produced recently, being lauded by current international boss Rob Page:

"He reads the game well, he’s athletic, he likes a tackle, he can pass the ball, he can head it. He ticks a lot of boxes; he has got everything. He is a great lad and he wants to work hard. He has got potential and we’re going to help him achieve that."

This outlines what a talent he James is, and he could be viewed as a fantastic long-term prospect who could end up becoming a genuine star at Newcastle. He has spoken about his friendship with Real Madrid and England superstar Jude Bellingham in the past, having played together at Birmingham, so he may have learned a trick or two from the now world class midfielder:

“Jude? He wasn’t a bad player. He would run the most, run through everyone. I know his mess-around side, the football banter. The brothers are big personalities in the dressing room and like to crack jokes."

Newcastle set to submit offer for highly-rated prodigious midfield ace

His name has previously been “on everyone’s lips” at his current club.

ByHenry Jackson Jan 21, 2024

James already has eight caps for Wales, despite still being so young, so he isn't simply one for the future, and could immediately be a solid squad player for Eddie Howe.

It might still be early doors, but Chelsea look like they are back on track in 2024; following their pitiful display in the Premier League against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Christmas Eve, they have been almost faultless – just don't think about that League Cup semi-final first leg.

Mauricio Pochettino has overseen five wins and a draw from their last seven games and guided the Blues into a cup final, something that seemed a million miles away just a couple of months ago.

However, for as good as the Pensioners have looked over the last month or so, their misfiring frontline will remain a problem for the rest of the season, lest they do something about it in the dying embers of the transfer window.

The two-time European Champions have the second-worst underperformance in the league by Understat's expected goals model, and the fact that they have scored nine goals fewer than they should have could come back to bite them in May.

This is obviously a concern for Todd Boehly and Co as numerous number nines who could replace Nicolas Jackson have been touted for a move to Stamford Bridge this month – let's take a look at three of them.

1 Callum Wilson – Newcastle United

The first name on the list is a relatively recent development and potentially represents the most straightforward transfer to complete: Newcastle United's Callum Wilson.

The Englishman was linked to the west Londoners earlier this week, and while the Toon would rather keep a hold of one of their most effective players, FFP is forcing their hand somewhat regarding the future of several key players.

The Magpies reportedly value the former Cherries man at around £18m and would prefer a straight transfer if he were to leave this month, while the Blues are after a loan, although with a price as reasonable as that, their approach could change very quickly.

Whatever the fee, signing the "ruthless" Wilson, as journalist Chris Waugh described him, would be a massive upgrade on Jackson, as despite multiple injury problems throughout his career, the 31-year-old professional has remained a clinical Premier League striker, something that is reflected in his brilliant top-flight career statistics.

While the aforementioned injuries and age would usually be a pair of massive red flags in a player, for £18m, it seems well worth the risk, especially if the money saved by signing the Toon forward could be spent on a new long-term striker in the summer window.

Ultimately, with 86 goals and 23 assists to his name in just 215 appearances, this seems too good of an opportunity to pass up for the Pensioners.

215

86

23

0.40

74

89

52

2 Lautaro Martinez – Inter Milan

The second name on the list is a World Cup winner, currently the top scorer in Serie A, who came agonisingly close to winning the Champions League last season; that name is Inter Milan's Lautaro Martinez.

The Argentine sensation was linked to the club earlier this month and would reportedly be available for a sum of £80m-£100m as he is still yet to sign a new deal with the Italian giants.

Described as a "mix of Aguero & Falcao" for his "great close control & technique" by talent scout Jacek Kulig, the 26-year-old would instantly elevate Pochettino's middling strike force.

Just this season, he has netted 22 goals in 24 starts for the Nerazzurri across all competitions and is showing no signs of slowing down.

His underlying numbers are just as impressive, with FBref, which compares players in similar positions across Europe's top five leagues, placing him in the top 1% of strikers for interceptions, the top 3% for non-penalty goals, the top 5% for total shots, the top 9% for non-penalty goals all per 90.

Interestingly, Jackson does rank a little higher for non-penalty expected goals and non-penalty expected goals and assists, but this, combined with the number of non-penalty goals the pair have scored this season – Jackson has seven, Martinez has 17 – just further proves that the Inter star is clinical and the Senegalese international is not.

Martinez

Stats vs CFs in Europe

Jackson

Top 1%

Interceptions

Bottom 28%

Top 3%

Non-Penalty Goals

Top 10%

Top 5%

Total Shots

Top 37%

Top 9%

Non-Penalty Expected Goals

Top 6%

Top 9%

Tackles

Bottom 45%

Top 12%

Non-Penalty Expected Goals + Assists

Top 9%

Top 14%

Blocks

Top 36%

Top 15%

Shot-Creating Actions

Top 19%

3 Dušan Vlahović – Juventus

The third and final name on this list is another striker having a brilliant personal season in Italy this year, Juventus' Dušan Vlahović.

The Serbian international was linked to Chelsea earlier this month when journalist Simon Phillips revealed that the club had been holding internal discussions about the former Fiorentina ace and the possibility of signing him this month.

The 24-year-old "goal machine", as u23 scout Antonio Mango described him, took some time to adjust to life in Turin but has been like a man possessed this season, with his 12 league goals only bettered by Inter's Martinez.

However, where the Argentine could cost the Blues anywhere up to £100m, reports at the start of this month revealed that the Old Lady would be willing to listen to offers for their number nine starting in the region of €60m, which is about £51m.

Player

Goals

Club

Assists

Lautaro Martinez

19

Inter Milan

2

Dušan Vlahović

12

Juventus

3

Olivier Giroud

10

AC Milan

7

Domenico Berardi

9

Sassuolo

3

Hakan Calhanoglu

9

Inter Milan

3

While that isn't cheap by any stretch of the imagination, it would represent a good deal in a January window, especially considering that Jackson cost the club £30m.

Three midfielders Chelsea could sign to finally move on from Gallagher

The Blues could sell their homegrown talent this month.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Jan 30, 2024

Ultimately, while the league campaign might just about be beyond saving for Chelsea this season, they have a genuine chance to win two trophies, and signing any of these strikers to start over the profligate Jackson would be a surefire way to improve their chances of success.

Can Viktor Gyökeres now kick-start his Arsenal career?

On Tuesday night, having been nine appearances for club and country without a goal, the Swedish striker scored twice in two minutes as the Gunners demolished Atlético Madrid 4-0 in the Champions League, named man of the match.

This takes Gyökeres’ tally to five goals for the club, all coming in home wins, now hoping this will be the start of a scoring spree, given that their upcoming opponents are Crystal Palace, Brighton, Burnley, Slavia Prague and Sunderland, before the small matter of a North London derby.

So, which teammate could truly get the best out of the man who proudly wears number 14 on his back, perhaps recreating Arsenal’s best-ever attacking partnership?

Dennis Bergkamp and Thierry Henry's Arsenal legacy

Gooners of a certain vintage may well argue that they had the pleasure of watching the club’s two best attackers of all time play together, a key reason why Arsène Wenger’s side won the double in 2002 and were Invincible two seasons later.

Dennis Bergkamp spent over a decade in North London after arriving from Internazionale in 1995, scoring 120 goals and registering 116 assists for the club.

The non-flying Dutchman, a nickname given to him due to his aviophobia, was the archetypal number ten during a period where second strikers were on the rise in English football, with Eric Cantona at Manchester United and Gianfranco Zola at Chelsea.

Bergkamp was renowned for his impeccable first touch and mind-blowing technical quality, with Wenger praising his “exceptional brain” while Ian Wright believes that “Dennis changed the DNA” of the whole club, transforming from a defensive long ball team known as ‘boring boring Arsenal’ into the free-flowing side they would become, because Bergkamp was so good “you couldn’t bypass him”.

He would, of course, form a formidable partnership with Thierry Henry, who remains the Gunners’ all-time leading goalscorer with 228, the pair combining for a total of 18 Premier League goals during the 2003/04 season alone.

Unlike Arsenal’s current number 14, Henry was capable of producing magic moments all by himself, albeit it didn’t half help having Bergkamp, Robert Pirès, Freddie Ljungberg and others supplying him.

So, as Gyökeres looks to emulate Henry, now only 223 goals behind his all-time record, which may prove just out of reach, who could be his Bergkamp, thereby getting the best out of the Swede?

Arsenal's new Dennis Bergkamp

As already alluded to, the arrival of Dennis Bergkamp three decades ago was viewed as transformational, the only good thing Bruce Rioch did as manager, and the Gunners are now hopeful that Eberechi Eze’s move from Crystal Palace could have a similar effect.

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Well, the aforementioned Ian Wright certainly believes this could be the case, asserting that the move was “like when Bergkamp came”, adding “we need a player that has got a little bit more maverick… he’s a game-changer”.

Seemingly set to move to fierce rivals Tottenham, the last-minute U-turn which saw the boyhood Arsenal fan return home in August will forever remain a highlight of this season for supporters, irrespective of what the actual football delivers, emphasised by the reception he got when he was unveiled prior to the 5-0 demolition of Leeds.

So far, the England international opened his Arsenal account against Port Vale in the EFL Cup, while bagging his third assist for the club in mid-week, setting up Gyökeres to score the third during the demolition of Atlético Madrid.

The table below documents Eze’s influence over his new team.

Minutes

613

9th

Goals

1

8th

Assists

3

1st

Shots

16

4th

Shots on target

6

2nd

Big chances created

3

2nd

Key passes

7

7th

Shot-creating actions

23

5th

Goal-creating actions

4

2nd

Successful take-ons

10

2nd

As the table outlines, despite generally limited minutes, Eze’s creative influence has been on show so far, notching three assists, the joint-most of any Arsenal player, while also ranking second for big chances created and goal-creating actions.

Last season at Crystal Palace, he registered eight assists and created 11 Opta-defined big chances in the Premier League, hence why Mikel Arteta and Andrea Berta pushed the boat out to sign him,

So, have there been signs that Eze and Gyökeres could work well in tandem?

Well, exhibit A in that regard would be the second goal during September’s 3-0 victory over Ange Postecoglou’s Nottingham Forest, with Eze putting the ball on a plate for Gyökeres to fire home from mere picometers out.

As has been well documented, unlike Henry, Gyökeres is a striker very much reliant on others for service, touching the ball only 26 times on Tuesday, but scoring two goals, which is what he is in the team to do; to paraphrase Roy Keane, that’s his job!

With Ødegaard sidelined for another few weeks at least, much of the creative burden will fall on Eze, but he is more than capable of shouldering this responsibility.

While the pair have got a long way to go to be anywhere near as good as Bergkamp and Henry, they might just be able to fire the Gunners to a first Premier League triumph since those glory years.

Arteta already has another Max Dowman at Arsenal who was "built in a lab"

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ByBen Gray Oct 24, 2025

Liverpool are now reportedly ready to spend over £100m to sign Brighton & Hove Albion’s Yankuba Minteh in an attempt to solve one of Arne Slot’s glaring problems.

Winless in four Premier League games, Liverpool’s title defence has turned into an unexpected nightmare. Slot’s side have looked out on their feet even when clawing victories at the start of the campaign. For the first time in the Dutchman’s time at Anfield, he is under increasing pressure.

Defeat at Brentford was particularly damning. The Red were bullied in West London and a squad built on a £400m+ spending spree were silenced by some old faces in a stark reminder that money doesn’t always equal success.

Alas, what should concern those at Anfield the most is Slot’s recent admission that he’s yet to find a solution to the physical style that sides are implementing against Liverpool. In the era of Premier League football, the champions have simply been unable to compete, with Arsenal epitomising the change taking place in England’s top flight.

Former Anfield star Jamie Carragher recently echoed those struggles, saying: “Losing four games in a row for Brentford would be a disaster. To see the champions do it with the expenditure in the summer means we’re in crisis time for Liverpool right now.

“There will be a lot of serious questions asked in the dressing room between the players and the coaching staff and the people above the manager. When they’ve looked at what they’ve spent, they’ll be looking for a lot more.”

The solution may not even come internally for Liverpool either, who are ready to break the bank for Minteh in an attempt to at least fix one problem.

Why Liverpool are ready to break the bank for Minteh

According to FootAfrica, Liverpool are now ready to spend over £100m to sign Minteh from Brighton in 2026. The winger has enjoyed an impressive season so far and with the Reds looking to inject the directness that they lost when selling Luis Diaz in the summer, he has emerged as an ideal option.

Minutes

770

680

803

Goals

1

5

3

Assists

2

4

2

Successful take-ons

23

36

2

Although the goals are yet to come for Minteh, his take-on success is something to take note of when compared to Salah. The Egyptian, in one of his worst starts to a Liverpool season, has completed just two take-ons. Minteh, meanwhile, is already on 23 and still isn’t close to Diaz’s 36 for Bayern Munich.

Simply put, the Reds have not replaced Diaz’s direct ability with the ball which progresses play and maintains possession. Take that away and Trent Alexander-Arnold’s ability to progress play with his passing range and Liverpool’s struggles begin to make sense.

The new Thiago: Liverpool "superstar" is becoming a "huge disappointment"

This Liverpool mainstay has flattered to deceive this season.

1 ByAngus Sinclair Oct 29, 2025

Described as “exciting” by scout Jacek Kulig, Minteh represents the type of player that Michael Edwards built his reputation on signing and should do so once again in 2026.

How Arne Slot has already replaced Salah

Harry Kane. The greatest goalscorer in Tottenham Hotspur history. Perhaps their greatest ever player too.

The prolific striker left Spurs behind in 2023, finally departing after scoring a swashbuckling 280 goals in 435 games for the Lilywhites.

For too long, Kane had failed to win a trophy, to pick up an award that his performances for well over a decade deserved.

That curse continued during his first campaign in Germany. Now of Bayern Munich, Bayer Leverkusen topped the German heavyweights’ monopoly on the title.

Kane’s first piece of silverware finally came last term, his side victorious in the league. England’s greatest centre-forward has his major trophy, he can rest easy.

However, might there be thoughts of returning to Spurs?

Spurs targeting £86m Harry Kane alternative

Reports emerged late last month that Spurs were ready to launch a move to re-sign their former talisman if given encouragement on the player side.

Kane’s contract in Munich ends in 2027 and there is a release clause of £56.7m in his terms that could reportedly be activated at the end of the current season.

Sadly for those of a Tottenham persuasion, a move looks to be unlikely. Speaking to the press this week, Kane revealed that he could definitely see himself remaining in Germany.

With that move off the table, if Spurs have desires of improving their forward line, something they need to do given the injury-prone Richarlison and Dominic Solanke, an alternative will be required.

Reports from Spain this week suggest that Porto striker Samu Aghehowa could be that man.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

Indeed, it is claimed that Spurs are one of the major contenders to sign the Spanish striker in 2026, but they do face a few obstacles.

The first is Samu’s £86m release clause. The second is competition from further Premier League clubs, primarily Aston Villa and Newcastle.

His former club, Atletico Madrid, are also keeping a close eye on his development, perhaps regretting the decision they made to sell him to Porto.

Why Samu is such an exciting striker

Kane is the best goalscorer Spurs have ever seen, but he’s remarkably taking his game to new heights since moving to Germany.

Spurs

435

280

England

107

74

Bayern

106

103

Millwall

27

9

Orient

18

5

Leicester

15

2

Norwich

5

0

Last term, the England international bagged 41 goals in 51 games. This season, he’s in the form of his life, netting 18 times in ten outings. It’s Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo levels in their pomp.

Such form has seen calls for Kane to win the Ballon d’Or, but as the player himself has admitted, he may well need to win the Champions League or World Cup to be in the conversation. Wouldn’t that be something, eh?

Despite that, Kane is now 32 and while he only looks like he’s getting better in front of goal, there is no resale value here for Spurs and you do have to doubt just how long he will be able to do it at this rate of knots.

Spurs fans will no doubt lust after his return to north London but it’s not exactly a signing for the future. Samu, however, certainly would be.

He’s no mug in front of goal either. Just 21 years of age, the Spain international scored on 27 occasions in 45 fixtures throughout 2024/25.

The young attacker has been similarly rampant this season, scoring five goals in eight fixtures. As European football expert, Zach Lowy, has alluded to, Samu “has everything it takes to be one of the best strikers in Europe.”

Lowy mentions that while Porto’s star man is certainly still “rough around the edges” at his age, he holds the ball up brilliantly and chases the ball down “like a madman”.

Combine that with his ability to score goals on a regular basis and you have a complete package ready to take one of Europe’s top five leagues by storm.

There is a reason Chelsea nearly signed him too. They’ve been busy hoovering up some of the best young talent in the world in recent years and had agreed a deal worth £35m before the move collapsed. That could be to Spurs’ gain if they do seal Samu’s signature next year.

Some might be concerned about the fact that the striker is unproven in a major league. Viktor Gyokeres has had an indifferent start at Arsenal since swapping the Portuguese top-flight for the Premier League.

He was more prolific than Samu, too, notching 54 goals last season, but it’s key to remember that the Spurs target is younger. His future in the game looks immense and while it’s a stretch to suggest he’d replicate Kane, he can certainly help them forget about making a move for a player who will be in his mid-30s by the time his contract in Germany expires.

Samu, on the other hand, will still only be 23. He has the world at his feet and he’s ready to dominate European football for years to come.

Spurs sold "phenomenal" striker for just £7m, now he's as prolific as Kane

The incredible striker Spurs sold is starting to play like Harry Kane.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Oct 7, 2025

Tottenham Hotspur chiefs have now set their sights on one of Aston Villa’s rising stars after an appeal from club officials, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Paratici weighs top talent…

Spurs managing director Fabio Paratici, as per recent claims, also has one eye on future talents with there being many on his radar.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/tottenham-newest-updates/” title=”Tottenham newest updates…” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

Peterborough United duo Ronnie Edwards and Benjamin Mensah, a central defender and right-wing-back respectively, are just two names Tottenham have been linked with recently.

Middlesbrough ace Djed Spence, currently on loan at Nottingham Forest, was the subject of multiple Spurs bids in January and there is reason to believe they could return to the charge this summer.

The Latest: Tottenham hierarchy plot Patterson move…

According to Football Insider, Tottenham are now ‘plotting’ a move for Villa’s exciting young left-back Travis Patterson.

The 16-year-old is regarded as one of the ‘top-level’ youngsters coming through in the Midlands with Spurs club officials and ‘talent spotters’ scouting Patterson.

It is believed that these employees have now ‘recommended’ the England Under-17 international to Tottenham’s ‘hierarchy’ – appealing for his signing behind-the-scenes.

The Verdict: Make a move?

Patterson is certainly emerging as one to watch, having already made his Villa Under-23s debut at just 16.

This is a real indicator of his talent, and going by Spurs’ homegrown quota issue, they should be looking to get as many top English talents through the door as possible.

His development has been described as ‘rapid’ and there is no sign of it slowing down, and going by his real rise, he may well be a Tottenham left-back of the future if club chiefs decide to tempt him across the Premier League to north London.

In other news: Tottenham officials dispatched to club as they allegedly eye ‘unbelievable’ £33m man for Conte! Find out more here.

The January transfer window has been open for business for over three weeks and Celtic have, so far, made one addition to their first-team squad.

German winger Nicolas Kuhn has been brought in from Austrian side Rapid Wien on a permanent deal on a five-and-a-half-year contract to bolster Brendan Rodgers' options at the top end of the pitch.

Appearances

16

Goals

Two

Assists

Five

Big chances created

11

Key passes per game

1.8

The 24-year-old wizard, who caught the eye in the Bundesliga earlier this season as you can see in the table above, may not be the only signing made by the Scottish giants this month.

Football Insider previously reported that the Hoops head coach would also like to add a left-back, a goalkeeper, and a new centre-forward to his squad before the window slams shut.

Celtic may also need to replace one of their current first-team performer as Liel Abada has been linked with a transfer away from Parkhead this month.

Celtic's need to replace Abada

According to The Mail, the Israel international is a target for a number of clubs outside of Scotland ahead of a potential loan exit from Glasgow before February's deadline.

English Championship sides West Bromwich Albion, Southampton, and Watford are all interested in a loan swoop for the exciting young winger as they look to bolster their respective attacks ahead of the second half of the campaign.

Clubs in Germany and France are also keen on a deal to sign the 22-year-old wizard, who has only started three Scottish Premiership matches so far this season.

His campaign has been severely disrupted by a torn thigh muscle that caused him to miss a staggering 22 competitive games for Celtic between September and December of 2023.

The Hoops could need to find a replacement for the forward if they allow him to depart on loan to one of the many interested clubs before the deadline, and they may already know who could step up to fill that void.

Instead of dipping into the market to sign another attacking midfielder, Rodgers could unearth Rocco Vata from the B team as the club look to tie him down to a new contract.

Sky Sports journalist Anthony Joseph has revealed that the Bhoys have opened talks with the 18-year-old prospect over an extension at Parkhead.

His current deal is due to expire at the end of the 2023/24 campaign and the Scottish giants are now scrambling to ensure that his future remains in Glasgow.

The reporter claims that Vata is keen to stay at Celtic if the right pathway is there for him to make a breakthrough at senior level, which Abada's potential exit could provide him with.

Rodgers could offer the Irish youngster more first-team minutes, that would otherwise have gone to the 22-year-old winger, and convince him to commit his future to the club.

Liel Abada's Celtic goal record

The right-footed forward joined the Hoops in the summer of 2021 and quickly established himself as a reliable and impressive option at the top end of the pitch.

Abada has racked up 29 goals and 22 assists in 109 appearances for the club in all competitions over the last three-and-a-half-years, which includes 21 goals in 67 Premiership outings.

During the 2021/22 campaign, the exciting whiz caught the eye under Ange Postecoglou with a return of ten goals and six assists in 36 league matches.

He followed that up with ten goals and five assists in 34 Premiership games throughout the 2022/23 season under the Australian head coach, although only 13 of those appearances came as a starter.

His thigh injury has halted his progress under Rodgers this season as Abada has only contributed with one goal and one assist in six league games.

The young dynamo has previously proven his quality in the Premiership, under Postecoglou, but his injury has been a huge setback and going out on loan for the second half of the campaign could be ideal for him.

It would allow Abada to go and play regular first-team football to regain his fitness and form ahead of a possible return to Celtic for the 2024/25 campaign, whilst it would also open the door for Vata to be provided with a pathway to senior minutes.

The stats that show why Vata could be Abada's replacement

Rodgers could replace the current first-team winger by bringing the 18-year-old starlet up to the senior squad on a regular basis over the next few months.

The Ireland U21 international has already shown glimpses of his quality for Celtic in a smattering of appearances since the start of last season, the latest of which came against Buckie Thistle in the Scottish Cup on Sunday.

Vata, who talent scout Jacek Kulig once claimed has an "exciting" future ahead, found the back of the net from close range as he displayed his fantastic positioning within the six-yard box to score his first goal for the club, as you can see in the video below.

His goalscoring potential has been on display throughout his time with the B team in Glasgow as the Ireland U21 international has scored a whopping 23 goals in 34 appearances for the young Hoops.

Abada hit double figures for goals in the 2021/22 and 2022/23 Premiership campaigns and these statistics suggest that Vata could provide a similar threat when it comes to scoring goals from an attacking midfield or wide position, as he can play out wide or through the middle.

Appearances

Four

Minutes played

44

Key passes

Four

Big chances created

Two

Pass accuracy

88%

As you can see in the table above, the teenage dynamo was provided with a chance to impress in the Premiership last term and took his chance with an outstanding creative output in just 44 minutes of action.

He created two 'big chances' in those 44 minutes, and it has taken Abada 288 minutes of league action this season to create two for his teammates.

Therefore, Vata could also offer creativity for Celtic in the final third if he can translate that form over a prolonged spell of matches in the first-team.

So, whilst allowing Abada to depart on loan could be seen as a blow, it could also be viewed as an opportunity for the club to keep hold of Vata by offering him first-team minutes as the forward's replacement during the second half of the campaign.

Everton return to action in the Premier League this afternoon, hosting Brentford as Sean Dyche looks to create some space between his side and the relegation zone.

After losing the opening four league fixtures of the season, Everton have toughened up and been defeated only one time across seven outings, but with four draws in that timeframe, more work is needed.

23/24

Gtech Stadium

1-0 win

23/24

Goodison Park

3-1 win

22/23

Goodison Park

1-0 win

22/23

Gtech Stadium

1-1 draw

21/22

Goodison Park

3-2 loss

21/22

Gtech Stadium

1-0 loss

The Goodison Park side have won their last three matches against the Bees, and with the home advantage, must be optimistic that they can make progress.

Everton team news

Jarrad Branthwaite returned from injury before the international break, keeping a clean sheet against West Ham United, and will be crucial against a mean Brentford frontline.

There’s further good news on the injury front, for Dwight McNeil is expected to be fit after missing the Hammers draw two weeks back.

Armando Broja and Youssef Chermiti have both taken to first-team training but will not feature on Saturday. Moreover, Tim Iroegbunam, James Garner and Seamus Coleman remain out.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast's Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

Despite pulling out of international duty, deadly duo Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa are expected to be fit, and the same again for Ethan Pinnock. Mbeumo, in particular, will be a force to be reckoned with on Merseyside.

Why Bryan Mbeumo is the biggest threat

Believe it or not, Tottenham Hotspur are the only team to have outscored Brentford in the Premier League this season, something that will have been discussed repeatedly at the Everton tactical table over the past two weeks.

1.

Tottenham

23

2.

Man City

22

2=

Brentford

22

4.

Liverpool

21

4=

Chelsea

21

Everton languish in 18th place at the other end of such standings, with just ten strikes from 11 matches so far. Branthwaite’s return will be crucial, especially with Mbeumo having scored eight goals from 11 Premier League matches this term – that’s a tally bettered only by Manchester City’s Erling Haaland.

It’s going to be vital that the Toffees stand firm at the back while mustering all the attacking power that they can. It begs the question: should Dominic Calvert-Lewin reprise his starting berth at number nine once again?

The 27-year-old, who is out of contract at the end of the season, has been in dreadful form of late, blanking across his past seven Premier League matches. Funnily enough, Everton are actually creating a bit, and he should be dropped for this one.

Lacking mobility, it’s probably the right call. Broja may not be ready to make his debut, but Beto has shown promising signs this season and could be the man for the job.

Why Everton should unleash Beto from the outset

Beto joined Everton from Udinese for a £26m fee in 2023, but he failed to adapt to life on English shores, only bagging three goals in the Premier League.

This year, Dyche has used him as a second-half option, and indeed, to impressive effect. Beto scored the last-gasp equaliser in Everton’s draw against Fulham several matches back and hit the post and netted (though it was chalked off after a VAR review) in the following fixture against Southampton.

He’s more athletic and mobile than Calvert-Lewin and will be determined to finally be awarded a starting berth to showcase his suitability.

Ranking among the top 24% of forwards across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for successful take-ons and the top 15% for touches in the attacking penalty area per 90, as per FBref, he’s clearly got something that Calvert-Lewin’s who bears all the resemblance of a deep-rooted tree at times, lacks.

And given that journalist Sam Tighe has hailed him as a striker who “spooks defenders” through his muscular physicality and surprising springiness, it’s surely time to unleash him.

It would, to the least, provide Everton with more than they currently yield with Calvert-Lewin up top. Mbeumo – and Wissa – are bound to cause problems at Everton’s ground, and McNeil’s creativity and Iliman Nidaye’s electric-paced efforts will fall flat without a reliable talisman.

Who knows, perhaps this will prove to be the springboard that Beto needs to live up to that rather lofty price tag and prove himself within the Premier League scene.

Given that the 26-year-old has won 56% of his aerial battles in the top flight this year too, as per Sofascore, it would appear that he has the frame and aerial understanding to compensate for Calvert-Lewin’s prospective absence – after all, he’s 6 foot 4.

Dyche needs to find an answer to the threat of Mbeumo, and while Beto isn’t a player who’s cut from the same cloth, he has his talents and can apply them to emphatic effect at Goodison Park this afternoon.

Everton have enjoyed their football when playing Brentford in recent encounters but must be wary of a fluid and ferocious strikeforce.

Maybe the visitors will get themselves on the scoresheet. It’s up to Dyche to make the requisite adjustments and ensure that his team score more.

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1 ByAngus Sinclair Nov 21, 2024

Leeds United are interested in a move for a 22-year-old international left-back amid Junior Firpo’s contract situation, according to a recent report.

The Whites could see the upcoming January transfer window as a chance to strengthen their side in one or two positions as they look to end their stay in the Championship and return to the Premier League.

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1 ByHenry Jackson Nov 23, 2024 Leeds transfer news

Daniel Farke and the 49ers Enterprises side may not have a plan to spend lots of money in January; they may just have their eye on adding a few players through loan deals. One of those additions could be James McAtee, as they have been linked with a move for the midfielder in recent days but do face stiff competition, as Premier League teams are willing to pay a fee to get him out of Manchester City.

As well as McAtee, Leeds are also interested in signing Burnley’s Josh Brownhill, who is set to become a free agent at the end of the season. However, this may be a difficult deal to do, as Brownhill is unlikely to leave one second-tier side for another, and he also has lots of interest from the Premier League as well as teams from Europe.

But the transfer stories don’t stop there for the Yorkshire side, as they are also keeping an eye on a left-back, who could replace Firpo given his contract situation.

Leeds eyeing move for 22 y/o int'l left-back amid Firpo contract situation

According to Fotboll Direkt, relayed by MOT Leeds News, Leeds United are keeping an eye on new target Daniel Svensson ahead of a possible transfer. The 22-year-old currently plays for Nordsjaelland in Denmark and has done so since February 2021.

Svensson, who has been capped once by Sweden, has started all 16 games he has been available for in the Danish league this season, proving he is a key player for his current side. The left-back has been catching the eye of several teams, as he was linked with moves to Juventus and Liverpool not so long ago.

This report states that Leeds are now keeping an eye on Svensson, who is under contract at his current side until the summer of 2027, after signing a contract extension in March this year. Interest in Svensson has emerged, as current left-back Firpo is out of contract at the end of this season, and there are no immediate signs that a new deal is going to be agreed.

Svensson

Firpo

Apps

16

13

Goals

0

1

Assists

1

3

Big chances created

2

3

Key passes

2.0

1.5

Interceptions per game

1.4

1.2

Tackles per game

1.3

2.6

Clearances per game

1.4

2.0

Possession won

0.3

0.4

Balls recovered per game

3.4

3.7

The 28-year-old has started 13 games in the Championship so far, scoring one goal and recording three assists. Svensson could be seen as a long-term replacement to Firpo, as he is only 22 and looks to be held in high regard, as he’s been linked with moves to two big European teams. The Swedish international has also shown at club level that he too has an eye for goal as well as creating chances for his teammates.

Ipswich Town are now among the clubs chasing a potential new forward in January, but they will have to compete with a relegation rival to land him, according to a fresh report.

Ipswich sinking towards the Championship

Ipswich once again demonstrated their inability to hold onto a lead in the Premier League against Bournemouth. 1-0 up until the 87th minute, Kieran McKenna’s side conceded twice to fall to a 2-1 defeat in front of heartbroken Ipswich fans, leaving them in the relegation zone and still without a home win to their name this season.

Their sole win, away at Tottenham, has been combined with six draws to leave them on nine points, but they sit four points adrift of safety already and are threatening to be cut adrift unless they are able to string together a series of results in their upcoming games.

Wolverhampton Wanderers (Away)

Newcastle United (Home)

Arsenal (Away)

Chelsea (Home)

Fulham (Away)

“We deserved more from the game today but it’s a disappointing week. The margins are really small for us getting that win and the jump to getting more points isn’t a huge one,” McKenna explained after the most recent loss.

“I thought it was a good performance with some outstanding performances. We weren’t giving away too much and we were getting stronger but it’s a poor moment on the first goal and then you’re vulnerable. They had five fresh subs on the pitch and momentum.”

January brings with it the transfer window, and it is likely to be a busy one for Ipswich as they look to try and continue building a squad capable of revival in the second half of the season, and now they may have identified an early target.

Ipswich want new forward

That is according to reports in Spain, which identify Ipswich Town as one of three clubs battling to sign Ryan Kent. The former Rangers winger is a free agent following a mutual termination of his contract with Fenerbahce, and has long been linked with a move to the top flight.

According to the report, the 28-year-old is seen by Ipswich as “a key piece to strengthen their attack”, and with Kent available on a free transfer it is a relatively low risk move.

Though he struggled in Turkey, Kent enjoyed the best part of his career in Scotland, with former Rangers boss Steven Gerrard dubbing him a “sensational” player who is “very dangerous” after he scooped a Player of the Month award back in 2021.

“Ryan Kent has been top class and hasn’t let any noise affect him, he is scoring goals and looking very dangerous. He is really taking it to opposition teams and he’s settled and enjoying his football”, Gerrard explained.

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The winger would also offer something that the Tractor Boys lost with Chiedozie Ogbene’s injury; raw pace. The former Luton Town had been clocked as the fastest player in the Premier League last season, while Ryan Kent has become widely renowned for his speed on the wing, something that Ipswich are currently lacking under McKenna in Ogbene’s absence.

However, to land the Englishman Ipswich will have to fight off relegation rivals Crystal Palace, currently a place and four points above them, who are also credited with an interest in the wide man, while fellow newly promoted Leicester City are also among his admirers having lost Abdul Fatawu to a long term knee injury.