Crystal Palace have been linked with Naouirou Ahamada recently and the youngster could form a superb partnership with Cheick Doucoure in Patrick Vieira’s midfield.

According to The Athletic‘s Crystal Palace correspondent Matt Woosnam, the Eagles are “in discussions” with the Bundesliga club over a deal for the breakout star.

The 20-year-old has established himself as a regular in Bruno Labbadia’s side so far this term, making 17 appearances, in which he has contributed two goals and two assists.

In a recent interview with Football FanCast, journalist Pete O’Rourke shared his thoughts on a potential Palace move for Ahamada and the partnership he could form with summer signing Doucoure.

He said: “On paper, they’re both good midfielders.

“They’ve got good energy, they can provide defensive cover in front of Palace’s back four. They seem to have all the attributes to be the modern-day midfield.

“I’m sure that Patrick Vieira will be hoping that those two players can become Palace’s engine room for the long-term.”

Ahamada was featured on football talent scout Jacek Kulig’s “crazy” list of French U21 players and if he could achieve his obvious potential at Palace, then there seems no reason why he couldn’t be a mainstay alongside Doucoure for a number of years to come.

The Malian, who joined from RC Lens last summer, has started 18 of Palace’s 20 games in the top flight so far this season and boasts an impressive 6.83 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

However, he has often been exposed due to a lack of defensive support in the midfield, with the likes of Jeffrey Schlupp, Eberechi Eze and Michael Olise often accompanying him in the middle of the park, despite none of those players being natural central midfielders.

Therefore, it is easy to see why Vieira would want to sign another midfielder this month, especially with James McArthur, Luka Milivojevic and Schlupp all candidates to leave Selhurst Park at the end of the season when their current contracts expire.

The French manager has overseen a youthful transformation of Palace’s squad since taking over from Roy Hodgson in 2021 and Ahamada would be another exciting young option in the middle of the park.

With Doucoure more of a ball-winner, while the Stuttgart star likes to get forward with his preference of dribbling and shooting from range, there seems little reason why they couldn’t be a success together at Crystal Palace for years to come.

Julen Lopetegui is enduring a solid start to life as Wolverhampton Wanderers manager, giving the Old Gold some confidence that they can preserve their Premier League status, despite losing their previous three matches.

Although there is no shame in losing to Liverpool, Manchester United, and Manchester City, the Spaniard will have set his standards out shortly after taking charge of the Molineux side and these defeats will be seen as potential opportunities missed to upset the apple cart.

The 56-year-old has enjoyed a successful transfer window so far and with Real Madrid right-back Dani Carvajal the latest player to be linked with the Old Gold, Lopetegui could end the window with a bang.

Dream Semedo upgrade

It’s natural for a new manager to stamp their authority on a club during their first honeymoon period, and that includes bringing in their own players while moving out deadwood and underperformers, with Nelson Semedo certainly falling under the latter category this season.

Across 18 league appearances this season, Semedo has a lowly Sofascore rating of 6.67/10 which ranks him as Wolves’ 17th-best performer in the top flight. The 29-year-old also ranks fourth for tackles and seventh for fouls committed and interceptions so far, further underlining just how poor he has been defensively.

It’s evident an improvement is required at right-back, and Carvajal could be a dream upgrade. The 31-year-old gets about his business without much fuss or fanfare and was described as “underrated” by journalist Zach Lowy following Real Madrid’s Champions League victory in May last year.

Carvajal would be a much better fit for Lopetegui and has been solid for Madrid this season, winning 58% of his duels, completing 88% of his attempted passes, and succeeding with a remarkable 80% of his dribble attempts, proving his all-round game is still incredible.

Compare these stats to Semedo and it’s clear who has been the better performer during the campaign, with the Portuguese defender winning 52% of his duels, completing 82% of his attempted passes, and only succeeding with 39% of his dribble attempts.

Carvajal would bring a much-needed winners mentality to a Wolves side who have few who know what it’s like to succeed at the highest level, with the 31-year-old winning five Champions League titles and three La Liga crowns during his time in the Spanish capital.

If Lopetegui is serious about taking Wolves into a new era, then a move for a player with as much quality and experience as Carvajal is a no-brainer and it could lead to an improvement in the problematic right-back position.

Transfer insider Dean Jones has slammed Aston Villa for selling Danny Ings in the January market to a Premier League rival.

What’s the latest?

West Ham United have managed to sign the English striker from the Villans for a reported £15m fee. With six goals in 18 league game to his name this term, this might have come as a bit of a surprise to many.
Evidently, though, new Villa manager Unai Emery was happy to let him go. It does, of course, suggest that big things are planned in terms of an incoming before the winter market slams shut.
However, while the club had been linked with Villarreal winger Arnaut Danjuma, their Spanish manager has suggested that there is no truth to the claims.
Indeed, Emery said (via BirminghamLive): “Really? He’s a good player and, last year, he played very well at Villarreal with us. But now I’m not thinking about him.”
While speaking on Chasing Green Arrows, Jones insisted that Villa were mad for letting Ings go but it must mean they have something exciting planned even if Danjuma isn’t likely to arrive.
He said: “I think Aston Villa are mad, here. They must have something great up their sleeves. I mean, they’ve played down the idea today of Danjuma signing. So they must have something good.
“I understand, like, Danny Ings isn’t really quick enough to play the type of football that Unai Emery wants to transform to, but he was their only goalscorer. Very strange.”

Right decision?

Ollie Watkins has proven to be a more reliable goalscorer in recent years, with 32 in 98 as a Villan while Ings managed 14 in 52. So it’s not quite fair of Jones to say Aston Villa don’t have anyone else to rely on for goals – though Watkins does have just four in the league this term.
Still, the new West Ham man has been a pretty good forward over the span of his career, and has over 100 senior goals to his name at club level, enjoying more fruitful spells with the likes of Burnley and Southampton before joining the Villans.
With that in mind, it’s easy to see why there could be a concern that his goals will be missed unless Emery can bring in an exciting new attacking signing before January ends.
Of course, the club have just spent decent money on 19-year-old Jhon Duran from Chicago Fire – who managed 22 appearances in MLS last season, scoring eight goals and providing five assists – but it remains to be seen if any more high-profile deals will happen this winter with Ings now out the door.

Leeds United have enjoyed plenty of transfer successes under Victor Orta, who has impressed alongside both Marcelo Bielsa and Jesse Marsch in recent years.

Whilst every director of football is likely to endure some poor dealings, with the Spaniard the good often far outweighs the bad.

The recent summer transfer window saw the Whites splash big money on seven new permanent faces, but one which seemed to go under the radar was the acquisition of Italian youngster Wilfried Gnonto.

Having reportedly signed for a £5m fee, the 19-year-old has quickly established himself as a fine option to have amongst the first team, with speed, skill and a cutting edge that belies his age.

As such, it already seems like the Yorkshire outfit are reaping the rewards of this cut-price deal, which could see them earn huge profits in the future. 

The Italian is only averaging 67 minutes per game in the league, but does boast one goal, one assist, and averages 1.1 key passes per game too, via Sofascore.

Now, Orta could look to repeat this masterclass with another teenage sensation, as Bristol City’s Alex Scott has entered his radar.

Having been named as one of several interested parties at the start of the window, the £12m valuation has likely halted the progress of many teams mentioned in the reports.

However, having tied up some of their more significant deals, Leeds could look to another one for the future late on in the window as they did with the summer deadline day deal for Gnonto.

Scott has enjoyed a fine campaign thus far in what is just his second full season at the senior level. The 19-year-old has established himself as a mainstay in The Robins midfield, with his work rate and defensive acumen outlining a maturity beyond his teenage years.

As such, his 6.88 average rating is underpinned by 2.3 tackles, one interception and one key passe per game too, via Sofascore.

With an ability to break up play, but the quality to then spring counterattacks, the maestro would be perfect for Marsch’s all-action brand of football.

The player pathway manager for his club Brian Tinnion was particularly glowing in his praise for Scott, as he claimed in the summer of 2021: “His work rate and his desire to learn has been unbelievable.

“He has every single attribute you would want in a professional footballer. He can tackle, he’s great with both feet, he can head the ball, his delivery is good and his overall quality is great.’

“He lets his football do the talking and he’s getting better all the time.”

With such a recommendation and all the attributes to fit right in at Leeds, there’s no reason to believe that he couldn’t be an instant success on Elland Road just as Gnonto seems to be.

Chelsea and Arsenal could return to Brighton with more significant offers for Moises Caicedo, Ben Jacobs has claimed.

What’s the word?

Arsenal have had a £60m bid rejected for the midfielder, following Chelsea’s bid earlier this week, and Brighton are adamant that they will not sell the 21-year-old in this window.

However, a higher offer could tempt Brighton into negotiations, and overall it could take a significant financial package to change their minds about a deal.

Speaking on Chelsea Fan TV, Jacobs claimed he expects the next bid, which could come from either Chelsea or Arsenal, to be high enough to convince Brighton to even entertain negotiations.

“What Chelsea and Arsenal would be wary of is if they’re both going to come back in, it’s only going to inflate the price further and further and further,” he stated.

“I actually expect the next step to be quite a bullish offer. I expect that one of the two clubs will strongly consider getting somewhere close to the £70m mark and then seeing whether that creates meaningful engagement because right now there’s not really any meaningful engagement.

“Brighton are not countering, Brighton are not saying no, but, if you do this, Brighton are offering this valuation even though sources continue to say, and have done for months, that it’s £75 million or more, and Brighton are simply saying no.”

Bidding war?

The final few days of the window could see yet another battle between Chelsea and Arsenal, following the dramatic saga over Mykhailo Mudryk earlier in the window.

Brighton find themselves in a strong position given the interest in him, and can either keep their player until the end of the season or make another huge profit within two years of the player’s arrival.

It remains to be seen how they will react to further bids but their stance right now is clear, that the bids need to be raised to even consider a sale.

But, one thing that is kind of forcing their hand is the fact that he won’t play in their next game and missed training recently.

90min journalist Graeme Bailey has claimed that Newcastle United have ‘prepared a bid’ for Premier League ace Anthony Gordon. 

The Lowdown: Newcastle holding talks

Sky Sports reported that Eddie Howe’s side are holding talks with the Toffees for the player’s services, while it’s believed that Everton could be tempted by a £40 million bid.

It was reported last summer that Chelsea were prepared to pay a fee of £60 million for Gordon, but a move never came to fruition.

In Everton’s last five Premier League matches, Gordon has only featured on two occasions against Southampton and Wolverhampton Wanderers, while he has started just once since the start of November.

The Latest: Newcastle have bid ‘prepared’

Bailey said that a bid has been prepared by Newcastle and that Everton will be listening to potential offers when speaking on the Talking Transfers podcast, adding that Howe likes the look of him.

He stated: “Newcastle are preparing a bid. We understand that Chelsea are hovering, they’re keeping abreast of this situation, so don’t rule them out.

“Newcastle are at the front of this queue, though, and we’ve got to see how much they bid. Everton are willing, from what we understand, to listen to offers for Gordon now.

“What I’m told, Eddie Howe and his staff have done their homework on Gordon, they’ve liked what they’ve heard, thinking he’d be a good fit.

“He got a lot of stick for the bid from Chelsea etc but he didn’t make the bid, he’s a very talented footballer.”

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The Verdict: Not the finished article

We believe that Newcastle should be cautious with their pursuit of Gordon, as he’s still very young and definitely has room for improvement.

Former Everton boss Rafael Benitez claimed that the player ‘couldn’t run’, but he was ‘keen’ to change his mentality when speaking to Sky Sports. The Spaniard also added that he was ‘pleased’ to see Gordon progressing as a player as he was a likeable person.

The thought to consider is whether he would be an improvement on what the Magpies have. We don’t believe that would be the case in this particular instance.

Gordon, who has been hailed as a ‘superstar’, averages 2.67 shot-creating actions per 90 minutes over the last 365 days and 1.5 progressive passes received, however, this wouldn’t be an improvement on Miguel Almiron, who’s played 20 times in the Premier League this season.

Almiron has more shot-creating actions and received progressive passes in the same timeframe as the Everton ace, with the Paraguayan’s numbers clocking in at 2.9 and 2.71 respectively.

Unless Howe is convinced on him and his ability to develop, we think Gordon would be one to avoid. Statistically speaking he wouldn’t offer more on the wing than Almiron currently does and to spend £40m on a bench player would surely be money better spent elsewhere.

Manchester United may have strong interest from America over a potential takeover deal from the Glazers, according to Ben Jacobs.

The Lowdown: Glazers sale

It was reported in November that the Glazer family were looking to end their 17-year control of United as they put the Premier League side up for sale.

The American family, who also own NFL franchise Tampa Bay Buccaneers, acquired the club in 2005 for £790m and look set to finally put an end to an ownership that has been marred by protests and all-round discontent towards their position within the club.

Interest in United has ranged from British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Apple and Gulf states including Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates (via Football365).

The Latest: Jacobs’ update

Speaking to GiveMeSport, CBS Sports reporter Jacobs revealed that an American-led consortium could soon find its way to the front of the billing.

He said: “I would expect strong and healthy interest from America-based or American-led consortiums, and they’re the ones that tend to work diligently and privately and don’t make a lot of noise, as they want their business to be private.

“Traditionally, those who make the most noise in the earliest stages of a takeover are usually the least credible.”

The Verdict: Needs to happen soon

From United’s on-pitch perspective – particularly Erik ten Hag’s point of view – a takeover would ideally be completed as soon as possible, with the Glazers’ reluctance to make funds available for this transfer window limiting United to making Wout Weghorst their only arrival this month so far.

They will be desperate this isn’t the case in the summer, with a lack of incomings before next season potentially threatening to undo all of Ten Hag’s good work, which has seen the Red Devils now command a strong position in the Champions League places with a six-point gap above fifth place.

Ratcliffe’s interest first emerged in November (via The Sun) after the United fan threw his hat into the ring, and in recent days, has re-entered the spotlight over a potential purchase after Greenpeace urged United not to consider bids from the 70-year-old due to the climate change impact of his company INEOS (via The Mirror). This could forge a path for a potential US charge to the ownership.

We believe that plenty of fans will be hoping the takeover is completed soon after an almost barren January window so far.

Adam Roberts, the brother and agent of Sunderland forward Patrick Roberts, has confirmed that his client won’t be leaving the Championship club this month.

The Lowdown: Making an instant impact

The Black Cats winger first arrived at the Stadium of Light last January and went on to play a significant role in helping his side achieve promotion under former manager Alex Neil.

Even with Tony Mowbray taking over at the helm, the 25-year-old has still been able to maintain his impressive form, which has seen Roberts’ current boss publicly sing his praises.

The Sunderland gem will have no doubt caught the eye of several clubs over the last few weeks, but any fears that he might be heading for the exit door have been firmly shut down.

The Latest: Roberts’ comments

Asked during a Sunderland Echo interview with James Copley whether Roberts could leave Wearsdide ahead of tonight’s deadline, his representative responded: “No. He is playing and that is all that matters.

“I think you just have to take it game-by-game but looking back on his career, I’ve not seen him involved with a better team that plays as good as football. Some of the football I have seen Sunderland play this season has been ridiculous.

“There’s a few goals that should have been up for the Puskas award. For Patrick, he is back playing consistently and he is really enjoying it. We’ll just take it as it comes and see where the club goes. Personally, I think they can push for the play-offs.

“Right now, he is enjoying it. He’s happy.”

The Verdict: Boost for Mowbray

Roberts is an important player in Sunderland’s squad, ranking as their seventh-best player by WhoScored metrics, and it’ll be a huge boost for Mowbray to learn that his talisman is staying put.

The Adidas-sponsored athlete already has seven goal contributions to his name this season and currently ranks in the 97th percentile for most dribbles completed per 90 minutes, illustrating the threat that he poses in the final third.

The Black Cats ace also offers plenty of versatility with the ability to operate in six different positions which is a useful attribute to have in the building should any unexpected injuries occur.

Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth has claimed that it’s unlikely West Ham United will sign any more players in the January transfer window.

The Lowdown: Two new signings

David Moyes has brought in two new additions this month in the form of Brazilian defender Luizao and Danny Ings from fellow Premier League side Aston Villa.

Ings sustained an injury not long after his arrival in east London, but Moyes said recently that the forward won’t miss many games.

The Irons boss also said that he was not looking to sell Michail Antonio this month, following reports claiming that Wolves were interested in the player.

The Latest: No more signings

Sheth claimed that West Ham won’t be signing any more players in January when speaking to GiveMeSport, but that could change if someone becomes available.

He stated, “I just can’t see how West Ham would consider that just now. Funnier things have happened; if a player suddenly becomes available and they think we can bring him in, we can allow Antonio to go; we know Ings and Scamacca are coming back, then maybe,

“But there’s so little time now to be able to do a couple of deals of that magnitude that it looks like that West Ham are going to carry on with the squad that they’ve got.”

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The Verdict: Depth still needed

We believe that West Ham are in need of new recruits late on in January, as they simply haven’t improved all the areas of their squad.

Former Hammers star Frank McAvennie was baffled that Moyes didn’t look to sign Josip Juranovic, who joined Union Berlin earlier this month.

When talking to West Ham Zone, the ex-striker said that the Croatian would’ve been the ‘ideal’ for the club.

McAvennie’s concerns are certainly justified as it’s an area where West Ham have very few options – Ben Johnson and Vladimir Coufal are the only traditional options in that position.

Earlier this month, it was claimed by Sky Sports that Coufal was growing frustrated at West Ham and was labelled as ‘one to watch’ on a potential exit.

Johnson is still very much on the club’s fringes and has made very few appearances far this season for the Irons.

In our view, it’s a big mistake for West Ham not to address their lack of options at right-back, particularly given Coufal could well leave in the near future and Johnson is clearly not in Moyes’ plans on a consistent basis.

Tottenham Hotspur’s pursuit of Jordan Pickford is ‘one to look out for’ in the summer, according to Sky Sports reporter Michael Bridge.

The Lowdown: Lloris past it?

Hugo Lloris has been a vital player for Tottenham since arriving at the club in 2012, making 442 appearances in a Spurs shirt, but he has recently received criticism for some poor performances.

Graeme Souness slammed the Frenchman after the New Year’s Day defeat to Aston Villa by declaring that he is ‘past his sell-by date’, while Jamie Carragher labelled him a ‘liability’ live on Sky Sports after the recent 4-2 defeat at Manchester City.

As such, the Lilywhites now appear to be thinking about a long-term replacement for the 36-year-old…

The Latest: Pickford in Levy’s sights

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Bridge claimed that Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy could capitalise on a poor season from Everton in order to sign Pickford.

The reporter said: “I think if Everton get relegated, Daniel Levy would like the England goalkeeper, maybe as an option. People throw names at me and I don’t think I’d rule anyone out at this stage, I think they will all be considered, so it’s one to look out for in the summer.”

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The Verdict: Get it done?

Hailed as ‘outstanding’ by Micky Gray, the 50-cap England international has usually shone for his country and was particularly impressive at Euro 2021, a tournament in which he picked up two more clean sheets than any other goalkeeper.

While Everton have had a very disappointing 2022/23 campaign, their ‘keeper has prevented them from finding themselves in an even more perilous position, displaying that he is a big-game player with an incredible performance against Liverpool in September.

The 28-year-old was handed a remarkable 9.2 match rating by Sofascore for a display in which he made a total of seven saves from inside the penalty box, helping to seal what could prove to be an important point at the end of the season.

Given his age, Pickford could be first choice between the sticks for several years to come, and if the Toffees are relegated, then a move to Tottenham is likely to be a very attractive proposition for him so that he can continue playing top-flight football.