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With Southampton still searching for their first Premier League win of the season, Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side are set to take on Leeds United at the weekend once the international break has ended.

Ahead of the match against Marcelo Bielsa’s side, who are only two points ahead of the Saints in the league table, Southampton could be without one of their regular players for the clash.

What’s the news?

It has recently been reported by the Daily Echo that Adams has been ruled out of Scotland’s World Cup qualifier against the Faroe Islands and is also a doubt for Southampton’s match at the weekend, which surely won’t make Hasenhuttl happy.

Southampton signed Adams back in the 2019 summer transfer window from Championship club Birmingham City on a five-year deal for a reported fee of £15m.

Since then, the 25-year-old, who is currently valued at £18m according to Transfermarkt has made 83 appearances for the Saints across all competitions, managing to score 13 goals and provide ten assists in the process.

Even though Adams has yet to score a goal for the Saints this season across all competitions and has only managed to provide one assist, we still feel Adams will be a big miss for the club if he can’t play against Leeds.

With the striker racking up 1.4 shots per game, the joint-third highest of any Southampton player in the league so far this season alongside James Ward-Prowse, he has still been an attacking threat. Follow that up with his 1.4 key passes per game, the joint-highest also alongside Ward-Prowse, and it demonstrates why his absence would be felt hard by the boss this weekend.

If Adams does end up being unavailable for the match at the weekend, we feel that Hasenhuttl should give Armando Broja a chance to start. He managed to score in midweek for Albania in their World Cup qualifier against Hungary so is in good form.

However, the manager will undoubtedly be hoping that Adams’ injury is not a serious one so he will be available for selection as soon as possible. The Saints need that first win of the season in order to climb away from the relegation zone.

In other news: Ralph must unleash “perfect” £9m-rated Southampton gem, he’s a real game-changer – opinion

The possibility of Richarlison leaving Everton for Arsenal will have ‘come up in meetings’ at Goodison Park, journalist Paul Brown has told GiveMeSport.

The lowdown

The Brazil international may be considering his future on Merseyside as the Toffees face the very real threat of relegation. They currently sit in the bottom three, two points behind Burnley, albeit with a game in hand.

The Athletic have reported that Arsenal, who are managed by former Blues midfielder Mikel Arteta, are intent on signing a striker this summer.

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Richarlison can operate as a left winger but he has played the majority of his football this season (22 matches) as a centre-forward amid Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s injury problems.

The latest

Brown thinks that Kia Joorabchian, who has close links to both Everton and Arsenal, may be pushing to move the Brazilian from Merseyside to north London.

Speaking to GiveMeSport about Richarlison, Joorabchian and Moshiri, the journalist said: “I’m sure that has come up in meetings [Richarlison joining Arsenal]. I’m sure that name’s been mentioned, but I would suggest at the moment that’s being pushed by the agent rather than the club.”

The verdict

This move could be in the best interests of all parties.

Everton will be able to raise much-needed funds from the sale of their £45m-rated asset, helping to alleviate the financial ‘headache’ which would be caused by relegation, with the club already treading a fine line with Financial Fair Play regulations.

Meanwhile, the player would potentially have the chance to play in the Champions League rather than the Championship. Indeed, dropping to the second tier is perhaps unthinkable for someone who has previously been coveted by the likes of Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain.

Finally, Arsenal would be adding a forward who has bagged eight goals and four assists this season, taking his overall totals to 45 and 17 respectively in 168 Everton appearances.

When you add in the involvement of Joorabchian with both clubs, it becomes an even more plausible potential transfer.

In other news, Everton are in talks over this winger. 

The Birmingham Mail’s Ashley Preece has delivered the latest on Aston Villa’s plans for the January transfer window.

What’s the story?

With Steven Gerrard now at the helm at Villa Park, the upcoming transfer window throws up some exciting possibilities for what the new Villa boss could potentially do.

And now, during a Q&A for The Birmingham Mail, Preece has confirmed his expectation that the Midlands club will be busy in the transfer market and intimated the kind of areas they might look to strengthen.

He said: “I do expect Villa to be active, 100 per cent. There will be a few sent out for some game time and quality will be added providing Lange can help get deals over the line. It’s a tough market but Gerrard has a huge pull now. Villa will lose Nakamba for 3/4 weeks, likewise if Traore and Trez are passed fit for Egypt and Burkina Faso.

“A left-back will be priority, as will a defensive midfielder and, possibly, a winger. Gerrard still assessing the likes of El Ghazi etc, while likes of Philogene-Bidace and others will be loaned out. Quality will be Villa’s priority in January.”

Villa fans will be excited

Given Gerrard only took over from Dean Smith last month, it’s no surprise that the new Villa manager is intent on making some big signings in the January transfer window and putting his first touches on this squad.

As Preece alluded to, simply the name of Gerrard will make Villa an even more attractive and exciting option than they already were, and he could prove to be the difference-maker in terms of a lure.

With the club also facing issues with injuries – particularly to Danny Ings and Leon Bailey – and AFCON, the need for new players is perhaps even more pressing for Villa than most other sides around the league, so getting those new faces in early will be crucial to ensuring that they don’t slip behind.

Preece’s update is sure to have Villa fans very excited about what could happen next month.

Meanwhile, Gerrard must finally unleash this star…

Tottenham Hotspur want to bolster four key areas of Antonio Conte’s squad, according to emerging claims…

What’s the word?

football.london reporter Alasdair Gold has told his YouTube channel that Spurs have made four different positions their priority during this month’s transfer window.

“There is a feeling within the club that Spurs need a right wing-back, a left-sided centre-back and a striker,” he revealed. “From what I understand, Conte agrees with that, but also would like a central midfielder. Four priority positions.”

Fantastic four?

It’s no secret that the north Londoners need additions as they lack the strength in depth to truly challenge some of the Premier League’s biggest teams for a place in the top four.

What Conte has already done with the current squad is quite remarkable, having gone unbeaten in the top-flight under his stewardship but if they are to get back onto the next level, then chairman Daniel Levy must back his man with serious investment.

After selling Serge Aurier and replacing him with Emerson Royal in the summer, it’s a surprise to see a new right wing-back on the agenda but as Matt Doherty’s future is dubious, the need for another option could make sense, especially if Conte isn’t convinced by the former Barca man’s attacking credentials.

Elsewhere, another central defender is certainly going to be among the priorities. Cristian Romero is still absent with an injury, whilst the Italian head coach has often deployed full-back Ben Davies in his back-three. Japhet Tanganga and Davinson Sanchez have looked a little suspect in recent games, too.

Of course, the need for a new forward has always been there but it’s a tricky problem to remedy as Harry Kane will always be the star man leading the line for Spurs. There aren’t many players who will want to be a backup but Conte does need an alternative, or even a partner to the England skipper.

It is also interesting to learn of Conte’s desire for a central midfielder, too. Spurs already have Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Harry Winks, Oliver Skipp, Tanguy Ndombele and Giovani Lo Celso, so perhaps he isn’t convinced by some of those options.

Either way, this latest development from one of the most reliable sources is certainly exciting and it would suggest that the Lilywhites will indeed be active this window.

Supporters around the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium should be buzzing by this news.

AND in other news, Conte can finally axe “unplayable” Spurs dud by signing “devastating” £26m-rated beast…

Tottenham Hotspur have once again been linked with a move for Paulo Dybala…

What’s the word?

According to Italian journalist Xavier Jacobelli, Spurs are among the teams interested in a move for the Juventus dynamo as he enters final six months of his current £222k-per-week contract.

“Inter are at the window, as well as Tottenham. [Antonio] Conte and Barcelona also highly esteem Dybala. We have to see what he will do in these months, because Beppe Marotta (Inter’s CEO) and other companies are at the window and are watching,” he told Calciomercato.it.

Italian newspaper Tuttosport also claims that Lilywhites head coach is an ‘indisputable admirer’ of the Argentina international, who is currently valued at £45m by Transfermarkt.

Perfect for Conte

Dybala’s time in Turin over the last few seasons has been frustrating to say the least, largely due to injuries but whenever he has been on the pitch, he has proven to be a key player for Massimiliano Allegri – even taking the armband in the absence of Giorgio Chiellini.

For example, this season, he has only played 19 times across the Serie A and Champions League but has still delivered nine goals and four assists, via Transfermarkt.

And with the futures of Tanguy Ndombele and Dele Alli in doubt, the need for a new attacking maestro could soon increase tenfold.

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Dybala has long been a target for chairman Daniel Levy, having come close to signing him during the 2019 summer transfer window after the deal controversially collapsed at the 11th hour over image rights.

“I can just confirm that Dybala is an unbelievable player,” once claimed former Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey to The Athletic. “He’s very gifted — a team player — and some of the things he’s done in training and some of the games this season has been quite breathtaking.”

Spurs have lacked a creative no.10 ever since the departure of Chrisitan Erisken, with Ndombele failing to step up to the mark despite being the club’s record signing at £55m.

The north London outfit are free to negotiate a pre-contract with Dybala with makes him an even more appealing prospect as he won’t cost Levy a penny upon arrival in the summer.

Italian football expert Conor Clancy has also previously suggested that the presence of the 28-year-old dynamo could help bring the best out of Kane, only further highlighting how poor the Frenchman has been.

“I feel like he’d be unstoppable with Kane because he’s not a number nine, so he’s got to be playing alongside a striker like that,” he told Football FanCast in the summer.

Maybe it’s time for Levy and co to finally pull the trigger on Dybala. He’d be a very nice signing under Conte, who according to the initial reports, is a big fan.

AND in other news, Alasdair Gold reveals “positive update” behind-scenes at Spurs, Conte will be buzzing…

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Loads of West Ham fans have been reacting to a big update on a possible striker signing, as reports claim they will not move for Maxi Gomez this month.

According to The Evening Standard, West Ham’s £43.5m swoop for Gomez will definitely not happen on deadline day.

The report claims Celta Vigo will not release the striker this month because they are in a relegation battle.

The Spanish outfit currently sit 18th in La Liga, two points adrift of safety, and Gomez is pretty much their only source of goals.

Look away Arsenal fans! American Soccer Fan is back to troll more fans at the London Stadium in the video below…

This is bad news for the Hammers though, who have gone off the boil in recent weeks after a terrific run of form before Christmas, and desperately need a clinical goalscorer.

Manuel Pellegrini’s side could be without Marko Arnautovic for at least a couple of weeks after the striker injured his foot during the defeat at Wolves, and there are still question marks over how committed the Austrian international will be even once he is fit.

You can find some of the best Twitter reactions down below, where fans are fuming at this transfer update…

Crystal Palace welcomed a new era into south London over the summer following the departure of Roy Hodgson after four stable and pragmatic years, with the arrival of several young and exciting signings marking the shift in approach.

The capital club appointed Patrick Vieira as Hodgson’s successor in the dugout following a lengthy recruitment process, but the French tactician wasted no time in putting his own stamp on the first-team squad.

Acquisitions such as Marc Guehi, Odsonne Edouard and Michael Olise were ideal fits for his entertaining, possession-orientated style, and they’ve all hit the ground running in the opening weeks of the campaign.

However, it’s a player who was already at Palace prior to the plethora of changes who has arguably given the club’s supporters the most reasons to be cheerful during Vieira’s short reign and beyond.

Tyrick Mitchell rose through the ranks at his boyhood club before being handed his first-team debut by Hodgson back in July 2020 during Project Restart.

Since then, the 22-year-old has gone on to make 34 appearances for the Eagles in all competitions and has now established himself as Palace’s first-choice left-back following the departure of Patrick van Aanholt.

The left-back has excelled in his defensive duties in the early stages of his career, averaging a whopping 3.4 tackles per league game last term – the highest tally amongst his teammates, as per WhoScored.

And now Mitchell is also adding an attacking threat to his game under the tutelage of Vieira, becoming a much more complete modern-day full-back in the process.

As per fbref.com, the youngster has already doubled his number of key passes from last season, hitting six in his ten outings, is now producing one shot-creating action per 90 – up from 0.47 and is now carrying the ball into the final third of this pitch on 1.67 occasions per 90 compared to 0.47 in 2020/21.

His outstanding contributions at both ends of the pitch has seen Mitchell’s market value rise to £10.8m, illustrating how Palace appears to have struck gold over the £28,000-per-week academy graduate.

And, in other news…Palace liability who lost possession 22 times let Vieira down against Newcastle 

Jesse Marsch’s track record when it comes to developing young players is certainly impressive, so Leeds United’s latest up-and-coming prospects are in very good hands.

During spells in charge of Red Bull conglomerates, Salzburg and Leipzig, the American coach had many a talent at his disposal, trusting them to start for him in the senior game.

These names ranged from goalscoring superstar Erling Haaland and Patson Daka, who is now at Premier League rivals Leicester City, to mooted Whites transfer target Brenden Aaronson.

Whilst the likes of Hwang Hee-chan, Takumi Minamino, Dominik Szoboszlai, Karim Adeyemi, Christopher Nkunku and Josko Gvardiol have all benefitted from his influence.

Some of the players listed went on to score a pretty neat profit but who could follow in the footsteps of say, a Haaland, at Elland Road?

The Yorkshire giants are blessed with a pretty exciting academy set-up, where we have seen players such as Joe Gelhardt, Lewis Bate and Sam Greenwood go from starting for the youth team week-in, week-out, to earning minutes in the top-flight of the men’s game.

But it could be Leo Hjelde who benefits most from the arrival of Marsch.

The 18-year-old defender has recently been absent through injury but made his return on Monday night as the U23s were walloped by West Ham United, though these valuable minutes are positive for his comeback.

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Described as “rusty” in the game by LeedsLive reporter Beren Cross, it was more of a first runout for the Nottingham-born Norwegian in two months.

Capable of playing at left-back and in the middle, Hjelde could be hugely valuable to the 48-year-old going forward, particularly into next season, where the makeup of this Leeds squad is surely set to change following a torrid season full of injury and inconsistency, leading to them largely fighting a relegation battle.

His debut for the Yorkshiremen came against West Ham United earlier this season highlighted his true potential, earning immense praise from club legend Jermain Beckford, who told the club’s official podcast:

“The young boy, Hjelde when he came on as well, what a player he’s looking by the way. I don’t want to put too much pressure on him. But that’s twice we’ve seen him, twice we’ve seen him against West Ham, against a very physical, very strong, very quick centre forward in Michail Antonio and a tricky player in Jarrod Bowen. I don’t want to say he had them in his pocket, but I think he did.”

Meanwhile, during his time at Ross County, his former manager John Hughes likened him to a current Premier League star, which only bolsters claims that Hjelde could emerge as a big money-making sensation in the future.

“Leo is going to be the next Van Dijk. Trust me on that,” he said. “The quality he has shown, the physical challenge, playing real men’s football and standing up to it – it’s been a wonderful experience for Leo. He’s got massive things in front of him.”

Also dubbed a “massive talent” by his ex-boss, it’s clear that Leeds – and Marsch particularly – have a special defender in their grasp. He should be in line for more game time next season as the league’s worst defence will surely be altered.

The Norway U21 international could earn Leeds a pretty penny one day.

AND in other news, Alan Nixon drops 12-word Kalvin Phillips transfer update…

An exciting Rangers transfer claim has been made, as Giovanni van Bronckhorst eyes up potential targets to arrive at Ibrox…

What’s the talk?

Ligue 1 expert Adam White has claimed that a move to Glasgow is possible for PSG talent Xavi Simons at the end of the season.

When asked if a transfer to Scotland could happen, he told GIVEMESPORT:

“I think it’s feasible. I haven’t heard anything that suggests that that’s close or ongoing but I think there’s a lot of talk about Xavi Simons.”

It was reported at the end of December that Rangers were leading the race to land the midfielder, whose contract with the French giants is up in the summer. Although, there have been no further developments to the story between then and these quotes from White.

GVB will love it

Van Bronckhorst will surely love this news as it leaves the door open for Simons to end up at Rangers ahead of the 2022/23 campaign. It remains to be seen whether or not they would be able to bring him in for the second half of the current season, but signing him on a pre-contract deal and avoiding paying a huge transfer fee to PSG could be a fantastic piece of business by the club.

The Dutch head coach will be buzzing as the teenager is a talented young player who is reportedly regarded as one of the best prospects in Europe at the moment. This means that van Bronckhorst could work with him over the course of a number of months and years to hone his talent and ensure that he reaches his potential.

As a result, the ex-Feyenoord boss could enjoy reaping the rewards of his efforts on the training ground for a considerable period of time.

He has played three first-team games and registered one assist for PSG this season – with one appearance in Ligue 1 handed to him by Mauricio Pochettino. This shows that the 18-year-old is trusted enough, despite his age, to play at the top level in a team full of talent – with the likes of Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, Marquinhos, Gianluigi Donnarumma and Neymar, among others.

Simons’ record at youth level also provides an insight into the quality he could bring to Rangers. He has produced five goals and six assists in 12 games for PSG’s U19’s, showing that he can score and create goals on a regular basis.

It remains to be seen whether or not he can do that in a first-team setting, but his involvement for Pochettino’s side suggests that they believe he has the talent to do so. This is why van Bronckhorst will love the claim that a transfer is possible for Rangers in the summer.

AND in other news, Bye-bye Morelos: Rangers can seal ideal replacement in gem who scores every 1.7 games…

As per respected Italian journalist Enzo Bucchioni, writing for Firenze Viola, the future of Dusan Vlahovic may well become clear over the next few weeks as he drops a Tottenham Hotspur claim.

The Lowdown: Spurs ramp up Vlahovic interest…

Numerous sources over this past week have detailed Tottenham’s stance on re-entering the race for their summer target and it’s safe to say that the interest is still very much alive.

After a reported bid by Fabio Paratici to bring him to north London (Fanta Calcio), the arrival of new manager Antonio Conte has seen Tottenham re-emerge as serious contenders.

Indeed, TUTTOmercatoWEB suggested last week that both Conte and Spurs’ managing director have ‘agreed’ to target the 21-year-old as a potential replacement for superstar Harry Kane, who ‘should leave’ next summer.

Meanwhile, La Gazzetta dello Sport (via Sport Witness) stated that a meeting and transfer talks have already been held in London as Spurs and Fiorentina chiefs discuss a potential €70m (£59.9m) deal.

The Latest: Bucchioni drops Spurs claim…

Writing for Firenze Viola, Bucchioni somewhat backs these recent claims of Tottenham’s interest, stating that the Lilywhites have ‘moved’ for Vlahovic alongside the likes of Arsenal and Manchester City.

He believed that Juventus and Borussia Dortmund are the main contenders from Europe and that more clubs could still enter the race to sign him, explaining that there are those who speak of a summit between the 21-year-old and his agent to decide the best course of action over a move away.

Extending his stay at Fiorentina is deemed ‘unthinkable’ as things stand but the player’s ‘management’ would prefer him to see out 2021/22 with La Viola and leave permanently next summer.

As the striker decides his future in ‘addition to leaving’ his current club, Bucchioni believes we will know more ‘over the next few weeks’, with Vlahovic’s agent Darko Ristic currently not answering the phone to any club – not even Fiorentina.

The Verdict: Perfect target…

His 21-goal tally in Serie A alone last season is just one of many reasons for Spurs to swoop and get a possible deal done, whether its in January or indeed next summer.

Lauded as a ‘really crazy’ player by former Premier League striker Valeri Bojinov, the fact that he has officially refused new contract offers to make him the highest-paid player in Fiorentina’s history is also incentive for Spurs to move.

Vlahovic’s current contract expires in 2023, so the Serie A club are slowly running out of time to make a significant amount of money off his sale, and this may well strengthen Paratici’s negotiating stance.

Valued at around £45m by Transfermarkt, any figure in and around this amount would surely be a bargain given his age, potential for sell-on value and red-hot form.

The Serbia international has continued to turn heads with 10 goals and an assist in 13 outings so far this season, marking him out as one of Europe’s most prolific target men right now.

In other news: Spurs now close to signing ‘monster’ player as Conte seeks to solve severe problem, find out more here.