Wolverhampton Wanderers secured a hugely important three points on Saturday afternoon as they beat West Ham 1-0 at Molineux to leapfrog David Moyes’ side and move out of the relegation places.

Daniel Podence earned the Old Gold a hard-fought win as he smashed the ball past Lukasz Fabianski for the only goal of the game, while Ruben Neves and Rayan Ait-Nouri were both denied by the woodwork as Julen Lopetegui’s side were extremely unfortunate not to score a second.

However, the Midlands club showed some of their defensive steel from the first half of last season as they held on to a clean sheet, with Wolves now looking up the table rather than over their shoulder at the relegation places.

While Podence will grab the headlines after his goal, it was arguably Max Kilman who was Wolves’ star performer at Molineux.

As per Sofascore, the centre-back would earn a superb 8.1 rating for his performance at Molineux, which ranked him as the best player on the pitch from both sides.

The 25-year-old produced a mammoth performance to keep West Ham’s frontline of Gianluca Scamacca and Michail Antonio quiet in the final stages, contributing a remarkable eight clearances, five tackles and three interceptions during the 90 minutes.

Considering he has averaged 4.5 clearances, 1.2 tackles and 1.1 blocks per game in the Premier League so far this campaign, via WhoScored, it is clear just how impressive he was in the win against the Hammers.

WhoScored has also awarded the former Futsal star a 6.68 average rating for the league campaign thus far but his 7.98 rating from them was ranked as his best performance of the season, so he certainly deserves the plaudits for his part in the win.

Wolves needed to be strong defensively against West Ham’s two physical striker options and Kilman was certainly that, as he won all five of his ground duels in the game, and five out of his eight aerial duels, with an overall success rate of 77%.

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He was also consistent with his passing, registering an 86% success rate which again was an improvement on his 83% average in the Premier League so far this campaign.

If the English titan can continue to produce performances such as that during the remainder of the season, then Lopetegui’s side shouldn’t have to worry too much about the threat of relegation.

Liverpool could take the opportunity to strengthen their midfield during the January transfer window and now a new update has emerged from a reliable source on a potential target.

What’s the latest?

According to journalist Jacque Talbot, Liverpool have held talks over signing Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder Kouadio Kone.

Talbot tweeted: “Hear been talks between Reds and Khephren Thuram of Nice – and Kouadio Kone of Borussia Monchengladbach.”

Moises Caicedo clone

It is no secret that Liverpool are in desperate need of reinforcements in midfield, something that has become glaringly obvious since the start of the current campaign.

The Reds are currently sixth in the Premier League ahead of their clash with Brighton and Hove Albion this weekend with a challenging second half of the season ahead of them in order to climb back inside the top four, now seven points behind in the race for a Champions League qualification spot.

The Carabao Cup champions of last season have already been knocked out by Manchester City, suffered a disappointing draw with Wolverhampton Wanderers in the FA Cup pending a replay and next month will face their Champions League rivals Real Madrid in the round of 16 – only adding to the pressure mounting at Anfield.

As a result, the powerbrokers at the Merseyside club can no longer continue to ignore the much-needed refresh in the centre of the pitch and the signing of Kone could be the perfect opportunity to add pace, aggression, quality and depth to their midfield in order to transform their gloomy trajectory over the remainder of the campaign.

In fact, the Reds could even land an alternative to one of their widely-reported top transfer targets Moises Caicedo as Kone – who was hailed a “warrior” by Jacek Kulig – is a clone of the Ecuadorian ace with the Brighton midfielder being named as one of the most comparable players to the Gladbach star, according to FBref.

The two midfielders have shared similarities in some of their strongest attributes so far this term, including goal contributions (2 v 2), pass completion rate (85.4% v 87.4%), shot-creating actions (34 v 35), goal-creating actions per 90 (0.22 v 0.19) and blocks (20 v 17).

Both immense box-to-box propositions, it is generally in defensive situations where their quality shines through the most, with the duo making a comparable amount of tackles this term, albeit with Caicedo coming out on top – 2.97 to 2.13 per 90 minutes.

It is reported by Sport BILD (via GGFN) that Kone has a price tag of €45m (£39m) whilst Caicedo boasts a more expensive transfer fee of £65m, so it could be an opportunity to acquire the services of a like-minded midfielder at the fraction of the price – something that will surely capture FSG’s attention.

With that being said, the signing of Kone could be the perfect solution to the ongoing issues at Anfield and if the club can secure a deal ahead of the second half of the season he could be a huge asset to Klopp over the remaining fixtures.

Liverpool are reportedly mulling over a move for Juventus ace Adrien Rabiot, with reports from Italy stating that despite his club’s wish to tie him down with a new deal, potential suitors are waiting to pounce.

Indeed, the Reds have found their name attached to circulating transfer rumours surrounding a plethora of midfielders across Europe this season, and it’s hardly surprising given the stark decline in form and performance on the pitch this season.

In order to steady the ship and to leave Anfield awash with fluid intensity once more, a vigorous and energetic presence in the centre of the park is paramount, and Rabiot could indeed be the man, with the French midfielder previously touted at around €20m (£17m) and set to depart the Old Lady upon his contract expiry in June.

Last year, Jurgen Klopp’s Reds won the FA Cup and the Carabao Cup, reached the Champions League final and agonisingly finished one measly point behind Manchester City in the Premier League title race.

This term, however, the Merseyside outfit languish in seventh place after 17 matches, with just 28 points – albeit with games in hand on three of the six team’s above them in the division. 

Rabiot would provide energy and guile to the Reds’ ranks, and he could indeed flourish with his particular skill set, perhaps even enhancing the lacklustre performances of his prospective Liverpool teammates.

Having made 147 appearances for his Italian Serie A outfit, scoring 11 goals and serving eight assists, Rabiot has been an industrious component to his side’s endeavours.

This season, he has been integral to the resurgent Juve’s success, scoring five goals and two assists from 18 appearances as the club look to mount a title challenge, in second place and seven points behind table-toppers Napoli.

As per FBref, the 35-cap star ranks within the top 18% of midfielders throughout Europe’s major leagues for goals, the top 23% for dribbles completed, the top 17% for tackles and the top 19% for blocks.

Such statistics are an illustration of the rounded arsenal the French engine boasts, with his tendency to carry the ball into dangerous pockets of space an element that will only entice Klopp further towards forging an official move.

Journalist Dom Booth called him an “elite” midfielder, praise that is backed up by his performance at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where the phenom recorded an average match rating of 7.13 for France, as per Sofascore, starting five of the six matches, scoring a goal and an assist, completing 85% of his passes and making 2.0 tackles per outing. 

Such stellar showings on the biggest stage, entrusted with a leading role in a nation that came oh-so-close to reclaiming the world title they clinched in Russia four years prior, are a further indication of Rabiot’s pedigree.

Liverpool technical director Julian Ward simply must instigate a transfer for the “monster” – as once dubbed by sport writer Robin Bairner – for he could stabilise a proud football club teetering off-balance, producing all-encompassing performances to turn fortunes around ahead of the business end of the season.

Everton podcaster Ryan Williams has claimed that loaning Michael Keane to Southampton would be ‘the height of incompetence’ by the Toffees.

The Lowdown: Southampton interested in Keane

As per an update from Sky Sports (via Football Daily), the Saints are among ‘a number of clubs interested’ in signing the 29-year-old on loan from Goodison Park in this month’s transfer window.

The defender has only made one appearance in the Premier League so far this season, which came against Brentford in August, and has seen his game-time limited by the arrivals of both Conor Coady and James Tarkowski last summer.

The Latest: ‘The height of incompetence’

Taking to Twitter after hearing the rumour, Williams has claimed that loaning out Keane to a fellow relegation rival would be ‘the height of incompetence’ by Everton.

Sharing a Sky Sports clip detailing the rumour, he fumed: “I’m fine with loaning Keane out, but if he is loaned to a relegation competitor, that’s just the height of incompetence.”

The Verdict: Avoid

Everton should avoid loaning Keane out to the Saints and should instead send him to a non-relegation rival, or else keep him as a squad option.

Despite his lack of minutes so far this term, the 29-year-old is still young and inexperienced Southampton squad (average age 25).

The Saints are only three points behind Frank Lampard’s side, and if Keane is able to hit the ground running at St Mary’s, then it could prove to be a disastrous move from the Toffees, especially if Nathan Jones’ men were to secure top-flight survival at the Merseysiders’ expense.

Leeds United have been dealt a transfer setback after learning that forward target Ben Brereton Diaz is closing in on a move to Villarreal, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Scouting mission

The Blackburn Rovers striker will be out of contract at Ewood Park at the end of the season, and over the past few months, this has alerted several potential suitors that a deal could be struck.

The Chile international has been the subject of strong interest from the Whites for some time, with Leeds chiefs having watched him in action on numerous occasions this term and reports confirming he’s a ‘long time target’.

Following a fresh update however, it sounds like he won’t be making his way to Elland Road.

The Latest: Brereton Diaz to Villarreal?

According to Football Insider, Brereton-Diaz is now in ‘advanced talks’ to join Villarreal in a ‘blow’ to both Leeds and West Ham, his other Premier League admirer.

The La Liga giants are ‘confident of finalising terms’ following a positive round of negotiations on Wednesday, despite Leeds and the Hammers ‘trailing’ the player.

The 23-year-old could sign a pre-contract agreement ahead of a free transfer in the summer, though a move this month has also been mentioned for a fee in the region of £8m.

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The Verdict: Setback for Marsch?

Brereton Diaz has been hailed as a ‘phenomenal’ player by R.D football scout so it’s a definite setback for Jesse Marsch to learn that he looks likely to miss out on securing one of his long-term transfer targets.

The Stoke On Trent-born talent has already posted 13 goal contributions in 26 Championship appearances this term, averaging 2.7 shots per 90 minutes (WhoScored).

The Rovers talisman would have been the ideal attacking reinforcement to come in and try to steer the Whites to safety, but they will have to hope that new arrival Georginio Rutter is able to have the same desired effect.

Liverpool have submitted an enquiry regarding a move for Borussia Dortmund striker Youssoufa Moukoko, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Potential free agent

The German will be out of contract at the end of the season, and having not yet put pen to paper on fresh terms as a result of difficulty reaching a new agreement, is, as it stands, set to depart on a free transfer this summer.

Several Premier League clubs appear to have been alerted to the 18-year-old’s situation and the Merseysiders are one of those to have been name-checked with an interest in completing a deal upon the conclusion of the 2022/23 campaign.

The Latest: Liverpool eyeing Moukoko

According to 90min, Liverpool, Arsenal, Tottenham and Manchester United have all ‘asked’ to be kept ‘abreast of developments’ regarding Moukoko’s future in the Bundesliga.

The forward is reportedly looking for a deal worth in the region of €200k-per-week (£177k), with these demands ‘unlikely’ to be an issue for any of the top-flight giants.

Chelsea and Newcastle have also both ‘held talks’ with the teenager’s representatives though, alongside a host of other big European clubs.

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The Verdict: No-brainer

Moukoko has been dubbed a ‘machine’ by Jacek Kulig, and Liverpool considering an offer to sign him is a no-brainer of a decision to make should the opportunity arise.

The Cameroon-born talent has already posted ten goal contributions in just 14 league appearances this term and currently averages 1.9 shots per game.

Moukoko also shares the same agent as both Joe Gomez and Curtis Jones, which could end up giving Jurgen Klopp’s side the advantage in their attempt to bring him to Anfield.

Liverpool could complete the signing of Wolves midfielder Matheus Nunes once the summer transfer window arrives, Fabrizio Romano has claimed.

The Lowdown: Liverpool’s midfield a mess

The Reds were once again hapless over the weekend, losing 3-0 away to Brighton in the Premier League and never looking like getting anything from the game.

The midfield three of Fabinho, Jordan Henderson and Thiago were completely outplayed and outrun by the likes of Moises Caicedo and Alexis Mac Allister, on a humbling afternoon on the south coast.

New midfielders are essential, both in January and in the summer, and Nunes is one player who has been strongly linked with a move to Anfield.

The Latest: Nunes backed to join

Speaking to Give Me Sport, Romano name-checked the Portuguese as someone who is still admired by Liverpool:

“Matheus Nunes is one of the players they have on their list for sure. They’re really appreciating [Nunes], so I would not be surprised if they decide to bring him in in the summer.”

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The Verdict: Could be a great signing

Nunes is someone who could be ideal when it comes to solving Liverpool’s midfield crisis, possessing the youth and legs that so many don’t at Anfield currently.

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The 24-year-old caught the eye in the FA Cup clash at Anfield earlier this month, bossing the Reds’ midfielders and winning six out of seven ground duels, while coach Ruben Franco has described him as ‘something special’.

Nunes needs to be one of several midfielders to come in at Liverpool but he would be an immediate upgrade on someone like Jordan Henderson, whose best days are now behind him at the age of 32.

Former Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel would be open to talks with Tottenham, should the club part ways with Antonio Conte, according to The Evening Standard’s Nizaar Kinsella.

The Lowdown: Tuchel in England

Tuchel, who likes to play a 3-4-2-1 formation, made the move to Stamford Bridge back in 2021 and was in charge of 99 games. The 49-year-old averaged over two points per game with the Blues, winning the Champions League during his time in England.

The German also won the FIFA Club World Cup and the World’s Best Club Coach Award at Chelsea, and it looks as if might be open to a return to London.

The Latest: Tottenham links

Kinsella took to Twitter on Wednesday, saying that Tuchel ‘would be open to Tottenham talks’.

The Evening Standard reporter said that despite his Chelsea connection, the manager would be interested in the Spurs job, should Conte depart.

The Verdict: One to watch?

Conte’s future in north London appears to be uncertain at this stage, with Spurs losing both of their home Premier League fixtures since the restart following the World Cup.

Therefore, should the club decide to make a change in 2023, a move for Tuchel could be one to keep an eye on, should he still be out of work, following this update.

He’s had relative success in England and has also managed the likes of Paris Saint-Germain and Borussia Dortmund, winning trophies in both countries, so who knows, he could be the man to finally end Spurs’ long wait for silverware, although a lot needs to happen in the meantime for that to have any chance of materialising.

Everton have ‘knocked back’ a loan approach for defender Michael Keane, according to Sky Sports reporter Lyall Thomas.

The Lowdown: Out of favour

The Toffees centre back’s contract at Goodison Park isn’t set to expire until 2025, but after falling out of favour under Frank Lampard, an early exit could be on the cards.

Premier League rivals Southampton are reportedly one of several clubs chasing the 6 foot 2 colossus, and Nathan Jones’ side are the first to step up their interest by making an official proposal.

The Latest: Keane approach rejected

Taking to Twitter, Thomas revealed that Southampton have come forward with an opening loan offer for Keane, though this has quickly been turned down by Everton, who have made it clear that they would rather sanction a permanent exit.

“#Saintsfc have been knocked back in their initial approach for Keane on loan. #Evertonfc not keen to loan to league-position rival + prefer to sell.”

The Verdict: Get him sold

Keane has been hailed a ‘top-class’ player by Josh Bunting and it’s a shame that it’s not worked out for him on Merseyside, but letting him go for good would be completely the right decision.

The Stockport-born talent has made zero starts and just one substitute appearance in the top-flight this season, highlighting he’s viewed as nothing more than a bench warmer (WhoScored).

Lampard clearly has no plans to include Keane in his project moving forward so it makes complete sense for Farhad Moshiri to cash in whilst he can.

Journalist Charles Watts has reported that Arsenal’s January transfer move for Jakub Kiwior is viewed as a ‘smart piece of business’ by those who know him – and the player could be at the Emirates Stadium this weekend.

What’s the latest? Already this week, Leandro Trossard has arrived from Brighton in a deal said to be worth £21m plus add-ons, but it looks as though the Gunners won’t be stopping there.Indeed, Sky Sports has reported that Arsenal are ‘closing in ‘on the Spezia and Poland defender for a touted £20m fee. When you consider the reported £89m required for Chelsea to land Mykhailo Mudryk, the sorts of deals the Gunners have switched to seem an awful lot thriftier.And while the transfer isn’t yet complete, if Mikel Arteta and co can finalise negotiations, it sounds as though they will be pulling off something of a coup.Indeed, while speaking on his YouTube channel, Watts said: “Juventus and AC Milan were sniffing around him as well. I think West Ham were, by all accounts, as well.”The people in Italy who I’ve spoken to who know him and know the game, they seem to think it’s a smart piece of business. No one was really expecting it, but they think he’s a decent player who could go on and become a top player. He’s very young, still 22, not much experience; he only moved to Italy a couple of years ago from Slovakia.”So not too much experience, but Arsenal believe in him, they’re willing to pay around £20m with add-ons for him, so it’ll go up to about £24-25m, I think.”It’s not done yet, but it is getting very close to being done. I think he’s going to be in England this weekend. I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s at the Emirates tomorrow and this deal gets wrapped up pretty, pretty quickly.”Clever move?It’s certainly exciting to hear that Kiwior could be in attendance as Arsenal take on Manchester United in the Premier League this weekend.What’s more, it sounds as though the Gunners aren’t done with their business just yet, as the latest rumours suggest that a loan move for Real Madrid midfielder Eduardo Camavinga could be on the cards – although his current club appear unwilling to sell at present.As for Kiwior, though, it’s not hard to see why he’s so highly rated. Indeed, despite being just 22, he has already established himself as the key man in the heart of the Spezia defence, with 17 Serie A outings to his name this term.On top of that, he has nine international caps under his belt for Poland and started all four of their World Cup games in Qatar this winter, keeping two clean sheets in that period.And so, while many Arsenal fans may not know a whole lot about the defender, they will no doubt be delighted to hear that those who have watched him play feel as though he has great potential to be a top signing.