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An update has emerged on Aston Villa and their pursuit of a striker during the current January transfer window…

What’s the talk?

According to reports in Spain, via Sport Witness, Unai Emery is pushing for the club’s board to pursue a deal to sign Vedat Muriqi this month.

The report claims that RCD Mallorca are not eager to sanction an exit for their star striker but the player has a release clause of €38m (£34m) that the Villans could activate if they so choose.

It is stated that they have already had an offer of €20m (£18m) rejected by the Spanish side and that their next offer could go as high as €30m (£27m) after Emery’s insistence on a swoop for the forward.

Imagine him & Emi Buendia

Emery and Villa could provide midfielder Emi Buendia with the prolific striker that he has been missing since he joined the club from Norwich in the summer of 2021 by securing a deal for Muriqi.

The Argentine playmaker created 15 chances and two ‘big chances’ in nine Premier League starts without recording an assist this season. This comes after he provided 49 key passes and eight ‘big chances’ for his teammates in the top-flight last term and was rewarded with just six assists.

These statistics suggest that the former Getafe winger is being let down by the current forwards at the club as they are not making the most of the opportunities that he is creating with impressive regularity.

Muriqi’s form in La Liga for Mallorca this season indicates that he could be the man to make the most of Buendia’s brilliance as he has plundered eight goals in 13 starts for the Spanish outfit.

The striker, who has scored 23 goals in 44 matches for Kosovo at international level, has found the back of the net eight times from 6.89 xG and this shows that he is making the most of the chances that he is being provided with and then some.

Villa need a centre-forward who can finish off the key passes that Buendia is creating for the team on a regular basis and Muriqi, who was once described as “utterly dominant” in the air by smarterscout on Twitter, could fit the bill.

His goalscoring exploits in another major European league in Spain suggest that he could be a fantastic signing for the Villans and NSWE must now back Emery by paying the money required to sign the marksman in the coming weeks in order to bolster the squad.

Craig Hope, North East reporter for The Daily Mail, says that Real Valladolid right-back Ivan Fresneda is ‘being watched’ by Newcastle United.

The Lowdown: Newcastle interest

The Mail reported on New Year’s Eve that the St. James’ Park outfit have joined the race to sign Fresneda, with both Arsenal and Juventus also monitoring the teenager.

He could be available for around £10m, and the North East club have officially ‘expressed their interest’ in his signature.

The Latest: ‘Being watched’

Taking to Twitter, Hope has shared that Fresneda is ‘being watched’ by the Tynesiders ahead of a potential move, and he is among a number of other right-backs being ‘tracked’:

“Valladolid right back Ivan Fresneda is being watched by NUFC. Sources confirm interest & say 18-yr-old is among others being tracked. A young right-back is certainly high on list for Jan.”

Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth has since added that Eddie Howe’s team have scouted Fresneda ‘several times’, including when he played against Real Madrid on Friday.

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The Verdict: Get it done

Despite Valladolid’s 2-0 loss at home to Madrid, the Magpies would have liked what they saw from Fresneda.

The Spaniard won ten duels, by far the most of any player on the pitch, while he also made a joint-high three clearances and an unmatched eight tackles, chipping in with four accurate long balls, one key pass and two interceptions (SofaScore).

Hailed as having the ‘beastly‘ ability to maraud forward and put in crosses from right-back by journalist and La Liga presenter Juan Arroita, only three of his team-mates average more crosses per game than him in La Liga so far this season, while his 1.4 key passes per match is unmatched (WhoScored).

Nonetheless, Fresneda would be the perfect understudy to Kieran Trippier, who has played in every game so far this term and is in need of the occasional rest.

Leeds United have managed to lower Hoffenheim’s initial asking price for Georginio Rutter and are hopeful of finalising a move today, according to The Daily Mail’s Simon Jones.

The Lowdown: Rutter speculation

The Whites were first linked with a ‘massive’ move for the forward over the weekend, in the words of Sky journalist Florian Plettenberg, and a transfer has gathered plenty of pace in recent days.

Sky Sports stated on Monday evening that the 20-year-old had been due for a medical in the next 48 hours, citing a £35.3m fee for the French forward. However, it looks as if Victor Orta and co have managed to slightly reduce that figure in a fresh transfer update.

The Latest: Rutter transfer update

Jones shared a story for The Daily Mail on Wednesday morning, claiming that Leeds are hoping for a transfer to be finalised today.

The reporter adds that the club have lowered an initial asking price of around £35m to £30m, although a move for that amount would still be a club record for the Whites.

The Verdict: Good work

This transfer twist is good news for Leeds, with Orta seemingly working his magic to lower the fee at the last minute. It looks like Rutter will complete a move to Elland Road, which will be a welcome boost for everyone associated with the club.

The Whites’ last big-money centre-forward signing was Rodrigo following promotion to the Premier League in 2020. You’d expect that Rutter will be rivalling the club’s leading scorer this season for a starting berth under Jesse Marsch, while also providing an option out wide or as a number 10.

Joao Palhinha would be a good signing for Liverpool, who are desperate to strengthen their midfield, Pete O’Rourke has claimed.

What’s the word?

Liverpool fell to yet another defeat as they were humiliated by Brighton, and their lack of depth and quality in midfield has been a big concern all season.

They have been linked with a summer move for Jude Bellingham, but arguably need more than one central midfielder, and Fulham’s Palhinha has also been linked.

Palhinha only joined Fulham in the summer, but has started his Premier League career well, helping his side climb to sixth place in the Premier League.

Speaking exclusively to Football Fancast, O’Rourke claimed that the Portuguese midfielder would be a good addition to Jurgen Klopp’s side.

“He’s been very impressive for Fulham, there’s no doubt about that,” he stated.

“Since his arrival from Sporting Lisbon, his stats are right up there for interceptions and tackles and everything else and something that’s been really missing from Liverpool’s midfield this year is probably the lack of energy in there.”

A Fabinho upgrade

The Brazilian has not been at his best for Liverpool this season, and his performances at the base of midfield are a concern.

Palhinha provides an upgrade on Fabinho in tackles, blocks and interceptions, ranking in the top 17% of midfielders for all three, ranking significantly higher than the Liverpool star as per FBref.

Even if Bellingham joins the club, Palhinha would be a fine addition as a deep midfielder, and the 27-year-old can help Liverpool’s squad evolve as a fresh face in good form.

YouTuber Conor McGilligan has revealed his relief as Leeds United defender Max Wober looks fit to play this weekend despite a recent injury scare.

What’s the word?

The player only arrived from Red Bull Salzburg at the start of the month for a fee reportedly in the region of £11m, but he has already made three appearances for the Whites.

However, in his last game against Cardiff City in the FA Cup, Wober had to come off after 57 minutes following a hefty collision. Fortunately, manager Jesse Marsch has since said (via LeedsLive) that it shouldn’t be too much of an issue. 

In full, explained: “I asked him in the dressing room and he said he doesn’t think it’s too bad. So hopefully, he can regenerate and go again.”

And while speaking about it on the One Leeds Fan Channel, McGilligan admitted that he had been pretty ‘upset’ at the time, but now feels delighted as the player looks to be fit.

He said: “Wober’s fit, which I think was big. I was upset about that the other day, I can’t lie.

“I was a little bit upset about that because I thought to myself that defensive stability when Wober went off, we seemed to crumble a little bit when they [Cardiff] started coming through the counterattacks.”

New man to prove vital?

Against Cardiff in midweek, the Whites were leading 3-0 up until Wober was substituted shortly before the hour mark. After that point, both teams scored twice, showing that Marsch’s side did lose a touch of defensive stability.

For a long time, the defence has been a weak point for the Elland Road outfit, while they have conceded 1.7 goals per game under Marsch – which puts an awful lot of pressure on the strikers to deliver the goods in every game.

However, Wober has been brought in to help shore up the backline and it seems as though supporters such as McGilligan already feel more secure when he’s in the team. He can play both centrally as well as at left-back, too, so it will be interesting to see how he is used this weekend against Brentford – and whether he indeed is a key component of a solid Leeds backline.

Newcastle United have been handed a boost in their bid to bring Nicolo Zaniolo to the Premier League in the January transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Italian publication Gazzetta dello Sport (via Sport Witness), who claim that the AS Roma midfielder has now asked to leave the Stadio Olimpico at the earliest possible opportunity, to which Jose Mourinho’s outfit have responded by categorically placing the 23-year-old ‘on the market’ – with the Italian’s asking price set at €40m (£35m).

This is sure to come as a huge boost to Eddie Howe, as the Magpies have recently been linked with the Italy international, however, it was previously suggested that a move for the midfielder was ‘not conceivable’ in the January transfer window, and that the Premier League side would have to wait until the summer to stand a chance of landing the 23-year-old.

“Unreal”

Considering the sheer amount of ability and potential Zaniolo undoubtedly possesses, the argument that the Italian sensation would be an unreal signing for Howe to get over the line this month is an extremely easy one to make.

Indeed, according to FBref, the £12m-rated talent currently ranks in the top 4% of midfielders in Europe’s big five leagues for shots per 90, in addition to the top 17% for non-penalty xG, the top 12% for progressive passes received and the top 12% for touches in the opposition penalty area – proving just how dangerous the 11-cap international is in the final third.

Furthermore, FBref also rank the £79k-per-week playmaker in the top 6% of forwards in Europe’s big five leagues for dribbles completed per 90, as well as the top 13% for shot-creating actions, the top 13% for xAG – xG which follows a pass that assists a shot – and the top 39% for progressive passes – highlighting Zaniolo’s creativity when on the ball.

The 23-year-old also clearly puts the work in defensively, with FBref also ranking the former Inter Milan starlet in the top 23% of European forwards for blocks, the top 28% for tackles and the top 44% for interceptions per 90.

Aside from his evident technical ability, the player who journalist Nick Mercadante dubbed both a “monster” and “unreal” is incredibly versatile positionally, with the Italian being able to operate in central and attacking midfield, on either wing, as a support striker and even as an out and out number nine.

As such, should Howe manage to get a deal over the line for Zaniolo this winter, it is indeed easy to argue that the Romanista would represent an unreal signing for a club of the Magpies’ current standing – and would undoubtedly help to play a part in Newcastle launching an assault on the top four in the Premier League table come the end of the campaign.

Although the January transfer window is still in full swing, Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag will no doubt be looking ahead to how he can strengthen his charges during the summer.

Recent reports have suggested the 52-year-old will once again by looking to the Dutch market in order to bolster his squad, having already signed the likes of Tyrell Malacia, Antony and Lisandro Martinez from the Eredivisie last year.

The suggestion is that the former Ajax boss could be looking to secure another reunion by bringing promising centre-back, Jurrien Timber to Old Trafford, with the Red Devils having reportedly been in talks regarding a move for the Netherlands international in the previous window.

The highly-rated 21-year-old – who was valued at around £43m at the time – ultimately opted to stay put and sign a contract extension in Amsterdam, although transfer insider Dean Jones has told GIVEMESPORT that a move could again be on the cards at the end of the season.

The journalist stated: “It’s definitely got to be a possibility. You look at the [Victor] Lindelöf and [Harry] Maguire situations. It’s pretty likely one of those two leaves, at least.”

The up-and-coming defender has caught the eye as a result of his standout form in the Netherlands of late, having particularly impressed with his quality in possession.

The 14-cap rock notably ranks in the top 1% for progressive passes and the top 3% for both dribbles completed and pass completion among those in his position in the ‘Men’s next eight competitions’, as per FBref, illustrating just how comfortable he is when playing out from the back.

The 5 foot 10 brute is no slouch defensively, however, as he averages 1.1 tackles and 1.2 interceptions per game from his 17 league outings this season, having also earned praise from compatriot Virgil van Dijk, who stated last year:

“I wasn’t nearly as far along as he is now (at the same age). I have nothing but praise for him. He is a great player and a true professional.”

As for as United are concerned, the hope will be that Timber can emulate another Dutchman to have starred at the heart of the club’s backline in the form of Jaap Stam, with the commanding asset arriving in England in the summer of 1998.

Like Timber, the now-retired titan had been plying his trade in his homeland prior to joining the Red Devils, having spent two years on the books at another Dutch giant, PSV Eindhoven.

The tough-tackling powerhouse made a smooth transition to life at the Theatre of Dreams, going on to play a vital role in the treble success in the 1998/99 campaign, while winning the league title in each of three full seasons at the club.

Having subsequently – and surprisingly – been moved on to Lazio in the summer of 2001, Sir Alex Ferguson later admitted that he had made a “bad decision” in letting the 6 foot 3 ace depart, with Stam continuing to thrive in Italy after his exit.

Such was his impact in England, the one-time AC Milan man made a notable impression on his teammates and earned particular praise for his remarkable recovery speed, as Teddy Sheringham described him as being “as quick as a Ferrari”, while Nicky Butt lauded him as “an awesome defender with great recovery pace, strength and physique.”

Although young Timber may not be able to match the imposing presence of his compatriot, he too has also been praised for his breathtaking pace in the backline, with talent scout Jacek Kulig stating:

“Not the tallest defender but his understanding of the game, anticipation, pace and ball skills are exceptional.”

If the Utrecht-born menace can go on to emulate Stam, then Ten Hag and co should be in for a real treat.

Celtic wrapped up their fourth signing of the January transfer window so far with the addition of Suwon Bluewings striker Oh Hyeon-gyu last week, with the Premiership champions having seemingly been chasing a new centre-forward amid the expected departure of Giorgos Giakoumakis.

Should the latter depart before tonight’s transfer deadline, amid interest from the likes of Atlanta United and Urawa Red Diamonds, it would be no real surprise if Hoops manager Ange Postecoglou were to pursue another striking addition in the near future, either today or for the summer.

There had been suggestions back in mid-November – prior to the speculation surrounding Giakoumakis – that the Old Firm giants were eyeing another attacking option to provide competition for both the Greek marksman and Kyogo Furuhashi, with it then not out of the question that signing of Oh could be followed by another goalscoring figure.

One man who has been linked with a move to Celtic of late is Hibernian striker Kevin Nisbet, with The Scottish Sun claiming earlier this month that the 25-year-old had come back on the Hoops’ radar after previously being linked with a move to Parkhead in 2021.

The “wonderful” talent – as lauded by Frank McAvennie – has remained at Easter Road following the collapse of his potential £2m move to Millwall, with that potentially allowing Postecoglou and Celtic the chance to pounce.

The Scotland international has warranted such attention, having been “absolutely flying” of late according to pundit Tam McManus after netting eight goals in just seven Premiership games since his recent return from injury.

The ten-cap striker now boasts a haul of 35 goals in 89 games in all competitions for the Edinburgh outfit, after previously bagging 23 goals in just 32 games at former club Dunfermline, plus 34 goals in 46 for Raith Rovers.

A player who has proven clinical wherever he has been, Nisbet would bring an almost guaranteed supply of goals to Celtic, particularly if he can feed off the quality service which would be provided by those around him.

The hope would be that the Hibs talisman could former a devastating partnership with the Bhoys’ new-found creative hub Aaron Mooy, with the Australian currently pulling the strings in his playmaking midfield berth.

The 32-year-old has been in “outstanding” form since returning from World Cup duty, in the words of his manager, having cemented his place in the team ahead of Matt O’Riley and alongside Reo Hatate and Callum McGregor.

That consistency of selection – which has seen the 5 foot 9 maestro start four of the last six league games – appears to be paying off, with the midfielder having provided six goal involvements in that time.

The recent victory over Dundee United showcased the former Huddersfield Town man’s growing importance to the Hoops, as he teed up Jota for the opening goal while also providing three key passes in total to illustrate his relentless creative brilliance.

For Nisbet to be supplied by a player of such genuine quality could prove to be a match made in heaven, with that duo surely one that both Postecoglou and Celtic supporters would love to see.

Journalist Alex Jones has been left far from impressed by what he’s seen from on-loan Leeds United ace Charlie Cresswell this season.

The Lowdown: Frustrating time of things

After being handed six first-team appearances last season under both Marcelo Bielsa and Jesse Marsch, both Leeds and Cresswell saw fit to ship him to on loan to Championship outfit Millwall for the season.

While things did indeed start very well for Cresswell keeping a clean sheet and scoring three times in his first six games for the London-based side, things have quickly gone south for the Leeds youngster.

Cresswell has now not started any of the last six league games for Millwall under Gary Rowett which saw him being linked with a midseason exit to another Championship club for the rest of the season.

The Latest: Cresswell flattering to deceive

It’s fair to say that Jones who covers Millwall hasn’t been impressed by Cresswell of late labelling his performance against Sunderland as a disaster while speaking on The Roar podcast.

He said: (18:10) “It’s been really difficult for him, he’s another one that’s paid the price from the formation change because Millwall have a very set back three when they play a five which is Sean Hutchinson, Jake Cooper and Murray Wallace.

“If you move to a four, Murray Wallace then slides to left back and there still isn’t a place for him in the team which is quite difficult. When there’s been injuries or suspensions he’s been able to come into the team and he’s been kind of hit-and-miss.

“The issue I think he’s had is at the end of the day he’s had the chances to put in solid performances which he did especially at the start of the season two goals on his first game against Stoke, and he scored again a few weeks after that he’s a regular scorer but the defensive side when it moves away from set pieces is the concern.

“You look at the Sunderland game when he had to come in and the third goal is an absolute disaster the way that the ball bounces as he goes to jump for it and it just bounces over him and straight into the path of Ellis Simms who rounds the goalkeeper and taps it in, [but] think that there is so much raw potential in him.”

The Verdict: Leeds will be keeping a close eye

Leeds won’t likely be delighted that Cresswell has been handed just 13 league starts this season in the championship as it’ll be doing very little for his growth or progression as a footballer.

However, if he isn’t performing to a good enough standard and putting in a ‘shambles’ of displays in high-profile games against fellow Play-Off rivals like Sunderland, then he can’t have any complaints with Rowett.

Cresswell is indeed still young enough to keep developing and this poor loan spell could well be what he needed to bring him back down to earth after playing in the Premier League last season and this could indeed be the making of him as he will learn the hard way as to what he should and shouldn’t do as a starting centre back.

Everton’s talks about signing Isco are well underway and a new meeting is planned between the relevant parties, according to journalist Rudy Galetti.

The Lowdown: Isco an option for Everton

The 30-year-old is a free agent, having had his contract terminated by Sevilla earlier this season, and it has recently been reported that Goodison Park is a potential destination, with the Spaniard able to sign for a new club outside of the transfer window.

While it has been claimed that the midfielder prefers a move to the MLS, casting doubt on whether he would be open to joining Everton, a new update appears to indicate that a deal could be struck with the Premier League club.

The Latest: Isco talks underway

According to Rudy Galetti, writing for Tribal Football, talks are well underway regarding a possible move to Everton for Isco, and a new meeting is scheduled with the aim of advancing the negotiations.

It is claimed that a possible move to Union Berlin broke down earlier in the January transfer window after the player was told that he would not be included in the Europa League squad list, but no MLS teams are explicitly named as interested parties.

The Verdict: Get it done?

In truth, the 30-year-old has not been at his best for many years, last recording more than four goal contributions across a single league season in 2017/18, after showing such promising signs at Real Madrid earlier in his career.

That said, the Toffees are at a point where they need to take a gamble, considering that they failed to strengthen Sean Dyche’s squad at the end of the January transfer window, even missing out on Andre Ayew, who joined Nottingham Forest.

Signing Isco would be a risk given his decline in form, but he can still make an impact at a high level, scoring and assisting in the Champions League this season. He has also been hailed as a ‘magician’ by football scout Jacek Kulig in the past.

A fresh start in a new league could be exactly what the playmaker needs in order to reignite his career, and Everton should take the plunge on him, at least on a short-term deal until the end of the season.