Manchester United have various esteemed icons in their hall-of-fame, the likes of George Best, Ryan Giggs and David Beckham remembered from the past as legends in a Red Devils strip.
There are also modern-day examples too, Wayne Rooney and Rio Ferdinand sticking out alongside the exploits of a far more youthful Cristiano Ronaldo.
In his first spell at the Theatre of Dreams, Ronaldo showed everyone glimpses of the unstoppable machine he would become in Madrid – scoring 31 goals in 34 league outings during the 2007/08 season with the Red Devils before the Galacticos swooped in.
Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo
Ronaldo's return to Manchester United after developing into one of the world's best away from Old Trafford at Real Madrid and Juventus didn't quite go to plan, an infamous TV interview with Piers Morgan his undoing as Erik ten Hag sold the Portuguese superstar thereafter without hesitation.
How much did Man Utd sign Cristiano Ronaldo for?
Considering Manchester United first sold CR7 for £80m back in 2009 to the Bernabeu, the Red Devils managed to re-sign the ageing talent for a cut-price £12.85m 12 years on from his initial exit; not bad business indeed.
It would prove to be a fine deal at the start, Ronaldo picking up from where he left off in a Man United strip by scoring 18 goals from 30 starts during the 2021/22 season.
However, after his first season back at the Theatre of Dreams, his relationship with the club would sour leading to an acrimonious exit.
He would score one more goal for the Red Devils during the 2022/23 season, netting in a 2-1 away victory at Everton.
2003/04
40
6
8
2004/05
50
9
9
2005/06
47
12
8
2006/07
53
23
14
2007/08
49
42
8
2008/09
53
26
12
Stats via Transfermarkt.
For a man who was once undroppable in a Man United shirt, he would have to make do with a spot on the bench under Ten Hag a number of times in his final season with the Dutch head coach not putting up with Ronaldo's ego.
It would lead to the now 38-year-old departing for the Middle East, the megabucks of the Saudi Pro League calling his name with Al-Nassr FC.
How is Ronaldo performing in Saudi?
Playing in a league that boasts talents such as Neymar, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane, Ronaldo is still the stand-out performer at 38 years of age for his new Saudi employers in a star-studded league.
Signing for Al-Nassr on a free transfer, the current 3rd placed Pro League side have exploited his falling out at Manchester United to pull off an unbelievable deal.
He has managed an astounding 25 goals in 30 games in Saudi football to date, scoring 11 from ten this campaign so far – including a devastating hat-trick away at Al-Fateh.
Ronaldo continues to perform to the peak of his powers even in the twilight of his career, the 38-year-old far too good for football in the Middle East.
It raises the question of whether or not Ronaldo could still do a job with Man United at this moment in time if a move away from the club never transpired, the Red Devils toothless in front of goal with only nine goals to their name in the Premier League so far this term.
Whilst strikers fire blanks at Old Trafford, Ronaldo will continue dominating the Saudi Pro League until he decides to call time on his illustrious career.
Glasgow Rangers have been credited with an interest in bringing a new teenage forward to Ibrox, but a fresh report has revealed that he’s currently on trial with another one of his admirers.
What Rangers players are going out of contract?
The Light Blues will have seven of their squad members out of contract at the end of the season in the form of John Lundstram, Borna Barisic, Ryan Jack, Kemar Roofe, Jon McLaughlin and Leon Balogun, as well as Abdallah Sima who is only on a season-long loan from Brighton and Hove Albion (Rangers contracts).
Therefore, new manager Philippe Clement may soon have to make a decision over their futures, and it’s believed that Barisic has already been offered a new two-year deal, whilst Ross McCausland will also get the chance to commit his long-term future to the Scottish Premiership outfit.
The Ibrox side may, as a result, have room to make more fresh additions next year should a lot of those stars leave upon the expiration of their current terms, and one player that the boss has set his sights on is Sunderland striker Mason Cotcher, who is a regular feature of the club’s academy at the Stadium of Light.
However, England’s youth international is yet to make his senior debut under Tony Mowbray, so he knows that he might need to move elsewhere should he want to be given the opportunity to break into the first-team fold, with the 17-year-old emerging as a target for the hierarchy north of the border.
Mason Cotcher transfer update
According to The Sunderland Echo, offering a transfer update on Mason Cotcher, Rangers, Brighton and Arsenal are all set to compete to secure the services of the centre-forward, who recently played for the Gunners.
“Eyebrows were raised among Sunderland fans after the youngster featured for Arsenal's under-18s this week, suggesting firm interest from the Premier League outfit. Cotcher featured for Arsenal's youth side on Teesside against Middlesbrough last Saturday in the under-18s Premier League Cup competition.
"The Echo also understands that Scottish giants Rangers and Arsenal's Premier League rivals Brighton and Hove Albion have also looked at the youngster ahead of a potential move. It remains to be seen if Arsenal, Rangers or Brighton will advance their interest in Cotcher.”
Glasgow Rangers' home stadium, Ibrox.
How many goals has Mason Cotcher scored?
Since the start of his career, Cotcher has posted ten involvements, nine goals and one assist, in 27 appearances which shows how prolific he can be in the final third (Transfermarkt – Cotcher stats), so should he put pen to paper in the near future, he could be a fantastic acquisition for Rangers.
In the northeast, Clement’s target is also a versatile operator having been deployed in four different positions over the grass since first bursting onto the professional scene, including everywhere across the frontline and even slightly deeper in the midfield, which will be yet another attractive attribute to chiefs.
Finally, Cotcher has started to make a name for himself on the international stage having made his first two appearances for England’s U17s at the beginning of this year, so he may well be a star in the making, and it could be a real coup if the club could beat their fellow competitors to his signature.
Aston Villa could be set to lose one of their first-team stars next year, with a fresh report revealing that he has been made a top target by one of his admirers.
Aston Villa transfer news – Dendoncker, Traore, Langlet
The Premier League outfit sanctioned the permanent sales of Cameron Archer, Jaden Philogene-Bidace, Marvelous Nakamba, Keinan Davis, Ashley Young and Wesley Moraes over the summer, whilst sending Philippe Coutinho, Morgan Sanson and Viljami Sinisalo on loan for the remainder of the season.
As per Football Insider, Unai Emery is open to offers for Leander Dendoncker and Bertrand Traore, whilst Barcelona could consider recalling Clement Lenglet in the new year because they are unhappy with his lack of game time, so those three could also be heading for the exit door in January.
However, Douglas Luiz is additionally one of those on the chopping block having recently attracted interest from La Liga side Atletico Madrid, not to mention the fact that the central midfielder has been a long-term target of top-flight rivals Arsenal.
The Brazil international has established himself as the manager’s best-performing offensive player so far this season (WhoScored – Aston Villa statistics), and the 25-year-old’s form has now brought him back onto the radar of Mikel Arteta.
Arsenal set sights on Douglas Luiz
According to Brazilian outlet UOL (via Sport Witness), Arsenal are plotting a swoop for Douglas Luiz in January. The Gunners have “turned their attention” towards the talisman and are now “more focused” on signing him than Fluminense’s Andre, who was previously a primary target.
The Emirates Stadium side are “particularly keen” on Aston Villa’s fan favourite, but it’s not stated what fee it would take to prise him away, and that’s if he was put on the market by NSWE and Monchi at all.
Aston Villa midfielderDouglas Luiz.
Being a central midfielder, Luiz is capable of making a positive impact at both ends of the pitch, starting with defensively where he’s currently averaging 2.4 tackles per game in the Premier League (WhoScored -Luiz statistics), highlighting his desire to get stuck into challenges and win back possession for his team.
The Rio De Janeiro native, though, has arguably been stronger offensively so far this season having clocked up six involvements, five goals and one assist, in 11 appearances in the top-flight (Transfermarkt – Luiz statistics).
Furthermore, Emery’s £75k-per-week earner (Aston Villa salaries), has the versatility to operate in defensive, central and attacking midfield, so his ability to provide cover in two other positions outside of his own makes him a very useful option for the boss to have in the building.
Therefore, Luiz being a “pivotal” member of the squad, as described by journalist Josh Bunting, means that Villa chiefs need to do everything they can to fend off interest and retain the services of their star man beyond the upcoming transfer window as well as next summer if possible.
Celtic could soon receive a bid for one of their first-team players to depart the club after interest emerged in his services from elsewhere, according to a report.
Celtic transfer news…
Despite making a positive start to the Scottish Premiership campaign that has yielded 32 points from a possible 36 over their first 12 league fixtures, Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers will be acutely aware that changes to his squad may occur in January. Incomings and outgoings are both likely, as the Irishman alluded to in a recent press conference, as he stated:
“It’s more quality than quantity, but I think there will be more going out than coming in. There will be players who will be here for six months and won’t have played. It’s no fault of them. The squad is a lot bigger than I would want. I think there will be more players who will look to go out and get game time. Of course, over the coming windows, we can look to improve the quality of the squad. We have enough development players. I love that. It is what I have done all my life; work with those players, but you need ones that can come in. So it is genuine quality we hope we can bring in across the coming windows.”
In light of recent talk about outgoings at Celtic, Kyogo Furuhashi has been scouted by Tottenham Hotspur official Ian Broomfield as Ange Postecoglou continues to keep an eye on some of his old players north of the border. Rodgers has also expressed his willingness to keep David Turnbull at Parkhead, despite the Scotland international reportedly deliberating on whether or not to sign fresh terms at the club.
Turnbull’s current deal is set to expire in the summer of 2024, meaning he could speak to clubs from January about finding a pre-contract agreement elsewhere. Nevertheless, another Celtic man is now believed to be attracting interest from elsewhere, according to recent reports.
Celtic's last five results – all competitions
Competition
Opponent & result
Venue
Scottish Premiership
Ross County 0-3 Celtic
Global Energy Stadium
Scottish Premiership
Celtic 2-1 St Mirren
Celtic Park
Scottish Premiership
Hibernian 0-0 Celtic
Easter Road
Champions League
Celtic 2-2 Atletico Madrid
Celtic Park
Scottish Premiership
Heart of Midlothian 1-4 Celtic
Tynecastle Stadium
Yosuke Ideguchi transfer update
According to an update from Nikkan Sports, Celtic outcast Yosuke Ideguchi is wanted by his loan club, Avispa Fukuoka, where he played a significant part in their J League Cup victory over Urawa Reds over the weekend. Shigetoshi Hasebe is now reportedly keen to make the Japan international a permanent part of his plans at the Best Denki Stadium after being impressed by his contribution during his loan stint, which would, in turn, call time on Ideguchi’s rather unremarkable spell in Glasgow.
Yosuke Ideguchi
Over the piece, the 27-year-old, who has previously been labelled “outstanding” by former Greuther Furth boss Damir Buric, has managed to make just six appearances for Celtic in all competitions since joining from Gamba Osaka in 2022 (Ideguchi statistics – Transfermarkt).
Injury problems have plagued Ideguchi during his time at Celtic. Moving to an environment where he has already experienced regular game time may be the best fit for all parties in this scenario.
Liverpool enter the third international break of the 2023/24 Premier League campaign second in the table, with 27 points and eight victories from 12 matches – they are one point behind imperious league leaders Manchester City.
Last season, the yarn spun a very different tale. At the same stage, Liverpool had just suffered an ignominious 2-1 loss at Anfield against Leeds United, shackling Jurgen Klopp's side to midtable mediocrity and illuminating the shocking discrepancies in a squad that had come within an inch of a historic quadruple mere months before.
The midfield was sapped of energy; enervation was rife. It was clear that the likes of Fabinho and captain Jordan Henderson no longer offered the stability, constancy and vigour in their work, and the Reds were feeling the detrimental effects as they toiled through the campaign.
A late-season purple patch did reignite the optimism on Merseyside, but it was too little too late and Liverpool's resurgence only yielded a fifth-place finish, meaning Champions League football slipped out of reach.
But a new season brings a new dawn and Klopp's transfer work over the summer has restored the verve, with the midfield pack thoroughly reshuffled and the pursuit of glory back on track.
The Reds' new phase is still incomplete, however, despite additions of Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch's ilk, and it seems that the German manager is lining up a bid in 2024 for a prodigious talent to serve Liverpool for years to come.
Liverpool transfer latest
According to the Daily Mail, Liverpool are interested in signing Leeds United midfielder Archie Gray, with the report claiming that Klopp is lining up a bid for the teenager next summer.
Aged just 17 and mere months beyond his first-team debut, Leeds believe that they have a gem on their hands and will demand in excess of £40m, with Gray's start to life in the Championship taking the division by storm.
Games Played
15
Shots per game
0.4
Key passes per game
0.6
Pass Success Rate
81%
Tackles + interceptions per game
3
Balls recovered per game
5.2
Duels Won
54%
Dribble Success
52%
Stats via Sofascore.
Further, Premier League sides Crystal Palace and Everton are also listed as suitors, and while United boss Daniel Farke will be loathe to enter negotiations, the growing interest could force Leeds to cash in.
Archie Gray's season by numbers
Last year, Leeds fell back into the second tier after three seasons in the Premier League, with frequent managerial tinkering and a lack of cohesion and defensive resilience impeding hopes of returning to prominence in the top flight.
Gray only made his senior debut this term – perhaps not entrusted with a start given the importance of securing every possible point – but he did earn six appearances in the Premier League matchday squad, if not actually provided with minutes on the pitch.
Now, however, he is thriving at the heart of Farke's project and has earned 17 displays across all competitions this term, starting 13 of Leeds' 16 Championship fixtures.
Leeds United midfielder Archie Gray.
As per Sofascore, Gray has impressed with his versatility, alternating between the centre of the park and right-back, and has completed 81% of his passes in the league, also winning 2.3 tackles and making 5.2 ball recoveries per game and succeeding in 54% of his duels.
Hailed as an "unreal talent" by TEAMtalk editor and lifelong Leeds fan James Marchment, Gray is making all the right moves and the fact that he is at the centre of a side pushing for promotion in an infamously tough division to escape from speaks volumes for his character and natural quality.
Archie Gray's style of play
Principally a central midfielder but recently deployed – to great success – at right-back, and according to The Athletic's Phil Hay, he "already ranks as one of Farke's main men."
As per FBref, Gray ranks among the top 20% of positional peers across divisions similar to the Championship for pass completion and the top 19% for tackles won per 90, highlighting his budding crispness in possession and robustness in challenging for the ball.
Should Liverpool secure Gray's signature, he could even bloom into a player of greater quality than Stefan Bajcetic, who starred for Klopp's struggling side last season, making 11 Premier League appearances, completing 79% of his passes and succeeding with 64% of his dribbles, as per Sofascore.
His breakthrough campaign was cut short in March after an abductor injury, and he has yet to return to consistent match action since.
While the young Spaniard is immensely talented, Gray's dominance in the Leeds squad this season bespeaks an illustrious future career, and given that Liverpool are interested in his services despite the lofty price tag, he might just slot in as the club's standout youngster, should he sign.
This age-belying rise has been exemplary and is a testament to the effectiveness of Leeds' academy ranks, and given the player's dynamism between central and right-sided roles, he has drawn comparisons to Klopp's Trent Alexander-Arnold.
How Archie Gray compares to Trent Alexander-Arnold
Gray's versatility might indeed be the reason behind Liverpool's interest, with the Anfield side possibly getting their hands on the perfect foil for the 25-year-old Scouser, who has recently undergone a tactical tweak, shifting away from his typical wide role into an inverted, hybrid central deployment in possession.
Long has Alexander-Arnold been regarded as one of European football's foremost creative forces, described as a "genius" by journalist Neil Jones, and he has chalked up 16 goals and 75 assists across 287 appearances for the Reds.
The £180k-per-week sensation ranks among the top 1% of full-backs across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for assists, shot-creating actions and passes attempted, while also ranking among the top 3% for progressive passes per 90.
Also among the top 12% for interceptions per 90, the dynamo offers a robustness that Gray could seek to emulate, and Anfield might just be the perfect ground to realise such potential.
Whites winger Dan James, who has often partnered Gray down the right channel this season, was left waxing lyrical over the youth's skills, remarking that he is comfortably talented enough to become a leading figure in English football.
James said: “The ability he's got is something that he can take to be one of the best players in the Premier League if not the world.
“He’s still 16 I think he is, absolutely crazy. He's got obviously still to a lot to grow and grow into his own body. His ability is something I've not seen a young person before, he can go on and do top things."
While Leeds have started strongly in the Championship this season and are pushing for an instantaneous return to the big time, Gray might be tempted to make the move to Merseyside and continue his development among a Liverpool fold nurturing an exciting crop of prospects right now.
And given the likeness to Alexander-Arnold, he may well be wise to take the leap and absorb the fruits of the creative phenomenon's labours, treading the same path to the forefront of the game.
Leeds United are looking to return to winning ways this evening as they play host to Swansea City in the Championship at Elland Road.
The Whites went into the gameweek seven points behind Ipswich Town in second place and will be hoping to gain ground on them if the Tractor Boys fail to pick up all three points against Millwall.
Daniel Farke's side head into this clash with the Swans off the back of a frustrating 1-1 draw away at relegation-threatened Rotherham United last Friday.
Leeds United manager Daniel Farke.
Crysencio Summerville opened the scoring with a fine finish for the Whites in the all-Yorkshire clash but a strike before half time from Hakeem Odofin secured a point for the hosts.
The German tactician could make some changes to his side after that draw and one that he could make is to finally unleash Ian Poveda, whose last start came against Birmingham in August, ahead of Daniel James on the right flank.
Dan James' performance against Rotherham in numbers
The Wales international has enjoyed a solid season so far, with four goals and four assists, but he produced a sloppy display against the Millers.
James struggled in possession as he only found a teammate with 59% of his attempted passes (16/27) and failed with all four of his attempted dribbles, to go along with zero goals and zero assists, in 70 minutes on the field.
Appearances
15
Sofascore rating
7.35
Goals
Four
Assists
Four
Big chances created
Eight
The former Swansea forward also lost all seven of his duels, including his three aerial battles, and did not make a single tackle, interception, block, or clearance to help the team out from a defensive perspective.
It was a disappointing performance from James on and off the ball and, with three games in a week, this clash with the Swans is an opportunity for Farke to rest him and unleash Poveda in his place.
Why Poveda could start against Swansea
The former Manchester City starlet caught the eye in his cameo off the bench against Rotherham and Farke revealed that he trusted the gem due to his "good" performance levels in training.
Leeds' head coach claimed that Poveda has the ability to provide a "touch of magic" with his "crazy" movements to make something happen on the ball.
Leeds forward Ian Poveda.
The former Norwich boss said that he was pleased with the young talent's display as the winger completed 100% (8/8) of his attempted passes and completed one dribble in 20 minutes.
The 23-year-old whiz has, however, yet to translate his youth team form with Manchester City to senior level and is still waiting for his breakthrough moment.
Poveda racked up 15 goals and 13 assists in 69 appearances for the Cityzens at U23 and U18 level combined but has zero goals and one assist in 27 first-team matches for Leeds.
This suggests that the 5 foot 6 winger, who predominantly plays on the right and cuts inside onto his favoured left foot, has more to offer than he has shown so far.
Whilst there is no guarantee that the English maestro can carry his academy form over to the senior game, Farke could unearth a productive and exciting forward if he can get Poveda to hit his stride in the first-team – starting with an inclusion in the XI tonight.
Newcastle United are flying high in the Premier League at the moment and are currently sitting two points behind fourth-place Aston Villa, having put Manchester United to the sword at St. James' Park on Saturday night.
The Magpies were sensational against the Red Devils, recording an xG of 2.5 from 22 shots while boasting 58% of the ball.
However, there was a devastating drawback to Newcastle's emphatic victory as Nick Pope was taken off late in the game after diving for a shot in the second half.
Head coach Eddie Howe has confirmed that Pope will be out for roughly four months which will certainly be a worry but there is one player in the squad who could help ease the team's goalkeeping woes.
Nick Pope's stats this season
Pope has been outstanding once more for Newcastle United this season and even put in a Man of the Match display for the side as Howe's men came away with a point against Paris Saint-Germain last week in the Champions League, despite conceding an xG of 4.54. Furthermore, the only goal Pope conceded during the game was from the penalty spot.
When compared to all other goalkeepers from Europe's top-five leagues across the last 365 days, Pope ranks quite favourably in a number of key goalkeeping metrics.
Goals Against
85
Clean Sheet %
73
Crosses Stopped %
81
Penalty Kicks Saved %
92
Save %
69
Post-Shot Expected Goals
82
Defensive Actions Outside Penalty Area
94
It has been reported since Pope's injury blow that former Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea is being lined up as a potential short-term replacement until Newcastle's number one returns from his lengthy spell on the sidelines, although Howe has since quashed these rumours in his recent pre-match press conference.
Coincidentally, according to FBref, one of the goalkeepers Pope is most similar to is De Gea, so perhaps bringing the Spaniard to St. James' Park in the interim may not be the worst decision Howe has made so far.
Nevertheless, there is one other cost-effective option that the head coach could utilise in the meantime.
Martin Dubravka's stats
The man to replace Pope following his injury on Saturday night was Martin Dubravka. The Slovakia international moved to Newcastle back in 2018 for a mere £4m during Rafa Benitez's spell in charge and quickly became a fan-favourite, with former England shot-stopper Paul Robinson labelling Dubravka as "inspirational" in net for the Geordie club.
In his pre-match presser ahead of Newcastle's trip to Everton, Howe hinted that Dubravka will be Pope's successor while the first-choice goalkeeper is sidelined. That would be quite something considering he's not started a league game for the club since May.
“We really believe in Martin [Dubravka] and I’ve always had that high opinion of him," Howe said. It was even reported by journalist Ben Jacobs that the Newcastle manager wasn't keen for Dubravka to leave on loan to Manchester United last season, a decision which ultimately cost him a place in the EFL Cup final, having been cup-tied.
However, can Dubravka really fill Pope's boots? To answer that question, let's compare his data from his last season as Newcastle's number one back in the 2021/22 campaign to Pope's from the current campaign.
Goals Against
1.35
1.01
Shots On Target Against
4.08
3.81
Saves
2.77
2.81
Save %
67.9
73.6
Clean Sheet %
30.8
35.7
Post-Shot Expected Goals
1.31
1.09
Crosses Faced
13.8
9.21
Crosses Stopped
0.85
0.43
Defensive Actions Outside Penalty Area
0.54
2.01
Pope has certainly been a big upgrade on Dubravka but it's also important to note that the Slovak was playing in a team that was fighting for Premier League survival, not one vying for the top four. Nevertheless, his stats aren't too bad.
While De Gea would possibly be an improvement on Dubravka, the Spaniard was on £375k-per-week at Old Trafford and will cost quite a lot in terms of wages for a temporary deal.
Dubravka could be the perfect short-term option for Howe until Pope returns given he is on just £44k-per-week and already understands the team's style of play.
Out of the Champions League and Europe altogether, out of the Carabao Cup on penalties after a late Chelsea equaliser and two defeats in their last three Premier League games, Newcastle United can be forgiven if they're not exactly in the mood for festivities this year. The Magpies have seen their momentum come to a crashing halt under Eddie Howe and must now look to the January transfer window to make some much-needed improvements if they want to compete for a place in the top four this season.
With that said, reports suggest that those at St James' Park are now in pole position to land one particular gem when the winter window swings open, in what would be a timely boost for Howe.
Newcastle transfer news
Whilst Newcastle couldn't anticipate the amount of injury problems that they've had throughout the current campaign, their summer transfer window wasn't exactly one that was full of preparation. The Magpies failed to sign a central defender, despite having just three senior options not including Dan Burn, before welcoming Sandro Tonali, who is now banned for 10 months after breaching betting rules, and Harvey Barnes, who remains on the sidelines with injury. Discovering the consequences of lacking squad depth, PIF must now rectify things in January.
Matias Soule in action for Juventus.
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Newcastle are leading the race to sign Juventus gem Matias Soule in January alongside Crystal Palace. The Argentine is reportedly valued at €25m (£22m) and could now see his loan move at Frosinone cut short in favour of a Premier League switch. At just 20-years-old, Soule certainly has plenty of potential and with Juventus looking to raise funds, Newcastle could come swooping in. When the winter window swings open, the right winger could certainly be one to keep an eye on.
"Impressive" Soule would be an upgrade on Almiron
Whilst Soule is still only 20-year-old, he is already showing signs that he is more than capable of stepping up for a top side, which could see Newcastle turn to him amid Miguel Almiron's struggles. The current Magpies winger has scored just three goals in 17 Premier League appearances this season in what sums up Newcastle's missing spark throughout the current campaign. It must be said, however, that Soule can add that spark. Here's how Soule's stats compare to Almiron's this season.
Player
Goals
Assists
Progressive Passes
Successful Take-ons
Matias Soule
6
1
95
61
Miguel Almiron
3
1
57
13
On the ball, the stats suggest that Soule is far more progressive than Almiron, who has struggled when completing take-ons compared to the Argentine, whose numbers are incredibly impressive.
It's no surprise that the Juventus loanee has attracted plenty of praise from Football Talent Scout Jacek Kulig, who posted on X: "In addition this his superb dribbling skills and very solid G/A numbers Matías Soulé also impresses with his passing game. Among U21s, only Florian Wirtz (19) & Xavi Simons (16) have more smart passes in Europe's top 5 leagues 23/24 than Soulé (12). A very impressive season by the 20-year-old Juve loanee so far!"
Everton have taken the first step in their quest to sign a new goalscorer in January as reports from Italy share news of talks this week.
Everton transfer targets
The Blues have found some impressive form in the Premier League of late, but that's not to say that the idea of making new signings in the January transfer window should be ignored. Sean Dyche would surely love to bring in a number of new faces to bolster his options, and Everton have certainly been linked with plenty of signings in recent weeks.
The Merseysiders have been backed to make a move for Aston Villa midfielder Leander Dendoncker, for example, while Juventus defender Federico Gatti is seen as a strong option to replace Jarrad Branthwaite, should the latter leave the club soon, albeit that is an outcome fans would prefer to avoid of course.
Everton begin agent talks for Boulaye Dia
According to a fresh update from Il Mattino [via Sport Witness], Everton are interested in signing Salernitana striker Boulaye Dia, with the Blues one of several teams in the hunt to snap him up, having been keen on him in the summer, too.
Senegal'sBoulayeDiacelebrates
Salernitana want to raise funds and see the 27-year-old as someone who can generate them, meaning they could be willing to offload him in the January window. The Blues are believed to have taken the first move by entering talks with his agent, and the player is valued at €22m (£18.9m) currently. In fact, a separate report claims there is a €21m (£18m) clause in his contract that would allow him to join a Premier League side, while Salernitana president Danilo Iervolino recently talked up the idea of certain players leaving:
"It doesn’t seem to me that those we bought have played badly, it’s those who stayed who have disappointed so much. The problems lurk in a torn environment. Unfortunately, we can’t create the right harmony and there are factions. Many players want to leave, they don’t like Salernitana.
"They are here but would like to be elsewhere. If they have no joy, they know that this risks being the grave of many players. I will have a hard time with many of them. In January, I’ll send away those who don’t want to stay. From now on, we’ll only take people who want to stay at Salerno."
Everton still look a little light in attacking areas, in terms of having numerous consistent providers of end product in the final third, so a January move for Dia could be an inspired piece of business. At 27, the Senegalese is now an experienced player who has proven himself in Serie A, with 20 goals in just 44 appearances in the competition, so he could hit the ground running at Goodison next month.
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The rumoured release clause is also far from expensive, so Everton wouldn't be spending out of their means to sign Dia, and it is a move that makes perfect sense, rather than feeling like a gamble. The fact that Liverpool legend Sadio Mane has also endorsed him recently also speaks volumes, saying he has been "really impressed by his qualities".
Leicester City, six points clear of second-placed Ipswich Town and 11 points clear of Southampton in third, are cruising towards an instant return to the Premier League in an excellent Championship campaign. Enzo Maresca instantly made his mark on the Foxes, despite losing James Maddison and Harvey Barnes in the summer transfer window, and is on course to seal the title in England's second tier.
When the January transfer window arrives in a matter of days, the former Manchester City assistant has the opportunity to improve his champions-elect even further, but that could also see some players depart. Among those who could exit is one particular forgotten man who very nearly got his move in the summer window.
Leicester City transfer news
Maresca recently spoke about the January transfer window, saying:
“In this moment, I don’t want them to think about January, even if they are probably thinking already about January, some of them, because it’s normal. We’ll see in January if some of them are coming to ask to leave, we’ll see how we can find solutions for them and also for us. The only thing I can say is that, for us, the situation is quite clear in terms of the January market. We know as a club what we need. We’ll see."
Leicester manager Enzo Maresca.
One player who could look to leave is Dennis Praet. According to to reports from Italy, relayed by Sport Witness, Torino have initiated contact to sign Praet, who has struggled for minutes under Maresca at Leicester. Torino manager Ivan Juric's love for the midfielder has reportedly never faded and he could finally get his man. With the Belgian's deal coming to an end next summer, it remains to be seen whether Torino aim for a permanent deal or a loan deal come the start of the transfer window next month.
"Oustanding" Praet has stagnated at Leicester
Once a player primed to improve Leicester, Praet's career has since stalled at The King Power, struggling to even break into Maresca's potential Championship winners. Praet's stats highlight his struggles. The midfielder has started just one league game and has only made the squad in six games, coming off the bench in five of those. His one start in the current campaign came in the EFL Cup in a comfortable 2-0 win over Burton Albion. If anyone needs a move, it is Praet.
It's some fall from grace, given the praise that former boss Brendan Rodgers sent his way when he first signed.
"He is an outstanding player who fits the profile of the player we want. I felt we have a lot of defensive midfielder players, very good players but defensive in their mindset and we actually, in terms of an offensive midfield player, probably only had one of those in Youri Tielemans, so I felt we need another one. I always felt at the end of last season that we needed two attacking midfield players.
"Youri, we were able to sign, which is good for everyone, and obviously Dennis is a player we tracked and looked at, and we are delighted to sign him. He's the right age, right profile and hopefully he can continue to develop. And everyone we spoke to, held him in real high regard, so we are delighted to get him in and he will really add to our squad."