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Transfer expert Dean Jones has stated that Glasgow Rangers winger Ryan Kent is attracting interest from Germany as well as England ahead of January.

The Lowdown: New talks planned

It was reported earlier this week that Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s team are ‘making a fresh attempt’ to try and tie down the 26-year-old to a new contract at Ibrox and are planning to use the international break to ‘open new talks’ over his future.

Premier League side Fulham are thought to be ‘monitoring’ his situation, and they will ‘weigh up’ whether or not to make an approach in the January transfer window.

Kent’s current deal expires in the summer, meaning that he can leave as a free agent then, or for a cut-price fee in January.

The Latest: Plenty of interest

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Jones has stated that not only clubs in England but Germany too are interested in signing the Rangers forward, adding that his future should be decided by the end of the year.

The journalist said of Kent: “I know he’s got a couple of clubs interested in him in England, there’s been a couple of clubs in Germany tracking him for a little while now as well too.

“So, we should know by the end of the year exactly which way this is going.”

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The Verdict: Keep him!

Kent has perhaps not been at his best this season, with some of his performances criticised as his team have struggled to keep up with Celtic at the top of the Premiership.

However, the winger has still managed five assists in the division, the joint-most out of his team-mates at Ibrox.

Hailed as a ‘wizard’ by his former Gers team-mate Leon Balogun, Kent managed an impressive 19 assists in all competitions last season, including five on the Light Blues’ journey to the Europa League final (Transfermarkt).

He is still only 26 years of age, and he has plenty more to offer for the Teddy Bears should they extend his contract.

Journalist Ashley Preece has lauded the improved form of Aston Villa winger Leon Bailey, saying that the Jamaican has been a ‘standout’ performer so far this season.

The Lowdown: Bailey impressing for Villa

The Villans head into the World Cup break full of renewed confidence, having battled their way to a 2-1 win at Brighton in the Premier League on Sunday.

While some Villa players have struggled to hit top gear this season, hence why they found themselves near the relegation zone and Steven Gerrard was sacked, one player who has found his groove is Bailey.

The winger made a slow start to life in the Midlands but he has three goals and two assists to his name in the league in 2022/23, already an improved output on the whole of last season, scoring in the recent 3-1 victory at home to Manchester United.

The Latest: Preece lauds Bailey

Writing in a Q&A for The Birmingham Mail on Monday, Preece hailed Bailey’s form, picking him out as a star player for Villa this season.

The journalist gushed:

“Leon Bailey has really kicked on. Been a standout from the season so far, definitely.”

The Verdict: Much more like it

Bailey arrived as an exciting signing from Bayer Leverkusen in 2021 but there is no denying that he flattered to deceive in his first campaign at Villa Park, only scoring once in 18 league outings.

This is now much more like it from the 25-year-old, though, who is not only providing more end product but also working harder in his all-round game, making him a far more effective option who has been Villa’s best outfield player this term according to WhoScored.

That improvement has manifested itself in recent goalscoring displays against Brentford and Man United, for which the 25-year-old earned by far his highest WhoScored ratings of the season, illustrating how he has ‘kicked on’, as Preece put it.

Hopefully this is only the start of a blistering run of form for Bailey, who could excel under Unai Emery and thrive after the World Cup following a well-earned break.

West Ham United are reportedly interested in signing Inter Milan full-back Robin Gosens. 

The Lowdown: West Ham’s previous transfer window

The summer transfer window saw the Hammers add several new players to their squad, including defensive figures in the shape of Nayef Aguerd, Thilo Kehrer and Emerson Palmieri.

After 14 games in the Premier League, only four clubs have conceded fewer goals than West Ham (15), but just three teams have scored fewer than David Moyes’ side (12).

With that in mind, it appears that the east Londoners have their eyes on signing a player who could help them out at both ends of the pitch.

The Latest: Interest in Gosens

According to a recent report from La Gazzetta dello Sport, West Ham have eyes on signing Inter full-back Gosens, who will be hopeful of featuring in Germany’s World Cup squad for the upcoming tournament in Qatar.

The report also stated that fellow Premier League side Leicester City have an interest in the player as well.

The Verdict: Could be useful for West Ham

Bearing in mind how the 28-year-old has only started in four of his 16 appearances for Inter this season across the Champions League and Serie A, it’s safe to say that he isn’t a particularly crucial player for them.

That could give West Ham a good chance of signing the player, who has been praised for his “outstanding” performances for Germany in the past by journalist Stefan Bienkowski, if they would be able to give him regular playing time.

Having played as a left wing-back this season, Gosens has won more tackles (eight) than any other Inter player in the Champions League, while also getting all three of his attempts at goal on target.

This highlights how effective the £77k-per-week wizard can be in a defensive and attacking sense, which would certainly make him a useful addition to West Ham’s squad given their struggles this season.

Tottenham Hotspur have been dealt a huge injury blow ahead of their crucial Champions League meeting with Olympique de Marseille this evening.

What’s the latest?

Speaking to SPURSPLAY ahead of the match, Antonio Conte’s assistant, Cristian Stellini, confirmed that Cristian Romero – who was left out of Spurs’ squad to face AFC Bournemouth on Saturday as a precaution – will be unavailable for the trip to the Orange Vélodrome on Tuesday evening, as the centre-back is reportedly suffering from muscle fatigue.

Regarding the 24-year-old, Stellini said: “The only news is that Cuti Romero is not available for the match tomorrow. We are sorry, but it is what it is. We have other players available, we have a good squad and we are well prepared to play a tough game, a knockout game like tomorrow.”

Huge blow

Considering just how influential a part of the Spurs side Romero has become since his move to north London last summer, the news that the Argentina international will not be available for such a crucial Champions League fixture will undoubtedly have come as a huge blow to Conte.

Indeed, over his eight Premier League appearances so far this season, the £69m-rated talent has been a rock at the back for Spurs, helping his side keep one clean sheet, as well as making an average of 2.4 tackles, 1.4 interceptions, 2.8 clearances and winning 5.4 duels – at a success rate of 59% – per game.

These returns have seen the 23-year-old average an extremely impressive SofaScore match rating of 6.94, currently ranking him as Conte’s eighth-best performer in the top flight of English football.

Furthermore, the £165k-per-week defender has also caught the eye over his five Champions League fixtures this term, helping the Lilywhites keep one clean sheet, in addition to making an average of 2.6 tackles, 1.8 interceptions, 1.4 clearances and winning 4.8 duels – at a success rate of 63% – per match.

These metrics have seen the 12-cap international average an even more impressive SofaScore match rating of 7.02, again ranking him as Tottenham’s eighth-best player in the European competition.

As such, it is clear to see that Romero’s loss ahead of a game in which Spurs must take at least a point in order to qualify for the knockout stages of the competition is a huge blow for Conte – who will be hoping that Davinson Sanchez can improve on his disappointing performance against Bournemouth on Saturday when filling in for the Argentine this evening.

Manchester City have joined the race to sign Youssoufa Moukoko as the Sky Blues ‘set sights on beating Liverpool’ to his signature.

The Lowdown: City eye new additions…

The Sky Blues have enjoyed a brilliant start to this 2022/2023 Premier League campaign as Pep Guardiola’s side aim to retain their domestic crown for the third successive season.

No top flight side has scored more goals than City with their only loss coming against arch rivals Liverpool at Anfield, with summer signing Erling Haaland taking England by storm.

However, it has been reported that the Blues could still be in the market for fresh additions, with links emerging to the likes of Borussia Dortmund star Jude Bellingham among others.

The Latest: Man City join Moukoko transfer race…

According to Football Insider, City have now ‘set sights on beating Liverpool’ to a new target as an update comes to light involving another Dortmund sensation.

It is believed club chiefs and the City recruitment team are eyeing a move for Moukoko as they join the race for his signature.

Guardiola’s side are now ‘targeting the forward’ who has earned rave reviews from their star striker Haaland in the past.

The Verdict: Make the move?

Called an ‘incredible’ talent by reporter Ed Aarons, Moukoko has indeed also attracted praise from Haaland in recent years with the Norway international once calling him the ‘biggest talent in the world’.

Over his 11 Bundesliga appearances for Dortmund this season, the scintillating 17-year-old has netted four goals whilst assisting three others – totalling a brilliant seven goal contributions in total (WhoScored).

Going by the numbers, Haaland’s verdict certainly still adds up, leaving little wonder City have taken a serious interest.

Aston Villa owners NSWE will back new manager Unai Emery with investment in the playing squad in 2023, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The Lowdown: Emery announced

Villa officially confirmed on Monday evening that Emery will take over as head coach. The club didn’t reveal the length of contract for the 50-year-old, however, they did add that Emery ‘will take over from November 1st after his work permit formalities are completed’.

A move for the Spaniard has moved extremely quickly, and Romano has shared what he knows on the appointment.

The Latest: Romano’s post

Romano took to Twitter on Tuesday morning to share further ‘details’ on Emery following the announcement. He stated that it is a long-term project and that Villa paid Emery’s €6m (£5.2m) release clause to Villarreal.

The transfer expert stated that there will be ‘investments in 2023 to improve the squad’, with Emery set to pick up a yearly salary of around €7m (£6.1m).

The Verdict: Exciting

NSWE haven’t taken long to find Steven Gerrard’s successor, and Emery arrives off the back of a successful period with Villarreal, where he won the Europa League.

It is exciting to know that the owners are set to back the new manager in the transfer market even though they have spent over £400m since returning to the Premier League in 2019.

It will be interesting to see where Emery wants to strengthen in 2023, and he’ll have plenty of time to assess his new squad during the break for the World Cup which starts next month.

Aston Villa are ‘crazy’ about the idea of bringing in Sporting CP manager Ruben Amorim as their new boss, according to a fresh rumour that has emerged.

The Lowdown: Amorim linked with move

Numerous figures have been linked with replacing Steven Gerrard in recent days, with Villa biding their time until they appoint the perfect successor.

Amorim is one individual who has been tipped to come in and turn the Villans’ fortunes around, as he continues to shine at Sporting.

It certainly appears as though Villa think highly of the 37-year-old, following a new update regarding the club’s ongoing search for a new manager.

The Latest: Villa ‘crazy’ about manager

According to A Bola [via Sport Witness], Villa ‘insist’ on striking a deal to bring in Amorim, even though he has knocked back their interest so far.

The club are ‘crazy’ about him and are ‘thinking’ about him as their new boss, seeing him as ‘one of the best solutions’ to replace Gerrard in the Villa Park hot seat.

The Verdict: First-choice target?

It looks as though Villa see Amorim as their primary managerial target, perhaps alongside Brentford boss Thomas Frank, and he could be an exciting appointment.

At 37, he is very young in managerial terms and would bring with him fresh ideas, not to mention a winning mentality, having won five trophies as a manager to date.

Whether or not Amorim is willing to leave Sporting remains to be seen but the lure of the Premier League is always great and he could feel that now is the time for a new challenge.

The Athletic’s James Pearce has reacted to the latest injury update ruling Liverpool star Diogo Jota out of the World Cup.

The Lowdown: Jota’s injury

The Reds came away with three points at the weekend after a fiery tussle against Manchester City saw Mohamed Salah bag the only goal of the game in the 76th minute.

Whilst it was a fantastic result for Jurgen Klopp’s men, in the final few minutes of the match, Liverpool suffered a major blow as the Portugal international went down with an injury, requiring a stretcher to get him off the pitch.

Following the game, reliable journalist David Ornstein revealed the 25-year-old was set for a scan, with fears that he may be out of action until after the World Cup now confirmed.

The Latest: Pearce reacts

Pearce took to Twitter to react to Jota’s injury nightmare, saying his ‘worst fears’ are ‘confirmed’ and the calf injury is very ‘serious’.

As quoted by The Athletic, Klopp echoed the sentiment, revealing Jota will be out ‘a long time’ and calling it ‘very sad news’.

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The Verdict: Huge blow

Alongside missing the World Cup with the Portugal national team, Jota will also be unavailable for the Reds’ next five Premier League games and their last two Champions League group stages fixtures – all scheduled before the international break (via The Athletic).

In four continental appearances this season, the 25-year-old has impressively contributed four assists to Klopp’s side, with three of those coming in the demolition job against Rangers.

With Luis Diaz already out injured for the next couple of months, the Portugal ace was expected to come in as a regular in Liverpool’s front line.

Therefore, with this injury news, both Portugal and Reds fans will be grieving, with the talented attacker missing out on a huge individual chance to shine.

Leeds United are still being linked with a move for Blackburn Rovers forward Ben Brereton Diaz.

The Lowdown: Late summer approach

The Whites left it extremely late in the summer to sign a new forward but eventually brought in teenager Wilfried Gnonto.

Leeds chiefs reportedly pushed to land Brereton Diaz on deadline day prior to signing Gnonto. Brereton Diaz, who is out of contract next summer, has continued to score goals in the Championship after a personal best tally last season, netting seven times in 14 appearances this term.

The Latest: New update

Sports Witness relayed an update from Spanish outlet Estadio Deportivo regarding Brereton Diaz.

They claimed that Almeria, Sevilla, Valencia, and AC Milan are in the race for the forward, but Leeds and Everton are also possible destinations for the Blackburn star in a potential free transfer.

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The Verdict: Shrewd addition

Leeds could well be on the hunt for another attacking addition next year, and providing Brereton Diaz’s situation remains the same, Victor Orta could look to lay the groundwork over a possible free transfer.

The 23-year-old, labelled ‘very intelligent’ by Chile manager Eduardo Berizzo, can play anywhere across the front three but is primarily a centre-forward, so could prove to be Patrick Bamford’s long-term successor.

Leeds will need to pip plenty of sides to Brereton Diaz’s signature, but it looks as if it will be one to watch over the coming months.

Sevilla manager Julen Lopetegui is reportedly one of the frontrunners to become the new Wolves manager but he could be a repeat of Bruno Lage should he make the move to Molineux.

According to the Telegraph’s John Percy, Lopetegui and Bo Svensson have emerged as “top targets” to replace Lage, who was sacked at the weekend after his side lost out 2-0 against West Ham.

The Old Gold currently sit 18th in the Premier League with just three goals in the top flight to their name, with a combination of negative tactics and injuries in the final third seeing Wolves’ goalscoring issues from last season continue to haunt them in the current campaign.

Any new manager in the dugout will have to change the way Wolves are set up if he wants to solve the problem of putting the ball in the back of the net, so a move for Lopetegui makes little sense when you consider Sevilla’s less than impressive start to the season.

The Spanish side currently sit 17th in La Liga after winning just one of their opening seven matches, with seven goals to their name.

They are also bottom of their Champions League group after losing 4-0 to Manchester City and drawing 0-0 with Copenhagen, with another tough game to come on Wednesday when they face Borussia Dortmund.

Therefore, despite possessing one of the top sides in La Liga, goalscoring is clearly an issue for Lopetegui’s side at the moment and there is little to suggest that he could turn Wolves’ current situation around.

The former Spain boss averaged a shocking 1.43 points per game during his time at Real Madrid, which is nearly as bad as the 1.29 points per game averaged by Lage at Wolves, despite possessing what was undoubtedly one of the top squads in world football during his time at the Santiago Bernabeu.

A 5-1 defeat against Barcelona also led the Spanish media to describe Lopetegui’s time in charge as “awful” and while they would qualify for the Champions League last season, the 56-year-old’s current form makes it hard to make a case for him being a success at Wolves.

It seems clear, therefore, that Wolves should avoid appointing Lopetegui unless they want a repeat of Lage’s underwhelming spell at Molineux. Just like the Portuguese coach, he has been incapable of driving out any inspiration in the final third from his players. It seems like a recipe for disaster.