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Former Sheffield Wednesday centre-back Michael Hector could potentially seal a return to the club this month, according to reliable journalist Joe Crann.

The Lowdown: Hector’s previous with Sheffield Wednesday

The 30-year-old spent the 2018/19 season on loan at Hillsborough, having struggled to break through at Chelsea over a number of years, despite previously being hailed as ‘absolutely top class’ by journalist Dom Howson.

Hector made 39 appearances in total for the Owls, scoring twice along the way and proving to be a ‘fan favourite’ at the heart of their defence.

The former Jamaica international is currently without a club, having left Fulham last year, and it could be that a return to Wednesday materialises this month.

The Latest: Sheffield Wednesday considering Hector move

Taking to Twitter in sharing a corresponding article for The Star, Crann claimed that Hector is being considered as an option for Sheffield Wednesday to come in and add defensive depth in January.

The journalist tweeted:

“Darren Moore has previously suggested that #SWFC weren’t really looking at free agents, but – as per @AlexMiller91 – we understand that former Owl, Michael Hector, is now being considered as an option at centre back after all.”

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The Verdict: Good centre-back option

This could be a shrewd piece of business by Wednesday, bringing in Hector on a free transfer and helping to ease their current shortage in centre-back areas following injuries to Ben Heneghan and Michael Ihiekwe.

Mark McGuinness’ return to Cardiff City is a big blow, following an impressive stint for the Owls (he is their second-highest rated player this season as per WhoScored), but Hector could help to fill that void, having won 3.4 aerial duels per game in the Championship during his previous spell with the club four years ago.

There would be an element of risk behind the move in terms of his lack of playing time – he has made just 15 appearances in all competitions since August 2020, and only two since the start of 2022 – but the free agent element of the transfer alleviates that issue.

Either way, bringing in another centre-back this month could be a wise move should any approach for Hector not work out.

Insider ExWHUemployee has claimed that David Moyes may potentially be interested in taking over at Everton as their new manager.

What’s the word?

Over the weekend, the Toffees travelled away to West Ham United and lost 2-0. This ended up being the final nail in the coffin for Frank Lampard who was sacked after the defeat.

However, the Hammers manager is also under pressure and he may well have been the one to have been fired had the Toffees picked up all the points instead.

For now, though, Moyes remains in charge but there is a belief that he could be targeted by Everton to replace Lampard amid his own uncertain future in east London.

While talking about all this on The West Ham Way podcast on Monday, Ex suggested that some recent comments may hint at the Irons boss being up for a switch.

Indeed, after the game, Moyes said: “It was a difficult day for me as I’m really keen that Everton get away from their position. I had a great time there. I wanted to celebrate as we needed a win but behind it all I have a lot of feelings for Frank and for Everton.”

In response, Ex said: “Now, for me, that’s a little bit of a strange thing to say.”

He continued: “It almost felt like he was saying, to me, ‘I really like Everton, by the way, Frank, I’m not going for your job, I like you too, but I really like Everton too’.

“So it’s an interesting one to keep an eye on because there has been some speculation that Everton could make a move to replace Frank Lampard with David Moyes.

“Now, if that happens, or if they at least make the move, that’s a very interesting situation to be in.”

Time for a return?

Of course, Moyes will likely have a lot of fondness for Everton. After all, he spent over a decade with the Merseyside club, overseeing 518 games.

Interestingly enough, in terms of points gained per game, as things stand he has earned 0.01 less at West Ham than he did with the Toffees (with 1.53 compared to 1.54), showing that he has performed consistently at both teams.

However, Moyes left Everton in 2013 and so ten years would have passed by the time we reach the summer. An awful lot has changed in that period and it remains to be seen if he would still be a good fit.

What’s more, he hasn’t even been sacked by West Ham yet and so it may be more realistic for the Toffees to chase someone more available such as Sean Dyche or Marcelo Bielsa.

Everton have lined up three medicals at Finch Farm today as Farhad Moshiri aims to provide Sean Dyche with some reinforcement ahead of the remaining months of the campaign.

What’s the latest?

Dyche has landed on Merseyside with a huge task on his hands as the Toffees face yet another relegation battle in the remaining 18 games of the 2022/23 campaign.

And up to now, no new faces have come through the doors at Goodison Park with the only arrivals at Everton being two loanees who’ve returned from their respective deals.

However, it seems as if the Premier League strugglers are pushing today to get some deals done and provide Dyche with the best opportunity to keep them in the top flight.

Indeed, speaking to GiveMeSport, journalist Jacque Talbot has heard the Toffees have lined up a trio of medicals with just hours remaining in the window:

“I’ve heard they’ve got three medicals lined up today. I believe it will be Sulemana from Rennes. I’m not sure on the other names, but that’s what I heard. There are three medicals booked in at Everton today as Sean Dyche tries to pull them out of the relegation zone.”

Looking to make some moves

It is worth mentioning since Talbot spoke to GiveMeSport, it seems as if Everton may have already been handed a possible transfer blow in the race for Kamaldeen Sulemana.

According to Fabrizio Romano, the Rennes winger has decided to join Southampton over Everton with the two clubs having found an agreement for a transfer.

This will feel like a huge blow for the Toffees who will be missing out on a player who they clearly feel could have brought them a boost in the fight against relegation.

And it will come as a double-blow for Everton who are now expected to miss out on the player to one of their relegation rivals with Southampton side the only team below Dyche’s men in the table.

Losing out on the player to Southampton will not only feel like a blow in their hopes of survival but also in the sense of where Everton are now as a club in missing out on players to smaller clubs like the Saints.

With all of this in mind, there will be a hope Everton do not stumble across any further issues with the other two medicals which are believed to be scheduled at Finch Farm.

An update has emerged regarding Newcastle United’s squad ahead of their clash against West Ham United at St James’ Park…

What’s the latest?

The Magpies host the Hammers in the Premier League on Saturday evening, and Eddie Howe has confirmed that his two arrivals during the January transfer window will both be available for selection.

Journalist Miles Starforth quoted the 45-year-old as saying: “New signings Anthony Gordon and Harrison Ashby have trained well this week, and will be available tomorrow, according to Eddie Howe. #nufc #whufc.”

On Gordon, the Newcastle head coach said: “He will thrive in this environment with the positivity & the brilliant response…he’s going to need that after a difficult last few months. For him to feel good again and release the pressure will be really positive for us.”

Big boost for Newcastle

The two new arrivals were unveiled in front of the St James’ Park crowd before the semi-final clash against Southampton in the Carabao Cup earlier this week, and they could now get their first taste of the atmosphere whilst out on the pitch during Saturday’s match.

Having both players fit and available for selection so shortly after their respective moves to Tyneside is a big boost for Howe, as they are both talented gems who could make an impact tomorrow, whether that is from the start or off the bench.

Ashby has only played seven senior matches in his career but his impressive record at youth level suggests that he has the potential to be an exciting right-back to watch as a deputy to Kieran Trippier.

The 21-year-old produced three goals and ten assists in 41 matches for West Ham’s U21s before making the move to Tyneside, and this shows that the Scottish youth international is an attack-minded full-back who could get supporters off their seats with his crossing ability.

Meanwhile, Gordon has more senior experience after playing 78 games for Everton, including 65 in the Premier League. The young talent has shown signs of being able to make a big impact at the top end of the pitch, as the England under-21 international scored seven goals and provided three assists in the top flight for the Toffees.

It is now over to Howe to work with the player to improve his consistency and add more end product to his game. If Gordon can do that, then he could be a terrific signing for Newcastle, as he has already offered a glimpse of the quality that he can deliver at this level.

Although they are both raw and unrefined, talents, Ashby and Gordon both have the potential to excite Toon supporters on their day, and that is why their availability this weekend is a boost for Howe.

Everton reportedly now ‘want’ to sign AS Roma attacking midfielder Nicolo Zaniolo, but there is a ‘meeting in progress’ involving a rival suitor.

The Lowdown: Bournemouth deal collapses

Sky Italy journalist and transfer expert Gianluca Di Marzio reported this afternoon that Zaniolo ‘accepted’ an offer from AFC Bournemouth on Monday night, ‘ready to go’ this morning.

However, the Premier League club then ‘blocked’ a move over concerns about finances, meaning that Zaniolo is now free to move to another team before the transfer window closes.

The Latest: Everton in the race

Taking to Twitter, journalist Alessandro De Felice reports that the Goodison Park outfit now ‘want’ to sign Zaniolo, but there is a ‘meeting in progress’ with rival suitors Sassuolo, which could see their player Davide Frattesi sent to Roma as part of a swap deal:

“Plot #Everton – #Roma – #Sassuolo: The Toffees want Zaniolo, Frattesi can end up in red and yellow. Meeting in progress between the Carnevali and the Neroverde midfielder’s (Frattesi’s) agent.”

The Verdict: Time ticking!

Time is certainly ticking for Sean Dyche’s side to get new faces through the doors before the deadline at 11pm tonight, having not spent any money on any signings yet and only recalling Ellis Simms from his loan spell at Sunderland.

They also lost winger Anthony Gordon to Newcastle United, and so need to bring in at least one new attacker in the next few hours in order to compensate for his loss.

Hailed as a ‘tremendous talent’ with an ‘amazing ability’ to decide games by journalist Alvaro Canibe, Zaniolo has scored 24 goals and made a further 18 assists in 128 games for Roma, and has played in all three major European competitions for them including the UEFA Champions League (Transfermarkt).

The Italy international is a player who likes to get on the ball and take responsibility, ranking in the 96th and 81st percentile of all midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for shots and touches respectively, and at 23 years of age has not yet hit his peak.

Nonetheless, Zaniolo could be a tidy signing for the Toffees if they can beat Sassuolo to his signature.

Arsenal could already have a perfect heir to Granit Xhaka.

According to The Secret Scout earlier this week, the Gunners have tied down “one of their top academy players” in 16-year-old sensation Myles Lewis-Skelly to a new contract.

It’s no secret that the famed Hale End academy is capable of producing real stars of the future, with Bukayo Saka and Eddie Nketiah being the finest and most recent examples.

There is also a belief that the north Londoners are looking to bolster the engine room in the coming months as moves for the likes of Declan Rice of West Ham United and Moises Caicedo of Brighton and Hove Albion being mooted.

But manager Mikel Arteta may well already have his natural heir to the Swiss vice-captain, with Lewis-Skelly catching the eye for the youth setup.

The teenager has recently been dubbed as “one of the most talented U17s in England” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, who has also put together a profile of the relatively-unknown jewel.

It’s thought that he has very strong passing, vision and athleticism attributes which makes him comparable to a former Premier League monster in Mousa Dembele – ‘energetic, hardworking, and determined in the defensive phase with good anticipation sense to provide key interceptions and tackles,’ he wrote.

Lewis-Skelly was part of the U18 side to defeat Watford earlier in the week and his performance saw The Sun journalist Daniel Cutts suggest that the youngster “could be absolutely anything in the future.”

Next Generation Arsenal, who frequently covers the Gunners’ academy, once claimed that the Hale End gem was “like a train thundering down the line,” whilst he has clearly already caught the eye of Arteta as he was part of first-team training before the north London derby last month.

Xhaka very much plays a Dembele-like role for the Spaniard, so even if their top target in Rice were to join in the summer, then you’d imagine Lewis-Skelly’s chance at progressing isn’t actually thwarted at all.

Given the aforementioned reviews of the 16-year-old prospect, it’s clear that Hale End has produced yet another immense talent and in the “very highly-rated” Lewis-Skelly – as lauded by journalist Jeorge Bird – Arsenal could well have a midfield machine for the future.

AND in other news, Arteta could unearth the new Saka in “skilful” Arsenal teen who’s “Hale End’s finest”…

Journalist Dean Jones has shared a very promising update on midfielder Mason Mount’s proposed new deal at Chelsea.

The Lowdown: Blues eye new deals…

According to reliable reports, the west Londoners are attempting to tie their best players down to fresh terms after another very eventful transfer window.

Chelsea broke the British transfer record for midfielder Enzo Fernandez and there are suggestions owner Todd Boehly is by no means done there.

Fabrizio Romano recently shared that Graham Potter’s side are in talks with the likes of Lewis Hall and N’Golo Kante new deals with Jones now dropping an update on Mount.

The Latest: Jones shares exciting Mount contract update…

Speaking to GiveMeSport, the reporter has shared news from a ‘well-informed contact’ regarding the midfielder.

Jones states that Mount’s new contract at Stamford Bridge could be a ‘matter of time’ as Chelsea pursue an agreement over fresh terms.

The Englishman is one of Potter’s most used players but he will also need to be fully convinced this is the place to remain.

The Verdict: Good news…

Despite Mount arguably not being at his best overall so far under Potter, we believe he will have a major role to plat at Chelsea in the coming years – if he pens a new contract.

The 24-year-old’s importance for Chelsea is clear, having been played among the most times by Potter this Premier League season.

Only the likes of Thiago Silva and Kai Havertz can boast a similar amount of minutes played to Mount and the player’s performances last season showcase real quality.

The former Derby County loanee registered 21 goal contributions in the league alone with 11 goals and 10 assists – not to mention their highest rate of attempts at goal per 90 (WhoScored).

As Mount’s contract ticks down, with it currently set to expire in 2024 as things stand, we believe tying down the homegrown ace should be among Chelsea’s top priorities.

Tottenham are now readying a bid to sign Sevilla goalkeeper Yassine ‘Bono’ Bounou, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Spurs linked…

The north Londoners are looking for a long-term Hugo Lloris successor as he enters the final 17 months of his contract at Spurs.

Antonio Conte’s favourite is currently sidelined through injury but has been criticised for some Premier League performances this season, leading to Fabio Paratici’s search for a goalkeeping heir.

Bono is one of the names to have been linked with a move to N17 with reports suggesting he is a firm transfer target for Tottenham.

The Latest: Tottenham plan Bono bid…

According to reports out of Spain, as shared by Sport Witness, the Lilywhites are planning to make a €20 million (£18m) offer for Bono.

It is claimed that Spurs are one of three teams set to lodge a bid for the Morocco international, who starred for his nation at the 2022 World Cup.

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The Verdict: Perfect candidate?

There are few names who could filly replace Lloris considering his phenomenal tenure as Spurs number one overall.

The Frenchman has been a mainstay since joining from Lyon in 2012, but as the time nears to say goodbye, Bono could at least come as a safe pair of hands.

The 6 foot 4 shot stopper made a name for himself in Qatar, standing out as one of the keepers of the tournament with manager Walid Regragui calling Bono ‘one of the best’ in world football.

As well as this, after his showings for Morocco, members of the media branded Sevilla’s keeper one of football’s ‘rising stars’ as Bono swiftly rose to prominence.

£18 million for such a player would come as a real steal for Spurs but it remains to be seen if Sevilla are willing to accept.

Newcastle United will be hoping their opponent’s hectic schedule ahead of Sunday’s Carabao Cup final is something which will play to the Toon’s advantage.

Who will Newcastle play in the final?

Eddie Howe’s Magpies are obviously up against Manchester United on Sunday at Wembley Stadium but this is a United side who have had a much busier schedule than the Toon in recent weeks.

Since the second leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final, Newcastle have played just three games in the Premier League, whereas, the Red Devils have now played six games across all competitions.

Having also played more recently than Newcastle in the lead-up to the trip to Wembley on the weekend, there is the notion Newcastle may hold the upper hand going into the game on Sunday.

Speaking on The Magpie Channel TV YouTube account, Sky Sports man Keith Downie has suggested this is a potential factor which could play into Newcastle’s favour:

(5:00) “I personally think and I asked Eddie Howe this the other day when I spoke to him. I think the fact that Newcastle are missing [Nick] Pope and they’ve got [Loris] Karius in goal. I think that compared to Man United playing Barcelona on the Thursday night and only having a couple of days to prepare. I think that’s a bit of a leveller, I think there’s a bit of a leveller there.

“And there’s going to be at some point, Man United have played that Thursday, Sunday, Thursday, Sunday. I know they beat Leicester last Sunday, but at some point, that’s going to have to come back and catch them out.”

What will this mean for Newcastle’s chances in the cup final?

Certainly, a view can be taken from this to suggest Newcastle may have the upper hand with their player’s potential fresher than their opponents.

As well as playing an extra five games, the United players have had to travel to Barcelona for the first leg of their Europa League clash and even played on Thursday night.

Playing just a matter of days before the cup final is something which surely Erik ten Hag will not view as the ideal preparation for their trip to Wembley on the weekend.

However, this does lead us on to an alternative viewpoint which takes into consideration the form of both sides going into the game at the national stadium.

Although Newcastle have played much fewer games than United, they have failed to win any of their games since the Carabao Cup semi-final game against Southampton.

Indeed, the Toon have been held to underwhelming draws against West Ham United and Bournemouth as well as a defeat on the weekend at home to Liverpool.

In comparison, the Red Devils have accepted the challenge of their fixture build-up and have not only strengthened their league position but also secured a spot in the next round of the Europa League.

A game on the Thursday night before a final is far from ideal, however, it will be interesting to see if the victory against Barcelona is something which will galvanise the United side or whether a toll will be taken on their players over the coming days.

Fulham are reportedly preparing a new contract offer for left-back Antonee Robinson in order to fend off interest from Newcastle United.

The Lowdown: Top target

It was reported last week that Robinson is Newcastle’s ‘top target’ as they aim to bring in a new left-back in the summer transfer window.

Scouts from St. James’ Park have watched him on a regular basis this season, and have given ‘rave reviews’ over his performances.

The Latest: Contract offer prepared

As per Football Insider, Fulham are now preparing a contract offer for Robinson, in order to try and fend off the Magpies’ interest.

He is only on £25,000-per-week at Craven Cottage, one of the squad’s lowest earners, and his current deal is set to expire in 2024.

Robinson would be ‘enticed’ by the prospect of playing in the UEFA Champions League, which the North East club could achieve for next season, but Manchester City, AC Milan and Inter Milan are also thought to be interested in his signature.

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The Verdict: Upgrade

Robinson would be a big upgrade on the left-back options that the Tynesiders currently have.

He averages more tackles, interceptions, blocks, dribbles, crosses and long balls per game in the Premier League than Dan Burn, Matt Targett and Jamal Lewis, and at 25 years of age, still has room to improve.

Hailed as ‘magnificent‘ by ESPN journalist Luis Miguel Echegaray after impressing at the FIFA World Cup with USA, Robinson also has international pedigree, and sharing the same agent as Eddie Howe, the Toon should be confident of getting a deal done in the summer, although they may have to pay a premium if his value is protected by a new contract.