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Nottingham Forest will be hoping to strengthen their play-off bid during the January transfer window.

Having endured a rollercoaster last month or so, Forest will hope to restore some calmness around the City Ground in hope of getting their promotion bid back on track.

It will be a tough ask but Nottingham Forest are a historic club and still currently have players good enough to get the club back up into the Premier League.

Yet their main problem as of late has been scoring goals, an issue generally easy to solve. With the right man brought in, the goals could start flowing again, like their promotion dream.

It would be considered a gamble but given his impeccable form for the Manchester United U18’s, Mason Greenwood should be a genuine target for Nottingham Forest.

Greenwood, just 17-years-old, has been scoring for fun in a Manchester United shirt this season, hence why he has also been seen on the first-team bench on occasion this season.

United fans are, rightly, very excited about Greenwood’s potential and so they should be. With a staggering 22 goals in just 19 games, Mason Greenwood has been in superb form that could even be an asset to a Championship side like Nottingham Forest.

The City Ground side do have a number of goalscorers in their team but none are really doing the business at the moment, hence why Forest could do with another.

Youngster Mason Greenwood must be hungry for a first-team opportunity, which Nottingham Forest could expose him to and both parties could prosper from this deal, especially if he continues to thrive in front of goal.

Do you agree… Let us know!

Newcastle United would need a complete disaster to unfold in order to suffer relegation this season, as the appointment of Eddie Howe has turned their season around – with the Magpies currently sitting 15th in the Premier League table.

And, the club could now be set for a further boost over their remaining games.

What’s the latest?

Eddie Howe took to his pre-match press conference ahead of tomorrow’s clash with Leicester City to give an important update on both Kieran Trippier and Callum Wilson.

Howe confirmed on Trippier: “Kieran, I think, is very slightly ahead of schedule. He’s beginning to run back on the grass with his boots on, so that’s a great sign for us.”

Adding a further promising update on Wilson: “Callum’s the same. He’s gradually building up to where he wants to be which is great to see.

“Personally, they’re OK because they’re both in a good place. They’re both improving in line with probably what we expected.”

Howe will be buzzingBoth players have made a great impact at St James’ Park during their time at the club, so Howe will be buzzing that they will be back in training and likely back on the pitch before the end of the season.Wilson has struggled with his fitness throughout his time in the North East, but has still bagged 18 goals and registered five assists in 43 appearances so far, with a goal contribution every 147 minutes played – an incredibly impressive feat considering he has spent 257 days on the injury table since joining in 2020.Trippier joined in January and was integral in the four Premier League outings he has made so far, with two goals from left-back in the 318 minutes he has played. Indeed, it was a huge disappointment when the influential 31-year-old broke his left metatarsal against Aston Villa back in February.Whilst it’s highly unlikely that the pair will be back imminently, their respective returns to the squad for training at Darsley Park and picking up some minutes in the last few games of the campaign would be a huge boost to see out the season.However, the Magpies will take on Leicester City without the duo on Sunday afternoon – with Howe certainly hoping that his team can pick up some form to further influence their move away from the relegation zone.Indeed, a win would put them on 37 points, something that could see the Magpies finish the weekend as high as 12th – if results go their way.AND in other news: Newcastle could finally axe shocking £55k-p/w liability with £40.5m-rated “tank”

Wolves have seen numerous key figures move away from the club over recent years such as Adama Traore, Rui Patricio and Diogo Jota to name a few.

With the upcoming summer transfer window on the horizon, it seems as though the Old Gold could be in danger of seeing another one of their pivotal players pack their bags and wave goodbye to Molineux.

What’s the latest?

According to a recent report from The Sun, proposed Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag will apparently look to make Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves his number one transfer target if he is appointed at Old Trafford.

Neves has been the talk of constant speculation surrounding his future so this update is not a promising one for Wolves.

Fosun disaster

Since joining the Midlands club back in the 2017 summer transfer window from Porto, the midfielder has gone on to make 207 appearances for Wolves across all competitions.

In those appearances, the 25-year-old has found the back of the net 24 times and delivered 12 assists in the process, highlighting how dangerous he can be in front of goal.

Back in October 2018, Wolves journalist Tim Spiers described one particular half-volleyed attempt at goal the former Porto ace had as “cheeky”, an assessment that rather sums up the midfielder’s overall nature.

With four goals and two assists under his belt in this campaign, Neves has also earned himself an overall performance rating of 6.95, making him the second-highest rated Wolves player to start more than four league games according to WhoScored.

To further highlight how important he is to the team in the middle of the pitch off the ball, only Joao Moutinho (274) has managed to rack up more recoveries in the league than his Portuguese compatriot (273).

With Bruno Lage saying that it’s a “big loss” for the team to have Neves out of action through injury at this stage of the season, it’s safe to say that it would be a much bigger loss for the team and club as a whole if the midfielder left in the summer.

Taking all of this into account, Fosun will have to do all they can to avoid disaster and convince the £58k-per-week talent to stay where he is and not join the Manchester club if they come calling.

A good step towards doing this could be to see the team finish above the Red Devils in the league table, which, as things stand, isn’t out of the question by the time the campaign draws to an end.

In other news: Lage can axe “toothless” Wolves flop with swoop for “breathtaking” £28.8m-rated star

To coin a classic phrase, Manchester United have made their top-four challenge a mountain out of a molehill.

The Red Devils are a far cry from the side that dominated so fiercely under the tutelage of a certain Sir Alex Ferguson but one particular signing could help steer them along the right path again.

What’s the word?

Man United have long been in the market for a holding midfield player and it would appear that won’t change heading into the summer.

That’s the word of transfer guru Fabriano Romano who commented on their transfer plans this summer.

Speaking to Hammers Chat, the Italian reporter said:

“He is top of the list for Man United since a long time. Man Utd dream of Declan Rice, they consider him the perfect player for their approach for the new season. Man United will sign a defensive midfield and Declan Rice is the player they want.”

Rice heading to United?

Acquiring the West Ham titan this summer would be a monumental sign of intent from the Red Devils.

First of all, it’s evidently clear that Ralf Rangnick’s midfield is not the greatest when it comes to complete overall quality. Secondly, with Paul Pogba seemingly destined to leave, bringing in Rice makes total sense.

The Irons gem could be freed from the shackles of the bubbles that surround the London Stadium in 2022 to offer whoever the new manager is at Old Trafford talents that very few reign more supreme in throughout the continent.

For instance, as per FB Ref, the England international ranks in the top 30% for every single passing metric barring key passes, expected assists and progressive passes.

However, what Rice makes up for in a lack of forwardness with his passing, he certainly makes up for when driving with the ball instead.

The West Ham bulldozer ranks in the top 6% in Europe’s top leagues for progressive carries per 90 (7.01) and in the top 2% for both total carrying distance and progressive carry distance per 90 (178.76).

Also ranking in the top 5% in Europe for interceptions per 90 (2.76) and the best 5% again for a percentage of aerial duels won (65.3%) per 90 minutes, it’s clear to see that Rice would offer a great deal to United particularly when it comes to dribbling and doing the dirty work.

If a deal is there to be done, they simply have to swoop. It’s a deal, considering his qualities, that would leave supporters absolutely elated.

AND in other news, “Bad news..” – Fabrizio Romano update is worrying for Manchester United…

Rangers need to tie down Connor Goldson to a new long-term deal at Ibrox as his contract is due to expire at the end of the current campaign.

What’s the word?

Goldson has been a mainstay at the heart of defence for Rangers ever since joining the side in the summer of 2018 under the previous manager Steven Gerrard.

With his contract expiring at the end of the season, there has been no word of an extension from Giovanni van Bronckhorst and this is concerning.

Having featured in all 32 Scottish Premiership matches this season; Goldson would leave a massive hole in the Gers backline if he chose to leave the club.

Disaster if Goldson doesn’t stay

There is no doubt about it that Goldson has been key to Rangers’ success over the previous two seasons. Alongside Filip Helander, the Ibrox side only conceded Chelsea in 2004-2005.

Additionally, the defender also scored eight times during the campaign, including a brace against Celtic, and was arguably at his peak.

The start of this season saw the Gers struggle to replicate the highs of the previous campaign, being knocked out by Malmo in the Champions League qualifiers and stuttering in the league.

Following the 3-1 League Cup semi-final defeat to Hibernian at Hampden in November, Goldson said that Rangers had “lacked hunger” following their title win and this statement was not popular amongst the supporters.

The last few weeks have seen a resurgence in both Rangers and Goldson’s form, with progression in the Europa League following victory over Braga and an excellent win against Celtic in the Scottish Cup Semi-final, it could be a wonderful final few weeks of the season for the Ibrox faithful.

During that run, he hasn’t dipped an impressive SofaScore match rating of 6.9, with six of the seven appearances seeing him register a rating above 7.0, illustrating his importance during the back end of the term.

The £27k-per-week defender has been described as the “rock” that the side is built on, and after these last few weeks, it’s hard to argue.

Goldson will be a key protagonist if success is to be claimed and seeing him leave, despite the incoming arrival of John Souttar, would be a disaster for van Bronckhorst and co.

In other news, Sources: Huge transfer news emerges that could send Rangers into panic mode – opinion

Tottenham Hotspur lead the race to sign Franck Kessie after a huge claim emerged this week…

What’s the word?

According to Sky Sports reporter Michael Bridge, Spurs have the best chance of sealing the AC Milan midfielder at the end of his current contract this summer.

“As I say, going back to my colleague Di Marzio, he said on our transfer show last week that Tottenham will lead the way in the summer, which is exciting,” he revealed to GIVEMESPORT. “The only thing with everything in life, and it’s like presents, you want everything now.”

The north London outfit have long been linked with a move for the Ivory Coast international, who is currently away on international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations, thus making a switch this month a little complicated.

Kessie has turned down a new deal at the San Siro and will be free to leave the Italian giants in the summer.

Antonio Conte is said to have requested his signature during the current window but there is competition from Premier League rivals Manchester United and Liverpool, among others across Europe.

Summer bargain

Whether the Lilywhites can secure Kessie now or in the summer remains to be seen but whenever he arrives, he will be an incredible signing for the club – even more so as he won’t cost a penny in terms of a transfer fee despite being valued at €30m (£26m).

The 6-foot powerhouse is capable of contributing at both ends of the pitch with his phenomenal box-to-box qualities.

Last season, he was Milan’s second-highest goalscorer in the league as he finished on 13 goals, just a couple behind Zlatan Ibrahimovic, and he’s since found the net five times this campaign.

[snack-amp-story url = “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/tottenham-latest-news-transfer-gossip-rumours-conte-paratici-levy-premier-league” title=”Read the latest Spurs news, transfer updates and much, much more!”]

Also per WhoScored, Kessie has averaged 1.3 tackles, 1.1 key passes and 0.9 dribbles per game in 21/22, which only goes to show his ball-winning capabilities and his evident threat inside the final third.

His playing style has been likened to that of Yaya Toure and it’s easy to see why on the above evidence, seeing as he can drive the ball forward, defend and score goals.

“I want Kessie in my team, he scores, he assists, he has personality, he has quality, he doesn’t lose the ball, he’s intelligent. I’m watching him carefully, with Roma it was devastating,” ex-Milan striker Antonio Cassano told Bobo TV (via MilanLive). “It reminds me of the Yaya Toure of the best times. He is a different player, but in terms of impact. He is holding Milan’s midfield alone.”

It’s not the first time that the bustling midfield beast has been lauded around the San Siro. His former coach Vincenzo Montella once hailed him as an “extraordinary player” with “sublime intelligence.”

Conte’s engine room may be rammed full of players right now but Kessie offers him something that very few of his current options do, not to mention the dubious futures of Tanguy Ndombele and Dele Alli, who could both depart N17 before January 31st.

If the Italian has actually requested the Ivorian’s signature, then he will surely be delighted to learn that Spurs are leading the race to sign him ahead of next season.

On the above evidence, with his encouraging statistics and lofty praise, Kessie would be a fantastic addition at Hotspur Way.

AND in other news, Forget Tanganga: £26m-rated Spurs calamity who won 33% duels proved Conte right again…

Liverpool are interested in staging a summer transfer swoop for Getafe striker Enes Unal.

What’s the word?

That’s according to reports from Turkish outlet Fanatik that suggests Liverpool are on the lookout for a replacement striker, with Divock Origi set to leave.

Origi’s contract expires at the end of the season with the Belgian strongly linked with a move to Serie A giants AC Milan.

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The 27-year-old has not made a single start in the Premier League, yet boasts three goals this season in six appearances, the epitome of his time with the Reds.

The report reads that Unal could well be a suitable player for Jurgen Klopp’s system.

Origi for Unal

Quite frankly, if Liverpool allow Origi to leave at the end of the season, they could not find a better replacement in former Manchester City forward Unal.

The pair are inseparable when it comes to their overall style, with both identifying as poachers who rely on chances created, rather than creating chances themselves. Unal’s style in particular can be evidenced through the 24-year-old Turk’s 0.13 goal-creating actions total, placing him in just the 9th percentile for positionally similar players, as per FBref.

The past few seasons have demonstrated the importance of the impact substitute role in Klopp’s side, with the 27-year-old Belgian playing his part in the side at the drop of a hat and always delivering in big moments. Think back to that emphatic Barcelona comeback.

As such, although he is not a starter for Klopp, the absence of Origi will leave a gaping hole in the German manager’s squad.

Since the mid-way point of last season, Unal has established himself as a starter at Getafe and boasts a record of 15 goals and one assist in 32 La Liga appearances this season for the Spanish outfit.

His record looks even better when you consider that Getafe have scored just 31 goals this campaign, meaning Unal has been a major source.

Unal, who has been dubbed as a “great talent” by Tomasz Cwiakala has scored 77 goals across his professional career, and by 2015, he had scored a rather remarkable 181 times in 108 youth outings, so he certainly knows where the net is.

He would also offer a greater defensive service to Klopp too, with the £16.2m-rated Turkey international boasting an average of 25 pressures per 90, placing him in an elite category in the 98th percentile as per FBref.

Unal could not only replace Origi, but even serve as a cheaper alternative to Liverpool-linked Darwin Nunez.

In other news:  Liverpool “will end up” signing £83m “diamond” this summer, just imagine him & Diaz

Crystal Palace could be boosted by the return of forward Jordan Ayew for Sunday’s clash with Liverpool after Ghana’s shock exit from the African Cup of Nations.

What’s the latest?

After travelling to Cameroon to compete in the African Cup on Nations with his native Ghana, which saw him miss Crystal Palace’s derby draw with Brighton last week, Jordan Ayew could be back in contention for the Eagles.

The Black Stars suffered a shock exit from AFCON, their first dismissal at the group stage since 2006, which therefore has seen Ayew return to south London.

Palace manager Patrick Vieira confirmed that the 30-year-old has returned to training ahead of the Reds’ trip to Selhurst Park and could be available for selection.

On Ayew, the Frenchman said: “We don’t know, we still have a couple of days before the game. He was in today [Friday] and took part in the first part of training. We will have a discussion tomorrow [Saturday] to find out how he’s feeling.”

Vieira will be delighted

Although he may not be fit to start, Vieira will be delighted to have one of his regular starters back available, especially after less time away than initially thought.

Before his departure for AFCON, Ayew had featured in all bar one of the Eagles’ Premier League matches this season. Although he has only scored once and assisted twice, the 30-year-old is a favourite of his manager for his work-rate and defensive contribution.

Last month, Vieira heaped the Ghanaian with praise, stating: “I think when he had his opportunity the focus was on what he’s doing for the team. He’s sacrificing himself for the team, working hard for the team. This is what we need and want. Goals will come.”

Moreover, the more players available the better for the south London side, who face the tall task of taking a result against a Liverpool side who have lost just one of their last ten Premier League matches and sit second in the table.

In other news: Reliable journalist gives update on Jean-Philippe Mateta

Leeds United have been dealt a late setback ahead of their Premier League meeting with Crystal Palace this evening.

What’s the latest?

Speaking in his pre-match press conference (via the Yorkshire Evening Post), Patrick Vieira revealed that, despite being withdrawn in Palace’s 1-0 defeat to Newcastle United last week, Michael Olise could yet feature against Leeds at Selhurst Park tonight – with the winger due to undergo a late fitness test ahead of the clash.

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Concerning the winger’s current condition, the Frenchman said: “With Michael Olise – we were off [Thursay and Friday], so we have to wait until [Saturday]. But, yes, we took him off early in the [Newcastle] game as he wasn’t feeling 100 per cent.”

Marsch will be gutted

Considering how impressive the 20-year-old has been for Palace following his £8m move to south London last summer, the news that the Olise could yet play a role against Leeds on Monday evening is sure to have left Jesse Marsch gutted.

Indeed, over his 23 Premier League appearances this term, the £25m-rated talent has been a livewire in the Eagles’ attack, bagging two goals, providing five assists and creating seven big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 0.7 shots and making 0.8 key passes per game.

These returns have seen the £47.5k-per-week forward average a SofaScore match rating of 6.87, ranking him as the Vieira’s seventh-best outfielder in the top flight of English football.

As such, should the France U21 international indeed be available for selection tonight, it is clear to see that this would come as a huge blow to Marsch’s hopes of taking something back to Elland Road – with a loss at Selhurst Park being a result that would leave the Whites’ hopes of survival this season very much in the balance.

AND in other news: Marsch must now unleash Leeds’ “next big thing” vs Palace, he’s “banging on the door”

Everton boss Rafa Benitez could be heading for an unforgivable transfer howler at Goodison Park amid a damning report over Allan…

What’s the story?

According to Italian publication Il Mattino, it’s suggested that the Toffees would be willing to let the Brazilian midfielder go amid some interest from Serie A giants Lazio.

The report adds that the 31-year-old is keen to reunite with former manager Maurizio Sarri at the Italian side – the duo worked together while at Napoli – and that talks have already begun between the two clubs.

Last straw for Benitez

Having managed to ostracise Digne and see the Frenchman on his way to fellow Premier League side Aston Villa, losing another key cornerstone of this Everton side in Allan would surely be the final straw for Toffees fans.

The Brazilian has been a key cog of the Everton midfield since Carlo Ancelotti brought him in a couple of years ago from Napoli, playing 43 times for the club, including featuring in every single Premier League game this campaign until early December.

It’s no surprise then that his teammates absolutely love him for the kind of dirty work that he does in midfield, with Michael Keane even saying: “He is a defender’s dream. He is always there on the striker’s toes, winning the ball back. He does a lot of running, puts in a lot of tackles.”

And, speaking during commentary for Everton’s clash against Sheffield United last season, Darren Fletcher said: “It does show these days how the role of the central midfielder has changed. He hasn’t got an assist or a goal yet this season for Everton, Allan, but nobody would tell you that he hasn’t been a vital piece of the picture for them in central midfield.”

Benitez is already in hot water with Everton fans for the club’s woeful run of form in the Premier League this season – the Toffees find currently themselves in 15th place – and his recent axing of Digne is hardly going to have made him more popular than he already was.

Signing off an exit for Allan would surely see Everton fans be completely unable to forgive him.

Meanwhile, Everton could finally axe this star by signing James Garner…