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As per Football Insider, a ‘major update’ has now emerged involving Burnley defender and transfer target James Tarkowski as West Ham eye a move.

The Lowdown: West Ham in Tarkowski hunt…

Since the Irons suffered a major blow with Angelo Ogbonna having to undergo surgery on an ACL injury, West Ham have been tipped to take to the market in search of defensive cover.

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Tarkowski is a man who has been repeatedly linked with a move to the Irons, as reliably backed by The Evening Standard who say he is a transfer target for David Moyes ahead of January.

There have been no shortage of other claims, with Football Insider recently stating that the player himself is ‘very keen’ on a move to East London while The Sun say Moyes is certain to lodge a winter bid.

The Latest: Major update…

As per FI, a ‘major update’ has now dropped on West Ham’s pursuit of the player – but it isn’t good news.

Indeed, according to their sources, Burnley are set to dig their heels in over a January move and the 29-year-old has accepted his fate – now willing to bide his time and wait to leave on a free at the end of 2021/2022.

The Lancashire side are apparently set to reject all offers for him even if both West Ham and Newcastle have been leading the chase for his signature.

The Verdict: Blow for West Ham…

As per WhoScored, Tarkowski has averaged 5.2 clearances per 90 for the Clarets in the Premier League alone this season – more than any West Ham defender in that time, including Ogbonna.

This could highlight he is the man Moyes needs as cover for the Italian as West Ham gear up for a long and tiring campaign still fighting on all fronts, with Sean Dyche also calling his man ‘top drawer’.

However, amid this FI claim, it appears they may now have to turn to other targets with the likes of Niklas Stark and Nathaniel Phillips also being eyed by the club.

The 6 foot 1 powerhouse could have come as an ideal January signing but perhaps signing him on a free next summer could also come as an astute option.

In other news: ‘Wow’, ‘Siuuuu’, ‘Tears’…West Ham fans rave as ‘massive’ off-field news comes to light, find out more here.

Newcastle United are reportedly now pushing to sign Matthias Ginter in the January transfer window.

The Lowdown: Centre-back targeted

As previously reported by Craig Hope, Ginter is among three central defenders that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) consortium are now targeting next month, along with Tottenham Hotspur’s Joe Rodon and Lille’s Sven Botman.

As his current deal at Borussia Monchengladbach expires in the summer, it is possible that the St. James’ Park faithful can sign him on a cut-price deal in January, given the risk for the Bundesliga club of losing him on a free transfer otherwise.

Nonetheless, it is clear that the Tyneside outfit now want to bolster a defence that has shipped no fewer than 30 goals in the Premier League so far this season, one of the worst records in the division.

The Latest: Ginter pushed

As per Calciomercato, the North East club are now aggressively making their move to sign Ginter in January after a development ‘in the last few hours’.

However, they are likely to face competition from Inter Milan for his signature.

The Verdict: No-brainer

If the new owners can get Ginter in next month, potentially on the cheap, it would surely be a no-brainer for them.

A centre-back who plays like current PSG player and footballing legend Sergio Ramos, given his leadership qualities, he also possesses the same winning mentality as the Spaniard, given that he has won many trophies on the big stage, including the FIFA World Cup with Germany back in 2014.

A monster at the back, he is averaging more tackles (1.2) in the Bundesliga than all of Eddie Howe’s centre-half options are in the top flight so far this term (WhoScored), and so would really elevate the quality in the team.

The really exciting thing is that Ginter is still only 27 years of age, and so is just about to enter his prime years as a footballer.

Nonetheless, January represents the perfect time for the Magpies to snap him up.

In other news, find out which ‘incredible talent’ Steve Nickson has had a meeting over signing here!

Wolves performed nothing short of a miracle conceding only one goal to Premier League champions Manchester City this afternoon after going down to ten men in the first half of the game.

Bruno Lage’s side went to the Etihad Stadium to face a City side who had won their last five games in the league.

Wolves were dealt a huge blow at the end of the first half when Raul Jimenez was red-carded just before the interval; and from that point, Wolves were reliant on the attacking prowess of Adama Traore to try and take something from the game, having gone in at half-time on level terms.

One man who went into this game with a point to prove was Traore, who was handed a start alongside Jimenez in a front two. However, the 26-year-old has failed to register a single goal or assist for his club this season, and that was the case once more against Manchester City today.

The visitors couldn’t hold on to take a point from the game after Joao Moutinho was caught by a handball inside the box, leading to a penalty which saw Raheem Sterling score his 100th Premier League goal in the 66th minute.

Not only did Traore fail to score or set up a team-mate in finding the net today, according to SofaScore the £43k-p/w winger had fewer touches than Jose Sa. He only made seven passes in his 67 minutes on the pitch and did not have a single shot on or off target, completely lacking creativity and involvement in throughout his time on the field before he was subbed off for Hwang Hee-chan.

This is the 17th appearance this season for Traore where he has failed to have any goal involvements for Wolves, and it may be time for Lage to opt for other, more consistent forwards like Daniel Podence and Hwang, who have proven they are capable of creating and finishing chances. The South Korean has scored four goals in the same number of appearances as Traore this term.

Traore’s performance today evoked a scathing comment from Graeme Souness earlier in the season, when the Sky Sports pundit said of the 26-year-old: “He’s a near miss as a footballer. He gets you on the edge of your seat but time and time again you’re going to shake your head at the misses he has. There’s not a lot of goals, not a lot of return.”

After drawing another blank today and giving an overall poor performance, it’s hard to disagree with Souness’ critique of the underperforming Wolves winger, who failed the test of being put in a centre-forward role by Lage this afternoon.

In other news: Wolves must move for this Premier League maestro in January

Flocking to Twitter, many Everton fans have erupted over a fresh transfer update involving Rubin Kazan forward Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.

Rafael Benitez is soon set for his first January transfer window in charge of the club as he takes control of the Toffees’ transfer plans following the departure of sporting director Marcel Brands.

This has led to an incoming signing already as reliable reports claim that Everton have closed in on Dynamo Kiev left-back Vitaliy Mykolenko, who apparently underwent a medical on Friday (Fabrizio Romano).

Everton’s manager isn’t done there, however, as Football Insider have revealed who he is eyeing a move for next. According to their information, the Toffees and Benitez are apparently ‘plotting’ a move to sign exciting Russian Premier League forward Kvaratskhelia next month.

It is believed that both Everton and West Ham now hold a concrete interest after the Georgia international blew away talent spotters with a brace in his nation’s 2-0 win over Sweden last month.

Everton fans erupt…

Taking into account the 20-year-old sensation’s rising stock, it’s little wonder so many Everton fans are applauding Benitez’ transfer decision, with one fan even claiming he’ll perform a U-turn on his stance on the under-fire Spaniard if his club can pull off the signing of Kvaratskhelia.

Called ‘incredible’ by journalist Romano, the young winger has already scored five goals in just 12 caps for Georgia whilst averaging an impressive 2.7 completed dribbles per 90 at club level for Rubin this season (WhoScored).

That’s more than any Everton player has managed in the Premier League, and while you could argue that the discrepancy may be due to a major difference in the quality of the respective divisions, it could also be an indication of Kvaratskhelia’s vast potential.

Here’s how some Toffees supporters reacting to news that the club are plotting to sign the 20-year-old “baller”:

“If Benitez brings him in I will switch to team #BenitezIn. He was absolutely unplayable against Sweden with the national team. One of the biggest talents out there.”

Credit: @EFCswe

“Football manager demon”

Credit: @mollynsno

“Baller”

Credit: @gflan02

“YES!!!!”

Credit: @BT_1878

“Yes, get him in”

Credit: @Evertoningen

“Baller him, think Everton we were also linked to him last season. Scored some important goals from Georgia and played well in the UEFA Nations League games”

Credit: @gersonselema

“Would be a solid signing. Kid’s got potential”

Credit: @Lukazioo

In other news: ‘Get rid’, ‘Can never start again’…Everton fans hammer ‘passenger’ who ‘needs binning’ after Chelsea display, find out more here.

A promising development has emerged on Rangers centre-back Nikola Katic regarding his plans upon the end of his current loan spell…

What’s the talk?

According to Football Scotland, the defender sees his long-term future at Ibrox and is not looking to seal a permanent move away from the club.

The report claims that he will remain on loan at Croatian side Hajduk Split before returning to Glasgow next summer to fight for his place in the team at his parent club.

Fans will be delighted

Rangers fans will surely be delighted with this claim as it suggests that Katic is up for the challenge of winning his place back in the side next season.

It could be a timely decision from the defender as Giovanni van Bronckhorst has a difficult situation looming in the summer. Connor Goldson and Leon Balogun are both out of contract, which could leave two sizeable holes in the squad to fill if they both decide to part ways with the club.

Katic already has experience of playing at the top level in Scotland. He made 59 appearances and scored six goals for the club in his first two years at Ibrox before suffering a cruciate ligament injury. Therefore, he may not need a period of adaptation to adjust to Scottish football, as he already knows the drill in the Premiership.

His former Gers boss Steven Gerrard previously hailed the defender’s mentality, saying: “The kid is a winner and a warrior. We know what he gives. Anyone his age, after giving the penalty away, might have gone into their shell. It might have affected their performance.

“But if you knock Niko Katic down, he’s gonna get back up and come again. That’s the man, that’s the player.”

This highlights his willingness to work hard for the team and come back from adversity, which means that he could have a good chance of returning next summer and establishing himself in the firs team.

Katic has the prior experience and the mindset required to make an impact next season, but what is his current form like?

He has averaged a SofaScore rating of 6.97 for Hajduk Split this term across nine league outings. The centre-back has won 64% of his duels and made 4.1 clearances per game, showing that he has been consistently delivering solid performances for the club.

Therefore, Rangers fans will surely be delighted to hear that Katic sees his long-term future at Ibrox, as it appears as though he has the potential to come back and become an important player for the Light Blues if Van Bronckhorst is willing to give him a chance to shine.

AND in other news, Van Bronckhorst can finally axe the new “Alex Rae” from Rangers by signing £4m “conductor” in January…

Edin Dzeko could be a ‘realistic’ January transfer target for Newcastle United, Keith Downie has told GiveMeSport. 

The lowdown

The Bosnia international is familiar to English fans following his stint at Manchester City, which lasted five years. He joined from Wolfsburg in 2011 for a fee of £33.3m and left to join AS Roma in 2016.

From the Italian capital, he moved on to reigning Serie A champions Inter on a free transfer last summer. Dzeko scored 72 goals for Man City, including 50 in the Premier League, and twice won the top-flight title on these shores.

The latest

Sky Sports reporter Downie talked up the possibility of a ‘short-term’ move for Dzeko, who would bring valuable ‘experience’.

He told GiveMeSport: “A Dzeko or similar, who have played here before, they know how to score goals and have got experience behind them, I think that would be a lot more realistic, providing it’s on a short-term deal.”

The verdict

Dzeko may be 35 but he still looks to be a reliable goalscorer, with 11 in 24 matches for Inter so far in 2021/22, whilst also contributing five assists.

That’s why it would be somewhat surprising if Inter, who have a Champions League round of 16 tie against Liverpool on the horizon and are battling to retain the Serie A title, were to let him go this month.

Nonetheless, if the deal is indeed realistic, then Newcastle would enter the second half of the campaign with ample firepower in the form of Wilson and Dzeko, who has been described as a ‘legend’ by football journalist Zach Lowy.

Eddie Howe could even revert to the two-striker system that he has predominantly used, in the knowledge that Dzeko formed a lethal partnership with Lautaro Martinez at San Siro.

In other news, Newcastle are also keen on this ‘big six’ midfielder 

Celtic midfielder Ismaila Soro is attracting interest from the MLS and could be allowed to leave, Sky Sports’ News Anthony Joseph reports. 

The lowdown

Soro joined Celtic from Israeli outift Bnei Yahuda ahead of the 2020/21 season and has gone on to make 41 appearances for the club.

His £8,100-per-week contract still has two and a half years left to run, contributing to a Transfermarkt valuation of £810,000.

Celtic have already sanctioned two January exits, with Ewan Henderson and Liam Shaw sealing loan moves to Hibernian and Motherwell respectively.

The latest

New York Red Bulls are ‘one of a number of MLS clubs’ eyeing Soro this month, Joseph says.

The player still has admirers in Israel but ‘it’s believed’ he would prefer a move to the United States.

‘The Hoops are willing to listen to offers’, both loan proposals and permanent bids.

‘It’s understood’ that no ‘official approach’ has arrived from the American outfit ‘at this stage’.

However, ‘they are aiming to sign their transfer targets’ before the 2022 MLS season gets underway in February, Joseph reports.

The verdict

Ange Postecoglou doesn’t seem to be the biggest fan of Soro. He’s only started him once in the Scottish Premiership, and hasn’t used him at all in the competition since September.

The Ivorian wasn’t even afforded starts in Celtic’s run to the Scottish League Cup final.

So, they may be willing to offload him, and equally he may be keen to leave given the circumstances.

In a way, it’s a shame. There were times last season when the youngster looked like a real gem. Indeed, in December 2020, ex-Hoops striker John Hartson dubbed him ‘outstanding’.

In other news, there’s an encouraging update on this Celtic target.

Aston Villa are in advanced talks with Everton over the signing of left-back Lucas Digne, according to a report by The Athletic.

The Lowdown: Digne fallout with Benitez

The France international’s future has come under scrutiny this season following Everton’s poor run of form, which currently sees them sitting down in 15th position in the Premier League table.

Last month, it was reported that the full-back has publicly fallen out with Rafael Benitez, with the manager confirming that Digne has asked to leave the club. As a result, the Frenchman has not played a single minute of football since the Merseyside derby defeat on December 1.

The Latest: Villa in talks with Everton

According to a report by The Athletic, Aston Villa are in advanced talks with Everton over the signing of Digne.

Steven Gerrard had identified the former Barcelona man as his top target, with Villa keen on bolstering their options at full-back.  It is reported that the 28-year-old is seeking a move to a club already playing European football, or one with a serious chance of doing so next season.

Due to the recent arrival of former Premier League superstar Philippe Coutinho, Villa are confident that their exciting new project has convinced Digne to proceed with the move.

Previous interest from relegation-threatened Newcastle United was rejected by the left-back, with Chelsea also considering a swoop for the player following Ben Chilwell’s season-ending injury. However, Thomas Tuchel’s side only wanted a loan move, whereas Everton are more keen for a permanent deal to be done.

The Verdict: Big blow for Everton

The Frenchman has established himself as one of the best left-backs in the Premier League since his arrival at Everton, with his strong crossing ability often paying dividends for the Toffees, as demonstrated by his haul of 18 league assists on Merseyside.

Having slipped down the international pecking order, Digne will likely be glad to seal his exit from Goodison Park, as he will be desperate for regular first team football ahead of the 2022 World Cup in a bid to regain his left-back spot in the France side from Theo Hernandez.

His impending departure will be a sad sight for Everton fans, as the left-back solidified himself as a fan favourite during his time at the club. Also, former Toffees manager Carlo Ancelotti once described the 28-year-old as ‘one of the best in Europe’, so don’t be surprise if you see Blues supporters in dismay if Digne secures a move to Aston Villa.

In other news: Everton now prioritising ‘exceptional’ £9m-rated beast as third January signing

An update has emerged involving Rangers and their attempts to add a defender to Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s squad…

What’s the talk?

According to the Edinburgh News, the Gers are confident of being able to complete a pre-contract deal to sign John Souttar.

The report claims that they have tabled their offer as they look to compete with English Championship duo Blackburn and Sheffield United, with a decision set to be made by the Hearts defender in the coming days.

Indeed, Sky Sports published a fresh update on the rumour this morning, claiming that the Gers are set to sign the 25-year-old on a pre-contract deal.

Imagine him & Bassey

Firstly, Van Bronckhorst will be over the moon with this news, as Rangers seem poised to win the race for Souttar. This would mean that he will join in the summer when his contract with Hearts expires, arriving on a free transfer.

The move would come at the perfect time for the Gers as Connor Goldson’s deal at Ibrox is up at the end of the season. There has been no reported movement on the latter’s situation, which means that he is poised to depart for nothing in July, leaving Rangers without their first-choice centre-back.

Goldson has been partnering Calvin Bassey since Van Bronckhorst arrived, and the Dutchman can form a perfect pairing at the back by bringing in Souttar and playing him next to the former Leicester defender.

Former Hearts boss Craig Levein was previously full of praise for the 6 foot 1 Scotland colossus, saying: “I’ve known him since he was 12 years old and he’s just got better and better. When he came here from Dundee Utd, we just needed to give him time. He’s grown into the player that I hoped he would be and for me he’s the best centre back in Scotland.

“Just for the fact that he can do wonderful things. His passing of the ball Saturday was fantastic, but he is also now capable physically of competing with any centre forward. His pace is very, very good and he’s strong, focused and aggressive.”

Whilst Bassey is a naturally left-footed defender with the technical ability to bring the ball out from the back, having also played at left-back; Souttar is a right-footed player who is strong in aerial duels and likes to be aggressive in the challenge. The Hearts defender has won 71% of his duels this season, winning 3.2 aerial battles and making 4.4 clearances per game.

This suggests that they could complement each other well, with Souttar able to push up on strikers and compete physically whilst allowing Bassey to drop off and cover in behind and then be the one to progress the play in possession. Therefore, Van Bronckhorst could seal a perfect partnership by clinching this pre-contract deal.

AND in other news, Van Broncnkhorst could finally axe Rangers liability by signing this “aggressive” 6 ft 3 beast…

Glasgow Rangers have been handed a huge boost in their bid to secure a deal to bring Andreas Skov Olsen to Ibrox in the January transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Italian publication Corriere dello Sport (via Daily Record), who claimed that the 22-year-old winger has informed Bologna that he wants to leave the club this winter amid interest from both Rangers and Club Brugge.

The report added that Giovanni van Bronckhorst is keen to sign a right-sided forward this month, with the Denmark international believed to be high on the 46-year-old’s list of targets.

Van Bronckhorst will be buzzing

Since joining Bologna in a £5.4m deal back in 2019, Skov Olsen has not enjoyed the best form of his career, but the 22-year-old nevertheless proved during his time with Nordsjaelland that he would make a fantastic addition to Gers’ current options out wide.

Indeed, over his £5.85m-rated forward scored a whopping 22 goals and provided his teammates with five assists, contributing to a goal with every 114 minutes of league football played.

The £28k-per-week wizard also scored one goal over two appearances in the Sydbank Pokalen during that campaign, along with bagging three goals one assist in his six Europa League qualifying fixtures, taking his season’s haul to 26 goals and six assists in 44 appearances.

As such, should Van Bronckhorst be able to help Skov Olsen rediscover such form following his potential switch to Rangers, the 22-year-old could well prove to be something of a “groundbreaking” transfer for the Light Blues, as claimed by journalist Josh Bunting.

It’s a prospective move which would undoubtedly leave the 46-year-old Gers boss buzzing, particularly if the club can seal the Danish winger’s signing for as little as £5m, as has been widely reported. Their cause may well be helped considerably by the player’s reported desire to leave Serie A.

In other news: Van Bronckhorst drops worrying injury update which will have Rangers fans fuming