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Newcastle United could well be set to wrap up another deal in the New Year, amid reports that West Ham United youngster Harrison Ashby is destined for a move to St James’ Park.

What’s the word?

That’s according to Hammers insider, Claret and Hugh, who suggested that the 21-year-old now ‘looks certain’ to join Eddie Howe’s side in 2023, with the switch either set to take place in the January window or when his contract expires at the end of the season.

The promising right-back has seemingly informed those at the London Stadium that he is keen to join the northeast side, with there seemingly ‘no chance’ of the Scotland youth international staying with the Irons.

The Milton Keynes-born gem had previously been heavily linked with the Tynesiders on deadline day over the summer, while more recent reports have also suggested that the defender is still a target for sporting director Dan Ashworth, alongside Leeds United’s Cody Drameh.

‘Fearless’ talent

Newcastle have already wrapped up one deal ahead of the upcoming winter window, with Australian teenager Garang Kuol having completed his switch from A-League side Central Coast Mariners back in September.

That move for the 18-year-old – who is currently representing his country at the World Cup – comes amid what appears to be a push to recruit up-and-coming talent, with the aforementioned Ashworth having previously stated:

“Our philosophy is to invest in our Academy and in exciting young players for the future, as well as in players required to make an immediate impact in the first team.”

In the case of Ashby, the emerging ace could well be someone who is both a player for the long-term, but can also make an impact at senior level straight away, with Howe seemingly in need of a better fit to provide quality backup for first-choice pick, Kieran Trippier.

Sweden international Emil Krafth is currently still on the treatment table after suffering an ACL injury, while Javier Manquillo has seemingly been surplus to requirements of late, with the Spaniard making just two appearances in league and cup so far this term.

That has ensured that the West Ham gem could well take the place as Trippier’s understudy and potentially replace the experienced Englishman in the coming years, with the “fearless” talent – as described by podcaster Sam Delaney – seemingly set for a bright future in the game.

While the 5 foot 10 ace has made only seven appearances at first-team level for David Moyes’ side, he has more than made his mark at U21 level of late, recording an impressive return of three goals and ten assists in 41 games at that age group.

The one-time Chelsea youth product could well be the type of talent that Howe is able to nurture over the next few years, with the Magpies seemingly in need of a younger fit in the squad at right-back.

For all the importance of signing high-profile, established names to bolster the starting XI, securing highly-rated and fearless prospects such as Kuol and Ashby could well be just as important for Newcastle’s long-term project.

Leeds United’s Victor Orta has had largely a successful time at Elland Road since his appointment in 2017.

The Spanish director of football has been a vital cog in their promotion and continued presence in the Premier League, with his shrewd business vital in upgrading a squad that last season narrowly avoided the drop.

Across that campaign, few players bolstered their legacies at the club.

Raphinha naturally stole the headlines, as he was the club’s top scorer who had more than earned his £55m move to Barcelona.

However, arguably just behind the Brazilian in importance was Jack Harrison.

Having been brought in on three successive loan deals, in the summer of 2021 Orta made it a permanent move for £11m.

Although, claims just last week have emerged that are now linking the 26-year-old with a Premier League switch to Newcastle United, after their two failed summer bids for his services.

Alan Hutton noted in the report: “I think if Newcastle come calling, somewhere that you can see what they are doing they are trying to build something, you would definitely want to be a part of that”.

After surviving the bombardment from the Tyneside outfit, the Whites slapped a price tag of at least £35m on their mercurial wide man.

To lose him would be a huge blow, but with the recent emergence of Crysencio Summerville, it poses an interesting decision for Jesse Marsch to make.

The American was reliant on Harrison last season however, as he scored eight goals including the all-important goal in a final-day win at Brentford.

He has started this season in a similarly impressive fashion, already boasting four goal contributions in 13 games.

Having spent nearly four years in Yorkshire, fans at the club will have witnessed his transformation into the “beast” he is today, as dubbed by Beren Cross.

They would surely regret seeing him leave, even if it was for such a mouth-watering fee.

But, as aforementioned, with four goals in his last four games, the 21-year-old Summerville could more than compensate for his output should he maintain this form.

It might be a big risk given how they still remain just two points clear of the relegation zone, but one which might tempt Marsch into selling.

Tottenham midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur will be assessed by Uruguay’s medical team following an injury scare in Friday’s win over Ghana in the World Cup.

The Lowdown: Group stage elimination

The 25-year-old started every World Cup game for his country in Qatar, but despite a 2-0 win over Ghana in their final group game, Uruguay were eliminated on goals scored.

It meant heartbreak for Bentancur but joy for his Spurs team-mate Son Heung min, who produced a brilliant late assist to help South Korea qualify alongside Portugal.

The Latest: Bentancur injury scare

Bentancur only played 34 minutes on Friday and was substituted after feeling discomfort in the first half.

The midfielder was visibly upset when leaving the pitch, and Sport Witness relayed an update from Uruguayan outlet El Pais on his condition. They claimed that Uruguay’s medical team are set to assess Bentancur, with an official report in the ‘next few hours’.

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The Verdict: Fingers crossed

Bentancur has been a key member of Antonio Conte’s squad this season, starting 19 games in all competitions.

He has been the club’s second-best performer in the Premier League behind Harry Kane, as per WhoScored, highlighting his importance in Tottenham’s midfield.

Therefore, with club action set to return later this month, everyone associated with Spurs will be hoping for a positive update on the Uruguayan’s condition; and by the looks of it, they’ll know sooner rather than later.

West Ham United are set to battle it out for the signature of Djibril Sow, who has recently returned from the World Cup with Switzerland.

The Lowdown: West Ham target midfielder

In light of West Ham’s poor start to the Premier League season, currently sitting 16th in the standings, manager David Moyes has identified the need for some new blood in the middle of the park, and 36-time Swiss international Sow is deemed to fit the bill.

The midfielder started every game for his national side in Qatar, before they exited the tournament at the quarter-final stage against Portugal on Tuesday night, and the Eintracht Frankfurt ace is now being eyed for a move to England.

The Latest: Sow in Moyes’ sights

As per Sport Witness, who are sharing news from Sport 1, the 25-year-old is in the sights of both the Hammers and Aston Villa for a January swoop, although Frankfurt sporting director Markus Krosche is not keen on a deal, saying: “We don’t want to sell any player in the winter.”

However, their stance could change if an ‘insane’ deal is offered, with the price the German club are holding out for believed to be in the region of £26m.

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The Verdict: Make it happen

The £38k-per-week earner was recently praised for his ‘extremely composed’ nature in and around the box by journalist Sam Tighe, highlighting one of the key aspects of his game, but he also excels in his defensive duties at the opposite end of the pitch.

Over the past year, the enforcer has averaged 1.64 interceptions per 90 minutes, a figure that places him in the 88th percentile compared to his positional peers and puts on show his acumen in cutting out the opposition supply.

Not only that, but the Zurich-born midfielder also put in a string of solid performances at the World Cup, displaying his creative talents with an assist in the 3-2 round of 16 victory against Serbia.

With West Ham struggling at the wrong end of the table, Moyes could really use a dependable option in central-midfield to partner Declan Rice, and Sow has proven himself as a consistent and well-rounded performer in the Bundesliga this season, averaging a 6.92 match rating, as per SofaScore.

Manchester United defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka ‘could now be set’ for a switch to Wolves, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Old Gold eye move…

Despite really impressing for ex-club Crystal Palace, prompting the Red Devils to sign him for £50 million in 2019, the Englishman has struggled for game time under manager Erik ten Hag this season.

Wan-Bissaka has made just one Premier League appearance which totalled four minutes and it’s clear the right-back could actually depart Old Trafford in the January transfer window.

Wolves have apparently taken an interest in the 25-year-old alongside Crystal Palace, West Ham and Leeds – yet a pretty encouraging update has now come to light on manager Julen Lopetegui’s chances of signing him.

The Latest: Wolves lead Wan-Bissaka race…

According to reporter Graeme Bailey, writing on Twitter and for 90min, Wan-Bissaka ‘could now be set for switch to Molineux’ as Fosun International ‘look to land him’.

It’s claimed in the report that Wolves, above their league contenders, are ‘leading the chase’ for United’s out-of-favour star as Lopetegui makes the signing of a right-back one of his top priorities.

In a further boost for the Old Gold, 90min also claim that ten Hag is happy to green-light Wan-Bissaka’s exit next month.

The Verdict: Get it done?

Having been called a ‘monster’ by members of the media, United’s £100,000-per-week outcast arguably has real ability in his locker going by past performances.

Wan-Bissaka’s pace and power down the right flank could also be a real asset for Lopetegui as the Spaniard seeks to really provide strength in depth for Wolves next month.

United would also be willing to let the player leave on loan with a view to a permanent deal, making this move slightly more attainable financially.

Newcastle United’s desire to strengthen in the January transfer window has sparked speculation that the Magpies are interested in signing Napoli sensation, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, with the Georgia international having dazzled in Italy of late.

Journalist Graeme Bailey revealed last week sporting director Dan Ashworth is “keen” on bringing the 21-year-old to St James’ Park next month, albeit with the Tynesiders likely to have to fork out a hefty fee if they are to get a deal over the line.

The suggestion is that the fleet-footed gem could cost in the region of £100m were he to be sold any time soon, albeit with the Serie A side believed to be growing in confidence that terms can be agreed regarding a contract extension.

Even despite that potential obstacle, the former Dinamo Batumi man – who arrived in Naples over the summer – would surely prove an astute capture for Ashworth and co, with the youngster having lit up both Italian and European football in the early months of the campaign.

Part of a side that is seemingly marching towards a Scudetto triumph – having surged to eight points clear at the summit – Kvaratskhelia has been an instrumental figure in that domestic dominance, with 13 goal involvements in just 12 top-flight matches.

The affectionately named ‘Kvaradona’ – in homage to the late, great Diego Maradona – was also a leading presence for Luciano Spalletti’s side in the Champions League group stage, with five goal contributions in just five outings.

The “untamed” asset – as lauded by New York Times correspondent, Rory Smith – has been a real breath of fresh air so far this season, having emerged from a relative unknown into a household name in double-quick time.

Any fears over whether he would be able to replicate that form in the Premier League can be eased by the fact that the 19-cap menace shares a number of stylistic and statistical similarities with Tottenham Hotspur talisman, Heung-min Son, according to FBref.

Not only do the two men wreak havoc from the left flank, but they are also alike in their ruthlessness from open play, with Kvaratskhelia notably ranking in the top 6% in Europe among those in his position for non-penalty goals, while Son ranks in the top 4% in that same metric.

That similarity is also evident by the fact that the latter man averages 2.2 key passes per game in the league this season, while the one-time Rubin Kazan ace is only slightly lower as he averages 1.9 key passes per game, illustrating their creative flair.

To be able to land a Son-esque figure would certainly be a real coup for the Magpies, with the Spurs sensation having been a truly consistent menace in English football in recent years, scoring 136 goals and registering 76 assists in 344 games for the Lilywhites to date.

The 30-year-old has also been a constant thorn in the side of Newcastle over the years with six goal involvements in just 13 meetings, having regularly tormented the northeast side with his dynamic brilliance and clinical nature in front of goal.

As such, it would prove a real bonus to be able to secure their own answer to the South Korea international in the form of Kvaratskhelia, with Ashworth needing to make signing the Georgian wizard a main objective for the New Year.

Having endured a torrid 21/22 campaign, Everton manager Frank Lampard would have taken solace from a fantastic run of form in the dying embers of the campaign to stave off the threat of relegation and a promising transfer window, bolstering the proud football club ahead of a fresh slate.

Offensive issues remain the sticking point, but a fresh face to instil further assurance and stability among the backline would go down a treat; Stoke City’s Harry Souttar might just be the answer.

According to a report from the Daily Mail earlier in December, Stoke might now be looking to cash in on a player that has seen a sizeable lift in transfer value following his efforts at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, with Everton and Tottenham Hotspur the two leading contenders for his signature.

And last year it was reported from The Sun that the Toffees had scouted the Australian colossus, clearly etching his name into the club’s transfer wish list for a considerable amount of time now.

Everton’s own Van Dijk

Souttar has only made four appearances for the Potters this term, returning in the weeks preceding the World Cup following a major injury suffered to his ACL last year.

Despite finding his feet moments before his nation’s exploits, he showed little sign of ring rust as he played a pivotal role in the triumphant qualification from a group stage holding the likes of France, Denmark and Tunisia.

As per Sofascore, the 23-year-old recorded an average rating of 6.97 in Qatar, playing every minute of the three group fixtures and the round-of-16 tie against Argentina, where the Aussies fell to defeat despite a valiant collective effort against the eventual world champions.

Souttar impressed with his physicality and presence in front of Matthew Ryan’s goal, helping to keep two clean sheets and making 1.5 tackles and 5.5 clearances per match, also displaying a passing prowess that will only further the piqued interest from potential Premier League suitors.

Speaking to BBC 5Live, pundit Pat Nevin praised the titan for his aerial ability, proclaiming he has a “magnet in his head”, and his command of the space above the heads of those around him is just another factor that hints towards a momentous career at a top-flight outfit.

He bears semblance to Liverpool’s esteemed central defender Virgil van Dijk in this regard, who signed for the Reds in a then-world record £75m deal for a defender, with the Dutch sensation a master of assurance, composure and domination in the air.

Down the Merseyside Road at Goodison Park, the Toffees can emulate the success of their detested neighbours with a swoop for Souttar, who ranks within the top 5% of defenders playing in the ‘next eight’ leagues for aerials won over the past year, as per FBref.

Parting with such a hefty fee of £25m might seem somewhat off-putting, but with the likes of Yerry Mina and Michael Keane both considered dispensable and likely to be in the twilight stage of their career with Everton, Lampard must act with swift conviction to bring a Van Dijk-esque presence to turn the club’s ship around.

Liverpool are eyeing a surprise move for a Serie A midfielder as Jurgen Klopp looks to add some more depth to his midfield…

According to journalist Ahmet Ercanlar (via TEAMtalk), Klopp has held talks with Napoli midfielder Eljif Elmas over the phone as he aims to lure the player to Anfield.

It’s clear that the German is requiring midfielders ahead of a busy second half of the season, and Elmas could be a cheaper alternative to Enzo Fernandez and will be able to slot straight into the team.

Elmas can solve Liverpool’s key issue

With James Milner, Naby Keita, and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain all out of contract at the end of the season, plus Arthur Melo’s loan spell coming to an end, Klopp’s midfield options could look rather sparse in the summer and next month could be the ideal time to add some reinforcements.

Elmas might be an ideal solution in January, especially with his good form so far this season for the Serie A leaders.

The 23-year-old has played 14 league matches for the club, although he has started just four, chipping in with three goals and an assist, which is a goal every 179 minutes.

Despite spending just 38 minutes on the pitch on average per game, he has made 0.6 key passes, taken 24.2 touches and created one big chance, showing his ability to still contribute, even if he is coming off the bench in the latter stages of a match.

The £32.5k-per-week Macedonian is an excellent passer of the ball, which is supported by the fact he is ranked in the top 4% across Europe’s big five leagues for pass completion success rate (84.8%) when compared with positional peers, and this could see him shine in Klopp’s team.

Elmas’ versatility could also be a big bonus for the German, as he can play in the centre of the midfield, as an attacking midfielder, or even on the left wing, and with Luis Diaz injured at the moment, it could be an opportunity for Klopp to kill two birds with one stone.

The Napoli player’s agent – George Gardi – once dubbed him a “jewel” and despite not getting many starting opportunities at the Italian side, this could certainly change if he moved to Liverpool, especially with the Anfield side sorely lacking in midfielders.

Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth has dropped a big Chelsea transfer update live on TV involving Benfica central midfielder Enzo Fernandez.

The Lowdown: Fernandez ‘wants’ Chelsea

It has recently been reported that Fernandez ‘wants’ to move to Chelsea in this window, amid strong interest from the Blues in the Argentina international.

However, The Times report that Graham Potter’s side need to improve their offer to at least €120m (£105.5m), the value of his release clause.

The Latest: Sky Sports update

Speaking live on Sky Sports’ The Transfer Show (19:04pm), Sheth has revealed that after speaking to a contact of his who has close links to Benfica, there will be ‘no deal’ in January as it stands for Fernandez, and there is still ‘a lot of work’ to do if a deal is to be struck:

“This is not an easy deal to do, between Chelsea and Benfica.

“I’ve been speaking to a contact of mine in Portugal, who has close links to Benfica, and he says that there’s no deal between Chelsea and Benfica as yet, and there will be no deal in January.

“Noises coming from Portugal suggest Benfica aren’t too enamoured by the way Chelsea have handled this. Everyone knows that what the release clause is. They want the release clause down, or at least a huge chunk of that.

“I’m told Enzo Fernandez requested not to play in Benfica’s game against Braga – his first game since the World Cup final. He ended up playing. 

“There is still a lot of work to do between Chelsea and Benfica if a deal is to be struck.”

The Verdict: Pay up…

It is clear that Chelsea will have to pay up Fernandez’s release clause in full if they are serious about signing him in this window.

Hailed as a ‘beast‘ by CBS Sports broadcaster Ives Galarcep after winning the FIFA World Cup with Argentina, the 21-year-old won the Young Player Award at the tournament, and was his country’s fourth-best performer overall, scoring one goal and making one assist in his seven appearances (WhoScored).

With Benfica, Fernandez ranks in the 99th percentile of all midfielders in Europe’s top leagues over the past year for expected goals and expected assists combined, as well as for passes attempted and progressive passes per game (FBRef).

Nonetheless, he is a generational talent already, and so the Blues must weigh up whether he is worth the extraordinary transfer fee.

Manchester City could use Jack Grealish in a swap deal to sign Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

The Lowdown: Guardiola’s Saka interest

According to a report from the Daily Mail back in November, Saka is happy at Arsenal and wants to commit to a new deal, but he is yet to sign a long-term contract, with the only development being an extension being triggered to keep him until 2024.

It is claimed in the same report that Pep Guardiola is a huge fan of Saka, and views the forward as a dream replacement for Raheem Sterling, who joined Chelsea in a £47.5m deal in the summer.

The Latest: Jones’ update

According to Jones (via Give Me Sport), the 21-year-old is still a player Man City like, and while he is not attainable at the moment, it is claimed that the situation could change later in the year.

One suggestion from the transfer insider is that Grealish could go in the opposite direction to the Arsenal man as part of a swap deal, but this is not something that is active right now.

The Verdict: Huge shock

It would be a huge shock if the Gunners were willing to agree to that deal, as while Grealish is improving, he has not reached the levels of his Aston Villa days since arriving at the Etihad Stadium for £100m, mustering just three goals and three assists in the Premier League last term.

Arsenal legend Ray Parlour has lauded Saka as being a ‘revelation’, and he has more than played his part in his side’s push for the title this season, with 12 goal contributions in 17 league games.

Given that Mikel Arteta’s side are currently five points clear at the top of the table, it seems unlikely that the starlet would want to leave his boyhood club, but if he does become available, there is no doubt that Man City should offer him better terms, as his success at such a young age indicates that he is destined to go to the very top.