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Chelsea are reportedly ‘considering’ a move for PSV winger Noni Madueke in this window.

The Lowdown: Felix agreement

It was reported by The Athletic journalist David Ornstein that Chelsea have reached a ‘verbal agreement’ to sign striker Joao Felix on loan from Atletico Madrid.

They are set to pay a loan fee of €11m (£9.5m) to sign him for the rest of the season, with both Arsenal and Manchester United also thought to have been ‘keen’ on him.

The Latest: Madueke considered

Taking to Twitter, The Times reporter Tom Roddy has revealed that the Blues are also ‘considering’ a move for Madueke, and are ‘trying’ to sign Borussia Monchengladbach striker Marcus Thuram alongside Felix:

“Chelsea have improved attacking options with addition of Joao Felix on loan from Atletico which has been agreed between the clubs. #cfc trying to complete a deal for Marcus Thuram from Borussia Monchengladbach, too, and considering move for Noni Madueke.”

The Verdict: Get it done

Alongside Felix, Graham Potter’s side need more attacking reinforcements if they are to climb the Premier League table.

They are currently the lowest scorers in the top half, and have not been helped by a number of injuries in their forward line.

Hailed as ‘crazy good’ and an ‘incredible’ player by Football Talent Scout Jacek Kulig, Madueke would offer Potter another option in attack, and at 20 years of age, has plenty of potential.

He has scored 19 goals and made a further 14 assists in 78 games in total for PSV over all competitions (injury.

This should be Chelsea’s only concern, as the Englishman should flourish when he is on the pitch.

West Brom look to have missed out on a top young talent when Tim Iroegbunam moved to Aston Villa in 2021, as the central midfielder now looks destined for a career in the Premier League.

Having progressed through the Baggies’ academy, an 18-year-old Iroegbunam made the short trip to Bodymoor Heath to sign for the Premier League side on a free transfer.

After a year of impressing in the Premier League 2 for the Villans, the central midfielder was sent out on loan earlier this year, linking up with former Villa assistant manager Michael Beale at Queens Park Rangers.

He has since gone on to make 17 appearances for the Hoops in the second tier and looks set to be an integral part of Neil Critchley’s side for the rest of the season as they target a playoff spot.

Although the teenager is yet to score or assist in the Championship, he is still catching the eye with his performance, with WhoScored awarding him a solid 6.64 rating for his performances.

Considering this is higher than the likes of Jason Molumby, Taylor Gardner-Hickman and Tomas Rogic have managed in the second tier this season, it seems clear that Iroegbunam could have quickly progressed into the first team had he remained at the Hawthorns.

Beale was full of praise for the youngster’s attitude and ability on Twitter during his time at Villa Park, writing:

“He is a top young footballer and a super-impressive young man also. A very bright future ahead.”

Former manager Steven Gerrard was also a big fan of the youngster, and given his reputation as one of the best central midfielders English football has ever produced, you would expect him to have a good eye for midfield talent.

He said:

“He’s a long project for us to work at. He’s still very raw but he’s got a lot of attributes that we like.

“I went to watch him for the under-23s in the week (vs Norwich) and he started a little bit slow and, obviously, got sent off at the end but in the middle bit of the game, he was outstanding and looked like a Premier League player. He’s one I’m excited to keep developing and keep polishing up.

“He’s a great kid, humble, and needs to keep working.”

After his spell at Loftus Road this season, it seems likely that Unai Emery will have to think long and hard about keeping Iroegbunam in the Premier League squad next season and if he does become a regular in the top flight, West Brom will have to think why he wasn’t given more opportunities at the Hawthorns and why he decided to leave for Villa last year.

West Ham United will be hoping to forget about the first half of the Premier League season once the domestic campaign resumes on Boxing Day, especially after their poor league form.

David Moyes’ men have won just four league matches all season, scoring a measly 12 goals and this needs urgently rectified, otherwise, they might find themselves in a relegation battle.

With the January transfer window just around the corner, Moyes will be eyeing up a few signings to bolster his squad. The club have been linked with a move for Switzerland’s World Cup star Djibril Sow and the Scot could make his move during the winter transfer window.

Furthermore, the Eintracht Frankfurt titan is similar in style to midfielder Fabinho according to FBref’s similar player model and this could be a big bonus for Moyes going forward.

The Brazilian has been an integral part of Liverpool’s success over the previous few seasons, working tirelessly in the background and letting others grab the glory, however, his dirty work allows Jurgen Klopp’s team to function properly.

This season has seen the two strikers register similar statistics across a wide range of metrics, both attacking and defensive. Both players generated 2.16 shot-creating actions per match and had a 40% success rate when it came to shots on target.

Defensively, the pair have registered similar numbers when it came to tackles won (12 to ten), clearances (15 to 13) and aerial duel success rate (54.2% to 50%), while both players had a comparable pass completion rate (87.9% and 85.5%), proving that Sow can be just as effective as the Liverpool midfielder, via FBref.

With the future of Declan Rice uncertain, Moyes will be eyeing a potential replacement and Sow certainly fits the bill.

Indeed, reporter Sam Smith sang his praises recently, stating that Sow was “one to watch” and with his ability to not only protect the defence and contribute when the going gets tough but also to be extremely effective going forward, Moyes should be keeping a close watch on the 25-year-old ahead of next month’s transfer window.

Newcastle United’s untold riches are no secret to the rest of the world, with their takeover arguably one of the news stories of last year.

However, as is often the way with the likes of Manchester United and Manchester City, when the world knows how rich you are, you are forced to pay a premium price.

This seemed to be the case in the summer, where the Magpies had two bids for Leeds United winger Jack Harrison knocked back before the Whites slapped a £35m price tag on him.

They have now been backed to finalise this move using the promise this project brings, with Alan Hutton speaking to Football Insider just last week: “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”.

Should this move become a reality, the Toon Army could be treated to two industrious and electric wingers by placing the 26-year-old on the opposite flank to Miguel Almiron.

A man reborn this season, the Paraguayan has already surpassed any of his previous three-goal tallies in the Premier League, and has nearly scored more league goals in one season than in his whole career at St James’ Park.

Having always been workmanlike, as noted by Noel Whelan, it seems the added proficiency has taken his game to new heights.

He claimed: “We always knew he was a hard-working player, but it was just the end product which always let him down.

“But looking at the goals he’s scored this season – and the goal he scored on Saturday, latching on and taking advantage of poor defending – it seems he’s finally added that.”

His sum of eight goals has equalled Harrison’s tally from last season’s relegation dogfight, who too has been praised for his relentlessness in the tackle.

Former footballer David Prutton claimed back in September that “he is good going forward but he works his socks off going back too.”

This is further outlined in his four goal contributions this season, whilst also ranking in the top 10% of attacking midfielders and wingers for tackles per 90 over the last 365 days.

Eddie Howe could craft himself a perfect scenario of wide men, blending proficiency with a tireless attitude that truly could see Newcastle maintain their sensational form this season.

Tottenham Hotspur are likely still stewing after last night’s agonising result at home to Sporting Lisbon, with Antonio Conte’s side having been denied victory at the death to ensure that progression to the knockout stages is still not a certainty.

Talisman, Harry Kane, had appeared to have fired his side ahead in the fifth minute of injury time, only for the goal to be subsequently chalked off following a lengthy VAR review, with the north Londoners left to settle for a point after Rodrigo Bentancur had cancelled out Marcus Edwards’ early stunner.

Amid all that obvious frustration, one major positive for the Lilywhites will surely have been the performance of promising Spaniard, Bryan Gil, with the barely-seen playmaker having taken his chance on what was a rare outing off the bench.

The 21-year-old has endured a disappointing start to life in English football following his arrival from Sevilla last summer, having made just 23 appearances since then after being shipped out on loan to La Liga side Valencia in January.

Having since returned to his parent club, the four-cap menace has remained a peripheral figure in Conte’s side in the early weeks of the season, with the former Chelsea boss once again showing his lack of trust in young talent, having also kept the likes of Djed Spence and Pape Matar Sarr on the fringes.

In the case of Gil, the fleet-footed forward had made just two appearances totalling only 17 minutes heading into last night’s clash – with both of those outings coming in Europe – with even injuries to both Richarlison and Dejan Kulusevski having failed to spark an improvement to his situation.

On the evidence of that latest showing against Ruben Amorim’s side, however, the £40k-per-week gem deserves a more regular role in the side moving forward, having proven an “absolute livewire” on the night, according to broadcaster Phil Friend.

In what was a mere 19-minute cameo, the one-time Eibar loanee provided a real potent threat in the final third, while also showcasing his composure in possession as he record an impressive 100% pass accuracy rate.

Something of a “gamechanger” – in the words of Sky Sports reporter Jamie Weir – Gil showed flashes of the quality that he can produce as well as real bravery to drive forward with the ball at his feet, having produced what was an ‘impressive performance’, in the words of football.london’s Rob Guest.

The hope now is that the 5-foot-9 sensation can be given further opportunities to shine in the coming weeks, with Conte now needing to put faith in what is an undoubtedly exciting asset for the club.

West Ham United continued their impressive European form on Thursday evening, with a 1-0 win over RSC Anderlecht all but ensuring that David Moyes’ side will qualify for the Europa Conference League knockout stages.

Indeed, the hard-fought victory at Lotto Park sees the Hammers move five points clear at the top of Group B, meaning a point against Anderlecht in the return fixture of yesterday’s clash will ensure the Irons are playing European football after Christmas.

However, while there were a number of fine performances on show in Belgium, with Angelo Ogbonna, Flynn Downes, Lucas Paqueta and Gianluca Scamacca particularly catching the eye, there was one player who once again did little to impress.

Being handed his second start in the competition, Said Benrahma would undoubtedly have been hoping to put on a display that would convince Moyes he should be granted a spot in the starting XI to face Fulham in the Premier League this weekend.

However, unfortunately for the 27-year-old, his poor form in the Conference League continued on Thursday night, with his wastefulness in the final third very nearly costing the visitors their win against the Jupiler Pro League side.

Indeed, despite having a total of six shots at goal – two on target, one off target and three that were blocked – Benrahma should have ended the fixture with at least one goal to his name, ballooning Jarrod Bowen’s 40th-minute cut-back over the bar with the goal at his mercy, as well a driving his 53rd-minute edge-of-the-box effort straight at Hendrik Van Crombrugge.

The £31m-rated attacker was also wasteful in possession of the ball, completing just 17 of his 24 attempted passes – a success rate of a lowly 71% – and ceding possession for his side on no less than 15 separate occasions.

These returns saw the £20k-per-week talent average an extremely disappointing SofaScore match rating of just 6.4 – the worst of any player from either side to feature in the match – while football.london’s Jonty Colman also awarded the forward a five in his own player ratings, stating of the Algerian’s display:

“David Moyes was left frustrated with the Algerian after he lost possession too easily on a counter-attack in the first half and you could only imagine that his frustrations were even greater when Benrahma fired over from close range off a Bowen cross when it seemed easier to score.

“Had earlier chances in the first half, putting one tamely on goal, the other forcing a headed clearance. Got another shot off early in the first half to force Van Cromburgge into a save. Had the chances, but that miss will be a big mark against him while he tries to win his spot back.”

As such, while the Hammers did ultimately secure all three points, Benrahma did little to help his side’s cause, with it very much looking as if the 27-year-old failed Moyes’ big test against Anderlecht on Thursday night.

Sunderland have had one of the most well-documented falls from grace in recent years, with their slump from the Premier League to League One made much more prominent due to their huge status, the pace at which they were falling and a rather popular Netflix documentary detailing it.

Before their initial relegation from the top-flight however, plenty of heroes were made for helping in the fight to avoid the drop. Jermaine Defoe is the main character who emerged, but Yann M’Vila is another who quickly became a fan favourite.

Supporters of the club would certainly not mind the return of the combative French midfielder, who spent just one season on loan at the Stadium of Light.

He came in during the 2016/17 season, the year before they would finally succumb to the drop, and play 37 times for the Black Cats in the league.

Although he chipped in with a goal and five assists, this was far from his prerogative. He truly excelled, and earned his plaudits from fans, for his remarkable defensive displays in the engine room.

He averaged a 7.18 SofaScore rating during a campaign where they survived by just two points; a fine feat given their apparent lack of quality.

Across the season, he made 2.3 interceptions per game, as well as 2.7 tackles and 3.0 clearances. Combined with a solid 80% pass accuracy, his all-around ability to hold down a midfield would serve Tony Mowbray’s current side well. 

Especially considering the amount of work the two in midfield have to get through to ensure protection for the back three, M’Vila could surely execute this to perfection.

Indeed, his numbers from that campaign better anyone in the current Black Cats side, something made even more impressive by the fact he achieved them in the top-flight. Only Luke O’Nien can match him for interceptions while he is streets ahead in terms of tackles. Meanwhile, Danny Batth is the only one who can usurp him for clearances with 3.1 per match.

What makes him so beloved on Wearside was how quickly he seemed to fall in love with the club, as the season following his 2015 loan move for Dick Advocaat, he was incredibly keen on a reunion.

Sunderland instead opted for Didier Ndong, which ended terribly as one would imagine when snubbing a cult hero for his services.

Ola Toivonen, who played for the club around this relegation period, backed the 32-year-old to make the difference for his club at the time. He said: “He’s a quality player. 

“If you see all the clubs he’s been to you see he’s a quality player who can bring a lot to the team. Yann was playing really well there in the middle. We won the ball and the three up front was just running.”

He certainly did make the difference, and things could have been so different had he got his romantic return. A return now of him in his prime would certainly aid their promotion dreams.

Glasgow Rangers have endured a difficult start to the 2022/23 campaign domestically and in Europe under manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst.

The Gers are currently second in the Premiership and have already been beaten 3-0 by their arch-rivals in the first Old Firm clash of the season.

They did enjoy a sublime start to their European campaign by qualifying for the group stages of the Champions League, beating PSV 3-2 on aggregate in the play-off.

However, they have lost 4-0 to both Napoli and Ajax in their first two group matches and they now face a double-header against Liverpool, who made the final of the competition last term.

Van Bronckhorst was backed in the summer transfer window as Ross Wilson brought in a host of new signings to bolster the starting XI.

Among their fresh arrivals, Rangers signed two centre-backs to improve their options at the heart of the backline. They allowed Leon Balogun to depart on a free transfer and snapped up Ben Davies from Liverpool and John Souttar from Hearts on permanent deals.

After signing the latter, a Scotland international, it was reported that the club were in a “strong position” to sign Danilho Doekhi on a Bosman.

Instead of ending up at Ibrox, the defender secured a free transfer to Bundesliga outfit Union Berlin after his contract at Vitesse came to an end.

Rangers may now regret failing to snap the 24-year-old up as he is an impressive and young central defender who could have been an excellent addition to the squad.

Thomas Letsch, his former coach, previously heaped praise on him, saying:

“He already played fantastic last year and this season he has performed at the highest level in every game. Danilho makes almost no mistakes and is an absolute team player, a very calm player. flat developed. He coaches other players very well. He is calmer than other players and perhaps that makes him less noticeable, but he is the reserve captain for a reason.”

The Union Berlin man has averaged a SofaScore rating of 7.25 in the Bundesliga this season, making 5.5 tackles and interceptions per game and winning 57% of his duels. He also received a rating of 7.4 in his first Europa League appearance, making 6.0 tackles and interceptions combined and winning 80% of his battles.

This comes after he managed a rating of 7.03 in the Eredivisie for Vitesse last term across 29 appearances, which shows that he is capable of delivering consistently impressive displays.

Meanwhile, Davies has struggled with injuries and has only played once in the Premiership this term, recording a SofaScore rating of 6.90.

If the trend of this season continues and the Welshman is unable to get himself off and running, whilst Doekhi catches the eye in Germany, then Rangers may regret their actions over the summer.

Manchester United are believed to be readying another offer for Ajax winger Antony, having thus far been rebuffed in their attempts to sign the Brazil international.

What’s the word?

According to Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth, the Red Devils are ready to raise their offer for the 22-year-old, having reportedly seen an €80m (£67m) bid turned down earlier this month.

Writing on Twitter about that potential fresh approach, the transfer insider stated:

“Manchester United pushing to sign Antony. In talks, they’ve told Ajax they are prepared to raise their offer. Told the offer would see United increase fee & raise initial payment. Player wants to join and has made that clear to Ajax.”

Manchester Evening News journalist Samuel Luckhurst has also since reported that the Old Trafford outfit are set to submit another offer for the nine-cap wizard, with that fee potentially set to be in the region of €94m (£79m).

The player himself has already seemingly given his backing to the move, with transfer guru Fabrizio Romano recently revealing that personal terms have already been agreed.

Better than Elanga

It looks as if a deal to bring the “incredible” talent – as previously dubbed by Erik ten Hag – to England is again gathering pace, with United potentially set to finally bolster their attacking ranks in what could be a hectic end to the window.

While it may be a significant outlay for a player who has been plying his trade in a less competitive league in Holland, it seemingly represents just how desperate Ten Hag is to reunite with the forward, with the youngster providing the added bonus of being familiar with the Dutchman’s style of play.

Although notable improvements were made in the 2-1 triumph over Liverpool on Monday evening, those at the Theatre of Dreams will not be getting carried away just yet, with further additions required to put last season’s misery behind them.

Bringing in Antony would offer stronger competition for the likes of Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho on the flanks, with his quality seemingly above that of academy graduate Anthony Elanga.

While the Sweden international registered an assist for Sancho’s opener in the victory over Jurgen Klopp’s side, the 20-year-old was notably withdrawn at half-time by his new boss, having also missed a clearcut opportunity early in the first half.

Thurst into the spotlight by interim boss Ralf Rangnick last season, Elanga had been something of a shining light in an otherwise dour campaign, notably scoring away from home in the 1-1 draw with Atletico Madrid back in February.

Despite the early encouraging signs that the forward has shown thus far, his lack of quality in the final third has been evident, with the “raw” talent – as dubbed by journalist Josh Bunting – having scored just four goals and provided three assists in 32 games for the club thus far.

Antony, meanwhile, has sparkled in Amsterdam of late, scoring 24 goals and registering 22 assists in 82 games across all competitions for his current side, having previously provided ten goal contributions in 37 games during his time at Sao Paulo.

His quality in possession is also showcased by the fact that he ranks in the top 2% for progressive carries and the top 9% for progressive passes as result of his involvement in European competition, as per FBref, while his potential future colleague Elanga ranks in just the bottom 4% and 1% for the same two metrics, respectively – albeit while having played more minutes.

A silky, tricky winger who also offers Ten Hag variation as a left-footed wide player, the Ajax man is seemingly a certainty to push ahead of the current United man in the attacking pecking order.

Celtic are reportedly not plotting a move to bring Jani Atanasov to Parkhead this summer, despite rampant speculation in recent days.

What’s the word?

According to Football Scotland journalist Mark Hendry, the Hoops are not believed to be eyeing a swoop for the Hajduk Split midfielder this summer, amid suggestion that the 22-year-old is a player of interest for the Scottish champions.

Writing on Twitter about the North Macedonia international, the transfer insider stated: “As for Jani Atanasov, nothing in pipeline, as far as we understand.”

A deal is, however, believed to be imminent for 23-year-old winger, Sead Haksabanovic, with the former West Ham United starlet closing in on a move to Glasgow.

Postecoglou frustrated

It will seemingly come as a blow that the Old Firm giants are not in for the 6 foot 2 menace, with manager Ange Postecoglou likely to be frustrated at potentially not being able to bolster his midfield ranks again before the September deadline.

While the title-winning coach has already brought in compatriot Aaron Mooy so far this summer – having also signed the likes of James McCarthy, Matt O’Riley and Reo Hatate last season – further depth could well be needed this season, particularly in a holding role.

The Scottish Premiership outfit are still lacking in that department after seeing long-serving gem Nir Bitton depart the club – alongside playmaker Tom Rogic – while Ismaila Soro has been shipped out on loan to Portuguese side, FC Arouca.

That has left Callum McGregor as the first-choice option at the base of the midfield, albeit with the Scotland international also adept in a more advanced starting berth, with the lack of a viable alternative in the pivot role likely to be of concern.

A defensive midfielder by trade, Atanasov would seemingly have been able to help plug that gap having impressed in Croatia of late, scoring five goals and recording two assists in 59 games in all competitions for his current side thus far.

An imposing presence in front of the back four, the one-cap warrior notably averaged 1.6 tackles and won 65% of his aerial duels from his 21 league games last term, with that record similar to that of the aforementioned McGregor, for instance, who averaged 1.5 tackles per game and won 71% of his aerial duels in the 2021/22 campaign.

It would seemingly make sense to have a figure who can slot in for the ever-reliable skipper on occasion, particularly with Celtic competing on a number of fronts this season, hence Postecoglou’s potential frustration that a deal for Atanasov may not be in the works.