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Everton Director of Football Kevin Thelwell is reportedly now eyeing up two forward signings to slot straight into Frank Lampard’s team.

The Lowdown: In trouble…

The Goodison Park outfit are a team in trouble at the moment, as they sit in the relegation zone with a crucial game at home to bottom-placed Southampton coming up in the Premier League over the weekend.

With just 14 goals scored in their 18 matches so far, they are the third-lowest scorers in the division, and could do with some extra attacking reinforcements in this window to help climb up the table.

The Latest: Two forwards targeted

As per Football Insider, Thelwell is in the market for two forward signings in January, and are prioritising attackers who can slot straight into the starting eleven.

Their recruitment team have let it be known to agents that they want a target man to provide cover and competition for injury-plagued Dominic Calvert-Lewin, while they also want a more versatile forward with the pace and mobility to stretch defences and provide cutting edge on the counter-attack.

Talks have opened with possible targets, as they look for ready-made signings who can slot straight into the team.

The Verdict: Who will they go for?

The Toffees have been linked with plenty of names in recent days, including Hertha Berlin forward Dodi Lukebakio and Villarreal winger Arnaut Danjuma, so it will no doubt be interesting who they end up going for.

Calvert-Lewin has already missed nine games through injury so far this season, and so they need another focal point that they can play up top for when he is unavailable.

Nonetheless, more firepower on the wings is needed too, especially on the right flank, where there are a lack of options in the senior squad at the moment.

CBS reporter Ben Jacobs has claimed that Nicolo Zaniolo is on the transfer shortlist of Premier League side Brighton & Hove Albion.

The Lowdown: Zaniolo a wanted man

90min has reported that Tottenham Hotspur is getting closer to meeting the demands set by AS Roma for the Italian attacking midfielder.

This season Zaniolo has played 13 times in Serie A where he’s found the back of the net once and has yet to provide an assist.

The 23-year-old was previously on the books at Italian outfit Inter but he never featured for them at a senior level.

The Latest: Italian on Brighton’s shortlist

Speaking on the TogetherBHA YouTube channel, Jacobs claims that Roberto De Zerbi’s side would have to pay around £30 million for Zaniolo and said that he’s likely on a list of candidates should they want to move late in the January transfer window.

He stated: “Roma, at the moment, are saying it’s got to be a loan with an obligation, or it’s got to be a permanent sale. And that will maybe, if Spurs walk away, provide a window of opportunity. So Brighton may say, you know what? Were we to lose Caicedo now we are going to look at a player like Zaniolo.

“You have to pay, if it’s a permanent deal something in the region of £30m, though, which is quite a lot of money, quite a big chunk of the Caicedo fee, so I’d be surprised if Brighton went in that direction.

“But you’re quite right to say they’ve been linked, and usually there’s no smoke without fire, which means that he’s probably one of a series of names on a shortlist that they’re looking at in case they do have to move late within the market.”

The Verdict: A move is unlikely

We believe that a move for Zaniolo would be a great addition to Brighton’s squad, he’s certainly an improvement on Adam Lallana.

The Italian is 11 years younger than the Seagulls midfielder and has delivered a much better goal contribution rate in the last six seasons, Zaniolo tally is eight in 110 Premier League games.

Adding the 23-year-old would improve Lallana’s ability to create chances averaging 3.44 shot-creating actions a game from the last year, the Seagull midfielder only has 2.35  per 90 minutes from the last 365 days.

A move to Sussex would be unlikely due to Spurs’ current transfer position on the Roma star, likely due to the likelihood of European football being a possibility on a consistent basis.

Brighton has yet to feature in either the Champions League or the Europa League, Spurs have appeared in both competitions in 13 different occasions since 2010.

There may be only a two-point gap between the two clubs, but if you’re Zaniolo a move to Spurs would ensure a better chance of playing at a higher level for the long term.

An update has emerged on Leeds United and their efforts to sign Weston McKennie during the January transfer window…

What’s the talk?

Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano has revealed that the Whites are in discussions with Italian giants Juventus over a potential swoop to sign the USA international before the end of the month.

Romano Tweeted: “Talks ongoing between Leeds United and Juventus on conditions of Weston McKennie deal. Discussions also on player side over personal terms. #LUFC The other option for Leeds is Azzedine Ounahi from Angers.”

It has been reported that the Serie A side are looking for a fee in the region of €30m (£26.5m) for the former Schalke warrior and it remains to be seen how much the Whites are willing to pay for his services.

Bye-bye Adam Forshaw?

Victor Orta and Jesse Marsch could ditch current Leeds midfielder Adam Forshaw from the squad by securing a deal to sign McKennie in the coming days.

The Whites sporting director must now ensure that these latest talks with Juventus are successful as the energetic midfielder could be an excellent addition to the squad, whilst allowing the club to part ways with one of their underperforming players.

In the Premier League this season, Forshaw has averaged a Sofascore rating of 6.48 across five appearances. This comes after he averaged a score of 6.73 in 22 outings in the English top-flight during the 2021/22 campaign – ranking no higher than 13th in the squad in either season.

Leeds could ditch the 31-year-old midfielder by signing McKennie as the American dynamo is seven years younger than the ex-Middlesbrough man and has shown signs of promise in Italy and Germany.

In the Serie A last season, the 24-year-old averaged a Sofascore rating of 6.85 across 21 appearances for Juventus. He made 2.1 tackles and interceptions per game and chipped in with three goals from the middle of the park, which shows that the gem can make an impact at both ends of the pitch.

McKennie, who was once dubbed “underrated” by scout Jacek Kulig, also averaged a Sofascore rating of 6.83 and made 3.0 tackles and interceptions per outing in his final campaign for Schalke in the Bundesliga, proving that he has been able to perform in two major European divisions.

Therefore, the gem, who has been capped 41 times by his country, could be a superb addition to Leeds’ squad in the short-term, given his performance ratings in comparison to Forshaw’s, and in the long-term as he has time on his side to grow and improve under Marsch’s coaching.

Everton are reportedly weighing up a deadline-day bid for a fresh transfer target…

What’s the latest?

That’s according to Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenberg, who took to Twitter in the early hours of this morning to suggest that the Toffees are now eyeing Union Berlin winger Sheraldo Becker.

He wrote:

“News #Becker: A player to watch out on #DeadlineDay! There’s movement in it. Everton is considering an official offer because #Gallagher is close to be off as reported. @WestHam also inquired about the fast winger from Union Berlin. Union will announce #Isco today!”

This is a move that could mark an instant upgrade on the recently-departed Anthony Gordon.

Gordon upgrade

Having just received a hefty £45m sum for the sale of their underperforming academy graduate, Sean Dyche will now be hoping to reinvest that across an entire playing squad that let his predecessor down.

Frank Lampard was sacked after having won just three Premier League matches all season, but this crop of players once again downed tools on a manager well-liked by the fanbase.

Their biggest issue arose in the final third, where they had scored just 15 goals in 20 games. Gordon was one of many who had contributed to this toothless campaign, with just three goals to his name after 16 games.

Instantly Becker would mark an upgrade on that, having played a key role in his side’s unlikely Bundesliga title charge.

With seven goals and four assists in the league, the Suriname speedster actually ranks in the top 7% for assists per 90 when compared with other wingers across Europe.

In all competitions, he boasts an impressive 14 goals and assists already.

Such is his blistering form, the Netherlands-born attacker did reveal his hopes for being called up by Louis van Gaal as the World Cup approached. 

He said: “Personally, I don’t think it’s crazy. I know what I can do. I know that with my speed, strength and one-on-one, I am important to the team. And I have a good shot, I learned that at Ajax.”

With self-confidence seldom seen at Goodison Park this season, and tangible quality to back up his claims, he would not only mark a refreshing addition in the dressing room but an instant upgrade on Gordon.

Following the signing of Weston McKennie, Phil Hay believes Jesse Marsch will set Leeds United up in a 4-3-3 formation.

The Lowdown: Marsch now has options

Prior to the January transfer window, it appeared pretty clear-cut who would be starting in midfield for Leeds, with Marc Roca and Tyler Adams featuring in the majority of games this season following their summer arrivals.

However, with Adam Forshaw keeping himself fit at the minute and McKennie joining on loan from Juventus until the end of the season, Marsch will now have more of a selection headache.

There’s no chance McKennie will have joined Leeds to just sit on the bench given he was starting regularly for Juventus, so this could now force the American boss into a tactical switch.

The Latest: McKennie will want to be starting

Speaking on The Phil Hay Show, Hay hinted at a potential tweak that may now be forced upon Marsch to ensure he gets all of his new signings and best players into the starting lineup.

He said: “It interests me now, really, whether we’re going to see Leeds switch longer term and permanently to 4-3-3 and three across the middle, because I guarantee you that McKennie is not coming here to sit on the bench – and I think he will have asked very direct questions before coming about what his role was going to be.

“But neither Roca nor Adams are going to want to make way, either.”

The Verdict: Leeds in need of new ideas

It shouldn’t really be something too difficult for Marsch to decide upon by switching to 4-3-3 given that Leeds’s current tactics and formations aren’t exactly working – with them having won just twice in their last 16 league games.

Also, the fact that Adams and McKennie play together in midfield very often for the United States will be a huge positive for the latter, as he could perhaps slot into the Leeds midfield rather seamlessly.

If Marsch is to remain in a job at Elland Road, perhaps shaking things up and going for three midfielders being deployed at once wouldn’t be the worst idea in the world, especially if it meant getting players such as McKennie and fellow new signing Georginio Rutter into the team.

Fabrizio Romano has provided a positive update regarding Manchester United’s reported interest in Bayern Munich midfielder Marcel Sabitzer.

What’s the word?

Taking to Twitter, the Italian revealed that the Red Devils are currently discussing a potential last-gasp move for the Austria international, with the 28-year-old seemingly said to be keen on making the switch to Old Trafford before the 11pm deadline.

Romano stated: “Marcel Sabitzer has told Manchester United through his agents that he’d be more than happy to join the club and Erik ten Hag’s project. #MUFC Bayern and Man Utd, in contact to discuss terms of the deal with just 9 hours left. Sabitzer didn’t train today.”

The respected source had previously revealed that United’s path to signing the playmaker has been made smoother with Premier League rivals Chelsea seemingly pursuing other targets, despite suggestions earlier in the day that the Blues were in the mix for his signature.

‘Ideal’ D-Day signing

While there may be an argument that signing Sabitzer would be a mere “panic” buy – in the words of Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson – a new midfield addition does appear necessary following the loss of Christian Eriksen to injury.

With confirmation that the Danish maestro – who has featured in 31 of United’s 32 games this season – is set to be ruled out until late April or early May, it has sparked a desperate need to bolster an area of the pitch which has already been depleted after Donny van de Beek was ruled out for the remainder of the campaign.

Turning to the Bayern ace could well represent an “ideal” replacement for Eriksen, according to Statman Dave, with the pair both able to offer a creative, cutting edge in the final third from their midfield berths.

That is evidenced by the fact that the current Red Devils man has already racked up two goals and nine assists in all competitions so far this season. Sabitzer previously provided 52 goals and 42 assists in 229 games at former club RB Leipzig, although he has only provided four goal contributions in 54 games during his time at the Allianz Arena.

Those recent woes have come amid the 68-cap gem’s inability to secure a regular role under Julian Nagelsmann, having even been deployed as a makeshift full-back option on occasion during his time in Bavaria.

The hope will be that Erik ten Hag can allow the £18m-rated ace the chance to flourish again in his usual playmaking berth. He can offer real composure in possession to the Red Devils’ midfield as he has a pass accuracy rate of 88% in the Bundesliga this season – the same as the aforementioned Eriksen.

As such, if Ten Hag is keen to replace his stricken summer signing, then turning to Sabitzer could well be an ideal late swoop.

Journalist John Gibson has admitted he’d be shocked if Newcastle United don’t sell Allan Saint-Maximin this summer.

The Lowdown: Future looks very unclear

After a blistering start to the season which saw Saint-Maximin register three goal involvements in the opening four games, his injuries have seen him restricted to very few minutes and just the one league start since August.

In that sole start last weekend against West Ham, he failed to grasp his chance and showed how rusty he was, with just one successful take-on and one progressive pass in the 68 minutes he was afforded (FBref).

Given that Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon can both play out wide, were Eddie Howe’s signings and cost a lot more money than Saint-Maximin, the Frenchman’s future is now looking bleak.

The Latest: Beginning of the end for Saint-Maximin

Amid emerging reports suggesting AC Milan were in talks with Saint-Maximin during January and could move again in the summer, Gibson claimed he would not be surprised if he left at the end of the season.

Speaking on the Everything is Black and White podcast he said: “Well, remember, I said to you that I think somebody’s been in his ear.

“Everything about Maxi, his body language, tells me that I will be staggered if he’s here come August.”

The Verdict: Saint-Maximin set for the exit door

Considering that a huge club such as AC Milan are said to be interested in the winger, it could be difficult to keep him focused on the here and now with Newcastle, especially when he’s not even a regular starter anymore.

Saint-Maximin has gone from being one of the first names on the teamsheet under Steve Bruce to now being used more often than not as an impact substitute to get after tiring defenders.

However, PIF will only sell Saint-Maximin for the correct price, as he is likely seen as one of their more sellable assets, especially with him tied down until the summer of 2026. Therefore, any club wanting the winger will certainly have to pay a premium.

That said, we agree that the signs are the Frenchman may not be on Tyneside for much longer.

Aston Villa succumbed to second straight defeat in the Premier League as Unai Emery’s side were beaten 3-1 by reigning champions Manchester City on Sunday.

Tyrone Mings was absent from the matchday squad after picking up a minor knock, but he should return before the next match.

Calum Chambers was brought in to take his compatriot’s place at the heart of defence, with Diego Carlos also missing against Pep Guardiola’s side. However, the ex-Arsenal man recorded a dismal Sofascore rating of 5.7, making one error leading directly to a goal and failing to win a single duel in 90 minutes.

He attempted to clear the ball away with a header after chasing a Kevin De Bruyne pass back towards his own goal but failed to get enough distance on his effort, and Erling Haaland pounced to pick the ball up inside the box before rolling it across to Ilkay Gundogan to score.

The injuries to the experienced options at the back meant that academy centre-back Sil Swinkels was handed an opportunity to be a part of the matchday squad, although the Dutchman was an unused substitute in Manchester.

Who is Sil Swinkels?

The 19-year-old enforcer is a regular for the club’s U21 side and an international youth player for his country, and he could be Emery’s long-term successor to their current first-choice centre-back in Mings.

Journalist Ashley Preece once described Swinkels as the “star man” for Villa’s youth side, and that is what he could be for Emery if he fulfils his potential and becomes a regular in the senior team.

The teenager, who has played 28 times for the U21s, made his debut for the first-team against Liverpool in the FA Cup in 2021 and has shown plenty of promise for the academy.

In the EFL Trophy last season, playing against Football League opposition, Swinkels made four appearances and averaged 2.5 tackles and interceptions and 5.8 clearances per game whilst winning 65% of his duels.

These statistics show that the Dutch giant is a dominant defender with good positioning – much like Mings, who has won 56% of his duels and made 4.2 clearances per match in the Premier League this season – although the teenager must now prove his quality on a consistent basis if he gets into the first-team.

The 6 foot 3 colossus has also been capped by the Netherlands at U15 and U18 level, which suggests that he is rated highly in his own country’s youth setup.

Emery’s decision to bring him into the senior squad on Sunday also indicates that the Spaniard rates the teenager and would have been willing to bring him onto the pitch if required.

Therefore, Swinkels could be a future star for Villa if he can fulfill his potential and continue his development in the coming years, and also possibly the long-term heir to Mings’ position at centre-back, with the latter turning 30 next month.

Steven Davis is reportedly ‘very likely’ to be offered a new contract at Glasgow Rangers.

The Lowdown: Contract expiring

Davis is out of contract this summer, and reports emerged earlier this week that he would not be expected to be given an extension.

The 38-year-old has even admitted himself that he is not sure whether he would be able to play professional football again, after his double ACL tear from earlier in the season.

The Latest: ‘Unexpected twist’

As per Football Insider, in what they have described as an ‘unexpected twist’, it is ‘very likely’ that Davis will now be offered a new deal at Ibrox, and could even become a player-coach.

He has been working towards his coaching badges since his bad injury in December, and Michael Beale has insisted that he wants more Rangers-affiliated coaches in his backroom staff.

The Verdict: Player-coach role perfect

A player-coach role would be perfect for Davis for next season, considering his ACL injury has ruled him out for a large chunk of this campaign, and at 38, his minutes would have to be carefully managed.

Beale has claimed that Davis will still be a ‘key player’ for him for the rest of the term despite his injury, and he has shown on numerous occasions how influential he can be to the team.

Steven Gerrard said that Davis was ‘instrumental’ in Rangers’ title-winning campaign under him, and that was further highlighted by the fact that he won the 2021 Scottish Football Writers’ Association Footballer of the Year award.

Nonetheless, his experience would be so useful around the club, and so a contract extension, with the option to become a player-coach, would be a sensible move.

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe will look to return to his tried and trusted lineup which saw his side bring in some positive results earlier in the season.

Who is missing for Newcastle’s cup final?

The Toon have been handed a number of setbacks ahead of their trip to Wembley on the weekend for their Carabao Cup final against Manchester United.

Mainly, the suspension of Nick Pope will be the obvious setback which will concern some fans and there are still some worries over whether Joe Willock will be fit enough to play.

And speaking on The Magpie Channel TV YouTube account, Keith Downie has suggested Howe will be hoping to see the likes of Willock return straight to the starting XI:

(13:30) “In terms of formation, or in terms of selection, I expect them to try and go back to the tried and tested sort of before Christmas. I think he’ll want to play Joelinton as one of the front three. With Joe Willock in midfield if he makes it. I think that’s what he’ll try and do.”

Who will start for Newcastle in the cup final?

As Downie alluded to, results of late have not gone in Newcastle’s favour with no win in the Premier League since 15 January which came in dramatic style against Fulham.

And as a result, it does seem as if something may have to be changed if the Toon are to put up a fight against a United side who are flying high in all competitions.

However, their two most recent victories came in the Carabao Cup against Southampton when Howe had more players available for selection.

It is this side that Downie feels Howe will be hoping to return to with the likes of Bruno Guimaraes set to return to the fold having served his three-game suspension.

But a lot of this will rely on whether Willock is fit enough to return to the starting XI which could allow Joelinton to play in his more advanced role at left-wing.

And that is a position which has worked well for the Brazilian who has provided Newcastle with a return of two goals and an assist from there in his last three Carabao Cup games.

It has been a difficult run of games of Newcastle since securing their spot in the final and having the likes of Willock and Guimaraes will have played a big role in that.

However, if they are able to find their feet again at Wembley, the recent results will be the last thing Newcastle fans will be thinking of with a long-standing trophy drought there to be ended on Sunday.