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Leeds United fans have been handed an update on their pursuit of Rangers star Ryan Kent ahead of the upcoming summer transfer window…

What’s the story?

Last year, Leeds had a number of offered rejected by the Ibrox outfit, but it appears their interest in the winger has not ended, with journalist Pete O’Rourke claiming that he has some big admirers behind-the-scenes at Thorp Arch.

He said: “I think Marcelo Bielsa was a big fan of him, as is Victor Orta, so that one does seem to have some credence to it.”

Imagine him and Raphinha

After enjoying a superb season last year – he scored 13 goals and set up another 15 – Kent has continued his good form into the new campaign, managing an impressive 16 assists in just 36 games across all competitions.

The £20k-a-week earning ace was hailed by team-mate Conor Goldson as “magnificent”, while the defender also added: “He has got a lot of ability. (He is) 24-years-old, two-footed. It is not nice when he runs at you, I can tell you that personally from training. He has got everything.”

The praise does not stop there however, with Neil Dewsnip, his former coach at England U17 level, saying: “He seems to relish the atmosphere, so I think he’s in the bracket of players who think ‘the bigger, the better’. Ryan is very exciting so, when he’s good he’s devastatingly good.

“But that’s a trait of a lot of wide players. The challenge is to be consistent and I’m sure that’s what Steven and his staff will be working to achieve.”

The interest in Kent is certainly understandable especially when you consider the uncertainty surrounding the future of Raphinha.

The big talking point this summer will of course be whether the Brazilian stays put at Elland Road, and while Premier League survival would certainly help the Whites’ chances of keeping hold of him, news of Barcelona’s interest is sure to have the club sweating.

Letting Raphinha go in the transfer window would be a massive blow for Leeds given his performances for them – even this season he has managed nine goals in 28 Premier League games, and done his level-best to preserve the Whites’ top-flight status.

But while the Brazilian’s exit would hurt, bringing in Kent would provide that same level of excitement and end product that Raphinha has brought to the table.

The man with 34 senior goals to his name could be the arrival that offsets any potential Raphinha departure this summer.

AND in other news – Leeds must finally offload £15k-p/w outcast who last played at Elland Road in 2018

Crystal Palace are enjoying a comfortable season in the Premier League, with Patrick Vieira guiding the side to a potential top-half finish in his first season in charge at Selhurst Park there could be a problem unfolding ahead of next season.

What’s the word?

According to journalist, Pete O’Rourke, Crystal Palace are unlikely to improve the current salary of Wilfried Zaha to extend his contract beyond the current 15 months that he has left at the club.

O’Rourke told GIVEMESPORT: “He’s on a pretty good deal at Palace as it stands right now. I think he’s probably the highest-paid player at the club, so I’m not sure if Palace will be willing to give him an improvement on that.”

Disaster for Palace

Wilfried Zaha has been back to his best this season and surely Palace will want to do everything they can to keep the striker at the club next season, but with rumoured interest from Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal this summer, and the club unlikely to increase his wages, it could spell disaster for Vieira.

As per SofaScore, the 29-year-old hailed “phenomenal by Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, has scored 11 goals and contributed one assist so far this season in the Premier League, with 1.4 key passes and 1.2 tackles per game as well as a pass accuracy of 81%, proving he has become a key component in the progress at Selhurst Park.

The £130k-per-week star has even admitted he would be open to a move in an interview with The Face, which will again only add to the problems the Palace board are faced with in keeping the forward at the club;

“I feel like I can have another shot at the top teams, because my dream is to win things,” he said. ​

“I’m good enough to go out there and compete with the best. If the opportunity came, I wouldn’t turn it down, because I feel like I deserve it.”

Crystal Palace have already made the Ivorian goal machine their highest paid player, so it will be interesting to see if they make any movement on his salary ahead of this summer to secure his future before other clubs begin to make offers, otherwise Vieira will need to prepare for the loss of Zaha’s output going into next season.

In other news: Vieira can unearth CPFC’s next Mitchell in rarely-seen 18 y/o who is “full of energy”

Sky Sports journalist Dharmesh Sheth has dropped a major update on West Ham United’s plans for the rest of the January transfer window.

What’s the story?

Speaking on The Transfer Show on Sky Sports, Sheth revealed that the Hammers are “still” keen on bringing in a new centre-forward as they look to provide Michail Antonio with some vital striking competition.

He said: “David Moyes is still looking for a striker to strengthen his West Ham United squad this month, but he won’t take any risks in the market.”

Fans will be buzzing

While Antonio has certainly led the line well for the Hammers this season – he’s scored eight goals and provided another six assists in just 21 Premier League games – he could certainly do with being given some help up front.

That’s something which former Leeds man Noel Whelan has suggested Moyes’ side should be targeting this month. He said: “You can’t have enough strikers. When you look at the top sides and where where you want to be year in, year out in the Premier League, you’ve got to have cover.

“You’ve got to have options. It’s no different to Chelsea, Man City, Liverpool. You’ve got to have options in these positions. I think it will benefit, Michail Antonio. Yes, I know he’s going to be up for the fight to keep his place but it becomes healthy competition. Sometimes you’re not going to be able to play the same as you did the week before when you’re on a good run.”

Those sentiments were echoed by Paddy Kenny, who insisted: “You can’t rely on one man to score all of your goals. Antonio is great but he’s not going to score every week. Sometimes that pressure of scoring goals can almost be a burden. It wouldn’t surprise me if West Ham went and got a player to come in and support him.”

If the Hammers are intent on making a push for a Champions League place for next season, then bringing in someone who can share that goal-scoring burden with Antonio could prove to be crucial, and be the real difference-maker.

The news that Moyes is “still” looking for a new centre-forward is sure to have West Ham fans buzzing.

Meanwhile, West Ham are pushing hard for this attacker…

Being linked with something of a surprise summer switch to Celtic in recent days, Christopher Scott is a talent the Parkhead faithful should be extremely excited about.

Indeed, the 19-year-old boasts fantastic positional versatility, being able to operate in a number of positions across the frontline, however, his preferred role is playing just off a centre-forward in the number 10 role.

It is from attacking midfield in which Scott has proven most effective in youth football, scoring 29 goals and registering three assists over 48 appearances when deployed just behind the striker.

However, having also bagged seven goals and provided nine assists over 35 outings in central midfield, on the left-wing, at centre-forward and from left-back – amongst many other roles – it is abundantly clear just how adaptable the teenager is on the pitch.

And, with the Bayern Munich starlet also possessing electric pace, being exceptional in his progression of the ball and having a knack for finding pockets of space between defensive lines, it is no surprise that the youngster has drawn comparisons with Chelsea’s £102m-rated forward Kai Havertz.

Indeed, having represented his country from U15 to U20 level, it is clear that the playmaker is incredibly highly thought of in Germany, something that is only proven further by Bayern’s attempts to retain the 19-year-old beyond the end of the current campaign.

However, with Scott thought to be open to a move away from the Allianz Arena in a bid to secure regular first-team football, and Celtic already believed to be in talks over a €600k (£500k) deal for the youngster, there would appear to be a very real chance Ange Postecoglou’s side land the £1.08m-rated prodigy who Bhoys Analytics dubbed both “aggressive” and a “threat” this summer.

As such, while there is undoubtedly a long way to go before Scott is seen pulling on a Celtic jersey, fans of the Hoops should nevertheless be extremely excited about their links with the midfielder – as the Bayern starlet could be the next big thing in Scotland.

AND in other news: Signed for £540k, sold for 8 figures: Celtic struck gold on 23 y/o “Roy of the Rovers”

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West Ham United continue to flatter to deceive under Manuel Pellegrini and were on the wrong end of a thrashing on Tuesday, as they lost 3-0 at Wolves.

The result was their third defeat in as many games in all competitions and came on the back of losses against AFC Bournemouth in the Premier League and, embarrassingly, AFC Wimbledon in the FA Cup.

On the chalkboard

The Hammers had not one stand-out performer against Wolves, much like their performance against Wimbledon, a team rock bottom of League One.

But Angelo Ogbonna appears to be one man who is really struggling and was exposed time and time again at Molineux.

Per Whoscored, he made just one tackle across the 90 minutes and failed to deal with the movement and interplay between Wolves’ strikers Diogo Jota and Raul Jimenez, and fans were absolutely crucifying him after the match.

Former Wigan & Fulham man, Jimmy Bullard recently showed that he’s still got it! Check out the video below…

A game against Liverpool on Monday offers no chance of a reprieve, such are the fearsome talents of Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane.

Of course, Ogbonna has been parachuted into the team after Fabian Balbuena’s injury, but he has looked a fish out of water and Pellegrini would be well advised to drop Declan Rice back into defence as he bids to shore up a backline leaking goals at a dangerous rate.

Assiduous defender

Rice has the ability to play anywhere on the pitch, but he has experience of playing as a centre-back and is clearly a better defender than the error-prone Ogbonna.

Deploying the 20-year-old at centre-back would also add a calming presence alongside Issa Diop, who enjoyed an excellent start to the season next to Balbuena.

Rice offers the assiduity to mop up any potential threats effectively and also distribute the ball with precision, an attribute that is clearly lacking in the erratic Ogbonna’s game.

If the Hammers are to have any chance against the Reds, who appear to be steaming towards the Premier League title, they are going to have to reinforce their backline somehow.

Playing Rice ahead of Ogbonna seems the only logical way of doing just that.

When Joe Hart arrived at Parkhead last summer, Celtic supporters would have been forgiven for thinking the 34-year-old goalkeeper could already have been past his best.

Indeed, following the former England international’s departure from Manchester City back in 2018, the shot-stopper endured three seasons of relative anonymity, making just 24 appearances over a two-year spell with Burnley, before appearing a mere ten times during his one year stay at Tottenham Hotspur.

Despite this, so far this season, the £23.5k-per-week ‘keeper has proved to be something of a revelation between the Celtic sticks, highly impressing over his 29 Premiership appearances – keeping the same number of clean sheets as he has conceded goals, 16.

However, it cannot be ignored that, with Hart turning 35 later this month, the goalkeeper will not likely be Ange Postecoglou’s first choice in the position for much longer than his three-year contract – by which time the Englishman will be 38 years of age.

As such, the 56-year-old manager will already be putting a plan in place for life after Hart.

And, considering the rave reviews 18-year-old Tobi Oluwayemi has been getting for his performances with Celtic B this season, the England U19 international very much appears to be a natural successor to the Hoops’ current number one.

Indeed, speaking recently to 67HailHail, B team coach Tommy McIntyre revealed just how high his hopes for the teenager are, stating:

“He’s an England international – he plays at U19s with England. He’s showing great maturity for someone so young. He’s growing.

“He’s going up there and the feedback is that he’s doing really well training with the first team. I think he’ll always improve, he’s that type. So he’s on a good pathway and is in the right place just now. We’ve got great hopes for Tobi.”

Furthermore, in a report for The Athletic last year, Kieran Devlin also shed some light on the club’s plans for the teenager, with the journalist writing:

“It is understood the intention from the club is that Hart, who is generous with his time in helping younger players, can mentor Oluwayemi over the next few years.

“By the time summer 2024 rolls around, Hart will have just turned 37 and the club hope Oluwayemi will be ready to establish himself as No 1. Before then, they hope Oluwayemi can eventually become second choice and possibly challenge Hart for the jersey before 2024.”

As such, considering all of the noise being made regarding Oluwayemi’s future, it would indeed appear as if Postecoglou already has a ready-made successor for Hart at Lennoxtown – something that could well end up saving the Bhoys millions of pounds in transfer fees.

AND in other news: Ange must now seal Celtic deal for “magic” £21.5k-p/w ace, he’s an “absolute dream”

Alessandro Bastoni could be a realistic signing for Tottenham Hotspur this summer transfer window…

What’s the word?

That’s according to reliable journalist Pete O’Rourke, who delivered a fresh verdict surrounding Spurs’ interest in the Inter Milan centre-back to GIVEMESPORT this week.

“Bastoni could be a more realistic option for Tottenham right now,” he said.

“[Antonio] Conte and Fabio Paratici will know all about him from their time in Italy and he might be a more achievable target.

“That could be the one Spurs push for as they look to bring in a new centre-back in the summer.”

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Perfect Conte reunion

It is no secret that the north Londoners are targeting a major central defensive addition this off-season.

The Athletic recently claimed that a left-sided option will be a priority, naming the likes of Bastoni, Leipzig’s Josko Gvardiol, Lille’s Sven Botman and Nico Schlotterbeck of Freiburg as potential signings.

Given Conte’s history and experience with the Italian, he could well be the best candidate and just as O’Rourke suggests, he is surely a viable and practical signing that Spurs could make.

Prior to the 52-year-old’s arrival at the San Siro, Bastoni was a young and unknown talent that had not featured for the first team. He is now a Serie A winner and valued in the region of £60m.

He started 33 of their 38 games on their way to Inter’s first Scudetto in 11 years and he continues to be an integral part under Conte’s successor, Simone Inzaghi.

Compared to Leonardo Bonucci and Alessandro Nesta, Bastoni offers sublime ball-playing abilities, ranking in the top five in the whole Italian top-flight by attempting 70.9 passes per 90. His ball retention is just as effective, grading at the 86th percentile out of 99 – perfect for Conte.

And whilst he’s not too effective in the air, he is very active and aggressive defensively, ranking in the 94th percentile for intensity.

It’s no wonder the 23-year-old gem has been lauded as a “Rolls-Royce” of a centre-back, as well as being “complete” and “dominant” – this is exactly the sort of profile that Conte adores, so you can only imagine him in a back-three involving Cristian Romero.

The fact that Bastoni is viewed as a realistic signing, despite his £60m valuation, is certainly fantastic news for the Italian head coach heading into the summer.

AND in other news, 75% duels won: £36m-rated Spurs “animal” was Conte’s only shining light at Brentford…

Even though Aston Villa currently have a strike duo of Ollie Watkins and Danny Ings, who have scored a combined total of nine Premier League goals so far this season prior to today’s clash at Everton, it hasn’t stopped the Midlands club from keeping an eye on other potential attacking transfer targets.

In a recent report for The Athletic by Gregg Evans, Arsenal’s Eddie Nketiah has been “considered” for a potential move to Villa Park during the January transfer window.

With this in mind, Villa manager Steven Gerrard has the chance to turn the 22-year-old, who is currently picking up £17k-per-week according to Salary Sport, into the club’s next version of former loan star Tammy Abraham.

Villa signed the latter on loan from Chelsea in 2018 when they were still in the Championship.

During his spell at Villa Park, the striker racked up 26 goals and three assists in 40 appearances under Dean Smith, helping them to secure promotion back to the Premier League before he returned to Chelsea.

As a young English attacker from one of the top Premier League clubs in London, Nketiah could follow in the footsteps of Abraham by making a move to Villa and testing his talents there given that regular game-time in Mikel Arteta’s side has been hard to come by this season.  The 22-year-old has just eight appearances under his belt across all competitions despite scoring 69 goals in his career at senior and youth levels.

While he might not be a regular starter every week for Villa if he were to make the move this month or even in the summer, when his current deal at Arsenal expires, he would have a better chance of getting more minutes competing against the likes of Watkins and Ings than he is enjoying at Arsenal.

Labelled a “goalscoring machine” in the past by Arsenal youth development figure David Court, Nketiah has the ability and time ahead of him to fight for a regular starting place in Villa’s side in the near future, making a potential transfer swoop for him worth a shot, especially if they can get him as a free agent in the summer.

In other news – “Not happening..”: Preece drops crushing Villa transfer update, Gerrard will be fuming

Wolves have been boosted in their quest to re-sign Matt Doherty this month, with journalist Fabrizio Romano claiming that Tottenham want to sell the defender.

The Lowdown: Doherty tipped to make Wolves return

The right-back was a great servant for the Old Gold for a lengthy period before his exit in 2020, making 302 appearances in total and helping them return to the Premier League.

Doherty has failed to kick on at Spurs, though, and he has been linked with a return to Molineux numerous times in recent weeks ahead of a potential January move.

A new update further suggests that it is a possibility, with the 30-year-old seemingly edging closer to the exit door in north London.

The Latest: Romano offers Wolves hope over Doherty

On Tuesday, Romano took to Twitter to confirm that Doherty is one of several players who Tottenham are happy to get rid of this month, acting as a boost for Wolves as they reportedly hope to bring the Irishman back to Molineux.

The journalist provided the following 12-word update: “Spurs still working to sell players – like Ndombele, Doherty, Bergwijn or Dele.”

The Verdict: Positives outweigh the negatives

Doherty’s possible return may not be universally popular because of his decision to leave in the first place, but it could be a strong piece of business by Wolves. The Republic of Ireland international could come in and add depth to Bruno Lage’s squad, battling with the often-maligned Nelson Semedo for minutes and allowing for more rotation.

Doherty has been hailed as ‘absolutely superb’ by ex-England right-back Danny Mills in the past and he still has enough years left in him at the top to enjoy a fruitful second spell at Molineux. His tally of 28 goals and 41 assists during his first stint in the Black Country speaks volumes about the quality he can offer going forward.

Given how Lage’s side have been far from prolific this season, adding a play who can offer such a viable attacking threat makes this a move well worth exploring, and it’s a bonus to hear that Spurs are eager to offload the Irishman.

In other news, Wolves are reportedly still keen on signing one player in January. Find out who it is here.

Speaking to GiveMeSport, journalist and ‘transfer insider’ Dean Jones has made a claim on Wednesday night, sharing a worry for West Ham United involving star man Declan Rice.

The Lowdown: Rice concerns at Rush Green…

Recent reports indicate that West Ham and manager David Moyes could be concerned about Rice.

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Indeed, as explained by The Telegraph, the England international star is attracting major interest from top clubs in the Premier League – including the likes of Man United, Man City and London rivals Chelsea.

A lot could depend on where the Hammers finish at the end of 2021/2022, and if they can’t seal a place in Europe next year, Rice may well grow more and more open to leaving.

There have already been murmurs of the 23-year-old being ‘ready to leave this year’ with Old Trafford being his preferred destination, at least according to 90min reporter Scott Saunders.

The Latest: Jones makes worrying Rice claim…

Speaking to GMS, reporter Jones has now backed that Rice could be edging closer to a Rush Green departure, stating the midfielder is ‘more open than ever’ to leaving.

He explained: “I think that any buying club might be helped by the fact that Declan Rice, from what I’m hearing, does seem more open than ever about the idea of leaving West Ham. That could be interesting.”

The Verdict: Big blow?

The player’s stance on leaving comes as a blow given in-house tension could disrupt the harmony of Moyes’ squad.

However, one glimmer of hope is the one-year extension option currently in Rice’s deal, so if the Three Lions ace does attempt to leave, GSB are in a strong position to command huge transfer fees.

That being said, his influence would be sorely missed, with the West Ham mainstay averaging more interceptions per 90 than anyone in Moyes’ squad and their second-highest Premier League match rating per 90 (WhoScored).

In other news: Sky Sports: West Ham eyeing £21.6m-rated star for Moyes, he’s set to move! Find out more here.