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Journalist Graeme Bailey has revealed there is ‘real confidence’ at Leeds United over a new contract for winger Jack Harrison.

The Lowdown: Contract talks

Harrison is set to enter the final 18 months of his current Elland Road deal in January and is still of interest to Newcastle United heading into the New Year.

Reports have suggested that the Whites have opened preliminary discussions over fresh terms in what would see the 26-year-old receive a pay rise.

The wide man started in a friendly against Elche on Thursday as Leeds ramped up their preparations for the Premier League restart with a 2-1 win.

The Latest: Bailey’s comments

Bailey was talking to TEAMtalk to share what he knows about Harrison’s situation. The journalist said that ‘the good news is there is a real confidence’ the Leeds man will extend his stay ‘sooner rather than later’.

“I understand a new deal is firmly on Victor Orta’s agenda. The good news is there is a real confidence that Harrison will put pen to paper sooner rather than later.”

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The Verdict: Promising

It seems as if a new contract for Harrison is likely, and these comments from Bailey are extremely promising.

The club may well be looking to get a deal over the line before the January window opens, which could result in Newcastle taking a step back in their pursuit of Harrison.

Hopefully, a fresh contract will also help the winger get back to his early season form, with the Leeds man without a goal or an assist since August.

Newcastle United have been linked with a move for Sunderland starlet Chris Rigg, with the teenager also the subject of interest from other Premier League clubs.

What’s the word?

The Sun revealed in September that the Magpies were looking to poach the 15-year-old from their bitter rivals, with the report suggesting that Eddie Howe’s side were plotting a £2.5m bid for the promising midfielder.

The report outlined that, although the Black Cats are ‘desperate’ to keep hold of their academy starlet, they could well be forced into a sale due to the sheer demand from rival suitors, with Liverpool currently said to be leading the race for his signature.

Speaking with Football FanCast, Pete O’Rourke has provided his verdict on the youngster amid that interest from the St James’ Park outfit, with the journalist stating that potentially securing such a highly-coveted asset could be a real coup for the Tyneside club.

He stated: “Yeah, he’s a very highly-rated young player – an England youth international – and a number of top Premier League clubs are trying to lure him away from Sunderland.

“So if Newcastle could win the race for him, it just wouldn’t be for the bragging rights. It would be for a player with huge potential for the future”.

Howe’s next Almiron

There is such intense clamour for the playmaker’s services due to his eye-catching rise at the Stadium of Light in recent times, with the precocious talent having already stormed up the age groups of late despite his tender years.

The exciting Englishman has been rewarded for his “sensational” form at U15 level – in the words of journalist Phil Smith, with a place in the club’s U21 side, having already made three appearances at Premier League 2 level so far this term.

Prior to that recent promotion, the teenage sensation had also scored twice and recorded four assists in just 12 games for the Black Cats’ U18s, including two assists in three games at that age group this season.

Despite not turning 16 until next June, Rigg has been regularly involved with the Sunderland first-team setup under Tony Mowbray of late, having even been included in the travelling party for the clash against Birmingham City last month, albeit without earning a place in the matchday squad.

The emerging wonderkid has proven to be a real potent threat in his attacking midfield berth and on the flanks, with that creativity and versatility potentially set to see him prove a perfect heir to Miguel Almiron in Howe’s side.

The Paraguay international – who is also able to feature in a midfield role as well as out wide – has enjoyed a stunning start to the current campaign, scoring eight goals in just 15 Premier League games so far this term.

The former Atlanta United ace has been a player transformed under Howe of late after previously being tipped for an exit over the summer, with the 28-year-old having since been lauded for his “incredible” impact by club legend Alan Shearer.

With it looking as if the former Bournemouth boss is currently getting the best out of the playmaker, the 44-year-old could well look to emulate that feat if Rigg were to be snapped up in the near future, with the latter another sparkling asset who can impact play in the final third.

It may well be a controversial move if Newcastle are to poach the midfield maestro from their long-time foes, but as O’Rourke stated, he is clearly a player of ‘huge potential’.

Newcastle United have been linked with a move for Inter Milan defender Milan Skriniar in recent times, with the Slovakia international yet to commit his future to the San Siro outfit.

What’s the word?

Recent reports in Italy have suggested that Magpies sporting director Dan Ashworth is eyeing a move for the 27-year-old in 2023, with the centre-back having just six months remaining on his existing deal in Italy.

That has ensured that the Tynesiders could well strike a pre-contract agreement ahead of the summer or secure a cut-price deal next month, albeit with Newcastle set to face competition from the Premier League’s elite.

Amid that interest in the 58-cap brute from those at St James’ Park, journalist Pete O’Rourke has suggested that the 6 foot 2 ace is a player whom Ashworth and co would be keen to acquire.

The transfer insider told GIVEMESPORT: “If they were to go on and clinch a place in next season’s Champions League, it will only boost their chances of signing players such as Skriniar.

“He’s out of contract in the summer, so if he doesn’t agree a new deal at Inter Milan, I’m sure Newcastle would love the opportunity to try and bring him to St James’ Park.”

Big Schar upgrade

The former Sampdoria ace – who has racked up 236 appearances for his current club – would seemingly be a real coup as far as Eddie Howe’s side are concerned, with the highly-rated “monster”, as described by journalist Carlo Garganese, having been a rock-solid presence for the Nerazzurri in recent years.

The imposing titan has notably kept four clean sheets from his 15 league outings so far this season, while also averaging 1.4 tackles per game as a marker of his defensive prowess, having previously been dubbed an “absolute beast” by journalist David Amoyal.

It is the defender’s quality in possession which has particularly caught the eye of late, though, with that trait likely to see him prove a notable upgrade on current Newcastle centre-back Fabian Schar.

Although the Switzerland international has formed part of a backline which has shipped just 11 goals this season under Howe – the joint-best record in the Premier League – the 30-year-old has been something of a liability due to his weakness on the ball.

That is evidenced by the former Deportivo La Coruna man ranking in the bottom 3% of positional peers in Europe’s top five leagues for pass completion, while the experienced defender has an average passing accuracy rate of just 76% in the league this term.

By contrast, Skriniar appears to be something of a master with the ball at his feet as he ranks in the top 4% for pass completion among defenders at the highest level in Europe. The £92k-per-week maestro has also shone in that regard in the early months of the current campaign after recording an average pass accuracy rate of 92%.

For a club seemingly harbouring ambitions of clinching Champions League qualification, the addition of a quality, ball-playing asset such as the Inter defender could well be just what Newcastle need, with Schar’s struggles in playing out from the back potentially set to prove costly.

Aston Villa forward Emiliano Buendia won’t be ‘heading out the exit door’ in January, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

The Lowdown: Uncertain future

The Premier League winger has started both of Unai Emery’s top flight matches in charge so far, but having fallen out of favour previously under Steven Gerrard, missed out on booking his place at the World Cup.

The Argentine has therefore been surrounded by question marks regarding his future at the club. Following a fresh update, it sounds like he won’t be going anywhere, in the winter market at least.

The Latest: Jones’ update

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Jones revealed that Buendia isn’t likely to leave in the New Year and is instead determined to stay and fight for his place.

“Buendia, he figured pretty strongly, to be fair, for Villa in the month leading into the World Cup. I’m told he’s still very motivated to produce, particularly under Emery, so I don’t think he’ll be heading out the exit door.”

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The Verdict: Don’t let him go

Whilst Buendia hasn’t been making a significant impact of late, he’s still been dubbed a ‘fantastic player’ by journalist Josh Bunting and it’s pretty easy to see why.

The Mar Del Plata native has posted 12 goal contributions during his time in the Midlands and is a versatile option to have in the squad with the ability to operate in four different positions (Transfermarkt).

Emery’s arrival can be seen as a clean slate for all players, and upon the return of domestic action from this weekend, Buendia will be hoping to force his way back into the fold.

Glasgow Rangers failed to gain any ground in the Scottish Premiership title race following a 2-2 draw against Old Firm rivals Celtic in today’s New Year derby.

Michael Beale was taking charge of the Ibrox side for the first time in an Old Firm clash and he had to look on as Rangers were underwhelming in the first half, having just 40% possession and going in at the break a goal down.

The second half saw a marked improvement, with the Light Blues scoring twice in the space of six minutes to lead 2-1 and the performance was far more fluid.

A first derby win for Beale was snatched away by a late Celtic equaliser, however, and despite their best attempts, the Gers couldn’t find a late winner.

James Tavernier showed great composure to score the penalty while making four key passes during the tie, yet it was Fashion Sakala who was arguably Rangers’ biggest threat going forward.

Sakala had so far thrived under the 42-year-old in the four matches since the season resumed midway through December, scoring twice and grabbing an assist and he was deployed on the right wing for today’s match.

The 25-year-old received a solid Sofascore rating of 7.0/10 for his performance, which included 39 touches and 12 accurate passes, although it was his attacking prowess that nearly won the match for Rangers.

Sakala played one key pass, had a total of four shots, succeeded with three of his four dribble attempts, and won the penalty from which Tavernier coolly slotted away.

His unpredictable nature meant he was an absolute nightmare for the Celtic defence, with his darting runs and raw talent creating chances for his teammates throughout the encounter.

He was also praised for his “excellent driving run” to set up Ryan Kent’s equaliser by journalist Joshua Barrie, while Jordan Campbell claimed that Sakala “changed the game for Rangers” with his second-half performance.

Beale can take a lot of positives from this performance into the next few weeks, and despite the game finishing in a draw, it could have easily ended with the Light Blues securing all three points.

The difference at the top of the table is still nine points and the next two Old Firm clashes will be crucial unless the title has already been decided by then.

Tottenham Hotspur may have been handed a potential transfer blow over Weston McKennie, who is now believed to be firmly on the radar of Aston Villa and Bournemouth.

What’s the latest?

The American midfielder has been linked with a potential move to Spurs for a number of months, with Fabio Paratici believed to have an eye on the man he initially brought to Juventus in 2020.

And McKennie continues to be a reported Spurs target amid the January transfer window, with the Serie A side expecting Spurs to potentially put forward an offer for the 24-year-old.

However, speaking on the House of Champions YouTube channel, reporter Fabrizio Romano has now suggested Spurs may face competition from other Premier League sides, with two clubs already holding talks with his representatives over a possible move to England.

He said: “Weston McKennie could be one of the players to leave. There are conversations ongoing – as you mentioned – with Bournemouth, also with Aston Villa; there was a call a few days ago to explore the potential conditions of a deal.”

Move now or miss out

McKennie has made 12 appearances for Juventus in Serie A this season, with 10 of those coming in the starting XI under Massimiliano Allegri (via Transfermarkt).

However, on just three occasions in the Italian top flight has the midfielder lasted the full 90 minutes of the game, with Adrien Rabiot – also linked to Spurs – replacing him after 67 minutes on Wednesday evening.

It is believed Spurs are looking to add another midfielder to their squad, with the likes of McKennie, Rabiot and Sofyan Amrabat linked with potential moves to N17 in recent weeks.

In comparison to Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Rodrigo Bentancur, the American has provided fewer goals, fewer assists, fewer tackles per 90 and even fewer shot-creating actions this season (via FBref).

Fabio Paratici, however, has successfully raided Juventus before with the additions of Bentancur and Dejan Kulusevski, who have both thrived since leaving Turin behind for Tottenham.

Therefore, the Italian’s judgement may count for more than the statistics on show from this season so far, with Paratici clearly a fan of the 24-year-old having previously signed him from Schalke.

However, what will be interesting to see is whether the performance of Pape Matar Sarr on Wednesday night against Crystal Palace influences Tottenham’s search for a midfielder.

The Senegalese youngster came on as a substitute at Selhurst Park for a 24-minute cameo in place of Oliver Skipp in which he impressed journalist Alasdair Gold:

“Another bright cameo from the bench. He replaced Skipp on 66 minutes and looked calm and composed in his second Premier League game. Made an important interception late on to stop Edouard running through and preserve the clean sheet,” he wrote.

And with some of Spurs’ youngsters impressing, it will be intriguing to see if the Lilywhites allow McKennie to be snapped up by another side and potentially focus their attention on other areas this month.

Aston Villa boss Unai Emery is seemingly seeking a reunion with Marseille midfielder Matteo Guendouzi this month, having previously coached the Frenchman at Arsenal.

What’s the word?

According to journalist Graeme Bailey, the Midlands side are said to be keen on signing the 23-year-old before the end of the window, albeit with no bid having yet been made for the 6 foot 1 ace.

Writing on Twitter about that interest, the transfer insider stated: “Unai Emery is interested in bringing Matteo Guendouzi to Aston Villa. They have not made an offer to Marseille, who are somewhat reluctant to let him leave just six months after signing him on a permanent deal.”

In the attached piece for 90min, the report suggests that the Ligue 1 outfit do value the former Gunners man at around €50m (£44m), with Igor Tudor’s side showing little desire to sell having only signed the player permanently during the summer.

Bye Bye Nakamba

Although it may well take a sizeable offer to prise Guendouzi from the Stade Velodrome, bringing the £41k-per-week maestro into the fold could well help to hasten the exit of fellow midfielder Marvelous Nakamba, with the Zimbabwean dud having been linked with a departure earlier this season.

The 28-year-old – who made the move to England on a £11m deal back in 2019 – has been on the periphery so far this season having failed to make a single appearance across all fronts, after featuring only 19 times in all competitions last term.

Although that lack of action has been impacted by injury, the former Club Brugge man has rarely been able to establish himself in the side over the past few years, with no goals or assists to his name in 68 outings to date in the claret and blue jersey.

Having been “nowhere near” the matchday squad of late, as per pundit Alan Hutton, it looks as if Nakamba’s days are numbered at Villa Park, with the addition of Guendouzi seemingly the midfield upgrade that the club have been craving.

The latter man has scored three goals and provided three assists in 22 games in all competitions so far this term from his central midfield berth, after previously playing a starring role last season with 19 goal contributions to his name in 56 outings.

The relentless “warrior”, as described by pundit Alan Shearer, is clearly a player who can make an impact in the final third, as he ranks in the top 11% in Europe among those in his position for touches in the attacking penalty area.

As previously stated, Nakamba is evidently unable to match that creativity and attacking intent, while Guendouzi also offers the benefit of having worked under Emery previously, having featured 66 times under the Spaniard during his time at the Emirates.

It may well prove a difficult deal to get over the line, although the signing of the Marseille man would clearly help to bolster Villa’s midfield options.

Newcastle United have had a phenomenal campaign so far both in the Premier League and Carabao Cup with Eddie Howe’s side progressing to their first semi-final of the latter tournament in 47 years last night as they beat Leicester City 2-0 at St James’ Park.

There is no doubt that Howe will be thrilled with the complete U-turn that he has performed over his 14 months at the club, considering that they were facing a relegation battle when he arrived in the northeast, and they could even be in contention for a place in the Champions League next season.

The Magpies are currently third in the Premier League ahead of their clash against Fulham this weekend, and after suffering just one defeat over their first 18 top-flight games, it is looking promising that they can deliver upon the dreams of many Newcastle supporters by playing European football next season.

Howe has the golden opportunity to strengthen and add depth to his squad, as the first team might have built a magical connection which has kept the momentum going. However, it became obvious in their FA Cup defeat to Sheffield Wednesday last weekend that there is a huge drop-off in quality when the manager relies on rotation.

One player who has been linked with a move to Tyneside is Leicester midfielder Youri Tielemans, and the Belgian talent will be available for no cost in the summer as he becomes a free agent at the end of the season as things stand.

Across 18 Premier League appearances this season, the 25-year-old – who was dubbed “magnificent” by journalist Josh Bunting – has scored three goals, tallied an 85% pass completion rate and created six big chances, along with averaging 68.3 touches, 1.1 key passes, 2.2 tackles and 4.3 duels won per game.

Howe could finally land the Jonjo Shelvey replacement that Newcastle need, with the former England international suffering long-term injury issues which has left him sidelined for almost the entire season so far, but also allowed Joelinton and Sean Longstaff to excel alongside Bruno Guimaraes in midfield.

Indeed, the £35k-per-week Foxes star is an in-demand player, with Liverpool and Arsenal both credited with an interest in acquiring his services in 2023 alongside Newcastle. Therefore, the powers at St James’ Park will need to make a tempting offer to the 25-year-old, and the real prospect of Champions League qualification could be more than enough to seal the deal.

With that being said, signing Tielemans would be a great piece of business for Newcastle, especially if they can acquire his services for free in the summer, and it would put them in a great position to add quality to their midfield ahead of a potential European campaign next season.

There were many stars on show at the recently concluded FIFA World Cup tournament in Qatar. As many game veterans were cementing their legacies, some breakout stars were announcing themselves to the world.

Jude Bellingham – a current England and Borussia Dortmund midfielder, is an example of such a breakout star. At 19 years old, Bellingham was the youngest player in England’s squad, but his presence in the middle of the park significantly boosted England’s odds of winning the tournament.

Now that the world cup is over, the priority of football teams will be to bolster their ranks in the January transfer window. One of the priorities of football fans is to find reliable platforms offering good odds so they can stake and support their favourite teams or leagues.

Increased interest in Bellingham

There have been several interests in Jude Bellingham before the World Cup. Many who watch the German Bundesliga know he is a top talent. He has now caught the world’s attention.

Borussia Dortmund knows there is huge competition for their midfield star. They will be interested in a very high bid for the player. Interests in Bellingham have not shot up among previous suitors and new interests.

One of the clubs who have always shown interest in signing Jude Bellingham is Liverpool Football Club. Bellingham played alongside Liverpool skipper Jordan Henderson at the heart of England’s midfield, and their smooth partnership excites many Liverpool fans.

Why are Liverpool interested in Bellingham?

Liverpool has struggled in the Premier League this season due to loads of injuries to their midfield players. Jürgen Klopp’s men usually attack with overloads from their wide areas, with both Alexander-Arnold and Robertson being integral parts of the attack.

When the wide men launch attacks, Liverpool’s midfielders cover their flanks and can quickly stifle counterattacks and rebuild play. If you observe Liverpool’s current midfield strengths, you will realize that the majority of the players in the middle of the park are aged, injury-prone, or less energetic to cope with the tough demands of playing in the Premier League.

Jürgen Klopp understands this and is already looking to rebuild his midfield with players like Bellingham.

What will Bellingham bring to the team?

Jude Bellingham’s addition to the Liverpool midfield will improve the midfield significantly. Bellingham is an energetic midfielder. He plays as a box-to-box midfielder, but his game is much more advanced because he also dribbles excellently and has an eye for defense-splitting passes.

Bellingham can break up play and immediately transform it into a counterattack situation for Liverpool’s fast forwards. The ability to turn defense into attack in an instant will greatly benefit Klopp’s men.

Liverpool’s interest in Jude Bellingham needs to be translated into a solid offer for the player. Borussia Dortmund will only sell him at the right amount.

Other clubs are also keen to sign the player, but for now, it appears Liverpool has the upper hand because of the player’s interest in playing for the club. The odds are in Liverpool’s favor. Only time will tell if Jude Bellingham will play for the Anfield faithful.

Photo by Unsplash

Manchester United are looking at signing a creative player this month, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The Lowdown: United’s position

Erik ten Hag’s side have turned their early-season form on its head of late, with nine wins coming from their last 10 games in all competitions.

Their form has seen them climb to third in the Premier League table with an outside chance of a title push potentially hinging on their result against Arsenal on Sunday, with an eight-point gap currently keeping United off the top of the table.

Despite their league position, the decision by the Glazers to put the club up for sale means that the club have little to no money available to spend – with the Daily Mail previously reporting the club wouldn’t be buying players in January.

The Latest: Romano’s update

So far, the only arrival at Old Trafford this window has been the loan signing of Wout Weghorst, but Romano claimed on his YouTube channel that United are still in the market for a creative player, saying:

“I don’t think Manchester United will have any kind of conversation with the players rumoured from Real Madrid like [Eduardo] Camavinga.

“Man United look for creative signings in the final days of the window if something will be available; otherwise, they will stay with the current squad.”

The Verdict: Van de Beek replacement?

Any links to Camavinga referred to by Romano have since been shut down by the journalist himself after he shared that the Frenchman will likely be staying at Real Madrid following a conversation with his agent – so it appears that United would have to seek alternative targets.

The potential arrival of a creative player at Old Trafford could be down to the severe injury that Donny van de Beek picked up against Bournemouth, with Ten Hag confirming that the Dutchman will miss the remainder of the season.

Although only holding a fringe role at United since arriving for £37.5m (via The Guardian), the 25-year-old has played just 60 games across two and a half years in Manchester.

But before his injury, he appeared in four out of five of United’s previous league games – even starting two – showing his place in the squad is an important one and an incoming could lessen the impact of his absence.