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Newcastle United have been named as one of the clubs who are interested in Fenerbahce defender, Attila Szalai, with the Hungary international having caught the eye of a number of Premier League clubs.

What’s the word?

According to Turkish outlet, Turkiye Gazetesi, the Magpies – as well as the likes of Leicester City, West Ham United and Serie A side Bologna – are believed to be keeping tabs on the 24-year-old, with the player said to be potentially keen on making a switch to England.

The report does suggest, however, that the 31-cap sensation – who still has just over three years left to run on his existing deal in Istanbul – is likely to favour a move away from his current side at the end of the season, as he hopes to bow out with a title triumph.

Previous reports claimed in the summer that the former Apollon Limassol centre-back – who joined the Super Lig outfit back in January 2021 – could command a fee of around €15m (£13m).

Howe’s own Van Dijk

It may seemingly come as no surprise to learn that the Tynesiders are plotting potential additions to bolster the backline, with the centre-back ranks seemingly in need of increased depth, particularly amid the recent speculation that club captain Jamaal Lascelles could be allowed to depart.

Adding Szalai to Howe’s side could well prove to be something of a masterstoke as far as those at St James’ Park are concerned, with the “immense” defender – as described by writer Bence Bocsak – having notably earned comparisons to Liverpool colossus, Virgil van Dijk.

As per Bocsak, the towering titan has been dubbed the “Hungarian Van Dijk” due to his brilliance for both club and country, offering a real rock-sold presence much like the Dutchman as a result of his 6 foot 4 frame.

Much like the Anfield hero – who is just slightly taller at 6 foot 5 – Szalai offers more than just an imposing figure, however, as he notably ranks in the top 17% in Europe for progressive passes made as a sign of his strength on the ball, with Van Dijk also impressive in that regard as the 31-year-old ranks in the top 10% for the same metric.

It is no doubt a real promising sign to be compared to the latter man, with the former Southampton sensation – who made the move to Merseyside on a £75m deal back in January 2018 – having even been dubbed the “best centre-half of all time” by pundit, Michael Owen, after helping to guide Jurgen Klopp’s side to a string of major honours in recent years.

For Howe and co to potentially have their own version of the one-time Celtic ace truly is a mouthwatering prospect, with the hope being that Szalai can make a similar impact if he is make the move to the northeast in the near future.

If anything summed up Everton under Farhad Moshiri it would be the year of 2022.

At the beginning of the year, the Toffees entered it with Rafa Benitez at the helm. However, after just one month, Frank Lampard would arrive with Dele Alli and Donny van de Beek on transfer deadline day.

Only one of those is still at Everton, with Dele now at Besiktas on loan and Van de Beek back at Manchester United.

Lampard is the soul survivor but even his credentials are being questioned now. Having saved Everton from relegation last term, 2022/23 was all about consolidation.

The impressive signings of Conor Coady and James Tarkowski meant they did look more comfortable for a period of time. Yet, as the World Cup kicked off, the Toffees are now sat in 17th, just one point above the relegation zone.

Additions will quite evidently be needed in January but they will still have to avoid the reckless spending that has occurred so regularly under Farhad Moshiri.

If they are to spend anything, however, they must look at Jonathan David. Everton have held an interest in the Canadian forward this year but the longer they leave it, the more unrealistic a signing he becomes with fierce competition mounting.

A striker, however, is a must. Lampard looked at strengthening that area of the side in the summer with players such as Ben Brereton Diaz mooted. He remained at Blackburn Rovers and the club acquired Neal Maupay instead.

Having lost Richarlison, it was hardly a capable replacement with his one goal this campaign a testament to that statement.

There has been a real struggle for goals in the Toffees frontline with Dominic Calvert-Lewin suffering from a number of injury issues too. He has found the net only three times in this calendar year and has looked a shadow of his former self in the final third.

Such a rough year has meant Everton now require a sizeable upgrade and by signing David, it could give Lampard the license to find just that, all while forgetting about the club’s talisman and moving him on.

Should the Lille sensation be acquired then it would be a sublime capture. This is a player who has scored nine times in 15 Ligue 1 outings this term, a tally that adds to the 19 goals he bagged in all competitions last season.

A spectacular forward who is capable of dominating defenders, he has been described as a “phenom” who is undoubtedly “one of the best strikers in the world” by Tony Marinaro.

That is quite the statement and it’s hard to disagree when you consider his haul of 15 goals in the French top flight throughout 2021/22 was more than Lionel Messi and Neymar.

The odds are firmly stacked against Everton when it comes to bringing David to Merseyside but their lack of goals this year is evidence that they need a capable centre forward swiftly when the window re-opens in five weeks’ time.

Hopefully the World Cup star will be just that.

Newcastle United are believed to be keeping a close eye on Brighton and Hove Albion starlet, Moises Caicedo, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

What’s the word?

In his column for Caught Offside, the Italian transfer guru revealed that the 21-year-old is a player that the Magpies are tracking ahead of the January transfer window, albeit with no contact having yet taken place regarding a switch for the Ecuador international.

“On midfielders, they are following Moises Caicedo for sure but at the moment there are no negotiations at all with Newcastle. Many top clubs are following him closely,” Romano stated.

The Tynesiders were previously named as one of the potential suitors for the midfielder back in October should the Seagulls look to cash in, albeit with any move for the former Independiente del Valle man seemingly set to cost in the region of £60m-70m, according to recent reports.

Howe’s own Gerrard

The promising talent been a real standout figure at the Amex since his return from a loan stint in Belgium at the start of the year, with the youngster having initially arrived on the south coast for a bargain fee of just £4.5m back in February 2021.

The current campaign has proven particularly fruitful for the highly-rated “jewel” – as described by Ecuadorian historian Enrico Castro-Montes – as he currently ranks sixth in the division for tackles made (43), having started all 14 games for Roberto De Zerbi’s side so far this season.

The 28-cap gem also notably impressed for his country at the World Cup in recent weeks, having featured in all three groups for the South American nation in Qatar, scoring once in the eventual defeat to Senegal, while also further showcasing his ball-winning prowess by averaging two tackles per game.

Such is Caicedo’s undoubted quality he has even previously been likened to Premier League legend Steven Gerrard in the past by talent scout Jacek Kulig, who categorised the young playmaker as a “box-to-box” midfielder.

That comparison is also no doubt warranted by the Brighton man’s keen eye for a goal, having notably netted a spectacular long-range effort in the win over Manchester United at the tail-end of last season.

Such a moment of magic was also seemingly Gerrard’s trademark – be it the Englishman’s piledriver against Olympiakos or his outrageous FA Cup final strike against West Ham United – during what was a lengthy career at the elite level for both club and country, having scored 186 goals and registered 153 assists in 710 games for the Anfield outfit.

The now-retired maestro – who also scored 21 goals in 113 games at international level – is rightly regarded as one of the finest of his generation in his position, having notably been dubbed “the best midfielder the Premier League has ever seen”, according to pundit Jamie O’Hara.

To be compared to such a talent is high praise indeed as far as Caicedo is concerned, with Newcastle boss Eddie Howe likely to relish having a Gerrard-esque figure in his midfield ranks.

Some members of the media were bemoaning the injury suffered by Teden Mengi as Manchester United lost 1-0 to Real Betis in a friendly on Saturday evening.

The Lowdown: Preparations underway

Preparations are now underway for Erik ten Hag and his side to return to Premier League football, having arranged friendly games during the break for the World Cup in Qatar to get themselves back up to match fitness and sharpness.

The Old Trafford outfit went down 1-0 thanks to a Nabil Fekir goal early in the second half, but the fixture gave an opportunity for Ten Hag to look at some of the youngsters in the academy, as well as first-team squad members not at the World Cup.

The Latest: Mengi injury

Mengi was forced off with a hamstring injury early in the first half, which The Times journalist Charlotte Duncker labelled as ‘bad news’.

Manchester Evening News reporter Rich Fay described the injury as ‘awful’, citing that Mengi has had ‘rotten luck’ in that regard having had to be carried off on a stretcher, adding that the 20-year-old defender was ‘set to leave on loan’ in the January transfer window.

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The Verdict: Not ideal

The revelation that Mengi was set to leave on loan means that this latest injury is certainly not ideal for him or United.

The youngster has gained valuable experience on loan at Derby County and Birmingham City previously and has also played 79 times at youth level with the Red Devils, but he has only made two competitive appearances for the senior team (Transfermarkt).

The problem that Mengi has had is being able to keep himself fit, and the fact that he has had hamstring issues in the past makes this latest setback all the more worrying.

He will likely see the clash against Betis as a missed opportunity to impress Ten Hag going into the second part of the season.

Leeds United could look to the January transfer window to strengthen their team for the second half of the season and now a reliable source has delivered an update on a potential target.

What’s the latest?

Leeds have been linked with a move for Atletico Madrid striker Matheus Cunha and now journalist Pete O’Rourke has weighed in on the player’s potential move to Elland Road.

O’Rourke told GIVEMESPORT:

“He is probably a more recognised name than Raphinha was before he came to Leeds.

“Raphinha wasn’t in the Brazil squad before he came to Leeds and he then broke into the international set-up while he was at Leeds. He was a bit unknown when he came to Leeds from France, but I think Matheus Cunha has obviously got a bigger reputation than Raphinha had at that time.

“He’s played for Brazil and he was a big-money signing when he joined Atletico Madrid as well.”

It would be a risky move

There is no doubt that Jesse Marsch would have been spending the World Cup break looking for ways to improve his team’s performances to ensure they avoid another difficult relegation scrap over the rest of the season.

Leeds are currently 15th in the Premier League table after 14 outings and despite scoring more goals than Manchester United so far, the side are just two points clear of the relegation zone.

Although the Whites are not currently struggling for goal contributions it is clear Marsch is keen to strengthen and add depth to key areas of their squad with players who fit his philosophy at Elland Road.

As a result, the signing of Cunha – who was previously valued at £42m – makes sense from the manager’s perspective as the Brazilian striker worked with Marsch at RB Leipzig and is obviously a player he believes in, however, it could be a risky move considering his more recent form at Atletico Madrid.

Indeed, the ace – who was dubbed “unpredictable” by Maurizio Jacobacci – has certainly lived up to that billing this term. He has not scored a single goal over 11 La Liga appearances this season, whilst averaging just 13.3 touches, 0.5 key passes, 0.7 shots on target and 0.5 successful dribbles per game.

In fact, Cunha has netted just seven times over 54 appearances since his arrival at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium in the summer of 2021 with a goal contribution every 255 minutes so far, proving that he is not a consistent or reliable threat in front of goal.

With Patrick Bamford’s injury woes continuing to plague him and the squad, signing a reliable player simply must be top of the agenda for Victor Orta. Unfortunately, the Atletico frontman doesn’t tick that box.

With that being said, the signing of Cunha does not seem like a worthwhile investment and if Marsch is considering a move for a striker he must identify a more prolific and clinical attacker to bolster the centre-forward position.

Leeds United have been linked with a move for George Hall ahead of the January transfer window and now a new update has emerged that could make the club’s pursuit more difficult.

What’s the latest?

According to Football Insider, both Everton and Liverpool are set to battle Leeds for the signing of the Birmingham City midfielder.

As per the report, the two Merseyside clubs are looking to strengthen their personnel in the centre of the pitch, however, Leeds remain interested in securing the player’s services after having a bid rejected in the summer.

Marsch could finally ditch Klich

Jesse Marsch has now had plenty of time to determine who will be part of his squad for the future and those that need to be moved on after replacing Marcelo Bielsa as the head coach at Elland Road in March this year.

As a result, with only one transfer window under his belt, it would be no surprise if he continues to alter the squad and strengthen key positions in the squad when the transfer market re-opens next month.

According to MLS Soccer this week, Leeds are now in advanced talks to sell Mateusz Klich to DC United after a five-year stint with the Whites and although the deal is not done it is set to be completed very soon, making way for a new midfielder to make his mark at the Yorkshire club.

Indeed, given a lack of depth in that area of the pitch, the Whites will surely need to acquire a new body before ditching the Pole.

Hall has been a target for Leeds since the summer and it will come as no surprise that they are keen to try again for the 18-year-old midfielder when considering his output this season so far.

Over 18 Championship appearances, the talented teenager – who was dubbed “unbelievable” by reporter Phil Smith – has scored one goal, registered one assist and created two big chances, as well as averaging 1.3 duels per game despite only averaging 32 minutes per performance.

The Birmingham-born midfielder was only given his senior debut in January 2022 after impressing in the U21 and U18 sides and has now clearly caught the attention of Premier League clubs too.

Birmingham City manager John Eustace has lavished praise on the youngster on many occasions and hailed Hall when analysing his development at St Andrew’s:

“George is a brilliant player, a really good young player and I expect it with all our young players. George’s performances this season have been very, very good.

“He has made 16-17 appearances now – last season he made two appearances. It’s my job to develop him properly, which I feel like we are doing. We are giving him starts, he is impacting off the bench but it’s all about his development.”

Marsch has championed youth in his team since he arrived at Elland Road with Wilfried Gnonto, Joe Gelhardt, Crysencio Summerville and Sam Greenwood the chance to develop and polish their craft whilst competing in the Premier League, something he could offer to Hall too.

With that being said, the signing of the teenager would be a great piece of business for Leeds but now that Liverpool and Everton have joined the race the club will need to make a very tempting offer to beat their competitors.

Wolves full-back Rayan Ait-Nouri is reportedly being eyed by French club Nice for a move to the continent. 

The Lowdown: Ait-Nouri’s season so far

So far this season, the 21-year-old has made 14 appearances for the Old Gold across all competitions, scoring two goals and delivering one assist along the way.

The defender’s latest appearance saw him score Wolves’ last-gasp winner in their 2-1 victory against Everton in the Premier League at Goodison Park after coming on as a substitute in the second half.

Despite his latest heroics, some behind-the-scenes details have emerged regarding the possibility of the former France underage international departing Molineux.

The Latest: Ait-Nouri linked with Wolves exit

After Foot Mercato recently claimed that Nice are interested in signing the Wolves defender, a recent report from French outlet Le 10 Sport has backed up this line.

They stated that Nice are in discussions with Wolves over the possibility of signing Ait-Nouri, and while the Midlands club are open to letting him leave, they would not do business for anything less than €25m (£22m).

The Verdict: Wolves should keep hold of Ait-Nouri

As things stand, the left-back’s contract at Wolves runs until the summer of 2026.

To highlight how valuable a player Ait-Nouri is for the Old Gold, particularly from an attacking point of view, he has made the third-highest number of passes into the 18-yard box (12) at the club, while also recording the second-highest number of successful dribbles (14).

His overall performances in the league have earned him a season rating of 6.58/10 from WhoScored, making him the fourth-highest rated player at the club.

Having been hailed by Tim Spiers this year for his “outstanding work” on the pitch, we feel that Wolves should have no intention of letting Ait-Nouri leave Molineux next month, even if an offer comes in that the Old Gold would see as being financially suitable.

Liverpool are interested in making a move for Borussia Dortmund prodigy Youssoufa Moukoko, according to an update from journalist Ben Jacobs.

The Lowdown: Moukoko a massive talent

The German is arguably one of the most exciting teenage footballers in Europe currently, proving to be an influential part of Dortmund’s attack.

Moukoko has nine goal contributions (six goals and three assists) in the Bundesliga this season and has been hailed as ‘brilliant’ by Axel Witsel, while even Erling Haaland said the youngster is ‘amazing’.

The 18-year-old’s current Dortmund deal expires at the end of the season and there is likely to be huge interest in him as that deal ticks down.

The Latest: Liverpool linked with move

Speaking to Give Me Sport, Jacobs claimed that Liverpool are one of several Premier League clubs who could look to sign Moukoko:

“Manchester United are one of those. They’ve tracked him for quite some time. They haven’t entered into any kind of advanced talks yet.

“Liverpool and Spurs are ones to watch and don’t rule out a move to La Liga and Barcelona either. Barcelona’s position is very much that they’re working on the player’s side to try and persuade him not to sign a new contract in the hope they’ll get him for free.

“As soon as transfer fees come into it, it wouldn’t surprise me if they back off the race. So, lots of suitors here.”

The Verdict: Part of the rebuild?

Jurgen Klopp’s squad is ageing and in need of fresh blood, so Moukoko could be someone who comes in as a long-term acquisition who can lead the line in the future.

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Age is only a number, however, and the young starlet is already showing that he can thrive for a big club, so the Reds could even see him as an important figure from the off.

Granted, Liverpool already have a plethora of attacking options, but Roberto Firmino’s very best days are behind him and the likes of Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota are becoming injury-prone, so Moukoko could help ease those issues.

Manchester City have been linked with both Rafael Leao and Bukayo Saka recently and the two wingers could potentially form an incredible partnership at the Etihad for years to come.

According to German journalist Florian Plettenberg, the AC Milan winger doesn’t want to extend his contract at the San Siro beyond 2024, which has alerted City, Chelsea and Real Madrid to his availability.

While 90min have also claimed that City are keen to recruit Arsenal star Saka as he is yet to agree to a new contract at the Emirates, which could force the Gunners to cash in on him ahead of his contract expiry in 2024.

Riyad Mahrez will turn 32 next month so Pep Guardiola may soon be in the market for a new winger and if the Citizens were to recruit both Leao and Saka, they could be set for wingers for easily the next decade.

Leao has contributed an impressive eight goals and nine assists in all competitions for AC Milan this season, with only Erling Haaland registering more goal contributions in the City squad.

Saka, meanwhile, boasts seven goals and six assists for the Gunners, which again is more than any of City’s current winger options have managed in the Premier League.

Guardiola has managed some impressive inside forwards in his time but the prospect of having Leao and Saka on either side, both cutting onto their stronger foot and adding a serious goal threat, would surely excite the Spanish manager.

According to WhoScored, both Leao and Saka excel at finishing, while both like to cut inside, which could make them more reliable finishers in the final third for City, which is something the likes of Jack Grealish and Raheem Sterling have been guilty of not being in recent seasons for the Citizens.

Rio Ferdinand was full of praise for the Arsenal academy graduate after his performance against Germany at Euro 2020.

He said:

“We talk about being fearless as a young player, he’s got no qualms about going and roaming around the pitch.

“He picked the ball up all over the pitch and what was great about him is that he had the confidence to go at them.”

This highlights Saka as exactly the sort of player that would excel in Manchester City’s system and the concept of him dropping deep to collect the ball, while Leao stretches defences with his pace, would surely be a hugely effective one in the Premier League, so Txiki Begiristain should do all he can to bring them to the Etihad this year.

Journalist Beren Cross has revealed that Leeds United are yet to make any more bids for new players since Max Wober arrived amid links to Azzedine Ounahi.

What’s the word?

According to a recent report in news outlet  Foot Mercato, the Whites are keen on signing the Moroccan midfielder this winter and even recently put in a bid for the player.

Leeds have already made moves to strengthen their squad in January, signing 24-year-old defender Wober from Austrian side Red Bull Salzburg to a contract that runs until 2027.

And while they may well be keen on bringing in some more signings over the coming weeks, according to Cross (as of January 9) they had yet to make an official bid for anyone else.

When writing an article for LeedsLive, Cross explained: “As of yesterday, no bids had gone in for any players since Wober, so unless that’s changed today then they haven’t gone in for Ounahi yet.

“I think it would be one forward and, if they can get it done, a midfielder too to compensate for [Mateusz] Klich’s exit.”

Transfer priorities…

Jesse Marsch may well feel as though his side may need a new body to come in and add some depth to the middle of the park as  Klich has just departed for an MLS side.

However, if Cross’ reporting is fully accurate, it sounds as though they might prioritise a new forward instead. Seeing as Wober made his debut in the FA Cup on the weekend as a midfielder, coming on after 60 minutes for Darko Gyabi, then perhaps he’ll be asked to help fill the void in that part of the pitch.

If that’s the case, it does suggest that the club might not be quite soon keen to land Ounahi as some claims have recently suggested. Instead, perhaps there is more truth to the reports the club are closing in on a move for Hoffenheim forward Georginio Rutter.