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An update has emerged on Southampton and their search to add to their options at the top end of the pitch during the January transfer window…

What’s the talk?

90min journalist Toby Cudworth has revealed that the Saints are one of a number of Premier League clubs eyeing a potential swoop for Andre Ayew on a free transfer.

The reporter Tweeted: “West Ham, Bournemouth, Southampton, Everton and Nottingham Forest have shown an interest in free agent Andre Ayew. The 33-year-old has lots of PL experience & is a potential late window option after leaving Al Sadd.”

Southampton are also reportedly in talks to sign 22-year-old centre-forward Vitinha from Portuguese side Braga before the window slams shut.

Imagine Ayew & Vitinha

Vitinha has caught the eye in Portugal this season with seven goals and three assists, averaging a Sofascore rating of 7.02, in 12 starts in Liga Portugal but he is yet to prove himself in the Premier League, or in England at any level.

It is impossible to tell how the youngster would deal with the transition to playing in the top-flight of English football and that is why signing Ayew, who is a low-risk signing as a free agent, alongside the talented young gem could be a masterstroke from Nathan Jones.

The veteran forward, who has been capped a whopping 113 times by Ghana at international level, has proven his quality at the top end of the pitch in both the Premier League and the Championship.

During his time at West Ham, manager Slaven Bilic hailed the forward’s ability to win matches for the side. The Croatian told BBC Sport: “I rate Andre very highly. He’s a great player. He was the game-changer.

“He’s got that (knack) for goals. He’s always in a good position at the right time.”

Ayew struck 12 goals in 50 appearances for the Hammers and racked up 21 goals and 12 assists in 89 outings in the Premier League between his time there and at Swansea, whilst he also scored 31 goals in 87 Championship matches for the Swans.

The striker also plundered 22 goals in 39 games for Al Sadd in his recent spell in Qatar and this shows that the gem has not lost his goalscoring touch at the age of 33.

Now, imagine a forward with Ayew’s quality and experience providing competition and mentorship for Vitinha in the second half of the season. The Ghana captain could be a brilliant role model for the young Portuguese talent and that is why the Saints could secure a dream double deadline day deal by signing both players.

The January transfer window has little more than a week left to run and Glasgow Rangers are yet to welcome Michael Beale’s first signing to Ibrox.

Todd Cantwell is reportedly on the verge of a move from English Championship side Norwich City and he looks set to become the new manager’s first piece of incoming business since arriving in the dugout at Ibrox.

The Gers are also reportedly interested in signing Morgan Whittaker from Swansea and Nicolas Raskin from Standard Liege as they look set for a busy end to the month in the transfer window.

However, they are not the only players who could be on their way to Glasgow before the end of January as they have also been linked with a  talented youngster from Belgium.

It was recently reported that the Light Blues are one of the clubs, alongside Dutch giants PSV and Ligue 1 side Lille, interested in signing Anderlecht talent Noah Sadiki, who is out of contract at the end of the season.

Jacek Kulig once hailed him as one of Anderlecht’s “highly talented” young players and that is backed up by the interest in his services from a number of top European clubs, including Rangers.

Bringing the 18-year-old, who can play at full-back and as a winger, in from the Belgian side could allow Beale to finally axe one of the club’s underperforming players over the last 18 months – Scott Wright.

The Scottish winger has struggled to make his mark at Ibrox since arriving in Glasgow and now could be the time to part ways with him by bringing in another player.

Wright has scored four goals and provided two assists in 33 Premiership matches since the start of last season and has averaged a dismal Sofascore rating of 6.66 across 14 appearances in the current campaign, which places him 23rd in the squad.

This suggests that the £5.6k-per-week lightweight, who has lost 55% of his duels in the top-flight this term, is one of the worst-performing players at the club and Beale must now replace the 25-year-old by signing a promising young gem with the potential to improve.

At the age of 18, Sadiki could come in as a player with the scope to develop over time, which could suit taking up Wright’s place as a rotation option in the squad as he could slowly bed into life in Scotland before pushing on in the future.

The Anderlecht gem has created two ‘big chances’ and assisted one goal in four Pro League starts this season, whilst winning 57% of his ground battles, and has averaged a Sofascore rating of 6.73 – a better score than the current Gers wide man has managed.

These statistics indicate that Sadiki could be an immediate upgrade on Wright, in terms of the creativity he provides, his strength in duels, and his average performance level, whilst also being seven years younger and having the potential to develop, which is why the Light Blues must bring the gem in to replace the Scotsman.

Aston Villa have been sweating over the fitness of star summer signing Diego Carlos ever since the centre-back ruptured his achilles tendon in August, just a few games into his Villa career.

What’s the latest?

While a return is still some distance away, the 29-year-old colossus has impressed fans with the swiftness of his recovery, posting Instagram videos of him lifting weights and strengthening his legs with squats; encouraging signs indeed.

Speaking to Villa TV (via Birmingham Live), Carlos said: “I’m happy, everyday I have work, my body is very good, it’s better, I needed to train on the bike and the work, the physio. It’s very good for me because I needed to improve the work and the mobility. It’s been very, very good.

“Before I didn’t need a long time but now it is necessary, the time. I try hard work every day with the physio, Oli (Stevenson) and everybody.”

With a timeframe on a return still uncertain, it will at least be relieving to see the ace return to the field in some capacity.

He will flourish under Emery

One positive that can be taken by the extensive layoff is Claret and Blue boss Unai Emery’s arrival, with the sagacious Spaniard tinkering away at the side and looking to stamp his print onto the fold.

And despite a severely lacklustre start to the campaign that resulted in Steven Gerrard’s dismissal, three wins from the past four appearances indicate an upward twist in the trajectory at the club.

And with the January transfer window merely moments away, there is cautious optimism that fortunes can turn around at Villa Park sooner rather than later; subsequently, Carlos might just be able to slot back into a thriving team upon his return, and he could prove to be the icing on the cake.

Over his first two appearances in Villa colours, Carlos completed an average of 80% of his passes, claiming a valuable victory against Everton in his second outing and averaging 70 touches across his two displays.

It might not be the largest pool of games to choose from but it is already enough for teammate Ollie Watkins to call him a “monster.”

But it is his form over in Spain that will spark the brightest excitement, with the £26m arrival playing a pivotal role in claiming the 2019/20 Europa League trophy with Sevilla.

And last season, in the Spanish La Liga, the titan recorded an average rating of 7.09 in a campaign that saw his team finish fourth, clinching qualification to the Champions League.

His 3.5 clearances and 1.0 tackles per match were paramount for his team’s success, where he also won 60% of his duels and completed a remarkable 88% of his passes.

His ball-playing prowess and aggression is sorely lacking in the current crop, and his return to first-team competitive action cannot come soon enough for Emery, who he might just soar under.

Wolverhampton Wanderers are reportedly keen on signing Osasuna defender David Garcia in January and the Spaniard could be the man to finally replace Conor Coady at Molineux.

Reports from Spain have suggested that Wolves have already met Garcia’s €20m (£17.2m) release clause, as Julen Lopetegui looks to strengthen the defensive options at his new club.

The Old Gold lost influential centre-backs Romain Saiss, Willy Boly and Coady during the summer transfer window, with only Nathan Collins brought in as a replacement, and a lack of experience at the back has already cost Wolves on a number of occasions this season.

After looking so strong at the back under Bruno Lage in the last campaign, the Midlands club have been one of the worst in the division this term, having shipped 24 goals in just 15 games so far.

It is clear that Lopetegui is looking for another centre-back as he attempts to turn Wolves’ season around following the World Cup break, and Garcia would arguably be a far better option than fellow reported target, Felipe.

The 33-year-old Brazilian has managed just three appearances in all competitions for Atletico Madrid this season and looks to be well past his best, whereas Garcia has been a mainstay in Osasuna’s impressive campaign thus far, with Los Rojillos currently sitting seventh in Spain’s top flight.

In 12 La Liga appearances, the Spaniard has contributed one goal and has averaged a solid 6.77 rating from WhoScored for his performances, which would rank him as the second-best performer in the Wolves’ squad – behind only the talismanic Ruben Neves.

Felipe, meanwhile, has averaged a 6.66 rating across his two appearances in the league and managed a shocking 6.52 rating last season, which suggests that he is well past his best.

Garcia has also averaged significantly more interceptions than Felipe (1.6 vs 0) and clearances (4.5 vs 3.7) per game this season and is a far better long-term option in Lopetegui’s side given that he is five years younger.

Therefore, when Wolves are considering their options to find a replacement for Coady at Molineux, Garcia should be well above Felipe on the list.

Glasgow Rangers will reportedly rival their Old Firm rivals for the signing of Antoine Semenyo, and are plotting a January swoop.

The Lowdown: Talent and Experience

At 22-years-old, Semenyo boasts a healthy amount of experience considering his age, making over a century of appearances for Bristol City.

In that time, the forward has been able to showcase his ability, shining particularly in the 21/22 season which saw the Ghanian international bag eight goals and 12 assists in 31 Championship appearances.

He currently sits on three goals and two assists from 16 appearances this season, with his efforts earning him a call to represent Ghana in the World Cup.

The Latest: Semenyo high on the list

According to Football Insider, sources suggest that Semenyo is very high on Rangers’ list of transfer targets, with the club mooted to move for a forward in January.

It is said that the 22-year-old has attracted the interest of a number of clubs, with Celtic mentioned in the report.

Semenyo’s current club Bristol City are said to be braced for interest when the winter window opens, with the Ghana star’s contract set to expire next summer.

The Verdict: A promising asset

As a central threat, Semenyo would offer Rangers a dimension that they seemingly lack – a mobile and nimble forward who can manipulate the lines with ease.

And from a business perspective, with a humble fee most likely due to his contract situation, Semenyo’s raw talent can be harnessed by the Glasgow side, with any sign of development bound to boost his transfer valuation over the next few seasons.

Ultimately, Rangers will be looking to profit from his direct attacking threat, and considering his age and current level of experience, Semenyo could lead the Gers frontline for years to come.

Aberdeen manager Jim Goodwin is ‘confident’ that Liverpool will not recall Leighton Clarkson in the January transfer window, despite the youngster impressing on loan.

The Lowdown: Impressing in Scotland

The 21-year-old is certainly making his mark in Scottish football, having scored four goals and supplied a further two assists in 14 games across all competitions so far this season (third in the Scottish Premiership table, behind only Celtic and Rangers.

Having scored in his first appearance for the club, Goodwin hailed Clarkson’s debut as ‘one of the best’ that he has ever seen, and in midweek the loanee scored a stunning goal playing against Atlanta United in a friendly.

His level of performances at Pittodrie have been consistently brilliant, which could tempt Jurgen Klopp to recall him back into the Liverpool first-team squad earlier than expected.

The Latest: No Liverpool recall?

However, as quoted by The Press and Journal, Goodwin has revealed that Aberdeen director of football Steven Gunn has been ‘in contact’ with the Reds over Clarkson, adding that they are ‘confident’ that the 21-year-old will not be recalled early in January despite his impressive form.

Goodwin said: “Steven Gunn has been in contact with Liverpool about Leighton Clarkson and with Celtic about Liam Scales.

“At the moment we are confident that both will be part of our plans when the January window closes. However, we do have contingency plans in place just in case something were to happen.”

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The Verdict: Option is there for Liverpool

Liverpool do not have to recall Clarkson as he is developing well at Aberdeen, but they should know that the option is there.

The defensive midfielder has only made youthful line-up that he picked against Derby County in the Carabao Cup earlier this month.

Hailed as ‘one of the biggest talents’ at Anfield by Klopp himself, Clarkson is clearly admired by the German, while he has also been dubbed an ‘amazing’ footballer by his former Blackburn boss Tony Mowbray when he was on loan at Ewood Park previously.

Clarkson has now impressed three different managers at three different clubs, and he is clearly one for the future.

If Liverpool were to suffer an injury crisis in central midfield, with Arthur and Naby Keita already on the treatment table, then the 21-year-old could well get a chance should the Reds decide to recall him.

A positive injury update has emerged on Glasgow Rangers midfielder Glen Kamara ahead of the club’s return to Premiership action on Sunday…

What’s the latest?

Light Blues manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst has revealed that the Finland international is fit enough to feature in the match after playing 30 minutes in the Champions League on Tuesday night on his comeback from an injury.

Speaking to the club’s official Twitter account, he said:

“Glen [Kamara] is available for Sunday after getting minutes this week, Lundstram is back from his European suspension.”

The head coach has also confirmed that Charlie McCann will return to the squad and that Ben Davies could be in contention to play if he gets through the last training session on Saturday.

Big boost for Bronckhorst

Forget Lundstram’s return from suspension, the availability of Kamara for this clash could be a big boost for van Bronckhorst as the midfielder has the potential to be a key player in the middle of the park.

The former Arsenal man has endured a difficult start to the season as he has struggled with injury issues. He has only started twice in the Premiership, playing four times in total, and Sunday’s clash with St. Johnstone is now a chance for him to kickstart his campaign.

Kamara is a proven performer in the Scottish top-flight and someone the manager knows he can rely on to put in a good performance if he is fit and ready to play.

Last season, the 27-year-old averaged a SofaScore rating of 7.01 across 31 appearances in the league as he completed 91% of his attempted passes and won 54% of his individual duels, whilst chipping in with three goals and three assists.

These statistics show that he is reliable in possession and capable of making an impact at the top end of the pitch, whilst still holding his own in physical battles and not allowing the opposition to bully him on or off the ball.

Meanwhile, Lundstram averaged a score of 6.92 in 27 outings and in 2021/22 and has not registered a single Premiership assist in 39 games to date.

This suggests that Kamara could offer more than the former Sheffield United man in terms of creativity from the middle of the park, which could provide the likes of Ryan Kent and Antonio Colak with more opportunities to hurt the St. Johnstone defence.

Therefore, having the Finnish gem back is a big boost for the manager and one that he should take advantage of by starting the midfielder on Sunday.

A frustrating Newcastle United injury setback has emerged over winger Allan Saint-Maximin.

What’s the latest?

Magpies boss Eddie Howe has revealed that the exciting attacker is now facing another spell on the sidelines after suffering a reoccurrence of his previous injury.

Daily Mail journalist Craig Hope said: “Eddie Howe also confirms below setback for Allan Saint-Maximin. Third time he has aggravated same hamstring. ‘It’s very minor but it’s going to keep him out for a period’.”

This came after the reporter issued an update on the forward ahead of the draw with Manchester United, saying: “Allan Saint-Maximin has suffered setback in return from hamstring layoff & is out of tomorrow’s trip to Man Utd. Also likely to miss Everton & Spurs over course of next week. Same issue as before, although irritation not thought to be too serious.”

Gutting for Howe

The Magpies’ head coach should be gutted by this as it is a big setback for Saint-Maximin and the club, who will now be without his talents for another set of top-flight matches.

Newcastle held Manchester United to a 0-0 draw at Old Trafford on Sunday and it was the sort of tight game where a moment of magic could have won them the three points on the counter-attack.

Miguel Almiron and Jacob Murphy started out wide and struggled as they failed in all of their attempted dribbles and only made one key pass between them.

Saint-Maximin, however, could have been the spark that the Toon were lacking as he enjoyed a terrific start to the season earlier this year. In four Premier League starts, the winger has scored once and provided two assists whilst creating 1.4 chances and completing 3.2 dribbles per game – as per SofaScore.

These statistics suggest that the Frenchman has the quality on the ball to be a difference-maker in the final third, as he can score and create goals. He can also terrify opposition defenders with his dribbling ability, opening up space for players like Callum Wilson by committing full-backs and disorganising teams.

With that in mind, Howe certainly missed the forward against United and will now be incredibly frustrated that he will have to deal without having him available for the foreseeable future.

The speedster is a key player for the Magpies, as evidenced by his impressive statistics in the top flight, and that is why his continued absence is a seismic blow for the manager and the team.

Journalist Josh Bunting has praised West Ham United midfielder Lucas Paqueta for his ‘quality’ performance against Fulham on Sunday.

The Lowdown: WHU vs FUL

After eight games of the Premier League season, the Hammers sit just outside of the relegation zone in 15th place with seven points. Fulham, on the other hand, have exceeded expectations thus far this season, having gained 11 points from their opening eight matches, seeing them in the top half of the table in ninth place.

Therefore, David Moyes will have been fuming with his side’s start to the fixture. After just five minutes, out of nowhere, Andreas Pereira hit a beautiful strike past Lukasz Fabianski.

However, in the 29th minute, the Irons won a needless penalty as the Fulham goalscorer pulled Craig Dawson to the ground during a corner, despite referee Chris Kavanagh having warned the player three times about his hands.

To the fans’ delight, new West Ham duo Gianluca Scamacca and Paqueta combined in the 63rd minute to net the Hammers’ second goal, with Michail Antonio netting a late third, clinching the east London club three points with a much-needed 3-1 victory.

The Latest: Bunting’s claim

During the game, Paqueta was an obvious standout in Moyes’ XI.

Having made 69 touches of the ball, the Brazil international completed 44/53 accurate passes, demonstrating an impressive 83% pass accuracy (via SofaScore).

Furthermore, the attacking midfielder was everywhere offensively and defensively, having won four ground duels and two aerial duels, having also taken four shots at goal.

More importantly, he assisted Gianluca Scamacca’s goal in the side’s 3-1 victory at the London Stadium.

Impressed by his performance, Bunting took to Twitter to sing the 25-year-old’s praises, where he claimed:

“Tails up for West Ham, Lucas Paqueta’s technical ability is a total joy, just raises the quality in that team.”

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The Verdict: Huge signing

Having signed for the Hammers in the summer in a club-record deal worth £51m, the Brazilian is thus far living up to his sizeable price-tag.

When looking at his underlying stats, his all-round abilities shine through to the forefront. As per FBRef, compared with positional peers across Europe over the past year, the playmaker ranks in the 99th percentile for pressures, in the 96th percentile for tackles, and in the top ten percent for progressive passes received, passes attempted and progressive passes made.

Therefore, having come into Moyes’ starting XI and laid down his ability to dictate play in the middle of the park, Paqueta’s arrival at the London Stadium will be seen as a fantastic piece of business by GSB. With an undeniable quality having been added to the Hammers’ attacking ranks, his £51m move sends a major signal of intent to the rest of the Premier League.

Aston Villa should have Matty Cash back in the squad for Monday’s clash with Nottingham Forest, according to Ashley Preece.

The Lowdown: Cash’s absence

Cash, hailed as ‘excellent’ by pundit Trevor Sinclair, suffered a hamstring injury last month in the 1-1 draw with Manchester City.

The 25-year-old missed the win over Southampton prior to the international break and was also absent in Sunday’s 0-0 draw with Leeds.

Steven Gerrard’s defensive injury woes went from bad to worse at Elland Road with Ludwig Augustinsson picking up an issue, but it seems as if he’ll get a much-needed boost against Forest.

The Latest: Preece’s claim

Preece took to Twitter on Tuesday lunchtime to share some ‘early AVFC team news’ before the trip to Forest on Monday.

He claimed in the story for Birmingham Live that Cash has returned to full training this week and is expected to be amongst the Villa squad that travels to the City Ground. Preece also added that fellow defender Calum Chambers is also likely to return in what would be a ‘double boost’.

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The Verdict: Needed

The majority of Villa’s injury problems so far this season have come to defenders, with Cash, Chambers, Diego Carlos, Augustinsson and Lucas Digne all picking up problems.

Therefore, having Cash and Chambers back will be welcomed by Gerrard, especially the former, who had been a regular prior to his injury.

Cash could well come straight back into the starting XI, which may allow Gerrard to use Ashley Young at left-back, should Augustinsson and Digne miss out.