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An update has emerged on Sunderland and their interest in signing Cardiff City defender Aden Flint in the January transfer window…

What’s the talk?

According to Football League World, the Black Cats are eyeing up a swoop for the centre-back as Lee Johnson looks to improve his squad at the Stadium of Light.

The report does not reveal whether they are looking into a loan or permanent switch for the giant enforcer, or whether or not Cardiff are willing to part ways with the 32-year-old.

Imagine him & Doyle

Johnson must ensure that he is able to get a deal over the line for Flint, as he could seal a dream partnership for Sunderland by starting him alongside youngster Callum Doyle at the back.

The Cardiff monster is as experienced as they come in the EFL and has been playing in the Championship for a number of seasons. He has racked up 242 appearances in the second tier, having played 112 times in League One prior to getting his chance higher up the leagues.

Last year, former Bluebirds boss Mick McCarthy heaped praise on the player, saying: “He has been great, hasn’t he? I always admired him and thought he was a top defender when he got his moves. I was kind of surprised that he had been out on loan. But I had a word with him, the first week I was in and he has been brilliant. I am amazed at his resilience, how he has come back, having been three months off with a hamstring. He has been brilliant.”

He has a career average WhoScored rating of 7.12, winning an impressive 5.7 aerial battles per game throughout his playing days. This suggests that McCarthy’s comments are accurate, as Flint has proven with his performances that he is a top defender at Championship and League One level.

By contrast, Doyle is at the other end of his career and still learning his trade as a defender. The 18-year-old has started 24 games for Sunderland this season and averaged a SofaScore rating of 6.79. This shows that the Manchester City loanee has had a strong start to life at senior level, and playing next to an experienced head in the form of Flint could further aid his development.

This means that they could be the perfect pairing, as Johnson would be mixing Flint’s experience and guile with Doyle’s youthfulness and ability on the ball. They could complement each other well and the latter could benefit greatly from having such an established EFL player alongside him in the second half of the campaign.

AND in other news, Sunderland plotting swoop for 72-goal machine who’s a “real threat”, Johnson would love him…

With Liverpool currently having a number of senior players out injured such as Harvey Elliott, Roberto Firmino, Naby Keita and James Milner, it’s safe to say the Reds have not had the best luck in this department so far this season.

Looking ahead to their next Premier League clash when the current international break comes to an end with a home clash against Arsenal next up for Jurgen Klopp’s side, it seems as though they could have another couple of important first-team players out with injuries as well.

What’s the news?

It has recently been reported by the Liverpool Echo that Reds duo Sadio Mane and Jordan Henderson are set to be assessed by the club in the coming days after picking up injuries whilst away with their respective countries.

With Mikel Arteta’s side just one place and two points behind Liverpool in the Premier League table after the Reds suffered their first league defeat of the season before the international break with a 3-2 loss against West Ham United, Klopp and everyone at the Merseyside club will undoubtedly be hoping that both Mane and Henderson will be deemed fit enough to play in this big match on Saturday evening.

In terms of Mane, the winger has proven himself to be a dangerous attacking threat for the Reds this season with six goals under his belt in the 11 league games he’s played in. Thus, to lose him at a time when Firmino is also out could be hugely detrimental for Klopp.

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As for Henderson, the Reds captain has also proven himself to be a top performer for the team this season having racked up an average of 1.1 shots at goal, 1.5 key passes, and 1.5 tackles per game in the Premier League, showing how critical he has been as an all-round midfield unit up and down the pitch.

Furthermore, his leadership skills are also of outstanding quality.

Looking ahead to the Arsenal game, if the worst-case scenario were to happen and both Mane and Henderson were unable to play against the north London club, this would surely leave Klopp fuming. After all, it would leave his side with a lower chance of picking up a win against a side that has not tasted defeat in a game in the league since August.

It will be of even greater frustration that the setbacks have occurred on international duty too, something completely out of Liverpool’s control.

It’s safe to say everyone at Anfield will have their fingers crossed that the injury assessments on Mane and Henderson in the coming days will come back positive.

In other news: Klopp could save millions at Liverpool in rarely-seen 18 y/o “leader”, he’s Gomez 2.0 – opinion

Renato Sanches may be eyeing up a move to a bigger club than Wolves, which could scupper a switch to Molineux, according to journalist Luke Hatfield.

The Lowdown: Wolves linked with January move

According to recent reports, Bruno Lage is keen on acquiring the signature of the Lille man who shone for Portugal at Euro 2020, averaging a 91.6% pass completion rate.

Sanches’ current Lille contract expires in the summer of 2o23, so next year will likely be their final opportunity to receive a hefty fee for him.

Wolves could eye up a January move for the 24-year-old but a negative update has emerged in that respect.

The Latest: Journalist provides Sanches update

Speaking to Give Me Sport, Hatfield claimed Sanches may see his future at a club with greater credentials than Wolves, putting paid to a move to Molineux:

“The issue with Sanches is you see his name linked with other clubs, and clubs who are higher up the pecking order in terms of size than Wolves. Would he see them as a more attractive option? That’s a question you’ve got to ask.”

The Verdict: Talented but injury-prone

Sanches is an extremely gifted footballer – he won the 2016 European Golden Boy award, which speaks volumes – but his career has been plagued by injuries.

In fact, the 32-time capped Portugal international has never started more than 16 league games in a season at any club, highlighting his fitness issues. If he were to play just 16 times in a 38-game Premier League campaign, that amounts to only 42 per cent of the season.

For that reason, Wolves may end up seeing not signing Sanches as a blessing in disguise, spending their money on a more trustworthy midfielder who will be available for more than half the campaign.

In other news, Fabrizio Romano has given an update on one Wolves target. Find out who it is here.

Wolves need to bring in both a centre-back and a midfielder in the January transfer window, according to journalist Luke Hatfield.

The Lowdown: Heartbreak against Liverpool

Bruno Lage’s side suffered an agonising 1-0 defeat at home to Liverpool on Saturday, with Divock Origi pouncing at the death at Molineux.

The loss is no disaster in the grand scheme of things, however, with Wolves sitting eighth in the Premier League after the weekend action – their season will not be decided by fixtures against teams like Jurgen Klopp’s side.

Still , it may be that January reinforcements are needed if Wanderers are to mount a genuine European push, given the quality of the teams around them – West Ham for example were able to grab three points against title-chasing Chelsea on Saturday.

The Latest: Journalist backs double signing

Speaking to Give Me Sport, Hatfield says that should be the case next month, claiming there are two clear areas that need to be improved upon:

“They need a really dominant centre-half, would be ideal for them along with an energetic midfielder.”

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The Verdict: Ideal for squad depth

It makes complete sense for these areas to be focused on, with Wolves appearing to run out of the steam against Liverpool on Saturday.

In Max Kilman, Conor Coady and Romain Saiss, Lage has a strong to back-three to call upon but another option would allow him to rotate and give his key defenders the odd breather.

Someone like Lille’s Sven Botman would be ideal, having been linked with a move, with the 21-year-old’s average of 2.5 aerial duel wins per game in the league this season only bettered by Saiss (2.9).

In midfield, the likes of Ruben Neves and Joao Moutinho are arguably too similar, oozing technical class but not covering endless ground, so a more combative middle man could be a perfect foil for the pair – perhaps the endlessly linked Renato Sanches.

In other news, three Wolves players struggled in the defeat to Liverpool. Find out who they are here.

In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, former Newcastle United midfielder Rob Lee has backed Dwight Gayle and Andy Carroll to step up and perform in the absence of Callum Wilson, Miguel Almiron and Allan Saint-Maximin.

Newcastle’s three latest casualties have either scored or set up 25 of the Magpies’ 28 goals in the Premier League this season, quite a feat for the rest of the squad to follow up on.

Lee has confidence in Carroll and Gayle to get the job done if they are provided with the correct service from the likes of Ryan Fraser and Jacob Murphy from out wide.

The Magpies’ three available strikers have three goals and two assists between them with Joelinton registering both assists.

It seemed an impossible task to replace Wilson, however, for Bruce to somehow replace his three best-attacking players this season will be a tough task until April at the earliest.

Rob Lee spoke exclusively to Football FanCast about Bruce’s options for the rest of the season and he believes the only solution is to play both Gayle and Carroll together.

He explained: “Joelinton, I just don’t think he’s gonna score the goals.

“If it was me, I would play Gayle and Carroll and I’d say right let’s get Fraser on one wing and let’s get someone on the other wing and let’s get some crosses in.

“Times are desperate. Let’s give Andy Carroll a go and get some balls in the box. On his day he’s unplayable but he needs service.

“I just think it’s the only option we have.”

It is a grim thought for Newcastle fans to be without Wilson, Almiron and Saint-Maximin for a number of months.

Bruce has to find a way to win without his star players, which may be difficult considering they were struggling before the triple injury blow.

Lee Johnson has breathed fresh life into this Sunderland team and they are now currently sitting comfortably in the playoff places.

Though, if there was one negative to take from his reign at the Stadium of Light, it would be constant injury problems.

On the chalkboard

Johnson’s tenure has been plagued with fitness and injury concerns. At the moment, he has three centre-backs missing in Bailey Wright, Jordan Willis and Tom Flanagan. He is also missing his full-backs in Conor McLaughlin and Denver Hume.

You can also add new signing Ross Stewart to that list and midfield stalwart Grant Leadbitter too.

The 35-year-old limped off the field of play during Sunderland’s draw with Crewe after just a matter of minutes. Leadbitter had been introduced as a substitute but went down holding his shoulder and he looked to be in some pain.

A stretcher was brought onto the field but fortunately, he was able to walk from the field of play. That being said, he suffered a dislocation to his shoulder and will now face a period on the sidelines.

The good news is that it won’t require surgery. However, if Leadbitter was to suffer the same injury again, he would have to go under the knife.

Time to unleash Neil

With Luke O’Nien currently playing at centre-back and Max Power playing at right-back, it leaves Johnson’s side quite stretched in the middle of the park.

Elliot Embleton was loaned out in the January transfer window too so the manager could have to pick from the club’s academy crop to fill the void.

Carl Winchester has now started successive games but if they’re looking for alternative options, they simply have to unleash Daniel Neil.

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The 19-year-old made a late cameo in the dying embers during Sunderland’s 2-0 win over Rochdale, an appearance that marked just his second in League One. He is rarely seen in the first-team but as Johnson’s selection of Oliver Younger told us last weekend, there is a space for young talent if they work hard.

Neil certainly has those qualities and could add a sense of freshness to the Sunderland midfield if chosen. Possessing the ability to play as a number 10 or slightly further back, there are plenty of roles to suit his qualities and attributes.

Those already with the Mackems obviously rate him highly too. Speaking about the teenager just before the season kicked off, O’Nien commented: “Dan has been exceptional right throughout pre-season.”

The midfielder continued: “Every day in training, he’s like a dancer with those magic feet. He’s creating and scoring goals in training all the time.”

Johnson has favoured two more defensive-minded players in his midfield since taking charge but he evidently loves attacking players. You only need to look at the way Aiden McGeady and Charlie Wyke have contributed this term. Between them, they have been involved in 35 league goals.

Add a more offensive player in the style of Neil to the equation and you could see the Black Cats scoring even more.

It’s a frightening prospect but Neil could certainly get more game time now. Leadbitter’s injury has opened up a vacant spot that Sunderland’s youngsters could benefit from.

AND in other news, Imagine him & McGeady: SAFC must land 29-goal ace who Moyes once dubbed “priceless”…

Leeds United manager Jesse Marsch could look to bring Manchester United assistant Chris Armas to Elland Road this summer, according to Phil Hay.

The Lowdown: Armas profiled

The 49-year-old worked under Marsch at New York Red Bulls, serving as his assistant for 151 games.

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Armas, labelled as a ‘winner’ with ‘infectious positivity’, has since gone on to manage Toronto and has been at Old Trafford under Ralf Rangnick since December.

His services in Manchester may no longer be needed after Erik ten Hag was announced as Manchester United’s new manager, and it looks as if Marsch could take full advantage ahead of his first full season in charge.

The Latest: Hay’s claim

Hay shared a story on The Athletic on Saturday morning, looking at Leeds’ U23s following a record PL2 attendance at Elland Road on Friday night.

Within his report, he claimed that Marsch looks set to make further alterations to his backroom staff this summer, revealing Armas is under consideration for a permanent post.

The Verdict: Makes sense

The pair know each other well following their time back in the USA and Marsch is clearly a fan of Armas, so a reunion in Yorkshire appears to be a shrewd move.

Marsch has already brought Franz Schiemer and Cameron Toshack to Thorp Arch, while Mark Jackson has been promoted from the U23s, so Amas could be the missing piece in the backroom staff jigsaw.

Hopefully, Leeds will be preparing for a first full season under the American as a Premier League side, which could persuade Armas to remain in England.

In other news: Phil Hay: Marsch now eyeing Leeds move for ‘quality’ rising star alongside Aaronson. 

Steve Bruce has been dealt a huge blow at Newcastle United after Ryan Fraser suffered yet another injury amid a torrid start to life at St. James’ Park for the Scotland winger.

The ex-AFC Bournemouth maestro missed the Magpies’ 2-0 defeat to Manchester City on Boxing Day after sustaining a groin issue in the midweek Carabao Cup defeat to Championship side Brentford.

Fraser had only returned to fitness a week prior following a lengthy layoff with a hamstring injury that prevented the 26-year-old from tasting any game time for club or country since November 1st.

Bruce would have hoped to see Fraser finally establish himself in the Newcastle first-team following his return against Leeds United earlier this month, having only been able to call on the £11m-rated playmaker to start two of seven Premier League appearances following his summer arrival.

Instead, Fraser is now facing even more games on the sidelines with Bruce unsure how long the 26-year-old will be unavailable for ahead of facing champions Liverpool on Wednesday night.

“Unfortunately, he hurt his groin against Brentford,” Bruce said, via quotes by the Chronicle.

Bruce was also without Jonjo Shelvey, Paul Dummett and Jeff Hendrick against Pep Guardiola’s Man City, and is hoping to see signs of progress in his players over the coming days with Jamaal Lascelles and Allan Saint-Maximin still missing after testing positive for coronavirus.

“Shelvey had a groin injury and he is not right, he has played too many games,” Bruce added. “We will see if we can get a few back, once we do, I’m sure we will be OK.”

Bruce faces a mammoth task to take a result against Liverpool with yet more players set for spells on the sidelines, with Saturday’s defeat to Manchester City a third loss in the Toon’s last four fixtures across all competitions.

Fraser provided his second assist in black and white during his return to action at Elland Road this month, while Shelvey had captained the side in three of United’s previous four top-flight games.

Any severity in the knock sustained by Callum Wilson that prevented the £20m striker from featuring against Manchester City will only worsen Newcastle’s injury crisis, too, with the former Cherries ace accounting for 47% of the Magpies’ 17 Premier League goals – no player has contributed a higher percentage for their side.

AND in other news, an £18m-rated Newcastle ace badly betrayed Steve Bruce with a horror show performance at Man City.

Wolves’ attempts to replace two of their best players last summer turned into a mess.

Jeff Shi spent over £27m on defensive liability Nelson Semedo and splashed a club-record £35.6m on Fabio Silva to garner only three goals.

On the chalkboard

On paper, these additions looked promising. Semedo had been signed from one of the biggest clubs in world football; Barcelona, while Silva was and still is, the definition of a wonderkid.

However, things haven’t played out well for the Old Gold. Raul Jimenez, Daniel Podence and Pedro Neto have all suffered from significant injuries this term while Adama Traore has one goal since December 2019.

Life has been made all the more difficult by the departing Matt Doherty and Diogo Jota. They accounted for 25% of Wolves’ goals last season and they simply haven’t been replaced.

Jota has become a shining light for Liverpool and already has a Champions League hat-trick to his name. He has also managed to break up the terrifying trio of Sadio Mane, Mo Salah and Roberto Firmino. That isn’t easy work but Jota has made it look relatively straightforward.

The Portuguese youngster scored 16 times last term, a number no one in the Wolves side this season has come close to eclipsing. Neto and Ruben Neves are their top scorers during 2020/21 with only five strikes in comparison.

The replacement

Jeff Shi didn’t do a great job of reinvesting the £41m they sold Jota for last summer but he has a chance to amend things in a few months time.

He could do so by bringing South Korean sensation Kang-in Lee to the club. It’s thought that Valencia could offer the attacker to Wolves in a swap deal involving enigmatic forward Rafa Mir.

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Mir has done well on loan at Huesca in Spain this term and has 12 La Liga goals for his troubles; more than both Antoine Griezmann and Joao Felix.

However, it wouldn’t be a huge loss if he departed because he’s never actually scored a goal in English football.

While surrendering Mir, they could finally land their Jota replacement.

After all, Lee is a particularly dangerous and tricky individual. Possessing an enormous release clause of £71m, the South Korea international is only 20 but has already been compared to one of the most creative footballers to play the game in David Silva.

Lee can play on the flanks but also through the middle as an attacking midfielder. He has creativity in abundance and can beat a defender on a frequent basis.

Like Jota, his dribbling is mesmeric. This term, Lee has registered 1.4 dribbles per game and has been fouled on 1.8 occasions per match.

Those numbers are more impressive than Jota who has performed 1.1 successful dribbles each game and has been fouled on 1.1 occasions.

Dubbed an “outstanding talent” by Valencia academy director Luis Vicente Mateo, Lee still needs to work on finding the net more regularly; he has scored just once this term but has four assists to his name.

If he can work on his finishing, then he’d be an astute capture for those at Molineux. He could even replace the attributes that Jota took with him when he left for Merseyside.

AND in other news, Move over Podence: Wolves must swoop for £80k-p/w brute with “breathtaking technique”…

Charlton Athletic have been dealt a major injury blow ahead of their crucial League One fixture this Sunday.

What’s the latest?

According to a statement on the club’s official website, Jake Forster-Caskey will miss the remainder of the Addicks’ season after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury in the recent 3-1 win over Lincoln City.

The midfielder was withdrawn after just 38 minutes on Tuesday due to the injury and will now miss the club’s must-win showdown against Hull City on Sunday, as well as their potential play-off fixtures.

Regarding the 27-year-old’s knock, Nigel Adkins said: “Jake has had a fantastic season and has been a really important part of our team. He has begun rehabilitation and will be provided with excellent medical care and attention throughout his recovery.”

Huge blow

With Charlton knowing that nothing but a win against Hull will do in their quest to finish in a play-off place come the end of the season, the news of Forster-Caskey’s injury will undoubtedly leave Adkins furious.

The midfielder has been one of the 56-year-old’s most influential players over his 34 league appearances for the Addicks this season, scoring six goals and registering two assists, in addition to averaging 1.6 interceptions, 2.2 tackles and 1.4 key passes per game, earning an average SofaScore match rating of 7.26 – ranking him as the club’s best performer in League One.

However, Charlton must now attempt to forget about the absence of Forster-Caskey ahead of Sunday’s game, despite the magnitude of his absence, as any distraction could well cost them their shot at a top-six finish – something which already relies on the Addicks securing a win while hoping that results elsewhere go their way.

In other news: Lost possession 15x: Charlton passenger who committed 6 fouls let Adkins down vs Imps – opinion