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Everton are running out of time to strengthen their attacking threat as the January transfer window enters it’s final hours, with a new update emerging on a potential late transfer target.

What’s the latest?

According to Calcio Mercato, Everton are interested in a late swoop to secure the services of AS Roma attacker Nicolo Zaniolo.

As per the report, a meeting is underway to determine whether the Italian club are happy to let the player go and what it would take for Everton to complete a deal for the player.

Anthony Gordon heir

Indeed, it is no secret that the Toffees have found themselves in a sticky situation not only with their poor performance in the Premier League so far but with the recent exit of Anthony Gordon too, weakening their forward line even further at the most crucial point of their season.

Everton are currently 19th in the Premier League with the second-worst goal tally in the entirety of the top flight, so securing a deal for a player who can make an instant positive impact in front of goal will be essential to boost their chances of survival over their remaining fixtures.

As a result, the signing of Zaniolo would be a major coup for the powerbrokers at Goodison Park if they can make something happen in the final hours of the transfer window.

Over 13 Serie A appearances so far this season, the 23-year-old ace – who was hailed for his “incredible” physique by Daniele De Rossi – has scored one goal and created two big chances, as well as averaging 2.2 shots on goal, 31.7 touches and 4.2 duels won per game.

Not only that, the Italian ranks in the top 20% of his positional peers across the top five European leagues for shots in total, progressive passes received and touches, as well as ranking in the top 30% for dribbles completed too.

The versatile attacker who has experience playing in the attacking midfield, right winger and second striker roles, giving Sean Dyche a player who can operate in a number of different positions comfortably but also could be the perfect replacement for Gordon in the attacking prowess of the team.

With that being said, there is limited time left for Everton to make new additions, however, if they are going to do some business before the transfer window slams shut then a versatile attacker like Zaniolo could be a great addition in their challenge to survive relegation.

Aside from recruiting a new top-class centre-forward, it would appear that Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is also keen to secure ‘another leading midfielder’ ahead of next season, having already strengthened with the signing of Casemiro last summer.

According to The Mirror, a possible target for the Red Devils could well be West Ham United captain Declan Rice, with the Old Trafford giants – along with Premier League rivals Chelsea – said to be ‘monitoring’ the 24-year-old’s situation.

Although the suggestion is that Arsenal are leading the way for the Englishman’s signature at present, there will no doubt be an almighty scramble among the division’s elite clubs to win the race, particularly amid claims that he could now be worth around £60m.

With Irons manager David Moyes having previously valued the 39-cap sensation at a fee of more than £150m, that potential drop in asking price comes with the player having just 17 months remaining on his existing deal at the London Stadium.

The signing of the former Chelsea academy asset could help to take United to “another level”, with Rice having arguably been the “best central midfielder in the country” in recent times, according to Paul Parker.

Securing the services of such a highly-coveted star who has racked up 221 games for West Ham across all fronts could well allow Ten Hag the chance to offload the peripheral figure of Scott McTominay, with the Scotland international having been attracting notable interest of late.

Although it would appear that the 26-year-old is unlikely to be sold this month, his long-term future at the Theatre of Dreams does appear somewhat uncertain, having started just one league game since the 6-3 drubbing at the hands of Manchester City in early October.

Having been described as “not good enough” by club legend Roy Keane, the United academy graduate has failed to truly win over fans and pundits alike since emerging into the first team during Jose Mourinho’s tenure, with it set to be no real surprise if he is moved on in the near future.

The difference in quality with Rice is laid bare by the fact that the West Ham captain has averaged 2.3 tackles and 1.6 interceptions per game from his 20 league appearances this season, while McTominay has averaged just 1.3 and 0.6 respectively for the same two metrics from his 15 outings.

Equally, Rice’s ball-winning brilliance is showcased by his ranking in the top 7% in Europe’s big five leagues among those in his position for interceptions made, while the current Red Devils dud ranks in the bottom 45% in that regard.

The Three Lions star also comes out on top for his composure in possession, as he ranks in the top 6% for pass completion and averages 1.3 key passes per game this term, while McTominay ranks in just the top 46% for pass completion and averages only 0.2 key passes per 90.

That should indicate the potential improvement that Ten Hag could make to his midfield by snapping up the £60k-per-week “force of nature” – as lauded by journalist Rob Blanchette – from the London Stadium.

Aston Villa have ‘sealed’ a €14m (£12.4m) move to sign Real Betis full-back Alex Moreno, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The Lowdown: Moreno speculation

Villa were first linked with a swoop for the defender ahead of the New Year after NSWE previously promised Unai Emery a ‘huge’ 2023 transfer budget.

The 29-year-old is one of numerous La Liga players who have been linked with a move to the Midlands in recent weeks, and it seems as if the Spaniard will now become Emery’s first signing in charge at Villa Park.

The Latest: Villa move for Moreno

Romano took to Twitter on Tuesday morning to share an update on Villa’s move for Moreno, claiming that documents have been exchanged ahead of a €14m deal being ‘sealed’.

The Italian said that ‘Emery will have the fullback he wanted’, adding that the player ‘will undergo medical tests soon’ prior to being unveiled as a Villa player.

The Verdict: Versatile operator

Described as ‘quality’ by journalist Ethan Lamb, Moreno is primarily a left-back but can also line out as a left midfielder or left winger. Therefore, he’ll offer plenty of versatility under Emery, who has mainly gone with a 4-4-2 system so far.

All of Moreno’s 15 league appearances for Betis this season have come as a full-back, from which he has registered three assists, so he could be about to rival Lucas Digne for a starting spot, with Villa chiefs potentially open to offers the Frenchman following a move for Moreno.

Everton will be aiming to bring in a couple of new signings to bolster their squad during the January transfer window, with Frank Lampard surely looking to add another attacker or two.

The club have recently been recently linked with Manchester United winger Anthony Elanga and Fabrizio Romano tweeted on December 31st regarding the player: “Anthony Elanga discussed between Lampard and the board as option for January window.”

With that in mind, he could well be the club’s first signing this month.

By luring him to Goodison Park, Lampard could sign his very own version of Jarrod Bowen, with the two similar in playing styles according to FBref’s player comparison model.

The West Ham United winger has been somewhat of a revelation since arriving in the Premier League from Championship side Hull in 2020, scoring 23 goals and registering 22 assists. Those numbers are something Lampard is dying out for.

Bowen is the seventh-most similar to Elanga according to FBref and the two have registered similar statistics when it comes to a number of metrics.

Indeed, they have a similar influence in the final third with regards to shots per 90 (2.13 to 1.68), shot-creating actions per match (3.60 to 3.14), and goal-creating actions per game (both 0.24).

Furthermore, they are both incredibly effective ball carriers with the United prodigy amassing 2.5 dribbles a game in European football this term compared to Bowen’s 1.4 a match on the continental stage in 2021/22.

Both players clearly excel in creating chances every match and this could only lead to Everton scoring a great deal more. The Toffees have netted just 13 times in the league this term and they could be dragged into a relegation battle once again if this isn’t improved during the second half of the season.

What should captivate Everton supporters further is that the 20-year-old has already been praised by Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Following his first call-up to the Sweden squad earlier this year, the mercurial forward praised the United winger, saying: “A great talent, we are proud and happy that he comes from Sweden. That he can represent Sweden now makes it even bigger.

“He [Elanga] has all the future ahead of him, and if he continues just as he has done, it looks positive. It’s just fighting, never being content, striving for more. How much he can develop depends on him.”

Praise from someone like Ibrahimovic doesn’t come often, and Lampard could certainly utilise the youngster’s talents in a stagnating Everton attack.

Bowen made an immediate impact after being thrust into regular first-team action upon his move to West Ham and with Elanga’s talent, there is no doubt he can’t repeat the trick and shine on Merseyside.

John Bostock was once considered as one of the brightest prospects at Crystal Palace but the 30-year-old now finds himself in non-league with Notts County.The midfielder was a product of the Eagles’ academy and featured five times for Palace in the 2007/08 season when he was just 15 years old, which led many to believe that he could go on to feature at the very top.However, instead of remaining with the south London side, he would make the controversial switch to Tottenham Hotspur the following summer, which undoubtedly played a big part in him never making it in the Premier League.Former Palace chairman Simon Jordan was understandably frustrated when Bostock made the switch to Spurs, saying:“Like everything in this miserable game, it comes down to pounds, shillings and pence. Surely it should be down to what is best for a 16-year-old boy and where he is most likely to play.”Jordan wasn’t far wrong, as in five years with the Lilywhites, Bostock would make just four first-team appearances before his release in 2013.Since then, the midfielder’s career has taken him to a number of countries in Europe, with his best spells arguably coming in Belgium with Oud-Heverlee Leuven and France with RC Lens, where he hit 26 goals and 14 assists in a combined 106 appearances.The former Palace wonderkid would return to England in 2019, signing for Nottingham Forest, where he would make just nine appearances in the 2019/20 campaign, failing to score but providing two assists.However, that wasn’t enough to earn him a more permanent contract at the City Ground as he joined Doncaster Rovers in League One, but endured an injury-disrupted spell at the Keepmoat Stadium, and left the club after their relegation to the fourth tier last season.Following a number of months without a club, Bostock is now employed once again, as he signed for National League promotion contenders Notts County.He has begun to make headlines again with the Magpies, notably scoring a remarkable free-kick in what was billed as the biggest game in National League history on Monday afternoon.

Level on 100 points going into the game with Wrexham, the side owned by Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, eventually won the game 3-2 courtesy of a late penalty save from Ben Foster.

However, before that, Bostock got things up and running with a stonking set-piece right into the top corner.

It marked a big moment in the midfielder’s career, one that has ultimately been a huge disappointment after dropping out of the top four leagues aged just 30.

Scottish champions Celtic have already acted swiftly ahead of the January transfer window, with manager Ange Postecoglou bolstering his defensive ranks with the signings of both Yuki Kobayashi and Alistair Johnston.

It does appear that the Parkhead outfit are not done yet, however, with recent reports suggesting that a new centre-forward addition could well be on the cards in the New Year, particularly amid the uncertainty surrounding Giorgos Giakoumakis’ future in Glasgow.

The latest speculation is that Dutch forward Said Hamulic could well be one figure who is attracting the attention of the Old Firm outfit at present, with reports in Italy suggesting that the Hoops are the most ‘active’ suitor in the race for the striker’s signature.

The 22-year-old – who currently plies his trade for Polish outfit Stal Mielec – has enjoyed a sparkling start to the season so far with nine goals and four assists in just 17 league appearances, having only joined the Ekstraklasa side over the summer.

The 6 foot 2 dynamo – who spent his youth career in his homeland – previously netted seven goals in just 14 games while on loan at Lithuanian side Suduva in the second half of last term, while his record at former club Dainava stands at 16 goals in just 36 games.

A player who has showcased his finishing prowess in his embryonic senior career thus far, Hamulic could well prove to be yet another hidden gem that can go on to thrive under Postecoglou’s tutelage should he make the move to Scotland.

The Leiderdorop-born marksman will also likely be hoping to emulate the impact of compatriot Pierre van Hooijdonk at Paradise, with the former Netherlands international having proven truly prolific after joining the Bhoys in the summer of 1995.

Despite enduring something of a sour end to his time at Celtic Park, after departing for Nottingham Forest following a dispute over wages, the 6 foot 4 menace proved a popular figure at the club due to his rampant goalscoring exploits.

The former NAC Breda man memorably scored 26 goals in his first full campaign with the Scottish Premiership side during the 1995/96 season, with his total tally for the club standing at an impressive haul of 56 goals in just 92 games in all competitions before his exit in 1997.

Such form has ensured that Van Hooijdonk remains something of a cult figure among the club’s supporters, with Celtic likely hoping that the potential arrival of another Dutchman, Hamulic, can prove just as fruitful.

Crystal Palace are among a number of Premier League clubs who have scouted Blackburn Rovers forward Ben Brereton Diaz, according to 90min.

The Lowdown: Contract situation

The Chile international has been at Ewood Park since 2019 and has scored 40 goals in 148 appearances for the Lancashire club.

He has been in fine form over the last 18 months, scoring 31 goals in the Championship since the start of the 2021/22 season, with his former manager Tony Mowbray hailing the forward as an ‘extraordinary talent’.

However, he will soon be entering the final six months of his Rovers contract, and it seems as if Palace may be looking to take advantage of the situation.

The Latest: Palace linked with Brereton Diaz

90min reporter Graeme Bailey shared an update regarding Brereton Diaz on Tuesday, in which the south London club were name-checked.

He claimed that the Eagles are among a number of top-flight sides to scout the player in recent weeks, with Rovers potentially tempted to sell the Chile international in January for around £10m.

The Verdict: Zaha replacement?

The 23-year-old has mainly played as a capable of operating through the middle or on the right.

Therefore, he could prove to be a shrewd long-term replacement for Wilfried Zaha, who has reportedly been in talks with Barcelona about a possible move.

The Selhurst Park icon’s deal is also up at the end of the season, so Steve Parish and Dougie Freedman may lose a key figure for nothing and end up replacing him with a versatile forward for free.

Aston Villa managed to act promptly to find their replacement for Steven Gerrard, and will only have to go two matches with Aaron Danks in charge.

However, the 37-year-old stand-in did lead Villa to their only win in their last five Premier League fixtures, as they thumped Brentford 4-0 last time out.

Despite the majority of the previous reign being disappointing, there was one shining light in recent weeks that the 42-year-old manager was responsible for.

Having signed last summer under Dean Smith, Gerrard had this season deployed Ashley Young as a stand-in left-back whilst Lucas Digne was injured.

And, during this time, the 37-year-old has excelled.

The veteran offers vast experience down that flank and has been involved in the club’s only three wins of the current campaign.

He even has a goal to his name, as his long-range scorcher salvaged a point against Nottingham Forest earlier this season.

SofaScore has highlighted his impressive performances, as the former Manchester United man boasts an average rating of 7.21.

Therefore, despite the reported return to action of the Frenchman this weekend, Young must not be displaced for their trip to Newcastle United.

Whilst averaging 1.1 key passes per game, Young also makes an average of 2.0 tackles and 1.6 clearances. He has been the perfect modern full-back since he entered the starting XI – most likely due to his years spent in a more advanced winger role.

Meanwhile, Digne’s performances have only seen him gain a 6.81 average SofaScore rating, with the defender yet to score or assist this campaign.

The decision to start Young was one of Gerrard’s rare successes during his stay at Villa Park and must be upheld by Danks with Unai Emery likely to be watching.

Journalist Alex Shaw tweeted back in 2017 that the former Manchester United winger was a “fantastic squad option to have” and it is pleasing that five years on that remains true.

The new manager, as well as Danks this weekend, must rely on mature and experienced heads to guide his team into this new era which promises so much.

That is why he must stay in the team for the foreseeable future until Digne rightfully earns his spot back.

Newcastle United striker Chris Wood could be an ideal play for the Southampton hierarchy to target in the January transfer window, although any such move may well depend on the future of Ralph Hasenhuttl at St Mary’s, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

THE LOWDOWN: FOCAL POINT NEEDED

Having averaged 3.6 shots on target per match, it is no wonder as to why the Saints find themselves as the league’s joint-fifth lowest scorers, having found the net just 11 times so far.

Whilst their big chances created total of 16 is respectable, their 10 big chances missed is a metric which highlights just one of the issues among the squad this season. If they are not careful, this could be a theme which comes back to haunt them in the latter stages of the campaign.

One possible remedy to this lack of potency up top may be Wood, who will reportedly be made available for other clubs to sign in January.

THE LATEST: WOOD COULD “FIT THE BILL” FOR SOUTHAMPTON

Jones has suggested that the £25m Newcastle marksman, who is barely getting a look-in at St James’ Park, could provide a solution to the Saints’ lack of threat in front of goal this season.

However, with Hasenhuttl’s job seemingly under pressure of late, any such move may be dependent on whether the Austrian is still Southampton manager by the time the January transfer window opens.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Jones said: “I guess it will depend on the type of manager they end up getting in if Hasenhuttl does go. But there’s no doubt that this team lack goal threat and Chris Wood might fit the bill.”

THE VERDICT: HE’D BE AN IDEAL TARGET

A change of dimension in attack is most certainly what Hasenhuttl’s Southampton need. Their current options are pacey, floating strikers who would be greatly complimented by the presence of an old-school number nine with physicality and a certain gravitational pull on defenders.

Wood proved himself to be prolific threat who lived off a relative scarcity of chances under the tutelage of Sean Dyche at Burnley, yet he still managed to hit double figures in the Premier League for four consecutive seasons at Turf Moor.

Therefore, as Jones has hinted, the New Zealand striker could be an ideal target for the Saints, especially if he is still struggling for game-time at Newcastle by January.

Crystal Palace’s hopes of defeating Chelsea on Saturday have been given a huge boost, with Graham Potter confirming that two important players will miss the trip to Selhurst Park.

Patrick Vieira’s side have been out of Premier League action for nearly a month, with the Queen’s death and the international break making the 0-0 draw with Newcastle United seem like a lifetime ago.

The Eagles have started the season in decent fashion, given that they have already faced the likes of Manchester City, Liverpool and Arsenal, and their fixtures do not get any easier with the visit of Chelsea this weekend.

Graham Potter is taking charge of his first Premier League game as Chelsea’s new manager but he looks set to be without two key players for the game, as he revealed in Friday’s pre-match press conference.

He said:

“N’Golo is doing fine in terms of coming through the rehab stages. He has been on the grass with the team but he’s not in full training.

“We have a bit of illness with Marc Cucurella and also Carney Chukwuemeka. Apart from that everyone is fit.”

It is undoubtedly a big boost to Palace’s chances that both Kante and Cucurella will be missing on Saturday, and Vieira will be hoping to take advantage.

Kante is undoubtedly one of the top players in Chelsea’s squad, having been integral to title wins with both Leicester City and Chelsea in his Premier League career.

The “world-class” midfielder averaged a 7.01 rating from WhoScored for his performances last season, which ranked him as the seventh-best player (of those to make at least 10 appearances) in the squad, which emphasises how important he is at Stamford Bridge.

Cucurella meanwhile, would win player of the season at Brighton and will undoubtedly excel now that he has been reunited with Potter at Chelsea, but his absence will force Potter to re-think his defensive lineup from the draw against RB Salzburg in his first game at the club.

This can only be good for Vieira and Palace, and the Frenchman will be hoping that his side can exploit any weaknesses in Chelsea’s midfield and defence due to the absence of Kante and Cucurella on Saturday.