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Manchester City fans may have been concerned that the club didn’t possess a natural heir to Kyle Walker, but Rico Lewis’ performances this season show that he can be the ideal man to step up as the England international’s long-term replacement at the Etihad Stadium.

Walker, who joined from Tottenham Hotspur in 2017, has gone on to make 223 appearances for the Citizens, scoring six goals and contributing 17 assists.

His recovery pace has always been his strongest attribute, but with the right-back set to turn 33 next year, Pep Guardiola may already be thinking about who can replace Walker once he eventually leaves the Etihad.

Joao Cancelo, who has been moved over to left-back in recent campaigns, would perhaps be the most obvious replacement. However, his performances have been so impressive on the left flank that it would almost be a shame for Guardiola to feel a compulsion to revert him back to the other wing.

In Walker’s recent injury absence, the City manager has turned to 18-year-old Lewis, with the academy talent already boasting seven first-team appearances for his club, which includes a goal in the Champions League this season.

He was trusted to start in City’s first game back against Liverpool in midweek and produced another strong display as they progressed to the Carabao Cup quarter-finals with a 3-2 win against Jurgen Klopp’s side.

The teenage defender earned a 6.5 rating from Sofascore, registering 90 touches of the ball and completing 62 passes, which shows that he is confident enough to demand the ball and doesn’t look out of place at all in a Guardiola team.

The former Barcelona boss was full of praise for Lewis following Thursday night’s victory, suggesting that the 18-year-old will be a “magnificent player” for City for the next decade.

Guardiola clearly believes in the young right-back and it seems as if there will be plenty more first-team opportunities for Lewis over the next couple of years, so if he continues to impress, there seems no reason why he can’t be the man to replace Walker in City’s first-team when the latter eventually moves on.

Leeds United right-back Cody Drameh looks set to leave Elland Road in the January transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to Graham Smyth, with the Yorkshire Evening Post journalist revealing in a recent post on Twitter that, following reports of numerous clubs taking an interest in his services this winter, the 20-year-old now looks “likely” to move onto pastures new in January.

Regarding the future of the England U21 international, Smyth said: “Noises that only need a serious third party to translate into a transfer – Cody Drameh and Leeds United look likely to part ways in January.”

Huge mistake

While it is true that, at present, Drameh appears to have both Luke Ayling and Rasmus Kristensen ahead of him in Jesse Marsch’s right-back pecking order, considering just how exciting a prospect the youngster evidently is, the argument that allowing him to leave the club this winter would be a huge mistake is an easy one to make.

Indeed, the England youth international has been one of the U21s’ star players in 2022/23, bagging one goal and registering three assists over 7.03 over his three appearances in the Papa John’s Trophy.

Furthermore, over his 22 Championship appearances while on loan at Cardiff City last season, the £1.7m-rated full-back was also in fantastic form, helping his side keep six clean sheets, in addition to making an average of 3.8 tackles – the most of any player in the division – one interception, 2.0 clearances and winning 6.9 duels – at a success rate of 57% – per game.

The £4.4k-per-week talent also caught the eye in an attacking capacity, registering three assists and creating four big chances for his teammates, as well as making an average of 0.6 key passes, playing 1.4 long balls and completing 1.1 dribbles per match.

These returns saw the player who Skubala claimed goes “under the radar” average an extremely impressive SofaScore match rating of 6.92, ranking him as the Bluebird’s fourth-best player in the second tier of English football last time out.

As such, with the 31-year-old Ayling’s current contract at Elland Road coming to an end next summer, it would appear extremely wise for Marsch and Victor Orta to keep Drameh around this winter, as the 20-year-old will undoubtedly be handed more first-team opportunities following the veteran right-back’s likely departure at the end of the current campaign.

Furthermore, considering just how high Drameh’s ceiling appears to be, allowing the England youth international to leave so early in his career would very much look to be a huge mistake by the club, as the full-back undoubtedly possesses the potential to one day go on to become Leeds’ first choice in the position.

Newcastle United have been heavily linked with a move for Shakhtar Donetsk winger Mykhaylo Mudryk, with the Ukrainian sensation currently attracting interest from across Europe.

What’s the word?

Recent reports have claimed that the Magpies are eyeing up a move for the 21-year-old in order to bolster manager Eddie Howe’s attacking options, with the Premier League outfit believed to be readying an offer worth more than £50m.

The fleet-footed forward has, however, been tipped for a move to fellow top-flight side Arsenal in recent months, as well as a number of continental clubs, while Everton are also believed to have made an offer for the youngster’s services over the summer.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT regarding the Tynesiders’ interest, specifically, Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie has given his backing to the move, suggesting it would be a real coup for the St James’ Park outfit.

The transfer insider stated: “That one really stands out. If they were to bring someone like him in, that would be a real statement.”

Boost Champions League bid

The arrival of such a talent could well help the northeast side in their quest to secure a Champions League berth, with Howe and co currently well-placed to do so having gone into the World Cup break in third place and just two points off champions Manchester City in second.

Such a remarkable start to the season may be somewhat unexpected for even the club’s ambitious ownership, having previously been scrapping for survival a year ago, although PIF may need to capitalise on the current position and further strengthen the squad in January, subsequently boosting the chances of sealing a top-four berth.

A further attacking recruit could well be needed in order to shoulder the current burden on Callum Wilson and Miguel Almiron, with the final starting berth in the forward line having yet to be cemented, with the dynamic Allan Saint-Maximin having been hampered by injury this season.

The French wing wizard had also previously been tipped for a departure over the summer amid doubts over his long-term future at the club, while teammate Jacob Murphy – who has also operated off the left this season – has just one goal to his name thus far this term.

Adding Mudryk – who has been dubbed a “baller” by journalist Sacha Pisani – into the mix could well solve that issue on the left flank, with the explosive forward having proven his credentials at the elite level of late, providing five goal involvements in just six Champions League group games, including two stunning efforts against Scottish giants Celtic, both ‘home’ and away.

Equally, on the domestic front, the eight-cap speedster has also sparkled despite the ongoing Russian invasion that has impacted his homeland, scoring five goals and providing five assists in just nine league games.

That has ensured that his total tally for the season thus far stands at 15 goals and assists in just 15 games, while he boasts an overall record for his current side of 26 goal contributions in just 41 matches across all fronts.

While still relatively inexperienced at senior level, Mudryk has already showcased his undoubted talent in recent times, with his arrival potentially the ‘statement’ addition that Newcastle are in need of to go to that next level, with a place in Europe’s premier competition now firmly up for grabs.

Tottenham Hotspur slipped to fourth place in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon after Antonio Conte’s side were defeated 2-1 by Liverpool, who had lost their last two matches.

Despite missing their star man Heung-min Son, the Lilywhites were never out of the game as veteran Ivan Perisic had a number of chances upfront alongside Harry Kane, who scored a consolation goal late in the second half but it wasn’t enough to cancel out Mohamed Salah’s brace in north London.

Both of the Reds’ goals were from Spurs’ own doing, notably the second as central defender Eric Dier messed up a header back towards Hugo Lloris in goal. It hit his shoulder, fell into the Egyptian’s path and he dinked a deft chip over the France no.1.

However, the England international – who has enjoyed a new lease of life under Conte – wasn’t the real villain at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium as the home side struggled to make their pressure count during the second half.

Emerson Royal was arguably the bigger liability on the night as he struggled to have any influence on the match past the halfway line.

The Brazil international, who cost the club around £26m from FC Barcelona, was clearly a problem in the Italian’s eyes as he hooked him in the 68th minute for Matt Doherty, who offers a far greater threat going forward.

Indeed, the £62k-per-week flop lost five of his seven duels (71.4%) – both in the air and on the ground – and also lost possession of the ball 15 times, which was once every 3.4 touches or once every 4.5 minutes, via SofaScore.

Emerson even failed to deliver a single accurate cross despite three attempts and failed to create a key chance or provide a shot.

By comparison, one of Doherty’s first involvements saw him put through fellow substitute Dejan Kulusevski, who then provided an assist for Kane’s effort. He also had a better passing accuracy (88% vs 74%) too.

‘Final ball was desperately lacking again, underlined by a wildly overhit cross in the second half,’ wrote the Evening Standard’s Dan Kilpatrick, whilst Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp lambasted his involvement for Liverpool’s opener (via the Express):

“You’ve got all that space down that left-hand side,” he said. “Emerson Royal’s too tucked in, there’s no reason, you’re playing three at the back, that’s your job.”

As such, it was Emerson living up to talkSPORT pundit Jamie O’Hara’s tag of him being a “complete liability” and a “mistake waiting to happen” once again.

It seems as if every time he steps out onto the pitch, he does Spurs more harm than good and that is something that has to be rectified after the World Cup break.

AND in other news, Paratici could land Conte’s dream Spurs signing in “world-class” £290k-p/w “legend”…

Sunderland journalist for The Northern Echo Scott Wilson has been left bemoaning an injury update on Aji Alese.

The Lowdown: Injury pile-up

Tony Mowbray gave an update on the fitness of Lynden Gooch after he missed their 2-0 loss away at Blackburn Rovers in the Championship on Tuesday night, claiming that the club are ‘hopeful’ that his injury is minor after suffering a ‘bit of bruising’.

However, his post-match update on Alese sounded more serious, after the defender limped off in the second half.

Mowbray admitted that Alese ‘might have twisted’ his foot in the challenge that forced him off, and added that he may even need a scan.

The Latest: Wilson reacts

Taking to Twitter this morning, Wilson bemoaned the injury update on Alese, claiming that it was ‘more bad news’ for the Stadium of Light outfit:

“More bad news for SAFC from last night as Tony Mowbray admits Aji Alese may need a scan on the foot injury that forced him off at Blackburn.”

The Verdict: Big blow

Given that the Wearsiders have already lost Gooch to injury recently, as well as the likes of Ross Stewart and Ellis Simms, Alese potentially being out long-term would be another big blow.

The 21-year-old, who has played at centre-back, left-back and left wing-back already for the Black Cats, has started the last seven games in the Championship including against Blackburn (Transfermarkt), showing how much faith Mowbray has in him to perform wherever he is on the pitch.

He has been praised in the media in some of his recent displays, and given the form that he is in, supporters will be praying that Alese’s injury is not too serious.

Liverpool haven’t enjoyed the best start to their Premier League campaign this season, dropping nine points over their first six outings, and this poor form hasn’t been exclusive to league performances.

Indeed, Jurgen Klopp’s side also endured a disastrous start to their Champions League campaign, with a humiliating 4-1 defeat in Naples matching their joint-heaviest loss in the competition.

As such, it is safe to say that the German manager will be hoping that the extended break, alongside a number of his players returning from injury, will make a difference when they return to action against Brighton & Hove Albion this weekend.

Liverpool will host their first game at Anfield since September 13 when they welcome Roberto De Zerbi’s side on Saturday afternoon, and three points are non-negotiable for the Reds if they are to have any hope of competing for the title – as they currently sit eighth in the league.

As a result, it could be the perfect opportunity for Klopp to freshen up the team by deploying a different perspective in the back-line, with Ibrahima Konate finally available for selection following a pre-season injury that has seen him unavailable so far this term.

The talented 23-year-old Frenchman who was hailed an “absolute dream” by Phil Thompson proved his worth to Liverpool last season when he played a vital role in the team, stepping up when it mattered most – especially in the Champions League.

Konate found the back of the net twice in the prestigious competition, as well as offering a solid defensive presence, making 1.6 interceptions, two tackles and 2.9 clearances per game, in addition to winning 59% of his duels – with these returns earning a spot in the starting line-up against Real Madrid in the final.

It would be hard for Klopp to ignore the young centre-back’s record with Liverpool in the Premier League too, as Konate has not lost a single league game he has started since he joined the club in the summer of 2021.

With that being said, it could be a great chance for the 6-foot-3 defender to make his first appearance of the season, as he would undoubtedly terrify Brighton and could help Liverpool take a much-needed three points from the occasion.

West Ham United are weighing a 2023 swoop for Sevilla goalkeeper Yassine Bounou as reports out of Spain share the latest transfer update.

The Lowdown: Hammers making moves…

The east Londoners seriously backed manager David Moyes in the summer market, sealing a plethora of impressive deals over arguably the most eventful West Ham window in recent memory.

Head of recruitment Rob Newman and the Irons board of directors helped to agree moves for Alphonse Areola, Nayef Aguerd, Flynn Downes, Gianluca Scamacca, Maxwel Cornet, Thilo Kehrer, Emerson Palmieri and club record signing Lucas Paqueta.

However, despite their impressive business off the field, West Ham have been anything but on it – having lost five of their opening seven Premier League matches.

Moyes’ side currently languish 18th in the table with just one win to their name, so could the Hammers be already thinking of solutions in January?

The Latest: West Ham weigh Bounou swoop…

As per the latest update out of Spain, West Ham are weighing a 2023 move for Sevilla goalkeeper Bounou, also known as ‘Bono’, to potentially replace current number one Lukasz Fabianski.

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It is believed the Morocco international would be open to moving next year, but according to the Spanish press (via Sport Witness), his side would be reluctant to sell mid-season.

Instead, they state a summer transfer is more ‘feasible’.

The Verdict: Perfect Fabianski heir?

The colossal 6 foot 4 shot stopper could come as an ideal replacement for the ageing Fabianski.

Sevilla’s star, for example, has previously broken records at club level – having gone the longest in La Liga history without conceding a single goal for the Spanish giants.

Indeed, it is also claimed that Sevilla would be willing to sell for less than Bounou’s €50m release clause (£45m) in the face of an ‘attractive offer’.

Leeds United transfer target Kai Wagner ‘seems to prefer’ a move to Elland Road over both Benfica and Dinamo Zagreb, according to journalist Manuel Veth.

The Lowdown: Leeds talks

The Whites have been linked with bringing in a new left-back before the deadline following Junior Firpo’s injury in pre-season.

Jesse Marsch has used centre-back Pascal Struijk at left-back for the opening two matches of the Premier League campaign but is reportedly driving a move for Wagner.

Talks are thought to be going well for the Philadelphia Union player, who has been labelled ‘very creative’ by Ben Jacobs, and Leeds chiefs have been handed a further boost in their pursuit of the German.

The Latest: Veth’s claim

Veth took to Twitter on Sunday evening to reply to Jacobs’ update on the full-back.

He claimed that Wagner’s camp ‘seems to prefer Leeds United’ over both Benfica and Dinamo Zagreb.

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The Verdict: Get it done

Both Benfica and Dinamo Zagreb are in the Champions League play-offs, so Wagner’s preference for a move to Elland Road is huge for Victor Orta and co.

Veth has stated that Marsch is a ‘big fan’ of the 25-year-old, who can also play as a left midfielder, and a move appears to make sense due to the left-back situation in Yorkshire.

A transfer may not be too expensive either, as Wagner is out of contract with the MLS club at the end of 2022, so hopefully the full-back will arrive in England before the transfer deadline, alongside a new striker.

Everton have been heavily linked with a move for Maxwel Cornet this summer, and now a new update has been revealed that could put a dampener on the club’s plans to sign the player.

What’s the latest?

According to BBC journalist Fraser Fletcher, Everton remain interested in signing the Burnley forward this summer, but negotiations have proven difficult.

Fletcher tweeted: “Newcastle now well and truly in the running for Maxwel Cornet. Everton still keen to land him and have verbal agreement on player side but negotiations with Burnley tricky. Cornet at this point could still end up at any club.”

Supporters will be gutted

It is no secret that the Toffees are desperately in need of reinforcements to improve their squad, and Cornet would be a great addition to add depth to the attacking threat at Goodison Park so supporters will surely be worried about the lack of progress ahead of their return to action next week.

Everton have already made three great signings this summer with James Tarkowski, Dwight McNeil and Ruben Vinagre making the move to Merseyside, however, with Richarlison securing a £60m deal to join Tottenham Hotspur, Frank Lampard will want to ensure the attacking threat is fully covered.

Cornet is an extremely versatile player, capable of playing across the front three and in all three of the left-sided positions including left-back – which would give the Everton boss the opportunity to deploy him in a number of positions depending on the demand of the team who had the worst injury record in the Premier League last season.

Over 26 league appearances for Burnley, the 25-year-old scored nine goals, delivered one assist and created two big chances, as well as taking an average of 1.8 shots and winning 1.9 duels per game last season – finishing the season as the top goal-scorer for the Clarets.

The Ivory Coast international was the recipient of high praise for his impact on the side last season with former team-mate Nick Pope hailing Cornet a “breath of fresh air”.

The Burnley goal machine has a £17.5m release clause attached to his contract, and with other clubs like Newcastle United interested in signing Cornet this summer, Farhad Moshiri will need to act fast and pay the fee that the Championship side are clearly wanting to be met.

AND in other news: Lampard can land his very own Gnabry with Everton bid for “extraordinary” £50m wizard

A big update has emerged on Newcastle United and their pursuit of Marco Asensio in the summer transfer window…

What’s the talk?

TV Dello Sport journalist Rudy Galetti has revealed that the Magpies have been in discussions over a potential deal to sign the Spaniard ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

He Tweeted: “Newcastle put in their sight Asensio: the club has already held talks with his entourage. The player – expiring in 2023 – could leave Real Madrid this summer.”

It has been reported that a fee in the region of €40m (£34m) could be enough to tempt the Spanish giants into parting ways with him this summer

Eddie Howe’s own Sadio Mane

The Senegal international may have moved away from the Premier League this summer but Howe could now be about to get his own version of Mane in Asensio.

As per FBRef, the pair are similar players based on their statistics in Europe’s top five leagues and European competition over the last 365 days.

Asensio ranks in the 91st percentile or higher in non-penalty goals, shots taken, and non-penalty Expected Goals per 90 in the last 365 days, whilst Mane ranks in the 88th percentile or higher in all three categories.

The Liverpool man scored 16 Premier League goals from 16.7 xG and provided two assists, whilst the Spaniard scored ten goals in La Liga from 7.4 xG.

These statistics suggest that the 26-year-old, who also plays out wide, has the potential to reach the heights the ex-Southampton man did at Anfield as he has proven himself to be an excellent finisher in the final third.

He has previously been lauded by former Real Madrid players Guti and Raul. The former said: “Asensio is a lot better player than I was. He has an unlimited ceiling, his head is very well furnished and will depend on what he wants to do in the world of football. The future is in his feet.”

Raul added: “He has much to offer now and a great future ahead of him. He’s a young guy, eager to work and he’s currently doing very well.”

These comments suggest that he has the scope to develop further and replicate Mane’s goalscoring heroics in England, becoming Howe’s own version of the Bayern attacker. He can be the English manager’s go-to man for goals out wide if they provide him with the right service, as evidenced by his perfomance against his xG in La Liga.

AND in other news, PIF can land Howe’s very own Bowen as NUFC eye move for “very talented” £20m “baller”…