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Journalist Phil Smith has insisted that Sunderland are interested in Andras Nemeth.

The Lowdown: A striker is a priority

It’s no secret that Sunderland and Tony Mowbray are in need of at least one new striker before Tuesday’s deadline, with Ross Stewart the only natural centre-forward at the club.

Ellis Simms’ situation has certainly confused matters on Wearside this month as he was recalled by Everton earlier in January, but the striker could still become a Sunderland player once again.

That appears to depend on Everton’s ability to recruit a new forward – something they failed to do with Arnaut Danjuma – so Sunderland must have other targets, with Joe Gelhardt and Nemeth said to be of interest to the Black Cats.

The Latest: Sunderland looking for a young striker

Smith has revealed on The Sunderland Echo YouTube channel that the Black Cats hold an interest in 20-year-old Nemeth, who’s played 20 times for Genk this season, scoring two goals.

He said: “We all know that Sunderland are always looking to sign talented young players who they can grow over time and sign on a permanent deal. We’ve seen them do it this week when they brought in Pierre Ekwah from West Ham United – a really talented, versatile and athletic midfielder.

“Now, we know that they’d like to bring in a striker on top of Stewart and hopefully the loanee, Andras Nemeth from Genk is one really talented young player that they’ve been scouting for quite a long time.

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“He’s out of contract in the summer so it remains to be seen whether they can agree to do a deal now. There is other interest in him as well.”

The Verdict: Black Cats looking to build solid foundations

Nemeth would be an exciting signing for Sunderland as he would arrive as likely unknown quantity to the majority of fans having played all of his football out in Belgium but is finding the back of the net already.

The young striker’s contractual situation means that Sunderland may be able to strike up a deal for a pretty low fee as Genk would probably want to cash in on him instead of losing him for free in the summer.

With the Black Cats having recruited several young players over the summer, it shows the club’s hierarchy are looking towards the future and how they can nurture young talents, get them first team ready and then sell them on for big profits which can help them improve the first team as well.

Sheffield Wednesday defender Reece James staying at the League One club for the rest of the season is ‘really good news’, according to journalist Dom Howson.

The Lowdown: No release clause included

The Owls left-back arrived at Hillsborough over the summer having put pen to paper on a season-long loan from Blackpool, and he’s made an impressive start to life under Darren Moore.

The 29-year-old’s excellent form caused concern among supporters that he could be recalled in January, though the boss has now confirmed that he won’t be leaving as a result of not having a mid-term release clause included as part of his deal.

The Latest: Howson’s reaction

Taking to Twitter, Howson reacted to the positive update coming out of Wednesday and claimed that maintaining James’ services will be a benefit in the long run.

“Really good news for SWFC that Reece James is staying put for the remainder of the season.

“He is such a versatile, dependable player. His performances have been very steady.”

The Verdict: Boost for Moore

James has become a regular feature since signing on the dotted line in Yorkshire and it’s a huge boost for Moore to know that he’ll be able to keep hold of him until the conclusion of the 2022/23 campaign.

The Bacup-born talent is currently averaging 2.3 tackles and 2.1 clearances per league 90 minutes, highlighting the rock he’s been in the backline (WhoScored).

The Owls are just two points off the automatic promotion places and James will no doubt have a significant impact on whether or not his side are able to make the jump back up to the Championship.

Everton’s offensive focal point Dominic Calvert-Lewin is approaching a return to competitive action after a prolonged period severely hampered by consistent setbacks. 

What’s the word?

As relayed by the ECHO, Lampard recently expressed his relief at welcoming the club’s talisman back into the thick of the competitive preparations, although it is still unclear if he will be available for the City clash.

He said:

“Having Dominic back in the fold is a great thing for us because players who can make a difference at the top end of the pitch means points.”

It appears to be touch-and-go regarding his inclusion in the starting line-up, if indeed the matchday squad, and it will be an agonising wait over the next 24 hours as the medical department assess the likelihood of his availability.

DCL is a “beast”

The 25-year-old hotshot has scored 59 goals and assisted a further 18 from 197 appearances for the Toffees, and the chasm left by his absence this season has certainly been felt by his team, who currently fight against the vice of the relegation zone, just one point away from the 17th placed strugglers. 

And in his most prolific season, the £86k-per-week phenom scored 21 goals and served five assists from 39 appearances across all competitions, playing an integral role for his team as they completed an impressive tenth-placed finish.

However, this season Calvert-Lewin has been restricted to just six outings, scoring one solitary goal.

As per FBref, despite his injury woes, Calvert-Lewin ranks within the top 2% of forwards for aerial success rate over the past year, indicating a towering presence that the Toffees have been missing might bear fruit for the side upon his return.

Once lauded as a “beast in the air” by journalist Josh Wright, his inclusion is simply paramount, Everton cannot afford to continue the downward slump; it will lead to the unthinkable prospect of relegation from the Premier League.

And with the Merseyside outfit only scoring 12 goals in the division this term – a lowly tally worsened only by Wolverhampton Wanderers and Nottingham Forest – someone of Calvert-Lewin’s ilk simply must enter the fray at Goodison Park and navigate the proud club away from danger.

City, in retrospect, have scored the league’s highest goal tally with 43 strikes, 31 goals above Everton, and it truly will take something spectacular to rebuff their advances.

Especially with the Toffees losing ten matches on the trot against their menacing opposition; it will not be easy, but Lampard will demand a cohesive and resilient performance, and when they do have the chance to break and threaten the City goal, they will feel far better about their forward surges with the imposing Calvert-Lewin lurking in the penalty area.

That’s if he is fit enough to feature, so the manager will certainly be sweating over his availability heading into kick-off on Saturday.

Journalist Ryan Taylor has claimed that Aston Villa are ‘definitely’ interested in Atletico Madrid’s Matheus Cunha, as well as Villarreal’s Nicolas Jackson.

The Lowdown: Jackson Villa’s top target?

Unai Emery is preparing for his first transfer window as Villa manager and looks set to be backed with a ‘huge’ budget by NSWE.

The Villa boss personally wants to reunite with Jackson and has instructed the club to move quickly over a potential deal. However, it looks as if more than one forward could be on the way from La Liga to the Midlands, with Taylor sharing what he knows after rumours also emerged regarding Cunha.

The Latest: Cunha transfer claim

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Taylor said that Emery would be interested in bringing Jackson to Villa Park and said that ‘another’ is Cunha, who appears to be an in-demand forward heading into 2023, with Wolves also in the mix for him.

The journalist stated: “Nicolas Jackson is one that Emery would be interested in.

“There is another one as well – Matheus Cunha. He’s one they definitely are interested in but there’s a lot of clubs in the mix and, unfortunately for Villa, they aren’t front of the queue at the moment.”

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The Verdict: Jackson over Cunha?

Both Jackson and Cunha are primarily centre-forwards who can also play out wide if needed, so they could be shrewd additions given their versatility.

However, Emery has worked with Jackson before, so he will know all about the Senegal forward’s qualities and potential, at just 21 years of age.

On the other hand. Cunha has struggled at Atletico, netting just seven times in 54 games for the La Liga giants.

Therefore, if it is to be a case of choosing one over the other, it could be better for Villa to pursue what appears to be Emery’s primary target in Jackson.

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’.

Tottenham Hotspur ‘insider’ John Wenham has questioned whether Japhet Tanganga is on the way out of north London this summer. 

The lowdown: On the way out…

Recently, a plethora of reports from multiple sources have claimed that Tanganga is heading to AC Milan on an initial season-long loan, with the defender believed to be content with sealing a move away.

Despite interest elsewhere from Scottish champions Celtic and having been the subject of meetings involving Fabio Paratici in far-flung destinations, the 23-year-old England youth international remains in situ at Hotspur Way on the eve of the new Premier League campaign.

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Now, one well-informed onlooker has suggested that Tanganga may well stay in N17 for the foreseeable future, regardless of the reports to the contrary…

The latest: ‘There is a lot of talk’

Speaking to Football Insider, Wenham – who regularly breaks news on his Lilywhite Rose social media – has claimed that the negotiations to see the two-cap Under 21 starlet leave may not be as far along as suggested.

He said: “The [Joe] Rodon move has really accelerated things. It happened really quickly, within a few days it was links and then he was on his way. Japhet was part of the squad that travelled to Israel and is still training, very much still a Tottenham player.

“Tottenham are still of the position that Rodon was the one who needed to go first and that has happened. They will then assess their options from there. Yes, there is a lot of talk, there always is with Italian transfers and clubs turning down moves.

“There was an exclusive in The Athletic a few weeks ago saying he is way in talks to join Bournemouth and nothing happened. So I wonder if it is advanced as people are saying. I don’t personally see that Tanganga move at that advanced stage.”

The verdict: Loan needed?

Once hailed as an ‘amazing’ player by former Spurs boss Jose Mourinho, Tanganga’s stock was once on a rapidly upwards trajectory having burst onto the scene with a string of dominant performances during the 2019/20 campaign.

However, since then, the centre-back – who can also operate at right and left back as well as in advanced areas – has found game time hard to come by due to injury issues and fewer opportunities more recently under Antonio Conte.

Last season, London-born Tanganga made 19 appearances across all competitions for the Lilywhites, completing 90 minutes on just eight occasions in the process, proof of a diminished role within the senior ranks in another term plagued by injury.

Valued at £10.8million and still under contract until 2025 (Transfermarkt), Tottenham should allow the versatile ace to leave in order to recapture full fitness and his best form, with a view to bringing their academy graduate back to reintegrate him, perhaps once Clement Lenglet has returned to parent club Barcelona.

Everton have been heavily linked with a move for Harry Winks this summer, and a reliable journalist has now given an update on the club’s progress in signing the player.

What’s the latest?

In a Q&A with football.london, Tottenham Hotspur correspondent Alasdair Gold gave an update on the Toffees’ pursuit of the 26-year-old.

In response to a question about the player’s future at the north London club, the reporter claimed: “There doesn’t seem to be anything close with outgoings at the moment, although of course, that can change the moment someone meets Spurs’ valuation. Everton are still in talks over Harry Winks.”

Lampard’s very own Jorginho

Frank Lampard will now be getting desperate to start signing some players to strengthen his squad ahead of the new Premier League season next month, and signing Winks has been reportedly of much interest to the Everton manager.

The 26-year-old has found himself out of favour under Antonio Conte and has not played a full 90 minutes since February. The player will surely be keen to pick up more consistent game-time elsewhere, even though he is a boyhood Spurs fan who came through the academy and broke into the first team.

Despite Winks’ lack of minutes on the pitch, former Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino always had high praise for the £20m-valued midfielder and even claimed that he was like “Xavi and Iniesta” in the past.

Pochettino stated in 2018 (via Daily Mail): “Harry has the profile of the perfect midfield player. His characteristics are perfect… When we talk about midfielders like Xavi and Iniesta, he’s like this type of player.”

In fact, Lampard could land his very own Jorginho by signing Winks this summer, as the Chelsea midfielder was the most comparable player to Winks last season, according to FBRef.

Despite the Italian recording more goals and assists and playing more minutes than the Spurs midfielder, Winks outperformed him in terms of shot on target percentage (33.3% to 22.2%) and posted more goal-creating actions per 90 minutes (0.39 to 0.32).

Farhad Moshiri will need to get to work to replace not only Richarlison this summer, as he has effectively sealed his move to Spurs, but also to fill in the gaps in midfield, with loanee Donny Van de Beek returning to Manchester United and Fabian Delph now out of contract.

As a result, the signing of Winks would be a major coup for Everton as they attempt to strengthen and add depth to their squad to ensure that they can compete in the Premier League next season.

AND in other news: Fabrizio Romano reveals major Everton transfer development, Moshiri will be scrambling

PSV’s Ibrahim Sangare is a name that is ever-present in every single transfer window, although this time, it looks as though he may finally secure a much-anticipated switch to the Premier League and in particular, Manchester United.

What’s the word?

According to a report from Sky Sports, Man United are interested in signing the Ivory Coast international with the 24-year-old said to “have his heart set” on a move to England and is “convinced he will be a Premier League player” next season.

Chelsea are also interested in the PSV midfielder who, in the same report, is said to have a €35m (£29.9m) release clause in his contract.

Matic replacement

Quite simply, the acquisition of Sangare would not only serve as a Nemanja Matic replacement, but an overall upgrade.

The 24-year-old Ivorian has conjured up some stats that would see him rank top of the United squad for defensive actions.

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The departing Matic was undeniably underrated at Manchester United and, despite his age, proved himself as the Red Devils’ strongest defensive asset in the engine room, despite being written off on numerous occasions due to his age and lack of mobility.

This season, he ranked top of the tree for interceptions per 90, achieving 2.0 per game whilst also registering 1.2 successful tackles per 90 in a metric that sees him ranked fifth in the squad.

Sangare, who has been dubbed “dangerous” by former coach Aad de Mos comfortably surpasses both of these figures, achieving 2.8 interceptions per 90, whilst drumming up an average of 2.2 successful tackles per game also.

It’s the same story for accurate passes per 90, with Matic again ranking top with an average of 58.9. The next best in the squad is Fred with a lowly average of 49.9 accurate passes per 90. It will come as no surprise that Sangare yet again tops the ranks with an average of 65.1 accurate passes per 90.

In a way, United can fill the void of both Paul Pogba and Matic in Sangare, who has asserted himself as an outstanding ball-playing defensive midfielder who is ready-made for Erik ten Hag’s system.

In other news: Man United now trying to sign “exceptional” £21.3m “beast”, supporters will be buzzing…

Celtic saw a raft of new players make moves to the Parkhead club during what ended up being a rather busy previous summer transfer window for the Hoops.

One figure that came in during this period that turned out to be a fantastic bit of business from the Bhoys is Cameron Carter-Vickers.

Signed from Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur on a season-long loan deal, the centre-back played a big part in Celtic’s title winning SPFL campaign.

With 28 league appearances and an overall performance rating of 7.36/10 under his belt, the American is listed as Celtic’s fourth-highest rated player in their current squad according to WhoScored.

While his loan deal is set to expire tomorrow and with the upcoming summer transfer window on the horizon, Celtic now have the chance to replicate the same sort of masterclass they delivered when they signed the Spurs defender.

Last week, the Hoops were linked with a move for Manchester City defender Ko Itakura.

Since joining the Premier League champions back in 2019, the 25-year-old has had loan spells with clubs such as FC Groningen on two occasions and one most recently with Schalke.

This puts him in a similar light to Carter-Vickers who has also had numerous loan moves throughout his career.

During his time with the German club this season, the Japan international racked up an average of 1.4 tackles and interceptions as well as three clearances per game as he helped Schalke win their place back in the Bundesliga.

This highlights how much of a capable defensive unit he is in the same way that the current Celtic loan star has been for Ange Postecoglou’s side this season.

With an average of 4.2 clearances per game in the SPFL, no other Celtic player could get close to Carter-Vickers in this statistic.

Labelled as “one of the very best central defenders in the Eredivisie” by former Dutch footballer and now TV presenter Haans Kray when the defender was in the Netherlands, Itakura could be the ideal next version of Carter-Vickers for Celtic and show that players that may not be getting a look in at their Premier League clubs can shine in Scotland.

In other news: Ange can finally axe £20k-p/w Celtic dud with “immense” talent who has “all the tools”