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Journalist Beren Cross has reported that the “leading candidates” to get the Leeds United manager’s job are all currently in work.

What’s the word?

At the start of this week, following a loss that leaves the club on the edge of the relegation zone, the Whites opted to sack American head coach Jesse Marsch.

Being mid-way through the Premier League season and with the club in threat of going back down to the Championship, Leeds won’t want to delay too long before hiring a new manager.

However, even if chairman Andrea Radrizzani believes the issue will be sorted soon, it sounds as though it won’t be an easy task to hire a new manager as the club will have to convince any candidates to leave their current job first.

While speaking on a LeedsLive video stream, Cross explained his understanding of the situation, saying: “We’ve learned that the leading candidates – so, interviews are already underway, interviews began last night [Monday], they continue today – all of the leading candidates are in work.

“So it will require some negotiation with existing employers to get those managers out of their clubs if they want the job. So we’ll see how that plays out. That, of course, will complicate matters with a third party being involved.”

Difficult task

Of course, when you want to tempt a manager into trading one side for another, it can cost more money to buy them out of their contract. On top of that, it can be difficult to convince individuals to leave a project they are already working on.

For example, West Brom boss Carlos Corberan was linked with the job but has since rejected the Whites in favour of signing a new contract with the Baggies.

Interestingly enough, this update from Cross does suggest that touted names such as Marcelo Bielsa, Ralph Hasenhuttl, and Mauricio Pochettino are all seemingly out of the running as they are currently unattached.

It’ll certainly be interesting to see how the next few hours and days play out as the club seek out a Marsch replacement.

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Newcastle United are expected to launch a summer move for the Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Ruben Neves in the summer.

What’s the latest?

The Toon’s January transfer window was not exactly a hugely exciting one with only two new faces coming through the doors of St. James’ Park.

But significant money was still spent with Anthony Gordon costing the Magpies in the region of £45m with £40m of that sent to Everton in one lump sum.

However, there was speculation surrounding potential interest in Neves as his contract at Molineux continues to wind its way down to its conclusion next summer.

And speaking on his YouTube channel, Craig Hope has mooted a potential swoop for the Portuguese midfielder in the summer with Wolves possibly sweating over his contract situation:

(6:00) “I wouldn’t be surprised to see them revisit perhaps maybe from a Premier League perspective a Ruben Neves-type. I know he’s got admirers within the club.

“He’ll have a contract situation with only 12 months to run come the summer. Now again, you know, they’ll probably be a premium price on that. And there’ll be a lot of competition, but I know, he’s certainly got admirers within.”

An opportunity to be had

Aforementioned, Neves is now just 18 months away from his contract at Molineux running its course which means this summer will be the last opportunity for Wolves to really cash in on the midfielder.

And this is a player – hailed “extraordinary” by Cristiano Ronaldo – who has received reported interest from some of the biggest clubs around with the likes of Arsenal and Barcelona said to be interested in signing him.

However, if Newcastle continues on their upwards trajectory they could be in a position to offer the Portuguese midfielder Champions League football for next season.

Neves has ranked highly among other midfielders for his defensive contributions with the 25-year-old in the top 10 percentile for interceptions and top three percentile for clearances (via Fbref).

And in comparison to Newcastle’s Bruno Guimaraes, the Portuguese star has provided more tackles and passes per 90 as well as more goals this season.

Considering Newcastle saw Jonjo Shelvey leave over January without any midfielders coming through the doors, it is a position which will likely need to be addressed in the summer.

And given there is still a reported interest in a potential big-money swoop for the attacking midfielder of James Maddison, a cheap option in Neves could prove a real steal to beef up Howe’s options.

Nottingham Forest are believed to have made an approach to sign Atalanta defender, Merih Demiral, according to reports in Italy.

What’s the word?

As per TUTTOmercatoWEB, Steve Cooper’s side are said to have made an initial loan offer for the Turkey international, with the proposal said to include an obligation to buy for a fee of around €28m (£25m).

The report goes on to add, however, that while the Serie A outfit are seemingly open to negotiations regarding the 24-year-old, the player himself is unconvinced at present at the prospect of making the move to the City Ground.

Cook upgrade

This comes amid uncertainty surrounding the future of current Forest man, Steve Cook, with the experienced centre-back believed to be attracting interest from a number of Championship clubs, after falling down the pecking order under Cooper of late.

The former Bournemouth skipper – who joined the Garibaldi a year ago – has failed to start any of the last six Premier League games, having notably been part of the much-changed side that was ‘torn apart’ in the 4-1 FA Cup defeat to second tier strugglers Blackpool, as per Nottinghamshire Live’s Sarah Clapson.

As such, Cooper and co could well find a notable upgrade by turning to the aforementioned Demiral before the deadline, with the former Juventus ace able to help strengthen a backline that has already shipped 34 top-flight goals this season.

The 6 foot 4 “monster” – as lauded by journalist Josh Wright – has showcased his defensive prowess for Gian Piero Gasperini’s side of late, having averaged 1.8 tackles and 1.2 interceptions from his 17 league appearances this season, with Cook averaging just 0.7 and 1.0 for the same two metrics, respectively, from his 12 top-flight outings.

Equally, Demiral has also illustrated his commanding brilliance as he ranks in the top 3% among those in his position in Europe for aerial duels won, as well as in the top 10% for interceptions, while Cook ranks in just the top 22% and the bottom 65% for those two metrics.

That should indicate that Forest would be making an instant improvement to their backline if they can convince the Turkish titan to make the move to England in the coming hours, with such a deal no doubt set to heighten the club’s chances of survival.

An update has emerged on Chelsea and their efforts to improve their options in the middle of the park during the January transfer window…

What’s the talk?

According to Times journalist Duncan Castles, Brighton value central midfielder Moises Caicedo at a whopping £100m and are not keen on cashing in on the gem this month, after rejecting an offer of £55m from the London club.

Reporter Dean Jones has also revealed that the Blues could make an improved offer to sign the Ecuador international, as he told GIVEMESPORT:

“There’s a possibility that they will go in with an increased offer for Caicedo this week.”

Enzo Fernandez alternative

Chelsea have been linked with a swoop to sign Benfica star Enzo Fernandez, who has a £105m release clause in his contract with the Portuguese side, and could land a dream alternative to the Argentine international by matching Brighton’s £100m valuation of Caicedo either this month or in the summer.

The Argentina World Cup winner has been in fine form in Liga Portugal as he has averaged 3.3 tackles and interceptions and 1.8 key passes per game, whilst completing 88% of his attempted passes.

Caicedo, who is one year younger than Fernandez, has made an eye-catching 4.3 tackles and interceptions and 1.1 key passes per outing in the Premier League and has completed 88% of his passes.

These statistics indicate that both players are box-to-box midfielders who can make an impact at both ends of the pitch, by winning possession back for their side on a regular basis whilst also being a creative threat when they have the ball at their feet.

However, Caicedo has an edge over Fernandez as the gem has proven that he has the quality to perform week-in-week-out in the Premier League, whilst the Argentine dynamo has not played in a major European league yet in his career.

The Brighton gem was once dubbed a “terrific athlete” by South American expert Tim Vickery and talent scout Jacek Kulig previously hailed him as a “revelation” in the English top-flight.

He has averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.10 across 18 appearances in the division for the Seagulls in 2022/23, which would place him seventh in the current Chelsea squad.

This indicates that the 21-year-old has the quality to make an immediate impact at Stamford Bridge, given that he has proven his ability in England already, whereas Fernandez could need time to settle into life in a new country and there is no guarantee that the gem would suit the Premier League.

Therefore, Caicedo would be a dream alternative to the Benfica midfielder and Graham Potter should push to sign the young talent this month, or in the summer if they are unable to get a deal over the line in the coming days.

Everton have reportedly enquired about the availability of Eintracht Frankfurt striker Randal Kolo Muani and the Frenchman could be the man to end Frank Lampard’s striker nightmare at Goodison Park.

What’s the word?

According to RMC Sport, Everton have already approached the Bundesliga side about the possibility of signing the 24-year-old forward but the report claims that he sees his future at a more ‘upscale’ club.

Considering the likes of Bayern Munich, Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool are also credited with an interest, it may be tough to convince him that Goodison Park is the right destination for his career this month, especially as Frankfurt are still playing in the Champions League this season.

Ahead of the World Cup, Kolo Muani was valued at €50m (£44m) but after his goal in the semi-final against Morocco, before a strong appearance from the bench in the final against Argentina, the report claims that Frankfurt want to make him their biggest ever sale, so value him at €60m (£53m).

That price could also increase further if the former Nantes man continues to perform in Germany’s top flight this season, as he already boasts an impressive five goals and nine assists in just 14 appearances, with WhoScored awarding him a superb average rating of 7.25.

Could he end Lampard’s striking nightmare?

Considering Demarai Gray and Anthony Gordon are Everton’s top scorers in the Premier League this season with just three goals to their name, it seems clear that a new striker is needed if the Toffees have any hopes of arresting their woeful recent form and maintaining their Premier League status.

Main striker options Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Neal Maupay have two goals and no assists between them, which suggests that Kolo Muani could be a big upgrade in terms of both goal-scoring and bringing others into play, given his impressive assist record so far this campaign.

With no win since October, it seems difficult to predict where Everton’s next three points come from and quality additions in the final third, such as Kolo Muani, are desperately needed if they are to get out of relegation trouble this season.

Indeed, Eintracht board member for sport Markus Krösche, summed up perfectly why he’d be able to fix Everton’s problems.

He was full of praise for the striker’s ability and what he offers at The Waldstadion a week ago. saying: “Randal Kolo Muani brings attributes that we need for our game. He’s fast, robust and a very good finisher. He’s also tactically versatile and can play in several different systems, which will give us even more flexibility next season.”

We certainly saw that at the World Cup where the Frenchman shone despite a limited role. Possessing the ability to turn up when it matters, he scored a vital goal in the semi-finals versus Morocco before combining well with Kylian Mbappe against Argentina in the final as Les Bleus turned the game around in the dying embers.

While it will undoubtedly be tough and expensive to sign the France international this month, he looks to have all the attributes needed to be a success in the Premier League, and he could be the difference between top-flight and Championship football for the Toffees next season, so Lampard should do everything he can to sign him.

Manchester United will return to Premier League action later when they welcome newly-promoted Nottingham Forest to Old Trafford, with a victory set to move the club within touching distance of the top-four.

United made a successful return to competitive action following the conclusion of the World Cup in Qatar, dispatching EFL Championship table-toppers Burnley 2-0 in the Carabao Cup.

Now the distinguished outfit must build upon the win and make a resounding return to their divisional exploits, having scored a last-gasp winner against Fulham in the match preceding the international break.

It was prodigious 18-year-old Alejandro Garnacho to have earned the plaudits for his definitive strike in the dying embers, and against Forest, who are slowly acclimatising to life in the top-flight after a severely lacklustre start, it may require a sprinkling of magic from one of the offensive demons within boss Erik Ten Hag’s clutch of talent to break away and climb further up the table.

Marcus Rashford has stolen the headlines with regularity this term, scoring nine goals and plundering three assists before enjoying a fruitful World Cup campaign with England, but it is £85m summer signing Antony, following Ten Hag from AFC Ajax, who could leave pundits waxing lyrical with sights set on breaking into prominence on English soil.

“Incredible talent”

Since departing the Netherlands earlier this year, 22-year-old Antony has made an impressive start to life within the Theatre of Dreams, captivating supporters with his deft footwork and quintessential Brazilian guile, while terrorising defenders with his devastating wand of a left foot.

Scoring three goals from his first six Premier League appearances, including a wonderful finessed curler on his debut against high-flying Arsenal, the Brazilian has quickly asserted himself as a dangerous presence on the right flank, cutting inside and wreaking havoc.

Antony was regarded as an “incredible talent” by Ten Hag, prior to the official confirmation of his move to Old Trafford, and it is clear to see that despite the hefty price tag, United boast a player that has that ‘wow’ factor, the ability to turn the tap and the key to unlock the defences erected in front of the opposing goal.

This is evidenced by his endeavours with Ajax, where he scored 24 goals and 22 assists from 84 displays, nurturing his abundant talent over the maiden period of his professional career.

And as per FBref, Antony ranks within the top 11% for total shots when compared to attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe’s big five leagues this past year – evidencing the direct threat he will bring to the table, no matter the opposition.

Forest will indeed be resolute, compact, and candidly they might find success against a United team that will look to utilise their creativity and pace, flooding the flanks and attempting to take their relegation-threatened foe apart at the seams.

Antony will be crucial in finding success, and should the Red Devils struggle, his moment of brilliance, his gliding gait from the touchline – cutting inside to the edge of the box – might just reap rewards, with his driving shot capable of slotting in the top corner of Dean Henderson’s goal, unleashing a cacophony of cheer throughout the Old Trafford faithful.

Philippe Coutinho’s agent is working on securing a move away from Aston Villa for his player, following a patchy spell during his time at the club.

The Lowdown: Coutinho’s hit-and-miss spell

The Brazilian made an exciting move to Villa Park back in January, as he looked to rebuild his career after a disappointing post-Liverpool stint at Barcelona.

After a bright start to life at Villa though, Coutinho’s form has tailed off fairly dramatically, with only six starts coming his way in the Premier League this season due to injuries and inconsistent displays.

The 30-year-old may not be a part of Unai Emery’s plans moving forward and a new update further suggests that that could be the case.

The Latest: Agent working on exit

According to Globo Esporte [via Sport Witness], Corinthians are interested in signing Coutinho, seeing him as a ‘high-level player’ who could strengthen them.

The Brazilian’s agent, Kia Joorabchian, ‘will do his best’ to get a Villa exit over the line – the fact that he has sealed moves to Corinthians for Willian and Vítor Pereira in the past bodes well.

There is allegedly a ‘real chance’ the deal goes through.

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The Verdict: Time to move on?

Coutinho’s time at Villa has ultimately been hugely disappointing, considering what a huge talent he is, having been described as ‘magical’ by Roberto Firmino in the past.

That’s not to say that there haven’t been good moments along the way, not least his first goal for the club against Manchester United on his debut, but he feels too much like a luxury player these days instead of someone who is great in a rigid system.

For that reason, Emery is unlikely to see him as a key part of his plans, so allowing him to leave and receiving money for his services feels like the best decision moving forward.

Tottenham Hotspur could reportedly be set to revive their interest in Everton starlet, Anthony Gordon, having been heavily linked with a move for the Englishman in the summer.

What’s the word?

Recent reports have claimed that the north Londoners are potentially contemplating a move for the 21-year-old in the January transfer window, with Frank Lampard’s side said to value their prize asset at around £60m.

This follows speculation in the summer that revealed the Lilywhites were hoping to complete a double swoop for the one-time Preston North End loanee – who was also linked to Chelsea in the recent window – and ex-teammate Richarlison.

Amid the fresh reports of Spurs’ interest, journalist Paul Brown – speaking to GIVEMESPORT – has now provided his thoughts on the move, suggesting that Antonio Conte and co could well find their next Dejan Kulusesvki by bringing the Toffees’ sensation to the capital.

The respected source stated: “He’s someone who could literally come in when Kulusevski is not around or needs a break. I think he’s a very similar kind of player.

“High energy, when he’s on it, full of drive, gets you up the pitch, a bit of a spark plug for his team and he does produce. He has a decent end product when he’s in form.”

Paratici’s next Kulusevski

Tottenham’s sporting director Fabio Paratici no doubt worked wonders to secure the signing of the aforementioned Kulusevski back in January earlier this year, bringing in the Sweden international on an 18-month loan deal from Serie A giants Juventus.

That move almost instantly paid off as the 22-year-old helped to steer his new side into the top four, adding a further string to the club’s attacking bow alongside Harry Kane and Heung-min Son, after scoring five goals and laying on eight assists in just 18 league games in the second half of last term.

That hot streak has continued this term for the 27-cap sensation – despite a spell out with a thigh injury – with the former Atalanta prospect having recorded six goal contributions in just nine top-flight games.

As Brown alluded to, Paratici could look to replicate that astute signing with the addition of Gordon, with the “fearless” asset – as described by pundit Alan Shearer – having also sparkled so far this term, netting three times in 14 Premier League outings, after scoring four goals in what was a breakthrough campaign last time out.

While not prolific, the Liverpool-born menace offers that real dynamic threat with his ability to run in behind in the final third – much like Kulusevski – having recorded 11 total chance-creating carries so far this term, while his Spurs counterpart is just ahead having recorded 18 for the same metric.

Although the latter man may well be one step ahead at present, that comparison is a marker that Gordon is heading in the right direction towards becoming an elite talent, with his encouraging work ethic – shown by the fact that he ranks in the top 5% for tackles made among those in his position in Europe – also likely to appeal to Conte.

With Tottenham having struck gold by bringing Kulusevski to the club in the winter window earlier this year, Paratici could again make another potentially game-changing addition in the form of the Goodison Park hero when the market re-opens in the New Year.

Newcastle United forward Matt Ritchie has ‘been told’ that he can leave the Premier League club in January, according to journalist Dean Jones.

The Lowdown: Bit-part player at Newcastle

The Magpies winger has been left out of Eddie Howe’s matchday squad for the last eight league games, with the 44-year-old revealing that the Scotland international has been suffering from a calf injury, hence his absence.

However, the 33-year-old’s contract is set to expire at the end of the season, and considering that he’s now viewed as more of a fringe player, it appears that the Tynesiders have made their stance on his future very clear.

The Latest: Ritchie free to leave

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Jones stated that Newcastle have made Ritchie aware that he will be put on the market in January, and it sounds like the winger won’t be short of potential suitors.

The journalist said: “I’ve been told that he is a player that has been told he can go in the New Year.

“I know there has been some interest from America, there are MLS clubs that like him, so that might be an avenue that opens up to him.”

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The Verdict: Correct call

Ritchie has been hailed as an ‘immense’ player by Josh Bunting, but whilst he has been a loyal servant over his six years at St James’ Park, now would be the right time for Newcastle to let him go.

The Gosport-born talent has only played one minute of league football this season, which shows that Howe doesn’t have a place for him in his first-team plans anymore.

PIF are reportedly planning to make a box-office signing in the winter, and cashing in on fringe players like Ritchie will only further help to fund new additions in the future.

West Bromwich Albion continue their long-running search for a replacement for Steve Bruce, who was relieved of his duties over ten days ago now.

With their search, it is clear that owner Lai Guochuan is stuck in two minds with where to take his football club now, having failed miserably with his previous appointment.

He can either continue backing experience over excitement, in the hopes the pragmatism might return them to the Premier League, or he can take a risk on a young up-and-coming manager and rely on their new methods and the talent within the squad to reach his goals.

Whilst the likes of Chris Wilder or Sean Dyche might seem attractive and safe proposals, he must now surely take the plunge with someone like Rob Edwards, who has earned huge praise during his short career in management and is among the mooted candidates.

Having most recently been sacked by Watford, it was at Forest Green Rovers where his true talents shone through.

Also, the renowned ruthlessness of the Hornets’ ownership means that the 39-year-old does not leave with his stock any lower.

Journalist Josh Bunting even labelled him a “good aspiring coach” before this season, outlining the “smart” business he was undertaking.

He took over the Rovers and led them to a promotion charge, where they blew away their competition in League Two to take home the title.

This achievement saw him named the EFL Manager of the Season for his division, and saw him lauded for his fresh methods that helped a side struggling in and around the playoffs to silverware.

His comments regarding how he runs his clubs should be promising for a club that has one of the better squads in the Championship. He said:

“We try to keep things simple by putting players in their best positions and basing the team around what the lads are good at doing. 

“We don’t need to put square pegs in round holes when everyone is fit. We just want them to be good at what they do.”

Clearly, he wants to get the best out of what is already at a club, and with his modern approach to the game, he could be the man to get them playing an attractive brand that can propel them up the table.

After the miserable tenure of Bruce, Edwards could now get the Hawthorns rocking again with a string of good results.