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Aston Villa’s new signings this January have already been making their mark on the team with Philippe Coutinho scoring a goal in his debut appearance at Villa Park last week and Lucas Digne securing an assist for the winning goal against Everton on Saturday afternoon.

Now, Steven Gerrard could be set to add a third star signing to impact his squad.

What’s the word?

Transfer insider, Fabrizio Romano, has teased on social media that Aston Villa could still be interested in signing Boubacar Kamara during the January transfer window.

Romano tweeted;

“Been told there’s also Boubacar Kamara in Aston Villa list.”

The Midlands outfit are not alone in their pursuit for the Marseille midfielder as he has already been linked with a number of Premier League clubs including Leeds United and Newcastle United.

Fans surely buzzing

Villa fans have already been taking to social media to respond to the glimmer of hope that Romano has given for the potential signing of Kamara, with one fan tweeting:

“B. Kamara is the dream, IMO. The perfect player for us. Hope we can get him.”

Kamara, who was hailed as “out of the ordinary” by former teammate, Rolando, has made 21 appearances and scored one goal so far for his Ligue One club from his defensive midfield position and has definitely earned the attention he is attracting when you look at his defensive attributes.

According to SofaScore, in the league this season, the 22-year-old has won the majority of both his aerial duels (54%) and his ground duels (56%), has a 94% accurate pass rate in his own half proving he is effective in developing play from a defensive position and averages at 1.2 interceptions per game.

These statistics only further show the strengths that the Frenchman can add to Villa, with clear reliability in his position and has only missed three games through injury in the last three and a half years, meaning he would not only be reliable in his ability and talent, but also in fitness, with a serious injury costing Villa in their midfield already this season when Marvelous Nakamba sustained a serious knee injury.

Gerrard will need to work fast in securing the player’s signature as he is a hot prospect in defensive midfield, especially with midfield positions being a key target that many clubs in the Premier League are looking to fill or upgrade.

In other news: Journalist drops latest Yves Bissouma transfer update

Leeds United star Kalvin Phillips wouldn’t turn down the chance to join Manchester United, according to former Aston Villa striker Gabriel Agbonlahor.

The Lowdown: Phillips’ future unclear

The 26-year-old is currently sidelined with a hamstring injury but that doesn’t stop talk surrounding his future from doing the rounds.

Phillips’ current Leeds deal expires in the summer of 2024 but there has been little hint of him extending his stay at the club he has been at since 2010.

Instead, the England midfielder has been linked with a move away from Elland Road a number of times, suggesting his future could lie elsewhere.

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The Latest: Pundit says Man United move could happen

Phillips has been tipped to join Leeds’ rivals in a controversial move, and speaking to Football Insider, Agbonlahor said he believes a deal could happen:

“Phillips will go wherever is good for him and wherever is good for his career. Those rivalries are silly. I know Leeds and Man United have history but it’s not like it’s Leeds and Bradford or Aston Villa and Birmingham City.

“It’s not enough to stop him from playing Champions League football and playing at a big club like Manchester United.

“I’m 100 per cent sure he would still make that move if an offer is accepted. It’s not a rivalry that I think should stop a player from making the move. Eric Cantona did it, so I don’t think it will stop a player from moving.”

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The Verdict: Would be controversial

Phillips is adored by Whites supporters and it would take a lot to change that, even if he did decide that a move away next summer makes sense.

Moving to Old Trafford would test fans’ resolve, however, given the rivalry between the two clubs, so the hope is that the midfielder would realise that and go elsewhere.

Alan Smith traded Leeds for the Red Devils back in 2004, though, having been loved in a similar way to Phillips, so it would be naive to rule out the same thing happening again.

The ideal scenario is that Phillips stays put for many years but it would be hard to begrudge him a transfer to a Champions League-playing club, considering he is England’s current Player of the Year.

In other news, a journalist has backed Leeds to make a move for one Premier League player. Find out who it is here.

Aston Villa have introduced a new manager, with Steven Gerrard joining the club in November, and he will surely be confident going into his first Premier League winter transfer window, making his own mark on the squad.

Gerrard has been in charge of the side for seven games, with four wins for the Villains so far climbing from 16th to 10th since his arrival, and has had the opportunity to work with the current crop of players at Villa Park to determine his next moves in the upcoming transfer window.

He recently spoke to Birmingham Live to offer an insight to his plans for January;

“In terms of the January window, there’s obviously conversations at Villa and there always will be behind the scenes identifying areas where we can improve.”

Time to go

One player who is expected to be axed in the winter transfer window is striker, Wesley Moraes, who has been on loan at Club Brugge for the first half of the season, struggling to make an impact on the Belgian side with no goals or assists in his seven appearances.

The centre forward suffered a horrific ACL injury back in January 2020, when he was playing for Aston Villa, which saw him injured for almost 18 months, making his return in April 2021, and being sent out on loan to Club Brugge a few months later.

He is now linked with a move to one of two Brazilian clubs, Sao Paolo or Internacional, who are both rumoured to be interested in the £35K-p/w gem and it could really be a blessing in disguise for Gerrard, as he will be looking to free up funds so that he can spend on players he wants to add into his Aston Villa team of the future.

Rumours of a replacement

Gabriel Barbosa, better known as Gabigol, has been heavily linked with Aston Villa and a number of other Premier League clubs for that matter, including Newcastle United, West Ham, Arsenal and Everton.

The Flamengo forward has offered a much better output in his most recent season for his club compared to Villa flop, Wesley, with an impressive 29 goals and nine assists in 43 appearances, and has quite rightly grabbed the attention of Premier League clubs desperate to add goals and creativity to their side.

Flamengo legend, Zico, claimed Gabigol “has everything” in an interview: “I think Gabigol has everything to be the greatest striker in Flamengo’s history.”

Reports suggest that the goal machine would costs around £17m, but with the competition so broad across a number of Premier League clubs rumoured to be interested in securing Gabigol’s signature, it could be a battle of the highest bidder.

The Villa boss would surely welcome a striker with the volume of goals Barbosa has scored for his Rio De Janeiro based club at Villa Park, as he continues to attempt to climb the Premier League table in the second half of the season, in the hopes he will be able to repair the damage done before his arrival to the club last month.

In other news: Gerrard dealt a blow in securing transfer target

Chelsea centre-back Antonio Rüdiger would be a top signing for Tottenham Hotspur, according to former Spurs defender Graham Roberts.

The Lowdown: Rüdiger out of contract

The Germany international has enjoyed a fantastic start to the season, excelling in Thomas Tuchel’s back-three system. His electric form has ensured that he is a crucial component to Chelsea’s back-line – he has started 14 of 15 Premier League matches this term and drawn massive praise just last week from Blues legend Gianfranco Zola.

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However, the defender is out of his £100,000-per-week contract in the summer, and is yet to commit his future to the West London club.

With a £31.5m valuation, Chelsea will not want to lose him on a free at the end of the season. This has opened up the possibility of a transfer in the January window. Consequently, a whole host of clubs may well be interested in the colossal defender, including Spurs, who are expected to pursue a new defensive signing for Antonio Conte.

The Latest: Rüdiger linked with Tottenham

According to transfer insider Dean Jones (via GIVEMESPORT), Tottenham have made Rüdiger the most lucrative offer. It was even revealed earlier this year that the player spoke with former manager Jose Mourinho about the possibility of a move to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Former Spurs centre-back Graham Roberts has now sung the German’s praises, claiming that he would be a good signing for Conte. Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, he said:

“I think it would be good for us. He’s the most improved player I’ve seen in the last year in the Premier League.

“From where he was under Frank, he’s become a man-mountain, he’s a really good passer of the ball.”

However, Roberts is not confident in the deal coming to fruition, claiming that he’s “not sure he would come to Tottenham”.

The Verdict: Ideal but unlikely

With Cristian Romero currently out injured, the arrival of the Germany international would instantly improve the starting 11 in north London – he is part of a defence who have conceded just nine times in 15 games this term, and Rio Ferdinand even called him the best defender in the league last season.

Despite this, it is unlikely that the Chelsea player would choose to join a London rival, especially one below their current ambitions.

He could perhaps opt for a move overseas, with Real Madrid keen to find a replacement for Raphaël Varane and the Spanish giants almost always in and around the trophies come the end of each season.

With the defender out of contract in the summer, there will be a long list of clubs aiming to bring Rüdiger in on a free, so this one certainly feels difficult for the Lilywhites to pull off unless they offer him massive wages.

Everton have been linked with a move for Mallorca midfielder Iddrisu Baba ahead of the January transfer window as Rafa Benitez looks to bolster his engine room options.

What’s the story?

According to GhanaSoccerNet (as relayed by the Liverpool ECHO), the 25-year-old is a long-term target of Benitez’s after the Spanish tactician attempted to sign him for former club Real Madrid.

Since then, Baba has signed a new contract at the Son Moix stadium containing a €45m (£38.4m) release clause, a figure that the Toffees are ‘ready to trigger’.

The report also states that Atletico Madrid have identified the box-to-box dynamo as a replacement for his compatriot Thomas Partey, meaning Everton are set to have a fight on their hands if they want to secure his signature.

Rafa Benitez eyes Everton move

After rising through the ranks at boyhood club Mallorca, Baba has established himself as one of the standout midfielders in La Liga, making 109 appearances for Luis Garcia’s charges in all competitions.

However, he’s elevated his game to new heights in the current campaign and has been of the best players for Mallorca, according to Garcia.

After Baba scored the equalising goal against Cadiz while on league duties back in October, his manager lauded the Ghana international’s impressive exploits, claiming he is enjoying an ‘incredible season’.

“So far, Baba is being the best of the team,” said Garcia. “He is having an incredible season. He not only cuts balls, scores goals but also helps in attack.

“I have already told him that he has to continue working, but he has earned himself the essential role”.

And if the African makes the switch to Merseyside over the winter window, he could play a pivotal part in Benitez’s struggling Everton side for many years to come.

The likes of Tom Davies, Fabian Delph and Jean-Philippe Gbamin have all struggled to make their mark in the middle of the pitch throughout 2021/22, heavily contributing to the Toffees’ poor form. For context, none of them have achieved an average match rating higher than 6.3, via WhoScored.

Baba, on the other hand, has been excelling. As per FBref.com, the 5 foot 10 gem has made a whopping 4.11 tackles per 90 this term, 1.71 interceptions and 1.55 blocks, while winning 2.40 aerial duels.

It’s clear, therefore, that the Mallorca man could be the answer to Benitez’s midfield woes, and Everton’s hierarchy must carefully consider a move for the defensive-minded star during the January window.

And, in other news…More misery: Everton could be set for a big blow in January, Rafa would be devastated

Taking to Twitter, reliable reporter Alasdair Gold has backed some news out of Tottenham Hotspur involving certain players and new manager Antonio Conte.

The Lowdown: Conte arrives…

After the dismal Nuno Espirito Santo era which ended after just four months, Tottenham have now officially commenced a brand new reign as serial winner Conte takes to the Lilywhites helm.

The four-time Serie A champion, Premier League winner and former Chelsea boss is set to usher in a new spell at the club as chairman Daniel Levy and managing director Fabio Paratici seek to bring success back to Spurs.

Over two years since they reached the Champions League final under Mauricio Pochettino, they have not been able to replicate that same form – going through a plethora of managers whilst attempting to rebuild.

The appointment of Conte could go a long way in this regard and his managerial star power has already seen Spurs become linked with a host of Serie A stars.

In terms of the mood around the Spurs camp, it is believed that players are excited by the prospect of working with the Italian – as reported by Fabrizio Romano.

The Latest: Gold backs reports involving Conte…

Taking to social media, backing Romano’s claim, reporter Gold insists that players in the Spurs squad, including superstar striker Harry Kane, are ‘really excited’ about Conte’s arrival.

“Not the most startling news you’ll ever hear but I understand Harry Kane, among others in the Spurs squad, is really excited about working with Antonio Conte and is impressed with the ambition of the appointment and what the future holds,” he explained on Twitter.

The Verdict: Exciting times…

Under both Nuno and Jose Mourinho, there has been a common theme of unhappy players at N17 so this news of Spurs player optimism could come as a welcome change and breath of fresh air.

If Conte is indeed going to get the very best out of Tottenham’s squad and guide them to a respectable finish this season, and maybe a Champions League qualification place, he will need the very best of his assets firing on all cylinders.

News of Kane’s excitement is particularly good news for Spurs’ new boss and supporters alike, especially considering his well-known desire to leave the club over last summer.

Last year’s Golden Boot winner and PFA Team of the Year member, who bagged 23 goals and 14 assists in the Premier League alone over 2020/2021, may well be rejuvenated by this new era at Spurs and there could be exciting times ahead.

In other news: Spurs now in very advanced talks to sign ‘extraordinary’ player, Conte personally involved…find out more here.

A number of Crystal Palace supporters have criticised Jordan Ayew’s performance against Burnley on Saturday.

After the final international break, the Eagles have returned to action, making the trip to Turf Moor for an intriguing Premier League clash.

Palace went into the game off the back of successive 2-0 wins against Manchester City and Wolves as Patrick Vieira continues to impress as manager. Burnley are not always an easy opponent, though, so the Eagles knew that a big performance was required on Saturday.

It proved to be a thrilling encounter which swung one way to another, but Ayew received negative reviews from numerous Palace fans on social media. The Ghanaian was hauled off in the 58th minute and, judging by his sporadic mentions on Sky Sports’ live match commentary, he had a rather tepid afternoon at Turf Moor.

Ayew won just one of his seven duels against Burnley, while his only shot was blocked and he failed with two of his three dribble attempts. He was also culpable of losing possession 13 times, as per SofaScore.

Palace fans react to Ayew’s performance

These Palace fans took to Twitter to react to his performance, with one angry supporter describing him as a “fool” for giving away numerous free kicks which led to goals for Burnley.

“Ayew is actually a fool man. Given away two fouls that have led to two goals; why is he here?”

Credit: @WillCPFC03

“Ayew gives away so many cheap fouls man”

Credit: @Sean__CPFC

“Please get Ayew off and bring Olise on”

Credit: @CTuckey99

“Get Ayew off, we all know he’s useless”

Credit: @BigAlThinks

“Can always count on Ayew for a pointless shanked shot”

Credit: @jack_jsteele

“In other news Ayew needs to be subbed immediately”

Credit: @tyrickmitch

In other news, some Palace fans have been reacting to a transfer rumour. Read more here.

Newcastle United now reportedly want to sign Ross Barkley when the January transfer window opens.

The Lowdown: Free to go

As per 90min, Barkley is free to leave Chelsea in January, and was even expected to go in the summer.

West Ham United were exploring a loan move for the central midfield player at one stage, while Burnley entered the race at the end of the window.

The Latest: Talks already ongoing

According to 90min, the St. James’ Park faithful are one of three clubs in the Premier League who now want to sign Barkley in January, along with both Leeds United and Burnley.

They are keen to do a deal for the Englishman, and intermediaries have actually already initiated talks with the North East club to offer his services.

Barkley is on the shortlist of the new owners, along with Blues teammate Ruben Loftus-Cheek.

The Verdict: Sign

Barkley may have fallen off from the early hype he got while playing for Everton, but he is still a player who can add to the current Magpies squad.

Dubbed an ‘unbelievable’ and ‘unreal’ player by none other than Callum Wilson  – and one who he would like to play with –  on The Super 6 podcast (via The Chronicle), he may cherish linking up with a deadly striker in Wilson, who showed how much of a threat he is when given the right service with a goal at home to Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday afternoon.

It is amazing that he is still just 27 years of age, as it feels as if he has been around forever, and given that Chelsea seemingly want to get rid, Barkley could be available for a price Newcastle’s new owners can comfortably afford.

In other news, find out which ‘outstanding’ manager is now in the frame for the NUFC job here!

Former Leeds United defender Danny Mills believes the late draw against Wolves last weekend was ‘huge’, ahead of the Whites’ trip to Norwich City.

The Lowdown: Leeds salvage point

Marcelo Bielsa’s looked set to experience another damaging result in the Premier League last Saturday, trailing 1-0 at home to Wolves.

Rodrigo’s last-gasp penalty earned Leeds a point, however, and the celebrations that followed summed up how important the moment felt.

The draw still leaves the Whites languishing in a relegation scrap though, with a trip to bottom-placed Norwich looming on Sunday afternoon.

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The Latest: Pundit hails ‘huge’ moment

Speaking to Football Insider, Mills claimed Rodrigo’s goal could be a turning point in Leeds’ season, as they look to overcome their disappointing form at Carrow Road:

“It’s huge. If you lose that game, you’re right up against it. You salvage a point, it feels like a bit of a win.

“All of a sudden, you go into a really crucial game with Norwich with confidence. You’re thinking ‘If we win this game, we can get ourselves heading right up the table’.”

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The Verdict: Time to kick on

There is now almost a quarter of the league season gone and it is time for Leeds to click into gear, having won just once to date in the competition in 2021/22.

Granted, injuries to the likes of Kalvin Phillips and Patrick Bamford haven’t helped, but Bielsa’s men are better than the table suggests currently, as highlighted by their ninth-place finish last time around.

Norwich represent the perfect opponent this weekend, and if Leeds can pick up all three points at Carrow Road, it could be the next significant step on the road to recovery.

In other news, Leeds could have to break their transfer record to sign a reported target. Find out who it is here.

Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane should have pushed harder for a move to Manchester City this summer, according to Paul Merson.

The Lowdown: Kane stays put

Kane made his intentions clear about leaving the club he has spent his whole career with during the summer, but a move failed to materialise and he remained at Spurs for the time being.

After missing the opening day win over Manchester City, the England captain has featured in every game since but is yet to find the net or assist a goal – his longest run in the league without a goal contribution since the start of the 2015/16 season.

Spurs have lost their previous two games 3-0 to Crystal Palace and Chelsea and Kane’s decision to remain at the N17 club could be a regrettable one.

The Latest: Regrets his decision

Speaking on talkSPORT, former Arsenal midfielder Merson has said he feels Kane may be regretting his decision to remain at the club.

“If you’re Harry Kane, you’re standing up front thinking, ‘Should I have really pushed a little bit harder? Should I have?’

“At the end of the day, you’ve got to think of your future. There’s no point sitting there thinking, ‘I don’t want to be disliked’, ‘I don’t want people to think that I’m ungrateful’ and all that.

“He’s done an unbelievable job for Tottenham. He needed to move on.”

Merson continued: “He’s got to think of his future. This lad deserves to win trophies.

“He’s a phenomenal footballer and I think he should have pushed and pushed to get that move.”

The Verdict: Wasted season if he doesn’t buckle down

Any player who states their desire to leave their current club and then fails to land a move is always bound to struggle to fully commit to the cause – Roy Keane was extremely unimpressed by Kane’s body language on Sunday, and it will be a blip on an otherwise incredible career if the striker does not buckle down for the season.

Kane’s exact reasoning for staying at Tottenham is not known despite the likelihood that he was priced out of a move, with rumours previously swirling about Daniel Levy breaking a gentleman’s agreement between the two. If so, the talisman may well still be frustrated, despite his obvious passion for the club and fans.

For now though, he needs to find his shooting boots again and help bring Spurs out of this rut – there is nothing Lilywhites fans would love more than to see the England skipper firing again and proving Merson wrong in the process.

In other news, this Spurs player is set to be handed a new deal despite agreeing on an extension last summer. Find out more here.