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Wolves seemed to have found themselves an ideal new target man during the summer when they welcomed Sasa Kalajdzic to Molineux, but after injuring his ACL on his debut, the Old Gold may need a replacement in January.

One man who could fit the bill in Julen Lopetegui’s side is reported target Vedat Muriqi.

The Kosovan striker, who has been described as “utterly dominant in the air”, has been in sensational form for Real Mallorca so far this season, hitting eight goals in just 12 La Liga appearances. That has helped him to average a phenomenal 7.14 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

Muriqi would add goals and a serious threat in the air for Wolves should they sign him in January, as the Kosovo international has won 4.8 aerial duels per game in La Liga this season, whereas three players jointly lead the way for Wolves with just 2.3 per game in the Premier League.

Given Wolves’ struggles in front of goal both this season and last, it was easy to see why Bruno Lage wanted to bring Kalajdzic to Molineux this summer, especially with Fabio Silva out on loan and Raul Jimenez;s output diminishing since his sublime first two seasons for the club.

The Austrian forward, who stands at a colossal 6 foot 7, had scored 22 goals in the last two Bundesliga campaigns combined and had started the 2022/23 season with three assists in three appearances in Germany’s top flight, so he definitely would have added a different dimension to Wolves’ attack.

Sadly, his debut against Southampton was cut short after he was forced off through injury, with a scan later revealing that he had injured his ACL and would be out for the season, just days after the transfer window had slammed shut.

As the 25-year-old will be unable to aid Wolves in their battle against relegation, Lopetegui might consider bringing in someone such as Muriqi in the hope that the former Lazio man can provide more of an out ball in the attack and cause problems with his physicality, as Diego Costa and Jimenez have provided very few problems for Premier League defences so far this term.

Therefore, Wolves should definitely look at bringing the in-form Kosovan frontman to Molineux in January, in the hope that he can be an able deputy for Kalajdzic and fire the Old Gold back up the Premier League table.

Leeds United were linked with a move for Flamengo centre-forward Pedro in the summer transfer window, with Fabrizio Romano revealing Victor Orta’s interest in the 25-year-old in an interview with GIVEMESPORT back in August.

Regarding the Whites’ fondness for the Brazil international, the transfer insider said: “I’m told that the player they have been monitoring for a long time is Pedro from Flamengo, the Brazilian striker.

“But the problem with South American transfers is the timing. Of course, now we’re close to the end of the window, so they need to be fast if they want to do a South American deal.”

However, with the Brazilian Série A season now at an end, and with Pedro having made Tite’s 26-man squad for the Qatar World Cup, Orta and his transfer team at Elland Road will have a perfect opportunity to take a closer look at the striker this winter.

BBC Sport commentator Guy Mowbray singled the Flamengo forward out as one of his players to watch in the tournament, labelling the 25-year-old as “something special” and stating his belief that Pedro is set to play a “starring substitute role” for when the Seleção “need something different.”

And, considering just how impressive the two-cap international was in Brazil this season, it would not be hard to imagine that Orta will once again be tempted into launching a move for the centre-forward in the January market.

Indeed, over his 24 Série A appearances – only 12 of which came as starts – in 2022, the £17.5m-rated talent was in devastating form, scoring 11 goals, registering three assists and creating five big chances, in addition to taking an average of 2.2 shots, making 0.7 key passes and completing 0.4 dribbles per game.

The 25-year-old also caught the eye over his 13 Copa Libertadores fixtures, bagging 12 goals, providing two assists and creating six big chances, as well as taking an average of 2.5 shots, making one key pass and completing 0.6 dribbles per game – playing a starring role in Flamengo going on to win the competition.

As such, should the player who boasts a £110m release clause go on to explode for Brazil in Qatar, it would indeed appear extremely wise for Orta to launch a move for Pedro this winter, as the striker’s goals would look to make a very welcome addition to Jesse Marsch’s current attacking options at Elland Road.

Leeds United right-back Luke Ayling is attracting interest ahead of the January transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to Graeme Bailey, with the transfer insider revealing in a recent interview with TEAMtalk that Jesse Marsch is planning something of an overhaul of his first team squad this winter, with a number of players in line for a departure.

One of these players is said to be Ayling, the 31-year-old right-back who is out of contract at the end of the current campaign, with the journalist going on to suggest that there is interest in a January move for the defender.

Regarding the future of the full-back, Bailey said: “Leeds can expect changes next summer for sure and it will mean another overhaul of their squad. It is clear that Jesse Marsch still doesn’t have all the tools at his disposal.”

“Luke Ayling, like [Adam] Forshaw, is out of contract next summer, and I am told there is interest in him. However, it is a doubt that Leeds’ squad is deep enough for them to let him go.”

Bin Ayling, unleash Drameh

While Bailey suggests that Leeds believe they may not have enough depth at right-back in order to sanction the sale of Ayling in January, considering the fact that Cody Drameh is still currently playing the majority of his football with the U21s, it would appear a wise move for Marsch to finally unleash the 20-year-old in place of the 31-year-old upon the turn of the year.

Indeed, considering just how impressive the £2.2m-rated talent was during a loan spell at Cardiff City last season, in addition to turning in a number of eye-catching displays for Michael Skubala’s youth side in the current campaign, the England U21 international would look to be a natural successor to the former Arsenal right-back.

Indeed, over his 22 Championship appearances for the Bluebirds in 2021/22, Drameh helped his side keep six clean sheets, in addition to making an average of 3.8 tackles – the most of any player in the league – one interception, 2.0 clearances and winning 6.9 duels – at a success rate of 57% – per game.

The £4.4k-per-week youngster also chipped in going forwards, 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 fixture.

These metrics saw the 20-year-old average an extremely impressive SofaScore match rating of 6.92, ranking him as Cardiff’s fourth-best player in the second tier.

The former Fulham starlet has also impressed over his 7.03 over his three outings in the Papa John’s Trophy.

As such, considering the potential Drameh clearly possesses, the player whose development is being “held up by Ayling’s ongoing involvement” – in the words of James Marshment – would indeed appear a natural heir to the £35k-per-week right-back – leading us to believe that Marsch can afford to bin the 31-year-old passenger by unleashing the 20-year-old “threat” in the first-team.

Tottenham Hotspur ended a run of three games without a win in all competitions as they beat newly-promoted Bournemouth 3-2 in the Premier League at the weekend.

Spurs had lost their last two matches in the top-flight, against Manchester United and Newcastle United, and were held to a draw by Sporting CP in the Champions League in midweek.

Antonio Conte has had some frustrating injuries to deal with in recent weeks as he has been left without Richarlison and Dejan Kulusevski.

Heung-Min Son and Harry Kane have been the only frontline attacking options available to the head coach and the lack of quality depth in those areas could force the manager into the market in the January transfer window.

One player who could arrive to solve that issue is Inter centre-forward Lautaro Martinez, someone who represents a dream alternative to Son in attack.

It was recently reported that Tottenham are one of a number of clubs interested in signing the Argentine gem ahead of the upcoming window.

Atletico Madrid, Newcastle, Chelsea, and Manchester United are all also said to be keen on the attacker, although Diego Simeone’s side seemingly cannot match Inter’s demands.

The Italian giants are looking for a fee in the region of €90m (£77m), which is reportedly ‘within reach’ of all four of the Premier League teams in the race for his signature.

Martinez is a versatile attacker who can play as a lone number nine, a second striker, and on either flank, and this means that he can fulfil a similar role to Son, who is also capable of playing in all of those positions.

The Inter forward, who Lionel Messi once dubbed “spectacular”, has produced six goals and two assists in 12 Serie A matches so far this season, averaging a SofaScore rating of 7.24. This comes after he scored 21 times and provided three assists in 28 starts for the Italian giants.

Son, meanwhile, has scored three goals and assisted two in 13 Premier League games this season, averaging a SofaScore rating of 7.23. Last term, the winger plundered 23 goals and seven assists in 35 matches for the club as he won the Golden Boot in the top flight.

Martinez, who has scored 108 club career goals, could, therefore, be a dream alternative to the current Spurs man. Roberto Rojas once described him as a goal “machine” and the statistics suggest that description would be accurate for both of them.

The Argentina international is a versatile goalscorer and someone who could come in to either compete with Son for a place or play when the former Bundesliga star is unavailable.

Tottenham will be monitoring winger Anthony Gordon amid his ongoing contract talks, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

THE LOWDOWN: SUMMER REDEMPTION

Everton’s versatile 21-year-old was thought to be a target for Spurs throughout the summer transfer window, with O’Rourke believing that the alleged interest from the north London side still exists.

A report from The Sun recently claimed that Everton and Gordon were in discussions over a new contract, with negotiations thought to have stalled between the two parties.

It is said that Gordon is looking for a £100,000-a-week deal in order to sign on the dotted line as a result of the £60m price tag that was placed over him in the window just gone.

THE LATEST: NOT OVER YET

As a result of the ongoing reports that surround Gordon, journalist O’Rourke has chimed in with an update that will give hope to Spurs supporters who want to see the star ply his trade at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

The journalist does not believe that the likes of Tottenham, Chelsea or Newcastle United have given up on a potential deal for the star.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, O’Rourke said: “Those clubs, I’m sure they will be monitoring Gordon’s contract talks right now, and I’m sure Everton would love to sort out his contract and secure his long-term future at Goodison Park.”

THE VERDICT: A £60M RISK

At the age of 21, Gordon is still learning his craft, with regular minutes vital in aiding progression if he is to reach his potential.

From a Spurs point of view, the acquisition of Gordon would surely result in a departure – whether that be Lucas Moura or Bryan Gil, who have struggled for minutes in competition with Richarlison and Dejan Kulusevski.

Even with a Spurs departure, game time would be hard to come by when you look at the competition in the Tottenham ranks.

Gordon’s versatility would of course be appealing to boss Antonio Conte, but a £60m move in the short term may prove to be too much of a risk for both parties.

When Jose Fonte left Crystal Palace for Southampton in 2010, few Eagles fans would have predicted that the centre-back would still be playing at the top level 12 years later.

Fonte joined Palace from Sporting Lisbon in 2007 and was a regular during his time at Selhurst Park, making 92 appearances, in which he contributed six goals and seven assists.

However, he was sold to Southampton, who were in League One at the time, in a deal worth just £1.2m in 2010, a move which really helped the Portugal international propel his career towards the top.

He would help the Saints to two successive promotions in order to reach the Premier League, where they have remained ever since, with Fonte a regular at St Mary’s until his exit seven years later.

The centre-back would make 288 appearances for Southampton in total, contributing 15 goals and nine assists, and he will undoubtedly be fondly remembered by Saints fans.

In 2017, he joined West Ham and endured a less successful time with the Hammers, making just 24 appearances before he was sold to Chinese Super League side Dalian Professional the following year.

While he struggled for form during his time at the London club, teammate Darren Randolph was full of praise for his impact in training, saying:

“It is only going to add to the quality that we have and to the squad as well. I have already seen in training that he is a leader. He is loud and vocal and organises well. It should be a good addition.”

His time in China was no more than a dalliance and in 2018 he would make the move to Lille, where he has gone on to make 172 appearances, scoring eight goals and contributing five assists during arguably the most successful spell of his career.

Indeed, the £28k-per-week brute played a key role in Lille’s remarkable title-winning season in 2021, making 36 appearances in the French top-flight as they toppled PSG in order to claim top spot.

Even now, aged 38, Fonte remains a regular in Lille’s first team and has made nine appearances so far this season in Ligue 1.

While it is impossible to say if he would have reached the same level had he remained with Palace, his impressive career since leaving suggests that they made a rather big mistake in selling him for just £1.2m in 2010.

Manchester City starlet Taylor Harwood-Bellis has been made a transfer priority by Everton manager Frank Lampard, according to journalist Alan Nixon (via City Xtra).

The Lowdown: Career so far

At just 20 years of age, the centre-back has already been sent on numerous loans as the Sky Blues look to prepare him for regular first-team football in the Premier League.

Currently on loan with Burnley under the supervision of Etihad Stadium legend Vincent Kompany, Harwood-Bellis has amassed 49 appearances in the Championship for Stoke City, Blackburn Rovers and now the Clarets.

The England under-21 international has also made eight senior appearances under Pep Guardiola.

The Latest: Nixon’s news

Nixon has now shared an interesting transfer update regarding the City youngster, revealing that one Premier League club is very keen on securing the defender’s services in the near future.

Taking to Patreon, as relayed by City Xtra, the journalist claimed: “Frank Lampard is making #ManCity centre-back Taylor Harwood-Bellis a transfer priority for Everton, with club staff compiling a file on the defender’s performances while on loan at Burnley this season.”

The Verdict: Huge potential

So far at Turf Moor this term, Harwood-Bellis has been rated as Burnley’s third-best player in the Championship, with the defender having averaged an impressive 7.15 Sofascore rating.

As per WhoScored statistics, the 20-year-old leads the way for the Clarets for interceptions, blocks and offsides won in the league this season, also coming in second for clearances per game.

Hailed by journalist Jonny Bentley as ‘tremendous’ for his ability to play out from the back, a trait that Guardiola seeks in his defenders, City certainly have a huge prospect on their books in Harwood-Bellis.

Therefore, if Everton do come in for the youngster, the Citizens should do anything they can to keep hold of him for the long-term, in the hope that he can emulate Phil Foden by coming through the academy ranks to become a first team stalwart.

Celtic have a track record when it comes to signing players from Premier League clubs during previous transfer windows.

One player in England’s top division that has recently been mentioned with a move to Parkhead this summer is Chelsea midfielder Ross Barkley.

However, Sky Sports journalist, Anthony Joseph, recently took to Twitter to play down these rumours, suggesting he wasn’t a player that would be arriving in Glasgow.

With that in mind, another midfield option that has been touted with a move to Celtic Park that should take the club’s attention away from Barkley is Edouard Michut.

Having made 17 appearances for the French club, the 19-year-old already has eight senior games under his belt, showing just how highly they rate him there.

In those eight appearances, the midfielder has managed to provide one assist, which came during PSG’s 1-1 draw against Olympique Lyon last season.

Hailed by football talent scout, Jacek Kulig, as a “highly technical and creative playmaker”, as well as a “fantastic product” of PSG’s youth academy, Michut could be a better option for Celtic to sign ahead of Barkley given his young age and the potential he has to grow and develop into a top player.

The young Frenchman could reportedly be signed by Celtic for a fee of £5m which could make him a cheaper option than the £10.8m-rated Chelsea midfielder should the west London club look to sell him this summer.

The fact the Englishman currently picks up a weekly wage of £100k-per-week, means any deal materialising is incredibly difficult to envisage.

In comparison, Michut reportedly only earns £730-per-week at his current club, which would surely make a potential move for him a better financial option for the Hoops.

In addition to that, with players such as Tom Rogic, Luca Connell, Ewan Henderson, Kerr McInroy, Ismaila Soro and Nir Bitton all making moves away from Paradise this summer, life could well be pretty easy for the PSG prodigy when it comes to working his way into Ange Postecoglou’s side.

Therefore, if an opportunity to strike a deal with the French giants to sign their young midfielder arises before the summer transfer window closes, the Hoops should spring into action and secure his signature, putting to bed the idea of signing Barkley at the same time.

Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Manchester United are working on a new deal for young forward Alejandro Garnacho.

The Lowdown: Garnacho impresses at Old Trafford

Garnacho has been progressing through the youth system with the Red Devils and made his Premier League debut last season after contributing to 31 goals in 52 games at academy level.

The winger was selected by Erik ten Hag for their pre-season tour of Thailand and Australia but didn’t make a single appearance across four games.

Ten Hag did give the 18-year-old the nod against Rayo Vallecano on Sunday, though, with Garnacho catching the eye at Old Trafford ahead of the Premier League opener against Brighton next weekend.

The Latest: Romano’s update

Romano, who previously said that Garnacho is regarded as a ‘huge talent’, provided an update on the forward’s future.

He stated that United are ‘working’ on a new contract for the teenager after Ten Hag gave his approval.

The Verdict: Brilliant news

Garnacho appears to be a future star and has already impressed under Ten Hag, so securing his services for the long run is a shrewd move.

The Argentine’s current contract expires in less than 12 months’ time, which would mean that he could discuss a pre-contract agreement elsewhere in the New Year, should his situation remain the same.

Hopefully the player’s future will be resolved by then, and who knows, Garnacho’s stock may rise even further between now and January if he makes the most of any game-time that he gets over the next few months.

West Ham are ready to battle with several clubs for the signature of Wolfsburg centre-back Maxence Lacroix.

 What’s the word?

That’s according to French publication Media Foot, who claim that the French defender has been tracked by West Ham.

Amongst the list of other potential suitors is Arsenal, and the player is said to be hotly followed throughout the Premier League.

Lacroix extended his contract last September until June 2025, so it will take a substantial bid to pry him from the German club. 

An upgrade on Diop

To coerce this highly-rated defender to the London Stadium would be a huge statement of intent, especially with the ever-growing list of other interested parties. It would go a long way towards convincing Declan Rice of the club’s ambition.

Not only this, but it would form one of the more mobile defences in the Premier League, with Kurt Zouma also possessing great speed as well as a sizeable frame.

This signing could however signal the end for another of his compatriots, as it would no doubt send Issa Diop further down the pecking order.

Last season, the West Ham centre-back only managed 12 league appearances as his playtime was further limited. He could not challenge Craig Dawson and Zouma and was subsequently sidelined.

Lacroix however featured 29 times and earned huge praise for his blistering pace and intelligent defending. His performances saw him garner a 6.99 average SofaScore rating; a fine return for the 22-year-old.

Oliver Glasner, his manager, had labelled the defender “outstanding”. He is well thought of amongst his Wolfsburg teammates.

Not only this, but the £61k-per-week star ranked in the 99th percentile for interceptions per 90. His incredible awareness matched with his speed helped him to snuff out any danger before it had even materialised.

He also ranked in the 99th percentile for dribbles completed, marking him out as a progressive carrier who enjoys having the ball at his feet.

David Moyes must certainly act quickly to snatch this fine asset from his rivals and replace Diop, further adding to his remarkable talent pool in central defence.

AND, in other news: WHU “really interested” in signing “exceptional” £43m-rated talent, imagine him & Rice.