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West Bromwich Albion are reportedly interested in signing Aston Villa centre-back Lamare Bogarde this month and his arrival at The Hawthorns could allow Carlos Corberan to ditch Semi Ajayi.

The Athletic reported last month that the Baggies could look to bring in the youngster in January as the manager looks to bolster his defensive options ahead of a likely promotion push in the second half of the campaign.

West Brom sit just outside the Championship play-off places after last weekend’s late defeat against league leaders Burnley but appear to have a great chance of a top-six finish if they can maintain their superb form since Corberan took over from Steve Bruce last October.

The manager has preferred a centre-back partnership of Erik Pieters and Dara O’Shea during his time with the Midlands club, which is perhaps partly down to the injury issues of Kyle Bartley and Ajayi.

The latter has made just two substitute appearances in the league since Corberan’s arrival and has struggled immensely on his rare starts this term, averaging a subdued 6.42 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

This ranks him as only the 18th-best performer at The Hawthorns so far in 2022/23 according to WhoScored, so he could be a prime candidate to depart in the January transfer window, especially if the manager can add another defender to his ranks.

Bogarde could be an ideal option to succeed him, as the youngster would arrive with a very good reputation thanks to his performances in Villa’s youth ranks, with academy director Mark Harrison delighted about the Dutchman’s “immense potential” upon his arrival at the club from Feyenoord.

The 20-year-old, who can also play as a defensive midfielder, made his senior debut for Villa in the 2020/21 season but hasn’t played for them since, so a loan move could be good for both parties this month as he looks unlikely to break into Unai Emery’s first-team.

Given his reputation and potential, he could be a far better option for Corberan than Ajayi in the second half of the season, when you consider the Nigerian’s less than impressive displays under Bruce in the early months of the campaign.

While that would be tough on the former Rotherham man after his injury issues in the autumn, the Baggies must do all that they can to secure a top-six finish this season. Signing a versatile youngster such as Bogarde can only be a good thing for Corberan, even if it means getting rid of Ajayi.

Chelsea look set to complete the signing of Enzo Fernandez from Benfica for a club-record fee, according to Alex Crook.

What’s the word?

The midfielder, who played a starring role for Argentina at the World Cup, looks set to move to West London, with Chelsea paying a British-record transfer fee.

The 21-year-old won the Young Player of the Tournament award in Qatar, and is set for another move having only joined Benfica from River Plate at the start of the season.

Speaking on TalkSPORT, Crook shared details of the potential deal, and stated that he expects it to go through.

“The key here is the terms of the transfer fee. We know it’s going to be in excess of his £105m release clause,” he stated.

“But Chelsea, as I mentioned yesterday, want to pay in three installments to try and get round their FFP limitations.

“The final call is still to be made by the Benfica hierarchy. Enzo Fernandez has already agreed personal terms. He’s already checked out, basically, he thinks he’s played his last game for Benfica, but Scott Minto told us yesterday it wasn’t a particularly good performance, if it was his last game.

“I think this will happen but we’re just waiting for the final green light from Benfica.”

A big gamble?

Although his talent was on full display at the World Cup, the size of the fee is arguably excessive, considering the Argentine’s lack of experience.

Fernandez has played just 25 games for Benfica since his summer move, and even at River Plate he only made 53 senior appearances.

His value has shot up as a result of his national team displays, and he would slot straight into the Chelsea midfield with N’Golo Kante and Jorginho potentially leaving in the summer, but such a large deal for a 21-year-old does carry a risk of failure if he cannot live up to expectations.

After securing a 1-0 win against Preston North End in his first game as QPR manager, it is starting to become clear which players will become crucial under Neil Critchley.

The Hoops disregarded the form table to earn three points against Ryan Lowe’s side on Saturday, with Jimmy Dunne’s goal enough to seal the win.

The former Blackpool boss made just two changes in the win, with Rob Dickie coming on to help secure the three points, while Olamide Shodipo came on for the final stages to give Chris Willock a rest.

It was a rare appearance for the 25-year-old, who can no longer be considered the exciting youngster that he once was viewed as at Loftus Road.

Shodipo has now made nine appearances in the Championship this season, with just two starts, averaging a shocking 6.16 rating from WhoScored which ranks him as the 21st-best performer in the Hoops’ squad.

Had Ilias Chair not been featuring for Morocco at the World Cup in Qatar at the same time as the game, then it seems likely that Shodipo would have been much further down the pecking order in Critchley’s thinking, so when he returns from international duty, the Irishman may continue to struggle for game time.

The former Oxford United loanee has now made 45 appearances for the Hoops, in which he has failed to score a single goal and has just one assist, which suggests that he is far from good enough to be a regular at Loftus Road.

Although he did catch the eye in his loan spell with Oxford, contributing 12 goals and three assists in League One, the £4.8k-per-week earner has failed to bring that form with him to the Championship.

Shodipo’s contract at QPR is set to expire at the end of the season, so Critchley must now look to sell him in January to try and get a fee for the winger, who has progressed from the academy to the first team, without ever really looking like he could be a regular.

Football is a ruthless business and Critchley needs better players if he wants to push QPR up the table in the second half of the season, so Shodipo has to go.

A claim has emerged on new Glasgow Rangers boss Michael Beale and what his appointment could mean for Ryan Kent and Alfredo Morelos…

What’s the talk?

Journalist Dean Jones has suggested that the club have brought the English coach in with the hope that his arrival could convince the pair to remain at Ibrox.

Morelos and Kent are both out of contract at the end of the 2022/23 campaign and the reporter has claimed that it would be some achievement for the manager to keep hold of at least one of them.

He told GIVEMESPORT: “I think this is part of the reason Rangers made the change of manager right now.

“They want to give their star players something to think about. They want to make sure that they’re able to try and achieve everything that the squad is capable of. That’s why Michael Beale has come in.

“It would be a big coup if he could convince one of those two to stay.”

Potential payday

Beale could now earn sporting director Ross Wilson millions of pounds to play with in the market by convincing Morelos and Kent to pen extensions with the Gers.

Both of them are quality attackers, on their day, and have the potential to be worth big sums of money if the new head coach can get them firing on all cylinders.

Kent, 26, has proven that he has the quality to be a terrific player at Premiership level. Between the 2020/21 and 2021/22 campaigns, the winger produced 12 goals and 21 assists for the Light Blues in the Scottish top flight and this shows that he can have a huge impact at the top end of the pitch when he is at his best.

The Gers rejected a £10m bid from Premier League side Leeds United in 2020 for the attacker, who has scored 31 goals and provided 53 assists in 196 matches for the club, and this highlights the kind of money Wilson could sell him for if he gets back to his best and has multiple years left on his deal.

Morelos, meanwhile, has scored 115 goals and assisted 52 in 243 outings for Rangers in all competitions – including four goals and one assist in nine Europa League matches last term.

The club, according to the Daily Mail, rejected an offer of around £15m from French side Lille for the Colombian’s services in 2020 and this means that the pair have the potential to be worth at least £25m combined.

Thus, if Rangers can tie them down and then eventually sell them on, rather than losing them for free, Beale could earn the Light Blues a huge payday. That’s something that would no doubt leave Wilson with more funds to spend on possible replacements.

Liverpool want Ajax midfielder Mohammed Kudus and will scout him at the World Cup later today, according to reports in the last 48 hours.

The Lowdown: Kudus selected by Ghana

Kudus was named in Otto Addo’s 26-man squad to represent Ghana in Qatar over the next couple of weeks, with their opening group game taking place this afternoon against Portugal.

Despite still having three years remaining on his contract, the 22-year-old admitted that he was open to moving to the Premier League over the summer to find more game time, and the Reds appear keen to capitalise on this.

The Latest: Liverpool scouting Kudus

According to Sports World Ghana (via Sport Witness), Liverpool ‘will send scouts’ to watch Kudus in action today, with Anfield officials set to be ‘in attendance’.

Jurgen Klopp is believed to have been ‘keeping an eye’ on his target ever since the two sides met in the Champions League back in September, and the report states that FSG ‘hope to bring him’ to Merseyside in January.

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The Verdict: Perfect addition

Liverpool are said to be targeting a blockbuster midfield signing in the New Year, so with Kudus having been dubbed ‘electric’ by Jacek Kulig and even likened to Clarence Seeforf, he would be the perfect addition.

The Accra native has already racked up 12 goal contributions across all competitions for Ajax this season and currently averages 1.8 shots and 1.6 dribbles per league game (WhoScored).

Klopp loves his central players to be creative and contribute in the final third, and Kudus is someone who fits the bill and would flourish under the leadership of the German boss.

Leeds United snatched defeat from the jaws of victory this afternoon, as a late Rodrigo Bentancur brace saw Tottenham Hotspur run out 4-3 winners over Jesse Marsch’s side in what was a pulsating encounter in north London.

For all the negativity that will surround that frustrating collapse, there were no doubt still notable positives to take from the game as a whole, with the Whites boss likely to have been pleased to see Crysencio Summerville and Rodrigo continue their stunning goalscoring form, with the pair having netted in each of their past four Premier League games.

That devastating duo were not the only stars from the forward line, however, with summer signing Brenden Aaronson showcasing his quality once again in his playmaking role, having made a bright start to life at Elland Road thus far.

The former Red Bull Salzburg starlet – who arrived in Yorkshire on a £24.7m deal in the recent window – had gone into the game having only recently earned an inclusion in USA’s squad for the upcoming World Cup, with followers of his nation likely to have been pleased to see him sign off for his club with a strong showing.

The 22-year-old’s most telling contribution came early on to tee up the aforementioned Summerville for the away side’s opener – the youngster’s third goal involvement of the season so far – while also producing a “superb” through ball, in the words of journalist Beren Cross, to set up the Dutchman again, only for the winger to see his effort saved by Hugo Lloris.

Having not recorded a goal or an assist since the draw with Everton back in August, such an impact was no doubt vital for the player’s confidence, with that again set to be a positive as he looks to showcase his quality on the Global stage in the coming weeks.

The 5-foot-10 sensation did also catch the eye with his all-round display after registering two key passes from his 54 touches, while also recording two tackles and one interception, as well as winning two fouls.

While Aaronson did lose possession 11 times against Antonio Conte’s side, that is perhaps to be expected of a player in such a creative berth, with it seemingly a positive to see the American gem trying to take risks against such elite opposition.

The one-time Philadelphia Union man will no doubt be fully aware that he will need to bolster his attacking contributions moving forward when club action resumes at the end of December, although in the short term the exciting talent can head to Qatar on a personal high, despite the collective disappointment of defeat.

West Ham boss David Moyes has shared an update on Craig Dawson whilst confirming team news ahead of their Conference League clash with Silkeborg.

The Lowdown: Hammers flying high…

The Hammers have enjoyed a stellar campaign in Europe so far this season, having utterly dominated Group B with four wins from four in their opening matches.

West Ham sit top of their standings and know just a single point from their remaining games will clinch top spot and secure them an early spot in the last 16.

Avoiding a knockout round play-off tie would be huge for Moyes’ side who are having to contend with numerous injuries and an ever-congested Premier League fixture schedule.

The Latest: Moyes shares West Ham team news…

Speaking to the media ahead of West Ham’s bout with Silkeborg at the London Stadium this evening, Moyes has confirmed the latest team news.

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He says, alongside summer signings Lucas Paqueta and Maxwel Cornet, defender Dawson also remains out and will not feature tonight.

Moyes said (via whufc.com):

“”Cornet has had a small setback in training so he’s not available. Dawson is improving but is not fit enough for the game, and Lucas Paqueta is not available. But hopefully they are not too far away but really touch and go for Sunday as well.”

The Verdict: Setback?

While the east Londoners are arguably in good stead to get the job done regardless, Moyes will be wanting Dawson back in the starting line up as soon as possible.

The 32-year-old has often been an untouchable in the West Ham team, making a huge 50 appearances in all competitions last season.

As per WhoScored, Dawson is one of Moyes’ most reliable defensive assets – averaging more blocks in the top flight than any West Ham player last year.

Over 2021/2022, he also managed their second-highest rate of clearances and aerial duels won per 90 (WhoScored) – backing exactly why members of the media have branded the Englishman ‘absolutely sensational’ since his move to the club.

Wolverhampton Wanderers are yet to appoint a new permanent successor to Bruno Lage, although in the meantime interim boss Steve Davis has impressively held the fort alongside James Collins, notably guiding the Midlands side to a 1-0 victory over Nottingham Forest on Saturday.

That triumph saw 20-year-old starlet Joe Hodge handed his second senior appearance as a late substitute at Molineux, with the former Manchester City youth product having previously sparkled on debut a week earlier in the defeat to Chelsea.

The diminutive ace was subsequently lauded for that “tenacious, brave and technical” display at Stamford Bridge, as per journalist Liam Keen, having more than taken his chance against such elite opposition.

The Republic of Ireland youth international is part of an emerging crop of young talent that is currently enjoying a taste of life in the first team, with Chem Campbell and Hugo Bueno also having been involved so far this term.

As such, any new appointment will be welcomed by a hugely exciting pool of youngsters just waiting to be properly unleashed on the Premier League stage, with the answer to the club’s early season woes potentially lying in the academy set-up.

One figure who is still waiting for his chance in the senior ranks is 18-year-old, Tyler Roberts, with the explosive winger having caught the eye with his dynamic displays at youth level in recent years.

The promising teen has recently been promoted to the club’s U21 side after scoring 16 goals and providing four assists in just 37 games for the U18s, having signed his first professional contract with the club back in November.

The Jamaica youth international had notably been praised by the aforementioned Davis for his display during last season’s FA Youth Cup defeat to Manchester United, noting his ability to “have an impact” on games after moving into a right-wing berth.

Such quality has been particularly evident during this season’s EFL Trophy, with the ‘rapid’ forward – as described by the Express & Star’s Keen – scoring in the 2-1 victory over Stockport County last month, having looked a ‘cut above’ on the night.

The Walsall-born menace was also a key figure in the win over Shrewsbury Town in the same competition back in August, producing a tireless and energetic display down the right flank in the second half, attempting seven dribbles and winning three fouls with the home side unable to live with his sheer speed and directness.

Such attributes could well be attractive for whichever new figure does eventually replace Lage in the hot seat, with Roberts certainly one asset who the club can strike gold on if they hand him a first-team berth moving forward.

Nottingham Forest had a very busy summer transfer window, signing 22 new players at the City Ground to bolster their squad ahead of the Premier League season, but it hasn’t been the fairytale start that their supporters, manager and team would’ve hoped for.

The Reds are currently 19th in the table after seven games, with consecutive losses in their last four outings. That record must drastically improve as soon as possible if Steve Cooper has any chance of retaining the club’s top-flight status at the end of the campaign.

The influx of new signings could be one of the contributing factors to Forest’s tricky start to the season, with the manager desperately trying to establish which players work well together to build relationships and connections on the pitch to inspire positive results.

Although the club wasted no time or resources in delivering the depth needed in the squad following their promotion from the Championship, they appear to have lost their identity since losing a number of their key players who worked together to deliver the successes of last season.

Brice Samba, Lewis Grabban, Djed Spence, Philip Zinckernagel, Keinan Davis and James Garner all played an integral part in their positions to secure promotion via the play-offs and send Forest back to the Premier League after 23 years out of the top tier, but they have now all left the club.

Garner in particular was one player who stayed in the conversation to return to the City Ground throughout the summer transfer window. However, he eventually moved to Everton in a £15m deal on deadline day after Manchester United decided to sell the player, and there is no doubt that Cooper will be full of regret that club owner Evangelos Marinakis could not secure the player’s signature.

The 21-year-old former Red Devils talent – who was dubbed “really creative” by Martin Keown – had a fantastic season-long loan spell at Forest and played a massively influential role in the team throughout.

In 41 Championship appearances last term, Garner scored four goals, delivered eight assists and created seven big chances, making 1.4 interceptions, 1.8 tackles and two key passes per game. He also won the majority of his duels (53%) and completed the majority of his dribbles (58%), showing that he is a complete midfielder effective in both attacking and defensive play.

Cooper now needs him more than ever as this Forest team struggles to work well together to earn positive results. With so many new players occupying important roles in the team, the Reds manager could use some familiarity and experience in the system which thrived in the Championship.

The permanent signing of Garner would’ve provided some continuity in the middle of the park, offering the 42-year-old an experienced focal point around which to structure the team, as it is clear from last season’s statistics that the Everton midfielder works well under the manager and understands his philosophy.

There has been a surprising lack of interest in Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Harry Winks this summer, according to journalist Tom Barclay.

The Lowdown

After it had become clear that he was excess to Antonio Conte’s requirements at Spurs, the former England international was placed on the club’s transfer list.

With the Italian only willing to work with players who will be involved in his first-team going forward, the 26-year-old has been training away from the squad at Hotspur Way in an apparent snub from his manager.

According to The Athletic’s Charlie Eccleshare, Winks has received interest from Leeds United and Everton, but neither of those two clubs have pushed any further, leaving the midfielder’s Lilywhites future surrounded by uncertainty.

The Latest

Barclay has been left surprised by the apparent lack of interest in both Winks and his Tottenham team-mate Sergio Reguilon this summer.

When questioned by GiveMeSport over whether any enquiries have been made for the Spurs duo, the journalist claimed: “Not that I know of in the last two days or so. Harry Winks, it feels like it might go to the end of the window, but I’m surprised about the lack of interest in both of them really.”

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The Verdict

Winks certainly appears to be out of favour in Conte’s squad, given his lack of playing time since the manager arrived in north London.

Under the Italian, the midfielder has amassed 17 bit-part appearances in the Premier League, and he is yet to even make it into a matchday squad so far this season.

With a couple of top-flight clubs interested in his services earlier on in the summer, as mentioned above, it does seem a surprise to see the 26-year-old still at Hotspur Way this late on in the transfer window.

Therefore, if no fresh interest emerges between now and 1 September, this could end up being a long season for the 10-cap England international.