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Wolverhampton Wanderers could now have been handed a potential boost in their hopes of landing Michail Antonio from West Ham United.

What’s the latest?

It has been reported Julen Lopetegui has identified the West Ham striker as a potential option to improve Wolves’ frontline in this January’s transfer window.

This comes following the Wanderers already adding the Brazilian forward, Matheus Cunha, to their side this month following the arrival of Lopetegui late last year.

But with Wolves struggling thus far in the 2022/23 Premier League campaign, it seems as if this transfer window is viewed as a huge part in their season which they need to use to boost their hopes of survival.

Interestingly, the West Ham man, who has been hailed as an “inspiration”, shares the same agency as Wolves backup goalkeeper Matija Sarkic.

And speaking on TalkSport on Wednesday morning, journalist Alex Crook has claimed Lopetegui is a big fan of the Jamaican striker and feels he could bring Wolves some much-needed goals:

“I’m told the player himself possibly is open to a new challenge. I think his contract is due to expire at the end of the season, but he’s got a year’s option at the end of that, so he’s effectively into the last 18 months of his deal. And Wolverhampton Wanderers would be keen if he was made available.”

Dealing with competitors

Wolves have struggled this season which is evident from their spot in the table as they sit just one place and two points above the bottom.

And their struggles have stemmed from their form in front of goal with Wolves currently the side to have scored the least number of goals so far this season.

Having only found the back of the net 11 times in 18 league games, it is apparent they need to add quality up top this month if they hope to claw their way outside of the relegation zone.

The signing of Diego Costa has not been a success with the Spaniard having been awarded more red cards so far this season than he has scored goals (via Transfermarkt).

And when your top scorer has just four goals to his name at this point of the season, it is apparent there is an issue.

However, in Antonio, Wolves would not be signing a player who is bang in form with the 32-year-old only finding the back of the net twice in his 17 league appearances this season (via Transfermarkt).

The Jamaican has been pushed out of the starting XI on a regular basis by Italian striker Gianluca Scamacca, however, he has previously provided double-figure returns in his last three Premier League seasons.

But then comes the question, why would West Ham deal with Wolves this month and potentially strengthen a side who is sitting just one point behind them in the relegation battle?

Fulham are reportedly ‘interested’ in signing Abdoulaye Doucoure from Everton in the January transfer window.

The Lowdown: Surplus to requirements

With the arrivals of Amadou Onana, Idrissa Gueye and James Garner in the summer, Doucoure has seemingly been pushed down the pecking order at Goodison Park, with the central midfielder making a mere eight appearances so far this season, and not starting a game in the Premier League since August (Transfermarkt).

He has struggled with a hamstring injury in this campaign, and has also had spells out on the sidelines in his previous two seasons on Merseyside (Transfermarkt).

Nonetheless, with his contract up next summer, Frank Lampard’s side may look to cash in on Doucoure in January.

The Latest: Fulham interest

Taking to Twitter, Sky Sports journalist Lyall Thomas has revealed that Fulham are ‘interested’ in signing Doucoure in January, as manager Marco Silva worked with him at Watford:

“#Fulhamfc are interested in a January move for #Everton midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure. Worked under Marco Silva already at Watford and without a Premier League start since August.”

The Verdict: Get rid

With just a few months left on his contract, January presents the optimal time for the Toffees to get rid of Doucoure.

On £120,000-per-week, he is the joint-highest earner in the squad, and given how little game time he has had, this is simply too much to be paying a bit-part player, who is also susceptible to injuries.

The Blues could use the money saved on his wages (approximately £3m from now until the end of the season) to reinvest in another signing, or keep it in the bank for the summer.

Nonetheless, now is the time for all parties to part ways.

Arsenal have had a lot to worry about at the World Cup in Qatar…

Back in England, the Gunners top the Premier League standings after an emphatic first half to the 2022/23 campaign and as a result, several of their star players were called up to their respective national teams for the biggest tournament they’ll ever play in.

What’s the latest?

The likes of Granit Xhaka, Thomas Partey, Matt Turner and Bukayo Saka have all started games but not everything has gone to plan. In Brazil’s recent outing, Gabriel Jesus was struck with an injury that has ended his time in the Middle East.

However, after this devastating blow, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has been handed some encouraging news – according to injury expert Ben Dinnery, Takehiro Tomiyasu should be close to full fitness after his recent setback.

“He returned from his own problematic hamstring injury – he is yet to start a game. In his first appearance of the World Cup, he tweaked that hamstring,” he told Premier FPL Injuries YouTube channel.

“We’re hoping – fingers crossed – that he managed to come through last night’s games without any kind of reaction or setback.

“If he can get some good minutes under his belt and come through that unscathed, then that will be a positive for Mikel Arteta for when the domestic season resumes again, because we know he came into that tournament, again, after another heavily disrupted spell on the sidelines.”

Arteta delight

Indeed, the versatile Japan star has struggled for regular minutes this term, featuring in just 770 minutes of action across 17 appearances in the Premier League and Europa League, of which just eight have been starts, via Transfermarkt.

It’s not the first time that the right-back has suffered from injuries as he also missed time during his maiden Gunners season with a calf problem.

However, whenever he has been fit and available, he’s been one of the standout and most consistent performers under the Spaniard; particularly impressing with his ability to play on the right, in the middle and on the left of the backline.

When compared to his positional peers across Europe over the last year, Tomiyasu ranks inside the top 3% for aerial duels won (2.05), the top 10% for interceptions (1.63) and the top 17% for progressive passes (3.98), pass completion (84%) and clearances (2.65) per 90, via FBref.

That level of consistency saw him rank as Arteta’s fifth-best performer in the Premier League last campaign, whilst only two other defenders have a better average WhoScored rating in the Europa League this term.

Once described as a “warrior” by former teammate Mitchell Dijks, this update on Tomiyasu will surely leave Arteta delighted after the worrying news to Jesus. Perhaps the Gunners will be able to return to domestic action with a near fully-fit squad, barring the likely absence of the Brazilian frontman.

AND in other news, Imagine him & Partey: Edu eyes Arsenal raid for the World Cup’s £15m “special talent”…

Newcastle United are monitoring Chelsea forward Christian Pulisic ahead of the winter window, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Summer contact made

The Premier League ace, who is currently representing the USA at the World Cup in Qatar, has now entered the final 18 months of his contract at Stamford Bridge, and there has been no suggestion that he’ll be signing an extension.

The Magpies made an enquiry for the 24-year-old over the summer, and despite a deal failing to materialise before the deadline, it seems as if they are now ready to take a second bite at the cherry.

The Latest: Newcastle eyeing Pulisic

According to The Daily Mail, Newcastle, alongside Manchester United and Arsenal, are all ‘monitoring developments’ ahead of the January window, with Pulisic possibly on the market for offers in the region of £35m.

The Tynesiders have been ‘alerted’ to their target’s situation, and with Graham Potter having only used the American as an impact substitute, this indicates that he ‘may be sold’ in the winter market.

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The Verdict: Get it done…

Pulisic has been dubbed a ‘dragon’ by talent scout Jacek Kulig, and whilst his valuation could increase due to his impressive international performances, PIF may still look to splash the cash.

The Hershey native has netted 26 goals and provided 21 assists during his time in London, with three of those coming across all competitions this season. (Transfermarkt)

Chelsea’s maestro also has the versatility to operate in five different positions which is surely an attractive attribute to Eddie Howe, making it a no-brainer of a decision to bring him to St. James’ Park.

During the summer transfer window, Wolves’ Rayan Ait-Nouri was a man in demand, with the Old Gold reportedly valuing him at £45m, but now he can’t get a game at Molineux.

Wolves initially signed Ait-Nouri on loan from Angers SCO in October 2020 before making the move permanent the following summer, following some impressive performances in the 2020/21 campaign.

The young full-back would make 21 appearances in that season, averaging a solid 6.56 rating from WhoScored for his performances in the Premier League after contributing one goal and one assist throughout some energetic displays.

He was one of the star performers in Bruno Lage’s side last season, averaging a much improved 6.96 rating from WhoScored, which ranked him as the top-rated player at Molineux of those to make at least five appearances.

This earned him a lot of praise from Lage, who said: “What Rayan’s doing is a fantastic season and he deserves this moment. We tried to do our best and we changed a little bit.”

Therefore, it is easy to see why he was attracting some interest during the summer transfer window, with Chelsea and Manchester City told that they would have to pay £45m if they wanted to prise him away from Molineux.

Sadly, it seems as if Wolves will be lucky to ever receive that sort of money for the left-back now, after a hugely disappointing start to the campaign which has seen him waste away on the bench after losing his place in the starting XI.

Although he is still only 21, his 6.54 average rating from WhoScored represents a huge decline from last term and it is perhaps no surprise that he has made just one start under Steve Davis following the sacking of Lage in early October.

Recent games against Crystal Palace, Leicester City and Brentford have even seen 20-year-old Hugo Bueno start ahead of him at left-back and after some eye-catching performances from the Spaniard which included an assist at Selhurst Park, Ait-Nouri may well struggle to get his starting spot back.

It seems as if Lage’s decision to switch to a four-at-the-back formation has really harmed Ait-Nouri’s potential as he was excelling as a wing-back in 2021/22.

To go from an in-demand £45m-rated star to a bench option for a side in real danger of relegation represents a disappointing fall from grace for the French defender.

Rangers "should be in a place" within a week to "cement" their deal for Los Angeles FC's Jose Cifuentes and get him "through the door", claims transfer insider Dean Jones.

Ranger transfer news – what's the latest on Jose Cifuentes?

The opening weeks of the summer transfer window have already seen a flurry of new faces make their way to Ibrox, such as Ben Davies from Liverpool and Ridvan Yilmaz from Besiktas.

In total, the Teddy Bears have already spent £12.42m on new arrivals and welcomed ten new players to the club.

This busyness has somewhat slowed the club's pursuit of Ecuadorian midfielder Cifuentes. However, with much of their dealings now complete, the club can focus their attention back towards the dynamic midfielder.

The player will be entering the final six months of his contract with the Californian club from July 1st and will be free to sign a pre-contract with the Glaswegian giants.

The Daily Mail has reported that Rangers expect the 24-year-old to 'pen-to-paper' with them next month, from which point they will attempt to negotiate a fee for his early release from the American side.

What has transfer insider Dean Jones said about Jose Cifuentes to Rangers?

Jones was confident the deal would soon be completed, and the Gers would have their man.

Speaking to Football FanCast, he said: "I think in a week we should be in a place where Rangers are looking to cement this one and get Cifuentes through the door."

How good is Jose Cifuentes?

The Major League Soccer season is currently underway, so there is slightly less data on his most recent campaign to comb through.

Still, according to WhoScored, the Ecuadorian international has averaged a respectable match rating of 6.78 across his 15 games so far this term, assisting two goals along the way.

He has garnered high praise from his own countrymen as well, with Ecuadorian football expert Benedikt Duda saying:

"Cifuentes is a no.8, who is physical and strong in defence with a tendency to get involved in the attack.

His assistant manager Marc Dos Santos went a step further, suggesting the player could offer even more going forward, saying:

"Cifuentes is a bit more forward-thinking and is best suited as a no.8 or even as a no.10. I would describe him almost as a half-eight."

Dos Santos might just be onto something as well, as according to FBref, the 24-year-old gem averages 1.21 successful take-ons,0.21 expected assists, 0.17 non-penalty expected goals, 2.69 touches in the oppositions penalty area and 4.24 sho-creating actions, all per 90.

Those characteristics could help him take the Scottish Premiership by storm and help Rangers reclaim the league title from their cross-city rivals, Celtic.

If the Gers can get this deal done, they could have a burgeoning star on their books.

Celtic’s title success last term was largely built on the defensive pairing of Cameron Carter-Vickers and Carl Starfelt, with that duo having been the first-choice for manager Ange Postecoglou throughout his debut campaign.

That “immense” partnership – as dubbed by pundit Chris Sutton – were integral to the Parkhead outfit’s relentless triumph as the club conceded just 22 league goals all season, with that by far the best record of any Scottish Premiership side during that glorious 2021/22 campaign.

A few months into the new season, however, and the Hoops have rarely been able to deploy the two men together in the backline, with Starfelt, in particular, having been restricted to a watching brief due to injury.

The Sweden international missed the start of the season with a hamstring injury, before being forced out again after sustaining a knee issue in the Old Firm derby victory last month, ensuring that the 27-year-old has made just four appearances so far this term.

In his absence, Postecoglou has handed chances to both Moritz Jenz and Stephen Welsh alongside Carter-Vickers, although neither man has as yet nailed down that starting role, opening the door for another contender to stake their claim.

The former Yokohama boss could well find his ideal long-term partner for the United States international in the form of 19-year-old Bosun Lawal, with the versatile colossus – who can also feature in central midfield – having showcased his quality at youth level of late.

The Republic of Ireland youth international – who has been dubbed a “superb” talent by talent scout Jacek Kulig – was snapped up by the Scottish champions last summer on a £120k deal from Watford, having managed to win the race for his signature ahead of the likes of Chelsea and Norwich City.

The scramble for the youngster’s services is a marker of the defender’s undoubted talent, having also recently been lauded by ex-Bhoys star Tom Boyd, with the Scotsman stating:

“I could do that; be comfortable on the ball, break forward, use your pace and speed.

“He’s certainly got a lot of those attributes. Sometimes that can be the thing that unlocks the door with [Celtic]. Certainly the first team, the way we press, and the way we get forward and play in advanced areas. It’s often the centre-backs that are playmakers.

“He looks as though he’s very accomplished, very comfortable. [He can] just cause confusion in organised defences that we go up against. He’s certainly one that’s stood up and looking very comfortable in possession, a physical presence as well.”

Having been a “real find” for the club according to ‘B’ team coach Tommy McIntyre, the teenager has also showcased his quality in an attacking sense so far this term, with an impressive return of five goals and two assists in just ten games in all competitions.

The imposing brute had been included in Postecoglou’s travelling party for the trip to Austria during pre-season, with it clear to see that he is on the cusp of securing a place in the first team, having been denied an opportunity at senior level to date.

Amid Starfelt’s current injury woes, it could well be an ideal chance for Lawal to be offered the chance to impress in the coming weeks, with that starting berth alongside Carter-Vickers still seemingly up for grabs.

It was announced on Sunday that Bruno Lage had been sacked as Wolves manager and the Midlands club are already looking at potential replacements, with Sporting Lisbon boss Ruben Amorim touted as a potential replacement.

The Old Gold’s 2-0 defeat against West Ham proved to be the final straw for the Wolves board, with Lage having endured a woeful start to the season, leading his side to just one win and three goals in the Premier League from the opening eight games.

Lage’s time at Wolves started well and halfway through last season it seemed as if a European push could be on the cards with the Midlands outfit sitting just two points off a Europa League spot at the beginning of April.

However, goalscoring has long been an issue and eventually, it caught up with Wolves as they slipped down the table after a dreadful end to the season, which saw them take just two points from their final seven games. Ultimately, they ended the campaign in tenth.

Despite eye-catching summer additions such as Goncalo Guedes and Matheus Nunes, Wolves’ poor form continued into the new season and it was no surprise that he lost his job.

A replacement is already being lined up according to freelance journalist Owen O’Brien, with the reporter suggesting on Sunday that Wolves have “made contact” with Sporting Lisbon’s Amorim as they consider replacements for Lage.

The 37-year-old could be a big upgrade, with the Portuguese coach guiding Sporting to their first Primeira Liga win in nearly 20 years in 2021. He has also won an extraordinary percentage of games during his managerial career thus far.

In 133 total matches in charge of Sporting, Braga and Casa Pia, Amorim has overseen a remarkable 96 wins, suffering just 20 losses.

During his time with the green and whites, Amorim has earned an average of 2.28 points per game. Lage, by comparison, would average just 2.17 points per game at Benfica and a measly 1.29 points per game during his time at Molineux.

With games set to come thick and fast ahead of the World Cup, a new manager is needed at Wolves as soon as possible, and considering his impressive CV, Amorim could represent a big upgrade on the outgoing Lage.

Wolves could sign Benfica striker Goncalo Ramos alongside the heavily reported Sasa Kalajdzic deal, reports Jacque Talbot.

The Lowdown: Kalajdzic move close

It was reported on Monday that Wanderers had agreed a £15.4million fee with Stuttgart over the signing of Kalajdzic as Bruno Lage bolsters his attack. On Tuesday, Fabrizio Romano then claimed the player is in England for a medical.

Wolves have been lacking quality in the final third so far this season and were far from prolific in 2021/22, with Kalajdzic expected to fix that with a deal ‘until June 2027 with option for a further season’, as per Romano.

It now looks as though their attacking spending may not be done, however, following a new update.

The Latest: Ramos double swoop

Speaking to Give Me Sport, Talbot claimed that Ramos could even follow Kalajdzic to Molineux given how badly the club need more firepower:

“So, I’d imagine it would be one of Kalajdzic and Ramos, but obviously, saying that, they’re very different players.

“Kalajdzic will cost about €20 million (£17m), and I think Ramos would be about €30 million (£25.6m), so maybe they can both come in. But it seems to be that the striking department is the priority.”

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The Verdict: Get it done

To bring is not one but two talented attacking players could be a game-changer for Wolves this summer, giving them the firepower they have lacked for so long.

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In Kalajdzic, Wanderers are getting someone who has scored 24 goals in 60 appearances for Stuttgart, while Ramos, labelled ‘perfect’ for the Premier League by BBC pundit Andy Sixsmith, has 19 in 66 games for Benfica with five goals and four assists already this season.

The latter has a notable plus point in his durability too – while Kalajdzic missed much of last season, Ramos has missed a mere two games through injury in his entire career from a solitary issue.

The pair could forge a partnership together in attack, with Raul Jimenez relegated to more of a squad role given his loss of form since returning from injury, but Lage could even rotate them in and out, using all three of them in equal measure.

Either way, signing both Kalajdzic and Ramos would have the potential to transform Wolves’ attack from one of the weakest in the league to one of the strongest, especially with the likes of Ruben Neves and Matheus Nunes providing creativity from midfield.

New Nottingham Forest arrival Dean Henderson seriously impressed during the 1-1 draw against Everton at Goodison Park on Saturday.

The Lowdown

Arriving on loan from Manchester United, Henderson has already proven the decision to sign him to be a good one, saving a penalty and producing several reaction saves against West Ham last week.

Trusted to start once again against Everton this weekend, the England international is drawing even more praise for his display this time around.

The Latest

Featuring in Cooper’s starting eleven again, Henderson produced the highest rated display on the pitch, per Sofascore.

Making seven saves and winning 100 per cent of his duels, the 26 year-old drew huge praise from journalist and Reds fan Ethan Lamb:

“What a signing Dean Henderson has been for us so far. 3 games, 18 saves, 1 penalty save, 1 clean sheet, 8.2 average rating. Will certainly win us some key points in our battle to stay in the Premier League.”

The Verdict

With the newly-promoted side having spent just shy of £150m this summer, the arrival of the likes of Henderson and fellow new signing Orel Mangala, who also impressed today, really highlight the club’s intent as they look to succeed in the Premier League this season.

And while they have made a super start with four points from three matches, there will no doubt be times where the capture of Henderson looks the most significant of the lot this season, as he continues on pace for a record-setting season in terms of saves by a goalkeeper.