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Liverpool are set to launch a big-money move for Villareal star Arnaut Danjuma in this January transfer window as they look to try and cover for Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane.

What’s the story?

According to Spanish publication Fichajes, Jurgen Klopp’s side are preparing a £37.5m bid for the Netherlands international this month as they look to try and cover for their two AFCON-bound superstars.

The report adds that there is doubt over whether Villareal would be willing to sanction a sale for the winger, but such a deal would represent a significant amount of profit from when they signed him from Bournemouth.

He can replace Salah and Mane

Speaking to This is Futbol about Danjuma, former Leeds man Carlton Palmer simply said: “He’s an exciting player. He’s got flair, he’s got pace and he scores goals” – exactly what he showcased in his time with Bournemouth.

The former Cherries speedster netted 17 goals and provided another eight assists in all competitions last season, and it was no surprise that his performances earned rave reviews.

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Speaking on The Official EFL Podcast, former Bournemouth boss Jonathan Woodgate said: “He’s an exceptional player, in a really good place at the minute, Arnie. He’s another one who I’ve always done a lot of work on him at his previous clubs, so I knew all about him coming into this role, I knew what type of player he was.

“He made an unbelievable run for one of the goals, I showed him that, but then I showed him what he did winning the ball back, when he had to sprint 50 yards and get the ball back. That’s what makes a really good player, for me, getting that work rate in because we know, with the ball his feet, he’s a top player. Can he do the rest going the other way? And he’s starting to show that now, so yeah, he’s doing well.”

His debut campaign at Villareal has seen him hit the ground running, scoring nine goals in just 18 games in all competitions, proving he is the kind of goal-scoring winger that could try and fill the boots of Liverpool’s much-vaunted wide-men.

The Villareal star is exactly what Liverpool need given that the likes of Salah and Mane are off to AFCON, and can help ensure they don’t miss the sheer number of goals and assists they produce.

Meanwhile, Liverpool must make a swoop for this Bundesliga midfielder…

Leeds United managed to come away from Brighton with a point despite a sloppy performance on Saturday evening.

Marcelo Bielsa’s men struggled at the Amex Stadium, with the hosts missing two big chances and hitting the woodwork on three occasions in a 0-0 draw.

Here at The Transfer Tavern, we look into the three worst-rated Leeds starters as per statistical specialists SofaScore, with players required to feature for at least 45 minutes for ranking.

Raphinha – 6.3/10

Raphinha was brought back into the side but had an evening to forget. The influential winger was the Whites’ worst-rated performer with a rating of 6.3/10.

He lost the ball a whopping 21 times, was second-best in eight of his 15 duels and completed just one of his five attempted dribbles.

The Brazil winger also failed to register a shot on goal or complete a key pass, with nothing clicking for Leeds on the south coast.

Junior Firpo – 6.6/10

Firpo was another man who was brought back in by Bielsa, but he had a torrid evening and was replaced at the interval.

Booked early on, the Spaniard failed to cope with Tariq Lamptey, losing six of his 12 duels and committing four fouls.

The left-back gave the ball away eight times in 45 minutes and failed to make a key pass going forward prior to his early withdrawal.

Jack Harrison – 6.6/10

In front of Firpo was Harrison, who kept his place in the side following the defeat to Tottenham last time out but struggled against the Seagulls.

He lost eight of his 11 duels, gave the ball away on 19 occasions and made just one key pass all evening.

Harrison also failed to complete any of his crosses and didn’t register a shot on goal, making it an evening to forget for the left-hand side.

In other news: Big Leeds transfer rumour emerges regarding ‘magnificent’ player; two Premier League giants mentioned

As per Calciomercato, a Tottenham Hotspur transfer update has emerged involving Fiorentina star Nikola Milenkovic.

The Lowdown: Spurs enter summer talks…

The Lilywhites and Fabio Paratici where heavily interested in bringing the Serbia defender to north London at one point in the summer as they competed with bitter rivals West Ham for his services.

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As per Sky Sports, Tottenham had entered talks to sign Milenkovic after his proposed move to the Irons broke down, coming amid their previous search for a right-back and centre-half.

Despite eventually snapping up both Emerson Royal and Cristian Romero for those positions in the squad, it appears manager Antonio Conte has reignited interest.

The Latest: Conte re-joins race…

According to Calciomercato, Tottenham, and by extension Conte, have re-joined the race for Milenkovic and linger in the background as they eye a January move.

The 24-year-old is now apparently a target for Spurs again as his future with La Viola becomes one of the Serie A side’s biggest talking points of the winter window.

The Verdict: Get it done…

Milenkovic’s deal expires in 2023, putting Fiorentina under some pressure to potentially recoup a large fee while they can, with any figure around his £22.5 million Transfermarkt estimation coming as arguably good business.

The 6 foot 4 powerhouse, still a fairly young age, would come to Spurs with a degree of sell-on value whilst providing Conte with a needed reinforcement defensively.

According to WhoScored, only the in-form Eric Dier has averaged more clearances per 90 than Milenkovic out of Tottenham’s entire centre-back roster – while the Serb towers over every Spurs player in terms of aerial duels won.

Lauded as ‘extraordinary’ by Spanish defender Pol Lirola, these numbers and tags could point to shrewd January signing.

In other news: Conte wants player gone in January with final decision made, Spurs chiefs already told to sell…find out more here.

Newcastle find themselves in a precarious position in the Premier League as they head into the last international break of 2021.

The Magpies are 19th in the table and are the only side in the division yet to win a single match, with 20th-placed Norwich on one win below them.

Eddie Howe has been officially unveiled as the new manager of the club following Steve Bruce’s exit last month and faces the unenviable task of attempting to rescue the situation over the coming months.

Dreadful

One player who has contributed to the club’s poor form this season has been Brazilian attacker Joelinton, who has been dreadful in the Premier League when called upon.

Out of all the outfield players who have started a league match this term, only Ryan Fraser and Jonjo Shelvey have averaged lower SofaScore ratings than Joelinton – 6.55. He has played ten games, starting just five, in the top-flight and has averaged 52 minutes per match.

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In that time, per SofaScore, he has lost possession of the ball a whopping 110 times. This means that he has lost the ball once every 4.7 minutes for the Magpies, which works out at roughly 19 concessions per 90.

Couple this with his lack of quality in the final third and you have a player who struggles at both sides of the game for Newcastle. He has zero goals and one assist this season, with 0.6 key passes and 0.4 shots on target per game, via SofaScore. This shows that he is not providing the goods at the top end of the pitch to make up for his lapse play in possession.

Magpies legend Alan Shearer once stated that he finds the forward ‘frustrating’ and lamented the Brazilian’s poor first touch. He said: “A lot of money he cost and he finds it really difficult. His touch is really poor and he hasn’t posed a threat.

“It’s been really frustrating watching him. I actually feel sorry for him because when the ball goes to him, it’s bouncing off him and he’s offering nothing going the other way, also.”

These comments may have come midway through last season, but they are still applicable today as his statistics show that he has not come good at St. James’ Park.

Shearer’s reference to his poor touch could be why he loses possession of the ball far too often, whilst his creative and shooting statistics align with his claim that he does not pose a threat to the opposition.

Therefore, Joelinton has been dreadful for the Magpies in the top-flight and replacing him could be one of Howe’s first tasks in the January transfer window, unless there is a sudden upturn in form over the next couple of months.

AND in other news, PIF plotting swoop for “outstanding” £67k-p/w gem, he’d solve Howe’s major NUFC issue…

The future of Wolverhampton Wanderers winger Adama Traore lies away from Molineux.

What’s been said?

That’s according to the Express & Star’s Luke Hatfield, with the journalist stating his belief in a recent interview with GIVEMESPORT that, with the 25-year-old winger being heavily linked with a move away from the club this January, it would appear more than likely that the Spain international secures a move away from the club sooner rather than later.

Speaking about the current situation of the Wolves forward, Hatfield said: “If I was a betting man, I would probably say that his future lies away from Molineux.”

Shi must act

While it is undeniable that Traore has become an integral part of the Wolves side since his £18m move to the club back in 2018, considering just how much of an impact the 25-year-old’s reported contract negotiations are having on his playing time this season, Jeff Shi simply must call time on the Spaniard’s spell at Molineux this winter.

Indeed, the winger scored one goal and provided one assist over his 25 Premier League appearances back in 2018/19, bagged four goals and nine assists over 37 league fixtures in 2019/20 and netted two goals and three assists over 37 top-flight games last season – with his returns playing a key role in reestablishing Wolves as a Premier League side.

Even in the current campaign, despite yet to contribute directly to a goal, the £17m-rated man has impressed over his 11 Premier League appearances, averaging 5.4 successful dribbles per game – the highest amount of any player in the league – while also taking an average of 1.5 shots and making 1.3 key passes per fixture.

These metrics have seen the man who Jurgen Klopp dubbed “unplayable” average a SofaScore match rating of 7.13, ranking him as Wolves’ second-best performer in the top flight.

However, over the club’s last three league fixtures, the £43k-per-week forward has featured for a grand total of just 36 minutes, with reports suggesting that, while his contract discussions are at a stand-off, Bruno Lage is less inclined to afford the 25-year-old game time ahead of Wolves’ other options out wide.

As such, with no resolution close regarding the contract discussions between him and the club, it would seem a very good idea for Shi and Wolves to cash in on Traore while interest in the winger is high, as the club will more than likely make a very tidy sum on the Spanish international.

In other news: Lage can save Shi millions by unleashing “magnificent” 19 y/o Wolves gem, “he’s ready”

Flocking to Twitter, many West Ham United fans have been left buzzing after a transfer development as they target Arsenal striker Alexandre Lacazette.

Amid new head of recruitment Rob Newman’s search for a back-up option to Michail Antonio, there have been no shortage of names linked.

One of the more recent ones is Lacazette, who could even leave for free in 2022 with his Gunners contract expiring at the end of the season, prompting West Ham to take notice.

90min first lifted the lid on their interest in the Frenchman who scored 17 goals in all competitions last season, with Jeunesfooteux.com now claiming that contact has already been made.

Indeed, they also claim West Ham have ‘already positioned themselves’ to sign Lacazette – who has been described as a ‘big’ player by managar Mikel Arteta.

Flocking to his news, many Irons fans are certainly eager to see their club sign him and end their year-long search for a centre-forward signing.

Find all of their best Twitter verdicts on the development down below.

West Ham fans erupt as contact made for Lacazette…

“This would be crackin’ for the right price”

Credit: @EllYouSeeAyeEss

“what”

Credit: @whujoe

“Happily take that”

Credit: @whuNotorious

“Been saying for months he’d be ideal in January”

Credit: @Rob__75

“Yes please”

Credit: @Hstikkyt0kky

“No brainer for me”

Credit: @DOWHU_1995

“Goalscorer, works hard, I’m all in on Laca”

Credit: @connorahumpage

“Yes yes yes”

Credit: @leebrown22

In other news: West Ham favourites to sign 6 ft 3 powerhouse who already has a foot and a half out the exit door, find out more here.

Southampton were knocked out of the Carabao Cup in midweek after losing on penalties to fellow Premier League side Chelsea after drawing 1-1 in 90 minutes at Stamford Bridge thanks to goals from Kai Havertz and Che Adams.

Despite the disappointing overall result, we feel that Southampton had one player on the pitch that was a big positive for Saints boss Ralph Hasenhuttl – Mohammed Salisu.

The defender, who played the full 90 minutes of the match against Thomas Tuchel’s side, managed to make three interceptions, block two shots, make two clearances, make one tackle, win six duels, complete 20 passes and even have a shot on target, ultimately earning himself an overall match rating of 7.2/10, making him the joint-highest rated outfield for the Saints on the day alongside Adams according to SofaScore.

So far this season, Salisu, who is currently earning a weekly wage of just over £23k-per-week according to Spotrac, has played in all but one of Southampton’s games across all competitions so far this season, as well as playing 90 minutes in all but one of their nine Premier League matches, proving just how important he is to the team.

Southampton signed Salisu back in August 2020 from Spanish club Real Valladolid for a reported fee of £10.8m.

Since then, the 22-year-old has made 26 appearances for the club across all competitions, scoring one goal in the process.

Given how the defender is currently listed as Southampton’s highest-rated player in the Premier League at the moment with an overall season rating of 7/10 based on his league performances so far this season according to WhoScored, it’s safe to say he has been a successful signing for the Saints and an important figure for them this season, which shows he has stepped up to the plate since fellow Saints defender Jack Stephens picked up a serious knee injury earlier in the season.

Moving forward, with Southampton set to take on Watford, who are currently two points above Hasenhuttl’s side in the Premier League table, at Vicarage Road at the weekend, we feel that keeping Salisu in the team would give the Saints the best chance of beating Watford, who managed to score five goals in their previous league outing against Everton.

In other news: Fewer touches than Forster: 22 y/o Saints passenger badly let Ralph down vs Chelsea – opinion

Many West Bromwich Albion supporters have flocked to Twitter to discuss an issue at the Hawthorns.

The Athletic’s West Brom correspondent, Steve Madeley, produced a story about the current traffic problem which has occurred at the home of the Baggies this season.

In the report, Madeley states how some fans have missed games due to being stuck in traffic or are even turning around and heading home after being delayed.

According to West Midlands Police, traffic management around the stadium is not within their jurisdiction and the club also have no authority over the road network.

It is said that the issue is Junction 1 of the M5, which is close to the ground, with both sets of fans using the roundabout when travelling to games.

West Brom fans flock to Madeley tweet

These West Brom fans have taken to Twitter to react to Madeley’s tweet and have told their own stories and frustrations about the current problem at the ground.

“I am close to giving up after 4 decades of going and it is all to do with the parking and a bit of Sky fixture lottery”

Credit: @shrew69

“Junction 1 island is horrific. Said it before, and ill say it again, nobody will do NOTHING til someone is killed on that island. Easiest football stadium to get to (from a motorway)… The most unorganised, chaotic nightmare of a stadium to get to!”

Credit: @WBAFC_TOM

“It’s not just about the ‘routes’, there needs to be affordable and accessible parking. The club need to step in. I had a ticket for the Derby game but couldn’t face the challenge of getting there after the Millwall game so I didn’t go.”Credit: @blueandwhite78″Never known it as bad as this season, leaving Sutton 2 hours before kick off just to guarantee making kick off now”Credit: @b_smith82″The problem on the motorway island is everyone’s so selfish and just want to get on to the island that they block the exits. So the other cars can’t leave the island and it all just sits there not moving.”Credit: @JonW1995″Takes me 2 hours, I live 10 mile from ground.”Credit: @8en1990In other news, some West Brom fans have expressed their unhappiness with this player. Find out more here.

Everton defender Yerry Mina put in a superb performance for Colombia over the weekend as they secured a hard-earned point in their World Cup qualification match against Brazil.

The 27-year-old was instrumental at the back as Reinaldo Rueda’s charges held their opponents to a goalless draw, keeping themselves in the play-off position as a result.

On what was expected to be a difficult night for Mina, given the quality of the opposition, the towering centre-back had little trouble keeping the likes of Neymar, Gabriel Jesus and Lucas Paqueta quiet.

Throughout the 90 minutes, he cut out several through balls from the Brazilian attackers and thwarted their advances on many occasions, clearing his lines when needed and also playing out from the back in a composed manner.

As per SofaScore, Mina was awarded a match rating of 7.5 out of 10, the second-highest total received amongst his teammates, highlighting his impressive influence over proceedings.

The 6 foot 3 beast won both of his duels at the Estadio Metropolitano, made a whopping four interceptions and completed three clearances.

Mina was also outstanding with the ball at his feet too, achieving a pass completion ratio of 93% after completing four of his six attempted long balls.

Colombia host Ecuador on Thursday as they aim to keep their chances of finishing in an automatic qualification spot alive, and Mina will have to be in top form once again if they’re to do just that.

Meanwhile, Everton manager Rafael Benitez will be hoping his star centre-back can produce a similar display when the Toffees take on West Ham United following the international break, helping to extend their promising start to the Premier League campaign.

They have kept just two clean sheets all season so the Toffees will be keen to see Mina perform like this on a more regular basis.

And, in other news…Get it done: Everton must seal swoop for 6 ft 6 monster, Benitez would love him 

Leeds United star Kalvin Phillips could have his head turned by a Champions League club in the near future, according to Danny Mills.

The Lowdown: Phillips on the rise

The 25-year-old has been a magnificent performer for the Whites for some time, but the wider footballing public is now starting to fully appreciate him, too.

Phillips was excellent at Euro 2020 with England and has subsequently won his country’s Player of the Year award, meaning his stock has never been higher.

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The Latest: Mills makes worrying claim

It is only inevitable that there will now be reports suggesting the midfielder could leave Leeds for a club in bigger competitions, and speaking to Football Insider, former Whites defender Mills admits he could see him wanting a fresh challenge:

“The more and more that he’s involved with England, he’s going to start to hear what other clubs do.

“His head will be turned and rightly so by players saying ‘We’re playing against Real Madrid’ ‘We’re playing against PSG’ ‘We’re playing against Barcelona’.

“Undoubtedly there will be a part of him thinking ‘I want a part of that, I want to test myself against the best’.

“If Leeds progress and make it that way, then brilliant. But it’s the second season in the Premier League so you’re going to have to be more realistic than that.

“Another good season this year and there will be some very, very serious offers that come in for Kalvin Phillips.”

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The Verdict: Final season at Leeds?

Any Leeds fan would surely love Phillips to spend the rest of his career at Elland Road, but unless they make even greater strides under Marcelo Bielsa this term and push for Europe, that is unlikely.

The England man may want to test himself in the Champions League, as Mills alludes to, and he might feel he belongs at a team challenging for the biggest honours in club football.

It could even be that a massive offer arrives for Phillips next summer, at which point Leeds will have to weigh up the situation – it could be a win win for club and player if the right offer comes in.

In other news, Phil Hay has explained one key Leeds transfer decision this summer. Read more here.