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Newcastle United are reportedly keeping a close eye on Brighton and Hove Albion forward, Leandro Trossard, ahead of the January transfer window.

What’s the word?

According to The Chronicle, the Magpies are monitoring the 27-year-old in action for Belgium at the World Cup in Qatar, with the playmaker seemingly a potential target for Eddie Howe’s side in the winter.

As per the report, the 23-cap menace was one of Dan Ashworth’s first signings during his time at the Amex, with the Tynesiders’ sporting director seemingly seeking a reunion with the former Genk man at St James’ Park.

The dynamic attacker is facing an uncertain future with the Seagulls with his existing deal set to expire in 2023, with the player himself having teased a potential exit in the New Year, amid talk of a move to the northeast, as well as interest from former boss Graham Potter at Chelsea.

‘Unreal’ signing

While things are not going swimmingly for Trossard on international duty – having featured twice off the bench for the Red Devils in the tournament thus far – the £42.5k-per-week sensation has been in truly scintillating form at club level in recent months, having warranted such intense interest in his signature.

The 5 foot 7 speedster has been simply “unreal” – in the words of pundit Rio Ferdinand – on the south coast so far this term, having helped to drag Roberto De Zerbi’s side into European contention after netting seven times and laying on three assists in 14 Premier League games.

That haul of goal contributions is greater than any player in Howe’s squad has achieved this season, while it also ensures that the winger now boasts a haul of 25 goals and 14 assists in 118 assists for his current side.

That follows his previous stint in his homeland where he notably bagged 60 goal involvements in 120 games for former club Genk, with that form sparking his £15m switch to England in the summer of 2019.

With Newcastle believed to be eyeing a new addition on the flanks in January, Trossard could seemingly be an ideal fit as a result of his recent sparkling form and invaluable Premier League experience, as well as offering the benefit of a potential cut-price deal due to his expiring contract.

Dubbed a “great, great player” by his manager after netting a stunning hat-trick away to Liverpool at Anfield earlier this season, the Belgian could well be that added boost that the Magpies are in need of in their bid to maintain their current momentum in the second half of the season.

Newcastle United are reportedly eyeing a wealth of youth talent this January.

What’s the latest?

As per The Athletic, the next target for the Tyneside outfit could be coming in from Argentina, in the form of 19-year-old Maximo Perrone.

The youngster has been starring in the Velez Sarsfield midfield since his debut in March 2022, and could now be set for a move to England to underpin the next generation at St James’ Park.

The Magpies are said to be tracking the teenage talent, with a budget in place to attain similar starlets in the way they have done with Garang Kuol.

Ditch Longstaff

One facet of which Eddie Howe cannot be faulted is his fostering of an immense team spirit since joining the club in November 2021.

Whilst others might mock the dressing room photos after each win, it clearly is part of the philosophy the 45-year-old is keen to implement on their way to the top.

As such, it has allowed even the most disregarded of players a resurgence, outlined to perfection in the revival of Miguel Almiron.

Having already scored eight this Premier League season, the Paraguayan has understandably stolen headlines.

However, going about his renaissance quietly in the background is Sean Longstaff, who deputised impressively in the absence of Bruno Guimaraes at the base of midfield.

Despite this, his average Sofascore rating of 6.69 suggests there are still big deficiencies in his game that can be improved upon.

That could be where Perrone steps in, to fulfil that role just outside the starting team before eventually forcing his way in.

The 5-foot-10 maestro has enjoyed a breakout year of sorts, featuring 33 times for his team whilst scoring three and assisting twice.

However, even in the youth setup, he had caught the eye of Gabriel Heinze. He noted of Perrone: “There is a boy in the academy team who is spectacular.”

For a debut season, a rating of 6.79 is certainly admirable. He has averaged 56.1 touches per game alongside an 88% pass accuracy, highlighting him as someone who demands the ball despite his youth.

He pairs this with 1.5 interceptions and 1.1 tackles per game, actually marking an increase on the 0.5 and 1.1 of Longstaff respectively.

Given the years Perrone has on the Newcastle-born midfielder and the lack of gulf in quality between them, there is surely belief that if a move materialises it will see the Argentinian propelled high up in the pecking order.

Unai Emery could be set to make his mark on the Aston Villa squad in the January transfer window as a new update emerges on a potential transfer target.

What’s the latest?

According to Italian journalist Ignazio Genuardi, Villa are interested in signing Watford and Senegal forward Ismaila Sarr when the transfer market reopens next month.

Genuardi tweeted: “In addition to Villa and Everton, #Crystal #Palace also looks at the case of the former Messin and Rennais I. #Sarr ( #Watford ). The Senegalese international could be the subject of an offensive during the winter transfer window.”

Imagine him & Ings

Despite an inconsistent start to their Premier League season, the Villa Park faithful will be hoping that the recent arrival of former Villarreal and Arsenal manager will not only yield better performances on the pitch but will inspire improved acquisition of players during upcoming transfer windows.

In 2021, it was reported that Aston Villa had the highest net spend in all of Europe over three seasons, outspending the likes of Manchester United, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid; and despite the club’s ambitious intent with their transfer outlay, it hasn’t translated into progression in the Premier League.

Emery now has the opportunity to bring a fresh start and new perspective to the transfer business at Villa Park, and recruiting Sarr could be the start of an improved attacking threat for the Villains.

In 17 Championship appearances this season, the 24-year-old – who was dubbed an “unbelievable talent” by ex-Hornets team-mate Troy Deeney – has scored six goals, registered four assists and created two big chances, along with averaging 2.1 shots on goal, 1.2 successful dribbles and 3.9 successful duels per game, offering a huge presence in the forward line at Vicarage Road.

In addition, the winger – who cost Watford £30m to sign – was one of the standout performers for Senegal in their World Cup campaign in Qatar, scoring one goal and delivering 1.5 key passes, along with winning 9.5 duels, completing 2.3 dribbles and taking 2.8 shots per game.

Sarr’s ability to provide numerous goal contributions for his team when it matters most whilst also being a selfless team player who can dictate attacking play makes him the perfect partner for Villa striker Danny Ings.

The Englishman is a classic number nine and a fox in the box who thrives when he is surrounded by creative players who can bring the ball forward into dangerous positions to provide him with goalscoring opportunities, so Sarr would be a great addition to boost the service for the striker to convert chances.

Recruiting the Senegal star would be a great piece of business for Villa in January and could be the difference in them climbing into the top half of the table over the second half of the season.

Julen Lopetegui takes charge of his first game as Wolves manager on Tuesday night as the Old Gold face Gillingham in the Carabao Cup, and the Spaniard should unleash Connor Ronan.

The former Sevilla boss arguably could not have asked for a better first game as manager of the Midlands club, as they face a Gillingham side who currently sit rock bottom of the Football League, having won just twice and scored just six goals in League Two this season.

Considering that their goalscoring woes are somehow even worse than those of Wolves, who have just eight in the Premier League so far, Lopetegui will see this as an ideal chance to get a first win on the board and perhaps test out some of the players who would not normally feature in the top flight.

One such name is Ronan, as the Irish midfielder once again looks to be on the verge of leaving the club on loan, having endured a wide range of temporary spells away from Molineux during his Wolves career without ever being given much of a chance in the first team.

Last season saw the 24-year-old win St Mirren’s player of the year award after some impressive displays in Scotland, contributing eight goals and five assists in 30 appearances for Stephen Robinson’s side.

Robinson was unsurprisingly full of praise for the young midfielder ahead of the current campaign, saying: “Connor is a truly excellent player. He’s a real creative spark and I honestly could have done with about five of him! He’s a very good trainer, he’s a super goalscorer and he’s got fantastic vision as well.”

Given that the Old Gold have struggled so much to create and score chances this season, surely it is time that Ronan is given a chance to impress against inferior opposition.

Considering the recent reports surrounding the midfielder, it could be his last chance saloon as a Wolves player, as at 24 surely he cannot be content with a meagre tally of 15 first-team appearances for his club over the past seven seasons.

If the Irishman can catch the eye against Gillingham tonight, then Lopetegui may consider keeping him at Molineux for the remainder of the campaign, as the Spaniard will need as many attacking options as possible if he wants to keep the Old Gold in the Premier League this season.

Tottenham Hotspur have been urged to sign a left-sided centre-back and a right-wing back in January by their former goalkeeper Paul Robinson, who made 175 appearances for the club.

The Lowdown: Tottenham’s current options

Clement Lenglet signed for Spurs from Barcelona on a season-long loan deal in the summer, and while he arrived in N17 with a good pedigree, he has so far failed to impress Antonio Conte, being ranked by Sofascore as the club’s second-worst defender in the Premier League this season.

Emerson Royal has also been disappointing at right-wing back, unable to offer much in the way of attacking contributions with just one assist in 18 appearances in all competitions, and Conte has now been urged to sign upgrades on these two players in January.

The Latest: Robinson’s plea to Conte

Speaking to Football Insider, Robinson gave his opinion on what Tottenham’s aims should be in the upcoming transfer window.

The 43-year-old said: “There is a call for spending money in January.

“It is about getting the right players though. We do not see that happen too often. We have seen the odd one over the years but there hasn’t been many. If there is money to be spent, spend it wisely.

“The areas they need to look at are obvious. They need a left-sided centre-half and a right wing-back. If they can bring in two players to strengthen those positions they should do it.

“It is a difficult month to do business in though. The manager will be looking to the summer to strengthen his squad. If one of those summer targets is available in January it would be a huge bonus.”

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The Verdict: Signings required

Spurs have recently been linked with a move for Sporting Lisbon right-wing back Pedro Porro, who would be a real improvement on Royal judging by his quality in the attacking third of the pitch.

The Spaniard weighed in with eight goal contributions in 23 league appearances last season, a fantastic record for a player in his position, with his total vastly superior to Royal’s haul of three goal contributions in 59 games for Tottenham.

This season along, Porro’s 20 appearances have yielded a goal and nine assists, a return which leaves the Spurs right-back’s efforts trailing in the distance.

While wing-backs are expected to contribute to a team’s attacking output, Conte is also in dire need of a new centre-back to stabilise a defence which has not kept a clean sheet in their last nine competitive matches, so long-term target Alessandro Bastoni should be prioritised in January.

The 23-year-old is ranked by Sofascore as Inter Milan’s joint-best centre-back this season, averaging a rating of 6.87 for the campaign.

West Bromwich Albion’s signing of Karlan Grant has turned into a disaster, as his market value has plummeted during his spell at the Hawthorns.

The striker would join the Baggies from Huddersfield Town in 2020, joining for a fee of around £15m after hitting 23 goals in just 57 appearances for the Yorkshire side.

However, he has sadly never been able to replicate that goalscoring form with the Midlands side and a January exit could well be on the cards for the 25-year-old, who has lost his starting spot under new manager Carlos Corberan.

This season has seen Grant manage just three goals in 19 Championship appearances for West Brom, with WhoScored awarding him an average rating of 6.30, which ranks him as the second-worst player to feature at least 10 times in the Championship so far this campaign.

The former Charlton Athletic man is certainly not popular amongst fans either, with many turning against the striker after he missed a shocking penalty in a defeat against Swansea earlier this season.

Journalist Chris Lepkowski said: “Much as Bruce takes the heat – rightly so, too – what the hell is Grant doing with a penalty like that? 2-2; chance to arrest a poor run and he goes all Panenka on us. It’s just utterly unprofessional.”

It is no surprise, therefore, that his valuation has dropped like a stone in his time at the Hawthorns, with Transfermarkt now valuing the striker at just £5.3m, which represents a 65% decrease from the £15m West Brom paid just two years ago.

West Brom have looked completely revitalised under Corberan, winning all six of their Championship games under the former Huddersfield boss, and it is a testament that Grant has started just one of those, with brief cameos from the bench in another two.

Unfortunately for the Baggies, the underwhelming striker is contracted at the Hawthorns until 2026, which suggests that the Baggies will have to find a buyer soon if they want to move him on while he still retains some value.

It does seem clear that, whenever Grant does leave West Brom, the club will make a significant loss on his transfer, so his signing must go down as a disaster.

Rangers are looking to make a transfer move for Everton goalkeeper Asmir Begovic. 

The Lowdown: Begovic’s season so far

This season has seen the 35-year-old make three appearances for the Merseyside club across the Premier League and the Carabao Cup, keeping two clean sheets in the process.

Begovic’s contract at Goodison Park is set to expire at the end of the season though, meaning that he’d be able to join another club as a free agent in the summer or perhaps on a cut-price move next month.

With that in mind, the Gers have already put themselves in the frame to become the goalkeeper’s potential next destination.

The Latest: Rangers plotting Begovic move

In a recent Twitter post, talkSPORT journalist Alex Crook revealed that Begovic “is a summer transfer target” for the Ibrox club.

Rangers currently have Allen McGregor, Robbie McCrorie and Jon McLaughlin in their squad as their main goalkeeper options.

The Verdict: A useful signing for Rangers

With 406 club games under his belt throughout his career as well as one Premier League title and one FA Cup, 6 foot 6 Begovic would certainly offer the Gers a significant amount of knowledge and experience in net.

The Bosnian’s only league appearance this season saw him keep a clean sheet in Everton’s 1-0 win over West Ham United back in September.

Not only did he keep a clean sheet, he made four saves in total with two punches and one high claim, ultimately earning him a strong match rating of 8/10 from SofaScore, making him the highest-rated Everton player on the day.

This shows that despite his advanced age, the shot-stopper still has what it takes to be a top goalkeeper.

Taking all of this into account, if Rangers are able to secure the services of Begovic on a free transfer in the summer, this could be a very smart signing from the club and give them a very useful figure for the squad.

Wolverhampton Wanderers have been linked with OGC Nice midfielder Mario Lemina recently and the Gabon international could be the ideal man to replace Boubacar Traore during his spell on the sidelines.

It was suggested recently that the Old Gold had bid €5.5m (£5m) for the 29-year-old after seeing their first bid rejected, with Julen Lopetegui no doubt keen to add some more depth in his midfield during this month’s transfer window.

The Spanish manager has just Ruben Neves, Joao Moutinho and Matheus Nunes available as senior options in his squad, with the on-loan Traore set to spend at least a month on the sidelines, which could spur Wolves into action in the transfer window.

Loeptegeui said: “We have an injury with Bouba for, I think, one or two months. It’s very bad news for us. We only have four midfielders now in the squad. We have to have more.”

The Malian midfielder represented a more defensive-minded option for the former Sevilla manager in his midfield, with Neves and Moutinho best-known for their deep-lying playmaking abilities, while Nunes is seen as more of a box-to-box player.

With Leander Dendoncker having also departed in the summer, it is no surprise that Lopetegui is in the market for a more defensively sound midfield option such as Lemina.

According to FBref, the former Southampton man scores in the top 10% of midfielders across Europe for tackles, blocks and interceptions per 90, which emphasises what he could add at Molineux.

Before his arrival in England, Traore was described as a “pressing and dribbling machine” by analyst Liam Henshaw and considering Lemina scores in the 86th percentile for dribbles, he looks to be the ideal man to fill in while the loan star is unavailable.

The Gabonese star has shown he can cut it in the Premier League with previous spells at Fulham and Southampton, with former Saints boss Ralph Hasenhuttl full of praise for his “unbelievable effort” in 2021.

Lopetegui clearly needs a new midfield recruit and considering Lemina’s experience and likely low asking price, he could be the ideal option for the Old Gold this month.

Leeds United full-back Junior Firpo has no future at the club, according to former goalkeeper Paul Robinson.

The 26-year-old made just his second start of the season in the Whites’ 2-2 FA Cup third-round draw with Championship outfit Cardiff City at the weekend, having missed a large chunk of action with a knee injury.

However, the ex-England shot-stopper believes it was the wrong call to start him – speaking to MOT Leeds News, he said:

“Firpo has got no future at the club. Leeds have just signed another left-back and if he doesn’t play then Pascal Struijk will play at left-back. Why would you play Firpo, somebody who’s obviously going to leave the club shortly? He’s got no future at the club.”

Time certainly seems to be running out for the left-back, who cost around £13m from FC Barcelona in 2021, particularly after the arrival of Max Wober from RB Salzburg as he’s capable of playing in the role, as is Pascal Struijk.

Reports in Spain have also recently emerged suggesting that the Dominican-born ace could return to another former club, Real Betis. They have just sold Alex Moreno to the Whites’ Premier League rivals Aston Villa, so are in need of a left-back.

Whatever offer comes forward, manager Jesse Marsch and director of football Victor Orta must be in agreement over his future and that should lie as far away from west Yorkshire as possible.

Whilst he wasn’t the worst player on the pitch against the Bluebirds, Firpo has been a pretty poor signing all round in the last 18 months. His inconsistent form and nature of playing on the edge once saw Mirror journalist David Anderson slam him as a ‘liability.’

“All he seems to do is get booked all the time,” he said to GIVEMESPORT before adding: “I think he’s been a big let-down.”

Indeed, you’d imagine that the American head coach thinks something of the same because he has rarely featured, despite returning from injury earlier in the season. He has been named on the bench in eight of their last nine league outings, whilst since his arrival, Leeds have leaked more than three goals in the top-flight on ten occasions when he has featured.

Clearly, it’s easy to see why Robinson may think that Firpo has no future at Elland Road and as such, Marsch and Orta must look to shift him on before deadline day on January 31st.

AND in other news, Phil Hay: Orta closing in on £35m “huge talent” who could take Leeds to new heights…

Crystal Palace are reportedly interested in re-signing Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher this month and his potential arrival at Selhurst Park could allow Patrick Vieira to get rid of Will Hughes.

According to The Sun, the Eagles will launch a fresh move for the midfielder having made enquiries into re-signing him last summer, while the Metro claims that the England international is currently valued at £30m by his boyhood club.

Vieira is understandably keen to reunite with the 22-year-old after his starring performances on loan at Selhurst Park last season, with Gallagher notching eight goals and three assists in 34 Premier League appearances, averaging a 7.09 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

This campaign has been a disappointing one for the young midfielder at Stamford Bridge, as he has managed just one goal and one assist in 17 league appearances, earning a far-less-impressive 6.53 rating from WhoScored.

The report from The Sun claims that Gallagher is still committed to making it at Chelsea but if Graham Potter brings in more midfielders under the free-spending Todd Boehly, then the academy graduate might find his opportunities limited and could look to rediscover his best form at Selhurst Park.

Vieira was full of praise for the Englishman last season after he scored twice in a 3-1 win over Everton.

He said:

“Conor has this passion for the game when he is on the field like a Ray Parlour, but I would say he has maybe the quality finishing of a Frank Lampard.

“It is a manager’s dream to have a player like Conor because when he is on the field, he will give everything.”

The French manager undoubtedly needs another all-round midfield option to play alongside Cheick Doucoure at Palace, with Will Hughes having sadly failed to cut it since his arrival from Watford in the summer of 2021.

The former Derby County man has made just 35 appearances since then, contributing one goal and one assist, while he has been limited to just 129 minutes of action in the Premier League so far this campaign.

Considering the different impacts the two midfielders have had in their time at Palace, it seems clear who Vieira would prefer to have in his side and adding Gallagher this month would surely allow the French manager to get rid of Hughes for good.