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Wolves manager Bruno Lage must keep winger Adama Traore at the club beyond the upcoming January window, with the Spaniard linked with a potential move to fellow Premier League outfit Leeds United as well as Spanish giants Real Madrid.

What’s the story?

Although Leeds are reportedly interested in Traore, Eurosport journalist Dean Jones has claimed that their “budget won’t be able to stretch to Traore” and a swoop for the Spaniard may have to be waited for until the summer.

As for Real, the Barcelona youth product has reportedly expressed his desire to return to his homeland and his agent has already contacted the Spanish giants.

With potential suitors elsewhere, it does beg the question as to whether or not the West Midlands club should hold onto a player that, on one side is yet to score this season, but on the other has previously received top praise, with Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola once labelling the 25-year-old as “a motorcycle.”

Wolves should keep Traore

It would be a disaster if Wolves allowed Traore to leave Molineux next month. The statistics don’t support that claim, with zero goals or assists in the Premier League so far this term. However, the Spaniard offers Lage plenty of pace and physicality, traits that the Portuguese’s squad isn’t necessarily blessed with.

Moreover, it isn’t as though the £27m-rated talisman is failing to bag in a high-scoring outfit, in fact, Wolves are the English top-flight’s second-lowest scorers with just 12 goals in 16 matches. Granted, Traore hasn’t contributed any of them and that is of course where he will have to improve.

We have seen what the 25-year-old is capable of before though, particularly in the 2019/20 season where he was “thrilling.”

That campaign saw Traore score a career-best four Premier League goals, three of which being against Manchester City.

You don’t go on to make over 100 Premier League appearances for a club without talent. Yes, it’s clear in which department Traore must improve but, given that his side are seriously struggling to score goals, Lage must keep the winger at Molineux for the remainder of the season at the very least.

After all, in the words of Tim Sherwood, he is a player who “destroys anyone.”

Aston Villa could complete their midfield jigsaw with the signing of Southampton star James Ward-Prowse.

What’s the story?

Reports in recent weeks have suggested that Dean Smith is lining up a summer swoop for the England midfielder, and Noel Whelan has thrown his backing behind a potential move for the Saints man.

He said: “I’m not surprised he wants to move. Villa are showing real intent early on. I think the move will materialise, it’s happening. They have already got Buendia through the door so it really is exciting times for Aston Villa fans.

“If they can get James Ward-Prowse as well, another international, they could really reach that next level. He was very unlucky not to be in the England squad for the Euros. He would add serious competition for places.

“It would be a very exciting midfield if he was in there with Grealish, Buendia and McGinn. Time will tell if these signings are seen as replacements for Jack Grealish or not.”

Could complete Villa

The £35k-a-week earning ace would offer something that Villa really missed last season – goals from midfield. The Saints star managed eight goals in the Premier League, as well as chipping in with seven assists too, numbers that are far better than anything that Smith’s current options produced (John McGinn was the closest with three).

With Grealish and Buendia further ahead, Ward-Prowse would be tasked with breaking the lines with his passing deeper from midfield, and giving those two enough touches of the ball to cause havoc.

As Whelan says, it would make for a “very exciting midfield” if the trio started for Villa next season in the Premier League, with Grealish and Buendia offering real creativity, and Ward-Prowse coming in from deep and providing a supply line of both goals and assists too.

It’s a move that could see Johan Lange complete the midfield jigsaw for Villa.

Meanwhile, Ashley Preece has dropped a major Aston Villa transfer update…

Last weekend, Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin entered a very exclusive club at Goodison Park.

In racking up 20 goals in all competitions, the forward is now only the third player for the Toffees in the Premier League era to hit that tally.

Romelu Lukaku has done so on a few occasions while Yakubu is the only other to hit such eye-catching figures.

The pair of them are both incredibly powerful players, using brute force to brush their marker aside before finding a devastating and clinical finish past the goalkeeper.

Lukaku was a key figure for Everton and during 166 outings for the Merseyside outfit he found the net on 87 occasions. It would be difficult to suggest he’s an out and out Toffees legend but he certainly made the crowd stand to attention.

Everton are fortunate they don’t miss him. Calvert-Lewin has become a force to be reckoned with but plays in a different manner; holding the ball up rather than always using his pace to get in behind.

Carlo Ancelotti could make great strides to properly replacing Lukaku’s influence this summer, however.

That’s because they’ve been linked with a £45m move for Milan forward Rafael Leao.

The 21-year-old is yet to find the net at regular intervals but that hasn’t stopped him from contributing to 12 strikes throughout the current season.

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You need not worry about his finishing abilities though because this a player who like Lukaku, can use brute force and speed to terrify the defence.

Dubbed the “Portuguese Mbappe” by Lille president Gerard Lopez, he’s also been compared to the Brazilian Ronaldo: “I’d say that he reminds me of ‘Fenomeno’ Ronaldo for his pace, technique and the quality of his finishing,” Tiago Fernandes, one of his former youth coaches said.

Similarly to Lukaku, Leao was making a splash at a young age, dominating players throughout his youth career. Former striker Rolando Bianchi once commented: “I had seen him at the U20 World Cup with Portugal and he made spectacular plays. He has great speed, he has a touch of the ball.”

Combine his extraordinary pace with his striking technique and it adds a sense of finesse to his game that Lukaku so often brought to Goodison.

The Belgian could bulldoze his way past defenders but then open up the goal in tantalising fashion, passing the ball past the goalkeeper with all the confidence in the world.

Leao has a long way to go before he’s finding the net with the same regularity, but his qualities are enough to get plenty off their seats. Just imagine what he could do under Ancelotti too.

AND in other news, Everton could sign Gomes upgrade in “incredible” £17m beast, he’s “extremely strong”…

Reliable journalist Gary Jacob has made a claim on defender Angelo Ogbonna amid recent hopes he could make a return before the end of 2021/2022.

The Lowdown: Insider shares West Ham hope?

The Italian, who hasn’t featured since November, sustaining an ACL injury against Liverpool, has been at the centre of claims in recent days that he could in fact be available for the final few games of this season.

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Indeed, West Ham insider Claret & Hugh believe that there is hope within the club that Ogbonna could make a contribution for manager David Moyes over the last couple of matches.

This comes after the centre-half returned to light training and travelled to France, watching the Hammers’ historic victory over Lyon in the Europa League, though he was not a squad member.

It’s also been claimed that Ogbonna, if Moyes’ men make the Europa League final, ‘could be fit enough’ to start.

However, issuing a claim to the contrary, Jacob has more pessimistic news amid this update.

The Latest: Jacob makes Ogbonna claim…

Jacob, writing for The Times in midweek, says that Ogbonna is in fact ‘out for the season’ with West Ham suffering somewhat of an injury crisis at the back.

Kurt Zouma could already be sidelined for ‘several weeks’, meanwhile Issa Diop’s ankle injury could rule him out for the remainder of this campaign.

This may leave Craig Dawson as Moyes’ only fit, natural centre-half for the final run-in.

The Verdict: Blow for Moyes…

Amid C&H’s update, Irons supporters will be hoping that there is in fact hope of an Ogbonna return despite Jacob’s firm claim.

The colossal 6 foot 3 defender was a mainstay in Moyes’ side before the ACL injury and has been an arguably crucial player for nearly two full seasons.

Former Hammers defender James Collins has labelled Ogbonna ‘phenomenal’ for his contribution at the London Stadium and his return would be a real boost.

However, as things stand, it appears Moyes may not be able to rely on the 33-year-old’s surprise early comeback.

In other news: Moyes set for GSB backing as West Ham insider makes exciting big-money claim, find out more here.

A number of Liverpool fans have been reacting excitedly to rumours linking the Reds with a move for RB Salzburg striker Patson Daka.

While lots of the talk this season has surrounded Liverpool’s defensive woes, with several key men out injured, they have also struggled in attack. The front three of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino have failed to click as a unit, with only the former coming close to consistently producing his best form.

Diogo Jota made a different in the early months, but a knee injury saw him miss around three months of action, acting as a further blow.

It could be that Jurgen Klopp delves into the transfer market for a new attacking player this summer in order to increase the level of quality and competition for places in the final third.

Someone who has been linked with a move to Anfield is Daka, with Salzburger Nachrichten claiming that Liverpool are eyeing up a move for the 22-year-old. The Zambian youngster has scored 61 goals in just 114 appearances for Salzburg, highlighting his pedigree.

Liverpool fans talk up Daka move

These Liverpool supporters took to Twitter to give their thoughts on a move for Daka, with many seeing the benefits of signing him.

“Seeing Patson Daka rumours on the timeline. Been wanting him and saying it for ages. I really hope it happens. He’s a Liverpool fan too”Credit: @Klopptinho”Hope so, he’s dynamite, pace, power and finishing ability”Credit: @dcory68″He’s class”Credit: @matthickey71″We could sign him and still sign another attacker, that’s a bargain for someone who is producing good numbers”Credit: @oni_kzz”Could see Klopp and Edwards going for him instead of an already world-class striker. Huge potential and a natural goalscorer, Klopp could turn him into a top player”Credit: @1CraigFisher”Give them Origi”Credit: @Callum_Moran10In other news, some Liverpool fans have been reacting to a surprise transfer story involving the Reds. Read about it here.

Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa must land Spain star Adama Traore amid David Norris’ transfer claim.

What’s the story?

Reports in recent days have suggested that the Whites are interested in signing the Wolves winger, with claims back in December revealing that Bielsa’s side were keen on luring him to Elland Road.

Norris has delivered his verdict on Leeds’ potential move for Traore. Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, he said: “He likes them attacking, exciting players that can create. They still must work hard, but the way he’s been in the last couple of seasons, and how much of a danger he is and how much he an create, I think that would be a great signing. Leeds are looking for top players and I think he’s a top player.”

Game-changer for Bielsa

Dubbed a “machine” and someone who’s “been scaring defenders” by former Leeds defender Rio Ferdinand in January 2020, the £100,000-a-week Traore has the kind of game-changing pace and ability which could terrify the rest of the Premier League just like he has done at Wolves.

Averaging an impressive 4.1 dribbles per game – the highest in the entire Premier League last season – and being fouled 2.3 times per match, the third-most in the division, Traore is a relentless dribbler who’s a nightmare for opposition defences.

Indeed, Bielsa himself has previously admitted to how tough a player Traore is to mark, saying: “It’s better to follow the man than leave him to a team-mate. I believe, fundamentally, Traore likes to play out wide on the wings. If he dominates the ball on his side he’s difficult to start, so whoever’s marking him will need some support.”

Hailed as “unplayable” by Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp following an impressive display against the Reds back in January 2020, the £27m-rated Spaniard is currently at Euro 2020, so a move may only be made once La Roja’s involvement in the competition ends.

If Leeds can pull off a deal for the 25-year-old, they could terrify the rest of the Premier League with one of the division’s most dangerous attackers.

Meanwhile, this Leeds United transfer target would be a major upgrade…

Tottenham Hotspur winger Heung-min Son is set to remain with the club ahead of the 2021/22 season, after telling Nuno Espirito Santo that he’s looking forward to next term, according to Football Insider. 

The lowdown: Son linked with Tottenham Hotspur departure

Son has caught the eye with a number of strong performances for Tottenham Hotspur over the years, with the winger scoring 107 goals in 280 appearances for the club so far.

It appears as though those impressive showings haven’t gone unnoticed though, with Bayern Munich reportedly previously being keen on reaching an agreement to land Son’s signature in the future.

Spurs reportedly offered Son a new contract worth more than £200,000 per-week, and he was close to agreeing a new five-year deal before Christmas 2020, but an agreement was never reached.

The latest: Decision made on Son’s short-term future

Despite talks over a new deal seemingly stalling, a Spurs source has reportedly told Football Insider that Son will stay put.

They have claimed that he has already told newly-appointed Spurs boss Nuno Espirito Santo that he is looking forward to working under his management next term.

Son is contracted with Spurs until 2023, but it remains to be seen as to whether his long-term future remains with the London-based club moving forwards.

But for the time being, this will come as a huge relief to the Lilywhites hierarchy and fans.

The verdict: Huge boost for Spurs

This is a huge boost for Tottenham Hotspur, and the club’s supporters will be delighted if this recent update from Football Insider is true.

Son has become even more crucial recently, having netted Jose Mourinho called him ‘incredible’ and an ‘animal’.

With Harry Kane’s future at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium looking bleak, it will be vital for Nuno to build his new squad around a player of Son’s quality heading into the 2021/22 campaign.

Make no mistake about it, the South Korea star’s desire to stay is a huge boost for everyone at the club in what could have been an incredibly difficult rebuild if he and Kane were both to leave.

According to The Daily Mail, CSKA Moscow have been scouting Sunderland striker Charlie Wyke recently.

CSKA eye Wyke

Wyke has been in fantastic form for the Black Cats so far this campaign, netting 26 goals in all competitions (Transfermarkt). His 22 strikes in League One have only been bettered by Peterborough’s Jonson Clarke-Harris (BBC).

As per The Daily Mail, that has led to the 13-time Russian champions scouting the English third division’s top two goalscorers.

Surprise

This is no doubt a surprise link – it is rare that players from the English lower tiers attract interest from clubs in Russia. However, Wyke’s form in front of goal this season means he is deserving of such a pursuit. At 28 years old, it is unlikely he will ever get a better chance to join a side that regularly competes in either the Europa League or Champions League.

Surprisingly, though, his departure may well go down well with the Black Cats supporters. When the news broke, the supporters were quick to share their thoughts, and many suggested they would be happy to see him leave. It seems that, while he clearly knows where the back of the net is, his overall footballing ability leaves a lot to be desired even after amassing 36 career assists, and some are worried whether he would be able to cope with the demands of the Championship if Sunderland earn promotion.

If the club were able to strike a good agreement for Wyke, it could be a welcome move for all involved, handing the Black Cats some cash to reinvest into the squad and granting Wyke the chance to play in European competition.

In other news, Newcastle are interested in this Sunderland ace.

Thomas Tuchel started his managerial career at Mainz and now finds himself at Chelsea and is set to feature in his second successive Champions League final and his talent on the sidelines was always obvious, according to former Southampton executive vice-chairman Les Reed.

Since Saints returned to the Premier League in 2012 they have had seven managers, including Mauricio Pochettino and Ronald Koeman who both went on to leave the Saints for other Premier League clubs.

Tuchel’s rise to the top of European football began when he was appointed as the man to succeed Jurgen Klopp at Borussia Dortmund and after winning the DFB Pokal he parted ways with the Bundesliga outfit and that saw him replace Unai Emery at PSG the following year.

In 2014, Southampton appointed Koeman to succeed Pochettino but Tuchel was certainly on the club’s radar and enquiries were even made to his agent, something Reed told The Transfer Tavern exclusively:

“Thomas Tuchel was an interesting one, in that we were interested in him when he was at Mainz and he did a good job there in terms of getting success from limited resources, and bringing young players through which was something that was important for us.

“The opportunity may have come in 2014 when we appointed Ronald Koeman, and I did make enquiries as I spoke to his agent, and we had quite an interesting conversation as he didn’t feel that Southampton were a big enough club for Thomas Tuchel. However, he also claimed that Tuchel had one eye on the Dortmund situation surrounding Klopp.”

While Tuchel is still yet to win his first piece of silverware at Stamford Bridge he did secure a top-four Premier League finish on Sunday, and has the chance to beat Pep Guardiola for the third time this season when the two sides face each other in Porto this weekend.

For Southampton, it was an ultimately poor season as their early season form flattered to deceive as they finished in the bottom half of the table and just three places off the relegation zone.

Arsenal are eyeing a transfer move for Sevilla striker Youssef En-Nesyri as they plan for life after Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

What’s the story?

The Gabon international has endured a difficult 12 months or so after lifting the FA Cup with the Gunners back in the summer of 2020, scoring just ten goals in the Premier League last season.

Now, according to La Colina de Nervion, Mikel Arteta’s side have identified En-Nesyri as a player who could come into replace Aubameyang once the current club captain leaves the Emirates.

The report adds that the Gunners could face competition from fellow Premier League side West Ham however.

Edu must sign him

While Arsenal themselves may see En-Nesyri as someone to replace Aubameyang, when you look at the stats, he’s arguably been better than another one of the Gunners’ star-studded strikers: Alexandre Lacazette.

The 24-year-old En-Nesyri bagged 24 goals in all competitions for Sevilla last season, including scoring a whopping six times in just eight games in the Champions League – a sure sign of how he rises to the big occasion.

In comparison, Lacazette managed just 16, and only netted three times in eight Europa League games.

Speaking about his qualities to This is Futbol, La Liga expert Euan McTear raved about the penalty-box instincts the striker has.

“He’s not someone that will move out wide and create a chance, he’s very much a centre-forward, if he’s moving out of the box to create something, it’s usually for his own good – a bit like Benzema, but he does that well and scores a lot of goals.”

Dubbed a “world-beater” at times by Sky Sports’ Spanish football commentator, Terry Gibson, he added: “When you look at his attributes, he’s as good in the air as anyone now. Not only is he tall, (but) he’s got that athletic ability to leap as well. He seems to really enjoy aerial challenges.

“He’s quick, he’s strong, great attitude, his finishing has improved, his first touch has improved, his movement has improved – all those things you expect players to improve on, he is doing.”

The £60m-rated star could be exactly the kind of striker Arteta needs at Arsenal, and Edu simply has to sign him.

Meanwhile, some Arsenal early team news has emerged before Norwich…