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Wolverhampton Wanderers were heavily linked with Mohammed Kudus during the summer and after a superb World Cup display, Julen Lopetegui should reignite the Old Gold’s interest.

It was reported in the summer that the Midlands outfit and Everton both wanted to prise the 22-year-old away from Ajax as he struggled for regular game time under Alfred Schreuder at the start of the campaign.

However, he would remain with the Eredivisie side and quickly established himself as one of the key players for the Dutch giants, hitting ten goals and two assists across ten starts for Schreuder’s side, including five in the Champions League, where he averaged an incredible 7.34 rating from WhoScored.

It was no surprise therefore to see him starting for Ghana in their World Cup opener against Portugal on Thursday, and the young midfielder was a constant menace throughout the game.

As per Sofascore, Kudus would earn an impressive 7.4/10 rating for his display in the 3-2 defeat, with no Ghana player rated higher and only Bruno Fernandes and Otavio (8.4 and 7.5) earning a better rating from the opposition.

The youngster’s direct running and dribbling caused all sorts of problems for Portugal in Qatar, as he completed all four of his dribble attempts during his time on the pitch, while he also registered two shots.

Of the nine duels that Kudus was involved in with Portuguese players, he would win six with a success rate of 67%, which suggests that he had the edge over the opposition, despite the plethora of world-class players at their disposal.

After Portugal took the lead through a contentious penalty decision, Ghana suddenly looked far more dangerous and pushed Kudus forward, which resulted in the equaliser as his cross was turned home by Andre Ayew for 1-1.

The only surprise at that point was that he was taken off by manager Otto Addo on 77 minutes, with the Black Stars then conceding twice in quick succession to lose the game.

Kudus, who has previously been dubbed a “superstar”, looked dangerous throughout and could add a serious attacking threat at Molineux should Lopetegui look to bring him in during the January window.

While it might be tough for the Midlands outfit to tempt him to Molineux given their current Premier League standing, as well as the other interest that will no doubt arise from Kudus’ recent displays, the Spanish manager should do all he can to sign the Ajax star after such an impressive World Cup debut.

Leeds United should decide against making a move for FC Augsburg striker Ricardo Pepi, according to transfer expert Dean Jones.

The Lowdown: Pepi on the move?

Jesse Marsch could look to make attacking reinforcements at Elland Road in the upcoming transfer windows, with a lack of firepower evident at times during the current campaign with Patrick Bamford struggling with fitness and form.

Pepi is currently on loan at FC Groningen but missed out on a place in the USA’s 2022 World Cup squad, having not done enough to justify being called up.

He is expected to leave Augsburg next summer, however, and there is always the possibility that Marsch could eye up a move for his compatriot.

The Latest: Jones plays down Leeds transfer

Speaking to Give Me Sport, though, Jones said he finds it difficult to see Leeds moving for Pepi currently:

“Pepi’s goal record since moving to Europe overall is not convincing, I know he’s started to score a moment, but the sample size that we’ve got is probably too small to take a chance on based on what we saw last season.

“Pepi was supposed to be the answer to the USMNT’s striking problems, but he hasn’t been able to show that that’s definitely the case.

“I don’t think personally that Jesse Marsch should probably take a risk on him.”

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The Verdict: Not done enough

Pepi has been a highly-rated young player for some time, being hailed as the ‘best natural finisher’ in the USA’s history by former defender Heath Pearce.

Whether or not the 19-year-old is ready to star in the Premier League at this moment in time is certainly up for debate, however, both in terms of physicality and all-round quality.

He hasn’t scored in 16 appearances for Augsburg, which speaks volumes, and while seven in 10 is a good return for Groningen, there may well be better options out there for Marsch to bring in.

West Ham United have basked in a thrilling ride under the tutelage of David Moyes, navigating away from their languishing position at the pit of the Premier League and enjoying consecutive European campaigns, however, they now face adversity once more. 

What’s the word?

The Hammers finished seventh last season in the Premier League, but have failed to replicate past feats this time around, currently sitting in 16th place after 15 matches, just one point above the relegation zone.

And now transfer guru Dean Jones, speaking to GIVEMESPORT, has said that the Hammers are “looking at a few different options” ahead of the winter market, with Everton’s Michael Keane one potential target. 

Despite boasting the best defensive record of any side in the bottom half of the table, Moyes is seeking to inject new life into the backline, with Kurt Zouma recently having surgery on a knee injury and Craig Dawson possibly leaving in January. 

Avoid at all costs

Keane has slipped down the pecking order at Everton thanks to the summer signings of James Tarkowski and Conor Coady, who have formed a formidable partnership in front of Jordan Pickford’s goal, with the star now set to leave the Merseyside outfit. 

And with Jones stating that Moyes’ funds in this department of the field might be somewhat restricted, a move for Keane might be something that West Ham actively pursue in the coming weeks. 

Despite this, the East London outfit must avoid the 29-year-old Englishman at all costs, with his frequent lapses in concentration and “lack of leadership”, as mentioned by Paul Robinson, not tools fit to fix the current issues the Hammers are beset with. 

Playing a peripheral role for the Toffees this term, Keane, signed from Burnley in a deal rising to £30m, has hardly inspired confidence, or indeed staked a claim to recapture his starting spot in the team.

As per Sofascore, the centre-back has recorded a measly 6.3 rating in his only Premier League appearance, against Brentford, faring worse in the EFL Cup, putting in a solid showing against League One side Fleetwood Town before sitting at the epicentre of a damaging 4-1 defeat at the hands of AFC Bournemouth. 

In that display, Keane lost possession 14 times, winning just one of his three ground duels and making just one tackle; hardly statistics that evoke confidence for a West Ham team looking to return to the upper end of the division. 

One journalist labelled him as “pathetic” following a loss of focus that conceded defeat late on to Manchester City in the 21/22 season, where he played a regular role in a defensive line that shipped 66 goals across the league campaign. 

With Everton boss Frank Lampard eager to wipe his name from the books, it is slightly perplexing that Moyes feels making a move for the 12-cap England international is a prudent move, especially given the club’s delicate league position.

The interest in Declan Rice is ramping up, with the player’s own admission alluding to a transfer in the near future, with Chelsea among the frontrunners.

What’s the word?

The Blues have maintained an intense desire to bring Declan Rice to Stamford Bridge for several years now, with the Guardian recently confirming that the 23-year-old wishes to leave and will not extend his contract, expiring in 2024. 

In a recent World Cup press conference this week, Rice offered some thoughts on his next move, as West Ham United desperately try to keep hold of their most coveted asset. 

Rice said:

“I see my friends who play in the Champions League, winning the big trophies. You only get one career and at the end of your career you want to look back at what you’ve won.” 

Matic 2.0

Rice has been making steady gains over the past few years in East London, and it’s no mere coincidence that his emergence to the scene runs parallel to West Ham’s won ascension to European football, after narrowly staving off relegation in the 19/20 campaign.  

Having made 215 appearances for the Irons, scoring 11 goals and 12 assists, the 37-cap England international has earned plaudits for his tenaciously industrious approach to the midfield play, dictating the tempo, launching robust challenges and searching for forward openings. 

It’s exactly why journalist Rob Blanchette once dubbed him “a monster in midfield” earlier this season.

And should Chelsea pursue, they would wield a player reminiscent of a former star at the centre in Nemanja Matic.

Matic, who now pays his trade for AS Roma in the twilight stage of his career, was regarded as one of Europe’s best holding midfielders when he was at his zenith, and Rice could flourish with the Blues in his place.

Sticking to the basics and instilling composure and stability, the 34-year-old was impressive during his Chelsea career, winning three league titles, and his blueprint is one that should be followed by any like-minded midfielders looking to achieve success at Stamford Bridge.

The £68.6m-rated Rice, as valued by Transfermarkt, would likely require a mammoth bid exceeding that amount if the Hammers were to relinquish possession of the ace, with sources touting a fee closer to £150m. 

Such a fee might seem astronomical, but the statistics illustrate the prowess of the ace, with FBref ranking him within the top 6% for pass completion and 7% for interceptions when compared to midfielders across Europe’s major leagues this past year.

And with WhoScored recording his 2.4 tackles and 1.6 interceptions in the Premier League this term, it’s clear that Chelsea would have some weapon on their hands should they succeed in their efforts. 

Also, with N’Golo Kante and Jorginho both approaching the conclusion of their Chelsea contracts this summer, the space is indeed freed for someone of Rice’s mould, who would adopt the anchor position in the team with aplomb, whilst also serving as a pivot when required.

Having been released from the Cobham academy at 14 years old, Rice found a home with the Hammers and has since proved that he has all the tools to become a leading central force for the coming age of football, both for club and country. 

And with the “force of nature” – as dubbed by journalist Rob Blanchette – displaying no signs of slowing down, Chelsea will feel rising confidence that they can hook the Englishman and reel him back into the fold, melding into the heart of the engine and fuelling the new Chelsea era. 

Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe is seemingly planning to shift the ‘deadwood’ from his squad when the market re-opens next month, with recent reports suggesting that the Magpies could be open to offers for at least four first-team players.

One of those assets who could seemingly be shown the door is Ryan Fraser, with the diminutive winger having been deemed surplus to requirements after failing to truly establish himself in the side of late.

The 28-year-old – who still has two-and-a-half years left on his existing deal at St James’ Park – is said to have caught the attention of clubs both in the Premier League and in the Championship, having previously joined the Tynesiders on a free transfer from Bournemouth in the summer of 2020.

Since then, the Scotland international has scored just three goals and laid on only six assists in 59 games in all competitions for the northeast side, having notably been hampered by injury following his move from the Cherries.

As for the current campaign, the 5 foot 4 speedster has failed to score in his eight top-flight outings thus far, with only three of those appearances having come from the start to demonstrate his slide down the pecking order.

The £42k-per-week man’s exit could well be hastened by the addition of another attacking recruit in the New Year, with journalist Fabrizio Romano having suggested that a new winger could well be one of Howe’s “priorities”.

That being said, the 44-year-old could well save himself millions by looking to the academy ranks to find a notable upgrade for Fraser, with 20-year-old Dylan Stephenson one asset whom the Newcastle boss has seen up close in recent times.

The promising Englishman was part of the first-team squad for the recent warm-weather training camp in Saudi Arabia, notably netting in the 5-0 thrashing of Al-Hilal last week as a statement of his undoubted finishing prowess.

That strike notably drew praise from his manager, with Howe stating after that thumping, friendly victory: “You always remember the first goal you score. He’s a great lad, very hard working, great attitude, this is a great experience for him and hopefully the first of many.”

While typically a centre-forward, the youngster also has the ability to feature on the flanks, with adopting that latter role potentially a better bet with regards to securing a place in the first team, due to the presence of Callum Wilson and Alexander Isak as centre-forward options.

Unlike Fraser – who has scored just two league goals for the club – Stephenson is clearly a figure who “knows where the net is” – according to journalist Craig Hope – having scored five goals in just ten games at Premier League 2 level this season.

That ensures that his overall tally for the Magpies’ U21 side stands at 19 goals in 56 games to date, having previously scored 20 times in just 39 games for the U18s as a marker of his clinical ability in the final third.

The hope will be that he can go on to establish himself in the first team set-up over the coming months, with the impending departure of Fraser potentially allowing Stephenson the opportunity to stake his claim for a more prominent role at senior level.

Chelsea have identified a host of offensive options amid the pursuit of a place in next season’s Champions League, with the January transfer window now just a couple of weeks away. 

What’s the word?

The Evening Standard reports that Barcelona’s versatile forward Memphis Depay is one option being considered by Blues boss Graham Potter, with a deal previously being explored in the summer before the west London club went with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. 

With the Dutchman nearing the culmination of his contract with the Blaugrana, a deal could be struck this winter, with his club looking to make a profit on a player signed from Lyon on a free transfer last summer.

With Potter facing a dilemma up front courtesy of Armando Broja’s ACL injury, which will likely rule him out for the rest of the season, the need to sign a forward who’s capable of making an instantly emphatic impact is vital.

A timely upgrade

Broja had made a steady start to life at Stamford Bridge, having earned a shot in the first-team this season following a successful loan spell with Southampton in 2021/22, scoring nine goals across 38 games for the south coast club. 

He has played a largely peripheral role for the Blues, only starting twice in the Premier League, although he has a goal and an assist each, slowly working his way up the pecking order.

The signing of Depay would signify a notable upgrade on Chelsea’s current forward options, with a foray into the transfer market for the 28-year-old likely knitting the attack together and refining a cohesive aura.

As per FBRef, the Dutchman ranks within the top percentile for both progressive passes received and touches within the attacking penalty area when compared to positional peers in Europe’s top five leagues  over the past year. 

While he is considered a robust presence up top, his clinical efforts will have been duly noted by Potter, with his return of 13 goals and two assists last season from 27 starts demonstrating his aptitude in front of goal.

Compare that with Chelsea’s forwards this term, with Kai Havertz and Raheem Sterling top-scoring in the league with only three goals each and Aubameyang managing a measly one.

Despite playing mostly on the flanks, or behind the traditional centre-forward role, the £171k-per-week Depay has demonstrated across his career that he is an effective and all-encompassing forward, with flurries in and around the box providing direct and creative support in abundance.

Should Chelsea muster up a deal for the 86-cap Dutchman, who has a commendable 43 goals for his country, they would certainly boast an instant upgrade on the unfortunate Broja.

The Barcelona “enigma” – as lauded by Jonathan Liew – has a pedigree on the biggest stage and offers a fluidity across a variety of offensive roles which could provide a dimension to the Chelsea attack which has been sorely lacking across recent months.

West Bromwich Albion have been reaping the rewards of their new leadership of late, with Carlos Corberan having masterminded their five-match winning streak despite having not made any signings of his own.

It therefore makes the January transfer window all the more promising, as he can add to a group of players who are currently on a roll.

Of the rumours swirling around, the most plausible and prominent is linking the Baggies with a move for Huddersfield Town midfielder Jon Russell, with the Jamaican having broken into the first team under Corberan during their mutual time at the John Smith’s Stadium.

He became a mainstay for the Terrier’s promotion push last season which only ended in a Championship play-off final defeat, anchoring the engine room with composure and class beyond his years.

Adding him to Albion’s squad and pairing him with Tom Rogic could form one of the best midfields in the Championship, offering the perfect balance between defensive steel and attacking impetus.

The 22-year-old could be particularly impressive playing alongside the Australian, who has recorded a goal and an assist in his last two matches. This has seen his average Sofascore rating for the campaign increase to 6.85, despite only averaging 33 minutes per game.

Rogic has now established himself as a cemented starter at The Hawthorns, and if Russell could come in and perform similarly to last season, he could inspire another club to potential play-off glory.

During the 2021/22 campaign, he averaged a 7.03 Sofascore rating as he maintained an 87% pass accuracy. He paired that with a hulking physique, as the 6 foot 4 titan recorded 1.3 interceptions, 1.4 tackles and one clearance per game (via Sofascore).

He would offer West Brom a metronome-like quality in midfield, along with a work rate and solidity which could see them dominate their battles in the middle of the park.

Such is Russell’s ability that Danny Schofield claimed that the Terriers always knew he would be a “special talent”, with the former Huddersfield boss adding: “He’s got real ability with the ball, very composed in central areas…”.

To acquire a player of his talent and to pair him with someone of Rogic’s experience has the makings of a powerful midfield partnership. Should Corberan make it happen, West Brom will surely not be in the Championship for much longer. 

2022 has been a testing year for Chelsea: penalty shootout defeat in both the FA Cup and Carabao Cup at the hands of Liverpool; the departure of long-time endeared owner Roman Abramovich; the dismissal of Champions League-winning manager Thomas Tuchel.

And now the west London giants languish in eighth place in the Premier League 14 matches into the 2022/23 campaign, with manager Graham Potter, signed from Brighton & Hove Albion in the early stages of the season, tinkering away at a fix for the issues the side are beset with.

Having scored just 17 goals in the league – the lowest tally of any side in the top half – Chelsea have unsurprisingly been linked with a host of striking talent to slot into the fray.

Regardless of the issues, Chelsea are tenacious and determined, and still jam-packed with an abundance of supreme talent; it is a matter of time until the cogs fall into place and the Blue machine is whirring once again.

On the chalkboard

One player of high quality who can make a defining impact is Kai Havertz, with the forward returning from a disappointing World Cup campaign with Germany, who exited in the group phase for the second successive tournament.

Despite Die Mannschaft’s subpar Displays, Havertz impressed in his solitary start against Costa Rica, scoring two goals and serving as the offensive focal point, recording a stunning match rating of 8.89.

Signed from Bayer Leverkusen for £75.8m in 2020, Havertz has split opinion since his arrival on English soil, having bursts of brilliance but often falling wide of the mark and failing to display the same prolific return that alerted Europe’s elite outfits to his name while plying his trade in his homeland.

His return of 27 goals and 14 assists from 112 appearances is not the most impressive return for a forward of his calibre and price, yet his breezy style of play and seamless transitional movement does plenty for Chelsea’s offensive surges.

Not to mention his winning goal in the 2020/21 Champions League final against Manchester City. Sadly, his stock has fallen since then with the German not even starting their last league match, a defeat to Newcastle.

The “outstanding” maestro, as lauded by prominent journalist Raphael Honigstein, can provide the key to the bolted door that is prohibiting the Blues from clinching the free-flowing attacking aura that will propel their standing in the Premier League.

Over his final two campaigns with Leverkusen, the 23-year-old scored 38 goals across his final two seasons.

And as per FBref, the gem ranks within the top 10% for pass completion, 5% for touches in the attacking penalty area and 16% for progressive passes – indicating a diverse and dynamic approach to his play, all that is missing is the consistent direct goal threat.

The pieces of the puzzle are there, scattered on the floor, and a footballing mind of high intellect, such as Potter’s could finally complete the jigsaw and unleash Havertz on the Premier League, where his unique approach play could rekindle and save the Blues’ campaign.

Aston Villa have been in contact with the representatives of Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino, but a January move looks unlikely.

The Lowdown: Merino speculation

Merino appears to have been on Unai Emery’s Villa Park wishlist for a number of weeks. Reports towards the end of November claimed that Emery would love to sign the 26-year-old, who can play as a central or holding midfielder.

The Spain international has a €65m (£57m) release clause, with Villa seemingly having the financial power to complete a transfer, however, they haven’t had a positive response.

The Latest: Transfer update

Spanish outlet AS provided an update regarding Merino in the last 48 hours, where Villa were heavily mentioned. They claimed that the player’s representatives ‘have received proposals and calls’ from interested clubs, with Aston Villa one of the most persistent.

However, Merino has no plans to leave the La Liga side and intends to remain at the club beyond the January window.

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The Verdict: Look elsewhere?

It seems as if Villa and Emery would love to sign the left-footed star in 2023, but it doesn’t look as if a move in the winter market has any chance of materialising.

Therefore, the club may be better off looking at alternative targets in the short term, with Atletico Madrid’s Geoffrey Kondogbia seemingly another midfielder of interest.

Villa could even wait until the summer to try again for Merino and look at other areas of the pitch this month, possibly the new A-list forward that Emery has been after since arriving in the Midlands.

Glasgow Celtic head into Saturday’s Premiership clash against Kilmarnock in an excellent run of form, with Ange Postecoglou’s side currently unbeaten in 12 league fixtures.

Indeed, Monday’s 2-2 draw against their Old Firm rivals ensured that the Bhoys remained nine points clear at the top of the table, with the Premiership crown very much being the Hoops’ to lose at present.

As such, the Celtic manager will undoubtedly be hoping that his side can continue their remarkable run against Derek McInnes’ ninth-placed Kilmarnock outfit at Parkhead this afternoon.

However, with a number of injury concerns to deal with ahead of the fixture, Postecoglou may well be forced into something of a shakeup in his starting XI against Killie.

How many changes will the 57-year-old make to the team which started at Ibrox last time out? Here’s how we at Football FanCast think Celtic could line up, as well as the latest team and injury news.

Predicted Celtic XI: Hart; Johnston, Carter-Vickers, Starfelt, Bernabei; McGregor, Mooy, Hatate; Abada, Kyogo, Jota.

With Sead Haksabanovic, Stephen Welsh, James McCarthy and Greg Taylor all ruled out as a result of injury, we predict that Postecoglou will make four changes to the side which lined up against Rangers last Monday.

The first of these alterations come at the back, with the aforementioned Taylor dropping out of the XI as a result of a hamstring strain picked up against the Light Blues, and the “exciting” – in the manager’s own words – £3.75m summer signing Alexandro Bernabei being handed just his sixth Premiership start at left-back.

The rest of the back five remains unchanged, with Joe Hart starting in goal, Alistair Johnston retaining his place at right-back and Cameron Carter-Vickers and Carl Starfelt being given the nod in the heart of the Hoops’ defence.

In the middle of the park, despite having featured in every league game so far this season, after a couple of below-par performances in recent weeks, Matt O’Riley – dubbed the “best player in Scotland” by one Celtic source – drops out of the XI, with Aaron Mooy being handed an opportunity to impress alongside Callum McGregor and Reo Hatate in the midfield three.

The final two changes come in the attacking trio, with both James Forrest – who was rather quiet against Rangers – and Daizen Maeda making way, while Liel Abada and Jota return to the starting XI, with Kyogo Furuhashi keeping his place up top.