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Aston Villa are desperate to sign Newcastle United’s Isaac Hayden before the transfer deadline, according to the Birmingham Mail.

The club are reportedly hoping to sign three players before the end of the transfer window and have made Hayden their top priority.

What’s the word?

Hayden is keen to leave Newcastle this month, according to the Birmingham Mail.

They quote him as saying, at the weekend: “The clubs that are interested in me are waiting, and the clubs that I want to go to are waiting.

“It’s just a case of whether Newcastle say: ‘Yeah, you can go’. If they say that, I can go. That’s where it is really.”

Who are the best away fans in the Championship? Pl>ymaker FC’s Thogden gives his top 10 in the video below…

Villa are keen to bring in a number of players, as per the Birmingham Mail, before Thursday’s deadline, but Hayden is their top target and contact has been made between the two parties.

Newcastle have so far refused to sell the defensive-minded midfielder but he could be allowed to leave if the Magpies are able to sign a replacement; they are closing in on signing Andreas Samaris, according to Sky Sports.

West Bromwich Albion are also said to be interested, but the Birmingham Mail claim that the Villans are at the front of the queue to secure his signature.

Shore up leaky defence

Villa have struggled to keep clean sheets this season.

They are currently four points adrift of sixth-placed Derby County in the play-offs.

However, they have conceded 46 goals thus far this season, with only Rotherham (48) and rock-bottom Ipswich Town (50) letting in more.

Hayden, though, would go a long way to remedying the issue.

He is a defensive-minded midfielder and he has the ability to get stuck in without picking up too many cards.

Bringing him in is a logical move and will help Villa fix one of their biggest problems: conceding goals.

Frank Lampard will ‘get at least the start of next season’ to impress if he manages to keep Everton in the Premier League, journalist Pete O’Rourke told Give Me Sport. 

The lowdown

Lampard took charge of Everton on the last day of January with The Toffees 16th in the table and four points above the drop zone.

Fast forward just over two months, and their situation hasn’t improved. In fact, they’re now one place and one point closer to the bottom three.

Lampard has overseen two victories and six defeats in his first eight matches in charge.

And according to insider Dean Jones, Everton possess a unilateral option to terminate the contract and part ways with Lampard at the end of the campaign.

The latest

Speaking to Give Me Sport, O’Rourke said he expects Lampard to remain in the Goodison Park dugout into 2022/23 if they avoid relegation.

“I think if he manages to keep them up, I’m sure he’ll get at least the start of next season to see what impact it can have at Goodison Park,” he said.

The verdict

If Everton do go down, both parties will surely decide it’s best to move on. Indeed, Lampard was managing Chelsea in the UEFA Champions League as recently as the winter of 2020 and may not be particularly interested in taking on the Championship, while the club will feel let down by his lack of impact.

If they survive, though, he may feel that he can take Everton up the table with better luck on the injury front.

Yes, the performances have been poor, but the squad are dealing with a whopping ten absentees at this crucial stage of the campaign, though two of those are self-inflicted (suspensions for Allan and Michael Keane).

And Lampard might also be of the opinion that this simply isn’t his squad, and only when he gets a full transfer window can he truly implement his vision.

The early signs on that front aren’t particularly promising, however. Lampard reportedly sanctioned the January signing of Dele Alli from Tottenham Hotspur, but he’s yet to start a single game.

In other news, two of Everton’s January signings could leave in the summer.

With Sheffield Wednesday currently sat ninth in the League One table, 13 points away from Rotherham United and Sunderland at the top of the pile, the January transfer window could give the Owls the best opportunity to strengthen their squad so that they can make a strong push towards a play-off place.

However, it seems as though Wednesday fans may have to sit tight for the time being when it comes to seeing any potential new players come into the club.

What’s the latest?

In a recent online Q&A for Yorkshire Live, Howson was asked if there are currently any new signings in the pipeline for Darren Moore’s side.

In response, he said: “As things stand, there is nothing close. I am not expecting a new player to come in before Plymouth. Wednesday are working hard behind the scenes on a number of deals. DM has a few irons in the fire.

“The issue is clubs are hoarding players. They are worried about the possibility of being hit by a [virus] outbreak. Clubs don’t want to leave themselves short in the second half of the season.”

Sheffield Wednesday fans could be sweating

With just three centre-backs, one left-back and two right-backs in their squad at the moment according to Transfermarkt, it seems as though the Owls could do with adding some defensive reinforcements to their ranks at some point this month.

Given how Moore’s side have conceded six goals in their two previous league outings, this only highlights the need for some extra stability and strength at the back if they are to have any chance of making their way up the table in the coming weeks and months.

Moving forward, with just over two weeks left until the January transfer window closes, Wednesday will need to ensure that the “irons in the fire”, as Howson put it, will materialise into one or two new recruits at Hillsborough, particularly in defence. Otherwise, Owls fans could well be sweating over the possibility of facing up to another season in League One.

In other news: Howson drops transfer claim on “key component” at Hillsborough which will have fans buzzing

Celtic are interested in a deal to bring Zinedine Ferhat to Parkhead in the January transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Foot Mercato (via Daily Record), who claimed that Ange Postecoglou has identified the Nimes playmaker as a potential target in the winter market, with the 28-year-old believed to be available on a cut-price deal due to his contract with the Ligue 2 side expiring at the end of the current campaign.

The report added that, as a result of his contract situation, the forward is expected to move onto pastures new in the January transfer window, with French duo Montpellier and Saint-Etienne also reported to be interested in the wide midfielder.

He loves to “turn on the style”

While Ferhat has not been in the best of form so far this season, having failed to score a goal or register an assist over his seven Ligue 2 appearances, it is undeniable that, should Postecoglou manage to seal a deal for the Algeria international this month, it would still be something of a major coup for the Bhoys.

Indeed, over his 33 Ligue 1 appearances in Nimes’ 2020/21 campaign, the £4.05m-rated man scored six goals, registered a whopping 10 assists and created nine big chances for his teammates, as well as taking 1.9 shots and making 1.6 key passes per game.

These returns saw the £13k-per-week winger who he himself claimed loves to “turn on the style” earn a rather astonishing seasonal SofaScore match rating of 7.07, ranking him by far and away as his side’s best performer in the top flight of French football.

As such, it is clear to see that the Algerian forward would make a fantastic addition to Celtic’s current options out wide, leading us to believe that Postecoglou must do all he can to seal a swoop for Ferhat in the January transfer window.

In other news: Celtic confirm major transfer update which will leave Bhoys fans buzzing

A number of Liverpool supporters have reacted negatively to a claim that Roberto Firmino hasn’t decided if he will stay put at Anfield or not.

The Brazilian has been a wonderful servant for the Reds, joining from Hoffenheim in 2015 and becoming one of the poster boys of the Jurgen Klopp era.

Firmino has made 311 appearances for Liverpool, scoring 94 goals and registering 73 assists, proving to be the perfect foil for Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane.

[freshpress-quiz id=“375258″]

At 30, the striker is not getting any younger, however, and his current Reds deal expires in the summer of 2023, with little sign of a new contract being agreed.

According to journalist Florian Plettenberg on Twitter, Firmino will be the man to decide over whether or not he stays at Anfield, with talks taking place in the coming months.

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Liverpool fans react to Firmino claim

It suggests that a Liverpool exit isn’t out of the question and these fans reacted negatively to that possibility on Twitter.

“Never want to see Bobby leave, whatever his role in the squad becomes I hope he retires here”

Credit: @JoshuaKekana

“It will be a sad, sad day when Bobby moves on. He might not be quite what he was but the integral part he’s played can’t be overstated and his personality and selflessness has been invaluable to the culture and success of the side. One of my favourite ever #LFC players”

Credit: @reid1892

“I want Bobby to stay at Liverpool”

Credit: @JuniArga2

“Really hope we keep Bobby. Legend such a great player”

Credit: @MartinT_LFC75

“He’s a legend whatever decision he takes”

Credit: @supermanelfc

“HE CANNOT GO ANYWHERE”

Credit: @dantewillz

In other news, some Liverpool fans are excited after a transfer claim emerged. Read more here.

Celtic are continuing their talks to bring Daizen Maeda and Yosuke Ideguchi to Parkhead in the January transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a claim made by Anthony Joseph, with the Sky Sports journalist stating in a post on Twitter that Ange Postecoglou’s side are still locked in negotiations with both Yokohama F Marinos and Gamba Osaka concerning moves for the centre-forward and central midfielder, with Celtic hoping to secure deals for the duo early on in the winter market.

In his tweet, Joseph said: “Celtic are also continuing talks in their pursuit of Yokohama F Marinos forward Daizen Maeda and Gamba Osaka midfielder Yosuke Ideguchi. It’s understood the Hoops are looking to complete their January business early in the window.”

Celtic fans will love Joseph’s update

With Celtic very much appearing as if they require greater strength in depth both up front and in central midfield this winter, the news that the club are hoping to secure deals for both Maeda and Ideguchi early on in the January transfer window is sure to be an update that Hoops fans will love.

Indeed, Maeda was incredibly impressive over his 36 J League appearances this season, with the £990k-rated striker bagging 23 goals, registering three assists and creating four big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 2.6 shots and making 0.9 key passes per game.

These returns saw the Japan international average a SofaScore match rating of 7.09, ranking him as his club’s joint sixth-best performer in the league.

Meanwhile, although Ideguchi was rather less impressive over his own 29 J League outings this term, the 25-year-old would nevertheless be a signing who would appear to provide Postecoglou with a very reliable additional option in the middle of the park.

The £720k-rated midfielder created just one big chance for his teammates, but made an average of 1.2 interceptions, 2.3 tackles and 0.5 key passes per game, seeing him earn a seasonal SofaScore match rating of 6.76.

As such, the news that the club look as if they are nearing deals for the Japanese duo will undoubtedly please Celtic fans, who, considering the 56-year-old Bhoys manager’s success in the summer transfer window, must be incredibly excited to see plenty more of Postecoglou’s previously unknown gems make the move to Parkhead this winter.

In other news: Kieran Devlin drops 8-word injury update that will delight Celtic fans

Newcastle are still searching for their first Premier League win of the season after drawing 3-3 against Brentford at St James’ Park in the first game of Eddie Howe’s reign on Tyneside.

Despite conceding three goals and coming away with just a point, one shining light on the day for Newcastle fans was the performance of Joelinton.

The Brazilian not only scored Newcastle’s second goal of the day but also showed off his attacking talents to his new manager, despite Howe not being in attendance at St James’ Park after testing positive for the virus.

In his 90 minutes on the pitch against Thomas Frank’s side, Joelinton had two shots on target, completed all three dribbles he attempted and made two key passes.

Joelinton also showed that he is capable of doing the defensive work by making two interceptions, three clearances and winning 11 of his 16 duels.

This ultimately earned the Toon attacker an impressive overall match rating of 8.1/10, making him their highest-rated player on the day according to SofaScore. He even beat Allan Saint-Maximin, who eventually ended up securing a point for the Magpies.

In addition, Chronicle Live gave Joelinton their Man of the Match award and said that “when Newcastle were under the cosh he was the last man battling for every ball”, which just goes to show how determined he was to play well and get a win for his side – and indeed for Howe.

Despite not winning the game, this performance from the 25-year-old will certainly be encouraging for the fans and his new manager, who recently suggested that the Brazilian could be a “huge player” for the Toon going forward.

If he can continue putting in similar performances from now until the end of the season and add some more goals and assists to his tally, he could well steer his side out of the relegation zone and repay the faith in him shown by Howe.

In other news – Offer on the table: PIF working to land NUFC deal for beast which will leave fans buzzing…

Ibrahima Konate will be left out of Liverpool’s starting lineup to face Manchester City this weekend, according to reliable journalist James Pearce.

The Lowdown: Konate impresses despite error

The Frenchman started alongside Virgil van Dijk at Benfica in midweek, as the Reds won 3-1 in their Champions League quarter-final first leg clash.

Konate may have made an error for Darwin Nunez’s goal, air-kicking an attempted clearance, but he produced a superb overall performance in Portugal, drawing praise from Alisson for his display.

The 22-year-old made two tackles and one interception on the night, as well as the small matter of opening the scoring with a well-taken header – his first-ever goal for Liverpool.

The Latest: Pearce makes key claim

Despite this, Pearce believes Joel Matip will come in for Konate for Sunday’s huge trip to City, taking to Twitter to provide his thoughts:

“Some big decisions for Klopp v City. Matip back in for Konate pretty clear.”

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The Verdict: Correct decision

While Konate undoubtedly impressed against Benfica, bringing Matip back in for him is still the right call, should Jurgen Klopp do that.

He possesses more experience in such big games and he has been the superior player this season, performing magnificently next to Van Dijk and averaging 3.9 aerial duel wins per game in the league.

It would be a big shock if Konate was now picked, given his rawness, and his pace isn’t needed as much against a City side who are more intricate than fast.

In other news, Pearce has also made an exciting Liverpool transfer claim. Read more here.

West Ham United are interested in a deal to bring Aaron Hickey to the London Stadium in the January transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a claim made by ExWHUemployee, who revealed on a recent episode of The West Ham Way podcast that, after pulling out of the race for Everton left-back Lucas Digne, David Moyes has now turned his attention to younger options in the position this month, with the 19-year-old Bologna left-back being one of the 58-year-old’s targets.

Speaking about the Hammers’ interest in the Scotland U21 international, Ex said: “I’ve been told there’s another Scottish left-back that we may have an interest in, he currently plays for Bologna and is called Aaron Hickey.

“He was on the brink of joining Aston Villa, and Aston Villa are on the brink of signing Lucas Digne – the Everton left-back – who we were also showing a distant interest in. That interest stopped quite early on when we discovered his wage demands.

“I think Moyes is looking to get someone a bit younger with a bit more to prove, and someone who more fits the bill. So this Scottish left-back at Bologna… he’s a very good player with a lot of potential.”

Fans will be buzzing

Considering the sheer amount of potential Hickey quite clearly possesses, the news that West Ham are interested in a move for the 19-year-old this January is sure to have left the London Stadium faithful buzzing.

Indeed, over his 19 Serie A appearances in the current campaign, the £11.7m-rated left-back has helped his side keep five clean sheets and scored four goals, as well as making an average of 0.9 interceptions, 1.1 tackles, 0.8 clearances and winning 62% of his duels per game.

These returns have seen the £16k-per-week defender who Daniel Stendel dubbed an “extraordinary talent” average a highly impressive SofaScore match rating of 6.91, ranking him as Sinisa Mihajlovic’s sixth-best performer in the top flight of Italian football.

As such, with Ex claiming that Digne was demanding between £160k and £180k-per-week in order to make a move to West Ham, it would indeed appear that pulling out for the race for the 28-year-old in favour of a move for Hickey was a very wise move by the Hammers boss.

The youngster will undoubtedly be a much cheaper option for the club – as well as one who could well turn out to have a higher ceiling than Digne.

In other news: “We do like..”: Ex drops big transfer update on WHU-linked beast, Moyes would love him

A report has revealed that Newcastle United are now ‘in pole’ to sign Ousmane Dembele.

The Lowdown: More developments

Dembele has been linked with a move to St James’ Park ever since the takeover by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) consortium was completed.

Sport reported last month that his camp have initiated talks with the Tyneside club over a potential move, while ABC (via Sport Witness) claimed that Dembele ‘has an offer on the table’ from the Magpies, so it seems as if the new owners are serious about securing his signature.

The Latest: Newcastle ‘in pole’

As per a ‘Top Secret’ report from Mundo Deportivo (via Sport Witness), Newcastle are now ‘in pole position’ to sign Dembele and are ‘pushing very hard’ for the Barcelona winger.

His current contract at the Catalan giants expires in 2022, and they want to tie him down to a new deal, but it does not look likely at this stage.

They have ‘received an astronomical proposal’ from the Magpies worth €15m (£12.7m) per season and a signing-on bonus of €15m (£12.7m), and his agent would also get a generous commission.

Nonetheless, it is now up to Barca over whether they cash in during the January transfer window or risk losing him for free in the summer.

The Verdict: Rare opportunity

Signing Dembele, potentially for free, presents the Magpies with a rare opportunity to bring in a truly quality player on his day.

In previous years, he helped France to win the World Cup (Transfermarkt), while Lionel Messi once dubbed him ‘frightening’ and a ‘phenomenon’ when they were teammates at the Nou Camp.

Dembele has tailored off a bit since then, mainly due to persistent injuries, but he still has 30 goals and 22 assists for Barcelona (Transfermarkt), and at 24 years of age, there is every chance that he will only get better.

In other news, NUFC are willing to pay big money for this rising star