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According to The Birmingham Mail, Aston Villa’s January window is far from over and the Midlands club will look to bring in three new faces before the end of the month. Newcastle’s Isaac Hayden is a target, while Chelsea’s Gary Cahill and Bournemouth’s Tyrone Mings are also on the radar – the latter duo could transform the Villans defence if Dean Smith can get them in.

On the chalkboard

The Birmingham Mail reports that the trio, who are all being targeted with the aim of establishing defensive security at Villa Park, will be moving to the Midlands if Smith gets his way, with Birkir Bjarnason also being allowed to leave should a suitable offer come in.

Villa lost out to Bournemouth in the battle for Brentford centre-back Chris Mepham’s signature earlier this month – the Welshman opted for the Cherries instead – but have identified other targets as they look to plug a defence that has leaked 46 goals already this campaign.

If they can get Mings and Cahill in, we could be seeing a completely new look come February and the Villans may finally start racking up the clean sheets.

How do they change the defence?

Villa have been lacking a leader in the backline since John Terry retired at the end of last season having guided them to a play-off final – the Chelsea legend’s presence has been sorely missed at the heart of defence – but the signing of old friend Cahill would help regiment the team immediately.

The 33-year-old might not fit the bill at Stamford Bridge, most likely due to a lack of technical ability, but he is arguably the best defender in the ranks in terms of clearing his lines and getting his body in the way – Villa simply need to do both of those more often and it’s clear to see how he would make a huge impact.

Mings, meanwhile, gives Smith the interesting option of switching to a five-at-the-back formation – the 6-foot-5 defender can play at both left-back and centre-back – and doing so could mean the ball hits the back of the Villa net much less frequently.

If Villa want to push for promotion via the coveted play-off spots, they need to sharpen up at the back – Tammy Abraham can’t fire them to glory if they let in as many goals at the other end – and maybe straying away from the 4-2-3-1 in favour of a 5-4-1, for instance, is the way forward.

However, this only seems possible if Cahill and Mings, in particular, are brought on board; the clock is ticking at Villa Park.

Thogden has ranked his top 5 sets of Championship away fans for Pl>ymaker FC. Did your club make the list? Find out in the video above…

It’s fair to say that the purchase of midfielder Morgan Sanson from Marseille hasn’t gone to plan for Aston Villa.

The West Midlands outfit signed the 27-year-old Frenchman for £16m last January, but are yet to see any justification for the purchase 14 months later.

Having been bought by former manager Dean Smith, Sanson has been offered limited minutes under current boss Steven Gerrard, with the midfielder starting just two Premier League matches under the Englishman this campaign.

A lack of game time also meant that the 27-year-old was made available for the U23s’, playing in the EFL Trophy win over Wycombe Wanderers, in which the Frenchman registered an assist.

However, the former Marseille maestro has made just 19 first-team appearances for the Villans and is yet to record a goal contribution, which has therefore seen his market value start to decline.

When Villa signed Sanson for £16m, the fee appeared to be somewhat of a bargain with the midfielder valued at the time at £18m by Transfermarkt.

Since being at Villa Park though, the Frenchman’s market value has progressively declined, with the 27-year-old now worth £12.6m.

With the midfielder’s contract set to expire in 2025, Gerrard and the Villa hierarchy will have a decision to make this summer, cut their losses or give the Frenchman another opportunity to showcase his talents and justify his price tag.

Based on the evidence of how the first 14 months of his Villa career have gone, Sanson is unlikely to turn things around, particularly after his constant “raging” in the Midlands.

Gerrard already has a decent number of options in midfield with John McGinn, Jacob Ramsey and Douglas Luiz all having good seasons whilst young Carney Chukwuemeka is coming through and Marvelous Nakamaba could return from injury next month.

Moreover, the West Midlands outfit are expected to make another approach to sign Brighton midfielder Yves Bissouma in the summer after a January bid was rejected.

Simply put, it seems as though chances are only going to become more limited for Sanson.

The £47k-per-week Frenchman was linked with a return to his homeland this summer by French outlet Foot Mercato, with Ligue 1 outfit Nantes reportedly keen on adding the 27-year-old to their ranks.

Aston Villa have nine games left this season and will be keen to secure their first top-half finish in 11 years with Gerrard’s side currently sat in ninth.

How many of those matches Sanson will play in is unknown, however, it almost certainly feels like this final spell of games will be the Frenchman’s last chance to make an impact at Villa Park with Johan Lange ready to wield the axe on his Villa career.

In other news: Imagine him & Coutinho: Gerrard must now unleash Villa maestro who “can do anything”

Pundit Alan Hutton believes Celtic could accept a £3m offer for defender Stephen Welsh following rumours of a move to Udinese, Football Insider report.

The Lowdown: Bid rejected

The Hoops are yet to bolster their defensive ranks during the winter window and are working on making Cameron Carter-Vickers’ loan move permanent.

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However, they have received interest in one of their own defenders in Welsh, described as ‘excellent’ by pundit Paul John Dykes.

Serie A side Udinese have had loan-to-buy and £1.6m offers turned down by Celtic, with the club ‘keen’ to keep hold of the 21-year-old.

The Latest: Hutton’s comments

Hutton, who contributes for BBC Radio 5 Live, was talking to Football Insider regarding Welsh.

He believes that the Hoops could accept an offer of around £3m with a sell-on clause, should one arrive, almost double the £1.6m bid Celtic recently rejected.

“I understand they don’t want to loan him with an option to buy. I think they’d probably much rather an upfront payment.

“It doesn’t surprise me that other teams are looking at him.

“It’s difficult to tell what he’s worth, isn’t it? It’s not like he’s been playing there for years.

“I think if they could probably get £2-3million, with a chance of a sell-on fee, that would be the route they would go down. There’s obviously potential there.

“Going back to the likes of Hickey, we were talking £15million, in the region of that, for someone that they bought a couple of million.

“If they can get £2-3million through the door with a sell-on fee in case he does go and fulfil that potential and go to a higher level, I think that would be ideal for Celtic.”

The Verdict: Going nowhere

Ange Postecoglou revealed on Thursday that Welsh would be going nowhere this month, so that should be the end of the rumours.

He only signed a new contract until 2025 back in April and has been relied on by Postecoglou on 19 occasions this season.

The Hoops have Cater-Vickers, Welsh, Carl Starfelt and the returning Christopher Jullien as senior centre-back options, so letting Welsh go would have been a gamble.

However, thankfully, it doesn’t look as if that will happen, even if they receive a £3m offer which Hutton thinks could tempt Celtic into parting ways.

In other news: Celtic now making move for ‘extraordinary’ player; want it done in 72 hours. 

Many Glasgow Rangers fans have been left buzzing over some transfer news on Jack Simpson.

As per The Daily Record, the Ibrox faithful could let him leave on loan once the January transfer window opens, with a number of clubs in the English Championship thought to be interested in his signature.

Simpson has barely featured at all over the past two seasons for the Teddy Bears, with just four games played in total over all competitions so far this term (central defenders that they have at their disposal, it may be a wise idea just to get him off of the wage bill.

Moreover, some of his performances this campaign have been far from flattering, and so an exit could be best for all parties.

Nonetheless, the money gained could then be used to help fund other signings for other priority positions in the winter market.

Rangers fans on Simpson transfer news

These supporters of the Light Blues were left buzzing as the transfer news on Simpson was shared across Twitter:

“I’ll drive him down south myself – Stevie G’s biggest mistake.”

Credit: @BobMacCallum1

“I’ll pay for him to leave”

Credit: @morvenatkinson9

“I’ll lock him in my boot and drive him.”

Credit: @Baldy_Barisic

“Happy Thursday x”

Credit: @paula2561

“Happy New Year”

Credit: @johnnywasajunky

“Start the engine”

Credit: @kennygrfc

In other news, find out what club update has Gers buzzing here!

Glasgow Rangers have been dealt a fresh setback in their bid to bring John Souttar to Ibrox in the January transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by the Daily Record, which relayed a claim made by Hearts manager Robbie Neilson stating that it would take a “crazy bid” for his club to part ways with the centre-back this month.

Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side recently won the race to sign the 25-year-old on a pre-contract deal, beating the likes of Sheffield United and Blackburn to the defender’s signature for a free transfer at the end of the season, although it is reported that Ross Wilson is now weighing up an offer to bring the Scotland international to Glasgow in the current window.

However, in a recent statement, Hearts backed up their manager’s claim that they are firmly against letting Souttar leave Tynecastle in January, with the club announcing: “The club reiterates that John is an important member of the squad and will remain so until the end of the season unless a significant and satisfactory offer is made during the January transfer window.”

Van Bronckhorst will be fuming

Considering just how impressive Souttar has been for Hearts so far this season, in addition to the fact that Van Bronckhorst is currently experiencing issues in the heart of his defence – with Leon Balogun and Filip Helander out injured and Connor Goldson being free to discuss a move away from the club – the news that the Jam Tarts look set to play hardball over sanctioning the 25-year-old’s departure this month with have left the Dutchman fuming.

Indeed, over his 18 Premiership appearances in the current campaign, the £900k-rated defender has been in remarkable form, helping his side to keep five clean sheets, scoring three goals and creating three big chances for his teammates, as well as taking 1.1 shots and making 0.5 key passes per game.

The £3.1k-per-week centre-back has also impressed in metrics more typical of his position, making 1.5 interceptions, 0.8 tackles, 4.4 clearances and 44.9 passes and winning 71% of his duels per match.

These returns have seen the Scotland defender average an astonishing SofaScore match rating of 7.43, not only ranking him as Neilson’s best performer in the league, but also as the fifth-best player in the entire division.

As such, it is clear to see that bringing Souttar to Ibrox this month would undoubtedly provide Rangers’ chances of going on to secure a second Premiership title in two years with a considerable boost.

However, following the latest update from Tynecastle, it would appear as if Wilson has a lot of work to do if he is to get a deal over the line for the 25-year-old in the current window, while missing out on the centre-back in January would certainly come as a blow to Van Bronckhorst and his side.

In other news – Negotiations ongoing: Report delivers huge update on Rangers dud which will delight fans

A number of West Ham fans have urged David Moyes to sign a striker following the Irons’ stalemate against Burnley on Sunday.

The east Londoners were held to a 0-0 draw when they faced off against the Clarets in an underwhelming clash at Turf Moor. West Ham’s lone striker Michail Antonio had just two shots the entire game, and neither of those were on target.

After starting the season off with four goals in the opening three league games, the 31-year-old’s clinical form has begun to tail off. The Jamaica international has now failed to score in his last seven Premier League games, and there is no natural centre-forward alternative to call upon.

In a post-match interview on Sunday, Moyes said: “We just didn’t quite have the quality in the final third when we needed it today. We got in enough times to do so, but we couldn’t make a goal from it.”

Fans urge Moyes to sign a striker

After West Ham shared the interview on the club’s official Twitter channel and website, a number of fans reacted by highlighting their frustrations at the lack of investment in forward players, not the first time the club’s GSB ownership has come under fire.

Here are some of the supporters’ responses to what Moyes had to say:

“Well sign a proper centre forward then Mr Moyes. Put Antonio on the wing.”

Credit: @Ryline

“Agreed, proper striker needed to help Antonio out”

Credit: @marco1681

“Maybe it’s that one single striker who actually isn’t a striker in the entire squad thing we warned you about at the beginning of the season. What other top six side is this unbalanced? Owners taking cheap shortcuts as always.”

Credit: @W1zardOz

“I hope he gave Antonio a good talking to!”

Credit: @reelsophiec

“Good that he knows what the problem is. Looking forward to fresh quality in Jan.”

Credit: @kaisermaschine

“Lack of investment in key areas, simple. #Irons”

Credit: @gazhxc

In other news: West Ham backed to sign £40.8m ace who Virgil Van Dijk included among the world’s best defenders

Crystal Palace are interested in signing exciting West Brom teenager Reyes Cleary, but Bayern Munich are among the other clubs who are also keen on him.

The Lowdown: Cleary excelling at West Brom

The 17-year-old is making a name for himself at The Hawthorns, scoring an incredible 15 goals in just 13 games for the Baggies’ under-18 and under-23 sides this season.

While Cleary is yet to make his senior debut, his current form at youth level suggests that it may not be too far away. The young attacker is yet to sign his first professional contract, and although West Brom are desperately hoping he will commit his future to them, other clubs are circling.

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The Latest: Palace linked with move

According to The Daily Mail, Palace are one of those, with the Eagles seeing him as an exciting option to bring in at Selhurst Park.

European giants Bayern Munich are also thought to be in the mix, a real measure of Cleary’s potential, while Newcastle United and Southampton are mentioned in the report as well.

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The Verdict: One for the future

Palace have a great history of developing young English talent in their ranks, from Nathaniel Clyne to Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Tyrick Mitchell, and Cleary could be the next emerging homegrown player to make his mark at Selhurst Park.

Building towards the future is always important, and given the Albion youngster’s aforementioned record, he could go onto have a huge impact in south London if he makes the move there.

It could be tough to pip Bayern to Cleary’s signature, but it is refreshing to see the Eagles in the race to sign a player who has been called a “powerful forward player” and an “excellent finisher” by West Brom under-18 boss Peter Gilbert.

In other news, Crystal Palace are reportedly keen on signing an attacking player. Read more here.

An encouraging update has emerged on the future of Robin Koch at Leeds United this week…

What’s the word?

Ahead of the winter World Cup later this year, reports have surfaced linking the versatile German defender with a move away from Elland Road as hasn’t been afforded the game time he would’ve liked this season, though that has largely been due to injuries.

Football Insider claim the Yorkshire giants will listen to offers for the 25-year-old in the summer as they plot an overhaul of the squad.

However, according to the ever-reliable Phil Hay of The Athletic, he’s heard nothing to suggest that this could be the case – speaking on a recent episode of his podcast show, he said:

“I’ve always liked Koch’s game, I think that there’s a very, very good player there he’s just a player who hasn’t been fit enough and hasn’t been in the team enough.

“I’ve heard nothing from Leeds to say that they would look at moving him on in the summer, but I did see the reports earlier this week. As with quite a few players, it’s going to be quite interesting, isn’t it this window.”

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Marsch boost

Indeed, Koch has been restricted to only 12 league starts throughout 2021/22 but he missed the bulk of the start of the season with a hip injury before picking up an illness and then a concussion.

He did feature from the off during Saturday’s 3-0 win over relegation rivals Watford as he was a surprise inclusion over Adam Forshaw, featuring in defensive midfield with skipper Liam Cooper and Diego Llorente in the backline.

It is clear, however, that Marsch does like the German international as he was selected over the likes of Pascal Struijk, the returning Leo Hjelde, Charlie Cresswell and even Kalvin Phillips down at Vicarage Road.

The 6 foot 4 colossus, who has been likened to Javi Martinez, cost the Whites around £13m in the summer of 2020 and could prove to be a solid option under the American head coach going forward due to his ball-playing ability.

Once dubbed a “warrior” by his former Freiburg coach Christian Streich, the eight-time Germany international made 86.2% of his passes last season, where he enjoyed more minutes on the pitch.

Leeds could well lose several big stars this off-season with the likes of Raphinha, Kalvin Phillips, Illan Meslier and Jack Harrison all linked with exits, so to lose Koch on top of that would certainly be a blow, irrespective of how little he’s played in comparison to that quartet.

Hay’s comments surely put an end to rumours that Leeds could lose out on another key player heading into next season. Marsch needs to keep hold of everyone he can, so this good news will surely provide him with plenty of encouragement ahead of a busy summer.

AND in other news, Hay drops Brenden Aaronson transfer update…

A key Rangers transfer claim has been made, regarding Gio van Bronckhorst’s efforts to land his first Ibrox signing…

What’s the talk?

According to the Glasgow Times, New York City FC midfielder James Sands has agreed terms with the Gers and is now set to join on an initial 18-month loan.

The report claims that Rangers will be able to make the switch permanent at the end of the 2022/23 campaign, although the potential fee has not been revealed.

Delight

Rangers fans will surely be delighted with this update as it appears to suggest that the club are inching closer towards their first signing of the window. It shows that the player, most importantly, is on-board with the move and is ready to complete his switch to Scotland in the coming days.

This means that the Gers will not be facing any issues in regards to convincing Sands to join them, showing the supporters that he is eager to make it happen. Supporters know that he is keen on the transfer and is not just coming to Ibrox for a payday, which they may appreciate.

They will also be buzzing as he could be an excellent signing for the squad. He is a versatile player who van Bronckhort could look to use in a multitude of roles, as he is capable of playing right-back, centre-back, holding midfield and as a central midfielder. This means that he can plug gaps when needed and be a useful option for the boss to call upon.

In the MLS this season, he has averaged a SofaScore rating of 6.91 whilst playing at right-back and in holding midfield for New York City FC. His most recent performance was an impressive showing against Portland Timbers, as he recorded a score of 7.7 in midfield.

As per SofaScore, he won 90% of his ground duels (9/10) and completed six tackles, two interceptions and six clearances, whilst also creating one chance and taking 116 touches of the ball.

Although this was in an MLS match and it is difficult to gauge the difference in quality between that division and the Premiership, these statistics provide an insight into the type of player Rangers are set to land.

He appears to be a tough-tackling midfielder who works hard for the team on the defensive side of the game whilst also wanting to get on the ball to make things happen.

AND in other news, Bye-bye Goldson: GvB may seal dream 1st Rangers signing in gem who “makes no mistakes”…

Salomon Rondon played the final half-hour of Everton’s 3-0 defeat at Manchester City on Sunday afternoon.

The summer signing was introduced on 63 minutes by Rafael Benitez in place of Fabian Delph but he only touched the ball seven times before the final whistle sounded at the Etihad Stadium.

At the end of the game, the Liverpool Echo’s Sam Carroll spotted that Rondon walked ‘straight off down the tunnel’. having not even offered ‘a wave to the travelling fans’ who’d endured the entirety of the loss. Captain Seamus Coleman was joined by Jordan Pickford, Michael Keane, Ben Godfrey, Lucas Digne, Tyler Onyango, Anthony Gordon and Andros Townsend in applauding the travelling Toffees supporters.

Rondon struggling since Everton move

Rondon has made eight Premier League appearances so far this season but is yet to open his goalscoring account for his new club. In fact, he’s received as many yellow cards (one) as he’s managed shots on target, and he has already come in for plenty of flak from some of the Goodison Park faithful.

Here’s what a selection of Everton fans had to say in response to Carroll’s reveal about the Venezuelan’s actions at the full-time whistle in Manchester.

These Everton fans slam Rondon after Etihad snub

“Rondon can carry on walking”

Credit: @ballantyne374

“Rondon’s done that since day one but we all know that if he was hounded out the club for it, he’d be the first to make out we’re the villains. Robbing a living he is.”

Credit: @TheDanMox

“Tbf it was a long walk to the away end – don’t think his fitness is up to it yet.”

Credit: @SteveMWilliams

“He isn’t fit enough to go over there yet”

Credit: @IndianToffy

“Criminal he’s getting minutes in front of Simms”

Credit: @GraemeMcV

“I know I keep banging this drum but the lack of passion in our squad for this club is diabolical. I struggle to think of any current LFC player that wouldn’t die for their fans, while most of our squad wouldn’t get a paper cut for us.”

Credit: @JHoughtonMedia

In other news, many Everton fans gushed over this stadium update.