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Leeds United are willing to spend big in one area this transfer window…

What’s the word?

That’s according to journalist Pete O’Rourke, who delivered an intriguing claim to GIVEMESPORT earlier this week.

The Yorkshire giants rarely conduct business during the winter, not at least under the current regime of manager Marcelo Bielsa and director of football  Victor Orta as there isn’t enough time for any new player to get up to speed with the Argentine’s methods.

However, this month could be very different.

“The one position where I think the Leeds owner Andrea Radrizzani is willing to maybe push the boat out and spend a bit more, is for that central midfielder,” he said.

Much-needed addition

Overall this season, the Peacocks have been in pretty dire form.

Their win over Burnley earlier this month moved them eight points clear of the relegation zone but things can quickly change in this division, especially as several teams below them in the standings hold a game in hand on them.

That result, though, was followed up with a premature exit from the FA Cup last weekend, so it only goes to show that Bielsa’s men have struggled and for large parts, that has been down to injuries.

Leeds’ squad has been decimated with a long list of injury problems regularly throughout the campaign. Against Arsenal only last month, Bielsa was missing as many as 11 players, nine of which could be considered first-team regulars.

It got so bad that he had to name a 15-year-old on the bench for a Premier League clash.

One of the longer-term absentees is academy graduate turned club favourite, Kalvin Phillips. His presence at the base of midfield is sorely missed and some of their disappointing results could be attributed to his absence.

And he is not due back until February at the earliest, which is cause for concern and exactly why the addition of a new midfielder should be a priority.

The Yorkshiremen were already on the lookout for one but the England international’s injury increases that need tenfold and must force Radrizzani’s hand to spend this month.

So for O’Rourke to suggest that the Italian supremo is willing to put his hand into his pocket to do so is hugely encouraging. It should leave Bielsa absolutely buzzing that he’s going to get at least one reinforcement in a very key area.

Reading playmaker John Swift and Marseille powerhouse Boubacar Kamara are just two exciting names to have been linked with a switch to Elland Road in recent weeks.

Either of those would be solid additions.

AND in other news, Leeds eye 1st January signing in “dominant” 37-cap titan, he could be another Lasogga…

Arsenal are sweating on the availability of Bukayo Saka heading into tonight’s Premier League clash with Manchester United…

What’s the latest?

The 20-year-old limped off after scoring a goal during the Gunners’ 2-0 win over Newcastle United on Saturday afternoon with a suspect thigh problem.

He has since been assessed at their London Colney training base and manager Mikel Arteta provided a worrying update in his pre-game press conference this week.

“We have the doubt with Bukayo and another few knocks that we got against Newcastle,” the Spaniard revealed (via the Evening Standard). “I am hopeful, but we don’t know [if Saka can play]. It is a really short turnaround and the player has to be comfortable playing with a little injury.”

Would be a big miss

Saka is an integral member of Arteta’s starting XI in north London and he has played a crucial role in their recent upturn in fortunes on the pitch.

Only fellow Hale End academy graduate Emile Smith Rowe (six) and striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (five) have delivered more direct goal contributions than the England international (four) in the Premier League in 2021/22.

Despite only two assists from 12 starts, Saka leads the way for creativity, having averaged a squad-high 1.6 key passes per game (21 in total), per WhoScored.

Back in February, Arteta waxed lyrical about the young gem’s influence on the pitch and how it was hard to leave him out of the starting XI.

“It is (difficult) at the moment because he’s been a real threat. He’s involved in a lot of goals all the time and his consistent performances make him a starter obviously,” he told the club’s official website.

The 14-time England international, who is valued at £58.5m by Transfermarkt, would be a huge miss for the Gunners up at Old Trafford, particularly as there is a lot at stake and three points would seriously bolster their claims to qualify for a place in Europe next season.

Arsenal are sat in fifth place, just one point behind West Ham, so a victory would see them move into the top-four for the first time in what seems like a very long time. Meanwhile, the Red Devils are down in tenth position and could go to within just two points of the north London giants.

Arteta must be hugely concerned about the availability of his star man. Yes, his side went on a ten-game unbeaten run but they were exposed against a big side in Liverpool, before getting back on track against the rock-bottom Magpies.

United, despite their poor form, can pose a big threat and have plenty of big-name stars at their disposal, so without the talents of Saka, the Gunners boss may be a little scared heading into kick-off.

AND in other news, Arteta may have another Saka in “sensational” teen who can help save Arsenal millions…

Speaking to GiveMeSport, journalist Pete O’Rourke has dropped a teasing West Ham United transfer hint involving Liverpool striker Divock Origi.

The Lowdown: West Ham eye new forward…

As per manager David Moyes himself, West Ham have been on the look out for new striker over 2021 with the Scotsman saying last summer he was ‘desperate’ to bring one in.

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The club have cast their eye on numerous targets, including the likes of Andrea Belotti and Adam Hlozek, with claims there may have been pre-January offers made for FC Basel forward Arthur Cabral.

Now, sharing what he knows on Origi’s links to West Ham, O’Rourke has dropped a teasing hint in an interview with GMS.

The Latest: O’Rourke drops hint…

Speaking to the outlet, the reporter hints West Ham could indeed sign the Belgium international and it’s one to ‘keep an eye on’.

He explained:

““Divock Origi finds himself down the pecking order at Liverpool and we know West Ham have been long-term admirers of the Belgian. It’s an interesting one, that one, it’s one to keep an eye on.”

The Verdict: Get it done…

Despite being a bit-part player at Anfield, the 26-year-old has actually impressed when called upon by manager Jurgen Klopp – so much so he has attracted real praise.

Klopp branded Origi ‘incredible’ and a ‘monster’ to the press recently while West Ham fans will remember his sublime finish to pull a goal back for Liverpool at the London Stadium in a 3-2 thriller last month.

Still having yet to reach his peak, Origi has managed 64 senior career goals and when given an opportunity he should surely be set for far more.

West Ham, amid their search for a Michail Antonio alternative, could be the club to grant him a new lease of life.

In other news: ‘I’m hearing’ – Journalist makes big money transfer claim involving West Ham, find out more here.

With Steven Gerrard’s reign as Aston Villa manager getting off to a perfect start in the shape of a 2-0 win last weekend, there is an unavoidable feel-good factor surrounding Villa Park at present.

Indeed, Villa are now being linked with a host of exciting players in the January transfer window, something which is seemingly a direct result of Gerrard’s appointment at the club, while the 41-year-old’s history of success with Rangers – leading the Ibrox side to their first Scottish Premiership title in a decade – also appears to bode well for the future of the manager’s new club.

On top of all of this, Aston Villa are currently enjoying the emergence of a number of incredibly exciting youth prospects, with the likes of 20-year-old Jacob Ramsey, 19-year-old Cameron Archer and 18-year-old Carney Chukwuemeka having all broken into the first-team this season.

However, it is perhaps 19-year-old Jaden Philogene-Bidace who is the most promising of all Villa’s young talents, with the winger appearing to boast the potential to flourish into a top-draw talent under the leadership of Gerrard.

Philogene-Bidace could save Villa millions

Having made the move to Aston Villa back in the summer of 2018, Philogene-Bidace has enjoyed a rather remarkable rise to the first team, continuously impressing during his time with the various age groups at Bodymoor Heath.

Indeed, over his 15 appearances for the U18s, the left-winger scored a rather remarkable nine goals and registered one assist, before being promoted to the club’s U23 side, for whom he has bagged an even more impressive 13 goals and four assists over 26 fixtures.

While these rapid returns may well have surprised many at Villa, one person who was certainly not shocked by Philogene-Bidace’s rise is Pro:Direct academy manager Danny Payne, the man who brought the teenager to the Pro:Direct academy after unsuccessful spells with clubs such as Arsenal, West Ham, Brentford and Norwich City.

Speaking of the forward’s potential, Payne said: “Without doubt he was one of the most talented players we have ever had in our academy. He had a natural talent in possession and he had a great ability to get past players and beat them. He had an ability to create chances which sounds simple but it’s very, very difficult because the detail of his play was excellent.

“In terms of a player, he would play wide left and that was his best position for us, obviously where he plays for Villa now and he had that great ability to beat players on the inside or the outside. He showed excellent end product and statistics in terms of goals and assists in his time with us, he was an all-round really, really good kid.”

As such, it is perhaps not surprising that the likes of Manchester City, Ajax, Bayern Munich and Arsenal were all reported to be keeping a very close eye on the progression of the winger earlier this year, nor why former Aston Villa manager, Dean Smith, tipped Philogene-Bidace to make a career for himself at the very top level of the English game.

So, considering the sheer amount of potential the youngster quite clearly possesses, it would appear highly advisable for Gerrard to unleash the forward over the coming weeks and months, as, should the 19-year-old continue his current rate of development, he will undoubtedly come to save NSWE millions of pounds in transfer fees in his position further down the line.

In other news: “Some contact”: AVFC handed potential transfer boost that will leave Gerrard buzzing

Rangers continued their fantastic start to life under Gio van Bronckhorst as they won for a third match in succession since his arrival at Ibrox.

The Gers beat Hibernian 1-0 away from home on Wednesday night to move seven points clear at the top of the table, albeit having played one more game than arch-rivals Celtic.

Kemar Roofe came off the bench to score the winning goal from the spot after Ryan Kent won a penalty, with Rangers able to dominate the majority of the match.

Forget Roofe

Whilst the former Leeds man may have scored the decisive goal to win the three points, it was Glen Kamara who ran the show for Rangers with his sublime performance in midfield. He was the real star for van Bronckhorst’s side and was crucial to their domination throughout the game.

The Finland international was excellent in all facets of play, impressing defensively, in transition and in the final third. Per SofaScore, he won 70% of his 10 duels, making two clearances, one tackle and three interceptions. This shows how strong he was facing his own goal as he won the ball back consistently and snuffed out Hibernian attacks to keep Rangers on the front foot.

In transition, he completed two of his three attempted dribbles and three of his five long pass attempts. This highlights his ability to mix up his game and drive the side up the pitch, either by bringing the ball out by himself or unleashing his full range of passing to spread the play – moving the Hibs defence around and creating space for others to work in.

The £5.4m-rated gem also made an impact in the final third. Per SofaScore, he created two chances for his teammates, whilst completing 89% of his passes and having 72 touches of the ball. This shows that he was able to control the game whilst also making forward, defence-splitting, passes when needed to up the intensity and pile the pressure on the hosts.

Therefore, he was the star of the show and ran the game for van Bronckhorst. The Dutchman will surely be delighted by his player’s display in the middle of the park and hoping that this is the benchmark he sets for the remainder of the campaign.

AND in other news, Gio could unearth Goldson 2.0 in “superb” Rangers teen who is “going to be massive”…

Everton have been linked with a move for Manchester United forward Jesse Lingard as new manager Rafa Benitez looks to add further reinforcements to his first-team squad.

What’s the story?

According to Football Insider, the 28-year-old is a top target for the Toffees as they search for James Rodriguez’s successor, with Benitez a huge fan of his.

The report states that: “Everton have set their sights on a January deal for Man United star Jesse Lingard in January, Football Insider has learned. The Merseysiders will be in the market for an attacking midfielder capable of scoring goals and slotting straight into Rafael Benitez’s side.

“An Everton source has told Football Insider that Lingard is on the club’s target list and Benitez is a big admirer of him.”

The England international’s current contract is set to expire next summer, and he’s reportedly already turned down fresh terms due to concerns over his playing time, meaning an imminent exit could be on the cards.

Rafa Benitez needs him

Rodriguez’s exit from Goodison Park has left Benitez without a natural creative midfielder who can also score goals on a regular basis, both of which are attributes that Lingard excels in.

After struggling to get back to his best following the 2018 World Cup, a short-term loan move to West Ham United back in January reinvigorated the £19.8m-rated wizard’s career.

In just 16 Premier League appearances for the Hammers, Lingard scored nine goals and provided a further five assists for his teammates, playing a pivotal part as David Moyes’ charges finished in an incredible sixth position.

His eye-catching exploits in east London saw him labelled “outstanding” by Trevor Sinclair after firing the capital club into the Europa League, but that hasn’t translated into regular game time upon his return to Manchester.

Red Devils boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has only awarded the academy graduate one start in all competitions in the opening weeks of the campaign, yet Lingard has still managed to impress with multiple standout cameo appearances off the bench.

He added gloss to the scoreline with a well-taken goal against Newcastle United, sealed all three points with a sumptuous last-minute strike in the victory over West Ham and provided the assist for Cristiano Ronaldo’s injury-time winner against Villarreal.

Therefore, Everton’s director of football, Marcel Brands, must swoop for Lingard in the January window, adding the extra firepower that Benitez needs at his disposal to take the Blues back to Europe.

And, in other news…”Still uncertainty” – Patrick Boyland drops Everton update that should concern fans 

A number of Wolves supporters have been showing their love for striker Raul Jimenez after he spoke about the fans singing his song.

The Mexican has been a fantastic player for Wolves, having joined the club from Benfica back in 2019.

The 30-year-old has scored 49 goals in 119 appearances, not to mention chipping in with a tally of 20 assists, highlighting his all-round quality in the final third.

Sadly, Jimenez saw his campaign cut short last season after he suffered a very serious head injury against Arsenal, but he is now happily back on the pitch again.

On Thursday, ahead of Monday’s clash with Everton, an official Wolves tweet shared a great quote from the Mexico international, in which he outlined how special it is when the supporters sing ‘Si Senor’.

Wolves fans react to Jimenez comments

Needless to say, these Wolves fans took to Twitter to show their love for their hero.

“It’s because you deserve it”

Credit: @WolvesLads

“Si Senor”

Credit: @Jones53272592

“A song is the least we owe. You and Hwang will be firing for the rest of the season”

Credit: @JamesSa36443478

“You deserve all the love Wolves fans give you, it’s a joy to watch you play football”

Credit: @Carol78487983

“Our Mexican sensation”

Credit: @wwfc_alfiee

“Class player, class person”

Credit: @StevenTania

In other news, one player has been linked with a January move to Wolves. Find out who it is here.

Flocking to Twitter, many Manchester City supporters have been left excited by news on Fiorentina striker Dusan Vlahovic as the Sky Blues continue their search for a centre-forward.

Pep Guardiola guided City to a Premier League title and Carabao Cup-winning campaign last year, as well as a Champions League final, while barely playing with a natural centre-forward.

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Club legend Sergio Aguero was the subject of many absences through fitness issues or coronavirus, while Gabriel Jesus was arguably struggling to find his best form at some points.

As such, Guardiola often deployed a false nine or makeshift centre-forward options like Raheem Sterling, and despite their success, much of City’s summer window was dominated by discussion of signing a star striker.

The likes of Harry Kane and Cristiano Ronaldo were targeted by sporting director Txiki Begiristain with news now emerging on yet another target.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport (via Sport Witness), the club ‘dream’ of signing La Viola star Vlahovic amid his ongoing contract dispute at the Artemio Franchi Stadium.

His deal runs out in 2023 as it stands, meaning City could have some leverage in potential negotiations to sign the dazzling 21-year-old who scored 21 Serie A goals last season and 35 in all competitions since his move to Fiorentina (Transfermarkt).

Begiristain and co are showing an intense interest as as supporters get excited by this news, find all of their best verdicts from Twitter down below.

Man City fans excited by Vlahovic news…

“MY BABY”

Credit: @ZinnySZN

“Vlahovic would be a Beast under Pep”

Credit: @izzy900is

“Go all out!!”

Credit: @Hiz_Zam

“SIIIUUU”

Credit: @rubenbias_

“YESSSSSSSSSSS”

Credit: @Kelvinclasher

“Get it done

Sterling + cash”

Credit: @Dhayveed15

“Bring him home in January I beg”

Credit: @LordAtrexia

“He’s coming to Manchester”

Credit: @Jacob4rmstrong

“a competent striker at this club am I dreaming”

Credit: @c_c__cc_c

In other news: ‘Finally’, ‘Yesssss’, ‘Get him home’ – Many Man City fans erupt as claim emerges on 163-goal superstar, find out more here.

Over the years, Liverpool have secured a number of big-money transfer moves for players such as Virgil van Dijk, Alisson Becker and Naby Keita among others for significant amounts of money.

One transfer the club completed during that time that may not have grabbed as much attention as others is Joe Gomez, who joined the Merseyside club back in the 2015 summer transfer window from Charlton Athletic for a reported fee of £3.5m

Since then, the 24-year-old, who has been described by Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp as “exceptional” and “sensational” in the past, has gone on to make 126 appearances for the Reds across all competitions, playing his part in Liverpool’s domestic and European trophy haul in recent years.

Despite this previous praise from Klopp, the fact that Gomez has only played a handful of minutes in the Premier League so far this season from two appearances off the substitutes bench says to us that he is not one of Liverpool’s first-choice centre-backs

In terms of his market value, in July 2015, shortly after joining the club, Transfermarkt had his market value listed as £2.25m, whereas it now stands at £27m, showing a massive increase and proving how much he has developed and progressed at Liverpool.

This also shows, in our view, how well Liverpool’s recruitment team worked to single him out and how much of a good deal it was from the club as a whole to secure him for such a relatively small amount.

Additionally, given how Gomez’s previous injuries have disrupted his time at the club on some occasions, we feel that his market value would be higher than it is at this point in time had he not suffered so many unfortunate injuries.

Moving forward, we feel that if Gomez can start playing regularly for the Reds in the Premier League and keep his fitness up, we feel his market value could potentially increase even further than it already has done given his age.

Also, give the age of Van Dijk (30) and Joel Matip (30) Gomez could well be seen by the coaching staff at Liverpool as a suitable long-term replacement for one of the older centre-backs for the future.

In other news: Lost possession every 3.5 touches: “Unbelievable” LFC gem enduring horror loan spell – opinion

When Scott Robertson made his Celtic debut all the way back in 2019, it looked as though it would be the first taste of a glittering career at Parkhead.

However, in classic circumstances, Robertson has only had one bite of the cherry in the senior team and hasn’t been deemed good enough yet for a proper breakthrough.

The list is countless, especially in recent years. Neil Lennon didn’t hand sufficient chances to the likes of Karamoko Dembele, Cameron Harper or Luca Connell either.

Harper has left and Dembele’s contract expires next summer with an extension still unlikely.

Connell did at least enjoy a loan spell at Queen’s Park last term where he helped them achieve promotion but Robertson is another to benefit from the loan system.

He spent last season at Gillingham and has now moved to Crewe in League One.

His first performance was wonderful as he shone in the middle of the park for David Artell’s team.

During a 1-1 draw with Shrewsbury last weekend, Robertson was all-action in the middle of the park, supplying three key passes and winning eight of the nine defensive duels he competed in.

On top of that, the 20-year-old was fouled five times as Crewe’s opponents struggled to contain his dynamism.

It’s not entirely how the midfielder would have expected his career to go after making his debut against Cluj in the Europa League two years ago.

However, there is no shame in being loaned out to the third tier of English football; just ask current club captain Callum McGregor.

He spent a year with Notts County in 2013/14 and has since gone on to become a stalwart of the Hoops team.

What’s so vital to McGregor’s tale is that he plays in a very similar way to Robertson.

They are not afraid of the physical side of the game and they are also both immensely creative. Speaking about his own game last year, the academy graduate commented: “I like being the deepest in midfield getting on the ball and dictating the game.

“But I’ve got no problem going a bit further forward as a No 8 rather than a No 6, because I think I’m not bad when I get closer to the goal as well.”

The number 6 role has become synonymous with McGregor at Paradise. He wins turnovers, dictates the game and then acts as the supply line for the exciting forward players at Ange Postecoglou’s disposal.

Pivotally, he also looks a player above his age bracket. Gills boss, Steve Evans, said during the youngster’s loan spell: “He is a player. He is a kid in a man’s body and I am pleased we got him. I am not going to build him up to what he is not; he is a young player who has come from a great club and he has got great potential.”

Adding to that, a Celtic source told The Athletic: “His technical ability and tactical side of the game are already there, and he’s developed a lot physically over the last few years.”

There are plenty of parallels between him and McGregor. They’ve spent time in England but importantly, their game is similar.

The skipper registered 1.6 key passes per match in the Premiership last season while amassing 1.4 tackles per game this term.

Of course, McGregor is now a fully-fledged international so Robertson has plenty to live up to.

First and foremost, he must make an impression on Postecoglou and earn another chance in the first team.

AND in other news, Ange could discover Celtic’s new Christie by signing £6.3m-rated “top player” in Jan…