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Southampton interim manager Ruben Selles could ‘carry on’ if he impresses in the role, according to transfer reporter Dean Jones.

The Lowdown: Selles placed in charge

After the departure of Nathan Jones last week, First Team Lead Coach Selles was placed in temporary charge of first-team training, and was in the dugout for this afternoon’s game against Chelsea.

With the Saints missing out on Jesse Marsch after a dispute over the length of his contract, their current coach claimed he is ready to take over as manager, and an update indicates that it is a real possibility.

The Latest: Could carry on

In an interview with GiveMeSport, transfer journalist Jones claimed that the 39-year-old could continue in the role if his side impresses enough in the upcoming matches, saying: “He’s kind of on trial to see if he can handle this job. It’s a really strange situation for him, but I think they quite trust him to steady things at the moment and, if he gets off to a good start, I wouldn’t even rule out the fact that he might carry on.”

The Verdict: Right call?

One potential advantage in offering the job to the Spaniard is that he knows the players well, having been working with them all season, after initially joining as part of Ralph Hasenhuttl’s backroom staff back in June.

Furthermore, journalist Jacob Tanswell has claimed that Selles is ‘highly regarded’ amongst the players, and this existing relationship could mean they are willing to give their all for the manager during the rest of the campaign.

The Saints are currently battling Premier League relegation, meaning there is a lot of work to do to preserve their top flight status, and so giving the job to someone with little experience would be a risk, but it is probably a better option than bringing in someone from abroad who does not know the group.

Everton have reportedly already decided on how to reinvest the money earned from this January transfer window…

What’s the latest?

According to Fabrizio Romano, that plan is to spend it all instantly to sign Conor Gallagher from Chelsea.

Despite a striker and a winger seeming like the priority for the majority of the month, it seems Sean Dyche’s arrival has spurred a change of heart for the Toffees, who now seek goals to come from their midfield instead.

The transfer expert wrote on Twitter: “EXCL: Everton have submitted a bid to sign Conor Gallagher from Chelsea. It’s £40m proposal plus £5m add ons. Chelsea will make a decision soon as there are also other clubs interested in Gallagher — and player has to decide his future too.”

Given it was only yesterday that they confirmed the £45m sale of Anthony Gordon, this does seem a perplexing way to spend those precious funds.

Imagine him & Onana

Whilst it may cause confusion, there is no doubt that Gallagher would be a success at Everton. The only question is whether he is what they need now.

He would certainly thrive in a Dyche system, especially as the midfielder expected to make late runs into the box off the strikers, but would only be allowed to do this if he had a dependable foundation behind him.

Luckily for him, he’d be joining a team with Amadou Onana in the engine room.

The 21-year-old has been one of the few success stories in an otherwise bleak campaign for the Blues, offering a defensive security in the midfield that has seen him draw interest from title-chasing Arsenal and Chelsea.

Averaging an 85% pass accuracy, Onana utilises his huge frame to perfection, stretching his huge legs around the opposition to make 2.6 tackles and 1.6 clearances per game, via Sofascore.

During Gallagher’s standout campaign for Crystal Palace, he was supplemented by the exploits of Cheikhou Kouyate alongside him in midfield. Indeed, Onana would only serve as an upgrade to this Senegalese stopper.

He allowed the 22-year-old to score eight times and assist a further three as the Eagles reached an FA Cup semi-final and finished comfortably in mid-table despite doubts hanging over Patrick Vieira’s ability as a manager.

Coincidentally, this campaign saw him score more senior goals than Gordon has managed across his entire career.

Having struggled since his return to Stamford Bridge, it is clear that Gallagher thrives off being the underdog, and the big fish in a small pond. He is a pressing monster, and as such ranks in the top 8% for blocks made per 90 when compared to other midfielders across Europe.

Such is his tireless attitude, he led former professional footballer Adebayo Akinfenwa to tweet that the £50k-per-week runner has “got some engine”, and that he was “tired just watching him.”

This is the output Dyche will demand from his team now, and Gallagher could set the benchmark alongside Onana’s defensive efficiency.

Tottenham Hotspur seem to be finalising a deal for their top January transfer target…

What’s the word?

That’s according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, who took to Twitter to issue the following update on the Lilywhites’ pursuit of Pedro Porro.

He wrote:

“Pedro Porro’s contract as Tottenham player will be valid until June 2028, five year and half deal — and not 2027.

“Spurs and Sporting are closing in on the payment terms in 2/3 installments and then… done deal. All parties confident to get it done.”

It seems like at last the Spaniard will make the switch to north London after being ordered by Sporting Lisbon to match his €45m (£40m) release clause earlier in the window.

Secure top four

After a fine start to the season, it seems like this season has devolved into another straight-out battle for top four for Spurs.

Whilst only three points behind Manchester United, Antonio Conte’s side boast one extra game played and have seen a massive 14-point gap appear between them and rivals Arsenal, who they finished above last season.

The trajectory of the two clubs has been in stark contrast, with one stagnating whilst the other has announced themselves as the favourite for the Premier League title.

Conte has been vocal over the past year in his need for additional signings if they are to start competing at that level, and in Porro, they will secure the quintessential wing back to fit into the Italian’s system. 

His attacking exploits in Portugal have certainly captured the attention, and placing this on what has been a struggling right-hand side could be instrumental in bringing Champions League football back to the Tottenham Hotspur stadium for another year of growth.

The 23-year-old already boasts 14 goal contributions this season for a side that are way off top of the league. He has already surpassed his five goals and seven assists from the season prior, and linking up with the clinical Harry Kane would only help him boost his numbers further.

What truly outlines him as one of the best attacking full-backs is best outlined across FBref, which compares him to others in his position across Europe.

Despite this continent-wide competition, he still ranks in the top 1% for total shots, shot-creating actions and assists, as well as the top 6% for non-penalty goals and dribbles completed.

With proficiency in the attacking third and an offensive impetus sure to get fans off their seats, it is no surprise to see him labelled “perfect” by the aforementioned Romano.

Adding this additional firepower to a side that are already the third top scorers in the division could be instrumental in securing that all-important spot in the top four, given that the title is likely now out of reach.

Manchester City are reportedly lining up an audacious swap deal for AC Milan superstar Rafael Leao and the Portugal international could be Pep Guardiola’s own version of Kylian Mbappe at the Etihad.

Reports from Italy have claimed that the Citizens are keen to offer Jack Grealish as a makeweight in any potential transfer for the former Lille man, who could be set to leave the San Siro before his contract expires in 2024.

Despite Grealish only joining the club in 2021 in a deal worth £100m, it seems as if the Citizens are less than impressed with his paltry return of seven goals and six assists in 57 appearances for the club, and want to replace him with a younger, more in-form winger.

Leao has been a key part of AC Milan’s return to the top in Italy, as he contributed an impressive 11 goals and eight assists in just 34 appearances last season, as the Rossoneri claimed the Scudetto.

German journalist Florian Plettenberg has previously reported on City’s interest in the 23-year-old winger but suggested that Milan wouldn’t budge from their asking price for Leao, which is reflected in his €150m (£132m) release clause.

Therefore, with City no doubt reticent to pay that fee given the Portuguese attacker’s contract situation in Italy, it is easy to see why they might want to offload Grealish as part of any potential deal.

Should Leao arrive at the Etihad in 2023 he could prove to be Guardiola’s equivalent of Paris Saint-Germain and France sensation, Kylian Mbappe, having been compared with the electric forward in the past.

Lille president Gerard Lopez dubbed him the “Portuguese Mbappe,” while his former coach at Sporting, Tiago Fernandes, likened him to Brazilian legend, Ronaldo.

He said:

“Rafael is a No 9, he’s almost always played as one. I’d say that he reminds me of ‘Fenomeno’ [The Phenomenon] Ronaldo for his pace, technique and the quality of his finishing.”

WhoScored suggests that both Leao and Mbappe excel at dribbling, finishing and long shots, while they both like to cut inside from the left, so it is easy to see why the Portuguese star has been likened to the PSG forward.

Guardiola has managed a wide range of world-class talents in his spells at Manchester City, Bayern Munich and Barcelona but the prospect of signing such a promising young talent, who has drawn comparisons to two world-class players, will surely still excite the Catalan coach.

Therefore, director of football Txiki Begiristain should definitely be looking at bringing Leao to the Etihad Stadium in 2023, as there seems little to suggest that he wouldn’t be a huge success under Guardiola at the Etihad.

Liverpool are reportedly looking to secure a move to sign Benfica midfielder Enzo Fernandez during the upcoming January transfer window. 

The Lowdown: Liverpool linked with Fernandez

Earlier this month, it was reported that the Merseyside club had made contact with the Lisbon giants over a potential deal for the midfielder.

The 21-year-old joined Benfica from River Plate only last summer and has since gone on to make 24 appearances for the club.

With the January transfer window set to open next week, and the Reds already reaching an agreement to secure the services of Cody Gakpo, some details have emerged regarding their pursuit of Fernandez.

The Latest: Liverpool intensifying Fernandez chase

According to a recent report from O Jogo, Liverpool and their Premier League rivals Manchester United are intensifying their efforts to sign Fernandez.

The report from the Portuguese outlet adds that the possibility of the Argentine World Cup winner leaving Benfica next month is increasing.

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The Verdict: He’d be a marquee signing

In addition to scoring three goals and providing five assists for Benfica this season, the youngster also scored one goal and provided one assist for Argentina during their World Cup triumph, which ended with him also taking home the Young Player of the Tournament award.

In fact, his overall performances in Qatar earned him a rating of 7.06/10 from WhoScored, making him the fourth-highest rated player in Argentina’s squad.

Hailed as a “phenomenal” player by journalist Zach Lowy on Twitter, Fernandez would surely be a marquee signing for the Reds given his emergence as one of the top talents in European club football. It could also see them once again beat their Manchester rivals to one of their targets, as the Red Devils were also linked with Gakpo before the player agreed his move to Anfield.

With the Dutchman reportedly set to be added to Jurgen Klopp’s squad in the coming days, if the Reds were to also sign Fernandez before the end of next month, this would certainly be an impressive period of winter transfer business.

Liverpool are currently sixth in the Premier League after a run of inconsistent performances in the top flight, and with so much uncertainty at Anfield, it is hard to predict what could be the next steps for the club.

In the last few weeks sporting director, Julian Ward has resigned from his position just six months after being appointed and reports have revealed that FSG are putting the club up for sale.

Meanwhile, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp will be looking for solutions to stabilise the situation on the pitch and will be keen to shift the attention onto improved performances on the pitch.

One way that the manager can achieve this is by identifying players that can become the next generation of success at the club, with many of Klopp’s squad formed over the last seven years either out of contract, moved on or coming to the latter stages of their career.

The midfield is demanding the highest urgency of refreshment, with Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and James Milner all entering the last six months of their contract, whilst Liverpool skipper Jordan Henderson and Thiago Alcantara are well into their thirties.

This leaves Klopp with only Fabinho as his most experienced player in the centre of the pitch, alongside the likes of Curtis Jones and Harvey Elliott, who are only just coming into their own on Merseyside.

Indeed, a youth revolution is desperately needed and one player who has been linked with a move to Anfield is Germany and Bayern Munich attacking midfielder Jamal Musiala.

The talented 19-year-old is one of the hottest young prospects in football at the moment and his performances for Bayern this season have given reasoning for the attention the player has attracted.

Over 14 Bundesliga appearances, the £137m-rated ace – who was hailed a “handful” by journalist Joe Crann – has scored nine goals, registered six assists and created five big chances, as well as averaging 1.8 key passes, 1.1 tackles, 2.6 shots at goal and winning 4.4 duels per game.

Not only that, the youngster was given the huge responsibility of representing his national side at the World Cup in Qatar and showed glimpses of his capabilities and talents.

Over his three appearances in the competition, Musiala registered one assist, created one big chance and tallied up an 82% pass completion rate, whilst averaging 2.7 key passes, 4.0 shots at goal, 6.3 successful dribbles and winning 9.0 duels per game – with the youngster well and truel being Germany’s breakout star, despite their early exit from the competition.

With that being said, although Musiala may not possess the defensive or central profile of a midfielder that Liverpool need to sign immediately, there is no doubt that it will be hard for the powers at Anfield to ignore the player’s growing talent and what he could bring to the Liverpool team of the future.

Aston Villa head into the break for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar with two successive wins in the Premier League as they beat Brighton 2-1 away from home on Sunday.

Unai Emery has won both of his opening two matches in charge of the Villans after putting Manchester United to the sword with a 3-1 win in the top-flight last weekend.

Brighton took the lead in the opening minute of the match as Douglas Luiz was caught on the ball on the edge of the box and Alexis Mac Allister made the most of his chance to fire past his international colleague.

John McGinn then earned Villa the opportunity to equalise as he was taken down by Lewis Dunk in the box. Danny Ings dispatched the penalty, via a weak hand by Roberto Sanchez, to make it 1-1 heading into half time.

The English striker doubled his tally before the hour-mark as he jinked past Dunk before seeing his low effort deflect into the bottom corner after good work from Luiz to win the ball back.

Whilst the ex-Southampton man was the match-winner for Villa with his two goals, the real hero for Emery on the day was defensive midfielder Boubacar Kamara.

The French enforcer was a rock at the base of the midfield as he screened the defence brilliantly and made good use of possession when he had a chance to put his foot on the ball.

As per SofaScore, he completed 83% of his attempted passes and completed 100% of his attempted dribbles, despite Brighton pressing high and trying to push for an equaliser.

He kept his composure in the middle of the park and made sure that he found a teammate with his pass more often than not, giving the hosts fewer chances to come at the Villa backline.

The midfielder’s defensive work was particularly impressive as he constantly put pressure on the opposition and engaged to win the ball back for his side.

As per SofaScore, he won 72% (8/11) of his ground duels, whilst making five clearances and six tackles – only being dribbled past once in the process. This shows that he was solid in his play out of possession as he was able to dominate the opposition on the ground.

Therefore, the midfield machine – who had 46 touches in the game – was the real hero of the day for Villa as he put in a fantastic display that typified the battling, hard-working, nature of the team’s performance, which played a pivotal role in winning all three points.

An update has emerged on Glasgow Rangers and a manager who could be in the frame to replace Giovanni van Bronckhorst at Ibrox…

What’s the talk?

According to the Daily Record, out-of-work head coach Vitor Pereira is ‘likely’ to put himself in contention to land the Light Blues job if it becomes available in the coming days and weeks.

The report claims that he has left Brazilian side Corinthians this week and this means that he is currently a free agent who could join the club without Ross Wilson needing to negotiate a settlement with another team.

It was recently reported that van Bronckhorst is ‘increasingly likely’ to be sacked during the break for the 2022 World Cup and that could open the door for Pereira to arrive at Ibrox.

Upgrade in the dugout

Rangers could land an upgrade on their current Dutch head coach by relieving him of his duties and appointing the Portuguese manager as his replacement.

Van Bronckhorst’s side have averaged 2.20 points per game in the Premiership this season and recorded zero points in the Champions League as they became the worst side in the history of the competition.

Pereira, meanwhile, averaged 2.24 points per match across 74 games in the Chinese Super League and 2.55 points per clash across 60 outings in the Portuguese top-flight earlier in his career, with Shanghai SIPG and Porto respectively.

Speaking on talkSPORT, via the Mirror, Mesut Ozil heaped praise on his former Fenerbahce manager, saying: “In training it is clear how he wants to play. For example, he wants the team to attack. We want that, because we are Fenerbahce. We want to win against every team. The teacher also advocates this.

“He helps the players a lot, speaks to the players. He also said that his door is always open when something happens. We are very positive. I hope we can do that. This is very important for the player.

The ex-Arsenal man added: “He did a fantastic job in Portugal and he has done a fantastic job in China.

“He is one of the new generation of mangers; very methodical. The players like him, he puts on good training sessions and has a good understanding of the game.”

These comments suggest that he would be able to get the Rangers players onside and that he could engage the supporters by playing attacking football.

The 54-year-old has also averaged 1.71 points per game in the Champions League throughout his career so far, winning seven of his 14 matches in the competition, and this suggests that he would be a big upgrade on van Bronckhorst at the top level of European football.

Couple that with his domestic success in China and Portugal and you have a manager with the potential to come in and improve upon what the Dutchman has managed to achieve in Glasgow so far. There would surely be very few at Ibrox who complain about that.

Newcastle United defender Fabian Schar has declared himself fit for the Magpies’ Premier League clash against Everton on Wednesday night.

The Lowdown: Schar’s injury

The 30-year-old limped off the field in the final stages of the Toon’s 0-0 draw against Manchester United on Sunday.

The Switzerland international put in an excellent performance as the Magpies kept the Red Devils’ frontline from scoring, with Erik ten Hag’s side having had 63% possession of the ball.

However, Schar’s late withdrawal elicited injury concerns for Newcastle’s Wednesday night fixture against Frank Lampard’s Toffees.

The Latest: Schar declared fit

Journalist Jordan Cronin shared the news from Schar’s post-match interview with NUFCTV, in which the centre-back declared himself fit for Wednesday.

Taking to Twitter, the Newcastle World reporter relayed: “Fabian Schar has declared himself fit to face Everton, despite going off with cramp yesterday. A big boost for a player who has been outstanding all season.”

In the attached article, the Swiss defender is quoted as saying: “It’s going to be fine, don’t worry. I didn’t want to come off, but I was at the point where I couldn’t really walk anymore.

“It was better someone else who was 100 per-cent came in. It’s going to be fine.”

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The Verdict: Big boost for Howe

Whilst much of the credit went to Sven Botman yesterday, Schar’s performance was as equally as impressive as the Dutchman’s.

As per SofaScore, the 30-year-old made seven clearances and three interceptions and blocked two shots, having also had 51 touches of the ball and a 91% pass success rate.

Over the course of the past year, Schar has proven himself worthy of a starting spot in Howe’s XI, having ranked in the 97th percentile for interceptions, the 96th percentile for shots taken and the 92nd percentile for assists among centre-backs in Europe’s top five leagues (via FBRef).

This marks him out as a defender who is adept at breaking up opposition attacks while also getting on the front foot for his own team.

Therefore, after such a great performance against Manchester United, his self-proclaimed availability for the Everton game will come as a big boost for the Magpies.

Aston Villa acted swiftly in the transfer market during the summer, with the likes of Boubacar Kamara, Diego Carlos and Philippe Coutinho all arriving on permanent deals.

A couple of late additions in Leander Dendoncker and Jan Bednarek gave manager Steven Gerrard some cover in defence and the midfield but it was his reluctance to sell a few players that might come back to haunt him.

Morgan Sanson is the best example, while sporting director Johan Lange will rue not moving him on and bringing in a current Premier League player in his place…

Aston Villa should have signed Tomas Soucek

Back in June, it was reported that West Ham United were willing to listen to offers of £30m for the midfielder as he was haggling over a new contract.

Newcastle United, Everton, and Villa were all showing interest in the player, but no move ever materialised and it could be something Gerrard regrets.

The 27-year-old has been excellent in this season’s Premier League, averaging a SofaScore rating of 7.11, starting every game so far and scoring once.

The Czech titan has contributed well defensively, making 2.8 tackles, 1.5 interceptions, and 2.3 clearances per match, proving that he can get stuck in and do the dirty work too in order to lead his team to success.

These attributes would have worked wonders in the Villa engine room, giving Gerrard some bite in his team.

Sanson hasn’t even played in the league this season, while he currently earns £48k-per-week for contributing nothing.

Missing out on Soucek appears to be a glaring mistake with every passing match, while West Ham manager David Moyes has dubbed the player as “sensational” and he continues to be the heart of their side.

Soucek’s contract doesn’t expire until 2024, but if his performances continue to this high standard, then Moyes might find it extremely tough to keep a hold of him when January rolls around and Gerrard will be kicking himself that he didn’t secure a deal for the player.