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Former Everton hero Wayne Rooney is a contender to become the Blues’ new manager if Frank Lampard is sacked, according to a new report.

The Lowdown: Lampard on the way out?

On Tuesday night, Everton fell to an embarrassing 4-1 defeat at home to Brighton in the Premier League, as they get dragged further into a relegation battle.

It proved to be the point of no return for Lampard, who is surely close to being relieved of his duties as manager after an increasingly poor spell in charge.

And whether Frank is sacked today or not, Farhad Moshiri is reportedly already searching to immediately bring in a replacement…

The Latest: Rooney in contention

According to The Express, Rooney has emerged as a ‘leading contender’ to replace his former England teammate Lampard at Goodison.

The 37-year-old is currently the manager of DC United in the MLS but he could be ‘fond of the idea’ of returning to the club where he started out as a player.

The Verdict: Would be a popular appointment

There would be a risk element to bringing in Rooney, who likes to use a 4-2-3-1 system, as Lampard’s replacement, given his lack of experience, but it is a decision that would likely go down well with supporters.

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Granted, he blotted his copybook by joining Manchester United back in 2004 but fans have generally forgiven him now, especially after he returned for a second spell at Everton.

Mauricio Pochettino is also mentioned in the report and could be a safer bet, although Rooney would connect with the Goodison faithful and is arguably a more exciting option with a bright future in management, having been praised by The Second Tier podcast for doing a ‘fantastic’ job at Derby County.

Wolverhampton Wanderers are reportedly interested in signing Barcelona and France star Ousmane Dembele in January and his arrival at Molineux could allow Julen Lopetegui to finally ditch Adama Traore.

According to Spanish news outlet Mundo Deportivo, Wolves, Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea are all keen on taking advantage of Barcelona’s precarious financial situation by signing the 25-year-old in next month’s transfer window.

The Catalan club spent huge amounts of money during the summer of 2022 with the hope of re-establishing themselves as one of Europe’s elite but would crash out in the Champions League group stages, which could force their hand when it comes to January business.

After years of injury and consistency problems, Dembele looks to have finally found his feet at the Nou Camp, with the winger undoubtedly one of the star performers in Xavi’s side so far this campaign.

Only Robert Lewandowski is ranked higher than the France international when comparing WhoScored rankings in LaLiga, with Dembele’s four goals and five assists in Spain’s top flight helping him to a superb 7.33 average rating.

As well as goals and assists, the former Borussia Dortmund man could provide electric pace and dribbling ability should he link up with Lopetegui in January, which could arguably make Traore redundant at Molineux.

Earlier in the season, Dembele was recorded as running at a quicker speed than Paris Saint-Germain and fellow France superstar Kylian Mbappe, which emphasises just how fast he is and how much of a counter-attacking threat he could add should he join the Old Gold in January.

While there is no doubting Traore’s pace and power, the Spain international boasts just one goal and no assists in the Premier League so far this campaign, so he clearly lacks the technical ability of someone like Dembele.

During his time with Borussia Dortmund, the two-footed winger would earn the praise of Thomas Tuchel, who said:

“Ousmane is an incredible player, he’s really talented. I could watch his amazing skills in every training session.”

There are also doubts that Traore will sign a new contract at Molineux but if Dembele were to arrive next month, then it would allow Lopetegui to finally get rid of a player who promises so much but very rarely delivers.

Sky Sports pundit Paul Robinson has backed Sunderland in their reported pursuit of Aston Villa striker Cameron Archer in the January transfer window.

The Lowdown: Registered interest

As per Football Insider, ‘sources’ have revealed that the Stadium of Light outfit have ‘registered their interest’ in a potential deal for Archer in January.

The striker has been limited to just 51 minutes of first-team football at Villa Park so far this season, and so could seek a move away in order to get more game time.

The Latest: ‘No-brainer’

Speaking to Football Insider, Robinson has claimed that Archer would be a ‘great signing’ for the Wearside club, and that a dela in January for him is an ‘absolute no-brainer’:

“Archer has proven he can do it in the Championship.

“He would be great signing for them. He is a different profile of a striker to what Tony Mowbray has currently got. I could see that one happening.

“Look at where Sunderland are. Archer is more than capable of scoring goals at that level. If they can attract him it would be an absolute no-brainer. I really think he would do well there.

“It would be a good move for the player as well. Sunderland are a massive club with a great stadium and great support. There is potential for him to grow there as the club does. It is a move that would make sense.”

The Verdict: Get it done

Tony Mowbray’s side are in need of sufficient cover for both Ross Stewart and Ellis Simms, who have each suffered from injury problems this term, with the former being out since seven games with a toe injury between September and October.

When he was on loan at Preston North End last campaign, 21-year-old Archer managed an impressive seven goals and one assist in 20 matches in the Championship (Transfermarkt), showing that he can play at that level despite his relatively young age.

Nonetheless, the Englishman would surely relish getting more game time at the Black Cats, and so this is a deal that could work out for all parties.

Newcastle United have been touted to potentially take advantage of recent behind-the-scenes rumblings at Juventus and make a move to sign Adrien Rabiot. 

The Lowdown: Chaos at Juventus

Earlier this week, it was revealed that the entire board at Juventus has stepped down from their positions, with a statement saying that they had “considered the centrality and relevance of pending legal and accounting issues”.

The Toon were linked with a move for Rabiot, who has impressed for France in the World Cup in Qatar, during the summer transfer window but ultimately didn’t sign him.

Now that the January transfer window is on the horizon, it appears that the midfielder has been mentioned with a move to St James’ Park once again.

The Lowdown: Newcastle touted to make potential Rabiot move

According to a recent report from Chronicle Live, as a result of the recent behind-the-scenes chaos at Juventus, this could see Newcastle pounce and launch a move for Rabiot.

The report also mentions Moise Kean and Weston McKennie as players previously mentioned with moves to St James’ Park.

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The Verdict: Would be a smart move by Newcastle

Focusing on Rabiot, his performances this season have shown why launching a potential move for him in January would be a smart one from Newcastle.

In addition to scoring three goals and providing two assists across his 11 Serie A appearances for the Old Lady this term, the Frenchman has made the third-highest number of passes into the final third of the pitch (32) at Juventus, also recording the fifth-highest combined total of tackles and interceptions (33).

In the World Cup so far, the 27-year-old’s performances have earned him an overall rating of 7.36/10 from WhoScored, higher than the likes of Ousmane Dembele (7.21/10), Dayot Upamecano (7.11/10) and Aurelien Tchouameni (7.03/10).

Taking all of this into account, if an opportunity to secure a deal for Rabiot arises during the January transfer window, this is definitely something that Newcastle should explore.

Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher is set to start for the Reds in tonight’s Carabao Cup clash against Derby County. 

The Lowdown: Liverpool in action

Following their 2-1 win against Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League over the weekend, the Merseyside club begin their defence of the Carabao Cup as they welcome League One side Derby to Anfield for their third round clash.

This is Liverpool’s penultimate match before the World Cup break, which will commence following this weekend’s round of league fixtures, including the Reds’ home game against Southampton.

Looking ahead to this match, it appears that one rarely-seen figure in Liverpool’s squad is set to be in the starting XI to take on the Rams.

The Latest: Kelleher to start against Derby

Speaking to the media ahead of tonight’s game, Liverpool’s assistant manager Pep Lijnders was asked if Kelleher will start against Derby.

He replied: “Yeah, Caoimh deserves it. If you shoot the last penalty in [in the final], it would be a disgrace if we took him out now!

“I think, honestly, one of my proudest moments in football was after the game when we won this cup.

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“Caoimh, if you see a talent grow and you see talents turn into men and if you see men with personality and braveness and you go into a final and he takes the last penalty… and after the game we have this moment together, it means a lot.

“So, if nothing happens today he will start for us.”

The Verdict: Time to shine

Despite not making an appearance for Jurgen Klopp’s side so far this season, everyone at the club will know what the 23-year-old is capable of as he played in four of Liverpool’s Carabao Cup games last season, including the final.

As Lijnders referenced, Kelleher had the honour of scoring the decisive penalty at Wembley that day as the Reds prevailed against Chelsea after a marathon shoot-out.

Across those four games, the Irishman faced 17 shots on target and made 15 saves in total, highlighting how capable shot-stopper he is when called upon.

Taking this into account, it’s easy to see why the Reds have seemingly decided to put Kelleher in the starting XI for tonight’s clash against the League One side.

Liverpool ended Napoli’s 21-game unbeaten run at Anfield last night when they delivered a 2-0 victory in front of the home support in the Champions League, but it’s not all good news for the team.

What’s the latest?

Jurgen Klopp took to his post-match interview to give an update on James Milner who sustained a head injury in the 48th minute of the clash with the Italians last night.

When asked about the midfielder’s condition, the Liverpool boss told the media:

“Don’t know. He seems to be fine now but we have to probably do further checks.”

It could be a big blow for Liverpool

Although Milner isn’t always the first name on the team sheet, it could be a big blow for Liverpool if the veteran midfielder can’t recover before the game with Tottenham Hotspur in north London this weekend.

It is no secret that Liverpool have struggled with injury issues in the centre of the pitch this season with Thiago Alcantara, Fabinho, Jordan Henderson, Naby Keita and Arthur Melo all sustaining problems over the first few months of the new campaign.

Arthur is the only aforementioned player who is still sidelined, however, there has been another scare as Jordan Henderson was omitted from the Champions League squad on Tuesday night.

It was confirmed the Liverpool captain trained alone in the gym instead of joining his teammates on the grass in the lead-up to the final Champions League group stage game, but there has been no confirmation as to whether Henderson has picked up a knock or whether he will be available for the clash with Spurs this weekend.

As a result, the injury to Milner could leave the squad weakened in terms of experience on the pitch if the skipper is unavailable for selection too in a game where picking up points is essential for the Reds.

Liverpool are currently ninth in the Premier League table following two consecutive defeats to Leeds United and Nottingham Forest, and are now eight points adrift of Newcastle United in fourth which is a troubling situation for Klopp.

Indeed, the Merseysiders will now not be able to break into the top four before the World Cup commences next month with just two league fixtures remaining but they will be hopeful that stealing as many points as possible in the meantime can start to close the gap slightly before they return to action after Christmas.

That task, however, will be a lot trickier if they don’t have the services of Henderson and Milner.

Tottenham Hotspur manager Antonio Conte has heaped praise on rising star midfielder Pape Matar Sarr who is yet to play a senior minute.

The Lowdown: Spurs starlets shining…

In recent seasons, Spurs’ academy has been among chairman Daniel Levy’s crown jewels as the club consistently produce an array of top talents.

Following on from obvious names, star striker Harry Kane for instance, exciting young players like midfielder Oliver Skipp and forward Dane Scarlett (on loan at Portsmouth) have also been turning heads.

Striker Jamie Donley and midfield gem Alfie Devine are others who are impressing behind-the-scenes in north London but Conte, tasked with maintaining Tottenham’s place in the Premier League top four, must predominantly select senior players for their quality and experience.

However, that isn’t to say the Italian isn’t taking note of these rising stars, with Inter Milan’s former boss now praising unseen starlet Matar Sarr.

The Latest: Conte praises Matar Sarr…

Speaking to the media ahead of their clash with Everton this afternoon, Conte claims the Senegalese prodigy is ‘really important’ alongside Harvey White.

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He explained (via football.london):

“I have great respect for all my players and I think this respect, they feel this respect because in every training session my attention is the same for every single player, for Harry Kane but also if the player is [Harvey] White or Pape Sarr. We are talking about two really important prospects.”

The Verdict: Exciting…

The 20-year-old international is still yet to feature for Spurs’ first team. but going by Conte’s latest message, it may not be long before we see him in the top flight.

Sarr has already amassed quite the reputation with reporter Jack Pitt-Brooke of The Athletic calling him ‘one of the most exciting young midfielders in Europe’ (Twitter).

The youngster could end up costing Spurs £25.5 million and there is a reason transfer chief Fabio Paratici made that significant investment to bring him to Hotspur Way in 2021.

Reliable Bundesliga journalist Patrik Berger of Sport 1 has shared a Manchester City update on their pursuit of Borussia Dortmund star Jude Bellingham.

The Lowdown: City join race…

The Premier League champions, according to recent reports, are in the race to sign England’s rising star alongside a plethora of other major clubs.

Indeed, Pep Guardiola’s side are allegedly having to contend with rivals Manchester United and Liverpool for Bellingham’s signature, as well as Chelsea and leading clubs from Europe (Football Insider).

The 19-year-old, going by his scintillating performances for Dortmund in the Bundesliga, looks set to be one of football’s hottest commodities over these next ten months leading up to next summer’s transfer window.

The Latest: Berger shares Bellingham to Man City latest…

Speaking to Sport 1, their chief reporter Berger has shared what he knows on Bellingham’s possible move to Eastlands.

He explained:

“There are many clubs that are already working on him.

“Liverpool, Real, City, Chelsea, United – everyone threw their hats in the ring. But it’s not at all ready to talk about anything concrete.”

The Verdict: Get it done…

The in-demand sensation, who is already a ‘superstar’ according to ex-Watford striker Troy Deeney, will be highly sought-after but we believe City have a fair few advantages in the race.

Guardiola’s side boast the financial firepower and pull of a currently very successful club, not to mention Bellingham’s former teammate, Erling Haaland, could perhaps convince the teenager to make an Eastlands move given his early success in the northwest.

As per WhoScored, signing him would certainly be worth the effort given he currently ranks as Dortmund’s best-performing player by average match rating.

Wolverhampton Wanderers have had a slow start to their Premier League season with just six points collected from their first six outings, and Bruno Lage will be looking for ways to improve his team’s form to start picking up more frequent results.

The Wolves manager will be delighted with the news that Diego Costa is set to join the side after having his work permit approved yesterday, and the signing of the free agent is imminent which could be a big boost in the forward line.

The Midlands club currently have the joint-lowest goal tally in the Premier League alongside West Ham United with just three league goals scored so far, so there is no doubt Lage will be hoping that Costa can make an instant impact on the attacking threat and goal-scoring opportunities in the team.

The 33-year-old centre-forward is no stranger to Premier League football after spending three and a half years at Chelsea, making 120 appearances and scoring 59 goals for the London club, so should have no problem getting back to business in the top flight.

The 187-goal machine has delivered a goal contribution every 138 minutes over his career so far at the various clubs he has played for. That is a very impressive output that will see the player warmly welcomed at Wolves during their current goal drought.

In fact, the former Atletico Madrid star could form a formidable attacking partnership with fan favourite Pedro Neto when he joins the club, and it could spark a transformed forward line, with Lage’s attack set to become more clinical and creative.

Neto who was dubbed a “very special talent” by Jamie Redknapp has been a constant presence in the team with 99 appearances in all competitions since joining the club back in 2019 from Lazio.

The £50k-per-week Portuguese winger has scored 11 goals and delivered 12 assists but his goal contributions could now skyrocket with Costa by his side and the pair can complement each other’s strengths as well as their weaknesses whilst working together.

Whilst Neto isn’t a clinical finisher, he ranks in the top 15% of his positional peers across the top five European leagues for progressive passes received, interceptions and touches, as well as ranking in the top 20% for progressive carries and shot-creating actions.

That would only complement Costa who is renowned for his finishing excellence and conversion of goal-scoring opportunities, notably ranking in the top 12% of strikers in La Liga for expected goals over the 2019/20 campaign.

With that being said, Lage will be hoping the late signing of Costa can transform Wolves’ season and inspire more goal contributions in the team in their pursuit of a European spot in the Premier League table.

Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan has been lavished with praise for his contribution against Bournemouth in the Premier League this afternoon.

The Lowdown: Ilkay shines…

Writing his name into City folklore with two crucial goals against Aston Villa on the final day of last season, Gundogan is looking to pick up where he left off.

Indeed, the Germany international’s header at the back post to start City’s 3-2 comeback against the Villans was only bettered by his eventual winner.

Ghosting in at the back post to bury Kevin De Bruyne’s low cross, Gundogan handed his side a second-successive domestic crown with the Sky Blues’ third goal and one of the most iconic moments in English football history.

Fast forward to this campaign and the 31-year-old has been a starter on every one of Pep Guardiola’s team sheets so far in place of midfielder Bernardo Silva, coming as the latter man remains heavily linked with a Barcelona move.

The Latest: Gundogan praised against Bournemouth…

Gundogan could have a big role to play under Guardiola at Eastlands and has already attracted praise from members of the media.

Taking to Twitter, reporter Guille Casquero of Diario AS lavished the midfield maestro after his opening goal against Bournemouth this afternoon.

Gundogan fed off Erling Haaland’s through ball and buried a neat finish into the bottom corner, prompting Casquero to call him an underrated part of the City squad.

He explained:

“Everything is under Pep’s umbrella. But Gundogan has proven – and for a long time – to be one of the most complete midfielders on the European market. And he has never been recognised as such.”

The Verdict: Bang on the money…

City’s headline-grabbers – Haaland, De Bruyne and Phil Foden – will likely be the centre of attention after full time and rightfully so given their quality and cult-like status.

However, Gundogan’s contribution has been crucial over the last few games and especially today before he was replaced mid-way through the second half.

As per SofaScore, on top of his opening goal, the City star finished this afternoon as one Guardiola’s best-performing players with a 7.6/10 match rating.

Gundogan completed nearly 90% of his passes, won all of his aerial duels, completed 100% of his long balls and made three key passes in the final third (SofaScore) – all the hallmarks of a crucial team player.

City supporters may want to watch the former Borussia Dortmund star as the season goes on.