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Leeds United forward Jack Harrison’s future is still ‘one to watch’ at Elland Road on deadline day, according to an update from journalist Ben Jacobs.

The Lowdown: Harrison’s future up in the air

The Englishman has been linked with a move away from the Whites numerous times in recent days and weeks, having struggled to find his best form this season after being the subject of two bids from Newcastle during the summer.

Harrison did score a superb strike in the FA Cup win over Accrington Stanley last weekend but he has only found the net once in 17 Premier League appearances.

The 26-year-old is still at Leeds currently but there is time for that to change in January.

The Latest: Leicester move not ruled out

Speaking to Give Me Sport, Jacobs said that Leicester’s pursuit of Harrison is ‘one to watch’, which could lead to Leeds bringing in an attacker:

“We know that Leeds potentially want to strengthen in the attacking area, but actually they need to first defend advances from Leicester for Jack Harrison. That is the one to watch.

“Leicester are keen but Leeds have made it clear that the player is not for sale and it’s not unthinkable that if that position changes, and it’s a big if, Leeds will then look in the market for an attack-minded player.”

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The Verdict: Need to keep him

While Harrison hasn’t been at his absolute best this season and could bank the Whites their fourth largest sale in club history going by his £35m price tag, he is still someone with undoubted quality, having scored 30 goals and bagged 29 assists for Leeds.

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With Jesse Marsch’s side finding themselves in another possible relegation battle, they need as many attacking options as possible, with Harrison a match-winner on his day.

The £50,000-a-week Leeds man could end up leaving in the summer, which would make more sense, but he has been called ‘fantastic’ by YouTuber Conor McGilligan and still has plenty to offer this season.

Wolverhampton Wanderers have held talks with Paris Saint-Germain about the potential January signing of their forward Pablo Sarabia.

What’s the latest?

Wolves have made a bright start to life under Julen Lopetegui having already climbed their way outside of the relegation zones and into 16th spot in the Premier League table.

However, it does not seem as if the Spaniard is completely satisfied with the progress they have made already and is eyeing further additions this month.

Lopetegui has already seen the Brazilian forward, Matheus Cunha, come through the doors at Molineux as well as Mario Lemina from nice.

And according to Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth, Wolves are now looking into the possibility of signing the 30-year-old forward:

“They’re also in talks with Paris Saint-Germain to sign the striker up Pablo Sarabia; that could be a really good signing, actually.”

Not settling

It was a dreadful start to the 2022/23 campaign for Wolves under Bruno Lage, but it will give their fans a lot of confidence in Lopetegui given they are not settling with the progress they’ve made in recent weeks.

And the potential addition of Sarabia could bring a lot of experience to the Wolves frontline alongside the fairly young Brazilian, Cunha.

Although he has not often been the first choice for Christophe Galtier, the Spaniard has made 14 appearances for PSG in the league this season (via Transfermarkt).

But his minutes have been limited this season with those 14 league appearances conjuring up just 362 minutes of action given only three of those games came from the starting XI.

However, during his spell with Sporting CP last season, the winger shone with a return of 15 goals and eight assists in his 29 league appearances (via Transfermarkt).

And in total, the Spaniard was able to provide a seriously impressive return of 31 goal involvements across all competitions for the Portuguese giants.

Although Wolves have made improvements under Lopetegui so far, it is apparent their output in front of goal is still not quite where it needs to be.

No side in the Premier League has scored fewer than Wolves this season (12) which will likely be a concern for their Spanish manager.

However, if they were able to bring in Sarabia and he was able to find his scoring boots again, this could potentially be a big boost to their survival hopes.

Chelsea are a club in transition, with a new manager and new ownership during 2022 resulting in a very different sheen to the Stamford Bridge outfit, and the ongoing January transfer market must now be utilised in order to spearhead success at the new era of the club…

What’s the word?

Borussia Mönchengladbach’s Marcus Thuram has been in electric form this season and has consequently come to the fore as a new major force on the European striking scene, and with his contract set to expire at the end of the campaign, the shark tank of suitors will surely intensify their efforts to land him.

Manchester United have been the notable suitors vying for a deal, but French publication Foot Mercato are now reporting that Chelsea manager Graham Potter is determined to land the 25-year-old before the conclusion of the winter transfer window at the end of the month.

If Chelsea were able to snag Thuram and bring him to Stamford Bridge, it would represent a shrewd and exciting acquisition, landing a new talisman to lead the line and possibly arriving for a cut-price fee of roughly £10m, according to reports from Bild.

Anelka 2.0

The 25-year-old has 13 goals and four assists from 17 outings for Gladbach this term, casting off the cobwebs of an injury-stricken 2021/22 campaign and coming joint-second in the scoring charts in the Bundesliga.

Indeed, Chelsea-bound Christopher Nkunku is the only player to have scored more than Thuram’s ten league strikes this term, and the Blues could certainly do with the striking exploits of that pair right now. Chelsea have only scored 20 goals in the Premier League this season – the fewest of any team in the top half – with no player in Potter’s squad scoring more than six goals across all competitions.

If Chelsea manage to complete the transfer, they would have a fresh face in the mould of former Stamford Bridge star Nicolas Anelka, with Thuram’s nomadic countryman a forward bearing many similar attributes to the touted Blues target.

Anelka signed for Chelsea from Bolton Wanderers for a reported £15m in January 2008 – a winter signing, which Thuram could also be.

With Anelka exemplary in the craft of selfless centre-forward play, he dazzled with his pace, elegance and aerial dominance, scoring 59 goals and supplying 36 assists in 184 appearances for the west London giants.

Thuram could emulate his compatriot by bringing a host of skills to dominate in the talismanic centre-forward role for years to come, with eyes on a repeat of the Premier League title and two FA Cup triumphs in which Anelka basked while at Chelsea.

As per FBref, the “world-class” Thuram – as once dubbed by Wolfsburg sporting director Marcel Schäfer – ranks within the top 7% of forwards in Europe’s top five leagues in 2022 for non-penalty goals and the top 6% for dribbles completed, highlighting his cutting edge and transitional prowess.

Hailed as a “beast” by Atul Kasbekar, the nine-cap phenomenon would be a worthy addition for Potter’s side; and if Chelsea are serious about righting the wrongs of the season so far and forging a path to success in 2023 and beyond, then signing Thuram is of paramount importance.

New Glasgow Rangers boss Michael Beale appears to be already plotting moves to strengthen his charges at Ibrox ahead of the January transfer window, with recent reports having claimed that the Ibrox outfit are keen on a move for Algerian sensation, Ahmed Kendouci.

According to Football Scotland’s Mark McDougall, the Old Firm outfit have “made contact” regarding a swoop for the ES Setif midfielder, with the Light Blues believed to be eyeing a loan deal for the 23-year-old next month.

While the Glasgow giants are expected to face competition for the player’s signature, there is believed to be confidence that a deal can be struck to bring the playmaker to Scotland, even if his current side would prefer a permanent move.

The fleet-footed gem has seemingly been a long-term target for the club – and rivals Celtic – having been touted as a possible option earlier this year, with the “complete midfielder”, as described by talent scout Jacek Kulig, having caught the eye with his form in his homeland of late.

The “elegant” ace – as also dubbed by Kulig – has provided 41 goal involvements in 107 games for his current side to date, having proven a truly creative asset in his attacking midfield role and as a makeshift left-back.

A player with a “left foot made of gold”, as per Kulig, the 5 foot 11 dynamo could well help to fill the void of former Gers star Joe Aribo in the current side, with the Nigeria international having left a sizeable hole following his £10m exit to Premier League side Southampton.

That is the verdict of pundit Frank McAvennie, who suggested that Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s “biggest problem” was failing to secure a replacement for the 26-year-old, with the former Charlton Athletic man having been one of the club’s “best players”.

That quality was illustrated last term as Aribo ended the campaign with an impressive haul of nine goals and ten assists form his advanced midfield role, notably scoring in the Europa League final defeat to Eintracht Frankfurt.

The “dynamic” gem – as described by Van Bronckhorst – had racked up a total tally of 51 goals and assists in 148 games following his arrival in 2019, memorably playing a pivotal role in the 2020/21 title-winning campaign, after recording ten goal involvements in the top-flight.

The left-footed menace has proven a hard act to follow since then, although the addition of another creative spark such as Kendouci could well prove the answer for Beale in 2023.

It is no secret that Newcastle United are huge admirers of James Maddison and now a new update has emerged on the club’s pursuit of the player in the January transfer window.

What’s the latest?

According to journalist Jordan Cronin, Newcastle could pursue the Leicester City star this winter instead of waiting until the summer.

Cronin revealed to Loaded Mag NUFC YouTube channel:

“Maddison’s one on the agenda. He would be an incredible signing. Obviously, there was interest there in the summer, they had two bids turned down.

“I think if you’re James Maddison now and you’re looking at what Newcastle are doing, then I think the prospect of coming here becomes a lot more exciting.

“I think James Maddison, the way he’s playing as well, has probably played himself into a January move, so it’s one to keep an eye on.”

“World-class” talent

There is no doubt that Maddison has become one of the hottest prospects in the Premier League over the season so far and his outstanding performances have earned him a place in the England squad for the World Cup in Qatar this month.

Despite Leicester City’s struggle in the top flight over the current campaign, it is undisputed that Maddison has been the best player in the team.

Over 13 appearances, the 25-year-old ace has scored seven goals, registered four assists and created three big chances, as well as making an average of 2.4 key passes, 1.9 tackles and taking 3.0 shots at goal per game – proving that he has been a serious attacking threat for the Foxes.

Not only that, Maddison currently ranks sixth for chance creation, whilst ranking second for assists outside of the box and is the eighth top goal-scorer in the entire Premier League.

England boss Gareth Southgate has showered praise on the £60m talented player hailing him “world-class” in an assessment of Maddison’s attributes back in 2019 when he earned his first England cap:

“He’s a player of outstanding technical ability. He has an eye for an incisive pass, his set-play delivery is world-class – absolutely top. He’s developing well and he has a lot to offer us.”

Howe will be desperate for his team to continue their phenomenal form and retain their position inside the top four over the second half of the season, so it would be no surprise if Newcastle use the January transfer window as a tool to bolster their squad and continue to sign high-quality players who can bring success to St James’ Park

With that being said, if the club have the opportunity to snap up Maddison’s services in January they should do everything they can to secure his signature, as he could be the difference in the team that delivers Newcastle Champions League football next term.

Italian football journalist and transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has claimed that Liverpool are having ‘contacts’ over some potential transfer moves in January.

The Lowdown: Poor start

By the Reds’ high standards, they have had a poor start to the season, lingering in sixth place in the Premier League table and seven points away from the Champions League places.

There have been reports of a potential takeover at Anfield, which could affect any plans in the January transfer window in terms of bringing in new reinforcements in order to try and kick on in the second half of the campaign.

The Latest: Having ‘contacts’

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Romano has claimed that Liverpool are having ‘contacts’ to see if there any possible deals that they could execute in January, although their ‘main focus’ is to sign a new midfielder in the summer.

The Italian stated: “In January, it will be about the opportunities. I think they need some fresh players to help Jurgen Klopp.

“They’re exploring the market. They’re having some contacts to see if there are some good opportunities, but the main focus will be on the new midfielder, a top midfielder, in the summer.”

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The Verdict: Exciting for Kopites

It will certainly be exciting for Liverpool supporters to hear that the Reds will be exploring the January market after a poor start to the campaign.

Although the top-flight title already looks seemingly out of reach, with Jurgen Klopp’s side a whopping 15 points behind league leaders Arsenal, they are still in the Champions League, a competition in which they reached the final last season and have won twice this century.

One or two quality additions could help them to push again for European glory and at least claw back a Champions League berth for next term in the league.

Journalist Pete O’Rourke believes that Aston Villa could hold an advantage in the race to sign Villarreal forward Nicolas Jackson.

The Lowdown: Jackson rumours

Reports have suggested in recent days that new Villa boss Unai Emery has ‘instructed his new club to move quickly and try to sign’ Jackson.

The Villans aren’t the only Premier League club to be linked with a move, though, with Everton and Newcastle also name-checked as possible suitors.

The 21-year-old’s current contract with the La Liga side is set to expire next summer, and O’Rourke has been having his say on a potential switch to Villa Park.

The Latest: O’Rourke’s comments

Talking to The Transfer Tavern, O’Rourke was asked if Emery’s arrival could give Villa an advantage in the race to sign Jackson, with the journalist believing that could well be the case.

He stated: “Yeah, I think so, it’s the obvious link. It happens all the time in football when a manager comes into a new job, he likes to be reunited with players that he’s worked with before. He knows he can trust them, he knows what they can offer, so that’s why this Nicolas Jackson link has come about.”

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The Verdict: Pre-contract agreement?

Should Jackson’s contract situation remain the same, Villa will have the chance to discuss a possible pre-contract agreement with the forward ahead of a free transfer next summer.

That could be something which may appeal to all involved, or Emery may even want NSWE to seal an immediate January transfer.

The 21-year-old appears to be a key target for the new Villa boss, and we agree with O’Rourke in believing that Emery’s arrival in the Midlands could give the Villans a better chance of sealing a deal for him.

Everton are reportedly looking to shift struggling striker Salomon Rondon, with the Venezuelan international having failed to make an impact at the club over the past year or so.

What’s the word?

According to journalist Paul Brown – speaking to GIVEMESPORT – the 33-year-old is now surplus to requirements at Goodison Park, having reportedly been told to find a new club in January.

Amid those reports regarding the 91-cap dud, the transfer insider stated:

“Everton are certainly willing to let him go, it hasn’t really worked. It was Rafa Benitez who wanted him and that experiment just hasn’t really worked at all. Unfortunately, it’s not for the want of trying and he’s someone who’s put a shift in but he’s just not the player he was.

“He’s played more minutes than he thought he would get, or Everton would thought they would need to use him for, but it’s clear his form isn’t going to improve, he’s had enough chances to.”

The former West Bromwich Albion marksman had seemingly been close to a move to Turkey towards the latter stages of the recent window, while he also reportedly rejected the chance to join UAE outfit, Sharjah FC.

Unleash Okoronkwo

A departure now appears “inevitable” for the £2.25m-rated dud, as stated by journalist Pete O’Rourke, with the centre-forward having been on the periphery since his free transfer arrival on Merseyside last summer, during Rafa Benitez’s stint in charge.

The one-time Newcastle United man went on to score just once in 20 Premier League appearances after playing a bit-part role in that dismal debut campaign, having only been afforded one start in the top flight so far this term.

The £20k-per-week brute’s only other start in the current campaign came in the narrow 1-0 victory over Fleetwood Town in the Carabao Cup back in August, with Toffees podcaster Lee McClean subsequently describing the forward as “absolutely terrible” and “one of the worst players [he’s] ever seen in a blue shirt.”

That damning assessment has epitomised just what a wretched time Rondon has endured at the club thus far, with the arrival of Neal Maupay and the return of Dominic Calvert-Lewin from injury ensuring there is little need for the 6 foot 1 menace to remain beyond the winter window.

His departure could well free up space in Lampard’s squad for one of Everton’s promising youngsters, with 18-year-old Francis Okoronkwo one such figure who is potentially on the cusp of securing a first-team place, having sparkled of late in the youth ranks.

The versatile forward is able to feature on the flanks and in a leading role through the middle, notably scoring twice and laying on one assist in that latter starting berth in just two Premier League games at U18 level so far this season.

The highly-rated Englishman was snapped up by the Toffees on a £1m deal from Sunderland last summer, going on to more than prove his worth with eight goals in 13 appearances for the club’s U18 side since then.

The suggestion is that his arrival could well mirror the £1.5m capture of current first-team regular Calvert Lewin from Sheffield United back in 2016, with Lampard and co likely hoping that the emerging ace can enjoy a similar rise to that of his compatriot.

Earmarked as one of the best players of his age in the country, as per the Liverpool Echo, Okoronkwo was also lauded by The Athletic’s Patrick Boyland for his “composed” finish in the FA Youth Cup defeat to Manchester United at Old Trafford last season, with the signs all pointing to a player who could well thrive if handed a taste of senior action.

Getting the floundering Rondon out the way first could well help to bolster the Blyth-born gem’s chance of promotion.

West Bromwich Albion travel to Championship title-chasing Norwich City this afternoon in what appears to be one of their toughest games of the season to date.

The two sides could not be in more contrasting form, with the Canaries having won all of their last five in the league whilst the Baggies have won once all season.

Steve Bruce will be hoping for an upset, and to work some of his magic on a group of players who currently look devoid of creativity and confidence.

With a couple of injuries and some players vying for a starting spot, the 61-year-old will have plenty of decisions to make when selecting his starting XI today.

With all that in mind, here’s how we think West Brom will line up to face Norwich…

In goal, David Button will continue despite his poor performance against Birmingham City in midweek, when didn’t make a single save in their 3-2 defeat.

We expect to see a full Albion debut for Erik Pieters, who came off the bench on Wednesday when replacing Taylor Gardner-Hickman. The rest of the back four will likely remain unchanged.

A precautionary substitution for Okay Yokuslu last time out will likely see Jake Livermore return to the starting line-up alongside Jayson Molumby, and the two will sit just behind John Swift in the number ten role.

Jed Wallace, who scored their first goal against Birmingham, is expected to continue on the right flank. On the other side, Grady Diangana remains in the team despite a six-game barren streak in front of goal..

That leaves the central striker, where we think Bruce could spring a surprise and drop Karlan Grant. The proven Championship goalscorer has netted 41 times in this division throughout his career, but has just three goals in nine league matches this term.

His expected replacement is the “in form” Brandon Thomas-Asante (in Bruce’s own words), who conversely has two in two games for the Baggies (both as a substitute) and had four goals and two assists in six matches for Salford City in the early weeks of the campaign prior to his move to The Hawthorns.

The 23-year-old seems unstoppable at the moment, and if he continues this form then he will become undroppable.

Fabrizio Romano has relayed an update regarding the future of Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva.

What’s the latest?

In a recent post on Twitter, Romano relayed comments made by City’s CEO Ferran Soriano, originally to El Chiringuito TV, when asked whether the 28-year-old will remain at the Etihad Stadium this summer amid rumours linking him to Barcelona.

In response, Soriano said that the Portuguese international is “of course” staying with the Premier League champions.

A recent report from The Athletic claimed that the player is now focused on staying with the Citizens, which – in addition to these latest comments from Soriano – should be a massive weight off the shoulders of not only a lot of City fans but Pep Guardiola as well.

Guardiola should be buzzing

City signed the Portugal international from AS Monaco in 2017 in a deal worth £43m. Since then, Silva has gone on to make 254 appearances for the Manchester club across all competitions, scoring 49 goals and supplying 51 assists along the way.

His latest goal ultimately rescued his side a point during their recent 3-3 draw against Newcastle United at St James’ Park.

To highlight how much adoration the City manager has for the player, Guardiola said about him following his performance against Burnley last October. “He is so intuitive; he always gives us the extra ball that we need. The performance of Bernardo has been extraordinary again.

“He is so generous and the effort and the way he plays is fantastic. We are so lucky to have him. He was an incredible signing for us. All I want is his happiness. He deserves the best. He is a joy to have as manager. When he doesn’t play he always tries to do his best.”

In terms of what Silva offers to the team, in 2021/22 no other player in Guardiola’s squad completed more live-ball passes which led to a shot at goal than the 28-year-old (100).

In fact, only Bruno Fernandes (109) and Martin Odegaard (105) delivered more of these passes than the City star in last season’s Premier League.

Taking all this into account, this latest update regarding the former Monaco gem’s future at the Etihad should hopefully put to bed any doubts over a potential exit this summer, which will surely be a massive positive for everyone connected to the club.