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It has been nearly four weeks since Wolverhampton Wanderers sacked Bruno Lage and the Old Gold are still searching for a new manager to take the helm at Molineux.

The Midlands club find themselves in 19th place in the Premier League with just five goals to their name, with interim manager Steve Davis so far unable to deliver the ‘new manager bounce’ we so often see in football.

Wolves have certainly had their targets to replace Lage, with both Julen Lopetegui and Michael Beale turning down the opportunity to join the club, with the second rejection by the Queens Park Rangers boss encouraging the Old Gold to put their faith in Davis until 2023.

It was confirmed that the 57-year-old would remain at Molineux until after the World Cup following a 1-0 win over Nottingham Forest but it seems as if last week’s embarrassing 4-0 home defeat against Leicester City has forced the board to look elsewhere.

Express and Star journalist Liam Keen confirmed on Twitter that:

“Wolves could yet appoint a new head coach before 2023. The club is prepared to go back on their announcement that Steve Davis is in charge until then, if they can find the right candidate.”

Considering that Wolves have shown little signs of improvement under Davis, managing one win and three losses in four games, with nine goals conceded and just two scored, it is the right decision that the club look for a more experienced option as soon as possible.

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There is little doubt that the Old Gold are in a relegation battle this season and with other sides around them showing they are capable of picking up points, with Nottingham Forest beating Liverpool last weekend, sticking with Davis could soon see Wolves be cut adrift.

Therefore, appointing a new manager who could get Wolves out of this rut and get them playing to their full potential must be a priority for Fosun, as it might just save their season and prevent relegation back to the Championship.

Newcastle United are believed to be eyeing a move for Stuttgart defender, Borna Sosa, albeit with the Croatia international also attracting interest from another Premier League club.

What’s the word?

According to Croatian outlet Index, the Magpies are set to try and gazump West Ham United in the race to land the 24-year-old, with the northeast side prepared to place a higher offer than that of the Hammers in order to get a deal done.

The report suggests the east London outfit have been in talks regarding a move for the 6 foot 2 full-back, with David Moyes seemingly prepared to pay around €20m (£17m) to land the six-cap star.

As for those at St James’ Park, this reported interest would suggest that the Tynesiders are on the hunt for another left-back addition, despite having already signed Matt Targett on a permanent deal from Aston Villa, following his promising loan spell at the club last season.

Howe’s own Andy Robertson

It is unsurprising that the former Dinamo Zagreb man is attracting such intense interest, such has been his sparkling form in Germany of late, with Sosa notably netting one goal and providing eight assists in the Bundesliga last term, while also averaging an impressive 2.2 key passes per game from his 28 outings – with that latter metric significantly higher than that of the aforementioned Targett (1.2) from the 2021/22 campaign.

Clearly a forward-thinking and creative talent, the £20.7m-rated man poses a real threat from his left-back/left wing-back berth, notably having been dubbed a “crossing machine” by journalist Ronan Murphy.

The statistics seemingly back up that claim as he ranked fourth in the German top-flight last term for crosses from open play, with 107 to his name, having finished second in the standings for the same metric the year prior (128), behind only the Juventus-bound Filip Kostic.

In that regard, the £15k-per-week ace – who has registered three goals and 23 assists in 83 games for his current side – seemingly mirrors that of Liverpool sensation Andy Robertson, with the Scotland skipper also a notable menace from the flanks.

The rampaging full-back ranked fourth in the Premier League last season for crosses made with 195, having previously finished behind only teammate Trent Alexander-Arnold for total crosses the year prior, registering 294 for the Reds.

There is seemingly a clear comparison to be made between Sosa and Robertson, with the pair sharing a number of statistical and stylistic similarities, as per FBref.

In the case of the Stuttgart man, he ranks in the top 5% for both progressive passes and progressive carries among his peers in Europe’s top five leagues, while it is a remarkably similar tale with the former Hull City star, as he ranks in the top 3% and the top 10% for the same two metrics, respectively.

That fact no doubt illustrates how both men adopt a front-foot attacking approach at left-back, showcasing their brilliance at getting their side into more advanced positions either as a ball-carrier or with an incisive, forward pass.

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Such likeness will pique the interest of those at St James’ Park, such has been Robertson’s breathtaking form at Anfield of late, the 28-year-old, who pundit Kevin Phillips dubbed the “best in the world”, having registered 49 assists in his top-flight career thus far – a record only bettered by former Everton man Leighton Baines (53) among defenders in the competition’s history.

Should Sosa be able to replicate such feats, then Howe and co could well be in for a real treat.

West Ham United are interested in signing Empoli midfielder Kristjan Asllani, according to a report from Italian outlet Calciomercato.it (via Sport Witness).

The lowdown: Rising star

Already a fully-fledged Albania international, Asllani has enjoyed a rapid rise to prominence domestically in Italy and has caught the eye with a run of stellar performances.

Previously a regular for the Empoli youth sides and the reserve team, the 20-year-old defensive midfielder made his Serie A bow at the start of the 2021/22 campaign and has since become a mainstay in the senior ranks.

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Now having been heavily targeted by Inter Milan in recent times, a big move looks to be inevitable for the talented youngster…

The latest: Hammers keen

As per Calciomercato.it, translated by SW, West Ham are in the mix to land the twice-capped Albania star.

It’s claimed that the Hammers are ‘very attentive’ to the prospect of signing Asllani as David Moyes begins to plan for life without the highly sought after Declan Rice, however, Inter Milan are said to be in the ‘front row’ for the capture.

The report also states that the €10-12million (£8.5-10million) asking price for the talent once dubbed ‘very strong’ by compatriot Erjon Bogdani is ‘affordable’ for GSB.

The verdict: Exciting prospect

Whilst few could be expected to fill the boots of a bonafide top-class operator such as Rice, adding Asllani to the West Ham ranks would be a smart move from Moyes and GSB alike with the future in mind.

The combative midfielder scored once and provided one assist in 23 league outings last season, predominantly operating in a holding role as the low-budget Empoli finished the campaign in mid-table.

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Sharing stylistic similarities with the likes of Premier League recognised stars such as Jonjo Shelvey, Ruben Neves and Douglas Luiz (Fbref), Asllani possesses impressive passing and blocking attributes, highlighting a well-rounded midfield skill set.

At anything like the mooted price, the Albanian would be a shrewd capture for the Irons, particularly in light of the interest from Inter Milan.

In other news… a reliable journalist has dropped this ‘big’ West Ham transfer twist

Leeds United have been backed to sign RB Salzburg midfielder Brenden Aaronson this summer because of the seemingly imminent appointment of Jesse Marsch.

The Lowdown: Marsch on the verge of replacing Bielsa

Marcelo Bielsa was relieved of his duties as Whites manager on Sunday after a poor run of form, in what was a sad day at Elland Road.

It looks as though former RB Leipzig and Salzburg boss is now almost certain to replace the Argentine, with reports on Monday saying that the deal could be completed later today.

Should the American arrive in Yorkshire, it could be the case that his compatriot and former Salzburg player Aaronson joins as well, having been strongly linked with a move to Leeds in recent months.

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The Latest: Aaronson backed for summer Leeds move

Speaking to GiveMeSport, journalist Dean Jones stated his belief that Aaronson could head to Elland Road in the summer if his former Salzburg boss is appointed as Bielsa’s successor.

The reporter said of the 21-year-old: “I think if Marsch were to go to Leeds, he would jump at the chance to do so.”

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The Verdict: First-choice target?

It makes perfect sense for Marsch to bring Aaronson with him to Leeds, having clearly valued him during his time at Salzburg and the 21-year-old starting all seven of his team’s Champions League games this season.

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An attacking midfielder who could bring lots of guile to the Whites’ game in the middle of the park – he has averaged 1.6 key passes per game in the Champions League this season, bettered only by Raphinha at Elland Road – the youngster would appear to be a tailor-made addition if Leeds can persuade him to join.

Aaronson would likely have been a transfer target even if Bielsa had stayed put, but the expected arrival of Marsch only seems to increase the chances of him switching to Leeds, given the duo’s prior working relationship.

In other news, a key Jesse Marsch update emerged on Monday. Read more here.

Everton could secure Rafa Benitez’s next Sergio Ramos after being linked with a move for Barcelona defender Arnau Comas ahead of the January transfer window.

What’s the story?

According to Spanish outlet Sport (as relayed by the Liverpool ECHO), the Toffees are one of two Premier League teams eager to secure the 21-year-old’s signature, with Leicester City also credited with an interest.

Comas’ current contract is set to expire next summer, meaning he could be available on a free transfer over the coming months, although Barca have the option to extend his stay by two years.

Benitez’s next Sergio Ramos

Despite the fact that the youngster is yet to make his first-team debut for the Blaugrana, Comas is believed to be highly rated by key officials within his boyhood club, including new manager Xavi Hernandez.

It is also claimed that it’s the player’s desire to stay at the Camp Nou and force his way into the senior setup, yet at 21, time is quickly running out for the 6 foot 2 beast to do just that.

As a result, the possibility of Comas departing Barca in the upcoming winter window appears to be high, and Benitez may be tempted to make a move.

Everton have kept just three clean sheets in all competitions in the opening weeks of the current campaign, and with Yerry Mina continuing to be linked with a Goodison Park exit, a new defender is likely to be on the 61-year-old’s wishlist.

Throughout his 38 appearances for Barcelona B, Comas has illustrated his ability both on the ball and as a natural captain, taking the armband on a permanent basis at the beginning of 2021/22.

His mature displays saw journalist Albert Roge label him a “leader” before stating that he “stands out for his ball output” after lauding his quality on Twitter.

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Comas’ arrival on Merseyside would see Benitez working with another talented Spanish centre-back after having Ramos at his disposal during his brief spell in the Real Madrid dugout, and the experienced tactician could be the ideal coach to extract the best out of his compatriot.

Like Ramos, Comas possesses a ball-playing ability and staunch leadership, attributes that outweigh his age. He would be a very intriguing signing for the Goodison outfit.

And, in other news…”I have been quickly informed”: Huge Everton revelation will surely leave fans worried 

Norwich City have reportedly made an official bid to sign Schalke 04 centre-back Ozan Kabak this summer as Daniel Farke looks for defensive reinforcements.

The Lowdown: Kabak impressed for Liverpool

The 21-year-old spent the second half of last season on loan at Liverpool in order to help their defensive injury crisis.

Kabak performed well for the Reds, making nine Premier League starts and helping Jurgen Klopp’s side finish an unlikely third in the table.

The Latest: Norwich linked with move

According to reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano on Twitter, Norwich have tabled a bid for the 12-cap Turkey international after talks with Torino hit an impasse.

Kabak is expected to leave Schalke on Monday, but it remains to be seen if the Canaries will beat other suitors to his signature.

The Verdict: Great potential signing

Kabak could be a superb signing for Norwich, aiding their Premier League survival chances and acting as a long-term acquisition at Carrow Road given his youth.

He looked the part at Liverpool, catching the eye during a tough period at Anfield and averaging 2.1 tackles and 1.3 interceptions per game in the English top flight. The Reds’ assistant manager Pep Lijnders said of the Turkey international: “Ozan is a big talent, so much progression is still possible. He adapted fantastically inside our club from a context like Schalke and had an immediate impact with Liverpool.”

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Despite his tender years, Kabak could be a leader at the heart of Norwich’s defence at a time when they are without a point in their opening three league matches.

In other news, Norwich are also reportedly keen on signing an international midfielder. Find out who it is here.

According to Football Insider, PSV have lowered their demands from £25m to £20m for Leeds United target Noni Madueke.

The Lowdown: Leeds prepare for new season

The Whites enjoyed a good first season back in the Premier League under Marcelo Bielsa as they finished in the top half of the table.

This season, though, each side will already be fully aware of how they play, and they will no longer have the element of surprise. To avoid second-season syndrome, they will need to bring in some fresh faces to add depth and quality.

The Latest: Leeds eye Madueke

Now, it is being reported that PSV have lowered their demands for 19-year-old Madueke.

Instead of £25m, they are now only looking for £20m for the England youth international, with a Leeds source revealing this ‘encouragement’ for the Whites to Football Insider.

The Verdict: Plenty of ability

Madueke was formerly on the books of both Crystal Palace and Tottenham, but in an attempt to forge a career in the game, he made the move to the Eredivisie – a decision that now looks inspired.

In 32 games in all competitions last term, he scored nine and created a further eight (Transfermarkt) goals, and looks like he is set for a big future.

He has even been compared to current Manchester City star and England international Phil Foden – high praise indeed (Aidy Boothroyd, via the Daily Mail).

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£20m would still be a considerable fee for Leeds, but given how he has performed at such a young age, he may just be worth a punt.

In other news, Leeds have been tipped to sell this man this summer.

Former Tottenham Hotspur captain Graham Roberts has told Football FanCast that the players at the club will have rebelled against Jose Mourinho’s methods, leading to his sacking.

Spurs confirmed on Monday that they had sacked the ex-Chelsea boss after a dramatic slide down the table.

Towards the end of 2020, Spurs were top of the Premier League, but they are currently seventh, and have won just one of their last six games in all competitions.

Mourinho appeared to fall out with a number of players, jettisoning both Harry Winks and Dele Alli from his team, and giving Gareth Bale precious few chances to prove his worth while on loan from Real Madrid.

And Roberts believes that the decisions that Mourinho made in terms of man-management will have alienated the squad.

Indeed, he has told FFC that the manager’s methods are outdated, even though he thought that Mourinho would bring success to north London when he was first appointed.

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He said: “I think there was pressure. I think it’s come inside the club as well from players, leaving players out, so I’ve got to say, when he joined, I thought he was a good appointment, I thought we would win trophies but football’s gone forward now, you can’t aggravate players, because they’re all mates.

“If you upset one or two, the next one thinks, ‘well, you’re going to upset me’.”

Wolverhampton Wanderers transfer target Diego Costa is “absolutely unbelievable” but there are concerns about his potential salat and and his general attitude.

Howey has much love for Costa

Those were the words of the former Newcastle and Manchester City defender Steve Howey, who was speaking on the back of the Black Country club’s links with the former Chelsea striker.

Costa was recently released by Atletico Madrid by mutual consent and was earning a salary of £265k-per-week, according to Salary Sport. This is 165% more than Wolves’ top-earner Joao Moutinho takes home, as Spotrac believe his £100k-per-week wages tops the books.

Despite this, the former Spain international has scored a total of 181 goals with eight different clubs – 58 of those were at Chelsea in what was a memorable spell due to his aggressive style of play and no-nonsense character.

Speaking exclusively to The Transfer Tavern about Costa potentially retiring to the Premier League, Howey was full of praise for Costa but he admitted that he did have his own anxieties about the player.

“I think most managers would want him,” he said. “I think the difficult thing is trying to contain him because he has got that flip switch, and then you’re wasting your time, so you need a strong manager. He is a player to lead the line and take responsibility and to ruffle feathers, he’s absolutely unbelievable. He’s perfect for any club really, who wouldn’t want him?

“(However) there are two concerns. First of all, the money and, of course, his temperament, and I think that worries managers. Can you afford to take a chance on somebody that, on his day, is excellent, but (you’re unsure) about what he’s going to be like in training, is he going to be a nightmare off the field?”

“The vast majority of managers would take him in a heartbeat, but you’ve got to weigh up all the different issues that you have with him.”

Transfer Tavern Verdict

If Wolves captured Costa, it would send a huge statement to the teams around them that Nuno’s side are not here to make up the numbers.

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With the player having a close relationship  with super agent Jorge Mendes, the man behind plenty of Wolves transfers in the past, it might play into Wolves’ hands, but his huge salary may be a step too far for them to get a deal done.

Time will tell whether Wolves will make the move for the two-time Premier League winner, as their search for a replacement for the injured Raul Jimenez continues.

In other news, Ex-referee Mark Halsey flags up incident that Wolves were ‘unlucky’ to lose out on.

According to Fanatik, Celtic remain interested in Trabzonspor attacker Caleb Ekuban.

What’s the word?

Despite signing Albian Ajeti from West Ham earlier this month, it appears Neil Lennon isn’t done trying to revamp his forward line. Reports in recent days had initially suggested that the Hoops weren’t keen on matching Trabzonspor’s asking price of £7m for Ekuban, but the latest news suggests that hasn’t completely put them off.

How’s your Celtic knowledge? Always been a loyal fan? Well can you spot Stilian Petrov from John Hartson? Give it a go if you’re brave enough …



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Turkish publication Fanatik claim that the Bhoys are still interested in the 26-year-old, and that whilst they may have signed Ajeti, they have “not let go” of Ekuban.

Forget Ajeti

Whilst Ajeti may not be too happy with the news that Celtic are targeting another striker, the simple fact is that Ekuban has proven himself to be a far more prolific, and dangerous forward than the Swiss man.

Last season saw Ekuban rack up an impressive ten goals and 11 assists in 34 games across all competitions, showcasing his versatility by playing all across the front-line and even as a number ten. That could well see the Ghana international dove-tail with Odsonne Edouard rather than just be a considered a like-for-like replacement in the starting line-up.

Ekuban is an explosive player who has the ability to fashion chances for others, and be on the end of them too. As per Sofascore, he averaged 1.2 shots, 0.7 key passes and 1.7 dribbles per game in the Turkish top-flight last season, and showed off his defensive discipline by winning four duels per match.

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And despite being compared to former Manchester City maverick Mario Balotelli in his younger days, Ekuban has since insisted that the two don’t share the same kind of outgoing personality or lifestyle. He said: “We are often compared. It is normal that I’d like to follow his career, but I’m Caleb Ekuban. When I go home I do nothing, believe me.”

Whilst Celtic may have their Edouard back-up in Ajeti, a move for Ekuban seems like a smart piece of business.