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Leeds United could still make a late move for Wolves winger Adama Traore, according to 90min.

The Lowdown: Hwang and Gakpo links

Andrea Radrizzani and Victor Orta appear to be open to the idea of landing a new forward before the deadline, with Angus Kinnear saying that they could capitalise on an opportunity, should it suit the club.

One player who Jesse Marsch confirmed was on the list of options is Hwang Hee-chan, however, Wolves have rejected an approach from Leeds for the South Korea international.

Another player of interest is PSV Eindhoven’s Cody Gakpo, and it looks as of Traore is also on the radar.

The Latest: Traore in, James out

90min shared a story on Wednesday, claiming Leeds have not ruled out the idea of Dan James joining Tottenham on loan. Their report adds that should James leave Elland Road, the Whites could reignite their interest in Traore.

Described as a ‘game changer’ by Leeds employee Noel Whelan, Traore is into the final 12 months of his Molineux deal and is yet to start a Premier League game this season.

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The Verdict: Perfect replacement?

Leeds supporters will be desperate for a striker to arrive before tomorrow’s deadline following an injury to Rodrigo on Tuesday, but it looks as if they may have to settle for a versatile forward like Gakpo or Traore.

Both are primarily wingers, though, so should James head for north London, Traore or Gakpo would indeed be a like-for-like replacement.

The Spaniard has scored 19 senior goals during his club career, the same amount as James, and with the pair both known for their pace, this could be one to watch if Leeds green-light an exit for the Welshman.

Wolverhampton Wanderers have reached a verbal agreement with Stuttgart striker Sasa Kalajdzic ahead of a proposed move to Molineux, according to reliable journalist Florian Plettenberg.

The Lowdown

Bruno Lage’s side have experienced a difficult start to the new Premier League season, having gained just one point from their first three games.

More worryingly, the Old Gold have scored just one goal, with Daniel Podence netting in their opening fixture against Leeds United three weeks ago.

However, a lack of goals is not a new issue for Wolves, with 2021/22 top scorer Raul Jimenez hitting the back of the net just six times in the league last season and the team overall scoring just 38 in as many top-flight matches.

The Latest

After recent news revealed that Wolves have had a bid rejected for Kalajdzic, Plettenberg has now shared an update on the club’s pursuit of the Stuttgart frontman.

Taking to Twitter on Saturday afternoon, the reliable journalist claimed: “News #Kalajdzic: He is out of the squad for tomorrow’s game. It’s getting hot with his departure. @Wolves are still in & Stuttgart is expecting a new offer. VfB still wants a total package of €25m. The player has a verbal agreement with Wolverhampton in principle. @SkySportDE”

The Verdict

With Wolves lacking a truly dependable target man, the arrival of Kalajdzic at Molienux would add a quality alternative to Jimenez in Lage’s squad.

As per FBRef, compared with positional peers across Europe over the past year, the 25-year-old ranks in the top 5% for expected assisted and the top 6% for aerial duels won – the latter comes as no surprise given the Austrian’s hulking 6 foot 7 frame.

Kalajdzic is no mere battering ram up top either, with a haul of 22 goals over the last two Bundesliga seasons illustrating that he can be considered a reliable presence to find the net consistently, a trait for which Lage is crying out.

Therefore, if Wolves are able to get a deal done in time to secure the 15-cap international before Thursday’s transfer deadline, this could be a brilliant addition to Lage’s forward options, with the squad appearing to miss a clinical goalscorer in the final third.

When Kemar Roofe left West Brom in 2015, few would have predicted that he would be getting ready to feature in the Champions League seven years later.

The Baggies academy graduate was impressive for the U21s during his time at the Hawthorns, hitting 24 goals and 16 assists in 78 appearances but he was never given a chance in the first team.

After an impressive loan spell at Oxford United in the 2014/15 season which saw him hit six goals in 16 appearances, he would join the U’s on a permanent deal in the summer of 2015.

Another superb season in League Two was to come, as Roofe managed 17 goals and ten assists for Oxford United as they earned promotion to League One.

His form in the fourth tier convinced Leeds United to sign the forward the following summer and he would continue his fine run in the Championship with the Whites, with the Baggies no doubt regretting not giving Roofe a chance at this point.

After hitting 33 goals and 14 assists for the Yorkshire club, Roofe would move to Anderlecht where he enjoyed a fruitful but short spell, scoring seven times in 16 outings before his move to Rangers in 2020 where he has since thrived.

So impressive has he been that the attacker even scored from the halfway line in continental competition. Roofe was lauded for that moment of brilliance against Standard Liege in the Europa League by former boss Steven Gerrard.

He said: “He manages to take someone on – and to then have the vision and audacity to try the strike in the first place, I just think that’s a moment of genius.

“And it’s probably the best goal I’ve seen live – and I’ve been a professional since 1998. Unbelievable strike and he deserves all the plaudits for it.”

Roofe has always offered a goalscoring threat wherever he has been in his career and has 34 Rangers goals to his name thus far, helping the Gers win the Scottish Premiership title in 2021 and then helping them to a Europa League final last term.

He now looks set to make his Champions League debut this season after Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side sealed their spot in the group stages, which certainly does not reflect well on the Baggies. They let him go to a League Two side despite his impressive academy form, having never given him a chance to impress in the first team. This was certainly a transfer howler from Albion.

Goalscoring and creating chances have been a real problem for Wolves over the past two seasons but Bruno Lage may have a long-term solution in on-loan left-back Ryan Giles.

The Old Gold have managed just three goals in their opening seven Premier League fixtures this term, winning just once, which looks to be a continuation of their awful form from the end of 2021/22.

Lage opted to switch to four-at-the-back in the summer, perhaps in the hope that an extra midfielder would solve Wolves’ attacking woes, but his side are still struggling to break teams down and register shots on target.

One man who could have aided their attacking problems is Giles, as the wing-back continues to impress on loan in the Championship.

The 22-year-old spent last season on loan with Cardiff and Blackburn Rovers, contributing an impressive ten assists across his separate spells there, which emphasises the quality he possesses in the final third.

Tony Mowbray, who was in charge of Blackburn last season, was full of praise for Giles’ ability when he made the move to Ewood Park.

He said: “The Championship can catch people out if you’ve never played in it but he’s taken to the league very comfortably. He’s got a wonderfully cultured left foot, he’s a good footballer and he’s athletic, he’s just what we require.”

“He’s got fantastic talent, brilliant speed, amazing technique on his left foot, if he doesn’t get the ball he doesn’t seem to mind and he just carries on.”

Despite the summer exit of fellow left-back Marcal, Lage opted to send Giles out on loan again during the summer window, as he joined Chris Wilder’s Middlesbrough.

Giles is catching the eye for Boro despite their disappointing start to the campaign, with three assists in his first ten Championship appearances.

In fact, according to Stat ATM on Twitter, no player in the Championship has created more chances this season, while only Manchester City’s world-class star Kevin De Bruyne has created more chances in the top four divisions.

This emphasises what Giles could add to Lage’s side, and it was perhaps a mistake by the Portuguese manager to loan him out this summer when you consider that Rayan Ait-Nouri has failed to register an assist so far this season.

However, the Frenchman has been linked with a move to Manchester City recently, so if he departs and Lage wants to find a replacement, he could save millions by giving Giles an overdue chance in the first team instead.

Crystal Palace are reportedly interested in signing Rhys Norrington-Davies from Sheffield United and the left-back could form an electrifying duo with Wilfried Zaha in Patrick Vieira’s side.

According to Football Insider, Palace, Leicester City and Bournemouth are all keen on signing the Wales international in the January transfer window.

The 23-year-old has been a key part of Sheffield United’s rise to the top of the Championship table this season, featuring in every single game for Paul Heckingbottom’s side.

Norrington-Davies has shown his versatility too, featuring as an overlapping wide centre-back in the Blades’ notorious five-at-the-back formation, which suggests that he could provide cover in a number of roles at Selhurst Park.

After proving himself in loan spells with the likes of Barrow, Rochdale, Luton Town and Stoke City, Norrington-Davies is now one of the first names on the team sheet at Sheffield United and looks set to be a key part of their promotion push this season.

His contract at Bramall Lane is set to expire at the end of next season, which suggests that he could be available for a cut price, unless the Blades can tie him down to a new deal.

He will undoubtedly have aspirations of playing in the Premier League and while the Blades look very strong at the start of the new season, a move to Selhurst Park would guarantee top-flight football for the 23-year-old defender.

During his time on loan at Luton, manager Nathan Jones was full of praise for his potential.

He said: “It’s all an education as he’s still young and he needs to learn and he wants to learn, then the boy could have a fantastic career.”

Should he move to Crystal Palace, he would likely compete with Tyrick Mitchell for the starting role at left-back, meaning he could form a frightening partnership with the talismanic Zaha down the left-hand side.

While Mitchell continues to impress having progressed from Palace’s academy, he has contributed just one goal and four assists in his senior career.

Norrington-Davies meanwhile, has two goals and nine assists to his name, with WhoScored suggesting that one of his main strengths is passing, while he has also featured further forward as a left-midfielder in the past.

Wales manager Robert Page emphasised this after Norrington-Davies equalised in a game against the Netherlands, saying:

“Rhys was exceptional. He’s got great energy and he scored a great goal.”

Therefore, it seems likely that he would get forward far more than Mitchell down the left and could be a great overlapping option for Zaha in Vieira’s side should they bring him in during the January transfer window.

Adding his attacking spark alongside Zaha, a man with four goals in six outings already this term, would be a terrifying prospect for any defence; Palace must make it happen.

Manchester City striker Erling Haaland brings Pep Guardiola a strong level of ‘pulling power’ in the transfer market, according to Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth.

The Lowdown: Haaland to City

The Sky Blues welcomed the Norway international to the Etihad this summer after activating his £51m Borussia Dortmund release clause.

With the deal totalling £85.5m after agent fees and other add-ons, the 22-year-old has set the Premier League alight, having bagged an incredible 15 goals in his opening nine league games.

The number nine has already matched De Bruyne’s 15-goal tally for last season, which saw him finish the league campaign as the side’s top scorer.

The Latest: Sheth’s claim

Sheth believes City have become an unstoppable force since Haaland got off to a sensational start at the Etihad – blowing everyone’s expectations out of the water.

Consequently, he thinks the Norwegian’s arrival in Manchester will give Guardiola even more pulling power in the transfer market.

Speaking with GiveMeSport, the Sky Sports reporter claimed:

“It’s absolutely astonishing what he’s doing. If they keep him fit, you can’t imagine how anybody is going to be able to get close to Manchester City.

“Also, what is ominous for everybody else is the fact that Haaland has chosen to go to Manchester City. Look at the pulling power that is now going to have to other players.”

The Verdict: Unbelievable signing

Haaland’s arrival at City has given Guardiola the out-and-out striker he was missing since Sergio Aguero’s departure from the club.

Having netted 86 goals in 89 appearances for Dortmund, the 22-year-old is already well on the way to eclipsing his tally with the Sky Blues.

Even more worryingly for Premier League fans, City’s inevitable rise in the Champions League could attract some of the biggest stars in world football.

Therefore, both on and off the pitch, this is an unbelievable signing for the Cityzens.

Aston Villa were one of the finest teams in England in the early 1990s. Ron Atkinson led them to a runners-up position in the inaugural Premier League season in 1992/93, while the club also won two League Cup trophies in 1994 and 1996.

They signed the likes of Dean Saunders, Andy Townsend, and Savo Milosevic between 1992 and 1995, but if luck had gone their way, they could also have welcomed one of the finest full-backs to grace the modern game to Villa Park.

In 1995, the Villans had the chance to bring Brazilian left-back Roberto Carlos to the Premier League following an impressive performance for Brazil against England at Villa Park.

The then-Palmeiras defender explained that he was on the brink of moving to the Midlands, saying: “I actually came close to joining Aston Villa early in my career. I met with the club, but nothing happened. Birmingham were also interested, but it didn’t go anywhere and I later joined Inter Milan.”

It was a case of what might have been for Villa, as had Carlos made the move to England, he surely would have dazzled with his free kick ability and tremendous power.

He moved to Inter Milan instead for just £3.15m, and following just one season in Serie A, Real Madrid came calling, and he went on to excel in Spain.

The thundering left-back won three Champions League titles and four La Liga crowns amongst a hatful of other honours at the Bernabeu.

Carlos also shone on the international stage, winning the World Cup, Copa America (twice) and Confederations Cup with Brazil in a Selecao career which spanned 14 years and garnered 127 caps, with arguably his most famous moment coming by scoring that free kick against France at Le Tournoi in 1997.

COPA90 lavished “incredible” praise on him for another stunning goal that he scored in the early days of his European career, a wonderful half-volley from an extremely acute angle which was hit with so much power that, if it didn’t hit the net, it would probably still be in flight.

Villa must rue missing out on the now 49-year-old, especially after the success that he went on to have with Real Madrid and Brazil.

TalkSPORT pundit Alan Hutton has been left thrilled as Tottenham Hotspur allegedly eye a move for RB Leipzig defender Josko Gvardiol.

The Lowdown: Spurs making plans?

The Lilywhites have been backing manager Antonio Conte in the transfer market ever since he guided them to a top four Premier League finish last season.

ENIC green-lit a £150 million equity increase which Spurs sporting director Fabio Paratici then put to good use, completing seven major signings in total.

Indeed, the north Londoners sealed moves for Ivan Perisic, Fraser Forster, Yves Bissouma, Richarlison, Clement Lenglet, Djed Spence, Destiny Udogie and a permanent deal for Cristian Romero.

Despite their flurry of activity, Spurs have been linked with further interest in promising targets ahead of the January window.

The Latest: Hutton thrilled by Gvardiol links…

Speaking in an interview, former Scotland and Tottenham right-back Hutton has reacted to links with RB Leipzig sensation Gvardiol.

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He explains that the 20-year-old would be an ‘upgrade’ on Conte’s current crop and raved over his ‘unbelievable’ ability.

Hutton explained to Football Insider:

“As long as Daniel Levy has got the money and he is willing to open the purse strings to spend on him.

“I think he is a fantastic player. We saw it against Celtic, his range of passing is unbelievable. He is left-sided, he is very comfortable. To bring someone like that in definitely enhances the Tottenham back line.

“It is going to be a lot of money there is no getting away from that. You are probably talking £80m plus for a player of his standards.

“If they want to go and compete at the highest level these are the markets they need to be working within. If they can get hold of him I think it would definitely be an upgrade.“

The Verdict: Marquee…

The Croatia international wouldn’t come cheap, so Paratici must get financial backing if he is to negotiate a move.

Reports suggested earlier this year that Gvardiol could indeed command a price tag between £70-80 million (Jack Pitt-Brooke), a fee that would eclipse Spurs’ club record total on a single signing.

That being said, the starlet is clearly a stellar talent – having played a major role domestically for Leipzig last season.

As per WhoScored, Gvardiol ranked in their top three for tackles made, interceptions and clearances per 90 in the Bundesliga last season whilst finishing the campaign as their third-best performer overall.

He would undoubtedly be a left-footed central defensive upgrade, but the logistics of such a move could prove challenging.

Newcastle United extended their unbeaten run in the Premier League to six matches as they beat Everton 1-0 at St. James’ Park on Wednesday night.

The Magpies have retained their place in sixth in the table and have moved to within two points of Chelsea in the Champions League places.

Miguel Almiron’s fifth goal of the campaign was enough to seal the three points in an entertaining and high-intensity performance from Eddie Howe’s side.

The Paraguay international brilliantly found the top corner from the edge of the box in the first half as Bruno Guimaraes teed up the winger to hit an unopposed shot.

Whilst the former MLS man was the match-winner for the Magpies, the real hero of the night for Howe was right-back Kieran Trippier.

The ex-Atletico Madrid full-back put in a stunning display as he impressed at both ends of the pitch for Newcastle, whilst wearing the captain’s armband.

He was sublime defensively and almost faultless. As per SofaScore, he won 80% (4/5) of his individual duels and made six tackles and interceptions combined. The full-back put a shift in out of possession and kept Demarai Gray quiet as the winger only completed two of his five dribble attempts and created one chance.

Offensively, the Englishman caught the eye with four key passes and seven completed crosses over the 90 minutes. Trippier played a huge role in the winning goal as he won the ball back inside his own half at the start of the move and crossed for Jacob Murphy shortly before the strike from Almiron.

The England international was unlucky not to end the game with an assist as he calmly rolled the ball back to Guimaraes and the Brazilian missed the target on the spin from 12 yards.

He also delivered a sublime cross in the second half that Callum Wilson was inches from meeting in the six-yard box, as he provided a constant threat with his overlapping runs from right-back.

Statman Dave described his performance as “magnificent” and the aforementioned statistics back that up, as Everton found him impossible to deal with at both ends of the pitch.

Therefore, the defensive wiz was undoubtedly the real hero for Howe with an impeccable all-round display helping to keep Nck Pope’s goal safe.

West Ham United could well be plotting a move to bolster their midfield ranks in the near future, with recent reports suggesting that PSV Eindhoven colossus, Ibrahim Sangare, is one of those currently on the club’s radar.

Despite having overseen an extensive summer of recruitment that saw eight major deals completed, one area that still appears somewhat depleted is the centre of the park, with journalist Paul Brown only recently stating that it “was a position they were looking to strengthen”, only to have missed out on “quite a few targets”.

As per 90min, the Hammers have now identified that man Sangare as a potential solution to their midfield woes, having reportedly been ‘impressed’ by what they have seen from the Cote d’Ivoire international of late.

The suggestion is that with persistent speculation regarding the future of skipper Declan Rice – and with Tomas Soucek’s contract talks having hit an impasse – an extra quality recruit could well be what is needed.

The PSV man only recently signed a new long-term deal with the Eredivisie outfit, although the report claims that the 24-year-old would be keen on a move to England, having been linked with a number of Premier League clubs over the summer.

Manchester United and Chelsea were both named by Sky Sports as potential suitors in the recent window, while Football Insider claimed that both Aston Villa and Leicester City were keen on the former Toulouse man.

The suggestion at the time, prior to the player’s recent extension, was that the 24-cap brute had a release clause of around £30m in his contract at his current side, with Newcastle United also another one of those to have shown an interest in a move.

West Ham, too, were also linked with a swoop late in the window after missing out on Amadou Onana, with it now time for the east Londoners to finally get their man and land the “extraordinary” figure in the near future, as described by analyst Aad de Mos.

The 6-foot-3 powerhouse has more than shown his quality in Holland of late, proving himself a true ball-winning master as the towering ace ranks in the top 1% for tackles made and the top 3% for interceptions made among his European peers.

That record is far greater than the aforementioned Soucek for instance, with the “abysmal” dud – as described by journalist Josh Bunting – ranking in just the top 37% and top 9% for the same two metrics, respectively.

The latter man has also come under fire for his quality in possession as the Czech Republic international ranks in just the bottom 20% for progressive passes, while his potential replacement Sangare ranks in the top 7% in that regard.

That could well ensure that the Hammers target proves to be the ideal partner to Rice at the heart of the midfield – so long as the Englishman remains at the London Stadium – having also showcased his attacking quality this term with five goals in just 18 games across all fronts from his defensive-minded berth.

Any fears over the player’s ability to make an impact in English football can well be eased by his display in the recent defeat to Arsenal in the Europa League at the Emirates, with the imposing presence notably winning six of his eight ground duels and recording three tackles on the day.

While there may well be fierce competition for his signature, the Irons must simply do all they can to try and get Sangare through the door.