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West Brom’s desperate pursuit of securing a new striker ended late in the transfer window this summer when they managed to clinch Karlan Grant from Huddersfield Town, but there was a better name staring them right in the face…

What was the word?

According to the Daily Mail this week, Baggies boss Slaven Bilic was keen on signing prolific Championship marksman Ollie Watkins, though he became one of many targets to move elsewhere.

But this one is made so much worse by the fact that he joined arch-rivals Aston Villa in a £28m deal and whilst that may have seemed out of the realms of possibility for the Baggies, it maybe wasn’t.

Grady Diangana cost in the region of £18m whilst Grant himself will cost around £12m after all the instalments are paid off – that’s £30m right there.

Grant vs Watkins

Either signing would have been a calculated risk given their inexperience in the Premier League, but on the early showing, there’s a clear standout and it’s not the player contracted to the Hawthorns.

Watkins is performing above and beyond that of Grant so far this term. The 24-year-old sensation has bagged six goals in just nine starts, including a phenomenal hat-trick against defending champions, Liverpool.

He is also averaging 2.4 shots, 1.4 dribbles and 1.3 key passes, via WhoScored, which is really impressive for someone deployed upfront on their own.

In a similar role across the Midlands border, Grant has scored just once in seven appearances, and is managing just 1.6 shots, 0.7 dribbles and 0.4 key passes per game. Ineffective.

Both strikers delivered in the second-flight last term but again, Watkins was clear with a whopping 26 goals after back-to-back ten goal seasons.

It’s no wonder he’s been lauded as “lethal” in the past by Trevor Sinclair. His former Exeter boss Paul Tisdale claimed the forward has “got everything” too.

Such praise has continued with his meteoric rise at the top with Premier League legend Alan Shearer dubbing Watkins a “complete nuisance” on Match of the Day earlier this season.

The £27m-rated monster should’ve been signed well before the late panic over Grant. Guochuan Lai and Luke Dowling let the Baggies down with this failed pursuit.

AND in other news, Dowling can revive West Brom’s season with £7m-rated beast Bartley lauded “dangerous”…

Newcastle United are facing a now or never decision on Dwight Gayle’s Tyneside future, with West Bromwich Albion reportedly open to signing the striker for free next summer.

What’s the word?

According to Birmingham Live’s Joe Chapman, while speaking with the Chronicle, several West Brom club chiefs would love to lure Gayle back to the Hawthorns following his successful loan spell at the club in 2018/19.

The Baggies sought to keep Gayle for a second season but were unable to finalise a move for financial reasons, with the striker netting £40,000-per-week at St. James’ Park and Newcastle chasing a £20million fee.

Stoke City and Fulham were also keen to sign Gayle last year, who remained on Tyneside but struggled to establish himself under Steve Bruce until after the Premier League season was postponed in March as injuries forever dented his comeback.

Gayle made 20 Premier League outings last season but started just 10, while scoring each of his four goals after action resumed in June. He is yet to feature this term, with the former Crystal Palace marksman sidelined through a knee injury sustained in pre-season training.

The issue has not discouraged West Brom club chiefs from monitoring Gayle’s situation, as interest would be firm should he leave St. James’ Park as a free agent when his Toon contract expires at the end of the season.

West Brom would be expected to offer the 30-year-old a pay-as-you-play deal, given his relentless injuries, as he is still well-regarded among the Hawthorns fanbase from his 24-goal season that fell short in the Play-Off semi-finals.

Now or never for Newcastle

West Brom sniffing around Gayle’s situation must spark Newcastle chiefs to sit up and discuss the striker’s future, as they risk losing the £7.2m-rated man for nothing if they do not secure a mid-season move.

It is unlikely that Gayle will be offered a new contract at St. James’ Park having demonstrated little since arriving in 2016 to suggest he can cut it regularly in the Premier League, even if Bruce lauds the striker for having the “invaluable” knack of knowing how to score, as his four-goal haul from last term fell just two short of his Magpies’ best.

Freeing Gayle’s wages will also help Bruce to sign a supporting striker who he can rely on week in, week out with Callum Wilson accounting for seven of Newcastle’s 12 Premier League goals so far this season. A trend the Toon cannot maintain if they wish to achieve anything more than survival.

But the ball will be in Gayle’s court, as he will know that leaving in the summer will open more doors than being hurried out of the North East in the winter having not played a single minute since last season.

AND in other news, Steve Bruce is in talks for Newcastle United to sign a £75k-p/w international who’s “entering into his prime”.

Carlo Ancelotti must unleash Cenk Tosun on Manchester United to see if the rumoured Feyenoord and Besiktas target has anything left to offer Everton.

Tosun has struggled to establish himself in Ancelotti’s plans since recovering from cruciate ligament surgery, with the Turkey striker earning just 32 minutes across all competitions this season.

The 29-year-old made his return from injury in last month’s 2-1 defeat at Newcastle United before playing the final 10 minutes at home to Man United in the league, yet has only been seen on the pitch for a mere two minutes since the 3-1 loss seven games ago.

Ancelotti unleashing Tosun on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in Everton’s Carabao Cup quarter-final on Wednesday night could be the £6.3m-rated striker’s last chance to impress the Italian, with reports emerging of growing interest in the 45-cap hitman’s services.

Claims by Algemeen Dagblad suggest that Everton will allow Tosun to leave Goodison Park in the upcoming January window, with the £60,000-per-week disaster seen as a leading option for the Blues to sell as the club looks to raise funds and free space on the wage bill.

Feyenoord would be keen to strike a deal if Tosun does leave Merseyside, yet could face competition from the man who signed the 29-year-old, Sam Allardyce, following his appointment as West Bromwich Albion’s new head coach.

Besiktas President Ahmet Nur Cebi has also admitted he would love to reunite the Black Eagles with the forward he sold for £27m in 2018, but only on loan, feeling Tosun is still a “special” player despite scoring just 10 Premier League goals in almost three years.

Ancelotti must use Everton’s Carabao Cup quarter-final against United as his last chance to truly see if Tosun has anything left in his locker for the Toffees, as depth behind Dominic Calvert-Lewin has been a vivid issue for the Goodison Park natives this term.

Tosun is the only other recognised senior centre-forward still on the blue side of Stanley Park after Moise Kean joined Paris Saint-Germain on a season-long loan but he has brought nothing to the table in his rare outings to date this term.

Facing the Red Devils in a cup quarter-final would be too much of a baptism of fire for youth prospect Ellis Simms, with the 19-year-old yet to play a single minute for the first-team, and solutions will need to be arranged swiftly if Tosun offers another toothless display in the midweek clash.

Everton cannot go for broke on Calvert-Lewin seeing out the season without missing a beat, thus Tosun must be given the chance to prove himself or be shown the door.

AND in other news: “Ancelotti’s sort of player” – Exclusive: Marcel Brands urged to make Everton swoop for £18m-rated maestro.

Steve Bruce has no alternative but to table a new contract offer for DeAndre Yedlin to stay at Newcastle United amid rumours of a serious offer from a Major League Soccer franchise.

What’s the word?

According to SBI, an unnamed Eastern Conference outfit has offered Yedlin a move back to the United States after his recent run of appearances at St. James’ Park boosted his profile in the transfer market.

Yedlin is understood to have been presented with a long-term contract to sound out his interest in a move back across the pond, with the right-back considering his future beyond Tyneside having entered into the final six months of his £30,000-per-week Magpies deal.

Yedlin is expected to be greeted with future offers to quit the Toon for clubs in Europe, which are considered to be more attractive than a return to MLS for the 27-year-old.

Newcastle may still make a play to retain the right-back beyond the end of the current campaign despite Steve Bruce placing the 62-cap USMNT star on the transfer list last summer, deeming Yedlin surplus to requirements with Emil Krafth and Javier Manquillo available.

Trabzonspor have also been linked with interest in signing Yedlin, who has started Newcastle’s last four Premier League games after displacing Krafth in the side last month.

No alternative

Yedlin has proven over the past few weeks that Bruce and Newcastle have no alternative but to present the 27-year-old with a new contract at St. James’ Park, as he is by far the best option presently at the club.

Newcastle would regret their decision to part ways with Yedlin if he chooses to take up one of the options tabled to him, as Krafth only serves to hold Bruce’s side back while Manquillo has now slipped down the pecking order.

Bruce has been delighted with Yedlin’s recent efforts, too, after the £4.5m-rated full-back returned and offered a busy presence at home to Fulham, form a key part in a defensive masterclass against Liverpool and cause problems for Manchester City and Leicester.

“I have been absolutely delighted because he has come in from the cold after the problems that Javier Manquillo has had. He has grasped the opportunity,” Bruce said, via quotes by the Chronicle, earlier this month.

“I am sure there have been times when his future at Newcastle looked to be not here. He’s given us a glimpse of what he can do, and I am delighted for him.”

Newcastle were fortunate their decision to place Yedlin on the transfer list did not come back to bite them last summer, and must do all they can to avoid losing the Seattle Sounders product in 2021.

AND in other news, Steve Bruce must axe a Newcastle lightweight Rafa Benitez once dubbed “a good player for the future”…

After the stunning start to the Premier League season that Aston Villa have enjoyed, it’s no surprise to see the club being linked with making some major moves in this month’s January transfer window.

Recent reports have suggested that Bournemouth pair Josh King and David Brooks are potential transfer targets for Dean Smith’s side, and whilst it may feel like the former might be the more necessary signing given he can provide an extra option up front, it’s the Wales international who Villa should really be going all out for.

The £55k-a-week earning ace has been in outstanding form for the Cherries this season as they adjust to life back in the Championship, and the 23-year-old has been leading their charge for promotion.

An ankle injury picked up earlier in the campaign ruled him out for a few games, but since his return to the pitch, he has been a key part of Bournemouth’s impressive run of form.

He’s scored four goals and provided a further five assists in 20 games, and shown off his versatility by playing all across the front line, including some stints as a second striker.

At 23, Brooks fits the remit of lowering the age of Villa’s squad, something The Daily Mirror claim that Smith is keen on doing, and given his ability to be used in a number of different roles he would be a superb addition to the side.

Recent weeks have shown the kinds of issues that injuries can cause, with Ross Barkley’s in particular exposing the fact that Villa don’t have an established number ten who can fill in that role other than moving Jack Grealish in field or giving the inexperienced Jacob Ramsey some game-time.

In Brooks, Smith would be far more comfortable letting him operate in that attacking midfield role, with the Welshman’s low centre of gravity and quick turn of pace something to really change the pace of a game – his former Bournemouth Eddie Howe hailed him as someone who “turns well with the ball” and has “creative flair”.

As per Sofascore, he averages an impressive 1.5 shots, 1.4 key passes and 0.9 dribbles per game, whilst it also pinpoints his strikes from distance as one of his major strengths.  Villa could do with an extra player just behind Ollie Watkins to conjure up a bit of magic, and Brooks fits that bill to a tee.

As Howe said, Brooks is someone who “can do a little bit of everything”, and that kind of attacking player would surely light up Villa Park.

Meanwhile, Villa are interested in signing this Championship sensation…

Tottenham Hotspur are thought to be keen on signing Nikola Milkenovic

What’s the word?

According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, Spurs are keeping tabs on the Fiorentina colossus ahead of a potential swoop. He told We Are Tottenham TV last week:

“Milenkovic is an interesting situation because his contract expires in two years. At the moment he doesn’t want to extend his contract and Fiorentina knows that he wants to move.

“Let’s see if Tottenham will go for him or not, but for sure he’s appreciated. At the moment he’s not the first choice, but he is appreciated.”

Imagine him & Hojbjerg

It’s no secret that Spurs boss Jose Mourinho would like a new centre-back this window, so perhaps he ought to urge Daniel Levy into making a move this window.

After all, the north Londoners remain firmly in all competitions at the half-way point of the season, meaning there’s a genuine chance they could seal their first piece of silverware since 2008 – especially given they are in the Carabao Cup final.

If Mourinho is to meet such ambitions, then he quite clearly needs that new central defensive option, and there’s surely no one better out there right now considering the 6 foot 5 Serbian doesn’t want to remain at the Serie A outfit for the long-term.

The 23-year-old is also thought to be available for just €25m (£22.5m) as per La Nazione.

Despite being nowhere near his peak, the La Viola powerhouse has been making great strides in the league. Per WhoScored, he’s been their best player, managing a squad-high average rating of 6.94.

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He’s also topped the charts for key defensive attributes, averaging 3.7 aerial duels won, 3.3 clearances, 1.6 tackles and 0.9 blocks per game. This makes him not only an aerial monster but also equally adept when the game is played on the deck as clearly, he’s not an easy man to bypass.

For comparison, this is largely better than all of Mourinho’s current central options as Milenkovic ranks better than Eric Dier and Toby Aldweireld for all but clearances and blocks, whilst he’s clear of Davinson Sanchez in all facets, per WhoScored.

Having such an imposing figure, one that has been likened to Premier League great Nemanja Vidic, could hand Mourinho a perfect spine for the future as he’s only 23.

Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg has been a resolute presence just in front of the defence – arguably their player of the season so far, and the ‘captain without the armband’ is only 25.

That’s one solid backbone for the next four to five years, at least.

Also dubbed a “beast” by former coach Ivan Tomic, Milenkovic is evidently a colossal defender and given his comparisons to Vidic, he must be a leader-like figure too – just as Hojbjerg is.

These are all characteristics that’ll suit Mourinho to a tee and thus, the ‘Special One’ must urge Levy into sanctioning a deal for the Fiorentina star this month.

Whilst it would help their immediate quest for silverware immensely, he’d be a piece for the long-term future. Alongside Hojbjerg, Oliver Skipp and Tanguy Ndombele, Spurs would be set for many, many years.

AND in other news, Levy struck DREAM deal over £45m-rated “born leader” who’s a “steal”…

These Glasgow Rangers fans are absolutely delighted by the news that Nathan Patterson has signed a new contract with the club.

Tuesday was a busy day for the Ibrox outfit. First, the Gers confirmed that Scott Wright had signed a pre-contract deal with the club (rangers.co.uk), with him set to move to the 54-time Scottish champions at the end of the season. Then, it was revealed that Glenn Middleton will spend the rest of the campaign on loan at St. Johnstone.

Then, they also announced that Patterson has put pen to paper on a new deal that will keep him at the club until 2024. The 19-year-old has appeared four times under Steven Gerrard so far this campaign (Transfermarkt), and he may have a big future at Rangers in the coming years.

The fans were clearly delighted, and they took to the club’s tweet to share their thoughts.

Let’s see what the fans had to say about the Patterson news below

“Today is scenes on toast”

Credit: @reecejo95908865

“Magic”

Credit: @S0N0FWILLIAM

“Outstanding news.”

Credit: @Liamj1Lj

“Tremendous news”

Credit: @StevenW77751462

“Brilliant news. Quality player. Love the way he zips the ball into feet.”

Credit: @GrahamDoolan1

In other news, Rangers fans want this man to leave Ibrox.

West Ham have just been given a clear run at signing mooted no.1 target, Josh King, if emerging reports are to be believed…

What’s the word?

According to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, the Bournemouth forward is unlikely to join Southampton before tonight’s 11pm transfer deadline as his salary expectations are beyond what they’d like to pay.

Just a few days ago, talkSPORT reporter Ian Abrahams, known as BroadcastMoose on Twitter, revealed that the 29-year-old was the Hammers’ “top target” and that claims over his huge wage demands were “misguided.”

If true, it’s time for GSB to pull the trigger before it’s too late…

GSB now must strike

After sanctioning the departure of club-record flop Sebastien Haller at the start of the month for a £25m loss, the Irons have yet replaced his void in the attack, meaning the prospects of having Michail Antonio as their only striking option is fast becoming a reality.

And now with their top-flight rivals seemingly out of the picture, it’s time for GSB to get their wallet out and pay whatever King wants as he’d clearly be a very decent addition.

In five successive seasons in the Premier League with the Cherries, the Norway international bagged at least six times with a career-best 16 goals coming during the 16/17 campaign, via Transfermarkt.

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Valued at £9.9m by Transfermarkt, King was said to be heading to St Mary’s for a “small fee” whilst he’s thought to be earning around £45k-per-week at the Vitality Stadium, which puts him behind a plethora of current West Ham stars, including rarely-seen duo Issa Diop (£67k-per-week) and Winston Reid (£70k-per-week).

Reports from The Sun earlier this month suggested King would be available for just £15m, £5m less than what GSB received for the sale of Haller.

But talkSPORT’s Alex Crook believes he could now be available for far cheaper.

Which only strengthens the argument that GSB need to act fast.

Antonio has already missed a fair share of matches this term – during an absence of eight matches, the Hammers won only three times whilst his five-goal total for the Premier League season so far is only bettered by Thomas Soucek.

GSB cannot afford to risk ruining their season by not having a viable alternative. One bad injury to their only striker could spell curtains. The Irons must make the most of West Ham finding themselves in fifth place.

King, who has a proven track record in the top-flight and has vast versatility to play anywhere in attack, should be signed before tonight’s deadline. Just this month, he was dubbed a “real handful” by current Bournemouth boss Jason Tindall.

He’s evidently free to move today and going by Crook and Ornstein’s comments, he could be available for a bargain price.

AND in other news, Sullivan could deliver summer masterstroke with £30m-valued beast…

Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that Dominic Calvert-Lewin will miss Everton’s Premier League clash with leaders Manchester City on Wednesday night through injury.

The Italian is hopeful the issue will not keep the striker out of Saturday’s Merseyside Derby trip to Anfield, where the Toffees have not beaten Liverpool in their last 24 visits across all competitions.

Calvert-Lewin missed his side’s 2-0 defeat at home to Fulham on Sunday as a result of his hamstring injury, sustained after scoring in the Blues’ FA Cup win over Tottenham Hotspur.

Losing to Scott Parker’s relegation-threatened Cottagers made it five defeats at Goodison Park in the league this season, only five sides – of which three are the bottom three; Sheffield United, West Brom and Fulham – have failed to take a point at home more often.

The loss also extended a run of four matches without a win on Everton soil, and Ancelotti concedes his 13-goal top-scorer will need more time to recover from his hamstring issue.

“Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Jean-Philippe Gbamin will not be available, for sure,” the Toffees boss said on Tuesday.

“For Dominic, I think it is a matter of days [before he is fit again]. We hope he will be available on Saturday.”

The Italian added, via quotes by the Liverpool Echo: “Calvert-Lewin is really important because he gives us the opportunity to play different ways. Without him, we lose some opportunities to play.”

Former England international Steve Howey, while speaking exclusively with Football FanCast, warned Everton not to rush Calvert-Lewin back from his hamstring injury ahead of Sunday’s defeat to Fulham, fearing an early return could magnify the issue.

Ancelotti will now have to push that threat back to the weekend as he draws up a plan to orchestrate a rare win at Anfield but with Man City to come first, must focus on finding a way to spark life into what was a toothless attack against Parker’s Cottagers.

Richarlison and James Rodriguez led the line for the Blues on Sunday but struggled to leave a positive impression on proceedings, with the £90,000-per-week Brazilian particularly anonymous for much of the meeting.

Richarlison struggled to find a groove against Fulham’s backline that would see the 23-year-old end an eight-game goal drought in the top-flight, with the winger taking a measly 15 touches – only second-half substitute Joshua King (5) recorded fewer for Everton, per WhoScored.

The former Watford attacker further completed a mere nine passes – again, only King (1) made fewer – and failed to register a single shot while FA Cup hero Gylfi Sigurdsson topped the chart for Everton with three and one of his side’s lowly two on-target attempts.

It was clear that Richarlison was not the answer Ancelotti needed in his search for Calvert-Lewin’s replacement, and will need to have come up with a far more creative plan for Wednesday night when Manchester City come to town.

Calvert-Lewin’s absence, coupled with Richarlison’s poor form in the Premier League means Ancelotti will no doubt be worried about having to take on a side like City on Wednesday night.

AND in other news, Everton must offload an £80k-p/w dud Carlo Ancelotti admits he’s “frustrated” by…

Steve Bruce should urge Newcastle United to launch a summer swoop to sign SL Benfica full-back Nuno Tavares.

What’s the word?

According to O Jogo, the Magpies could soon make an offer to acquire Tavares with bids expected to arrive in Lisbon before the end of the season.

The Toon have shown the most interest in the 21-year-old after missing out on his signature in the summer of 2019, when United were willing to pay €15m (£13m) for the promising left-back.

Newcastle chiefs and scouts have continued to monitor Tavares’ development at the Liga NOS giants, where he has since fallen down the pecking order to start just 11 of his 20 outings across all competitions under Jorge Jesus this season.

But the Magpies are not alone in targeting the Estadio Sport Lisboa e Benfica, with the £6.5m-rated outcast said to also be a target for Premier League rivals Burnley and long-term admirers Serie A side SSC Napoli.

Benfica are likely to be in a financially difficult position in the off-season should Jesus not lead the Eagles into the Champions League, having missed out on a place in UEFA’s premier club competition last term.

That need will increase the likelihood of Tavares being sold, though only preliminary discussions – including with Newcastle in recent weeks – are thought to have taken place thus far.

Should Newcastle sign Tavares?

While Tavares has fallen out of favour under Jesus, the Benfica defender has shown signs of promise in his rare outings that should appeal to Bruce and Newcastle in the off-season when he should explore a fresh start in hopes of more game time.

The Portugal U21 international boasts three assists over just 1,007 minutes of competitive action this term, including setting up the Eagles’ vital second at home to Standard Liege in the Europa League during the Group Stage after being fouled in the penalty area.

Tavares proved a relentless issue for the Belgian giants during the UEFA affair, with the youngster offering two key passes and taking a mammoth 101 touches, per WhoScored.

Only Pizzi (112) took more touches for either side that night, with Tavares seeing far more of the ball than he has in a majority of his outings thanks to an average of just 47.6.

The in-demand outcast proved a forever combative presence, as well, having contested a staggering 28 ground duels and won 14, far more than his average 3.8 won a game in the Europa League this term, per SofaScore.

He also offered a team-high four successful tackles and two interceptions, more than his average one and 0.6 in each regard.

Jamal Lewis currently offers Bruce 1.6 successful tackles and 0.5 interceptions a game in the Premier League, along with winning 2.8 ground duels with a 50% success rate and providing 0.6 key passes from 46.8 touches.

It would remain to be seen how Tavares would adapt to life in England having never played for a club outside of his native Portugal, but he could offer Newcastle a lot of potential if given the fresh start he seemingly needs.

AND in other news, Newcastle have joined the race for a sought-after “real talent” capable of “outstanding” displays…