"Fantastic" Derby gem set to leave permanently in January with deal agreed

A “fantastic” Derby County gem is now set to leave the club in the January transfer window, according to a new update from journalist Pete O’Rourke.

Latest Derby news

The Rams continue to have a solid season back in the Championship, sitting 16th in the table heading into Christmas and six points clear of the all-important relegation zone.

This was always going to be seen as a season of consolidation at Derby, having only earned promotion from League One last term, and so far, Paul Warne and his players are doing a good job and should be content with their efforts. They have lost four of their last six league games, however, and will be wanting to put an end to that slump over the festive period.

The Rams could look for new signings in the January transfer window, in order to boost their hopes of finishing as high as possible in the Championship, with Aston Villa youngster Louie Barry linked with a move to the club.

That said, Middlesbrough have been touted as the front-runners to complete the January signing of the 21-year-old, who is currently on loan at Stockport County from his permanent club.

"Fantastic" Derby player set for January exit

Taking to X on Monday, journalist O’Rourke claimed that Derby youngster Ben Radcliffe will leave the club permanently in January, sealing a move to Crawley Town in the process, with a deal already being agreed.

This feels like the right decision for all parties, with Radcliffe seemingly not considered an important part of Derby’s future moving forward. He is currently on loan at Gateshead, with former manager Rob Elliot lauding the young midfielder in the past during their time working together, saying:

“He was absolutely fantastic. He’s a powerful lad and a really confident boy. He’s come in and done really well in difficult circumstances. He came on against Barnet and won headers. At Dagenham, he came on in a really difficult position but did well for the team and then I think the big thing for me is his mentality to keep going and keep going, his mentality and his defensive work.”

Championship Table: Latest standings for the 2024/25 season

Latest English Football League Championship standings 2024/25.

By
Stephan Georgiou

Apr 22, 2025

At 20, Radcliffe has reached a point in his career where he will want to play regularly, in order to mature as a footballer and ensure that he reaches his potential, but it’s hard to see that happening at Derby, with more senior players around who are more important to Warne.

For that reason, allowing him to join Crawley on a permanent basis is the right call and he will hopefully flourish there and go on to enjoy an excellent career.

Liam Delap facing choice between staying in 'UK's happiest household' or joining Man Utd as Ipswich striker prepares for £40m move away

Ipswich striker Liam Delap is living in the "UK's happiest household" but will have to make a decision on staying if Manchester United come calling.

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  • Delap on shortlist of Man Utd and other PL giants
  • Ipswich likely to go down to the Championship
  • Striker could leave this summer
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  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    Sharing a quirky, laughter-filled home with fellow Manchester City academy graduate Cieran Slicker, Delap is thriving both on and off the pitch in Suffolk. The duo, both 22, are currently part of Ipswich's squad, doing their best to stave off relegation in the Premier League. While their days are filled with tough fixtures and intense training, their nights offer a completely different vibe, filled with sticky golf matches, home-cooked meals, and playful debates over house duties.

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    WHAT DELAP SAID

    Delap spoke to Ipswich's YouTube channel, describing his bond with Slicker as something unusually cheerful: "You know when couples are in their honeymoon stage? That’s me and him every day. We’re a lot more wholesome than people think."

    Slicker chimed in on their domestic dynamic, saying, "The dynamic is that I cook, he cleans." Delap was quick to humorously object – not to claim he does the cleaning, but to clarify that he doesn't do it at all.

  • THE BIGGER PICTURE

    As enjoyable as life in their shared home may be, Delap’s performances on the field have brought him into the spotlight. With 12 goals in 30 Premier League matches, accounting for more than a third of Ipswich’s total, he’s become one of the most sought-after young forwards in English football – the claim he is Manchester United's top striker target. Meanwhile, Chelsea, Tottenham, Newcastle, Liverpool, and even Manchester City are monitoring the forward’s situation with keen interest.

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  • DID YOU KNOW?

    Delap's contract includes a £40 million release clause that would become active if Ipswich are relegated – a scenario that appears increasingly likely unless the team can pull off a near-impossible turnaround.

Newcastle in talks to sell "unbelievable" ace in January for 50% discount

Newcastle United could now sell an “absolutely unbelievable” player for a 50% discount in the January transfer window, according to a new report.

Potential Newcastle exits in 2025

While Magpies supporters will understandably be fixated on incoming signings in January and next summer, there are also plenty of current players who could leave St James’ Park at some point in 2025.

Kieran Trippier has been constantly linked with a move away, for example, with the 34-year-old no longer the force he used to be, having often been ousted by Tino Livramento at right-back this season. A switch to European giants AC Milan has been mooted, allowing him a fresh challenge to finish his career.

Kieran Trippier

There are lots of other individuals who are out of contract at Newcastle at the end of this season, however, including Fabian Schar, Jamaal Lascelles, Sean Longstaff and Callum Wilson, and it would be a huge surprise if they were all still in a Magpies shirt this time next year.

Similarly, Miguel Almiron is no longer considered a key player by Eddie Howe, with the likes of Anthony Gordon and Harvey Barnes representing stronger options in wide attacking areas.

Newcastle could sell "absolutely unbelievable" ace

According to Give Me Sport, Newcastle winger Almiron is still in talks with MLS side Charlotte FC over a January move to America.

Not only that, but the Magpies could lose the Paraguayan for half of the $20m (£16m) they demanded for him back in the summer, but they are still “open” to the idea of moving him on for $10m (£8m).

At this point, it would be a surprise if Almiron was still at Newcastle after the January window, considering that talks are underway and the Magpies are even happy to see him depart for a cut-price amount.

Now 30, and out of contract in the summer of 2026, this feels like a logical time for Newcastle to cash in on him, even though Tam McManus has heaped praise on him in the past during his peak years, saying:

“He has that pace to get in behind and he has been integral to Newcastle this season, there seems to be a real steel about Newcastle. It’s ever since those comments Jack Grealish made about Almiron, maybe that spurred him on. That can happen to a player. But Almiron, in any case, has been absolutely unbelievable for Newcastle so far this season and hopefully it continues.”

If Almiron does move on to pastures news, he will be remembered by Newcastle fans as a player who always gave his all for the cause, possessing a strong work ethic.

He's like Isak: Newcastle can axe Wilson by signing PL "nuisance" for £45m

Newcastle are finding their feet but need more firepower up front.

By
Angus Sinclair

Dec 20, 2024

That said, a lack of elite-level end product has continually held the Paraguay international back, with a tally of 30 goals and 12 assists in 218 appearances for the Magpies not good enough, given the level Howe wants his attacking players to be performing at on a consistent basis.

The accidental tourist: American college student Evan Johnston turns a mistaken boat trip into passionate fandom for National League side Southend United

The 21 -year-old student from Arizona has unexpectedly become a Southend United fan after boarding the wrong boat filled team fans

  • Johnston mistakenly joins Southend United supporters' boat trip
  • American student attends National League match at Sutton United
  • Southend United invites Johnston to upcoming home game
  • Getty Images Sport

    WHAT HAPPENED

    Arizona college student Evan Johnston, a 21-year old visiting London for a six-week study program, planned to take a typical tourist river cruise. He ended up a supporter of a National League team instead.

    Johnson, it seems, accidentally boarded a boat chartered by 150 Southend United fans at Tower Millennium Pier last weekend. Believing it was a tourist cruise, Johnston found himself amidst passionate football supporters heading to their team's away match against Sutton United.

    The game ended in a 1-1 draw after Ben Goodliffe put Southend ahead only for Ashley Nadesan to equalise late in the game to rescue a point for the hosts.

    “I had originally planned to board the river cruise boat for the Hop On-Hop Off tour, which I assume was located on the same dock,” Evan told the Southend Echo News. “The cruise would last an hour or so and then I planned to spend the rest of the day touring the central London area on the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus.

    “I had some suspicions when I was in line to board behind all of the Southend fans because they seemed to know each other and were making chants I didn’t understand. But I decided to board anyways because I figured if they checked tickets they would just turn me around and there would be no harm done. But they didn’t check tickets so I slipped on the boat undetected.”

    Andy Ward, one of the Southend supporters on board, told the Echo: “Someone on the boat told me a young lad was on the wrong boat and I just wanted to make sure he was OK. When I found him he was drinking and dancing with other Southend fans and even though you could see he was nervous everyone was just trying to make him feel welcome … He said someone gave him a match ticket but was unsure whether to go. I said to him come with us.”

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    WHAT EVAN JOHNSTON SAID

    Johnston admitted that he is now a Southend United fan for life and plans on going to another game soon.

    “⁠I had a blast on the boat and at the Southend game,” said Evan. “I had so much fun I plan to go to another Southend game next weekend and hopefully they can pull out the win. ⁠I’m a Southend fan till I die now. To be honest I never followed much football so this is the first team I actually cared about and I’m rooting for them now.”

    A Southend spokesperson told the Guardian: “We’re really looking forward to welcoming Evan to Roots Hall this weekend for our game against Solihull Moors on Saturday. We’ll be giving him a behind-the-scenes tour of the stadium and the chance to meet some of the players.

    “After hearing he was one of the 1,459 fans who ended up in the away end at Sutton – by complete accident – we’re excited to show him what a home game with the Shrimpers is all about.”

  • THE BIGGER PICTURE

    This incident reflects the broader appeal of English football to international audiences. It demonstrates how lower-league clubs like Southend United, currently in the National League, can attract and create devoted fans through unique experiences and community spirit.

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    WHAT’S NEXT?

    Southend United has invited Johnston to their upcoming home game against Solihull Moors, offering him a behind-the-scenes tour and the opportunity to meet players.

MLS owners could reportedly vote on fall-to-spring schedule shift at Board of Governors meeting

The proposed change would see MLS change seasonal format, align with Europe's fall-to-spring calendar

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  • MLS owners could vote on schedule change Thursday
  • Board of Governors meeting in Chicago could prove pivotal
  • League would switch to fall-to-spring calendar
  • Get the MLS Season Pass today!Stream games now
  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    MLS and its clubs could get more clarity Thursday around a proposed schedule change that would move the season calendar to fall to spring. Team owners and executives are reportedly set to discuss the plan and potentially vote on it during the Board of Governors meeting in Chicago, according to the Sports Business Journal.

    The proposed change, which had been vigorously debated, would see MLS move from its spring-to-fall schedule and align with Europe's fall-to-spring calendar – with a few potential tweaks.

    MLS Commissioner Don Garber recently said that a change is being discussed, though no decision had been made.

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  • THE BIGGER PICTURE

    A proposed shift would see the league begin the regular season in late July or early August, and then play through mid-December before a winter break. After a roughly five-week stoppage through the beginning of February, the season would conclude in late May or early June.

    In addition to discussing the proposed schedule change, potential competition changes are also expected to be touched on, including potential revisions of the current playoff format.

    Proponents of the change believe the league, as a result of being aligned with European transfer windows, will be able to attract more talent and benefit from having playoffs and MLS Cup aligned against the NHL and NBA in the spring rather than the NFL and college football in the fall.

    Critics, meanwhile, believe a changescould have a detrimental impact on cold weather markets such as Minnesota, Chicago, Toronto and Montreal. Any schedule changes could force those franchises to make additional investments into infrastructure with heated playing surfaces and indoor training facilities.

    Multiple teams have reportedly addressed the league over the financial matters involved.

  • DID YOU KNOW?

    The league is also set to discuss 2026 FIFA World Cup plans, and updates on the media partnership with Apple.

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    WHAT NEXT?

    Matchday 8 of the MLS season arrives on Saturday.

Bye-bye Nunez: Liverpool target £160k-p/w "monster" who could rival Haaland

Liverpool’s attack has undoubtedly been one of the most potent in the Premier League, playing a massive role in Arne Slot’s early success during his first few months at the helm.

The Reds have notched 47 goals in 19 matches throughout the league campaign – the most of any side in the division – with one player in particular starring following the Dutchman’s arrival.

Mohamed Salah has been the main man for Slot in forward areas, scoring 18 times and registering 13 assists in just 19 matches, with his combined goal contributions tally the most of anyone in the top flight – highlighting how badly they need to tie him down to a new deal.

Mohamed Salah scores for Liverpool

Cody Gakpo has also excelled in recent weeks, scoring four in the last five outings, looking in the best form of his Reds career under his compatriot at Anfield.

However, despite the respective records of the aforementioned players, the January transfer window presents an opportunity for the 46-year-old to strengthen his side and boost their title ambitions.

Liverpool’s search for a striker

According to Anfield Watch, Liverpool have identified a replacement for striker Darwin Núñez in the form of Nigerian forward Victor Osimhen, who’s currently spending the season on loan at Galatasaray.

Galatasaray's VictorOsimhenis picture wearing a protective face mask

The Uruguayan joined the Reds for £85m back in the summer of 2022, but has failed to live up to his price tag, only scoring 37 times in 120 appearances since his big-money move.

Such form could lead to a deal for Osimhen, with the report claiming the recruitment team have been impressed with his form to date, opening the door for a move and a sale which could see Nunez move to Saudi Arabia.

It’s previously been reported that the Napoli attacker now has a €75m (£62m) release clause which could see him move in January – a potential bargain given his run of 13 goals in 16 appearances throughout 2024/25.

His impressive record would undoubtedly bolster the club’s already deadly attack, potentially allowing them to have their own version of one of the world’s leading marksmen.

Why Osimhen could be Liverpool’s answer to Haaland

Manchester City talisman Erling Haaland has been a constant nuisance to every backline in England’s top flight since his own move during the same summer as Nunez.

Erling Haaland in action for Manchester City

The pair first commenced their battle in the Community Shield at the start of 2022/23, but a couple of years on it’s evident that the Norwegian has won that battle – now looking like Europe’s leading striker.

The former Borussia Dortmund man has scored 111 times in 125 appearances under Pep Guardiola, playing a vital role in their treble success during his maiden year in Manchester.

Every club must wish they had a forward as clinical as the 24-year-old, but any move for Osimhen could see the Reds have their own version of the superstar.

The £160k-per-week Nigerian has been ranked as a similar player to the City ace by FBref, with the comparison understandable when delving into their respective figures from the ongoing season.

How Victor Osimhen compares to Erling Haaland in 2024/25

Statistics (per 90)

Osimhen

Haaland

Games played

12

20

Goals & assists

13

17

Goals per 90

1.08

0.80

Minutes per goal

84

112

Shots taken

5.6

4

Shots on target

2.4

2.1

Stats via FBref

Osimhen, who’s previously been dubbed a “monster” by analyst Ben Mattinson – may have been outscored to date, but has managed to achieve a better goal per 90 record, whilst also registering a higher minutes per goal average.

He’s also managed significantly more shots per 90, highlighting the danger he poses within the final third, offering that added focal point which could complete the Reds’ potent front line.

£62m for another striker could seem like a huge risk given the lack of impact from Nunez, but given the Nigerian’s comparison to City star Haaland, it’s certainly a risk that could pay off in Slot’s favour.

As for the Uruguayan, it’s a real shame to see his move fail to flourish as many anticipated, but ultimately, the club need to cash in on him to prevent a huge loss on their investment, with the Napoli ace the perfect man to fill the void.

Liverpool willing to cash in on "world-class" gem in awful Solanke repeat

This “world-class” Liverpool talent could be the club’s next Solanke failure.

By
Angus Sinclair

Jan 8, 2025

Rangers must finally sell £23k-p/w man who earns more than Igamane & Hagi

Glasgow Rangers chiefs will not be pleased with the way the season has gone so far as the club already look set to miss out on the Scottish Premiership title.

The Light Blues are 16 points behind rivals Celtic in the top-flight and it is looking increasingly unlikely that they will be able to leapfrog their rivals to win a first title since the 2020/21 campaign under Steven Gerrard.

Philippe Clement’s side also missed out on the chance to secure a piece of silverware last month when they lost to Celtic on penalties in the final of the League Cup at Hampden Park.

The Light Blues must, now, focus their efforts on the SFA Cup and the Europa League in terms of ending the season with at least one piece of silverware to show for their efforts.

Clement and Nils Koppen could look to use the January transfer window to improve the squad with a view to giving the team the best chance of competing in those two competitions.

There are still around two weeks or so left to go before the deadline at the start of next month and one thing the Gers could look to do is manage their wage bill.

The highest earners at Rangers

The Light Blues moved on a number of experienced, high-earning, players last summer when they allowed the likes of John Lundstram, Todd Cantwell, Kemar Roofe, Borna Barisic, Ryan Jack, and Connor Goldson to move on from Ibrox.

Rangers do still, however, have a number of players on significant contracts who have not performed in line with their salary, when you consider the performances of some of the players earning less than them.

Rangers

Weekly wage

James Tavernier

£30k

Cyriel Dessers

£27k

Vaclav Cerny

£27k

Danilo

£26k

Jack Butland

£25k

Rabbi Matondo

£23k

Dujon Sterling

£22k

Tom Lawrence

£22k

Ianis Hagi

£21k

Nicolas Raskin

£19k

Wages via SalarySport

As you can see in the table above, a number of duds who do not start for the Light Blues on a regular basis are in the top ten earners at Ibrox, which is something that Koppen and Clement should look to address.

If you exclude Cerny, who is only on loan from Wolfsburg, Ianis Hagi is the only attacking midfielder or winger in that list who has started matches regularly this season, whether through form or fitness.

Ianis Hagi

Hagi and Hamza Igamane, who is reportedly on a weekly wage of £7.2k, have both been standout stars for the Gers in the Premiership with their impressive performances at the top end of the pitch this term.

Igamane and Hagi's form for Rangers this season

Neither of them started the 2024/25 campaign as starters in their respective positions but have catapulted to first-choice status and now seem undroppable.

Igamane joined the club last summer and was initially behind Cyriel Dessers in the pecking order. The Morocco U23 international has plundered an incredible 11 goals and two assists in his last 13 appearances in all competitions for the Light Blues.

As you can see in the highlights above, the 22-year-old centre-forward recently scored his first hat-trick for the Scottish giants in the 3-3 draw with Motherwell.

He has emerged as a consistent and lethal attacker for the Light Blues this season, whilst Dessers – who earns almost £20k more per week – has only scored six goals in 19 league matches.

24/25 Premiership

Ianis Hagi

Hamza Igamane

Appearances

12

18

Starts

9

11

Goals

1

8

Big chances created

4

5

Key passes per game

1.7

1.0

Assists

4

1

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, Igamane and Hagi have both provided plenty of quality at the top end of the pitch for Clement in the Premiership this term and have emerged as crucial players for the club.

There is an attacker in the squad, however, who earns more than both of them and should be ruthlessly sold by Koppen and the Gers boss before the end of the transfer window – Rabbi Matondo.

Why Rangers should sell Rabbi Matondo

As shown in the table earlier, the Wales international is the fifth-highest earner at the club, excluding loanees, on £23k-per-week and has not done enough to justify that over the last 18 months.

The 24-year-old winger has only started two of his six appearances in the Premiership this season and has been an unused substitute in three of the last four matches, featuring in two of the last six since his return from injury.

Matondo has produced two goals and two assists in those six games, but all four of those goal contributions came in a 6-0 thrashing of Ross County, with zero goals or assists in the other five matches.

The Rangers flop missed 17 competitive games with a hamstring injury before his return to action in December, and that has been the story of his time at Ibrox to date.

Matondo has not offered much in the way of consistent contributions in the final third and has been absent far too often with fitness-related issues, which is why he is not a reliable player for Clement, particularly in comparison to Igamane and Hagi.

Rabbi Matondo’s injuries at Rangers

Injury

Length of injury

Games missed

Unknown

January 2023 – April 2023

20

Knee

September 2023 – November 2023

13

Muscle

February 2024 – March 2024

6

Hamstring

September 2024 – December 2024

17

Stats via Transfermarkt

As you can see in the table above, the Welsh attacker has missed a whopping 56 competitive games since his move to Glasgow from Schalke in the summer of 2022.

Matondo has also only produced eight goals and 12 assists in 67 appearances for the Light Blues in all competitions during that time, which shows that he has not offered much to the team on the pitch in almost three seasons at Ibrox.

It was recently reported that Torino and Lecce are both interested in signing the forward and that a fee of £2m could be on the cards, and Clement must push for a deal to go through before the end of the window.

Rangers make contact to sign "highly-rated" star who could be Bassey 2.0

Rangers will be active in the January transfer window

By
Ross Kilvington

Jan 13, 2025

The Rangers boss must ruthlessly ditch the winger from the squad because he has not offered enough, in terms of performances or availability, to justify the high wages he is on.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino confirms LAFC to face Club America in playoff for Club World Cup berth, pending appeal by Leon

The FIFA President says MLS side and Liga MX club would play a one-off fixture to determine CWC participation

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  • LAFC, Club America to play one-game playoff
  • Winner will enter Club World Cup
  • Pending confirmation of Club Leon's expulsion
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  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    FIFA president Gianni Infantino confirmed plans to have LAFC and Club America play each other to determine the final spot in the 2025 Club World Cup. Their matchup comes after Mexico's Club Leon were removed from the tournament after violating multi-club ownership rules.

    The Mexican Club have appealed, and have a final hearing from the Court of Arbitration for Sport set for May 6.

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  • THE BIGGER PICTURE

    LAFC and Club America are the two teams highest on the so-called "ranking pathway" for CONCACAF qualification. FIFA has said previously that was a potential plan, pending the outcome of the Leon appeal.

  • WHAT GIANNI INFANTINO SAID

    The FIFA president outlined the plans to reporters: "What we're looking at is that, if the CAS upholds the Appeals Committee's decision, FIFA's intention is to play a playoff match between the team that lost the CONCACAF Champions League final, LAFC, and the next-place team in the rankings, which is America."

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    WHAT NEXT FOR THE PLAYOFF?

    There is no set date for the playoff between the two clubs. Leon's final hearing is scheduled for May 6, with the Club World Cup's opening fixture on June 14.

'That's not his job!' – Roy Keane defends Marcus Rashford with claim made Unai Emery isn't supposed to keep Aston Villa outcast Ollie Watkins 'happy'

Roy Keane has leapt to the defence of Marcus Rashford after the forward was named in the Aston Villa starting XI ahead of Ollie Watkins.

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  • Watkins has revealed anger at being benched
  • Left out against Man City with Rashford starting
  • Keane says Emery's job is not to keep Watkins happy
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  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    Watkins has spoken of his anger at being benched at Aston Villa following the arrival of Rashford on loan from Manchester United. The forward responded by grabbing a goal and assist last time out in an impressive win over Newcastle after returning to the starting XI. However, it's not been enough to keep him in the team, with Watkins back on the bench for Tuesday's Premier League clash with Manchester City.

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    THE BIGGER PICTURE

    Former United captain Roy Keane has shared his thoughts on Unai Emery's team selection and feels the Villa boss has made the right call by selecting Rashford to start against Manchester City. The United loanee knows exactly what it takes to score against Pep Guardiola's side, and Keane says it's not up to Emery to keep Watkins happy.

  • WHAT KEANE SAID

    He told : "Rashford obviously has a good track record here with United. He's produced in big games before. So it's a tough decision for the manager to make. But he's got vast experience of making these big decisions. When a manager is asked about keeping players happy, that's not his job. A manager's job is not to keep players happy, it's to get results. This manager is doing it. And it's a good option to have in terms of coming off the bench. The manager in his interview, he seems really focused, he knows what the game's about. He's got to get that balance right with his squad. And if Rashford does the business tonight you'll be saying well done. If not, you say to Watkins – 'get warmed up, you're going on'. That's the beauty of having a big squad. There's huge pressure on Aston Villa to be in the Champions League squad with their wage budget, the players they have brought in. He's made a big call but that's what he's paid to do."

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    WHAT NEXT FOR ASTON VILLA

    Tuesday's match could prove crucial in the battle to secure Champions League football for next season. Villa will leapfrog City in the table and move into fourth place with victory over Guardiola's side.

Wolves already have a Cunha replacement in "gifted" homegrown ace

Wolves look like they are gearing up for a relegation battle in the second half of the season, currently sitting 17th in the Premier League, joint on 16 points with 18th place Ipswich, but currently ahead on goal difference, Wolves having a -19 goal difference, whilst Ipswich have a -23 goal difference.

Vitor Pereira’s side are averaging 46.7% possession this season (seventh lowest in the division), are averaging 10.8 shots per game (fourth fewest in the division) and are conceding 14.2 shots per game on average (sixth highest).

But things could go from bad to worse, with Matheus Cunha’s future now looking in doubt, as clubs are beginning to circle like sharks for the Brazilian versatile forward.

The latest on Matheus Cunha's future at Wolves

According to reports from Sky Sports News, Wolves’ Brazilian superstar, Cunha, is attracting interest from Arsenal and Nottingham Forest this month, with other teams also said to be monitoring the situation of the 25-year-old forward.

Wolves seem determined to keep the Brazilian at the club this window, despite the interest of many clubs, even looking to offer him a new deal this month.

Cunha currently has two-and-a-half years left on his current deal, with the option of signing this new deal on the table.

The Brazilian has made 22 appearances so far this season for the club, scoring ten goals, providing four assists and totalling 1,717 minutes played. In his entire time at the club, the 25-year-old has made 78 appearances, scoring 26 times and providing 13 assists.

Cunha's replacement at Wolves in the pipeline

If Cunha is to leave the club, Wolves will find it tough to replace the Brazilian this month, especially as the days are numbered before the window slams shut. Therefore, they would be forced to look at some in-house solutions, and one player who could offer some similar attributes is Luke Cundle.

Cundle has made 97 appearances for the Wolves U18 and U21 sides, scoring 14 goals, providing 17 assists and totalling 8,109 minutes played. In between, he has also had loan spells with the likes of Swansea, Plymouth and Stoke City.

Whilst the 22-year-old has played many of his minutes in central midfield, he has also played a mix of centre-attacking midfield minutes and even as a left-midfielder, showing his quality on the ball and ability to create chances for his teammates.

The playmaker’s responsibility is something Cundle could ease when coming into the side, adding plenty of technical quality in tight spaces. According to FBref, the 22-year-old has averaged 0.22 assists per 90, produced 3.13 shot-creating actions per 90 and received 3.91 progressive passes per 90, all in the last 365 days.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast's Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

However, as Cunha has often played off the left this season, it would probably require further changes, adding a left-winger who can bring some attacking pace out wide, such as Carlos Forbs.

Matheus Cunha

Cundle has been described as “technically gifted” by Swansea manager Russel Martin in his time at the club on loan, showing his willingness to work hard for the team, provide creation from central midfield/attacking midfield zones, and even pop up with goals.

Whilst he isn’t a direct replacement for Cunha, Cundle could definitely help Wolves if the Brazilian were to leave this month, adding some more creativity to the side, and popping up in those similar left half-space zones that their star man drifts inside to occupy often.

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By
Joe Nuttall

Jan 22, 2025

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