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Southampton interim manager Ruben Selles could ‘carry on’ if he impresses in the role, according to transfer reporter Dean Jones.

The Lowdown: Selles placed in charge

After the departure of Nathan Jones last week, First Team Lead Coach Selles was placed in temporary charge of first-team training, and was in the dugout for this afternoon’s game against Chelsea.

With the Saints missing out on Jesse Marsch after a dispute over the length of his contract, their current coach claimed he is ready to take over as manager, and an update indicates that it is a real possibility.

The Latest: Could carry on

In an interview with GiveMeSport, transfer journalist Jones claimed that the 39-year-old could continue in the role if his side impresses enough in the upcoming matches, saying: “He’s kind of on trial to see if he can handle this job. It’s a really strange situation for him, but I think they quite trust him to steady things at the moment and, if he gets off to a good start, I wouldn’t even rule out the fact that he might carry on.”

The Verdict: Right call?

One potential advantage in offering the job to the Spaniard is that he knows the players well, having been working with them all season, after initially joining as part of Ralph Hasenhuttl’s backroom staff back in June.

Furthermore, journalist Jacob Tanswell has claimed that Selles is ‘highly regarded’ amongst the players, and this existing relationship could mean they are willing to give their all for the manager during the rest of the campaign.

The Saints are currently battling Premier League relegation, meaning there is a lot of work to do to preserve their top flight status, and so giving the job to someone with little experience would be a risk, but it is probably a better option than bringing in someone from abroad who does not know the group.

Tottenham Hotspur definitely have an interest in potentially bringing in the Ecuadorian centre-back Piero Hincapie in the summer.

What’s the latest?

Over the January transfer window, Spurs did not bring in a new centre-back despite the north London club having such a poor defensive record this season.

Antonio Conte himself admitted that it was not a position that he felt needed to be addressed over the course of the January window.

However, there have been reports suggesting the Lilywhites do hold an interest in the Bayer Leverkusen defender, Hincapie, over the summer.

And speaking on The Tottenham Way podcast, journalist Dan Kilpatrick has claimed Hincapie is on the list for the summer transfer window:

(54:30) “I think Spurs need a top centre-half and there’s talk of this guy from Leverkusen, he’s definitely of interest, Piero Hincapie.”

“I think he’s kind of on the list for the summer. I think two top centre-halves.”

‘Neymar-like’

Despite being a strong centre-back, Hincapie has previously likened his style of play to that of the Brazilian Neymar given his comfort on the ball:

“I used to score a lot of goals. I was like Neymar, I didn’t dribble as much as him but I was a great goalscorer. I even took free kicks! Maybe that’s why I’m now a centre-back who likes to go forward,” Hincapie said.”

Reports have suggested Conte is now keen to strengthen his defence in the summer and has a long-standing interest in the Ecuadorian centre-back.

This is a player who has been an integral part of Leverkusen’s side this season with 21 appearances to his name across all competitions (via Transfermarkt).

In comparison to Eric Dier, Hincapie has provided Leverkusen with more tackles per 90 minutes with the England defender not even recording an average of one per game (via Fbref).

With the belief that Spurs will look to bring in two centre-halves over the summer transfer window, it would suggest Spurs are looking for a central and left-sided centre-back.

And Hincapie is a player who could cover both positions with the 21-year-old having played both centrally and at left-back this season.

Crystal Palace are reportedly interested in signing Porto’s Pepe in this month’s transfer window and the versatile Brazilian could be a big upgrade on Jeffrey Schlupp at Selhurst Park.

According to reports from Portugal (via Sport Witness), Palace sent scouts to the Estadio do Dragao at the weekend to watch Sérgio Conceição’s side take on Familicao, a game they won 4-1. 

Pepe was thought to be the centre of Palace’s attention, with the Eagles having been linked with the 25-year-old in 2022, and considering his impressive performances so far this campaign, it is easy to see why Patrick Vieira might be keen on bringing him to Selhurst Park this month.

Featuring in a number of positions across defence, midfield and attack, the Porto star has contributed an eye-catching two goals and four assists in 16 appearances for Porto, averaging a superb 7.21 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

Considering Eberechi Eze and Wilfried Zaha are ranked as the top performers at Selhurst Park so far this campaign with a 6.91 average rating, it is clear the quality that Pep would add to Vieira’s squad should he join this month.

It may be difficult to prise Pepe away from the Dragons in the transfer window, given he only signed a new contract until 2027 a few months ago, a decision which was praised by journalist Fernando Campos.

He said:

“Pepê also signed until 2027 with the Portuguese team. Getting better and more important in Sérgio Conceição’s team.”

Some reports in Portugal also suggest that he has a £65m release clause, making any potential move a rather difficult one for CEO Steve Parish to sanction.

Versatility is a quality that managers often look for in their players and currently Vieira relies upon Schlupp as the most versatile option in his squad, with the former Leicester man having featured predominantly at full-back, central midfield and on the wing during his time at Palace.

However, the Ghanaian’s contract at Selhurst Park is set to expire at the end of the season and the 30-year-old has disappointed in his performances in the Premier League this season, averaging a 6.51 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

Pepe has also averaged far more interceptions (1.6 vs 0.9), key passes (1.4 vs 0.3) and dribbles (1.6 vs 0.5) per game than Schlupp this season, which suggests that he would be a big upgrade in Vieira’s side.

Therefore, if the French manager is looking for a younger, more versatile option in his side in the January window, then he and Parish should definitely look at bringing the Porto star to south London.

Aston Villa have now held talks with people close to the Marseille midfielder Matteo Guendouzi over a potential return to the Premier League for the Frenchman.

What’s the latest?

Guendouzi has now been playing his football outside of England since 2020 having been loaned out to Hertha Berlin and Marseille before the Ligue 1 side made the deal permanent last summer.

However, it now appears a return to the Premier League could be on the cards for the 23-year-old with Unai Emery keen to bring the midfielder to Villa Park.

There have been reports suggesting the midfielder is still a big admirer of the Spanish manager who would be open to bringing in Guendouzi either this month or in the summer.

And speaking on the House of Champions YouTube channel, Fabrizio Romano has confirmed the interest coming from Villa Park in the 23-year-old midfielder:

“It is true that Aston Villa want the player. They spoke to people close to the player. It is true, as we know, that Unai Emery is a big fan of Guendouzi so they have this great connection. This is why they had some contacts.

“As of now, Olympique Marseille have not received any official bid. So I was checking also a few minutes ago and Marseille are still waiting to see if Aston Villa will arrive with a big proposal. Villa are working on it.”

Reuniting with Emery

Emery and Guendouzi have previous. The former Arsenal men are familiar with one another following their time in north London where the midfielder played a significant role under Emery.

Across their time together at Arsenal, Guendouzi made 66 appearances under the Spaniard across all competitions before Emery was sacked in the late stages of 2019.

In comparison to Villa’s Boubacar Kamara, the Frenchman has provided Marseille with more goals and assists, passes per 90, shot-creating actions per 90, but does not stack up against his fellow countryman in terms of tackles per game (via Fbref).

But Guendouzi has played a big role at Marseille this season, the 23-year-old has made 23 appearances across all competitions already this season.

And on top of the goal and three assists he has provided in Ligue 1, Guendouzi also shone in their Champions League campaign which saw the Frenchman net two goals in the games against Sporting CP and Eintracht Frankfurt (via Transfermarkt).

So it will certainly be interesting to see whether Villa can prise Guendouzi away from Marseille given the player has been integral to Igor Tudor’s side thus far.

But there could naturally be the lure of playing in the Premier League following his time at Arsenal and who better to play under than the familiar face of his former manager?

Former Rangers player now BBC pundit Alan Hutton has urged the Ibrox club to secure a transfer deal for Hibernian defender Ryan Porteous. 

The Lowdown: Porteous’ season so far

This season has seen the budding defender play in every single one of Hibernian’s games across the SPFL and the Scottish League Cup, scoring three goals and providing one assist in the process.

Back in November, it was revealed that the defender, who is set to see his current contract expire at the end of the season, rejected the chance to sign a new and improved deal at the club.

With a recent report claiming that Rangers manager Michael Beale is a big admirer of Porteous, Hutton has urged Ross Wilson and the Ibrox hierarchy to get a deal done in the winter window.

The Latest: Hutton urges Rangers to sign Porteous

Speaking to Football Insider, Hutton had this to say when asked if he thinks Porteous would be a good addition to Beale’s squad.

“I think he would be. He reminds me of Scott Brown when I played against him. To play against he was a nightmare but to have in your team was brilliant. Porteous seems the same kind of type.

“I was at Ibrox to watch the game against Hibs and I thought he was outstanding. It is probably an area where Rangers have struggled this season.

“So to bring someone in who knows the league, knows what it is all about. He is obviously a fighter so he would be a good addition to the side.”

The Verdict: A solid signing for Rangers

In addition to having the second-highest number of interceptions (20) and third-highest number of successful tackles (18) at Hibernian this season, the 23-year-old also has the second-highest number of shots at goal at the club (32).

This shows that not only is a tough opponent to come up against at the back, he’s also a danger in front of his opponent’s goal as well.

His overall league performances have earned Porteous a strong season rating of 7.02/10 from WhoScored, making him the second-highest rated player at Hibernian, which backs up why Hutton has been so impressed with the centre-back.

Taking all of this into account, if Hibernian can be persuaded into cashing in on the Scotsman in January rather than see him leave as a free agent in the summer, Rangers should definitely be at the front of the queue to secure his signature.

There is less than a month to go before the frantic January transfer window opens for business once again and Aston Villa could be in the market to improve their squad.

Unai Emery has entered the dugout to replace Steven Gerrard at the helm and next month is his first opportunity to make his own signings at Villa Park.

This means that it could be a busy month for the Villans if the Spaniard decides that he wants to stamp his own mark on the team with a number of additions.

However, he could save NSWE from splashing out millions on a new midfield signing by recalling Tim Iroegbunam from Queens Park Rangers.

Ashley Preece confirmed that the club do have a recall option for the England youth international and Emery could exercise it in January to bolster his options in the middle of the park.

Bringing the teenager back into the first-team fray for Villa would mean that the owners would be spared from having to spend millions of pounds on an addition in that area of the pitch, which is why unleashing the talented youngster could be a shrewd move by the former Villarreal coach.

The 19-year-old has caught the eye since moving to QPR on loan and could make the step up to the Premier League to provide competition in the middle of the park for Emery’s side.

Back in October, London journalist Ian McCullough heaped praise on the youngster and his potential, telling the Birmingham Mail:

“Villa certainly have a player on their hands in Tim Iroegbunam. Although he has started just two games out of the five he has been available for since arriving on transfer deadline day, his ability to run with the ball from midfield and use those long legs to win tackles have been eye-catching.

“In possession he is very tidy and blessed with an excellent first touch giving credence to Mick Beale’s claim that he has the tools to play at the very highest level in years to come.”

Iroegbunam, who only turned 19 in June, has averaged a Sofascore rating of 6.89 across 13 Championship appearances this season, making 2.6 tackles and interceptions per match and winning 52% of his individual duels.

Steven Gerrard handed him a start against Norwich in the Premier League at the end of last season and he put in a sublime performance in the number six role. As per Sofascore, he won four of his six battles and made three tackles, two interceptions, and one clearance.

These statistics show that the enforcer, who was described as a physical “presence” by writer and podcaster PGR, has the potential to be a good option for Emery to call upon in the second half of the season.

Therefore, the Spanish coach must recall him from his spell with QPR and add the youngster to his first-team squad as it could provide extra competition in midfield whilst preventing the club from needing to spend millions on a new signing.

Liverpool have had their worst start to a Premier League season in a decade and Jurgen Klopp will surely be hoping that he will have the opportunity to strengthen his squad during the January transfer window.

The Reds are currently sixth in the league table after inconsistent and poor performances throughout the season so far with injury problems playing a huge part in their struggle.

Luis Diaz, Diogo Jota, Arthur Melo, Thiago Alcantara, Joel Matip, Jordan Henderson, Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Curtis Jones and Ibrahima Konate have all suffered injuries in the first half of the season so far, but the World Cup break will give hope that those who continue to suffer fitness concerns can take the time to recover.

There has been a lot of attention on the centre of the pitch at Anfield with Milner, Keita and Oxlade-Chamberlain out of contract next summer, whilst the Liverpool captain and Thiago are in the latter stages of their careers, sparking the urgency for a rebuild of midfield personnel.

Indeed, Liverpool are huge admirers of England and Borussia Dortmund star Jude Bellingham but they will surely need more than one high-quality midfielder when looking at reinvesting in the team.

Another player who has been linked with a move to the Merseyside giants is Argentina and Benfica wonderkid Enzo Fernandez, a midfielder who has been capturing the attention of many elite clubs for his outstanding performances in the Portuguese league.

Bitter rivals Manchester United alongside Manchester City and Newcastle United are reportedly interested in also snapping up the services of the 21-year-old talent, so if Liverpool are serious in their interest they will need to provide a very tempting offer.

Over 13 Liga Portugal appearances so far, the €50m-valued (£43m) ace – who was hailed “elite” by former Liverpool star Maxi Rodriguez – has scored one goal, delivered three assists and created eight big chances, as well as averaging two key passes, one interception, two tackles and winning 3.7 duels per game.

Not only that, Fernandez ranks in the top 2% of his positional peers across Europe’s next eight best leagues outside of the top five for shot-creating actions, progressive passes and passes attempted, as well as ranking in the top 11% for pass completion and shots on goal.

The Argentine midfielder also made his debut World Cup appearance earlier today in the shocking 2-1 defeat to Saudi Arabia. Despite his nation suffering an embarrassing loss, he impressed in the centre of the park, completing 100% of his crosses, winning six duels and completing one tackle over his 31-minute performance, but it wasn’t enough to save his side.

Fernandez has been the recipient of the highest praise with former Porto coach Jose Peseiro comparing the young player to Zidane:

“(It is) absolutely surprising the level at which he plays at, at only 21 years old,

“The best player I worked with was (Zinedine) Zidane, at Real Madrid. Of course, I don’t want to compare. But I’m talking about Enzo’s passing and surprising vision; a bit like Zidane.”

With that being said, there is no doubt that Liverpool will be watching the talented midfielder closely during his World Cup campaign with Argentina and a move for the player could be on the cards when the transfer market reopens. Based on his huge potential and statistics this season, however, why would be foolish not to sign him.

Jurgen Klopp has reportedly asked Liverpool to sign Atletico Madrid midfielder Marcos Llorente next summer.

The Lowdown: Bellingham slipping away…

It was reported earlier this week that FSG are ‘unlikely’ to pay the asking price for Jude Bellingham, meaning that they may have to look at alternative targets.

The Anfield giants are also eight points off the top four at the moment in the Premier League table, and if they do not qualify for next season’s Champions League, then the Borussia Dortmund star may be out of their reach anyway.

The Latest: Klopp wants Llorente

As per Spanish sources, Klopp has asked Liverpool to make an ‘economic effort’ to sign Llorente next summer.

The 27-year-old’s manager Diego Simeone could give the ‘green light’ for him to leave for Anfield, should the Reds meet Atletico’s asking price.

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The Verdict: Get it done

With their chances of signing Bellingham seemingly falling, Llorente would be a great alternative should Liverpool be able to get a deal done.

Hailed as an ‘incredible footballer’ by Football Talent Scout’s Jacek Kulig, the 27-year-old has already won the Champions League (with Real Madrid) and La Liga (with Atletico) in an illustrious career.

He has has 17 senior caps for the Spanish national team ahead of the World Cup in Qatar, in which he will hope to feature, while Liverpool fans already know of his big-game potential after he scored twice against the Reds to dethrone them as Champions League holders in spring 2020.

Llorente is capable of playing pretty much anywhere across the pitch, so his extra versatility could be very useful to Klopp and his squad over the next few seasons should the Reds find themselves challenging on all fronts again.

Liverpool striker Roberto Firmino is wanted by Atletico Madrid as his contract runs towards its final six months, according to reports in Spain.

The Lowdown: Firmino into final year

The Brazilian has been a true modern-day great at Anfield, playing a huge role in Jurgen Klopp’s side enjoying so much success in recent years.

Firmino’s current Liverpool deal expires at the end of this season, however, and there is no sign yet of him penning a new contract and extending his stay.

The 31-year-old is therefore unlikely to be without suitors and a new update is now doing the rounds.

The Latest: Atletico eye up move

According to Spanish outlet Todo Fichajes, Atletico are eyeing up a move for Firmino next summer, with Diego Simeone an admirer of the Brazil international.

The forward has scored 104 goals and registered 77 assists for Liverpool in 338 appearances, being described as a ‘world-class’ player by Klopp.

The Verdict: Exit feels likely

While the thought of Firmino leaving the Reds is a sad one, considering the seven years of wonderful service he has provided, it does feel as though this will be his final season at the club.

At 31, there is no shame in admitting that his very best days are now behind him, and despite him scoring six goals so far this season, his all-round game isn’t what it was, in terms of energy and influence.

A summer exit ultimately makes the most sense for all parties, allowing Firmino one last big move in his career and giving Liverpool the chance to sign a younger alternative.

Wolverhampton Wanderers are currently facing something of a centre-forward crisis at present, with injury having left manager Bruno Lage distinctly short of options ahead of the return to Premier League action this weekend.

Summer signing Sasa Kalajdzic suffered an unfortunate ACL blow on debut following his £15.5m arrival from Stuttgart last month, with the Austria international now facing a lengthy stint on the sidelines that will see him miss the majority of the current campaign.

Those woes have been compounded by the current absence of fellow striker, Raul Jimenez, with the former Benfica man having been restricted to just two league starts so far this season for the Midlands side.

The 31-year-old had only returned from an extended spell on the treatment table last year after suffering a life-threatening head injury following a collision with Arsenal’s David Luiz in November 2020, with the Mexican having struggled to recapture the prolific form he had showcased following his arrival in England in 2018.

After scoring 30 league goals across his first two Premier League campaigns combined, the £13.5m-rated marksman has since scored just ten in the most recent two seasons, albeit with his tally of six last term still the joint-highest in all competitions among Lage’s squad.

That has laid bare just how goal-shy the Molineux outfit of late have been, having since scored just three goals in seven league games thus far this term, after recording the fourth fewest number of goals in the division last term.

The solution to that problem at present is that of recent capture Diego Costa, with excitement building at the prospect of seeing the 33-year-old make his debut for the club, following his free transfer move.

While the former Chelsea man is the best senior option at present, it is yet to be seen if the 33-year-old can make a telling impact, having been without a club since January.

Rather than look to the winter market for a solution, however, the Old Gold could well be bettered served promoting from within, with promising academy gem Leon Chiwome one such figure who could well be called upon.

While only 16, the teenager has already made a strong impression in the youth ranks of late, having scored two goals in just three appearances at Premier League U18 level so far this term, while previously being lauded as a player with “huge potential” by AFC Wimbledon academy manager Michael Hamilton.

The exciting striker has also been recognised for his talent by earning an inclusion in the Guardian’s Next Gen list, alongside the top 20 best talents in the top-flight, with Wolves’ Jonathan Hunter-Barrett labelling him as a player who “knows where the back of the net is.”

At present, it would appear that the senior stars are struggling to pose a threat in the final third, with promoting a clinical asset such as Chiwome potentially the ideal answer.