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West Ham United have now joined the race to sign Atalanta attacking midfielder Ruslan Malinovskyi.

What’s the news?

That’s according to French journalist Ignazio Genuardi, who took to Twitter to provide an update on the future of the Serie A midfielder.

“In lack of playing time with #Atalanta #Bergame, #Malinovskyi remains targeted by #Marseille , but the Ukrainian retains a preference for the PL, where Tottenham and West Ham are particularly interested.

“Moreover, the cost of such a deal appears problematic (15-20 M €).”

Malinovskyi has been linked with a move to Tottenham Hotspur for quite some time now but it appears they face competition to secure his signature, especially with West Ham and Marseille interested.

With his contract expiring at the end of the season, West Ham could sign him for just £17m and this represents excellent value.

Manuel Lanzini upgrade

David Moyes’ side haven’t quite experienced the highs of last season so far this term, winning just four Premier League matches and scoring a paltry 12 goals, it’s clear the team requires an attacking spark.

Moyes spent big on Lucas Paqueta in the summer, however, the Brazilian hasn’t exactly set the world on fire, failing to score in eight league matches. The Scot will be keen on adding some competition in the attacking midfield position and Malinovskyi could be a big upgrade on Lanzini.

The Argentinian has featured in just five Premier League matches this term, failing to score or assist, although he does have two goals in the Europa Conference League.

His contract expires at the end of the campaign and unless he improves during the second half of the season, it is unlikely he remains at the club beyond next summer.

Malinovskyi hasn’t had as big an impact this season as he did last term, scoring just once and providing two assists so far in Serie A, but if he can recapture his 2021/2022 form, Moyes could have an excellent player on his hands.

In 30 league matches, the Ukrainian registered ten goal contributions (six goals and four assists) while also creating a further 13 big chances and making 1.5 key passes per game, proving how much of an attacking threat he can be.

Compare this to Lanzini, who created just three big chances last season along with 0.8 key passes per match, the Atlanta star is clearly a much better attacking option.

Indeed, he was dubbed an “animal” by journalist Fernando Evangelio and with the player actively wanting a move to England, Moyes must strike in January as it could be the move that revives West Ham’s season.

Liverpool striker Roberto Firmino has been offered a ‘big-money’ new contract to stay in the Premier League, according to reports in the last 48 hours.

The Lowdown: Atletico interest

The Brazilian’s current deal is set to expire at the end of the season, meaning that should he not put pen to paper, he will be able to sign a pre-contract agreement with overseas clubs from January onwards.

Atletico Madrid are the primary suitor to have been credited with an interest in the 31-year-old, though rather than leaving, it sounds like he could be about to extend his stay at Anfield.

The Latest: Liverpool make offer

According to Football Insider, Liverpool have tabled Firmino a ‘big-money’ new contract in a bid to ‘keep hold’ of him and fend off external attention.

Discussions are already ‘underway’ over a deal that would see the forward having his salary reduced, with his current agreement worth £180k-per-week.

The Reds veteran, however, will be able to ‘hike up his pay’ from bonuses based on number of appearances and goals.

Jurgen Klopp ‘remains a huge admirer’ of his attacker and insists that he still has a ‘big role to play’ on Merseyside.

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The Verdict: Fully deserved

Liverpool’s manager has dubbed Firmino ‘world-class’, and him being offered fresh terms is nothing less than he deserves given the impact he’s made this season.

The Maceio native has racked up 13 goal contributions in 21 appearances across all competitions so far and is a useful option to have with the ability to operate in four different positions (Transfermarkt).

Firmino is one of the longest-serving members of the squad, and despite not getting any younger, he will very much remain an integral part of the club’s success moving forward.

CBS Sports journalist Ben Jacobs has revealed that Chelsea are ‘in touch’ with the agent of Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic over a potential move.

The Lowdown: Toothless attack

The Blues found themselves in a disappointing eighth place in the Premier League table before the break for the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, and are the lowest scorers (17) in the top half.

With Armando Broja expected to be out for the season with a torn ACL after getting injured in the friendly with Aston Villa, it would not be a surprise to see the Stamford Bridge outfit dip into the January market for a new striker.

The Latest: Vlahovic contact

Taking to Twitter, Jacobs has revealed that Graham Potter’s side are ‘in touch’ with Vlahovic’s agent over a potential move, and an exit from Juve in January is ‘not being ruled out’:

“Told there is a very real possibility Dusan Vlahovic will leave Juventus in 2023. A January exit is not being ruled out by those close to him. Several top European clubs are in touch with his agent, including Chelsea, although nothing particularly advanced at this point.”

The Verdict: Get it done

If a deal for Vlahovic can be done in January, then Chelsea must do all that they can to get it over the line.

Hailed as having ‘unbelievable’ quality and being a ‘bit like Haaland’ by journalist Dean Jones, the Serbia international boasts 16 goals and four assists in 36 games for the Old Lady (Transfermarkt), and at just 22 years of age, is one of the most promising strikers in Europe.

He also has 10 goals in 19 games for his country.

Vlahovic is a proven goalscorer, and would make a real difference up top for the Blues, should they be able to sign him.

Everton started the season in promising fashion despite their poor form, with fans beginning to see some of Frank Lampard’s vision that he was trying to instil.

It seemed that his new philosophy was built upon defensive solidity, with Conor Coady and James Tarkowski seemingly revolutionising the Goodison Park mindset.

However, now that the defence seems sorted, new problems have arisen at the other end of the pitch.

The Toffees are decidedly toothless this season and have scored only 11 times in 15 games. This has left them just one point above the relegation zone and seriously questioning the manager’s credentials.

He will likely be handed the January window to rectify this issue and must look towards strengthening his wingers if he is to fire them to safety.

One such rumour regarding Ismaila Sarr should please Evertonians, with the dynamic Senegalese star “wanted” by the Merseyside outfit’s manager according to Simon Phillips.

This came after The Mirror suggested a £35m move could be on the cards.

Described as “young, hungry and electric” by journalist Rob Blanchette, this is the exact kind of profile needed at Goodison Park to turn the tide.

This season for Watford the 24-year-old gem has already scored six times and assisted three, which dwarfs the tally of any other Everton player.

His form is merely an extension of last season’s five goals in the Premier League too.

To sign him could see Anthony Gordon drop out from the team, with the 21-year-old having drawn criticism for his attitude alongside his poor record of just three goals this season.

What makes Sarr such an attractive proposition is the comparison Andre Gray gave, as he claimed: “He’s like our Messi. You just give him the ball & let him do what he’s doing.”

Given the Argentina magician has just captained his side to win the World Cup, this contrast holds added weight as he was also awarded the player of the tournament award.

A side crying out for attacking reinforcements, this particular wide man is exactly what Lampard needs to turn around his sluggish side.

His pace and physicality matched with technical perfection will see Gordon forgotten in no time, should they secure the deal this January.

Arsenal are one of the clubs in the mix to secure a transfer deal for Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic. 

The Lowdown: Arsenal’s previous interest in Vlahovic

The north London club have been linked with a move for Vlahovic in the past, most notably back in the previous January transfer window, before he eventually made his move to Juventus.

Since then, the 22-year-old has gone on to score 16 goals in 36 appearances for the Italian club, taking his career total to 88 goals in 193 club games.

Now that the next January window is set to open in the coming days, the Serbian could be on his way out of the Serie A side just 12 months on.

The Latest: Arsenal in the mix for Vlahovic

According to a recent report from Corriere dello Sport (via Sport Witness), the striker is currently unsettled at Juventus and has the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich after him, with the English clubs “interested even immediately to sign Vlahovic”.

The report also adds that while the Italian club are keen to keep hold of the striker until at least the end of the season, an offer of €90m (£79m) would be considered in January.

The Verdict: A big investment for Arsenal

This season has shown how much of a deadly striker Vlahovic is despite his reported issues off the pitch.

For example, as well as having more shots at goal (30) than any other player at Juventus in the league, the striker also has the joint-third highest number of key passes (11) at the club.

His overall performances have earned the striker, who has been described as an “extraordinary” player by former manager Vincenzo Italiano, a solid season rating of 7/10 from WhoScored, making him the fifth-highest rated player at Juventus.

Taking all of this into account, it’s clear that the Juventus attacker would give Mikel Arteta’s side a very capable goalscorer as well as a potential long-term figure at the club given his age.

However, with the hefty transfer fee that it could take to sign him in January, this would certainly be something that the Gunners would need to consider very carefully before making a decision.

Everton are eyeing up a move for a Ligue 1 striker as Frank Lampard looks to strengthen his attacking options during the January transfer window…

What’s the news?

According to French news outlet Media Foot, Everton are considering a move for Montpellier striker Elye Wahi this month, with the 20-year-old valued at around €25m (£22m) by his current club.

The Toffees face competition from Lyon for the youngster’s signature, however, and Lampard will need to act fast in order to lure him to Goodison Park.

Everton urgently require an attacking spark having scored just 13 Premier League goals so far this season.

Rondon upgrade following in Mbappe’s footsteps

Rondon was signed by former Everton manager Rafa Benitez in 2021 and it’s fair to say he was largely ineffective during his spell on Merseyside.

He scored just three goals across 31 appearances in all competitions and was released by the club last month. On that evidence, there is no doubt that Wahi could be a major upgrade on the 33-year-old.

With Dominic Calvert-Lewin suffering from a variety of injury problems this term, making just five starts, it’s clear that Lampard needs to sign one or two more attacking options this month.

Wahi could be an excellent addition, especially with his seemingly limitless potential and the fact he has already shone in Ligue 1.

In fact, the 20-year-old is already making waves in French football, becoming just the second player after a certain Kylian Mbappe to score 20 Ligue 1 goals before his 20th birthday – which he is celebrating today.

In 15 league matches this season, Wahi has already bagged seven times and registered one assist, more than any other Everton player.

The Frenchman has also taken 1.9 shots per game, proving how much of a threat he poses and he can also generate opportunities for his teammates judging by his 0.5 key passes made per match.

Ex-Caen academy director Francis de Taddeo lavished praise on the striker, saying: “He is a powerful, athletic and fast player with a range of dribbling skills where only he knows what he is going to do next.”

The fee mentioned above of £22m could represent an excellent piece of business by Lampard if he manages to beat Lyon to the signing of Wahi. With Everton desperate for goals, the youngster could provide a vital attacking spark that the club has sorely missed this season.

Chelsea look set to complete the signing of Enzo Fernandez from Benfica for a club-record fee, according to Alex Crook.

What’s the word?

The midfielder, who played a starring role for Argentina at the World Cup, looks set to move to West London, with Chelsea paying a British-record transfer fee.

The 21-year-old won the Young Player of the Tournament award in Qatar, and is set for another move having only joined Benfica from River Plate at the start of the season.

Speaking on TalkSPORT, Crook shared details of the potential deal, and stated that he expects it to go through.

“The key here is the terms of the transfer fee. We know it’s going to be in excess of his £105m release clause,” he stated.

“But Chelsea, as I mentioned yesterday, want to pay in three installments to try and get round their FFP limitations.

“The final call is still to be made by the Benfica hierarchy. Enzo Fernandez has already agreed personal terms. He’s already checked out, basically, he thinks he’s played his last game for Benfica, but Scott Minto told us yesterday it wasn’t a particularly good performance, if it was his last game.

“I think this will happen but we’re just waiting for the final green light from Benfica.”

A big gamble?

Although his talent was on full display at the World Cup, the size of the fee is arguably excessive, considering the Argentine’s lack of experience.

Fernandez has played just 25 games for Benfica since his summer move, and even at River Plate he only made 53 senior appearances.

His value has shot up as a result of his national team displays, and he would slot straight into the Chelsea midfield with N’Golo Kante and Jorginho potentially leaving in the summer, but such a large deal for a 21-year-old does carry a risk of failure if he cannot live up to expectations.

Newcastle United target Matheus Franca has been hailed as a player with real talent amid the January transfer reports by Sky Sports’ South American expert, Tim Vickery.

What’s the latest?

The Magpies have been linked with a potential swoop for the Flamengo youngster this month as Eddie Howe looks to strengthen the fight on Tyneside for a spot in the Champions League.

And the reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano has now claimed he is expecting the Magpies to begin their push for the 18-year-old again in the coming days.

Franca has only made 25 appearances for the Brazilian side in which he has been able to find the back of the net on six occasions (via Transfermarkt).

And despite the majority of those appearances coming from the bench, Vickery has been left wowed by the youngster from what he has seen in his early stages of his career in Brazil:

(27:50) “He’s an attacking midfielder. And there is real talent there. He’s very strong on the ball. He’s got a lovely dip in the shoulder.

“As I’m saying Flamengo are the experts at this model. They sell promises. They sold Vinicius Jr. They sold Lucas Paqueta, they sell promises in order to bring back players from Europe.

“They have a very strong team Flamengo. They are the champions of South America. It’s hard for Matheus Franca to get a game when they’re at full strength. So I think Flamengo would be open to selling him but they want money for him.”

One for the future

The Magpies are flying high this season in the Premier League with a real grasp on the top four following their bright start to the 2022/23 campaign.

However, Eddie Howe has expressed his belief that this month’s transfer window may be restrained by their need to adhere to the FFP regulations.

With this in mind, it does seem as if big money moves for their believed target James Maddison could be put back until the summer window where funds may be more accessible for the Toon.

And given the funds for big moves this month may not be there, this is seemingly providing PIF with an opportunity to build for the future through young prospects such as Franca.

Newcastle have already seen Garang Kuol arrive on Tyneside following his signing over the summer after the Australian was identified as a potential star of the future by Newcastle.

But it will be interesting to see whether the potential signing of Franca would see the Brazilian play a part in Howe’s squad for the remainder of the campaign if he is to join.

Having played so few games in his homeland, and of such a young age, it would make a lot of sense if the Magpies were to loan him back to Flamengo or to find him a possible short-term deal with a European side as they’re seemingly doing with Kuol.

Everton have been linked with a move for Anthony Elanga this month in an effort to strengthen the attacking threat ahead of the second half of the season and now a new update has emerged from a reliable source.

What’s the latest?

Italian journalist and transfer insider Fabrizio Romano took to The United Stand YouTube channel yesterday to confirm that Everton are still interested in signing the Manchester United winger on loan before the transfer window closes.

Host Mark Goldbridge asked about Elanga’s possible move to Goodison Park over the next few weeks, and Romano revealed:

“I think it’s a possibility, Everton already wanted him in the final week of August.

“Everton are still interested, they’re a big fan of him and I think it’s a very good possibility for the player because he was tempted in the summer but Erik ten Hag said ‘no you have to stay here, you’re an important player for us’ – now the feeling is different.

“So, I think this is one they will decide to do in the final days or weeks of the window because Everton are pushing – many clubs are interested in Elanga – but Everton are really pushing.”

Lampard’s next prodigy

Frank Lampard isn’t having the most successful time on the blue side of Merseyside and looks set to face another difficult relegation scrap again this term if the manager is unable to turn things around in the most immediate instance.

However, despite the troubled situation he has found himself in at Goodison Park, the former Chelsea boss is renowned for his eye for young talent and for nurturing their development by introducing them to consistent first-team football.

Tariq Lamptey, Armando Broja, Reece James, Mason Mount and Marc Guehi have all become established Premier League players and some have even become Champions League winners since Lampard gave them all their top-flight debuts.

As a result, the signing of Elanga could not only be an opportunity for Everton to add fresh quality to their attacking threat but also a chance for the player to work with a manager who has championed youth throughout his management career so far.

The talented 20-year-old has already tallied up 30 goals and 19 assists over his 115 career appearances rising through the ranks of Man United’s academy with a goal contribution every 153 minutes, proving that he could be a valuable asset to the Toffees in their pursuit of improving their goal tally in their upcoming fixtures.

Although earning consistent game-time over last season, the opportunities for Elanga to shine at Old Trafford have dwindled since the arrival of former Ajax boss Ten Hag – averaging just 31 minutes over 13 Premier League appearances this campaign which will surely be frustrating for the youngster who has already had a taste of senior football.

With that being said, the opportunity to go to Goodison and work with a manager who thrives in developing youth talent could be a tempting prospect for Elanga. At the same time, it would offer Everton another attacking option to really push on for a comfortable finish in the top flight by the end of the season.

Chelsea owner Todd Boehly is making sweeping changes from head to toe as he looks to assert his authority in the Premier League and create a force to be reckoned with over the coming era of football.

Having already parted with £371m since arriving at Stamford Bridge last year, the Blues’ owner is showing little sign of being deterred from continuing to inject vibrant life into the outfit, with high-profile forward moves for Mykhaylo Mudryk and Joao Felix already struck this winter.

A further area that is being targeted for reinforcement is the defensive right flank, with established right-back Reece James battling injury issues this season and stalwart Cesar Azpilicueta now 33 years old, several names have been underlined.

And one budding talent that could indeed find themselves in Chelsea blue in short time is Bayer Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong, who has been earning plaudits for his offensive skills, pace and physicality in the German Bundesliga.

And now, according to GIVEMESPORT, Frimpong is mulling over a move with initial enquires having been made, but is hesitant to plunge headfirst into the waters at Stamford Bridge following concerns over playing time.

And rightly so, James is one of the Premier League’s best full-backs, if not the gl0be’s, and the 22-year-old and €30m (£26m-valued) Frimpong boasts an offensive calibre that deservedly earns a place under the lights at one of Europe’s premier outfits.

Having faith in his capabilities on the pitch would go a long way, with his 22 appearances for Leverkusen this season an indication that he boasts the acumen to flourish for an ambitious outfit, with his five goals and three assists indeed telling the story of his attack-minded demeanour on the pitch.

As per FBref, the “exciting talent” – as dubbed by Transfermarkt’s Stefen Bienkowski – ranks among the top 3% of full-backs across Europe’s top five leagues for rate of goals, the top 7% for assists, the top 1% for dribbles completed and the top 2% for touches in the attacking box.

Bearing this in mind, a deadly connection with Chelsea playmaker Hakim Ziyech could be swiftly achieved, with the creative ingenuity of the Moroccan phenom creating pockets of space and prompting effective overlaps that will only enhance Potter’s prospects of success, the two players working in intrinsic tandem and merging the contrasting skill-sets together with aplomb.

As per Whoscored, the left-footed Ziyech averages 2.6 key passes a match over the entirety of his career, as well as taking a remarkable 3.6 shots, and Frimpong’s destructive impact in the offensive third, both as a direct presence and creative auxiliary option, would reap the rewards for the club.

Chelsea must swoop for one of football’s most exciting wide options, bolstering the position and providing Potter with another excellent option to utilise as he looks to kick his Chelsea tenure into resounding life.