Newcastle United are keen on Shakhtar Donestk winger Mykhaylo Mudryk, but must be wary that he’s ‘hot property’.
That’s according to CBS Sports journalist Ben Jacobs, who was speaking to GiveMeSport.
The lowdown
Mudryk came through the youth ranks at Shakhtar and signed a new contract in February which runs until the end of the 2025/26 season (via Transfermarkt).
According to The Athletic’s Chris Waugh, Newcastle are keen to sign a new winger in 2023, and the Ukrainian typically operates on the left flank.
The latest
Jacobs says that Arsenal and Bayer Leverkusen could compete with Newcastle for Mudryk’s signature, but does stress that the Bundesliga outfit may be reticent after previously being ‘messed around’. For now, the Magpies are monitoring the Ukrainian with a view to a potential move.
He told GiveMeSport: “You’ve got Arsenal and even Bayer Leverkusen [who are interested], but the challenge with Leverkusen is that they have been messed around before with Mudryk.
“They actually had a deal to sign him and it never came off. So are they going to return into the fold knowing that they’ve been messed around once before?
“But he’s hot property, and the better he does, the more clubs are going to be circling. But Newcastle certainly hold an interest and are keeping tabs on the situation.”
Mudryk has been in excellent form so far this season, tallying eight goal contributions already. Domestically, he has provided four assists in his first four league matches, but he has been even more impressive in the Champions League.
Having scored one goal and set up two more against RB Leipzig on Matchday One, he found the net once again at home to Celtic last time out.
Analyst Sam McGuire has compared him to Sadio Mane, talent scout Jacek Kulig has dubbed him ‘The Ukrainian Neymar’ and Shakhtar sporting director Darijo Srna claimed that the 21-year-old is the third-best left winger on the planet behind Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr.
It’s clear from these appraisals that he has generated a huge amount of excitement, and a big move seems like it’s in the offing. Whether it will be to St James’ Park is another matter.
Manchester City midfielder Rodri is waiting on a last-minute decision as to whether he will be involved in Wednesday’s Champions League clash against Copenhagen, according to injury analyst Ben Dinnery.
The Lowdown: Rodri’s injury
Ahead of Sunday’s 6-3 demolition in the Manchester derby, the Spain international sustained an injury in the final training session before the game, leading manager Pep Guardiola to leave him out of the match-day squad.
The boss added he did not want to risk the 26-year-old with City’s busy upcoming Premier League schedule ahead of the World Cup taking place in November.
The Latest: Dinnery’s news
Ahead of City’s Champions League fixture against Copenhagen, Dinnery has shared an update on Rodri’s availability.
Taking to Twitter, the injury analyst reported:
“Kyle Walker is out of the Champions League tie with FC Copenhagen. Rodri ‘feels better’ and a decision on his involvement will be made after the final session this afternoon.”
The Verdict: Huge boost
When looking at Rodri’s underlying stats, it is clear to see how important he is to Guardiola’s setup at City.
As per FBRef, compared with positional peers across Europe over the past year, the midfielder ranks in the top one percent for passes attempted and in the top two percent for pass completion, also ranking in the top six percent for aerials won.
Hailed as an ‘absolutely incredible’ player by Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville, news of Rodri’s return will come as a relief to City fans, with the defensive midfielder having averaged an impressive 7.20 match rating in the Champions League this year.
Leeds United enjoyed a busy summer, with the boss Jesse Marsch adding eight new permanent faces to his squad in the hopes he could replace the output of Raphinha and Kalvin Phillips.
Not only this, but he sought to improve upon certain positions, harking back to his old club RB Salzburg to see what stars he might prise.
One such decision was to replace Luke Ayling, and very early on in the window the American boss had tied up a £10m deal for Rasmus Kristensen.
The self-proclaimed “leader” would bring defensive security and physicality unlike the man he was replacing, whose performances at the end of last season nearly relegated the Whites.
He has featured in seven of their opening eight Premier League fixtures, and despite a frustrating start does seem to be growing into the demands of English football.
The 25-year-old himself admitted he had found it difficult to first acclimatise, noting: “It’s on a completely different level now. It has also been a challenge for me. I’m finding my place.”
He did suggest that he felt like he’d “made progress”, and assured fans he will “get better”.
This marked a self-critical and honest statement from someone who clearly wants to succeed.
With regard to improvement, his move and slowly growing performances have seen his value take an upward turn.
According to the CIES Football Observatory, he is now worth €20m (£17.5m) already. This marks a sharp 75% increase in a very short space of time.
His average SofaScore rating of 6.87 denotes a solid string of performances, where he is averaging 2.3 interceptions, 2.3 tackles and 2.0 clearances per game. That initial stat is particularly impressive, with no other Leeds player reading the game better in 2022/23.
Whilst offensively he offers little, with just 0.4 key passes per game, he is growing as an unflappable full-back who Marsch can continue to rely on.
To see how his value has skyrocketed will please Victor Orta, as he seems to have got another transfer right. The club will now be hoping that his performances can continue to improve as Leeds climb away from another relegation battle.
Glasgow Rangers reporter for The Athletic Jordan Campbell has revealed another injury boost for the Ibrox outfit involving Ben Davies.
The Lowdown: Was assessed
Taking to Twitter on Thursday afternoon, Campbell revealed that Davies was ‘being assessed’ for an injury complaint after their humiliating 7-1 loss at home to Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League.
The central defender ‘felt muscle tightness’ during the game, but did not want to come off.
This comes after injuries to fellow centre-backs Filip Helander, John Souttar and Connor Goldson, although the latter is now likely to be out for weeks rather than months after having to come off on crutches in the same match, according to The Scottish Sun.
The Latest: ‘Positive news’
Taking to Twitter in an update on Friday night, Campbell has now revealed that he is ‘hearing positive news’ with regards to Davies’ injury, suggesting that it is not as bad as first feared, and that he could feature away at Motherwell in the Scottish Premiership at Sunday lunchtime:
“Hearing positive news re Davies ahead of Sunday after further tests. He’s been a positive in the last four starts. Been really composed and Rangers need him at the moment.”
Davies’ situation could have been lot worse, and so the fact that there are ‘positive’ signs suggests that he could be fine for the match on Sunday.
The Englishman has ranked highly among his team-mates in the division in terms of aerial duels won and average interceptions, clearances and blocks per game (WhoScored), showing that he has been reliable when called upon by Giovanni van Bronckhorst.
With so many other senior centre-backs out injured at the moment as well, Davies could now become a key player for the Gers for their next run of fixtures.
Scottish champions Celtic are currently marching on in the defence of their league title, having steered themselves four points clear at the top of the table following a barnstorming triumph over Hearts at Tynecastle on Saturday.
Amid that dramatic, VAR-dominated clash against Robbie Neilson’s side, striker Giorgos Giakoumakis continued his recent impressive form in front of goal, with the Greek international netting his fourth goal in the past three league games having made the most of his return to the starting XI.
The 27-year-old had been forced to play second fiddle to teammate Kyogo Furuhashi in the early weeks of the season, although is now providing stern competition for his fellow forward, having started the past three Scottish Premiership games.
The former VVV-Venlo man is not the only figure currently looking rejuvenated under Ange Postecoglou, however, with long-serving ace James Forrest having also continued his recent resurgence after netting the opening goal against the Jambos.
That well-taken header had come just a week on from the 31-year-old netting a clinical hat-trick in the 6-1 thrashing of Hibernian at Parkhead, with that treble having brought up a century of goals for the Scotland international since his senior debut back in 2010.
The Hoops academy graduate now looks completely “reborn” at Paradise – in the words of journalist Josh Bunting – with five goals in just eight appearances across all fronts this season so far, having previously been reduced to something of a bit-part role at the club last term.
While the 38-cap speedster still made 32 outings in all competitions during that title-winning campaign, almost half of those had come from the substitutes’ bench, with the Prestwick-born star having lost his place in the forward line amid the arrivals of the likes of Liel Abada, Daizen Maeda and Jota.
As such, there had been potential surprise when the £4.5m-rated ace was handed a new three-year deal back in May, although as Postecoglou has since suggested, that extension was not for “sentimental reasons” with the diminutive ace clearly still having a role to play moving forward.
The 5 foot 9 winger, who earns a reported £19k-per-week, seemingly “put a marker down” with his treble last week – as per ex-Bhoys striker John Hartson – with this latest effort having once again illustrated the player’s continued importance to the Old Firm outfit, going from a somewhat forgotten figure to hero status once again at Parkhead.
Aston Villa have had a very busy transfer window so far this summer. They have already made eight singings, with plenty of players leaving the club, too, seven to be exact. It has been a summer that has signalled great change as the Villans get ready to venture into the Champions League next season.
They have brought in some big-name players to help strengthen their squad ahead of their European quest in 2024/25. Notably, the Midlands side have signed Amadou Onana from Everton, in a deal worth £50m. Other major signings include Ian Maatsen from Chelsea and Juventus pair Enzo Barrenechea and Samuel Iling-Junior.
Belgium's Amadou Onana
Going the other way to Turin was Brazilian midfielder Douglas Luiz, who joined the Italian giants in a deal worth £42.35m. They also sold Moussa Diaby to Saudi side Al Ittihad for a reportedly hefty fee of £50m, just one summer after signing the Frenchman from Bayer Leverkusen.
Having already spent a whooping £148.1m this summer, Villa might not be done just yet. They are linked to several other players who they could add to their squad, including one of the most enterprising attacking midfielders to play in Europe in recent years.
Aston Villa want Champions League-winning midfielder
The player in question here is former Real Madrid and Bayern Munich midfielder James Rodriguez. The Columbian showed his quality at the recent Copa America, and could now be in line for a move back to Europe this summer, having most recently plied his trade in Brazil.
According to a report from Graeme Bailey, the Villans are one of the clubs who have 'now been approached regarding the availability' of Rodriguez this summer.
Premier League, Everton, Everton news, Everton latest news, Everton transfers, Everton transfer news, James Rodriguez
However, they are not the only club to have been offered a chance to sign the Columbian midfielder. The extensive list of clubs includes Brighton & Hove Albion, Fulham, Nottingham Forest and Wolverhampton Wanderers, who are 'amongst those to have been contacted' about a potential deal this summer.
There is also interest in the veteran star abroad. Cesc Fabregas’ Como side could make a move, with Sevilla offering Rodriguez a potential return to Spain. The move would be a free transfer, showing a great piece of business from Villa in terms of cost.
Why Rodriguez would be a good signing
Should Villa get a deal over the line, it could be a shrewd addition to the club, given the Columbian still has bags of quality. He lit up the tournament at the Copa America, and whilst his side lost in the final to Argentina, Rodriguez still won Player of the Tournament. He grabbed six assists and scored once, starting all six games for his country.
James Rodriguez for Colombia.
He could prove to be an excellent alternative to Joao Felix, a man Villa have been linked with in recent weeks. The Portugal international is unhappy at Atletico Madrid and a move away from the club is on the cards.
However, Rodriguez could prove to be an excellent alternative to Felix. Although they are slightly different players, with Felix being a more nimble ball carrier and Rodriguez a sheer creative passer, they could both operate in the number ten roles in Unai Emery’s famed 4-2-2-2 system equally well.
Premier League, Everton, Everton news, Everton latest news, Everton transfers, Everton transfer news, James Rodriguez
A player like Rodriguez is timeless, and although he has struggled to settle into a club since a two-year loan spell to Munich in 2017/18, he has still shown flashes of his creative brilliance in the final third.
His former coach Carlo Ancelotti, who managed him in Madrid, Munich and on Merseyside for Everton, hailed the attacking midfielder during his spell at Goodison Park. Ancelotti commended Rodriguez for “using his quality”, before explaining that it is this quality which “makes him play easy”. He is the type of player who can unlock defences with a smart pass in behind with ease.
In fact, when looking at his passing stats, the 33-year-old has shades of Jack Grealish in his last season at Villa Park. The England international left in the summer of 2021 for Manchester City, and it certainly feels like he has never been replaced by the Villans.
However, should they add the Columbian to their squad, he could replicate what Grealish was doing during his final season in Claret and Blue. Within the last year, Rodriguez has averaged 9.37 progressive passes per 90 minutes and 9.59 passes into the final third each game, both of which rank him in the top 1% of attacking midfielders, as per FBref.
During the 2020/21 season for Villa, Grealish was putting up some sensational numbers. He averaged 7.78 progressive passes and 3.75 passes into the final third each game, which ranked him in the top 4% and top 12% of attacking midfielders in the Premier League, according to FBref.
Stat (per 90)
Rodriguez (last 365 days)
Grealish (2020/21 PL season)
Progressive passes
9.37
7.78
Passes into final third
9.59
3.75
Passes into penalty area
0.87
2.84
Key passes
2.07
3.34
Expected assists
0.16xA
0.27xA
Rodriguez could certainly bring back some of that maverick flair that Villa lost when they sold Grealish to the Cityzens for £100m, which was then a British record transfer fee. Football analyst Ben Mattinson described the Columbian as “magical” during the recent Copa America in the USA, and given his performance and statistical output it is easy to see why.
Adding a player as creative as Rodriguez into their squad could elevate Villa to the next level. Not only would they save money by not signing Felix, but they would be adding experience and quality to the side as they hope to ruffle some feathers in the new-look Champions League format and make a real impression.
Best LW since Grealish: Aston Villa targeting £49m Felix alternative
This sought-after player could yet find himself playing for the Villa.
Journalist Charles Watts has outlined his concern that a number of Arsenal players could become unwell after Martin Odegaard travelled with the team before coming down with an illness.
What’s the latest on Martin Odegaard and Arsenal?
Ahead of their Europa League clash with Sporting CP, the club captain, as well as left-back Kieran Tierney, were unavailable due to them being ill.
While Tierney didn’t even travel to Portugal, Odegaard was on the plane before being deemed too unwell to play any part in the match that ended up all square at 2-2.
With Arsenal pushing for the title in the Premier League, Mikel Arteta will no doubt hope to have both players fit and available this weekend against Fulham.
And while it remains to be seen if they will be able to play, Watts has warned that any virus of flu could end up being spread around the dressing room after Odegaard spent that time on the aeroplane with his teammates.
While speaking on YouTube, the journalist said: “We know Kieran Tierney didn’t even travel because he was ill. Odegaard did travel but obviously came down with this bug that is going around.
“Hopefully, fingers crossed, that doesn’t become too much of an issue and Arsenal can sort it out. It’s not ideal that Odegaard’s obviously caught this and then been on the plane with the whole squad. You know, that’s a bit of a worry.
“Hopefully it’s not going to be anything too serious. You do get these issues during the season when a sickness bug goes around the squad and around the camp. It’s really hard to deal with it because everyone’s in such a confined space in the changing room, in the showers, or on an aeroplane, like we saw last night.
“It’s very difficult, if there is a bug going around, to stop it, and you’ve just got to sort of cross your fingers and hope that not too many people catch it.”
How bad is the illness for Martin Odegaard and Arsenal?In a report on the matter by football.london, it was claimed that both Odegaard and Tierney’s situations are understood to be “precautionary absences” and “not serious”.Even so, it’s noticed that the bug has had an impact on other areas of the Arsenal camp, as Fabio Vieira had to be replaced by Gabriel Martinelli for press conference duties on Wednesday due to a sore throat.With that in mind, there’s every chance that more players could soon go down with the same illness, which could be fairly disastrous for the club. After all, in this weekend’s round of league fixtures, they play travel away to high-flying Fulham, who are seventh.That wouldn’t be an easy game even with a fully fit squad, so Arteta will and Arsenal will no doubt be taking all the precautionary measures possible to isolate and drive out any possible spreading of the bug.
After missing out on Djibril Sow during the summer transfer window, it has been suggested that Crystal Palace could return for the Swiss midfielder in January.
Should he make the move to Selhurst Park after the World Cup, he could prove to be Patrick Vieira’s own version of Liverpool star Fabinho, which would surely mark him out as an excellent addition to the Eagles’ squad.
The Athletic have claimed that Palace were keen on signing the Eintracht Frankfurt star on deadline day but could make another move for the 25-year-old in the winter transfer window.
Although the Eagles brought in Cheick Doucoure from RC Lens, Vieira arguably hasn’t replaced the box-to-box role that was offered by Conor Gallagher during his loan spell at the club last season, and the six-foot Sow could offer the French manager something different in midfield.
Sow has made 11 appearances in the Bundesliga so far this season, contributing one goal and averaging a solid 6.65 rating from WhoScored for his performances, while he has also been a mainstay for the German side in the Champions League after their Europa League success last season.
WhoScored claims that Sow excels at passing, through balls, long shots and interceptions, while he has no listed weaknesses, which suggests that he could be an excellent all-round addition to Vieira’s midfield.
Sports reporter Sam Smith commented on Sow and his links to Palace earlier this year, saying:
“First time properly watching Djibril Sow in this first half & been impressed. Progressive on the ball and combative. As per story from deadline day, Palace were very keen on a deal. Talks were still happening late in the day. Definitely one to watch ahead of January.”
According to FBref, Fabinho is the second-most similar player to Sow in terms of style of play, and considering the Brazilian has helped Jurgen Klopp’s side to success in the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup since his switch from Monaco, he is surely not a bad player to be likened to.
This season has seen the two players register very similar numbers in terms of expected goals (both 0.2), shot-creating actions (20 vs 21) and tackles and interceptions (27 vs 28) combined.
Therefore, they are both defensive-minded players who can also offer a threat in attack, so Vieira could have a very good player on his hands if Palace can complete a move for Sow in January.
Southampton are considering a move to sign Marseille midfielder Pape Gueye in January, according to reports.
The Lowdown: Bit-part player
The France-born talent made the move to the Velodrome in 2020, but he has recently fallen out of favour and is fourth in Igor Tudor’s pecking order behind Valentin Rongier, Matteo Guendouzi and Jordan Veretout.
He has played less than 400 minutes in all competitions this season, whereas the other three have all had more than 1,000 minutes of game-time (Transfermarkt).
Despite the 23-year-old still having nearly two years remaining on his contract, two clubs in particular have been alerted to his current situation and are keen on bringing him to the Premier League.
The Latest: Southampton eyeing Gueye
According to French outlet Jeunes Footeux (via Sport Witness), both Southampton and Leeds United are ‘keen’ on a deal for Gueye.
The source claims that Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side will be looking to ‘take advantage of the existing contacts’, with Saints chiefs already having a connection with Marseille following the transfer of Duje Caleta-Car.
The south coast club would reportedly ‘prefer a loan with a view to buy’ whilst the Ligue 1 outfit want straight cash, but given Marseille’s urgent need for funds, the maestro could be handed over on a ‘silver platter’.
The Verdict: Don’t do it…
Southampton already have plenty of midfield options at their disposal in the likes of James Ward-Prowse, Joe Aribo, Ibrahima Diallo, Stuart Armstrong and Romeo Lavia, so this area of the pitch doesn’t need any further additions.
Also, the Senegal international doesn’t contribute enough in the final third of the pitch, having only scored four goals and provided two assists in 92 appearances for Marseille (Transfermarkt).
Whilst he has been dubbed a ‘fantastic’ player by Josh Bunting, the Saints should turn their attention elsewhere as Hasenhuttl looks to bolster his ranks in the winter market.
West Ham United have been urged to secure a deal for Everton defender Michael Keane by transfer insider Dean Jones.
The Lowdown: West Ham’s interest in Keane
The Hammers have been linked with a move for the Toffees defender earlier this year, but despite not signing the 29-year-old over the summer, the east London club still managed to bring in defensive reinforcements in the shape of Khilo Tehrer, Nayef Aguerd and Emerson Palmieri.
With the January transfer window on its way, it appears that the subject of seeing West Ham move for Keane has been discussed once more, amid recent reports that the Irons have made an approach for the Toffees defender.
The Latest: Keane would be a ‘good signing’
Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Jones touched upon the possibility of seeing Keane join David Moyes’ squad at the London Stadium.
He said: “I think Michael Keane would be a good signing if West Ham can get him, but I certainly don’t think that would be the only thing that they need in the January market.”
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The Verdict: Could be useful for West Ham
Last season saw the 29-year-old end the campaign with more clearances (128) than any other player at Everton, also posting the highest combined total of tackles and interceptions (108) at the club.
This showcases his defensive acumen and hints at what he would be able to offer for West Ham, which is why we feel that GSB should explore the possibility of signing him in January, particularly with Keane struggling for minutes at Goodison Park.
With the Hammers having kept just three clean sheets in the league this season, adding someone like Keane, who has shown how capable a defender he can be in the top flight, would be a useful signing for the east London club to make.
Praised for his “magnificent” performances in the past by journalist Henry Winter, the Toffees defender may not need time to properly settle into life at West Ham in the same way that Kehrer and Aguerd would have, given his experience of 219 Premier League games.