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Crystal Palace look to have struck gold with the summer signing of Cheick Doucoure, as the midfielder’s value has already doubled since his move to Selhurst Park.

The Malian joined Palace from RC Lens in the summer transfer window in a deal worth £21m and he has quickly established himself as an integral part of Patrick Vieira’s side.

So far this season, the 22-year-old has made 12 appearances in the top flight for the Eagles, averaging an impressive 6.74 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

This ranks him as the sixth-best performer in Vieira’s squad, which emphasises just how important he is becoming to the south London side, and at 22, he is only going to get better.

Doucoure’s defensive abilities are already shining through with the Eagles, as he ranks second for tackles per game, third for blocks per game and top for interceptions per game in Palace’s squad.

Vieira testified this earlier in the season after a defeat against Chelsea, saying:

“He is a complete holding midfielder. He can be part of our buildup and, defensively, he is winning a lot of one-against-ones. He’s growing into that role and responsibility and feeling more and more comfortable with each match. Even so, there is a lot more to come from him.”

His impressive start to life in the Premier League certainly hasn’t gone unnoticed, as his market value according to Transfermarkt has rocketed since his Selhurst Park switch.

Just six months ago, during Doucoure’s time in Ligue 1 with RC Lens, his market value stood at just €15m (£13.1m), but now he is rated at an impressive €30m (£26.3m), a 100% increase.

This also ranks him as the joint-fourth most valuable played in Palace’s squad, behind just Marc Guehi, Wilfried Zaha and Joachim Andersen.

Therefore, it seems clear that Steve Parish struck gold when bringing the young midfielder to England during the summer, as they seem almost certain to make a big profit on him should he ever leave Selhurst Park.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly still monitoring Everton winger Anthony Gordon ahead of the upcoming January transfer window. 

The Lowdown: Spurs’ previous interest in Gordon

The Lilywhites were linked with a move for the winger during the previous summer transfer window.

Having stayed at Goodison Park, reports have since emerged throwing doubt over whether or not the Englishman will put pen to paper on a new deal at Everton.

With the winter window approaching, it seems as though Antonio Conte’s side have not fully given up on their interest in the player.

The Latest: Spurs still eyeing Gordon

According to a recent report from Football.London, written by Alasdair Gold, Spurs will continue to monitor the situation with Gordon ahead of the January transfer window.

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The report also adds that any move for Gordon would be far more difficult in January rather than in the next summer window, but Tottenham will continue to monitor his situation in case an opportunity to sign him arises.

The Verdict: Spurs shouldn’t rush to sign Gordon

With 14 league appearances under his belt this season, the 21-year-old has scored three goals but has failed to provide an assist for his side.

Having racked up a rate of 1.83 shot-creating actions per 90 minutes at Everton, this leaves eight other Toffees players with a higher number.

This suggests that Gordon, who has been praised for his “fearless” attitude by Alan Shearer, has not been particularly proficient in terms of his attacking ability for Frank Lampard’s side this season.

His performances have earned the attacker a rather underwhelming season rating of 6.64/10 from WhoScored, making him the ninth-highest rated player at the Merseyside club.

This rating would leave 10 Spurs players above him by the same metric based on their overall performances this season.

Taking all of this into account, we feel that Spurs should not consider signing the player in January and should only contemplate making a move for him in the summer, if he has a particular impressive second half to the season with more goals and assists to his name.

Rangers could reportedly be set to turn to out-of-work coach Scott Parker to fill Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s void at Ibrox, with it yet to be seen just who will be the Dutchman’s successor.

What’s the word?

Despite reports that the Old Firm outfit would hold fire during the World Cup break, the Scottish Premiership side ultimately took decisive action to show the 47-year-old the door earlier this week, with the former Feyenoord boss having been under intense scrutiny in recent weeks.

While Van Bronckhorst had guided the club to Scottish Cup glory last term and also reached the Europa League final, a dismal Champions League run and below-par league form ultimately saw his position become untenable, with the recent draw with St Mirren having seemingly proved the final straw.

With the Gers now looking to fill that vacancy, journalist Dean Jones – speaking to GIVEMESPORT – has suggested that the aforementioned Parker could one of the names in the mix, with the respected source stating: “Scott Parker is actually one that I’ve heard.”

Could do a ‘brilliant job’

The Englishman could well be an attainable target having also found himself out of job earlier this season, with the 42-year-old having been axed by Premier League side Bournemouth following a 9-0 thrashing at the hands of Liverpool.

While that departure had come after the former England international had publicly called out the Cherries’ hierarchy regarding their summer recruitment, prior to that Parker had seemingly done a “brilliant job” on the south coast, in the words of West Ham United’s David Moyes.

Having been appointed in the summer of 2021, the Lambeth-born coach went on to guide the club back to the top flight in his debut season in charge, securing automatic promotion behind champions, Fulham.

The former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder had previously taken the Cottagers into the top tier during the 2019/20 campaign via the playoffs, before leaving his post a year later after suffering an instant return back into the Championship.

Despite the final outcome, those two promotions in just his first two managerial posts are a clear sign of Parker’s talent, having previously been “highly thought of” while doing his coaching badges, according to pundit Gary Neville on The Overlap.

Appointing what is a relatively up-and-coming coach would be something of a gamble as far as Rangers are concerned, although the Englishman has certainly proven his credentials amid his success south of the border in recent times. Indeed, he could just replicate his ‘brilliant job’ with the Cherries north of the border.

Arsenal could make a push for Inter Milan star Hakan Calhanoglu, according to reports out of Italy.

The Lowdown: Arteta’s men flying…

Mikel Arteta’s side are currently Premier League title contenders and top the table as England’s most in-form side, even above current champions Manchester City.

The Gunners have been stern in defence, conceding the joint-fewest league goals so far this term alongside Newcastle United (11). Meanwhile, only City have scored more goals at the other end, with no team winning more games or losing fewer than Arsenal.

On paper, they appear to be in brilliant stead, but it’s the job of sporting director Edu to improve Arteta’s squad when given an opportunity.

The Latest: Arsenal could push for Calhanoglu…

According to Italian sources, Edu and Arsenal could make a move for Calhanoglu.

Inter Live reported on Tuesday that the 74-cap Turkey international’s ‘armoury’ could in fact ‘push some rich clubs’ to opt for his signing, specifically naming the north Londoners and top-flight rivals Aston Villa.

The report adds that Calhanoglu could be sold if an offer of €30m (£26m) comes in for him, even if he is one of Inter’s ‘big names’.

The Verdict: Make the move?

£26m is arguably a very fair price considering that the attacker is currently in his prime at 28 years of age.

Furthermore, Calhanoglu is also demonstrating very good form at club level right now, standing out as Inter’s second-best performing player by average match rating from WhoScored.

The midfielder’s creative influence cannot be understated, having made more key passes per 90 on average than any Nerazzurri player over 2022/23.

Calhanoglu could provide an extra dimension of attacking threat for Arteta if Edu does indeed decide to press ahead with this prospective move.

Aston Villa have entered the race to sign a player who is currently starring at the World Cup…

What’s the news?

According to reports in Spain, Aston Villa are battling it out with fellow Premier League side Manchester United to sign Sevilla goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.

The 31-year-old has been one of Morocco’s brightest sparks as they have become just the fourth African side to reach the quarter-finals of the World Cup.

The LaLiga side are unwilling to let Bounou go unless an offer of at least €30m (£26m) is submitted.

Emiliano Martinez replacement?

The relationship between Unai Emery and Martinez is reportedly strained amid a falling out when the two were at Arsenal and this could put the Argentinian’s long-term future at the club in doubt.

The 30-year-old has started all of Villa’s league matches this season, conceding 18 goals and making 2.7 saves per match and the club may have been in a lot more trouble if it weren’t for his heroics in goal.

Despite his solid performances, it appears Emery is keen on adding another goalkeeper, and Bounou – nicknamed as ‘Bono’ – is certainly a player on his radar.

The 31-year-old hero has shone for Morocco in Qatar, averaging a Sofascore rating of 7.2, conceding just one goal in three matches, while reserving his best performance for the most important game.

The last-16 tie against Spain was 0-0 after extra time and the Sevilla sensation managed to save all three of the Spanish penalties to send them home and propel the Atlas Lions into the quarter-finals of the World Cup.

Teammate Romain Saiss lavished praise on Bono after the game, saying: “It is amazing for him. He had a heroic game today, not only during the penalties. He just wanted to show why he was named the best La Liga goalkeeper last season. He is a great keeper, he proved it against Spain. We owe him a lot today.”

With a place in the semi-finals up for grabs when Morocco take on Portugal tomorrow afternoon, Emery will be watching closely, and don’t be surprised if Bono ends up in the Premier League following his success in Qatar.

New Glasgow Rangers manager Michael Beale is set to face an almost unsurmountable challenge trying to win the Premiership title this season having replaced Giovanni van Bronckhorst at Ibrox.

The Gers are currently nine points behind Celtic in the chase for the title and Beale will have to have everybody fit and raring to go once the domestic season resumes again.

This is easier said than done, with the Light Blues having no fewer than eight first-team players missing through injury and the 42-year-old will have to rely on who he has available to him at the moment.

The biggest disappointment this season has been that of Alfredo Morelos, with the striker scoring just three times, being overshadowed by summer arrival Antonio Colak, who has 14 goals already.

The Colombian appears to have lost his goalscoring instinct which he utilised to good effect between 2018 and 2021, which coincidentally came under Beale, who was the first team coach during Steven Gerrard’s spell as manager.

If anyone is going to rejuvenate Morelos, Beale might just be the man, having created a system that was perfect for the 26-year-old. It allowed him to thrive while supported by two attacking wingers and a dynamic midfield, as he scored for fun.

Indeed, during Beale and Gerrard’s three full seasons at Rangers, Morelos netted 14, which tells the whole story.

For a striker who was once dubbed “lethal” and a “nightmare to play against” by Journalist Jordan Campbell, it is a shock to see his apparent decline so far this season.

The £33k-per-week hitman might have a lot to prove under Beale and appointing the Englishman might just be the correct call in order to bring back the best from Morelos.

The next few months could be pivotal in his Rangers career, especially with the player out of contract next summer, however, if he can get a few goals scored early on during the Beale tenure, the Ibrox faithful might just see the redemption of arguably the finest striker the club has had in the previous decade.

Newcastle United are set to return to competitive action at home to Bournemouth in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday evening, with the Magpies looking to pick up where they left off prior to the World Cup break.

Despite the notable excitement of the resumption of club football after an extended hiatus, manager Eddie Howe will no doubt be sweating on the fitness of his key individuals, particularly in the centre-forward ranks.

England international Callum Wilson was a notable absentee from the recent friendly triumph over Rayo Vallecano at St James’ Park following his return from Qatar, with doubts creeping in as to whether the 30-year-old is carrying an injury at present.

While Howe has since moved to suggest the six-cap menace has not sustained an issue, the former Cherries boss was vague as to whether the striker would be in line to feature against his former club tomorrow evening.

More worryingly, the 44-year-old also stated that there is no fixed return date for summer signing Alexander Isak, with the club-record capture having been out of action since early September after making just three appearances for the club thus far.

Although the Tynesiders do have £25m man Chris Wood waiting in the wings for a chance – with the 31-year-old netting against the La Liga side last time out – the New Zealand international has hardly pulled up any trees in 2022 thus far, scoring only four times for the club to date.

That could well lead to an opportunity for academy starlet, Dylan Stephenson, to make his senior debut against Gary O’Neil’s men, with the 20-year-old having notably scored in the recent, 5-0 thrashing of Saudi Arabian side, Al-Hilal.

Following that late strike, the emerging talent was lauded for his performance by his manager, with Howe stating post-match: “You always remember the first goal you score. He’s a great lad, very hard working, great attitude, this is a great experience for him and hopefully the first of many.”

A player who clearly “knows where the net is” – according to journalist Craig Hope – the young Englishman has sparkled in the academy ranks in recent times, with five goals and two assists in just ten games at Premier League 2 level this season.

The youngster’s total record for Newcastle’s U21 side stands at 19 goals in 56 games, having previously scored 20 goals in just 39 outings, proving himself a truly clinical presence in front of goal.

The next test will now be to replicate such displays in the first team, with these latest injury woes ensuring it may well be an ideal time for Stephenson to earn his competitive senior bow this week.

Sky Sports pundit Paul Robinson has urged Newcastle United to sign Benfica and Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernandez after an admission from Eddie Howe that the player may be too expensive.

The Lowdown: Howe ‘aware’ of Fernandez

Speaking to Sky Sports, Howe admitted that he is ‘aware’ of Fernandez after impressing with winners Argentina at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, but fears that the transfer fee required to sign him in the January transfer window may be ‘quite lumpy’.

He added that a player should not be signed just off the back of performances at a World Cup, after Magpies legend Alan Shearer joked that he would like to see Fernandez at St. James’ Park.

The Latest: Would be a ‘real coup’

Speaking to Football Insider, former Premier League shot-stopper Robinson has urged the North East club to sign Fernandez if they can, claiming that he would be a ‘real coup’:

“Everyone knows Newcastle have a lot of money to play with.

“When Newcastle come knocking, clubs will charge a premium.

“I agree with Howe about signing a player off the back of one tournament. But, Fernandez does not fall into that category. He has been brilliant over a period of time. He has been very good for Benfica by all accounts.

“He is a player they should absolutely be looking at. Imagine him alongside Bruno Guimaraes.

“Fernandez is a brilliant player at the right age. Whoever gets him will be getting one of the best young midfielders in the world. It would be a real coup for Newcastle if they can get him in.”

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The Verdict: Statement signing

Fernandez would certainly be a statement signing if the Tynesiders can get a deal done in January.

The 21-year-old was a star player at the World Cup, winning the Young Player Award, and was his country’s fourth-best performer overall, scoring one goal and supplying one assist in his seven appearances (WhoScored).

However, he is also performing at club level with Benfica, having ranked in the 99th percentile of all midfielders in Europe’s top leagues over the last year for expected goals and expected assists combined, as well as for passes attempted and progressive passes per game (FBRef).

Fernandez has been a mainstay in the team currently sitting comfortably top of the Portuguese top flight, and in the last-16 of the UEFA Champions League after qualifying from their group.

Nonetheless, a midfield partnership of him and Bruno would really excite the Toon Army.

Celtic are one of the clubs vying to sign FC Luzern midfielder Ardon Jashari, according to Sky Sports Germany.

The Lowdown: Jashari profiled

Jashari, described as an ‘exciting’ talent by members of the media, is 20 years of age and is primarily a holding midfielder who can also turn out in a central midfield role.

He has made 40 first-team appearances for his current employers and has contributed to four league goals in 15 games during the current campaign.

The left-footed midfielder also made his senior Switzerland debut prior to the World Cup and went on to feature as a substitute in Qatar against Portugal.

The Latest: Celtic interest

Sky Sports Germany shared a story regarding Jashari in the last 48 hours, revealing that the player is set to leave FC Luzern.

Celtic were named as a potential destination for the midfielder alongside RB Leipzig, Eintracht Frankfurt, Leeds United and Napoli, with a fee between €6m-€7m (£5.3m-£6.2m).

The Verdict: Unlikely?

Although the Hoops seem keen on a move for Jashari, a transfer seems to look unlikely at this stage. They may end up fighting clubs from England, Germany and Italy, some of which can offer the player immediate European football and possibly larger wages too.

Ange Postecoglou has also bolstered his midfield with the recent arrival of Tomoki Iwata, so attention may be focused more on a new forward to possibly replace Giorgos Giakoumakis than another midfielder.

West Ham United transfer target Michael Keane would be ‘interested’ in a move to the London Stadium, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

The Lowdown: West Ham target Keane

The latest reports have indicated that West Ham are likely to make a move for Keane in the January transfer window, after only making one appearance for Everton in the Premier League all season, falling down the pecking order at Goodison Park.

Making an offer for a player is one thing, but they also have to desire the move themselves if a transfer has any chance of taking place, and a new update indicates that the centre-back would be open to the move…

The Latest: O’Rourke’s update

In an interview with GIVEMESPORT, O’Rourke praised the defender, while he also claimed that he would consider a move to West Ham:

“I think Keane could be somebody who could come in and help West Ham’s defensive issues right now. He’s not playing at Everton, and I’m sure Michael Keane would be interested in the chance to go out and play regular first-team football.”

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The Verdict: Good business

David Moyes is currently faced with injury problems, with Kurt Zouma undergoing knee surgery in late November while Nayef Aguerd picked up another injury at the World Cup after needing surgery for an ankle problem in the summer, perhaps indicating he has persistent issues.

As such, it is clear that Moyes needs another defensive option to get him through to the end of the season, and signing Keane on a loan deal, which The Athletic have previously claimed is a possibility, would be a smart bit of business.

Hailed as ‘outstanding’ by pundit Gabriel Agbonlahor, the Englishman has proven Premier League experience, making 209 appearances in the competition, in an esteemed career, and while he is clearly not rated by Frank Lampard, he could thrive once again if given a fresh start.

At the very least, the 6 foot 3 giant would be a nice back-up option to have, and Moyes should now look to agree a loan deal with his former club.