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Leeds United now face a battle to secure the signature of mooted January transfer target Mason Holgate.

According to The Sun last month, the Yorkshire outfit enquired about a move for the Everton centre-back and is thought to be available for transfer due to the Toffees’ financial strains and the fact that Frank Lampard has an array of options in the role.

Since injury, he has struggled to break back into the starting lineup but now the Whites face competition from Premier League rivals Southampton, as per The Sunday People [page 50, 1st January 2023].

On Tuesday, the Whites announced the arrival of Max Wober from RB Salzburg but he’s more likely to fill the void at left-back, whereas Holgate is a hugely versatile player that could bolster the middle and provide cover out on the right, as well as in defensive midfield.

Leeds have had plenty of utility players over the years, namely Stuart Dallas, who remains out with a long-term injury. But also James Milner, who came through the academy system at Thorp Arch.

Perhaps in Holgate, current first-team manager Jesse Marsch could find the club’s next Milner.

The 26-year-old, who earns around £72k-per-week at Goodison Park, played an integral role in Everton avoiding relegation last season, having started all of their final seven matches at centre-back. And that run included a clean sheet and a win against Chelsea.

Meanwhile, from his four Premier League appearances this term, Holgate is rated as Lampard’s best-performing centre-back after averaging two tackles and 1.5 interceptions per game, via WhoScored.

Such form then and in the past has seen plenty wax lyrical about the Englishman’s credentials, including a particularly glowing endorsement from The Liverpool ECHO reporter Sam Carroll, which will only bolster any comparisons to a player like Milner.

“Mason Holgate is just Mr Dependable now and I think Mason, probably out of [Michael Keane, Ben Godfrey and himself], has gone under the radar the most,” he said. “He’s a leader in this team. How old is he? 23/24, absolutely superb.”

That ‘Mr Dependable’ nickname is exactly what the Liverpool veteran has been described as on numerous occasions in the past, so when you tie that in with his versatility, it’s easy to see why Holgate could be a massive asset to Marsch and co.

As such, director of football Victor Orta must now look to win the race to sign the Toffees outcast – who they once reportedly valued at a whopping £40m – before the transfer deadline at the end of the month.

AND in other news, Orta could seal a crucial signing in “clever” £15m machine who is open to Leeds move…

West Ham United are now set to miss out on Ben Brereton Diaz, after learning Blackburn Rovers’ asking price for the striker in January.

The Lowdown: West Ham’s Brereton Diaz interest

It was reported by 90min back in November that West Ham were one of many Premier League teams to have scouted Brereton Diaz, whose contract with Blackburn is set to expire at the end of the season.

Interest in the Chile international is said to be high, with the same report claiming that the likes of Sevilla, Ajax, Manchester United and Tottenham are all potential suitors, but journalist Dean Jones later claimed the Hammers were ‘in a pretty good position’ to sign him.

The Latest: Blackburn’s demands

While David Moyes was once well-placed to sign the former Nottingham Forest striker, it is now being reported that Blackburn are demanding £15m to let him leave, despite the fact they will lose him for free in the summer.

It is detailed that the Championship club won’t budge on the price, so West Ham are now expected to miss out, moving their attentions towards Youssef En-Nesyri.

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The Verdict: Blow for Moyes

Given that the interested foreign clubs are able to conclude a deal on a pre-contract agreement this month, the Hammers appear to have missed out on the forward, which is a real shame, given his recent his exploits.

Hailed as ‘extraordinary’ by former manager Tony Mowbray, the 23-year-old has nine goals and four assists to his name in the Championship this season, averaging one goal contribution every other game, while his talent was also on show in an EFL Cup match against West Ham, scoring a late equaliser.

Moyes will be hoping that Gianluca Scamacca has started to find his rhythm, given that the £35.5m summer signing scored a fantastic goal against Leeds United, but Brereton Diaz would still have been useful for the manager as a back-up option.

Sunderland return to action in the Championship this afternoon as they play host to Welsh side Swansea at the Stadium of Light.

The Black Cats head into the game off the back of a 2-1 win over Shrewsbury in the third round of the FA Cup and should be aiming to make it back-to-back wins in all competitions.

Tony Mowbray’s team were held to a 1-1 draw by Blackpool in their last outing in the league and a win against the Swans could push them into the play-off places, as they currently sit one point adrift of the top six.

Ahead of the match, Mowbray confirmed that experienced central defender Danny Batth is now back in training with the first-team after a spell on the sidelines.

He has not featured in a Championship match since the 1-1 draw with Hull on the 17th of December and the manager must finally bring the enforcer back into the starting XI now that the gem is fit and available.

Journalist Josh Bunting recently hinted that the Black Cats missed Batth’s ability to “dominate” the box from set-pieces, as they conceded from a dead-ball situation in the 2-1 win over Shrewsbury.

The reporter has described the 6 foot 3 man mountain as “colossal” on more than one occasion and his statistics back that up.

In the Championship this season, Batth has won a staggering 71% of his aerial battles against opposition players. The machine has won 3.9 headers and made 4.5 clearances per game, whilst also winning 55% of his ground duels, and this shows that he is immense in the air and rarely gets beaten by forwards.

Whereas, Wright – who has started in place of Batth at the heart of the defence – has only won 53% of his aerial duels and made 2.2 clearances per match.

This suggests that the Australian international is a significant downgrade on the ex-Stoke man in terms of what he offers in the air, from open play and set-pieces, for Sunderland.

Therefore, Mowbray must bring Batth, who started the first 23 matches of the campaign, back into the starting line-up so that he can dominate Swansea’s players in the box.

The Swansea have scored four more goals than the Black Cats from set-pieces this season and this indicates that they can cause a threat from balls into the area, which is why bringing the 32-year-back in could be key for Sunderland.

Journalist Pete O’Rourke has offered his thoughts on Glasgow Rangers and their pursuit of a new attacker in the January transfer window…

What’s the talk?

O’Rourke has suggested that Michael Beale believes the Swansea winger could bolster his Light Blues squad this month after the gem caught the manager’s attention during a loan spell in League One earlier in the campaign.

The reporter told Football FanCast: “He’s very talented young player, Morgan Whittaker.

“It hasn’t really worked out for him at Swansea but he’s had a really successful time on loan at Plymouth in the first half of the season – scored lots of goals and created lots of goals.

“And (he’s) obviously comes to the attention of Michael Beale at Rangers who obviously sees the potential in Morgan Whittaker and sees him as somebody who could improve his squad at Ibrox right now as well.”

Meanwhile, Fabrizio Romano has claimed that the Gers have had an offer of £1.5m turned down for the forward, who Swansea reportedly value at £2m.

Striking gold

Rangers could now strike gold by securing a deal to sign the attacker this month, as he is a young player with the potential to improve and has showcased his quality in the third tier of English football.

Retired winger Jobi McAnuff recently heaped praise on the youngster. Speaking on Sky Sports News, via Wales Online, the former Reading man said: “He’s a top, top young player. He’s been out on loan at Plymouth where’s he got nine goals and seven assists.

“He can play wide right or just behind the striker. He scores important goals, he’s a great dribbler and carries the ball well. He’s a fluid player who links into the attack very well and he’s got a fantastic left foot.”

Whittaker averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.10 across his 25 appearances in League One for Plymouth and was directly involved in 16 goals, whilst he also created 1.3 chances per match for his team-mates.

At the age of 22, he could arrive as a player with the potential to earn Rangers millions in profit in the future – like one of their previous signings from League One in Joe Aribo.

The Gers signed the Nigeria international from Charlton after the midfielder scored 10 goals in 39 third-tier appearances at The Valley in 2018/19. He then enjoyed three years at Ibrox in the Premiership before signing for Premier League club Southampton for a reported fee of £10m last year.

This shows that the Light Blues can develop young talents before selling them on for big money, and Whittaker – who has showcased his quality at the same level that Aribo did – could be next in line to earn the club a hefty payday, which is why Beale could strike gold by securing his services this month.

Chelsea have been woeful this season, with seven defeats and just three victories from their past 12 matches across all competitions, and have consequently been throwing the kitchen sink at the January transfer market.

Having fortified the offensive ranks with the £9.7m loan signing of Joao Felix and sealing a monumental permanent deal for Mykhaylo Mudryk for £88.5m – also agreeing a £30m fee for Noni Madueke – the west London outfit have more recently seen a £55m opening offer for Brighton & Hove Albion’s Moises Caicedo rebuffed by the South Coast club, there appears to be an onus on bolstering further departments of the field.

The right-back position is an area illuminated for swift investment, with established phenom Reece James missing 16 games due to injury this season and the 33-year-old stalwart and captain Cesar Azpilicueta approaching the twilight stage of his career at Stamford Bridge.

According to L’Equipe, Olympique Lyonnais’ 19-year-old right-back Malo Gusto is being closely monitored by Chelsea technical director Christopher Vivell, with a potential £35m move indeed considered to provide competition for James.

Alphonso Davies 2.0

While James’ position down the right flank provides Chelsea boss Graham Potter with one of the most exciting and eminent in the position in the Premier League, if not the globe, the addition of a talented starlet to push for a starting berth and step in when required could prove the difference in the pursuit of silverware, with marathon seasons indeed calling for healthy rotation.

And Gusto is indeed displaying his worth as one of the most exciting young full-back talents on offer, having made 15 appearances in Ligue 1 this season, his performances and consistency on the pitch belie his youth and inexperience.

As per Sofascore, his impressive league rating this term of 7.10 is an indication of the expanding pool of ability that stems from his core, with his 1.4 key passes and 85% passing accuracy an illustration of his offensive pedigree and the 1.5 interceptions and 2.1 tackles further proof of his dynamic arsenal.

And as per FBref, the Frenchman ranks among the top 15% of full-backs for assists, the top 5% for attempted passes and the top 19% for dribbles completed in Europe’s big five leagues, proving to be an effective offensive outlet from the right flank.

With blistering pace and innate ball-playing ability, the “special” talent – as hailed by Goal – could follow the blueprint of Bayern Munich sensation Alphonso Davies, who is listed as a comparable player to Gusto by FBref.

The 22-year-old Davies has made 135 appearances for the Bavarian outfit since his arrival, scoring six goals and providing 21 assists,  and ranks among the top 7% of positional peers for shot-creating actions, the top 1% for dribbles completed and the top 12% for attempted passes in Europe, showcasing direct similarities to that of Gusto.

£35m might appear somewhat steep for a relatively raw and unknown commodity, but given a platform to nurture his skills and earn his way into a role of greater magnitude with one of the most prominent side’s in world football, Gusto could indeed live up to each and every penny, growing into a lightning-hot force to cement the right-back position at Stamford Bridge as one of the very best any team has to offer.

Leeds United have reportedly been in contact with Fiorentina, asking for information on versatile defender Igor Julio, known simply as ‘Igor’.

The Lowdown: Igor profiled

Igor is 24 years of age and is primarily a centre-back but can also turn out on the left-hand side if required. The Brazilian made a permanent move to Fiorentina from SPAL back in 2021 and has made 88 appearances for his current employers.

Sponsored by Adidas, the left-footed defender is into the final 18 months of his current deal, and it looks as if the Whites are keen on his services alongside their interest in Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie.

The Latest: Leeds contact

Sports Witness relayed a claim from Italian outlet Firenze Viola, suggesting that Leeds, along with Brentford and Brighton, have ‘requested information’ about Igor.

It remains to be seen whether Victor Orta and co have spoken to Fiorentina or rather directly to Igor’s representatives, with the report adding that the player is valued at more than €20m and that one of the three English sides could make a move if he continues to impress.

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The Verdict: Avoid?

Igor has actually struggled in Serie A this season, with an average match rating of 6.28/10, as per WhoScored. All of Leeds’ centre-backs have comfortably outperformed the Brazilian in recent months, with Diego Llorente the club’s worst at 6.46/10.

Jesse Marsch is fairly well-stocked at the back, especially after signing Max Wober earlier this month, with the Austrian capable of turning out as a centre-back or left-back.

Yes, the club have leaked goals this season, conceding 33 times in 19 Premier League games, but bringing in Igor, who hasn’t performed as well as Leeds’ current options, might not be a wise move.

Real Madrid assistant manager Davide Ancelotti, son of former Everton boss Carlo, is now considering taking the head coaching role at Goodison Park.

The Lowdown: Lampard sacked…

The Toffees, after a dismal run over the first half of this Premier League season, sacked former boss Frank Lampard only a year after appointing the England legend.

Despite steering them away from the drop last campaign, Lampard’s run of 11 losses and six draws in 20 league matches, winning just three, saw him receive his marching orders mid-season by Everton’s hierarchy.

Everton have won the least matches out of any side in the top flight with reports suggesting that the likes of Marcelo Bielsa and Sean Dyche are among those being considered for the now vacant managerial role.

The Latest: Ancelotti ‘ponders’ Everton job…

According to Marca, there is another name in the frame as former assistant coach Ancelotti ‘ponders’ the Toffees offer of a potential position as Lampard’s successor.

It is believed that Everton are discussing the option of appointing the 33-year-old and Ancelotti is in fact ‘thinking’ about the job as he ‘eyes’ a move back to England.

The Verdict: Credible candidate?

The obvious qualm to this possible appointment by Farhad Moshiri is Ancelotti’s lack of first team managerial experience, something which could be seen as a necessity as they battle a drop to the Championship.

That being said, the young coach does have credentials and real plaudits from current Everton players – so he could be a popular choice in the Toffees dressing room.

Ancelotti’s influence at Real has also apparently grown in the past 12 months but his ultimate goal is to follow his father’s foot steps and become a manager.

Carlo Ancelotti has already paid tribute to his son as a ‘competent, disciplined, professional and very calm assistant coach’ – attributes which will be attractive to both Everton club chiefs and supporters alike.

Mason Holgate has absolutely raved over Real’s number two, calling him ‘unbelievable’ and even ‘similar’ to his father.

Already knowing the club during his time at Everton with Carlo, it would arguably remove the potential adjustment period involving in the hiring of a new boss.

There are reasons to consider this move, but as the Merseysiders fight for survival, there are those who would prefer a more experienced head like Dyche.

West Bromwich Albion target Marvelous Nakamba is ‘having a medical’ at Luton Town ahead of a loan move to Kenilworth Road, according to journalist John Percy.

The Lowdown: West Brom hold talks

The Baggies are yet to register any incomings or outgoings this month, but with midfield viewed as a transfer priority, Carlos Corberan had identified the Aston Villa ace as someone who he’d like to bring to The Hawthorns.

Football Insider claimed that Albion were in talks to sign the Zimbabwe international, who is out of contract next summer and has made zero appearances under Unai Emery since his autumn arrival at Villa Park, but a deal now looks to have been hijacked with the player seemingly on his way elsewhere.

The Latest: Nakamba set for Luton medical

Taking to Twitter, Percy revealed that Nakamba is currently at Championship rivals Luton to finalise a move for the second half of the 2022/23 campaign.

He wrote: “#avfc midfielder Marvelous Nakamba is having a medical at Luton Town this morning ahead of a loan move for the remainder of the season.”

The Verdict: Blow for Corberan

Nakamba has been dubbed a ‘superb’ player by journalist Josh Bunting, and it’ll be a huge blow for West Brom and Corberan to learn that they are missing out on their target.

The Zimbabwean had a standout Carabao Cup run with Villa last season, averaging two tackles per game and recording an outstanding 92.6% pass success rate (WhoScored). Those returns are better than any Albion player has managed in the current Championship campaign (WhoScored), which suggests that the Villa ace could’ve been a discernible upgrade at The Hawthorns.

Nakamba would have been the ideal defensive midfield reinforcement to help the Baggies in their push for promotion, but whether they will turn their attention elsewhere before tonight’s deadline remains to be seen.

Journalist Darren Lewis has claimed on Sky Sports that Victor Osimhen would answer Chelsea’s woes.

The Lowdown: Osimhen attracting interest

Chelsea were far and away the biggest spenders in January, with Todd Boehly not afraid to flex his financial muscles in the first full window since taking over at the west London club.

The Blues smashed the British transfer record when they landed Enzo Fernandez from Benfica, but they also went very big on other players such as Mykhailo Mudryk, Joao Felix and Benoit Badiashile.

However, one position they failed to improve was at centre-forward, which has only left Kai Havertz and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang as Graham Potter’s options, so links to Serie A top scorer Osimhen aren’t exactly surprising.

The Latest: Chelsea still need a striker

The Nigeria international has scored 17 goals across all competitions this season, so it is clear why Chelsea would be interested, while his hefty £100m price tag would hardly be off-putting for the Blues, according to Lewis.

He said: “He’s 24 years of age, he’s scored 15 times in 20 games so far this season. He is actually quite rough and mean, and I think he would answer that question.

“I was at the game on Friday. The approach play was fantastic, they looked a terrific side, but they just couldn’t have anyone who could put the ball into the net.”

The Verdict: Boehly could solve Chelsea’s attacking woes

It is quite amazing to suggest that spending yet another £100m on one player would solve Chelsea’s problems, but that is what they are capable of doing under Boehly by signing players to long-term deals in order to stretch out the payments.

We think Osimhen would be a very good fit for Chelsea as he’s still young enough to develop his game, but he is already a proven top-flight striker, as he’s leading the line for a Napoli side storming towards the Serie A title.

If any Chelsea fans needed reassurance that Osimhen was the real deal and could make it at Stamford Bridge, they don’t have to look much further than former boss Jose Mourinho, who recently claimed the Nigerian striker was of the same level that ex-Blues legend Didier Drogba was during his career.

Newcastle United reportedly held talks with Bayer Leverkusen central defender Jonathan Tah in January, and could look to try and sign him in the summer.

The Lowdown: Lascelles replacement?

Jamaal Lascelles will reportedly be put up for sale this summer, which would leave Eddie Howe with just three senior centre-backs in his squad.

One of them in Dan Burn has mainly been deployed as a left-back this season as well, so centre-half will surely be an area that Newcastle will look to target.

The Latest: Tah talks

Co-writing in his latest piece for 90min, transfer expert Graeme Bailey says that the St. James’ Park outfit have held talks over Tah and the possibility of signing him in January.

Liverpool have done the same, while he has also been recently targeted  by Nottingham Forest, and West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur are also thought to be admirers, while the player himself is thought to be interested in a move to the Premier League.

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The Verdict: Smart move

Given their lack of depth in the centre-back area, especially if Lascelles leaves, Tah would be a smart move for the North East club this summer.

Once hailed as a ‘real battleship’ by his former Leverkusen team-mate Christoph Kramer, the six-foot-five colossus ranks in the 80th percentile for average clearances made per game of all centre-halves in Europe’s top five leagues over the past year.

Also lauded as ‘quick’ and ‘technically gifted’ by Leverkusen sporting director Rudi Voller, Tah ranks in the 84th percentile for pass completion rate, showing how well-rounded he is.

Nonetheless, at 27 years of age, the Magpies would be buying a player in his prime, who could slot straight in the heart of the defence.