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Aston Villa know all too well the benefits of harvesting a talent from their academy, and Unai Emery could be handed a boost in the near future with one of the club’s pending stars.

The Villans are enjoying life under the Spaniard and challenging towards the top of the table, however there is much to be celebrated behind the scenes of the first team, as one starlet in particular is making waves at Bodymoor Heath.

Rory Wilson's statistics at youth level

Last summer, Villa welcomed Scottish striker Rory Wilson to the academy, signing the highly-rated teenager from Rangers.

Prior to his arrival, the 17-year-old netted an outstanding 49 goals in 2021/22, with his exit a huge loss for the Scottish Premiership outfit who failed to tie the prospect down with a refreshed contract.

At the point of his signing for Villa, academy manager Mark Harrison expressed that the club were “delighted” by his arrival, adding that he hoped to see him one day feature for the first team, a wish that could become reality sooner than expected.

Season

Apps

Goals

2022/23

20

15

2023/24

9

11

Figures via Transfermarkt

The Scotland U21 international has made a statement start following his arrival in 2022, scoring 26 goals in only 29 appearances for Villa’s U18’s so far, which could warrant him taking the next step in his career in the Midlands.

Rory Wilson's style of play

According to renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano, Villa are “prepared to discuss” a five-year contract for Wilson, as he continues to impress at youth level.

In securing his future, the Villans could not only line up a future heir to take the throne in the first team, but also be planting a gold mine.

Romano mentioned that “many clubs” have the 17-year-old on their radar, and if his progression continues to develop at such a searing pace, who knows how much the striker could eventually be worth in years to come.

What Villa have in Wilson is one of the “best in Europe”, as he was once dubbed by international coach Brian McLaughlin for his ability to score goals so frequently.

Deployable as both a centre-forward or as a winger on either flank, the teen sensation was branded a ‘versatile attacker’ and lauded as a ‘lively frontman’ by the Daily Record’s Mark Pirie.

Such a high scoring rate showcases a clinical streak in the final third, a trait that is not recognisable in every forward in the game, however Villa are in safe hands with their current and future leaders of the line.

Emery has his own goal machine in Ollie Watkins, who like Wilson, understands how to put the ball into the net, having already scored nine goals in all competitions for the Midlands club this term, after previously netting 16 goals across all fronts in 2022/23.

By tying the Scotsman down, the Villans could be in good stead to line up their eventual heir to the in-form Watkins as Wilson continues to dominate at youth level, seeing him praised as a “star in the making” by U23 scout Antonio Mango.

Villa have signalled their understanding of the potential they have in a talent as prolific as Wilson with rumoured contract talks, with the next steps there for the teen to take when Emery deems it appropriate to integrate him into the first team.

Away from the expensive forwards on show in the transfer market, the Spaniard could already have his eventual replacement for Watkins lined up, with Wilson in line to have a flourishing career at Villa Park.

Newcastle United have been forced to balance European football and Premier League action this season after qualifying for the Champions League during the last campaign. And, whilst the Magpies have enjoyed impressive victories over Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal, they have also suffered defeats against the likes of Brighton & Hove Albion and Borussia Dortmund as the fixtures and injuries mount.

Newcastle's up and down run will have given Eddie Howe plenty to think about ahead of the next two transfer windows, as those at St James' Park reportedly set their sights on some defensive depth for the former Bournemouth boss.

Newcastle United transfer news

At the time, it looked as though Newcastle spent well in the summer, welcoming Sandro Tonali, Harvey Barnes and some young defensive talent to reinforce Howe's side. Months later, and that's anything but the case. Tonali is at the start of a 10-month ban for breaching betting rules, Barnes is injured and the Magpies have just three recognised centre-backs after failing to add depth to their backline. And that's a problem that they could look to solve next summer in a deal that could eventually look like a stroke of genius.

According to 90min, Newcastle are keeping tabs on Tiago Djalo and are ready to battle for the Lille defender's signature against Serie A giants Inter Milan. Djalo's current Lille contract expires at the end of the season, making him a free agent, and he is open to a move. The Premier League side have reportedly been tracking the defender for a year now and will continue to monitor him upon his return from injury.

Djalo's versatility would certainly provide Howe with a major boost. The 23-year-old can play in every position across the backline, which would solve Newcastle's growing concern over their depth.

"Strong" Djalo can solve Newcastle's depth problem

We've already seen Sven Botman shoehorned in at centre-back this season and Howe will be well aware of the need to avoid a similar situation next season. And that's where the arrival of Djalo could help. The Lille man has earned the interest of both the Magpies and Inter Milan through excellent performances in Ligue 1. When compared to Newcastle's current options too, Djalo's stats last season show that he is more than capable of keeping up.

Player

Progressive Carres Per 90

Progressive Passes Per 90

Tackles Won Per 90

Interceptions Per 90

Tiago Djalo

0.40

3.13

1.38

1.03

Sven Botman

0.23

2.51

1.10

0.98

Fabian Schar

0.76

3.90

1.32

1.46

It's no surprise then that Djalo has been at the centre of praise during his career, including from Zach Lowy, who posted on X: "Tiago Djaló. After moving from Sporting to Milan in January due to a contract dispute, he’ll need to impress for the Primavera and then get a loan before he can contest the likes of Caldara and Romagnoli. Agile, strong, quick but needs to improve his decisions and IQ."

Having matured with age but kept the same athletic traits that made him such a highly rated prospect back then, it will certainly be interesting to see whether Newcastle make their move.

West Ham have reportedly made contact to sign a £164,000-per-week forward who Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is a big fan of.

Hammers search for new striker

As could've been predicted, an injury to preferred striker Michail Antonio has left manager David Moyes with a small conundrum to solve over the next two weeks. While the Jamaican's injury is nowhere near as bad as first feared, West Ham will still be left short of natural forward options.

Star winger Jarrod Bowen and Mohammed Kudus can be used in more central roles as alternatives to Antonio, with Moyes having those makeshift options and the out-of-favour forward Danny Ings to choose from right now. West Ham, even before Antonio's knock, have been prioritising the addition of a new number nine with technical director Tim Steidten currently at work identifying options.

West Ham may now bid for "very special" striker after accepted summer offer

The Hammers appear to want a new forward.

ByEmilio Galantini Nov 22, 2023

Stuttgart star Serhou Guirassy is a target for West Ham while there have been reports Moyes could go back in for Hugo Ekitike after failing to sign him from Paris-Saint Germain in the summer. Pundit Gabriel Agbonlahor, commenting before Antonio's latest absence, told Football Insider that a new forward is an absolute necessity for West Ham in January.

“100%. Antonio, similar to myself, struggles with hamstring injuries," said the former Villa striker.

“When you’re that quick and strong, you’re always going to get muscle injuries. It’s when, not if. Antonio shouldn’t be playing in the Europa League groups. They need another player to come in and start, but Danny Ings isn’t at that level.

“They definitely need to get another one in January, or you could be looking at bringing someone from the Under-23s or playing Benrahma as a false nine. They’ve definitely got to watch Antonio’s minutes.”

Another interesting transfer option to be mentioned by the press is former Chelsea star Timo Werner.

West Ham make contact to sign Werner

According to a report in the print edition of The Mirror (via West Ham Zone), West Ham have made contact to sign Werner from RB Leipzig.

The Germany international is out of favour at Leipzig and is open to making a return to the Premier League, meaning he could well contemplate a move to West Ham.

Fulham and Crystal Palace have also made approaches for Werner, who's scored 11 goals in 35 Bundesliga appearances since re-joining the Bundesliga side from Chelsea in 2022 (Werner stats – WhoScored).

Liverpool were once heavily linked with a move for the 27-year-old, and Klopp has expressed his admiration for Werner who he called a "great player".

"Timo Werner is a great player, Kai Havertz is a great player," Klopp said in 2020.

"Right time, opportunity – everything has to come together. Six, seven weeks ago, we didn't know if we could play again this year. If we hadn't played the second half of the season, we would have thought, 'OK, when can you really play football again?' And now it starts right away."

On a reported £164,000-per-week (Salary Sport), it will be interesting to see if West Ham take their approach further.

Daniel Farke would have been pleased with his side's 3-2 win over Middlesbrough for the most part, but the Leeds United manager might well have had some stern words for his Whites defenders about their poor display at the back in the dressing room after.

The game was arguably far more tense and nervy than it needed to be from a Leeds perspective – the Whites dominating the match with 61% of the ball and 20 shots on goal registered – with Farke's men just about getting the win over the line in the end at Elland Road.

Pascal Struijk had a notable off-day at the back, the Leeds captain and centre-back only winning 33.33% of his duels – as per Sofascore – with his teammates defensively in Archie Gray and Joe Rodon having to bail out the poor Dutchman from time to time.

Sam Byram also had a fantastic game at right-back, the previously injury-prone 30-year-old returning back home to Elland Road after starting his career at Leeds this summer and has made that spot his own in the last few games.

Yet, if recent transfer reports are anything to go by, Leeds could be pursuing a new right-back option that would be an upgrade on Byram in the form of Sunderland right-back Trai Hume who would certainly keep Leeds' number 25 on his toes.

Leeds transfer latest

TEAMtalk are reporting that Trai Hume is wanted by a whole host of clubs after an excellent season to date at the Stadium of Light, Leeds queuing up for the Northern Irishman's services alongside fellow second-tier side Leicester City and Vincent Kompany's Burnley in the division above.

Signing a new four year contract with Sunderland this summer, Black Cats boss Tony Mowbray will keep his fingers crossed that the defensive star will stick it out with the club to rubbish these rumours that are circulating.

Yet, if Leeds were to land the 21-year-old in this upcoming transfer window, the Championship promotion hopefuls would have a serious talent on their hands who could develop even further in his new surroundings.

Byram would be worrying about his future in the first team however, Farke more than likely to start his shiny new signing over his current man who will begin to wane with age.

Trai Hume's style of play

Described as being an "astute" player by his national team manager Michael O'Neill – Hume having to fill in at centre-back and left-back for Sunderland when required – Leeds signing the 21-year-old this January would be a shrewd and smart acquisition for the club.

Moreover, Hume would suit the style of football at Elland Road down to a tee – the right-back aggressive and passionate down the flanks for the Black Cats, whilst also remaining measured passing out from the back.

It's led to Hume completing the second-highest number of tackles per game in the division this season, coming in at 3.3 on average. In stark contrast, Byram's tackling numbers come in at a lesser 1.7.

Hume and Byram are level in terms of goal contributions however, both players in question helping themselves to a goal and an assist for their teams this campaign.

Yet, Hume's numbers overall away from just goals and assists show him to be the more creative force out of the two for the Black Cats – carving out four big chances for Mowbray's men off his own back, to Byram's mere one.

Hume's aforementioned adaptability could also come in handy for Farke's men if they were to seal a deal in the transfer window, especially if Gray decides to leave Elland Road owing to interest from Premier League giants Liverpool.

Sunderland will be facing a losing battle to keep hold of Hume past this January, the Northern Irish defender very much a wanted man.

Glasgow Rangers secured a 1-0 win over Hearts in midweek, yet the victory came at a cost as yet more injury problems have engulfed the Ibrox side.

During the match, midfielder Tom Lawrence had to be substituted after only 20 minutes and was replaced by Jose Cifuentes and, despite a few promising performances of late by the Welshman, it remains another disrupting injury blow.

This wasn’t the only injury issue announced by the manager, however.

Rangers injury news

Following the midweek victory, Philippe Clement spoke to the media during his post-match press conference and provided an update on Lawrence, while also announcing a new injury blow in the form of Danilo.

He said: "Tom will be out for sure until the winter break and Danilo will also be out until that time so that is not so good.

"Danilo has a problem with his knee because of a bad tackle in the game, an unlucky situation, part of football. Because of contact, he had a problem with his knee.

"The chances are he requires surgery so yes, it could be long term.

"It is a big blow for the players because they were really motivated, they were performing well and it is now time to focus on the guys who are fit because we have really important games now."

The injury crisis is something that needs to be looked into at the club and, hopefully, Clement can delve into the January transfer market in order to find a replacement for the Brazilian, who has been his main centre-forward option since arriving at the club.

Danilo’s season in numbers

Michael Beale splashed £6m to lure the marksman from the Eredivisie in the summer transfer window and considering he had scored 14 goals for Feyenoord during the 2022/23 campaign, it looked as though it could turn out to be a decent piece of business.

It took a while for the 24-year-old to get up to speed in Scotland, however, as he started just three matches before the first international break at the start of September and considering the lavish transfer fee, it didn’t reflect too well on Beale.

He then suffered a fractured cheekbone against St Johnstone in the middle of September and this injury kept him out for six matches, while meaning he had to wear a mask upon his return to protect the area.

Under Clement, however, the Brazilian looked like he could become the main striker at the club and a return of three goals and four assists across 11 games indicated he was improving.

His recent knee injury means the Belgian will need to turn elsewhere and with the lack of options available to him, the winter transfer window can’t come quick enough.

The players who can replace Danilo

Cyriel Dessers is the obvious choice to return to the starting XI, yet his performances for the Gers have been dismal, to say the least – even despite netting in the win over Dundee on Saturday.

The 28-year-old has featured 24 times for the club this season yet has only seven goals to show for it, with only four of those coming under Clement.

The Nigerian also ranks first across the squad with the most big chances missed in the Premiership this season with 11 and this clearly highlights how poor he has been in front of goal.

Another option Clement may have to utilise is that of Kemar Roofe, yet his fitness clearly can’t be trusted.

Since the start of last season, the 30-year-old has made just 17 appearances for the Light Blues, scoring just three times in the process, and while he may be able to play one full game, there is no guarantee he can play two or even three games in a week.

Might the 49-year-old have a trick up his sleeve, however? He could ease the Danilo injury blow by unleashing Abdallah Sima through the middle rather than out on the left wing.

Abdallah Sima’s season in numbers

Alongside Jack Butland, Sima has arguably been one of the best signings made by the club of late, although the move is a season-long loan deal.

It looks as though Clement is striving to make this move permanent however, and it would certainly give the club a much-needed boost with regard to their forward options.

The 6 foot 2 gem has already found the back of the net 13 times through 27 appearances in what has been a wonderful start to the campaign for the winger.

While his consistency could improve, his pace and ability in front of goal has ensured his spot on the left wing over the previous few months and the 22-year-old currently ranks third in the team for shots on target per game (one) and first for successful dribbles per game (1.6) domestically this season, indicating how important he has been for the club.

James Tavernier lauded him earlier this season, saying: “He has been a real attacking threat for us this season. He’s got electric pace and can finish in difficult areas.”

With Danilo out until the new year at least, Sima could be deployed through the middle, and he has had success in that position for previous clubs.

Indeed, during the course of his career, the youngster has featured as a centre-forward on 30 previous occasions, scoring nine goals and chipping in with three assists – a decent striker rate.

This should give Clement plenty of confidence that if he unleashed the on-loan Brighton starlet in a more central role, there is no doubt he could continue his fine scoring rate.

Clement can soften Lawrence blow by unleashing Rangers' "beating heart"

Rangers face Dundee this afternoon in the league and could make a change to their midfield.

ByRoss Kilvington Dec 9, 2023

Rabbi Matondo has returned from his injury and this will mean the left-wing void will be filled by the Welshman, giving Sima a clear pathway to leading the line.

This may represent a gamble, but with the fixtures coming thick and fast for the Light Blues, it doesn’t look as though he has any other options.

Dessers and Roofe have proved that they simply cannot be relied upon, especially due to dismal performances and injury issues, and this leaves Sima as the only other natural choice.

If the move works, the Belgian will be widely praised, and it could well save their season from collapse.

Celtic have made an approach to ask about a deal to bring one of their long-term targets to the Scottish Premiership, according to a fresh report that has emerged.

Hoops eyeing Kvistgaarden

Ahead of January, Brendan Rodgers will be assessing his options in the market to see if there are any players he could strengthen his squad with. One recently identified is Brondby forward Mathias Kvistgaarden if claims are to be believed.

The Bhoys are reportedly preparing an improved offer for the striker having seen their opening bid turned down over the summer, but should a deal for him fail to come to fruition for whatever reason, the hierarchy appear to have alternative centre-forward targets.

Sturm Graz’s Szymon Wlodarczyk only put pen to paper at his club during the previous window from Gornik Zabrze where he’s so far made 28 appearances to date (Transfermarkt – Wlodarczyk statistics), but he was on the board’s radar long before his most recent move.

Back in January, Mark Hendry first claimed that Poland’s youth international was of interest to the green and white stripes, though a switch hasn’t yet taken place, hence why he moved elsewhere, and it still sounds like the 20-year-old won’t be making the trip to Glasgow anytime soon despite new efforts.

Celtic submit enquiry for Wlodarczyk

According to Football Scotland, Celtic have asked about signing Wlodarczyk again next month, but after learning his price tag in a response from Sturm Graz, have decided that they couldn’t afford to complete a deal in January.

“Football Scotland can also reveal Celtic reached out to Sturm Graz in an effort to revisit another former transfer target, Szymon Wlodarczyk, but were told his valuation has sky-rocketed to around £15m which would financially be out of their reach in January.”

Wlodarczyk is a "highly talented" striker

Since joining Sturm Graz, Wlodarczyk has racked up 11 contributions (nine goals and two assists) from 28 appearances, displaying how prolific he can be in the final third, and he’s able to pose a constant threat to the opposition’s defence in the attacking areas of the pitch.

Sponsored by Adidas, Walbrzych's native has recorded 32 shots over the course of the current campaign which is more than any other of his fellow teammates, highlighting what a standout performer he is in front of the net compared to his peers (FBRef – Sturm Graz statistics).

Standing at 6 foot 2, Rodgers’ target is also able to provide a real physical presence up top with his height, with his ability to win aerial duels making him a real handful for any backline to deal with, alongside how dangerous he can be with the ball at his feet.

Described by football scout Jacek Kulig, Wlodarczyk is a “highly talented” player with an extremely bright future ahead of him, but with Celtic not set to splash the cash to get their long-term target in the coming weeks, it could prove to be a blow considering the positive impact that he may have been able to make.

Much like the 2022/23 Premier League season, 2023/24 has been one Chelsea fans have had to endure rather than enjoy.

The Blues went into the campaign hopeful that new boss Mauricio Pochettino could lead their young group of inexperienced players to glory, but after 17 games, they are closer to 20th than 1st.

However, there have been the odd bright spots here and there, perhaps the brightest being the arrival of Cole Palmer from Manchester City, who has taken like a duck to water in west London and often looks like one of the club's best players when he steps on the pitch.

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ByJack Salveson Holmes Dec 20, 2023

He could look even better in the new year as the latest player linked with the club could form a deadly partnership with the youngster and supercharge his creative numbers, Sporting CP's Viktor Gyökeres.

Chelsea transfer news – Viktor Gyökeres

According to the Evening Standard, Chelsea are incredibly interested in the Portuguese side's prolific striker, Viktor Gyökeres, and have even inquired about a deal.

The Swedish international joined Sporting in the summer for a fee believed to be in the region of £20m, and as such, they are not keen to sell him this January, but Chelsea can bring him to west London if they are willing to pay his €100m – £87m – release clause.

While the price is undoubtedly a significant obstacle to Todd Boehly and Co. completing this deal, the other and perhaps more significant one is the interest of city rivals Arsenal.

That said, with ten goals and five assists in just 13 league appearances this year, Gyökeres is a player worth getting into a bidding war for.

Viktor Gyökeres could supercharge Cole Palmer

Now, one of the biggest problems at Chelsea this season has been the inability of forwards to finish their chances. The team are currently in fourth place in the expected goals table but fall all the way down to ninth in goals scored.

Palmer is a perfect example of a player this has impacted, as according to FBref, his expected assist figure in the league this season has stood at a genuinely impressive 0.47 per 90. In contrast, his actual assist figure is 0.28, just over half.

This would suggest that the former City man is crafting quality chances for his teammates, and they simply are not scoring as often as they should based on the xG value of the opportunities.

So, if Pochettino was able to add in the "one of a kind" Gyökeres, as described by his former manager Mark Robins, who has been able to score eight non-penalty goals from a non-penalty expected goals figure of just 4.2, Palmer should see his actual assist numbers start to reach and maybe even exceed his expected assists figure.

Moreover, the rest of Gyökeres' underlying numbers paint the picture of a Premier League-ready forward who could come in and fire the Blues back up the table.

He completes 3.88 progressive carries, 2.02 progressive passes, and 2.56 take-ons per 90, highlighting that he can be more than just a fox in the box for the Pensioners, although that would be his most significant selling point to this current Chelsea side.

Non-Penalty Expected Goals

0.33

Non-Penalty Goals

0.78

Progressive Carries

3.88

Progressive Passes

2.02

Shots on Target

1.16

Shot-Creating Actions

3.86

Goal-Creating Actions

0.62

Successful Take-Ons

2.56

All Stats via FBref for the 2023/24 Domestic Season

Ultimately, the "unplayable" number nine, as described by his former teammate Maxime Biamou, would be an incredibly useful player for a team as lacking in quality finishers as the Blues, and as such, the board should be doing all they can to get this deal over the line.

Pochettino could supercharge Palmer's assist numbers by bringing in a quality centre-forward sensation who has proven himself to be a terrific finisher this season.

As improved as Everton have been this season, their 10-point deduction is beginning to catch up with them in the Premier League, with just one point separating the Blues from Luton Town in the relegation zone. Given that the Hatters also have a game in hand on Everton, Sean Dyche will be desperately hoping to ensure that his side don't slip into their early season form and into the dropzone.

What could help prevent that is the January transfer window, with those at Goodison Park presented with the opportunity to solve any remaining issues in Dyche's squad. And that could see them land one player who has attracted plenty of interest.

Everton transfer news

One prominent issue in Everton's squad is a lack of goalscorer. Even with Dominic Calvert-Lewin finally back fit and seemingly over his injury problems, the Englishman has struggled to rediscover his best form. Meanwhile, summer signing Beto has failed to make an impact on the goalscoring front, leaving Dyche out of options. It perhaps sums things up that Abdoulaye Doucoure is Everton's top goalscorer in the Premier League this season with six goals to his name. With the winter window open, however, the Toffees could find a solution to their problem.

According to Graeme Bailey, Everton are eyeing a move to sign Lawrence Shankland, who has starred for Hearts in the Scottish Premiership this season. The forward has reportedly attracted the interest of Scottish giants Celtic, Sheffield United, Burnley, Southampton, Hull City and Middlesbrough to hand Everton a busy race to win his signature if they pursue a deal this month.

It remains to be seen just how much Hearts demand for their captain this month, but the Merseyside club would certainly be wise to welcome the goalscorer ahead of a vital second half of the Premier League season.

Shankland "the best" striker in Scotland

Whilst Rangers and Celtic compete for the Scottish Premiership, it is Hearts captain Shankland who continues to steal the headlines. The 28-year-old has enjoyed an excellent season so far and has more than earned a big move, should the opportunity arise.

Shankland's stats only back that up too – the forward has scored 18 goals in 28 games in all competitions this season, which includes 13 in the Scottish Premiership. At Everton, of course, that would make him the top goalscorer by some distance and put him just one goal away from leading the Golden Boot race in the Premier League.

With that said, it's no surprise that Shankland has been at the centre of praise from Kris Boyd, who said, via The Scottish Sun: "I have spoken about Kyogo in this league in terms of the different types of strikers. Kyogo couldn't finish that. His finishing is unbelievable and for me, he is the best in the league."

Certainly high praise for the Hearts man, Shankland could now get a Premier League move this month to solve Dyche's biggest problem at Goodison Park. Solve that problem and Everton could be as good as safe in England's top flight.

Leeds United have shown they can survive without Marcelo Bielsa signing Illan Meslier in their team, the suspended number one shot-stopper absent for the first two games of 2024 with the Whites picking up back-to-back wins in both league and Cup with him out of the starting eleven.

A hot-headed move against Preston North End on Boxing Day that saw hm sent off could prove to be Meslier's undoing, even with Daniel Farke bringing his lofty 6 foot 7 goalkeeper back into the starting lineup away at Cardiff City in a thumping 3-0 win last weekend.

Rumours suggest that the Whites could land an upgrade on the unpredictable 23-year-old this month, with the Championship promotion candidates now in the driver's seat over one potential incoming.

Leeds searching for a new goalkeeper

Italian outlet TuttoMercatoWeb have confirmed this week that Leeds are leading the race to sign Polish goalkeeper Bartlomej Dragowski, with the current Spezia goalkeeper also on the radar of Rennes out in France.

But, although Leeds are described to be 'in pole position' to land the Serie B keeper, the report further elaborates that the West Yorkshire club will only be able to sanction such a deal for Dragowski if Meslier is moved on in the opposite direction away from Elland Road.

It will be an interesting transfer saga to watch unfold, but just casting an eye over Dragowski's up-and-down career to date at a glance, he could well be an improvement on the Frenchman currently in between the sticks at Leeds.

Leeds could land "fantastic" upgrade on Firpo & Spence after Phil Hay reveal

Leeds United could upgrade their defence significantly with this signing, slotting him in alongside an in-form Joe Rodon.

ByKelan Sarson Jan 17, 2024 How Dragowski compares to Meslier

Not featuring in the Spezia first-team fold since late November, Dragowski is in need of revitalising his career again after bursting onto the scene early into his career as an exciting talent to watch.

When the 26-year-old has pulled on the number one jersey for his Serie B outfit this season, he has shone however – keeping a clean sheet away at Lecco in mid-November, making five saves in the process to help Spezia pick up a point in the 0-0 draw.

Yet, it's his spell with Empoli in the division above in Italy that won him plaudits before this switch to Spezia which Leeds will hope they can tap into if he arrives to England.

During an away game with Empoli whilst out on loan from Fiorentina, the towering 6 foot 3 goalkeeper pulled off a ridiculous 17 saves in total to keep the scoreline somehow at 0-0 versus Atalanta – leading to football talent scout Jacek Kulig calling for the Italian club to 'build a statue' of Dragowski to honour his miraculous heroics in the net.

Farke could well look to Dragowski's pedigree playing in tense contests at venues such as the San Siro, and not buckling under the intense pressure, as grounds to attempt to sign the Spezia man this January.

Such heroics and form could well see the 'phenomenal' goalkeeper, as further described by Kulig, as an upgrade on Meslier. Some important stats such as save percentage tell you all you need to know.

Saves

3.38

1.67

Save %

71.4%

65.6%

Pass Success

76%

82.4%

Ball Recoveries

1.08

0.65

Clean Sheet %

23.1%

36.0

With Leeds' £30k-per-week French giant evidently unconvincing in spells this season on top of his moment of madness against Preston – conceding to Coventry City in late December to rid Leeds of a routine 1-0 home victory – the time could well be right for a shake-up in the net at Elland Road with Dragowski the obvious frontrunner to replace Meslier for good.

Sunderland will hope a return to the comforts of the Stadium of Light tonight – where the Black Cats have picked up eight wins in the Championship to date this season – can steer the Wearside club back on course after a bruising defeat to Ipswich Town last time out.

Going 1-0 up early on in Suffolk courtesy of a Jack Clarke thunderbolt saw the rapturous away following at Portman Road grow in confidence, only for Kieran McKenna's hosts to show their class eventually and come away with a comeback 2-1 win to break Sunderland hearts.

Michael Beale will hope switching up the Black Cats lineup can inspire an immediate response from his players to overcome Hull City tonight, with two potential changes in this predicted XI from the narrow Tractor Boys defeat last weekend…

1 GK – Anthony Patterson

Beale will hope he can keep his number one goalkeeper Anthony Patterson past this January despite interest from elsewhere, with football journalist Alan Nixon stating that the reliable Black Cats shot-stopper is being linked with a shock move away to Liverpool.

Despite this interest from Jurgen Klopp's Reds potentially turning Patterson's head and making him demand a move away, Beale will start the 23-year-old against the Tigers.

2 RB – Jenson Seelt

With Aji Alese potentially not fit enough to start tonight's game against Liam Rosenior's Hull, Beale could have to shake up the back four and play Jenson Seelt at right-back with Trai Hume moved over to the then-vacant left-back spot.

The exciting Dutchman shone playing in this makeshift role when Sunderland faced off against Hull in the reverse fixture just last month, winning five duels in the away contest to help his side clinch the three points.

3 CB – Daniel Ballard

Daniel Ballard's spot in the defence is set in stone for tonight's clash in contrast, the former Arsenal centre-back only missing one game this season to date in the league.

The Northern Ireland international even stood out in the defeat to Ipswich, winning all but one of his duels but to no avail as McKenna's men still exited the fierce encounter victorious.

4 CB – Luke O'Nien

Luke O'Nien also trudged off the field of play with his head held high despite the final scoreline, blocking four shots in the 2-1 away loss to ensure Sunderland weren't completely humbled on their travels to Suffolk.

The 29-year-old also gave his all in the reverse fixture versus the Tigers in December, completing ten accurate long balls in the narrow 1-0 win. Could O'Nien help his promotion-chasing side pick up a victory on home turf tonight with another clean sheet tallied up?

5 LB – Trai Hume

Hume won't be out of his comfort zone too much filling in at left-back tonight if selected there by Beale, drafted in with other options lacking that can do a job.

Averaging 5.7 ball recoveries per game this season, Beale will hope Hume's full-throttle energy and tenacity down the flanks can help Sunderland pick up a much-needed win at the expense of Hull to forget the demons of Ipswich.

6 CM – Pierre Ekwah

With Beale's experiment of playing a 4-4-2 formation at Portman Road not working whatsoever, the 43-year-old in the Black Cats hot-seat could be tempted to switch back to the tried and test set-up of a 4-2-3-1 with Pierre Ekwah chosen as one of his holding midfielders.

Ekwah struggled against the Tractor Boys centrally – the ex-West Ham United youth player turned Sunderland first-teamer allowing himself to be dribbled past twice – and so Beale will hope reverting the number 39 to a more comfortable anchor position gets the best out of him again.

7 CM – Dan Neil

On the contrary, Dan Neil didn't quite flop in the new formation chosen by Beale – amassing one key pass versus Ipswich in a bid to pull off a monumental victory on the road – but the homegrown Sunderland product does excel alongside Ekwah when played further back.

When featuring versus the Tigers away last month, Neil's creativity from a deep role stood out even more – helping himself to three key passes in the encounter – with one of those balls setting up Jack Clarke to score a stunner to win the tight match.

8 RM – Abdoullah Ba

Abdoullah Ba could well be retained for tonight's clash, the right winger benefitting from Patrick Roberts still being in the Sunderland treatment room and attempting to show to Beale that he's worthy of being Roberts' immediate replacement whenever selected.

Still only 20 years of age, the Frenchman isn't quite the finished product yet but his raw ability down the channels did trouble Ipswich defenders on occasion at Portman Road.

Registering two key passes from just 34 touches of the ball, Ba will hope he can contribute with a strike or an assist tonight as Sunderland get back to winning ways returning to Wearside.

9 CAM – Jobe Bellingham

With Alex Pritchard being lined up for a move away from the Black Cats, according to reports, despite breathing life back into his fading Sunderland career in recent weeks, Jobe Bellingham is the obvious choice in this number ten role for the visit of Hull tonight.

Played as an unorthodox striker against Ipswich, the dynamic 18-year-old is far more at ease playing just behind the lone centre-forward.

On New Year's Day, as Sunderland confidently dispatched Preston North End with ease in a 2-0 win, Bellingham shone in this role with a 100% successful dribble completion rate managed on top of only misplacing four passes from the 85 minutes he was on the pitch.

10 LM – Jack Clarke

It's no surprise to any Sunderland fans now when Jack Clarke rifles in a wonder strike, the ex-Tottenham Hotspur winger able to have his own goal of the season competition at this point with another sumptuous effort managed against the Tractor Boys last weekend.

Clarke will just hope if he manages to get fans at the Stadium of Light off their feet again with a sublime goal against Hull that a win is forthcoming at full-time, with the promotion hopefuls abundantly aware that their star attacker is a wanted man and could move on if the Black Cats slump further.