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Crystal Palace are now keen on signing a “brilliant” attacker who is available on a free transfer, according to a report.

Palace improving

After a concerning start to their Premier League campaign, Palace’s results have picked up in recent weeks, collecting eight points from their last four outings.

Most recently, the Eagles played out a 2-2 draw with reigning champions Manchester City, indicating they have turned the corner under the helm of Oliver Glasner. However, the manager may still be keen to strengthen his squad this January.

As it stands, Glasner’s side are only just above the bottom three, meaning their improved form will need to continue if they are to avoid being dragged into a relegation battle towards the back end of the season.

Crystal Palace in talks to sign "talented" Championship ace in Eze repeat

The Eagles are looking to repeat their transfer genius.

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By
Tom Cunningham

Dec 6, 2024

To make sure they avoid the dreaded drop, Palace have started to run the rule over potential January signings, and it was recently reported that they believe Man City’s James McAtee will be available this winter, most likely for a fee of around £20m.

McAtee is not the only player on the shortlist, as the Eagles are said to have made an approach to sign Chesterfield striker James Berry-McNally, who is valued at around £5m by his current employers.

Palace targeting Ryan Kent

It is clear that Glasner is looking to strengthen his attacking options this winter, and another target has now entered the frame, with reports from Spain detailing that Palace are among the teams interested in signing free agent Ryan Kent.

However, there is set to be stiff competition for Kent’s signature, as Ipswich Town and Leicester City are also said to be keen on the winger, who most recently played for Fenerbahce.

Given the Englishman’s contract status, he is available on a free transfer, which makes him an attractive option for the three Premier League clubs, who are all looking to add depth to their squads.

The 28-year-old is also well-liked due to his versatility in attack, which allows him to play on the wing and in more central roles.

It is fair to say the winger was unimpressive during his time in Turkey, picking up just one goal and two assists in 19 appearances in all competitions, but he could yet be a decent signing for Palace.

The former Rangers man was exceptional during his time north of the border, weighing in with 33 goals and 56 assists in 218 appearances, so if he is able to get back to that level, he will almost certainly improve the Eagles.

Once hailed as “brilliant” by journalist Josh Bunting, Kent has proven he is capable of making the step up to the Premier League in the past, so it is exciting news that Palace are in the race for his signature, particularly considering it is a low-risk move.

Manchester United boss Marc Skinner says there have been "really positive conversations" with the club about extending his contract.

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• Skinner out of contract this summer
• Man Utd boss in talks over extension
• "Positive conversations" so far

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The 41-year-old agreed a one-year deal last summer, with the option of extending a further 12 months. Now, the United head coach is into the last few months of his current contract but hinted this may not be his last season as he has "unfinished business" with the club.

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  WHAT MARC SKINNER SAID

  He told Sky Sports: "The club have an option on my contract and we are currently in conversation around that, plus an extension. There's been really positive conversations. We've got unfinished business."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Skinner is the Women's Super League's longest-serving manager after four years in charge, and counting, at United. They are into the FA Cup semi-finals as they seek to retain their crown and could go joint-second in the table if they beat lowly Aston Villa on Sunday. He hasn't always been a popular figure at United amongst fans but the results on the pitch this season have been relatively impressive.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  After the Villa match, Skinner's United side round off March with a home clash in the league against Everton.

LeBron James did not think much to the attire of an NBA journalist that questioned him while wearing a "horrible" Manchester United jacket.

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• NBA great acquired Reds stake in 2011
• Has attended games at Anfield
• Aimed playful dig at Red Devils garment

• Getty/Goal composite
  

  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Basketball GOAT LeBron is a part-owner of Premier League giants Liverpool, having acquired a two per cent stake in the Reds for $6.5 million (£5m) back in 2011. He has since turned that into a 1 per cent holding in Fenway Sports Group’s global empire.

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• DID YOU KNOW?

  The sporting icon, who is emulating Cristiano Ronaldo by performing at the very highest level beyond his 40th birthday, has attended games at Anfield down the years. When unable to visit the UK, LeBron follows events on Merseyside from afar.

• THE GOSSIP

  He has now been addressed by a journalist that made a point of showcasing his allegiance to Liverpool’s fiercest rivals. LA Lakers reporter Mike Trudell teased LeBron by sporting a Manchester United zip-up for media duties.

• WHAT NEXT?

  Before a question was asked, LeBron chimed in with: "That’s a horrible jacket, by the way." Trudell saw the funny side as James playfully pretended to rip the United crest from his windbreaker. Liverpool are giving all of their owners and fans plenty to cheer this season as they close in on the Premier League title.

West Ham United are setting transfer plans in motion ahead of the looming January window, which opens in just under two weeks, and it is now believed that Julen Lopetegui’s side have their eyes firmly on a versatile Champions League forward.

West Ham's reported plans for the January transfer window

Lopetegui’s side have struggled both in an attacking and defensive sense this term, so much so there are suggestions that West Ham could look into signing a new striker next month.

Fabrizio Romano says West Ham are now eyeing £8m Bundesliga starlet

The Irons have taken interest in a new name.

By
Emilio Galantini

Dec 17, 2024

Jarrod Bowen has been the weapon of choice for Lopetegui in recent games, with the Englishman operating as a makeshift centre-forward as summer signing Niclas Fullkrug works his way back to full fitness after a long-term achilles tendon injury.

Bowen scored West Ham’s winner in their crucial 2-1 win over Wolves, and started in that position again during a 1-1 draw with Bournemouth on Monday.

However, that may not the case for long, with Brighton’s Evan Ferguson among the strikers linked to West Ham. Michail Antonio also underwent surgery on a fractured leg following his car crash, meaning he’ll be ruled out for at least a year, and highlighting the need for another option in that area.

“He’s got to go somewhere where he can play first-team football and show what he can do,” said former West Ham scout Mick Brown on their links to Ferguson, via Football Insider.

“From what I understand, West Ham would be prepared to offer him that opportunity. Ferguson is spoken about very highly and there is a lot of interest in him. But he fits the bill for West Ham with his style of play, and he’s a big lad as well, not afraid to get stuck in. That’s what they want in Antonio’s absence.”

West Ham have also made an approach for Chelsea defender Tosin Adarabioyo ahead of January, with technical director Tim Steidten potentially looking to reinforce their defensive options.

West Ham ready to make £15 million bid for AC Milan forward

The Irons, according to Milan Live (via Sport Witness), have also set their sights on AC Milan’s Yunus Musah. The 22-year-old, who already boasts nearly half a century of international caps for the USA, has played a variety of roles for Milan this term.

Traditionally a centre midfielder, Paulo Fonseca has chosen to play him on the wing as a forward in all the Rossoneri’s most recent games, and his performances are attracting attention from the Premier League.

It is believed West Ham are “ready to invest” £15 million into signing Musah, but Milan are understandably after a bit more, and will demand north of £17 million to even consider parting ways with the former Arsenal academy ace.

Called a “very strong” dribbler by Sempre Milan contributor Rohit Rajeev, the versatile Musah also notably impressed in Milan’s 3-1 win away to Real Madrid.

Erling Haaland has been spotted out of his protective boot mere days after the Manchester City star suffered an ankle injury.

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• Haaland suffers ankle injury
• Enjoys break in Marbella
• Spotted without protective boot

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Norwegian was forced off during City's FA Cup quarter-final win over Bournemouth last weekend, with the 24-year-old later spotted in a protective boot. Days on from that blow, the striker has been pictured with girlfriend Isabell Haugseng and their young son in Marbella, Spain, this week. While Haaland used a crutch, he was wearing his regular shoes this time out.

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Despite City's struggles in 2024/25, Haaland has still scored 30 goals for them. If Pep Guardiola's men want to qualify for next season's Champions League and win the FA Cup, it will be an awful lot harder to do without the big forward.

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  DID YOU KNOW?

  Guardiola said earlier this week that Haaland would be sidelined for between five to seven weeks. If it is the latter, the ex-Borussia Dortmund star may miss the rest of the regular season.

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• WHAT NEXT?

  While Haaland – who has vowed to come back soon – continues his rehab, City take on bitter rivals Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday.

Vitor Pereira’s fantastic start to life in England shows no signs of stopping anytime soon after his rejuvenated Wolverhampton Wanderers side picked up a 2-2 draw at Tottenham Hotspur last time out.

Two wins on the trot were also collected before this hard-fought share of the points was clinched in North London, as the Old Gold hierarchy now feel smug that they’ve seemingly replaced Gary O’Neil with the best possible successor.

Of course, this honeymoon period could soon come to a crashing end when a first Premier League loss inevitably greets Pereira, but he is working his magic so far on breathing life back into what was a beleaguered camp under the previous regime.

Improved Wolves performers under Pereira

Many stars that had arguably downed tools under O’Neil are now back to their best under the fresh methods of the Portuguese boss, as Rayan Ait Nouri helped himself to two assists in the action-packed draw with Spurs.

From his 87 touches of the ball, the entertaining Algerian would notch up three key passes, which included a fine assist finding Jorgen Strand Larsen who thundered an effort past Fraser Forster as just three minutes remained on the clock.

Moreover, away from the likes of Ait Nouri and Larsen standing out in attack, Pereira has made the Old Gold defence a far tougher one to breach since entering the dug-out, with the likes of Santiago Bueno and Matt Doherty collecting back-to-back clean sheets in the two wins before this frantic affair.

But, there is another forward player at the relegation-threatened club that has really benefited from O’Neil’s exit too, as Hwang Hee-chan now boasts two goals from his last two Premier League appearances since Pereira’s arrival onto the scene.

Hwang's performances under Pereira

On only his third start of the season in the league, the South Korean gem would fire home this delightful effort after a cleverly taken free-kick by Ait Nouri found him eager to make an early impact.

The revitalised 28-year-old would also ensure Wolves had a second goal next to their name to further humiliate the Red Devils on Boxing Day, as Pereira’s decision to give the previously frozen-out attacker increased minutes since his appointment continues to pay off.

Stating prior to the Spurs draw that Hwang is a player of “high quality”, the 44-year-old will hope his confidence being significantly boosted will see him reach the heights he managed to achieve last season for the Old Gold with 12 goals coming his way in top-flight action.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast's Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

In an alternate reality, the former Al-Shabab boss wouldn’t even have the lively number 11 at his disposal now, with a deal for Hwang to exit Molineux this summer for Roberto De Zerbi’s Marseille nearly getting off the ground.

As per journalist Nathan Juddah, there was even suggestion earlier this month that a January exit was on the cards for the ‘unhappy’ marksman, with the trip to Spurs just his third league start of the campaign:

Thankfully, no such deal was signed off on in the end, as Pereira now relies on the ex-RB Leipzig man to give his team even more attacking potency, away from just depending on Matheus Cunha and Larsen who are also overflowing with confidence.

Hwang will pray that this isn’t just a temporary purple patch, with more goals potentially coming his way when Wolves face off against Nuno Espirito Santo’s high-flying Nottingham Forest deep into the New Year.

With positive results coming against Man United and Ange Postecoglou’s topsy-turvy outfit, it won’t be a foregone conclusion that Forest will stroll to a win versus the Old Gold, especially if Hwang is on his A-Game once more.

Saved by Larsen: Wolves let down by 4/10 star who lost 71% of his duels

One Wolves star had an outing to forget in north London

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By
Connor Holden

Dec 29, 2024

Whilst Aston Villa fans will still be pleased Unai Emery is at the helm, considering the Villans are playing Champions League football as a result of the Spaniard’s expertise, they will want to see some improvements on the pitch in 2025.

Notably, the Villans have leaked a worrying amount of goals in the Premier League so far this season, with a hefty 31 strikes conceded from 19 clashes.

To add further context, even Ange Postecoglou’s wildly gung-ho Tottenham Hotspur have given up fewer goals at 29, meaning this January could see the Villans strengthen defensively.

Aston Villa could go back in for "incredible" star

Ever-growing concerns surrounding their defensive record could see Emery’s men go in for Benfica star Antonio Silva this January, with TEAMTalk reporting last month that the Villans were keen on adding the Portuguese centre-back to their ranks.

With it also being reported by the Daily Express that fellow Premier League side Newcastle United are set to miss out on Silva, who has his mind allegedly set on a switch to Juventus, the time could now be right for Villa to plea with the promising 21-year-old to relocate to England instead.

After all, the young defender has been labelled as “incredible” in the past by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, with Emery perhaps viewing the 6 foot 2 ace as a considerable upgrade on a declining Pau Torres.

Torres limped out of Villa’s last match versus Brighton and Hove Albion, but was still at fault for the Seagulls’ opener on the day, as alternatives are now potentially sought after to replace the ex-Villarreal man.

What Antonio Silva would offer Aston Villa

Just one glance at Silva’s numbers in the Portuguese top-flight this season shows off many of his standout traits, with the 21-year-old winning an impressive 5.6 total duels on average per league clash.

Torres falls way short of this number back in the Premier League – with just a paltry 2.8 total duels won on average in contrast – meaning Silva could potentially bully attackers more effectively than the Spaniard if he settles in well to his new location.

Moreover, his passing statistics playing out from the back will further make him a desirable pick-up, with 70 accurate passes managed per league appearance during 2024/25 to date.

Accelerating a move for Silva is even more crucial when you consider the fact Torres did come off with a nasty injury against Fabian Hurzeler’s men, leaving a gap in the starting XI that could be filled by the likes of Diego Carlos and other names who Silva also betters in their head-to-head numbers.

Looking at the table above, Silva betters both Ezri Konsa and Diego Carlos in a number of different areas, with the Benfica man boasting more ball recoveries than the centre-back pairing, on top of also winning more tackles and interceptions.

Whilst it obviously would take time for the Portuguese youngster to get up to speed with the Premier League, Villa should still pursue this move with a fee around the region of £41m expected to be satisfactory, after he was once touted for a move around the £80m mark last summer to the likes of Liverpool and Manchester United.

Villa supporters will want Torres’ recovery to go well, but with the defensive woes that keep tripping their side up, going in for Silva this January seems to be the most logical move to make.

Aston Villa chasing move for "unstoppable" £25m Jhon Duran replacement

Aston Villa are keeping tabs on this explosive new attacker.

By
Kelan Sarson

Jan 1, 2025

Jamie Carragher has opened the door to a boxing fight with Gary Neville on a Misfits card, saying they "might as well do it in the ring".

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• Pundits & co-commentators for Sky Sports
• Regularly involved in bouts of verbal jousting
• Liverpool & Man Utd legends clashed on the field

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Liverpool legend Carragher has indulged in plenty of verbal jousting with Manchester United icon Neville down the years. The pair are now pundits and co-commentators on Sky Sports, having previously locked horns in the heat of Premier League battle.

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  THE GOSSIP

  Carragher has now joked about lacing up a pair of gloves and trading blows between the ropes. Said idea was floated during a visit to a Merseyside boxing gym for the former England international, who linked up with UFC star Darren Till for some training exercises.

• WHAT JAMIE CARRAGHER SAID

  Quizzed on whether he would like to aim punches at Neville in a bout organised by KSI and Co for Misfits Boxing, Carragher told the : “I mean, I fight with him every week on telly so I might as well do it in the ring on fight night. We could even do a nice charity night against each other. That would be good, wouldn't it?"

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  DID YOU KNOW?

  Carragher has limited experience of life in the ring, but once sparred with WBO interim light-heavyweight champion Callum Smith. The 47-year-old added: "A few years ago, I think for charity, a few of us paid to jump in with the Smith brothers. I was with Callum. It didn't go very well for me. Callum was just throwing at me.

  "As you could imagine, I couldn't do anything about it. Playing football is a completely different kettle of fish to being in the boxing ring."

The striker wasted two clear opportunities in front of goal and his side were made to pay for his profligacy on Sunday

Rasmus Hojlund must want the season to end right now as it only gets worse with each appearance he makes. The Denmark international missed two big opportunities as Manchester United fell to their 15th Premier League defeat of the season and their eighth at Old Trafford, losing 1-0 to Wolves courtesy of a stunning Pablo Sarabia free-kick.

United were understandably playing at a lower gear after Thursday's incredible Europa League comeback against Lyon and Ruben Amorim's six changes, including handing a debut to 20-year-old Tyler Fredricson, confirmed that the Premier League is now very much an afterthought.

But still his side created chances to win, though Hojlund couldn't take them. The £72 million ($95m) striker was predictably taken off for Chido Obi in the 70th minute and he stared at the floor as he trotted off the pitch, knowing that he had failed to live up to his price tag and status as United's No.9 yet again.

GOAL rates United's players from Old Trafford…

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Goalkeeper & Defence

  Andre Onana (6/10):

  Hadn't faced a shot before picking out Sarabia's screamer. Made a comfortable save from Cunha soon after.

  Victor Lindelof (5/10):

  Given the captaincy as the most experienced starter. Had a lapse of concentration in his area and should have made contact with Dorgu's cross down the other end.

  Tyler Fredricson (7/10):

  An excellent debut, showing real composure on the ball under pressure and putting out a couple of fires started by his team-mates.

  Noussair Mazraoui (6/10):

  An inconsistent display. Showed good aggression although gave away a dangerous free-kick in the first half. An error in the second led to Wolves winning the crucial free-kick.

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  Midfield

  Patrick Dorgu (5/10)

  Made a couple of inviting crosses but couldn't hit his target. Taken off on 59 minutes.

  Manuel Ugarte (6/10)

  Made a slip-up which forced Fredricson to cover for him. Otherwise fine, but taken off before the hour-mark.

  Christian Eriksen (6/10):

  A powerful free-kick forced Bentley into a good save. His passing was good, but loses a mark for committing the foul leading to the goal.

  Harry Amass (6/10):

  Got the crowd going with a crunching slide tackle on Semedo. An air-kick was less flattering and had to recover for himself by booting the ball away after slicing it towards danger.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Attack

  Kobbie Mainoo (6/10):

  Didn't have much joy in his advanced role, although he's still understandably rusty after his long lay-off.. Tried to replicate his equaliser against Lyon with a curling strike, but it went well wide of the far post.

  Rasmus Hojlund (3/10):

  The latest chapter in a pitiful season. Ran through alone down the left with options to his right but got the ball stuck under his feet and was tackled. To make matters worse, he slid in to meet a Garnacho cross at the far post but missed the ball. He was soon put out of his misery and removed for Obi.

  Alejandro Garnacho (6/10):

  Had a quiet first half but came alive in the second, creating chances for Hojlund and Fernandes with crosses from the left.

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  Subs & Manager

  Bruno Fernandes (5/10):

  Should have done better when Garnacho teed him up.

  Mason Mount (5/10):

  Blazed a good opportunity over. Needs to be having a bigger impact in games like this.

  Diogo Dalot (5/10):

  A predictable drop-off from his energetic display in midweek.

  Chido Obi (5/10):

  Didn't get much space in attack, mis-controlling the one good pass he did receive.

  Leny Yoro (N/A):

  Replaced Lindelof in the 78th minute.

  Ruben Amorim (5/10):

  The six changes underlined how little this game mattered in the grand scheme of things. Still, a sixth home defeat under his watch does not look good.

Liverpool have now been credited with an interest in a versatile star defender for Arne Slot as they look to build a squad capable of continuing their push for success on all fronts, according to a fresh report.

Liverpool lose at Tottenham as Alexander-Arnold dropped

Liverpool suffered just their second loss of the season as they were beaten 1-0 by Tottenham in the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg in north London. A goal from Lucas Bergvall, who many felt should not be on the pitch, proved the difference between the two sides and handed Tottenham a slender advantage heading to Anfield for the return leg next month.

It was just the second defeat of Arne Slot’s tenure, having also lost at home to Nottingham Forest in the Premier League. However, the Reds remain in the driving seat to scoop at least one trophy this season, with the Merseyside outfit six points clear of Arsenal and Nottingham Forest while also having a game in hand over the two below them.

Liverpool identify "world-class" £75m striker as ideal Nunez replacement

The Reds have set their sights on a new forward.

By
Dominic Lund

Jan 9, 2025

In the Champions League, they are already assured of qualification to the next round, and are the only side with a 100% record in the competition, meaning that they can afford to drop points in their final two outings and still reach the next round.

However, there remains concern about the future of key men at Anfield, with none of Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk or Trent Alexander-Arnold having penned new deals at the club, and all three set to become free agents this summer as things stand.

Of those three, Alexander-Arnold is the most likely to leave, with Real Madrid keen to land him and even making a January offer to sign him, though that was promptly rejected. Now though, the Reds could have found an ideal replacement, after Conor Bradley took the local lad’s place against Spurs this week.

Liverpool target free agent defender

That comes as a fresh report from Spain has revealed that Liverpool are now monitoring Bayern Munich star Joshua Kimmich as he heads towards the end of his contract in Bavaria.

The Germany international is down to the final months of his monster £300,000 a week deal at the Allianz Arena, and has yet to pen fresh terms at the club he has spent the last decade at, a situation that Liverpool fans will be all too sympathetic with.

Dubbed “an absolutely phenomenal player” by ex-Premier League boss Jose Mourinho, Kimmich has spent this season playing in midfield but is an incredibly versatile player, having spent several years of his career at right-back too.

His arrival would allow Slot to rotate Ryan Gravenberch as well as offering an alternative to exciting talent Bradley at right-back, all while blocking the progression paths of neither.

Though now 29-years-old and on wages that would put him among the highest earners at the club, his £16m per season would be cheaper than trying to sign a player of his quality still under contract, whose transfer fee would likely be several times Kimmich’s yearly salary. Could he be the perfect option for Slot?