Everton could come under fire from several other clubs following their points deduction, with a reliable journalist delivering what he’s heard on the club possibly being sued.

Everton's season so far

The Toffees have made a mixed start to the new top-flight campaign having won four, drawn two and lost six of their opening 12 games, but in recent weeks, life off the field has been even more disappointing and has resulted in severe consequences.

After being found guilty of breaching some of the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules, Sean Dyche’s side have been handed a ten-point deduction meaning that they have dropped to second from bottom in the table.

The Goodison Park side are at risk of being sued by the likes of Burnley, Leeds United and Leicester City, which, if successful, could see Everton fall into administration, and it’s been reported that if that scenario were to happen, being docked a further nine points could come to fruition.

The Merseyside outfit are believed to be unhappy that the above case will be heard by the same disciplinary panel who punished them in the first place, though whilst there will be obvious cause for concern about what could happen in the future, a promising update has emerged which supporters will be pleased to hear.

Dean Jones delivers verdict

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Dean Jones admitted that Everton should not be worried about getting dragged into a "worst-case scenario", with confidence from Goodison Park in a positive update. He said:

"They're obviously in disarray at the moment, and there's a sense of fear over what could happen next. From what I understand there is a reasonable amount of confidence that any chance of them getting sued probably wouldn't lead to the worst case scenario for Everton.

"I think that they would look to deal with that. I think they already feel like they've been hard enough done by in this situation without any salt being rubbed into their wounds.

"You can completely see the case that the other teams that have been affected by them spending like this might feel they've got a case to actually get something for themselves here, and to feel that there is some reasons for them to avenge what Everton have gone and done in terms of spending."

Everton could face further consequences

Whilst Everton could do with more positive form and results on the pitch now, Dyche and his players could well be affected by the situation happening behind the scenes, and unfortunately for the hierarchy, this may create a domino effect of further consequences.

Should the board suffer any more financial difficulties, they could end up struggling to pay the wages of their existing squad members, not to mention how it could affect signing new players because they wouldn’t be able to compete in the market.

In addition, Farhad Moshiri has been working on the build of the club’s new stadium, Bramley-Moore Dock, though should the board be put under pressure regarding cash, this is also a project that might have to be put on the back burner until the situation has been resolved in the near future.

It's been a brilliant few weeks for Leeds United with three wins from their last three games, including a thumping 4-1 win over West Yorkshire rivals Huddersfield Town and an impressive 1-0 away win over league leaders Leicester City.

These results ensured that Daniel Farke's side went into the international break firmly in contention for an automatic promotion place come the season's end. However, with another all-Yorkshire game to come this weekend, the Peacocks will have to keep up the impressive work.

Here is a look ahead to Leeds' next six fixtures, which includes that derby with Rotherham United, as Football FanCast predicts how they'll fare in the coming weeks…

25th November

Championship

Rotherham United

A

29th November

Championship

Swansea City

H

2nd December

Championship

Middlesbrough

H

9th December

Championship

Blackburn Rovers

A

12th December

Championship

Sunderland

A

16th December

Championship

Coventry City

H

Rotherham United vs Leeds United

25th November, Championship, New York Stadium

After a lengthy international break, Leeds United are once again back in action as they travel to Championship strugglers Rotherham United on Saturday, 25th November.

The Millers have had a rough start to their campaign this season and currently sit all the way down in 22nd, with just two wins coming from their opening 16 games. In contrast, the Whites sit up in third with nine wins to their name.

With this in mind, Leeds will be going into the encounter as overwhelming favourites, and with Rotherham possessing the joint-worst defensive record in the league – alongside Norwich City – the likes of Joel Piroe and Willy Gnonto will be licking their lips.

We can't see anything other than a comfortable win for the visitors in this one.

Prediction: Rotherham 1 – 4 Leeds United

Leeds United v Swansea City

29th November, Championship, Elland Road

The West Yorkshire side welcome Swansea City in their final fixture of November.

Michael Duff's team fell to a 3-2 defeat away to Ipswich Town in their final game before the international break and will be without Liam Cullen after he received a straight red in the 69th minute.

Leeds, come the end of November, will be hoping to have bridged the gap between themselves and second-placed Ipswich Town, who are currently eight points ahead.

Farke will certainly want to avoid a playoff campaign, if possible, so they'll need to be winning their home games in order to propel themselves into the top two automatic promotion spots.

Should The Whites hit top gear, it will be a relatively comfortable evening, but anything less than that could see the away side earn a point.

Prediction: Leeds United 2-0 Swansea City

Leeds United vs Middlesbrough

2nd December, Championship, Elland Road

Leeds United's first game in December sees them welcome Middlesbrough to Elland Road in what should be a cracking contest.

At the time of writing, Boro are sat in tenth place in the table but are just two points behind the playoff berth, as is the incredible competitiveness of the Championship.

The Smoggies have won two games fewer than Leeds so far this season – seven – but have lost six to the Whites three, showing just how close this game could be.

The recent history of this fixture slightly favours Leeds as they have won two of the last five clashes while Boro have won just one. However, their last encounter came all the way back in February 2020, so it's difficult to draw any meaningful conclusions from that.

Ultimately, we reckon home advantage and the firepower of Joel Piroe and Wilfried Gnonto will be enough to help Daniel Farke's men get over the line, but it should be a closely fought affair and a great watch for the neutral.

Prediction: Leeds United 2-1 Middlesbrough

Blackburn Rovers vs Leeds United

9th December, Championship, Ewood Park

Leeds United make the trip to East Lancashire on December 9th to take on former Premier League winners Blackburn Rovers.

Granted, those glory days are a long time ago for Rovers, and with how the season has gone so far, it's Leeds that go into this one with the slight edge.

As things stand, the Peacocks find themselves in third place after picking up nine wins from their 16 games, whereas Rovers are down in 12th with seven wins to their name.

While Blackburn have picked up just two wins less than their Yorkshire opponents, they have also lost eight games to their three.

Another thing in Leeds' favour is their goal difference, as the Whites have a positive goal difference of 11, whereas Blackburn's is minus two, suggesting that on a game-by-game basis, Leeds are clearly the better side here.

While we don't think it'll be a thumping, we just don't see how the hosts will keep Leeds' attackers at bay for 90 minutes.

Prediction: Blackburn Rovers 1-3 Leeds United

Sunderland vs Leeds United

12th December, Championship, the Stadium of Light

Back-to-back away games in the north spells an interesting period for the Peacocks in December. For any side searching for promotion, it is their ability to grind results amid constantly changing surroundings with quick turnaround times that will make or break the Premier League hopefuls.

At the Stadium of Light, they face a quickly developing Sunderland side who have found their feet in the Championship under Tony Mowbray. Upon writing this preview, the Black Cats sit in sixth, with eight wins, two draws, and six losses, seeing the former top-flight mainstays just inside the play-off spots.

Although five points below Farke's Whites, they have scored the same number of goals and conceded one more than their opponents, which again shows the competitiveness of the Championship.

For both teams, this provides a litmus test. A win for either side will surely lift their club's spirits in the hope of promotion. However, the artillery of Wilfried Gnonto, Georginio Rutter and co will meet their match in Jack Clarke, the joint-second top scorer in the league.

With this one panning out like a straight shootout, the chances are this one ends a draw, with either side leaving indifferent to their promotion chances.

Prediction: Sunderland 3-3 Leeds United

Leeds United vs Coventry City

16th December, Championship, Elland Road

In their penultimate Championship game before Christmas, Leeds United welcome Coventry City to Elland Road in what could be a bit of a mismatch come the final whistle.

The Sky Blues may have made it to the Championship play-off final last season, but they are seriously struggling this year and currently find themselves down in 20th place, with just 16 points to their name from 16 games.

They have only managed three wins so far this season compared to Leeds' nine and have a goal difference of minus 14, which should be music to the ears of Joel Piroe and Co.

While there is always room for an upset in the Championship, we can't see anything other than a win for the hosts in this one, and a comfortable one at that.

Prediction: Leeds United 3-1 Coventry City

Manchester United will be aiming to improve vastly upon the return to the domestic calendar next week as they have endured a dismal start to the season.

It has placed Erik ten Hag under some pressure and unless results – and performances – improve, the Dutchman may be looking for another role if the board decide to go in another direction

In fairness, he is being let down by several senior players in the first team who just have not performed well this term.

Marcus Rashford, Bruno Fernandes, Anthony Martial, Antony, and Rasmus Hojlund have just four Premier League goals between them this season, and that is not good enough to mount a title charge as they have not delivered goals on a regular basis.

Could Ten Hag perhaps unleash a young talent in the starting XI who could link up well with Hojlund? Mateo Mejia has shone in the academy this term and he could be an exciting partner for the Danish ace.

Mateo Mejia’s youth statistics

The 20-year-old arrived in Manchester back in 2019 from Real Zaragoza as a promising young winger, and he was even dubbed as a “wonderkid” by broadcaster Bolarinwa Olajide upon his arrival.

Across 32 matches in the youth teams at the club, he scored six goals and registered eight assists, but his performances this season have elevated him to another level.

In 11 matches so far, Mejia has three goals and four assists, and the right-winger is even outperforming senior player Antony for goal contributions this season, as the Brazilian has a grand total of zero.

The Colombian youngster is clearly a huge, and exciting, threat on the right wing and this could give Ten Hag the licence to utilise him in the first team in the coming months, as his academy form has been particularly eye-catching in comparison to the underperforming experienced options.

Mateo Mejia could form a wonderful duo with Rasmus Hojlund

The Dane has sprung to life in the Champions League, scoring five goals in just four matches, yet his form in the Premier League has been far from impressive.

Indeed, he has yet to score in the competition, missing eight big chances in the process across nine matches, and it is evident that he needs better support domestically.

Mejia has shown that he can provide his teammates with plenty of assists, and he could be able to work well with Hojlund by feeding him passes on a regular basis, whilst also being able to produce goals of his own.

The Spaniard has played three EFL Trophy games during the current season, and he averaged 1.3 key passes per game while also succeeding with 50% of his attempted dribbles per game along with being successful with 50% of his attempted crosses.

These statistics prove that, although he has a lot to learn, the early indications are that he can mix it with the professionals when given the chance.

Mejia may not be the finished article, but he has more goals and assists than Antony this season and has proven that he can create chances for his teammates, which could provide the former Atalanta centre-forward with more opportunities to finally hit his stride at first-team level in front of goal.

With Ten Hag under pressure, it could be a gamble turning to youngsters at this moment in time, but in the near future, Mejia must be unleashed as he and Hojlund could cause chaos at the top end of the pitch.

Celtic return to Champions League action on Tuesday night as they go in search of their first win in the group stages of the competition this season.

The Hoops are firmly rooted to the bottom of the table and have managed one draw and three defeats from their opening four European ties.

Brendan Rodgers' side were humbled by a 6-0 defeat to Spanish giants Atletico Madrid last time out and they now travel to Italy to face Lazio.

The Northern Irish head coach's side come into this match off the back of a disappointing 1-1 draw with Motherwell in the Scottish Premiership on Saturday.

He could look to make a few alterations to his starting XI after that draw and here is our predicted line-up – including four changes – to face the Italian side on Tuesday…

1 Joe Hart

The former England international – Joe Hart – could start between the sticks as the veteran shot-stopper has only missed one match in the Premiership and Champions League combined so far this season. This suggests that the boss trusts him and that is why he may start on Tuesday.

2 Alistair Johnston

At right-back, Alistair Johnston could return to the starting line-up after Anthony Ralston came in to play the full 90 minutes against Motherwell.

The Canada international has started all four of the club's Champions League matches so far this season and it remains to be seen whether or not his Scottish teammate has done enough to oust him from a fifth European selection.

Johnston has made 3.6 tackles and interceptions per match in Europe, whilst Ralston is yet to feature in a single game in the competition, and could provide a strong defensive presence on the right side of the backline.

3 Cameron Carter-Vickers

It would not be a shock to see the former Tottenham Hotspur enforcer at the heart of the defence. The 25-year-old colossus has won 61% of his duels in the competition this season and could be a commanding presence at the back with his dominant defending.

4 Liam Scales

Next to the USA international, Liam Scales could complete the central defensive pairing. He has started 16 of the club's 18 matches in the Premiership and Champions League so far.

5 Greg Taylor

At left-back, Greg Taylor could keep his place. He has started all four of the club's European matches so far this season and has contributed with 1.8 tackles and interceptions combined per match.

6 Callum McGregor

Starting in midfield, it would be a surprise to see the captain lose his position in the side as Callum McGregor has started all 18 of the club's Premiership and Champions League matches so far this season.

7 David Turnbull

The second alteration that could be made to the starting XI is Scotland international David Turnbull being brought in for Odin Thiago Holm, who could be ditched from the midfield.

Against Motherwell, the Norwegian midfielder was named in the starting line-up and flopped with a disappointing display. He lost five of his six duels and failed to create any chances for his teammates, to go along with zero shots on goal, before being withdrawn at half time.

Whereas, Turnbull came off the bench and impressed with one key pass, a 100% duel success rate (2/2), and one goal from the penalty spot to secure a point.

The Scottish whiz, who was once lauded as a "terrific" player by ex-Hoops man Peter Grant, has four goals in his last five games for Celtic and could provide an attacking threat from midfield.

He has also created four 'big chances' in the Premiership and could offer creativity as well as goalscoring, whilst Holm has zero goals and two 'big chances' created in eight matches in the top-flight.

8 Matt O'Riley

The third and final position in midfield could go to Denmark U21 international Matt O'Riley, who has two 'big chances' created and two assists in four European outings this season.

9 Hyun-jun Yang

Hyun-jun Yang could retain his position on the right side of the attack as Daizen Maeda and Liel Abada continue to recover from their respective injury woes.

10 Hyeon-gyu Oh

In the number nine position, Hyeon-gyu Oh could start ahead of Kyogo Furuhashi as the third change to ensure that the Hoops have a useful outlet at the top end of the pitch.

In the 6-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid, the Japan international struggled badly and failed to provide his team with an outball to relieve pressure when the hosts were piling it on.

Minutes played

61

Sofascore rating

6.4

Goals

Zero

Assists

Zero

Touches

Eight

Passes completed

Zero

Duel success rate

25%

As you can see in the table above, Kyogo was a lightweight who offered incredibly little in and out of possession and this was also the case against Motherwell on Saturday.

The striker completed three passes and failed to score a goal or create any chances for his teammates whilst also only winning one duel in 67 minutes.

Oh, who has scored three Premiership goals this season, came off the bench against Motherwell and caught the eye by winning three of his five duels and a penalty, which was converted by the aforementioned Turnbull.

He has won 60% of his aerial battles in the Champions League this season, compared to Kyogo's 0%, and could, therefore, offer more of a presence for Celtic to compete with opposition defenders.

Chelsea may have already agreed a signing ahead of January with the west Londoners looking like they've closed in on a target.

Pochettino angry after latest Chelsea loss

Just when supporters thought Chelsea may have been turning a corner, manager Mauricio Pochettino watched on from the sidelines as his side succumbed to a 4-1 hammering at Newcastle. Goals from Alexander Isak, Jamaal Lascelles, Joelinton and Anthony Gordon gifted Eddie Howe's side an afternoon to remember at St. James' Park with Chelsea sent crashing right back down to Earth after a previously solid run of form.

The Blues appear to still have a lot of work to do before they're considered among the Premier League's elite sides once again, with Pochettino lambasting his "soft" team after the game.

"Even if Newcastle weren't great, it was an easy win for them to prepare for the Champions League. We had to show that it's going to be difficult for them to play, to win the game and to beat us," said Pochettino on Chelsea's loss to Newcastle.

"But it was really easy in the way that we conceded and the way that we were so soft in every single challenge.

"That's what makes me angry and disappointed. We talk about being a young team and we have to learn, but I think these type of games make me very, very, very, very, very angry because it's about showing your personality and character. OK, we are young as a team, but we cannot lose this type of opportunity to show our best."

Off the field, chairman Todd Boehly and his co-directors are said to be getting busy as they attempt to strengthen Pochettino's options with more signings.

Chelsea reportedly agree Moscardo deal

According to a report by Brazilian journalist Neto, via Vessoni, Corinthians starlet Gabriel Moscardo is on his way to Chelsea after the two clubs agreed a fee of around £23 million. The 18-year-old is seen as a rising star in Brazil, and it will be interesting to see if this report comes to any fruition and backed by sources closer to home in the next few days.

Moscardo is a midfielder with "eye-catching" dribbling ability, with members of the media saying as much about the teenage talent.

"Studious off the pitch, Moscardo seems to have a high footballing IQ on it, too," wrote GOAL journalist Krishan Davis on the teenager.

"As a defensive midfielder, he is predictably astute at reading the game, he passes precisely and he presses and battles tirelessly – a result of his youth but also testament to his stamina.

"His ball-carrying ability is particularly eye-catching, as he is able to progress play with the ball at his feet without discarding his defensive duties. That is undoubtedly an attribute that has led to him catching the eye of Europe's elite."

However, while he is a player of incredible potential, it remains to be seen whether Chelsea view him as one to compete for first team chances or more as one for the future.

Wolverhampton Wanderers are going through a transitional process at the moment. Having reached the UEFA Europa League quarter-finals in the 2019/20 season, the Old Gold are now battling it out in the bottom half of the Premier League.

There are very few remnants remaining from Wolves' first campaign back in the top flight under Nuno Espirito Santo, having lost the likes of Willy Boly, Joao Moutinho, Ruben Neves, Raul Jimenez and Leander Dendoncker in recent transfer windows.

However, alongside head coach Gary O'Neil, the board are looking to rebuild the team to one that can compete once more for the European places and have already identified a player that could potentially protect the posts for years to come.

Wolves transfer news – Rome Jayden Owusu-Oduro

According to a report from The Express and Star earlier this week, the Midlands club are exploring a deal to bring AZ Alkmaar teenager Rome Jayden Owusu-Oduro to the club in January for a fee said to be worth £2m.

The outlet are claiming that Wolves have made an enquiry for the goalkeeper but face competition from several other clubs, including Belgian giants Anderlecht who are sitting second in the Jupiler Pro League.

The 19-year-old has yet to make his debut for the club despite being in the squad 28 times since the beginning of last season. Former Arsenal and Brighton and Hove Albion shot-stopper Mathew Ryan is currently keeping Owusu-Oduro back from making his first-team debut, although The Express and Star also reported that the Dutch outfit were hoping to extend his deal which reportedly will come true, with the teenager set to sign a new contract until 2028.

Wolves are keen to lure the youngster over to Molineux and Owusu-Oduru could be the perfect long-term replacement for first-choice goalkeeper Jose Sa.

Rome Jayden Owusu-Oduru's stats this season

Sa was brought to the club in 2021 for £6.8m to replace the outgoing Rui Patricio who joined Roma in the same transfer window. The Portuguese had never played in a top-five league before moving to England but quickly became one of the best in his position in the Premier League.

The former Porto man had an excellent debut campaign in the Midlands and had the best save percentage of any other goalkeeper in the top flight with a whopping 80.6%. Data showed that by April 2022, Sa had conceded one fewer goal than expected every two games, according to Opta.

Wolves: Bruno Lage got a "bargain" with Jose Sa

Jose Sa has been a standout performer for Wolves since his arrival in 2021…

ByRosie Tudball May 5, 2023

However, the £40k-per-week asset hasn't quite reached the heights of his first season with the club and has had a drop in his performances this term compared to the 2021/22 campaign.

Save %

80.6

72.7

Goals Against

1.1

1.77

Shots On Target Against

4.38

5.08

Clean Sheets

0.3

0.08

Crosses Stopped

1.18

2

Long Passes Completion %

40.7

38.7

Errors

0.14

0.23

Stats via FBref

As a result of his declining performances with the Old Gold, Wolves are keen to take Owusu-Oduru off AZ's hands. The UEFA Youth League-winning goalkeeper has played 63 times for Jong AZ since the beginning of the 2019/20 campaign and has managed to keep 24 clean sheets which is one clean sheet every 3.8 games on average.

The 6 foot 2 academy product also saved the final penalty against Sporting CP to send AZ to the Youth League final, a game which they won 5-0 against Hajduk Split to lift the prestigious crown. After the semi-final shootout, journalist Antonio Mango described Owusu-Oduru as an "outstanding" talent.

The Dutchman may not be ready for first-team football immediately but looks like an excellent player for the future and Wolves will do well to secure his signature before anyone else, with Sa – who has been touted for a move to Saudi Arabia – now on the wrong side of 30.

Leeds United could now be without the services of one first-team player for three of their upcoming matches under Daniel Farke, according to latest developments.

Leeds United prepare for Blackburn Rovers…

Consistent results have been key to building Leeds' promotion charge this term and Farke's side secured a seventh home victory on the trot in the Championship last weekend in a 3-2 triumph over Middlesbrough at Elland Road.

Despite a chaotic afternoon in Yorkshire, Farke was delighted with his side's ability to claim three points against a competent opponent, saying in his post-match press conference:

"It was a wild game in the first half and probably every football fan must have enjoyed this game. I loved what we did, but as a manager I liked the second half when we calmed everything down and didn't play with any mistakes."

"We still had big chances and we had just one mistake when we gave a counter attack, but we were able to play it out with a monster block from Joe Rodon. This was the only situation I was a bit unhappy with. For me a priceless three points against a very good opponent."

Fellow top-half side Blackburn Rovers lay in wait at Ewood Park this weekend in another test of the Whites' capabilities as they continue to try and hunt down Ipswich Town in second; however, that will be a tough ask, considering the Tractor Boys hold a seven-point advantage over their nearest challenger to the automatic promotion slots.

Leeds United's last five results – Championship

Opponent and result

Venue

Leeds United 3-2 Middlesbrough

Elland Road

Leeds United 3-1 Swansea City

Elland Road

Rotherham United 1-1 Leeds United

AESSEAL New York Stadium

Leeds United 2-1 Plymouth Argyle

Elland Road

Leicester City 0-1 Leeds United

King Power Stadium

Nevertheless, Farke could now be without one of his first-team squad members for the next three matches due to a fresh development at Elland Road.

Ian Poveda called up for Colombia

According to Leeds Live reporter Beren Cross, Leeds winger Ian Poveda has earned a call-up for Colombia and could now miss the Whites' next three matches following news from Elland Road that Farke approved his potential absence, as he explained below.

In the attached report, it is detailed that Poveda will potentially be involved with Colombia for the first time at any level if he takes to the field in their two upcoming international friendlies against Venezuela and Mexico. As a result, his involvement against Blackburn Rovers is now in doubt and he could also miss upcoming clashes against Sunderland and Coventry City.

Labelled "incredible" by Pep Guardiola, the Southwark-born winger has been a bit-part player under Farke this campaign, making seven appearances in all competitions (Poveda statistics – Transfermarkt).

Despite his availability now being cast into uncertainty, the opportunity for Poveda to gain experience on the international stage can only be a good thing regarding his development as a player, so it's good to see Farke giving te green light to tee player to read abroad, even if it leaves him a little lighter of wide options.

Following their shock decision to sack Tony Mowbray, Sunderland's first priority must be finding a new manager and one who can pick up where Mowbray left off to guide the Black Cats towards the play-offs in the Championship.

So far, we've seen the likes of Will Still and Kim Hellberg linked with the Sunderland job, as those at the Stadium of Light continue their search for the next manager in the all-important hot seat.

Whoever arrives will have the almost immediate responsibility of making their mark on the Sunderland side through the January transfer window, which could make or break their season. That said, the Black Cats are reportedly already eyeing a move for one particular La Liga gem.

Sunderland transfer news

Sunderland don't operate with the biggest budget in the Championship, instead often relying on cheap moves or smart loan deals to keep their promotion hopes alive. We've seen the likes of Amad Diallo arrive before becoming a crucial player in a short loan period at Sunderland in what is the perfect example of how wise they can be in the transfer market. Now, they could show off this transfer tactic yet again to welcome a La Liga gem to Wearside.

According to TEAMtalk, Sunderland are eyeing a move to sign Sevilla youngster Musa Drammeh, who is available for a cut-price in January with his contract coming to an end in six months. The Black Cats have already reportedly sent scouts to watch the forward play for Sevilla Atletico – Sevilla's B team – this season and could now strike to land a bargain deal.

Sunderland aren't the only Championship club reportedly interested in Drammeh, however, with Birmingham City also eyeing a January move for the young striker, who is on the verge of a first-team debut at Sevilla.

Drammeh is ready for first-team football

Drammeh's stats show that he is a player ready for first-team football, whether that be for Sevilla or, indeed, another European club. The forward has scored five goals and assisted a further two strikes in 13 appearances for the La Liga side's B team in the current campaign so far. And at 22 years old, Drammeh must start making steps towards bigger and better things.

We saw last season just how much young players can thrive at Sunderland through the success of Diallo. If the Black Cats can now land another young gem in the form of Drammeh, they could finally have a replacement for their former loanee's star power. Heading into the weekend, only Watford and Preston North End have scored fewer goals than Sunderland in the Championship's top ten this season, highlighting just how important it is for them to reinforce their attacking options when the January transfer window opens.

Sunderland could forget Still by appointing EFL boss who plays "similar system"

The Black Cats could poach this exceptional EFL manager to replace Tony Mowbray, forgetting about Will Still instantly if the deal was successful.

ByKelan Sarson Dec 8, 2023

Of course, Sunderland must first find a new manager after Mowbray's dismissal before turning their attention to additions who have the chance to transform things at the Stadium of Light ahead of a key promotion push. Whether Drammeh is part of that push as a new arrival remains to be seen, however.

To say that Aston Villa are flying under Unai Emery this season would be an understatement. The Villans sit as high as third in the Premier League and just four points adrift of league leaders Arsenal, who they play next. By the end of the weekend, the Midlands club could sit just one point away from the top of the league with Christmas fast approaching, summing up just how impressive they've been throughout the current campaign so far.

Their last victory, coming over champions Manchester City, was arguably their best yet under Emery. But it's not all good news for those at Villa Park as the January transfer window approaches, with one particular player potentially on the move when the winter window swings open.

Aston Villa transfer news

When it comes to incomings, Aston Villa got it fairly spot on in the summer. Moussa Diaby's stats, four goals and five assists show just how quickly he's settled in alongside Pau Torres, whilst Youri Tielemans and Nicolo Zaniolo begin to find their feet under Emery. All of that has resulted in new heights for the club in the Premier League as we near the halfway point. Amid their successful summer, however, is one man who is yet to make his mark and could already leave the Midlands club.

Aston Villa join the race to sign "unbelievable" defender

The Midlands side have entered the running to secure the services of a new colossus.

ByChloe Chadwick Dec 7, 2023

According to Bild, Bayern Munich are interested in Clement Lenglet, who is currently on loan at Aston Villa from Barcelona. The La Liga giants are reportedly open to the move as long as the German side cover the defender's wages in full. Villa, meanwhile, reportedly want to see out their loan move for Lenglet, keeping him until the end of the season as planned.

This comes as a surprise, given Lenglet's game time. The Frenchman has not played a single minute in the Premier League and has been handed all of his opportunities in the Europa Conference League. Despite that though, Villa reportedly want to keep hold of their loanee.

"Quality" Lenglet needs move

When Lenglet secured his return to the Premier League after an impressive loan spell at Tottenham Hotspur last season, he would have been full of hope over his Aston Villa role – but things just haven't worked out. Whether it be Ezri Konsa, Pau Torres or Diego Carlos, Emery has opted for other options ahead of the Barcelona loanee, who may need a move elsewhere if he is to receive regular minutes in the current campaign.

With Bayern Munich reportedly interested too, Lenglet may not get a better chance to secure an end to a stint in the Midlands and a move to a club in the Champions League. It's a surprise that things haven't worked out so far at Villa, with Emery full of praise for Lenglet upon his arrival. Emery said:

"Lenglet was a very good opportunity on loan for one year. He has experience in Barcelona, Sevilla and Tottenham playing at a high level, playing in Europe. I'm very happy with him because he is joining us with his quality, his experience."

The January transfer window is just around the corner and Leeds United may dip into the market to bolster their playing squad next month.

Daniel Farke is reportedly looking to add to his forward options as the Whites continue to battle for an instant return to the Premier League by winning promotion out of the Championship.

It was recently reported that the Whites and Italian side Salernitana are both interested in a possible swoop to sign Haugesund forward Sory Ibrahim Diarra.

The Yorkshire-based outfit could land an upgrade on Patrick Bamford and an exciting partner for Georgino Rutter if they are able to win the race for his signature ahead of the second half of the 2023/24 campaign.

Bamford's season in numbers

So far this season, the former England international has made 12 appearances as a substitute and is yet to contribute with a goal or an assist.

He has racked up 1.53 xG (Expected Goals) but has failed to find the back of the net on any occasion. The 30-year-old has not provided any threat at the top end of the pitch.

This has come off the back of his return of four goals from 8.61 xG across 28 Premier League appearances for Leeds during the 2022/23 campaign.

These statistics show that the English attacker has significantly underperformed in front of goal since the start of last season, which is why Farke may look to replace him in January.

The statistics that show why Leeds should sign Diarra

The 23-year-old ace, Diarra, could come in as an upgrade on Bamford if he is able to translate his form over the last few years over to English football.

Throughout 2023, the 6 foot 1 marksman has produced eight goals and three 'big chances' created for his team in 25 Eliteserien appearances. He has also managed one goal and two assists in three cup matches for the Norwegian side this year.

Diarra arrived in Norway from Romanian side Petrolul, where the talented youngster racked up 16 goals and five assists in 29 matches. This included 15 goals and five assists in 22 outings during the 2021/22 campaign.

These statistics show that the Haugesund marksman has been in fine form in front of goal in recent seasons, whereas Bamford has consistently underperformed in the final third for the Whites.

Diarra could thrive alongside Rutter at the top end of the pitch at Elland Road as the French whiz is a sublime creator who could provide the forward with the chances he needs to score.

The 21-year-old magician has created a staggering 16 'big chances' and assisted eight goals in 19 Championship starts for Leeds so far this season.

He ranks within the top 1% of forwards in the division for assists (0.44), Expected Assisted Goals (0.41), and shot-creating actions (4.30) per 90 this season.

Farke has unearthed his own Ousmane Dembele in "unplayable" Leeds ace

The talented youngster has hit the ground running at Championship level this season.

ByDan Emery Nov 28, 2023

These statistics show that the ex-Hoffenheim gem is one of the best, if not the best, creative talents in the Championship due to his ability to consistently unlock opposition defenders with his incisive play.

Therefore, Rutter could be the perfect player to help Diarra hit the ground running as he has the quality to put chances on a plate for the Mali-born finisher to carry his impressive goalscoring form over to England to become Farke's much-needed Bamford upgrade.