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Leeds United are currently only targeting one arrival this month, according to reliable journalist Beren Cross…

What’s the word?

He delivered the worrying update during a recent online Q&A with supporters on LeedsLive, where he revealed:

“From what I have been told, [Brenden] Aaronson is the only player they’re currently in for at the moment.”

It’s believed that the Premier League side have seen a £15m bid knocked back for the RB Salzburg midfielder but they remain keen on signing him before deadline day on January 31st, as per The Athletic.

Earlier this week, other reports suggested that the Yorkshire outfit had submitted a second offer for a different unnamed player but Cross’ fresh claim pours cold water on that completely.

Not good enough!

This is a worrying sign and one that will surely leave manager Marcelo Bielsa absolutely gutted, if not fuming.

He has seen his squad decimated with injuries regularly throughout the 2021/22 campaign and it has been so bad that he has struggled to name much of a bench at all.

For instance, during Sunday’s impressive win at West Ham, the Argentinian had only one senior professional amongst nine substitutes and just last month during their defeat to Arsenal, there were as many as 11 players missing through injury. 15-year-old academy gem Archie Gray even made the bench on both occasions.

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Just one central midfielder will not cut it.

Yes, it is perhaps their main priority with Kalvin Phillips out injured until March at the earliest but Bielsa is surely crying out for some competition for Patrick Bamford, who has missed 16 of their last 17 league outings with ankle and hamstring problems.

The England international has no competition up top, meaning when he’s out, Leeds do not have a striker to lead their line. The likes of Dan James and Jack Harrison have often been deployed there – out of position – as a result.

Similarly, there is a lack of cover at full-back, where midfielders Stuart Dallas and Jamie Shackleton have often been called upon. Captain Liam Cooper is even expected to be absent until March, too.

The Yorkshiremen need two to three additions this month if they are to remain competitive and help alleviate the ongoing injury crisis at Thorp Arch.

Whilst Aaronson would be an exciting signing, it’s just not enough and that has got to leave Bielsa and co absolutely worried heading into the second half of the season following this huge update from a very reliable source.

AND in other news, Imagine him and Phillips: Leeds could seal dream Bielsa signing in £16.2m-rated “phenom”…

A major Rangers transfer claim has been made, regarding Heerenveen midfielder Joey Veerman…

What’s the talk?

Journalist Pete O’Rourke has claimed that the Dutchman will be ‘high on the list’ of the Gers’ transfer targets in the January window.

The reporter has revealed that they attempted to sign him in the summer and that the arrival of Gio van Bronckhorst could see them try for a second time.

He told GIVEMESPORT:

“Veerman will definitely be high on the list of targets.

“They tried to sign him in the summer and he still remains high on their list of potential targets.

“With van Bronckhorst in there now, I think it just gives extra weight in maybe following up that interest in the Dutchman.”

Excitement

Rangers fans will surely be excited by this claim from O’Rourke as it brings with it the prospect of a top addition to the squad coming in January.

His comments suggest that the Gers could make a swoop for the talented midfielder and supporters could be delighted with that as his form in the Netherlands suggests that he could be a fantastic signing.

Veerman has averaged a phenomenal SofaScore rating of 7.53 in the Eredivisie this season, scoring three goals and providing six assists in 16 games.

He is averaging an exceptional 2.4 key passes per game, whilst also winning 56% of his duels and making 2.9 tackles and interceptions per game.

Last season, he averaged a score of 7.35 as he produced seven goals and ten assists in 31 games in the Eredivisie for Heerenveen. He made 1.9 key passes and 3.0 tackles and interceptions per game, whilst also winning 55% of his duels in the middle of the park.

In the current Rangers squad, Joe Aribo’s 1.6 key passes per game leads the midfield contingent when it comes to chance creation, whilst the Nigerian’s 2.4 tackles and interceptions per game also tops the charts for midfielders in the side.

This means that Veerman is outperforming every midfielder in the Rangers squad when it comes to creating chances and winning the ball back for his side. He has shown that he can have an impact in both boxes and perform consistently to a high level, although it remains to be seen whether or not his form in his home country is transferable to the Premiership.

Irrespective of the what if’s at the moment, Rangers fans will surely be excited by the prospect of signing a player with Veerman’s statistics in the Eredivisie.

He can only play against what is put in front of him and he is putting up some impressive numbers that could make him an excellent addition to van Bronckhorst’s side if he is able to adapt to Scottish football.

AND in other news, “Will be speaking” – Big Rangers claim made on Sky Sports that’ll leave fans delighted…

Pete O’Rourke has dropped a worrying claim regarding Celtic’s bid to sign Cameron Carter-Vickers on a permanent basis.

What’s the talk?

In a recent interview with GIVEMESPORT, O’Rourke stated his belief that, while Ange Postecoglou would ideally like to sign the Tottenham Hotspur loanee on a permanent basis in the January transfer window, Celtic may not be able to afford a move for the centre-back this month.

Speaking about the club’s potential deal for the 24-year-old, the journalist said: “Celtic would ideally love to get this deal wrapped up quickly, but I think £10m would be a bit too much for Celtic right now – so they may have to wait to the summer.”

In further comments given to the same publication, O’Rourke then suggested that, as a result of the USA international’s fine performances north of the border, the Bhoys could well end up missing out on the defender’s signature altogether, as a number of other clubs will have taken note of his impressive displays for the Hoops.

The journalist said: “The worry for Celtic is if Carter-Vickers continues to impress up at Celtic Park, that might bring other clubs to the table to try to sign the American in the summer.”

Postecoglou would be fuming

Considering just how impressive Carter-Vickers has been for Celtic since his season-long loan move to Parkhead last summer, should the Bhoys indeed go on to miss out on the centre-back’s permanent signing, it would undoubtedly be an outcome that will have Postecoglou fuming.

Indeed, over his 15 Premiership outings in the current campaign, the £2.7m-rated defender has helped his side keep seven clean sheets, scored two goals and provided his teammates with one assist, as well as making an average of 1.4 interceptions, 0.7 tackles, 85.2 passes and winning a whopping 71% of his duels per game.

These returns have seen the £20k-per-week man average a rather astonishing SofaScore match rating of 7.45, ranking him as the fourth-best performer in the entirety of the Scottish top flight.

As such, it is clear for all to see that Carter-Vickers would make an excellent addition to Postecoglou’s permanent options in the heart of his Celtic defence.

That leads us to believe that the defender moving anywhere other than Parkhead at the end of the season would come as a gutting blow for the 56-year-old manager – particularly as it has been reported that the Hoops have already started negotiations with the player regarding his transfer to the club.

In other news: Big twist emerges in Celtic’s pursuit of “no brainer” signing that will outrage fans

According to Inter Live, as translated and relayed by Sport Witness, Tottenham manager Antonio Conte has been gifted a boost in the race to sign Inter Milan star Ivan Perisic.

The Lowdown: Spurs enter talks…

According to reports over the last week from Germany, Spurs have entered talks to sign the Croatian as his contract winds down at the San Siro.

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His current deal, which set to expire in 2022, presents an opportunity for interested clubs to sign him on a pre-contract ahead of a summer move for free.

Sport 1 claimed that there are currently ‘talks with Tottenham’ over a move to sign Perisic for Conte, with another update now coming courtesy of Inter Live.

The Latest: Perisic prioritises Spurs move…

In a boost for Conte, the outlet claimed (via Sport Witness) that Perisic is very keen on a move to north London, with his future at the San Siro now more uncertain than ever.

It is claimed that a ‘first-rated space’ is reserved for Spurs in particular, where he would re-join Conte after the pair’s time together in Italy. This feasibly puts Tottenham above the ‘row of clubs’ who are eager to sign Perisic, including his former club Wolfsburg.

The Verdict: Get it done?

Amassing plenty of experience on the biggest stages in world football, including World Cup semi-final heroics against England, Perisic would be an astute swoop on a free transfer.

He has been a mainstay for the Nerazzurri this season, scoring three goals and setting up one more over 13 Serie A starts, with former Spurs boss Jose Mourinho a big fan of the player. The 6 foot 1 colossus is also tailor-made for the Premier League, with former Inter head coach Luciano Spaletti claiming that the Croatian’s physique is that of a ‘horse’.

Able to play across the attacking midfield and as a centre-forward (Transfermarkt), the 32-year-old could even come as a makeshift alternative to Harry Kane going by his impressive 132-goal senior career haul.

Lauded as ‘sensational’ by the Italian press for his recent form, it’s clear that he is not only attainable but also a solid option for Conte.

In other news: Tottenham in contact over signing ‘phenomenal’ star as club directors spotted in London, find out more here.

David Moyes has an injury nightmare mounting up at West Ham United as he heads into tonight’s Europa League clash with Dinamo Zagreb…

What’s the latest?

The Irons boss was already without first-choice centre-back Angelo Ogbonna after he was ruled out for the remainder of the season and then during Sunday’s win over Chelsea in the Premier League, he lost Kurt Zouma to a long-term injury, as well as Ben Johnson.

And now, ahead of this evening’s meeting at the London Stadium, Moyes is likely to be without a further three first-team stars in Ogbonna’s replacement, Craig Dawson, left-back Aaron Cresswell and versatile defender Ryan Fredericks.

The latter two missed training on Wednesday, so that puts their chances of featuring in serious doubt, particularly Cresswell who has been absent since his early withdrawal against Manchester City nearly two weeks ago.

Whilst it’s believed Dawson will not be risked after picking up a knock on Sunday, too.

Injury crisis

This will surely leave Moyes worried, if not raging with anger, as he seemingly cannot catch a break with injuries at the minute. It’s even more troubling that the majority of these are in his backline, meaning we could see a very different looking defence tonight.

As such, Issa Diop is the only recognised senior centre-back available, whilst Arthur Masuaku and Vladimir Coufal are the remaining full-backs, so we could see all three handed a rare opportunity.

Academy prospects Jamal Baptiste, Harrison Ashby, Manny Longelo and Aji Alese are all in contention to be involved, having been called up to training this week.

Fortunately for Moyes, his Hammers side have already advanced into the knockout stages of the competition, so tonight’s clash is somewhat a dead rubber affair.

However, there is still an unbeaten record to uphold, whilst these injuries are likely to linger heading into the weekend, where West Ham head to Turf Moor to face Burnley on Sunday, and these updates are surely enough to keep the 58-year-old up at night with concern.

To be without six first-team defenders heading into a busy festive period has to be a devastating blow to the Scotsman, regardless of the fixture tonight.

AND in other news, Rob Newman could end West Ham’s striker nightmare with £10.35m-rated “absolute predator”…

A number of Everton fans have hit out at the performance of Seamus Coleman on social media in Sunday’s meeting with Tottenham Hotspur at Goodison Park. 

Rafael Benitez made three changes from the 2-1 defeat to Wolves last time out, with Lucas Digne, Fabian Delph and Anthony Gordon coming in for Mason Holgate, Jean-Philippe Gbamin and Alex Iwobi.

However, it was Coleman’s display which had a number of fans talking, and not for the right reasons either. The 33-year-old was making his eighth Premier League start of the campaign, playing in his usual right-back role.

The Irishman seemed to have a quiet afternoon in the 0-0 draw, though, with his name coming up just once in Sky Sports’ live feed of the game. He also gave the ball away on 22 occasions per SofaScore, ending with a pass competition rate of 74%, and had a frustrating afternoon getting forward, failing to record a key pass or accurate cross.

Everton fans react to Coleman’s performance

Here is what these Everton supporters had to say about the full-back on Twitter, with one labelling him a ‘headless chicken’, perhaps in reference to the frequency with which he relinquished possession.

“How many times has Coleman just kicked the ball into touch? Utter embarrassment player these days.”

Credit: @EvertonRanter

“This Coleman disaster class man get me a new right back”

Credit: @Evertxn

“Good half from Delph and Allan. Rest been decent. Coleman….”

Credit: @ElliotB1878

“Coleman is so poor now”

Credit: @Everton0122

“Coleman is literally a headless chicken, love him but my God. That last minute chance all comes from him following right to left, not winning the ball and leaving his position completely exposed. Just pass him off to a midfield Seamus lad.”

Credit: @BlueBoyzNetwork

“This Seamus Coleman disasterclass btw”

Credit: @efcdoyley

In other news: ‘Exactly the type we need to go for’ – Many Everton fans buzzing as potential ‘belter signing’ emerges

Inter Milan defender Stefan de Vrij is keen to talk to Tottenham ahead of a possible January window transfer, Football Insider report.

The Lowdown: De Vrij’s comments

De Vrij has been linked with a move to north London following Antonio Conte’s arrival in north London.

The Dutch centre-back, on £116,000-a-week, worked with Conte at Inter Milan for two years between 2019-2021, winning the Serie A title in Conte’s second season.

He made 66 Serie A appearances in those two campaigns and it seems as if he is keen on talking to Spurs chiefs ahead of a possible reunion with Conte.

The Latest: Source shares update

Football Insider shared a story on Monday morning after being informed by a source close to the situation.

They claimed that De Vrij is aware of Tottenham’s interest and is personally interested in talking to Spurs with a January move labelled as possible.

The Verdict: If it’s what Conte wants…

Conte has five senior centre-backs to choose from at this moment in time, however, he’s selected left-back Ben Davies alongside Eric Dier and Cristian Romero in his first two games in charge.

That’s meant no place for Davinson Sanchez, Japhet Tanganga or Joe Rodon, so if Conte wants a new centre-back in January, that’s what Spurs chiefs should give him.

All signs are pointing in a positive direction regarding a reunion between De Vrij and Conte, so it could be time for Daniel Levy to get the chequebook out and make the 29-year-old the first marquee signing of Conte’s era in charge.

In other news: ‘Complete and utter nonsense’ – 48 y/o fumes at ‘ridiculous’ thing Conte has done at Tottenham. 

Celtic have deen dealt a triple blow ahead of their upcoming Premiership fixture this afternoon.

What’s the latest?

In recent comments cited by the Daily Record, Ange Postecoglou revealed that none of James Forrest, Christopher Jullien or Greg Taylor will be available for St Johnstone’s visit to Parkhead, as the stricken trio are yet to recover from their respective injuries.

Speaking about the current state of his Celtic squad, the 56-year-old said: “It’s just Forrest, Jullien and Taylor not available for selection.”

However, in more positive news, Postecoglou revealed that he will once again be able to call upon Josip Juranovic this weekend, while James McCarthy is also set to make a return to the Bhoys squad as both players look to be nearing full fitness.

On Juranovic and McCarthy in particular, the Hoops boss said: “Juranovic has trained, he’s fit and available. McCarthy has trained, he’s fit and available.”

Ange will be gutted

While the news that Juranovic and McCarthy look as if they will play some part on Saturday is undoubtedly good for Celtic, the ongoing absences of Forrest, Jullien and Taylor will nevertheless have left Postecoglou gutted.

Indeed, versatile midfielder Forrest has been a huge source of creativity and goals for the Bhoys in recent years, with the 30-year-old having scored 18 goals and registered 20 assists over 56 appearances in all competitions back in 2018/19, as well as bagging 16 goals and providing 22 assists over 47 games the following season.

Meanwhile, centre-back Jullien has proven to be a magnificent signing for the Hoops following his £7.2m arrival from Toulouse back in 2019, with the 28-year-old helping his side to keep five clean sheets, scoring one goal and averaging a superb SofaScore match rating of 7.43 over his nine Premiership appearances prior to his injury last season.

Finally, while the surprising emergence of 19-year-old left-back Adam Montgomery has somewhat covered for the absence of Taylor on the left-hand side of the Celtic backline, the 23-year-old’s continued unavailability will undoubtedly come as a blow to Postecoglou. The Scotland international is a solid and reliable option in that role, recording more interceptions per game (1.5) than any of his Hoops team-mates.

As such, with the 56-year-old hoping that his side can continue their run of excellent recent form against St Johnstone on Saturday, being unable to call upon any of Forrest, Jullien and Taylor for the visit of the Saints will certainly make this task a bit more difficult for Postecoglou.

In other news: Kyogo 2.0: Celtic nearing exciting deal for 18-goal machine, Postecoglou will love him

Following on from their 5-0 bashing of Manchester United in the Premier League at the weekend, Liverpool are back in Carabao Cup action this evening with a trip to Deepdale to face Championship club Preston North End as they look to progress further in the competition.

Ahead of the match against Preston, Liverpool assistant manager Pep Lijnders revealed that Fabinho, Naby Keita, James Milner, Harvey Elliott, Thiago Alcantara are all likely to miss the match in midweek through individual injuries.

Lijnders also explained that goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher will miss the game as well.

Taking all of this into account, here’s how we feel Liverpool will line up this evening…

In goal, with Kelleher out, it seems likely now that we will see Adrian, who hasn’t played a game for the Reds so far this season in any competition, start with Alisson likely to be given a rest.

For the defence, Neco Williams could play in the right-back position with Joe Gomez and Nat Phillips occupying the centre-back positions and Kostas Tsimikas returning at left-back.

Jurgen Klopp’s first-choice backline all receive a break from action.

Elsewhere in midfield, with the number of injuries they currently have, we think Liverpool will have to put Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Curtis Jones in the team against Preston with Tyler Morton given a chance to shine after he came on as a substitute in their previous Carabao Cup match against Norwich City.

Up top, Klopp could stick with the same front three that started against Norwich in their 3-0 win back in September with Takumi Minamino and Divock Origi playing alongside 17-year-old winger Kaide Gordon, who signed his first professional contract with the Merseyside club earlier this month.

This would allow the likes of Diogo Jota, Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino to have a rest ahead of their next Premier League outing this weekend against Brighton & Hove Albion.

Moving forward, this match against Preston, this not only gives Liverpool the chance to get through to the next stage of the competition but also gives some of their fringe squad players the chance to show their worth, rest some of their senior players and give the injured players time to recover.

In other news: Klopp could save LFC millions by unleashing 21 y/o “leader”, he’s VVD’s heir apparent…

Crystal Palace weren’t renowned for being shrewd operators in the transfer market until the previous window, although the club’s hierarchy perhaps don’t get the credit they deserve for one particularly impressive deal.

Back in January 2015, the Eagles secured the return of fans’ favourite Wilfried Zaha from Manchester United on a permanent basis for just £3.42m, only two years after the youngster had moved in the opposite direction for an initial £10m fee.

The skilful winger had impressed after rising through the ranks at his boyhood club, scoring eight goals and providing a further 12 assists in 50 appearances as Palace earned promotion back to the Premier League in his final season at the club.

However, his time at United didn’t go to plan. At Old Trafford, Zaha enjoyed just 28 minutes of top-flight action in his first six months at the club before being loaned out to Cardiff City.

He was then loaned back to Palace for the first half of 2014/15 ahead of his return on a permanent basis, and the Ivory Coast international made no attempt to hide his delight after re-signing for his boyhood club.

“I wasn’t getting much game time at Manchester United, so took the opportunity of coming back on loan this season,” Zaha said at his unveiling. “To now have the chance to make the move permanent and come home to Selhurst Park is something I’m delighted about.

“For me to be a better player, I need to play more games, and having a gaffer I know has great trust in me gives me the confidence I need to help me improve my game. I started playing here when I was eight years of age, and my family live locally, and to have the opportunity to take the field in the Premier League for this club is a dream come true.”

Since then, Zaha has established himself as the Eagles’ talisman, bagging 70 goals and providing a further 73 assists in 401 appearances for the south London outfit across his multiple spells with the club and playing a pivotal part in their nine-year stay in the top-flight.

Zaha’s incredible exploits at Selhurst Park have seen his market value rise to a whopping £40.5m, which shows that Palace chairman Steve Parish struck gold over the Ivorian’s return to the club.

In other news… Vieira could unearth Crystal Palace’s next Milivojevic in “intelligent” 17 y/o starlet