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Transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano has revealed that the agent of Nicolas Jackson will be in London next week amid growing links to Southampton.

What’s the word?

The 21-year-old, who currently plays in Spain for La Liga outfit Villarreal, has been strongly linked with a move to the Premier League of late. Indeed, HampshireLive reports that “talks” have already taken place over a possible January switch.

As per Transfermarkt, the player is represented by Epic Sports. Incidentally, this is the same agency as Real Valladolid right-back Ivan Fresneda, who is notably being linked with Arsenal.

According to Romano, the agent of both players is coming to London next week in an attempt to sort out moves for his clients.

When speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano explained his understanding of the situation, saying: “The agent of Fresneda will be in London next week; he is going to be probably the new agent of Moises Caicedo, who is on [the] Chelsea list.

“He has to speak about [the] Jackson situation for Southampton and other clubs, so there will be meetings in London next week for the agent.”

New striker needed?

Jackson has just two goals and two assists in 14 La Liga outings so far this term for Villarreal, so it’s not as if he’s in the best form in the world right now.

In fact, across the span of his career, he only has three senior goals for the Spanish club in 33 outings. However, he is still just 21 years old, so the Saints may back him to develop into a more prolific striker as he gains a little more experience.
Seeing as Southampton are in the midst of a relegation battle and caught inside the bottom three, they may want someone who can make a big impact right away.
Even so, just because the present situation is concerning, that doesn’t mean you should stop planning for the future.
Of course, the likes of Che Adams, Adam Armstrong,  and Sekou Mara provide options up top. Adding Jackson to that list would certainly do no harm, so it will be interesting to see how the situation develops following the arrival of the striker’s agent in England.

Everton need to appoint a new manager as soon as possible and recent reports suggest that owner Farhad Moshiri is in talks with West Bromwich Albion boss Carlos Corberan.

Frank Lampard was sacked earlier this week following a shocking run of form following the World Cup, which included home defeats against relegation rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers and Southampton, to leave the Toffees in the 19th spot in the Premier League.

The timing is less than ideal for the Merseyside outfit, given that the transfer window will close next week, with the current squad looking unlikely to produce a turnaround that will see the Toffees escape relegation again this season.

Therefore, it is imperative that Moshiri finds his Lampard successor quickly, with former Leeds United Marcelo Bielsa having already reportedly rejected Everton.

However, the Toffees could land their own version of the legendary Argentine in Corberan, who worked under Bielsa at Leeds United before excelling in his first managerial role with Huddersfield Town.

In his first season with the Terriers, the Yorkshire side would fall at the final hurdle in their unexpected push for promotion, as they lost out against Nottingham Forest in the playoff final.

After a brief, unsuccessful spell with Olympiacos, Corberan returned to English football with West Brom, where he has overseen a remarkable turnaround, taking the Baggies from the relegation zone to the brink of the playoffs.

The 39-year-old has taken charge of just 14 games with the Midlands side but has made a huge impression, winning 10 and drawing one with a superb points-per-game average of 2.21.

Considering Lampard averaged just one point per game across his 44 matches in charge of the Toffees, it seems clear that the Spaniard could be a significant upgrade, and could potentially replicate his turnaround with West Brom at Goodison Park.

Bielsa was full of praise for Corberan during their time working together at Elland Road, which suggests that he could be an ideal alternative if Moshiri cannot convince the former Atletico Bilbao manager to return to the Premier League this month.

Bielsa suggested that the young coach was “very talented” and that he valued his opinion more than his own, which certainly bodes well for Corberan’s future in management, given the Argentine’s phenomenal reputation.

Therefore, with Moshiri reportedly already in talks with the West Brom boss, he should look to bring the 39-year-old to Goodison Park this month, in the hope that he could potentially emulate Bielsa in the future, while also keeping the Toffees in the top-flight this season.

Chelsea are interested in a move for Juventus’ Dusan Vlahovic, who has been persistently linked with a move away from Turin this season.

The club have been churning out signings with the force of an unabating storm, with over £400m spent since American businessman Todd Boehly assumed ownership of the club last year, but one area largely neglected is the centre-forward deployment.

According to prominent Italian outlet CalcioMercato, the Serbian sensation Vlahovic could indeed find himself spearheading the Blues’ charge in short time, with Boehly and Christopher Vivell allegedly willing to sweeten a deal for the striker with the offering of Romelu Lukaku within the package.

And with Chelsea’s current centre-forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who is now 33 years old and has scored just three times since his summer arrival from Barcelona, unlikely to be the beacon to light the way over the coming seasons, the Old Lady’s 23-year-old marksman could strike home at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea’s own Haaland

Erling Haaland’s introduction to the Premier League has resulted in cataclysmic consequences for his opposition, with the monstrous 22-year-old having scored a ridiculous 25 times from his first 19 appearances in the competition.

The £51m Manchester City phenomenon is a once-in-a-generation talent, a forward with an innate goal-scoring sense not dissimilar to an animal’s primal instincts; while replicating the former Borussia Dortmund sensation might be fruitless, completing an acquisition with semblance to someone of his ilk could bear fruit for an outfit such as Chelsea.

Vlahovic, who has been a steady presence at the Allianz Stadium since arriving from divisional rivals Fiorentina in a £66.6m deal a year ago, despite Juventus’ internal strife, has chalked up 16 goals from 37 appearances for his current team, following an exceptional spell with la Viola, plundering 49 goals from only 108 appearances during his maiden professional period, to announce himself to European football in resounding fashion.

The “monster” – as dubbed by reporter Carlo Garganese – possesses such a devastating calibre that he has actually been likened to the aforementioned Haaland, with Serbian FA president, Nenad Bjekovic. saying that the 19-cap gem is “better and more complete than Haaland”.

While such an argument can only be made while wading through turbulent waters, it does speak volumes for Vlahovic’s knack at finding the back of the net, and with an expansive pool of talent only growing further in west London, the Juventus talisman could find himself at the front of a machine charged with the finest of oil.

And as per FBref, with the ace residing within the top 14% of forwards in Europe’s top five leagues for progressive passes received and the top 17% for total shots, he can harness a poaching prowess and level up at Chelsea.

City’s Haaland is a striker scarcely seen before, such is the inconceivable power of his goal-scoring prowess, but with Vlahovic indeed lauded for boasting a ‘more complete’ skill set to the imperious Norwegian prodigy, he could be the offensive outlet Chelsea need in order to forge an immediate future littered in footballing superiority.

Newcastle United are currently closing in on the signing of Everton starlet, Anthony Gordon with deadline day looming, although that late move for the Englishman may not be the end of the Magpies’ winter spending, with reports in France suggesting that Lille’s Tiago Djalo could also be a possible target this month.

According to Foot Mercato, the Tynesiders are interested in signing the 22-year-old before the end of the window, with the centre-back currently facing an uncertain future with the Ligue 1 side with just 18 months left on his current deal.

The report suggests that sporting director Dan Ashworth is ‘ready to offer’ a fee of more than €20m (£18m) in order to prise the Portuguese starlet from Stade Pierre-Mauroy, having previously signed Sven Botman from the French outfit during the summer.

The versatile ace – who can also feature at left-back – has been at his current side since joining from AC Milan back in 2019, having also previously been on the books at Sporting Lisbon – albeit without making a first-team appearance for either of his former employers.

As talent scout Jacek Kulig predicted, those two clubs have likely been left to “regret” their decision to move the 6 foot 3 titan on in the past, with the “dominant” defender – as per Kulig – currently shining at Lille.

The current campaign has proven particularly impressive for the Portugal U21 international, as he has netted twice in 18 league games, while also showcasing his defensive prowess after averaging 2.4 clearances and 1.5 tackles per game in that time.

The youngster’s quality is also laid bare by his statistical and stylistic similarities to Inter Milan colossus, Milan Skriniar, as per FBref, with that of interest to those at St James’ Park as the latter man has seemingly been a target for Ashworth and co in recent times.

As 90min revealed earlier this month, the northeast side were named as one of a handful of clubs who were ‘expected’ to make an offer for the Slovakia international, while reports in Italy suggested back in December that he was a firm target for the top-four hopefuls.

With the 27-year-old now seemingly on his way to Paris Saint-Germain, however, Eddie Howe will have to look elsewhere for a suitable centre-back alternative, hence turning Djalo as an ideal fit to bolster the backline.

That likeness between the pair is illustrated by the fact that they both provide real quality in possession, with Djalo notably ranking in the top 9% among those in his position for pass completion, while Skriniar ranks in the top 7% in that same metric.

Such quality on the ball is also showcased by the fact that the Inter machine averages 0.43 progressive passes received per game to illustrate his ability to spark attacks from deep, while the younger man is only slightly behind as he averages 0.30 in that regard.

Skriniar – who also stands at 6 foot 3 – has also enjoyed a similar record in the league this season to that of Djalo, as he has averaged 2.2 clearances and 1.5 tackles per game from his 19 Serie A appearances, proving that the two men are firmly alike both in possession, but also due to their ball-winning ability.

That should indicate that Newcastle can find an ideal alternative for the PSG-bound sensation in the form of Djalo.

Joe Nicholson has claimed on The Roar podcast that Danny Batth and Dan Ballard will be crucial for Sunderland against Millwall.

The Lowdown: Sunderland up against it

Sunderland are set to face one of the most in-form teams when it comes to playing at home this season with Millwall losing just two games in the Championship thus far.

As if that wasn’t a difficult enough task already, the fact that Sunderland are set to be without their top scorer in the form of Ross Stewart is a monumental blow for Tony Mowbray who will be relying on youngster Joe Gelhardt.

Mowbray will indeed be able to once again call upon Batth and Ballard who will be very important as Sunderland look to keep Millwall at bay from set pieces as they’ve scored the most from dead-ball scenarios in the league.

The Latest: Millwall dangerous from set pieces

Batth and Ballard are six foot two and six foot one respectively, so Nicholson believes they will be key to Sunderland not shipping goals from set piece this weekend.

He said: (17:20) “Yeah that’s been a concern for Sunderland in the past, set pieces, especially earlier in the season when they had lots of injuries and now they’ve lost Stewart for the season while he’s a striker, he is quite effective in his own penalty area clearing corners.

“They’ve now got Danny Batth back from injury and Dan Ballard they’ve played the last two and formed what looks like a good partnership, so that could be really important with Millwall kind of posing that threat from set pieces, that’s definitely one to watch out for.”

The Verdict: Mowbray faces a tough test

Given that Sunderland currently boast the youngest squad on average in the Championship, it will be a huge ask for them to go away to The Den that’s likely to be sold out given limited tickets are left on sale, and pick up a positive result.

This is mainly because Millwall are indeed higher in the table than Sunderland, very rarely lose at home and will be right up for revenge after the Black Cats inflicted a 3-0 defeat on them earlier in the season.

All teams will be gutted when they concede from set pieces as they’re very cheap goals to be given away and Mowbray will surely have been doing his work on the training pitch to scheme up a way to combat Millwall’s obvious threat from dead-ball situations.

Journalist Dean Jones has claimed that Wolves won’t be able to keep hold of Ruben Neves at the end of the season as the player won’t renew his contract.

What’s the word?

Over the weekend, the club took a potentially huge step towards Premier League survival as they blew Liverpool out of the water with a 3-0 win at home.

Of course, it’s just three points, but a win like that will give the fans and players great confidence that things are heading in the right direction under new boss Julen Lopetegui.

However, while Wolves may progress well between now and the end of the summer, a dark cloud hangs over the club due to the fact that key player Neves could leave in the summer when his contract will enter its final year.

Indeed, while speaking about it all on Chasing Green Arrows, Jones damningly claimed that Neves is unlikely to hang around even despite the team’s improvement under Lopetegui.

He said: “It’ll be interesting to see whether they can, now beyond this season, then actually build on this moment because there’ll be so much interest in players like Ruben Neves and it seems unlikely he will stay any longer.”

Time to say goodbye

Apart from new signing Craig Dawson (who has played just one game), no Wolves player has performed better than Neves in the Premier League this season.

That is according to WhoScored, who have the midfielder as the highest-ranked member of Lopetegui’s squad with an average player rating of 7.03 spread across 2o games.

With that in mind, it’s easy to see why his exit could be a real setback for Wolves and with his contract set to expire in June 2024, it really does look as though he could leave.

Newcastle United have been linked in the past with journalist Craig Hope suggesting that he’s on the club’s list and they’re “keeping very, very close tabs on” the 25-year-old.

And so, if Wolves don’t want to lose Neves for free, and they can’t convince him to stay, he may well have to be sold in the summer.

Tottenham Hotspur have set their sights on a move for Brentford striker Ivan Toney, according to Football Insider.

The Lowdown: Spurs eyeing Toney

It was reported earlier this season that Tottenham sporting director Fabio Paratici was eyeing a swoop for the 26-year-old ahead of a potential move in the January transfer window, but Spurs instead chose to strengthen other areas of the squad.

Right-back Pedro Porro was brought in on a £5m loan deal with a £39m obligation to buy, while winger Arnaut Danjuma arrived on loan, with Antonio Conte choosing to wait until the summer before signing an out-and-out striker.

The Latest: Spurs keeping close tabs on Toney

As per Football Insider, Tottenham are keeping close tabs on Toney, who is currently holding talks with Brentford about a new contract.

The implication is that if these discussions do not go to plan, Spurs could swoop in for the 26-year-old, considering Richarlison and Heung-min Son are said to be struggling for form, with the duo managing only 10 goals in 48 appearances combined this season.

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The Verdict: Get it done?

Given that Tottenham have Harry Kane at their disposal, who recently broke Jimmy Greaves’ record as the club’s all-time leading goalscorer, it may be difficult to attract Toney, as he knows that he will almost certainly be playing second fiddle to the England captain in N17.

That said, if they are able to tempt the ‘sensational’ 26-year-old (as dubbed by presenter Ste Howson) into a move to north London, he would be a fantastic signing. That much is indicated by his superb scoring record in the Premier League this season, netting 13 times in 19 outings and also weighing in with three assists.

His prolific goal return for Brentford – 61 goals in 110 appearances – begs the question as to just how prolific he could be in a team of Tottenham’s calibre, and Paratici should continue to monitor the progress of contract talks at the Gtech Community Stadium over the coming weeks.

Phil Hay believes if Leeds United stay up this season they could try and appoint either Andoni Iraola or Arne Slot.

The Lowdown: Leeds put their trust in Skubala

After a thankless task of trying to find Jesse Marsch’s successor Victor Orta has appeared to give up for now by handing the reigns to former assistant coach Michael Skubala after he took charge of the two prior games.

In those two matches, Skubala managed to pick up a point away at Old Trafford, but now the important matches are coming up against fellow relegation strugglers Everton and Southampton.

Skubala will be aiming to pick up maximum points from those matches but they most certainly can’t afford to lose as that could potentially see either of those sides leapfrog Leeds in the table.

The Latest: Iraola or Slot could join in the summer

Hay has claimed on The Phil Hay Show that if Leeds managed to maintain their Premier League status then Orta could go back in for one of Slot or Iraola having been rejected over the last week.

He said: (25:45) “I do think if Leeds stay up that’s absolutely an option they will revisit in the summer [Iraola] again likewise with Arne Slot but Slot as well at Feyenoord were very resistant to the idea of him going to Leeds and he said himself publicly that he wouldn’t be.”

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The Verdict: A crucial few months

These next few months could well morph Leeds’ future because if they stay up then it may be a bright horizon for the Whites with an impending takeover from the 49ers enterprise allowing them to spend heavily on their stadium and squad.

However, if they fail to avoid the drop back into the Championship then the 49ers may well be put off the idea of buying Leeds or if they do still proceed with the takeover, then it would certainly set them back a few years.

Skubala will know the pressure resting on his shoulders to get an out-of-form Leeds side back firing on all cylinders because if he keeps the club up then he could well have laid the foundations for a more wanted and experienced coach to come in and take the Whites forward onto bigger and better things.

Chelsea have been ‘offered’ Paris-Saint Germain superstar Neymar as his agents hold out-of-window talks, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Blues make noise…

Since the takeover of American tycoon Todd Boehly, the Blues have spent £544 million in total over the course of their most recent transfer windows.

Chelsea have signalled their serious statement of intent in the market, backing manager Graham Potter to no end, even if the Englishman is still yet to get get them fully firing.

Reports continuously emerge of whom they could target next with the likes of Victor Osimhen (Napoli) repeatedly linked to Stamford Bridge.

The Latest: Chelsea ‘offered’ Neymar…

According to reporter Graeme Bailey, Chelsea have been ‘offered’ Neymar, coming as Boehly met with PSG counterpart Nasser Al-Khelaifi ‘this week’ (Twitter).

Writing further in a collaborative piece for 90min, the reporter also goes on to state that agents have ‘spoken with’ Chelsea over Neymar as the intermediaries seemingly hold out-of-window talks.

The Verdict: Big…

The Brazil superstar, valued at around £67 million by Transfermarkt, would come as a really big name signing for Chelsea if Boehly opts to pursue a deal.

His market value is probably this low considering the player’s age, currently 31-years-old, but it’s crystal clear Neymar is still very much turning it on for PSG.

The South American forward stands out as one of Christophe Galtier’s best-performing players by average match rating with Neymar scoring 12 goals and assisting a further ten in Ligue 1 this season (WhoScored).

Only Lionel Messi can boast a similar rate of key passes per 90 in the final third, backing the player’s obvious quality.

There is little denying he would strengthen Chelsea’s forward line with the question being whether they can afford his probably sky high wages.

West Ham United winger Said Benrahma was hailed by the media for his performance in today’s 4-0 victory against Nottingham Forest.

The Lowdown: Big three points

West Ham picked up a vital three points in a 4-0 win against Nottingham Forest, courtesy of a second-half brace from striker Danny Ings, with captain Declan Rice and Michail Antonio adding late goals for good measure.

It was a huge win for the Hammers, especially considering it was against another side in the relegation battle, and David Moyes will be hoping that it can be a real turning point in his side’s season.

The Latest: Media reacts

Ings will get most of the plaudits for his fantastic performance, but the media was also quick to praise Benrahma’s involvement in the game, having been picked to start on the left-wing.

Journalist Chebli Ishaq hailed the Algerian for his ‘decisive’ passing, with another reporter Malik Ouzia lauding him for his ‘brilliance’ in the build-up to the Hammers’ second goal.

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The Verdict: Quality performance

The 27-year-old was limited to an appearance off the bench in the defeat against Tottenham Hotspur last weekend, but Moyes chose to start him from the off this afternoon, and he did not let his manager down.

Before being withdrawn shortly before full-time, the maestro weighed in with two assists, setting up Ings’ second and Rice’s brilliant third goal, while he also pitched in defensively, winning six duels and making three tackles.

Given the level of Benrahma’s performance this afternoon, he should be a sure-fire starter when the Hammers travel to Manchester United in the FA Cup next weekend.