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Wolves are reportedly interested in signing Real Valladolid defender Ivan Fresneda in January, and the Spaniard’s prospective arrival at Molineux could see Julen Lopetegui finally get rid of Nelson Semedo.

According to AS, both Leeds United and Wolves have already ‘moved’ for the 18-year-old ahead of next month’s transfer window, with a frantic race expected for the signature of the highly-rated youngster.

After featuring in six games for Valladolid’s senior side, Fresneda’s release clause has risen to €30m (£26m), which means that he could be an expensive option for the Old Gold in January, but he certainly seems to have a lot of potential.

Spanish journalist Juan Arroita has certainly been impressed with what he has seen from Fresneda in his brief appearances, as he tweeted earlier this year: “Iván Fresneda has a beastly ability to take measured crosses from the right-handed lane. How good does the boy look? 17 years old…”

The teenage defender has just nine senior appearances to his name, but that has clearly been enough to convince clubs in the Premier League that he is worth the investment, as his six appearances in La Liga this season have seen him average a strong 6.74 rating from WhoScored.

According to FBRef, the youngster excels at tackling, interceptions and clearances, ranking above the 88th percentile for all three among positional peers in Europe’s top five leagues. That suggests that he is solid in defence, which could make him an immediate upgrade on Semedo.

The former Barcelona man has proven himself to be a “liability at the back” (in the words of Tim Spiers) on a number of occasions during his time at Molineux, most notably in the 3-2 defeat against Brighton ahead of the World Cup break.

After losing Kaoru Mitoma for the Seagulls’ equaliser, the Portuguese full-back then hauled down the Japanese winger when he was through on goal, receiving a straight red card and costing the Old Gold any realistic chance of earning an important three points against a strong Brighton side.

Semedo has averaged a shocking 6.31 rating from WhoScored for his performances in the Premier League so far this term, and Lopetegui will surely be looking for an upgrade in January as he looks to save Wolves’ season.

In Fresneda, the Old Gold’s new manager could find a significant long-term upgrade, so it will be interesting to see if the Molineux club can win the transfer race for the youngster next month.

Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has had a number of weeks off thanks to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and has had additional time off to potentially discuss a plan for the January transfer window with Dan Ashworth.

The pair are set to work alongside each other next month to bolster the squad with new recruits, if the club decides to improve the team, whilst also allowing those who need to depart to find new teams.

Howe’s side are currently sitting third in the Premier League table and are competing for a place in Europe next season, as it stands, but there is still room for improvement within the roster.

One player who has struggled this season and could be on the chopping block heading into January is winger Jacob Murphy. The Englishman has failed to deliver consistently impressive performances in the top-flight and has been unable to prove that he deserves a regular place in the team.

He has averaged a Sofascore rating of 6.63 across 15 appearances in the division, providing one goal and one assist, whilst losing 75% of his individual duels and completing 67% of his attempted passes.

This comes after he averaged a score of 6.68 across 33 outings last term and shows that he has not been putting in good displays in the Premier League.

Howe could now finally ditch the £35k-per-week dud, who has been at St. James’ Park since 2017, by dipping into the market to sign Leandro Trossard from Brighton.

The Magpies are reportedly interested in signing the Belgian international, whose defensive work was once hailed as “outstanding” by Andy Naylor, and his arrival would allow the club to sell Murphy as he would be a major upgrade on the former Norwich forward.

Trossard has racked up seven goals and two assists in 14 top-flight appearances this season, averaging a Sofascore rating of 7.17 for the Seagulls.

The 27-year-old attacked, who was once dubbed a “wizard” by journalist Charlie Haffenden, produced eight goals and three assists in 34 appearances in the division last term and averaged a score of 7.10, whilst completing 78% of his attempted passes.

These statistics show that the Belgian winger would be a significant upgrade on Murphy for Newcastle, as his contributions in the final third and his average performance levels have been far more impressive over the last 18 months.

Therefore, Howe and Ashworth must now swoop to sign Trossard during the upcoming January window as it would free up the English forward to find a new club, whether that be on a permanent basis or out on loan.

Aston Villa are one of seven Premier League clubs who have scouted Rennes forward Martin Terrier in recent weeks.

The Lowdown: Terrier profiled

Primarily a left-winger, he can also play on the right or as a centre-forward. Sponsored by Adidas, the 25-yar-old is valued at a career-high £28.8m by Transfermarkt and has scored 64 senior club goals during his career.

The Frenchman, who has been dubbed ‘phenomenal’ by European football journalist Tim Williams, has been in red-hot form in front of goal over the last 18 months, something which appears to have caught Villa’s eye.

The Latest: Villa interest

90min shared a story regarding Terrier ahead of the January transfer window.

They claimed that Villa and six other top-flight clubs have watched the forward in action during the past two weeks, with Rennes set to demand a record fee in excess of £30m for their star forward.

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The Verdict: Terrier and Hazard?

Villa have also been linked with an eye-catching move for Eden Hazard in recent days, so the prospect of both Terrier and Hazard making the move to the Midlands is an exciting one.

Attacking reinforcements appear to be needed under Unai Emery, with Villa scoring just 11 times in 13 league games so far, so Terrier could be the perfect prospective addition.

He is a versatile forward who seems to be at the peak of his powers with 29 Ligue 1 goals since the start of the 2021/22 season, so it wouldn’t come as a surprise if NSWE explored a move further heading into 2023.

Manchester United are interested in making a move for Leeds United midfielder Tyler Adams, according to a new transfer rumour that has emerged.

The Lowdown: Adams impressing at Leeds

The American made the move to Elland Road during the summer transfer window, joining from RB Leipzig after three years in Germany.

Adams has made an impressive start to life at Leeds, standing out as one of their best players and starting a total of 10 Premier League matches to date.

It could be that Leeds have to battle to keep hold of Adams no sooner after he has arrived, however, following a new update.

The Latest: United keen on signing

According to Football Insider, United are ‘keeping close tabs’ on the 23-year-old currently, as they weight up whether or not to make a move for him.

It is stated that they have a ‘long-time interest’ in Adams and he is considered a player who could come in and bolster their midfield options.

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The Verdict: Could be a strong option

Adams has the potential to be an excellent signing by United, possessing the kind of technical quality and energy that Erik ten Hag wants in his midfielders.

The 19-time capped USA international has averaged a hugely impressive 4.1 tackles per game in the league this season – no Leeds player to have started one game or more has a better average – and his ability to break up play can be priceless. Journalist Tim Thornton thinks he has ‘done brilliantly’ in 2022/23 to date.

Adams would arguably prove to be an upgrade and more of a long-term prospect than the likes of Fred and Scott McTominay, both of whom are seen their limitations exposed this season.

Crystal Palace fans are well versed in hearing rumours about Wilfried Zaha’s future at Selhurst Park but it seems as if the Ivory Coast international could finally bring an end to his spell with the Eagles next summer.

Zaha’s contract with Crystal Palace is set to expire at the end of this season and it seems as if the former Manchester United man is keen to test himself at the top while he is at the peak of his powers.

Recent reports have suggested that the 29-year-old will depart Selhurst Park upon the expiry of his contract, with a move to Liverpool seemingly on the cards.

There is little doubt that Zaha would leave Palace as a club legend, having scored 88 goals and provided 74 assists in over 400 appearances for the Eagles but football is a fast-paced business and Vieira cannot afford to dwell on any potential heartache from the Ivorian leaving.

Fortunately for the French manager, he could have a ready-made replacement in teenage sensation Malcolm Ebiowei, who has already caught the eye since joining from Derby County on a free transfer during the summer.

The 19-year-old was a regular fixture in pre-season and has made two substitute appearances in Vieira’s first team thus far in the Premier League and the League Cup.

Two appearances in the Premier League 2 have returned one goal and there seems little doubt that Ebiowei is destined for a place in the first team in the not-too-distant future.

The electric winger certainly caught the eye of Crystal Palace podcaster and journalist HLTCO, who shared a clip of the teenager dancing past Manchester United’s Fred and Tyrell Malacia in a pre-season game.

He said: “The early flashes of Malcolm Ebiowei remind me so much of a young Wilfried Zaha. This lad is going to be so fun to watch.”

While Vieira is blessed with young talents such as Michael Olise and Eberechi Eze on the wing, both of whom could step up if Zaha leaves, the potential of Ebiowei will surely go some way towards healing Palace fans should they see their talisman join Liverpool next summer.

Indeed, the youngster very much looks as if he’s cut from the same cloth when it comes to play style, with the hope being that he could live up to Zaha’s talents in the near future if unleashed by the manager.

Journalist Pete O’Rourke has suggested that Celtic may get offers for Reo Hatate in the January transfer window.

The Lowdown: Bright start

Hatate has made a bright start since signing for Ange Postecoglou’s side in the January transfer window, making 27 appearances in total over all competitions so far, scoring four goals and supplying a further five assists (Transfermarkt).

The central midfielder signed from Japanese football for a reported £1.4m, which is already looking like a bargain.

The Latest: January offers?

Speaking to GiveMeSport, O’Rourke has suggested that the Parkhead outfit may get offers between January and next summer for Hatate, but ‘will be determined to keep hold of’ the Japan international:

“I’m sure Celtic will be determined to keep hold of Hatate and all their other top players at least until the summer.

“But we’ll have to wait and see if offers do arrive for Hatate between January and next summer.”

The Verdict: Keep!

Even though it may be tempting to make a potentially big profit on Hatate so soon, the Hoops should really be looking to keep hold of him at all costs.

He played a two assists in his opening six matches.

Nonetheless, with a contract until 2026, and the fact that he is only 24 years of age, the hierarchy should be under little pressure to sell Hatate at this stage of his career with the Glasgow club.

The recent trend for Celtic has been for young talent to depart Parkhead, although the latest indication is that the Scottish champions could be in line to poach a teenage sensation of their own in the near future.

Having seen the likes of Ben Doak and Leo Hjelde leave Glasgow in the last 12 months – with goalkeeper Rory Mahady potentially set to join them – the Old Firm outfit are now hoping to re-fill the talent pool with the addition of Queen’s Park defender, Cameron Bruce.

According to the Scottish Sun, the Hoops – and bitter rivals Rangers – have seen bids rejected by the Scottish Championship outfit for the promising full-back, with the 16-year-old also believed to be courting interest from clubs in the Premier League.

The report suggests that the Spiders have no real desire to sell the emerging talent having only handed him a two-year professional contract back in May, as Owen Coyle’s side look to hang on to a player who is described as ‘one of the most wanted prospects in the country’.

Born in Glasgow, the Scotland youth international has been with his current side since Under-9 level, subsequently rising up through the youth ranks to make his first-team debut in March, before making his first league start a week later.

While he is yet to make it off the bench in the early weeks of the new season, the indication is that he has a bright future ahead of him, having been lauded by Queen’s Park director of football Marijn Breuker after penning his recent deal: “Cameron is a modern wing back, who possesses a lot of technical skills and game intelligence that not only make him a graceful player, but above all with which he has the potential to grow into an excellent wing-back.”

A left-back by trade, the hope for those back at Celtic will be that they could have their next Kieran Tierney on their hands if Bruce is snapped up, with the current Arsenal man having sparkled for the Scottish Premiership side after emerging from the academy.

The impressive Scotsman racked up 170 appearances during his time at his former club, scoring eight goals and providing an impressive haul of 37 assists after solidifying himself as a key figure in the Hoops’ backline.

The 32-cap sensation notably won five league titles during his time at Celtic Park and was part of the side that enjoyed a remarkable unbeaten domestic campaign under Brendan Rodgers during the 2016/17 season.

The current Leicester City boss previously lauded Tierney for his “unique” talent as well as highlighting his incredible “intensity”, with the defender offering a real relentless and aggressive presence from his left-sided berth.

While he has since moved on to the Gunners in what was a club-record sale of around £25m back in 2019, the 5 foot 10 machine still seemingly has much admiration for his former club, with Ange Postecoglou no doubt wishing he had him in his current ranks.

Although it may require patience, the title-winning coach could well eventually have his next Tierney on his hands if the champions are to win the race for Bruce.

Dharmesh Sheth has dropped an update on reported West Ham United transfer target Thilo Kehrer.

What’s the latest?

In a recent post on Twitter, the Sky Sports reporter revealed that, following David Moyes submitting an opening offer for the Paris Saint-Germain centre-back on Tuesday, the 59-year-old manager has now lodged a second bid with the Ligue 1 side after the club’s initial offer was rejected – with further reports suggesting Christophe Galtier’s side want around £17m for the defender.

In his tweet, Sheth said: “West Ham United have made an improved offer for PSG defender Thilo Kehrer after having their first bid rejected.”

Imagine him & Zouma

Considering just how talented a defender Kehrer undoubtedly is, the prospect of the 25-year-old lining up alongside Kurt Zouma in the heart of the Hammers’ backline will certainly be an incredibly tantalising one for all involved with the club – not least Moyes himself.

Indeed, the £19.8m-rated talent proved his ability over his 27 Ligue 1 appearances in his debut campaign with PSG back in 2018/19, helping his side keep eight clean sheets, as well as making an average of 2.4 tackles, 1.1 interceptions, 2.3 clearances and winning 5.1 duels – at a success rate of 61% – per game.

For comparison, over Zouma’s 25 Premier League fixtures last season, the £25.2m-rated centre-back helped the Hammers keep five clean sheets, in addition to making an average of 0.5 tackles, 1.4 interceptions, 5.5 clearances and winning 2.8 duels – at a success rate of 59% – per outing.

Furthermore, the £78k-per-week Kehrer also clearly poses a threat going forwards, with the 25-year-old scoring one goal, registering two assists and creating one big chance in the French top flight that season, as well as completing an average of 45.9 passes, 1.4 long balls and taking 0.5 shots per fixture.

These returns saw the “two-footed” player average an extremely impressive SofaScore match rating of 7.00 in 18/19, a rating that, should he have achieved at West Ham last season, would have ranked him as the Irons’ fourth-best player in the Premier League.

As such, should Moyes believe he is able to help the Germany international refind this level of form at the London Stadium this season, the Scot could well form an extremely deadly duo with Kehrer and Zouma – a partnership centre-forwards would fear up and down the country.

Tottenham Hotspur are closing in on their seventh signing of the summer transfer window…

What’s the word?

According to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, the north London outfit have begun discussions with Udinese over a potential deal for wing-back Destiny Udogie in a move that would see him remain at the Serie A side on loan for the upcoming campaign.

“Tottenham have opened talks to sign Udinese left back Destiny Udogie on permanent deal with potential loan back for this season. Negotiations at early stages now,” he tweeted.

“There’s still no full agreement as there are many clubs interested in Udogie.”

One for the future

This potential signing is certainly one for the long-term future as the 19-year-old gem wouldn’t be expected to make an instant impact at the Lilywhites – instead, he can continue to grow in the environment that has attracted Spurs to his signature.

Udogie is a hugely exciting young talent and could emerge as the true heir to Ivan Perisic’s throne, so 22-year-old backup Ryan Sessegnon may want to watch out.

As per Transfermarkt, the attack-minded teenager was a real threat from the left wing-back position last season, where he delivered five goals and three assists from 35 league appearances.

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Elsewhere, via FBref, the Italy U21 international ranks inside the top 3% for goals (0.18 per 90) and the top 6% for shots on target (0.47 per 90) when compared to his positional peers across Europe.

He’s also equally adept defensively, ranking within the top 9% for tackles won (1.91 per 90) and the top 15% for pressures (16.64 per 90), also per FBref.

The same statistical website liken his profile to that of Sergio Reguilon, who is thought to be available for transfer and isn’t likely to play for the club this season, which is rather interesting.

Udogie has been lauded as “the future” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, who has also described the 19-year-old sensation as an “accurate and tenacious tackler,” as well as a “hard-working” and “versatile.”

Also once dubbed “extraorindary” by his former Bianconeri boss Gabriele Cioffi, it’s evident that the young defender has a lot of quality and could be a player that bolsters Spurs’ future plans and that’s surely a worrying sign for Sessegnon, who is currently next in line after Perisic.

As such, sporting director Fabio Paratici must push ahead with plans to sign the Udinese gem and he must ensure that he remains in Italy until next summer, where he could then fight for a place against Perisic and co.

AND in other news, Spurs have “unplayable” £10m ace “on their list”, could be bye-bye “shaky” Jose Mourinho flop…

A claim has emerged regarding Southampton’s reported interest in securing a deal for Olympique Lyon striker Moussa Dembele.

What’s the talk?

Speaking to Football FanCast, journalist and transfer insider Pete O’Rourke had this to say on whether or not the Frenchman would be a serious summer target for the Saints.

He said: “I probably wouldn’t have said that a couple of years ago because Dembele was being linked with some top clubs, not just in Premier League but across Europe.

“Dembele, maybe, has gone off the radar a bit for some of those big clubs but for Southampton, he would be a great signing.”

Earlier this month, it was reported that the south coast club are eyeing up a potential £10m move for the Frenchman.

After scoring 51 goals in 94 appearances for Celtic, the 26-year-old joined Lyon during the 2018 summer transfer window.

Since then, the centre-forward has found the net 67 times in 143 appearances for the French club.

Broja upgrade

With Armando Broja now back at Chelsea after the competition of his loan spell, it could pave the way for a new striker, such as Dembele, to come in and take his place in Ralph Hasenhuttl’s squad.

In fact, the former Hoops star could well be an upgrade on the departed Albanian.

To compare the duo from their previous domestic seasons, in which they both played at least 30 games, Dembele scored 15 more goals than Broja, as well as having 36 more shots at goal than the former Saints loan star.

This shows just how much of a menace the Lyon figure can be on a regular basis and why he could give a massive boost to Southampton’s attacking force.

indeed, out of the 30 Ligue 1 appearances he made last season, there were only 12 games where he failed to deliver a goal contribution for his side.

If the opportunity to strike a deal with Lyon arises before the summer transfer window comes to a close, the Saints should do all they can to convince the French club to sell and give the player the chance to prove himself in the Premier League once again after his previous stint in the top division with Fulham.

AND in other news: “Been told”: Fabrizio Romano drops big Saints transfer claim that supporters will love