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West Ham United are now the ‘favourites’ to sign Everton defender Michael Keane, according to journalist Paul Brown.

The Lowdown: West Ham’s Keane interest

Writing for the Athletic, journalist Roshane Thomas detailed that Keane could be an option on loan for West Ham in January, in light of Craig Dawson’s potential departure, as he aims to move further north to be near his family in Cheshire.

That came after the Hammers registered their interest in bringing the centre-back to the London Stadium back in November, with journalist Dean Jones later claiming that they had ‘considered’ a move for him.

Now, it has transpired that the Hammers are leading the race for his signature…

The Latest: Brown’s update

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Brown claimed that Keane has made his mind up about leaving Everton, with West Ham currently the most likely destination:

“I just think everyone knows that because he’s not getting a game really for Everton, that he could be on the market.

“I think Michael Keane’s decided that he’s going to have to move to get more football, so I think he’s going to go somewhere and West Ham, I would say, are favourites at the moment.”

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The Verdict: Get it done?

While the Englishman would admittedly not be the most exciting signing for West Ham fans, he is a proven defender in the top tier, who would be a useful option for David Moyes to have for the remainder of the season.

Last season, journalist David Prentice described the former Burnley man as being ‘immense’, a campaign in which he made more than 30 Premier League appearances for the sixth consecutive season, while he was also ranked by SofaScore as the Toffees’ best defender.

The colossus is dominant in the air, averaging 3.01 aerials won per 90, in the 91st percentile compared to his positional peers, and it would be a shrewd bit of business if Moyes managed to bring him to the club in January.

Sheffield Wednesday hold a ‘serious’ interest in Everton striker Tom Cannon, according to journalist Joe Crann.

The Lowdown: Potential loan available

The League One giants are currently sitting in the automatic promotion places after a blistering start to the campaign and will be on the lookout for reinforcements to help them try and stay in the top two.

The Everton starlet’s contract at Goodison Park is set to expire at the end of the season, with reports suggesting that he may be allowed to go out on loan this month, and he appears to be receiving plenty of attention from Hillsborough.

The Latest: Wednesday eyeing Cannon

Taking to Twitter in sharing a corresponding article for The Star, Crann revealed that the Owls are monitoring Cannon, but he explained that striking any kind of deal before the end of the month could prove difficult.

The reporter tweeted: “As per reports elsewhere, I have been informed that #SWFC’s interest in Everton’s Tom Cannon is serious. Whether or not they can get it done, however, is another matter.”

The Verdict: Ideal Gregory alternative

Lee Gregory has been in and out of the Wednesday line-up this season, so Cannon would provide a strong alternative in the final third should he put pen to paper on a potential deal at Hillsborough.

The Merseysider has clocked up 11 goals and three assists in 18 appearances across all competitions this season between youth and first-team level, showing just how prolific he can be (Transfermarkt).

Darren Moore will also know that this is a move which comes with no risk should it just be a loan, making this a no-brainer of a deal to complete for the Owls in their promotion push.

Journalist Liam Kennedy has claimed Sunderland youngster Chris Rigg may have only been handed his debut to help rise value amid transfer speculation.

What’s the word?

In their latest fixture, the Black Cats took on Shrewsbury Town in the FA Cup. In the 81st minute of the game, the 15-year-old became the club’s second-youngest player ever when he replaced Edouard Michut.

It’s clear the player is highly rated, which is why he’s even involved in the first team at such a young age and that talent seems to have drawn attention from a local rival.

Indeed, Newcastle United are reportedly in ‘pole position’ to land Rigg who is said to be wanted by a number of Premier League teams, as per 90min,

Speaking on NUFC Matters, however, Kennedy suggested that the teenager may have been handed his debut just to add some extra value to his name.

He said (59:09): “All I would say is, the cynic in me, saw him come on on Saturday and thought Sunderland are definitely trying to put a few pound signs on that deal when Newcastle go in for him in the summer.”

Cunning plan?

With Rigg and his family said to be ‘huge fans’ of Newcastle, it’s no shock to hear that he is most likely to prefer a move to the Magpies despite the rivalry between them and Sunderland.

However, the Blacks Cats will likely know this too and if they really do feel as though the talent is destined to leave they will want to squeeze every penny out of him.

After his debut, manager Tony Mowbray told BBC Radio Newcastle: “He was put on the pitch because he deserves to be on the pitch,” Mowbray told BBC Radio Newcastle.” Although he admitted injuries also played a part.

Despite that, it’s not hard to see why a cynic would think this could also be partly to do with a transfer fee. After all, even if Rigg was to leave on a free, as he is under the age of 24, Sunderland would be due compensation from Newcastle.

No doubt, the Professional Football Compensation Committee would come to a higher figure now, based on the fact that he has played for the Black Cats at senior level already.

It will certainly be interesting to see how this all plays out.

Transfer insider Fabrizio Romano has claimed that Leeds United are not certain they want to make an official bid for Azzedine Ounahi yet.

What’s the word?

The Angers and Morocco midfielder has been heavily linked with the Whites throughout the January transfer window and some reports suggest a move will be made for him soon.

However, rival teams such as Napoli have also been said to have a keen interest in the player and so Leeds may have to act fast if they want to win the race for his signature.

Despite this pressure to complete a deal as soon as possible, it sounds as though the Premier League club may well be hesitating on a bid as they consider whether or not it will be the best plan this winter.

Indeed,  while talking on his YouTube channel, Romano explained (14:50): “The other club is Leeds. Because Leeds, after the Georginio Rutter deal, they are now thinking of Ounahi as a possibility.

“They are not 100 percent convinced if they want to make an official bid yet, but Ounahi he is a possibility for Leeds and Napoli – these two clubs at the moment”

Worth the money?

According to a report in 90min, Angers could be asking for a fee in the region of €40m (£35.5m) for Ounahi. Seeing as Leeds just spent a club-record fee on Rutter – reported to be around the £36m mark too – it’s not hard to see why the club are hesitant.

The Morocco midfielder, who has been hailed as “incredible”, really made a name for himself at the 2022 World Cup but of course good performance at international tournaments can often lead to inflated fees for players.

Taking it all into account, it makes sense for Leeds to really carefully consider the situation before making a move. However, with Napoli in the equation too, they can’t afford to linger too long or else Ounahi could be gone before they’ve even made a final decision.

Everton’s scattergun transfer approach is a notorious one, with Farhad Moshiri having received a particularly belligerent backlash of late for his failings since joining the club in 2016.

In his recent interview with talkSPORT (12th January), the owner controversially told Jim White: “I’ve put my money where my mouth is and that is all that an owner can do.”

Whilst this may be true, to have such a poor playing squad despite having spent over £500m since he became majority shareholder stands as his failure above all else involved.

It has left the club floundering, narrowly avoided the drop last season, and poised to be amongst another relegation battle this campaign.

The main reason for their failures this season can be traced back to their toothless nature in front of goal, with the Toffees having scored just 14 goals in 18 Premier League games.

That being said, Moshiri could once again be set to reach into his pockets to try and resolve this issue, with Ben Brereton-Diaz having been selected to uphold that burden.

Earlier this week transfer insider Dean Jones suggested it would be a “gamble”, but had confirmed their interest in securing a striker this January just last week.

Meanwhile, Blackburn Rovers have reportedly slapped a £30m price tag on the forward.

In dipping into the Championship, they could repeat their success of snatching Dominic Calvert-Lewin from lower down in the EFL back in 2016.

Although injuries have plagued the English striker, he once threatened to be a top marksman and the answer to the goalscoring issues that had plagued them since Romelu Lukaku’s departure.

In what was his true breakout season, he would score 13 times during the 2019/20 season, before elevating that tally to 16 the season following.

Since then, a string of injuries has prevented him from featuring a significant amount.

Therefore, Brereton-Diaz’s entry could alleviate some of the burden that has been put upon the 25-year-old, as the Chile international seems more than capable of the step up.

Having already scored nine times and assisted four more this season in the league, the 23-year-old seemed poised to more than match his 22-goal haul from the season prior.

It was during that campaign that R.D. Football Scout dubbed him a “phenomenal player” on Twitter, which was supplemented in December by the claims of ex-Villa boss Dean Smith: “He’s a really dangerous finisher.”

The latter is exactly what is needed at Goodison Park, and despite all the turmoil surrounding the club, they must pull together to ensure safety is secured at the very least. Breret0n-Diaz’s goals could be integral to achieving that.

Arsenal passed their biggest test yet and maintained control at the top of the Premier League standings with a dramatic late victory over Manchester United on Sunday night.

Manchester City thrashed Wolverhampton Wanderers earlier in the day to put the pressure on Mikel Arteta’s men, clinching all three points after going behind, to secure a five-point cushion from the second-placed defending champions.

And the Spaniard has Eddie Nketiah to thank after his match-winner in the 90th minute, having already bagged the Gunners’ first goal – the initial equaliser – either side of Bukayo Saka’s lovely angled strike.

But there were many heroes on the pitch at the Emirates Stadium, perhaps some that won’t get as much credit, such as versatile left-back Oleksandr Zinchenko, who was practically playing as an additional central midfielder for the majority of the second half.

Not only did he get back to win his duels but practically every bit of play ran through him, eventually leading to that aforementioned three-point-snatching climax.

In what was described as a “phenomenal” and “monster of a performance” by ESPNUK editor David Cartlidge, the Ukraine star – who cost Arsenal only £32m in the summer – led the way with 85 touches, which was the most of any player on the pitch and thus, emphasises just how crucial he was to the end result.

With that possession, he provided 57 accurate passes (88%), of which one was a key chance created, whilst he also did some resolute and impressive defensive duties – living up to that ‘monster’ tag – as he registered two tackles, two interceptions and one clearance, via Sofascore.

Meanwhile, Zinchenko’s heatmap was remarkable, pretty much occupying a regular spot as a left-sided attacking midfielder, which not only shows how much influence he had but how Arsenal had the Red Devils camped in their own box for a good portion of the match, with the £150k-per-week star at the forefront of the action.

There were truly not enough superlatives to describe his showing, ranging from “unreal” from the Evening Standard’s Simon Collings to “very special” by Rank Squad podcaster Jack Collins.

Guardian and Times journalist Freddie Paxton also waxed lyrical, adding: “Alex Zinchenko. Constantly talking to his teammates. Geeing up the crowd. Never hides, master of keeping the ball. WORLD CLASS.”

Indeed, Zinchenko was the real star of the show as the Gunners registered what could be a very poignant victory at a crucial time in the season. If the 26-year-old continues to perform and lead like that, then he’ll no doubt be lifting the Premier League trophy come May.

AND in other news, Edu could repeat Odegaard masterclass in Arsenal swoop for Vieira-esque £35m “monster”…

ESPN pundit Gab Marcotti has claimed on The Gabs and Jules podcast that he doesn’t believe Hakim Ziyech would take a pay cut to join Newcastle United.

The Lowdown: Newcastle looking to bolster attacking options

Anthony Gordon does look set to join Newcastle, so it remains to be seen as to how that affects a potential deal for Ziyech.

It’s been reported that the Magpies could move for the 29-year-old in January on either a permanent or temporary basis but with the winger demanding a wage packet of around £6.9 million when he was tipped to join AC Milan, that could be a major stumbling block.

The Latest: Ziyech on the radar

Ziyech is said to be a target for the Magpies, alongside several Chelsea players, but it could just be a pipedream if he doesn’t lower his wage demands, something Marcotti doesn’t think he’ll do.

He said: (7:00) “The problem with Hakim Ziyech is the dude’s not going to take a pay cut, he’s got enough years left on his contract he doesn’t need to do that.”

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The Verdict: PIF could target a younger player

Given that Newcastle already have players such as Miguel Almiron, Jacob Murphy and Matt Ritchie on their books that are certainly going to be pushing closer to the twilight years of their careers this season, it wouldn’t be logical to bring in a 29-year-old.

Therefore, it makes more sense for Newcastle to land Gordon who is at the start of his career and would fit into Eddie Howe’s high-intensity and pressing style of play given he’s been one of the quickest players in the Premier League this season.

Ziyech – given his experience and pedigree in the Premier League and Champions League – would likely arrive on Tyneside demanding to play every game, otherwise, there’d be no point in him leaving Chelsea, and that could well rock the apple cart at St James’ Park.

Southampton have reportedly won the race on deadline day to secure the signing of Rennes winger Kamaldeen Sulemana…

What’s the word?

Premier League outfit Everton had seemingly taken the lead in the race to secure the 20-year-old’s signature, with the Daily Mail reporting that the Toffees has seen an agreement for the ace alongside Saints, with the Merseyside outfit homing in on his name.

However, according to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, the south coast club have now ‘struck an agreement’ with the Ligue 1 outfit and look set to win the race for him.

Arriving on a four-and-a-half year contract for an initial fee of €25m (£22m), Saints manager Nathan Jones has successfully bolstered his wide flanks with a immensely exciting addition.

Mane 2.0

The prodigious Sulemana has made 20 appearances for Rennes this season, scoring one goal and providing two assists – with both coming in the Europa League – and has swiftly asserted himself as one of the division’s most tantalising prospects.

According to one scout report, the Ghanaian gem is an innately devastating ball-carrier, with an ever-intensifying aura on the pitch and a growing knack at causing mayhem in-and-around the final third.

As per FBref, he ranks among the top 2% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe’s big five leagues for completed dribbles, the top 15% for rate of assists and the top 11% for total shots, highlighting a budding prowess which could be harnessed to full effect at Staplewood.

When current Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag took the reins at AFC Ajax, he lauded the Ghana youngster as “incredible”, illuminating the expansive skill set at the African sensation’s disposal.

Should Southampton aptly channel his potential, the Saints could go on to enjoy their next Sadio Mane, another African attacker who scored 25 goals and supplied 14 assists for the club from 75 appearances before earning a £34m move to Liverpool in 2016.

Ranking among the top 13% of positional peers for rate of goals, the top 6% for dribbles completed and the top 3% for shot-creating actions, the lightning-quick Senegal ace, who is now playing for Bayern Munich, has become one of the standout attackers in European club football in recent years.

With the Saints loitering within the the Premier League relegation zone at present, indeed languishing at the very bottom of the division after 20 matches, a spark is certainly needed to roar them back into life. Much like Mane had been during the mid-2010s, Sulemana could be that phenomenon at St Mary’s.

Journalist Pete O’Rourke says that Reece Welch’s proposed loan move from Everton to MK Dons has now fallen through ‘at the eleventh hour’.

The Lowdown: Move agreed

It was reported by Football Insider this afternoon that Welch had agreed a loan move to MK Dons, with Sean Dyche giving the ‘green light’ for him to leave Goodison Park.

The deal was ‘expected to be completed’ before the 11pm deadline, but now it looks like it has collapsed.

The Latest: Fallen through

Taking to Twitter tonight, O’Rourke says that Welch’s proposed loan move to MK Dons has fallen through ‘at the eleventh hour’, with the League One club set to sign another target instead:

“Understand Everton defender Reece Welch has seen his proposed move to MK Dons fall through at the eleventh hour with the Dons set to sign Aberdeen defender Anthony Stewart instead.”

The Verdict: Shame

It is a shame to see Welch’s proposed loan deal fall through, as it would have given him some valuable experience playing senior men’s football regularly.

He has only made only other senior game came in the last campaign in the FA Cup.

The Toffees signed Conor Coady and James Tarkowski in the summer, and Sean Dyche has four other central defenders in his squad, so it is unlikely that Welch’s game time will increase in the second part of the season.

Thus, it would have been good for the 19-year-old to have furthered his development on loan, but now it looks like he will have to stay put at the Blues.

The Athletic’s George Caulkin believes that Joelinton could move into midfield and Allan Saint-Maximin be handed a start for Newcastle United to replace Bruno Guimaraes.

The Lowdown: Howe left with a selection headache

The hearts of many Newcastle fans and Eddie Howe himself will have sunk when Paul Tierney brandished a red card in the direction of Bruno Guimaraes, although the Magpies have three league games before their cup final, which will at least see him be able to turn up at Wembley.

Guimaraes will now miss the next three league games which will be a major blow for Howe as they look to maintain their push for the Champions League, although he will be delighted to get the midfielder back in time for the Carabao Cup final.

The suspension to Guimaraes will now force Eddie Howe into a tweak in his system and personnel on Saturday against West Ham United, which may see Saint-Maximin handed his first league start since August.

The Latest: Saint-Maximin may be in line to start

Caulkin has been speaking on Pod on the Tyne about what Howe could change on Saturday as he also questioned whether another midfielder in January could have been useful.

He said: “When the Bruno thing happens – maybe we all have an opinion on that – does that mean that’s [not signing a midfielder] a mistake? I don’t know, it’s tricky.

“They do have options, obviously. They can bring Joelinton back into midfield; they can put Saint-Maximin into the team; Isak, depending on how he is fitness-wise; but they don’t have a lot of options. I think it’s a fascinating conversation.”

The Verdict: Joelinton could be key

The fact that Joelinton – who was signed as a £40m striker – has been able to thrive as both a central midfielder and a left-winger that offers a lot of help at both ends of the pitch has been massive for Newcastle’s success.

We think Joelinton will now likely be asked to drop back into a No 8 role alongside Joe Willock in Guimaraes’ absence, but if Saint-Maixmin is picked to start on Saturday, the Brazilian will have to do a lot of work.

This is because Saint-Maximin doesn’t offer the best defensive numbers, having won just 19 tackles in his own defensive third (FBref) since joining the club, so Joelinton will have to work his socks off in the middle and out wide to provide Dan Burn with sufficient help and cover.

And having been forced into this selection dilemma through Guimaraes’ red card, it does indeed beg the question over Newcastle’s failure to bring in another midfield option last month – particularly in light of Jonjo Shelvey’s departure and with a Champions League place at stake.

However, Joelinton’s performances have suggested he is capable of filling in, and it is more a case of whether Newcastle can maintain their form ahead of their trip to Wembley.