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Leeds United are interested in a deal to bring Chris Wood back to Elland Road in the January transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Football Insider, who claim that Victor Orta is weighing up a loan move for the Newcastle United centre-forward this winter, with the Spaniard said to be in the market for a striker who can lead Jesse Marsch’s line and provide an alternative to the likes of Patrick Bamford and Rodrigo up top.

However, the report goes on to state that, despite the 30-year-old having slipped down Eddie Howe’s attacking pecking order this season, the Magpies – who rejected a number of loan offers for the New Zeland international in the summer transfer window – may be unwilling to part with the 30-year-old this winter unless they can bring in a suitable replacement.

“Really good signing”

While it is true that, following his £25m move to St. James’ Park in January of this year, Wood has not exactly been in fantastic goalscoring form for Newcastle – bagging just four goals over his 33 appearances for the club – considering how prolific the 70-cap international was during his time at Burnley, it is easy to see why Orta would be interested in a move for the forward.

Indeed, over his 165 outings for the Clarets, the £10.6m-rated talent scored an astonishing 53 goals and provided his teammates with a further nine assists – with the 30-year-old bagging Premier League campaigns he played at Turf Moor.

The £80k-per-week target man’s best top-flight campaign came over his 32 league outings back in 2019/20, when he scored 14 goals, registered one assist and created one big chance for his teammates, in addition to taking an average of 2.0 shots – one of which hit the target – making 0.7 key passes and winning 4.9 duels per game – helping Burnley secure a 10th place finish.

Furthermore, the Kiwi is no stranger to Elland Road, having scored an impressive 44 goals and provided nine assists over 88 appearances for the Whites before making a £15m move to Burnley in the summer of 2017.

And, while Rodrigo has been in fine goalscoring form this season – having hit the back of the net on nine separate occasions – with the 31-year-old being more of a number 10 than a number nine, it is undeniable that Wood would be a much better fit in leading Marsch’s line in the second half of the campaign.

As such, with Patrick Bamford still appearing to be struggling with injury, Wood would very much look to be a “really good signing” – in the words of Gary Neville – for Orta to get over the line in January, as the “absolute beast” proved at Burnley that, despite playing for a side usually frequenting the bottom half of the table, he can still bang goals in on a regular basis.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly monitoring Sao Paulo defensive midfielder Pablo Maia ahead of the January transfer window.

The Lowdown: Defensive midfielder wanted

Given recent links to the likes of Franck Kessie and Sofyan Amrabat, it is clear that Antonio Conte wants to bring in a new defensive midfielder to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Spurs conceded 21 goals in their opening 15 games of the Premier League season, and have the 10th best defensive record despite sitting in fourth (Premier League), suggesting that their defence is not getting enough protection from the midfielders sitting in front of them.

Thus, strengthening in that position could well be on the cards in January.

The Latest: Maia monitored

Co-writing in his piece for 90min, transfer expert Graeme Bailey has revealed that the North London club are monitoring Maia’s development at Sao Paulo, while London rivals Fulham have already had a bid rejected for the Brazilian.

Another London rival West Ham United have also held talks with Sao Paulo over a deal for Maia, although both clubs are yet to agree on the structure of a possible move.

The Hammers would ideally like to loan Maia first with a view to a permanent move, but Sao Paulo’s preference is to sanction a permanent deal for the 20-year-old straight away in January.

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The Verdict: Get it done

Lauded as a ‘Mini-Casemiro’ by Football Talent Scout Jacek Kulig, in comparison to the five-time UEFA Champions League winner, Kulig also lists Maia’s strengths as ‘passing, vision, tackling, positioning, anticipation, work rate’, many qualities that should ensure that he would thrive in the Premier League.

He ranks in the 96th percentile for pass completion, 90th for blocks and 85th for aerial duels won per match for all defensive midfielders outside of Europe’s top five leagues over the last year (FBRef), which is even more impressive considering that he is only 20.

Nonetheless, Maia certainly has a bright future, and the Lilywhites could really benefit from doing a deal so early on in his career.

West Ham United have potentially been handed a boost over the fitness of one of their players following a concerning injury scare…

What’s the latest?

Summer signing Gianluca Scamacca was withdrawn from action during last week’s friendly against Fulham, and manager David Moyes was said to be ‘sweating’ over the Italian’s fitness according to the Daily Mail, with a clash against Premier League leaders Arsenal looming on Boxing Day.

However, Hammers first team coach Billy McKinlay has seemingly allayed fears that the striker would be absent for the vital period of football set to ensue following the conclusion of the World Cup in Qatar, stating that the striker’s knock might not be “too bad”. 

Speaking to West Ham TV, the 53-year-old said of Scamacca: “He rolled his ankle a little bit [so we took him off] and we’ll see how it looks over the next couple of days, but hopefully it won’t be too bad and we can get him back in as quick as we can.”

Moyes will be relieved

The current Premier League campaign has been one of major disappointment so far for the Irons, who languish in 16th place after 14 matches, just one point above the drop zone.

Having clinched a place in European competition for the previous two seasons, the decline in results and performances will deeply concern the London Stadium hierarchy, with Moyes’ future at the helm reportedly in doubt in recent weeks.

There will be cautious optimism that Scamacca can take to the pitch against Arsenal, especially considering that Michael Antonio is also a doubt for that fixture.

The Italian has perhaps performed below expectations so far in claret and blue, although there can still be plenty of optimism surrounding his fortunes at West Ham. 

As per Transfermarkt, the 23-year-old has scored six goals from 21 appearances across all competitions for the Hammers since signing from Sassuolo for £35.5m, including two in the Premier League.

Despite the collective efforts of the club falling way below their recent high standards, the goals may yet flow from the Italian, with his exploits in his homeland hinting at a career which could be laden in success.

Indeed, Scamacca netted 16 times from 36 outings in Serie A last season , demonstrating his devastating innate goal-scoring sense with real conviction.

West Ham need to swiftly shift the momentum at the club, with a promising couple of years in danger of becoming nothing more than a fond memory. Tapping into Scamacca’s talents could be crucial in this fight to turn things around, navigating away from peril and back towards the top half of the table.

Whether the £26.2m-rated gem regains fitness before the forthcoming clash against Arsenal remains to be seen, but the Irons can at least take solace in the knowledge that he could swiftly return to action ahead of the busy winter period, having been taken off as a precaution against Fulham.

That will no doubt come as quite a relief to Moyes, who needs fortune to fall in his favour as much as possible considering his team’s precarious position.

Inter Milan are reportedly looking to secure a move for Newcastle United transfer target Marcus Thuram. 

The Lowdown: Newcastle linked with Thuram

The Tyneside club have been linked with a move for the 25-year-old Borussia Monchengladbach attacker, with current Magpies player Allan Saint-Maximin recently stating that he spoke to his fellow countryman to try and persuade him towards a move to St James’ Park.

This season has seen Thuram, who is set to become a free agent in the summer, score 13 goals in 17 appearances for his current club.

With the January transfer window set to open next week, Eddie Howe’s side could be at risk of missing out on the striker, who provided two assists for France during the recent World Cup in Qatar.

The Latest: Inter plotting Thuram move

According to a recent report from 90min, Inter are readying a contract offer for Thuram, who also has other clubs in Italy and the Premier League after him, including Newcastle.

The report adds that the Magpies ‘are ready to try and tempt’ the 25-year-old to join them in 2023 and will submit an offer ‘if the player shows a desire to make the move’.

It has also been claimed that ‘talks with Thuram’s representatives have been positive’, with Howe believing that the player ‘would be a good fit’ to the current Newcastle squad.

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The Verdict: Newcastle must act

In addition to his impressive tally of goals this season, Thuram has had more shots at goal (56), shots on target (30) and successful dribbles (23) than any other player at Monchengladbach.

His overall performances in the current Bundesliga campaign have earned the striker an impressive rating of 7.45/10 from WhoScored, making him the joint-third highest rated player in the division alongside Jude Bellingham.

This makes it easy to see why so many clubs have their eye on the 25-year-old, who has been described as “world class” by Wolfsburg sporting director Marcel Schafer.

With Inter seemingly intent on securing a deal for the Monchengladbach attacker, Newcastle must do all that they can to convince the player to join them instead. Maybe another Saint-Maximin intervention is in order…

Newcastle United are only just making their return to competitive action following the recent World Cup break, although manager Eddie Howe has already been dealt a frustrating blow following news that Jonjo Shelvey is set for an extended period on the sidelines due to injury.

The former Bournemouth boss revealed earlier this week that the Englishman is facing six to eight weeks on the treatment table, after sustaining a calf injury in the friendly win over Rayo Vallecano.

The 30-year-old subsequently returned to training and featured off the bench in the Carabao Cup triumph over the Cherries, although Howe explained that the former Swansea City man felt a strain in his calf once again following that win, ensuring he was absent from the Boxing Day victory over Leicester City.

Having been lauded as a “key component” of the squad by his manager, it will no doubt be a real source of frustration for Shelvey to have been struck down once again, with the one-time Liverpool man having only recently returned from the hamstring injury he sustained during pre-season.

As it is, the loss of the £70k-per-week man will leave the northeast side’s options in the centre of the park somewhat limited, with Howe seemingly needing to find a solution to help fill the void over the next few months.

While arguably the easiest option would be to seek a new recruit in the January transfer window, the Tynesiders could well be better served looking towards the academy instead, with promising teenager Jay Turner-Cooke one such figure who could be deserving of a promotion.

The 18-year-old playmaker – who can feature in the centre of the park or in an advanced midfield role – has been on the cusp of the first team of late, having been handed a chance to impress during the club’s recent mid-season friendlies.

The former Sunderland ace – who made the move to St James’ Park back in January 2021 – has caught the attention as a result of his sparkling form at youth level of late, having scored once and laid on two assists in just eight Premier League 2 games.

That ensures that the Englishman’s overall record at U21 level stands at an impressive eight goals and six assists in just 29 games, while he also has eight goals and one assist to his name in only 19 games for the club’s U18 side.

Lauded as a “special talent” by Howe, the Englishman has been tipped for a potential loan exit in the New Year, although this recent loss of Shelvey may well make the Newcastle boss re-think that decision, with there now a hole to be filled in the senior ranks.

Jude Bellingham’s father wants his son to complete a move to Liverpool once this season reaches its conclusion, according to an exciting new transfer update.

The Lowdown: Bellingham set to leave Dortmund?

The midfielder has already become a genuine force as a footballer, despite not yet turning 20, standing out as a key man for Borussia Dortmund and now England.

Bellingham has scored four goals in five Champions League appearances this season and a host of clubs have been linked with signing him after his impressive World Cup campaign in Qatar, with Liverpool right at the top of the list.

This summer likely presents the perfect opportunity for Dortmund to cash in while his stock is at an all time high, at which point there will be a huge battle for his signature.

The Latest: Player’s dad wants Liverpool move

According to Football Insider reporter Wayne Veysey, Bellingham’s dad, Mark, wants his son to complete a move to Liverpool, seeing them as the best option for the prodigious midfielder.

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The report claims that the player himself has ‘had his head turned’ by Manchester City and Real Madrid, but the Reds are still trying to get a deal over the line after coming close last summer.

The three clubs are ‘all working hard behind the scenes on convincing the midfielder to join them’.

The Verdict: Deciding influence?

Bellingham and his father Mark seemingly have an extremely close relationship, so the latter’s influence could certainly play a big role in the former’s decision this summer.

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The teenager looks the perfect signing for Liverpool this year, even if they will have to pay an eye-watering amount to get him, and he could solve their midfield woes that have existed this season.

In fact, it is hard to find any negatives to the move, with Bellingham a long-term superstar who can be a key man from the off and mature into one of the best players in the world.

Leeds United remain interested in signing Wolves winger Adama Traore during the summer transfer window, according to a recent report.

The Lowdown: Leeds eye up Traore

The Whites have shown interest in the Spaniard in the recent past, with Jesse Marsch seeing him as someone who could add a new threat to his attack at Elland Road.

Traore has scored twice for Wolves this season and made 15 Premier League appearances to date, but his future may well lie away from Molineux.

The 26-year-old’s current deal expires at the end of the campaign, and while he could end up staying put in the Black Country, nothing has been agreed so far.

The Latest: Leeds still interested

According to TEAMtalk, Leeds are ‘still very keen’ on the idea of signing Traore this summer and are ready to rival Tottenham for his signature.

Victor Orta signed the winger during his time at Middlesbrough and clearly rates him highly, and the player himself likes the idea of remaining in the Premier League.

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The Verdict: Worth the risk?

Traore is an extremely dangerous player because of the incredible pace that he boasts – Jurgen Klopp has described him as ‘unplayable’ before in that regard – so the idea of him marauding along the flank for Leeds is certainly exciting.

That being said, he has often been criticised for a lack of end product, with just 13 goals in 172 Wolves appearances a testament to his profligacy in the final third.

At 26, though, it can be argued that Traore could become more polished in the coming years, and he could ultimately become an effective squad player for a Leeds side arguably missing genuine pace in wide areas.

Glasgow Rangers target Todd Cantwell has arrived north of the border to finalise his move to the Scottish Premiership, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Candidates targeted

January presents Michael Beale with his first opportunity to bring in some of his own players and the Norwich City star is one of a couple of names to have been doing the rounds.

The Light Blues have been credited with an interest in the 24-year-old and his deal at Carrow Road is set to expire at the end of the campaign, with reports suggesting that he’s now closing in on a switch to Ibrox.

The Latest: Cantwell set for medical

According to Vital Football (via Ibrox News), Cantwell is ‘already in Glasgow’ to prepare ‘for a medical’ that will officially complete his move to Rangers.

The source doesn’t specify a transfer fee or even whether this will be on a permanent or loan basis, but either way, Beale is set to make the Canaries maestro his first signing.

The Verdict: Lawrence replacement

Tom Lawrence has recently suffered a fresh injury setback, and with no timeframe on his potential return, Cantwell would be the perfect replacement. having been dubbed ‘God-given’ by Gary Cockaday.

The Championship playmaker is full of creativity with 23 goals and 20 assists to his name throughout his career, not to mention that he can operate in three different attacking positions (Transfermarkt).

Beale will find this a hugely attractive attribute, and with the boss in need of reinforcements and Cantwell in need of a fresh start, this is a move suitable for both parties.

West Ham United have reportedly made an offer to sign Aston Villa striker, Danny Ings, as manager David Moyes seeks to spark a turnaround in fortunes at the London Stadium.

What’s the word?

According to The Telegraph, the Hammers are said to have lodged a bid for the 30-year-old ahead of a potential January switch, with the Englishman – who arrived on a £25m deal 18 months ago – reportedly valued at around £15m by the Midlands outfit.

The report suggests that while the Villans had not intended to part ways with the former Southampton man this month, there is an acceptance that a sale could well help to provide funds for further additions for new boss Unai Emery.

As for the Irons, the piece also adds that Moyes is believed to be a keen admirer of the three-cap marksman, with the Scotsman having reportedly attempted to sign the player back in 2015 during his time in charge at La Liga side, Real Sociedad.

Boldly ditch Antonio

A new attacking recruit appears something of a necessity for the east London outfit if they are to stave off the drop, with marquee summer signing, Gianluca Scamacca, having scored only three Premier League goals to date.

With it still early days in the Italy international’s time in England, however, it could well be another man who proves to be the major casualty of Ings’ arrival, with long-serving ace Michail Antonio potentially facing the axe.

TalkSPORT reporter Alex Crook only recently revealed that West Ham would be ‘open to offers’ for the 32-year-old if they could secure a replacement before the deadline, amid interest from fellow strugglers Everton.

The Jamaican international – who only has 18 months remaining on his existing deal – is the club’s highest scorer in Premier League history with 58 goals since his arrival from Nottingham Forest in 2015, although the ageing speedster has only netted twice in the top-flight this term.

His potential replacement, Ings, has enjoyed a far more respectable campaign thus far with six goals from his 18 league outings – only eight of which have come from the start – with his tally of seven goals across all fronts this term making him Villa’s highest scorer.

A player who has been lauded as something of a “goal machine” in the recent past by journalist Joe Prince-Wright, the £120k-per-week hotshot previously enjoyed a prolific stint at St Mary’s with an impressive return of 46 goals in just 100 games.

As such, although it could well be something of a heartbreaker to move on a player who has given so much to the club for so long in the form of Antonio, bringing in a clinical presence such as Ings could well be what is needed in the battle for survival.

Celtic head into Saturday evening’s Viaplay Cup semi-final against Kilmarnock in a stunning run of form, with the Hoops having last tasted defeat in a domestic fixture all the way back in September – a run of 15 games without losing.

With Ange Postecoglou having already masterminded a 2-0 victory over today’s opponents as recently as last week, he and his side will undoubtedly be confident of securing another win against Killie at Hampden Park later

Such a result would set up a final showdown against either Aberdeen or Rangers, who contest the second semi-final on Sunday.

Furthermore, with the Bhoys having welcomed the likes of Sead Haksabanovic, Anthony Ralston, James McCarthy and Stephen Welsh back to first-team training in the week, with the quartet all looking to have shaken off knocks that kept them sidelined for the win over Kilmarnock last Saturday, the 57-year-old has something of a positive selection headache ahead of today’s fixture.

Will Postecoglou make any changes to the side which defeated Killie at Parkhead last time out? Here’s how we at Football FanCast think the Celtic starting XI could look this afternoon.

Predicted Celtic XI: Siegrist; Johnston, Carter-Vickers, Starfelt, Bernabei; O’Riley, McGregor, Hatate; Jota, Furuhashi, Abada.

Despite the likes of Haksabanovic, Ralston, McCarthy and Welsh all appearing to be available for selection for today’s semi-final, we predict that Postecoglou will make just three changes to the side which started the win over Derek McInnes’ side last weekend.

The first of these alterations comes between the sticks, with summer signing Ben Siegrist – who has featured in each of Celtic’s last two Viaplay Cup fixtures this season – coming in for first-choice goalkeeper Joe Hart.

The back four remains unchanged, with Alistair Johnston keeping his spot at right-back ahead of Josip Juranovic – who continues to be linked with a move away from Glasgow – Cameron Carter-Vickers and Carl Starfelt once again getting the nod as Postecoglou’s centre-back pairing and Alexandro Bernabei starting at left-back, with Greg Taylor still out injured.

In the middle of the park, despite the “classy” Aaron Mooy – in the words of BBC pundit Danny Murphy –  having impressed for the Hoops in recent weeks, Matt O’Riley – who has been dubbed the “best player in Scotland” by one Celtic source – comes in for the Australia international, while Callum McGregor and Reo Hatate keep their starting berths in the midfield three.

The final change comes in the front three, with Daizen Maeda dropping out of the XI, Jota moving over from the right flank to the left, Liel Abada coming in on the right and Kyogo Furuhashi leading the Celtic line through the middle.