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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.

Erik ten Hag could give Manchester United “an edge” by signing Ajax starlet Mohammed Kudus during the upcoming January transfer window.

That’s according to journalist Pete O’Rourke, who was discussing the Red Devils’ transfer interest in the Ghana star.

According to The Athletic, the Dutchman is thought to be keen on signing his former Ajax player as he looks to continue building his own squad at United, although reports earlier this month have claimed that the 22-year-old could cost in the region of £40m.

Speaking to Football FanCast about Kudus, O’Rourke stated: “I think there will be a number of clubs who will be monitoring his long-term situation at Ajax, and Erik ten Hag will know all about him having worked with him at Ajax as well.

“He will be hoping that might give him an edge in any pursuit of Kudus as well, but he’s a versatile player and he will be somebody who would definitely add options to United’s attack.”

Man United could have the edge on Kudus

Kudus has excelled this season for Ajax, scoring ten goals and registering two assists in 21 matches, netting four times in just six Champions League outings.

His sparkling club form saw him called up to the Ghana squad for the World Cup and the 22-year-old impressed in Qatar, notably scoring twice against South Korea in a 3-2 victory, and these performance on the world stage will surely have boosted his profile.

Previously described by Ten Hag as a player with “incredible potential”, Kudus’ statistics over the past year compared to positional peers in Europe’s major leagues have been excellent. As per FBref, he ranks in the top 5% for total shots, pass completion success, dribbles completed, touches in the attacking penalty area and progressive passes.

These figures clearly prove that he is performing at a high level and that a move to United shouldn’t faze him.

His previous relationship with Ten Hag could well be a key factor in the Ghanaian choosing his next club, and as O’Rourke mentioned, potentially signing Kudus could give the Red Devils an added attacking impetus heading during the second half of the season.

Tottenham Hotspur could sign USA international Weston McKennie, as CBS reporter Ben Jacobs drops a transfer hint on Twitter.

The Lowdown: McKennie linked with Tottenham…

The Juventus midfielder has been linked with a move to Spurs in recent weeks as manager Antonio Conte and sporting director Fabio Paratici take an interest after the 2022 World Cup.

McKennie impressed for the USA in Qatar, with reports suggesting that the north Londoners have even made contact with the player’s entourage in recent weeks.

The 24-year-old has attracted Tottenham’s attention in past seasons, with CBS Sports reporter Jacobs now hinting at his possible signing on social media.

The Latest: Spurs could sign McKennie…

Speaking in a Q&A on Twitter, when asked who the Lilywhites could snap up in January, the journalist advised followers to keep a close eye on McKennie to Spurs.

Jacobs said: “McKennie is one to watch. Spurs would love Bastoni as well but it’s not an easy deal to pull off as they found last summer.”

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The Verdict: The right man

Called an aerial ‘monster’ by members of the media, Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher also heaped praise on McKennie for his some of his performances at the World Cup.

The former Schalke 04 star turned Carragher’s head with a rip-roaring display against England, with the former Liverpool legend praising the 24-year-old’s ‘energy’ in the middle of the park that night.

That attribute alone could appeal to Conte, who famously demands much of his squad in terms of fitness and tenacity.

Pundit Tam McManus believes Tottenham Hotspur are “likely” to sign Sporting’s Pedro Porro.

What’s the word?

A right-midfielder, capable of playing as a wing-back or a winger, Porro has been linked with a move to North London, and could even replace Emerson Royal at wing-back, with the Brazilian reportedly set to leave.

The 23-year-old has scored twice and provided 10 assists in 21 appearances this season, and could help provide some attacking quality to the Spurs side.

Speaking to Football Insider, McManus claimed that Antonio Conte wants to add to his attacking options and that a deal for Porro looks likely.

“Harry Kane is carrying Tottenham at the moment,” McManus stated.

“Son isn’t scoring, Kulusevski has been injured, Richarlison is injured now as well, I would not be surprised if they went out and got this guy.

“Tottenham have a lot of options when everyone is fit and in form. Unfortunately for them only one of their players is fit and in form.

“Some new blood could be just what they need to get back up and running. I know they need defenders but Tottenham have to back Conte this window, he’s desperate for new players.

“If Porro is who he wants then they have to go out and get him. It would be a statement that the club are backing the manager.

“I would say that’s a likely transfer that could happen sooner rather than later because there is a lot of talk about it and Spurs could really do with a player like him.”

Extra output from wing-back

With Dejan Kulusevski and Richarlison both capable of playing on the right wing, it looks likely Porro would play as a wing-back should he come in.

Emerson and Matt Doherty have both been disappointing this season, with the pair providing just one assist between them all season.

Porro’s outstanding creative output can add a lot to the Spurs attack, providing extra creativity for Son Heung-min and Harry Kane, and at 23, he can be a signing for both the present and the future.

Glasgow Rangers manager Michael Beale has revealed that several prospective signings have admitted that they are ‘very keen to come’ to Ibrox.

The Lowdown: Instant impact

The Scottish Premiership boss has made an unbeaten start to life in Glasgow, winning four and drawing one of his five games in charge since joining back in November.

The Light Blues still find themselves nine points off rivals Celtic at the top of the table, but could have a strong end to the season should they make the right additions this month, and the 42-year-old has dropped an exciting transfer hint.

The Latest: Beale’s comments

Speaking during his Dundee United pre-match press conference, Beale admitted that he’s already held discussions with some of his winter targets and the chances of them putting pen to paper sound extremely positive. Quoted by BBC Sport, he said:

“Our phone’s not stopped – there are a lot of players interested in coming here.

“I think three or four of the right additions can pull everything together in the right direction.

“We’ve got a free week leading into the semi-final with Aberdeen [on January 15] so it gives me more time to do things.

“The two or three players that I’ve spoken to are very keen to come – and sooner rather than later. Same on our side.

“But I’ve got to make sure they’re the right ones. I’m a little bit fussy. It’s all right doing something over Zoom but I want to sit in front of a player and look in his eyes.

“When we’re recruiting, we’re recruiting for really specific roles. It’s not just about a collection of players coming in. I want a player that does a very specific job because I think that’s what we need.”

The Verdict: Attractive outfit

Rangers probably wouldn’t have been the most appealing option under Giovanni van Bronckhorst, but since Beale’s arrival, they have become a lot more of an attractive prospect.

The Teddy Bears manager has predominantly been using a 4-3-3 formation, which so far has proven to be a winning formula and a system that a lot of players will easily be able to adapt to.

Beale has also recently won the Manager of the Month award for December, so the opportunity to work under him will surely only make targets even keener to sign on the dotted line.

Everton have reportedly ‘bid hard’ to try and sign Villarreal winger Arnaut Danjuma.

The Lowdown: Out of favour

The Dutchman has seemingly fallen out of favour at the Yellow Submarine, having started just 10 times across all competitions so far this season and only played the full 90 minutes twice (Transfermarkt).

This is despite scoring 16 goals and supplying a further four assists in 34 appearances last term (Transfermarkt) under Unai Emery, who is now in charge of Aston Villa.

It seems as if new Villarreal manager Quique Setien does not fancy the 25-year-old, so there is a possibility that he could move in January.

The Latest: Everton ‘bid hard’ for Danjuma

As per reports from Spain on Wednesday morning [via Sport Witness], Everton have now ‘bid hard’ to try and sign Danjuma and have shown the ‘most interest’ of any forthcoming clubs.

The Merseyside club ‘intends’ to sign him on loan with an option to buy at the end of the season, a deal which would ‘satisfy all parties’, as Villarreal would be able to reduce their wage bill.

The Verdict: Worth a punt

Even though Danjuma has fallen out of favour at his current club, there is no doubt that he is still a talented player.

Hailed as an ‘exceptional talent’ by pundit Clinton Morrison, and a ‘nightmare for defenders’ on his day by former Premier League striker Kevin Phillips, Danjuma’s numbers last season speak for themselves. Also, during his time in English football with Bournemouth, the winger managed an impressive 15 goals and seven assists in the 2020/21 Championship season.

Of course, the Premier League is a step up from that level, but the 25-year-old has also shown that he can perform in a top league in La Liga. Plus, Everton are desperate for a cutting edge in front of goal, being the third-lowest scorers in the top flight, so Danjuma is very much worth a punt for Frank Lampard and co.

Everton continue to be linked with a move for a new winger, with one in particular receiving a seal of approval…

What’s the latest?

Speaking to Football FanCast, journalist Pete O’Rourke issued his verdict on the rumours suggesting that the Toffees could move to sign Dango Ouattara.

The Lorient speedster, who has reportedly been subject to an £18m bid from Leicester City already, appears to be sought after by Premier League clubs.

O’Rourke explained why, stating: “Ouattara is a talented player who has done really well in Ligue 1 this season with Lorient. I think he’s got five goals and five assists [at the time of interviewing] for the French club so far this season; he’s an attacking winger who can beat a player, can also score goals and provide goals.”

With goals at a premium at Goodison Park – Everton’s tally of 14 is the third worst in the Premier League – this could be exactly what is needed to reignite what has been a miserable season so far for Frank Lampard’s team.

Richarlison replacement

Currently sitting in the relegation zone, it is clear that something needs to change dramatically to avoid another nervy finish to the season like in 2021/22.

Even with a character like Richarlison, who scored ten goals (when his closest competitor within the squad only managed half as many) in that campaign, Lampard’s side avoided the drop by just four points.

Having sold the Brazilian talisman in the summer, there is nobody who is likely to pull them out of the hole into which they keep falling deeper.

Their joint-top scorers this season only boast three goals apiece in the league, and with Dominic Calvert-Lewin still an unreliable asset due to his appalling injury record, things look bleak for Everton. That makes the prospective Ouattara deal all the more imperative, given how prolific he has been this season.

Having operated from the right flank, the trickster enjoys cutting in onto his left foot to score or set up goals. As such, he has scored six goals and set up another six in the current campaign and is part of an “elite” group of top goal contributors across Europe’s major leagues referenced by OptaJean.

With Everton desperately craving goals from the wide areas, the Burkina Faso international has all the hallmarks of a true replacement for Richarlison. With a penchant for scoring and creating goals, and the ability to embarrass defenders, the 20-year-old starlet could be the catalyst to get the dissenting Goodison Park faithful back onside.

They could well feed off a wildcard winger like Ouattara in the same way that they did with Richarlison, who the Toffees have sorely missed since his departure for north London.

Wolves are reportedly considering a move for West Ham striker Michail Antonio this month and he could be a big upgrade on Raul Jimenez in Julen Lopetegui’s side.

According to talkSPORT journalist Alex Crook, Lopetegui is a fan of the Jamaica international and would be very interested in bringing him to Molineux in this month’s transfer window, should the Hammers entertain any offers for the out-of-favour star.

The summer arrival of Gianluca Scamacca has meant that Antonio has made just seven starts in the Premier League so far this season, contributing two goals and one assist.

He also has a goal to his name in both the Conference League and League Cup this season, so it is perhaps harsh that he is struggling so much for game time, especially when you consider that he is the Hammers’ all-time top scorer in the Premier League and was a big part of their success in each of the last two campaigns, hitting 20 goals and 13 assists.

Although he is now 32 and perhaps past his best, he can still offer Wolves a big threat in attack with his pace and power, which is perhaps more than can be said for Jimenez, who has struggled to rediscover his pre-injury form at Molineux, with just ten league goals across the last two and a half seasons.

If we compare their stats from last season, Antonio leads the Mexico international with regard to shots (2.3 vs 1.7), key passes (1.3 vs 1.1) and dribbles per game (1.4 vs 1.1), while most importantly, he would register ten goals and eight assists in comparison to Jimenez’s six goals and four assists.

David Moyes is a man who has been full of praise for his attacker in the past, labelling him “terrific” for his performances in claret and blue.

Antonio’s contract at the London Stadium is set to expire in 2024, which might encourage the Hammers to cash in this month as they look to recoup a fee, although it remains to be seen whether they will sell the £85k-per-week star to a potential relegation rival.

Lopetegui’s relationship with Jimenez is already strained after his World Cup and injury antics, so if he does sign Antonio this month, then you would imagine that it could be curtains for the former Benfica star at Molineux.

Wolves have been linked with Sporting Lisbon midfielder Manuel Ugarte recently and the Uruguay international could prove to be Julen Lopetegui’s next Casemiro at Molineux.

According to Media Foot, the Midlands outfit and Atletico Madrid have spoken to Sporting Lisbon about potentially signing the 21-year-old this month, with the Jorge Mendes connection potentially set to be fruitful for Wolves once again.

The young midfielder has established himself as a key player in Ruben Amorim’s side and could add defensive steel to Wolves’ midfield that Lopetegui currently lacks, although his €60m (£53m) release clause could prove a sticking point for the Old Gold.

Ugarte has contributed more tackles per game (three) in the Portuguese top flight than anyone in the Wolves squad has managed in the Premier League, while he has also averaged a mammoth 4.8 tackles per game in the Champions League this season.

In fact, no player has won more tackles or duels in the UCL this term, which certainly backs up football talent scout Jacek Kulig’s description of him as a “midfield machine.”

Lopetegui has been lucky enough to manage some world-class talents during his time as Spain, Real Madrid and Sevilla boss but few will have been better than Casemiro, who is currently starring at Manchester United following his summer switch from Los Blancos.

The Brazil international would make 55 appearances under the Wolves boss at Madrid, contributing four goals and three assists in that time, so the Spanish manager will be well aware of his ability and influence in the midfield.

Ugarte’s FBref scouting report sees him ranked in the top 1% of midfielders across Europe for pass completion and tackles completed, while he is also in the top 10% for interceptions, blocks and dribbles completed.

Casemiro also scores impressively, as he is ranked in the top 20% for tackles, blocks, interceptions and passes completed, so the similarities with Ugarte are clear to see.

Considering the 31-year-old is ranked as the second-best performer in Erik ten Hag’s team so far this season according to WhoScored, it is obvious how important a defensive ball-winner can be in a successful side.

With Wolves still very much in a relegation fight despite positive recent results against West Ham and Everton, Lopetegui would surely love to have another Casemiro-esque player in his squad at Molineux, so the Spanish boss should definitely look at bringing Ugarte in this month.

Fabrizio Romano has claimed that Leeds United have held ‘positive’ talks with Weston McKennie and now are speaking with his current club Juventus.

The Lowdown: Leeds make McKennie progress

According to a report from Italy, the American midfielder has held talks with Jesse Marsch’s side and would be open to a move to the Premier League.

McKennie has appeared 16 times for Juve in Serie A, producing a goal and an assist in that time and he’s amassed 1,056 minutes so far in the Italian top flight.

The 24-year-old has also had a stint in Germany with Schalke 04 and played 91 times in his three years there.

The Latest: Leeds talking with Juve

Romano spoke on the CBS Sports’ House of Champions about the latest surrounding the potential transfer, as he claimed the two clubs are speaking about a possible deal.

He stated: “Juventus and Leeds are now speaking about the conditions of the deal, so Leeds want to understand how much Juventus will ask for a potential transfer of Weston McKennie.

“Leeds already had conversations on player’s side; it was really positive, I’m told, because McKennie would be prepared to accept Leeds’ conditions, he would be happy to try a Premier League experience.

“So no problem player’s side – now it’s on Leeds and Juventus.”

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The Verdict: A strong coup

We believe that adding McKennie to the squad would be a great move from Leeds and a strong coup.

The American caught the eye of pundit Jamie Carragher very recently when playing for his national team at the World Cup against England, the Sky Sports man labelled McKennie as ‘excellent’ on Twitter.

Marsch’s side are low on traditional central midfielders, they only have one person who its that role in Adam Forshaw. They do have Marc Roca and Tyler Adams but they play deeper roles in the middle of the park, whilst Brenden Aaronson operates further up the pitch.

McKennie would be an extra body and has more high-level experience who can play the same area as Forshaw, who’s featured in only five league matches all season.