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Wolves are reportedly still keen on signing Goncalo Ramos in January, and the Portugal international could be the man to finally replace Diogo Jota at Molineux.

According to Portuguese news outlet Jornal de Noticias (via Sport Witness), after the centre-forward’s impressive campaign with his nation at the World Cup, a number of clubs are now keen on the 21-year-old in January, with Wolves set to reignite their interest from the summer.

However, the report suggests that Manchester United, Bayern Munich, Newcastle United and Paris Saint-Germain are also tracking the Benfica striker ahead of next month’s transfer window, with the Lisbon club unlikely to accept an offer below the forward’s significant €120m (£103m) release clause.

Ramos’ stock has undoubtedly risen over the past month after the young forward enjoyed a “remarkable” first-ever World Cup start, in the words of Gary Lineker, notching a hat-trick in Portugal’s 6-1 win over Switzerland as he repaid Fernando Santos’ faith in him to start ahead of the legendary Cristiano Ronaldo.

He has also enjoyed a superb start to the 2022/23 campaign with Benfica, contributing nine goals and one assist in just 11 appearances in Portugal’s top flight, which has helped him to average a superb 7.33 rating from WhoScored.

Not only is this comfortably a better average than anyone in the Wolves squad, he has also scored more goals on his own than the Old Gold have managed as a whole in the Premier League, so it is easy to see why Lopetegui would want to bring him in.

Should Ramos arrive at Molineux next month, he could prove to be the man to finally replace Jota in Wolves’ squad, as the Midlands club have arguably failed to replace the 26-year-old since his move to Liverpool in 2020.

The former Porto man was the top scorer for Wolves when they won the Championship in 2017/18, hitting 17 goals in shooting them into the top flight, while he regularly challenged Raul Jimenez at the top of the charts in the first two seasons in the Premier League, also finishing with six goals in their 2019/20 Europa League campaign.

Since his exit two years, not one player in Wolves’ squad has reached double figures in the league in a single campaign, and their goalscoring woes this term could be a massive factor in them possibly going down.

If Lopetegui wants to keep his new employers in the top flight, he may need to spend big on a goalscorer next month, and Ramos could be the ideal man.

Newcastle United could well able to form an impressive centre-back pairing with the addition of Inter Milan defender Milan Skriniar, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

What’s the word?

Recent reports in Italy have suggested that the Magpies are firmly interested in signing the Slovakia international in 2023, as the 27-year-old faces an uncertain future at the San Siro with just six months left on his existing deal.

The Tynesiders will seemingly have competition in their quest to land the potential free agent, though, with the likes of Manchester City, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur having all been linked with a move of late.

Focusing solely on the interest from those at St James’ Park, the aforementioned O’Rourke has told Football FanCast that Eddie Howe’s side could well have the makings of a fearsome defensive partnership, should the 58-cap brute be snapped up in the New Year.

Asked about the prospect of partnering the imposing ace with summer signing Sven Botman, the transfer insider stated: “On paper they’ve got the makings of a great central defensive pairing.

“You’ve got Botman who can play on the left-hand side with Skriniar on the right side and those two defenders together are real powerhouses as well.

“Two top defenders who have good pedigree in European football as well so I think it will be a great defensive pairing in the making for Newcastle if they can put them together.”

Could form “incredible” duo

As O’Rourke referenced, that left foot/right foot combination of Botman and Skriniar at the heart of the backline could well be a truly monstrous duo for Howe and co moving forward, with the latter having shown his quality in Italy in recent times.

The former Sampdoria ace – who has been dubbed an “absolute beast” by journalist David Amoyal – has racked up 236 appearances in all competitions for the Nerazzurri to date, memorably playing a key part in the Scudetto triumph during the 2020/21 campaign.

That glorious season under Antonio Conte saw the 6 foot 3 menace notably keep 12 clean sheets from his 32 league outings, while also averaging 1.5 tackles and 2.7 clearances per game as a marker of his defensive prowess.

As his current form has illustrated, though, the £92k-per-week machine is also a composed presence in possession, showcased by his ranking in the top 4% of players in Europe among those in his position for pass completion, also featuring in the top 14% for progressive passes received.

Partnering such an all-round figure alongside the aforementioned Botman would help to strengthen Newcastle’s backline even further, with the latter having already played a key role in conceding a league-best record of just 11 goals this season.

The “incredible” talent – as lauded by pundit Leon Osman – has clearly already made a “huge difference” since his £35m arrival from Lille, in the words of journalist Josh Bunting, with the towering 6 foot 6 colossus having made a smooth transition to life in English football.

The impressive 22-year-old – who has won 72% of his duels in the top flight this season – could well benefit from having an experienced long-term partner alongside him such as Skriniar, with current centre-back colleague Fabian Schar having just 18 months remaining on his existing deal at Newcastle.

As such, potentially prising the Inter colossus from his current club could well prove to be a masterstroke for the Magpies, with no opposition forward likely to relish coming up against a Botman-Skriniar defensive axis.

Chelsea are ‘looking’ at the possibility of signing Borussia Monchengladbach gem Kouadio Kone in 2023, according to journalist Simon Phillips.

The Lowdown: Midfield revamp

The Premier League giants are reportedly planning a midfield revamp next year, with Todd Boehly and Graham Potter currently in the process of identifying suitable candidates who boast the right ‘personality’ and skill set.

Christoper Vivell has recently been appointed as the club’s new technical director, and it appears that he has already set his sights on the Frenchman, despite the fact that he’s still under contract at Monchengladbach for another two-and-a-half years.

The Latest: Chelsea eyeing Kone

Taking to Twitter, Phillips revealed that Chelsea are monitoring Kone ahead of a potential move in 2023, with the 21-year-old having been personally identified by Vivell himself.

The journalist tweeted: “Chelsea will be looking to sign at least two new midfielders in the next couple of windows.

“A new name I’ve been given is Kouadio Kone from BMG. The 21-year-old has been recommended by new technical director Christoper Vivell.”

The Verdict: Perfect match for Potter

Chelsea are claimed to be in advanced talks to sign AS Monaco defender Benoit Badiashile, and Kone could join his compatriot in being another prospective arrival walking through the doors at Stamford Bridge.

The 21-year-old is a well-rounded midfielder, currently averaging 2.1 tackles and 1.6 successful dribbles per game while also having a goal and assist to his name in the Bundesliga this season (WhoScored).

Kone has been dubbed a ‘one-man army’ by Football Talent Scout’s Jacek Kulig, and his all-action style of play would appear to match Potter’s new project perfectly.

Newcastle United have reportedly opened talks over a move for Flamengo attacking midfielder Matheus Franca in the January transfer window.

The Lowdown: Santos to Chelsea…

It has recently been reported that the St. James’ Park outfit have ‘given up’ on the signing of young Brazilian midfield talent Andrey Santos, as he is ‘very close’ to signing for fellow Premier League rivals Chelsea instead.

After missing out on Santos, it seems as if they are looking to explore the Brazilian market again for upcoming stars, this time for Flamengo’s 18-year-old prospect Franca.

The Latest: Talks opened

As per ge.globo, the North East club have ‘opened negotiations’ with Flamengo to try and sign Franca, who have reportedly already turned down a €14m (£12m) bid from Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen.

Franca is thought to have a €100m (£87m) release clause in his contract, but clubs will be looking to negotiate that figure way down, as Leverkusen have tried.

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The Verdict: Get it done quickly

After missing out on Santos, the Tynesiders need to learn their lesson and get a deal done for Franca as quickly as possible, before any other teams come in for him.

At just 18 years of age, he has already played 25 times for Flamengo, scoring six goals (won both the Copa do Brasil and Copa Libertadores.

He looks to be another future star from Brazil, and so the Magpies must make sure that they are first to his signature.

Tottenham Hotspur are interested in a deal to bring Piero Hincapie to the Premier League next year.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Italian media outlet TuttoMercatoWeb (via Sport Witness), who claim that both Fabio Paratici and Antonio Conte are ‘studying the possibility’ of a move for the Bayer Leverkusen centre-back in 2023, who the Bundesliga side are reported to value at a figure in the region of €30m (£27m).

However, according to an earlier report by fellow Italian outlet CalcioMercato.it, Spurs are not alone in their pursuit of the 20-year-old, with the likes of Arsenal, AC Milan, Napoli, AS Roma and Inter Milan also believed to be keeping a very close eye on the Ecuador international ahead of the winter market.

Romero 2.0

Considering just how exciting a talent Hincapie undoubtedly is, it is not difficult to see why both Conte and Paratici would be interested in a move to bring the Leverkusen starlet to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium next year.

Indeed, according to FBref, the £53m-rated talent currently ranks in the top 8% of centre-backs in Europe’s big five leagues for blocks per 90, in addition to the top 14% for tackles and the top 40% for interceptions – proving just how solid the 20-year-old already is in a defensive capacity, despite his tender age and relative lack of experience.

However, Hincapie also returns impressive metrics in possession of the ball, with FBref ranking the £20k-per-week youngster in the top 4% of his positional peers for dribbles completed per 90, as well as the top 21% for passes attempted and the top 32% for progressive passes – highlighting the Ecuadorean’s ability to both bring and play the ball out of defence.

Furthermore, the 24-cap international also poses a real threat in a creative capacity, with FBref also ranking the defender in the top 7% of European centre-backs for xAG – xG which follows a pass that assists a shot – per 90, in addition to the top 16% for shot-creating actions and the top 31% for assists.

As such, with the player who Football Talent Scout Jacek Kulig dubbed both “dominant” and “tenacious” evidently being a centre-back who is strong in the tackle and in his reading of the game, as well as being confident while in possession, it is no surprise to see FBref list Tottenham’s own Cristian Romero as Hincapie’s second-most comparable player.

So, should Paratici manage to get a £27m deal over the line for the 20-year-old this January, not only would the Italian sporting director look to have sealed something of a bargain – as the defender’s reported asking price is £27m than his current market valuation – but he could also have unearthed Conte’s next Romeo-esque talent – an exciting prospect for all involved with Spurs.

Glasgow Rangers boss Michael Beale appears to have identified what could prove to be his first signing of the January transfer window at Ibrox.

What’s the word?

According to the Scottish Sun, 24-year-old Todd Cantwell is among a list of names that the Old Firm outfit are considering as possible targets, albeit with Beale yet to decide when to move to bring his compatriot to Ibrox.

The report suggests that the Light Blues could look to strike a cut-price deal this month or secure a pre-contract agreement ahead of a summer switch, with the midfielder’s existing deal at Norwich City set to expire at the end of the season.

As the piece also outlines, the Gers boss has already revealed that he has spoken to two or three prospective additions regarding potentially joining the Scottish giants, albeit with a final decision yet to be made on whether to go ahead with those moves.

Imagine him and Tillman

As the report above also alludes to, Cantwell is currently enduring something of a difficult spell with the Canaries this season, with the 5 foot 10 dynamo having started just nine Championship games thus far.

The elegant gem – who spent the second half of last season on loan at Bournemouth – was also reduced to a bit-part role in the first half of the previous campaign in the Premier League, making just eight appearances in the top tier.

Despite those recent woes, prior to that the former England U21 international had been a vital figure for Norwich, notably chipping in with 13 goals and assists in 33 games in the second tier during the 2020/21 season, having provided six goals and registered two assists in the top flight the year prior.

A player who has shown flashes of brilliance at the elite level in the past, the “incredible” talent – as lauded by talkSPORT pundit Dean Ashton – would surely add real quality to Beale’s ranks, with the aim simply to try and revive his fortunes if he is to make the switch to Scotland.

Bringing the one-time Fortuna Sittard loanee to Rangers could well see the Scottish Premiership outfit form a truly exciting, attacking partnership involving Cantwell and current loanee, Malik Tillman.

Although the latter man has endured inconsistency during his time at the club to date – having been described as “frustrating” by pundit Neil McCann – the USA international has been particularly impressive in recent weeks, having now provided ten goal contributions in all competitions this term.

Lauded as “one of the best young talents” that teammate John Lundstram has ever seen, the 20-year-old is beginning to flourish in his free role in the side, with Beale having only recently outlined his desire to snap up the German-born ace on a permanent deal.

To be able to add to Tillman’s undoubted creativity – showcased by the fact that he has averaged 1.76 chances created per game this term – with the signing of Cantwell would surely only bolster the Ibrox outfit, with the decision now to be made on just when the signing will occur.

Crystal Palace are reportedly plotting a swoop for Marseille striker Bamba Dieng this month and the Senegal international could be the man to revive Patrick Vieira’s side and solve the Eagles’ goalscoring woes.

According to 90min,  Crystal Palace, Leeds United, West Ham, Leicester and Everton are all keeping tabs on the 22-year-old forward, although Marseille are keen to tie him down to a new deal at the Stade Vélodrome.

Dieng was extremely close to signing for Leeds United during the summer for a fee of £8.6m but changed his mind at the airport and opted to sign for Nice, only to fail his medical with the Ligue 1 side, meaning he would remain with Marseille.

Reviving Palace

Palace have struggled for goals in the top flight so far this campaign, averaging exactly one a game, with Vieira’s side once again reliant on Wilfried Zaha as the main source of attacking threat at Selhurst Park.

The Ivorian winger has six goals to his name in the Premier League but when he completes his expected move away from the club at the end of the season when his contract expires, Palace could find themselves in real trouble.

Odsonne Edouard, Jean-Philippe Mateta and Jordan Ayew have all struggled to find the net on a regular basis, boasting just five league goals between them, so it seems clear that Vieira needs some added firepower if he is going to ensure that the Eagles are looking up, rather than over their shoulder at the relegation places this season.

Indeed, the London outfit have struggled of late, winning just one of their last six in all competitions, meaning a rescue act is certainly in order.

Dieng may only have one goal and one start to his name in Ligue 1 this season but his attempted move away was always going to scupper his first-team opportunities and his seven goals in 2021/22 suggests that he could be a hit in the Premier League, lifting Palace to bigger heights.

The young forward also hit the target for Senegal in the World Cup in Qatar, with a finish in a 3-1 win against the hosts that was described as “clinical” by BBC pundit Stephen Warnock.

WhoScored suggests that the young forward excels at finishing and playing key passes so there seems no reason why he can’t be a dangerous player for Vieira to have at Palace in the second half of the campaign.

Celtic’s League Cup semi-final triumph over Kilmarnock saw in-form speedster Daizen Maeda once again get himself on the scoresheet, with the Japanese international continuing his rampant hot streak since returning from World Cup duty.

The 25-year-old had gone into Saturday’s meeting after having provided a goal contribution in each of his last three Scottish Premiership games, notably netting in fine fashion in the Old Firm derby draw away at Ibrox.

The diminutive gem’s latest goal was an illustration that everything is simply going his way at present, with the ball having almost comically deflected off the 12-cap menace following an attempted clearance by former Rangers man, Kyle Lafferty.

That somewhat fortunate strike has ensured that Maeda now has 15 goals and ten assists to his name in just 50 appearances for the Old Firm outfit, having proven a truly astute capture for manager Ange Postecoglou since his arrival on an initial loan deal a year ago.

That move to Glasgow had come as part of a triple swoop alongside Yosuke Ideguchi and Reo Hatate, with the Hoops boss having utilised his J-League connections in order to aid in the club’s push for the title.

Postecoglou could now look to repeat that Maeda masterclass by bringing in another forward from Japan in the winter window, with recent reports having claimed that Shimizu S Pulse striker Thiago Santana is a possible target for the Scottish champions.

A new centre-forward is seemingly on the agenda for the Bhoys amid the uncertainty surrounding Giorgos Giakoumakis, with the Parkhead outfit likely keen to ensure that their attacking options are not depleted for the second half of the campaign.

Although something of an unknown quantity to most in Glasgow, Santana – whose existing deal is set to expire in December – could well follow Maeda et al in becoming a leading presence for Postecoglou’s side, having been in clinical form of late.

The 29-year-old goal machine notably netted 14 goals and provided six assists in the league during the most recent campaign, with his overall tally for the club now standing at 30 goals and nine assists in 72 games across all fronts.

The fact that that record is even better than what Maeda had achieved during his time at former club Yokohama F.Marinos – 26 goals and five assists in 70 games – bodes well for the impact that Santana could make in Scottish football, while the Brazilian also offers the benefit of having flourished in European football previously, after netting 35 goals in 97 games for Portuguese side Santa Clara.

Should Postecoglou secure a move for the latter man this month, the experienced marksman could well go on help strengthen Celtic’s lead at the summit, with the signing of Maeda 12 months ago having illustrated the benefit of sealing a mid-season transfer.

Newcastle United hold an interest in the Chelsea winger Hakim Ziyech this month, with the Moroccan potentially on his way out of Stamford Bridge.

What’s the latest?

There have been reports to emerge recently suggesting the Blues need to cut two non-homegrown players from their Champions League side ahead of the last-16 clash next month.

And it is believed the Moroccan is one of the players who Graham Potter would be open to allowing to leave this month following their busy start to the window.

Newcastle are said to be one of the clubs that are showing an interest in the 29-year-old already and could potentially offer him a short-term loan.

Speaking on the latest episode of the Talking Transfers podcast, Graeme Bailey has spoken of the Toon’s interest in possibly making a move for the Moroccan this month:

“He’s been offered around Milan and Ajax who are both in for him have both backed away. Newcastle are in the market for some experienced players to help us push for a top-four place now which is what it is.

“So there is a line of communication there between St. James’ Park and Stamford Bridge. But it is a bit of an issue with Newcastle pushing for [fourth] place. So yeah, there is a bit of an interest there. I think Newcastle would do this, Ziyech on loan, and he’d be an interesting signing for them.”

Taking from a rival

One thing that is apparent is Ziyech is not in the plans at Chelsea when they have a full-strength side available at the disposal of Potter.

Ziyech has made nine league appearances this season for the Blues, however, that does not quite tell the full story with four of them coming in the last four games (via Transfermarkt).

And currently, Chelsea are struggling from a mass of injury issues to some of their forward players. Even still, Ziyech has only started two of the last four games.

So it would seem as if a move in January could prove beneficial for all parties with Ziyech still not necessarily first choice despite the injury crisis going on at the Bridge.

But would he arrive on Tyneside and slot straight into Eddie Howe’s starting XI?

Ziyech is a player who has shown glimpses of brilliance in the past with a stunning run in the 125 goals in his career.

However, he has not quite been able to reach his full potential at Chelsea which could be a concern for those at Newcastle.

But neither did the likes of Miguel Almiron at Newcastle until Howe turned up and has since turned him into one of the league’s top scorers.

So there should be some faith put into Howe being able to transform Ziyech back into the player he was during his time with Ajax, however, it does raise the question as to why Chelsea would deal with Newcastle now?

Newcastle United were held to another 0-0 draw in the Premier League on Saturday as they were forced to share the spoils with Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.

The Magpies have now produced goalless draws in three of their last four matches in the top-flight and scored once in those games – in the 1-0 win over Fulham.

Eddie Howe and Dan Ashworth could be left concerned by the side’s struggles in front of goal as the race for a place in the Champions League hots up, with the club currently sitting six points clear of Tottenham in fifth.

Newcastle would surely not want to end the season outside of the top four and bringing in attacking reinforcements could bolster their chances by improving their goalscoring output.

Earlier this month, Media Foot revealed that the Magpies are interested in a deal to sign Stade Rennes attacking midfielder Lovro Majer in January.

The Croatia international, who has been valued at €60m (£53m) by his current club, could come in as an upgrade on current central midfielder Joe Willock, who has struggled to provide consistent end product at the top end of the pitch.

Since the start of last season, the former Arsenal man, who has played in midfield and out on the wing, has racked up four goals and two assists, whilst failing to provide more than 0.9 key passes per outing, in 49 Premier League appearances for the Magpies.

Majer, meanwhile, has produced seven goals and ten assists in 45 Ligue 1 appearances in that time, whilst creating 1.6 chances per match last season.

The 25-year-old, who was hailed as “phenomenal” by talent scout Jacek Kulig last term, also ranks in the top 8% of players in his position in Europe’s top five leagues over the last 365 days for non-penalty goals, assists, shot-creating actions, and expected assists per 90, which essentially means that he has been one of the best midfielders in Europe at scoring goals from open play and creating opportunities for his teammates.

Willock, meanwhile, does not rank in the top 15% in any of these statistics, something that indicates that Majer would be a significant upgrade on the Englishman in terms of what he offers at the top end of the pitch.

The Rennes magician’s quality, in terms of both scoring and assisting goals, could be the difference between Newcastle drawing 0-0 and winning the match, whereas the current Toon midfielder has not proven that he can be a difference-maker on a regular basis.