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Sunderland won't look back on this Championship season with much fondness when the full-time whistle is sounded against Sheffield Wednesday on the final day, with a whole catalogue of errors resulting in the Black Cats having to make do with a run-of-the-mill mid-table finish.

There were once promotion aspirations in the Sunderland camp with Tony Mowbray at the helm, before the disastrous Michael Beale took over and failed spectacularly with just four wins from his quickfire 12 games in charge.

Mike Dodds hasn't been able to lift spirits at the Stadium of Light as an interim option either, with a dark cloud hanging over proceedings as of late with a dire defeat often coming after a promising victory.

The next appointment is a crucial one for the Sunderland hierarchy to get spot on therefore, with a number of names continuing to be linked to the pressurised job post.

Sunderland could hire fantastic Dodds replacement

Rumours earlier this year seemed to be pointing in the direction that ex-Sheffield United manager Paul Heckingbottom has a strong chance of being Dodds' successor. The former Blades boss could potentially get stuck back into the rough and tumble of managing in the Championship after a scathing experience in the Premier League.

Heckingbottom would walk away from Bramall Lane this campaign battered and bruised, overseeing just one Premier League win from 14 in charge before being ousted by Chris Wilder.

The former Leeds United boss did manage to get The Blades up to the top flight in the first place however, with this promotion on his sketchy CV surely one reason Sunderland are eyeing him up as Dodds' immediate replacement.

Another could well be the impact Heckingbottom had on Iliman Ndiaye at Bramall Lane, the attacking midfielder plucked out of non-league obscurity at Boreham Wood to then go on to become a star in his promotion-winning side.

The powers that be at the Wearside outfit will hope the 46-year-old can work similar magic with Jobe Bellingham if he takes over from Dodds, who has had an up-and-down time of things lately donning a Black Cats strip.

How Bellingham could perform under Heckingbottom

Heckingbottom is massively responsible for Ndiaye's upward career trajectory, with the 24-year-old now finding himself on the books at Olympique de Marseille after tearing the Championship to pieces for the Blades.

In that promotion-winning campaign, where Sheffield United impressively finished in that coveted second automatic promotion spot, the Senegalese attacking midfielder would net 15 goals and pick up 11 assists as a stunning star for Heckingbottom's men.

Bellingham will hope he can up his output to the same levels as Ndiaye next season if the 46-year-old does walk into the building, with the former Birmingham City youngster onto an admirable seven strikes for the campaign so far even with his side's topsy-turvy form killing their chances at a more respectable league finish.

Heckingbottom even stuck Ndiaye up top on his own at points during that successful season, with Dodds experimenting at playing Bellingham in the same role this campaign which hasn't always worked out.

Labelling the Birmingham youth product as "unbelievable" when speaking about what next season holds for Sunderland, Dodds will watch on from afar as to how the next manager in the Black Cats hot-seat does with the promising teenager at his disposal.

Appointing the former Blades boss could well feel like a risk, but with one of his ex-players in Wes Foderingham labelling him as "fantastic" for turning around the fortunes in South Yorkshire to jump up to the top flight, he could well do the same relocating to Wearside.

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Newcastle United will be looking to return to winning ways when they travel to face Fulham at Craven Cottage this afternoon.

Eddie Howe's side achieved a sensational comeback against West Ham United at St James' Park last weekend, with the Magpies showcasing their excellent powers of recovery.

However, his side failed to take advantage of their opportunities, with Alexander Isak the only player to finish any of the chances created by the Magpies against Everton.

Newcastle were made to pay for their missed opportunities when the Toffees were awarded a penalty after Paul Dummett fouled Ashley Young in the penalty area, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin firing home the resulting spot kick.

The game ended in a stalemate, with Howe needing to drop one player from the encounter if they were to claim all three points this weekend.

Elliot Anderson's stats against Everton

Youngster Elliot Anderson was handed a rare start against Sean Dyche's side, with the midfielder failing to take his opportunity with both hands.

He was replaced after 71 minutes by Joe Willock after Anderson only managed to complete 18 passes at a completion rate of just 78%, with the 21-year-old also being dispossessed twice.

The former Bristol Rovers loanee won 50% of his duels during the encounter, with the attacking midfielder putting in a solid shift, but just lacking quality at vital moments.

Newcastle's number 32 received a 6/10 rating for his display from Shields Gazette writer Dominic Scurr, with the journalist claiming that the youngster 'battled well' but faded in the second half.

The game against Everton was Anderson's first start since October last year, with the youngster bound to be a little rusty after only just returning from a long-term back problem.

Despite his lack of minutes, Howe must brutally drop the midfielder ahead of the clash against Marco Silva's side, with the Magpies boss needing to turn to another member of his first-team squad.

The man to replace Anderson against Fulham

Just like he did on Tuesday night, Willock should be brought into the side to start against Fulham this afternoon, with the former Arsenal talent impressing off the bench.

The 24-year-old has only started three Premier League games this calendar year after recovering from multiple setbacks with his Achilles that has seen him ruled out since November.

The "sensational" talent, as dubbed by Sky Sports pundit Nedem Onuoha, will be hoping to recapture his brilliant form that saw Newcastle permanently purchase the midfielder from Arsenal back in 2021.

Willock scored eight times in 14 appearances on loan at St James' Park, with the club paying £25m for the 24-year-old's signature in August 2021.

However, he's only managed seven goals since his permanent move, with the former Arsenal man hoping to replicate his sensational form starting from today.

He may take a little bit of time to settle back into Howe's side given his long injury lay-off, but the talent is more than deserving of a starting position given the injury to Joelinton and the suspension for big-money addition Sandro Tonali.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast's Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

Leeds United have been handed a major boost on the injury front as a key man has returned to action ahead of the final run-in.

Leeds stall after historic winning run

The Yorkshire outfit are flying this season under Daniel Farke, but may well need a record points tally to be promoted automatically from the Championship come the end of the campaign.

As it stands, they sit in third place, two points behind Ipswich Town and six points ahead of fourth placed Southampton, though the Saints have a game in hand on the sides above them.

With 76 points to their name, Leeds can theoretically reach 106 points by the end of the campaign should they re-continue their impressive recent run, but even should they amass far fewer than that they would be making history.

The record points tally required to claim the second automatic promotion spot currently sits at 93 points, and no team with more than 90 points (Sunderland 1997/98) have ever failed to be promoted.

The highest points tallies in Championship history

Leeds and Burnley recently made second-tier history.

ByCharlie Smith May 17, 2025

But with Ipswich on 78 points already, there is a strong chance that 93 points won't be enough to secure automatic promotion (5 wins and 5 losses from their final 10 games would see them reach that figure).

The run in

Ipswich Town vs…

Leeds United vs…

Cardiff City (A)

Sheffield Wednesday (A)

Sheffield Wednesday (H)

Millwall (H)

Blackburn Rovers (A)

Watford (A)

Southampton (H)

Hull City (H)

Norwich City (A)

Coventry City (A)

Watford (H)

Sunderland (H)

Middlesbrough (H)

Blackburn Rovers (H)

Coventry City (A)

Middlesbrough (A)

Hull City (A)

QPR (A)

Huddersfield Town (H)

Southampton (H)

To overturn that record, Leeds will need all the help they can get, and to that end they have been handed a timely update.

Leeds boost as key man set to return soon

Now, Leeds have been handed a major boost on the injury front as it has emerged that Pascal Struijk is set to make his long awaited return from injury in the coming weeks. The defender underwent surgery in January after picking up an adductor injury over Christmas, and is yet to make his return. However, he is now back in training and gearing up for his long-awaited re-introduction to Championship action.

Daniel Farke admitted that he believes Struijk could be the man to make the difference, hailing the return of his 'key player'.

"It feels a bit crazy that we didn't speak about him last two months and thank God we didn't have to because our defensive behaviour was spot on", the Leeds boss began.

"He's a cornerstone for our future. We play without such a key player for two months, once he's back in team training it's not like you press a button and he's back to his best. I expect him to be back in team training other side of international break at latest. Hopefully as soon as possible back in best possible shape."

He added that he felt Struijk could be a 'big factor' for the final ten games of the season, though he admitted he may not be back until after the international break. As it stands, Leeds have the best defensive record in the Championship, having conceded just 28 times all season. It could well be that the defender is not risked in light of his deputies having made such an impression, but it is nonetheless a major boost to Farke's squad planning given Struijk's lengthy absence.

Leeds are next in action away to Sheffield Wednesday on Friday night, with the Owls themselves fighting for their Championship lives in a congested relegation scrap.

Liverpool are willing to pay at least £50m to seal the signing of a "complete" player in the summer transfer window, according to a new update regarding the Reds' upcoming business.

Liverpool could further bolster midfield

The Merseysiders continue to plan for life after Jurgen Klopp this summer, with FSG making a number of eye-catching appointments in recent times. Michael Edwards is returning to the club as CEO of Football, while Bournemouth pair Richard Hughes and Mark Burchill are coming in as sporting director and chief scout respectively.

While the new manager is yet to be confirmed, the individual in question will no doubt be eyeing new signings at the end of the season, and it could be that further midfield reinforcements come in, despite last year's rebuild.

Atalanta ace Teun Koopmeiners is one player who has been linked with a summer move to Liverpool, with one report claiming that they are in pole position to snap up the Dutchman, and the most recent update suggesting that he wants to leave his current club in the summer window.

Shakhtar Donetsk youngster Georgiy Sudakov is also reportedly wanted by the Reds, in a move that could cost them as much as £85m, and away from the midfield, there are other potential targets, including Real Madrid star Rodrygo, who will admittedly be extremely difficult to sign.

Liverpool ready to pay £50m+ for "complete" ace

According to an update from Corriere dello Sport [via Sport Witness], Liverpool are willing to stump up the cash to sign Koopmeiners, with €60m (£51.7m) potentially enough to get their man.

The Reds are believed to be "following him very closely", seeing him as a primary target this summer, and perhaps the biggest aspect of the update is that fellow Italian outlet Gazzetta dello Sport states Alonso is one of his "biggest fans".

It does appear as though Koopmeiners is seen as a strong option for Liverpool moving forward, and possibly being considered an ideal replacement for Thiago in the squad, assuming the Spaniard moves on when his contract expires at the end of the current campaign.

Appearances

25

Starts

24

Goals

10

Assists

3

Key passes per game

1.9

Tackles per game

1.2

Pass completion rate

81.9%

There is certainly plenty working in the 26-year-old's favour given his all-round quality in midfield, leading Dutch legend Ruud Krol to say of him:

"Koop is a great player. He has an international calibre and is the starter in the Dutch national team. I certainly see him doing well at a big club. Juve or Milan? He would certainly be invaluable to both of them. Koopmeiners can play in all positions in the middle of the pitch: both as a playmaker and as a midfielder. He is a complete footballer who would be useful for all coaches, including Allegri."

Such high praise speaks volumes about Koopmeiners' ability, and should Alonso end up being Klopp's replacement, he could jump at the chance to work alongside the Atalanta man.

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ByHenry Jackson Mar 22, 2024

However, Liverpool's midfield is well-stocked, so there is an argument to say that the funds could be used elsewhere on the pitch, but too much depth is not often a bad thing.

A high-level football consultant has spoken of his surprise at the latest news he has heard from Nottingham Forest, ahead of a potential points deduction.

Nottingham Forest facing points deduction

The Reds are fighting for their Premier League survival, preparing to welcome leaders Liverpool to the City Ground on Saturday, but it is hard for Nuno Espirito Santo and his players to focus solely on on-pitch matters.

That's due to the potential points deduction that could come Forest's way for a possible breach of the profitability and sustainability rules (PSR), with Gary Neville admitting that he thinks a punishment is inevitable.

Should that happen, it would immediately throw Forest into the relegation zone behind Luton Town, with a return to the Championship potentially setting the club back years.

Everton have already been docked 10 points, which has been reduced to six for now, and it does feel increasingly as though financial punishments could decide the relegation battle.

Consultant stunned by Nottingham Forest news

Speaking to Football Insider, elite football consultant and former Everton CEO Keith Wyness said he fully expects Nottingham Forest to receive a six-point hit, revealing he has heard it is down to issues with just one transfer and is therefore too harsh of a penalty.

"I’m afraid it does look like that Forest will receive a six-point penalty. It seems to be a pretty minor breach and I think it’s over one player from what I’ve been reading. I think there’s any doubt there’s going to have to be some sort of points deduction unless there are mitigating circumstances I’m not aware of.I still believe that’s the wrong sort of penalty.

"I think it’s draconian and I would hope that the commission hearing this understands that a suspended points deduction may be the best way forward or a transfer ban or a fine. I still believe this is too harsh."

There does seem to be a worrying inevitability about Forest being docked six points, considering Everton have already suffered that fate this season, as mentioned, but Wyness' comments do suggest that Reds supporters could feel hard done by.

The fact that the punishment reportedly revolves around one player immediately seems harsh, however, rather than a number of iffy dealings by the club, and it makes you wonder how clubs like Manchester City continue to receive no bans or points deductions, considering they have 115 charges against them.

Nottingham Forest star had one of his best game under Nuno vs Man Utd

He’s failed to reach the levels he achieved at times last season.

ByEthan Lamb Feb 29, 2024

For now, Forest supporters simply have to sit and wait, hoping that they avoid having points taken away from them, and the hope is that Nuno and his players can create a siege mentality in every Premier League game remaining, starting in what should be a raucous atmosphere at home to Liverpool this weekend.

Kylian Mbappe made a point of celebrating Jan Vertonghen's own goal in the Belgium defender's face as France progress to Euro 2024 quarter-finals.

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Mbappe ran over to Vertonghen to celebrateOwn goal decided France-Belgium clashBad blood had already been brewingWHAT HAPPENED?

When Vertonghen inadvertently turned the ball into his own net five minutes before the end of the last 16 clash, Mbappe purposefully ran straight over to the veteran centre-back before going to celebrate what soon became the winning goal with his team-mates. A word or two was said in Vertonghen's direction and Mbappe ended up being spoken to by the referee afterwards.

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It wasn't a moment in isolation from Mbappe. Some bad blood had already been brewing between the pair after Vertonghen appeared to accuse the Frenchman of diving to try and win a penalty earlier in the game. He clearly took exception to that and had confronted his opponent about it, deliberately and aggressively bumping him.

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Getty WHAT NEXT FOR MBAPPE & FRANCE?

France are into the last eight of a major international tournament for the seventh time in a row – a run that began at Euro 2012. On the tougher side of the knockout bracket, they will face the winner of Portugal and Slovenia for a place in the semi-finals.

After a difficult start to the 2023/24 campaign, Manchester United are currently unbeaten in 2024 so far, winning five of their previous six matches.

Erik ten Hag finally has his side firing on all levels and this could allow them to push on and secure the final Champions League place for next season.

While summer signing Rasmus Hojlund has started scoring regulary – four in his previous four Premier League matches – Ten Hag’s other big money signings since taking charge of the Red Devils have failed to showcase their talents.

Antony cost £86m during the summer of 2022, but has only scored nine goals for the club, whereas Mason Mount was another expensive arrival, costing £55m, yet he has registered just one assist in 12 appearances.

Both signings appear to be a rather extravagant waste of money, yet this has been the norm at United since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013.

Many have come and gone without making much of an impact, all while costing the club millions in transfer fees and wages before they are sold at a loss.

Either that, or their value declines rapidly, which is the case with Harry Maguire, who has seen his market value plummet since arriving in Manchester nearly five years ago.

How much Harry Maguire cost Man United

The English defender enjoyed two solid campaigns at Leicester City, where he made a total of 76 appearances for the Foxes while gaining England recognition in the process.

Maguire shone for England during their 2018 World Cup campaign in Russia as they reached the semi-finals for the first time since 1990 and the Leicester centre-back even scored and grabbed an assist in his seven matches in the tournament.

With Ole Gunnar Solskjaer looking at bolstering his squad ahead of his first full season during the summer of 2019, he earmarked Maguire as a player who should be signed.

With a few weeks to go before the transfer window closed, the Norwegian manager got his wish and the defender joined for a transfer fee in the region of £80m – a record for a defender.

While he had performed relatively well during his spell with the Foxes, splurging £80m on the player meant Brendan Rodgers' side definitely got the best end of the deal.

Over the next four and a half years, the Englishman has failed to live up to such a lavish fee and now his market value is actually lower than that of Anthony Martial’s – another extravagant purchase that hasn’t enjoyed success in Manchester.

Anthony Martial’s market value at Man United

The Frenchman joined the Red Devils aged just 19 in 2015 for an initial fee of £36m and this made him the most expensive teenager in history at the time.

A goalscoring debut against Liverpool which saw United claim a 3-1 win looked like it could be a sign of things to come, but in all honesty, he has failed to really demonstrate a consistent run of goals during his spell at the club.

Indeed, the best season he has had with regard to goals was netting 23 during the 2019/20 campaign and his value has declined rapidly in recent years.

At the time of writing, Martial’s current market value is just €12.1m (£10.3m) according to Football Transfers and with his contract expiring at the end of the season, it looks as though he will leave for free.

Harry Maguire’s market valuation at Man United

Martial’s lack of impact and meaningful legacy at United have been the main contributing factors to his rapid decline in recent years and the same thing is happening to Maguire.

Following his £80m move from Leicester, his market value has never actually gone over €60m (£51.3m) and it clearly indicates that the club paid way over the top for him in the first place.

£89m

£86m

£80m

£75m

£73m

The defender has endured a long, steady decline since joining and his recent valuation, according to Football Transfers, is currently sitting at €11m (£9.4m), a staggering decline over the previous four and a half years.

Maguire has just 18 months remaining on his current contract and unless United look to sell him during the upcoming summer transfer window, they face the fear of allowing him to leave without recouping a single penny.

Why Harry Maguire’s market value has declined

The £190k-per-week defender has made a total of 196 appearances for the club, yet since Ten Hag arrived at the club, he has played only 52 matches in all competitions.

When compared to his positional peers in Europe’s top five leagues over the previous 365 days, Maguire currently ranks outside the top 50% for pass completion percentage per 90 (83%), tackles per 90 (1.12) and successful take-ons per 90 (0.1), while he only ranks in the top 37% for progressive passes per 90 (3.71) and the top 38% for passes attempted per 90 (59.87), proving that he is not among one of the elite defenders when compared to his peers.

Maguire has been known for his high-profile errors during his time at United and last season saw him make a few mistakes for the club.

Against Sevilla in the Europa League, the defender made a loose pass which was intended for a teammate but was intercepted by Youssef En-Nesyri, who opened the scoring.

Another mistake was made against Athletic Bilbao in a pre-season clash last year, as Maguire once again made a loose pass which saw the Spanish side score and his frailties at the back have certainly been exposed in recent times.

The Old Trafford side have certainly had a transfer shocker over the purchase of the player for £80m back in 2019 and It's safe to say that they have not received a player of such quality.

His decline in market value since arriving at the club is evidence they grossly overpaid for him in the first place and Ten Hag may be looking to bring in a fee for him during the summer, otherwise it will be another colossal waste of money by the Premier League side.

Inter Miami ace Lionel Messi sent tennis star Carlos Alcaraz a good luck gift before the Spaniard beat Alexander Zverev in the French Open final.

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• Alcaraz took on Zverev in French Open final
• Miami's Messi sent Spaniard pre-match gift
• Youngster beats German in epic five-setter

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Shortly after the 2024 men's singles French Open final got underway, it emerged on X, formerly Twitter, that Argentine icon Messi had sent a classy gift to the 21-year-old. The Spaniard was seen holding up a framed, and signed, Inter Miami shirt from the veteran on Sunday afternoon – something the tennis ace appeared to be thrilled about.

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Alcaraz won his third grand slam at the age of 21, becoming the youngest man to win majors on all three surfaces (hard court, grass, and clay). Such is his star power, sportsmen from across the world are praising his talent – such as Al-Hilal's Neymar.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  This is not the first time Messi has sent gifts to a tennis player. In December, he sent Rafael Nadal some signed Argentinian memorabilia one year on from their 2022 World Cup triumph in Qatar. This came after Nadal backed him to win the Laureus Sportsman of the Year award.

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• Getty Images
  

  WHAT NEXT?

  While Alcaraz will enjoy a well-earned break after his first French Open win, Messi is preparing to represent his country at this summer's Copa America. His side face Canada, Chile, and Peru in the group stages of that competition.

Glasgow Rangers appear to be enjoying a fruitful last few days of the January transfer window if the recent rumours prove to be true.

Firstly, Fabrizio Romano stated that the Gers had reached an agreement to sign Brazilian left-back Jefte from Fluminense, as Philippe Clement looks to improve that area of the squad, and he could be a wonderful signing.

Secondly, the Belgian is also reportedly closing in on a move for Colombian winger Oscar Cortes, according to Rangers Review journalist Chris Jack, and this is another example of luring a talented youngster to Ibrox.

Before deadline day on Thursday, the 49-year-old may also be looking to move a player or two out in order to free up some funds, and it looks as though a summer arrival may end his stint in Glasgow early…

Potential departures before the deadline

Amid all the news about the potential incomings to Ibrox last week, there was also some news regarding departures.

A loan offer was reportedly made by Turkish outfit Rizespor to take Jose Cifuentes on a temporary spell until the end of the season before potentially activating a £2m option to buy clause, and it looked as though his spell in Scotland was over before it really got off the ground.

Journalist Derek Clark has given an update on his situation, however, claiming that the midfielder does not want to move to Turkey this month. This is not the end of the saga. Journalist Alan Nixon has now claimed that the Ibrox side have allowed Cifuentes to discuss a loan move with Brazilian side Cruzeiro.

There could still be plenty more twists and turns during the dying embers of the transfer window, but it looks as though the Colombian could be close to sealing a move away from the club.

While Mohammed Diomande has joined the club this month, could Clement perhaps make a move for another midfielder?

Rangers' search for new signings

Having signed Fabio Silva from Wolverhampton Wanderers on loan towards the end of December, the next few weeks proved to be rather disappointing in terms of further new arrivals.

There were plenty of links, with Steven Alzate being a player who Clement was showing interest in, according to Belgian news outlet DH Les Sports during the early stages of the transfer window.

The midfielder is currently on loan at Standard Liege from Premier League side Brighton and Hove Albion, yet his contract is expiring at the end of the current season.

This could perhaps entice Clement into securing a knockdown fee with the Seagulls in the hope that he can lure him to Ibrox.

John Lundstram and Ryan Jack are also both out of contract at the end of this season, while it looks as if Cifuentes will be moved on sooner rather than later going by recent updates on his future.

While Rangers need another centre-forward at least before January is out, a deal for Alzate makes a lot of sense.

Jose Cifuentes' Rangers career in numbers

Having impressed during a spell at Los Angeles FC, Cifuentes was expected to strengthen the midfield area at Rangers upon his arrival.

It didn’t quite work out as planned, however, as the Colombian made just 11 starts during the first half of the season as he struggled to establish any sort of consistency under either Michael Beale or Clement.

Across his six Premiership starts, the Ecuadorian did manage to create two big chances and average an 87% pass success rate per match, but it looks as though Clement prefers other players.

There is no doubt that Cifuentes is an excellent midfielder, and he showcased his talents in the MLS for LAFC, but Scottish football is a totally different style.

If he does leave this month, he will depart with only well wishes from the Ibrox faithful, but it could give the former AS Monaco coach a licence to bring Alzate to the club.

Why Steven Alzate could be a good signing for Rangers

First of all, the midfielder has experience of playing in the Premier League, featuring 43 times for Brighton between 2019 and 2021, and while this is not a prerequisite for success north of the border, it certainly helps to know he has played in one of the best leagues on the continent.

Since failing out of favour at the south coast side during the 2022/23 season, the 25-year-old moved to Standard Liege on loan and demonstrated he can shine wherever he plays, scoring three goals and grabbing five assists in just 27 league matches.

Steven Alzate: Domestic stats at Standard Liege

2022/23

2023/24

Goals

3

1

Assists

5

2

Accurate passes per game

42

42.6

Big chances created

5

2

Tackles per game

2.4

2.2

Via Sofascore

Although missing a few games this term due to injury, he has still impressed for the Belgian side when compared to his teammates.

Indeed, across the Standard squad, Alzate is currently ranked fourth for big chances created (two), along with ranking third for accurate passes per game (42.6) and first for tackles per game (2.2) with these statistics clear evidence that he has shone in a wide range of performance metrics.

It looks as though Clement could sign a player who is not only capable of performing the defensive duties of a midfielder but one who is equally adept at dictating the play and creating opportunities for his teammates.

Journalist Josh Bunting previously lauded the Londonb-born Colombian during his spell on the south coast, saying: “Steven Alzate superb again for Brighton, he is so creative, brings so much energy into the game.”

Although the Gers are seemingly stocked with midfielders, the injury crisis that occurred prior to Christmas proves that there is no such thing as too much depth, and it is clear that the manager is thinking about the future.

If a move for Alzate does not go through this month, the Gers should be doing everything they can to get him tied up on a pre-contract agreement ahead of the 2024/25 season and begin to build their squad early.

The Light Blues could end the transfer window with a bang, having started it with one by signing Silva, and these new signings could be the difference between winning the league title or finishing second yet again.

Manchester City are never far away from high-profile transfer stories and Pep Guardiola is now said to be eyeing a half-price move for a prominent versatile midfielder, according to a report.

Man City get their January business underway…

Incomings and outgoings could be expected over the course of the January window at the Etihad Stadium, with Guardiola and co looking to put themselves in the best position possible to try and claim a fourth successive Premier League title triumph.

Kalvin Phillips has been extensively linked with a move away from the club as he looks to receive regular minutes ahead of EURO 2024 in Germany this summer.

All confirmed Premier League done deals: January transfer window 2024

With the January transfer window coming towards its conclusion, FFC has all the info for tracking your club’s winter transfer activity.

ByLuke Randall Feb 1, 2024

Newcastle United and Serie A giants Juventus have been mentioned as potential destinations for the England international; however, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has hinted that the latter may have now admitted defeat in the race to sign the former Leeds United midfielder.

Sky Blues supporters could be more concerned by potential arrivals this month, though, and River Plate sensation Claudio Echeverri has all but sealed terms on a six-year deal and will officially arrive in Manchester in December. Now, Citizens' boss Guardiola is said to be lining up a cut-price move for one of Europe's most high-profile players, according to a report.

Man City line up half-price Joshua Kimmich swoop

According to The Daily Star, Manchester City are keen on a summer swoop for Bayern Munich star Joshua Kimmich, who will be entering the final year of his contract at the Allianz Arena. Guardiola, a huge fan of the player, would be keen to re-ignite their previous partnership; however, he is taking a measured view of the situation as the Germany international may cost around £50 million this window.

Joshua Kimmich key Bundesliga statistics in 2023/24 – (Sofascore)

Key passes per game

2.7

Touches

94.2

Big chances created

3

Accurate passes per game

70.7 (90%)

Tackles per game

2.0

Average match rating

7.37/10

In the next cycle of market activity later this year, the report claims that £320,000 per week earner Kimmich could be available for as little as £25 million and both parties are seemingly willing to commit to working together.

Dubbed "phenomenal" by Jose Mourinho, Kimmich has gone on to make 20 appearances in all competitions for Bayern Munich this season, registering one goal and six assists (Kimmich statistics – Transfermarkt).

Manchester City have an incredibly talented midfield to pick from and adding Kimmich, who can also play at right-back, to their options could be an exceptional piece of business as they continue to fight for silverware on all fronts, making this one to watch as the year progresses.