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Sky Sports presenter Joe Thomlinson is concerned by the lack of impact Nathan Jones has been able to make at Southampton.

The Lowdown: Worrying times for Southampton

The Saints are currently propping up the Premier League table with just two wins to their name, but they do appear to be addressing their worrying situation.

They’ve already moved to hand Jones some more tools in the form of Mislav Orsic, who arrives on the south coast with an impressive goalscoring record out in Croatia for Dinamo Zagreb.

Jones hasn’t been able to yet put a proper stamp on this Southampton side in terms of new signings, though while that will likely change very soon, the Welsh boss has seemingly changed very little on the pitch, having lost all his league games as manager.

The Latest: Jones has to be doing more

Thomlinson has slammed Jones on the Football Daily YouTube channel for not making a big enough impact on his Southampton side from a tactical point of view since his arrival.

He said: “My biggest concern is that they’ve appointed Nathan Jones prior to the Word Cup, he’s had 5-6 weeks working with this side, solidly, of a group of players… not many of them went to the World Cup.

“And they still don’t have a set formation, there’s still a different XI being put out every time, it doesn’t look like anybody knows what they’re doing out there. That is a massive concern.”

The Verdict: Unsure times ahead for the Saints

This will be very alarming for fans and Sport Republic watching on as their new appointment, who was brought in to drag them away from the threat of relegation, has arguably only made them worse, having now lost five league games in a row.

Southampton are in desperate need of some inspiration from their manager to bring about some fresh ideas that can help them pick up points to stop the rot of this horrid losing streak.

Jones did indeed have a large chunk of time with no distractions to get his ideas across during the World Cup, but it appears as though the squad have only been left confused and uninspired as there are few other explanations as to why they should be losing so many games.

Everton missed out on Ben Brereton Diaz on Deadline Day in the summer and now a new update has emerged on the club’s pursuit of the player ahead of the January transfer window.

What’s the latest?

According to journalist Peter O’Rourke, Everton could revisit their interest in the Blackburn Rovers striker as he seems no closer to signing a new deal for his current club, despite being out of contract in six months.

Speaking to Football FanCast, O’Rourke claimed:

“I think Frank Lampard has been pretty adamant that they do need to bring in some attacking reinforcements due to their goal-scoring problems and Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s injury issues as well.

“So yeah, sounds like Brereton Diaz [is a target], who Everton were interested in the summer transfer window, I’m sure they will be looking at his situation at Blackburn.

“He’s in the last six months of his contract now and it doesn’t seem he’s any closer to signing a new contract.”

He could save Everton’s season

The Toffees have found themselves once again teetering on the edge of the relegation zone ahead of their return to Premier League action next week.

Everton are currently 17th in the league table after a run of poor performances before the World Cup break and are now just one point clear of the relegation zone.

Despite only managing the squad since January, Frank Lampard has already experienced the difficulty of surviving in a relegation scrap and will be hoping that they can do enough to avoid a struggle for survival over the second half of the season.

Only Wolverhampton Wanderers have scored fewer goals in the top flight so far this season, so the signing of Brereton Diaz in January could be the linchpin in improving the attacking threat and increasing the goal contributions in the team.

The Rovers striker, valued at £20m, has been one of the Championship’s stand-out performers in front of goal over the last 18 months, and has shown no signs of slowing down during the season so far.

Over 23 Championship appearances, Brereton Diaz – who was hailed “elite” by Gary Brazil – has scored nine goals, registered three assists and created five big chances, as well as averaging one key pass, 2.7 shots on goals and 2.8 duels per game.

With that being said, if Lampard could secure the signing of Brereton Diaz in the new year it could transform Everton’s performances and ultimately save their season over the remainder of the campaign.

Wolves are one of several Premier League sides to be linked with Blackburn Rovers striker Ben Brereton Diaz and the Chile international’s arrival could see Hwang Hee-chan leave Molineux.

According to 90min, the 23-year-old striker is on the shortlist of a number of top-flight sides including Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester United, West Ham, Aston Villa, Crystal Palace and Brighton ahead of the January window.

Brereton Diaz’s contract at Ewood Park is set to expire at the end of the current campaign which leaves the Lancashire outfit with a huge decision to make in the new year, as foreign clubs will be able to approach the striker on a pre-contract deal with the view to signing him on a free transfer.

Blackburn valued the former Nottingham Forest man at £20m during the summer after a hugely impressive campaign in the Championship which saw him hit 22 goals in just 35 appearances in the second tier, averaging a superb 7.06 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

He has continued that strong form into the new season with Jon Dahl Tomasson’s side, with nine league goals to his name thus far, and it is easy to see why Blackburn might demand a significant fee for him in January despite his contract situation, as they will be hoping that he can fire them to promotion to the Premier League.

Rovers currently sit third in the Championship so will fancy their chances of swapping places with Wolves for the 2023/24 campaign, but Julen Lopetegui has been brought in to avoid relegation at all costs.

The Spaniard takes over a side bottom of the top flight with just eight goals to their name, so signing a consistent goalscorer has to be a priority for the former Sevilla boss in January.

In the absence of Raul Jimenez, Pedro Neto and Sasa Kalajdzic for much of the season, the Old Gold have struggled to trouble Premier League defences, and Hwang’s poor form since joining permanently has been a big factor behind that.

After hitting five goals on loan from RB Leipzig last season it was hoped that the South Korea international, once dubbed a “top player,” could have a big impact going forward again in the current campaign.

However, he has struggled for regular game time and has been woeful on his rare starts, with WhoScored awarding him a shocking 6.15 average rating for his performances in the Premier League.

This ranks him as the 21st-best player at Molineux so far this campaign, which suggests that he needs to leave in January and that the “phenomenal” Brereton Diaz would be a significant upgrade in Lopetegui’s squad.

Liverpool forward Diogo Jota’s injury is ‘complicated’ and his absence is expected to be ‘long-term’, according to an update from injury analyst Ben Dinnery.

The Lowdown: Jota missing for a while

The Reds have again found themselves struggling with injuries this season, with Jurgen Klopp having to make do without some key players for long periods.

Jota falls into that category after being stretchered off in the 1-0 win at home to Manchester City in the Premier League in October, and he was subsequently ruled out of the World Cup.

The hope was that the 26-year-old would make a fast recovery from his knee issue but that doesn’t seem to be the case, following a new revelation.

The Latest: Long-term injury blow

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Dinnery admitted that Jota’s knee injury is a serious one and that he won’t be returning to action for a while.

The injury analyst said:

“With Diogo Jota, it is slightly more complicated and it is very much long-term.

“He will be going out to Dubai but that is purely just to continue his rehab, and for a change of scenery, get a bit of sun on his back, and psychologically it can be a bit of a boost to get away and change your environment.”

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The Verdict: Huge miss for Reds

There is no denying that this is a huge blow for Liverpool, even if they knew Jota was out for a long time already, with the Portuguese forward such a potent attacking figure at Anfield.

The 26-year-old has scored 34 goals in 93 appearances for the Reds and has the ability to pop up with crucial strikes – like those at Manchester City and Arsenal last season, for example – showcasing his ruthlessness in the final third.

Without Jota available for much of the season, Klopp desperately needs his other attackers to stay fit, with Luis Diaz hopefully back after the World Cup and Darwin Nunez continuing to improve in a Reds shirt.

Wolverhampton Wanderers take on Premier League table toppers Arsenal in their final match before the mid-season break due to the World Cup.

The Old Gold have finally hired a new manager, with 56-year-old Julen Lopetegui appointed last week, however, he won’t take charge of the club until after the break for international football.

Steve Davis led the Molineux outfit to a midweek EFL Cup win over Leeds United courtesy of a late Boubacar Traore strike as the interim manager made six changes from the loss to Brighton & Hove Albion last weekend.

Davis will most likely revert back to a full-strength side ahead of this evening’s clash and we at Football FanCast predict the Wolves starting XI…

Predicted Wolves XI

Jose Sa will come back into the side after being rested against Leeds in midweek and he will aim to keep just his fifth league clean sheet this season.

Nathan Collins and Max Kilman will form the heart of the Wolves defence and they will be flanked by Nelson Semedo at right-back – who served his one-match ban in midweek – and Hugo Bueno at left-back.

The midfield will see two changes from the win over Leeds.

Ruben Neves will keep his place and he is currently the club’s highest scorer this season with four goals, while Matheus Nunes will hope to put in a solid performance before joining up with the Portuguese World Cup squad.

The £100k-per-week Joao Moutinho will drop to the bench in favour of Boubacar Traore – dubbed a “dribbling machine” by analyst Liam Henshaw – and he will look to build upon his goal against Leeds.

Adama Traore will retain his place on the right wing, while Daniel Podence will come back into the side on the left.

Goncalo Guedes, who missed out on a place in the Portuguese squad for the World Cup, will lead the line and hope to score for the second league game in a row after his goal against Brighton last weekend.

It will be a tough ask for Wolves to secure a positive result tonight, but if they do, it could be a perfect way to head into the break with a new era under Lopetegui to look forward to.

Predicted Wolves XI: Sa; Bueno, Kilman, Collins, Semedo; Traore, Neves, Nunes; Podence, Guedes, Traore

Arsenal have shown they’re “serious” about signing West Ham star Declan Rice and talks are still ongoing despite a second rebuffed offer, according to Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth.

Who will Arsenal sign this summer?

The north Londoners have had their eyes on Rice for much of the transfer window and beforehand, with reports suggesting he is manager Mikel Arteta’s top summer target.

As well as the England international, Arsenal are thought to be chasing deals for fellow midfield stars Ilkay Gundogan and Romeo Lavia, as they look to shore up that area of the squad.

This comes as one of their 2022/2023 stars, Thomas Partey, could well depart the Emirates Stadium, according to reports, with supporters potentially about to see a new-look for midfield for next campaign.

Arteta also wants to strengthen in the attacking areas and in defence, with Chelsea’s Kai Havertz reportedly edging nearer a move to Arsenal and Netherlands international Jurrien Timber on their agenda.

Going back to Rice, Arsenal have now had a second bid rejected, despite it being a club record, as West Ham had no interest in entertaining their £90 million offer (£75m guaranteed + £15m add-ons).

However, sporting director Edu and co appear determined to get it done regardless, and negotiations continue behind-the-scenes.

That is from Sky’s Sheth, who says Arsenal talks remain ongoing for Rice and they’re “serious” about capturing him.

How much will Declan Rice cost?

Some sources suggest that West Ham want up to £120 million for their prized asset, but could also accept the possibility of £100m plus a player in part-exchange.

Based off this, Arsenal may really need to up the ante, especially with Premier League champions and treble-winners Man City reportedly lurking in the background.

Rice has been a star under David Moyes at West Ham, standing out as their best-performing player per 90 by average match rating last season, according to WhoScored.

Described as a midfield “monster” by Frank Lebeouf, he’s now won his first major trophy, a Europa Conference League title with the Irons at the end of 2022/2023.

Rice’s stock just keeps on rising, but unfortunately for Arsenal, so does his price tag – and this could be a saga that keeps going on well into the window.

Despite the pressure he is facing at the moment, Steven Gerrard has brought some genuine quality to Aston Villa during his time as manager.

The likes of Boubacar Kamara, Diego Carlos and Philippe Coutinho are all at the club on a permanent basis following summer moves, and with such talent at their disposal, Villa should really be sitting higher than the 16th position they currently occupy in the Premier League table.

Gerrard inherited a squad which contained Ollie Watkins, Leon Bailey and Tyrone Mings, but it is right-back Matty Cash on whom the club have really hit the jackpot.

Aston Villa struck gold with Matty Cash

The defender was signed by former Villa boss Dean Smith in 2020 for a fee of £14m from then-Championship side Nottingham Forest, and the Poland international has settled into life in the top flight with ease.

He played 28 league matches in his first season at Villa Park, helping the side to keep ten clean sheets and completing 67% of his attempted dribbles, showcasing his attacking intent down the right-hand side whenever possible.

Cash started every league game last season and had seven goal contributions (four goals, three assists) while also displaying his excellent defensive attributes, making 2.3 tackles (second in the squad) and 1.3 interceptions per match (first in the squad) as he became one of the first names on Gerrard’s team sheet.

The £65k-per-week defender has also made a splash on international level, making his debut for Poland in 2021, and he could be set to feature at the upcoming World Cup.

Speaking on Soccer Saturday in January 2020, Sky Sports pundit Matt Murray hailed Cash as a “quality” player, and this was before he made the move to the Premier League.

With CIES Football Observatory valuing the player at €35m (£30.4m), it represents more than double what Villa paid just over two years ago, with the player now worth 118% more than his 2020 transfer fee.

Cash is still only 25 and has a couple of years left before he even hits the peak of his powers. By that stage, Villa could well make a fortune on the player.

Tottenham Hotspur’s signing of Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg from Southampton has proven to be something of a masterstroke by Daniel Levy but not everyone was on board when the Denmark international joined.

Hojbjerg signed for Spurs in the summer of 2020 in a deal worth £15m, with Kyle Walker-Peters heading in the opposite direction after a successful loan spell with Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side.

Since then, the midfielder has gone on to establish himself as a key player in Spurs’ side, making 110 appearances, in which he has contributed seven goals and 11 assists.

Despite being a solid player in Southampton’s side the previous season, averaging an impressive 6.83 rating from WhoScored for his performances, not everyone was convinced by Levy’s transfer business, with former Spurs forward Darren Bent particularly critical on talkSPORT.

He said:

“It looks like Spurs are going to sign Hojbjerg from Southampton, this is one for me that I don’t quite get.

“I think he’s a good player but can he take Spurs to the next level? I don’t think he can. I think Spurs fans will like him because he works hard, don’t think they’ll be excited by it but they’ll understand it.”

With Spurs now back in the Champions League and threatening at the top of the table under Antonio Conte, Hojbjerg has more than proven his worth in the heart of the Italian’s midfield.

So far this season, only Harry Kane has been ranked higher than Hojbjerg in Spurs’ side by WhoScored, with the Dane averaging a superb 7.53 rating for his performances in the Premier League, with two goals and an assist to his name.

The midfield “monster” has taken his game to another level so far this season, perhaps threatened by the summer addition of Yves Bissouma, and he looks likely to be a key part of any potential Spurs title challenge.

In a deep-lying role, Hojbjerg has excelled in comparison to some of his peers across the Premier League – currently, he sits amongst the top 10% of all midfielders across Europe for progressive passes (6.02 per 90) over the last year, via FBref, which is more than Casemiro, N’Golo Kante, Fabinho and even Rodri.

Therefore, Bent will surely be eating his words on the former Bayern Munich man, as the £15m Levy paid looks to have been a bargain when you consider that he is arguably “invaluable” in this exciting Spurs side.

West Ham United could still be set to make a move for Chelsea striker Armando Broja before the window closes, having been rebuffed in their approach for the youngster earlier this summer.

What’s the word?

According to journalist Paul Brown – speaking to GIVEMESPORT – the Hammers are said to be one of the clubs who are “waiting” to see if the Albania international could become available before deadline day, with there still lingering hope that a deal can be struck for the 20-year-old.

The transfer insider stated: “I’m pretty certain that West Ham, Everton, Southampton, probably some others, are all still waiting to see what happens with Broja.

“There is a little window there, a crack open, for those clubs, and I think they suspect that he might still push to leave before the transfer window shuts.”

The east Londoners are believed to have had a bid of around £30m rejected for the 14-cap menace back in July, with the player having since been integrated into Thomas Tuchel’s first-team plans at Stamford Bridge – making two late cameos off the bench so far this term.

Devastating duo

While it has become something of a saga regarding West Ham’s interest in Broja, manager David Moyes would no doubt be delighted if his side could pull off yet another impressive piece of business to bring the highly-rated talent to the club.

The “devastating” marksman – as dubbed by national team assistant coach Sergio Porrini – caught the eye on loan at Southampton last term, scoring nine goals in all competitions during his stint at St Mary’s.

The £19.8m-rated ace – who previously netted 11 goals during a spell on loan at Vitesse Arnhem – impressed with his impressive strength and finishing prowess, with the 6 foot 3 “superstar”, as described by journalist Dan Sheldon, proving himself a real handful for defences across the division.

His arrival at the London Stadium could well see the formation of a hugely mouthwatering attacking partnership alongside summer signing, Gianluca Scamacca, with the 6 foot 5 titan also offering a real imposing, physical presence in attack.

Equally, much like Broja, the Italy international has also proven himself a lethal asset in front of goal, having scored 16 goals in Serie A last term, after netting 12 goals in just 29 games in all competitions the year prior while on loan at Genoa.

While he has been eased into life in the Premier League, the 23-year-old has already showcased his talent in a Hammers shirt on the European stage, scoring in both legs of the club’s Europa Conference League playoff triumph over Viborg FF.

With Moyes having deployed a 3-5-2 formation in Sunday’s much-needed victory over Aston Villa, there is the potential to partner the former Sassuolo man alongside Broja in attack this season, forging what could well be a ‘devastating’ attacking duo.

Journalist and Sunderland supporter Josh Bunting has given his reaction to some transfer news that he has heard involving Jack Diamond.

The Lowdown: Fleetwood interested in Diamond

As per Football Insider, League One club Fleetwood Town have now registered their interest in signing Diamond, with the winger is a ‘top target’ for Scott Brown’s side.

The Championship club have reportedly given the ‘green light’ for the 22-year-old to leave the Stadium of Light, despite giving him a contract extension last year.

The Latest: Bunting reacts

Taking to Twitter, Bunting gave his instant reaction to the news of Diamond’s possible departure from Sunderland, claiming that the winger would be a ‘good signing’ for Fleetwood, and that he hopes that the propsed deal comes off.

Bunting stated: “Good signing for Fleetwood this if they get him, they’ve been direct in their opening two League One games and that will suit Jack Diamond. Just get the ball into him and he will drive at defenders. Can see him do well there, hope it happens.”

The Verdict: Sell him

Given the recruitment of attackers Ellis Simms, Jack Clarke and Leon Dajaku so far this summer, it seems unlikely that Diamond would get much game-time if he stays at Sunderland beyond the current transfer window.

He has not featured for Alex Neil’s side yet this season and was shipped off to Harrogate Town last term after making just five appearances for the Black Cats when they were in League One (Transfermarkt).

At 22 years of age, Diamond needs to be playing regular football now, so if Sunderland can get a decent fee for him from Fleetwood, it would be a move which would surely suit all parties involved.