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Newcastle United could well be open to making a move for Chelsea forward, Christian Pulisic, with the United States international seemingly set for an exit from Stamford Bridge in January.

What’s the word?

According to recent reports, the Magpies – as well as fellow Premier League sides Arsenal and Manchester United – are believed to be in the race for the 24-year-old’s signature, with the playmaker facing an uncertain future in west London with just 18 months remaining on his existing deal.

The former Borussia Dortmund man had seemingly been keen on a departure from the Blues over the summer after falling out of favour at his current side, with the Tynesiders named as one of the clubs who were interested in his services at the time.

According to transfer insider Dean Jones – speaking to GIVEMESPORT – sporting director Dan Ashworth could well look to revive that interest in the New Year, with the St James’ Park outfit believed to be “willing” to land the wantaway star.

The respected source stated: “He is still someone that they’d be willing to consider. I think he does fit with where they’re headed in terms of recruitment.

“He wouldn’t be considered as a superstar coming in and that’s important. I think he would be a good fit for the style of play too.”

World Cup ‘hero’

Although it has proven a difficult spell in the capital of late for Pulisic – having made just five starts in all competitions this season for Graham Potter’s side – the Hershey-born sensation has showcased his class on the World Cup stage in recent weeks, helping to drag his country into the knockout stages.

The fleet-footed “magician” – as described by writer Al Butler – has seemingly carried the weight of a nation on his shoulders at times due to his talismanic status, although “Captain America”, as he is affectionately known, has risen to that challenge.

While Gregg Berhalter’s side did crash out in the round of 16 stage following the defeat to the Netherlands at the weekend, the 5 foot 10 ace still showed his class after registering an assist to spark momentary hope of a remarkable comeback.

Prior to that, the electric ace had also scored once and laid on one assist during the group stage to help his nation secure progression, notably showing real bravery to score a vital winner against Iran on matchday three.

Lauded as a “hero” as a result of that impact by journalist Daniel Propper, the £150k-per-week man showcased his creative spark in all four games in Qatar having averaged an impressive 2.3 key passes per game, while also ranking joint-fifth alongside Lionel Messi for most chance-creating carries (4).

A player who seemingly welcomes the pressure of the big occasion, Pulisic could be that extra sprinkling of quality that Newcastle may well be in need of in their quest to secure a top-four berth, with Ashworth simply needing to get a deal over the line sooner rather than later.

Aston Villa are interested in a deal to bring Nicolas Jackson to Villa Park in the January transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by The Express, who claim that Unai Emery is targeting the signing of a new wide forward this winter, with one of the players on the 51-year-old manager’s shortlist believed to be his former Villarreal CF starlet.

However, the report goes on to state that the Spaniard is not alone in his interest in the right-winger, with a number of unnamed Premier League clubs also believed to be keeping a close eye on the situation on the 21-year-old – who is reported to have a release clause worth £27m written into his contract at the Estadio de la Cerámica.

Emery’s own Neymar

While it is true that Jackson does not boast a wealth of experience at senior level, having made a total of 47 appearances in the professional game, considering just how exciting a prospect the youngster very much appears to be, it is not difficult to understand why Emery would be keen on a deal to bring the flanker to Villa Park this winter.

Indeed, despite his tender age, the £13m-rated talent has already established himself as a regular part of the Villarreal starting XI this season, scoring two goals, registering two assists and creating four big chances over his 13 LaLiga outings, as well as taking an average of 1.2 shots, making 0.6 key passes and completing 0.5 dribbles per game.

These returns have seen the £12k-per-week sensation – who has been dubbed the ‘Senegalese Neymar’ – average a very respectable Sofascore match rating of 6.74, currently ranking him as El Submarino Amarillo’s 14th-best performer in the top flight of Spanish football – a rather remarkable feat for his first full campaign.

A further sign of Jackson’s potential was his inclusion in Aliou Cisse’s 26-man Senegal squad for the Qatar World Cup this winter, with the 21-year-old going on to make one appearance in the tournament – a 17-minute cameo in a 2-0 defeat to the Netherlands – which represented the winger’s international debut for the Lions of Teranga.

Emery is also evidently a huge admirer of the youngster, with the 51-year-old stating of Jackson during his time in charge at the Estadio de la Cerámica: “Nicolas Jackson is doing a very good job with the B team. He is a player with an interesting style of play. We will see how we can help him and what he can bring to us. He can play in different attacking positions.”

Furthermore, Senegal U20 coach Youssouph Dabo – the man who first called Jackson up to the international stage – also took the time to praise the winger’s style of play, stating: “He is a good profile with technical qualities who also tends to put on a show.”

As such, should Emery go on to seal a £27m move for the Villarreal wonderkid this winter, not only would the Spaniard look to have landed an extremely exciting prospect for the Premier League side, but he could also have discovered his very own Neymar-esque talent at Villa Park – something that is sure to be an incredibly tantalising prospect for supporters.

Liverpool have been offered the chance to sign Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot in 2023, according to 90min.

The Lowdown: Midfield rumours

Jurgen Klopp seems to be desperate to bolster his midfield ranks at Anfield, with Jude Bellingham seemingly a top target.

Argentina star Enzo Fernandez also appears to be a player of interest to Reds officials, with reports in recent days even suggesting that a pre-agreement had been reached.

The Latest: Rabiot update

90min reporters Graeme Bailey and Jack Gallagher provided an update regarding Rabiot on Thursday.

They claimed that Rabiot has been keen on a move to England and has been offered to Liverpool along with a number of their top-flight rivals. The Reds have also been in regular contact with the player’s representatives.

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The Verdict: Smart idea?

Even though the Reds are pursuing a marquee midfield addition like Bellingham, a cut-price transfer for Rabiot could still be a wise move by FSG, especially with his Juventus contract set to expire at the end of the season.

The France international has been hailed as a ‘quality player’ by national boss Didier Deschamps and has helped his country to the World Cup Final in Qatar.

Still just 27 years of age, he can play as a holding, central or left midfielder, so could provide Klopp with another high-quality versatile option on Merseyside for years to come.

Leeds United goalkeeper Illan Meslier ‘has a chance’ to be available for the Premier League game vs Manchester City on Wednesday, according to journalist Phil Hay.

The Lowdown: Training camp absence

The Whites had a successful mid-season break, earning two wins from three friendlies following their training camp in Spain, and will now be hoping to transfer this positive form into the top flight.

The Frenchman has recently been suffering from glandular fever and missed the entirety of the trip as a result, though a positive update on his recovery has now emerged ahead of the clash against Pep Guardiola’s side next week.

The Latest: Hope for Meslier

Taking to Twitter, Hay relayed an update made by Leeds assistant head coach Rene Maric following Wednesday night’s friendly with Monaco, admitting that Meslier could make his return vs City.

“Rene Maric speaking post-match. Says there’s been illness in the camp. Rodrigo was suffering from a tight muscle so wasn’t risked. He thinks most of the absentees will be ready to play Man City. Meslier has a chance.”

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The Verdict: Boost for Marsch

Leeds having Meslier available for selection again will come as a huge boost to Jesse Marsch, who will know how important his shot-stopper is between the sticks.

The 6 foot 3 colossus has kept 27 clean sheets during his time in Yorkshire and has already bagged himself two man-of-the-match awards this season, highlighting the positive impact he has on the side.

The Elland Road outfit are in desperate need of adding more points to their tally and the chances of that happening are only likely to increase upon the comeback of Meslier.

Villarreal winger Arnaut Danjuma could be a potential signing for Aston Villa in the January transfer window, according to reliable journalist Ashley Preece.

The Lowdown: Danjuma linked with Villa

The Villans were beaten 3-1 at home to Liverpool on Boxing Day, with the performance suggesting that an injection of fresh quality is needed before the end of next month.

One player who has been linked with a move to Villa is Danjuma, a player with whom Unai Emery worked during their mutual time at Villarreal recently.

The 25-year-old has scored 21 goals in 49 appearances for the La Liga side, along with being described as a ‘nightmare for defenders’ by one-time Premier League Golden Boot winner Kevin Phillips.

The Latest: Preece name-drops Danjuma

In a Q&A for Birmingham Mail, Preece namedropped Danjuma when asked about potential January targets.

The reporter stated:

“First signing? I haven’t had a concrete name put to me yet with nothing being leaked into the media. Danjuma could be one for obvious reasons.”

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The Verdict: Valuable width for Emery

Danjuma could be exactly what Villa need in January, with their wide attacking options scoring just five goals between them so far this season, four of those from Leon Bailey.

Philippe Coutinho has not contributed to a goal in 2022/23 and could potentially move on, so the Villarreal winger could be a strong and very different replacement, adding more pace and a greater counterattacking threat.

Danjuma’s relationship with Emery is another reason why a move could make sense, with the Villa manager knowing the Dutchman’s game inside out and being aware of exactly what the 25-year-old could add to the team.

Newcastle United sporting director Dan Ashworth appears to be scouring the market for potential new recruits ahead of the January transfer window, with midfield seemingly an area in which the Magpies would like to strengthen.

That’s according to the Daily Mail, with the report suggesting that Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder Kouadio Kone is a potential target for the northeast side, albeit with the German outfit likely unwilling to part ways next month.

Even despite that potential obstacle, it could well prove an astute move if Ashworth and co are to make an approach for the 21-year-old in the New Year, with the Frenchman having showcased his quality in the Bundesliga in recent times.

The former Toulouse ace – who left his homeland back in the summer of 2021 – has been in particularly impressive form for his current side so far this term, showcasing his ball-winning talents after averaging 2.1 tackles per game in the league this season from his 14 appearances.

The promising youngster also notably ranks in the top 20% in Europe among those in his position in that metric, having proven himself a truly effective asset at breaking up play in the centre of the park.

That knack has earned the France U21 international notable praise from talent scout Jacek Kulig, with the youth expert describing him as “like having one extra man on the pitch”, such is the 6 foot 1 titan’s destructive brilliance.

It is not just defensively that the £6k-per-week maestro thrives, however, with Kone showing his brilliance in possession as he ranks in the top 1% for dribbles completed, offering a real dynamic presence with his ability to drive his side forward from deep.

Such traits have also earned further praise from the aforementioned Kulig, with the respected source having stated last year: “He’s such a warrior. Complete package for a high-quality box-to-box midfielder.”

A player for whom the “sky is the limit” – according to Kulig – Kone could well be a figure whom Newcastle boss Eddie Howe can work with and develop over the coming years, while also offering the undoubted quality to be able to make a difference in the short term.

Any move would likely not come cheap for the St James’ Park outfit – with CIES Football Observatory valuing the player at €35m (£31m) – although it would seemingly prove worth it to be able to snap up a player who has a “lot of potential”, as per former Gladbach boss Adi Hutter.

Having been linked with a move for Kone over the summer, the Magpies could finally turn that interest into a concrete offer when the market re-opens next month.

Manchester United have reportedly cast their eyes in the direction of Patrick Schick, with focus on bolstering the centre-forward position as the club look to rise up the ranks in the Premier League.

This is according to reports stemming from Spain, which chalk Schick’s name onto the list of candidates to take Cristiano Ronald0’s role in the side, after the legendary Portuguese forward came to a mutual agreement with the club to terminate his contract in acrimonious circumstances in November.

Offensive “genius”

United’s issues in attack have been laid on the table for all to see this season, with Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford the only two established players capable of adopting the role.

Rashford has been in blistering form under Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag, scoring 12 goals and serving four assists from 23 outings across all competitions, but his most bounteous rewards are found when out on the left flank, while Martial has only scored eight Premier League goals since the beginning of the 20/21 campaign.

Last season was when the £94k-per-week Schick was thriving with form to rival any forward across Europe, with the 35-cap star recording an average rating of 7.26, as per Sofascore, exhibiting physicality and a clinical nature with aplomb, captivating with the sheer regularity of his net-breaking strikes.

Indeed, plying his trade for Bayer Leverkusen in the German Bundesliga, the £26m-rated striker scored 24 goals from 27 league appearances – outscoring Erling Haaland’s 22 strikes – but he has fallen wide of the mark this term, netting only three times amid Leverkusen’s struggles; the club languish in 12th place after 15 matches, albeit with three wins on the trot.

United will be hoping he can emulate his feats of last season if technical director John Murtough can indeed instigate a transfer, combining the cogs to unleash a formidable machine against Premier League defences.

Despite the Czech forward’s current woes, a change of scenery might well spark the fire back in his belly, with his feats over the past several years evidence that he can prosper among any division, and bypass any defence.

Nearly signing for Juventus in a £26m deal in 2017 before failing his medical, the 26-year-old “genius” – as dubbed by Jaroslav Šilhavý – has indeed since gone on to successfully test his mettle against some of football’s finest backlines, and he would certainly flourish in a United team on an upward trajectory and holding a rekindled flame to alight their offensive drive.

Chelsea will travel to Manchester City to wage battle at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday afternoon, with sights set on earning payback and advancing to the fourth round of the FA Cup.

The Sky Blues defeated Chelsea 1-0 at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League on Thursday night, stretching the gulf between the two teams to even greater proportions, but Blues manager Graham Potter will be convinced that he can galvanise his side towards victory, despite the barrage of injuries.

Indeed, Raheem Sterling and Christian Pulisic were both withdrawn from duty in the first half against Pep Guardiola’s destructive outfit, and the squad has truly been scraped down to the bare bones, with a host of further first-team stars sidelined.

Regardless, a winning mentality is embedded within Chelsea’s very core, illustrated by the whole gamut of major honours since the turn of the millennia – including two Champions League and five Premier League triumphs – and the chances of cup victory need only a glance back to last season, where the Blues lost on penalties in both the FA Cup and Carabao Cup to Liverpool, to know that this is a dogged and tenacious team that strives for silverware at every opportunity.

Here is how Football FanCast expects Chelsea boss Potter to field his starting line-up against Guardiola’s Man City in the FA Cup on Sunday, with four changes from the team that lost earlier in the week …

Predicted line-up: Kepa; Azpilicueta, Chalobah, Koulibaly, Cucurella; Jorginho, Kovacic, Zakaria; Ziyech, Aubameyang, Chukwuemeka.

With Edouard Mendy recently having surgery on a broken finger, Kepa Arrizabalaga is expected to deputise between the sticks for the cup encounter.

The full-backs will remain the same, with captain Cesar Azpilicueta and £60m left-back Marc Cucurella continuing to maraud up and down the defensive flanks, while the “Rolls-Royce” that is Thiago Silva – as dubbed by Joe Cole – will be replaced by Trevor Chalobah as Kalidou Koulibaly’s centre-back partner.

A slight change, instilling more composure and authority into the centre of the park, will mean Jorginho recalls his spot in the stead of the injury-stricken Sterling, while Juventus loanee Denis Zakaria is expected to continue his all-encompassing role after dazzling against the forthcoming opponents earlier in the week.

19-year-old prospect Carney Chukwuemeka entered the fray for Pulisic in the first half against Man City and dazzled in his leg flanker role, recording a Chelsea match-best rating of 7.10, hitting the post and proving to be a constant menace against the opposing backline.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang could be offered another shot as the offensive focal point after losing his spot to Kai Havertz, the Gabonese veteran has not scored in seven matches for the Blues, and will be desperate to make an impact on Sunday.

West Ham United are reportedly interested in signing Brighton winger Leandro Trossard this month and the Belgium international could be David Moyes’ own version of Phil Foden at the London Stadium.

Moyes was reportedly keen on signing the exciting winger in 2022 and an exit from the Amex Stadium this month certainly looks to be on the cards after his recent fallout with manager Roberto de Zerbi.

Reports have suggested that the 28-year-old is keen to leave the Seagulls this month after a recent dispute with the manager, which saw him leave training to return to Belgium ahead of his omission from Brighton’s squad as they beat Liverpool 3-0 on Saturday.

With Moyes in desperate need of some more attacking quality at the London Stadium, as he looks to drag West Ham out of the relegation zone, surely he would consider another approach for a player of Trossard’s quality, especially after his superb start to the campaign.

Rio Ferdinand was full of praise for the Belgian forward on Vibe with Five after a superb performance in Brighton’s 4-1 win over Chelsea earlier this season.

He said (via Daily Mail):

“The best part of his game is being creative. He’s just scored a few goals lately, that’s not even his game.

“I think the creative and the approach play in his game is unreal. The only thing I was asking for before was a bit more end product and he’s actually doing that now.”

The former Genk star has seven goals and two assists in just 16 Premier League appearances this campaign, with WhoScored awarding him a 6.96 rating for his performances in the top flight.

For context, no player in the Hammers’ squad has scored more than three times in the Premier League this term, while Declan Rice is ranked as the top performer with a 6.91 rating from WhoScored, so it is clear the quality that Trossard could add to Moyes’ squad.

Should West Ham reignite their interest in the winger this month, then he could prove to be Moyes’ own version of Manchester City and England star, Phil Foden.

According to FBref, the City academy graduate is the second-most similar player to Trossard when compared to other wingers across Europe’s top leagues.

This season has seen the two tricky wingers register extremely similar stats with regard to expected goals and assists per 90 (0.45 vs 0.49), key passes (23 vs 22) and shot-creating actions (50 vs 55).

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This emphasises that they are very similar types of player and considering that Foden is ranked as the fourth-best performer in Pep Guardiola’s side so far this season, Moyes would surely be foolish to turn down any chance to sign the £18m-rated Trossard this month.

Manchester United are interested in possibly bringing Brentford goalkeeper David Raya, according to The Telegraph.

The Lowdown: Butland in…

The Red Devils have already bolstered their goalkeeping ranks this month by bringing in Jack Butland on loan from Crystal Palace.

United chiefs brought the Englishman to Old Trafford after Martin Dubravka was recalled by Newcastle United, with Butland to provide competition to David de Gea alongside Tom Heaton. However, it looks as if another ‘keeper addition could soon be on the cards in Spain international Raya.

The Latest: United keen on Raya

The Telegraph shared a story on Wednesday, claiming that Manchester United and Chelsea are interested in Raya.

The report states that those two clubs are ready to rival fellow top-flight rivals Tottenham in the race for Raya’s services as he enters the final 18 months of his Brentford deal.

The Verdict: Makes sense

You can see why United are on the search for another potential addition in goal, with De Gea and Heaton both out of contract at the end of the season.

Raya has gone from strength to strength with the Bees and appears to be at the top of his game with a career-high €22m Transfermarkt valuation.

He has been one of Brentford’s top performers this season, as per WhoScored, and has made more saves than any other goalkeeper so far this season (81).

Therefore, you could say that United may be targeting a player at the peak of his powers, however, they could face competition from two of the so-called big six for his signature.