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Leeds United star Raphinha is not expected to leave the club in the January transfer window but could move in the summer, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

The Lowdown: Raphinha’s future in doubt

The Brazilian has arguably been the Whites’ standout player so far this season, scoring eight goals in 17 Premier League appearances and posting by far the highest WhoScored performance rating in Marcelo Bielsa’s squad.

Unsurprisingly, constant reports have linked Raphinha with an eventual move away from Elland Road, with the likes of Liverpool tipped to sign him, even though the 25-year-old’s current Leeds deal doesn’t expire until the summer of 2024.

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The Latest: Journalist provides Raphinha transfer update

Speaking to Give Me Sport, O’Rourke gave an important update on the situation, hinting that a summer exit is on the cards rather than a January move. He outlined:

“I don’t think the player is leaving Leeds just yet. But in the summertime, if Leeds don’t have the best season and are in the bottom end of the table for most of the season, Raphinha will be thinking that he wants to play at a higher level.”

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The Verdict: Summer exit on the cards?

The idea of Raphinha leaving Leeds this month is simply unthinkable, especially with the likes of Kalvin Phillips, Liam Cooper and Patrick Bamford currently sidelined and the Whites looking nervously over their shoulders at the relegation zone.

It would be a huge shock if the Brazil international suddenly departed in the coming weeks, but in truth, it is not difficult to envisage him moving on in the summer.

At that point, Raphinha may feel he has come as far as he can with the Whites, especially if Champions League-playing clubs show genuine interest in him. It would be hard to begrudge him that move either, given how much he has contributed at Elland Road already.

In other news, Leeds are reportedly eyeing up the signing of an attacking player. Find out who it is here.

Since Aston Villa’s current owners Wes Edens and Nassef Sawiris took over the Midlands club back in 2018, they have not been reluctant in spending money on bringing new players to Villa Park that can help the team fulfil their ambitions of taking the club into the upper echelons of football.

With this in mind, Villa journalist Gregg Evans has dropped a clue regarding one player that has been mentioned with a move to the Midlands club in the past that could push them closer to being an elite club competing for European football.

What’s the news?

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Evans had this to say about Villa’s interest in Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips.

He said: “Yes they like him, there’s no denying that. Whether there’s even a one per cent chance of getting him is another matter.”

Break their transfer record

As a product of Leeds’ youth academy, Phillips has gone on to make a total of 226 appearances for the Yorkshire club, showing how important he is to the team and why they would presumably want to keep hold of him for as long as possible.

Having ended the previous Premier League season as one of Leeds’ highest-rated players according to WhoScored with an overall performance rating of 7.01/10, it would place him fourth among Villa’s highest-rated players.

Thus, it’s easy to see why the Midlands club have an admiration for the England international and why Villa fans would surely be overjoyed to see him at their club.

As well as being an important figure for Leeds, Phillips has made himself a significant player on the international stage as well. For instance, he was one of the five outfield players that started all seven of England’s Euro 2020 games last summer.

While the likelihood of Phillips eventually making the move to Villa Park is yet to be determined, the Villa fans should be excited by the fact that their club has an interest in Phillips and have a previous record of being very active in the transfer market, like they have been this month with the arrivals of Philippe Coutinho and Lucas Digne.

Looking ahead to the future, with the £60m valued midfielder’s current contract at Elland Road not set to expire until the summer of 2024, it could be a challenge for Villa to secure his signature anytime soon.

It may also be very expensive, potentially causing them to breach their transfer record fee of £33m that they paid for Emi Buendia last summer. Villa haven’t been afraid to splash out of late with the likes of Digne, Ollie Watkins, Leon Bailey and Danny Ings costing north of £25m.

With previous claims suggesting that Gerrard would want to sign a defensive midfielder this month, if they don’t manage to sign one this month, this could increase their need to make a move for Phillips next summer.

Considering his quality, they must do all they can to lure him to the Midlands, including smashing their transfer record.

In other news: Aston Villa reveal exciting transfer news, it’s another Lange masterclass – opinion

Adama Traore is unhappy at Wolves and will look to leave the club in the January transfer window, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

The Lowdown: Traore exit rumours continue

The 25-year-old has struggled to be a regular for the team this season, starting just 10 of his side’s 19 Premier League games and still flattering to deceive with his performances, failing to register a goal or assist despite playing in attack.

It has led to constant rumours linking Traore with a move away from Molineux this month, with the likes of Tottenham and Barcelona both seemingly in the mix to sign him.

There seems little to point towards the Spain international staying put as he potentially looks for a new challenge.

The Latest: O’Rourke makes fresh Traore claim

Speaking to Give Me Sport, O’Rourke backed Traore to leave Wolves in the coming weeks, claiming that he isn’t content at the club right now.

The journalist stated: “Traore doesn’t look too happy at Wolves. I think maybe it’s time for both parties to move their separate ways.”

The Verdict: Move seems inevitable

With each passing day and amid intensifying transfer rumours, it feels increasingly as though Traore will move on before the deadline day cutoff, having had an inconsistent Wolves career.

For all his incredible pace, quick footwork and physical prowess, the £25.2m-rated winger has still only scored 10 goals in 152 appearances for Wanderers.

Wolves should be able to earn a big fee for Traore this month based on that valuation, and a sale for that amount would help to generate plenty of funds for signings that Bruno Lage wants to make.

In other news, Wolves have been backed to sign one player in January. Find out who it is here.

Following on from the recent sacking of Rafa Benitez as Everton manager, the hunt is now on for the Merseyside club to appoint a new boss that can steady the ship and end the current season on a strong note.

One name that has been mentioned with the position is current Belgium manager Roberto Martinez, who has previously had a stint managing Everton a few years ago.

However, it seems as though a potential return to Goodison Park for the Spaniard may not be on the cards just yet.

What’s the latest?

According to a recent Twitter post from journalist Fabrizio Romano, the Belgian FA are not keen on allowing Martinez to leave his current role and join Everton as they apparently want him to stay to coach the international team through the upcoming World Cup in Qatar later this year.

Romano also added in his post that there is “no full agreement yet” between Martinez and Everton on a potential contract, “as things stand.”

Fans will be relieved

During his time in charge of the Toffees between June 2013 and May 2016, the Spaniard took charge of 143 games across all competitions, winning 62, drawing 37 and losing 44 along the way.

Given how there were some fan protests against Martinez during the latter stages of his spell at Everton, it will be a relief to plenty of supporters that a potential return to Goodison is being halted in its tracks by his current employers.

With this in mind, it would be a surprise if Martinez would be open to a move back to Everton after the grief he got as well, especially with a World Cup with Belgium on the horizon where the Red Devils are very much one of the contenders to go all the way.

After all, it would be a rather remarkable decision to leave that behind and head to mediocrity in Merseyside instead.

With this update from Romano in mind, it would be worth Everton moving on from the possibility of hiring Martinez again if he isn’t likely to leave his current position with Belgium and looking at other potential targets who are better suited to the role in order to get their season back on track.

However, for the time being, until they get a new permanent manager, Everton could be forced to give Duncan Ferguson the reins on a temporary basis in the same way he did before Carlo Ancelotti took over back in December 2019.

That feels like a decision that will delight fans in comparison, given his previous association with the Toffees.

In other news: Sky Sports journalist reveals favourites for the job

West Ham are considering a late January move for Marseille centre-back Duje Caleta-Car, according to a report by The Athletic’s David Ornstein.

The Lowdown: Moyes’ defensive hunt

The Hammers’ centre-back ranks have been depleted by the season-ending injury sustained by Angelo Ogbonna, as the defender suffered a cruciate ligament rupture at the start of November.

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David Moyes’ hunt for a replacement was exacerbated when Kurt Zouma suffered a hamstring injury in early December, which kept him out of action for nearly six weeks, seeing him miss the congested Christmas period.

This left just two senior centre-backs available for selection in Craig Dawson and Issa Diop. However, the Frenchman has struggled in recent weeks, so it’s little wonder that the Irons are seeking reinforcements in that position.

The Latest: West Ham considering move for Caleta-Car

As per Ornstein for The Athletic, West Ham are weighing up a move for £14.4m-rated Croatian centre-back Caleta-Car.

The Irons are said to want a loan move whilst Marseille are likely to demand a sale, with the 6 foot 4 defender in contract with the Ligue 1 club until the end of next season.

The 25-year-old has previously been linked with a move to the Premier League. In last January’s transfer window, the Croatia international was set to join Liverpool after an agreement was made on deadline day, but the deal ultimately fell through due to defensive concerns at the Stade Velodrome.

The Verdict: A good signing for the Irons

Caleta-Car joined Marseille in 2018 for a £17.1m fee and has since impressed in Ligue 1, having also amassed 20 international caps for Croatia. However, the defender has struggled for game-time this season, having made only 11 appearances in Ligue 1 and three starts in Marseille’s Europa League campaign.

He could certainly help West Ham in terms of playing out of the back, averaging a 92.1% passing success rate in Ligue 1 this term. No Irons defender can match that return, with only Manuel Lanzini (92.3%) bettering it among Moyes’ senior squad.

Caleta-Car has been subjected to criticism in recent months, with Marseille legend Manuel Amoros last year calling him “sluggish”, having been convinced that the Croatian’s failed move to Liverpool was affecting his performances on the pitch.

However, if Moyes finds a way to push him beyond this mentality and get him playing to his best once again, then this could be a very shrewd signing for the Hammers if they can pull it off in the closing days of the transfer window.

In other news: Reliable journalist makes transfer claim over this potential Irons target

West Ham United have reportedly offered former Liverpool and Southampton centre-back Dejan Lovren a two-year contract with David Moyes keen to add to his defence this summer.

What’s the story?

According to Italian outlet Tuttomercatoweb, the Hammers are reportedly ready to save the current Zenit St.Petersburg defender from any serious complications following the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

It’s even thought that the Irons have offered him a two-year deal to come back to the Premier League.

FIFA have opened a one-month transfer window to sign players from Ukraine and Russia which closes on 7 April, although it is believed that the Premier League could block any attempted transfers in order to maintain sporting integrity.

The East London club are currently light on options at the back and will certainly need to add to their defensive arsenal this summer.

Angelo Ogbonna was ruled out for the season in November with an ACL injury whilst Issa Diop has been unreliable at times, making Kurt Zouma and Craig Dawson the current first-choice pairing.

West Ham must avoid signing Lovren

The 32-year-old Croatian would undoubtedly add experience to the West Ham ranks, however, based on his spell at Liverpool the defender may not be the answer to the Hammers’ predicament at the back.

Lovren was subject to criticism on numerous occasions whilst at Anfield, notably from NBC Sports pundit Kyle Martino in 2017, who labelled the defender as “a serious liability.”

Former Liverpool centre-back Jamie Carragher also had strong words to say on the Croatian, highlighting him as the Reds’ weak point during a Merseyside derby against Everton, stating: “He’s too emotional, that’s always been his problem. He always feels he has to win a fight, has to win a challenge.

“I used to play that position as a centre-back and at times you have to accept someone may be stronger and quicker. You have to get yourself in positions and try and hold them up.

“I said before they were too often they were putting the ball right down Virgil van Dijk’s throat but as soon as Lovren’s come on they’ve been hitting that channel and that is the channel to hit.”

Lovren left Liverpool for Zenit in August 2020 for a fee believed to be around £10.9m and you would’ve been forgiven if you thought that would be the last time the Premier League would see the defender.

West Ham will undoubtedly need to add to their current options at the back, however, having been linked with the likes of Sven Botman and Duje Caleta-Car, the prospect of signing a player who was certainly unpopular at Liverpool will underwhelm Hammers supporters.

With Diop, the Irons already have a defender who has been subject to criticism, particularly after his performance in the FA Cup against non-league Kidderminster Harriers, and therefore don’t want to add another calamity at the back.

Moreover, at 32 the Croatian wouldn’t be a long-term solution, with Moyes keen to build a project at the London Stadium. It would be wise for the East London club to look elsewhere.

In other news: West Ham must swoop for £75k-p/w monster who Moyes will love, he’s “the new Vidic”

Sharing news midweek, 90min journalist and ‘insider’ Graeme Bailey now has a major player update for Manchester City supporters out of Eastlands.

The Lowdown: Sky Blues in contract flurry…

City sporting director Txiki Begiristain and the club have seemingly been renewing contracts left, right and centre over 2021/2022 as Pep Guardiola aims to tie down both future and first team stars.

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The likes of John Stones, Joao Cancelo, Ruben Dias, James McAtee and Ederson, to name a few, have all put pen to paper on fresh terms in the past 12 months.

According to reports, Guardiola and co aren’t done there, with the likes of Rodri and Ilkay Gundogan also tipped to receive the option.

Superstar playmaker Phil Foden is yet another, and if Bailey is to be believed, a major development has come to light on City’s attempts to tie down the England international.

The Latest: Bailey shares Foden development…

Taking to Twitter, the 90min insider says Man City are now closer to agreeing a new deal for the 21-year-old.

“Man City close to finalising Phil Foden contract extension,” he explained.

“Talks have been ongoing since last year but Premier League champions confident their prized asset will re-sign by end of the season.”

The Verdict: Absolutely huge…

As perhaps best summed up on Tuesday night, Foden looks set to be an absolutely crucial player for City for years to come.

The Sky Blues struggled to break down a resilient Atletico Madrid side in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-final tie in Manchester, but thanks to their homegrown starlet’s cameo off the bench, Guardiola’s men eventually found a way through.

Foden’s delicate through ball to Kevin De Bruyne, who subsequently fired home past Jan Oblak, gifted City a 1-0 aggregate advantage as they gear up for their Wanda Metropolitano visit next week.

The midfield gem’s introduction was a crucial one and this is just one example of his importance at the Etihad Stadium.

As City take one step closer towards tying him down further, it’s safe to say this midweek update could be looked back on as massive for years to come.

In other news: Blues now preparing bid to sign ‘special’ £67m star alongside Haaland! Find out more here.

Derby County have been boosted in their efforts to find a new buyer for the club, with journalist Alan Nixon providing a significant update on the matter.

The Lowdown: Perilous situation at Derby

The Rams are facing relegation to League One currently, despite their extremely admirable efforts, with the deducted points proving to be their downfall.

A 1-0 win against Preston will have lifted the mood of course, but off the pitch Derby are still in a perilous position, with the threat of liquidation hanging over the club all season.

Now, a fresh update has offered the Rams some major hope.

The Latest: Journalist makes key claim

Taking to Twitter, The Sun’s Nixon claims that the county council and local MPs are discussing buying Pride Park and then leasing it out, enhancing their hopes of finding a buyer:

“Derby. Potential game changer. Council and MPs discussing buying stadium and leasing to a bidder. Makes deal more attractive. Working on numbers but could be a plan. If bidders fancy idea too admins can pick and send to EFL.”

The Verdict: Potential huge boost

This is exactly the boost Derby needed in their hunt for new owners, as they look to solve a potentially fatal situation at Pride Park.

While the thought of relegation to the third tier of English football is bad enough, the idea of there not even having a club to support doesn’t bear thinking about, with football playing such a big role in the lives of so many.

This update is certainly more positive compared to other recent reports and the hope is that things continue to develop in the coming days and weeks.

Wolves pair Daniel Podence and Leander Dendoncker should be fit for the Premier League clash with Burnley, reliable journalist Tim Spiers has confirmed.

The Lowdown: Double blow for Wolves

Bruno Lage’s side returned to action on Friday evening, making the trip to Newcastle United for another important game.

Wolves produced a hugely forgettable performance, however, mustering just two shots on target and falling to a 1-0 defeat at St James’ Park.

It was a big blow in the race for European football this season and Wanderers were without both Podence (foot) and Dendoncker (illness), which didn’t help their cause.

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The Latest: Spiers drops late-night news

Taking to Twitter late after the game on Friday, Spiers provided a positive five-word update, saying the Wolves duo should return for the trip to Burnley on April 24th:

“Should be fine for Burnley.”

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The Verdict: Must-win game

There is now a two-week break for Lage and his players to stew over a bitterly disappointing result, as their chances of playing in the Europa League next season took a big hit.

The Burnley clash now becomes a must-win game for Wanderers, who need a strong end to the season if they are to clinch a place in Europe.

Sean Dyche’s side are facing a massive relegation battle and will make life tough for Wolves, so if they produce another display like the Newcastle one, it could be a bad day at the office once more.

In other news, Wolves are in a four-way battle to sign one player this summer. Find out who it is here.

Leeds United midfielder Owen Bray is set to depart Elland Road at the end of the season, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

The Lowdown: Bray profiled

Bray is 19 years of age and is primarily a central midfielder who has made eight appearances in the club’s academy.

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He is out of contract at the end of June after having had his scholarship extended last summer alongside Taylor Ragan. Bray has made just one appearance for the U23s, and it looks as if he’ll now move on over the coming months.

The Latest: O’Rourke’s post

O’Rourke took to Twitter on Tuesday morning to provide an update on Bray, revealing that the teenager is set to depart the Whites soon.

“Leeds midfielder Owen Bray is set to leave Elland Road at the end of the season when his contract expires.”

Reports have suggested that League One side Wigan Athletic are looking at Bray ahead of a possible move, with the Whites youngster set to turn out for Wigan’s U23s against Hull City.

The Verdict: Makes sense?

Leeds have a number of promising midfielders coming through at Thorp Arch, including Lewis Bate, Sean McGurk and Jack Jenkins, so allowing Bray to depart could suit all parties.

He’s struggled to become a regular in the U23s squad, with his only appearance coming in a 7-0 EFL Trophy defeat to Accrington Stanley back in 2020.

On that basis, moving to the lower leagues in search of first-team football could be a wise call by Bray, after limited opportunities at Elland Road.

In other news: Leeds and Orta want ‘extraordinary’ ace in Bosman move; same agent as Bamford.