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Aston Villa have not been shy when it comes to new signings during the January transfer window, with four new senior players coming through the door over the past few weeks.

With deadline day in sight, it seems as though a fresh twist has emerged regarding their reported hunt for yet another new face to bring in and strengthen Steven Gerrard’s squad.

What’s the latest?

According to a recent Twitter post from BBC journalist Phil McNulty, Villa “have not made a bid” for Juventus midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur, who has been linked with a move to the Midlands in recent days.

The journalist added that the Villans “made an inquiry two weeks ago but have not gone back since”.

In addition, Italian journalist Romeo Agresti has recently claimed that Villa have now left the race to sign the 24-year-old.

Since joining the Italian giants back in 2017 from Boca Juniors, the midfielder has gone on to make 181 appearances for Juventus across all competitions including the Champions League, scoring three goals and providing 18 assists along the way.

The £22.5m-rated ace has also racked up plenty of international experience, with 46 appearances for Uruguay under his belt.

Fans will be raging

Having seen their club strengthen pretty much every area of their squad so far in the January transfer window apart from central midfield, Villa fans will surely not be happy to hear that the club have apparently given up on trying to sign an experienced top-level midfielder in Bentancur with deadline day fast approaching.

With central midfield being an area that Gerrard reportedly wants to strengthen this month, the club will need to move swiftly if they want to bring one in before the deadline, if they have indeed moved on from the possibility of securing Bentancur’s signature.

Also, with current Villa midfielder Marvelous Nakamba still out injured and Douglas Luiz being linked with a move away from the club, that further enhances Villa’s need to secure a new midfielder sooner rather than later so that Gerrard doesn’t suffer the potential consequences.

In other news – Forget Chukwuemeka: Gerrard could land his own Grealish at Villa Park with “exceptional” starlet

Tottenham Hotspur are set to ramp up their pursuit of Antonio Rudiger in the coming days, according to an inside source…

What’s the word?

As revealed by Football Insider this week, the north London outfit are in the race to sign the £100k-per-week Germany international after he rejected a new Chelsea contract, meaning he is currently free to leave Stamford Bridge in the summer.

Valued at £31.5m by Transfermarkt, it is thought that Spurs have planned discussions behind-the-scenes in an effort to persuade the 28-year-old to swap the Blues for their capital city rivals in 2022.

Lilywhites sporting director Fabio Paratici is said to be pushing hard to get an early agreement in place but they will face a battle to secure him as foreign teams can seal him on a pre-contract agreement as early as January, something that Spurs do not have the luxury of.

Statement signing

This would be quite an outlandish move from Spurs, considering their west London rivals won the Champions League last summer and are quite some way ahead of them on and off the pitch.

However, the fact that Antonio Conte is in charge boosts their chances of landing the 6 foot 3 colossus as the pair worked together when the Italian was at the helm.

45 of his 172 appearances for the Blues came under Conte as they won the 2017/18 FA Cup together, leading to the German describing the 52-year-old as a “very good coach” to reporters.

Rudiger has been one of Chelsea’s standout performers under Thomas Tuchel over the past 12 months, with BT Sport pundit and Premier League legend Rio Ferdinand a big fan.

“Look at Rudiger, he’s arguably, since Tuchel has been there [at Chelsea], been the best defender in the Premier League,” he told his podcast (via the Metro). “Him or [Ruben] Dias in that time. He’s been unbelievable, he’s like an animal.”

Indeed, the German is just one of two players to have played every minute of every Premier League outing for the Blues this term, where he has averaged a second-most 2.2 aerial duels won, 1.1 tackles and an 86.9% passing accuracy when managing over 70 attempts per game, as per WhoScored.

Evidently, Rudiger is an efficient ball-playing defender and one that would instantly improve Spurs’ backline, not just because of his trophy record at Stamford Bridge.

The vastly-experienced defender would be quite the signing to make next year and it would certainly reveal the ambitions of the club under Conte. As such, many around N17 must be absolutely excited by this latest development.

Spurs fans would surely love Rudiger at the club, so this update should provide some huge encouragement heading into January.

AND in other news, Paratici eyes Spurs bargain after “courting” £18m-rated maestro, Conte would love him…

Flocking to Twitter, many West Ham United fans have gone wild for the latest update on their chase to sign Manchester United attacker Jesse Lingard this window.

Manager David Moyes is keen to bring the England international to east London on a permanent deal following a hugely successful 2020/2021 loan spell at West Ham.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/west-ham-latest-updates/” title=”West Ham latest updates!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The 29-year-old bagged nine goals and four assists in just 16 Premier League starts over the second half of last campaign, but despite West Ham’s efforts, he didn’t join permanently in the summer window.

Instead, he chose to remain at his current club, a decision which has resulted in very little game time and broken down new contract talks as he now eyes a move away from Old Trafford.

The Daily Mirror, sharing an update on the situation, have now shared some very promising news out of West Ham.

According to their information, Lingard is now ‘ready’ to to leave United and ‘seal’ a permanent move to the Hammers – with manager Moyes and the club ‘determined’ to get it done before January 31.

West Ham fans go wild…

Flocking to this claim, given Lingard is now apparently ready to join, it’s little wonder some supporters believe this is a ‘very exciting’ development.

The Three Lions ace shone at West Ham last season and has been described as a would-be ‘massive signing’ for Moyes who could gift the club ‘another dimension’ (Paul Robinson, Football Insider).

There is little denying his coup would be a good move for Rob Newman and co with many Irons supporters certainly giving their thumbs up.

Find all of their best reactions from Twitter down below:

“Please please please please”

Credit: @Kayron27

“Tears in my eyes. Finally. Waiting for that certified yes from @ExWHUemployee”

Credit: @ovo_forbes

“COME ON”

Credit: @moyes_boy

“Don’t get me gassedddddddd”

Credit: @H_RICHY

“Very exciting news!”

Credit: @GoFlamesGo89

“Time to come home”

Credit: @DJ_Khalid3112

“PLEASE BE TRUE”

Credit: @ereags2022

“Imagine lingard and digne, what a start to the window”

Credit: @KyleMaccer17

In other news: Sky Sports journalist: West Ham join race to sign ‘big name’ dynamo with club now set to sell, find out more here.

Everton’s first victory since 25 September on Monday night steadied the ship on Merseyside, but the club remains firmly in a state of transition and disorder.

What’s the story?

Ahead of their crucial clash with Arsenal, it was announced that former director of football Marcel Brands had departed the Toffees, citing “a clear difference in the vision and direction” that he and the board wanted to take the club in.

The Dutchman followed Sarvar Ismailov out of the Goodison Park exit door, leaving Chairman Bill Kenwright, chief executive officer Denise Barrett-Baxendale and finance chief Grant Ingles as the only remaining board members.

Upon Brands’ departure, it was revealed via a club statement that a “strategic review of the football structure” will take place at Everton, and the Liverpool ECHO reporter Phil Kirkbride has provided an update on the situation.

He wrote: “Everton are planning to find two new board members following the departures of Marcel Brands and Sarvar Ismailov. And the ECHO understands that further additions to the Goodison top table have not been ruled out.”

Moshiri must axe Bill Kenwright

News that big changes are not expected at Everton will leave large sections of the club’s supporters extremely concerned and may have some calling for more of the hierarchy to depart, given their extensive failings in recent years.

According to TransferLeague, the Toffees have the third-highest net spend on transfers in the Premier League over the last five years, with their £275m outlay only falling behind Manchester United and Manchester City.

However, they have not had the results or any silverware to show for it. In that time, Everton have finished seventh, eighth twice, 10th and 12th, highlighting their huge underperformance both on and off the pitch.

The Blues’ fanbase has been growing ever-more frustrated with the club’s chiefs in recent weeks, unfurling a banner against them at Brentford and chanting ‘sack the board’ during the Merseyside before hosting a walk-out in protest on Monday.

And it’s Kenwright who appears to be taking the majority of the flack. Journalist Richard Buxton highlighted why in a recent tweet, questioning what the 76-year-old actually does behind the scenes.

He wrote: “What is Bill Kenwright’s defined role as Everton chairman? Yes, he’s involved in the day-to-day running but when it comes to the high-ranking decisions (managers, transfers etc) Moshiri’s autonomy renders him little more than a legacy figure with a fancy title.”

Therefore, despite Everton languishing in the bottom half of the Premier League table, owner Farhad Moshiri ought to be wielding the axe upstairs once more rather than putting extra pressure on manager Rafa Benitez.

The Merseyside outfit’s issues run far deeper than the person sitting in the dugout on a Saturday afternoon, and unless extensive changes are made, their issues are likely to continue for many years yet.

And, in other news…Rafa must seal EFC swoop for “complete” £51k-p/w beast who plays like Platini & Zidane 

Ryan Jack’s latest injury setback will be ‘sickening’ for the 29-year-old, Noel Whelan has told Football Insider. 

The lowdown

The 29-year-old hasn’t started for Rangers since the 1-0 Premiership win over Kilmarnock way back on 13 February. He worked his way back to fitness following a calf problem, making three substitute appearances between 7 November and 4 December.

However, prior to the clash with Hearts earlier this month, Giovanni van Bronckhorst revealed that the midfielder had suffered a setback, and the Dutchman has since confirmed that Jack won’t be returning until the latter part of January at the earliest.

The latest

BBC Radio pundit Whelan told Football Insider that ‘there’s nothing worse’ in football than getting injured shortly after a comeback from a lengthy layoff and said that it’s a crushing blow for Jack, and indeed a big loss for Rangers.

The 46-year-old said: “He’s had a very long time out, come back in – it will be very devastating for him psychologically.

“There’s nothing worse. He’s done his rehabilitation, training, worked his way up to being match-ready – and then another setback happens.

“It’s heartbreaking for him. I’ve been there a few times, and you do get that sickening feeling inside your stomach.

“I really feel for him, but we all have tests put in front of us – and hopefully he comes through this one with flying colours and comes back stronger.

“He’s a quality player that Giovanni van Bronckhorst will want to have in his squad.”

The verdict

It’s very much a possibility that Jack will go more than year without starting a match for the Gers, and to make it even more painful, he’s also missing a large chunk of his theoretical peak years.

However, Rangers should be able to navigate the festive period preceding the winter break without him. Van Bronckhorst’s squad for Saturday’s win over Dundee United looked well-stocked in terms of central midfielders, featuring Glen Kamara, John Lundstram, Scott Arfield, Juninho Bacuna and Joe Aribo.

Let’s hope that Jack has already had his fill of injury woe and can make up for lost time in 2022.

In other news, Rangers have made a decision on the future of this player

Everton have endured a tricky few weeks under Rafa Benitez, picking up just one point from a possible 12 as they’ve slipped down the Premier League table.

A run of three consecutive defeats was finally halted over the weekend when the Toffees held Tottenham Hotspur to a 0-0 draw, but putting the ball in the back of the net remains a major issue.

The Goodison Park outfit have only scored four goals in their last five outings, largely due to star striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin being forced to watch on from the sidelines.

In his absence, summer signing Salomon Rondon has failed to notch his first effort in Everton colours, while Demarai Gray and Andros Townsend’s fast starts have slowed down somewhat.

However, Benitez could unearth the solution to his side’s problems in front of goal by placing his trust in Thomas Cannon.

The 18-year-old academy star has been in scintillating form for his boyhood club over the last two-and-a-half years, enjoying a breakout campaign throughout 2019/20 until the ongoing pandemic stopped play.

Cannon scored an incredible 16 goals in 16 appearances for Everton’s U18’s in 2019/20, adding a further five assists for his grateful teammates.

And the talented teenager proved it was no one-season wonder by notching up a highly respectable tally of 19 goal contributions in 38 outings last term, making his debut for the U23’s along the way.

Throughout his youth career, Cannon has scored a wide variety of efforts and due to his style of play, preference to run in behind the defence, and ability to work between the lines, comparisons to Leicester City forward Jamie Vardy have been drawn.

His 2020/21 showing was described as “formidable” on Everton’s official website and it appears the Republic of Ireland staff agree with them.

Cannon was called up to the national team after his eye-catching displays at club level, and he carried his form onto the international scene, notching a hat-trick of assists during the 13-0 thrashing of Gibraltar.

Whether the youngster is ready to play a part for Benitez’s first team yet remains to be seen, but he continues on the same trajectory, then surely it’s a matter of when and not if he gets his Premier League opportunity.

And, in other news…Brands could finally end EFC’s midfielder hunt with £175k-p/w “outstanding technician”

Glasgow giants Rangers maintained their lead at the top of the Premiership with a 3-1 win over Livingston away from home on Sunday.

The Gers claimed the three points thanks to goals from Scott Arfield, Joe Aribo and Fashion Sakala, with Giovanni van Bronckhorst winning his first league match in charge of the club.

He has now won both of his opening games in Scotland after beating Sparta Prague 2-0 at Ibrox in the Europa League on Thursday.

Lightweight

However, there were some worrying signs for the Dutchman as a couple of defensive lapses forced Allan McGregor into some top-class saves to keep them in front. Another concern was the performance of Ryan Kent out wide on the left.

We published an article after the win over Sparta pointing out that the winger let Van Bronckhorst down with his disappointing display. The 46-year-old put his faith in the ex-Liverpool ace again, though, and there was no discernible improvement.

Kent put in another frustrating display which will surely leave his manager livid. As per SofaScore, he lost a whopping 11 of his 16 duels (68.75%) and failed to make a single tackle, whilst also being dribbled past once. This shows that he was a lightweight for the Gers as he was unable to stand up to the physical challenge in the game, often losing his 50/50 battles.

On the ball, he was inconsistent and lacking in quality final product. He kept picking the ball up on the left side in space, but only completed two of his six attempted crosses and did not manage a single shot on target before being substituted in the 73rd minute. Kent ended the clash without a goal or assist, much like he did in the Europa League earlier this week.

Therefore, Van Bronckhorst will surely be disappointed with the £12.6m-rated gem, who failed to repay the faith shown in him by the head coach after selecting him again following his dismal showing against Sparta. However, it is worth saying that Kent has recently returned from an injury and it may take time for him to find his best form.

It will now be interesting to see whether the 46-year-old sticks by him for a third consecutive match against Hibernian in midweek or if he decides to take the winger out of the spotlight for a bit.

AND in other news, Forget Tavernier: Rangers bulldozer with four key passes was the real star of the show…

Leeds United were knocked out of the Carabao Cup fourth round on Tuesday night by Arsenal thanks to goals from Calum Chambers and Eddie Nketiah.

Marcelo Bielsa chose a very strong starting line-up for the game, and would no doubt have been left very disappointed with how some of his first-team regulars performed, not least Tyler Roberts.

The Wales international has endured a nightmare start to the current campaign, with his latest shocker against the Gunners meaning he has now gone 12 games without a single goal or assist.

Against Arsenal, he was similarly ineffective, struggling to really get a hold of the ball and link up with the likes of Rodrigo and Dan James up top – in fact, he made just six successful passes in the entire time that he was on the pitch.

None of his three shots found the target, while he made no successful dribbles, and it was no surprise that Bielsa eventually hooked him for Joe Gelhardt just minutes into the second-half.

And, writing in his post-match player ratings, Leeds Live’s Beren Cross was particularly critical of him.

He said: “Not a whole lot fell for him, but another game with limited impact going forward from Roberts, who was hooked very swiftly after another failure to execute a promising opportunity with his back to goal and Arsenal out of shape.”

That feeling was shared by The Yorkshire Evening Post’s Graham Smyth, who added: “A couple of nice moments aside, didn’t take his chance again. Little surprise to see him withdrawn.”

Given Gelhardt is now seriously pushing for a place in the first-team, Roberts’ underwhelming display at the Emirates on Tuesday will have given Bielsa plenty of food for thought going forward.

Does the Leeds boss finally drop the underperforming Welshman, and give Gelhardt the chance to shine from the off.

Meanwhile, this Leeds star just embarrassed Bielsa vs Arsenal…

Lots of Everton fans have been left raging as some news emerged on one of their fixtures in January.

As per the official website of the Merseyside club, their meeting in the Premier League with Aston Villa at Goodison Park, which was originally scheduled to kick off at 3pm, will now be played at 12:30pm so that it can be televised on BT Sport.

It means those Blues planning to travel to the ground may find it more difficult to now with an earlier kick-off, and it is not the first time this season that their fixtures have been changed.

This of course continues the worrying trend of TV deals dictating when fixtures take place regardless of what travel disruptions and difficulties it causes for fans – plenty of Toffees reacting on social media just want to see a Saturday 3pm kick-off.

Everton fans on fixture update

These EFC supporters were left raging as the update on the fixture was shared on Twitter:

“Grim. Nothing worse than a 12:30pm kick off on a Saturday.”

Credit: @StefanDavies91

“I may never see a Saturday 3pm ever again”

Credit: @_lauraaj96

“Seriously – why??? Both teams rubbish at the moment. Why on earth couldn’t this be an untelevised Sat 3pm game? Next Goodison Sat 3pm league game is February now.”

Credit: @UpperGwladysBlu

“Worst. We’ve got some terrible home game day/times from now on”

Credit: @KinseyEFC

“Absolutely decimates the atmosphere”

Credit: @followeverton

“A weekend ruined nice and early”

Credit: @Ian_efc81

In other news, find out what international news has Evertonians rejoicing here!

West Ham United return to Premier League action as they welcome newcomers Brentford to the London Stadium this afternoon.

It’s the seventh match in three weeks for the Irons, who have started the 2021/22 campaign on fire, losing just once across all competitions thus far.

With another international break soon on this horizon, David Moyes will want to sign off in style with yet another victory, though after defeating Rapid Wien in the Europa League on Thursday night, the Scotsman is facing plenty of selection headaches.

Just two places split the two teams heading into kickoff, so the newly-promoted Bees aren’t a side that can be taken lightly.

Moyes has utilised squad rotation to some extent with these midweek matches, so players like Tomas Soucek and Kurt Zouma should come straight back into the starting XI, though one name that shouldn’t feature is fellow summer signing Nikola Vlasic, who has looked very underwhelming since joining the club.

As per SofaScore, the £27m-rated Croatian playmaker was the only Hammers player to record a rating below 7.0 as his early-season struggles continue at the club.

He flattered to deceive on his debut for the Hammers – as explained by Football FanCast here – despite it being in the most perfect of circumstances after returning to his home country to face Dinamo Zagreb.

Against Wien, he managed to record fewer touches (25) than goalkeeper Alphonse Areola (28) and he also registered the fewest touches of any West Ham starter (nine) and that’s the last thing you want from your creative option in the no.10 role.

The 23-year-old midfielder may well come good for the Irons eventually but in games like this, Moyes is better off turning to his tried and tested, such as Pablo Fornals, instead.

Moyes has already been impressed by what he’s seen from Vlasic on the training pitch, revealing to reporters:

“He can play several roles for us which is important, but we also want to give him the chance to adapt and adjust. He’s only been really impressive since he’s been at the club and we’re really hopeful that he’ll turn into a really good player for us.”

But the former Everton flop has struggled for weeks now, so he must not keep his place in the starting XI for this encounter. Brentford pose plenty of threat themselves, having beaten Arsenal and drawn to Liverpool already this campaign.

Moyes may well like what he sees in Vlasic but at the London Stadium this afternoon, he must be brutal and leave the 5 foot 10 maestro on the bench. His faith in the summer signing is yet to be rewarded with any sort of promising performance, so he must now be axed from the starting XI.

AND in other news, Newman could become an instant hit at West Ham by signing £36m-rated “world-beater”…