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Sunderland enjoyed a busy January transfer window as Kristjaan Speakman brought in a number of players to bolster then-manager Lee Johnson’s squad.

Jermain Defoe, Jack Clarke, Jay Matete, Trai Hume, Danny Batth and Patrick Roberts all came in to aid the club’s attempts to win promotion to the Championship this season.

One of those signings has already flopped as Defoe recently announced his retirement from football after playing seven League One matches for the club.

Kristjaan Speakman error

Another January signing who the club could end up making an embarrassing error over is attacking midfielder Patrick Roberts.

At the time of his arrival, Johnson said: “We hope that this is the place he calls home for a number of years.”

However, that may not transpire as he is attracting interest from elsewhere. TEAMtalk recently reported that Belgian side Union Saint-Gilloise are keen on a deal for the former Manchester City man at the end of the season.

They are set to have Champions League football to offer and want to tempt Roberts into making the switch just months after he signed for the Black Cats.

This is where Speakman must act quickly to avoid making this blunder. He was only able to agree a short-term deal with the forward until the end of the season and must now extend his terms to secure his future at the Stadium of Light.

At the very least, Roberts signing a new contract would allow Sunderland to recoup a fee for his services instead of losing him for nothing in the summer.

The winger has one goal and has averaged 1.3 key passes per game across ten matches in League One, starting four times, and has the potential to improve further at the age of 25. He still has his best years ahead of him as he is yet to reach his peak and he could enjoy that at the Stadium of Light if he stays.

Ex-Black Cats player Stephen Elliott dubbed him “sublime” recently and former Norwich head coach Daniel Farke also previously hailed the forward’s talents, saying: “He is a brilliant lad who is full of potential. He is the type of player who can change a game because he has this ability that he can create something in a one against one situation.”

These comments suggest that Sunderland are yet to see the best of the attacker and that is why they cannot lose him on a free. It would be embarrassing to lose a player of his talent without receiving payment for him just months after bringing him to the club, which is why Speakman must rectify his error to avoid making another one.

AND in other news, Cost £13.6m, now worth £1.8m: SAFC had a nightmare on dud who “lacked professionalism”…

Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones has been passed fit for his side’s Champions League clash with Benfica on Tuesday night, journalist Ian Doyle has confirmed.

The Lowdown: Liverpool face latest test

The Reds continue their quadruple charge with a trip to Portugal as they take on the Lisbon outfit in the first leg of their quarter-final tie.

In truth, Jurgen Klopp’s men were handed a relatively kind draw in the grand scheme of things, with the Portuguese side surprise winners over Ajax in the last round.

Jones was a doubt for the game after he limped out of Saturday’s 2-0 win at home to Watford, but a positive update has now emerged.

The Latest: Jones passed fit

Taking to Twitter on Monday, Doyle confirmed via Klopp that the 21-year-old was in contention to start, having overcome his weekend problem.

The journalist tweeted: “Klopp on injuries: Full squad available for the game, absolutely. Curtis had a little swelling, disappeared overnight. Trent now, 4-5 days is ready as well.”

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The Verdict: Place on the bench

Prior to going off last weekend, Jones had disappointed against Watford, firing a couple of efforts wide of the target and struggling to get into the game, also losing possession 12 times.

For that reason, it would be a surprise if he starts tonight in what is another crucial match in Liverpool’s potentially legendary season, especially given his recent injury concern and his rarity of starts throughout the season in general.

Fabinho coming back into the number six role makes complete sense, while Jordan Henderson and Naby Keita could be the number eights, allowing Thiago to be managed carefully ahead of Sunday’s huge Premier League clash with Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.

In other news, a fresh update has emerged regarding Mohamed Salah’s Liverpool future. Read more here.

According to The Mirror, Serie A giants AC Milan are hoping to sign Everton youngster Ademola Lookman before the end of the January transfer window. 

However, The Toffees have so far insisted that the 21-year-old is not for sale, but will be bracing themselves for another bid from the Italian outfit.

The England under-21 international has struggled for game time so far this season under Marco Silva, managing only three starts in the Premier League. Two of those three starts have come this month, which gives the suggestion that senior figures at Everton were aware that the player was discontent. In order to placate him and avoid a move away, he has been granted game time. However, as they would have feared, there is growing interest in the winger.

Lookman had a wonderful spell at Bundesliga outfit RB Leipzig last season, and has surely caught the attention of a number of clubs around Europe. Snapping up young English talent seems to be the in vogue thing to do around the continent currently, and Lookman may be another name on that list.

Everton can only really blame themselves for this as well. They have already shown an interest in a number of wingers this month, which would have made Lookman feel even more dejected, as Silva clearly does not see him as an option at the moment.

Everton will surely want to keep hold of Lookman, but from the player’s perspective, he must feel unwanted at Goodison Park, so a move to a club with such prestige that wants him would be right up his street.

Newcastle United striker Callum Wilson may not be ready to return from injury until ‘the last two or three games in the season’.

That’s according to Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie, who was speaking to GiveMeSport.

The lowdown

Wilson hasn’t played for Newcastle in 2022, having suffered a calf injury in the 1-1 draw with Manchester United on 27 December.

The £46,200-per-week frontman, who remains the team’s top scorer with six goals, has now been sidelined for 13 matches in total.

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The Telegraph’s Luke Edwards had reported in March that Wilson had an ‘outside chance’ of returning against Wolves. He said a comeback against Crystal Palace on April 20 or Norwich City on April 23 looked far more ‘likely’.

However, it now appears that the timeline has been extended further.

The latest

Downie has heard from his sources that Wilson won’t be ready until the May 8 trip to Manchester City at the earliest.

But he wouldn’t rule out the striker being kept back until next season.

“I think the best case scenario, from what I’m hearing, is he will maybe be involved in the last two or three games in the season, but by then they might be safe, so is there any need to do that?” he said.

“Are you better off just getting him into good shape for the start of next season?”

The verdict

Downie identifies an important consideration here. Journalist Pete O’Rourke has previously said that Eddie Howe will be eagerly awaiting the ‘welcome’ boost of Wilson’s return, but do they need to play the long game?

In theory, the more recovery time Wilson is afforded, the lower the risk of re-injury. Any setback could affect the no. 9’s preparations for the 2022/23 campaign.

This is a player whose lengthy injury record demands that he be managed with particular care.

And Newcastle may also have to consider bringing in a new no. 9 who can deputise more effectively than Chris Wood in the event of future problems.

Wood has only scored one non-penalty goal in his 12 appearances since he joined from Burnley.

In other news, read this transfer insider’s latest PIF claim.

Manchester United will hold talks this week to bring Mitchell Van der Gaag to Old Trafford alongside Erik ten Hag, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The Lowdown: Ten Hag agreement

The Red Devils are edging closer to a deal for Ten Hag after holding positive talks with the Dutchman last month.

Romano revealed on Monday that an agreement regarding a contract was set to be completed, adding his famous ‘here we go’ phrase to his Twitter post.

The transfer expert said then that Van der Gaag was the ‘priority candidate’ for Ten Hag’s coaching staff, and it looks as if United chiefs will look to grant that wish over the coming days.

The Latest: Romano’s update

Romano provided an update on United’s pursuit of Ten Hag on Monday evening, revealing that an announcement will depend on reaching an agreement with Ajax over a €2m clause.

He also said that ‘talks to appoint Mitchell Van der Gaag as assistant will continue this week’.

The Verdict: Fingers crossed

United need to get everything in place for next season as soon as possible, especially following Tuesday’s 4-0 defeat to Liverpool, which served as an emphatic reminder of how far behind the club currently is.

Getting deals for Ten Hag and Van der Gaag over the line before the end of the season will allow the pair to make a head start on a summer rebuild, with Ralf Rangnick admitting that up to ten signings could be made ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

A major shake-up is required at Old Trafford, so pushing through a move for Van der Gaag could be crucial for Ten Hag prior to an official United announcement – the last thing they need is a hectic summer of rushed transfer decisions.

In other news: Contact made: Man Utd now working on signing ‘unplayable’ star once valued at £125m for Ten Hag. 

Keith Downie has revealed that Diego Carlos is now ‘keen’ on signing for Newcastle United in the January transfer window.

The Lowdown: Talks underway

As per 90min journalist Graeme Bailey, the St. James’ Park faithful are ‘in talks’ with Sevilla to try and sign Carlos, although the La Liga outfit are trying to persuade him to sign a new deal in Spain.

Other names in the centre-back position have also been mentioned as potential targets, but Carlos seems to be the one that has the most legs.

However, given that the Brazilian is currently rated at £40.5m by Transfermarkt, it seems as if it could be an expensive deal to do.

The Latest: Carlos ‘keen’

Speaking to The Transfer Tavern, Sky Sports journalist Downie has revealed that Carlos is now personally ‘keen’ on a move to the North East, but has warned that Sevilla ‘hold the aces’ when it comes to whether they want to let him go this month:

“We’re hearing again from one source that the player would be keen on the move.

“But again, the club hold the aces when it comes to this.”

The Verdict: Worth it

Even though Carlos is likely to be an expensive deal, it would certainly be worth it from the Tyneside outfit’s point of view.

They have the second-worst defensive record in the top flight, and bringing in a commanding central defender would certainly help them concede fewer goals.

Nicknamed ‘The Beast‘, Carlos is exactly the kind of character that they need in the backline, and is already playing at the highest level in both the UEFA Champions League and La Liga.

Nonetheless, at 28 years of age, he is in his prime, and so he can help solve their problems straight away.

In other news, find out which two fresh targets have now been ‘discussed’ as potential NUFC signings here!

Aston Villa are unlikely to face competition from West Ham for Marseille defender Duje Caleta-Car, according to a Football Insider report.

The Lowdown: Villa interest in Caleta-Car

Steven Gerrard appears to be on the hunt for defensive reinforcements this summer, with the futures of Tyrone Mings and Ezri Konsa seemingly in doubt.

Reports over the weekend name-checked Villa with an interest in Caleta-Car after Gerrard and the Villa ‘hierarchy’ watched the 25-year-old in action.

It could prove to be a double raid on the Ligue 1 club, with midfielder Boubacar Kamara also on the Midlanders’ radar.

The Latest: West Ham update

Football Insider shared an update regarding Caleta-Car on Monday morning after being informed by a West Ham source.

They claimed that the Hammers, who were heavily linked with the Croatia international in January, are unlikely to make a move in the summer.

The Verdict: Boost for Villa

The news from the London Stadium seems to be a boost for Johan Lange and co in their pursuit to sign Caleta-Car.

West Ham could have potentially caused a problem for Villa, should they have wanted to sign the defender in the summer. They have made their mark on the European stage this season and could have more European football on offer in 2022/23, which may have appealed to Caleta-Car.

Should Villa wish to bring the Marseille defender to the Midlands, they may now have a clear run at a transfer over the coming months as they look to bolster their ranks ahead of Gerrard’s first full season in charge.

In other news: Villa and Lange now want to sign ‘monstrous’ 7-trophy ace for Gerrard; talks underway

After falling to a disappointing 1-0 defeat against Newcastle United in their latest Premier League outing at Elland Road, it seems as though Leeds United and their fans will now be sweating on the fitness of one of their key players even after the current break in the season comes to a close.

What’s the latest?

Following on from the Newcastle defeat, Leeds journalist Phil Hay relayed comments from Bielsa on his official Twitter page revealing that striker Patrick Bamford may not be fit enough to return to action after the break when the Yorkshire club take on Aston Villa in their next Premier League match.

Bielsa’s words were: “A player who’s gone so long without playing it opens up a question mark about how long he needs to be able to maintain regularity.”

Bamford started Leeds’ first five Premier League games of the season where he managed to score one goal and provide two assists before staking his claim to be named as the unluckiest player in the league as a result of the constant fitness and injury issues he’s picked up since.

An ankle injury kept him out of action until he made a return in Leeds’ 2-2 draw against Brentford where he not only managed to score a late equaliser, but he then managed to injure his hamstring in the celebrations.

Fans will be fuming

Now that a potential return to action next month in time for Leeds’ match against Villa is looking uncertain, this will only add more frustration to Bamford, Bielsa and the Leeds supporters, who could really do with seeing the striker back in the team to help them pick up some positive results and move away from the relegation zone.

Having scored 17 goals in 38 Premier League appearances last season, Bamford not only showed how much of a danger he can be in front of goal but also how reliable he was for the team by appearing in all of their league games, highlighting how much of a different sort of campaign this one has unfortunately been for him.

As a result, to have the forward continuously not available, especially during the height of Leeds’ current injury crisis, will leave plenty of supporters rather upset and angry.

While it wouldn’t be wise to rush the Englishman back into action as the first chance of doing so, Leeds will need him in the team towards the end of the season if they want any chance of ending it on a high note.

In other news: “I understand..”: Insider drops worrying Leeds transfer claim, Bielsa will be fuming…

With two weeks left until the January transfer window closes, Wolves still have time to make any changes to their squad that they think will put them in the best shape to end the season as strongly as possible and potentially secure a European place in the Premier League table.

However, it seems as though the club can put to bed any concerns about potentially seeing one of their key players leave Molineux this month.

What’s the news?

According to a recent report from Spanish media outlet SPORT, Wolves winger Adama Traore wants to return to Barcelona with Jorge Mendes apparently working with both parties for a potential deal.

However, it’s likely that Traore will stay at the Midlands club until the summer before a final decision is made on his future.

Since joining Wolves back in the 2018 summer transfer window from Championship club Middlesbrough in a deal worth a reported fee of £18m, the Spaniard has gone on to make 153 appearances for the Old Gold across all competitions, scoring 11 goals and providing 18 assists in the process.

Lage will be relieved

Despite only managing to score one goal in the Premier League so far this season, which came in Wolves’ recent 3-1 win over Southampton at the weekend, Traore’s performances have shown what an important figure he can be for the team and why Bruno Lage will be relieved to potentially have him in the squad for the remainder of the season rather than watching him leave midway through the campaign.

For the 19 league performances he’s delivered for Wolves this season, WhoScored have given Traore an overall rating of 6.97/10, making him their fourth-highest rated player below Rayan Ait-Nouri, Romain Saiss and Max Kilman.

Looking ahead to the summer, with the 25-year-old’s contract set to expire in 2023, it could be worth Wolves working out a deal with Barcelona to sell Traore on a permanent deal after previous reports have highlighted his unhappiness and unwillingness to sign a new deal at Molineux.

This way, the Molineux outfit would get a transfer fee for him that could be used to find a replacement and Traore gets the move he wants, leaving all parties happy.

Moving forward, if Traore can end the season on a high with some goals and assists under his belt, this could help Wolves be able to get more money for him if they do end up negotiating a deal in the summer with Barcelona.

In other news: Deal agreed: Fabrizio Romano drops big Wolves transfer update, Lage surely buzzing – opinion 

Everton have already had an active transfer window, signing two new defenders in Nathan Patterson and Vitaliy Mykolenko during the first week of the transfer window, and continue to be linked to a number of players as Rafa Benitez tries to change the direction that Everton are heading in with them currently 15th in the Premier League and just six points away from the relegation zone.

What’s the word?

According to Brazilian news outlet, UOL Deportes, a €15m (£12.5m) bid from Shaktar Donetsk for Everton transfer target, David Neres, has been rejected by Ajax.

The report claims that Ajax value the 24 year old midfielder at, at least €20m (£16.6m), with his contract running out in June 2023.

Everton were linked to Neres over the weekend, with Jeunes Footeux reporting that the Merseyside club were one of many that were interested in securing his signature, including Newcastle United.

Neres was hailed “quality” by his current manager, Erik Ten Hag, who previously spoke about interest from other clubs who wanted to sign the player in 2019:

“It’s so complex and there are so many people involved in Ajax at the moment that it may happen,

“But technically I don’t want to lose a quality player like Neres, because we need him. ”

Rafa must swoop

Now that Shaktar Donetsk have made a bid and had it rejected, it could be time to step up the chase for the Ajax forward, if Benitez is serious about signing him.

The £18m-rated star has been drawing attention to himself in the Eredivisie, with four goals and two assists so far this season, and could definitely help Everton with their attacking output if they were able to beat their competitors to the signing of the striker.

Everton have been struggling to control games and not scoring enough goals to take three points, with the side conceding 1.78 goals, but only scoring 1.28 goals per game this season according to FootyStats, which has as a result seen the side struggle to climb the league table into a comfortable position in the top half of the table.

The Spanish manager must look for ways to seize the opportunity of the transfer window, by making signings in key areas during the transfer window, and adding a young forward into the attacking line would surely give Benitez options for a fresh perspective.

That’s especially when the side is struggling to find chances to score during the second half of the season and beyond. Thus, Neres would be the perfect signing for this particular issue that Everton will need to fix if they want to rewrite the story of their campaign so far.

Words from a certain Jose Mourinho also add to the viewpoint of why Everton have to sign him.

Speaking about his heritage and performances, the Portuguese commented: “David Neres fully reflects what a Brazilian player should be. For me, he is the best of the new generation.”

As a result, he is a player that would surely light up proceedings at Goodison Park.

In other news: Journo gives perspective on potential Barkley signing