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Wolverhampton Wanderers are in the market for new additions in January and are reportedly weighing up a surprise swoop for a high-profile star at Molineux.

Wolves prepare for trip to Craven Cottage…

Gary O'Neil has made a commendable start to life at Molineux and hasn't let himself be overawed by the prospect of replacing Julen Lopetegui earlier in the campaign, helping his side to take 15 points from their opening 12 Premier League fixtures.

Nevertheless, the 40-year-old will want to ensure his side move in to the top half of the table on Monday night, where his side will travel to west London to take on Marco Silva's Fulham.

Ahead of their trip to Craven Cottage, the Old Gold will have to do without the services of Craig Dawson, who is suspended for the encounter after picking up five bookings over the course of the campaign.

Pedro Neto is still out and will miss the tie; however, he is believed to be ahead of schedule in his quest to recover from injury. Joe Hodge and Nathan Fraser are also absentees for the clash, though Wolves will be boosted by the fact Fulham will be missing Joao Palhinha, Adama Traore and Rodrigo Muniz. Issa Diop and Tosin Adarabioyo are doubts for the hosts.

Although his side have improved concerning their overall approach to matches, O'Neil has urged his players to seize the initiative and keep moving in the right direction, as he stated in his pre-match press conference: "Most of the performances have shown, at least in some of the games, they have an understanding, but you still want every moment on the grass with them to keep improving. You see things every day that you like to correct."

Wolverhampton Wanderers' last five results – Premier League

Opponent & result

Venue

Wolverhampton Wanderers 2-1 Tottenham Hotspur

Molineux

Sheffield United 2-1 Wolverhampton Wanderers

Bramall Lane

Wolverhampton Wanderers 2-2 Newcastle United

Molineux

Bournemouth 1-2 Wolverhampton Wanderers

Vitality Stadium

Wolverhampton Wanderers 1-1 Aston Villa

Molineux

Now, a fresh report has cast an eye to Wolves' potential activity in January, claiming that the Old Gold are now looking to pull off an ambitious swoop in the West Midlands.

Wolves keen on Aaron Ramsdale

As per The Daily Star, Wolverhampton Wanderers are keen on Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale and are weighing up a potential swoop for the England international in January on a loan deal with an obligation to buy.

Current stopper Jose Sa is believed to be Saudi Arabia-bound in the New Year and the Old Gold have placed a £35 million price tag on his head. Should he depart, Ramsdale has been identified as the number one target to replace him between the sticks at Molineux, with his future now up in the air under Mikel Arteta at Arsenal.

Labelled "exceptional" by Arteta earlier this year, Ramsdale has made eight appearances this term in all competitions, keeping three clean sheets (Ramsdale statistics – Transfermarkt).

Nevertheless, he has recently lost his place to David Raya and is now behind the Spaniard in the pecking order, which could pave the way for a January exit to ensure he earns regular minutes ahead of EURO 2024.

Top Premier League club now interested in "fantastic" Wolves star

This could be a huge blow for Gary O’Neil…

ByTom Cunningham Nov 26, 2023

After their bowlers limited Thunder to 135, Stars’ top-order polished the chase off in 17.2 overs

The Report by Akshay Gopalakrishnan05-Jan-2019Melbourne Stars’ bowlers settled into the ideal pace on a slow Carrara Oval surface to stifle Sydney Thunder and rise to second on the BBL table.Having struck twice inside the Powerplay, the Stars continued to chip away at the Thunder order. Only during a 25-ball 42 from their No. 6 Daniel Sams did the Thunder innings gain a measure of steam. It was enough to lift them to 135 after they had ambled along at around a run a ball for much of the innings.Getty ImagesIt wasn’t enough to challenge the Stars top order, however. They hardly broke a sweat, knocking down the requisite runs in 17.2 overs to win by eight wickets. Marcus Stoinis blazed away to launch the chase with a 22-ball 34. The foundation was so strong that even the usually belligerent Glenn Maxwell played a muted knock, striking just a four and two sixes in his unbeaten 41, and putting on an unbroken 80 for the third wicket with Nick Larkin to see the Stars home.The defeat has displaced Thunder from the top half of the table. They are now fourth, with six points from as many matches.Choking ’em outAs he did in their previous game, Shane Watson, the Thunder captain, opted against chasing, with the possibility of the surface slowing down as the game wore on. As he did in the previous game, Watson fell early, well inside the Powerplay. But unlike in the previous game, nobody from Thunder’s top order rode the early storm.Jos Buttler, the season’s highest run-getter, was the first to fall, his start cut short when Boland found his leading edge, which was held at point. Calum Ferguson followed next ball, when he threw his hands at an expansive punch and sliced a catch to backward point.The common element in the two balls was that both had been delivered slower. That became the primary ingredient for success on this surface. Joe Root fended softly at the hat-trick ball, which cut away off the seam and found the edge of his bat, but didn’t carry to the keeper. With Thunder 28 for 2, the pressure was on.The pushbackWhile the slower ball was effective, it came with an obvious rider. As a bowler, there was always the risk of overdoing it. Having picked up 2 for 8 in his first two overs, Boland was welcomed into his third with a cut past third man, who misfielded, for four from Root. Very quickly, it prompted Boland to drag the pace back. But Root had already sussed out a template.After negotiating a slower ball and a regular length ball, Root was waiting right back in his crease when Boland dropped his pace, and length, off the fifth ball of the over. He pulled it over midwicket. When Boland repeated the drill next ball, Root played even later, pulling him behind square to give Thunder 12 runs to close out the Powerplay.On a pitch where balls routinely stopped on the batsmen and finding the right timing was difficult, Root had managed a control percentage of 85 when he jabbed a length ball from Stoinis off the inside of his bat to midwicket. However, the best of the fightback was yet to come.Liam Plunkett hadn’t played a T20 since October last year. In fact, barring two T10 matches in the UAE in late November, he hadn’t played any cricket at all. Considering that, he had done well to give away just eight runs from his first two overs. Sams, however, would go on to ruin his figures.Sams pulled a slower short ball from Plunkett for six over backward square off the second ball of the 15th over, and sliced the next for as many over backward point. He then picked a slower ball from Stoinis and sent a towering hit soaring over deep square leg. In between all the big hits, he turned the strike over regularly. It meant that between overs 15 and 17, Thunder collected 35 runs.It was the only spell of substantial acceleration, as after another six off Stoinis, the bowler had the last laugh by having Sams caught at deep point, and Thunder slipped back into their shell. In the end, that made a telling difference.No slow, no goUnlike the Stars bowlers, Thunder’s didn’t bring out their variations and slow it up. Instead, they opted to fire it in at pace. On this surface, with its lack of bite and carry, they were setting themselves up for failure.A rush of boundaries – four of them in the first 14 balls of the innings – warned Thunder that a change in strategy might be called for. And then Ben Dunk drove a full ball from Sams into the hands of Root diving forward at short cover.Thunder’s bowlers continued to go full tilt. Even Jonathan Cook, the legspinner, hit speeds upwards of 90kph. He was taken apart for a hat-trick of fours in the sixth over, which went for 15 runs, and the Stars had raced to 53 for 1 at nearly nine an over.Stars didn’t look back. When Stoinis was taken out by Fawad Ahmed, slicing a catch to backward point, Stars needed 79 from 78 balls. Maxwell and Larkin collected 67.5 percent of those runs in ones and twos. In all, their partnership contained just two fours and three sixes, the last of which, from Maxwell, gave Stars the winning runs.

West Ham United faced the toughest task when it came to replacing Declan Rice during the summer transfer window, as proved by just how quickly he's adjusted to life at Arsenal. In the end, however, it was a task completed fairly seamlessly, with James Ward-Prowse and Edson Alvarez coming into the middle of the park and impressing ever since at the London Stadium, helping their new side into the Premier League's top half and top of their Europa League group.

That doesn't mean David Moyes will stop searching for reinforcements though, with reports suggesting that the London club are eyeing a move for one specific addition who could become Alvarez's long-term partner in midfield.

West Ham transfer news

With both European and domestic football to balance these days, West Ham can never have too much depth. The Hammers very nearly suffered as a result of a smaller squad last season, when they came all too close to sacrificing their Premier League status for the sake of Europa Conference League glory. In the end, Moyes managed to achieve both goals, but it was all too close for comfort and a situation that the former Everton manager will want to avoid in the current and future campaigns. And that could result in the arrival of one particular target.

Moyes could now unleash exciting teenager who West Ham chiefs "really rate"

There’s a buzz around him behind-the-scenes.

ByEmilio Galantini Nov 29, 2023

According to Corriere Dello Sport, West Ham are courting Ardon Jashari ahead of a potential move. The FC Luzern midfielder reportedly has a price tag of just €6m (£5m) and has attracted the interest of both the London club and Serie A side Fiorentina in what could be a bargain deal for either side. At 21 years old, Jashari has already made his international debut for Switzerland and is reportedly considered to be one of their most promising midfielders, making West Ham and Fiorentina's supposed interest little surprise.

West Ham could land Alvarez partner in "leader" Jashari

Jashari is certainly one to keep an eye on in Switzerland, having already made his national team debut and earned plenty of praise whilst at FC Luzern. Jashari's stats are impressive for the Swiss club too. The midfielder has started 12 of their 14 Super League games, scoring three times and assisting once from the middle of the park. Meanwhile, he gained Europa Conference League experience earlier in the campaign, where he managed to record one assist.

Scout Oliver Zesiger is certainly a fan of the reported West Ham target, telling Luzerner Zeitung: “Jashari has a personality that qualifies him as a leader. You rarely see that at this age. Physically, Granit is stronger. (But) both players can move the ball in progression. In addition, the two are good at reading a game and winning the ball back. If things continue, then he’ll definitely end up at a club in one of the top five leagues (in Europe).”

With Alvarez in his prime at 26, West Ham will hope to land the perfect partner for their summer arrival in the form of Jashari, whose best is yet to come in top-flight football.

Liverpool and Manchester United are readying to battle for Barcelona wonderkid Mikayil Faye but the Catalans are looking to keep him at the club.

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Man Utd and Liverpool want Mikayil Faye Barca want to keep defender next season Will be promoted to the first team under Marquez WHAT HAPPENED?

Barca Atletic have been flying this season and look likely to challenge for promotion this season and Faye has been one of the players to have caught the eyes of scouts around the world. As such, the Premier League duo are looking to bring in the Senegalese defender this summer as per Mundo Deportivo [via Sports Witness].

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The report has also suggested that despite the interest, Barcelona are keen to keep the 19-year-old at the club past this summer and will also hand him a promotion to the first team alongside Barca Atletic boss Rafa Marquez, who is touted as the next Barcelona boss after Xavi Hernandez decided to call it quits earlier this year.

Getty ImagesDID YOU KNOW?

It was reported earlier today by SPORT [via @BarcaBuzz on X], that Barcelona sporting director Deco met up with Faye's agent, Miquel Olmo, regarding the increase of wages for the 19-year-old when he makes his move to the first team of the club. They also discussed the future role of the defender at the club as they do not want him to remain in the second team past this summer.

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WHAT NEXT FOR FAYE?

The Senegalese was included in Xavi's squad for their last league game against Cadiz but he is expected to remain fully committed to Barca Atletic until the end of the season as they chase the playoffs. They will next be in action when they take on Lugo on Sunday, April 21.

Handscomb has had his technique picked apart by India, but Australia may want a fifth-bowling option for Melbourne anyway

ESPNcricinfo staff18-Dec-2018The immediate Test future of Peter Handscomb remains the main selection debate for Australia after they named an unchanged 13-man squad for the final two Tests against India at Melbourne and Sydney.Chris Tremain, who was part of the squad leading into the series, was released before the Perth Test and the selectors have not felt the need to make any changes following Australia’s 146-run victory which levelled the series.Peter Siddle is retained as the back-up pace option to the main three quick men with the big decision heading into Melbourne whether allrounder Mitchell Marsh is recalled in place of the struggling Handscomb who has made 34, 14, 7 and 13 in the series.It is less about the low scores for Handscomb more the manner of dismissals, with his technique being given a working over by India’s quicks as it was by England’s in last year’s Ashes. In the second innings at Perth he was trapped lbw by a full delivery from Ishant Sharma having previously twice edged behind, albeit he fell to a wonderful Virat Kohli catch on the opening day of the second Test.Coach Justin Langer said the challenge for Handscomb was to escape the “noise” which comes with a high-profile Test series but added he had started conversations with him about his method.”There’s areas he can improve and every one of our players can improve,” Langer told . “Aaron Finch, Shaun Marsh, they’re all working so hard on their game. What’s hard is you come into an environment like this and then there’s so much spotlight on your game. So it’s just another distraction for him.”The only thing I’ve spoken to him about so far is I wonder if he’s watching the ball because there’s times where he was playing back to balls he could’ve played forward to, forward to one he could’ve played back to. That’s the toughest thing about Test cricket, concentrating on the next ball, and when there’s all this noise and distraction, that’s the courage and skill of Test cricket.”Looking ahead to the third Test and the consideration of including Marsh as a fifth bowling option, regardless of the form debate around Handscomb, Langer said that the MCG pitch would be the greatest consideration in varying the balance of the team, but he did not have any concerns about the workload of Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins.”We’ll look at the wicket, as there’s been a lot of talk about this wicket, there’s been a lot of talk about the MCG wicket after last year. In terms of the quicks, I think they’re all going beautifully at the moment, they’ve bowled a lot of overs but we’ve got a decent rest and all three of those guys super professional so they will be raring to go.”Conditions are going to be different at the MCG than they were here and then in Sydney. We will have to pick what we think is the best combination to win both of those Tests. If it’s this XI then great. But if we have to make some changes I am sure will talk about that at some stage.”Squad Pat Cummins, Aaron Finch, Peter Handscomb, Marcus Harris, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Nathan Lyon, Mitch Marsh, Shaun Marsh, Tim Paine, Peter Siddle, Mitchell Starc

Sri Lanka have made no fewer than eight changes to the limited-overs squad, with several veterans making way for youngsters

Madushka Balasuriya22-Jan-2019Sri Lanka have named a new-look squad for their tour of South Africa next month, with no less than eight changes being made to the side that bowed out in the group stage of the Women’s World T20 last year. The uncapped duo of Tharika Sewwandi, 18, and Umesha Thimashini, 17, alongside Harshitha Madavi, Kavisha Dilhari and Imalka Mendis, are among five players aged 25 or under included in the squad. Thimashini’s inclusion is subject to fitness.SL limited-overs squad for SA tour

Chamari Atapattu (capt), Prasadani Weerakkody, Anushka Sanjeewani, Tharika Sewwandi, Hasini Perera, Imalka Mendis, Harshitha Samarawickrema, Shashikala Siriwardena, Nilakshi De Silva, Umesha Thimashini (subject to fitness), Kaveesha Dilhari, Achini Kulasooriya, Udeshika Probodani, Inoka Ranaweera, Oshadi Ranasinghe

Others returning to the squad are batsman Prasadani Weerakkody, wicketkeeper Anushka Sanjeewani, medium pacer Achini Kulasuriya and veteran spinner Inoka Ranaweera.Making way are several old hands such as Yasoda Mendis, 32, Eshani Lokusuriyage, 34, Dilani Manodara, 36, Inoshi Fernando, 31, and Sripali Weerakody, 33. Fast bowler Ama Kanchana, who had a forgettable World T20, and spinner Sugandika Kumari have also been omitted.”Sripali has been left out due to personal reasons, the others however are now over 30 and they’ve been given several chances with national side,” SLC women’s cricket chief selector Rasanjali de Alwis said.While youngsters have being given prominence in the squad, de Alwis also stressed the importance of striking the right balance. As such experience hasn’t been ignored completely, with the likes of Ranaweera, former captain Shashikala Siriwardena, Weerakkody, veteran seamer Udeshika Prabodhani and spinner Oshadi Ranasinghe making up a core contingent of players 30 and above.”Now it’s time to plan for the next World Cup and give some of the younger players a chance. We hope the senior players will be able to offer their experience and guide the younger players going forward.”.Sri Lanka will play three ODIs and three T20Is in South Africa, with the first ODI scheduled for February 1 in Cape Town.

Arsenal fans have been reacting to 'leaks' of the club’s supposed away kit for 2024-25, with the alleged adidas design not getting the best reception.

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Gunners still in the title hunt this seasonAttention drifting towards next campaignSupporters get a peak at possible shirtsWHAT HAPPENED?

The Gunners are still hoping that whatever they wear next season will be sporting golden Premier League patches on the sleeves, as they look to land a first top-flight title in 20 years. They have just three games left to take in, as defending champions Manchester City remain hot on their heels.

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Supporters are getting an apparent peak at what kit manufacturers adidas allegedly have lined up for the next campaign, with some bold designs generating a mixed response. Images of a black away kit that features green and red accents – which offer a nod towards a training top from years gone by that was designed to celebrate the friendship between Ian Wright and David Rocastle – has divided opinion.

WHAT THE FANS ARE SAYING

Many Arsenal followers, including @getprawned, are of the opinion that the shirt is “f*cking awful”. Another, @ArsenalN7, has suggested that the Gunners are lining up a “Lynx Africa kit”, while @mannyd_02 says it “looks like a GK kit”. Others have branded the design “pathetic”, “disgraceful” and “disgusting”.

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DID YOU KNOW?

Arsenal fans have also got a look at what their home kit for next season could look like, with the gold adidas branding that features on their current jersey being swapped out for navy blue. Pictures of that shirt have also generated a mixed response.

Everton could now allow a "really good" player to leave the club during the January transfer window in order to keep the same suitor away from Jarrad Branthwaite, according to a new update from Goodison Park.

Everton's January transfer plans

It isn't long until the Blues will once again be able to enter the transfer market, with the opening of the January window just three weeks away. Sean Dyche and his side have enjoyed a superb week or so in the Premier League, winning three matches in a row without conceding a goal, including against Newcastle United and Chelsea, and jumping out of the relegation zone in the process.

That's not to say that new signings aren't needed, however, and Everton have been linked with a move for Lyon centre-back Jake O'Brien, with the 22-year-old Irishman impressing France. Meanwhile, the Blues have also been backed to complete the signing of Aston Villa midfielder Leander Dendoncker, seeing him as someone who could add depth in the middle of the park.

It does look as though one Goodison player could be set to head the other way, however, in an effort to keep Branthwaite on the books.

Everton to offer up Godfrey to stave off Branthwaite interest

According to a fresh claim from Football Insider, Everton are willing to allow Ben Godfrey to leave in January, with Tottenham potentially snapping him up as an alternative to Branthwaite, who they are also interested in but the Toffees will refuse to sell.

"Everton are prepared to sell Ben Godfrey to Tottenham in January if a bid is submitted, sources have told Football Insider. Spurs are in the market for a new centre-back in January after losing both Eric Dier and Micky van de Ven to injury in recent weeks.

"The North London side have shown an interest in Toffees duo Jarrad Branthwaite and Godfrey in recent weeks as they look to bolster their defensive options."

This does feel like the natural time to allow Godfrey to leave, even though the 25-year-old is someone who legendary manager Carlo Ancelotti was a big fan of, describing him as a "really good" talent during his time in charge at Goodison. The Englishman is simply not in the current boss' plans however – he has featured for just one minute of Premier League action in total this season, as well as starting one solitary game in the EFL Cup.

James Tarkowski and Branthwaite have become Everton's undisputed first-choice centre-back pairing, and it is hard to see that changing any time soon, so this feels like the right moment for Godfrey to enjoy a fresh challenge.

European giants eyeing "exciting" Everton star who only joined last summer

This would be a huge blow for Sean Dyche…

ByTom Cunningham Dec 9, 2023

He could even flourish under Ange Postecoglou at Spurs, should he be given the chance to prove himself, and he is a powerful player who can enjoy a big influence on his day, whether that be at centre-back or right-back.

Everton could receive good money for him, ahead of his Blues contract expiring in the summer of 2025, and the longer they keep hold of him, the cheaper he will become, further highlighting why January is the best time to move him on.

Mikel Arteta could miss the Everton clash if he loses his temper against Manchester United in Arsenal's penultimate Premier League game.

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Arteta could miss out on Everton clash Has picked up five yellow cards this season Missed Aston Villa clash due to suspension WHAT HAPPENED?

The Arsenal boss is walking on thin ice ahead of their club's potential title decider against Everton on May 19. The Gunners are currently leading the title race by a point, however, they have played a game more than Manchester City.

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Arteta have already conceded five yellow cards in the Premier League this season and if he gets booked again in their penultimate game against Manchester United, he will be forced to watch the clash against the Toffees from the stands.

DID YOU KNOW?

Earlier in the season, the 42-year-old had to sit out during the club's clash against Aston Villa after he received his third booking of the season in a win over Luton Town.

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(C)Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR ARSENAL?

The North London giants are currently preparing for their upcoming Premier League clash at Old Trafford as they face old foes Manchester United on Sunday.

Liverpool have made a surprising decision over an "unbelievable" Reds player who Jurgen Klopp admires, with a January update emerging over the weekend.

Liverpool held by Man Utd

While much focus has been on the Reds' potential incoming business during the January transfer window, there are also players who could move on to pastures new in 2024. Both Joel Matip and Thiago are out of contract at the end of the season and are 32 years of age.

Mohamed Salah's Liverpool future is also set to become a big talking point once again, with rumours of a huge bid from Saudi Pro League Al-Ittihad emerging over the weekend. With the 31-year-old's current deal running until 2025, he will surely either leave or sign a new deal next year.

There are also players who could head out on loan, with young right-back Conor Bradley wanted by a host of English clubs on a temporary basis, and a significant update has emerged regarding a player already at another club this season.

The Reds were held by Manchester United on Sunday afternoon in a frustrating encounter that saw them rack up over 30 shots and hold nearly 70 per cent of the possession, so their latest decision on a player who could add a bit of creative spark in those sorts of games is a surprising one.

Fabio Carvalho transfer update

According to a fresh transfer update from The Mirror, FSG are planning talks to recall Fabio Carvalho in the winter market, but not to unleash him into Klopp's team. Indeed, Liverpool youngster Carvalho could make a "shock" return to former club Fulham next month instead.

"Fabio Carvalho is open to a shock return to Fulham – if Liverpool are able to recall him from his loan spell at RB Leipzig. The Reds have opened formal dialogue with the Bundesliga club as they're currently unhappy with Carvalho's lack of minutes in Germany so far this season.

Sources close to the player have allegedly confirmed there is interest from both Fulham and the player's side in making a deal happen.

Liverpool's success rate with signings has been so high under Klopp, with an endless number of players proving to be outstanding acquisitions – Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Alisson stand out as arguably the best of this era – but Carvalho increasingly feels as though he could be a rare failure.

The 21-year-old couldn't make a proper impact in his first season at Anfield, barring a memorable late winner at home to Newcastle United in the Premier League, and the fact that Klopp was willing to loan him out says a lot about his squad status.

The attacking midfielder's time on loan at RB Leipzig has been similarly underwhelming to date, with Carvalho only making one start in the Bundesliga this season, and it could be best for him to end his spell there early and go back to Fulham – even though many may like to see what he could produce in front of the rebranded Reds midfield.

“Charismatic” Liverpool target is now open to leaving his club in January

This could be a big boost for the Reds.

ByHenry Jackson Dec 17, 2023

Given his age, all hope is not lost for Carvalho with the Reds, and Klopp has described him as "unbelievable" in the past, but big improvements are needed if he is to make the grade at Anfield, or a permanent exit could end up happening in the relatively near future.