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According to Tim Spiers of The Athletic, Wolverhampton Wanderers are looking to send young striker Benny Ashley-Seal out on loan for the rest of the season this month with the EFL being the preferred destination.

What’s the word?

It is believed that the Wolves hierarchy, manager Nuno Santo included, want the 21-year-old to start being more physical in attack as he already possesses top qualities technically and with his finishing.

That’s reflected in his eight goals in 13 matches for the U23 squad this campaign.

Wolves held off sending him out on loan in the summer as he had not played regular football for the best part of six months, and so that he could refind his goalscoring boots in the academy setup.

Now the time has come for him to get involved in the men’s game once again.

Crucial chance?

Ashley-Seal was a surprise starter at the weekend as Wolves hosted Manchester United in the FA Cup third round proper with Nuno electing to rest Raul Jimenez.

The young prospect only lasted the first-half as he was hauled off at half-time, perhaps a harsh lesson, given his first senior involvement was coming up against Victor Lindelof and the £80m world-record signing Harry Maguire.

This is a chance for the forward to prove himself to Nuno, an opportunity to show that he can be the long-term answer upfront for the west Midlands outfit.

Jimenez isn’t going to be around forever, especially with more and more clubs taking a keen interest in his services this week while Patrick Cutrone’s looking likely to be shipped back to Italy after a disastrous £16m summer switch having played just 12 minutes in Wolves last ten matches.

The likes of Rafa Mir and Bright Enobakhare have failed to take their loan chances either with both expected back at the club this month, so there’s a clear gap emerging that Ashley-Seal must take advantage of here.

It’s the dawn of a new decade in the Premier League, but how much do you know about the last 10 years?

If the 21-year-old continues his goal-laden form at senior level in the Football League, then it will surely catch Nuno’s eye.

And in other news, Wolves are in line to sign this promising starlet labelled a cross between Thierry Henry and Zlatan Ibrahimovic…

For teams towards the bottom of the Premier League table, playing against Manchester City can be a tough task at the best of times.

Therefore, Aston Villa will have been keen to ensure that they didn’t give the reigning champions any gifts early on.

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It turns out that Villa gave them two that were wrapped up thanks to their debutant Danny Drinkwater.

Having been easily beaten by his former teammate Riyad Mahrez for City’s first, the 29-year-old then gave the ball away inside of his own box, which led to the Algerian getting his second.

This was a player who had only featured in one Premier League game this season, and quite frankly, the rust from his time on the bench was fully on show in his early performance.

One fan demanded that Villa “terminate Drinkwater’s loan”, while another asked who made the decision to bring him in, suggesting “they need sacking”.

Marvelous Nakamba has not been the most popular of figures at Villa Park recently, as signified by the fact that he and Douglas Luiz were slated for their performances against Leicester City.

However, fans felt that Drinkwater was making the Zimbabwean look good, with one urging for him to be brought on.

His poor performance can be encapsulated by his WhoScored rating of 4.8, which looks even worse when compared to the 6.3 that Nakamba got.

Meanwhile, one of Villa’s prospective signings could act as a roadblock to one of their exciting talents.

Sheffield United came into this transfer window with a clear priority to add defensive cover to their ranks.

Speaking to Sky Sports, the following was noted by Tim Thornton and Richard Graves: “The Blades are on the hunt for cover, mostly – specifically at centre-back to help the likes of Chris Basham and Jack O’Connell in the right and left centre-half positions.”

A number of defenders have since been linked to the club in the January market. Two names include Ipswich’s Luke Woolfenden and Anderlecht’s Elias Cobbaut.

However, the most eye-catching of names is former World Cup finalist Domagoj Vida. The Croatian currently plays his football for Turkish outfit Besiktas but they are keen to get him off their wage bill.

As a result, Sheffield United have now been touted as a potential destination for the 30-year-old.

Vida played a vital part in Croatia’s run in Russia during the summer of 2018 and he even kept a clean sheet against Lionel Messi’s Argentina.

18 months on from their journey to the final, would he be a good signing for the Blades? We asked those at Football FanCast towers to provide their answers.

Lewis Blain:

“Sheffield United are looking for defensive cover in the window to make up for Chris Wilder’s first blunder, signing Jack Rodwell. The forgotten man has already got himself injured, just days after earning a contract and the Blades boss would be making another mistake if he settles for Domagoj Vida this month.

“The club are known for being smart in the transfer market, as shown in their astute business over recent years which has led to them gaining promotion from the Championship and currently sitting inside the top six in the Premier League.

“Vida joining the club would do more harm than good as he could arrive as the club’s highest-earner straight off the bat. A truly astonishing move that would ruffle a few feathers as the average wage packet at Bramall Lane is just £19,158, three times less than what the Croatian may command.

“Wilder must not make a Wednesday-like financial move with FFP now a big part of the top-flight equation.”

Danny Lewis: “Sheffield United need defensive cover, but it is more important for them to stick to their values and stay within their means. A player earning more money is not a sign that they will make the biggest impact. That’s already been shown at Bramall Lane with Phil Jagielka only making one start and three substitute appearances in the league this season, despite being their highest earner.“With that in mind, it has to be considered whether it would be wise for Chris Wilder and the decision-makers at the club to pay another ageing defender even more money, while there is no guarantee he will start. The answer is no, that would be a foolish idea, so they should steer well clear.” Billy Meyers: “Chris Wilder must steer clear of a move for Vida. He is approaching his 31st birthday and I don’t think this would be a wise move at all, given the obvious harmony amongst the squad evidenced through their admirable position in the table. That’s despite the side mainly being made up of those who played in the Championship last season too.“Signing the Croatia international and placing him on a large pay packet would be a risk, as if he doesn’t perform, the likes of Chris Basham and others could quite rightly begin to ask for a wage increase. Additionally, the Blades have the second-sternest backline in the Premier League having conceded just 21 goals this season – only Liverpool have a better record. Contrastingly, Wilder’s side have scored the sixth-fewest, so maybe the club should focus their recruitment on more attack-minded players.” Can you remember how much each of these transfer icons cost? Only experts will get 100% on our quiz… Matt Dawson:

“Links to Vida are indicative of just how far the Blades have come since being promoted to the Premier League. The Croat is a player with huge experience and his performances at the World Cup in 2018 prove he has what it takes to perform on the biggest of stages. During his campaign in Russia, the 30-year-old was involved in two goals, as well as keeping both Lionel Messi and Sergio Aguero quiet in a 3-0 win for Croatia during the knockout stages.

“That, however, was a long time ago and Sheffield United now need to work out whether his high wages would be worth it, particularly for a side who has a settled backline. The Blades have conceded just 21 goals from 22 matches in the top-flight this term while Vida is on a weekly salary of €75,423 (£64,279). That puts him above everyone already at Bramall Lane but if they have desires of reaching another level, players of Vida’s calibre are what’s needed. Wilder must bring the 79-cap man to Yorkshire.”

In other Blades news, Chris Wilder has provided an update on the future of Billy Sharp…

According to a recent report from Tuttosport (via Sport Witness), Juventus and Inter Milan are both in the race to sign Manchester United’s young starlet, Tahith Chong.

What’s the word, then?

The Italian outlet states that both the Bianconeri and the Nerazzurri are interested in acquiring the services of the youngster and are set to fight for the player in the January transfer window.

As of right now, however, Inter are still leading the race for his seemingly coveted signature. But nothing is set in stone and it’s still unclear whether he will end up in Turin or Milan.

Quickfire Quiz: How much do you know about Man Utd’s history in the January transfer window?

Verdict

The same report from Sport Witness states that Chong has failed to impress when he given chances but with just 645 out 1095 minutes actually coming in the top-flight, it’s safe to say that his opportunities have been limited.

But Juventus seem to be looking to inject young blood and with their main wingers being Cristiano Ronaldo and Juan Cuadrado – both players slowly getting on with their careers – there could be a place for Chong in the starting lineup further down the line.

The 20-year-old has already netted seven goals and bagged five assists in Premier League 2 and the EFL trophy this season, so clearly he’s a player capable of creating opportunities, but it will also require some patience and trust from Maurizio Sarri.

If Juventus give him that, this could very well be a wise investment for the Italian champions.

Meanwhile, Juventus’ rivals, Napoli, could be set to keep their goal-scoring machine amidst interest from Arsenal…

West Ham United are in advanced talks to sign Celtic midfielder Olivier Ntcham, as reported by Foot Mercato.

What’s the story?

The Hammers may have confirmed that Tomas Soucek has joined them, but it seems that they are continuing their search for midfielders.

This comes with the report that they are in advanced negotiations with 23-year-old midfielder Ntcham, hoping that they will be able to take him from Celtic.

No fee is suggested within the report, but it is stated that they are also considering Pope Cheikh Diop, who is currently on loan at Celta Vigo from Lyon.

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A risky signing

This can be seen as a risky signing for the Hammers, considering Ntcham has not been regularly making an impact for Celtic this term.

So far, he has made 12 SPFL starts and six substitute appearances, scoring two goals, while he has also made two starts and three substitute appearances in the Europa League.

He has been quiet defensively when on the pitch during the European competition, averaging just 0.6 tackles, 0.4 interceptions and 0.2 clearances, while committing 0.2 fouls per game.

Someone’s got to own them: Who do these incredibly unwanted PL records belong to?

His statistics on the ball are slightly more encouraging, but still far from breathtaking, as he makes 0.6 key passes and 1.2 key passes, while maintaining a pass success rate of 77.6%.

In addition to all of this, there have been question marks about his attitude, with Neil Lennon having openly said that he would speak to the Frenchman about this issue during the summer, with STV quoting him as saying:

“I will be speaking to him about his mindset and his attitude towards the club as well which, the way it came across, didn’t look good.”

With that in mind, there should, perhaps, be some question marks around whether making this move would be a wise decision from the Hammers.

Meanwhile, ExWHUemployee has identified West Ham’s three latest striker targets.

According to The Telegraph, Manchester United midfielder Nemanja Matic has rejected offers to leave the club as he would like to stay beyond the current season.

What’s the word?

It is claimed that the 31-year-old would be open to a new contract should the decision-makers at Old Trafford agree.

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No discussions or advancements have been made over an extension as the Serbian enters the final six months of his current deal, although the club have the option to trigger an extra year should they wish.

“I’ve got a contract until the end of the season. We will see. I’m at Carrington every day open to talk if they think I can help. If not, life will go on. For sure, there is always a solution.”

Matic joined the Red Devils from league rivals Chelsea in the summer of 2017, costing them a total of £40m.

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Is he really needed?

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has handed the midfielder a lifeline in recent weeks as his presence in the starting XI has become a regular feature.

And with several of United’s senior players leaving this season – Ashley Young and Marcos Rojo have both departed during the January window – Matic does stand out as a beacon of experience in an otherwise youthful side.

What could’ve been… Can you name the clubs these football legends almost joined?

But on the other hand, Matic has never really hit the heights of his Chelsea spell, where he won the Premier League title twice, since moving to Old Trafford.

Tellingly, his Whoscored rating plummeted from 7.31 during his penultimate Blues campaign to just 6.72 last term – although there has been a slight uplift this time out.

Overall, it feels as though the 31-year-old is a spent force these days – wise head in the dressing room, but laboured legs on the pitch.

Matic may be open to staying at Old Trafford, but there’s no obligation for United to grant him that wish.

And in other news, Ed Woodward is determined not to leave, according to James Ducker…

Sheffield Wednesday endured both spectrums during January – at one end the Owls struggled in the Championship, losing three of their four matches but they managed to advance into the fifth round of the FA Cup and even saw three new signings arrive at Hillsborough.

The south Yorkshiremen have also announced their Player of the Month with left-back Morgan Fox winning the award with a 47% share of the votes.

It is the second time this season that the 26-year-old has won after clinching the same accolade back in March.

Several members of the Owls faithful have been reacting to the news on Twitter.

Here’s what has been said…

Plenty of fans have been drooling over the club announcement – one supporter called the Welshman his captain whilst another added that it was fully deserved.

It was a recurring theme from much of the reaction that Fox had turned his season right around with it being described as “remarkable” by a further person.

There were even tongue in cheek comparisons made…

Fox was labelled both the Welsh and the Championship ‘Roberto Carlos’ by two members of the Hillsborough faithful while one said he is a better left-back than youth striker Preslav Borokov – an odd shout, perhaps.

However, not all were behind the decision, which maybe ties in with the fact that he’s turned the opinion of some around at the club.

Clearly, lots of other supporters felt centre-back Dominic Iorfa was robbed of the award, going as far as saying it was a mark of disrespect.

Are you a Championship expert? How much did each of these big-money signings cost?

And in other news, Sheffield Wednesday boss Garry Monk provides a clue into Moses Odubajo’s future…

Football.London’s Tottenham Hotspur correspondent Alasdair Gold believes Danny Rose has played his final game for the club.

The left-back headed to Newcastle United on loan in the January transfer window after spending 13 years in north London.

The Telegraph reported at the time of his move that the Magpies have the option to make the move permanent in the summer should they so wish.

And Gold believes that the option will be exercised, calling time on Rose’s distinguished Spurs career.

Answering a question in a Q&A session, he said: “Danny Rose has been unhappy at Spurs, the club want him out and this Newcastle loan is the perfect solution.

“Steve Bruce has already indicated that he would look to bring in the left-back permanently in the summer if the loan goes well.

“Rose has made his opinions clear on leaving the club before his contract ends before but he added the caveat that that was as long as his manager wants him. Mourinho doesn’t.”

Money talks: How much did Levy pay for each of these Spurs stars?

As Gold alludes to, Rose gave an interview to The London Evening Standard earlier this season insisting that he would run down his contract at Spurs, with his current deal set to expire in 2021.

However, the 29-year-old was barely used by Mourinho, who gave him just three Premier League appearances under his management, amounting to 100 minutes.

The die, it would appear, has been cast.

Meanwhile, Spurs are set to miss out on a genuinely sensational European ace!

Lee Ryder has told The Chronicle he thinks Newcastle will have around £60m to £80m to spend in the summer.

What did he say?

The journalist was asked whether there will be any money to spend for The Magpies in the summer.

Who the heck is that?! Can you name all 25 of these obscure Newcastle signings…

Ryder clearly thinks there will be, as he said: “Yes I do. I think if this season goes to plan and Newcastle stay up, Bruce will get a spending spree in the summer.

“How much will that be? It’s always hard to say but I’d think between £60million to £80million should be at his disposal if the right targets arise.”

What they need

For the second time in six months, Newcastle broke their transfer record last summer as they brought in Joelinton from Hoffenheim. That £40m fee was double what they parted with for Miguel Almiron in January of 2019, as well. There may actually be some money to spend on Tyneside, it seems.

Only once in their history have they spent more than £80m in one season – that was in 2015/16, when they parted with £97.12m. Whilst that will likely not see them spend a huge fee on one player, it could see a number of positions strengthened as long as they are savvy in the transfer market. As we have seen with Joelinton, who has scored just three, spending a huge fee does not guarantee success.

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This term, Newcastle have not done too badly. They are 13th in the Premier League table and have reached the fifth round of the FA Cup for the first time since 2006.

However, they have just 24 goals in 26 games and don’t really look like challenging for the European spots despite the likes of Sheffield United and Wolves currently in the top eight. Newcastle have long since been dubbed a sleeping giant – this kind of investment could just wake them up.

Meanwhile, Newcastle fans react to transfer links with this 24-year-old marksman.

Chelsea TV commentator Matt Davies-Adams was a guest at The Totally Football Show and he talked about Manchester United’s victory over Watford, touching upon their overall transfer policy under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and praising Daniel James.

The Red Devils ran rampant against Watford on Sunday, hammering them 3-0 and tallying a huge victory in the process as all three of Bruno Fernandes, Mason Greenwood and Anthony Martial were on the scoreboard. And with Fernandes, their newest signing, rattling the inside of the net and recording his first goal for the club, Davies-Adams discussed their general transfer business in the last 18 months, touching upon James as well.

Speaking for The Totally Football Show (24/02/2020) he said: “Yeah, you know, even Daniel James had a faded a little bit, but it looks like he’d be a good player for the future. I mean, watching him live at Chelsea on Monday, going forward, he was really, really exceptional.”

The young 22-year-old ace certainly looks like someone on an upward trajectory if groomed properly given the fact he leads the way in terms of assists so far this season (6) during his first campaign in the Premier League. Having only set the Red Devils back £15m over the course of the summer and with so much of his career ahead of him, United look to have made a really smart move here – despite criticism about the club’s general strategy from pundits such as Gary Neville as recently as January.

Man United fans, do you agree with Davies or do you think that James is not really delivering so far for his new team? Let us know in the comment section below!