Wolverhampton Wanderers defender Max Kilman was praised by section of the media for his vital goal-line clearance in the 1-1 draw against Aston Villa on Wednesday night.

The Lowdown: Decent result

Given that Wolves were in the lead for most of the match, with Daniel Podence scoring in the 12th minute, they may be a little disappointed that they were not able to hold onto what would’ve been an important three points on the road.

Danny Ings levelled the match late on and the Old Gold had to settle for a decent point, but the complexion of the game could have been different were it not for a vital goal-line clearance from Kilman when it was still 1-0.

The Latest: Kilman praised

The centre-back managed to head clear a Ludwig Augustinsson strike which looked destined to find the net, earning him some well-deserved praise from several reporters covering the match.

Journalist Liam Keen called the header ‘absolutely unbelievable’, while Matt Maher lauded it as ‘brilliant’, and Nathan Judah told the 25-year-old to ‘take a bow’.

The Verdict: Solid performance

While the defender perhaps could’ve done more to prevent Ings racing through on goal to score the equaliser, on the whole he put in a solid performance, achieving a 7.5 rating from Sofascore, the third-highest of any player to start the match.

The Englishman made 11 clearances to keep Villa at bay, more than any other player, while he also blocked two shots and made three tackles, displaying his defensive capabilities to great effect.

Despite a decent start under Julen Lopetegui, Wolves will still have relegation concerns for the time being, so Kilman could be needed to produce similar heroics in his team’s next Premier League match against West Ham United.

Rumoured Liverpool transfer target Moises Caicedo is set to change agents as he looks to secure a move away from Brighton, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The Lowdown: Caicedo a Liverpool target

The Reds produced another hapless midfield showing on Saturday night, with Fabinho, Jordan Henderson and Thiago all struggling in the 2-2 draw against Wolves in the FA Cup third round.

It is clear that reinforcements are required in the middle of the park, given the Reds’ ongoing struggles in that sector, and Caicedo has emerged as a primary target, with numerous reports linking him with a move to Anfield.

An interesting update has emerged regarding the Brighton gem’s future, one which suggests that a move away might just be on the cards.

The Latest: Caicedo planning agency switch

Writing on Substack [via Caught Offside], Romano claimed that Caicedo is now planning on switching agents amid his openness for a transfer.

The Italian stated:

“I think Moises Caicedo would be open to joining any top club, this is why he’s going to have new agents soon.

“I don’t know his preference as of today, I’m not aware of any conversation with friends about Liverpool, but for sure he’s hoping for a big move.”

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The Verdict: Perfect January signing?

It is simply essential that Liverpool sign a midfielder in the January transfer window before making further additions in that area this summer, with long-time target Jude Bellingham hopefully coming in at some stage.

However, Caicedo stands out as arguably the best option to be signed in the next few weeks, considering his Premier League experience and how he has excelled for Brighton, while he would reportedly cost just half of the £130m price tag which has been quoted for Bellingham.

He would add the legs and tenacity that Liverpool’s midfield is so seriously lacking at the moment, having averaged 2.9 tackles per game in the league this season. No Reds player can match that tally, with Thiago the closest on 2.8 per match.

Hopefully FSG can pounce on the player’s reported willingness for a transfer and his proposed change of agency.

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Aston Villa have held talks with Juventus over a potential deal this month for the American midfielder Weston McKennie, according to Fabrizio Romano.

What’s the latest?

There have been reports linking McKennie away from Turin for a number of months now with the Premier League side, Tottenham Hotspur, credited with an interest for a while now.

And it is now believed there is an opportunity for the 24-year-old to leave the Serie A side this month with the Italian club currently in a real spot of bother off the field.

Speaking to CBS Sports, Romano has now claimed Unai Emery’s Villa are one of the sides to have recently discussed a potential deal for the American:

“Let’s see what happens with McKennie because they had some conversations with Aston Villa, with other English clubs. At the moment, Juventus have not received any official bids yet, but for McKennie, it’s a possibility to leave the club in January.”

The American dream

Although Romano claims there have been talks over a potential deal for McKennie, he does also say that there is yet to be any formal bids made.

In a recent report from the Daily Mail, it has been suggested that the midfielder could be able to leave Turin this month for a fee in the region of £26m-£30m.

And with the current Juventus regime believing McKennie is a player who is replaceable, it does seem as if there is a real opportunity to be had with some Premier League clubs showing an interest.

Despite Juventus reportedly being open to selling McKennie, the midfielder has played a fairly significant role in Massimiliano Allegri’s side this season with 14 appearances and 11 starts in Serie A.

However, in comparison to Villa’s Douglas Luiz, McKennie has provided fewer tackles, fewer shot-creating actions, fewer passes and fewer goal contributions so far this season (via Fbref).

So there would have to be the question of where would McKennie fit into this Villa side?

Emery set Villa out with two holding midfielders in their last game against Wolverhampton Wanderers with Boubacar Kamara partnering Luiz.

McKennie has marginally provided more of an attacking threat than Kamara this season, but again, the Villa man has offered more defensively with over three times as many tackles per 90 than McKennie (via Fbref).

Given Tottenham’s director of football, Fabio Paratici, is believed to want to reunite with the player this month, there is clearly something McKennie has that the stats do not necessarily show.

And during his time in Qatar for the winter World Cup, it was apparent the 24-year-old did impress with Jamie Carragher taking to Twitter to hail the American as “excellent”.

Tottenham Hotspur are yet to make a signing in the January transfer window but the door may have just opened to do so…

What’s the word?

According to RAI journalist Ciro Venerato on 1 Station Radio (via Tuttojuve), mooted target Weston McKennie is holding out for a move to north London as “he dreams of Tottenham” Hotspur.

And whilst the Lilywhites are yet to submit an official offer, the USMNT midfielder is someone that has been on the club’s radar for quite some time.

A few months ago, football.london reporter Alasdair Gold couldn’t rule out a January move for the Juventus ace, whilst it’s thought that the Old Lady value him at around €30m (£26m) this month, per some reports in Italy.

He’s Dembele-esque

Spurs boss Antonio Conte is pretty well-stocked in the midfield engine room, particularly since the emergence and breakthrough of Pape Matar Sarr, who has impressed in recent cameo performances.

However, McKennie is an absolute “rock” – in the words of his former manager Andrea Pirlo – and one that is capable of contributing at both ends of the pitch, with his powerful box-to-box nature reminiscent of the great Mousa Dembele, a player that the north London side have never truly replaced.

That versatility is something that both Gold, who also described him as an “engine” and another ex-boss in David Wagner have lauded him for, with the latter once claiming: “He’s an outstanding talent. In the No.6 or No.8 position he has the mentality, a real working mentality that you need.”

This season in the Serie A, McKennie is successful with 71% of his dribbles, whilst WhoScored list his ‘defensive contribution’ as one of his key – and strongest – attributes, two facets that undoubtedly draw more parallels with Spurs’ former midfield monster.

Indeed, the now-retired Belgian averaged at least 1.5 tackles and 2.4 dribbles per game in the Premier League between 2015 and 2018, per WhoScored.

The Juventus midfielder also caught the eye on the biggest stage, performing admirably at the World Cup in Qatar.

His display against England was one of the standouts as the Independent’s Miguel Delaney suggested that Jordan Henderson was dominated by the American, whilst the Evening Standard’s Dan Kilpatrick claimed he’d be a “very useful player” for Spurs, based on that outing.

As such, with the box-to-box machine dreaming of a switch to Tottenham this month, sporting director Fabio Paratici can surely secure his former Juventus signing McKennie on a deal and in doing so, the Italian supremo could hand Spurs a new Dembele-like engine for years to come.

AND in other news, Paratici could seal an upgrade on Spurs’ £60m ace in move for £54k-p/w “nightmare”…

Tottenham Hotspur target Nicolo Zaniolo has given the green light to join Spurs this month, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Spurs make offer for Zaniolo…

Spurs have renewed their interest in the 23-year-old this month and are joined by the likes of Borussia Dortmund and London rivals West Ham United.

Gianluca Di Marzio was first to break that news of the Lilywhites’ attempts to sign Zaniolo, with Fabio Paratici previously making a proposal to sign the player on loan with an obligation to buy.

It then emerged that Spurs’ bid was rejected as Roma are holding out for a permanent sale, with the attacker valued at around €40m (£35m).

The Latest: Zaniolo ‘says yes’ to Tottenham…

According to a report by SportMediaSet, sharing news on Friday, it is believed that the Italy international has said ‘yes’ to joining Spurs and has given his ‘OK’ to the transfer.

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The north Londoners and Roma remain locked in negotiations, with both sides ‘still talking to each other’ and will continue to do so over the next few days.

This comes as Zaniolo is ‘called out of the match against Spezia’, although there is still no agreement on the deal, fee or formula as things stand.

The Verdict: Right man?

The Sky Sports panel have called Zaniolo a ‘Conte sort of player’ and one who could potentially fill the creative void since Christian Eriksen’s departure in 2020. However, Zaniolo is also going through a dip in form, having scored just one Serie A goal this season.

Despite this, his numbers in recent years suggest that he could do a job for Antonio Conte at Spurs, with the challenge presented as getting the 23-year-old back to his best.

As per WhoScored, Zaniolo topped Roma’s charts last season for successful take-ons and fouls drawn per 90 in Serie A, whilst also ranking in their top three for attempted shots at goal.

Spurs have arguably been yearning for another creator to come in and finally succeed Eriksen, with the Roma attacker coming as a good option. As ever, though, the primary roadblock is in agreeing a deal which is suitable for all parties, and it remains a point of contention that the Lilywhites would be willing to shell out £35m.

Called a ‘prominent’ player by former Liverpool midfielder Momo Sissoko, Zaniolo possesses plenty of quality, but will Spurs deem his ability worthy of a suitable offer this month?

EFL Championship is a football league championship that keeps the world on edge with every match on air. Keep reading the article until you decide on a stable start! Are you interested in the links between the EFL Championship and Premier League?

Get Ready to Be on the Edge with the New Season of the English Football Leagues

It’s that time of the year, bettors! The EFL Championship 2023 is already on air, and the 31st season of the Premier League will take place from August 2023. GGBET will do half the stressful work for you, so focus on your instincts until then. Moreover, you must know that the top two teams in the EFL championship will automatically be promoted to the Premier League. Yes, this is how it works! Also, the teams in the ranks ranging from 3rd to 6th in the EFL Championship can compete in the promotion playoffs at the Premier League. In addition, this article includes all such important information that you need to know about these two biggest English Football Leagues before you bet on the respective teams. So, keep scrolling, as GGBET has some exciting and trendy tips for your success in the betting journey.

Player’s Transfer in EFL Championship

A transfer in the English Football League (EFL) Championship is when a player moves from one club to another, usually for a transfer fee. The transfer fee is typically agreed upon by the two clubs and paid to the club selling the player. The player will then typically sign a contract with the new club. It can happen during the transfer window, which is a period (usually in the summer and winter) when clubs are allowed to buy and sell players.

Sports Betting in EFL Championship

If you are a punter, this part of the article will surely fall under your interests. We all know the impact of the EFL Championship among football fans. And no wonder almost everybody on earth is a fan of this sport. Moreover, EFL Championship is one of the most significant football leagues yearly. Also, this League drives a massive amount of wealth every season. The betting bookies allow you to bet on either the talented personalities or one among the twenty-four teams participating in the League. Before digging deep into the EFL Championship content, better focus on finding a stable sports bookmarker. We saved you some stress and brought the best suitable betting platform to get a fantastic experience in EFL Championship odds. GGBET offers its users with assurance of which matters the most. This betting platform will also have many regular promotions and bonuses.

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Player’s Transfer in Premier League

The 31st season of the Premier League and the 124th season of the overall English Football Association is knocking at the door! Also, there are a few significant developments introduced in this season. The participating teams in the League can have five substitutions rather than just three. In the English Premier League, a transfer refers to the process by which a player moves from one club to another. It can happen during the transfer window, which is a period during the year when clubs are allowed to buy and sell players. The transfer window is usually open for a few weeks in the summer and a few weeks in the winter. When a player wants to transfer to a new club, the two clubs negotiate a transfer fee, which is the money the new club will pay to the old club for the player’s rights. The transfer fee is often based on the player’s market value, which is determined by age, skill level, and experience.

Once the transfer fee has been agreed upon, the player will typically need to pass a medical examination and consent to personal terms, such as salary and contract length. If the transfer is completed successfully, the player will officially become a new club member and be eligible to play for them in the League. This season of the Premier League came with lots of postponement along with developments, but the matches were more thrilling.

Sports Betting in Premier League

Ever watched the gameplay of the OG, Manchester city? Yes, we are talking about the teams in the Premier League. And the English Football League, with the best football clubs on earth, automatically acts as a magnet for attracting more fans and sports bettors. The teams like Chelsea, Manchester City, Liverpool, and Manchester United scream ‘power’ whenever they play a match. Also, these four teams rule the world when talking about football clubs.

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Final Words

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Burnley are interested in signing Chelsea youngster Xavier Simons during the summer transfer window, according to a new transfer update.

The Lowdown: Simons an exciting young talent

The 19-year-old is a highly-rated young prospect at Stamford Bridge currently, making 30 appearances for the Under-21s, as well as one for the first team, mostly as a defensive midfielder.

Simons was loaned out to Hull City back in September but he has only managed two Championship appearances totalling nine minutes this season, although Liam Rosenior described him as ‘outstanding’ in the recent FA Cup defeat to Fulham.

It could be that a permanent move away from Chelsea eventually comes to fruition, which is where Burnley come into play.

The Latest: Burnley keen on signing

According to The Evening Standard [via Football League World], the Clarets are interested in signing Simons this summer, with Chelsea yet to make a decision over his long-term future and his contract set to expire once this campaign ends (club option – one year).

Hull are also keen on keeping hold of him on a permanent basis, while Millwall and Bristol City are mentioned as potential suitors too.

The Verdict: One for the future

Simons has yet to properly prove himself at senior level but he is someone who would be viewed as an exciting long-term signing by Burnley, as Vincent Kompany builds for the future.

Petr Cech praised his debut for Chelsea, saying it was a ‘special moment’, and he is someone who possesses all-round quality in midfield, as highlighted by three goals and six assists at youth team level.

Patience would be required with Simons if he did join Burnley, as he continues to mature as a player, but it is refreshing to see Kompany looking at emerging talent as well as experienced signings for the present.

Fabrizio Romano has said that Marseille won’t engage in talks with Aston Villa today over a deal for midfielder Matteo Guendouzi.

The Lowdown: Midfield speculation

Villa have been linked with a move for Guendouzi for a number of weeks, with reports in recent days even suggesting a ‘very good’ contract offer was made to the 23-year-old.

Guendouzi previously worked with Unai Emery at Arsenal and has been aware of the interest from the Midlands. Emery appears to be keen on adding to his midfield ranks, with Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher another player of interest late in the window, but it looks like this one is going to fizzle out.

The Latest: Villa update

Romano took to Twitter on deadline day to share an update on Guendouzi, who was described as a ‘great player’ by former Hertha Berlin sporting director Arne Friedrich.

He said that ‘Marseille have no intention to let Guendouzi leave today’, adding that there are ‘no talks’ taking place with Aston Villa.

The Verdict: Blow for Emery

Emery was apparently personally driving a move for Guendouzi and even made contact with the player, so this news will more than likely come as a blow to the Villa boss.

There is still time for the club to bolster the midfield ranks at Villa Park, something which could come in handy after deals for defender Alex Moreno and forward Jhon Duran.

Someone like Gallagher could now be a smart alternative to Guendouzi, with the England international capable of playing in a variety of midfield roles. He has also starred in the Premier League for a mid-table team with Crystal Palace last season, winning their Player of the Season award, so it wouldn’t come as a shock if Villa firmed up their interest in the England international.

Journalist Fabrizio Romano says that any deal for Arsenal to sign Brighton and Hove Albion central midfielder Moises Caicedo is now ‘completely off’.

The Lowdown: Jorginho in…

Romano reported this afternoon that Chelsea midfielder Jorginho has signed for Arsenal until 2024, with the option of a further year, and has even been pictured with his agent in a Gunners home shirt.

This comes after it was reported that another one of their targets Caicedo was ‘in London’ today ahead of a potential move to the Emirates Stadium.

The Latest: Caicedo ‘completely off’

Taking to Twitter, Romano says that any deal to take Caicedo to North London is now ‘completely off’ after two bids were rejected, with Mikel Arteta’s team set to announce the arrival of Jorginho instead ‘soon’:

“Understand Moises Caicedo deal with Arsenal is now completely off. No further talks will follow. Brighton never changed their stance: no intention to accept £60m or £70m proposals. Plan has always been to keep Caicedo. Arsenal will announce Jorginho soon.”

The Verdict: Midfielder was needed

Following Arsenal’s statement earlier today that Mohamed Elneny has suffered a ‘significant’ knee injury, and has been ruled out for an ‘extended period’, Arsenal needed to bring in a midfielder before the deadline.

Albert Sambi Lokonga is also closing in on a loan move to Crystal Palace, leaving Arteta short in terms of options in the middle of the park.

Jorginho may be overlooked by some supporters given the fact that he is 31 and coming from a London rival in Chelsea, but former Gunner Paul Merson has given a glowing assessment of the Italian, claiming that it is ‘outstanding’ business given his experience and what he has won in the game, and called his reported £12m fee a ‘cup of tea’.

It is a shame to miss out on Caicedo, who has been described as a ‘terrific athlete‘ by South American football expert Tim Vickery, but at least the Gunners look to have got a body through the door, and Jorginho will be motivated to impress given that they are going for the Premier League title.

Everton will still be buzzing in the aftermath of their monumental victory over Premier League leaders Arsenal last weekend, however, Sean Dyche is already facing the first blow of his tenure as a new update emerges.

What’s the latest?

Journalist Greg O’Keeffe took to the All Together Podcast on Monday to confirm that the club are “sweating” over a hamstring injury sustained by Dominic Calvert-Lewin on Saturday.

O’Keeffe claimed: “The only thing, as usual – and it’s not a day to say negatives about anything, but what’re we doing again? We said it last week, we’re sweating on Dominic Calvert-Lewin being fit for the weekend.”

Premier League injury analyst Ben Dinnery also confirmed yesterday that the Everton striker will be checked to see how severe the concern is:

“Calvert-Lewin will be sent for a scan after Sean Dyche revealed the striker was replaced due to a hamstring issue.”

First big blow

The newly-appointed manager is just settling into his new surroundings on the blue side of Merseyside, so the latest update on Calvert-Lewin will surely be an incredibly worrying prospect in his pursuit to save Everton from relegation over the remainder of the season.

The Toffees are currently 18th in the top-flight table, matching points with Leeds United in 17th at the moment and after a promising start, Dyche will be hoping that he can build some momentum and good form to get his team out of danger sooner rather than later.

Calvert-Lewin’s latest setback will come as no surprise to Evertonians as the England international has experienced a series of continuous injury woes over the last 18 months with the player struggling to maintain his fitness in order to get a good run of form going in the team.

The 25-year-old is without a doubt the most experienced forward in the Merseysiders’ front-line, scoring 59 goals and registering 18 assists over his 203 appearances for the club, so with Richarlison and Anthony Gordon moving on he has become even more integral to the first team as he aims to offer that much-needed leadership and consistency in front of goal.

Indeed, Dyche has options to take advantage of with Neal Maupay and Ellis Simms available to replace the talented striker, though neither have proved themselves as reliable and consistent goal-scorers for the Toffees as of yet.

Maupay has found the net just once after his summer move from Brighton while the latter is yet to find the net since being recalled from his loan spell at Sunderland.

With that being said, the manager, supporters and squad will surely be hoping that Calvert-Lewin will be available to take part in their trip to Anfield for the Merseyside derby next Monday as his experience in the bitter clash will be invaluable in their efforts to pick up points against their rivals for the second time this season.

If he is out, it will serve as a colossal blow to the new man in the dugout.