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Wolverhampton Wanderers might need to delve into the transfer market when the January window opens due to their Premier League form this season leaving them rooted to the bottom of the top-flight table.

Julen Lopetegui will no doubt want to bring in a few new faces, and several links have already emerged, with one player the Spaniard knows extremely well from his spell at Real Madrid.

Nacho Fernandez has been linked with a move to Wolves and a reunion with the 56-year-old – who managed him for 11 matches during the early stages of 2018/2019 before being sacked by Real Madrid – has potential.

The defender has been stalling on a new contract at the Bernabeu having seen his game time limited this season, playing just 414 minutes.

Having let Conor Coady join Everton on a season-long loan deal in the summer, the Old Gold’s defence has conceded 24 league goals.

They have struggled to replace his leadership and defensive qualities, and it was a big mistake for Bruno Lage to let him go in the first place, but Fernandez can be a dream heir to the Englishman if he joined the club.

The £129k-per-week defender has won every major honour possible while at Real Madrid, including five Champions League titles while making 247 appearances for one of the most successful club sides in the world.

With Nathan Collins, Max Kilman, Toti and Yerson Mosquera the only senior centre-backs in the squad, Lopetegui will certainly need to add some depth in this position ahead of a crucial second half of the season, and Nacho would be an ideal signing.

Due to his contract situation, a reunion with Lopetegui could occur in January, with Real Madrid unlikely to expect a high transfer fee, they might be more than willing to sanction a deal.

Former Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane dubbed the Spaniard “important” whenever he plays, and he has all the required attributes to shine in the Premier League and Lopetegui may well find that he can be the perfect Coady heir in the process.

Tottenham Hotspur could be seeking an upgrade to their right wing-back position if emerging transfer reports are to be believed…

What’s the word?

Ahead of the January window, the north London outfit have been linked with a move for Inter Milan star Denzel Dumfries, who is currently competing at the World Cup for the Netherlands after they reached the knockout stages in Qatar.

90min claim that Spurs have submitted multiple enquiries to the Serie A side about the 26-year-old dynamo, with Inter in need of selling at least one key player before the end of the season to ease their financial troubles.

Milan Skriniar is one name who could fall under that bracket but it’s believed the Italian giants will look to sell the Dutch defender in January instead and loan him back for the remainder of the season, though Spurs will want him in permanently if they are to sign him.

Bye-bye Emerson?

This news surely spells a lot of trouble for Emerson Royal, who has largely been Antonio Conte’s first choice in the role. The Italian head coach has had his hands tied as he has few quality alternatives – an inconsistent Matt Doherty and summer signing Djed Spence, who may not be ready for the big time just yet.

The Brazilian, who cost £26m from FC Barcelona, has endured a tough time in London, leading to former player-turned-pundit Jamie O’Hara slam him as a “complete liability” and a “mistake waiting to happen” earlier this season.

Games against Liverpool and AFC Bournemouth were particular lowlights that Football FanCast have highlighted before, so it certainly would be wise for sporting director Fabio Paratici to turn to an upgrade in the form of Dumfries.

For club and country, he is playing the exact same role as he would under Conte and that has led to a whopping seven goals and four assists, via WhoScored, whilst in the Serie A – where he creates 1.1 chances per game – his form has seen journalist Siavoush Fallahi laud him as a “difference-maker.”

That is exactly what Conte – and Spurs – need to generate success from the right flank. The wing-back position is one of the key cogs in Conte’s system and one that requires a certain level of creativity, largely owing to the fact that there is no no.10-type presence in attacking midfield.

With an asking price reported to be around £43m, Paratici and his staff would be foolish to not pay up to secure a reliable and consistent player who’ll quickly become a crucial figure under the Italian head coach.

It’s time for Spurs to finally ditch their current flop with a move for Dumfries, who is actually starring for his nation right now.

AND in other news, Forget Bentancur: Spurs target who’s a £15m “special talent” stole the show in Qatar this week…

Liverpool are looking to bring in West Ham captain Declan Rice if they are unable to lure Jude Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund.

The Lowdown: The Rice price

Whilst the Reds continue to monitor the latter as their priority target, the former is a tremendous player who has also been linked with the Anfield giants and could be an astute addition, albeit in a less progressive manner.

At 23, Rice continues to excel and has developed in a similar vein to 19-year-old Dortmund star Bellingham, with both becoming well-rounded cogs in midfield. 

Both players have impressed at the World Cup for England so far, with Rice operating as the deeper, more conservative option under Gareth Southgate. This is important to note, with the Irons skipper essentially the enabler when it comes to England’s transitional play. 

Rice has fuelled speculation of a potential summer move away from the London Stadium, so he could be an attainable target for Liverpool if they fail to get their hands on Bellingham.

The Latest: Rice to Liverpool?

According to journalist Dean Jones, the £70m-valued Rice is a star that Liverpool are monitoring, with FSG possible moving for the 23-year-old if their pursuit of Bellingham fails.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Jones said: “Declan Rice is someone of interest, and we know that both of these players are almost certain to make transfers in 2023. But it’d be interesting if Liverpool don’t land Bellingham to see what they consider to be most important.

“Is it an emerging talent, or is it just someone that is considered one of the best in the world?”

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The Verdict: More realistic target?

In many ways, the possible signing of Rice makes for a more realistic coup than that of Bellingham, who has been valued at an eye-watering £130m.

There is arguably a clearer path for the 19-year-old at fellow suitors Manchester City, amidst Pep Guardiola’s contract extension and his connections with ex-Dortmund team-mate Erling Haaland. He could also have greater potential to develop in a freer and more dynamic footballing system.

On the other hand, Rice is a player who would suit the Reds down to the ground, with his identity as a ball-winning midfielder suiting Klopp’s more systematic approach wonderfully. 

Ultimately, we would likely see the 23-year-old shift into the role of a central midfielder, in the same way that Jordan Henderson has done under the German, in a move which could suit both. 

Liverpool will seemingly concentrate on trying to lure Bellingham to Anfield, but Rice appears the more realistic target of the two England midfielders.

Sky Sports pundit and former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson has shared his scepticism over Everton’s reported transfer interest in Senegal striker Boulaye Dia.  

The Lowdown: Everton linked with Dia transfer

Last month, it was reported that Everton, alongside fellow Premier League clubs Leeds United, West Ham United and Leicester City, are interested in signing the Villarreal striker.

This season has seen the 26-year-old score six goals and provide two assists in 14 Serie A appearances for Salernitana, where he is currently on loan.

Having now been linked with a move to Goodison Park following his efforts at the World Cup, Robinson has offered his verdict on the possible move.

The Latest: Robinson’s verdict on Dia

Speaking to Football Insider, Robinson had this to say about Everton’s reported interest in Dia.

He said: “That’s an interesting one. I liked what I saw from him at the World Cup. He is a good striker who knows where the back of the net is. He is also the right age.

“But, would his performances in the World Cup suggest he will be a success in the Premier League? I’m not so sure. It would be a slight risk to take him.

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“Look, he is good enough but it may take him time. I don’t think Everton have time. They need to sign a striker who is ready to go. Someone who will make an immediate impact. They don’t need a player who will take six months to bed in.

“The need for a striker at Everton is glaring obvious. They cannot rely on [Dominic] Calvert-Lewin and [Neal] Maupay to get them the goal, as good as they are.”

The Verdict: Worth a punt

Described as a “versatile” player by journalist Josh Bunting on Twitter, Dia has 58 goals to his name throughout his career in 164 club appearances.

With more shots on target (10) in Serie A than any other Salernitana player this season, this highlights the attacking presence he has and what he’d be able to offer Frank Lampard’s side.

Bearing in mind how only three clubs have registered fewer shots on target than the Toffees (51) in the league this season, this makes it easy to see why the club have been linked with the Senegal attacker.

Taking all of this into account, regardless of Robinson’s doubts over Dia’s ability to hit the ground running at Goodison Park, we feel that this could be a gamble worth taking.

Wolverhampton Wanderers are interested in a deal to bring Aaron Wan-Bissaka to Molineux in the January transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to talkSPORT, who revealed in a recent post on Twitter that Julen Lopetegui’s side are now tracking the Manchester United right-back ahead of launching a potential move for the 25-year-old the winter market, with United said to be open to the sale of the former England U21 international as long as they can source a replacement.

Regarding Wolves’ interest in the defender, talkSPORT said: “BREAKING: Wolves want to sign Manchester United defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka in January. MUFC are open to offers for Wan-Bissaka providing they can source a replacement – talkSPORT sources understand.”

“Unreal”

While it is true that Wan-Bissaka’s £50m 2019 move to Old Trafford has not particularly worked out as the right-back would have hoped – currently being the club’s second choice in his position, having played just four minutes in all competitions this season – considering how impressive the defender was at Crystal Palace, it is easy to see why Lopetegui would be interested.

Indeed, over his 35 Premier League fixtures in his final campaign with Palace back in 2018/19, the £17.5m-rated talent was a rock at the back, helping his side keep 12 clean sheets, in addition to making an average of 3.7 tackles – the third-most in the league – 2.4 interceptions – the seventh-most in the division – 3.7 clearances and winning 7.1 duels – at a success rate of 77% – per game.

The £90k-per-week full-back also impressed in a creative capacity that season, providing three assists and creating four big chances for his teammates, as well as making an average of 0.4 key passes and completing 1.7 dribbles – at a success rate of 66% – per match.

These returns saw the player who Dan Gibbs dubbed “unreal” and Patrick van Aanholt claimed is “better than Trent [Alexander-Arnold]” average a simply sensational Sofascore match rating of 7.03, ranking him as Palace’s second-best performer in the top-flight of English football that year.

As such, should Lopetegui believe that he can be the manager to help Wan-Bissaka – who Squawka labelled “phenomenal” and a “tackling machine” – refind this level of form, it is undeniable that the 25-year-old would be an unreal signing for the Spaniard to get over the line this winter – especially for a fee in the region of £20m.

West Bromwich Albion are cruising at the moment, with Carlos Corberan having helped his side climb the table, riding the wave of five straight Championship victories.

It seems insane to suggest changing anything about his methods or the current team, but the sensational performance of one man against Sunderland still sticks in the memory.

Having found themselves 1-0 down at the Stadium of Light, it seemed a tall order to completely turn the game around against a side in similarly impressive form.

However, the 64th-minute introduction of Daryl Dike was the catalyst for such an event.

Having missed large amounts of football throughout 2022 due to injury, he had been nurtured back into the fold by the Spanish manager keen on managing his minutes.

But it was his freshness that proved integral, as it took him just four minutes to contribute to his first goal.

Using his hulking strength, he held off the defender and unleashed Tom Rogic on the edge of the area. His cool finish saw them equalise, and then with eight minutes to go, he would truly exert his will on the game. 

With Jed Wallace pushed wide he whipped a hopeful but teasing cross into the area. Leaving Anthony Patterson in no man’s land, the American headed past the stranded shot-stopper to complete the turnaround.

Considering Karlan Grant’s poor goalscoring form and Brandon Thomas-Asante’s lack of experience at the highest level, there is no way they would have contributed in the way that the 22-year-old did.

The latter in particular has been preferred to Dike in recent matches from the beginning, but as his fitness grows then surely Corberan must be preparing to ditch the former Salford City marksman.

With four goals to his name in this division now he has acclimatised well, but that is no match for the former Barnsley “beast” – as dubbed by Nigel Quashie – who scored nine in just 22 games whilst on loan.

Once he is deemed 100% available, the striking dilemma that plagued Steve Bruce will be no longer, as Dike’s performance on Wearside proved he is a class above the rest.

Newcastle United’s desire to strengthen in the January transfer window has sparked speculation that the Magpies are interested in signing Napoli sensation, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, with the Georgia international having dazzled in Italy of late.

Journalist Graeme Bailey revealed last week sporting director Dan Ashworth is “keen” on bringing the 21-year-old to St James’ Park next month, albeit with the Tynesiders likely to have to fork out a hefty fee if they are to get a deal over the line.

The suggestion is that the fleet-footed gem could cost in the region of £100m were he to be sold any time soon, albeit with the Serie A side believed to be growing in confidence that terms can be agreed regarding a contract extension.

Even despite that potential obstacle, the former Dinamo Batumi man – who arrived in Naples over the summer – would surely prove an astute capture for Ashworth and co, with the youngster having lit up both Italian and European football in the early months of the campaign.

Part of a side that is seemingly marching towards a Scudetto triumph – having surged to eight points clear at the summit – Kvaratskhelia has been an instrumental figure in that domestic dominance, with 13 goal involvements in just 12 top-flight matches.

The affectionately named ‘Kvaradona’ – in homage to the late, great Diego Maradona – was also a leading presence for Luciano Spalletti’s side in the Champions League group stage, with five goal contributions in just five outings.

The “untamed” asset – as lauded by New York Times correspondent, Rory Smith – has been a real breath of fresh air so far this season, having emerged from a relative unknown into a household name in double-quick time.

Any fears over whether he would be able to replicate that form in the Premier League can be eased by the fact that the 19-cap menace shares a number of stylistic and statistical similarities with Tottenham Hotspur talisman, Heung-min Son, according to FBref.

Not only do the two men wreak havoc from the left flank, but they are also alike in their ruthlessness from open play, with Kvaratskhelia notably ranking in the top 6% in Europe among those in his position for non-penalty goals, while Son ranks in the top 4% in that same metric.

That similarity is also evident by the fact that the latter man averages 2.2 key passes per game in the league this season, while the one-time Rubin Kazan ace is only slightly lower as he averages 1.9 key passes per game, illustrating their creative flair.

To be able to land a Son-esque figure would certainly be a real coup for the Magpies, with the Spurs sensation having been a truly consistent menace in English football in recent years, scoring 136 goals and registering 76 assists in 344 games for the Lilywhites to date.

The 30-year-old has also been a constant thorn in the side of Newcastle over the years with six goal involvements in just 13 meetings, having regularly tormented the northeast side with his dynamic brilliance and clinical nature in front of goal.

As such, it would prove a real bonus to be able to secure their own answer to the South Korea international in the form of Kvaratskhelia, with Ashworth needing to make signing the Georgian wizard a main objective for the New Year.

West Ham United are in dire need of fortifying the ranks following a woeful start to the current campaign, but they will not find the answer to their problems in Everton’s Michael Keane…

What’s the talk?

With the opening of the January transfer window, Hammers boss David Moyes is reportedly scouring the market for additions to ail the woes that the club are currently beset with, sitting in 17th place after 17 matches in the Premier League, with just four victories.

The east London outfit have had one eye on Everton’s Michael Keane for several months now, and one journalist now claims to be in the lead of the race for the £30m centre-back’s signature.

Paul Brown, speaking to GIVEMESPORT, recently gave his thoughts on the deal, saying: “I just think everyone knows that because he’s not getting a game really for Everton, that he could be on the market.

“I think Michael Keane’s decided that he’s going to have to move to get more football, so I think he’s going to go somewhere and West Ham, I would say, are favourites at the moment.”

Johnson 2.0

Owners David Gold and David Sullivan might think that signing someone such as Keane will bolster their depleted defensive forces, but it is a deal that they should steer well clear of, regardless of the finances involved that may sway the opinions of the Irons hierarchy.

Keane indeed arrived on Merseyside in a lucrative deal from Burnley, and went on to make 189 appearances for the Toffees, but his performances across the latter stages of his career left him stranded from the regularity of a starting spot in the first-team.

And now the 29-year-old has played just three competitive games this season, including a miserable 22 minutes in the Premier League.

Should Moyes instigate a move, West Ham might be left with a sense of bitter deja vu, with the signing of Roger Johnson in the 2013/14 season a similar tale of swooping for a player in dire circumstances and praying they could alleviate the issues at the club.

Despite West Ham’s injury troubles at the time, Johnson ultimately only went on to play just six times before departing after six months, notably starting in both EFL Cup semi-final legs against Manchester City, losing 6-0 and 3-0.

With Keane at the epicentre of a devastating 4-1 EFL Cup defeat at the hands of AFC Bournemouth this season, there might be grave danger in replicating a deal and using a player lacking both direction and confidence in an attempt to lift the troubles that currently plague the club.

The “pathetic” performances of Keane – as branded by Ryan Taylor – would not help Moyes’ Irons one bit, and they should steer well clear, or risk losing a space in the squad to a liability – much like before, with Roger Johnson.

Wolverhampton Wanderers have now lodged a second bid for OGC Nice midfielder Mario Lemina, according to journalist Tom Collomosse.

The Lowdown: W0lves’ Lemina interest

Journalist Saber Desfarges reported that Wolves had made an offer totalling around £4.4m for Lemina at the end of December, but it was rejected by the French club, although Desfarges claimed that the Old Gold could return with another bid.

That is what has now transpired, and given that the Daily Mail claim that the 29-year-old is keen on a move to Molineux, there could be a decent chance that the Old Gold get their man.

The Latest: Second bid

Collomosse reports that a second bid, in the region of £4.9m has now been made for the former Gabon international, with Wolves clearly determined to get the deal wrapped up.

However, the journalist claims that this offer may still not satisfy Nice, who could hold out for a little more before they are tempted into a sale.

The Verdict: Get it done?

Lemina has previous experience playing in England, with journalist Josh Bunting lauding him as ‘superb’ during his time with Fulham, and he made 74 Premier League appearances across stints with the Cottagers and Southampton.

As such, the defensive-midfielder would take little time to adapt, which is important for Julen Lopetegui, as he needs proven players who can come straight into the team, helping to steer them clear of the relegation zone.

Over the past year, the former Southampton man has exhibited his defensive acumen by averaging 3.42 tackles per 90, in the 96th percentile compared to his positional peers, while 2.10 clearances places him in the 95th, and 1.74 blocks ranks him in the 91st.

Wolves already have the likes of Joao Moutinho and Ruben Neves, who flourish in the more technical side of the game, but Lemina would offer something new to the midfield, and hopefully the second bid will now be deemed enough by Nice.

Manchester United could sign Borussia Monchengladbach forward Marcus Thuram on a pre-contract agreement.

The Lowdown: Weghorst set to sign

It seems as if Erik ten Hag will bolster his attacking ranks at Old Trafford this month with a loan move for Burnley’s Wout Weghorst.

Reports have suggested that the Dutch striker will cut short his loan spell with Besiktas in order to complete a dream move to Manchester. A medical looks set to take place at some point this week, although Weghorst may not be the only striker that United look to sign this month.

The Latest: Thuram transfer update

The Faithful MUFC relayed an update from The Daily Star on Monday regarding Thuram, who has recently been dreaming of a move to Old Trafford.

They claim that United or Chelsea could sign the forward on a pre-contract agreement, with the 25-year-old set to turn down a new deal at Monchengladbach.

The Verdict: No-brainer

Hailed as ‘world class’ by Wolfsburg sporting director Marcel Schafer, Thuram is valued at €32m (£28.2m) by Transfermarkt and can play anywhere across the forward line.

He has been in fine form this season, contributing to 13 goals in 15 Bundesliga games, so securing a pre-contract agreement would seem to be a no-brainer for the Old Trafford hierarchy.

United look set to bolster their attacking ranks for the second half of the season with Weghorst, so signing Thuram for nothing in the summer could be a great piece of business in the long run.