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Aston Villa could complete their perfect January transfer window with the signing of Brighton midfielder Yves Bissouma.

What’s the story?

Reports in recent days have claimed that the West Midlands club are very much interested in the Seagulls ace, and that a deal could well be done if the Premier League side table a sizeable bid.

The perfect January transfer window

With the signings of Philippe Coutinho and Lucas Digne, it’s safe to say Villa have enjoyed a quite superb start to the window thus far.

But, clinching the signature of Bissouma would certainly be the icing on the cake.

And, it’s a move that has previously been backed by former Villa man Lee Hendrie, who said: “I did a chat with myself and Paul Merson on Soccer Saturday a few weeks ago talking about Bissouma, and we highlighted what he actually does. I mean, his stats are absolutely phenomenal, the way he breaks the game up, his forward play.

“He’s got a good football brain. Like I said, when you’ve got someone who breaks the game up so well and can go join in and play, I’m inviting players like that to the football club.”

Meanwhile, his former teammate at Brighton, Dale Stephens, said: “He’s got the ability of perhaps a winger playing in central midfield with the way he can go past players. His feet are incredible and I’m sure he’s going to get better and better. He’s got everything you need to be a top player.”

As per Whoscored, the Mali international averages a whopping 3.6 tackles per game in the Premier League this season, while he also makes 1.9 interceptions too – compare that to those in the Villa squad, and he’s simply far better, with absolutely no-one matching him in either category.

In fact, he’s among the top-flight’s best, with only Leicester City’s Wilfred Ndidi able to match his tackles per match, while he ranks inside the top ten for interceptions.

The arrival of the £22.5m-rated star would seal a perfect January transfer window for Gerrard’s side at Villa Park.

Meanwhile, Villa could sign a new Jack Grealish in this star…

As per Pianeta Genoa, as shared by Sport Witness, West Ham winger Andriy Yarmolenko has been linked with a move to Italian side Genoa, following the appointment of manager Andriy Shevchenko.

THE LOWDOWN: YARMOLENKO STRUGGLING FOR PLAYING TIME

The Ukrainian attacker has made just eight appearances in the Premier League this season, with all of his minutes having come as a substitute.

Yarmolenko, an experienced Ukraine international with 106 caps, has struggled for playing time under manager David Moyes due to a combination of Manuel Lanzini, Jarrod Bowen, Saïd Benrahma and Pablo Fornals all being preferred options on the wing.

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This has severely limited the number of opportunities the 32-year-old has had this campaign, pushing him out of the Hammers’ plans as more and more exit links pop up.

THE LATEST: YARMOLENKO EXIT CLAIM

As per Pianeta Genoa (via Sport Witness), Serie A club Genoa have opened talks regarding the possible transfer of Yarmolenko. The winger’s contract is due to expire in the summer, so this may mean West Ham are forced into selling him in the January transfer window for a small fee.

Pianeta Genoa claim that the talks are progressing well, although it is unclear whether Genoa are in talks with the player’s agents or with West Ham directly.

THE VERDICT: TIME TO LEAVE?

Following the arrival of Shevchenko at Genoa, it is evident from these talks that the manager was impressed with Yarmolenko whilst he was in charge of the Ukrainian national side.

This would indicate a good level of playing time for the West Ham player, who, at 32-years-old, would surely relish the chance of regular first-team minutes as he nears the end of his career.

When on top form, Yarmolenko can put in dazzling performances in the attacking third – just look at the quality he produced at Euro 2020. Fan favourite Declan Rice even labelled the Ukrainian international as ‘special’ (per Hammers. News), and raved about his technical ability.

Yarmolenko could prove to be an asset for Genoa if the Hammers choose to let him go in January, and this feels like a win win for all parties if the Irons can indeed bank a fee and let an unwanted fringe player move on.

Celtic have been dealt a major injury blow ahead of their upcoming Scottish Premiership fixture.

What’s the latest?

In recent comments cited by the Daily Record, Ange Postecoglou confirmed that David Turnbull is out of contention for the trip to St. Mirren on Wednesday evening, before going on to suggest that Kyogo Furuhashi is also a doubt for the clash.

Furthermore, the 56-year-old also went on to reveal that Benfica loanee Jota, who has been out of action since the start of the month after pulling his hamstring against Hearts, will not make a return to first-team football before the upcoming winter break, something that rules the winger out of the Old Firm fixture at the start of January.

Speaking about the current state of his squad, Postecoglou said: “Jota’s injury was quite significant, so we don’t think we will see him back out there before the break.

“Dave was the major one coming out of the final. We have had the scan, but we haven’t had the results yet. He will definitely be out for St Mirren, but I’m not sure how long he will miss.

“We will also have to particularly manage Kyogo during this period as he is not 100 per cent. I just need to see how he came through the game and look at St Mirren. I am not expecting anyone else to miss out and I also don’t expect anyone who was missing to return.”

Postecoglou will be fuming

While it is undoubtedly a major blow to lose the services of one of Celtic’s most impressive performers for the trip to The SMISA Stadium on Wednesday evening in the form of David Turnbull, the news that Jota does not look likely to return to first-team football before the club’s crunch match with Rangers on January 2 is sure to have left the Bhoys boss fuming.

Indeed, over his 11 Premiership appearances so far this season, the £3.15m-rated loanee has been in remarkable form for the Hoops, scoring five goals, providing four assists and creating two big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of three shots and making 1.5 key passes per game.

These returns have seen the £7.1k-per-week 22-year-old average an extremely impressive SofaScore match rating of 7.38, ranking him as Celtic’s fifth-best performer in the top flight of Scottish football – of the players who remain a part of Postecoglou’s first-team squad.

As such, while the loss of Turnbull and the potential absence of Kyogo ahead of the St. Mirren clash will certainly be frustrating for the Greek-Australian coach, the news that Jota looks likely to miss what could well be a make or break game in Celtic’s season against Rangers next month will undoubtedly come as a devastating blow for Postecoglou and his side.

In other news: Ange can finally axe “pathetic” £7.9k-p/w Celtic flop with swoop for £270k-rated beast

Crystal Palace will be looking to extend their six-game unbeaten run when they travel to Turf Moor to take on Burnley in the Premier League this afternoon.

The Eagles secured back-to-back victories over reigning champions Manchester City and Wolves prior to the international break, filling them with confidence coming into this one. However, Patrick Vieira’s charges will have to contend without the presence of key midfielder James McArthur after he picked up a hamstring injury, ruling him out for a couple of weeks.

There is some positive team news to report, though. Joachim Andersen has recovered in time to take his usual place in the matchday squad, while we could also see a much-anticipated return for Eberechi Eze.

The 23-year-old, who has been sidelined with an Achilles injury since May, has played two games for Palace’s under-23s in recent weeks, and Vieira confirmed that he is set to take a place on the first team bench over the weekend.

With that in mind, here’s how Football FanCast expects the Frenchman to line up his team against Burnley, with two changes from the side which started last time out…

In goal, 34-year-old Vicente Guaita will be looking for his third consecutive clean sheet after successfully keeping City and Wolves at bay.

Ahead of the Spanish shot-stopper will be a familiar back four made up of Tyrick Mitchell, Marc Guehi, Andersen and Joel Ward, with the defensive unit going from strength to strength in recent weeks.

Vieira will be forced into making one change in the midfield engine room, though. McArthur’s injury will allow Luke Milivojevic to come back into the starting XI, partnering Conor Gallagher and Cheikhou Kouyate.

The Palace boss may also be tempted to change things up in attack. The pace and mobility of Wilfried Zaha, Odsonne Edouard and Michael Olise should see them form a dangerous forward line, which would see the £8.1m-rated Christian Benteke to the bench after two goalless appearances.

In other news… Huge blow: Palace suffer injury setback ahead of Burnley clash, Vieira will be gutted

Paul Pogba could stay at Manchester United and could even help the Red Devils sign young superstar Erling Haaland, according to a report from The Athletic.

The Lowdown: Pogba’s future up in the air

The Frenchman is currently out injured for United, having started the season in impressive form, with a mesmerising four assists in the opening weekend win over Leeds.

It is unknown what the future holds for Pogba, though, with his current deal at Old Trafford expiring at the end of the season and no new contract agreed yet.

The 28-year-old has been linked with a move away in the recent past but a new report may suggest that the Red Devils could lean towards trying to keep him at the club.

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The Latest: Fresh report emerges

According to The Athletic, there have been suggestions that him staying could maintain good relations with his agent Mino Raiola, who also represents reported United transfer target Erling Haaland, which could duly help the Red Devil’s chances of a swoop for the 21-year-old Norwegian.

The report stated: ‘Not so long ago, there were signs that Pogba was veering towards staying at United, but that was before his form tailed off and he picked up his current thigh injury.

‘There are all sorts of theories about what could happen next with him — some agents close to United believe that one motivation for renewing Pogba’s contract is that it could help the club protect their relationship with Mino Raiola and, in turn, aid the pursuit of another of the superagent’s clients: Erling Haaland.’

It is also stated in the report that Pogba is ‘unlikely to get his present salary matched anywhere other than PSG and, at a push, his previous club Juventus.’

The Verdict: Better that he stays

Pogba hasn’t always hit the heights that many expected of him when he joined United in a then-world record transfer 2016, but he is still a wonderfully gifted player who United are better off retaining.

His aforementioned assist-making brilliance highlights his technical quality, not to mention the small matter of winning 89 caps for France and lifting the 2018 World Cup. He followed up that triumph with a prolific season which saw him contribute 16 goals and 13 assists, showing that he can make a real difference when he’s at his best.

Not only that, but if it helped United to beat off competition to Haaland’s signature, it could be a major coup for years to come, given the Dortmund marksman’s incredible potential, having scored 71 goals in just 70 appearances for the Bundesliga giants.

In other news, one player could join United’s rivals instead of them. Find out who it is here.

Celtic target Daizen Maeda has spoken out over links of a move to Parkhead in January, The Glasgow Evening Times report.

The Lowdown: Hoops closing in

Reports last week from The Times suggested that the Hoops are confident of securing a deal for the 24-year-old in the New Year.

Sources in Japan expect a transfer for the Yokohama F Marinos forward to go through, with Maeda capable of playing on the wing or through the middle.

He netted 18 goals in 31 appearances last season, and it appears as if he could reunite with Ange Postecoglou over the coming months.

The Latest: Maeda speaks out

Maeda, who has been clocked as the quickest player in Japan, was asked about interest from Scotland, to which he said:

“I know about the reports, but my job is just to concentrate on playing and hopefully scoring goals for Yokohama.

“I am trying not to think too much about the speculation.

“I always think I can score goals in any match and that’s all I am thinking about at the moment. I am trying to get into the Japan team for the World Cup qualifiers too. Of course, if I keep scoring goals then good things will happen.”

The Verdict: Kyogo 2.0

Celtic’s most expensive summer signing, Kyogo Furuhashi, has been on fire in green and white this season, netting nine times in 14 games.

The pair can both play centrally or out wide, so hopefully, the Hoops will be getting themselves another Furuhashi.

Interim CEO Michael Nicholson may well be the man pushing for a transfer to be finalised ahead of the winter window, and you’d expect Postecoglou has given the green light, so fingers crossed it goes through without any hitches.

In other news: Frank McAvennie questions effort levels of 5 G/A Celtic ace who ‘goes missing’. 

Queens Park Rangers will be hoping to get back to winning ways when they welcome Nottingham Forest to Loftus Road for their Championship clash this evening.

The Hoops are without a victory in their last two outings in all competitions after a last-minute defeat against Peterborough United was followed by a penalty shoot-out loss at the hands of Sunderland last time out.

Misses from Charlie Austin, Ilias Chair and Yoann Barbet saw the capital club get knocked out of the Carabao Cup last-16 in midweek after their League One opponents held them to a goalless draw in the 90 minutes.

Manager Mark Warburton made several alterations for the Tuesday night encounter, though, and the experienced tactician is likely to recall multiple key names for the visit of Forest.

With that in mind, here’s how Football FanCast expects the 59-year-old to line up in a few hours’ time, with six changes from the side that started against the Black Cats…

In goal, first-choice shot-stopper Seny Dieng is set to keep his place between the sticks despite keeping just four clean sheets in his 16 appearances this season.

Ahead of the Senegal international is likely to be a familiar back three, with Barbet and Rob Dickie partnering the returning Jimmy Dunne to complete QPR’s defensive unit.

However, Warburton is expected the wring the changes in the midfield. He handed out chances to Osman Kakay and Luke Amos against Sunderland, while Moses Odubajo also featured from the off.

But the trio are set to be replaced by Dominic Ball, Albert Adomah and Sam McCallum, with club captain Stefan Johansen completing the engine room.

The promising Chris Willock is also set to take a place on the bench, allowing Ilias Chair to return to his preferred No.10 position, and the £3.6m-rated Andre Gray is set to follow suit, allowing Scotland international Lyndon Dykes to partner Charlie Austin up front.

And, in other news…Lost possession 22x: QPR lightweight who won 0 duels let Warburton down vs Sunderland 

Everton are reportedly still keen to secure a deal for wantaway Manchester United midfielder Donny van de Beek.

What’s the story?

The Toffees were strongly linked with a move for the 24-year-old over the summer, with the player himself confirming that contact had been made between the two parties, but a transfer never materialised.

Since then, Van de Beek’s struggles at Old Trafford have continued, and his playing time under current manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has remained extremely limited.

And now, well-known journalist and transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has claimed that the Dutch international wants to leave the Red Devils in January after becoming increasingly frustrated at his lack of action.

“In the summer, they had a chance to sell him with Everton keen on deadline day,” Romano told The United Stand (as relayed by the Liverpool ECHO).

“Things can change, but as of now, he is planning to leave Manchester United in January. Van de Beek is a fantastic player and a top professional.

“It is true that Italian and Spanish clubs are interested, and it depends whether Man United can agree on the conditions with them. He could also move to the Premier League, with Everton one of the clubs interested.

“Donny wants to play, so if he is not playing in two-three months, he will leave, I am sure,” he concluded.

Everton fans will be buzzing

After securing a domestic double with boyhood club Ajax and playing a pivotal part in their run to the Champions League semi-finals, Van de Beek’s arrived on English soil with an enviable reputation.

However, things have not worked out for him at United. The technically gifted maestro has started just four Premier League games since arriving for £40m in September 2020 and has received just six minutes of league action this term.

His peripheral role in Solskjaer’s first-team squad has led to speculation regarding a potential imminent exit, while Everton’s director of football Marcel Brands has now come out and confirmed the Toffees previous interest in the player.

When asked about Van de Beek in a recent interview with NOS (as relayed by the Manchester Evening News) he said: “We had him on our list.

“At the beginning of the transfer window, we inquired at United, then it was impossible. At the end of the window, I received a call from Guido Albers, his agent, that he might be rented out after all. But at the last minute, it was cancelled. Stopped again.”

But reliable reporter Romano claims the Goodison Park outfit remain keen to secure Van de Beek’s signature, and that will surely leave a large section of the club’s supporters buzzing.

He scored 41 goals and provided a further 34 assists in 175 appearances for Ajax before his current woes at United, illustrating that if he can get back to his best form, Van de Beek would be a valuable asset to Rafael Benitez’s setup on Merseyside.

After losing James Rodriguez too, it only adds to the appeal of signing the Dutchman. Everton fans would surely love to see a player of his calibre at Goodison Park.

And, in other news…Report reveals exciting Everton transfer update, fans should be buzzing 

Out of sorts, out of the team and still out of England reckoning. Dele Alli could be feeling a sense of deja vu at Tottenham Hotspur this season.

Had Jose Mourinho remained in charge in north London, then there was always going to be a chance that the 25-year-old had moved onto pastures new but after the Portuguese’s sacking, he was given a new lease of life under new manager Nuno Santo.

And after starting their opening six league games, it certainly looked as if the England midfielder was going to be an influential figure under the 47-year-old.

However, he was a half-time casualty during their embarrassing defeat to arch-rivals Arsenal in the north London derby several weeks ago and has not featured since.

In his absence, Spurs have won back-to-back matches, ending a run of three straight heavy defeats with him in the side.

The £27m-rated star was restricted to only 1,355 minutes across all competitions last season, in which just 617 were in the Premier League as Mourinho did not favour him whatsoever – hardly a surprise after dubbing him “lazy” in more colourful terms during training, as seen in their ‘All or Nothing’ docuseries.

Football Insider even reported in September that Spurs were considering selling him, with sources claiming that he is ‘difficult to manage behind the scenes’ and is an ‘inconsistent trainer.’

Alli was a player known for bringing goals and creativity from midfield and at just 25, he should be continuing to elevate his game heading into the peak years of his career.

Back in 2016/17, the 6 foot 2 dynamo provided 18 goals and seven assists in one Premier League season alone. By comparison, he has delivered only nine goals and five assists since the start of the 2019/20 season, as per WhoScored.

His old form earned serious comparisons to the likes of Paul Scholes and Steven Gerrard but after clinching 37 caps, he has not been called up by Gareth Southgate in over two years – his last appearance coming in the UEFA Nations League third-placed playoff in June 2019.

Lilywhites legend Darren Anderton described Alli as a “freak of a talent” who is “a real joy to watch” after that lucrative goalscoring campaign, yet we’ve not seen such returns in a long, long time.

Nuno’s recent decision to axe him from his regular starting XI must be a major cause for concern for Alli, even more so as the side appear to be winning without him and Tanguy Ndombele’s recent form certainly makes his chances of breaking back in even more difficult.

Heading into the winter transfer window and beyond, the 25-year-old star may well be fighting for his future in N17.

AND in other news, Paratici could land Nuno’s next Neves in Spurs swoop for £18.9m-rated “special player”…

Former Rangers boss Alex McLeish has claimed that there could be a ‘big move in the offing’ for Glen Kamara in the coming months.

The Lowdown: Talks ongoing

The 25-year-old has been at Ibrox since signing from Dundee United in 2019 and has since made 113 appearances for the club, winning the Premiership last season.

The Finland international previously confirmed that talks were ‘ongoing’ over a new contract to see him remain at Ibrox beyond his current contract expiry and the midfielder attracted transfer interest over the summer after impressing for Steven Gerrard’s side last season.

The midfielder, whose current deal lasts until 2023, has started every league game so far this season and he only missed five games last term.

The Latest: McLeish suggests Gers could struggle to keep Kamara

Speaking to Football Insider, McLeish has claimed that getting Kamara on a new deal would be a ‘priority’ for the Gers, who he feels may find it difficult to refuse a lucrative transfer offer for the midfielder.

The former Ibrox manager added: “They have done well to tie one or two others down so I would think he would be a priority.

“If not, it only leaves the speculation that possibly there’s a big move in the offing for him. One, perhaps, that Rangers can’t say no to.

“There’s got to be situations like that will crop in the next year or two for Rangers, while they continue to assess the market themselves.”

The Verdict: Stick or twist

Rangers will have to assess the situation from their point of view, deciding whether they should make a huge profit on the £50,000 they paid for Kamara or secure his services for a few more years.

The midfielder currently earns £6.2k-per-week at Ibrox, but after enduring a successful stint in Scotland, a move elsewhere could be on the cards, especially if prospective suitors offer him a much larger package.

Last season, Kamara completed 91% of his passes and won 4.1 duels per game in an impressive campaign for him. His partnership with Steven Davis in midfield was pivotal to the dominance of the league by Gerrard’s side and the club will surely be hoping to keep him on for more seasons.

As McLeish has said, tying him down to a new deal should be a priority, as otherwise the club may be presented with offers that they can’t refuse.

In other Rangers news, some fans were left unimpressed with one defender’s performance against St Johnstone. Find out more here.