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Wolverhampton Wanderers are planning to make a bid for Juventus midfielder Aaron Ramsey in January, according to Friday’s edition of Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport (via Birmingham Mail). 

The lowdown

The 30-year-old has been limited to 97 minutes of Serie A action since the start of the season and finds himself behind Manuel Locatelli, Rodrigo Bentancur, Adrien Rabiot and Weston McKennie in the pecking order in Turin.

When he joined the Old Lady in 2019, it was reported that his contract was worth as much as £400,000 per week. That’s four times more than Wolves’ current top earner Joao Moutinho. With that deal not due to expire until June 2023, Ramsey is valued at £12.6m by Transfermarkt.

The latest

As per Corriere dello Sport (via Birmingham Mail), Wolves apparently wanted to sign Ramsey during the summer transfer window and will revisit the potential deal when January rolls around.

They are readying an offer for the 30-year-old but could face competition from the likes of Everton and West Ham United.

The verdict

The centre of the Wolves midfield could do with investment – they’re a little light on depth and Moutinho has just turned 35 – but this would probably be too great a risk.

Even if he agrees to take a massive pay cut, you’d expect Ramsey to still be the highest earner at Molineux. Also, when you consider his unrelenting injuries, you can easily see how the deal might backfire.

If Wolves want to beef up their central midfield options, they should look elsewhere.

In other news, some Wolves fans don’t want this loanee to return

A key Rangers update has emerged on Ibrox shot-stopper Jon McLaughlin, regarding his future at the club…

What’s the talk?

According to the Daily Record, the Gers are close to agreeing a new contract with the goalkeeper as they look to avoid losing him for nothing at the end of the campaign.

The report does not claim how long the extension will be, but a deal is seemingly on the verge of being completed for him to remain in Glasgow.

Delight

Rangers fans will surely be delighted by this news as McLaughlin is a reliable operator who is a useful player to have in the squad. He has not let the club down whenever he has played this season and could remain as a dependable number two next term.

The 34-year-old has averaged a solid SofaScore rating of 6.82 in the Premiership in the current campaign, saving 64% of the shots against him and making one penalty save from the sole spot-kick he has faced. This shows that he is a solid player at this level who is able to step in and perform when needed.

Allan McGregor’s contract at Ibrox expires in the summer and it remains to be seen whether or not the veteran, who turns 40 next week, is willing to extend his career. This means that pinning down the current number two to fresh terms could help to keep some continuity in the ranks if the ex-Hull stopper moves on, rather than leaving Rangers in the lurch between the sticks come the summer.

The Gers have been linked with a swoop for Benjamin Siegrist of Dundee United and the shot-stopper could come in to compete with McLaughlin. This could create a level of competition similar to what Van Bronckhorst currently has with his two goalkeepers at Ibrox this term, with both players battling for the number one jersey, which is why this update will come as a big boost for the head coach.

Therefore, fans will surely be delighted with this news, as it means that Rangers could be set to have a strong goalkeeping department next season instead of losing both of their first-choice ‘keepers and being left scrambling around to bring in two new additions. The Gers now need to ensure that they can get a deal over the line for Siegrist, or an alternative target, if McGregor decides to hang up the gloves in the summer.

AND in other news, Van Bronckhorst can jettison Rangers liability in swoop for “phenomenal” 18y/o with a “big future”…

Celtic target Thomas Henry is on the verge of swapping OH Leuven for Gent, according to The Daily Record’s Keith Jackson.

The Lowdown: Henry links

The Hoops were first linked with the 26-year-old last week, with The Scottish Sun suggesting Celtic were on the brink of securing a big-money deal.

Henry was seen as the ideal replacement for Odsonne Edouard, who is still working on a Parkhead exit.

The forward’s agent even revealed on Saturday that Henry wants to join Celtic over Rangers or Gent, but it now seems as if a move to Parkhead will not materialise after all.

The Latest: Gent move

According to Jackson, Henry is on the verge of penning a long-term deal with Gent.

A move is thought to be 95% complete after the two clubs shook hands on a £4.5m agreement last week.

Sources in Belgium expect a deal to go through before the weekend, unless Celtic launch a late counter offer.

The Verdict: Time is running out

Celtic have had all summer to sort out Edouard’s future and replacement, with the Frenchman making it clear he wanted out regardless of who came in as manager back in April.

There are now just weeks remaining in the window, so time is running out.

Henry could well have been a shrewd replacement for Edouard, especially after just coming off the back of his best season in front of goal.

It appears as if he will now move on for under £5m, so Celtic may well look back on this as a missed opportunity to possibly replace Edouard, should he seal a Glasgow exit.

In other news: Leeds keen on another Celtic ace alongside Leo Hjelde. 

Alan Hutton has now given a reason why Glasgow Rangers decided to let Cedric Itten go out on loan in the summer transfer window.

The Lowdown: Itten leaves

The Ibrox faithful announced on Transfer Deadline Day that Itten has joined Bundesliga club Greuther Furth on loan for the rest of the 2021/22 season.

He had already played in four games in total over all competitions this campaign before his move to Germany.

The Latest: Hutton on Itten

Speaking to Football Insider, former Light Blues right-back turned pundit Hutton has claimed that Itten was allowed to go out on loan because Alfredo Morelos ended up staying:

“It was a bit of a curveball, not one I saw coming.

“Obviously his first season was difficult, there were no fans, he didn’t hit the ground running.

“There was loads of competition upfront as well. When called upon he did well.

“Whenever I saw him play he added something a little bit different to that Rangers side.

“It’s a strange one but I think it’s down to Morelos staying. Obviously if he went, they would have needed someone to come in.

“The fact he stayed gave Gerrard a bit of leeway to send someone out on loan to give him game time, that’s what he needs.

“There is a player in there, he’s a finisher. He needs to play games, I think it’s a good move.”

The Verdict: Right move

There is no doubt that Itten still has a lot that he can offer, as Steven Gerrard even went as far as to dub him as a ‘superb’ player when he is given his chance in a press conference back in February.

The Switzerland international has scored six goals and made a further three assists in 42 matches in total across all competitions under the Liverpool and England legend (Transfermarkt).

However, given that he already has four strikers to choose from in the squad at the moment, including Morelos, the 24-year-old needed to go out on loan in order to get more regular game time under his belt.

In other news, find out which Ger this Premier League manager wanted to sign here!

Many Arsenal fans have slammed the performance of Takehiro Tomiyasu in their 0-0 draw at Brighton and Hove Albion on Saturday evening.

The Japan international endured a pretty torrid time up against Marc Cucurella in what was the firstgame where he has struggled since arriving from Bologna in the summer transfer window.

Tomiyasu lost out on five of his duels and also failed to block any shots or make any tackles, dribbles, key passes or crosses from right-back (Sofascore).

He also lost possession of the ball on 13 separate occasions in the match, the joint-fourth most of any of his teammates (Sofascore).

Nonetheless, with the international break coming up, Tomiyasu will now be able to take his mind away from the Gunners and then come back stronger when they face Crystal Palace at the Emirates Stadium in their next Premier League fixture on 18 October.

 Arsenal fans on Tomiyasu display

These Gooners on Twitter slammed the 22-year-old’s performance at the Amex Stadium, as one Arsenal supporter claimed that he was ‘exposed’ by Brighton:

“Tomiyasu was exposed today.”

Credit: @cuthie23

“Tierney, Tomiyasu, White were awful today. Gabriel was solid again. Tierney normally our best player but was poor today.”

Credit: @___13245

“Tomi worst game for Arsenal today. Had 3 brilliant games for his first 3 but was really poor today. Cucurella ripped him apart in the 1st half but he’s still young still adapting to the league. Let’s just hope its a one off and not a regular theme.”

Credit: @IREAFCreviews

“Tomiyasu had his WORST performance by far, Cucurella ran past him anytime he wanted.”

Credit: @_BurgessP

“Tomiyasu zero. Can’t defend and lost the ball every time he got it”

Credit: @JackyLanis

“Tomiyasu was dreadful, how did he lock up Son and then perform like that”

Credit: @rafifreeman

In other news, find out whose display against Burnley was slammed here!

Speaking in a football.london Q&A, reliable correspondent Alasdair Gold has shared ‘further good news’ for Spurs involving transfer target Takehiro Tomiyasu.

The Lowdown: Spurs closing in?

Tottenham have been targeting a move for the Japan international since the start of July, originally having a £12.9m (€15m) bid, plus an extra £2.6m (€3m) in add-ons, rejected by Bologna (Sky Sports).

The Athletic then reported that Spurs were closing in on a deal for the versatile defender and finalising terms on an agreement worth around £15 million plus add-ons.

While reports died down soon after, Gold shared news last week from Tomiyasu’s side – with the journalist claiming those close to the deal were ‘confident’ that a Lilywhites move ‘will be agreed’ after his involvement in the Olympics (football.london Q&A).

The Latest: Gold drops another Tomiyasu update…

Reiterating what he said last week, Gold still expects Spurs to come back in for Tomiyasu with his part in the Tokyo games now finished.

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Sharing ‘further good news’, the journalist has also relayed that the 22-year-old’s ankle injury has now cleared up – meaning he could be match fit in time for the new season if he does indeed sign for Tottenham.

“He’s just finished his time at the Olympics with Japan and some people involved in the deal on his side told me a few days ago that they were confident he would become a Tottenham player this window,” Gold explained (via football.london).

“Let’s see whether they now push that through. It’s not huge money we’re talking about in relation to the Romero deal as I’d be surprised if they don’t.

“Japan are now done at the Olympics following their defeat to Mexico in the bronze medal match. In further good news, that ankle injury from earlier in the tournament appears to have now cleared up.”

The Verdict: Get it done…

Tomiyasu’s possible signing for Spurs has been on the cards since mid-way through last month and it’s high time sporting director Fabio Paratici got it done.

The young defender can operate as both a centre-back and full-back, potentially killing two birds with one stone for new manager Nuno Espirito Santo – adding depth in multiple positions all for a relatively meagre potential fee.

Cristian Romero’s signing is just one of two defensive additions Spurs would, ideally, like to add this summer (football.london) – and we believe Tomiyasu should certainly be next.

In other news: Bid made – Tottenham have now lodged offer to sign player with ‘gigantic buzz’, find out more here.

Celtic have been dealt a huge injury setback ahead of their upcoming Scottish Premiership clash.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by The Scotsman, who claim that Ange Postecoglou’s Celtic side will be without at least seven first-team players for the trip to St. Johnstone on Sunday, with David Turnbull, Jota, Albian Ajeti, Giorgos Giakoumakis, James Forrest, Karamoko Dembele and Christopher Jullien all looking to be sidelined due to injury.

A further report by the same publication went on to state that both Joe Hart and Kyogo Furuhashi – who missed the 0-0 draw against St. Mirren earlier in the week with knocks – could also miss out at McDiarmid Park this weekend, as the duo do not appear to have recovered from their respective injuries.

Postecoglou will be fuming

Considering the sheer number of injuries he is having to deal with at present, the news that none of his previously injured players look set to make a return to action this weekend, while both Hart and Kyogo also remain doubts for the fixture, is sure to have left the 56-year-old manager fuming.

Indeed, should attacking midfielder Turnbull, left-winger Jota, centre-forward Kyogo and goalkeeper Hart all be missing on Sunday, the Greek-Australian coach would be unable to select his best, fifth-best, 10th-best and joint 13th-best performers respectively in the top flight of Scottish football so far this season – of players who remain within his first-team squad.

And, when taking into account just how much Postecoglou’s depleted Celtic side struggled to break down St. Mirren on Wednesday evening, should the manager once again be unable to call upon any of the aforementioned players, it would not appear to bode well for Celtic’s chances of picking up all three points against Callum Davidson’s side.

This could potentially bring disastrous ramifications to the club’s Premiership title hopes this season, as dropping more points on Sunday could well see the Bhoys fall further behind their Old Firm rivals – who currently top the league standings by six points.

In other news: Ange can finally axe “horrendous” £20k-p/w Celtic flop by unleashing 18 y/o sensation

Tottenham Hotspur face Aston Villa in this evening’s teatime kick-off, with Antonio Conte’s side looking to keep up their impressive recent run of Premier League form in a bid to secure a top-four finish.

Indeed, with Spurs having won five of their last six league outings and Steven Gerrard’s side having lost their last three Premier League fixtures, the north London outfit will certainly fancy their chances of taking all three points back to the capital tonight.

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However, with Spurs only narrowly defeating Villa 2-1 in the meeting between the two sides earlier this season, Conte will be well aware that he must get his team selection spot-on in order to give his team the best chance of victory this afternoon.

Will the 52-year-old make any changes to the side which started the 5-1 win over Newcastle United last weekend? Here’s how we think Tottenham could line up against Aston Villa, as well as the latest team and injury news…

With Antonio Conte recently revealing that both Sergio Reguilon and Ryan Sessegnon are back in contention after recovering from their respective knocks, we predict the 52-year-old will make just one change to the team which lined up against Newcastle last time out.

The back four remains intact, with Hugo Lloris starting between the Spurs sticks, while Ben Davies, Eric Dier and Cristian Romero make up Conte’s three-man defence.

The solitary change comes at wing-back, with Reguilon – the player who Jonathan Woodgate dubbed “horrendous” and has recently been linked with a £43m move back to Real Madrid this summer – returning to the XI on the left. Matt Doherty moves over to his preferred role on the right, with the 23-year-old Emerson Royal – who Lucas Moura claimed has a “great future” – dropping to the bench.

In the middle, with Oliver Skipp still sidelined due to injury, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Rodrigo Bentancur start once again, while Son Heung-min and Dejan Kulusevski also remain unchanged in the two attacking midfield roles.

Up top, Harry Kane leads the line, with the 28-year-old undoubtedly hoping to add to his seven goals and four assists over his last eight Premier League outings.

AND in other news: Conte can form “dangerous” duo as Spurs plot bids for £156m pair who “really get along”

Wolves are having a fantastic start to their season, with a win over West Ham putting them sixth in the Premier League ahead of Arsenal, Tottenham and Manchester United.

One loan signing has consistently impressed in Bruno Lage’s side since joining in the summer, though.

What’s the talk?

Hwang joined Wolverhampton Wanderers on a season-long loan deal from RB Leipzig, and after an impressive start, the club are now keen to secure the South Korean star’s signature long term.

The loan deal has the option to sign the forward in a permanent contract with Wolves, for an absolute steal of £13 million from the Bundesliga side.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Express & Star journalist, Luke Hatfield, confirmed the intentions of the club when it comes to Hwang Hee-chan.

“I think they can still pull the deal off.

“The fact that he’s there now is obviously massively beneficial to Wolves’ chances.

“Given that he’s getting game time and enjoys the style of play, his team-mates, the training ground and management, it puts them in prime position to sign him on a permanent basis.”

Fans buzzing

Fans would surely be delighted if the South Korean arrives permanently in the Midlands because Hwang has been nothing short of an instant success story for the Premier League side. He’s grabbed four goals already this season, which has definitely played a part in the success Wolves are enjoying in the league so far.

The attacker’s goals scored so far have mostly been those that have won the game, with Hwang’s brace sealing Wolves’ first victory of the season against Watford.

Lage has previously sung the praises of the 25-year-old attacker, demonstrating how big his influence has been at Molineux.

“I think he has adapted to the Premier League. He is fit and fits our way to play because we need a player like him.

“Top players can enjoy our game and I think he is a top player like the other guys.”

The permanent signing of Hwang could be a blessing in disguise for Wolves, as speculation continues to build around Adama Traore’s contract and links with a move away from the club. Although the Spaniard departing would be a blow to Wolves, it could be softened by the signing of Hwang, someone who has got fans off their seats plenty of times this term.

Wolves will be hoping to continue their winning ways and pick up points at every opportunity in their Premier League campaign that could see the side secure European football if they can be consistent.

In other news: Daniel Podence puts on an attacking masterclass against West Ham

According to Claret & Hugh, Tottenham Hotspur could now try to sign Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford as transfer chief Fabio Paratici eyes a new target between the sticks.

The Lowdown: Lilywhites set sights on shot stopper?

Antonio Conte mainstay and long-serving Spurs star Hugo Lloris, who recently put pen to paper on a contract extension, will eventually have to be replaced.

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The Frenchman is well into his career twilight phase and Tottenham won’t be able to rely on him indefinitely, prompting recent links to goalkeeping transfer targets.

Paratici and co are very unlikely to keep loanee and current number two Pierluigi Gollini with the Italian seeming set to return to parent club Atalanta.

West Bromwich Albion ace Sam Johnstone, who will leave the Hawthorns as a free agent this summer, has been heavily linked with a move to north London recently, but C&H now have news on a homegrown alternative option.

The Latest: Pickford on the radar…

According to their information, Tottenham could try to sign Toffees shot stopper Pickford as they ‘look for a long-term’ Lloris replacement.

This comes as the England international ‘bids to remain in the Premier League’ ahead of this year’s World Cup finals in Qatar.

His club are currently in the midst of a relegation battle with Frank Lampard’s side seemingly in real danger, prompting both Conte’s side and West Ham to keep tabs on Pickford’s situation ahead of the summer.

The Verdict: Great option?

Homegrown, still only 28-years-old and a proven star at international level under Gareth Southgate – Pickford emerges as a really good option for Tottenham.

The Goodison Park ace attracted huge praise for his performances in a Three Lions jersey during last summer’s Euro 2020 Championships with pundit Trevor Sinclair even calling Pickford ‘one of the best goalkeepers in the world’ (talkSPORT).

It’s clear the former Sunderland star enjoyed a phenomenal tournament as one of Southgate’s best players and Pickford’s ability is arguably there for all to see.

Recent reports suggest that Everton could even green-light the goalkeeper’s sale for around £30 million, though with Johnstone available for nothing, it remains to be seen whether Paratici opts to invest significantly on competition for Lloris.

One certainty, however, is that Pickford would certainly come as a stellar option.

In other news: Tottenham eye agreement ‘in the coming week’ as they make offer for exciting midfielder! Find out more here.