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According to the Daily Mail, Inter Milan are prepared to sell Gabriel Barbosa in January for £18 million, with Everton, West Ham and Crystal Palace all reportedly keen on bringing the 22-year-old to the Premier League.

What’s the story?

Inter Milan signed Barbosa – commonly known as Gabigol – in 2016, when the forward was considered by some to be the next Neymar.

Things did not go to plan for the 2016 Olympic gold medallist in Italy though. After failing to make an impact at the San Siro, he joined Benfica on loan where his struggles only worsened.

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A second loan stint followed, with Barbosa re-joining his boyhood club, Santos.

Back in familiar surroundings, good form returned, with the 4-cap Brazil international racking up 27 goals in 53 games. This return may not have inspired Inter to give the forward another chance to prove his worth in Serie A, but it should certainly give West Ham cause to win the race to his signature.

A point to prove

The Hammers have certainly improved their attacking contingent in recent transfer windows, with the arrivals of Marko Arnautovic, Felipe Anderson and Andriy Yarmolenko all representing fine acquisitions.

However, Manuel Pellegrini’s squad lacks effective depth up front, especially given Andy Carroll’s injury woes and Lucas Perez’s inability to make an impact since his arrival at the London Stadium.

If West Ham are serious about becoming a greater force in English football, and pushing for European qualification on a regular basis, then Barbosa is a player of the standard required. The Brazilian remains a supreme talent with huge potential and, what’s more, he certainly has a point to prove.

Manuel Pellegrini is targeting a top-six finish in the Premier League following last weekend’s 3-2 victory over Crystal Palace.

James McArthur handed the Eagles an early lead at the London Stadium, but the Hammers quickly hit break after the interval. Robert Snodgrass levelled the score before Javier Hernandez, and Felipe Anderson doubled their advantage. A late Jeffrey Schlupp goal wasn’t enough for Roy Hodgson’s side as West Ham held on for all three points to move tenth in the table.

The result means West Ham have won three consecutive games for the first time since December 2016 and appear to have finally adjusted to Pellegrini’s methods. Should their form continue, a top six finish may not be out the realms of possibility. The Chilean is reportedly keen to bolster his defence during the January transfer window to boost their chances of finishing in Europe.

One man who should be on his shortlist is Manchester United veteran – Antonio Valencia. Valued at £7.2m by Transfermarkt, the Ecuador international has been a mainstay in the United side since transforming into a right-back. However, Valencia has fallen out of favour under Jose Mourinho, making four appearances in the Premier League this season. With his contract set to expire at the end of the season, an exit could be on the cards in January.

The defender has bags of experience in the Premier League and Europe which could prove vital as the season draws to a close. Valencia remains as fit as ever despite being 33-years-old and has been one of United’s most consistent performers in recent years. With Pablo Zabaleta approaching the end of his career and Ryan Fredericks struggling, the former Wigan man would be the ideal short-term solution to Pellegrini’s problems.

He still has a few years left at the highest level and could prove to be a bargain for the Hammers.

West Ham fans, thoughts?

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Leicester should make a move for Stuttgart’s ball-winning midfielder Santiago Ascacibar, who is currently in fine form for the Bundesliga side and is also delivering consistently excellent performances.

What’s the word, then? 

Since losing arguably the best defensive midfielder and ball-winner in the world N’Golo Kante, Leicester haven’t got near the heights of that truly sensational title-winning season – they probably won’t ever get near them again to be honest, but they have been notably worse.

Attempts have been made to replace the Frenchman. Nampalys Mendy was bought in from Nice, but has seen injuries hamper him time in England. Wilfried Ndidi was bought in for big money and has been an excellent signing, but in Santiago Ascacibar, there could be an uncovered gem that the Foxes became famous for unearthing in the past with Kante, Riyad Mahrez and Jamie Vardy.

The Argentinian made the fourth highest amount of tackles in the Bundesliga per 90 minutes last season as he helped his side finish seventh, and the second most interceptions in the Stuttgart team behind World Cup winner Benjamin Pavard.

Where would he fit in at the King Power?

Any player who can get near to what Kante achieved with the Foxes will be welcomed with open arms at the club. As reported by BBC Sport, German football expert Raphael Honigstein has likened the 21-year-old to a former Leicester hero in Esteban Cambiasso, one who can win the ball back before using it incisively and intelligently.

Ascacibar is a tough-tackling midfielder but one with a lot of finesse and good technique who had his contract extended with the German side after just one season at the club, such was his importance to them in a year where they finished just outside the Europa League spots.

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He would be a humongous coup for the Foxes and one for the future as well as the present.

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Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers could face a fraught Christmas, with the Old Firm derby on the horizon and potentially no strikers available, after confirming Odsonne Edouard will needs further tests after his withdrawal against Motherwell on Wednesday night.

What’s the word?

Rodgers spoke to the media following his side’s 3-0 win, that saw Anthony Robinson open the scoring before Scott Sinclair doubled the Hoops’ lead from the penalty spot.

Amidst the flurry of questions, the 45-year-old was asked to comment on the fitness of star striker Edouard, after the 20-year-old was forced off on the 38th minute.

“We’ll just see how he is in the next 24 hours,” Rodgers told BBC Scotland. “It’s a concern when you lose any player, but he’s played a lot of games and we’ve not been able to rest him, so it’s probably a little bit of fatigue.”

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The French forward has featured 30 times for Celtic so far this season and has found the net 13 times – eight of which have come in the Scottish Premiership.

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A huge loss for Rodgers

Edouard’s importance to Rodgers grew significantly with Leigh Griffiths ruled out for personal reasons, but any injury leaves his manager lacking options up top.

Against Motherwell, 19-year-old academy graduate Michael Johnston came off the bench to replace the French forward to mark his ninth senior game of the season.

A second-half strike by the teenager then secured the points, as the Hoops’ number 73 notched his first senior goal, but Rodgers is unconvinced he can lead the line just yet.

BBC Scotland quote the manager stating: “He’s a huge talent and opportunities like tonight to come in and affect the game and score will only help his confidence.

“He’s still maturing, he’s still got to get physically stronger to cope but he’s a very exciting talent and very direct.”

Who else could step in?

Should Rodgers prefer a more proven-talent to lead the line over Christmas, bearing in mind the Old Firm derby on December 29, he could turn to Lewis Morgan.

The 22-year-old has mainly appeared in midfield during his 15 matches for Celtic this season, but was handed a starting role alongside Edouard as a striker in the Scottish side’s Europa League clash away to RB Leipzig.

From there, the former Rangers youth prospect contributed two shots, one key pass and won half of his aerial duels.

Earlier in the season, Chelsea looked like genuine title challengers. Whilst nobody expected the Blues to battle at the top of the league this term, wins against teams including Arsenal did suggest that their improvement was significant, and a number of brilliant individual performances gave fans hope of a bright future.

However, things have all been rather inconsistent lately. Their most recent loss against Leicester City has really put some perspective on the campaign, and it’s become painfully clear that there are a few problems ongoing at Stamford Bridge.

There’s one decision, however, that seems to be having a bigger impact than most others, yet it’s one that Maurizio Sarri continues to avoid solving. It surrounds their midfield, and his continued insistence on utilising Mateo Kovacic instead of Ruben Loftus-Cheek.

Chelsea’s number one issue in recent weeks has been their inability to break down defences. Against the likes of Wolves and Leicester City, Chelsea lost simply because they couldn’t break past the defensive line. That’s the primary job of the attacking midfielder in this team, which is usually one of Mateo Kovacic, Ross Barkley or Ruben Loftus-Cheek.

Kovacic, since his arrival, has done little to suggest that he’s the man for the role. He’s clearly talented, but he doesn’t drive or dribble enough, and he doesn’t help out more generally going forward.

Loftus-Cheek, however, is a different breed entirely. The midfielder has everything; he can dribble, he can pass, he can shoot, he can tackle. In truth, he’s probably been the Blues’ best player over the last month.

Yet Sarri continues to leave him on the bench, and that needs to change. Chelsea won’t ever be able to break these teams down without their best midfielder, and in leaving him out, Sarri is writing off his team as title challengers more with every passing week. It’s no good beating the likes of Man City if you can’t beat more defensive outfits – it’s these games, after all, that help put the points needed for a title challenge together – and Loftus-Cheek would be the perfect knife with which to cut through powerful defences.

Thoughts? 

Manchester United must make move for Tottenham Hotspur attacker Christian Eriksen, who, as it stands, will be out of contract at the end of next season.

What’s the word, then?

United are unlikely to be too busy during the January transfer window, but there is no question that the Red Devils will be active ahead of the 2019-2020 campaign.

Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino is believed to be United’s number one choice to become their new long-term manager at the end of the season.

And Pochettino – if he indeed arrives – will be given significant funds.

The Argentine has a strong relationship with Eriksen due to their time together in London, and should attempt to bring the Denmark international to Old Trafford in this summer’s transfer window.

Eriksen has developed into one of the outstanding number 10s in world football, and has been in sensational form for Tottenham in recent weeks.

How good has Eriksen been at Tottenham?

Heading into Tottenham’s final match of 2018 against Wolverhampton Wanderers, Eriksen had scored five times and registered nine assists in 23 appearances for his club during the 2018-19 campaign.

The 26-year-old had managed 61 goals and 78 assists in 249 Tottenham matches, meanwhile, including 44 goals and 59 assists in the Premier League.

The fact that Eriksen’s Spurs contract will expire at the end of next season places the London club in a very difficult position.

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And there is absolutely no question that the Dane could earn significantly more money if he decided to make the move to Old Trafford.

The image of assist king Eriksen feeding the likes of Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial in the final third of the field will be a very exciting thought for the United fans.

Liverpool’s unbeaten start to the Premier League came to an end last week at the hands of reigning champions Manchester City last week.

The Reds were looking to avenge last season’s crushing defeat at the Etihad and should have taken the lead through Sadio Mane, whose shot hit the post and narrowly avoided crossing the line. City took full advantage, Sergio Aguero turning expertly and firing past Alisson just before half-time. Roberto Firmino equalised before a brilliant goal by Leroy Sane ensured the Citizens closed the gap at the top of the table to just four points.

Dejan Lovren’s performance, in particular, will be concerning for Jurgen Klopp. Once again the Croatian failed to perform in a big game, allowing Aguero to ghost in front of him for City’s third while keeping Sterling on side for the second. Lovren’s sloppy passing almost cost the Reds another goal late on and Klopp should be looking to sign another defender now the January transfer window is open.

The perfect addition to the squad would be Borussia Monchengladbach defender – Nico Elvedi. Valued at £22.5m by Transfermarkt, the Swiss international has developed into a crucial player for his side since joining from FC Zurich back in 2015. Elvedi has been ever-present for his team this season, making 14 Bundesliga appearances so far.

The 22-year-old is a fantastic tackler and reads the game expertly allowing him to make numerous interceptions. Elvedi’s presence has contributed greatly to Monchengladbach’s brilliant defensive record this season. The majority of his appearances have come in the centre of defence but the youngster is extremely versatile and could cover both right and left back – making him ideal for Klopp following Nathaniel Clyne’s move to Bournemouth and the imminent departure of Alberto Moreno.

Elvedi is going from strength-to-strength – partnering him with Virgil van Dijk would take his game to a whole new level.

Liverpool fans, thoughts?

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Tony Pulis has the best defence in the Championship with Middlesbrough, but could be set to strengthen his ranks with TeamTalk suggesting Crystal Palace’s Jairo Riedewald could be on his way to the Riverside Stadium.

Since arriving in 2017, the central defender has struggled to make his mark at Selhurst Park and the suggestion is that the Eagles will look to move the 22-year-old on in January via a loan deal – clubs in Holland, Spain and France are also said to be keen.

Should he move to the northeast of England, however, Middlesbrough could be set for a return to the top. Let Football FanCast run you through the potential consequences…

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Pulis has his centre-back cover

The defence at the Riverside may be the best in the league by some margin, having conceded just 19 goals in 27 games, but Pulis has only been able to rely on three defenders to play in the centre regularly.

Aden Flint leads with 25 appearances as a centre-back, while Daniel Ayala and Dael Fry are snapping for second with 19 and 12 games respectively.

Fry, however, has often been deployed as a right-back to cover for Ryan Shotton while the 30-year-old sat on the bleachers with a knee injury, and now Flint is ruled out with a blow of his own.

The arrival of Riedewald would, therefore, give Pulis the cover he needs for a key position.

Riedewald’s career in England is saved

It would be fair to say a successful spell at Middlesbrough would save Riedewald’s career in England, especially by tapping into Pulis’ defensive know-how.

When he arrived from Ajax, he was set to join his former boss but Frank de Boer was sacked after five games in charge, and Roy Hodgson has never favoured the 22-year-old since his appointment.

He could go abroad and find his footing again, and there is interest from around Europe, but earning his spot in a solid defensive unit like Boro have would really help push his career in England to a higher level.

Academy stars left to grow

Pulis’ severe lack of options in defence comes with no clear youth product ready to make the step up to senior level, and the Welshman still appears happy to let the most talented prospects continue developing in the academy or spend time out on loan, rather than rushing their progress.

Even if Boro don’t look to turn Riedewald’s potential loan into a permanent move in the summer, Middlesbrough would at least benefit from having that extra body to call on, rather than risk their promotion chances by playing unproven prospects in important games.

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According to Football Insider, Stoke City are planning to launch a bid to sign Portsmouth defender Matt Clarke in this January transfer window.

What’s the story?

New Potters boss Nathan Jones is thought to be keen on Clarke according to Football Insider, and wants to bolster the defensive contingent of his squad.

Stoke could certainly do with breathing some fresh life into their rearguard. The likes of Ryan Shawcross, Ashley Williams and Erik Pieters are all ageing. What’s more, the Championship club only currently have three natural centre-backs in their senior squad.

Jones clearly wants to begin his overhaul in this part of the pitch, and the acquisition of Clarke would be a positive first step in the direction of a new look Stoke backline.

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For now and the future

Clarke has been in fine form for Pompey so far this season. The 22-year-old has been an ever-present for the south coast club, playing a vital role in their climb to the top of the League One table.

The No. 5 has made 36 appearances so far this season in all competitions and scored three goals, as per Transfermarkt, and is proving himself to be a reliable, mature defender with a huge amount of potential. In total he has already made 150 appearances for the club in his short career so far. His loss would undoubtedly be a major blow to Portsmouth’s automatic promotion hopes, however.

As a signing for Stoke, the 6’2″ centre-back represents a sound investment for the future, but he could also have an impact at the bet365 Stadium this season.

According to a recent report from Football Insider, West Brom are interested in a January move for Alberth Elis. The 22-year-old currently plays his football in Major League Soccer with Houston Dynamo having made the permanent move to the club back in 2018, which came after enjoying a great stint on loan there the year before to seriously underline his goal-scoring pedigree.

And a report from Football Insider suggests that Darren Moore’s West Brom are eyeing up a move for the £2.25 million-rated sensation (as per Transfermarkt), as are Brendan Rodgers’ Celtic, although were the Baggies to seal a deal for the Honduras international, it would go some way to equipping them with the replacement they so desperately need for winger Harvey Barnes.

The Breakdown

Ultimately, 21-year-old Barnes made the temporary move to the Hawthorns from Premier League outfit Leicester City during the summer in a bid for the regular game time he was unlikely to get under Claude Puel, and the England Under-21 international proved to be an absolute revelation during his time with the Baggies.

The winger netted nine goals and laid on eight assists in just 28 appearances for Moore’s side to help fire them into promotion contention in the Championship, which is why his recall by Leicester earlier this month is sure to have seriously frustrated and disappointed several West Brom fans up and down the country.

And with drawing 1-1 at home to Norwich City in the aftermath of Barnes’ exit, alongside a routine if not overly convincing 2-0 success over struggling Bolton Wanderers earlier this week, one senses that the Baggies do need to replace the flair and impetus provided by the 21-year-old in the first half of the season – Elis could well be the man for the job.

The 22-year-old may well be little known to English football fans having played all his football in Hondurus, Mexico, and now the United States, but his recent form for Houston Dynamo in the MLS suggests that the forward is a star in waiting.

The Honduras international, already capped 31 times by his country at senior level, scored 11 goals and laid on three assists in his first season at Houston in 2017 to help them to fourth place in the Western Conference, prompting the MLS side to secure his services permanently come the end of the campaign.

And what an inspired decision that has proven to be given Elis was even more impressive in the final third in 2018, bagging 11 times and laying on 12 assists for Houston in their run to ninth place in the Western Conference, and indeed to victory in the US Open Cup.

Clearly then, it looks like Elis has an extremely bright future in the game and could be an asset for many sides in English football, not least a West Brom team that have lost one of their brightest sparks in Barnes in the last few weeks – yet Elis’ arrival could go some way to compensating for that.

And with the Baggies pushing for a return to the Premier League this season, and Barnes having played a key role in helping them into the top six when he left, a replacement is surely needed in a bid to maintain that promotion challenge until May.

And the highly-rated Elis could well be the man for the job at the Hawthorns.

West Brom fans… what do you think? Let us know!