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Wolverhampton Wanderers are reportedly keen on bringing Brighton and Hove Albion defender Tariq Lamptey in on loan this month and the right-back could form an electric duo with Adama Traore.

According to John Cross of the Daily Mirror, Wolves are keen on signing the former Chelsea dynamo this month as manager Julen Lopetegui looks to bolster his options on the right side of his defence.

Lamptey has lost his regular spot under new manager Roberto de Zerbi, with Pascal Groß excelling in a wing-back position under the Italian boss at the Amex Stadium.

In total, the Ghanaian has managed just one start in the Premier League so far this term but he did catch the eye in his three appearances in the League Cup, averaging a strong 7.19 rating from WhoScored for his performances, which included a goal in the win against Arsenal.

Still just 22, Lamptey has 71 senior appearances for the Seagulls under his belt, which includes two goals and six assists, so he could definitely do a job in Lopetegui’s side in the second half of the season, especially considering the poor form of both Jonny and Nelson Semedo so far this term.

The Spanish and Portuguese defenders have both been culpable of shocking displays against Leicester City and the Seagulls respectively, which exposed their defensive frailties, while WhoScored ranks them as two of the worst performers at Molineux.

It was not long ago that Lamptey was regarded as one of the most promising young defenders in the Premier League, with former manager Graham Potter singing his praises after a win over Newcastle United in 2021.

He said:

“He’s got such electric pace, but lots of players have that. It’s having the ability to run in behind. The ability to run into space is often what separates players.

“Tariq does that, but he’s got courage, he does his defensive work.”

The Ghana international’s speed is certainly his standout attribute and alongside the phenomenally fast Traore in Wolves’ side, Lopetegui could possess arguably the quickest right-hand side in world football.

The prospect of the two rapid players running at defenders and combining with overlapping runs would be tough for any Premier League side to cope with, and it could certainly be an alternative option for Lopetegui in the second half of the campaign.

Therefore, given the lack of strength at right-back, and the frightening duo that Lamptey and Traore could form, the Spanish manager should definitely consider a loan swoop for the Brighton youngster this month.

Michael Beale is still awaiting his first signing as manager of Ibrox giants Glasgow Rangers with two weeks left to go in the January transfer window.

The English coach arrived in Scotland to take over from Dutchman Giovanni van Bronckhorst during the break for the 2022 World Cup and Ross Wilson has not been able to get any deals over the line for him as of yet.

Rangers could be in the market for signings this month to improve their squad to give them the best possible chance of winning silverware in the second half of the season and one area in which they need to strengthen in is central midfield.

Veteran wizard Steven Davis has been ruled out for the remainder of the season through injury and this leaves a gap in the squad in that area of the pitch.

At the end of last month, The Scottish Sun reported that the Light Blues are tracking St Mirren central midfielder Keanu Baccus and he could be the replacement they need for the Northern Ireland international.

Beale reportedly sent scouts to watch the gem in action and they are now set to face competition from teams south of the border to land the Australian international’s signature.

The Telegraph recently claimed that English Championship sides Norwich City, Middlesbrough and Cardiff City are interested in signing the dynamo, who is set to cost a fee in the region of £350k as he has 18 months left on his contract with the Scottish outfit.

Baccus – who was once described as a “focal point” in midfield by journalist Josh Bunting – could be a solid addition to Rangers’ squad and an ideal player to come in and replace the rotation role that Davis fulfilled during the first half of the campaign.

The injured Gers gem played eight Premiership matches, starting three, prior to his setback and reserved minutes could suit the St Mirren dynamo as he is still a young player who is making his way in the European game.

He moved away from his home country for the first time last summer and has enjoyed a respectable first season in the Premiership so far this term. Baccus has averaged a Sofascore rating of 6.81 across 19 appearances in the division – making 3.4 tackles and interceptions per match.

No Rangers player has managed more than 2.8 tackles and interceptions per game in the top-flight this season and this suggests that the 24-year-old – who manager Stephen Robinson claimed has an “incredible work ethic” – could add steel to Beale’s options in the middle of the park.

The youngster could initially arrive as a backup option, taking up Davis’ place in the squad, but with a view to an increased role in the future if he is able to develop his game by gaining more experience and training with the likes of John Lundstram, Glen Kamara and Ryan Jack.

Glasgow Rangers have been handed a potential boost in their bid to bring Nicolas Raskin to Ibrox ahead of the January transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to Dean Jones, with the transfer insider revealing in a recent interview with GIVEMESPORT that, following Ronny Deila’s reported banishment of the central midfielder from Standard Liege first-team training, the 21-year-old could now be back on the Light Blues’ radar ahead of the winter market.

Regarding Gers’ interest in the £5m talent, Jones said:

“It’s interesting how he has been pushed to one side at the moment. That certainly seems to have put him back in the shop window for Rangers.”

Kroos 2.0

Considering just how exciting a prospect Raskin undoubtedly is, the argument that Ross Wilson simply must do everything in his power to seal a deal for the midfielder in January is an extremely easy one to make.

Indeed, over his 16 Jupiler Pro League appearances in the current campaign, the £6.2m-rated talent has been in sensational form in the final third, having already provided four assists and created four big chances for his teammates, in addition to making an average of 1.1 key passes, playing 2.8 long balls and completing 39.7 total passes – at a success rate of 84% – per game.

The 21-year-old has also caught the eye in metrics more typical of his position, making an average of 3.3 tackles – the most of any player in the division – 0.4 interceptions, 0.2 clearances and winning 5.8 duels – at a success rate of 58% – per match.

These returns have seen the Belgium U21 international – who Football Talent Scout Jacek Kulig compared to Toni Kroos – average an eye-catching Sofascore match rating of 7.01, ranking him as Standard’s sixth-best performer in the Belgian top-flight so far this season.

Furthermore, speaking about Raskin ahead of Rangers’ Europa League group stage meeting with Standard Liege back in 2019, Het Belang van Limburg journalist Bob Faesen singled the youngster out for praise in an interview with The Herald, stating:

“He is still only 19, but he has really shone. He is a box-to-box midfielder. He can play in every position in the middle of the park. He is technically gifted, but he is also a bit of a pitbull. He can run a lot, is powerful and has a good shot. He has been one of the big surprises in Belgium football this season and will be a key player for Liege who Rangers will need to be wary of.”

As such, with Raskin looking to be a player who is incredibly creative in possession of the ball, as well as one who is more than capable of doing the dirty work for his side, it is not difficult to understand why comparisons have been drawn between the 21-year-old and the Real Madrid and Germany legend Kroos, nor is it hard to see why Rangers would be interested in the starlet.

Indeed, should “the future of Belgian football” – in the words of Kulig – be available for as little as £5m this winter, it is clear for all to see that Wilson must do all he can to land the playmaker, as Raskin could well become Rangers’ very own Kroos-esque talent in the heart of Michael Beale’s midfield – something that is sure to be an extremely exciting prospect for all involved with the club.

Arsenal have been dealt a huge injury blow regarding Brazil centre-forward Gabriel Jesus.

What’s the latest?

That’s according to sporttv via the Daily Mail, who claim that, after being withdrawn in the second half of the Seleção’s 1-0 loss to Cameroon on Friday evening due to a pain in his right knee, the Gunners striker will now miss the remainder of the Qatar World Cup as a result of injury.

The report went on to state that the forward is set to spend a gut-wrenching three months on the sidelines with back up striker Eddie Nketiah now the sole option in that area of the pitch.

A blow to their title hopes

Considering just how important Jesus has been for the Gunners since his £45m move to The Emirates this summer, the news that the centre-forward has picked up a relatively serious injury during Brazil’s 2022 World Cup campaign will undoubtedly come as a huge blow to Mikel Arteta.

Indeed, over his 14 Premier League appearances so far this season, the £103m-rated talent has been in sensational form, having already scored five goals, registered five assists and created five big chances for his teammates, in addition to taking an average of 3.6 shots – 1.1 of which have hit the target – making 1.6 key passes and completing 1.9 dribbles – per game.

These returns have seen the £265k-per-week star average an extremely impressive Sofascore match rating of 7.11, currently ranking him as Arteta’s seventh-best performer in the league, as well as the joint 49th-best player in the top flight of England football as a whole.

As such the loss of a player as important as Jesus will certainly be a colossal blow to their title hopes as the difference the Brazil international has made since arriving in north London has been seismic.

His all-round play has been exceptional with his dribbling and ability to draw opponents close to him has been unlike anything we saw from a languid and tired-looking Alexandre Lacazette last term.

Now, they will have to rely on Nketiah, a man with zero Premier League goals all campaign. It does not bode well for the Islington outfit at all.

Sheffield Wednesday have kept pace with the top two in League One in recent weeks and Darren Moore’s side have been handed another boost in their automatic promotion hopes.

Denis Adeniran, who has missed much of the season through injury, was pictured back in training earlier this week, in what is undoubtedly good news for Darren Moore’s side.

The 23-year-old midfielder joined the Owls on a free transfer after leaving Everton in 2021 and caught the eye in his 18 appearances in League One last season, contributing three goals.

He was also superb in his two League Cup appearances earlier in the season, hitting two goals and one assist in just two appearances, including a screamer against Rochdale, which helped him to a superb 8.63 rating from WhoScored in that competition.

However, he would then suffer an injury to his knee which required surgery, which meant that his last appearance for the club came in August’s 5-0 win over Forest Green.

Fortunately for Moore, as his side prepares for a busy festive period, it seems as if Adeniran will soon be back in contention, as he was pictured back on the grass on Sheffield Wednesday’s official Twitter account.

The Owls boss is certainly a big fan of the defensive-minded midfielder, as he sang his praises after his arrival in 2021.

Moore said: “I am really, really pleased to have someone of that calibre in there. He is really different to what we have got in midfield.

“He will be a wonderful acquisition for us this season.”

Adeniran’s return means that Wednesday have nearly a fully-fit squad to choose from as they approach a crucial stage of the season, with only long-term absentee Ben Heneghan ruled out after he injured his ACL earlier this year.

Having a big squad with reliable options is going to be important for the Owls as they look to leapfrog either Plymouth Argyle or Ipswich Town before the end of the season, so it is definitely fantastic news for Moore than Adeniran is closing in on a return to first-team action.

In sensational fashion, West Bromwich Albion seem to have well and truly left the misery of the Steve Bruce era behind.

Cruising to a 2-0 victory over Stoke City at The Hawthorns, Carlos Corberan has masterminded the most sensational of turnarounds which sees them creep out of the relegation zone at last.

It also marked their third successive victory, which was particularly impressive given how before this run they had not even won twice on the run, let alone three times.

Although they only had 49% of the ball, despite normally dominating, they still were fluid in their attacks and clinical when they had to be.

Their 16 total shots outline this, whilst another clean sheet will please the Spaniard more than anything.

Of the defence, Kyle Bartley once again announced himself as the hero, however, his goalscoring exploits have somewhat allowed the likes of Jed Wallace and Matt Phillips’ lack of cutting edge to go unnoticed.

The latter was particularly poor today, although the former did record the worst SofaScore rating of anyone on the pitch.

With just 34 touches all game, the invisible display of Phillips might have been what led to this lack of possession for the Baggies. He did not offer to receive the ball, and without possession seldom defended well enough to win it back.

This is exacerbated through his zero clearances, blocks, interceptions or tackles, whilst he was also dribbled past once too, via SofaScore.

When he did have the ball, the 31-year-old was especially wasteful, hence why he was dragged off with ten minutes to go.

Having lost possession eight times, this meant that for every 4.2 of the 34 touches he enjoyed on Saturday, he would have the ball stolen by the opposition.

This lack of control, therefore, trickled through into his lack of creativity, where he recorded zero key passes and managed no shots on or off target. With age one can expect the physical aspects of the game to start to desert a player, but today marked a lack of quality and effort unexpected from a man of his professionalism.

Despite recording an impressive result, this performance will worry Corberan and may make him think twice about relying on this stalwart to occupy the wing.

With quality such as Grady Diangana to replace him too, this display could, and likely should, have lost him his space in the Spaniard’s starting side.

West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice will leave the club if the ‘right club’ comes along, according to one journalist. 

The Lowdown: Previous interest in Rice

The midfielder has been linked with a move away from the London Stadium in the past, with Chelsea being one reported interested party.

Back in April, it was also reported that the Englishman had turned down a third offer to sign a new contract at West Ham amid interest from the Blues, amongst others.

Now, journalist Paul Brown has shared some details regarding Rice’s current stance at the club and what the future may hold for him.

The Latest: Eyes on the exit

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Brown had this to say on the matter.

“He’s made it clear several times, by rejecting a couple of offers from West Ham, that he’d be willing to leave if the right club came along and the right offer was made to West Ham. I can’t see that changing anytime soon.”

As things stand, Rice’s current contract at the London Stadium is set to expire in 2024, with the club having an option to extend it for another year after that.

The Verdict: A potential nightmare for West Ham

Bearing in mind that the 23-year-old has played every minute of Premier League action for David Moyes’ side this season, it’s almost impossible to measure how important he is.

Having also made more passes into the final third of the pitch (101) than any other Hammers player, as well as making more interceptions (21) than any of his teammates, this showcases just how effective he is for the team on and off the ball.

Hailed as a “magnificent” player by Gary Lineker, Rice’s potential departure would undeniably be a big blow for his current club, who, we feel, should continue to persuade the player to sign a new long-term deal regardless of what mega offers may arrive.

Everton will be looking to continue their current unbeaten run against Manchester United this evening at Goodison Park, with the Toffees having now gone six games without defeat in the Premier League amid what’s been a real uplift in form so far this term.

Aided by a rock-solid defensive unit – which has shipped a league-best record of just seven goals to date – Frank Lampard’s side have appeared much improved in comparison to last season’s overall disappointment, with there now a newfound belief that the club can avoid another relegation scrap this time around.

The upcoming meeting with the Red Devils will no doubt pose a stern test for the Merseysiders – despite United having shipped six goals away to Manchester City last weekend – with the home side likely to need to be at their best in order to get a positive result.

One man who will certainly be hoping to make an impact in that intriguing encounter is summer signing James Garner, with the 21-year-old having arrived from Old Trafford on a £15m deal in the recent window.

Despite having been highly-regarded at his former club – notably earning praise from a certain Jose Mourinho –  the England U21 international was unable to secure a regular, first-team role at the Theatre of Dreams, making just seven senior appearances in all competitions before his recent exit.

The playmaker had spent the past two seasons out on loan at Watford and Nottingham Forest in the second tier, with the youngster’s impressive form last term, in particular, seeing him earn notable plaudits, with ex-Forest teammate Ryan Yates dubbing him an “unbelievable” asset as a result of his stunning set-piece prowess.

The talented starlet scored four goals and provided ten assists in all competitions during the 2021/22 campaign at the City Ground, helping to fire Steve Cooper’s side to promotion as well as enjoy an eye-catching FA Cup run.

Such form unsurprisingly alerted Lampard and co, with the Toffees swiftly pouncing once the £9.9m-rated ace was made available for transfer, with there having been notable surprise – including from the player himself – that United were willing to sanction a permanent exit, such is his undoubted talent.

The 6 foot 1 menace has since been unable to make an appearance for his new club thus far, although tonight’s clash could well be the perfect opportunity for him to be unleashed, with the Englishman likely having a point to prove against his former employers.

Lampard revealed earlier this week that while the player had arrived at Goodison not quite at full fitness, the emerging talent is now “ready to go” moving forward, with the Chelsea icon stating he is “excited” to see Garner in action sooner rather than later.

Against an opposition whom he knows all about, the Birkenhead-born sensation could well prove to be the difference-maker this evening.

Leeds United right-back Rasmus Kristensen has been included in Denmark’s squad for Nations League matches later this month, hinting that his injury may not be as bad as previously feared.

The Lowdown: Kristensen’s absence

The summer signing was a surprise absentee in the Whites’ last Premier League game against Brentford earlier this month.

Teenager Cody Drameh was handed a rare start as a result of Kristensen remaining in Yorkshire, with Phil Hay stating that the defender picked up a knock in training.

Mike McGrath suggested last Wednesday that the 25-year-old could be out for three weeks, but it looks as if there has been another twist.

The Latest: Denmark inclusion

Leeds journalist Joe Donnohue relayed the news of Kristensen’s inclusion in Denmark’s squad for the upcoming games against Croatia and France.

The reporter said that it ‘suggests his injury isn’t as bad as initially thought’.

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The Verdict: One to watch

Of course, there is every chance that Kristensen could potentially sit out the meetings with Croatia and France, however, it does look like good news knowing he’ll be with the squad later this month.

If it was a bad injury, you’d expect that Leeds would’ve made a point to Denmark regarding the player’s condition, keeping him at Thorp Arch.

Denmark have two Nations League matches in the space of four days between September 22nd-25th, so it’ll be interesting to see if he features in one, both or neither of the fixtures.

Either way, this certainly feels like he should be fully fit and firing before the Whites play next.

Recent reports have seen West Ham United linked with a move for Stade Rennais forward, Gaetan Laborde, with the Hammers potentially set to make a late swoop for the Frenchman before the window closes.

Additional reports have suggested that the 28-year-old – who only joined his current side last summer – would potentially be available for a fee of around €25m (£21m), with the east Londoners having already done business with the Ligue 1 outfit to sign defender Nayef Aguerd.

That interest has certainly been warranted such has been the striker’s impressive form in front of goal of late, having scored 20 goals and provided eight assists in 47 games in all competitions last term.

That haul included a tally of 15 league goals last season – the joint-sixth highest figure in the French top-flight – while he has already netted once in three league games this term, living up to his reputation as something of a “goal machine”, in the words of journalist Clement Carpentier.

Also lauded for his “incredible mind” by agent Christophe Hutteau, the £35k-per-week gem has been a reliable goalscoring presence in his homeland in recent times, having previously scored 39 goals and provided 20 assists in 118 games for Montpellier.

Dubbed a “leader” by current Rennes boss Bruno Genesio, the one-time Bordeaux man could well prove to be just as influential were he to make the move to the London Stadium, with manager David Moyes likely to want to bolster his forward line having seen his side fail to score in the opening three league games of the season.

The Irons will likely be hoping he can have the same impact in English football as that of his compatriot Dimitri Payet, with the playmaker having dazzled the Premier League after making the switch to the capital from Marseille back in the summer of 2015.

A true master from dead-ball situations, the 5 foot 9 genius developed into a real talisman for the Hammers during his brief, yet delightful 18-month stay, with the club seemingly having seen few better talents in the modern era.

The 38-cap sensation remains a cult hero among West Ham supporters after producing a string of memorable moments in a claret and blue jersey, be it that stunning solo goal against Middlesbrough or his majestic rabona assist for Michail Antonio against Watford.

Laborde – who can feature on either flank – can also seemingly produce his own moment of cheeky quality, having notably netted a delightful panenka penalty in the victory over Troyes back in February.

The hope will be that he can reproduce such crowd-pleasing moments for Moyes’ men moving forward if he is to sign before deadline day, with both West Ham – and their supporters – no doubt craving their next Payet-esque figure.