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Journalist Alex Crook says that Brighton and Hove Albion are ‘not in’ for Liverpool midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, contrary to recent reports.

The Lowdown: Brighton ‘targeting’ Oxlade-Chamberlain

The Daily Mail claimed on Wednesday morning that the south coast club were ‘targeting’ a move for the 29-year-old, but it hinged on whether the Reds would let him go on a free transfer this month.

The Seagulls reportedly ‘registered their interest’ in the Englishman, with his current deal at Anfield set to expire at the end of the season.

The Latest: On the contrary…

Taking to Twitter on Wednesday evening, Crook claimed that Brighton are in fact ‘not in’ for Oxlade-Chamberlain and are instead focused on securing another target.

The talkSPORT reporter tweeted: “Understand #BHAFC are not in for Haidara or Oxlade-Chamberlain. Still pushing for a deal for Mykola Matviyenko. He is De Zerbi’s main priority this window.”

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The Verdict: Get rid

Unfortunately for Oxlade-Chamberlain, his time at Liverpool has largely been plagued by injuries, and with his contract up in the summer, January presents the last opportunity for the club to reap a transfer fee for him and simply get him off the wage bill.

The 29-year-old is reportedly earning £120,000 per week at Anfield, which puts him among some of the highest earners in the Reds’ squad.

Jurgen Klopp has enough cover in central midfield for now, and it is an area of the pitch where they clearly want to strengthen, having been linked with the likes of RB Leipzig’s Amadou Haidara and Brighton and Hove Albion’s Moises Caicedo in recent days, along with their long-term pursuit of Borussia Dortmund’s Jude Bellingham.

Nonetheless, the Merseysiders can afford to let Oxlade-Chamberlain go this month, as he would not be too much of a miss, featuring in just 10 matches in total this season and ranking as their second-worst player to start more than one Premier League game according to WhoScored performance metrics.

Leeds United are now closing in on the potential signing of the Austrian defender Maximilian Wober following the January transfer window opening over the weekend.

What’s the latest?

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has now claimed a move for the 24-year-old is now edging closer to completion as Jesse Marsch looks set to be handed some defensive reinforcement at Elland Road.

According to the Italian journalist, the Whites are now just waiting on the medical to be completed and the paperwork to be signed by the centre-back before he is announced as Leeds’ first addition of 2023:

“It’s almost done. Yes, we just wait for the contract to be signed but they’re preparing the paperwork and everything so Leeds and Salzburg have an agreement in place. It’s around £12m plus add-ons. So there is an agreement ready between the two clubs,” Romano said.

“So we just wait for the player to complete the second part of the medical and for contracts to be signed, but Wober will be new Leeds signing.”

Leeds steadied the ship over the weekend with a hard-fought draw away to one of the Premier League’s in-form sides in Newcastle United and even managed to keep a clean sheet against Eddie Howe’s Magpies.

Late Christmas present for Marsch

It has been a poor start to the campaign from the Leeds backline who are among the worst in the league for goals conceded with only four other clubs conceding more than the 29 that Illan Meslier has had to pick out of the back of his net.

Ironically, against the league’s fourth-highest goal scorers in Newcastle, Leeds were able to keep a clean sheet on the weekend in their trip north.

But the summary of their season has been their defensive frailties with back-to-back league games against Bournemouth and then Tottenham Hotspur seeing the Whites let in seven goals.

In Wober, the Yorkshire side will be acquiring a player who their manager knows incredibly well having managed him 68 times during their time together at Red Bull Salzburg.

The 24-year-old has shown his versatility during his time at Salzburg having played across the backline as both a centre-back and more predominantly as a left-back.

That is a similar case to Pascal Struijk who has been deployed in the left-back spot by Marsch this season on 15 occasions in the Premier League alone.

Although Wober has not shown himself to be an attack-minded left-back with just one goal and two assists to his name this season, Marsch will be hoping he can add to what Leeds showed on Saturday defensively.

Arsenal have now made contact with the representatives of Argentina star Enzo Fernandez as sporting director Edu eyes a move, according to reports. 

The Lowdown: Arteta set for backing…

Their status as Premier League frontrunners hasn’t deterred Emirates Stadium hierarchy as recent claims suggest that manager Mikel Arteta could be set for financial backing heading into January.

Suggestions emerged that they’re even contenders to sign former Man United star turned free agent Cristiano Ronaldo, whilst a move for Shakhtar Donetsk forward Mykhalo Mudryk is still very much in the pipeline.

After his scintillating World Cup performances for Lionel Scaloni’s eventual winners, Benfica midfielder Fernandez is attracting real interest – and Arsenal cannot be excluded.

The Latest: Edu makes contact for Fernandez…

As per Portuguese sources, it appears the Gunners, and by extension transfer chief Edu, have thrown their hat in the ring as they eye a move for the 21-year-old.

O Jogo (via Foot Mercato) claim Arsenal are one of many clubs to have ‘sounded out’ the player’s representatives over a potential move to north London.

Alongside them, Real Madrid, FC Barcelona, ​​Atlético de Madrid, Manchester City, Manchester United, Chelsea, Paris-Saint Germain and their north London rivals have made an approach.

However, Benfica are set to demand a marquee price tag to sell next month – his whole €120 million (£105m) release clause.

The Verdict: Make the move?

It will take significant investment to persuade Fernandez’ club part ways, yet the queue of interested clubs and his brilliant campaign in Qatar show he could be worth the effort.

The South American won the World Cup’s Young Player of the Tournament award and his form at club level has also been noteworthy, with Argentina correspondent Roy Nemer calling him ‘exciting’ before the tournament even began.

Arsenal, if they can win the race, would gift Arteta with a supremely talented asset.

Tottenham Hotspur have emerged as the frontrunners to sign Inter Milan defender Stefan De Vrij.

The Lowdown: Tottenham target defender

In light of Tottenham’s very poor defensive record in the Premier League, with 21 goals conceded, the most of any side in the top eight and more than relegation-threatened West Ham, there have been numerous reports linking them to centre-backs in January.

Inter Live have previously indicated that Antonio Conte was plotting a £43m bid for Alessandro Bastoni, while his Inter teammate De Vrij has also been linked for some time, with his contract due to expire with the Serie A side at the end of the season.

The Latest: De Vrij update

While stating that Conte is a huge admirer of the 6 foot 2 titan, Football Insider now report that Tottenham are in pole position for his signature, with a January deal a possibility.

Atletico Madrid are also in the mix, but Conte is “close” with the player from their time at Inter and has “already spoken” to him about a winter move.

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In the past, a deal for the Dutchman would have set a potential suitor back £40m, but he could be available at a “knockdown price”, given his aforementioned contract situation.

The Verdict: Get it done

The 30-year-old, labelled a “world beater” by Noel Whelan when linked to Spurs last year, would be a fantastic signing who the Spurs boss knows he can trust, having won the league at Inter during their spell there.

It is no secret that the Lilywhites are struggling defensively this season, failing to keep a clean sheet since a 2-0 victory against Everton in mid October, so a new option at the back is definitely required.

Former Lazio defender Mauricio has hailed the enforcer as a ‘monster’, while also describing him as having ‘excellent technique’, which could account for his 89.9% pass completion average per 90 over the past year, placing him in the 90th percentile compared to his positional peers.

This season, the £117k-per-week earner has featured 16 times in all competitions for Inter, who have operated using a back three in every match, meaning he would also take no time at all to adjust to Conte’s chosen style.

West Ham United have reportedly set their price tag for full-back Vladimir Coufal amid recent transfer exit links. 

The Lowdown: Coufal linked with West Ham exit

The Hammers signed Coufal back in October 2020 from Slavia Prague in a deal worth a reported fee of £5.4m.

Earlier this month, it was reported that Coufal had been in talks over a potential transfer move to Bayer Leverkusen.

Now though, it appears that some behind-the-scenes details have emerged regarding the defender’s current situation at the east London club, and what the future could hold for him.

The Lowdown: West Ham set Coufal price tag

According to a recent report from Football Insider, the Hammers are willing to let Coufal leave the club during the upcoming January transfer window if a bid of £6m comes their way for him.

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The report also adds that West Ham are not currently in talks with Leverkusen over a potential transfer deal involving the defender.

The Verdict: A questionable move for West Ham

Having made 17 appearances for David Moyes’ side this season across all competitions, it can be said that the 30-year-old, who has been called “outstanding” in the past by journalist Paul Brown, is a useful squad option for the manager.

Therefore, we feel that it could be a risk for the club to cash in on him in January, and then potentially end up needing him throughout the remainder of the season.

Coufal’s current contract at the London Stadium is set to expire in the summer, although the club have the option to extend it for another two years.

In our view, we feel that it could be the best option to extend the £35k-per-week defender’s deal, and then sell him in the summer rather than in January, especially if he thinks a move away from the club would be the best option for him and his career.

Glasgow Rangers delivered their most impressive performance of the domestic campaign on Saturday, thrashing Aberdeen 4-1, although the scoreline should have been more impressive for Giovanni van Brockhorst’s side.

Rangers had a total of 36 shots during the match, and with a bit more composure, they may have scored a lot more.

Kemar Roofe, the Light Blues perennially injured forward, would have had a field day with the chances the club squandered, however, he was ruled out by van Bronckhorst after just making his first appearance against Dundee on October 19.

This fresh injury concern will give the Dutchman a headache as to what he does with the player going forward, as he is no use on the treatment table while earning a luscious £26k-per-week.

Van Bronckhorst must ditch Roofe

The 29-year-old signed for the club under former manager Steven Gerrard and he even dubbed his wonder goal against Standard Liege, where he scored from his own half in monsoon conditions, as “unbelievable”.

That first season, Roofe was certainly unbelievable as he scored 18 goals while the Ibrox side claimed their first Premiership crown in a decade. He was arguably one of Gerrard’s most important signings that season, with the player adding an extra dimension to the club’s attack as the former boss compared him to a “Duracell bunny” for his relentless energy.

Another 16 goals followed last season, which ended with Rangers winning the Scottish Cup and reaching the Europa League final, however, his injury niggles began to take their toll.

Over the course of his stint in Glasgow, Roofe has missed a grand total of 56 matches and with the signs looking good for a comeback with his cameos in the last two matches, it was another blow that he is set to miss the next few weeks.

It was perhaps inevitable, especially with his record, but the club’s Dutch coach must be getting fed up with the constant issues that are threatening his spell at Rangers.

His contract doesn’t expire until 2024, but it’s looking increasingly likely that he will depart long before then.

There is no doubting his ability, and when he came off the bench against both Dundee and Livingston recently, he showed glimpses of just what he can offer. But these are too few and far between, unfortunately.

The Dutchman can free up some space on the wage bill by ruthlessly getting rid of Roofe, and while it might not be the most popular decision, it feels like the correct one.

James Maddison is thought to be interested in joining Newcastle United this season with Leicester City on the verge of being relegated.

The 2016 Premier League champions need Everton to drop points on Sunday otherwise they will be relegated from the top flight for the first time since returning in 2015. If they are relegated this weekend, it may make it simpler for Maddison to secure a summer switch to St. James' Park.

What's the latest on James Maddison to Newcastle?

According to the Shields Gazette, Leicester value Maddison at £50million, although the midfielder only has just over one year remaining on his contract.

Newcastle have had two bids for Maddison rejected in the past, but if the Foxes are unable to remain in the top flight, he may be available at a discounted price point.

Maddison is reportedly interested in a move to Newcastle and has already spoken to Kieran Trippier on international duty about playing for the Magpies. Callum Wilson also discussed the club with Maddison while they were at the World Cup in Qatar last year.

Meanwhile, Eddie Howe has been open about his admiration for the Leicester playmaker, saying:

“I have full respect for him and his abilities. I have seen him grow from a Football League player to a Premier League player. He’s been brilliant.

"He has been a great advert for the Premier League, but he’s a Leicester City player – and I fully respect that. I’d never talk about another contracted player coming here. But he’s a player I do respect."

How many goals and assists has Maddison got this season?

It's no surprise clubs are interested in Maddison. Despite the lack of quality around him at the King Power Stadium this season, Maddison has still managed ten goals and nine assists, an extremely impressive return for a team in the relegation zone this late in the season.

With the quality already at Newcastle in the final third such as Wilson and Alexander Isak, who have netted combined 28 goals in the league this season, Maddison could thrive if he made the switch to St. James' Park, where he would play for a Champions League side and at 26, you could say he is reaching his prime as a midfielder.

The England international is one of the best creators in the Premier League, ranking eighth for chances created this season, so appears ready for a big move, and it looks as if that could be north to turn out for the Magpies.

Aston Villa could look to make a move for Lyon striker Moussa Dembele in the January transfer window, according to a new report which has emerged.

The Lowdown: Dembele continues to shine

The 26-year-old made a name for himself during his Celtic days, proving to be a star at Parkhead after scoring 51 goals in just 94 appearances.

Those performances eventually earned Dembele a move to Lyon in 2018 and he has continued to shine in France, netting 69 times in 151 matches for his current club.

An exciting rumour is now doing the rounds which suggests Villa could be eyeing up the Frenchman, who currently sits on 139 senior club career goals.

The Latest: Villa eye up Dembele move

According to Jeunes Footeux [via Sport Witness], Dembele is expected to leave Lyon in January, and the Villains are in the mix to acquire his signature.

They are ‘visibly ready’ to make an offer for the striker, with Steven Gerrard ‘not at all satisfied’ with his team’s attacking resources in their current form.

The Ligue 1 ‘would not be opposed’ to getting money for Dembele, and Villa have the funds available to snap him up.

The Verdict: Could be a great prospective signing

Dembele could be an outstanding prospective January addition for Gerrard’s side, with former Celtic colleague Leigh Griffiths once hailing him as ‘exceptional’.

Goals have come at a premium so far this season for Villa, with just six scored in eight Premier League games, and the 26-year-old could reinvigorate Gerrard’s attack.

The fact that Ollie Watkins and Danny Ings are already at Villa Park does mean that it could be tough to keep everyone happy, but if Dembele comes in and proves to be an upgrade on the current Villans duo, those two would simply have to accept it and strike to get better.

Southampton signed some incredible young talent this summer, with Sam Edozie, Romeo Lavia and Gavin Bazunu headlining a £66.06m outlay.

They also did not sign anyone older than 25, further supporting their philosophy of buying the next generation of world-class talent.

One man who they were linked with throughout the summer, and would perfectly fit this mould, is Cody Gakpo.

The 23-year-old has started this season off in sensational fashion too, surely infuriating Ralph Hasenhuttl, who would’ve been desperate to get this deal across the line.

The touted fee for the forward was around £25m, but if he should continue this kind of form until the next transfer window it will surely spark a huge increase.

He already has 10 goals and nine assists in just 13 games in all competitions – an astounding 19 goal contributions – while he makes an average of 4.4 key passes per game and boasts a 56% dribble success rate.

This unsurprisingly sees the forward average a simply sensational SofaScore rating of 8.99, with eight of his strikes coming in his last seven matches alone.

The Dutch international seems to grow with each year, seemingly preparing to improve upon last season’s phenomenal 21 goals and 15 assists in all competitions.

He will continue to show the Saints what they are missing, and it seems like with his continued red-hot form, they may struggle now to complete the deal should they move again for him in January.

Everyone will want the magical winger with skill, speed and a stunning finish.

Journalist Hamzah Khalique-Loonat actually labelled him “tall, fleet-footed and dangerous”.

The widespread interest in the summer seems like it was for good reason, as he continues to light up every competition he partakes in.

Former Netherlands midfielder Theo Janssen also had the following to say on Gakpo and his prospects in the national team: “That boy (Gakpo) has everything. Fine feeling for the ball, a good through ball, dribbles and is strong between the lines. I really enjoy him. He is going to be an important player for the Orange squad. 

“He is ready to be in the base of the Orange squad. I would definitely draft him. There are other options, but they are not as effective as him.”

Hasenhuttl will never forgive his hierarchy should they miss out again and have to suffer watching him inevitably shine for one of his rivals.

Manchester United are reportedly still hoping to secure a late deal for Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong, having been linked with the Dutchman throughout the summer window.

What’s the word?

That’s according to journalist Rudy Galetti, who revealed on Twitter: “#DeJong-#ManUTD: talks still ongoing with#Barcelonaand player’s agent. Next hours will be decisive: evolving situation.”

The Red Devils had struck an €85m (£72m) agreement with the La Liga side for the 25-year-old back in early July, although no progress has since been made with the issue of deferred payments and the player’s reported reluctance to join the club posing notable obstacles.

The latest suggestion had been that a deal for the 44-cap gem would be “highly unlikely” – according to journalist Sam Pilger – with United’s £70m capture of Casemiro having seemingly ended hopes of signing the Netherlands international.

Murtough heroics

With deadline day now in touching distance, it looks as if any move for the former Ajax man will go right down to the wire, with it set to take some late heroics from technical director John Murtough to secure what would be a notable coup right at the death.

While Erik ten Hag suggested in his pre-Leicester City press conference on Wednesday afternoon that the additions of Antony and Martin Dubravka are likely to be the “end” of the club’s business, the 52-year-old did tease further incomings after stating: “when there is great opporunity you always have to be alert as a top club.”

Whether De Jong is a potential ‘great opportunity’ so late in the day remains to be seen, although it would no doubt spark something of a frenzy among supporters if the £54m-rated sensation were to be plucked before Thursday’s deadline.

Reuniting with his compatriot could well prove crucial to Ten Hag’s ability to implement his style of play, with the pair having worked together during their time in Amsterdam, the midfielder notably one of the key members of the side that romped to the Champions League semi-finals back in 2019.

His form in Holland had seen the 5 foot 11 sensation lauded by the current United boss at the time, with the latter man stating: “His quality is that he makes the forwards perform better. He is a wanderer, an adventurer, he’s always on the move, like a shark. With the ball, often, but also without the ball.”

The arrival of such a dynamic presence in the centre of the park could well be vital to sparking an improvement at the Theatre of Dreams, with the much-maligned, albeit hard-working, pairing of Fred and Scott McTominay no doubt having their limitations.

De Jong, however, is one of the most impressive players in his position in Europe, notably sparkling with his wandering ability – as Ten Hag alluded to – to drive up the pitch from deep and initiate attacks, with that fact highlighted by the fact that he averages 6.81 progressive carries per 90, as per FBref – ranking him in the top 7% in that regard among his peers.

The aforementioned Fred, by contrast, averages just 2.95 progressive carries per game, while teammate McTominay’s record is only marginally better at 4.74 per 90, with the Manchester outfit no doubt lacking that real quality link between defence and attack.

Although those of a United persuasion will hardly be getting their hopes after a summer of disappointment regarding the Barcelona man, if Galetti’s report is to be believed there could well still be a chance of striking a deal.

The end of the summer saga will end, one way or another, tomorrow…