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Wolverhampton Wanderers manager Julen Lopetegui will have to make a decision regarding the future of Adama Traore in January, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

The Lowdown: Traore’s future

Traore has featured 12 times in the Premier League for Wolves this season, but his future at Molineux is uncertain, amid links to the likes of Tottenham Hotspur and Leeds United in England, while Napoli, Inter Milan and Atletico Madrid are pinpointed as potential options abroad.

The Spaniard’s contract is set to expire at the end of the season, leaving new boss Lopetegui with a key decision to make regarding his future…

The Latest: O’Rourke’s comments

In an interview with GIVEMESPORT, O’Rourke highlighted the choice that the manager is left with in the January window, saying:

“Do they decide now in this January transfer window to cash in on him rather than letting him walk away on a free transfer? That’s going to be a decision that they’re going to have to make.

“The new coach, Julen Lopetegui, will he decide to let him leave or maybe put him back in the team to try and help Wolves climb away from relegation trouble?”

The Verdict: Cash in

Although Wolves are undoubtedly now in a relegation dogfight, they may as well cash in on the winger, who has flattered to deceive for them throughout this Premier League campaign.

Despite once being lauded as ‘unique’ by former manager Nuno Espirito Santo, the £43k-per-week earner has been nothing of the sort since returning to Molineux from a loan spell with Barcelona, registering just one goal in 12 league outings this term, while not even featuring in the top ten highest performers at the club, as per SofaScore.

Consequently, Lopetegui should look to receive some money for Traore while he still can by selling him to an interested English club, with the funds raised then able to be used to strengthen the squad elsewhere.

Transfer expert Dean Jones says that a shock Southampton move for Benfica and Portugal striker Goncalo Ramos in the January window is not ‘impossible’.

The Lowdown: Hat-trick hero

After coming into the starting line-up for Portugal in place of Cristiano Ronaldo for their last-16 clash against Switzerland in the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, Ramos managed to bag himself a hat-trick and an assist in a 6-1 demolition.

His performance would have certainly raised his profile further on the world stage, having scored 14 goals and made six assists in 21 games for Benfica in total over all competitions before the break (Transfermarkt).

The Saints have been linked with a move for Ramos, but the striker is sure to attract plenty of other interest in January given his World Cup exploits, with European heavyweights Bayern Munich, PSG and Juventus already reportedly sniffing around his signature.

The Latest: Not ‘impossible’

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Jones has claimed that a shock St. Mary’s move for Ramos is not ‘impossible’, and that he could ‘still become an option’ for Southampton in January:

“I’m not sure they actually are, I think they could still become an option if he does actually leave.

“I think the hat-trick obviously put him on the map, but the fact that there was no follow up on that, the fact he is now out of the tournament, it means there’s no further profile boost for him.

“And that probably helps clubs of that level because if he’d done it again, and suddenly he’s escalated and just kind of passed you by. But I’m not convinced that that’s impossible.”

The Verdict: Does seem difficult…

Even though a move for Ramos may not be impossible, it does still seem difficult for the Saints to be able to attract him, given the level of competition that they are likely to face for his signature.

Hailed as an ‘incredible talent’ by football content creator Jacob Schneider after his fine opening goal for Portugal against Switzerland, the 21-year-old would surely aim higher than Southampton in terms of his next move, with them currently in the relegation zone in the Premier League.

Nonetheless, if the Saints can offer up the right amount of cash, then they may still have a chance of signing him in January.

West Bromwich Albion were forced to act shrewdly in the summer window, with ex-manager Steve Bruce suffering from years of financial mismanagement by the club.

The £4.9m loan that owner Lai Guochuan took from the club in June was indicative of this and left the 61-year-old hamstrung entering the transfer market.

However, he still managed to operate with intelligence, utilising the free agent market to add some vast experience to the squad.

There was proven Championship talent welcomed, as well as some star power in Tom Rogic.

Arguably the crowning jewel was welcoming back fan favourite Okay Yokuslu, who had enjoyed a fine loan spell back in 2021 and would return to a great reception.

The 6 foot 3 midfielder had been an impressive player in an underwhelming squad, where he earned a 6.99 average rating despite their relegation.

He would take little time to recapture that form in the Championship, where he has boosted that to 7.04 alongside his 82% pass accuracy and 1.8 tackles, 1.2 interceptions and 1.3 clearances per game, via Sofascore.

The Turkish international also puts his hulking frame to good use, as he ranks in the top 1% for aerials won per 90 too.

It, therefore, serves to support the claims of The Athletic journalist Steve Madeley, who dubbed him: “Strong in tackles, interceptions and aerial duels.”

He has quickly established himself as a mainstay in the engine room for Carlos Corberan, who has masterminded a turnaround following Bruce’s dismissal.

What makes his return even sweeter is that having cost nothing, his value has remained at a lofty £2.6m, and at 28 years old he retains a sell-on value should they require it.

There had been little to boast about before the Spaniard’s arrival at the club, however, the romantic return of Yokuslu was a shining light.

Upon signing permanently, he would claim: “I love the club, the people at the club. It feels like home, always, so I came home.”

It will now be a welcome sight to those that inhabit the Hawthorns to see him shining in midfield, as he only strengthens his bond with the fans.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly in ‘pole position’ to sign Fiorentina and Morocco central midfielder Sofyan Amrabat in the January transfer window.

The Lowdown: World Cup star

Amrabat was one of the standout players in the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, having been named in The Guardian’s team of the tournament, described as the ‘driving force’ of the Morocco team that reached the semi-finals.

The Guardian added that Amrabat ‘never stopped running, never stopped pushing and produced the tackle of the tournament on Kylian Mbappe’, who finished as the tournament’s Golden Boot winner with eight goals for France.

The Latest: Tottenham in ‘pole position’

As per Gazzetta dello Sport (via Sport Witness), Spurs are in ‘pole position’ to sign Amrabat for Antonio Conte in January, though Liverpool are also in the mix.

They add that the North London club are ‘chasing’ the 26-year-old, and Fiorentina could sell him for around €45m (£40m).

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The Verdict: Get it done?

Off the back of such an impressive World Cup, Amrabat is sure to attract plenty of attention from some of Europe’s top clubs in January, and so the Lilywhites need to make sure that they are in first for his signature.

Hailed as a ‘crazy player’ by director of Tuttosport Guido Vaciago, Amrabat won more possessions than any other player in Qatar, and at club level, he ranks in the top 3% for progressive passes, 5% for pass completion, 11% for blocks and 13% for passes completed of all his positional peers in Europe’s top five leagues over the past year (FBRef).

Nonetheless, at 26 years of age, Tottenham would be signing a player about to enter his prime, and priced at £40m, that could turn out to be a bargain in the future.

Leeds United owner Andrea Radrizzani has ‘dropped a major hint’ that he is ready to sell his share of the club, according to TEAMtalk journalist James Marshment.

The Lowdown: The journey so far

The Italian first arrived at Elland Road in 2017 as he succeeded Massimo Cellino, and the Whites made their return to the Premier League three years later under his reign.

However, Jesse Marsch’s side are currently hovering just  above the relegation zone after an underwhelming start to the season, and this dangerous position could be about to prompt a huge change behind the scenes.

The Latest: Radrizzani to quit?

Taking to Twitter in sharing a corresponding report for TEAMtalk, Marshment revealed that Radrizzani could be set to move on from Leeds at the end of the season.

He wrote: “Andrea Radrizzani will have completed six years as majority #LUFC owner come the summer – but the Italian has dropped a major hint that his time will end this summer.”

Speaking during an interview with Corriere della Sera, the 48-year-old said: “I want to operate as a private equity in sport. Yes, perhaps Leeds can grow further, but in the future, they will need more resources to be able to reach higher levels and compete with the best clubs in the Premier League.

“As a result, I believe that, due to the history of the club and the respect I have for the fans, it is right to let those who can invest more than me go forward, and bring them to the glory of the past. There is also a design aspect: this is my sixth year, change is healthy.”

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The Verdict: Could be for the best

Should Leeds successfully stay up, it’s clear that serious investment is needed, and that might only happen with an owner who believes that the club can climb to the next level.

The Yorkshire outfit spent just under £100m during the summer, but following the sales of Raphinha and Kalvin Phillips, the new arrivals have yet to make the same impact.

The Whites may need to create a new identity if they want to push on as a team, and January will present Marsch with the perfect opportunity to continue building his long-term project, regardless of the owner at the helm.

Aston Villa reporter John Townley has confirmed the club’s interest in Udinese forward Gerard Deulofeu, with an approach made and the player open to a Premier League return.

The Lowdown: Forward wanted

Unai Emery has been promised a ‘huge’ 2023 transfer budget by NSWE and seemingly wants to add to his ranks in the final third.

Reports in recent months claimed that the Villa manager wanted to sign a new versatile forward, with players like Nicolas Jackson and Joao Felix linked.

Speculation over a move for Deulofeu has emerged more recently, and a further update has now come to light.

The Latest: Townley’s post

Birmingham Live reporter Townley took to Twitter in the last 48 hours to share what he knows about Villa and Deulofeu.

He ‘confirmed’ that an enquiry has been made, with the Spaniard, who he said is in the ‘best form of his career’, open to a return to England.

“Had it confirmed AVFC are interested in Gerard Deulofeu and have enquired about his availability – Unai Emery has previously worked with the winger. Understand Deulofeu is open to a move back to the Premier League. He is in the best form of his career.”

The Verdict: Realistic?

A move for Deulofeu could well be realistic and one that appears to now be picking up some serious pace.

The 28-year-old has impressed over the past 18 months, netting a senior career-best 13 league goals last season and already contributing to ten goals during the current campaign.

He ticks the box in regards to being able to play anywhere across the front three and is now into the final 18 months of his contract, so Udinese may see this as the ideal time to sell, especially if their attacker has his eyes on an exit.

Presenter Rory Jennings has blasted Chelsea’s summer signing Pierre-Emerick Aubmeyang after a poor start to life in west London.

The Lowdown: Failed to deliver

The forward signed for the Blues back in September from Barcelona for a fee of around £10m. Just days later, Chelsea would sack Thomas Tuchel and bring in Brighton & Hove Albion manager Graham Potter.

It’s been a poor Premier League campaign for the Gabon forward, with only one league goal to his name so far this season.

In their last league fixture against Manchester City, it was a shocking day for Aubameyang, as he would be brought on after five minutes and then substituted off just over an hour later.

The Latest: Jennings admits he was ‘wrong’ about Aubameyang

Speaking on Saturday Social, Jennings said that he was ‘wrong’ about questioning Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta’s decision to sell the forward last year and claims the player looks ‘completely disinterested’ at Chelsea.

He stated: “Do you know what is so frustrating for me regarding Aubameyang? When Mikel Arteta said that Aubameyang is no longer at [Arsenal], I felt like it was such a bad decision from Arteta because effectively, I believe that it cost Arsenal Champions League qualification that year.

“I was so wrong. He is so not up for it. He is so lacking in all of the properties that you want for a centre-forward. He’s completely disinterested.”

The Verdict: Chelsea desperately need more options up front

Chelsea are in serious need of a new striker and Aubameyang is arguably their only proven conventional option up front. Armando Broja is currently sidelined with an injury, whilst new signing David Datro Fofana is still incredibly young and it would be a lot to ask of the 20-year-old to take over the reins.

Getting goals has been a major problem for the Blues, they’ve only found the back of the net 20 times – a tally that only seven sides in the league have a lower total than.

Raheem Sterling is currently the club’s top scorer with just four league goals to his name, so if they’re to recruit a new forward in January, it will have to be a proven and clinical goalscorer.

Manchester United transfer target Wout Weghorst would ‘love to join’ the club in the January transfer window, journalist Fabrizio Romano has stated.

The Lowdown: Weghorst linked with United move

A surprise rumour has emerged in recent days, with the Dutchman linked with a move to Old Trafford, as one report even claimed that the transfer is ‘close’.

Weghorst scored twice in four substitutes’ appearances for the Netherlands at the 2022 World Cup, including a dramatic last-gasp equaliser against Argentina in the quarter-finals.

The 30-year-old has also netted eight times in 16 appearances on loan at Besiktas in the Turkish Super Lig this season – he is still a Burnley player – but his current deal there expires this summer.

The Latest: Player would ‘love to join’

Taking to Twitter, Romano provided an update on the situation, saying Weghorst is fully on board to join United:

“Wout Weghorst position is very clear: he’s love to join Manchester United, he also knows Erik ten Hag would like to sign him so he’s 100% keen on the move.

“Nothing done yet, as Man Utd have to speak to Besiktas/Burnley to proceed with conditions of the deal.”

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The Verdict: Something different in attack

Some may have turned their noses up at the idea of United signing Weghorst, given his 6 foot 6 frame and lack of pace, but he would give Erik ten Hag something different in his attack.

It would be a surprise if he came in as a regular starter – another centre forward is required this month to plug that gap – but he could be an effective squad player who makes life awkward for the opposition, netting 176 senior goals for club and country.

Weghorst’s goalscoring record for Besiktas this season shows that he not yet over the hill, with 70 goals in 144 outings for Wolfsburg further proof of his ruthlessness in the right setting.

Fulham are ‘in talks’ to sign Arsenal defender Cedric Soares this month, according to Sky Sports reporter Lyall Thomas.

The Lowdown: Long-standing interest

The Portugal international’s contract at the Emirates Stadium isn’t set to expire until 2024, but he’s been generating interest having fallen out of favour under Mikel Arteta at the top of the Premier League.

The Cottagers made several enquiries for the right-back last summer and were reported to be reigniting their interest in the winter where there has now been a huge breakthrough.

The Latest: Fulham in discussions

Taking to Twitter, Thomas revealed that Fulham are finally in negotiations with Cedric regarding a potential move after being given the green light by the Gunners.

“#FulhamFC are in talks with Cedric Soares over personal terms. #ArsenalFC gave the player permission to speak to them.”

The Verdict: No-brainer

Cedric has been praised for his ‘brilliant’ delivery into the box by Sam Dean, and Fulham completing a deal for him is an absolute no-brainer when you consider how much he could flourish under Marco Silva.

The Singen native has racked up 30 assists and even scored seven goals himself throughout his career, alongside ranking in the 93rd percentile for passes attempted, showing his desire to get down the flank and make an impact linking up in the final third.

Cedric also shares the same agent as Willian so this could be a huge advantage for the club when it comes to getting this move over the line before the end of the window.

Wolves have been linked with SC Freiburg winger Rolland Sallai recently and the Hungary international could prove to be Julen Lopetegui’s own version of Manchester United star Marcus Rashford at Molineux.

According to Hungarian journalist Ben Bocsak last month, a number of clubs are interested in signing the 25-year-old forward in next month’s window, after he switched agencies and opened the door for an exit from Germany.

The Old Gold, as well as West Ham, Sevilla, Lazio and Fiorentina, are all listed as interested parties in Sallai, with Freiburg likely to demand around €20m (£18m) for his services, should he depart the Europa-Park Stadion this month.

The former Apoel Nicosia man has struggled for regular game time in the Bundesliga this season, making just eight appearances under Christian Streich but he has certainly impressed in the past, hitting eight goals and six assists in just 28 appearances in the 2020/21 campaign.

With Hwang Hee-chan and Goncalo Guedes failing to fire, and Pedro Neto still sidelined through injury, it is easy to see why Lopetegui would want to bring in another winger this month, especially considering his likeness to the in-form Rashford.

According to FBref, the England star is the third-most similar player to the “exceptional” Sallai when compared to other wingers across Europe’s top leagues.

If we compare Sallai’s stats from last season with Rashford’s from this campaign, the two have registered extremely similar numbers with regard to non-penalty expected goals and assists per 90 (0.58 vs 0.56), shots per 90 (2.79 vs 2.7) and goal-creating actions per 90 (0.41 vs 0.31).

Considering the Hungarian winger was outperforming Rashford in these metrics last season, with the 25-year-old United star one of the best in the Premier League on current form, Lopetegui would surely be foolish to turn down the opportunity to sign the Freiburg man this month.

The official Bundesliga website also highlighted Sallai’s similarities to Rashford and teammate Jadon Sancho when describing the 25-year-old in 2021.

They wrote: “Sallai is a modern wide player in the mould of Jadon Sancho, only too happy to give opposition players the swerve with his quick feet and acceleration. Like the former Borussia Dortmund and current England flier, Sallai knows how to make and take chances – and has shown himself to be a handy inverted winger and second striker for Freiburg and Hungary.”

Therefore, with Wolves continuing to struggle in front of goal under Lopetegui, the Spaniard should definitely consider a move for Sallai this month.