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Sky Sports journalist Lyall Thomas has shared an exciting update on Wolves’ pursuit of Flamengo midfielder Joao Gomes.

The Lowdown: Wolves backing Lopetegui…

Amid their battle to avoid dropping out of the Premier League, the Old Gold hierarchy are attempting to back manager Julen Lopetegui in his bid to steer the club away from relegation.

Wolves have already put pen to paper on deals for Mario Lemina, Pablo Sarabia and Matheus Cunha this month, while an agreement has also reportedly been reached for West Ham defender Craig Dawson.

They have also been heavily linked with a move for Gomes for much of the January transfer window as they battle Ligue 1 giants Lyon for his signature.

The Latest: Gomes wants Wolves move…

The French giants have now been dealt a real worry, with Gomes seriously preferring a move to Molineux, according to Thomas via Twitter.

The 21-year-old’s eagerness to join up with Lopetegui has handed a blow to Lyon whilst motivating Wolves to re-enter talks for Gomes before January 31. As a result, in some exciting news for Old Gold supporters, it is ‘game on’ for signing the Brazilian youngster.

The Sky Sports reporter explained: “Joao Gomes wants to sign for #Wolves. He’s determined, despite strong interest from #Lyon. #Flamengo obviously prefer the French club’s more attractive offer – but Wolves are back in talks knowing the player really wants to join them. Game on.”

The Verdict: Good news for Wolves…

Gomes is arguably one of South America’s most promising and coveted talents right now, even attracting interest from major European clubs such as Real Madrid and Liverpool.

South American football expert Tim Vickery has also praised the youngster’s evolution in recent years, drawing attention to the Flamengo starlet’s ‘excellent lung power’ and ‘considerable’ presence on the pitch at such a young age.

Gomes has also been called a ‘wonderkid’ by sections of the media, highlighting why Wolves are eager to get a deal over the line ahead of fierce competitors in Lyon.

The robust South American tough-tackler, whose average of 3.2 per game exceeds everyone at Molineux, could be a handy prospective addition for Lopetegui in the Midlands; and going by Thomas’ update, it appears that Wolves are well and truly in the chase.

Wolverhampton Wanderers are reportedly interested in signing Udinese forward Gerard Deulofeu this month and the Spaniard could be the man to finally replace Diogo Jota at Molineux.

Speaking on the House of Champions YouTube channel, Fabrizio Romano has suggested that Old Gold boss Julen Lopetegui is a big fan of the 79-goal forward, which implies that he could still end up at Molineux before next week’s transfer deadline.

Romano said:

“I think it’s about Udinese wanting to keep Deulofeu.

“For example, I’m told that also Wolves’ manager, Lopetegui, is [a] big fan of Deulofeu, so it’s true that Aston Villa like him but also Wolves have been tracking him.”

The Spanish manager has already brought in attacking reinforcement in Matheus Cunha and Pablo Sarabia, while Goncalo Guedes has left on loan, but the Midlands outfit may need more players before the window shuts if they are to improve their current standing as the lowest scorers in the division.

Deulofeu would certainly add quality in the final third if he were to swap Udinese for the Midlands, as he has been one of the standout performers in Serie A so far this campaign.

The former Everton and Watford man – who earns a reported £22k-per-week at Udinese – has contributed an impressive two goals and six assists in 16 appearances, averaging a strong 7.05 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

He has also averaged a superb 2.8 shots and three key passes per game in Italy’s top flight, with Diego Costa’s 2.2 shots (of the players to start at least once) and Pedro Neto’s 1.8 key passes (despite his injury problems), the most of the players in Lopetegui’s current squad.

This suggests that there is still a need for an attacker in the side who can regularly produce goals and assists, the type of which hasn’t really been seen at Molineux since Jota left for Liverpool in 2020.

From Wolves’ 2019/20 season, the Portuguese winger would rank second for shots per game and fourth for key passes, finishing as the second top scorer behind Raul Jimenez with seven goals.

He has only improved further under Jurgen Klopp, with 34 goals and 14 assists to his name since his switch to Anfield, with Wolves certainly looking far less of an attacking threat since his departure.

Like Jota, Deulofeu is capable of playing anywhere across the front three and has emphasised his goalscoring prowess in England before, scoring with a “genius” finish against Wolves in the FA Cup semi-final.

Therefore, with Wolves still arguably in need of a natural replacement for Jota, Lopetegui should definitely look to bring Deulofeu to Molineux before the window shuts.

Arsenal could make a surprise late move for Jorginho…

What’s the word?

That’s according to renowned transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, who provided an update on the Gunners’ potential pursuit of the Chelsea midfielder to Twitter.

“Mikel Arteta, understood to be fan of Jorginho and appreciating his skills — this is why is a concrete name for the final hours for Arsenal,” he said.

“But Chelsea want significant fee to let him leave now.”

It remains to be seen exactly how much that might be, having paid around £50m to sign him from Napoli back in the summer of 2019. Meanwhile, FootballTransfers currently value him at around €22.4m (£20m).

He’s perfect for Arteta

Whilst it’s a move that would certainly cause controversy around the Emirates Stadium, sporting director Edu Gaspar could actually land his manager a proven Premier League talent and some valuable midfield backup at the same time.

He can do so by swooping for the player that has been dubbed “absolutely perfect for Arsenal’s system” by Google CMO Alfred Malmros, largely due to his ability to recover the ball and spray a cross-pitch pass with relative ease.

Indeed, he’s averaged at least 8.22 recoveries per 90 since the start of the 2021/22 campaign, whilst over the last year his average of 5.44 progressive passes, 2.88 tackles and 1.63 interceptions per 90 sees him rank inside the top 9%, 12% and 13% for those statistics when compared to fellow midfielders across Europe’s top-five divisions, via FBref.

It was only 18 months ago that the Italian won the Champions League with the Blues and the same site has compared him to Spain great Sergio Busquets in terms of statistical profile, as well as Liverpool star Thiago Alcantara.

That’s what would arguably him a very good deadline day signing, so you can forget about the Gunners landing another Willian. The 31-year-old would actually make for a great arrival, given the evidence above and should Edu and co manage to get a deal over the line before tonight’s deadline.

Once lauded as a “game-changer” for Chelsea by content creator George Benson, perhaps it’s the north Londoners who could now reap the rewards of having such an “underappreciated” talent – as described by talkSPORT’s Trevor Sinclair – in the squad, with a title on the line, his experience and quality could be crucial in getting the unthinkable done this season.

AND in other news, Edu could secure perfect Partey alternative in Arsenal swoop for £26m “special talent”…

Aston Villa could still look to complete the signing of Marseille midfielder Matteo Guendouzi in the summer transfer window, expert Dean Jones has claimed.

The Lowdown: Guendouzi linked with Villa move

The Frenchman was strongly linked with a move to Villa Park throughout January as reports even claimed a contract offer was made to the player, as Unai Emery eyed up a former student to reinforce his midfield.

In the end, Guendouzi ended up staying put at Marseille, however, where he has made a total of 20 appearances in Ligue 1 so far this season.

The 23-year-old could depart at the end of the season, though, and Villa could be hovering once again when that time arrives.

The Latest: Summer transfer on the cards?

Speaking to Give Me Sport, transfer insider Jones claimed that Villa’s interest in the former Arsenal man could resurface in the summer:

“It wouldn’t surprise me if the link came back onto the radar.

“I’d say it also depends how Marseille’s season plays out. I think they had a reasonably good transfer window themselves, and it might be quite an exciting place for him to be.”

The Verdict: Could be a strong option

Guendouzi is someone who could represent an excellent option for Villa moving forward, as he continues to mature as a footballer all the time.

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During his Arsenal days he was still very young and immature, but he is now a key figure for one of France’s leading teams, averaging an 88.8% pass completion rate and 1.2 tackles per game in the league this season, showing both sides to his game.

Guendouzi has been hailed for his ‘contagious’ approach and incredible attitude by Jorge Sampaoli in the past, not to mention making one appearance for France at the 2022 World Cup, and he should be coming into his best years now.

Fresh blood is required in Villa’s midfield, in order to ensure it doesn’t stagnate with the same players in it year after year, and the Marseille leader can be that man to come in and add quality and bite alongside compatriot Boubacar Kamara.

Newcastle United were only able to pick up one point on the weekend against the struggling West Ham United at home and there has been some concerns raised over Callum Wilson’s fitness.

What’s the latest?

It was the 30-year-old striker who provided the Toon with the lead on the weekend as his early strike gave Eddie Howe’s side the advantage.

However, the Magpies could not build on their lead which eventually saw the Hammers pull level in the second half to earn themselves a point.

Wilson’s goal will have come as a relief to some with the Englishman having failed to score since October prior to the goal on Saturday evening.

But speaking on his YouTube channel, journalist Craig Hope has raised some concerns about Wilson’s fitness with his record in front of goal taking a hit over recent months:

“Again today, he did look a little bit leggy. And there’s clearly something slightly amiss with him.

“I spoke to Malcolm Macdonald about it before the game in the press room. And yeah, he was saying the same himself. You know, he just thinks that Wilson isn’t really moving correctly at the moment. I’m sure that is something that will be refuted by the player and Eddie Howe but you know, I kind of agree with Super Mac.”

Worried for Wilson

Since making the move up north, Wilson has provided a solid return of 27 goals in his 66 appearances for the Tyneside club (via Transfermarkt).

But the return is perhaps even more impressive given the Englishman’s dreadful injury record which he has had to endure since playing at St. James’ Park.

However, it seems Hope has his concerns over Wilson’s current form as a potential result of some kind of fitness issue which may be the reason behind his recent struggles.

He had actually made a bright start to the campaign after scoring six goals from his opening nine appearances in the Premier League.

But it was apparent there were more goals to be had on Saturday against the Irons which Wilson simply did not take up and, ultimately, proved the difference between three points and the one point they had to settle for.

According to SofaScore, Wilson missed one big opportunity, however, Nayef Aguerd was able to catch up with Wilson who was bearing down on goal to provide a stunning late challenge to deny the striker.

Since the World Cup break, Newcastle’s results have dipped slightly with just two wins from their six Premier League games.

Although they have not lost any of those games, there struggles in front of goal have allowed the likes of Tottenham Hotspur to close the gap and surely Wilson’s form will be viewed as a potential reason behind the dip in results.

Arsenal are reportedly eyeing up a potential move for Borussia Monchengladbach striker Marcus Thuram in the summer, with his contract set to expire.

The Lowdown: Contract expiring

Thuram’s contract at Gladbach expires this summer, meaning that he can leave the Bundesliga club as a free agent.

He is sure to be one of the most sought-after players in the window, given that he is only 25 years of age and his market value is closer to £30m.

The Latest: Arsenal interest

As per Spanish news outlet Sport, Arsenal are one of a number of clubs ‘in the crosshairs’ of Thuram, with Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, Inter Milan, Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid, Sevilla, Chelsea, Newcastle United, Aston Villa and FC Barcelona also interested in his signature.

There is sure to be a big battle for him, given that he will be out of contract.

The Verdict: No-brainer

It is surely a no-brainer for the Gunners to try and sign a player of Thuram’s quality on a free transfer.

The six-foot-four powerhouse has scored an impressive 13 goals and made a further four assists in 20 games in total overall competitions so far this season (Transfermarkt).

Hailed as ‘world class’ by Wolfsburg sporting director Marcel Schafer, and even ‘a little crazy‘ by former team-mate Denis Zakaria, Thuram is clearly highly-regarded, with football talent scout Jacek Kulig lauding him as an ‘absolute beast’.

Perhaps the biggest compliment to the Frenchman is that Arsenal legend Arsene Wenger says that he ‘reminds’ him of Thierry Henry, which should get Gunners supporters very excited about this possible deal.

Leeds United are eyeing a move for former Ajax manager Alfred Schreuder, according to 90min.

The Lowdown: Schreuder profiled

Schreuder has been out of work since January after parting ways with the Amsterdam club. The 50-year-old managed Club Brugge and Hoffenheim prior to that and has also been an assistant at the likes of Barcelona and FC Twente during his coaching career.

He has taken charge of 131 games as a manager and has been involved in eight trophy wins, some of which came as an assistant to the likes of Erik ten Hag and Ronald Koeman.

The Latest: Leeds linked with Schreuder

90min shared a story regarding Leeds’ search for a new manager on Sunday afternoon, claiming that Schreuder is another target for the Whites.

They report that Leeds are set to talk with the Dutchman, who was present at Elland Road for the 2-0 defeat to Manchester United today.

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The Verdict: A gamble?

Schreuder’s time with Ajax didn’t go well, with some fans of the club voicing their frustrations with him in charge. He drew six of his last nine games in the Ajax dugout, so a move to Leeds could be a gamble by Elland Road officials at this moment in time.

However, it looks as if a move could be a relatively straightforward one to complete due to him being out of work, and with Leeds struggling with swoops for a number of targets already, they may feel as if he could finally be the right man to succeed Jesse Marsch.

Glasgow Rangers are still in agent contact to bring Morgan Whittaker to the Scottish Premiership this summer, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Failed January move

In January, Michael Beale admitted that the Swansea City winger was a target that was on his radar, with the player even having agreed personal terms to make the move to Ibrox.

The Light Blues reportedly saw three different offers worth up to £2m rejected but there was hope after he was left out of his side’s matchday squad towards the end of the window.

Journalist Jordan Campbell later revealed that the 22-year-old wouldn’t be leaving Wales due to Russell Martin’s shortage of numbers, but it sounds like the boss is ready to take a second bite at the cherry.

The Latest: Rangers still in contact

According to Football Insider, Rangers ‘remain in pursuit’ of Whittaker despite their three failed attempts to secure his signature last month.

The Teddy Bears are still ‘in contact’ with the 6 foot 2 colossus’ representative as they start to ‘plot a fresh move’ ahead of the summer.

The Verdict: No-brainer

Whittaker spent the first half of the 2022/23 season out on loan at Plymouth Argyle, and given how much he excelled, Rangers completing this deal is a no-brainer of a decision to make.

The Derby-born talent clocked up 16 goal contributions in 25 League One appearances where he was averaging 3.1 shots per 90 minutes (WhoScored).

The Swans starlet would also offer Beale plenty of versatility given his ability to operate in three various positions, making him a useful option to have in the building.

Finally, Whittaker has been described as a ‘flamboyant’ player and even likened to Manchester City’s Riyad Mahrez by talent scout Jacek Kulig so he would be a hugely exciting signing for the future of the club.

Leeds United are reportedly interested in making a move for in-form Coventry City striker Viktor Gyokeres during the summer transfer window.

The Lowdown: Gyokeres flying for Coventry

The 24-year-old is enjoying an impressive season currently, scoring 14 times in the Championship before yesterday’s clash with Sunderland whilst helping Coventry remain in the playoff picture.

Gyokeres has been linked with a move to Leeds in recent days, with new manager Javi Gracia no doubt keen to make significant signings this summer.

Now, a fresh update has emerged, further suggesting that the Whites’ interest is genuine.

The Latest: Leeds very keen on signing

According to Football Insider, Leeds are eyeing a move for Gyokeres, who could cost between £10million and £12million if Coventry get their wish.

The Swede’s current deal expires next year, so this summer could be the club’s last chance to earn a significant amount of money for his services.

It’s added that Leeds will continue to target the forward even if they’re relegated with the report saying they will retain a ‘big’ interest.

The Verdict: Strong potential addition

Leeds clearly need extra ammunition in their attack moving forward, with Patrick Bamford not looking the same player since various injury problems, scoring very few goals in his Premier League appearances this season.

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In Gyokeres, the Whites could have an excellent potential signing on their hands, with the 11-cap Sweden international someone who is ready to make the step up to the Premier League.

At 24, he is at a good age to come in and further improve as a player and the fact that he was described as ‘very strong’ and ‘very good’ by Slaven Bilic earlier this season further outlines his quality.

Wolverhampton Wanderers return to Premier League action on Friday night as they take on Fulham at Craven Cottage and Julen Lopetegui should unleash Daniel Podence in his starting lineup.

After back-to-back victories over Liverpool and Southampton, the Old Gold looked to be favourites when they took on relegation rivals Bournemouth at Molineux last week.

However, a narrow 1-0 defeat, in which Wolves’ problems in the final third were once again exposed, has dragged Lopetegui’s side right back into the battle at the bottom of the league.

Therefore, the Midlands club will be desperate to pick up points against an in-form Fulham side this evening, but face a tough ask, given that Marco Silva’s side have kept clean sheets in each of their last three Premier League fixtures and look a real contender for a European spot this season.

Will Daniel Podence start vs Fulham?

Wolves are still the lowest scorers in the top flight and looked toothless in attack against the Cherries last time out, so Lopetegui must consider reinstalling Podence into his starting 11.

The Portuguese winger is the joint-top scorer with central midfielder Ruben Neves on five goals this term, while he also ranks among the top five players in Wolves’ squad for shots and key passes per game, which emphasises the attacking quality that he can provide in the final third.

The Old Gold cannot afford to play things safe at this point in the season and will need a creative spark to unlock a resolute Fulham defence, so he must be preferred on the wing after Adama Traore and Pablo Sarabia failed to deliver against Bournemouth.

Ex-Wolves man Dave Edwards summed up what Podence can bring to Wolves in a column for the Express and Star, suggesting that he “never plays safe” and is “always looking to affect the game.”

Meanwhile, his former boss Bruno Lage also praised the Portuguese threat last season, saying:

“He is very clever. With him, we can play better between the lines and can have different strategies.“He understands his role and the game inside and outside. The main point is that I try to play where he starts and then create the moments he knows and the dynamic he has.”Given that Podence ranks far higher than someone like Traore for shots and key passes per game, Lopetegui should consider sacrificing the counter-attacking threat and instead add quality in the final third, in the hope that the former Olympiacos winger can do the business in another important fixture this evening.