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Celtic will consider offers for right-back Josip Juranovic in the January transfer window, according to Stephen McGowan.

The Lowdown: World Cup call-up

The Croatian arrived in Glasgow last year and has gone on to make 50 appearances under Ange Postecoglou.

The 27-year-old caught the eye of Premier League giants Chelsea and Manchester United over the summer but he remained at Parkhead.

He is currently in Qatar with his nation ahead of the World Cup, where he looks set to be first-choice right-back ahead of Bayern Munich’s Josip Stanisic.

The Latest: Celtic braced for Juranovic offers

Reliable reporter McGowan shared an update for The Mail+ on Tuesday regarding Juranovic.

He reported that, following unsuccessful negotiations over a new contract, Celtic are braced for offers for the full-back and will consider bids in the New Year.

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The Verdict: Big-money exit?

Having been dubbed a ‘beautiful footballer’ by sports journalist Josh Bunting, Juranovic has impressed in the Premiership and is still under contract until 2026.

Therefore, Peter Lawwell and the Hoops are still in a strong position and won’t need to accept the first offer that they receive for his services.

Celtic may well be hoping that more than one club would make a move for the defender in January, which could result in a bidding war and possible big-money exit yielding a profit after he joined the Hoops for around £2.5m in August 2021.

Southampton transfer target Goncalo Ramos has enjoyed an impressive start to the season and will be “high on confidence” following his World Cup inclusion with Portugal.

The Lowdown: A stellar start

After being linked with a move away from Benfica in the summer, Ramos stayed put and has developed tremendously this term.

After a solid first full season as a regular for the side last term, the 21-year-old has followed up with a staggering start, registering nine goals and 1 assist in just 11 Primeira Liga appearances – that is two more goals than he registered in 29 appearances for the Lisbon-based side last season.

The Latest: Sought-after striker

As per transfer reporter Dean Jones, Southampton could be a potential destination for Ramos, with Wolverhampton Wanderers also mentioned.

The Saints were linked with a summer move for the international but a transfer failed to materialise.

The two Premier League outfits “would both be looking” to bring in the World Cup star when the transfer window re-opens for business in January.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Jones said: “Yeah, his scoring record has been pretty special this season. And he’s gone to the World Cup too, so his profile is growing.

“I’m sure his confidence is too. They both need a player who’s high on confidence, so I can see why they would both be looking at him.”

The Verdict: Worth a try, but doubtful

Benfica have somewhat managed to fill the gap that Darwin Nunez left when he departed for Liverpool, with Benfica youth graduate Ramos rising to prominence in the absence of the Uruguayan.

Southampton would majorly benefit from the addition of a presence akin to the 21-year-old up-top, but it is unlikely that the Portuguese giants would allow him to leave, especially midway through the season.

£34million Ramos has also enjoyed his Champions League football this season, scoring five and assisting two in 10 appearances to help Benfica top Group H.

It’s a worth a try, but it is highly unlikely in January.

Wolverhampton Wanderers manager Julen Lopetegui will be “desperate” to work with Raul Jimenez amidst the Old Gold’s goalscoring problems, according to journalist Dean Jones. 

The Lowdown: Jimenez’s decline

As the lowest scorers in the Premier League with just eight goals, it’s fair to say that Wolves have struggled in that regard this season. 

Wolves also struggled to score goals last term, which coincides with the demise of Mexican striker Jimenez’s demise over the past couple of years, with injuries playing a massive part in that. 

The 31-year-old went from 17 goals in 38 league appearances in 2019/20 to just six goals from 34 showings last season, having fractured his skull two years ago.

The centre-forward role is integral for Wolves, so Lopetegui will be looking to get Jimenez firing once more, after his recovery from the knee injury which has kept him out earlier in the campaign.

The Latest: Lopetegui “desperate” to work with Jimenez

According to Jones, the new Wolves manager will be looking to work with Jimenez on the training pitch as soon as possible and will be “desperate” to get to the bottom of his team’s goalscoring woes. 

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, the journalist said of Lopetegui: “Of course, someone like Jimenez, he’ll be desperate to get eyes on the training pitch to see what you can actually do with him and why things haven’t been working out.”

The Verdict: When Jimenez doesn’t score…

Back when Jimenez was firing, goalscoring wasn’t a problem for Wolves. For instance, in the aforementioned 2019/29 season when the Mexican bagged 17 goals, Wolves averaged 1.3 goals per match and were the eighth-highest scorers in the Premier League. 

Fast forward to this season, and the Old Gold are rock bottom with an average of 0.5 goals per match, with Jimenez yet to get off the mark.

If Lopetegui can successfully revive the £100k-per-week Mexican’s fortunes, Wolves’ goalscoring woes should soon end. For that to happen, though, the team will also need to be more creative in their build-up play to supply the 31-year-old with opportunities to find the net.

Crystal Palace seemed to be onto a good thing when they brought in Nathan Ferguson from West Bromwich Albion on a free transfer two-and-a-half years ago, but his time at Selhurst Park has turned into a nightmare.

The young defender joined the Eagles in July 2020 after a contract standoff with the Championship club, signing a three-year deal with the south London outfit.

Ferguson had established himself as a regular with the Baggies in the 2019/20 campaign, making 21 appearances in the second tier, contributing one goal and one assist.

Therefore, it seemed like something of a no-brainer for Palace to sign him on a free transfer, despite the injury problems which were troubling him at the time of his arrival in SE25.

Unfortunately, injuries have continued to plague him throughout his time at Selhurst Park, and he has managed just one appearance for the first team, which came as a substitute last season in the Premier League.

He has already suffered two significant injuries during his time at the club, with hamstring and Achilles tendon issues ruling him out for a combined 87 games, and there is no telling if,  when he is finally back fit, he will ever be able to live up to the potential that he showed at West Brom.

Even when he does get back to full fitness, he is unlikely to usurp a centre-back partnership of Joachim Andersen and Marc Guehi in Patrick Vieira’s side, while Joel Ward and Chris Richards are also probably ahead of him in the pecking order.

Now 22, it would be remarkable if the hitherto invisible Ferguson can ever become a regular at Selhurst Park, especially as his contract is set to expire at the end of the current campaign.

While it would be harsh for Palace to ditch a player who has been injured for almost the entirety of his career with the south London club, football is a ruthless business and the Eagles cannot continue to shell out a wage of almost £29k-p/w for a player who spends more time on the treatment table than the pitch.

Manchester United are ‘looking at’ the possibility of signing PSV Eindhoven forward Cody Gakpo in 2023, confirms Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth.

The Lowdown: Second time lucky?

The Dutchman still has four years remaining on his contract in the Eredivisie, but after being the standout performer over the last 12 months, has been attracting attention from across Europe.

The Premier League giants expressed a strong interest in the 23-year-old over the summer, and despite failing to land him, the Red Devils appear to be considering taking a second bite of the cherry.

The Latest: United monitoring Gakpo

Taking to Twitter, Sheth confirmed that United are monitoring Gakpo ahead of a potential move, whilst also delivering an update on the club’s pursuit of targets in another area of the pitch.

“Manchester United looking at forwards – including Cody Gakpo – and right-backs, but ‘significant chance’ no incomings in January.

“Right-back incoming likely to depend on Wan-Bissaka future. United conscious of complying with FFP. Loan market being explored too.”

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The Verdict: Get it done…

Gakpo has been dubbed ‘De Herdgang’s Finest’ by Jacek Kulig and “sensational” by sports writer Thierry Nyann , and should the opportunity to sign him arise, this is a no-brainer of a deal to complete.

The winger has already clocked up a remarkable 30 goal contributions in just 24 appearances across all competitions this season and is averaging 3.6 shots per league game.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure has left a huge void in the final third that needs filling, and Gakpo would be the perfect man to come in and do just that.

Glasgow Rangers could be set for a mass exodus of players at the end of the season unless Michael Beale and Ross Wilson start work on offering new deals to certain players.

The Ibrox club have no fewer than eight first-team players out of contract next year, and although a few of those will be released, the likes of Ryan Kent and Alfredo Morelos need to be tied down as soon as possible.

Beale will be able to ditch Steven Davis as his contract is due to expire, and he could replace the veteran Northern Ireland stalwart with a January move for Algerian midfielder Ahmed Kendouci.

The Premiership giants have been linked with a move for the 23-year-old next month, and according to Mark McDougall of Football Scotland, the Ibrox club have “made contact” already over the player.

A loan move is thought to be the most likely option, and it could be an exciting move for Beale.

The player – who features for ES Setif in his homeland – has registered 41 goal contributions in just 107 matches for his club, and it certainly appears that the next stage in his development lies elsewhere.

Football talent scout Jacek Kulig described the Algerian as “elegant” and the “complete midfielder”, and having a player like this in the team would help with the manager’s new tactical setup.

Furthermore, it would also grant Beale the licence to ditch Davis, with the veteran’s influence waning amid a series of poor performances this term.

The 37-year-old signed a one-year contract extension at the end of last season, but it appears to have been a move done based on sentiment rather than on-field value.

The Northern Irishman has been out of his depth in the Champions League, achieving a Sofascore rating of just 6.58/10, completing a mere 18.2 passes per match and only taking 27.4 touches per game across his five matches in the competition.

Journalist Calum McClurkin even took to Twitter following Rangers’ 3-1 defeat to Ajax to voice his criticism of Davis, saying: “Steven Davis towing a caravan in midfield. Just too over the hill at this level. Patched-up defence simply can’t cope. Rangers decimated with injuries but the summer transfer window has left them woefully ill-equipped for Champions League group stage football.”

Davis has been an excellent servant to the club, winning a host of honours during his two spells at Rangers, but it is now time to move him on and bring in fresh, younger talent who can grow and develop at Ibrox.

Kendouci looks an excellent prospect and Beale should be doing everything that he can to secure the Algerian midfielder on loan in January.

Arsenal are one of the ‘closest and most concrete solutions’ when it comes to a transfer for Real Valladolid defender Ivan Fresneda.

The Lowdown: Gunners linked…

The Premier League frontrunners have been linked with a move for Fresneda alongside both Real Madrid and Barcelona, who are said to be watching him closely.

Having caught the eye of many top clubs across Europe, reports have suggested that a ‘frantic race’ is underway over who could seal the signing of Valladolid’s gem – with Arsenal in the running.

A new report has now shed light on the situation as Mikel Arteta’s side emerge as one of the favourites.

The Latest: Arsenal among favourites to sign Fresneda…

Sharing news in the last 24 hours, Relevo claim that out of all possible destinations for Fresneda, the north Londoners, alongside English rivals Newcastle United, are among the ‘closest and most concrete solutions’.

It’s also been claimed that Arsenal have recently entered the race for his signature with ‘great force’ and have shown ‘great insistence’ over his possible signing.

As well as the Gunners and Newcastle, a host of other European teams are also mentioned – including Inter Milan, AC Milan, Juventus.

The Verdict: Exciting talent…

The 18-year-old is one to watch and the fact this many teams are taking an interest just shows how talented he truly is.

Lauded for his ‘beastly’ ability to deliver pin-point crosses from the wide areas, Fresneda’s contract possesses a £26 million release clause and Valladolid are apparently open to a sale.

There appear to be growing incentives for sporting director Edu to make a move for the teenage talent as serious interest continues to emerge from all over the continent.

Manchester United are one of the elite clubs that have been linked with a move for Joao Felix in 2023 and now a new update has emerged on the club’s pursuit of the player ahead of the January transfer window.

What’s the latest?

Italian journalist and transfer insider Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Man United are set for “new talks” in their efforts to secure the Atletico Madrid and Portugal forward’s signature.

Romano wrote in his column for CaughtOffside:

“Both Arsenal and Manchester United have had discussions with Jorge Mendes about Joao Felix, also Chelsea and Aston Villa have been approached.”

“They are informed on conditions of the deal, but still waiting to understand final decision by Atletico Madrid on potential loan as they always asked for €100m (£87m) fee. I’m told this week there will be new talks to find a way for Joao Felix.”

Imagine him & Rashford

There is no doubt that Erik ten Hag will be keen to strengthen his forward line following the shock departure of Cristiano Ronaldo earlier this month and Edison Cavani leaving in the summer.

Indeed, the top priority is likely to be a pure number nine but the signing of Felix could offer the Red Devils boss versatility in the final third.

The Atletico Madrid ace has a wealth of experience in many positions in the final third as a second striker, centre forward, and left and right winger, offering Ten Hag a player who can add depth to various roles.

Felix – who was hailed an “immense talent” by Yannick Carrasco – has scored four goals and delivered three assists this season in all competitions with a goal contribution every 116 minutes.

Not only that, the 23-year-old ranks in the top 10% of his positional peers over the top five European leagues for assists and interceptions, as well as ranking in the top 20% for non-penalty goals, shot-creating actions, progressive passes and dribbles completed.

Ten Hag could form a formidable attacking threat between Felix and Marcus Rashford, as the boyhood Man United star has been in fine form this season already – scoring 10 goals and delivering four assists over 21 appearances so far.

Combining Rashford’s goal-scoring form with Felix’s versatility and talent for moving the ball into dangerous positions could be deadly for opponents over the second half of the season.

With that being said, although Felix is not the traditional striker many will expect Man United to sign in the new year, he could improve the threat in front of goal with both goal contributions and delivering attacking opportunities.

Aston Villa have ‘reached an agreement’ with exciting youngster Rory Wilson over the signing of his first professional deal, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The Lowdown: Wilson excelling at Villa

The 17-year-old, who celebrated his birthday on Thursday, has arguably stood out as one of the most exciting young players at Villa Park since arriving from Rangers, proving to be a huge attacking threat.

Wilson has scored seven goals in just six appearances for Villa’s under-18s this season and found the net 17 times overall in 2022.

The Midlands club will no doubt be desperate to secure the attacker’s long-term future, and a fresh update is positive in that respect.

The Latest: First professional deal agreed?

Taking to Twitter, Romano confirmed that Wilson is set to sign his first professional deal at Villa.

The Italian tweeted:

“Aston Villa have reached an agreement for talented striker Rory Wilson to sign his first professional deal, considered one of the most interesting Academy talents for the future

“Deal will be completed soon, Wilson scored 17 goals this year – joined AVFC from Rangers.”

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The Verdict: Exciting news for Villa

This is brilliant news for both Wilson and Villa, with the teenager a huge talent who will hopefully mature into something special at the club over the next few years.

It can be very difficult for any young player to make the grade at a Premier League club, but the evidence of the past 12 months suggests that Wilson could do just that.

It is now a case of remaining grounded for the Scottish youngster and not getting carried away by the new deal, with Villa also entrusted with handling his development carefully.

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Leeds United have wasted no time in adding their first new signing of the January transfer window, securing Max Wober in an £11m deal.

It marked yet another example of Jesse Marsch returning to his old club Red Bull Salzburg for a new player, joining a list including Rasmus Kristensen and Brendan Aaronson.

Defence is clearly a position of maximum priority for the American and Leeds’ director of football Victor Orta, given how this season the Whites have conceded 31 goals in just 17 games in the Premier League this season.

That could explain the additional rumours linking them with left-back reinforcements too, as the underwhelming Junior Firpo has seemingly been deemed surplus to requirements.

One such link which persists is to Kai Wagner, who has excelled for Philadelphia Union in the MLS and was reportedly available in the summer for just $3m (£2.5m)

This move could have been made even more attractive given the acquisition of the Austrian centre-back, who should only add further defensive security.

It could therefore offer more offensive freedom to Wagner, should Leeds’ reported interest materialise into a transfer.

The 25-year-old enjoyed a fine season last year for his club as he added nine assists to add to his impressive career tally thus far.

Five goals and 31 assists for a defender of that age marks a fine return, and to pair it with match averages of 1.7 interceptions, 1.4 tackles and 1.6 clearances (via Sofascore) suggests that he could be the perfect modern-day full-back.

This unsurprisingly led to an average rating of 7.48, and he arguably should have recorded even more assists than his final tally. From his nine assists, he created a subsequent 14 big chances.

To pair this with the 7.28 rating of Wober, who himself has averaged 2.1 clearances and 1.7 tackles per game (via Sofascore), could be a masterstroke.

Described as a “cheat code” by journalist Chuck Booth, such are his offensive talents, the German could pair up perfectly with Leeds’ new signing to help the Whites to Premier League safety.

Defensive security is what is needed at Elland Road, but to gain that and add massive creativity in Wagner makes this prospective deal a no-brainer for Orta and co.