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Kevin Thelwell is reportedly now plotting a move to bring Jannik Vestergaard to Everton in the summer.

The Lowdown: Limited game time

Vestergaard has seen his game time at Leicester City fairly limited since his move from Southampton, as he has only managed 20 appearances in total over all competitions so far this season, playing the full 90 minutes on just 12 of those occasions (Transfermarkt).

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Thus, he may look to move on this summer, especially given that it is a World Cup year, as he will want to cement his place in the Denmark squad.

The Latest: Move plotted

As per Football Insider, a source from Goodison Park has revealed that new director of football Thelwell is now plotting a move for Vestergaard, and a senior scout at the Merseyside club has already been sent to watch him play for his country this week.

The recruitment team are reportedly prioritising the signing of a ‘dominant’ central defender, given the Toffees’ defensive woes this term.

The Verdict: Sign

There is no doubt that Vestergaard would help elevate the quality of the Blues’ backline, after all, Manchester City manager and reigning Premier League champion Pep Guardiola hailed him as an ‘excellent’ player earlier on in this campaign.

Described as a ‘real threat’ in both boxes by journalist Luke Hatfield, his six-foot-six frame makes him very difficult to pick up, as he currently wins 2.1 of his aerial duels per game on average.

The 29-year-old is in his prime, so this is the perfect time to take advantage if Frank Lampard and Thelwell are both fans.

In other news, find out what is now a ‘real worry’ for EFC after an update emerged here!

Leeds United striker Joe Gelhardt was forced off for the under-23s on Monday evening with a fresh injury concern.

The Lowdown: Gelhardt’s season so far

He has featured in four of the five Premier League games under Jesse Marsch, scoring a crucial winner against Norwich City last month.

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The 19-year-old has slowly been establishing himself as a valuable figure in the American’s squad from the bench and played 31 minutes in the 1-1 draw with Southampton on Saturday.

He was given a start for the under-23s in a 3-0 win over Crystal Palace on Monday evening, but it didn’t go to plan.

The Latest: ‘Bad news’ for Gelhardt

The Yorkshire Evening Post shared the news of Gelhardt’s injury on Twitter, describing it as ‘bad news from Elland Road’.

They added that the forward had an issue with his left leg and had to receive treatment, with the Whites’ initial hope being that it is a dead leg.

The Verdict: Fingers crossed

Gelhardt started for the under-23s looking to build up his fitness, with a reported fake positive virus test impacting the striker during the international break.

Fans may well be wondering why he was even playing on Monday, considering that both Patrick Bamford and Tyler Roberts are long-term absentees.

Hopefully the issue is a minor one and the 19-year-old can be available for selection for the huge trip to Watford this weekend following the club’s assessment this morning.

In other news – 9.1/10 rating: Leeds target produces incredible display after Orta name-dropped him

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A massive cohort of Celtic fans are in transit towards Valencia for Thursday’s Europa League tie in the Mestalla.

Last week’s 2-0 defeat in the first leg has barely dampened enthusiasm for the trip – in contrast to the equivalent fixture last season in St Petersburg where a heated stadium was needed for the match to go ahead.

Tickets for Thursday’s match are at a premium but that isn’t bothering the fans who are arriving at airports from Barcelona southwards with Alicante seeing a flood of green and white Hoops coming through the Arrivals gate.

Brendan Rodgers will take his squad out on Thursday, host a media conference then continue his preparations to pull off a shock result.

There isn’t likely to be any surprises in the team Rodgers selects but if the visitors open the scoring the locals will know all about it – there will inevitably be some fans in the home sections struggling to keep their emotions intact.

Newcastle’s under-23’s pulled off an incredible victory on Monday night as they beat West Brom 4-3 in a thrilling clash at St James’ Park.

A smattering of supporters attended the match and they got the chance to watch some of the club’s talented young prospects in action live in the flesh. They were able to see an enthralling game and may have come away from it wondering whether or not any of the players on show will make it to the first-team in the future.

One player in particular who caught the eye was Mexican forward Santiago Munoz, as last summer’s signing scored his first goal for the under-23 side in just his second appearance.

He rose highest to brilliantly place the ball into the bottom corner with his head, halving the Baggies’ lead to 2-1 at the time and kickstarting the comeback. The goal showed that he has the aerial quality to leap and score with his head, in a similar fashion to Callum Wilson, as perfectly shown by the latter’s goal against Everton in 2021.

The 19-year-old striker already has experience of senior football. He played 19 games for Santos Laguna in his homeland prior to joining the Magpies, scoring three goals and providing three assists despite his tender age.

He is currently on loan at Newcastle until December and the club have an option to make that deal permanent in January 2023. They should be looking to exercise that clause, as they have may Wilson 2.0 in the making with the Darsley Park teenage talent.

Whilst they were both at Bournemouth, Eddie Howe said about Wilson: “He is an outstanding player with unique attributes for us. He has that ability to run in behind and he’s got the work ethic off the ball and, of course, he knows where the goal is.”

Munoz seemingly shares the £20m Englishman’s work rate, with Lee Ryder noting: “Santiago Muñoz so far. Has battled hard, decent with the ball at his feet and has stood up to a so far physical test from West Brom.”

The journalist’s view on watching the Mexican live suggests that he has the desire to put in a shift for the team, much like Wilson. He was able to find the the net in the process, a trait at which the ex-Cherries predator also excels, with 18 Premier League goals in two seasons for the Tyneside club.

It is now up to Munoz to kick on and show that he can continue to fire in goals at youth level before earning the chance to play in front of a packed-out crowd for the Toon. Howe will then be able to unearth the new ‘outstanding’ predator in the same vein as Wilson further down the line.

The 19-year-old has rarely been seen so far, but this goal against the Baggies will hopefully spur him on to fulfill his potential in England. Munoz may not go on to play for Real Madrid like his near-namesake in a certain film but he may well have a great journey at St James’ Park…

AND in other news, Howe can get St James’ rocking as Newcastle plot bid for “phenomenal” £50m wizard…

Liverpool have been boosted in their efforts to sign Serge Gnabry this summer, with the German reportedly considering leaving Bayern Munich.

The Lowdown: Gnabry excels at Bayern

The 26-year-old has been an impressive servant for Bayern, helping them win the Champions League in 2020 (one of 15 trophies he has lifted throughout his club career) and proving to be arguably one of Europe’s best wide players in recent years.

Gnabry has scored 61 goals and registered 40 assists for the Bundesliga giants, totalling 101 goal contributions, and has also been hailed as a ‘world-class’ footballer by Rio Ferdinand.

It could be that the former Arsenal man eyes up a fresh challenge this summer, though, acting as a potential boost for Liverpool.

The Latest: Liverpool given Gnabry boost

According to Goal, Gnabry is weighing up his future at Bayern, with his current deal expiring in 2023. His current club are trying to tie him down to a new contract, but so far that mission is proving fruitless.

Both Liverpool and Real Madrid are thought to be interested in snapping him up, with the Reds viewing him as a possible long-term replacement for Mohamed Salah.

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The Verdict: Hard to see happening

While Gnabry is a superb player whose direct style and end product could fit in perfectly at Liverpool, it is difficult to envisage him heading to Anfield this summer.

Jurgen Klopp already has five excellent attacking players at his disposal, while recent reports suggest that Salah is close to agreeing a new deal, which would likely further put paid to a move for the Germany international.

The only way that signing Gnabry would make sense is if Sadio Mane left instead, with the Senegal star out of contract at the end of next season.

In other news, Liverpool are reporedly keen on signing a Serie A player this summer. Find out who it is here.

Tottenham insider John Wenham believes defender Joe Rodon could seal a north London exit in the final days on the January window, Football Insider report.

The Lowdown: Rodon under Conte

Rodon is one of five senior centre-backs on the books in north London but has hardly featured under Antonio Conte.

The 24-year-old has made just one appearance under the Italian, coming against Morecambe in the FA Cup earlier this month. He’s been a regular in Conte’s Premier League matchday squads but hasn’t managed to make a cameo off the bench.

Leeds were name-checked with an interest in Rodon ahead of the January window, with reports suggesting that Spurs were likely to give the green light to a temporary exit. However, Alasdair Gold recently admitted that Spurs are yet to receive any official offers for the Wales international.

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The Latest: Wenham’s comments

Wenham was talking to Football Insider regarding Rodon and a possible exit this month.

Here’s what he had to say, labelling it a ‘surprise’ that no offers have come in but backing Rodon to seal an exit ‘in the last days of the window’.

“It is a surprise there have been no offers.

“He might not have played much this season but he did really well at the Euros, clubs must know how good he is.

“A lot of clubs should be looking for a centre-back with plenty of Premier League experience, is capable of playing in a two or three at the back and a full international.

“It does surprise me that it has been reported there have been no offers. I think this is one of those things that might ramp up in the last days of the window.

“Maybe it’s one where clubs will look to sign him after they have been snubbed by their preferred targets.

“I still expect him to leave.”

The Verdict: Will Conte need him?

If Rodon doesn’t seal a Spurs exit before the end of the month, it may not be the end of the world for Conte. That’s because the Spurs boss could be down to the bare bones at the back with Cristian Romero and Eric Dier injured and Japhet Tanganga linked with a move to AC Milan.

Should the latter of the three depart and no defensive reinforcements arrive, Rodon would be one of two fit centre-backs available, meaning the Italian may be forced to use him over the coming weeks.

Things could change between now and the end of the month of course, so the Welshman’s future could be one to keep an eye on.

In other news: Spurs make 11th-hour attempt to dramatically scupper rivals’ move for £40.5m-rated ‘beast’. 

The Athletic’s David Ornstein, a reliable source, has revealed that Manchester City striker Gabriel Jesus is a target for Arsenal ahead of the upcoming summer transfer window. 

The lowdown: Doubts emerge?

Signed for £27million from Palmeiras in 2016 (Sky Sports), the Brazilian has scored 93 times in 230 outings for the Citizens.

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Despite the impressive return the Brazilian has struggled to hold down a regular place in Pep Guardiola’s first team and as such has only started on 22 occasions in 35 outings across all competitions this season.

Jesus put on a Man of the Match display at Eastlands on Saturday afternoon with a remarkable four-goals and one assist in a 5-1 demolition of Watford – but his long term future at the Etihad is in question…

The latest: Ornstein makes transfer claim

Taking to Twitter on Friday, journalist Ornstein of The Athletic stated: “Arsenal exploring possibility of signing Gabriel Jesus from Man City. Clubs yet to speak but talks between Edu + reps for months. 25yo open to idea, #AFC current favourites. Calvert-Lewin among options @TheAthleticUK #MCFC #EFC 1st reported @jorgenicola.”

Out of contract in 2023 (Transfermarkt), Arsenal are billed as the ‘current favourites’ to sign the man hailed as an ‘unsung hero’ by Guardiola back in March 2021 following a brace against Wolves.

The verdict: No deal

This shouldn’t even be under consideration for City as Jesus’ astonishing form, when given the opportunity by Guardiola, has backed just how useful he can be for the Sky Blues – as evident by his ridiculous performance yesterday.

So far this term the versatile forward has scored 11 times and provided 12 assists, importantly proving to possess the Midas touch when it comes to big game showdowns with Liverpool.

Even with the potential arrival of Haaland, Jesus has proven to be a top-level operator for the Sky Blues and should be kept on in rotation with or as an understudy for the Norwegian. Albeit Arsenal would be an attractive proposition for the player and a palatable one for Guardiola given the links to Mikel Arteta, selling to a Premier League rival must be out of the question.

In other news: Pep falls out with ‘world class’ Man City star behind-the-scenes, he could now leave…find out more here.

Following on from the departure of Valerien Ismael as West Brom’s head coach, the club have now completed the appointment of Steve Bruce as their new manager on an 18-month deal.

While some Baggies fans may be against this latest appointment due to the 61-year-old previously having spells in charge of some of Midlands rivals Birmingham City and Aston Villa, or perhaps because of the poor relationship he had with many Newcastle supporters, there is one thing he could do at The Hawthorns which would surely win over some of the doubters.

On the chalkboard

Taking into account how West Brom have only scored four goals in their past seven league games, three of which came in a 12-minute spell in one match, it’s safe to say that their forward line could do with some freshening up as they look to win promotion back to the Premier League by the end of the season.

With that in mind, one player that Bruce could bring in to add an extra dynamic to Albion’s attack is 21-year-old Rayhaan Tulloch.

Having made just seven senior squad appearances and played a solitary minute of Championship action for the Baggies so far this season (way back in August), the attacker barely got a look-in when Ismael was in charge.

In 94 appearances across West Brom’s under-18 and under-23 sides, the 21-year-old has racked up 40 goals and 15 assists, showing how much of an attacking threat he can provide.

Also, with Tulloch having played in numerous attacking positions throughout his fledgling career, his versatility on the pitch and presumed eagerness to become a regular first-team player could make him a useful figure for the Baggies.

Unleashing the 21-year-old, who has been called a “star boy” in the past by Jonathan Leko, and seeing Bruce giving him a proper chance to prove his worth to the team could also help the new manager to become an instant favourite among The Hawthorns faithful.

Bruce should definitely consider playing Tulloch in the first team in the coming weeks to see if the youngster has what it takes to perform at a high level and hopefully get them finding the net with greater regularity.

In other news: West Brom handed huge injury boost in recent days

Tottenham are facing a panicked last few days of the January transfer window with Fabio Paratici and Antonio Conte struggling to bring the club’s main targets through the door.

The likes of Luis Diaz and Adama Traore are moving elsewhere but fortunately, Spurs have moved quickly to identify new targets.

What’s the word?

The Lilywhites have opened talks to bring Dejan Kulusevksi to English football in the remaining days of the window but he’s not the only Juventus player believed to be involved in discussions.

That’s according to Sky Sports News with journalist Lyall Thomas taking to Twitter on Friday to confirm interest in one of their midfield players too.

He stated: “Sky in Italy: Tottenham are rivalling Aston Villa with interest in Juventus midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur (From @DiMarzio) Villa have already had a bid in the region of £20m turned down.”

Separate reports claim Juve want at least £21m to consider a sale.

Great news

After failed moves for both Diaz and Traore, as well as the news that it’s unlikely Spurs will land Franck Kessie, it is superb news for Conte and the club’s supporters that they have alternative targets lined up.

Of course, the first two names are more offensive players but Kessie is a totally different beast, capable of dominating defensively and in the final third.

However, with a move now appearing to be off the cards, Spurs will need to consider other options, particularly with Tanguy Ndombele and Dele Alli linked with exits away in the remaining days of the window.

Bentancur is more of a defensive-minded midfielder by comparison but he’d still be a terrific acquisition.

After all, this is someone with plenty of experience at the top table of not only European football, but also World football, being capped 46 times by his country.

At just 24, he is also approaching his peak years and would surely strengthen the club’s central areas.

This is a player who is supremely confident with the ball at his feet, completing 87.5% of his passes in Serie A this term, while he’s won an impressive 1.7 tackles per game. Combine that with his three assists this term and Bentancur looks to be an all-round midfielder who could dominate in multiple facets of the game.

He has constantly strived to prove the doubters wrong and was once named as the “surprise” of Serie A by Max Allegri.

On that evidence, he’d be a wonderful late signing and one that Paratici simply has to get across the line.

AND in other news, Bid accepted: Spurs now closing in on first January signing, Conte will be buzzing…

An update has emerged on Newcastle United and their interest in West Ham forward Jarrod Bowen…

What’s the talk?

Transfer insider Dean Jones has tipped the Toon to make a move for the English winger, although he believes that they will not be the only club interested in snapping him up from the London Stadium.

He told GIVEMESPORT: “I can definitely see them trying to (sign Bowen). I think Jarrod Bowen is going to be a player that comes onto a few radars over the summer.”

The Hammers reportedly value the attacker in the region of £75m, amid interest from Liverpool, but it remains to be seen how much money PIF are willing to splash on him.

St. James’ Park would be rocking

Eddie Howe can get St. James’ Park rocking by securing a deal to sign the winger as he would be a major addition to the squad and be a signal of intent to the rest of the division.

He has been dubbed as an “unbelievable” player by Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp and journalist Joe Prince-Wright hailed him as “inspiring” earlier this month – citing his rise from non-league football. 

Unbelievable is what he would be for the Toon as he has proven himself in the Premier League and Europa League for the Hammers. In Europe, he has three goals and one assist in four starts – scoring in a crucial quarter-final clash with Lyon earlier this week to send David Moyes’ side through to the semi-finals.

Meanwhile, domestically this season, he has produced nine goals and eight assists in 29 matches whilst averaging a SofaScore rating of 7.07.

For context, no Newcastle player has more than six goals or three assists and Kieran Trippier – who has played four games – is the only player with a higher average rating. This means that Bowen would be an immediate upgrade on what Howe currently has to work with in the final third, both in terms of finding the back of the net and creating chances to score.

Therefore, St. James’ Park would be rocking with the arrival of Bowen as he would come in as the star of the attack heading into the 2022/23 campaign. He can be the player to spearhead their forward line to help them push up the Premier League table and compete in the top half instead of battling against relegation.

However, it is now down to PIF and Howe to splash the cash and then convince the Englishman to make the switch…

AND in other news,  “Howe would..”: Craig Hope issues major NUFC claim that’ll leave supporters buzzing…