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Leeds United are interested in a deal to bring Sebastián Driussi to Elland Road in the January transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to Nico Cantor, with the CBS Sports reporter revealing in a recent post on Twitter that, according to a source, three Premier League clubs are interested in a move for the Austin FC centre-forward this winter, one of who are believed to be the Whites.

Regarding the interest in the 26-year-old, Cantor said: “There are three Premier League teams interested in Austin FC’s Sebastián Driussi – one of which is Leeds United, per source. The ex-River Plate and ex-Zenit scored 25 goals this season, made the MLS best XI and is highly sought after from abroad.”

Following on from Cantor’s post, Bundesliga journalist Manuel Veth revealed in his own tweet that two German clubs are also thought to be keeping a close eye on the situation of the former Argentina U20 international, as well as dubbing the forward one to watch in the January market.

In his tweet, Veth said: “Two Bundesliga clubs are also tracking Sebastián Driussi. New market value is €15m (£13m) after today’s MLS update. The Austin FC striker is one to watch.”

The next Harrison

Considering just how impressive Driussi has been in America this season, coupled with Patrick Bamford’s continuous injury setbacks leaving Jesse Marsch somewhat short of options up top in the current campaign, it is not difficult to understand why Victor Orta would be interested in a move for the Argentine hitman this winter.

Indeed, over his 37 MLS appearances in 2022, the £13m-rated forward was in astonishing form in the final third, scoring 25 goals, registering five assists and creating ten big chances for his teammates, in addition to taking an average of 3.1 shots – 1.2 of which hit the target – making one key pass and completing 1.5 dribbles per game.

These returns saw the £37k-per-week attacker average a simply sensational SofaScore match rating of 7.24, not only ranking him as Austin’s best performer in the league but also as the 20th-best player in the MLS as a whole.

Rather unsurprisingly, these returns saw the 26-year-old earn a considerable amount of praise, with Austin manager Josh Wolff stating of Driussi after a win over Houston Dynamo back in April (via 90min):

“I think he’s quite a valuable player for us. He’s quite a valuable player in this league. When you think of the age that he’s come at, where he’s coming from. He’s impactful on the field.

“He’s a beautiful player, and he’s extremely talented. And again, his ability to make other players around him better is incredible. And then, his work rate again is tremendous. His goal was fantastic. I would have liked to see more. I always say that, but he brings a lot to this team, for sure.”

Furthermore, with the Argentinian being able to operate from attacking midfield, as a support striker, on either wing and as a centre-forward, Driussi’s extremely impressive positional versatility would appear to make him something of a perfect fit for Marsch’s current attacking arsenal at Elland Road.

As such, with Leeds having already reaped the benefits of another MLS export in the form of Jack Harrison – who scored 14 goals and registered ten assists over his 61 appearances for New York City FC – Orta could well unearth his next Harrison-esque discovery from America in a move for Driussi – something that is sure to be an extremely exciting prospect for supporters.

Aston Villa will see four players departing Bodymoor Heath and jetting off to Qatar for the 2022 World Cup, before returning to club action ahead of the New Year.

Leander Dendoncker, Jan Bednarek, Matty Cash and Emiliano Martinez will all be representing their respective countries, while their fellow Villa team-mates wait for the Premier League season to restart against Liverpool on Boxing Day.

Ahead of Sunday’s kick-off, why don’t you Villa supporters try your luck at our Aston Villa World Cup quiz! Only the biggest fan will get 100%, so test your knowledge of the club’s tournament history here!

Wolverhampton Wanderers are about to embark on a new era under recently appointed manager Julen Lopetegui, with the sole aim to remain in the Premier League for next season.

The Old Gold are sitting bottom of the table following a disastrous run of just two wins from their opening 15 matches and the Spaniard could face his most difficult managerial challenge yet.

With the break for the World Cup coming at a perfect time for the club, the 56-year-old will be assessing his squad and looking ahead to the January transfer window to see what areas of his squad need strengthening.

Wolves have recently been linked with Alexis Vega and Lopetegui could land his dream first signing by bringing the Mexican to England, especially if he stars in Qatar.

Indeed, Pete O’Rourke spoke to Football FanCast regarding Wolves’ interest in the winger, saying: “Yeah, great opportunity in this World Cup to look at some players. Vega has been a target for Wolves for a while now.

“So they will be keeping a close eye to see how he can compete against the world’s elite at the World Cup as well. If he shines at the tournament, I’m sure Wolves will be desperate to try and tie up a deal as soon as possible.”

The Molineux outfit urgently requires some rejuvenation in their attacking department, with the club scoring just eight league goals so far this, the lowest total in the division.

Vega, who plays for Deportivo Guadalajara, has registered 47 goal contributions for his club – 24 goals and 23 assists – which suggests he may be the answer to Lopetegui’s prayers.

Not only that, but the 24-year-old also has pedigree at international level, scoring six times in 23 appearances for Mexico, and he certainly has the potential to shine in Qatar.

O’Rourke even dubbed the player “versatile” recently while discussing the 24-year-old with Football FanCast and this could be another advantage for the 56-year-old.

Indeed, the Wolves faithful will be keeping a close eye on the player at the World Cup and if he manages to carry his club form into the tournament, Lopetegui’s potential signing of the winger could represent a dream first signing for the Spaniard.

Leeds United have scouted Ecuador attacker Gonzalo Plata ahead of a potential future move, according to journalist Ben Jacobs.

The Lowdown: Summer links

Now at Real Valladolid, Plata – who shares the same agency as Leeds ace Luis Sinisterra – has been on the Elland Road radar for some time.

The Whites were thought to be readying an offer for the left-footed winger during the summer. As we know, a transfer failed to materialise, although Leeds have maintained their interest.

Plata played every minute of action for Ecuador at the World Cup in Qatar but will now be on the way home after his country exited at the group stage.

The Latest: Jacobs’ comments

Jacobs was speaking to GiveMeSport regarding Plata and Leeds, declaring that the Yorkshire outfit have scouted the attacker and their interest has not gone away.

He outlined: “Leeds are one club that have scouted him and have kept him on a longer-term radar. They have done that since last season, when he was still a loanee, but chose not to move.

“Part of the reason for that is because he wasn’t playing in La Liga at that point and the goalscoring form hasn’t translated into the top division in Spain as far as he’s concerned.

“That’s going to be one to watch because it’s one thing, last season, having that goalscoring run, which is very valuable as a winger. Anybody that can add assists, goals and has his pace is obviously going to be on the radar, but Real Valladolid are in La Liga this season and it’s been a step up.

“I think, therefore, it’s a wait and see mentality as far as a club like Leeds are concerned and they’re not the only one as well.”

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The Verdict: Needed?

Plata is primarily a right-winger who can also play on the left, so you could argue that Leeds need additions in other areas.

A new left-back and centre-forward appear to be positions that the Whites need to bolster, with both Junior Firpo and Patrick Bamford struggling for form and fitness during 2022.

The emergence of Crysencio Summerville has handed Jesse Marsch another solid option out wide, so a move for Plata may not be required at this moment in time.

Everton are once again struggling in the Premier League after suffering a tumultuous relegation scrap last season and Frank Lampard will surely be thankful for the World Cup break to give him time to re-evaluate the performances and form his team have found themselves in.

The Toffees are now just one point away from falling into the relegation zone teetering on the edge of the bottom three in 17th after losing four of their last five games in the top flight, the inconsistency that Everton have been far too familiar with over the last 18 months.

Lampard has been dealt a poor hand when it comes to a squad who is fit and available as Everton had the worst injury record in the entire Premier League last season, which has yet again become a problem in the current campaign.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin has missed the vast majority of his football over the last year with constant knocks and repeats of injury issues following his serious long-term quadriceps injury in August 2021.

The absence of the much-loved Everton striker alongside the exit of Richarlison in the summer has taken its toll on the Toffees with only Wolverhampton Wanderers having scored fewer goals this season so far.

As a result, there is no doubt that Lampard will have no choice but to take a look at the transfer market when it reopens in January and signing a prolific, natural finisher should be an absolute priority.

One player who has been linked with a move to the blue side of Merseyside is Coventry City striker Viktor Gyokeres and owner Farhad Moshiri could seal a similar transfer masterclass as he did with Calvert-Lewin by plucking the player from a lower league for a starring role at Goodison Park.

The 24-year-old talent – who Coventry manager Mark Robins claimed is “hungry for goals” – has scored 30 goals and registered five assists over 85 appearances for the second-tier side with a goal contribution every 173 minutes so far, but it is this season in particular where Gyokeres has flourished.

Over 19 Championship appearances, the Swedish striker has scored nine goals and delivered three assists, as well as averaging 1.2 key passes, 2.8 shots on goal and 5.6 duels won per game, proving that he is a consistent goal threat that could be extremely valuable to Everton.

Calvert-Lewin captured the attention of the Toffees when he was playing in League One with Sheffield United and has gone on to become a star striker at Everton who has also represented England on the international stage, and now Gyokeres could follow in the forward’s footsteps.

With that being said, the signing of Gyokeres could be a great piece of business for Everton and if the striker did make the move to Goodison Park whilst continuing to flourish in front of goal, it could be a season-changing signing for the club.

Leeds United absentee Stuart Dallas could make a pleasing return from his serious leg injury in the coming months, according to expert Ben Dinnery.

The Lowdown: Dallas out for many months

The Whites suffered all sorts of injury problems last season but Dallas’ setback was arguably the greatest gut punch, given the severe nature of his issue and his popular status around Elland Road.

Dallas suffered a femoral facture in a Premier League clash with Manchester City back in May, with a long-term absence guaranteed for the Northern Irishman.

However, it looks as though it won’t be too long until he is back in action.

The Latest: Return edging closer

Speaking to Give Me Sport, Dinnery, an expert on sports injuries, claimed that Dallas could be back in early 2023, in what is a hugely positive update:

“The end of December, maybe coming into early 2023 is realistic for a Dallas return.

“It could be that he makes some appearances for the U21 side first, to try and transition from training into eventually moving back into the first team.”

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The Verdict: Will he be the same player?

This is such good news for Leeds and Dallas, with the versatile hero a big miss in recent times, whether it be in midfield or acting as an auxiliary full-back.

At 31, there is the potential that he may not be the same energetic player again, however, such was the severity of his injury, although his physical prowess means he has as good a chance as anyone of remaining a force.

Having Dallas back in the squad again will suddenly give Jesse Marsch more options in various positions – Alan Shearer has called him ‘outstanding’ – and his return could help turn the Whites’ season around further.

Chelsea are reportedly increasing their interest in a young, talented winger currently plying his trade in Spain, and may look to swoop in January.

What’s the word?

Following reports from Spain, the Blues, as well as Premier League rivals Arsenal and Liverpool have emerged as three outfits circling to sign 21-year-old Villarreal sensation Alex Baena, who is emerging as one of the hottest commodities in Spain at present.

Having taken monumental strides in his development since the start of the campaign, Baena has emphatically cemented his role in the Yellow Submarine team after starring on loan with second-tier Girona last year. 

And now after only a matter of months, Villarreal boss Quique Setien might face an uphill battle in securing the long-term future of his young prized asset.

A shrewd signing

In a market littered with extortionate price tags and lucrative deals, Chelsea could unearth their next gem for a relatively reasonable fee, with the player holding a release clause of£30m. 

Despite his young age, Baena has swiftly demonstrated that he possesses the tools and the aptitude to flourish on the major stage.

Indeed, last season the whiz found his feet in the Segunda Division, playing a frequent role and recording five goals and six assists across38league matches for Girona, who wonpromotionvia the play-offs.  

And with his parent club impressed, Baena was offered a place in the Villarreal first-team, with the club benefitting from his quick pace and desire to instigate direct forward play.

And now, during his breakout season, the Spanish U21 international has recorded nine goals and four assists across21fixtures this term, notably starring in the Europa Conference League.

In fact, the ace’s average rating of7.80in the European competition is the best from any player competing, highlighting the budding stardom that lies at the feet of this talented winger. 

Offering2.2 shots per match, making two key passes and creating two big chances, alongside the four goals netted in the competition, Baena will only continue to see his stock rise with such resounding displays. 

With new Chelsea owner Todd Boehly constantly scouring the market for young phenoms capable of wreaking havoc on opposition defences, Baena might just be the best option to delve into, and with strikes scored with “perfection”, the Blues could be well placed to climb the Premier League table with his signature. 

If the west Londoners are indeed seeking to bolster the squad across multiple fronts in the forthcoming transfer window, Baena could be a fine option to inject some real quality, while also not breaking the bank and allowing the club to focus on multiple avenues.

Wolverhampton Wanderers central midfielder Connor Ronan is attracting increasing interest ahead of the January transfer window.

What’s the latest?

That’s according to Matt Jackson, with Wolves’ strategic player marketing manager revealing in a recent interview with Football Scotland that the Premier League side are leaving the 24-year-old’s future down to him, suggesting that the club would be open to the midfielder leaving Molineux on a temporary or permanent basis in the winter market.

Regarding the Republic of Ireland international’s future, Jackson said: “We’re very much leaving it open to Connor and his agent at the moment. We think so highly of him and we feel that’s how it should be.

“At the moment he’s focused on our first team and he’ll be looking to get involved with them in January and beyond. Of course, there’s a lot of interest in him both loan and permanent interest but, again, we want to do what’s best for Connor.

“He has experience on the continent with our connections with Grasshopper and he did very well in Scotland with Jim Goodwin at St. Mirren, so what works for Connor is what we’ll be looking at.”

Huge mistake

While it is true that Ronan has somewhat struggled to break into Wolves’ first team so far this season – playing just 65 minutes of senior football thus far in 2022/23 – considering just how impressive the midfielder was for St. Mirren last time out, letting the 24-year-old to leave the club permanently this winter would very much appear to be a huge mistake.

Indeed, over his 27 Scottish Premiership appearances last term, the £870k-rated talent was in remarkable form going forwards, scoring seven goals, registering four assists and creating two big chances for his teammates, in addition to taking an average of 1.3 shots, making 1.6 key passes and completing 1.1 dribbles per game.

The £3k-per-week academy graduate also impressed in metrics more typical of his position, making an average of 1.2 tackles, 0.6 interceptions, 0.4 clearances and winning 2.4 duels per match, as well as playing an average of 3.4 long balls, 2.1 chipped passes and completing 31.6 total passes – at a success rate of 80% – per outing.

These returns saw the 24-year-old average an extremely impressive Sofascore match rating of 6.95, not only ranking him as St.Mirren’s fifth-best performer in the top flight of Scottish football but also seeing the midfielder pick up the club’s Player of the Year award last time out.

Rather unsurprisingly, Ronan’s displays saw him earn a considerable amount of praise, none more so than from St. Mirren manager Stephen Robinson, who told Express Sport of the Irishman back in May:

“Connor is a truly excellent player. He’s a real creative spark and I honestly could have done with about five of him! He’s a very good trainer, he’s a super goalscorer and he’s got fantastic vision as well.

“You could play him as a deeper lying midfielder or a more attacking one, he’s good enough to play all over the midfield. The best compliment I can give him is that he reminds me of Steven Davis, who I played alongside and then coached for Northern Ireland.

“Like Steven, he’s just so intelligent on and off the ball, a manager’s dream really. We’d have loved to have kept him but I know there are a hell of a lot of clubs interested in him, unsurprisingly. I can actually see him playing abroad again and I’m sure wherever he goes he’ll make an impact again.”

As such, considering the fact that Wolves are struggling for goals this season – having scored a league-low of just eight in 2022/23 – it would appear as if the Old Gold are very much in need of a central midfielder with the forward-thinking ability of Ronan in the second half of the campaign – leading us to believe that parting with the 24-year-old would indeed be a huge mistake.

Villarreal winger Arnaut Danjuma could be a potential signing for Aston Villa in the January transfer window, according to reliable journalist Ashley Preece.

The Lowdown: Danjuma linked with Villa

The Villans were beaten 3-1 at home to Liverpool on Boxing Day, with the performance suggesting that an injection of fresh quality is needed before the end of next month.

One player who has been linked with a move to Villa is Danjuma, a player with whom Unai Emery worked during their mutual time at Villarreal recently.

The 25-year-old has scored 21 goals in 49 appearances for the La Liga side, along with being described as a ‘nightmare for defenders’ by one-time Premier League Golden Boot winner Kevin Phillips.

The Latest: Preece name-drops Danjuma

In a Q&A for Birmingham Mail, Preece namedropped Danjuma when asked about potential January targets.

The reporter stated:

“First signing? I haven’t had a concrete name put to me yet with nothing being leaked into the media. Danjuma could be one for obvious reasons.”

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The Verdict: Valuable width for Emery

Danjuma could be exactly what Villa need in January, with their wide attacking options scoring just five goals between them so far this season, four of those from Leon Bailey.

Philippe Coutinho has not contributed to a goal in 2022/23 and could potentially move on, so the Villarreal winger could be a strong and very different replacement, adding more pace and a greater counterattacking threat.

Danjuma’s relationship with Emery is another reason why a move could make sense, with the Villa manager knowing the Dutchman’s game inside out and being aware of exactly what the 25-year-old could add to the team.

2022 has been a tough year for Everton supporters, as the club survived relegation by the skin of their teeth in May and find themselves near the bottom of the Premier League table once more.

Long gone seem the days where the Goodison Park outfit were challenging for European football season after season, and now it looks as if Frank Lampard’s main task will be to keep them in the Premier League again.

Losing Richarlison to Tottenham Hotspur in the summer has proved to be a big blow, with the Merseyside club among the lowest scorers in the top flight, but it has not been all doom and gloom, as the likes of Amadou Onana, Conor Coady and James Tarkowski look to be promising new additions, forming a dominant spine through Frank’s first XI.

And if you’re needing a five minute break from the Christmas festivities, why not have a go at our quiz of the Toffees’ 2022 calendar year… if you can bear it! Ten questions to answer below, so go and test your Blues-mad friends and prove who knows best!