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Transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Manchester United are interested in Jeremie Frimpong but are not in “active” discussions over a transfer.

What are the latest Frimpong rumours to Man Utd?

It seems as though the Bayer Leverkusen right-back has been a target for the club for some time as a possible move was rumoured in the January transfer market window.

What’s more, Bundesliga insider Christian Falk recently told CaughtOffside that the Red Devils are “getting closer and closer” with talks likely having already taken place.

However, it sounds as though United aren’t quite that far down the line as of yet. Indeed, while talking on his YouTube channel, Romano explained that there is “no contact” between the two clubs yet despite genuine interest.

He said (2:33): “In the last few hours, we heard some stories about Jeremie Frimpong linked to Manchester United move for the summer.

“What we can say is that we say October, November. Man United are following the player they have constantly their scouts keeping an eye on Jeremie Frimpong.

“He is one of many right-backs they’re following but at the moment, from what I understand, there is no contact at all between Man United and Bayern Leverkusen.

“No negotiation,  no concrete or active discussion and so at the moment it is just following the player and nothing else and this is important to clarify.

“Because, let me remind you, the priority and the focus of Man United in that position is to extend the contract of Diogo Dalot as soon as possible.”

Why do Man Utd want Frimpong?

As Romano makes clear, United seem to be keen on keeping Dalot at the club, having actually triggered a contract extension for him earlier this season.

Still, that just adds 12 months to his deal and so his long-term future remains somewhat in doubt. What’s more, Aaron Wan-Bissaka has long been linked with a move out of the club and so an alternative right-back may be needed soon enough.

Frimpong certainly has impressed this season, becoming a regular starter for Bayer Leverkusen with plenty of attacking threat too. Indeed, he has five goals and seven assists in 30 outings across all competitions.

On top of that obvious quality, having come through the Manchester City academy he counts as a homegrown player and so this could make him an even more tantalising prospect tin the market.

Still, it sounds as though a deal isn’t close to being agreed just yet.

Everton striker Ellis Simms was ‘out of his depth’ during the Premier League game vs Liverpool on Monday evening, according to journalist Josh Bunting.

The Lowdown: Derby defeat at Anfield

The Toffees were the visitors at Anfield last night but suffered a 2-0 defeat thanks to goals from Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo either side of half time.

The Merseyside outfit recalled the 22-year-old from his loan at Sunderland in December and Sean Dyche handed him a starting place for the highly-anticipated derby against their rivals.

However, the 6 foot 2 starlet was substituted on 61 minutes after failing to make a significant impact, losing possession more times (eight) than he completed a pass (seven), which has since seen him come under a bit of scrutiny.

The Latest: Bunting’s reaction

Taking to Twitter after the game, Bunting delivered a brutally honest verdict on Simms’ underwhelming performance for Everton. He wrote:

“Sadly Ellis Simms just isn’t ready yet for the Premier League, understand why Everton recalled him with the form he was showing at Sunderland but he’s out of his depth tonight. Need to play him in a two really but he’s just not up to this pace yet, hard game for him to come into.”

The Verdict: A matter of time…

Simms has only made four top-flight appearances throughout his entire career so it will take some getting used to, but it’ll hopefully only be a matter of time before he hits the ground running.

The Blues forward scored seven goals and provided two assists in 17 appearances during his time at the Stadium of Light, showing how prolific he can be when given a consistent run in a side.

The Oldham-born talent also provided an aerial threat, having won 2.8 of his duels per league game, and with the guidance of his experienced teammates and Dyche, he’s surely capable of replicating the same level of form at Goodison Park.

Aston Villa are thought to be in the mix to sign Borussia Monchengladbach forward Marcus Thuram on a free transfer.

The Lowdown: Contract situation

Thuram, described as ‘world class’ by Wolfsburg sporting director Marcel Schafer, has been in fine form this season, contributing to 13 Bundesliga goals in 18 games.

Primarily a centre-forward who can also play out wide, the France international is out of contract at the end of the season. It appears as if Monchengladbach have given up on the chances of extending his stay in Germany, with Villa Park a potential destination.

The Latest: Transfer update

Sports Witness relayed an update from Sport regarding Thuram, where Villa were named.

They claimed that Unai Emery’s side are one of nine sides keen on his services, with clubs from Spain, Italy and German also in the mix.

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The Verdict: Perfect addition?

Thuram currently holds a €32m (£28.3m) Transfermarkt valuation and has impressed this season, so a free transfer could be a huge coup for Villa. Emery also appears to be a fan of the forward as he was allegedly determined to sign the player in the winter window, with the Villa boss making just one attacking addition in January in teenager Jhon Duran.

The 25-year-old would offer plenty of versatility at Villa Park, while also bringing experience at the highest level for club and country to the Midlands, so he could be the perfect addition to rival Ollie Watkins and Duran in the final third.

Liverpool have been dealt a blow as January midfield target Ryan Gravenberch is set to stay at Bayern Munich, Fabrizio Romano has revealed.

What’s the word?

Liverpool were linked with a loan move for the Dutchman, who has hardly featured for the club since his summer move from Ajax, but it now appears a deal is impossible.

Jurgen Klopp’s side are thought to be in the market for a central midfielder, and a deal for Gravenberch could have strengthened their squad as they look to recover from their current slump during the second half of the season.

But speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano revealed that Bayern want to keep the midfielder until the summer at the very least.

He said: “To clarify on Ryan Gravenberch. Some rumours on a potential loan deal to Liverpool or maybe to some other English club from Bayern – the message is pretty clear: Bayern want to keep the player.

“They want to keep Gravenberch, and at least until the end of the season. They trust him, they consider him an important player for their project. Of course, it’s not an easy moment for him, an easy first part of the season, but Bayern are convinced that he’s going to be a really important player in the future.

“So at the moment, they are not accepting any loan for Gravenberch and Liverpool are not negotiating for him.”

Time running out

It is clear that Liverpool need a central midfielder in the January window, but having spent £35m on Cody Gakpo, their options – and room in their transfer budget – remain limited, hence the reported interest in a loan deal.

With less than a week left in the window, the club need to find a solution that can keep them ticking over until the summer, when they could move for high-profile targets such as Jude Bellingham.

They could lose out on Bellingham if they fail to qualify for the Champions League, so any strengthening now could prove crucial.

Everton have been linked with Villarreal winger Nicolas Jackson recently and the Senegal international could prove to be Frank Lampard’s own version of Neymar at Goodison Park.

According to TEAMtalk, Everton, Aston Villa, Southampton and Bournemouth are all plotting moves for the 21-year-old this month after a series of impressive displays for the Yellow Submarine in La Liga.

The report claims that the Toffees have a long-standing interest in the versatile forward and considered a move for him last summer but with Lampard now desperate for attacking reinforcements at Goodison Park, a transfer this month could certainly be on the cards.

Despite being just 21, Jackson has 33 first-team appearances to his name with Villarreal in which he has contributed three goals and four assists, so he could certainly add some attacking quality to Lampard’s squad for the rest of the season.

Considering Demarai Gray and Anthony Gordon lead the way for Everton in the Premier League so far this term, with just three goals to their name, it seems clear that attacking additions are needed if the Merseyside outfit are to pull away from any relegation battle, with the drop looming after Tuesday’s 4-1 defeat at home to Brighton.

Supporters at Everton have been subject to disappointing football for a number of years now and they need a player who is capable of getting fans on their feet, and considering Jackson’s similarity to PSG and Brazil sensation Neymar – as per talent scout Jacek Kulig – he could certainly provide some excitement in the final third.

The 31-year-old sensation boasts an incredible 11 goals and ten assists in 15 league appearances for the Ligue 1 side so far this campaign and is widely regarded as one of the most talented players of this generation. Thus, a player considered similar to him would certainly be a worthwhile addition at Goodison Park.

As per FBref, the Senegalese youngster scores impressively for dribbles, progressive passes played and progressive passes received when compared to other forwards across Europe’s top leagues. That fact lends itself well to the Neymar comparisons and suggests that he is capable of making a big difference in the final third with his ability on the ball.

Lampard is no doubt keen for new signings this month and considering Jackson was described as having “bags of potential” by Birmingham Live journalist Ashley Preece, he could be a great signing from both a short and long-term perspective for the Toffees.

Aston Villa are set to compete in their first Premier League match of 2023 as they travel away from home to face Tottenham Hotspur this afternoon.

The Villans are facing Antonio Conte’s side off the back of a 3-1 defeat to Liverpool last time out and will be hoping for a reaction as they look to avoid back-to-back defeats for the first time in Unai Emery’s reign.

Villa’s new head coach has endured a difficult start to life back in England in regards to fixtures as he has had to play against Manchester United twice, Tottenham, and Liverpool within his first five games.

However, they did beat the Red Devils in the top-flight and Emery will now be aiming for another scalp as they head to London for this match.

In order to give his side the best chance of picking up a positive result today, the former Villarreal boss must finally unleash goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez from the start.

The Argentine shot-stopper returned to training earlier this week after being awarded a break due to his involvement in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

His absence meant that Robin Olsen lined up between the sticks against Jurgen Klopp’s side and the Sweden international must now be dropped from the team in favour of Martinez as he is a liability for Villa.

In two Premier League appearances this season, the former Everton man has conceded seven goals and let in 47% of the shots against him. He also struggled in the EFL Cup as he made one error leading to a goal and saw half of the eight shots on his goal go past him against Manchester United.

Last season, Olsen played for Sheffield United in the Championship and averaged an unimpressive Sofascore rating of 6.55 across 11 appearances as he made two errors leading to shots or goals and saved 61% of the shots against him.

These statistics indicate that Emery cannot rely on the goalkeeper to put in a good performance between the sticks, whereas Martinez has been in solid form in the top flight this term.

The former Arsenal gem, who was once hailed as “outstanding” by ex-teammate Jack Grealish, has averaged a Sofascore rating of 6.91 in the Premier League and has a save percentage of 69% across 15 outings.

Martinez, who journalist Callum Altimas dubbed a “mad man” for his antics in Qatar, also proved his worth at the World Cup as he made two penalty shoot-out saves against the Netherlands in the quarter-finals and then one in the final against France as he played a major role in his team winning the trophy.

Indeed, he can be a difference-maker between the sticks with his ability to make big and important saves from both the penalty spot and from open play.

The £120k-per-week Argentine monster could be the difference between the Villans losing and picking up a positive result against Spurs. He has superior ability in comparison to the club’s second choice, and must finally be unleashed after his return from Qatar.

Glasgow Rangers boss Michael Beale may only be a matter of weeks into the job at Ibrox although the Englishman already appears keen to put his stamp on things, with the 42-year-old seemingly making plans for the long-term at present.

That has been evidenced by the fact that the up-and-coming manager is believed to be overseeing a new contract for 18-year-old starlet, Leon King, with The Athletic reporting that the Rangers centre-back is close to sealing a four-year deal to keep him in Glasgow for the foreseeable future.

The academy graduate has begun to establish himself in the first team this season after making 11 Scottish Premiership appearances and also featuring in all six Champions League group stage games, with such an impact having even sparked reported interest from Europe’s top clubs.

This latest news that a contract extension is on the cards should well ease those fears over a departure, with it looking likely that King will now remain with the Light Blues over the next few years.

Having already had 18 months to run on his existing deal at the club, however, there is perhaps less urgency to get the defender tied down to a new deal compared to other members of the squad, with the future of Malik Tillman potentially a more pressing issue as far as Beale is concerned.

The United States international joined the Old Firm outfit on a season-long loan deal from Bayern Munich over the summer, although it remains to be seen if the Gers will trigger the buy option included as part of that switch for a fee of around €7m (£6m).

Beale himself has only recently outlined his desire to get that permanent agreement wrapped up, with the former Queen’s Park Rangers boss having stated:

“We’re lucky to have him playing here in Scotland. He’s just 20 and I think he’s got a huge future in front of him – hopefully for this football club.

“It’s a pretty obvious one. I really like Malik. He is a fantastic talent. He wants to play slightly higher. We’re going to give him the freedom to run out of that midfield and get into the positions he was in today.

“You can see what he could grow into. He’s the exact type of player that we want at this football club. I don’t know the exact fee, I don’t know where we’re going to go and get it from, but if we can do it, I would definitely sign Malik Tillman, yes.”

While the 20-year-old has faced criticism for his form so far this term – having been dubbed a “frustrating figure” by pundit Neil McCann – the American gem has received notable backing from those at the club, with teammate John Lundstram dubbing him “one of the best young talents I have seen”.

That quality has been evident in flashes during his time in Glasgow thus far, with the four-cap dynamo having scored four goals and provided three assists in 23 games this term, including five goal contributions in only 13 league outings.

There may be a need to find greater consistency in his game, although that will likely come with the German-born star earning a more prominent role in the side over an extended period, something which would well be aided if his future is secured beyond the end of this season.

With Beale’s recent praise suggesting that the playmaker could have a big part to play in the remainder of the campaign, it could well be a real masterstroke to get a permanent move wrapped sooner rather than later, helping to end any speculation as the season progresses.

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.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly in the running for Borussia Monchengladbach striker, Marcus Thuram, although are likely to face competition for the Frenchman’s signature.

What’s the word?

According to transfer insider Dean Jones – speaking to GIVEMESPORT – Spurs could face a battle with north London rivals Arsenal to sign the 25-year-old, with the four-cap menace facing an uncertain future in Germany with just a matter of months left on his existing deal.

The respected source stated: “The Thuram situation isn’t totally clear yet, but it’s reasonable to believe he’s considering his next move. Arsenal have been linked with him too, so there might yet be a bit of a scrap for him if he fancies actually moving to England.”

This comes amid a report from The Sun that claimed Antonio Conte’s side – as well as the Gunners, Liverpool and Newcastle United – are interested in the former Guingamp man, with the 6-foot-4 marksman able to seal a pre-contract agreement in the New Year, or leave for nothing in the summer.

Conte’s next Lautaro

Thuram has warranted such attention amid his sparkling form at club level so far this season, having scored 13 goals and provided four assists in just 17 games across all competitions, with his tally of ten Bundesliga goals only bettered by compatriot, Christopher Nkunku (12), across the division.

That hot streak – which has ensured that the Parma-born gem’s overall record for Gladbach stands at 67 goal involvements in 119 games to date – has seen the forward included as a late pick in Didier Deschamps’ squad for the World Cup, with journalist Raj Chohan tipping him to “make an impact” at the tournament.

While a positive stint in Qatar could only add to the growing list of suitors, as far as Tottenham are concerned they will likely be hoping to edge in the race to secure his services, with Conte said to be keen on bringing in a new attacker as part of a January overhaul.

The Italian could well see Thuram as an ideal fit to strengthen his forward line, with the £8.7m-rated gem – who has been dubbed a “physical monster” by Herve Renard – sharing a number of statistical and stylistic similarities with Inter Milan hotshot, Lautaro Martinez, as per FBref.

That likeness is illustrated by the fact that the pair both compare favourably to those in their position in Europe with regards to non-penalty goals, with the Argentine sensation averaging 0.57 per game for that metric, while Thuram averages just slightly lower at 0.54.

Equally, the two men are also vital figures as a result of their willingness to put in the hard yards in attack, with the latter man ranking in the top 10% for interceptions made, while Martinez ranks in the top 5% for the same metric.

The San Siro starlet was notably a key part of Conte’s title-winning side during the experienced coach’s recent spell in Milan, with the 25-year-old forming a stunning and formidable attacking partnership with Romelu Lukaku, the pair netting 41 times between them as part of that Scudetto triumph in the 2020/21 campaign.

The hope would be that Thuram could have a similar impact were he to link up with the former Chelsea boss in N17, with such an acquisition likely to be the type of additional firepower that the club are currently craving.

Chloe Kelly's lack of minutes at Man City is 'already' a 'concern' for Lionesses boss Sarina Wiegman, despite her being in the latest England squad.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Kelly finding minutes at Man City hard to come by
• Hasn't stopped her making latest Lionesses squad
• But England boss Wiegman admits 'concern'

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Kelly has made just one start in the Women's Super League this season as her struggles to get back into Man City's starting XI continue from last season. The England winger lost her place to Australia international Mary Fowler back in March and only has further competition out wide this term, with the arrival of Japan starlet Aoba Fujino.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  That lack of action has understandably raised questions about how long it is until Kelly is not called up for England. She was included in the Lionesses' October squad and, amid injuries to Lauren Hemp and Lauren James, it wasn't a huge surprise to see her among the forwards in the latest list either, ahead of games against the United States and Switzerland.

• WHAT WIEGMAN SAID

  However, Wiegman was asked on Tuesday just when Kelly's lack of regular minutes will become a concern to her – and she said it already is. "I think it's a concern right now, already, but that's a hard situation," the England boss replied. "Competition at Man City is high too but it's also to have a look at what's available. Which players do we have available for our squad? We have some injuries up front. Lauren Hemp is injured, Lauren James is injured, so that competition is still going on too. Chloe knows that she's not in the best position at club at the moment but [she has] enough credit to bring her in, related to the whole team and the availability of players."

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• DID YOU KNOW?

  Kelly is currently in the final year of her contract at Man City and reports suggest that there is little chance at the moment of that being renewed. She may well find a new club in the summer where she gets more game time then, but this season is particularly important because there is a European Championships at the end of it – and Kelly will want to be there.