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West Brom are reportedly keen on signing Nottingham Forest midfielder Lewis O’Brien on loan this month and his potential reunion with Carlos Corberan at the Hawthorns could see them achieve the promotion they narrowly missed out on at Huddersfield last season.

According to journalist Alan Nixon, West Brom are keen on signing the English midfielder this month, as he continues to struggle for game time with Steve Cooper’s side in the Premier League.

O’Brien was one of the star performers in Huddersfield’s side last season as they reached the Championship playoffs before their defeat against the Reds in the final at Wembley.

The 24-year-old, who captained the Terriers under Corberan, would contribute three goals and three assists in 46 Championship appearances last season, earning a superb 7.09 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

He would then complete a £10m move to the City Ground but has so far failed to emulate that form in the Premier League under Cooper, averaging a disappointing 6.33 rating from WhoScored across his 12 top-flight appearances, six of which have come from the bench.

Cooper has a frankly ridiculous number of players to choose from at Forest and it seems as if O’Brien may well be surplus to requirements when you consider that his last start in the Premier League came in early November.

However, he emphasised last season just how effective he can be in the second tier and Corberan would know how to get the best out of the young midfielder as he looks to continue the Baggies’ charge up the table.

The Spanish manager was full of praise for O’Brien last season as he led by example in Huddersfield’s surprise promotion push.

He said: “It’s not only the fact that Lewis O’Brien can compete at a top-level every single time he plays whatever position he is on the football pitch, it’s how he reacts to how you make him play in different positions. There is what makes him a special player and that is the fact that means I don’t see limits in his career and I don’t see limits in his potential.

“He does it all with a level of humility that means he is going to be an exceptional player and he is never going to stop growing.”

Corberan and O’Brien would have been gutted not to achieve promotion together last season but it seems as if the Baggies will have the chance to benefit from their strong relationship by signing him this month, and the Forest midfielder could be the difference maker as West Brom aim to return to the top flight this year.

Liverpool would reportedly need to obliterate their transfer record to sign Borussia Dortmund and England star Jude Bellingham.

The Lowdown: Reds working on Bellingham deal

It has been reported that the Reds are working on a deal to sign the teenager ahead of next summer.

Hailed as a ‘monster’ by former Sheffield United midfielder Curtis Woodhouse after his exploits at the World Cup in Qatar, the 19-year-old was England’s second-best performer at the tournament as per WhoScored metrics.

He scored one goal, supplied one assist and picked up one man-of-the-match award on their way to making the quarter-finals, where they were knocked out by eventual finalists France (WhoScored).

The Latest: Would obliterate Liverpool’s transfer record

Writing in his latest piece for The Times, journalist Paul Joyce has claimed that Liverpool would have to obliterate their transfer record if they want to sign Bellingham, with Jurgen Klopp recently showing his admiration for the player by dubbing him ‘exceptional’.

The Reds will seek to compete with both Real Madrid and Manchester City for his signature, as Bellingham was valued at £130m by Dortmund before his performances at the World Cup, which has heightened the excitement over his talents.

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The Verdict: Break the bank

No matter what the potential cost, Liverpool simply need to break the bank to get Bellingham in through the door at Anfield.

At Dortmund this season before the World Cup, he managed an impressive nine goals and three assists from midfield in all competitions (WhoScored), and he seems to be growing in stature with every match that he plays at the highest level.

At just 19, his potential is truly frightening; and with Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and James Milner’s contracts expiring next summer, and Jordan Henderson (32) and Thiago (31) into their 30s, Bellingham could be a mainstay in Liverpool’s midfield for the next decade if FSG can finally bring him to Merseyside.

Newcastle United have been rebuilding their squad over the last 12 months since the PIF takeover at St James’ Park, and a new potential target has been revealed ahead of the January transfer window.

What’s the latest?

According to 90min, Morocco and Angers midfielder Azzedine Ounahi has captured the attention of the Tyneside outfit.

As per the report, Ounahi has been attracting interest following his outstanding performances at the World Cup in Qatar and has a number of clubs including Newcastle named as potential suitors.

It is claimed that Wolverhampton Wanderers, Leicester City, Southampton and West Ham United are the other Premier League clubs interested in the 22-year-old.

Howe could land his own De Jong

There is no doubt that Eddie Howe will be thrilled with how well his squad has progressed since he made the move to St James’ Park in November 2021.

The Magpies are currently third in the Premier League table after a phenomenal start to their campaign and, like league leaders, Arsenal, have only lost one of their first 15 games in the division this term.

Indeed, Howe may well be content with the squad that he already has at St James’ Park, but if the club want to retain their top-four position over the second half of the season, it wouldn’t hurt to add some depth into key roles in the team.

As a result, the prospective signing of Ounahi could be a great addition if Newcastle can secure his signature in January.

The €45m (£39m)-valued midfielder – who was dubbed “incredible” by Jose Mourinho – ranks in the top 7% of his positional peers across the top five European leagues for dribbles completed, touches and progressive passes received over the last year.

Ounahi has also been a standout performer at the World Cup in Qatar, playing a key role in Morocco’s record-breaking progression to the semi-finals – the first time an African team has achieved this feat in the history of the prestigious tournament.

Across six appearances at the finals, the 22-year-old completed 91% of his dribbles, created one ‘big chance’ and tallied an 82% pass accuracy, averaging 1.2 interceptions, 1.5 tackles and 5.2 successful duels per game.

In fact, Howe could land his own Frenkie de Jong for Newcastle, as the Barcelona talent was named as the fourth-most comparable player to Ounahi over the last 12 months, according to FBRef.

The midfield positional peers have shared many similarities over the season so far, including tackles and interceptions combined (34 v 36), pass completion (86.2% v 89.7%), shot-creating actions (43 v 42) and clearances (4 v 5).

With that in mind, signing Ounahi would be a major coup for Newcastle, but they will need to compete with a number of clubs and will have to pull out a tempting offer in order to complete the deal.

Wolverhampton Wanderers are seemingly gearing up for what could prove to be a crucial January transfer window under new boss Julen Lopetegui, with the 56-year-old seemingly in need of further additions to help bolster the club’s chances of survival.

The former Sevilla head coach – who officially took charge earlier this week – has already admitted that new acquisitions could well be on the horizon in the New Year, with the Spaniard seemingly keen to revive a side who are currently languishing at the foot of the Premier League table.

Recent speculation has suggested that one name who could potentially come through the door at Molineux is Stade Rennais winger, Martin Terrier, with the Midlands outfit believed to be one of a ‘host’ of top-flight clubs who are chasing the Frenchman, as per 90min.

The report suggests that the 25-year-old has impressed a raft of suitors with his displays in Ligue of late, with his current side likely to demand a fee of more than £30m if they are to part ways in the winter.

The former Lyon man – who made the move to Rennes in the summer of 2020 – has begun the current campaign in fine fashion with an impressive haul of 11 goals and four assists in 20 appearances across all fronts, including eight goals in just 14 games in the league.

The former France U21 international now boasts 41 goals and 19 assists in 104 games in his current surroundings, with that a more than respectable return for a player who is not an out-and-out centre-forward, having typically operated on the flanks.

Although such form has not seen the eye-catching machine earn a place in his nation’s World Cup squad, that has not been a universally popular decision, with one source suggesting that he could have “announced himself” in Qatar, with there having been “few better players in Europe at the moment” – according to journalist Graeme Bailey.

Adding such a creative, “high-level” talent – as described by boss Bruno Genesio – to the Old Gold’s ranks could well help to solve the club’s current attacking woes, having netted just eight goals in 15 league games this season.

While the 6-foot marksman is yet to feature outside of his homeland, fears over his ability to make the grade in English football could well be eased by his likeness to Arsenal starlet, Gabriel Martinelli, with the pair sharing a number of stylistic and statistical similarities, as per FBref.

The latter man – who also provides a right-footed option down the left flank for the Gunners – has notably been compared to footballing icon Thierry Henry in recent times, with Terrier having also earned that comparison of late to his compatriot for his speed and finishing prowess, as European football writer Tim Williams stated:

“He’s a very quick, left-sided right-footed attacking player whose trademark is coming in off the left flank and whipping shots in, a-la Thierry Henry.”

Equally, the two men are also similar in their willingness to try and spark attacks with an incisive forward pass, with Terrier averaging 6.79 progressive passes received per game, while Martinelli averages 6.40 for the same metric.

Such comparison to the emerging Emirates hero will have piqued the interest of Lopetegui and co such has been the youngster’s form in north London of late, with the explosive menace having scored five goals in 14 league games this season to help steer Mikel Arteta’s side to the top of the table.

While Wolves’ current ambitions may not be quite so lofty, adding a Martinelli-esque asset to their ranks in the form of Terrier would more than aid their bid to stave off the drop.

Renowned for their fine work in the transfer market, this summer boasted another set of new young recruits for Southampton to hopefully make successes out of.

Ten new faces entered the St Mary’s doors, with the vast majority unknown commodities mostly on the younger side.

Although their season has not started particularly strongly, sitting in 17th, their form of late can be seen as directly correlating with the absence of one of these summer additions.

The injury to central defender Armel Bella-Kotchap in mid-October has underpinned a run of form where they have won just one in their last eight Premier League games.

Signed for just £10m, the German has already gone on to make his debut for the national team since moving to the south coast and earned praise for his cultured performances at the back for the Saints.

With an average SofaScore rating of 7.03, the 20-year-old is impressing not only with his defending, where he averages 2.3 interceptions and 1.4 tackles per game, but his ball playing, where he boasts a 100% dribble success rate and 76% pass accuracy.

Ralph Hasenhuttl has led that acclaim, stating after their win over Chelsea: “When you see the physical quality he has it is perfect for the Premier League.”

Jermaine Jenas also joined in to say: “He has authority in the way he plays, how aggressive he is in the tackle and his positional sense, you always want one leading the way and he seems to want to take that mantle at 20 years of age.”

This emergence into the forefront of world football has understandably led to an increase in value.

Back in December of 2021, whilst still at VFL Bochum, the France-born gem was worth just £4.5m. Now however, as of November 2022, Transfermarkt value him at £16.2m. This marks a 260% increase in just under a year.

As he continues to improve, this will only continue to grow. It may only be early in Bella-Kotchap’s Southampton career, but he is already looking like another one of their infamously shrewd pieces of business.

Tottenham Hotspur head into Sunday afternoon’s Premier League meeting with Newcastle United on the back of a disappointing 2-0 defeat to Manchester United in midweek, with Antonio Conte undoubtedly hoping his side can immediately get back on track with a positive result and performance against the sixth-placed Magpies.

Although, with Dejan Kulusevski and Richarlison remaining sidelined due to injury, as well as Lucas Moura struggling to get back to full fitness after his recovery from a tendon injury, the Italian may well be forced to stick with the 3-5-2 formation that looked to be one of the main reasons behind Tottenham’s distinct lack of creativity in Wednesday’s loss at Old Trafford.

Having said that, one way the 53-year-old could look to add a bit more attacking impetus to his starting XI this afternoon is by replacing Yves Bissouma with Oliver Skipp in the heart of the Tottenham midfield, as, despite having played a total of just 16 minutes of Premier League football this season, the 22-year-old has previously proven his ability to add to his side’s attack.

Indeed, during a season-long loan spell with Norwich City back in 2020/21, despite primarily being a defensively-minded midfielder, the £17.5m-rated talent impressed in an attacking capacity over his 45 Championship appearances, scoring one goal, registering two assists and creating three big chances for his teammates.

The England U21 international also caught the eye in metrics more typical of his position, making an average of 2.2 tackles, 1.1 interceptions and winning 5.7 duels – at a success rate of 56% – per game, as well as making an average of 0.6 key passes, 0.6 dribbles and playing 2.4 long balls per fixture – proving his ability to progress the ball further up the pitch.

These returns saw the £40k-per-week youngster average an extremely impressive SofaScore match rating of 7.02, ranking him as the Canaries’ joint ninth-best performer in the second tier of English football that season – playing a key role in the club’s promotion back to the Premier League.

Furthermore, following his display in a 2-0 win over Brentford last season, Glenn Hoddle praised Skipp’s ability to progress the ball from central midfield, stating of the Englishman (via the Daily Mail): “Oliver Skipp – I thought it was his best game he has played for Tottenham. There are times when he is a little frustrating, where he looks square and backwards.

“But he is growing into the game, straight away when he is in possession of the ball he is looking forwards, he is getting more confident on the ball, progressive. If he can keep doing that consistently then he will be the player that people were speaking to me about a few years back.”

As such, with Conte’s side desperately lacking a creative spark against United, the 53-year-old manager must finally hand the academy graduate his first start of the Premier League season when Newcastle visit the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium later today, as Skipp undoubtedly has the ability to prove to be a game-changer in Tottenham’s 3-5-2 set-up.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has confirmed that midfielder Curtis Jones has returned to full training ahead of the Premier League clash with Arsenal.

The Lowdown: Jones missing for Reds

The Reds haven’t been without injury problems this season, particularly in midfield, and Jones has been one of those absent for a sustained period of time.

The 21-year-old has only featured in the Community Shield win over Manchester City this season and even that was as a late substitute.

Now, it looks as though he is in contention for minutes at Arsenal on Sunday afternoon, however, in what is a huge game for both sides.

The Latest: Midfielder back in training

Taking to Twitter on Friday, journalist James Pearce confirmed that Jones is fit again, following Klopp’s press conference:

“Curtis Jones back in full training.”

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The Verdict: Good option against Arsenal

Sunday’s trip to the Gunners is one of the biggest matches of the season so far, as an underperforming Liverpool come up against the current Premier League leaders.

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While Jones surely won’t start proceedings at the Emirates, having him as an option from the bench could be priceless in the second half, considering the game could be fast-paced and in need of fresh legs as the minutes tick by.

Suddenly, Liverpool’s injury woes appear to be easing and the Englishman’s return gives Klopp much-needed choices in midfield again, with that area of the pitch looking jaded so far this season, with Fabinho and Jordan Henderson short of their best.

Brandon Aveiro was once regarded as one of the brightest talents in Crystal Palace’s academy but the youngster’s career has gone sour since leaving Selhurst Park.

The attacking midfielder signed a professional contract with the Eagles aged 17 and was a regular for the U23s, but is now without a club after being released from QPR during the summer.

Aveiro joined Palace as an eight-year-old and was tipped for big things by academy director Gary Issott when he signed the pro deal in 2018.

He said: “It is a great success story for Brandon having been with us since being eight years old and he is an exciting player who can play wide, or is just as comfortable playing behind the front two.

“He has shown incredible intensity to keep improving his game, but with signing his first professional contract the hard work starts here for him, and I wish him all the best with us for the future.”

The Portuguese youngster was even linked with a move to European giants Benfica after receiving a Portugal U18 call-up and starring for Palace’s U18s, scoring 14 goals and assisting ten.

However, he would struggle to replicate that form with the U23s and was released by the club last summer after failing to make a single appearance for the first team.

He would join QPR but once again failed to make the grade with the Championship side, and now finds himself without a club as a 21-year-old without a senior appearance to his name.

Aveiro’s career thus far emphasises how easily things can change for a young footballer, as he was clearly deemed a top talent by a number of clubs, as West Ham, Everton and Sporting Lisbon were all linked with signing him just two years ago.

However, no club has taken a chance on the midfielder and he remains unemployed nearly two months into the new season, which suggests that if he can’t find a new club soon, he may have to quit football completely, which represents a huge decline from his standing at Palace only a few years ago.

Sunderland are reportedly tempted to sign Manchester United goalkeeper Matej Kovar on loan.

The Lowdown: Goalkeeper needed

With only two senior stoppers in their squad at the moment, the Championship outfit need another one to cover both Anthony Patterson and Alex Bass in case either of those get injured or suspended.

It is unclear what the Black Cats’ transfer strategy will be like in the final days of the window following the departure of Alex Neil to Stoke City, but it seems as if they will be busy.

The Latest: Kovar interest

As per The Sun, Sunderland are tempted to sign Kovar on loan, as the 22-year-old is desperate to play regular first-team football.

The Czech youngster is ‘highly-rated’ at Old Trafford, and the Red Devils are keen to let him go out on loan to continue his development.

The Verdict: Get it done

Given Sunderland’s need for another goalkeeper, this is a deal that the Black Cats need to get done before the transfer deadline hits on Thursday night.

Kovar has played abundantly for United’s youth teams and has tasted first-team football at the likes of Swindon Town and Burton Albion, the latter facing up against the Wearsiders in League One last season (Transfermarkt).

The 6 foot 5 colossus is an exciting prospect, having come up the youth ranks at a giant of English football in Manchester United, and this is a deal which makes sense for all parties.

Wolves are eyeing up a summer move for out-of-favour Chelsea striker Michy Batshuayi this summer, according to reliable journalist Steve Madeley.

The Lowdown: Batshuayi on the move?

The Belgian has had a nomadic career to date, spending numerous spells away from Stamford Bridge on loan, scoring 14 goals in 28 league starts for Besiktas last season.

Batshuayi’s current Chelsea deal expires at the end of next season, meaning they could offload him this summer in order to receive a fee for him.

Another loan move may be in the offing if they can’t pull that off however, which is where Wolves could come into play.

The Latest: Wolves keen on signing

Taking to Twitter, The Athletic‘s Madeley confirmed that Wanderers are eyeing up a temporary move for Batshuayi, with Hwang Ui-jo also mentioned as a potential addition:

“Michy Batshuayi and Hwang Ui-jo among the strikers being considered by Wolves.”

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The Verdict: Excellent Jimenez alternative

At 28, Batshuayi should be in and around the peak of his powers, so Wolves snapping him up this summer could prove to be an exciting signing.

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Granted, things haven’t panned out the way he would have hoped at Chelsea but he has a fantastic record of 25 goals in 45 caps for Belgium, which speaks volumes about his ability.

Batshuayi could prove to be a strong alternative for Raul Jimenez, with more attacking options required this season, and a permanent move could even happen next summer if he impresses at Molineux on loan.