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Sheffield Wednesday are thought to be one of six sides interested in signing Northampton Town forward Sam Hoskins.

The Lowdown: Hoskins profiled

Hoskins joined Northampton back in 2015 and has made 306 appearances for the club since then. He has shown his versatility by making 10 or more appearances in seven different positions during his career, however, he has established himself on the left-hand side this season.

The Englishman appears to be in the form of his life after netting 72, and it seems as if those displays have caught the eye of Darren Moore and co.

The Latest: Wednesday keen

According to Football League World, the Owls are one of six EFL sides keen on landing Hoskins in the January window.

The report adds that League One rivals Barnsley, Derby and Portsmouth are interested in the forward alongside Championship sides Middlesbrough and Sunderland.

The Verdict: Smart signing?

Hoskins has started the campaign on fire playing from the left, so he could be a shrewd addition to Moore’s squad. Wednesday only have two left midfield options in Marvin Johnson and Nottingham Forest loanee Alex Mighten, so Hoskins could come in and rival both men as well as providing competition in a number of other areas.

That versatility could come in handy during the second half of the season, especially given the number of games, but Wednesday may need to beat a number of third-tier rivals to his signature as a possible January auction begins.

Leeds United arguably possess one of the most exciting crops of youth prospects in the Premier League at present, with the likes of Joe Gelhardt, Sam Greenwood and Crysencio Summerville already being a regular part of Jesse Marsch’s first-team squad, while youngsters such as Sonny Perkins, Darko Gyabi and Archie Gray are all lighting it up for the Whites’ youth sides.

However, while it is Perkins who has largely stolen the limelight for Michael Skubala’s U21 outfit so far this season – with the 18-year-old having scored seven goals in six Premier League 2 fixtures already in 2022/23 – it was another of the Leeds starlets who stole the show in Friday’s 4-0 victory over Stoke City – Mateo Joseph.

Indeed, despite failing to hit the back of the net over his last three Premier League 2 outings, the 18-year-old very much had his shooting boots on against the Potters, bagging three goals to help the Whites maintain their remarkable start to the 2022/23 campaign – winning five and drawing one of their opening six fixtures.

The Spaniard’s second of the night was particularly impressive, with Joseph’s pressure on Tommy Simkin forcing an error from the goalkeeper before the striker picked up Perkins’ rebounded effort and smashed home from an impressively tight angle.

And, following the fixture, Skubala singled out the youngster for praise, stating (via the Yorkshire Evening Post): “Mateo was fantastic tonight. He’s, if you like, come in and out a little bit, but he’s been training like a warrior, you can see that in his game.

“Mateo is very humble, very quiet in a way but he’s working really, really hard. He’s got that energy and desire and you saw that in his goals and his finishing and you know, he’s a threat for any defence.”

Indeed, while Perkins has been somewhat hailed as the star of the Leeds U21 side this season, the numbers don’t lie, and Joseph’s recent three-goal haul now means he is outscoring the England U19 international – with eight to his name this term.

As such, while the former West Ham United sensation is undoubtedly an exceptionally gifted young player, Jesse Marsch would be wise not to ignore Joseph in his first team planning, as the Spaniard very much looks to be a real diamond in the rough.

Liverpool have had one of their worst starts to a Premier League campaign since Jurgen Klopp arrived in 2015, and the lack of signings in midfield over the summer could have been a huge contributor to the problems that they has faced.

Jordan Henderson, Thiago Alcantara, Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Curtis Jones have all suffered from various injury problems since the season began in August, and the Reds have found themselves struggling to make their usual dominant presence known.

Liverpool are currently ninth in the league table and level with Brentford and Everton on points. That will be hugely disappointing for Klopp and the Reds’ supporters, and lessons must be learnt in terms of refreshing key areas of the squad when the club goes into the next transfer window.

However, the club could save millions on their next midfield prodigy next summer by giving a life-changing opportunity to a youth player, with Bobby Clark showing promising signs of being a player who could become the future of the Anfield club’s midfield.

The 17-year-old is the son of former Newcastle United idol Lee Clark. He was snapped up by the Reds from the Tyneside club in 2021 and has since blossomed in Liverpool’s youth teams.

Clark has scored 14 goals and delivered seven assists across the Reds’ under-18, under-19 and under-21 teams, with a goal contribution every 139 minutes so far, illustrating that he is already a very impressive player in the making.

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It is clear that Klopp is already a huge admirer of the talented teenager, as he gave him his Premier League debut with a seven-minute appearance this season in the 9-0 victory over Bournemouth a few weeks ago.

Chronicle Live’s chief Newcastle United reporter Lee Ryder lavished praise on the youngster after he left the Tyneside club in 2021, saying (via Liverpool Echo): “Bobby was Newcastle’s most promising youngster.

“He is a really exciting player with bags of skill and talent. He is attacking and dynamic and has all the skills – he is going to be a presence in the final third.”

With that being said, the future is looking very bright for Clark as he is clearly on the radar of the Liverpool manager, so it wouldn’t be surprising to see more of the rising star in the squad over the coming months at Anfield.

If all goes to plan, he might even save FSG the need to invest in a big-name midfielder in future transfer windows.

Celtic star James Forrest may be frustrated by the lack of game time he has received under manager Ange Postecoglou this season, according to Sky Sports reporter Anthony Joseph.

The Lowdown: Lack of minutes

Despite signing a three-year contract extension with the Hoops this summer, the 31-year-old has thus far only featured once in the side’s starting XI during the 2022/23 Premiership campaign.

After failing to impress Postecoglou with just one goal and one assist in 16 league games last season, recent injuries have led to a lack of playing time for the winger.

However, in his first start of the season against Hibernian on Saturday, Forrest bagged a stunning hat-trick, bringing his overall career goals at Celtic above the centurion mark with 101 scored.

The Latest: Joseph reacts

Joseph thinks Forrest may be frustrated by his lack of minutes in a Green and White shirt this season.

When asked about whether the player would be annoyed by or understanding of the situation, the Sky Sports man told GiveMeSport:

“I think a bit of both. I think it is expected that he’s not playing at the moment, he was hampered by injuries in that Covid season, and just hasn’t got back to that flying form that we’re so used to seeing.

“Remember the two seasons prior to that Covid year, in each of those seasons, he contributed to 38 goals.

“He either scored or assisted 38 goals in both of the seasons, which just shows you how important a player he was for Celtic.”

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The Verdict: Huge career at Celtic

Whilst the 31-year-old may have fallen down the pecking order at Parkhead under Postecoglou, Forrest remains a very important player for the Hoops.

With a huge 451 appearances for the club, the attacker has helped contribute to the side winning 21 trophies with 200 goal-involvements.

Having been hailed as ‘outstanding’ by the Hoops boss earlier this year, Forrest’s injury woes have certainly been a significant factor in his transition to a rotation player at Celtic Park.

Therefore, whilst this may seem unfair with what the Scotsman has given the club, it is only right Postecoglou plays his best XI – which doesn’t appear to include Forrest for now.

Pundit Frank McAvennie believes Celtic midfielder Matt O’Riley will eventually leave Parkhead following links of a move to Crystal Palace, Football Insider report.

The Lowdown: Palace links

O’Riley, dubbed a ‘silent hero’ and ‘immense’ by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, has been a regular for the Hoops following his move from MK Dons earlier this year.

The 21-year-old has made 34 appearances in all competitions, turning out in a variety of midfield roles under Ange Postecoglou.

His displays at Parkhead have caught the eye of multiple sides, including Palace, who reportedly watched O’Riley in action earlier this month ahead of a potential move.

The Latest: McAvennie’s comments

Talking to FI regarding O’Riley, McAvennie questioned why the player would want to move to Crystal Palace, however, he admitted he thinks the midfielder will depart down the line.

“We are hearing it all.

“Why would you want to go to a wee stadium in London? The money is great do not get me wrong but the time will come.

“I think the Premier League might be a bit quick for him. I think he is getting quicker every game.

“He came from the third division. It was a step up and he has taken it with ease to the Scottish Premiership. I think he will go, but he will not go yet.”

The Verdict: A worry

It isn’t only Palace who have shown an interest in O’Riley, with the likes of Arsenal, Leicester City and Manchester United also thought to be keen.

McAvennie believing the player will eventually leave is a worry, as he has been key for Postecoglou in 2022. He has gone from strength to strength in Scotland and is still just 21 years of age, so you’d expect he’ll only improve on his already impressive game.

Celtic have seemingly unearthed a new midfield gem, but with plenty of interest, they could possibly be forced to part ways with the player ahead of his prime years.

Finance expert Daniel Plumley has been reacting to off-field news that will impact Leeds United during the World Cup.

The Lowdown: £189m

The World Cup is fast approaching, with Leeds having just five Premier League fixtures left to fulfil before the break in domestic action.

Jesse Marsch may be without a number of first-team players during the break, but it turns out Leeds and other clubs will receive £9,000-per-day for each player from their squad remaining in the World Cup. FIFA have put aside £189m to help clubs during the tournament in Qatar, and Plumley has given his thoughts to the news.

The Latest: Plumley’s comments

Plumley, who contributes for Sky Sports, was talking to MOT Leeds News regarding the World Cup payments. He labelled it as ‘a bonus for Leeds’ and news that will be welcomed by Whites chiefs.

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“Every little helps. It’s absolutely a bonus for Leeds in this regard. It’s just a nice little windfall to get and in this example as well, they have the benefit of getting that money from those players who have since moved on and also, they’re not worried about them injured and not being available to play when they get back as they’re at someone else’s club.

“When you look at those numbers, it’s a welcome boost to the coffers and every little bit of revenue you can get is a bonus in the Premier League.”

The Verdict: How many?

Leeds may have a number of representatives at the World Cup, with Rasmus Kristensen, Diego Llorente, Tyler Adams and Brenden Aaronson almost certain to be on the plane to Qatar with their respective countries. Robin Koch, Pascal Struijk and Mateusz Klich may also get the nod for their nations, which could result in a nice windfall for Leeds.

You’d expect that Leeds would be happy if players return from the major tournament early, and although squad members making it into the latter stages of the competition will result in a financial benefit for the club, Marsch will simply be hoping none of them come back injured.

Tottenham Hotspur reportedly have an interest in signing Sassuolo midfielder Hamed Junior Traore. 

The Lowdown: Shopping in Italy

Since Antonio Conte took charge of the north London club back in November last year, the 53-year-old has not been shy in terms of signing players from his homeland.

Under the guidance of Conte and Fabio Paratici, Spurs have secured deals for the likes of Rodrigo Bentancur, Dejan Kulusevski, Ivan Perisic and Destiny Udogie from clubs across Serie A.

Looking ahead to the next January and summer transfer windows, it seems as though Traore could be the next player to join Conte’s ranks from Italy’s top flight.

The Latest: Spurs eyeing Traore

According to a recent report from MilanLive, Spurs are one of the clubs interested in signing the 22-year-old Traore, alongside West Ham United, AC Milan, Napoli and Juventus.

The report also adds that Sassuolo would be looking for a transfer fee of at least €30m (£25m) to sell the midfielder.

The Verdict: A worthy investment?

After scoring 20 goals and providing 14 assists in 110 appearances for his previous club, FC Empoli, across their senior and youth sides, the Ivorian joined Sassuolo back in the 2021 summer transfer window.

Since then, Traore, who was previously described by Brighton & Hove Albion manager, Roberto De Zerbi, as a “pure talent”, has gone on to score 18 goals and provide nine assists in 102 appearances across all competitions.

Traore ended his previous Serie A campaign, which was labelled as “magnificent” by talent spotter Jacek Kulig, with more successful dribbles (61) than any other player at the club as well as the second-highest number of passes into the 18-yard box (35).

This highlights how tricky he can be to play against and how much of a creative threat he can provide in attacking areas.

Moving forward, despite potentially having to battle numerous clubs for the player’s signature, this is a move that could be well worth the effort and money for Spurs.

West Bromwich Albion seem to have a fine crop of youth talent just waiting to burst into the first team, with Taylor Gardner-Hickman standing as the benchmark for which they will all hope to follow.

The 20-year-old has recently burst onto the scene marketed as a hard-working midfielder with an eye for goal, outlined in his goal and assist against Reading.

However, in Jamie Andrews, Carlos Corberan could unearth his own goal-scoring midfielder who could even surpass the recent academy graduate.

Before earning his promotion, Garner-Hickman had scored six and assisted four across 34 games for the U21s side.

To compare with the 20-year-old who will soon be vying for his place in the side, just this season has Andrews reached five goal contributions, and in eight fewer games has already surpassed the tally set by his predecessor.

Not only this, but he has spent two loan spells earning him vital senior experience at both Yeovil Town and Leamington FC.

It could stand him in good stead to make an instant impact should he soon be promoted into the first team, rather than the bedding-in period that seems to have occurred with the England U20s international.

Those two goal contributions aforementioned are his first and only across 34 games for the club.

With a system that played to his strengths set up by Richard Beale, who went on to be caretaker manager following Steve Bruce’s sacking, Andrews spoke to West Brom’s official club website to endorse their tactics and his development.

He said: “I want to take the next step now, whatever that may be. At the moment I’m in the U23s and putting my head down doing the best I can to try and push myself on. 

“This year we’ve got more men in midfield which allows me to get outside the box and land on balls further up the pitch. It gives me more of a license to get forward and I like how it gets me more involved in our attacks now.”

The confidence he has in his own ability, plus the eye for goal he clearly boasts, should make him a likely candidate to be the next to step up for Corberan once they are free from danger.

With just one game remaining before the World Cup break, Crystal Palace will no doubt be planning some of their business ahead of the January transfer window, and Patrick Vieira must surely be considering selling Will Hughes.

The English midfielder joined the Eagles from Watford in the summer of 2021 but has struggled for regular football at Selhurst Park since then, with just 28 appearances to his name, in which he has only one goal and one assist.

After making 16 appearances in the Premier League last term, in which he averaged a disappointing 6.53 rating from WhoScored for his performances, it was perhaps always likely that he would find his opportunities limited throughout 2022/23.

The summer addition of Cheick Doucoure has seen Hughes drop out of the first team almost entirely, with just 72 minutes of Premier League action under his belt so far this season.

The former Derby County star has also featured in the Premier League 2, which suggests that he is surplus to requirements in Vieira’s squad, so the Frenchman should surely look to move him on.

Considering Hughes earns £54k-per-week at Selhurst Park, he is certainly stealing a wage at the moment, and chances will be even harder for the midfielder to come by if Vieira adds another option in his position in the January window.

Hughes’ contract with the Eagles is set to expire at the end of the next campaign so selling him in the next year should be a priority for Vieira, otherwise, he risks shelling out an excessive wage on an unwanted player, before potentially losing him for nothing at the end of his deal.

The former Arsenal midfielder was full of praise for the 27-year-old last season after an impressive performance against Everton on his first start for the club.

He said: “I was really pleased with Will’s performance. He helped us to play really well with our build-up play from the back.

“For somebody who played their last game seven months ago, he had an unbelievable performance.”

However, those performances have been few and far between for Hughes at Palace and given his lack of game time so far this season, Vieira must surely look to move him on after the World Cup.

Crystal Palace are reportedly interested in signing Borussia Monchengladbach striker Marcus Thuram ahead of the January transfer window and the Frenchman could be Patrick Vieira’s own version of Robert Lewandowski at Selhurst Park.

According to reports from Italy, Crystal Palace, Aston Villa and Arsenal are all interested in signing the 25-year-old after his impressive performances in the Bundesliga this season.

The Eagles have looked toothless up front in the absence of Odsonne Edouard recently and with Jean-Philippe Mateta and Jordan Ayew arguably not cutting it as Premier League strikers, with just one goal between them this season, it seems clear that Vieira requires attacking reinforcements after the World Cup.

Thuram’s form so far this campaign, which has seen him hit ten goals and three assists in just 15 Bundesliga appearances, suggests that he could add some serious quality at Selhurst Park should he make the move from Germany.

The 25-year-old’s superb 7.45 average rating from WhoScored ranks him far higher than any player in Vieira’s squad, so it is easy to see why the Eagles might be interested, although any comparison with legendary forward Robert Lewandowski might just seal the deal from Steve Parish’s point of view.

According to FBRef, the Polish forward is the second-most similar player to Thuram across Europe’s top leagues, which is a very promising comparison considering his incredible goalscoring form with Bayern Munich and Barcelona in recent years, with the 34-year-old bagging 18 in just 19 outings for the latter so far.

This season has seen the two strikers register extremely similar statistics in terms of shots on target (30 vs 28), goal-creating actions (eight vs seven) and progressive passes received (85 vs 87).

The fact that Thuram is so similar to Lewandowski in a lot of attacking metrics this season, despite playing in an undeniably poorer team, suggests that he could be a huge threat in the Premier League.

His displays this season have seen him labelled “world-class” by Wolfsburg’s sporting director Marcel Schäfer so the prospect of having him at Selhurst Park would surely be an exciting one for Vieira, and Parish should definitely look at bringing him in during January.