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Aston Villa have been linked with Villarreal winger Samuel Chukwueze and he could be a dream first signing for Unai Emery at his new club.

Recent reports have claimed that the Spanish boss is keen on a reunion with the Nigerian wide man, who starred under his management at El Madrigal.

During Emery’s time with the Yellow Submarine, Chukwueze would make 94 appearances, in which he contributed an impressive 14 goals and 15 assists, so it is no surprise that the former Arsenal boss wants to bring him to the Premier League.

Journalist Pete O’Rourke discussed Villa’s chances of signing the Nigeria international in a recent interview with Football FanCast.

He said: “When you get a new manager at a club they always look to sign players that they have worked with before and know. Chukwueze would be one of those that Emery trusts for Villa.

“He is looking to improve Aston Villa’s attacking output and Chukwueze would definitely add to them. He’s a tricky winger who can score goals and provide goals. He’s someone who would definitely add some pace to the Villa attack as well.”

FBRef’s scouting report of the Villarreal youngster emphasises the attacking quality and creativity that he could add at Villa Park should he make the move to the Premier League in January.

Chukwueze scores in the 99th percentile when compared to other wingers from Europe’s top leagues in a number of attacking statistics, including non-penalty expected goals and assists, dribbles completed and touches in the attacking penalty box, which demonstrates exactly what he could add to Emery’s squad.

Villa have won both Premier League games under Emery thus far and the Spaniard will no doubt be looking to bolster his squad in January as he looks to push the Villans up the table.

Of the current wing options in Villa’s squad, only Leon Bailey has managed more than one goal contribution in the league this season, with Emiliano Buendia and Philippe Coutinho both struggling for consistent form.

Therefore, Chukwueze could be a dream first signing for Emery as Villa boss, especially as he is already well aware of what the Nigerian can offer.

Wolverhampton Wanderers have lost ‘another senior figure’ following the exit of Dr Rob Chakraverty, according to journalist Steve Madeley.

The Lowdown: Chakraverty’s departure

The Premier League medic arrived at Molineux in the middle of the pandemic, joining after spending a four-year stint with the England national squad.

The Old Gold figure held the roles of first-team doctor and head of performance and medicine following the departure of the long-term chief Matt Perry, though the club confirmed his exit in a statement released by Jeff Shi on Sunday.

The Latest: Madeley’s reaction

Taking to Twitter, Madeley reacted to the shock behind-the-scenes exit at Wolves which came just days after the chairman appointed Matt Hobbs as the new sporting director in the start of an off-field overhaul. He wrote:

“Fair to say the “shake-up” Jeff Shi spoke of the other day is continuing. Another senior figure gone.”

The Verdict: Time for a change

Wolves find themselves rock bottom of the table after a difficult start to the season, so Fosun may feel like it’s the right time for a transformation to try and change the team’s fortunes on the pitch.

Chakraverty, however, did an excellent job in helping to move the club forward during the pandemic and improved the medical department as a whole, so he could be a big miss on the sidelines.

Shi will now be hoping that his swift decision-making has an instant impact on the matchday squad as Julen Lopetegui prepares to take his first game in charge against Everton on Boxing Day.

Tottenham Hotspur remain interested in Adama Traore…

What’s the word?

According to 90min, Spurs are still keen to sign the Wolverhampton Wanderers winger, a player they have held an interest in dating back to before Nuno Santo’s arrival in the dugout back in the summer of 2021.

Antonio Conte is believed to be a huge fan of the Spain international and he came close to sealing him last January before he opted for a loan move to his boyhood club, FC Barcelona.

It’s also thought that the Lilywhites are reluctant to pay a fee for him so are willing to chance their arm in the summer, though interested foreign teams such as Napoli, Inter Milan and Atletico Madrid could offer him a pre-contract deal on January 1st, whilst Leeds United also retain interest.

Perisic-esque swoop

If sporting director Fabio Paratici finally gets his man in the summer, then Spurs could have another Ivan Perisic-like deal on his hands as he’ll be landing a top-quality option for absolutely nothing in terms of a transfer fee.

Traore is something of an enigma – one of the Premier League’s most feared players but one that doesn’t have the goal contribution returns to back it up.

Indeed, people around the game have consistently waxed lyrical about his threat, ranging from Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp, who once dubbed him “unplayable” to Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez, who lauded him as an “animal” and a “beast” physically.

But for a player with 172 top-flight appearances in the Premier League, the former Aston Villa and Middlesbrough ace has only returned nine goals and 16 assists and in LaLiga last term, he managed just two goal contributions from 16 matches, as per Transfermarkt.

However, with a star-studded attack containing Harry Kane, Heung-min Son and usually Dejan Kulusevski, Traore wouldn’t be the man expected to deliver attacking returns consistently and he may even find a home at right wing-back instead – just like Perisic, who Conte converted into the role at Inter Milan.

Landing the £55k-per-week maverick on a free transfer could prove to be very smart business after all, so Paratici and co must try to sign Traore once again in 2023.

AND in other news, Spurs had a howler in failed swoop for £26m World Cup “real weapon” who’s like Beckham…

A key figure in Celtic’s resurgence over the past year or so has been that of centre-back Cameron Carter-Vickers, with the 24-year-old having emerged as a true leading asset under manager Ange Postecoglou in that time.

Snapped up by the Old Firm outfit from Tottenham Hotspur on an initial loan deal in the summer 0f 2021, the 6-foot-1 ace proved integral to the Parkhead giants’ Scottish Premiership success in his debut campaign, having arguably been the “best player in Scotland last season”, in the words of BT Sport pundit Chris Sutton (05/10/2022, 19:41).

That stunning form has continued this term with the Southend-born talent having kept six clean sheets from his 13 top-flight appearances so far this season, having even taken on the responsibility of the captaincy in the absence of regular skipper Callum McGregor.

Lauded as a “rock” by teammate David Turnbull, the £24k-per-week titan was rewarded for such form with a place in the USA squad for the World Cup, with the 12-cap colossus hoping to translate his club displays onto the international stage.

While the one-time Bournemouth loanee has had to bide his time for a chance to shine in Qatar, having been named on the bench in his side’s opening two group games, the defender was finally offered the opportunity to impress against Iran on Tuesday evening.

The Hoops powerhouse certainly took that chance as he proved vital in his side’s 1-0 victory, helping to steer Gregg Berhalter’s men into the last 16 to set up a mouthwatering knockout stage meeting with the Netherlands.

That outing saw Carter-Vickers notably win 100% of his ground duels and win four of his eight aerial duels, having looked particularly menacing at the heart of the defence, while also recording four clearances in his bid to keep the opposition at bay.

While the impressive gem did lose possession on eight occasions, he was still able to achieve a solid pass accuracy rating of 86%, while also recording a respectable overall match rating of 7.1, as per Sofascore.

That “outstanding” performance – according to transfer insider Graeme Bailey – will no doubt have been no surprise to those of a Bhoys persuasion, with the former Spurs man having been simply “immense” on the night, in the words of journalist Aaron West.

Such an impact may well ensure that teammate Walker Zimmerman ‘may find it hard to get back in this team’, as per 90min’s Jack Gallagher, with Carter-Vickers having arguably done enough to start when the United States meet Louis van Gaal’s men on Saturday.

John Bostock was once considered as one of the brightest prospects at Crystal Palace but the 30-year-old now finds himself in non-league with Notts County.The midfielder was a product of the Eagles’ academy and featured five times for Palace in the 2007/08 season when he was just 15 years old, which led many to believe that he could go on to feature at the very top.However, instead of remaining with the south London side, he would make the controversial switch to Tottenham Hotspur the following summer, which undoubtedly played a big part in him never making it in the Premier League.Former Palace chairman Simon Jordan was understandably frustrated when Bostock made the switch to Spurs, saying:“Like everything in this miserable game, it comes down to pounds, shillings and pence. Surely it should be down to what is best for a 16-year-old boy and where he is most likely to play.”Jordan wasn’t far wrong, as in five years with the Lilywhites, Bostock would make just four first-team appearances before his release in 2013.Since then, the midfielder’s career has taken him to a number of countries in Europe, with his best spells arguably coming in Belgium with Oud-Heverlee Leuven and France with RC Lens, where he hit 26 goals and 14 assists in a combined 106 appearances.The former Palace wonderkid would return to England in 2019, signing for Nottingham Forest, where he would make just nine appearances in the 2019/20 campaign, failing to score but providing two assists.However, that wasn’t enough to earn him a more permanent contract at the City Ground as he joined Doncaster Rovers in League One, but endured an injury-disrupted spell at the Keepmoat Stadium, and left the club after their relegation to the fourth tier last season.Following a number of months without a club, Bostock is now employed once again, as he signed for National League promotion contenders Notts County.He has begun to make headlines again with the Magpies, notably scoring a remarkable free-kick in what was billed as the biggest game in National League history on Monday afternoon.

Level on 100 points going into the game with Wrexham, the side owned by Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, eventually won the game 3-2 courtesy of a late penalty save from Ben Foster.

However, before that, Bostock got things up and running with a stonking set-piece right into the top corner.

It marked a big moment in the midfielder’s career, one that has ultimately been a huge disappointment after dropping out of the top four leagues aged just 30.

Tottenham Hotspur have been handed a definitive price tag on one of their reported targets…

What’s the latest?

Having reportedly asked on the availability of Denzel Dumfries at the end of November, Pete O’Rourke has now had his say on whether Antonio Conte will be able to tempt the Dutchman to north London.

In doing so, he issued a price tag that Fabio Paratici and co may have to cough up.

He told GIVEMESPORT: “Denzel Dumfries has been outstanding at the World Cup for the Netherlands, and I think his price tag’s just gone up and up. So it’s going to be hard for Tottenham to strike a deal with Inter Milan this January to sign Dumfries, who’s probably going to be at least £50m.”

Ditch Emerson

A polarising figure ever since his 2021 summer move, every Spurs fan has an opinion on Emerson Royal.

The Brazilian was signed as a progressive wing back to play under Nuno Santo, however, with the hierarchy swiftly rethinking their managerial move it left the Brazilian stranded.

Lacking defensive awareness and a cool head, and not boasting enough offensive flair to make up for it, the 6.88 average Sofascore rating he earned last season somewhat papers over the cracks.

Pundit Jamie O’Hara even took to talkSPORT Edge to issue a damning statement on the 23-year-old: “I would pay someone to take him off our hands. I’ll give you £5m to get rid of this liability.”

If this stands as a microcosm for fans’ thoughts on Emerson, an upgrade could be in order.

Although a steep price tag has been touted, last summer proved that Conte will receive hefty financial backing in the search for a trophy. He was afforded £146m to bring in eight new faces.

Therefore, the £50m fee for one of the paramount attacking full-backs in European football could actually prove shrewd business, especially after his impressive World Cup campaign.

Having already boasted five goal contributions in just 20 games this season for his club, the 26-year-old once again translated that into international success.

Earning a 6.78 rating, across his five games the defender would record one goal and two assists whilst maintaining 1.4 interceptions and 1.6 tackles per game, via Sofascore.

His involvement in all three of their goals against the United States was imperative in their qualification to the quarter-finals, where they would narrowly lose on penalties to Argentina.

It was a display labelled “breathless” by Micah Richards, with Alan Rzepa having dubbed him a “monster” during the last major international competition too.

His consistency also lends to his value, as he recorded 12 contributions last season too.

These make for phenomenal statistics, especially when his competition has only ever recorded one campaign that could compete, where he boasted nine goal contributions during the 2019/20 season for Real Betis.

Conte has been unafraid to reach into his pockets to get who he wants, and this move could be imperative in his side taking the next step by adding some much-needed power to their attack.

Tottenham Hotspur remain interested in Weston McKennie, with a respected journalist having offered a new update…

What’s the latest?

That’s according to Ben Jacobs, who underwent a Q&A on his Twitter account where he offered to answer transfer-related questions.

Asked by a fan if Spurs were in advanced talks with any big names, he namedropped the American by claiming: “McKennie is one to watch.”

Juventus have reportedly slapped a €30m (£26m) price tag upon his head, which could tempt Antonio Conte into action.

Replace Bissouma

Although having only signed in the summer, Yves Bissouma has somewhat struggled following his initial £25m move.

The former Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder had established himself as one of the great players outside of the traditional ‘top six’, recording a 7.07 rating in his final season on the south coast.

Billed as a top tackler, he averaged 1.9 interceptions and 2.9 tackles per game, yet his 89% pass accuracy suggested he had the quality to thrive in the transitions, via Sofascore.

However, under the intense pressure of a Conte system, he is yet to make his mark and was even branded “silly” and “naïve” by football writer Andrew Gaffney after the Mali international earned himself an unnecessary yellow card.

Across his 14 games this season he has been handed a miserable 6.64 rating, where his interceptions and tackles have both dropped to just 0.6 per game.

Therefore, the ruthless Italian coach could ditch him in favour of McKennie, who has established himself as a fine performer on the world stage this winter.

This season, the 24-year-old has recorded a 6.84 average rating for a struggling Juventus side.

Less of a ball-winner and more of a playmaker, this switch around would perhaps facilitate Conte moving to a more aggressive and offensive system.

The midfielder in question currently ranks in the top 10% for non-penalty goals, and ranking in the top 8% for progressive passes received could act as a bridge between the midfield and attack.

Having impressed at the World Cup, it seemed he was always destined for big things, with his former sporting director Christian Heidel claiming:

“Weston is a very good footballer, but he also has a lot of traits that are very, very important to Schalke. The fans love the way he plays, and the work he puts in. His body language is extraordinary.”

He could finally capture this potential touted back when he was a youngster by moving to Spurs, and replacing a summer signing that seems to have fallen flat.

Wolverhampton Wanderers manager Julen Lopetegui has already begun his revolution at the Molineux outfit, securing his first signing with Brazilian striker Matheus Cunha, initially on loan from Atletico Madrid.

This is just the beginning for the Spaniard, with January expected to be filled with plenty of new faces as well as a few players exiting the club who have no future in the Midlands.

One player who has been recently linked with the Old Gold is Coventry City striker Viktor Gyokeres according to a report from The Telegraph and he could be an excellent addition to Lopetegui’s side, especially considering his form this season.

The 24-year-old is joint-top of the Championship goalscoring charts having netted 12 goals already this season and with Wolves urgently requiring someone who can actually put the ball in the back of the net with ease, having scored just ten goals in the Premier League this season, signing Gyokeres could be a wise investment.

Imagine him and Cunha

Lopetegui could even form a dream duo by landing the Swede and playing him alongside Cunha and this is surely a partnership that would guarantee goals in the second half of the season.

After all, the Sky Blues striker has been dubbed a player “with a hunger to score goals” by his manager Mark Robins and with Diego Costa and Hee-chan Hwang failing to score between them this season, new attacking options remain a priority.

Despite failing to score this season, Cunha has scored 39 goals in his club career so far along with 19 for several underage Brazil sides, however, by grabbing four assists last season and creating five big chances, he could be the ideal foil for Gyokeres.

The 11-cap Swedish international appears to be the more out-and-out goal scorer of the two, netting 64 goals in his club career and if Lopetegui could find a way to incorporate both of them then it could prove to be a masterstroke by the manager.

January could be an exciting month for the Molineux faithful and if Lopetegui manages to sign the players he thinks will improve the starting XI, then there could be life in the club yet.

Wolverhampton Wanderers are reportedly eyeing a swoop for Coventry City star Viktor Gyokeres and the Swedish striker could be a huge player for Julen Lopetegui in the second half of the season.

What’s the word?

According to Swedish outlet Sportsbladet (via Coventry Live), Wolves have now joined the race to land the player, although he indicates that a summer move could be more likely that a January switch for Gyokeres.

The 24-year-old has also attracted interest from the likes of Everton, West Ham United and Crystal Palace ahead of the winter window, as he continues to catch the eye for the Sky Blues in the Championship, with no player having scored more goals in the second tier so far this season.

While Wolves are undoubtedly in a relegation battle this season, they have already emphasised their transfer pull with the loan addition of Matheus Cunha, so adding another highly sought-after striker could be exactly what Lopetegui needs to improve the Old Gold’s fortunes in front of goal and ensure that they finish above the dotted line.

Huge for Lopetegui

Although Lopetegui was able to secure a vital three points in his first game as Wolves boss on Boxing Day, the Old Gold were less than convincing against a similarly poor Everton side, and attacking reinforcements are no doubt still required if the Midlands club are going to distance themselves completely from relegation this season.

The likes of Raul Jimenez, Diego Costa and Hwang Hee-Chan have all failed to score in the top flight so far this campaign, with midfielder Ruben Neves leading the scoring charts with just four goals.

While Cunha will add quality in attack, the Brazilian had failed to score for Atletico Madrid in the 2022/23 campaign, so Gyokeres could offer a more natural goalscoring option in the final third.

Since joining Coventry, the Sweden international has notched an impressive 33 goals and six assists in 89 appearances, which included 22 goal contributions in the 2021/22 campaign.

Manager Mark Robins is certainly a big fan of the talismanic frontman, as he sang his praises earlier in the season after he scored in their opening-day draw with Sunderland.

He said: “He’s not the finished article by any stretch of the imagination but he has some unbelievable ability – power, technique. He has got everything in his locker and that desire and hunger to score goals.”

Given Wolves’ woes in front of goal in recent seasons, it would be huge for Lopetegui to sign another dangerous young striker alongside Cunha, so the Old Gold should do everything they can to bring Gyokeres to Molineux next month.

World Cup winner Cristian Romero helped Tottenham Hotspur to their first clean sheet in nearly three months in just his second game since his return from Argentina.

The 24-year-old could be forgiven for looking a little off in their defeat to Aston Villa on New Year’s Day, given his recent international exploits, but he refound that fine form with an imperious display against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Wednesday evening.

Sky Sports ‘Man of the Match’ Harry Kane was back among the goals, firing an early second-half brace, whilst young winger Bryan Gil also caught the eye in only his second start in the Premier League and in the injury absence of fan-favourite Dejan Kulusevski.

However, the Argentinan colossus was an absolute “animal” – just as former teammate Pierluigi Gollini once hailed him – as he helped Hugo Lloris and co keep out the oppositions for the first time since mid-October – some 11 games ago – when the Lilywhites beat Everton 2-0.

The Eagles did carry plenty of offensive threat, with the likes of Wilfried Zaha, Eberechi Eze and Michael Olise all starting for Patrick Vieira. They even fired off more shots than Antonio Conte’s side (19 to 14) but to no avail.

And that was in large because of the influence of Romero, who won a whopping five tackles – the joint-most in the match and the most for Spurs – as well as two clearances, whilst he won six duels.

As ever, he was equally important with the ball at his feet, with much of Tottenham’s play starting through him. His total of 81 touches was only outmatched by midfield engine Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and similarly, few starters had a better passing accuracy than his 90%, via Sofascore.

Of course, a lot of praise will heed towards Kane and Gil for their attacking contributions in the final third but given Spurs’ dismal defensive record this campaign, it’s the likes of Romero who deserve their flowers.

‘A dominant presence’ is how football.london reporter Alasdair Gold described the 6 foot 1 titan in his post-match ratings column, whilst the Evening Standard’s Dan Kilpatrick claimed he ‘stood up well to Palace’s threats’, thus contributing immensely to the clean sheet and three points.

Therefore, it could be argued that Romero – who cost the club around £48m – was the true standout star for Spurs in their win over Palace this week. He and Conte will be hoping to continue that form in the FA Cup, should he not be afforded the rest that he probably deserves.

AND in other news, Bye-bye “liability”: Spurs close in on dream 1st Jan signing in £35m “special talent”…