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With Sheffield Wednesday manager Darren Moore previously sharing his hopes at being able to bring some new players to the club before the end of the current January transfer window, it seems as though there could be a decision to be made on the future of one of their current players.

What’s the news?

In a recent Twitter post from Wednesday journalist Dom Howson, Lewis Wing’s future at the Yorkshire club has been thrown into question after being left out of the last two matchday squads by Moore.

Howson also said in his post that it “remains unclear” whether the midfielder will still be a Wednesday player by the end of the month.

The Owls signed Wing on a season-long loan deal from Championship club Middlesbrough back in the previous summer transfer window.

Since then, the 26-year-old has been a fairly regular figure in the team for the Yorkshire club with a total of 24 appearances under his belt across all competitions, chipping in with one goal and two assists in the process.

Fans will be worried

Despite being picked on a regular basis by Moore, apart from their two previous league games, Wing has not exactly been a top performer for Wednesday.

After all, Howson said in his post that the midfielder “has been a big disappointment this season,” which is back up by WhoScored listing him as Wednesday’s 11th-highest rated player with an overall performance rating of 6.73/10.

With that in mind, while it could be an option to keep the Englishman out of the team for a while based on his lacklustre performances, Wednesday fans would surely rather keep him in the squad as a viable option for Moore to have rather than see him leave the club early and have to worry about whether or not the club will be able to bring in a suitable replacement before the deadline.

If Moore continues to keep the midfielder out of the squad, then this could force Middlesbrough to bring him back to the club and look for another loan move for him, in a similar fashion to what happened with Theo Corbeanu earlier this month.

Either way, it would be in everyone’s best interest if a decision is made on Wing’s future to put to bed any speculation on the matter that could distract Wednesday from potentially strengthening their squad with some new incoming transfers before the end of the month.

Considering how their January has played out so far, yet more uncertainty is surely a worry for supporters.

In other news: “I have been told:” – Moore delivers SWFC transfer update that’ll have fans concerned – opinion

Huddersfield Town midfielder Lewis OBrien would ‘jump at’ the chance to join Leeds United in the January transfer window, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

The Lowdown: O’Brien constantly linked with Leeds

The 23-year-old spent the summer continually being linked with a move to Elland Road – Terriers chairman Phil Hodgkinson even confirmed the interest – and stories have now begun to emerge ahead of next month’s window.

O’Brien has continued to be a key player for Huddersfield this season, starting 22 Championship matches and being handed WhoScored‘s Man of the Match award four times, in all competitions.

While the midfielder only recently signed a new deal at his current club, it appears as though a move could happen in the coming weeks.

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The Latest: Journalist talks up transfer

Speaking to Give Me Sport, O’Rourke claimed it wouldn’t take much for O’Brien’s head to be turned, as he hinted at the move happening in January:

“He signed a new contract at Huddersfield but I’m sure if the opportunity came to go to Leeds, it would be something that he would jump at.

“Let’s see if Huddersfield are able to turn down any offers for the midfielder.”

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The Verdict: One of two midfielders?

Such has been the regularity of the O’Brien links that it seems as though Leeds’ interest is genuine and he could be a strong addition to Marcelo Bielsa’s squad.

Admittedly, he isn’t at the level of Kalvin Phillips, but he is a young player who is maturing all the time, averaging 2.9 tackles and 1.6 dribbles per match in the league this season. No Whites player has averaged more tackles, with Stuart Dallas topping the pile with 2.6.

If he was one of two midfielders to come in, with a more experienced head also making the switch to Leeds, it should leave them well-stocked in Phillips’ absence.

In other news, one Leeds player has been linked with a move to a fellow Premier League club. Find out who it is here.

Jose Sa, Fernando Marcal and Raul Jimenez stood out as Wolves’ three poorest performers in Thursday’s 1-0 defeat at home to Arsenal, according to statistical analysis website Sofascore.

Bruno Lage’s were looking to make it four wins in a row in the Premier League, while also aiming to bounce back from last weekend’s FA Cup exit at the hands of Norwich City.

Unfortunately, Wolves were beaten in a tight contest at Molineux, with Gabriel’s first-half strike proving to be the difference between the two sides.

According to Sofascore, it was Sa, Marcal and Jimenez who struggled the most for Wanderers in defeat, of those to have played at least 45 minutes against the Gunners, as the trio won a measly 20% of their ground duels and lost the ball 24 times.

Jose Sa – 6.6

Sa has enjoyed a superb first season at Molineux but this wasn’t his most influential evening of the campaign, as he conceded a rare goal.

The Portuguese ace only actually made one save on the night, while he failed to play a key pass with the ball at his feet, perhaps highlighting a dip in distributions levels, as he only completed four out of eight long balls, too.

He had just two clearances and zero high claims of the ball, but while there is no question it was a slightly off night for the 29 year-old, his rating feels a little harsh given how little action he was actually offered by Arsenal.

Fernando Marcal – 6.5

Marcal was another who struggled for Wolves, as he made his 12th Premier League start of the season on Thursday evening.

He lost possession a total of eight times, played no key passes and didn’t attempt a single dribble from his left wing-back position.

Marcal also completed no accurate crosses or long balls out of four attempted overall, on an ineffective night for him both defensively and going forward, as he won just 33% of his ground duels.

Raul Jimenez – 6.5

With the atmosphere buzzing on Thursday night it felt like one of those games where the Mexico star may grab it by the scruff of the neck, but he just couldn’t get going.

Jimenez played one key pass but gave the ball away twice as many times as Marcal (16), playing a part in Wolves’ struggles to string attacks together, and he also won one just one out of seven ground duels.

Four out of nine aerial duel wins was a disappointing return for Jimenez, too, as he allowed Arsenal’s defenders to get the better of him physically for most of the 90 minutes.

In other news, Wolves have been handed a transfer boost regarding one target. Find out who it is here.

Newcastle United have now made contact with Arsenal for striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang ahead of a potential move in this January transfer window.

What’s the story?

According to Italian journalist Rudy Galetti, the Magpies are “trying” for the Gabon international, and that “contact” has already been made with the Gunners for the maverick striker.

It’s added that a “possible loan is being discussed”, and that crucially, Aubameyang himself “would like the destination”.

Fans will be buzzing

While Aubameyang may not have covered himself in glory this season either on the pitch or off it – he’s netted just four goals in the Premier League and was recently stripped of the Arsenal captaincy by Mikel Arteta – he still remains a class player who could provide Newcastle with genuine quality up front.

It was only a couple of seasons ago that Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville was waxing lyrical about the striker, and how good he is compared to the rest of the Premier League’s elite forwards.

He said: “Including me, we have stopped short of announcing Aubameyang as world class. We’re happy to go with (Sergio) Aguero, we’re happy to go with (Sadio) Mane and (Mohamed) Salah, (Roberto) Firmino, (Harry) Kane… all these players who have graced the Premier League in the last two or three seasons.

“I feel that Aubameyang doesn’t get that same credit and maybe it’s something that comes from when he first entered into English football. I think he’s been absolutely sensational, and I think now’s the time for us all to start recognising the quality and the brilliance of this player. He fights for the team, he’s always there, and for me, he’s everything you would want in a football player.”

The man with 294 career goals to his name could be the perfect replacement for the injured Wilson for the remainder of this Premier League season.

Galetti’s update that the Magpies have now made contact for him, and that Aubameyang himself is interested in a move to St James’ Park is sure to have fans absolutely buzzing.

Meanwhile, Newcastle United have held talks with this director of football candidate…

West Ham are set for a huge boost ahead of their final five matches of the Premier League season…

What’s the latest?

According to the Evening Standard’s Jack Rosser, Irons midfielder Declan Rice has returned to training this week and there is even optimism that he could be involved for their trip to Burnley on Monday evening.

The 22-year-old was also pictured back on the grass, which was shared by popular fan account WestHamViews, though it remains to be seen to what extent he was involved.

Rice, now capped 15 times by England, had picked up a worrying knee injury during the last international break, and it was even thought that it was going to put his place at this summer’s European Championships at risk, as a result.

Huge boost

The Hammers’ impressive and surprising season has taken a turn for the worst in the absence of Rice, having suffered back-to-back defeats against Newcastle United and Chelsea.

David Moyes’ side now sit in fifth, three points behind their aforementioned London rivals, whilst the likes of defending champions Liverpool and Spurs are hot on their tail.

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By the time West Ham kick-off at Turf Moor in under a week’s time, they could’ve sunk to seventh place, results dependent, and that would be a massive blow to their lofty European ambitions.

However, having Rice back will be a monumental boost, as he’s not only been one of West Ham’s best players but one of the best in the Premier League this season, too.

Just this week, former top-flight striker Marcus Bent told Football FanCast exclusively that the 22-year-old “will be one of the world’s best” soon, whilst only three other Irons stars have bettered his average WhoScored rating of 7.02.

The £54m-rated star is also the best at reading the game in Moyes’ squad, having averaged two interceptions per game, on top of 1.9 tackles and 0.7 key passes, via WhoScored.

Rice, who is now thought to earn around £60k-per-week at the London Stadium, has also been hailed as “exceptional” by Keith Gillespie and “outstanding” by Moyes, so clearly having him back around will benefit their season tenfold.

The 58-year-old Glaswegian will undoubtedly be buzzing to see his “special talent” back in training this week.

AND in other news, GSB could deal Moyes another big blow with West Ham swoop for “special” £18m-rated gem…

Lots of Arsenal fans have been discussing the club’s links with a move for Inter Milan wing-back Achraf Hakimi.

The Telegraph have reported about Hakimi, claiming that Arsenal have now been alerted to the Moroccan’s situation at Inter, with the club’s owners Suning Holdings Group possibly under pressure to sell a few Nerazzurri players to alleviate some financial burden.

The report added that Hector Bellerin has caught the attention of Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus, and Arsenal see Hakimi as a chance to replace the Spaniard.

Not just Arsenal, but Chelsea are also looking at Hakimi; and they believe that the former Real Madrid man can thrive in a more advanced role since Reece James is currently their long-term option for right wing-back under Thomas Tuchel.

Hakimi has impressed for Antonio Conte’s men this season, making 33 appearances in all competitions and scoring six goals as well as picking up six assists, proving to be a potent and creative presence in the final third.

As per WhoScored, he has been one of Inter’s standout performers all-round in 2020/21, with an average match rating of 7.0 from the website.

The news linking Arsenal with a move for Hakimi drew the attention of many Gunners fans, who made their opinion clear about potentially signing the 22-year-old:

What did Arsenal fans make of the news about Hakimi? “Arsenal showing interest in Achraf Hakimi. YES PLEASE!”Credit: @unclenabz”Going from Bellerin to Hakimi would be the biggest 180 and system shock you’d ever see. Need him at Arsenal.”Credit: @Naif63062887″Would be a perfect signing imo. We’re managing our defense fairly well with Bellerin even. So with Hakimi in there who has actual ability in the attack we would look like a different breed. That being said, getting his signature seems like a farfetched dream.”Credit: @zinowor”I would take him any day.”Credit: @ezrandez”I’m in the minority of Arsenal fans who would be keen on Bellerin remaining first-choice RB next season, but if we’re showing interest in Hakimi, we would be crazy to not try and sign him, one of the few players that would justify replacing a fan favourite like Bellerin.”Credit: @dylanwalsh_”I’d love him.”Credit: @journalismbondIn other news, Arsenal have been linked with a move for a former PL defender – read more here.

Rangers will be looking to continue their journey in the Europa League when they take on Slavia Prague at Ibrox on Thursday, with Steven Gerrard’s side in a strong position after coming away with a 1-1 draw in the away leg last week.

One way in which Rangers could get the edge over their Czech opponents is by unleashing Kemar Roofe at Ibrox, with the former Leeds United man having made his return from injury in the reverse fixture.

The Jamaican forward has impressed since signing from Anderlecht in the summer, having contributed 12 goals and two assists in 26 appearances for Gerrard’s side.

In the Premiership, he has averaged an impressive 7.13 rating for his performances, which sees him rated as the eighth-best performer in the league for Rangers so far this season, so it is certainly a big boost for Gerrard that he is now back from injury.

After he made his return against Slavia last week, the former Liverpool man said:

“It’s great to have Kemar back and a cameo will do him the world of good.”

Hopefully, the return to action, plus another week of training, will give Roofe the fitness he needs to make a big impact in the game at Ibrox on Thursday, as he could be the difference-maker.

We have already seen Roofe score twice in the Europa League this season, once against Benfica and once in the 2-0 win against Standard Liege with an unforgettable goal from the halfway line.

Gerrard was clearly wowed by that strike, as he said after the game:

“I think it was a moment of genius. I’ve been lucky enough to watch it five or six times since the end of the game and it’s the actual build-up and preparation before the strike.”Although Roofe will do well to recreate a similar goal to that in training, let alone in a competitive game, it emphasised what he is capable of and the quality that he possesses and a moment of magic like that could well be the difference between Rangers progressing or exiting the Europa League on Thursday night.Therefore, Gerrard should give the £5.4 million-rated forward a chance to impress from the start and hope that he can have another moment of genius on Thursday night.And, in other news… Gerrard should unleash teen wonderkid who is “worth his weight in gold” next season

Aston Villa are interested in signing Rangers defender Filip Helander in the summer transfer window.

The Lowdown: Helander’s season over

The 28-year-old is currently sidelined with a foot injury picked up earlier this month and he is not expected to play again for the Gers this season.

It has been an injury-plagued campaign for Helander, who has been limited to just six Scottish Premiership starts, failing to play much of a part in proceedings.

Now, a new report is claiming that the Swede may have played his last game for Giovanni van Bronckhorst.

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The Latest: Villa keen on move

According to Football Insider, a Villa source claims that Steven Gerrard is a big admirer of Helander and wants to sign him, having worked with him at Ibrox.

The former Rangers manager is thought to be ‘closely monitoring his situation’, with the player’s current deal expiring at the end of next season.

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The Verdict: Hard to say no

Helander would be a big loss for Rangers, having averaged a colossal 4.3 aerial duel wins per game in last year’s title-winning season, not to mention three per match in 2021/22.

The lure of linking up with Gerrard again and also playing in the Premier League could be too good to turn down, however, in what are the peak years of his career, especially if the Gers miss out on Champions League football.

The hope is that Helander recovers from his injury problems and remains at Ibrox but it is easy to envisage a situation where he is in a Villa shirt next season, where Gerrard is expected to replace Tyrone Mings.

In other news, another Premier League are also eyeing up a Rangers player. Read more here.

David Moyes should urge West Ham United to sign Real Sociedad forward Mikel Oyarzabal in the January transfer window as the Irons eye a replacement for Sebastien Haller.

What’s the word?

According to talkSPORT, the Hammers are considering a move to bring Oyarzabal to the Premier League after selling Haller to AFC Ajax for £20m earlier this month.

Moyes is on the hunt for offensive reinforcements with Michail Antonio his only current recognised senior striker, and is claimed to have been in contact with four or five targets.

Oyarzabal played under Moyes at Sociedad in 2014 and is seen as an option that will complement the side the Scottish coach is building, as he can play outside to support Antonio with the five-goal hitman the clear number one in east London.

Oyarzabal was previously linked with a potential move to West Ham last summer, with it claimed in The Sun that Moyes would love to reunite with the 23-year-old after handing the 11-cap Spain international his breakthrough at the Anoeta Stadium.

The Txuri-urdinak captain is considered to be one of the major factors behind Real Sociedad becoming one of the most exciting young sides in La Liga, providing seven goals and four assists in 14 top-flight outings this term after a 10-goal, 11-assist haul in 2019/20.

Imagine him and Antonio

Moyes could forge a formidable front four at the London Stadium if he were to urge the West Ham hierarchy to break the bank to sign Oyarzabal this month, as Sociedad would no doubt be loath to lose such a key weapon in Imanol Alguacil’s arsenal on the cheap.

Oyarzabal has the potential to be more than just a Haller replacement if signed in the January transfer window, as his influence comes from across the field with the Sociedad product not a natural centre-forward.

By trade, Oyarzabal is a left-winger but is often given a free-roaming role at the Anoeta Stadium to drift around the field and pick-up possession wherever he can do the most damage, be it dropping deep and driving forward or by producing the vital final pass.

Alguacil lauds the impact Oyarzabal brings to his side, be it on the flank, through the centre or at striker, but also for the determination the “hungry” £36,000-per-week gem shows in the face of adversity.

Only five players have provided a higher number of accurate crosses in La Liga to date this term than Oyarzabal, who has produced 21 accurate deliveries – the same as 2014 World Cup winner Toni Kroos, per SofaScore.

The £63m-rated Sociedad star’s efforts in the final third have helped toward creating five big chances for his teammates to score, with an average 1.4 key passes while taking 1.9 shots and only missing two clear-cut chances to score thus far this season.

Only Antonio (2.2) currently takes more efforts on goal in Premier League games for West Ham compared to Oyarzabal’s La Liga exploits, with the Spaniard matching Jarrod Bowen (1.9), per WhoScored. Add in Said Benrahma (1.5), and Moyes would have a formidable front four, all capable of driving possession on and producing in the box, while upgrading the creativity of his side.

Aaron Cresswell and Vladimir Coufal lead the charts at the London Stadium for key passes per game among those who have featured more than five times with the full-backs each offering 1.5, but that figure drops to just 0.9 in Declan Rice, Bowen and Arthur Masuaku as the next-best options.

Oyarzabal, therefore, could ease the strain on Cresswell and Coufal to create and Antonio to score, but at a likely lucrative fee that West Ham may not be willing to spend in January.

AND in other news, a £22.5m-rated West Ham man will not be a part of David Moyes’ plans for the rest of this season…

Tottenham Hotspur have been handed a breakthrough over one of their mooted summer transfer targets…

What’s the word?

Earlier this month, the North London giants were linked with interest in Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder Yves Bissouma following another impressive season on the south coast.

The Times’ Duncan Castles now claims that the 24-year-old star has asked to leave the Amex Stadium at the end of the season, with the likes of Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester City all inquiring about his availability.

It’s thought that the Seagulls are open to a sale as his contract is set to expire in two years time but only if their £30m evaluation is met.

Bissouma cost them only €18m (£16.5m) in the summer of 2018 but he has emerged as one of the most dynamic box-to-box midfielders in the English top-flight.

Levy’s licking his lips

If Spurs are truly interested in the Mali international, as was reported earlier in the month, then this latest development will surely have Lilywhites chairman Daniel Levy brimming with excitement.

There are some similarities to be had with this situation and that of Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg at Southampton, prior to his move to Spurs.

The former Saints captain was slapped with a £35m price tag amid interest from several Premier League sides around this time last year. It was thought at the time that the 25-year-old wanted to leave to play at a higher level.

Levy, being the tough negotiating hard bargain man he is, managed to wriggle down that price to just £15m.

It’s even more impressive that they managed to ship outcast defender Kyle Walker-Peters in the other direction for £12m, meaning the total cash outlay on their new first-choice midfielder was only £3m.

An absolute steal.

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Now that Bissouma is available, Levy will surely be licking his lips over the prospects of trying to clinch him on another cut-price deal.

And so he should, as he’s one of the best midfielders outside the top six right now.

Ex-Brighton boss Chris Hughton once hailed the 6-foot monster a “wonderful talent” whilst BT Sport presenter Gary Lineker took to Twitter to wax lyrical about his ability, calling him an “exceptional footballer,” via The Athletic.

Bissouma has been compared to Yaya Toure due to his natural playing style and whilst he has some way to go to match the Ivorian’s impressive numbers in England, you can see some similarities.

As per WhoScored, the Seagulls sensation is averaging 2.8 tackles, 1.7 interceptions and 1.5 dribbles per game.

This is very much akin to Mousa Dembele. A brute force that could read the game perfectly, and one that liked to travel with the ball up the pitch. Bissouma even chips in with 1.2 shots per game, so perhaps he’s unlucky to not have added more than one goal to his tally this term.

Whether he’s the next Toure or the next Dembele, he’ll only have to be half the player of either to be a hit in N17. Now that he’s willing to force an exit, Levy should be ready to win this transfer tussle with his negotiating skills.

AND in other news, Spurs must put £26m-rated “calamity” out of his misery, he’s holding them back…