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It appears that Sheffield Wednesday have their sights set on bringing a new striker to Hillsborough Stadium this summer…

What’s the word?

According to The72, the Owls are eyeing a move for Rochdale striker Stephen Humphrys ahead of the upcoming transfer window, though they face competition from a host of other EFL clubs.

Championship rivals Blackburn, Preston, Bristol City, Stoke and Nottingham Forest are all in the race and it is thought that all six are ‘very interest and likely to make a move’ in the summer.

It remains to be seen how much the 23-year-old forward would cost as he will still have a year to run on his contract at Spotland come to the end of the season.

Rhodes replacement

Regardless of the division the Owls find themselves in next season, it is likely to be ‘all change’ at Hillsborough under Moore as several players are out of contract, including their only senior striker, Jordan Rhodes.

The 31-year-old is on the verge of becoming the Championship’s all-time record goalscorer and has interest from elsewhere in the division, but recently remained tight-lipped on his future. He told YorkshireLive:

“That’s for the powers-to-be,” Rhodes said. “It’s out of my control.”

Humphrys is a physical threat at a little over 6-foot and would seem primed for the next step-up having impressed immensely at the League One strugglers. His proven record in the division also makes for great appeal should Wednesday go down this campaign.

The former Fulham graduate has provided nine goals and four assists in 25 league appearances, as per Transfermarkt. Even despite the Dale sitting precariously at the foot of the table.

As per WhoScored figures, Humphrys ranks second at Spotland for average rating for the season (7.09) and has fired off a whopping 3.6 shots per game, of which 1.8 come from inside the penalty area – very much like the goal-poaching Rhodes.

Earlier this year, journalist and Rochdale fansite owner Chris Fitzgerald lauded the 23-year-old as being “a different level.”

If the Owls are to finally move on from the long-serving Scotsman this summer, then they should look no further than Humphrys.

AND in other news, Forgotten Sheffield Wednesday man with “great ability” fires huge message to Moore…

Making an official announcement on Twitter, Manchester City confirmed that they have reached an agreement regarding the future transfer of Brazilian gem Kayky, with plenty of Sky Blues supporters buzzing over this ‘huge news’.

Kayky, who has drawn comparisons with South American superstar and compatriot Neymar, will remain at Fluminense until the end of the Brazilian domestic season. Thereafter, he will either link up with City or go out on loan, with the fee agreed for his transfer believed to be around £9m ($12m) plus add-ons (Goal).

The 17-year-old is arguably one of the most exciting youngsters in world football and will join the contingent of Brazilian starlets on City’s books, with the Sky Blues having previously acquired Gabriel Jesus, Yan Couto and Diego Rosa.

Flocking to the ‘huge news’ that City have acquired yet another gem from the American continent, it’s little wonder that Sky Blues supporters have been buzzing.

Take a read of some of their verdicts below.

Man City fans buzzing over Kayky announcement

“YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS”

Credit: @SilkyCyrus_74

“I LOVE THIS CLUB MAN”

Credit: @tacticalfoul47

“Huge huge huge news!”

Credit: @gabejones24_

“Let’s go!”

Credit: @Fodennnnn47

“We’re so set for the future man”

Credit: @JustTaylor10

“great talent, I can easily see him making the first team! Brazil produces phenomenal talent time and time again”

Credit: @wavycreations_

“The official club account tweeting this means he’s in the first team plans I think. Really exciting transfer”

Credit: @BernardoControl

In other news: Man City fans also erupted over this ESL claim, find out more here.

In making a defining statement, Jose Mourinho may have just found the solution to one of his long-standing Tottenham Hotspur problems.

The Spurs boss named a surprise lineup for their trip to Aston Villa on Sunday afternoon, and it paid off as they returned to north London with all three points and a clean sheet.

Mourinho sprung a bit of a surprise as young defensive duo Japhet Tanganga and Joe Rodon were preferred to Matt Doherty, Eric Dier, Toby Alderweireld and Serge Aurier.

In part down to performances, and in part down to illness. Either way, this decision clearly sent a rocket through the Spurs squad.

On the Chalkboard

As we outlined after the match, Rodon arguably stole the show – the likes of Harry Kane and Lucas Moura, who delivered key attacking contributions on their way to a 2-0 victory will take much of the plaudits but the Welsh starlet was a colossal presence against Villa, who are no relegation candidates this season.

That was the 23-year-old’s fifth Premier League start but you wouldn’t have known that judging by his display. He has never let Spurs down when featuring in the top-flight.

On debut, he spearheaded the backline towards a clean sheet against Mourinho’s former club, Chelsea, and his performance drew glowing praise from the Sky Sports team (via Wales Online).

Roy Keane claimed that Rodon had a “bright future ahead of him” as he “looked composed” against the vastly-experienced Olivier Giroud, whilst similarly, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink lauded the 6 foot 4 colossus  as a “proper Spurs player” who seemed “comfortable.”

Mourinho’s biggest problem has been in defence this season, as ex-goalkeeper, Paul Robinson told Football Insider:

“It has been the biggest problem area for Spurs all season, centre-half. Whoever it has been, Dier, Alderweireld, Sanchez or Rodon it has not worked or at least Mourinho has not liked it. There has not been a consistent pairing all season. Not one centre-half has shown good enough consistency this season.”

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That could now be about to change, if the Spurs boss keeps the faith with Rodon.

As per SofaScore, the £11m summer signing – who has been likened to his former skipper John Terry in the past – graded as the visitor’s best defender with a 7.4 rating.

He put in three clearances, made two interceptions and recorded one tackle, displaying an excellent reading of the game against the lethal threat of the 12-goal Ollie Watkins.

“He’s got every physical and mental attribute you need to be successful in that position,” explained Andy Hinchcliffe to Sky Sports in the summer. It’s no wonder Mourinho signed him before the end of the domestic window, but now he really ought to be given a proper run of matches.

If the £13.5m-rated beast half the player of Terry, then Mourinho will have stumbled across a very viable solution.

AND in other news, Spurs handed Sergio Reguilon transfer boost…

Many Liverpool fans are reacting to a “massive” injury update from Jurgen Klopp on Diogo Jota and Fabinho.

According to The Athletic’s Caoimhe O’Neill on Twitter (@CaoimheSport), Klopp confirmed that Jota – who has been injured since 9 December – should be back against Chelsea on Thursday, whilst he also said that Fabinho should be close to returning.

This is a huge boost for the club and one that is needed as they continue to push for a top four place. It is especially good news that Jota is returning soon – the 24-year-old Portuguese international had a great start to life at Anfield, scoring five goals in nine Premier League games, in which he managed 2.2 shots per game, whilst he also scored four goals in six Champions League appearances (WhoScored).

Jurgen Klopp’s side are on an awful run in the Premier League, losing four of their last five games. One of these losses was against Manchester City, whilst they also lost to Merseyside rivals Everton at Anfield, something which had not happened since 1999. Therefore, this latest news will come as a huge boost for everyone at the club and hopefully both Jota and Fabinho will return soon.

Here is how some Liverpool fans reacted to the news:

“Fab back in the midfield and leave Kabak and Phillips to form the bond. Let’s hope.”

Credit: @SaedArib

“I hope this is true will be a massive boost for a massive game”

Credit: @99e2717633324e9

“We might actually have “options” sometime soon.”

Credit: @TomDig

“I’m buzzing”

Credit: @NigerianCrown

“There is hope.”

Credit: @WookieChew23

“Best news ever”

Credit: @SUCRE32

In other news, find out what transfer update has been lauded by Liverpool fans here!

According to a report by Football Insider, West Ham United and David Moyes have set their sights on Leeds United ‘sensation’ Illan Meslier – coming as the club have held talks over extending Lukasz Fabianski’s contract but with no agreement in place yet. 

The Irons are confident they can keep their number one for another season regardless, especially considering they have a one-year option in his current deal according to Football Insider, but that hasn’t stopped them looking at potential replacements.

Moyes eyeing Meslier for West Ham

Meslier, who has been a Leeds regular under Marcelo Bielsa this season, starting 25 of their 26 Premier League matches, apparently fits the bill as Moyes eyes potential new additions in the goalkeeping department.

He signed for the Whites on a permanent deal just last summer, converting his loan spell from Lorient into a permanent deal, but West Ham and Moyes are now keeping tabs ahead of the next transfer window.

Transfer Tavern take

Described as ‘incredible’ by former Leeds and Premier League striker Jermaine Beckford (Doing A Leeds podcast via Leeds United news), he is currently valued at around £10.8 million by Transfermarkt – with no mooted price tag mentioned by this Football Insider report.

Leeds may want much more for their number one shot stopper given his age, but it remains to be seen if more news emerges regarding talks or an asking price.

In other news: West Ham are also keeping tabs on this potentially ‘perfect signing’, find out more here.

After making his return from injury on Sunday night, it’s fair to say that Matty Cash didn’t enjoy the greatest of games in Aston Villa’s 2-0 defeat to Tottenham.

The former Nottingham Forest star had been out of action for Dean Smith’s side for several games due to injury, with veteran defender Ahmed Elmohamady coming in for him.

After being named as an unnamed substitute last time out against Newcastle, Cash was given the nod to make his first appearance in a Villa shirt since his injury, but things just didn’t go to plan.

As well as being involved in the controversial decision to award Harry Kane a penalty in the second half, the right-back just seemed to lose his composure as the game wore on, perhaps more to do with his match fitness levels more than anything else.

As per Sofascore, he lost possession a whopping 29 times on the night, by far the most of any player on the pitch, and a telling sign of how he just couldn’t get his normal game going – his season average has seen him concede possession 14.4 times per match in the Premier League.

As well as his wastefulness on the ball, Cash also attempted no dribbles, provided no key passes and delivered no crosses either – offensively, the full-back was just a complete non-entity and couldn’t link up with Bertrand Traore at all.

Writing in his post-match player ratings for the Birmingham Mail, Ashley Preece admitted: “Back in for his first start since tweaking his hamstring at Brighton. Cash started brightly and was aggressive in the challenge against the likes of Lucas and Reguilon.

“However, his performance dipped off significantly in the second half and it was Cash’s clumsy challenge which put this fixture to bed as his trailing leg caught Kane in the box for the penalty. His aggressive nature and willingness for the cause were both welcome but, like most, he wasn’t on his usual game.”

With Elmohamady set to turn 34 later this year, and reports already indicating that Smith is preparing to let him go, there’s a real lack of genuine quality and competition to challenge Cash at right-back either when he’s out injured, or if he’s in bad form.

It’s exactly why the Villa boss will be worried about Cash’s display against Spurs, and will simply be hoping that it was a minor blip in what has otherwise been an impressive debut campaign at Villa Park for the former Forest full-back.

Meanwhile, this Villa man was woeful against Spurs…

Tottenham Hotspur are one of the teams pondering a move for Norwich City midfielder Todd Cantwell, according to reports…

What’s the word?

Football League World sources have claimed that Spurs are monitoring the 22-year-old playmaker ahead of a potential swoop this summer, while Premier League rivals Leicester City have also been named as possible suitors.

It’s thought that the Canaries are bracing themselves for bids over a number of their key stars, including Cantwell, though the north London outfit are wanting to avoid a bidding war over the England U21 international.

The Championship outfit do not want to sell either, but their hand may be forced should they fail to secure an instant return back to the top-flight.

Dele Alli 2.0?

Spurs are going to see first-hand how Cantwell performs over the next few months as they will also be looking at the progress of their on-loan midfielder, Oliver Skipp.

They have also had success in finding gems from the lower echelons of the Football League, more recently Ryan Sessegnon from Fulham, who has been touted for big things one day and of course, Dele Alli, who they prised from MK Dons for only £5m some six years ago.

Interestingly, Cantwell has been likened to the 24-year-old attacking midfielder after being dubbed the ‘East Anglian Alli’ by the Sportsman, who wrote: ‘There is also an element of Dele Alli to the way Cantwell plays, with the Norwich City man often breaking beyond the central striker.’

Perhaps a move for the Canaries’ talisman means they could seal their next Alli, especially as he’s been linked with an exit to Paris Saint-Germain in recent weeks, so his likely void will need to be fulfilled at some point.

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Cantwell’s former coach Gary Cockaday noticed his ability from a young age, he told The Athletic: “He did things every week that were just special. It was God-given. No one taught it.”

Indeed, the midfielder impressed in his first shot at the big time, even despite Norwich being relegated.

He recorded six goals and two assists from 37 appearances, and ranked joint-second for shots per game (1.1), behind only striker Teemu Pukki. He also did a lot off the ball, managing an average of 1.4 tackles per game, via WhoScored.

Cantwell even gave one of Spurs’ current players the run around that campaign. Despite the defeat, the Norwich sensation had the better of Matt Doherty in their game at Wolves. He was absolutely terrorised.

Per SofaScore, the Englishman was Daniel Farke’s second-best player (7.2 rating) and aside from beating the right wing-back to score, he also won five duels, made three tackles and had 55 touches. By comparison, the Irishman (6.6) managed to pick up a yellow card and won only 45% of his duels.

In the Championship this term, he has continued that remarkable form, ranking as the Canaries’ third-best player with a WhoScored rating of 7.04 – only bettered by Emi Buendia and Grant Hanley, who have both started double the number of games.

Four goal contributions in 11 starts are noble returns thus far and given he’s only 22, he looks primed to improve on that going forward.

Also dubbed one of the “most gifted” in the academy set-up from an early age by Darren Huckerby, the £15.3m-rated gem would evidently be a fine addition and a like-for-like heir to Alli.

It remains to be seen how much a young talent like Cantwell would command; reports in the summer suggested Norwich had an asking price in the region of £25m, which in this day and age is probably fair for an English diamond.

If Daniel Levy can afford to this summer, he’d be a wise man to sanction this move.

AND in other news, Why Jose Mourinho would LOVE reported Spurs target Mikkel Damgaard…

Manchester United moved one step closer to the top of the Premier League table after thrashing newly-promoted Leeds United at Old Trafford.

Scott McTominay opened the scoring from long-range and the hosts doubled their advantage inside three minutes after Anthony Martial picked out the midfielder, who scored his second goal of the game with a lovely left-footed finish.

Bruno Fernandes added the third and Victor Lindelof made it four from close range before Liam Cooper pulled one back shortly before the stroke of half-time.

But Daniel James nutmegged helpless Leeds goalkeeper Illan Meslier before Fernandes scored from the penalty spot yet again to complete a comprehensive victory, though there was still time for Stuart Dallas to score a sensational screamer from 20 yards out.

It always looked like it would be a long night for Leeds but they still had their moments as Luke Shaw struggled to deal with Dallas and Raphinha on the left wing.

Shaw, who earns £150k-a-week at Old Trafford came into the starting line-up at the expense of new summer recruit Alex Telles, who had to settle for a place on the bench.

It’s hard to pick many holes in Solskjaer’s side, but if there’s one area he urgently needs to improve before the EFL Cup clash with Everton, it’s the left-hand side of the back four.

SofaScore graded the 25-year-old as one of the worst United players on the pitch with a low 6.8 rating – second only to David de Gea who he had fewer touches than. Shaw also lost possession 13 times, failed to block a single shot or record a single interception, while he made one error leading to a shot and conceded one foul.

The Manchester Evening News gave Shaw a 6/10 and claimed he looked ‘lackadaisical at times and lightning at others’, which rather sums up his inconsistent performance.

Not only did he look lightweight, but he was also largely anonymous as well with even his teammate and club captain Harry Maguire taking more touches of the ball.

It’s no surprise he was pulled on the 60th minute and he ought be wary with Telles breathing down his neck and Brandon Williams chomping at the bit, so his place in the starting line-up is by no means guaranteed.

With the Toffees and Leicester on the horizon, Shaw’s 13th start of the season could be his last for some time after that showing, as Solskjaer will surely have to consider other options.

AND in other news, Ed Woodward must look to cash in on Manchester United outcast Jesse Lingard in January…

In recent comments relayed by Record Sport, reported Rangers target Fashion Sakala dropped a hint about where he would like his next transfer to take him, and it appears that a move to join Steven Gerrard at Ibrox would not be his preference, which may come as a bit of a blow to the Gers.

According to Record Sport, Gerrard’s side are ‘keen to sign’ the 23-year-old KV Oostende centre-forward on a pre-contract deal, which would see him make a move to Glasgow upon the expiry of his current deal in Belgium at the end of this season.

However, the £1.08 million-rated Zambia international recently spoke out about the interest in his services and revealed that a move to the Premier League or La Liga would be his preference.

As relayed by Record Sport, he said: “Yes, there is interest from other teams. At the same time, talks are ongoing with KV Oostende about a new contract and we will see where we end up.

“If I decided to go to a new club, it would need to be somewhere I got to play every week and was content. But honestly, I am in no hurry to leave because I am happy here. Of course, if I could choose which league I would want to play in, I would pick La Liga or the English Premier League.”

Transfer Tavern Take

The comments of Sakala – who has bagged six goals and provided two assists over his 16 appearances in the Jupiler Pro League so far this season – could be seen as a blow to Rangers’ chances of landing the 23-year-old, as West Ham United and Newcastle United have also been linked with a move for the striker.

As such, it would appear that Gerrard may well have his work cut out in convincing Sakala that his club are the best option for the next move of his career, however, it would seem like the promise of regular first-team football could be used as a way to sweeten any deal.

In other Rangers news, fans were disgusted by these Hugh Keevins comments, find out more here!

According to reports, Tottenham are interested in signing former Arsenal star Aaron Ramsey.

What’s the story?

The Wales international left the Premier League to join Serie A giants Juventus, and though he’s shown flashes of brilliance with the Bianconeri, has struggled to really nail down a place in the starting eleven – he’s completed the full 90 minutes just twice in the league.

Now, Italian publication TuttoJuve claim that both Jose Mourinho’s Spurs, and fellow Premier League side Wolves, are keen on luring the 30-year-old back to English football, and reveal that the Serie A champions “could be willing to sell him to earn a figure of €10-15m (£8.7-£13.1m)”.

Mourinho’s next Lampard

While things haven’t quite panned out at Juventus, there’s no questioning that Ramsey’s style of play is something Spurs could desperately do with.

Mourinho sorely lacks a real box-to-box presence with that goal-scorer’s instinct in his squad, with only Tanguy Ndombele even coming close to matching that with his tally of six goals this season in all competitions.

But in Ramsey, the Spurs boss could find the closest thing to a Frank Lampard. The Chelsea icon’s performances under Mourinho is well-known, with the ex-Blues boss bagging 70 goals and providing a further 61 assists in just 215 games.

Described as an “outstanding technician”, Ramsey would offer that same knack of getting into the box at the right times and scoring those poacher-type goals. In fact, Lampard himself wrote in a column for The Evening Standard: “It will probably come as no surprise to people that I like Ramsey. Like me, he makes late runs in the penalty area and he showed that with aplomb for the second goal at AC Milan last week.”

That sentiment was echoed by Ramsey’s former boss at Arsenal, Arsene Wenger, who said: “He is a Frank Lampard type. He is (about) getting in the box and he has a huge capacity to run. Physically, he has a combination of stamina, power and his capacity to repeat high intensity is certainly the best in the league.”

In his time at Spurs’ north London rivals, the Welshman scored an impressive 65 goals, including big strikes in big games, not least two match-winning finishes in FA Cup finals.

While it may not be the most popular move, Daniel Levy could find an absolute gem in the £18m-rated Ramsey, and deliver Mourinho his next Lampard at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Meanwhile, this Spurs star showed he could be Mourinho’s game-changer…