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Aston Villa midfielder Morgan Sanson is ‘free to leave’ the club in the January transfer window, according to reliable journalist Ashley Preece.

The Lowdown: Sanson out of favour

The 28-year-old has found himself out of Steven Gerrard’s plans so far this season, with other midfielders such as Douglas Luiz and John McGinn preferred to him.

In fact, not a single minute of Premier League action has come Sanson’s way in 2022/23 to date, leading to doubts surrounding his future at Villa Park.

Now, a new update further suggests that the Frenchman could be heading off to pastures new soon.

The Latest: Preece talks up exit

Speaking to Give Me Sport, Preece claimed that Sanson is free to find a new club in January, with his current deal expiring in the summer of 2025:

“I think he hasn’t impressed enough ever since he joined really. He’s part of the squad at the moment and will be until the January window reopens.

“I think Villa will look for a Sanson replacement as well because they need depth in that area. I think Sanson will be free to leave.”

The Verdict: Makes perfect sense

In truth, Sanson has failed to live up to expectations in a Villa shirt since joining from Marseille last year, only making 20 appearances and not registering a single goal or assist.

He was hailed as a ‘great technician’ by former manager Dean Smith but there hasn’t been enough influence and drive in his performances.

A permanent move away from Villa in January would be ideal for all parties, getting Sanson off the wage bill and allowing him regular football elsewhere.

Tottenham Hotspur defender Joe Rodon, currently out on loan at Rennes, has been criticised by sections of the media for his displays in France.

The Lowdown: Rodon sets off…

The Wales international was never guaranteed consistent game time under manager Antonio Conte so a temporary move to Ligue 1 seemed a reasonable solution.

Before Rodon jetted off for Rennes, there were claims suggesting he was eager to seal a move away from north London so he can gain valuable minutes and further his development as a player.

The 2022 World Cup in Qatar is also merely months away so the 24-year-old will be looking to impress national team boss Robert Page with a steady string of solid performances, even if it’s away from the Premier League.

The Latest: Media criticise Rodon…

However, so far, things haven’t gone to plan for Rodon at Roazhon Park – at least going by the verdicts of French media outlets.

Indeed, a report by newspaper Ouest-France (via Sport Witness) suggested the centre-half needs to improve his game – criticising him for two major weaknesses and being at fault for Troyes’ goal in Rennes 1-1 draw on Sunday.

These two flaws of Rodon’s game are highlighted as being a consistent lack of ‘audacity’ and ‘precision’.

The Welshman was indeed one of the worst rated players in the Rennes XI at Troyes, winning no ground duels, making zero tackles and no interceptions (Sofascore).

The Verdict: Only way is up…

While French media have pointed out that Rodon’s start to life on loan has been challenging, we believe the young defender’s potential to improve is vast.

The former Swansea City star has excelled in Spurs’ own starting eleven before this point with former Lilywhites manager Jose Mourinho even calling him ‘perfect’.

Rodon will also be looking to get back to tip-top form before Qatar and his redemption may well soon begin.

Crystal Palace are one of several Premier League sides said to be interested in signing Marseille striker Bamba Dieng this summer and the young forward could prove to be Patrick Vieira’s own version of Sadio Mane at Selhurst Park.

According to the Daily Mail, Palace and a number of other Premier League sides are all interested in signing the Senegal international before the transfer window shuts.

Previous reports have suggested that he would be available for as little as €15m (£12.7m) this summer, so he could present a relatively cheap option for the Eagles as they look to bolster their attacking options.

Vieira does already have Odsonne Edouard and Jean-Philippe Mateta available as natural strikers in his squad but following the recent exit of Christian Benteke, the Palace manager may well be keen to add another frontman to his ranks.

Dieng enjoyed a breakthrough season in the 2021/22 campaign, making 36 appearances in all competitions for Marseille, in which he contributed eight goals and three assists.

The 22-year-old primarily featured as a striker last season but is also capable of playing on the left-hand side, where he competes in his national side with Bayern Munich star Sadio Mane.

According to FbRef, Mane is the third-most similar player to Dieng in terms of style of play and it’s not just their nationality and position that supports that claim.

They both excelled tremendously in their attacking play last season, scoring above the 90th percentile in shots per game and progressive passes received, which emphasises that they are extremely adept at getting themselves into goalscoring situations.

WhoScored also suggests that both Mane and Dieng excel at finishing and playing key passes, while they also like to cut inside from the left onto their stronger right foot.

Furthermore, Mane is also a big fan of his international teammate, suggesting that he has the potential to become “one of the best strikers in the world” after a 4-1 win over Namibia last year.

Considering how effective Mane was in the Premier League during his time at Southampton and Liverpool, where he comfortably established himself as a “world-class” player on his way to scoring 111 times, Palace would be foolish not to consider bringing a potential heir to the Bayern Munich star to Selhurst Park.

Nottingham Forest are not taking their long-awaited return to the Premier League lightly, signing 11 new players to ensure that they can compete this season, and a new update has emerged on further transfer plans.

What’s the latest?

According to Daily Express journalist Ryan Taylor, the Reds are still on the lookout for another striker this summer, and they could reunite with former loanee Keinan Davis.

Taylor told GIVEMESPORT: “I do expect him [Steve Cooper] to sign another striker. Keinan Davis is another one that, if it came to it, Cooper would still be open to bringing back. But I think they will be looking at other names.”

Supporters will be excited

There is no doubt that Forest supporters will be excited about more transfer plans ahead to continue strengthening the team ahead of the new season, and the signing of another striker would surely put them in a great position to compete comfortably at top-flight level.

Cooper will be desperate to retain the top-flight status earned in their Championship play-off final victory two months ago, so making sure that the squad is packed with quality players who will understand the importance and culture that the Welshman has brought to the club is essential.

Reuniting with Davis would be ideal if Forest struggle to find a more clinical goalscorer this summer. Despite the Aston Villa striker only scoring five goals and delivering three assists over 22 appearances for the Reds, he is experienced in working under Cooper and understanding the style of play that the manager wants to deploy.

Forest have already signed a new centre-forward this summer with former Liverpool youngster Taiwo Awoniyi coming in after an impressive season with Union Berlin, scoring 17 goals for the Bundesliga club last term, but it’s clear that Cooper wants to have as many options as possible to strengthen the goal threat at the City Ground.

The Reds have been linked with a number of forwards over the transfer window, including Alassane Plea, Jordan Larsson and Watford striker Emmanuel Dennis, but there has been no progress with deals for any of those players yet.

If Forest are serious about signing another striker this summer before the transfer window shuts, they will soon need to start making concrete moves to secure a deal, with Cooper’s side heading to St James’ Park for their first Premier League fixture since 1999 against Newcastle next weekend.

AND in other news: Cooper can land dream Garner replacement in Forest bid for “extraordinary” £30m target

Transfer insider Dean Jones has suggested that Leeds United remain in the market for defenders this summer, and left-backs in particular. 

The lowdown: Bare bones

As things stand, the Whites will head into the 2022/23 campaign with only Leif Davis (14 senior Leeds appearances) at Jesse Marsch’s disposal as a recognised senior left-back option, and 18-year-old Leo Fuhr Hjelde as a potential backup.

Injuries to Stuart Dallas and Junior Firpo have ruled them out of the opening weeks of the upcoming season, whilst Ipswich Town have been heavily linked with a move for Davis in recent weeks.

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As a result, according to The Athletic journalist Phil Hay, Leeds could well be looking for reinforcements in the left-back area, a claim on which another well-informed onlooker has now doubled down…

The latest: ‘A few options’

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Jones has claimed that Victor Orta is searching for a fresh face to bring in at left-back for Marsch’s squad, but remains somewhat restricted due to the club’s budget.

The Eurosport journalist said: “They’re definitely wary of spending too much in that position, so they’ve been sounding out a few options.”

The verdict: Signings are needed

Equally comfortable in almost any position, Marsch will be counting the loss of Dallas in particular at left-back – and indeed across the entire squad – most of all as the new season approaches.

Last season the duties in that role were shared between Firpo and Dallas, with the former making 28 appearances at left-back compared to the Northern Irishman’s 15.

Linked with Anderlecht starlet Sergio Gomez earlier this summer, there certainly appears to be an appetite by Orta to re-stock the left-back position at Elland Road and potentially allow 22-year-old academy graduate Davis to leave as a result.

As for the potential lack of money in the coffers with which to invest, currently boasting a net profit of £900,000 this summer owing to the big-money departures of Kalvin Phillips and Raphinha, Andrea Radrizanni should have no issues in sanctioning further funds should the perfect transfer target become available.

Nottingham Forest have angered Mainz with their first offer for centre-back Moussa Niakhate this summer, according to journalist Ryan Taylor.

The Lowdown: Niakhate linked with move

Steve Cooper has a key summer ahead of him, as his team get ready for a return to the Premier League for the first time since 1999.

Forest have already secured the services of Dean Henderson and Taiwo Awoniyi, strengthening their options, and they have also been linked with a move for Niakhate.

The 26-year-old was a key man for Mainz last season, starting 29 Bundesliga matches and scoring four goals for good measure.

The Latest: Journalist drops new claim

Speaking to Give Me Sport, Taylor claimed that the German side were not happy with Forest’s opening offer for Niakhate, putting the signing in doubt:

“Niakhate is an interesting one because last week when I was digging into that, I was told that Forest were prepared to offer £10 million, but the first offer they’ve gone in with was so low that it’s really annoyed Mainz, who ideally don’t want to sell the player to them anymore because they find it insulting.”

The Verdict: Time to up the bid

This news is certainly a concern, with Niakhate someone who could add much-needed steel at the heart of Forest’s defence ahead of a big step up in quality next season.

The hope is that Cooper can still get his man, however, with the club upping their offer in the coming weeks and reaching an agreement that seems suitable for all parties.

Niakhate could come in and provide stern competition for the likes of Scott McKenna and Ryan Yates, having averaged 2.2 clearances per game in the league last season, as well as 1.9 aerial duel wins.

An update has emerged regarding Sunderland’s interest in signing Ravel Morrison in the summer transfer window…

What’s the talk?

According to Football Insider, the Black Cats are eyeing up a move for the 29-year-old as Kristjaan Speakman looks to improve the squad ahead of the 2021/22 campaign.

The report claims that Preston North End and Huddersfield are prepared to challenge Alex Neil’s men for the midfielder’s signature.

His contract with League One side Derby County expires at the end of next week and he is set to leave Wayne Rooney’s team on a free transfer.

Alex Pritchard 2.0

By securing a deal to sign Morrison this summer, Speakman could land Neil another Alex Pritchard to select in Sunderland’s midfield next season.

The Black Cats snapped up the former Norwich player on a free transfer from Huddersfield last year and he enjoyed a sublime debut season in red and white.

In the 2021/22 League One campaign, Pritchard produced four goals and nine assists from attacking midfield, creating nine ‘big chances’ for his team-mates and making two key passes per match. He set up both goals in the 2-0 win in the play-off final at Wembley against Wycombe, teeing up Elliot Embleton and Ross Stewart to fire their team back into the Championship.

Sunderland can now repeat that masterclass by striking a move for Morrison in a similar deal to the one which brought Pritchard to the Stadium of Light.

The Derby playmaker started 26 games in the Championship last term and was directly involved in eight goals, with four strikes and four assists.

Rio Ferdinand previously quoted Middlesbrough manager Chris Wilder as saying: “Rav – unpredictable, maverick, humble, a natural, and frustrating.”

These quotes suggest that the 20-year-old will be an exciting player for the fans to watch, as he takes risks with the ball and can entertain the crowd with his unpredictability in possession.

The £4.7k-per-week maestro created six ‘big chances’ in total and made one key pass per match in the division above the one in which Pritchard was playing last season, showing that he has the ability to make things happen in the final third at that level.

Morrison is a proven Championship performer who could slot into Sunderland’s starting XI and have an immediate impact, much like the former Tottenham man did in League One in 2021/22.

It is now over to Speakman to convince the former Manchester United gem that a move to Wearside is the best next step for him ahead of the likes of Preston and Huddersfield.

AND in other news, Huge Sunderland behind-the-scenes development emerges, supporters will be buzzing…

Crystal Palace are on the verge of singing England goalkeeper Sam Johnstone, according to talkSPORT reporter Alex Crook. 

The lowdown: Wanted man

Set to become a free agent at the end of the month, Johnstone has previously attracted the attention of West Ham United, Newcastle United, Southampton and Tottenham Hotspur.

However, Palace recently emerged as the main protagonist for the 29-year-old’s signature as Patrick Vieira attempts to bolster the goalkeeping department at Selhurst Park.

Despite an apparent lull in the proceedings, it’s now been claimed that Johnstone remains on course to arrive in South East London in the near future…

The latest: Crook on Johnstone

Speaking live on talkSPORT during his transfer notebook segment, Crook suggested that the three-cap England man is set to become a Palace player when his contract expires at West Brom.

He said: “I was told a couple of weeks ago that Crystal Palace are very close to signing Sam Johnstone, I’ve got no reason to believe that is off course.

“I think if he went there he would go as number one as well.”

The verdict: Smart move

Snapping up a goalkeeper of Johnstone’s calibre to compete with and perhaps usurp 35-year-old Vicente Guaita would be a superb piece of business from the club.

Despite suffering relegation from the Premier League in 2020/21, the former Manchester United academy prospect caught the eye with some standout displays for West Brom, earning high praise from former Palace boss Sam Allardyce, who hailed the stopper as ‘one of the best’ following a 1-1 draw against Liverpool.

Johnstone continued to impress in the Championship last season, making on average 1.6 saves per game whilst keeping an impressive 15 clean sheets in what was a disappointing campaign overall for West Brom.

As a free transfer, this deal would make an abundance of sense for Palace, particularly as Jack Butland has been heavily linked with a move away this summer and as it would leave money in the coffers for Vieira to strengthen other necessary positions in the squad.

In other news, Palace are eyeing two Manchester United players.

Liverpool have already been linked with a number of new additions this summer, with a new update emerging on long-term transfer target Jarrod Bowen.

What’s the latest?

According to talkSPORT reporter Alex Crook, Liverpool’s interest in the West Ham United star is “genuine” as speculation mounts on a potential move for the player this summer.

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Crook told GIVEMESPORT:

“I know Jurgen Klopp’s an admirer so that interest from Liverpool is genuine. But where does he fit in now that they’ve signed Diaz? They’ve got (Diogo) Jota obviously at the moment, Salah and Mane are still there, and so is Firmino.”

It comes as The Mirror reports that the FA cup winners could potentially offer a swap deal for Bowen that includes Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

Klopp would love him

There is no doubt that Bowen would fit right in at Liverpool but with a large number of attackers already in the team, it would be hard to see how he would pick up regular game time, despite the fact that Jurgen Klopp would love him.

Klopp has given the forward huge praise in the past, and recently complimented the player ahead of his team’s clash with the Hammers this season.

“Bowen, what a player he became!

“We saw him as well at Hull and he was really good at that time. I’m not sure a lot of people expected this jump, but unbelievable player.”

The £75m ace who was hailed “first-class” and a “genius” by Danny Gabbidon, has been having a phenomenal season in East London and has become one of the hottest prospects in the Premier League thanks to his performances for West Ham.

The 25-year-old has scored 12 goals and contributed ten assists in 35 Premier League appearances so far, creating nine big chances, making 1.2 key passes and taking 2.2 shots on average per game in David Moyes’ side, so it is no wonder Klopp holds him in such high regard.

When you compare him to his peers in the league too, the attacker has been ranking highly with the third most assists, sixth-most big chances and ranks seventh for chance creation in the Premier League, which is highly impressive when you consider his output compared to the other talented players in the top-flight.

Although it may be difficult for Liverpool to place exactly how they would be able to fit him into their already impressive attacking team, Bowen’s ability and talent is clearly hard to ignore for the club and could be a huge signing if the opportunity arises on Merseyside.

AND in other news: Klopp eyeing £150m “wonderkid” who “suits Liverpool’s style”, it may be bye-bye Salah

Owner Evangelos Marinakis is reportedly eyeing a Nottingham Forest move for Cremonese left-back Emanuele Valeri in the January transfer window.

The Lowdown: 24th signing?

Steve Cooper’s side have brought in as many as 23 new players to the City Ground since the opening of the summer window, after recently securing the signing of goalkeeper Adnan Kanuric as a free agent.

However, they seem to be struggling to get them to gel together, as they currently sit in the relegation zone in the Premier League table.

The Latest: Valeri interest

As per Radiosei (via La Lazio Siamo Noi), the Reds are on the trail of Valeri, and could launch a move for him in January.

However, they could face competition from Serie A giants Lazio for his signature.

The Verdict: Avoid

The Reds already signed three left-backs in the summer in Omar Richards, Renan Lodi and Harry Toffolo, so certainly do not need another one in Valeri.

Yes, the 23-year-old is starting in one of the top five leagues in Europe, with one goal in his opening six games in the Serie A so far (Transfermarkt), but he would not be a guaranteed starter at Forest with three other players fighting for the same position.

Nonetheless, Cooper should instead be given time to work with the new squad that he has now, with the view of not needing to make any more major overhauls in January.