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Glasgow Rangers manager Michael Beale has shared an update on Ryan Kent’s current situation at Ibrox amid uncertainty over the winger’s future at the club. 

The Lowdown: Kent’s contract situation at Rangers

The 26-year-old, who has been hailed for his “absolutely fantastic” performances in the past by Gers legend Jorg Albertz, is set to see his current contract at Ibrox expire at the end of the season.

Last month, it was reported that the Premiership giants had opened fresh contract talks with the Englishman after he initially rejected the opportunity to sign a new deal.

After seeing Kent take part in Rangers’ recent 3-0 friendly win over Bayer Leverkusen, Beale shared some behind-the-scenes details about the attacker and his situation at Ibrox.

The Latest: Beale speaks out on Kent

Speaking after the win over Leverkusen (via Daily Record), the Rangers boss addressed Kent’s future at the club, striking a positive claim about the 26-year-old.

Beale said: “We don’t want anyone here who doesn’t want to be here. Now, I think Ryan does want to be here. Everything is looking positive but there has just been a huge change at the club.

“He wants to be part of an exciting Rangers team that are moving in the right direction. So let’s see. The important thing is that Ryan looks like he is all in. He looks ready and committed so let’s deal with that initially.”

The Verdict: Rangers must secure new deal for Kent

In 13 Premiership appearances this season, the 26-year-old has scored one goal, provided five assists and earned himself an overall performance rating of 7.32/10 from WhoScored, making him the third-highest rated player at Rangers.

In addition, Kent has the second-highest average of key passes per game (2.4) and the second-highest average of dribbles per game (2.2) at Rangers, which is evidence of his attacking skills and why he’s such an important player for the team.

Taking all of that into account, it should be a top priority for the Ibrox club to tie Kent down to a new deal and remove any uncertainty around his future.

Chelsea have entered pole position for the signing of Netherlands international Denzel Dumfries, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Dumfries dazzles…

The Inter Milan wing-back has been a key player under manager Simone Inzaghi this season but their financial problems has reportedly motivated them to contemplate a January sale.

However, according to recent reports, the Serie A side will look to loan back Dumfries for the remainder of 2022/2023 to help them with their Italian top flight campaign.

Chelsea and owner Todd Boehly by extension are apparently in the mix to sign him with the player now returning from his 2022 World Cup campaign.

The Latest: Chelsea lead race for Dumfries…

Looking to back manager Graham Potter, it is believed Boehly has been handed a boost in the race for Dumfries.

TUTTOmercatoWEB claim Chelsea ‘lead’ other clubs to sign the 26-year-old and this report relays that Inter want him back on loan for rest of this season.

The Verdict: Very exciting player…

Called a ‘very exciting’ and ‘effective’ player by members of the Italian media, Dumfries would be a shrewd back-up for star right-back Reece James.

However, if Chelsea wish to seal a 2023 move, it is believed that Inter could demand as much as £52 million for his services – a significant investment on Boehly’s part for a rotational player.

That being said, if the west London side are in fact in pole position, Boehly and co will get a first run at negotiations over other interested sides and could attempt to whittle the price down.

Leeds United have endured a turbulent start to the 2022/23 Premier League campaign, with Jesse Marsch’s currently occupying 15th place in the top-flight standings after winning four drawing three and losing seven of their opening 14 fixtures.

However, the Whites would undoubtedly be in a much more comfortable position heading into the new year if it were not for their leaky defence, having already shipped 26 goals this term – the joint fourth-worst record in the division.

As such, it would appear wise for Marsch and Victor Orta to concentrate their efforts in the January transfer window on bringing in a number of improvements at the back, with RC Strasbourg centre-back Alexander Djiku looking to be a prime candidate.

The Whites have recently been linked with a move for the 28-year-old, and, considering just how impressive the defender has been in France so far this season, it is not difficult to see why Orta would be keen on a swoop for the Ghana international.

Indeed, over his 14 Ligue 1 appearances in the current campaign, the £5.7m-rated talent has been in sensational form at the back, helping his side keep one clean sheet, in addition to making an average of 2.1 tackles, 1.9 interceptions, 3.7 clearances and winning 5.9 duels – at a success rate of 65% – per game.

The £14k-per-week stopper has also caught the eye in an attacking capacity, scoring one goal, registering one assist and creating one big chance for his side, as well as playing an average of 6.0 long balls, 6.1 chipped passes and completing 44.1 total passes – at a success rate of 82% – per match.

These returns have seen the 28-year-old average an exceptional Sofascore match rating of 7.07, currently ranking him as Julien Stephan’s second-best performer in the French top flight – an impressive feat for a centre-back playing for a team who occupy 19th place in the table.

As such, with the player who Ayishatu Zakaria dubbed “wonderful” and Olele Salvador labelled “incredible” being extremely solid in defence, capable of playing the ball out from the back and a threat in the final third, it would appear wise for Orta to consider a move for Djiku this winte.

Indeed, based on all of the above, the 28-year-old would make a rather incredible addition to Marsch’s current centre-back options.

Wolves goalkeeper Jose Sa’s return to form of late is a ‘major boost’ for Wanderers moving forward, according to reliable journalist Steve Madeley.

The Lowdown: Sa impresses at Molineux

Julen Lopetegui’s side were beaten 1-0 at home to Manchester United on New Year’s Eve, with Marcus Rashford’s goal the difference between the two teams.

Despite the eventual scoreline, Sa impressed for Wolves between the sticks, making a total of six saves and keeping his side in the game, ranking as far and away the hosts’ best player in the match.

The Portuguese star arguably hasn’t been at his best so far this campaign, having been voted the supporters’ Player of the Season last time around, but this was a positive showing.

The Latest: Madeley loves what he’s seen

Taking to Twitter after being in the stadium for the defeat, Madeley hailed what he saw from Sa, saying it is a ‘major boost’ for Wanderers:

“Jose Sa has struggled at times this season to recapture last season’s form. But since returning from the World Cup he’s been back to something like his best. That’s a major boost for Wolves.”

The Verdict: Big boost indeed

Sa’s performance on Saturday was highly impressive and he is someone whose form is absolutely vital, given his influence since arriving from Olympiakos in 2021.

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On his day, there are arguably few better ‘keepers in the whole of the Premier League, with Daniel Podence describing his teammate as an ‘amazing’ player.

The hope is that Sa continues his resurgence between now and the end of the campaign, ensuring Lopetegui’s men have pulled clear of the relegation zone come May.

Arsenal full-back Cedric Soares is reportedly being eyed for a January transfer move away from the north London club. 

The Lowdown: Soares’ season so far

This season has seen the 31-year-old make just four appearances for the Gunners across all competitions, starting just one of them.

This suggests that the right-back is not particularly prominent in Mikel Arteta’s plans, with Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu both ahead in the pecking order.

With the January transfer window close to opening for business, the Portuguese defender has found himself being watched by numerous clubs.

The Latest: Soares eyed for January exit

According to a recent report from European media outlet Foot Mercato, fellow Premier League side Fulham are keen on signing Cedric in January on a loan deal with a mandatory option to buy.

The report also adds that Bayer Leverkusen and Atletico Madrid have their eyes on the defender, who is currently picking up a weekly wage of £75k-per-week at the Emirates.

The Verdict: A decision for Arteta

The only game Cedric started this season saw him complete the full 90 minutes of Arsenal’s 3-1 defeat against Brighton & Hove Albion in the Carabao Cup.

During this game, the defender failed to make even one tackle or interception in the game, as well as managing to give the ball away on 18 occasions, which makes it easy to see why he hasn’t been a regular figure in the team.

Taking into account the lack of regular game time this season, it could be said that moving him out of the club in January for a suitable fee would be a good move for all parties.

Despite previously being praised for his “fantastic” performances in an Arsenal shirt by former Gunners player Gilberto Silva, if a suitable transfer offer comes in for the 31-year-old next month, we feel that Arsenal should definitely consider accepting it.

Arsenal may have just been handed a serious warning in their pursuit of Mykhailo Mudryk as Shakhtar Donetsk’s director has arrived in London for a meeting with Chelsea.

What’s the latest?

It is believed Arsenal have now submitted a new and improved offer to Shakhtar Donetsk for the services of the Ukrainian winger after their first bid was rejected.

The bid has been reported by Fabrizio Romano after their initial offer in the region of €40m (£35m) plus €20m (£17.6m) in add-ons was snubbed, but the Italian journalist also noted Chelsea’s interest in the player.

However, the latest twist in this transfer race may have swung against Arsenal’s favour with Darijo Srna now in the capital to discuss the potential sale of his club’s prized asset but with one of the Gunners’ rivals in Chelsea:

“First of all, I want to mention that Darijo Srna, who is the director of Shakhtar Donetsk, former Croatian right-back, he’s now in London. He will have a meeting with Chelsea,” Romano said on the House of Champions YouTube channel.

“So there is a meeting scheduled between Chelsea and Shakhtar to discuss about the potential conditions of the deal.

“The player’s side is really clear. Mudryk I think is also kind of public after his Instagram stories, Mudryk wants to go to Arsenal as [a] priority. This is no secret.

“But Arsenal have to be fast. Now Arsenal have to reach an agreement with Shakhtar otherwise Chelsea will push and try to enter in this race in a serious way.”

Deja vu

This has to be a major worry for those at Arsenal with Chelsea having recent history of hijacking one of Arsenal’s proposed moves for a winger after almost stealing Raphinha from their grasp in the summer.

However, it is apparent Mudryk is seriously keen to join Arsenal this month with the Ukrainian making it very clear that the north London side are his preferred destination.

The 21-year-old has already spoken about not being able to turn down a club like Arsenal if they were to come calling and has recently shared some cryptic hints on his social media pages during a number of Arsenal’s games.

Given how well Mikel Arteta’s side have begun the 2022/23 campaign, it would be interesting to see if Mudryk would be open to a move to Chelsea if that is a serious option this month.

The Gunners are currently sitting pretty at the top of the Premier League table and sit 19 points ahead of Graham Potter’s Chelsea who have it all to do if they are to make the Champions League spots for next season.

After an impressive start to his own campaign in Ukraine, Mudryk compared virtually identical to what Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli have produced in front of goal at the Emirates Stadium this season (via FBref).

And having seen how Arteta has developed some of his young talents in north London, it is not difficult to see why Mudryk would be keen to make a move to the Gunners.

However, it seems as if the pressure is now on the Arsenal board to make it happen with the Blues clearly laying out their interest to Shakhtar.

Aside from a new centre-forward addition, Manchester United also appear to be prioritising the acquisition of a new right-back recruit this month, with manager Erik ten Hag continuing his squad overhaul at Old Trafford.

That search for a new full-back has come amid the continued uncertainty surrounding the future of Aaron Wan-Bissaka, with the former Crystal Palace man – who joined the Red Devils on a £50m deal back in 2019 – having been deemed surplus to requirements heading into the window.

Although the 25-year-old may well have “rescued” his career at the club after starting the last three Premier League games, according to journalist Steve Bates, it may take more than a handful of appearances for the Englishman to truly reverse his fortunes at the Theatre of Dreams.

Transfer insider Graeme Bailey has insisted that United still “want” to cash in on the defender sooner rather than later, with the £90k-per-week dud having even been tipped for an exit as far back as last summer.

The once-promising talent – who pundit Jamie Carragher previously described as the “best one-on-one defender for a full-back in the world” – has struggled to impress in the red jersey after providing just 13 goal involvements in 131 appearances to date, having previously been branded “useless” by club legend Paul Scholes for his woes on the ball.

Should the London-born menace move on any time soon – amid interest from the likes of West Ham United, Wolverhampton Wanderers and former club Palace – United could well secure a suitable upgrade in the form of Lyon starlet, Malu Gusto.

The Daily Mail reported last month that Ten Hag and co – as well as Newcastle United – are interested in the 19-year-old, while journalist Dean Jones – speaking to GIVEMESPORT – has now seemingly confirmed that the club are monitoring the teenager.

The transfer insider stated over the weekend: “Malo Gusto in particular is attracting a lot of interest in England. Man Utd are quite keen on him as well. These are players who get circulated at the same time, as agents start doing their work, and they’re always ones you have to bear in mind.”

The youngster – who could command a fee of around £35m – has likely put himself on the Red Devils’ radar as a result of his sparkling form in France of late, having already racked up six assists in 53 games at senior level thus far despite his youth.

That would indicate that he is likely on course to better Wan-Bissaka’s tally of goal involvements in the coming years, with the “special” talent – as lauded by one source – offering real quality in the final third.

That is also evidenced by the fact that the Frenchman ranks in the top 16% in Europe for assists among those in his position, while the current United man ranks in just the bottom 9% for that same metric.

Equally, Gusto appears far more composed on the ball as he ranks in the top 15% for pass completion, while Wan-Bissaka ranks in just the top 32% to illustrate his woes in possession.

Although the latter man has a knack for winning the ball back as he averages 2.72 interceptions per game, young Gusto is not too far behind in that regard as he averages 1.44 for interceptions made, showcasing that he can combine his attacking thrust with defensive stability.

For all Wan-Bissaka’s tackling strength, it may be more attractive to have an all-round package such as the Lyon man in Ten Hag’s ranks, with the Dutchman likely to be craving a figure who can operate just as effectively at both ends of the pitch.

Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has suggested that Wolves could be in with a chance of signing Aaron Wan-Bissaka if they place an ‘important bid’ this winter.

What’s the word?

The Manchester United defender has long been expected to leave his club in January but in recent weeks he has reminded manager Erik ten Hag of his quality again.

Indeed, the right-back has been playing with Diogo Dalot suffering from injury issues and he certainly impressed in the Manchester derby as the Red Devils beat their biggest rivals 2-1.

And with United playing well of late, Romano has explained that the club won’t be looking to alter their dressing room much in the remainder of the window, but a key bid could yet tempt them into a sale.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, the journalist said (11:00): “Look, from what I’m told, they’re [Manchester United] really happy with the team they have right now. They’re doing great, so they don’t want to change the atmosphere they have in the dressing room.

He did add, however: “If an important bid will arrive for Wan-Bissaka keep an eye on Crystal Palace and Wolves.”

A key upgrade?

As mentioned by Romano, Crystal Palace have also been strongly linked with the right-back this January – which is no surprise as they are Wan-Bissaka’s former side.

However, Wolves may well feel as though the player is good enough to fight for even if a bit of a bidding war ensues. After all, he impressed against the Molineux outfit recently, picking up a 7.5 match rating (via SofaScore) as the Red Devils won away from home, keeping a clean sheet too.

Nelson Semedo has been the club’s first-choice right-back option this season but his average SofaScore performance rating is down a 6.65 – compared to Wan-Bissaka’s 6.96 – and so this could be viewed as an upgrade.

Still, it feels as though this deal won’t be easy to comply with Palace also lurking and United potentially now reluctant to sell amid the recent turnaround in form.

Goncalo Guedes has been at the centre of Wolverhampton Wanderers transfer news this week with reports suggesting that he is looking to cut his time at Molineux short but Julen Lopetegui should hand him one final chance vs Liverpool.

The Portugal international joined the Old Gold in a deal worth £35m from Valencia in the summer but has struggled immensely in the first half of the season, managing just one goal and one assist in 13 Premier League appearances, averaging a shocking 6.38 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

This ranks him as the 17th-best performer at Molineux so far this campaign, so it seems clear that he hasn’t lived up to expectations and it is perhaps no surprise to see him linked with a move back to the Mestalla Stadium this month.

However, it was no surprise that the former Paris Saint-Germain ace was struggling in such a goal-shy Bruno Lage side and under Lopetegui, he has shown some small signs of improvement, scoring in the 2-2 draw against Liverpool in the initial fixture.

Although Alisson passed the ball straight to Gueudes in the penalty area, he still did well to finish the chance and looked dangerous for large parts of that game, also testing the Brazilian shot-stopper with a long-range effort.

It was something of a surprise when he was left out entirely against West Ham at the weekend, having only played 45 minutes against Nottingham Forest in the League Cup in midweek.

He has clearly struggled to adapt to the demands of the Premier League but there is no doubt that Guedes is a talented player, as he hit 11 goals and six assists for Valencia in the Spanish top-flight last season.

When Wolves confirmed his signing in the summer, the versatile attacker earned plenty of praise from talkSPORT’s European expert Andy Brassell. He said:

“For Wolves I think Guedes will be absolutely fantastic, they need that little bit of extra bang up front, maybe they could be in a bit of trouble if they’re not scoring goals.

“He’s someone who can play as a striker or as a winger, lightning quick, on his day as good as it gets.”

Although Wolves did move out of the relegation places with a 1-0 win over the Hammers at the weekend, they are still in a battle at the bottom this season and Guedes could still have a big part to play, especially if he starts to rediscover the form he showed in Spain.

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Therefore, after his goal against Liverpool last time out, Lopetegui should unleash the 26-year-old forward once again on Tuesday night.

West Ham United are now eyeing a move for Roma attacker Nicolo Zaniolo, according to Sky Sports journalist Gianluca Di Marzio.

The Lowdown: Hammers making moves…

The club are reliably believed to have agreed a deal for Aston Villa striker Danny Ings and are still pushing to complete a move for Lorient striker Terem Moffi.

West Ham have been talking to the agent of the latter player but he is apparently undecided over whether he does in fact want to join the club in January.

David Moyes is seemingly after as many fresh faces as possible this month in his bid to avoid the drop and remain in charge at the London Stadium.

West Ham face Everton in a crunch clash this Saturday, a 90 minutes which may well go some way in determining both Moyes and Frank Lampard’s immediate futures.

The Latest: West Ham eye Zaniolo…

According to Di Marzio, West Ham now have another attacker on the agenda in Zaniolo, coming as Roma green-light a possible exit this month.

As well as the Irons, both Tottenham and German giants Borussia Dortmund are in the mix for his services, but it is possible the Italy international could link up with compatriots Gianluca Scamacca and Emerson in east London.

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Roma reportedly value their man at around €40 million (£35m).

The Verdict: Right man?

Zaniolo’s injury record will be a slight concern for Moyes but there are possible incentives to move for the 23-year-old.

As per WhoScored, the 6 foot 3 midfielder has averaged Roma’s joint-second highest rate of shots at goal per 90 in Serie A and has also attracted more fouls per 90 in that time than any of his teammates.

Numbers like these indicate his trickiness and threat in the final third could be a real asset for West Ham and Moyes in particular.

However, for £35 million, it could a risky financial move on part of the London Stadium side, especially if they are considering bringing in a new manager with different ideas.