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Queens Park Rangers have been linked with a move for Brighton striker Deniz Undav recently and the German forward could prove to be the next Charlie Austin at Loftus Road.

According to Football League World, the Hoops are among a number of Championship clubs who are keen on signing the 26-year-old on loan in next month’s transfer window, as he continues to struggle for game time with the Seagulls.

Undav caught the eye with Union Saint-Gilloise last season and earned a move to Brighton in the January transfer window, remaining with the Belgian side until the end of the campaign.

He would go on to register a phenomenal 25 goals and 10 assists in just 33 Belgian Pro League appearances, which will no doubt have excited Brighton fans about the prospect of him producing those numbers in the Premier League.

The former Eintracht Braunschweig striker certainly promised goals upon his arrival at the AMEX Stadium, speaking highly of his own goalscoring ability in an interview ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

He said:

“I can score inside the box, outside the box, I can score from the middle line, I can score from everywhere. I have no typical type of goal. I try to score with my head, with the left foot, right foot, with my shoulder, with everything.”

However, he has been used sporadically by both Graham Potter and Roberto de Zerbi so far this term, as he has just eight substitute appearances in the Premier League to his name, with his only goal for the club coming in a League Cup win over Forest Green.

Should he be given regular game time under Neil Critchley in the second half of the Championship season, he would hopefully rediscover his top goalscoring form, and could potentially emulate Austin.

In each of the last 10 seasons for QPR, their top goalscorer has only managed more than 15 league goals on two occasions. Both of these were achieved by Austin, in the 2013/14 and 2014/15 seasons respectively, which suggests that the Hoops have lacked a natural goalscorer since his departure.

Undav’s form ahead of his Brighton switch certainly suggests that he knows where the back of the net is, so there seems no reason why he couldn’t be a regular goalscorer under Critchley, should he complete a move to Loftus Road next month.

New Glasgow Rangers boss Michael Beale will seemingly be eyeing potential new recruits as the January window approaches, with the 42-year-old no doubt keen to put his stamp on the current Ibrox squad heading into the second half of the campaign.

With speculation still rife regarding the future of polarising forward Alfredo Morelos – with the Colombian having just a matter of months left on his existing deal – one area that may well need to be addressed is the Old Firm outfit’s centre-forward options.

Recent reports have claimed that one potential target for the Glasgow side could well be that of Ross Stewart, with the Gers able to exploit the uncertainty surrounding the Scotland international’s contract situation at current club, Sunderland.

The suggestion is that the Scottish giants are ‘waiting in the wings’ as talks over a new deal at the Stadium of Light hit an impasse, with the Black Cats now said to be considering a sale in the winter window with the striker’s existing deal nearing its expiry.

The former Ross County man – who made the move south of the border back in January 2021 – has been something of a “revelation” during his time at the club thus far, according to teammate Alex Pritchard, scoring 34 goals and recording eight assists in just 72 games across all fronts.

That includes a haul of 26 goals last term as the 6 foot 2 powerhouse helped to drag his side out of League One, while the two-cap gem has since started the new season in fine fashion, despite a spell out with injury, with five goals and three assists in just seven Championship outings.

Not just a mere goalscorer, the Irvine-born ace also offers the all-round package when leading the line, with the aforementioned Pritchard previously saying of his talents:

“[Stewart] is unbelievable. The size of him, on the ball, he can run, he can hold the ball up, he’s good with his feet. He’s got everything. He’s great in the air. Holds the ball up and he gets in behind”.

Having previously been a target for those at Ibrox over the summer during Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s stint at the helm, it may well make sense for Beale to revive that interest in the New Year, particularly with the aforementioned Morelos having scored just three times this season.

The addition of Stewart could well see the Light Blues snap up their answer to Fulham goal machine, Aleksandar Mitrovic, with the pair said to share a number of stylistic and statistical similarities, as per FBref.

Like the Scotsman, Mitrovic – who is also 6 foot 2 – offers a real physical presence in attack as he averages 5.49 aerial duels won per game, while the Sunderland man is not far behind as he averages 4.14 for the same metric.

Equally, the latter man also averages 3.86 shots per game as a marker of his attacking intent, while the Cottagers’ talisman is also a truly menacing presence as he averages 4.6 shots per 90.

Much like Pritchard’s assessment of his club colleague, Mitrovic has also been praised by Everton boss Frank Lampard for his quality outside of simply putting the ball in the back of the net, with the former England international stating:

“As an all-round striker he’s really strong but crosses are a big threat and it’s two-fold: stopping crosses and dealing with balls in the box in dangerous goalscoring areas where he’s very difficult to mark if he can get a run on you.”

The Serbian international is an eye-catching figure to be compared to such have been his goalscoring heroics of late, the 28-year-old having notably lashed in a record-breaking tally of 43 goals in England’s second tier last season.

That ruthless hot streak has continued this season despite the step up to the Premier League, with the former Newcastle United man having scored nine goals in just 12 league outings – the joint-fourth-best record in the division.

Were Rangers to snap up their own version of the one-time Anderlecht brute in the form of Stewart it would certainly be a major coup, with such an addition likely to aid Beale in his quest to revive the club’s fortunes.

With a six-week break in order, West Ham United fans can finally rest knowing that there will be no more Premier League football until Boxing Day.

Whilst fans wait for that to come back around, the World Cup will supplement their footballing desire with a steady stream of games to keep everyone entertained.

However, it is in England’s group where the Hammers can keep extra close attention.

On the 25th of November, the Three Lions will face the USA in their second group match, where the likelihood is high that Aaron Long will feature heavily.

The New York Red Bulls central defender has captured the eye of late for his performances across MLS, drawing interest from the east London outfit and more.

It was American football insider Tom Bogert who relayed the news, taking to his Twitter to claim: “Teams I’m expecting to be in the market for Aaron Long in MLS free agency are the LA Galaxy, Colorado Rapids, FC Dallas and more. 

“There is interest in Long in England like Bournemouth, West Ham & others, I’m told. Not expecting serious movement here until after the World Cup.”

The 30-year-old has been around for a long time, boasting the captaincy of the club that he has played for 175 times.

This season in MLS he boasts a 6.83 average rating, where he has recorded a 76% pass accuracy alongside 2.6 clearances per game, via SofaScore.

Standing at 6 foot 1, he could mark a sensational coup for David Moyes, to bolster his defensive options with the 29-cap titan who was lauded by his coach Chris Armas.

He exclaimed that “there’s nothing he doesn’t do back there for us” before noting what a “big voice” he was for them.

Perhaps this addition of solidity and leadership could spur West Ham out of their relegation battle, as they currently sit just one point outside of the danger zone.

Further dubbed a “monster” by MLS writer Matt Doyle, he could well be exactly that when he takes on Declan Rice and co in a few weeks’ time with his whopping tally of 3.7 aerial duels won per game this term fine evidence of a man who could dominate England if they aren’t at their best.

Indeed, his experience will only be bolstered alongside a quietly impressive USMNT squad that could upset the apple cart in group B.

With little risk given he would be a free transfer too, perhaps Moyes will want this one as securely tied up as possible in case he truly shines at the World Cup.

Manchester United are interested in making a move for Leeds United midfielder Tyler Adams, according to a new transfer rumour that has emerged.

The Lowdown: Adams impressing at Leeds

The American made the move to Elland Road during the summer transfer window, joining from RB Leipzig after three years in Germany.

Adams has made an impressive start to life at Leeds, standing out as one of their best players and starting a total of 10 Premier League matches to date.

It could be that Leeds have to battle to keep hold of Adams no sooner after he has arrived, however, following a new update.

The Latest: United keen on signing

According to Football Insider, United are ‘keeping close tabs’ on the 23-year-old currently, as they weight up whether or not to make a move for him.

It is stated that they have a ‘long-time interest’ in Adams and he is considered a player who could come in and bolster their midfield options.

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The Verdict: Could be a strong option

Adams has the potential to be an excellent signing by United, possessing the kind of technical quality and energy that Erik ten Hag wants in his midfielders.

The 19-time capped USA international has averaged a hugely impressive 4.1 tackles per game in the league this season – no Leeds player to have started one game or more has a better average – and his ability to break up play can be priceless. Journalist Tim Thornton thinks he has ‘done brilliantly’ in 2022/23 to date.

Adams would arguably prove to be an upgrade and more of a long-term prospect than the likes of Fred and Scott McTominay, both of whom are seen their limitations exposed this season.

West Ham defender Nayef Aguerd is closing in on a welcome return from injury according to David Moyes, as shared by injury expert Ben Dinnery.

The Lowdown: Aguerd’s horror start

The 26-year-old arrived at the London Stadium from Rennes during the summer transfer window to much excitement, but has suffered an injury-prone start to life in the capital.

Aguerd hasn’t yet played a single minute of Premier League action for the Hammers, with an ankle problem suffered in pre-season keeping him sidelined.

It now looks as though the Moroccan’s West Ham debut isn’t too far away, however, following a fresh update from the gaffer.

The Latest: Moyes delighted

Taking to Twitter, Sky Sports pundit Dinnery revealed that Ageurd’s return to action is edging closer all the time, sharing Moyes’ delighted comments:

“Aguerd is close to a return. ‘It’s really good news that Nayef is on his way back because we bought him in as a key player for us. He’s started training, not fully integrated yet, but is getting closer to playing. I think he’ll definitely feature before the World Cup.'”

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The Verdict: Huge boost for Hammers

This is a major boost for the Hammers, who have suffered a defensive shortage all season, not helping their struggles earlier in the campaign.

Aguerd has the potential to come in and make a huge difference, having cost £30million in the summer and dubbed a ‘fantastic’ player by leading French journalist Julien Laurens.

Once the 25-time capped Morocco international finds his feet and gets some proper match fitness, he could prove to be an influential figure who shores things up greatly.

Wednesday’s clash with Liverpool is likely to come too soon – throwing him back in would be risky in such a potentially tough game, too – but the weekend clash at home to Bournemouth could perhaps be a chance for a short run-out from the bench.

West Brom slipped into the Championship relegation places after a 0-0 draw with Luton Town on Saturday but it seems as if Baggies fans will have to wait a while longer before Steve Bruce is sacked.

What’s the word?

Despite just one win in the second tier this season, Bruce seemingly has the backing of Steve Gourlay, with pre-season hopes of a promotion push a distant memory for the Baggies.

Alan Nixon provided the latest on his position as manager at the Hawthorns following Saturday’s stalemate, writing in The Sun:

“Steve Bruce looks like he is staying in charge of the Baggies for now and has the backing of chief executive Ron Gourlay.”

Gourlay must act now

In 32 matches in charge of West Brom, Bruce has won just eight games, drawing 12 and losing 12, which has earned him an extremely disappointing points per game average of 1.13.

When the 61-year-old took charge of the Baggies, they were fifth in the Championship, which was enough to see Valerian Ismael sacked by Gourlay.

Bruce was brought in with the aim of getting the Baggies promoted in his first season but they would finish tenth in the second tier, so the fact that he is still in charge eight months later having made West Brom significantly worse than they were under Ismael, is baffling.

Eye-catching summer additions such as John Swift and Jed Wallace looked as if they would steer the Baggies back towards the top of the Championship but this season has been a complete disaster so far.

While Bruce can’t take all of the blame, as the expected goals statistics suggest that West Brom should be much better off, it still isn’t good enough and the results show no sign of improving under Bruce.

Indeed, Albion are now on a run without a win since the back end of August, with nine matches passing since their last three points.

Nixon suggests that Gourlay still has faith in the 61-year-old but if West Brom are to have any chance of recovering this season, then he must be sacked as soon as possible.

Bruno Lage made the bold call during the summer not to sign another centre-back, which has now come back to haunt Wolves after Nathan Collins’ sending-off against Manchester City.

Conor Coady, Romain Saiss and Willy Boly all left Molineux during the transfer window, with only Collins arriving as a replacement, which was perhaps always likely to leave the Old Gold short at the back.

While Collins and Max Kilman have shown that they can be a strong partnership in Wolves’ early Premier League games, with three clean sheets in total, there is a serious lack of depth at centre-back.

The club missed out on West Ham’s Craig Dawson on transfer deadline day, while they also turned down the chance to sign Jason Denayer on a free transfer, which may have to be revisited after Collins’ horror tackle.

The Republic of Ireland international was shown a straight red for a high challenge on Jack Grealish, which will see him miss upcoming Premier League games against West Ham, Chelsea and Nottingham Forest.

Given that Wolves have won just one of their opening Premier League games, it is a huge blow for Lage to be without his main centre-back partnership for these fixtures, particularly with tough games to come.

In the 3-0 defeat against Manchester City, Lage opted to deploy Ruben Neves at centre-back following Collins’ sending off, which perhaps emphasises that he does not completely trust either Yerson Mosquera or Toti to come in.

Mosquera has just one substitute appearance in the Carabao Cup to his name, while Toti has played only four Premier League games, so neither are ideal replacements for Collins in the upcoming fixtures.

While it is only three games in this scenario, an injury to Collins or Kilman could be a serious worry for Lage due to the lack of Premier League experience at his disposal, which suggests that his bold decision not to sign another centre-back during the summer has already backfired.

Sunderland are reportedly tempted to sign Manchester United goalkeeper Matej Kovar on loan.

The Lowdown: Goalkeeper needed

With only two senior stoppers in their squad at the moment, the Championship outfit need another one to cover both Anthony Patterson and Alex Bass in case either of those get injured or suspended.

It is unclear what the Black Cats’ transfer strategy will be like in the final days of the window following the departure of Alex Neil to Stoke City, but it seems as if they will be busy.

The Latest: Kovar interest

As per The Sun, Sunderland are tempted to sign Kovar on loan, as the 22-year-old is desperate to play regular first-team football.

The Czech youngster is ‘highly-rated’ at Old Trafford, and the Red Devils are keen to let him go out on loan to continue his development.

The Verdict: Get it done

Given Sunderland’s need for another goalkeeper, this is a deal that the Black Cats need to get done before the transfer deadline hits on Thursday night.

Kovar has played abundantly for United’s youth teams and has tasted first-team football at the likes of Swindon Town and Burton Albion, the latter facing up against the Wearsiders in League One last season (Transfermarkt).

The 6 foot 5 colossus is an exciting prospect, having come up the youth ranks at a giant of English football in Manchester United, and this is a deal which makes sense for all parties.

Aston Villa are one of several clubs looking to tempt a Premier League giant to sell their club-record signing.

What’s the word?

According to French publication Foot Mercato, the Villains are interested in the possibility of signing Tanguy Ndombele from Tottenham Hotspur.

With Villarreal and Napoli frontrunners, Steven Gerrard will also have to battle it out with the likes of Everton and Nottingham Forest before convincing the £120k-per-week star to move to the Midlands rather than abroad.

With the Frenchman desperate for playtime, perhaps he could be tempted to move further down the Premier League table in search of some consistency with far less pressure. 

He would be their most creative midfielder

Villa currently possesses quite a strong and deep squad, however in central midfield, they are inundated with hard workers who do not quite possess the creativity needed to transition defence into attack.

That would leave a huge hole for Ndombele to fill, as a tricky midfielder whose first thought is always to go forward after receiving the ball.

He ranked in the top 1% for dribbles completed per 90, and combined with his progressive carries, of which he ranked in the top 4%, he is clearly a standout candidate for pushing his team up the pitch with the ball at his feet.

There must a reason that Jose Mourinho dubbed him “absolutely phenomenal”.

This outperforms any of Villa’s current crop of midfielders, with Jacob Ramsey’s 6.02 progressive carries, Boubacar Kamara’s 4.22, John McGinn’s 3.71 and Douglas Luiz’s 3.34 not even close to the creative force that is Ndombele.

His 88.4% pass completion rate also suggests that the “relentless” maestro can sit deeper and be something of a metronome for Gerrard’s team, allowing the likes of Philippe Coutinho and Emi Buendia to have less defensive constraints.

Managing 30 appearances across both the Premier League and Ligue 1 last season due to his loan move to Lyon, he still has featured a substantial amount, suggesting he will still be on top of his game. He also chipped in with six goal contributions.

He is a versatile midfielder and arguably is better than what can already be found at Villa Park. If he was to join, there is no doubt he would walk in as their most creative midfielder by some distance.

Arsenal are plotting a bid for Juventus midfielder Arthur Melo.

What’s the word?

That’s according to TuttoMercatoWeb, who claim that the Brazilian could miss Juventus’ pre-season tour to sort out his future.

Barcelona and Roma are also interested in potential swap deals for the midfielder.

Dialogues between the clubs have begun, however, it is still in the early stages.

The midfielder is believed to have an asking price in the range of £34m.

Supporters will love it

Arsenal have been incredibly active already this summer, having secured two big-money deals already and Oleksandr Zinchenko looking almost tied up.

Mikel Arteta appears to be bolstering his midfield options, and he could give the Ukrainian a perfect partner to play beside with this Brazilian maestro.

Due to freak injuries, the 25-year-old missed both the start and end of what was a rather bleak season for Juventus. He managed just 20 league appearances, however still attained an average SofaScore rating of 6.83.

His career in Italy has struggled to take off since his move from Barcelona, where he enjoyed far more success. He operates in a more defensive role in the heart of midfield, yet still managed six goal contributions in his final season in Catalonia.

If he could be nursed to fitness, he fits the profile of someone who would perfectly complement the inbound Zinchenko. His eye for a pass and tendency to occupy intelligent spaces to break up the play would make him a fine metronome for Arteta’s side.

Former Arsenal player Thomas Vermaelen dubbed the midfielder “incredible”, noting that “he has all the battling skills and the technical ability to go right to the top.”

He ranks in the 93rd percentile for passes attempted and the 96th percentile for pass completion rate, outlining him as a fantastic pass-master in the middle of the park.

He also ranks in the 84th percentile for progressive carries, meaning that if he needs to he can drive with the ball as well as pass to progress play.

Supporters should start to get excited as Arteta appears to be building something really special, and with Arthur in its midfield, the sky really is the limit.

AND, in other news: “Arsenal working on..”: Ornstein drops big transfer update, supporters will be buzzing.