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Wolverhampton Wanderers extended their excellent start to 2022 with a 2-1 victory over Midlands rivals Leicester City on Sunday evening, climbing back up to seventh place in the Premier League.

The West Midlands club have lost just one of their last eight league games and are still very much in the hunt for European qualification.

Goals from Ruben Neves and Daniel Podence either side of half time and Ademola Lookman’s equaliser for the Foxes secured the victory for Bruno Lage’s side.

However, the Golden Boys will have goalkeeper Jose Sa to thank once again after an excellent display against Brendan Rodgers’ side at Molineux.

According to SofaScore, the 29-year-old made six saves to keep Leicester at bay, as well as one punch and four high claims whilst being Wolves’ highest rated player with a score of 7.8/10.

Moreover, the Portuguese won his only attempted duel and had a 67% passing accuracy as well as making two clearances.

Although the stopper couldn’t secure his tenth clean sheet of the season, it was another match where the summer signing from Olympiakos ensured Wolves won.

Sa is yet to miss a league game for the Golden Boys since joining from the Greek giants for a fee believed to be around £6.25m which is already looking like a major bargain.

The goalkeeper came in as Rui Patricio’s replacement, after Sa’s fellow countryman joined Serie A side Roma for almost double his fee at €11.5m (£9.5m) proving to be a shrewd piece of business from Fosun.

Throughout his career, Sa has been a solid goalkeeper, keeping 123 clean sheets to date across 290 appearances for Maritimo, Porto, Olympiakos and Wolves, averaging a shut out every 2.36 matches.

It could be argued that the 6 foot 4 ‘keeper doesn’t have much competition and could slack off with John Ruddy Wolves’ only other available senior goalkeeper. However, that certainly hasn’t been the case and the number one shirt is very much Sa’s.

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Wolves face a crucial couple of weeks in their bid for European qualification, making two trips to London to face Arsenal and West Ham before hosting Crystal Palace and Watford.

What is for sure is that Lage will need his goalkeeper at his best as Wolves look to close the gap on those above them in order to boost their chances of competing in Europe once again next season.

However, on this evidence, he’s very much steering them towards that goal.

In other news: Wolves could be set for a transfer nightmare that’ll have fans seething 

Ange Postecoglou has dropped an exciting injury update on Celtic centre-forward Kyogo Furuhashi.

What’s the latest?

In comments made to BBC Sportsound (via 67hailhail) following Celtic’s 2-1 victory over Rangers on Sunday afternoon, the 56-year-old Bhoys boss revealed that, despite pre-match reports suggesting that the 27-year-old would be available for selection in the Old Firm meeting, the Japan international was left out of the Hoops’ matchday squad as a precaution.

However, the Greek-Australian head coach went on to state that the striker will be back in the team for the visit of St. Johnstone this weekend.

Speaking about Kyogo’s return, Postecoglou said: “He’ll be fine [for St. Johnstone]. He was desperate to play today but when I looked at our run-in we’ve got some massive games. He’s such an important player for us and I thought today we could handle it without him.

“To be fair he tried everything. Everywhere I turned he popped up in front of me to make sure I knew he was ready to go. I couldn’t walk around Lennoxtown without seeing him! But we’ll keep him on ice. He’s ready to go, he’ll be fine and he’ll be involved next week.”

Brilliant news for Celtic

Considering how important a part of the Celtic side Kyogo has become since his move to Parkhead last summer, Postecoglou’s claim that the centre-forward will make a return to first-team football on Saturday is undoubtedly brilliant news for the club.

Indeed, over his 14 Premiership appearances in the current campaign, the £4.95m-rated goal-getter has been in devastating form, bagging eight goals, providing two assists and creating four big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 2.1 shots and making 1.1 key passes per game – with these returns seeing the Japanese sensation average a highly impressive SofaScore match rating of 7.03.

The £52.5k-per-week striker also impressed over his five Europa League outings this season, scoring two goals, providing two assists and creating two big chances for his teammates, with these metrics seeing the 27-year-old average an even more remarkable SofaScore match rating of 7.10.

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As such, with Celtic knowing that four more wins from their last six league fixtures will all but seal the Premiership title, it is clear for all to see that the news a player as deadly as Kyogo will be available for selection for these games is a huge boost to the Bhoys’ chances of being crowned the champions of Scotland once again.

AND in other news: £3m wasted: Celtic had a shocker on £7.9k-p/w “loner” who rinsed Desmond for 129 weeks

Journalist Dean Jones has made a claim regarding Crystal Palace forward Odsonne Edouard ahead of the clash with Manchester City on Monday, as per GiveMeSport.

The Lowdown: Edouard’s first season at Palace

The 24-year-old, who joined from Celtic last summer, made a huge impression on his Premier League debut, scoring twice in eight minutes against Tottenham back in September.

Since then, the Frenchman has scored four more times and registered three assists in 23 appearances, becoming a regular under Patrick Vieira. [Transfermarkt]

However, Edouard has played just one minute in the club’s last four Premier League fixtures, dropping out of first team contention.

The Latest: Jones’ comments on Edouard

Talking to GiveMeSport, Jones had his say on the 24-year-old’s recent shunt to the Palace periphery, saying:

“Edouard, who we were all expecting, especially after the impact he made at first, to make a real splash in the Premier League, but he just isn’t getting those opportunities.”

The Verdict: A worry?

Jones believes that there isn’t an ongoing issue between Vieira and Edouard, but the striker’s lack of game-time in recent weeks has been a concern.

Palace haven’t exactly performed badly without the 24-year-old, though, putting in a solid display in a defeat to Chelsea and picking up seven points from nine against Watford, Burnley and Wolves.

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It could well be a worry on a personal note for the forward, who was labelled ‘special’ by his former Celtic boss Neil Lennon, but hopefully he will get a reasonable amount of game-time to catch Vieira’s eye between now and May.

In other news: Palace handed another injury blow before Man City clash as journalist shares news on ‘undroppable’ ace

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Everton are trying to sign Argentinian teenager Santiago Sosa from River Plate this summer for a reported £13.25m.

Who is he?

The youngster has been linked with a move to the Toffees this summer in a move which would represent a significant step forward in his career, with Portuguese manager Marco Silva keen to add depth to his midfield.

Sosa is 20 years of age and was born in La Plata in Argentina, and plays for South American giants River Plate.

However, a move to the Premier League could be on even if attaining a work permit is likely to be an issue.

What’s his style of play?

Sosa represents a type of player Everton haven’t enjoyed at their club for a while, a player in the mould of Mikel Arteta who used to grace Goodison Park with classy displays under David Moyes.

It’s not too far-fetched to compare the two, at least in style. Sosa is also a defensive midfielder who boasts a lot of the same qualities needed to be a fantastic number 10. He’s got a tremendous range of pass, which is vital to the role he plays.

If he were to line up alongside Idrissa Gueye in the heart of the Everton midfield, you’d feel the Toffees man would be the engine and energy in the side while Sosa would deliver the calming influence and dictating role his team will need to break opposition teams down.

Sosa provides an out-ball for his teammates as well. While the Everton midfield is expected to be incredibly dynamic on the press and fluid in attacking motions, the Argentinian typically holds a very central position, waiting to receive the ball and recycle possession. His passing range, intelligence in his movement, and skill to get away from a tight situation gives him the quality needed to succeed at Goodison Park.

2018-19 in numbers

Last season Sosa played the defensive midfield role using his main strength, which is his passing range and ability to dictate the tempo of games. In his appearances this season the Argentine has averaged 37 passes per game and has a pass completion rate of 85.3%, according to WhoScored.

Defensively though, Sosa doesn’t stand out quite as much, averaging just 2.5 tackles per game.

This season River Plater finished fourth in the Primera Division league table, behind bitter rivals Boca Juniors. Anyone else enjoyed a similar path?

Gonzalo Higuain: The striker came from River Plate and enjoyed his football at Chelsea last term. He’s had wonderful spells at Real Madrid and Juventus while enjoying a plenty of game time with Argentina as well.

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Alexis Sanchez: The forward is currently at Manchester United having played for Barcelona and Arsenal as well, some of the biggest clubs in the world.

When will we see him?

The deal to bring Sosa to Everton reportedly hinges on a work permit and potential passport issues, but if all can be agreed and settled then fans should expect to see Sosa playing in the first-team next season – perhaps not immediately from the start though, as Silva would surely ease him in.

The ex-Watford boss has a reputation for trusting youngsters having given Richarlison his big move to the Premier League and using him regularly back in 2017-2018, so there’s no reason why he may not do the same again.

The Daily Express journalist Ryan Taylor has praised the performance of Michael Olise as Crystal Palace won 4-0 at home to Everton in the FA Cup this afternoon.

The Lowdown: Star performance from Olise

The 20-year-old shone yet again for Patrick Vieira’s team at Selhurst Park, grabbing the assist for Marc Guehi’s opening goal while also hitting the post in the second half, with Wilfried Zaha tucking in the rebound.

The winger won nine of his duels in total, more than any of his team-mates, and also completed two successful dribbles, one key pass, one accurate cross and two long balls (SofaScore).

He did his defensive work for the team as well, making one clearance, one interception and two tackles (SofaScore), and he was ultimately one of their standout performers.

The Latest: Taylor reacts to Olise’s display

Taking to Twitter, Taylor gave an instant reaction after the match finished, hailing the business that Palace pulled off to sign him and even taking a sly dig at Everton’s recruitment by comparing Olise’s price tag to Alex Iwobi.

The journalist tweeted: “Michael Olise: £8m. Alex Iwobi: £34m. Phenomenal business from Crystal Palace. An utter steal.”

The Verdict: Bargain

Looking at the price for which Palace managed to sign him, Olise has proved to be a real bargain, as Taylor has pointed out.

That is one more goal contribution in his entire three-year Toffees career, despite costing over four times as much.

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Given his age, Olise still has so much potential, which can be well and truly fulfilled in south London under the management of Vieira.

In other news, Palace are now keen on signing this ‘phenomenal’ ace

Chelsea appear to have made their first move of the January transfer window by submitting a bid for one highly-rated young winger, with BlueCo getting a reply.

The Blues’ aggressive youth-led recruitment model shows no signs of slowing down as the club continues pursuing elite teenage prospects across Europe.

Enzo Maresca’s side are currently monitoring Eintracht Frankfurt’s Niko Ilicevic, a 15-year-old attacking midfielder described as a “mega-talent” who recently impressed scouts during a Youth League clash against Barcelona.

The German Under-16 international, already influential in Frankfurt’s Under-19 setup despite his age, has reportedly attracted attention from the likes of Real Madrid, AC Milan, Tottenham and Newcastle, though Chelsea’s systematic approach positions them favorably.

This pursuit continues a clear pattern established since BlueCo’s takeover.

Related Chelsea set to sign "next-gen Yaya Toure" after reaching "full agreement"

They’ve won the race for his signature.

Posts ByEmilio Galantini

Chelsea have struck deals for an array of exciting talents in recent years, like Estevao Willian, Andrey Santos, Kendry Paez and Dastan Satpaev, among many others, while recently finalising an agreement for 16-year-old Burkina Faso talent Muhammad Zongo.

The strategy targets players years before they reach their prime, offering lengthy contracts that provide both financial control and development time.

Chelsea legend Gianfranco Zola publicly endorsed the model, claiming it works “very well” despite criticism regarding squad balance and excessive youth without experience.

Now, according to French newspaper L’Equipe, they have their eyes on yet another hot property.

Chelsea get reply after submitting bid for St Etienne's Djylian N'Guessan

As per their information, Chelsea have seen an initial £7 million offer for Saint-Étienne sensation Djylian N’Guessan rejected, with the Ligue 2 club demanding at least £11 million for their 17-year-old prodigy.

The France Under-20 international represents Chelsea’s latest attempt to raid Saint-Étienne’s academy, following their £12.5 million capture of midfielder Mathis Amougou in February.

BlueCo — who own both Chelsea and RC Strasbourg — employed a similar trajectory with Amougou, immediately selling him to their French sister club with a favourable buy-back clause.

N’Guessan emerged dramatically in January when he became Saint-Étienne’s youngest debutant since 1978 at just 16 years, four months. L’Equipe also describe him as ‘one of the most promising players of his generation’.

Subscribe for Insider Takes on Chelsea’s Youth Raids Get the newsletter for deeper analysis of Chelsea’s youth recruiting and transfer tactics—scouting breakdowns, valuation context, and how signings shape squad strategy—plus smart, wider football coverage to make sense of each move. Subscribe Subscribe for Insider Takes on Chelsea’s Youth Raids Get the newsletter for deeper analysis of Chelsea’s youth recruiting and transfer tactics—scouting breakdowns, valuation context, and how signings shape squad strategy—plus smart, wider football coverage to make sense of each move.

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He made eight Ligue 1 appearances for Saint-Étienne before the club’s relegation last season, showcasing impressive ability that attracted attention during France’s Under-20 World Cup campaign in Chile.

However, relationships between the striker’s family and Saint-Étienne have deteriorated significantly.

N’Guessan refuses to extend his contract beyond June 2027 despite repeated offers from club ownership Kilmer Sports Ventures. His father, Dany N’Guessan, a former pro who played extensively in England, is reportedly pushing for a Premier League move too.

Arsenal and Brentford have also expressed interest, though Chelsea remain the most aggressive suitors, and a January transfer for N’Guessan is seen as very realistic.

Related Big name player has privately said that he would join Chelsea in January

It could lead to a very popular transfer.

Posts ByEmilio Galantini

When Celtic spent £7m on Christopher Jullien back in the summer of 2019, hopes for the centre-back were extremely high at Parkhead.

Indeed, upon the then-26-year-old’s signing, Neil Lennon said of the Frenchman: “We are delighted to bring Christopher to Celtic. He is a quality player with great attributes.”

And, the Northern Irishman’s belief that the £4.95m-rated defender was a talented player proved to be correct over his secure the Premiership title, the Scottish Cup and the Scottish League Cup, as well as reaching the knockout stages of the Europa League.

The £23.5k-per-week man continued his impressive form over his nine Premiership outings last season, in which he helped his side keep five clean sheets, scored one goal and registered one assist, in addition to making an average of 1.2 interceptions, 1.2 tackles, 3.6 clearances and winning 6.9 duels per game – with these returns seeing the 29-year-old average a highly impressive SofaScore match rating of 7.43.

However, since sustaining a serious knee injury in a 3-0 victory over Dundee United in December 2020 – a setback that was initially predicted to keep the former French youth international sidelined for around four months – Jullien has played just 16 minutes of football for Celtic, coming on as a second-half substitute in the 4-0 SFA Cup win over Raith Rovers in February.

Indeed, over the Bhoys’ last monster” – in his matchday squad, something which has left many to question whether the centre-back has a future under the Greek-Australian coach.

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And, with just 12 months of his current contract remaining this summer, in addition to having already set Celtic back around £3.5m in wages over his 142 weeks in Glasgow – 60 of which were spent on the treatment table – it would indeed appear a wise for Postecoglou cut his losses on the defender at the end of the current campaign, as Jullien is quickly becoming a rather expensive burden at Parkhead.

AND in other news: Celtic handed huge Old Firm boost as fresh update emerges, Postecoglou will be buzzing

Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini has stated that he is open to discussing a new contract, as the progression at the Etihad Stadium outfit continues.

The Italian coach led the big-spending team to the top of the Premier League after a 4-1 win over Aston Villa on Saturday, and with his current deal to run out in July 2013, is eager to extend.

“I have this year and another year on my contract. I don’t want to leave,” he told Sky Sports.

“When the club decides on the contract and, if they are happy and I am happy to stay here, I don’t think we have any problems. It’s important for every manager to work well and get good results to take the team to the top.

“We can improve every year and I’m happy to be here. I have a good relationship with the owner and the chairman of the club, and I think it is important that both sides here are happy.

“We have improved a lot in the last 18 months. The squad has improved. The club is the same, but it’s important we are not stopping here,” he stated.

In comparing the Premier League manager’s role to that of a Serie A coach, he feels he can have more say over how the club is run, and is keen to continue in this capacity.

“In England the manager has more power regarding the team and that is a good thing. I’m probably moving towards that.

“I’m not saying I can have the power of someone like (Sir Alex) Ferguson, but it is important that if one manager stays in one place for three, four, five or six years it’s easier.

“We have to continue to improve because to be a strong team we need three or four years,” he concluded.

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City are flying domestically but need a result at home to Villarreal on Tuesday in the Champions League, as they have only picked up one point from two games in Europe.

By Gareth McKnight

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As per Claret & Hugh, there has been an exit update out of West Ham United involving left-wing back Arthur Masuaku as David Moyes makes a brand new transfer demand.

The Lowdown: Masuaku sidelined…

Masuaku, unable to show glimpses of last season’s brilliant form, has only managed four Premier League starts all campaign under Moyes with the Congolese ace’s fitness issues becoming a cause for concern.

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According to reliable club insider ExWHUemployee, as transcribed by FootballFanCast, the defender has been suffering with an ongoing knee injury which West Ham believe is caused by playing on hard pitches.

This comes after Masuaku underwent knee surgery in late 2020 to correct a pain in that area which has been troubling him for two years, yet now it seems the problem hasn’t gone away.

The Latest: Moyes makes new transfer demand…

According to C&H, as Moyes makes a brand new transfer demand to West Ham, with the Scotsman now actively seeking a left-winger, this ‘could well spell the end’ for Masuaku.

Indeed, as per the insider, West Ham’s boss now feels that a new natural left-footer is required on that side after Pablo Fornals’ fine display there against Wolves.

The Verdict: Correct call?

Despite turning it on in glimpses since his move to east London, with Irons teammate Aaron Cresswell calling him a ‘fantastic player’, the time may well be here to back Moyes with a new left-winger.

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Masuaku’s injury record is a real concern at this stage and the Scotsman will need players who can shore up certain positions reliably – especially if West Ham qualify for next season’s Champions League.

In other news: ‘My understanding’ – West Ham transfer revelation now out of Rush Green involving ‘exceptional’ £37m star, find out more here.

Reported Leeds United transfer target Brennan Johnson had been advised to snub interest in his services in January, according to one of his team-mates.

The Lowdown: Johnson shines for Forest

The Nottingham Forest midfielder has emerged as arguably one of the Championship’s best young players this season, with the Midlands club pushing for promotion to the Premier League. His manager Steve Cooper has claimed that he can turn the 20-year-old into a ‘top player’.

Johnson has scored 10 goals and registered six assists in the league, outlining his attacking prowess and leading to Leeds reportedly taking an interest in trying to sign him over the winter.

However, it seems that the Welshman has been given some advice which may not be music to the ears of those at Elland Road.

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The Latest: Leeds-linked Johnson advised to stay put

According to The Telegraph (via Football League World), Johnson’s Nottingham Forest team-mate Steve Cook has revealed that the 20-year-old was advised to remain at the City Ground in the wake of reported transfer interest from the likes of Leeds.

The ex-Bournemouth defender stated: “Brennan obviously had an opportunity to move on but I know for a fact that he was advised to stay at Forest. They’ve played a lot of games and know what they need to do.”

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The Verdict: Worth keeping an eye on him

Johnson looks like a player of huge pedigree – David Beckham has hailed him on Instagram in the past – already making a name for himself in a hugely competitive league and delivering great consistency at a young age.

If Leeds were to retain an interest in the 20-year-old, he is someone who Jesse Marsch could view as both a current and long-term acquisition, initially coming in as a useful squad player before maturing into a key figure at Elland Road.

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Johnson could add a sprinkling of guile in attacking midfield areas – he averages 1.2 key passes and 1.1 dribbles per game in the league this season – and the fact that he can play both centrally and out wide makes him a versatile option as well.

Therefore, despite him being advised to stay at Forest for now, Leeds should not simply forget about the youngster, as his head could be turned further down the line if his club are unable to end their long Premier League exile.

In other news, Phil Hay has made a key Leeds injury claim. Read more here.