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When Aston Villa sold Jack Grealish to Manchester City in 2021 for the staggering fee of £100m, it was looked upon as a wonderful piece of business for the club.

Of course, in an ideal world, Dean Smith would have wanted to keep him for longer but having emerged as one of the club’s finest ever talents, it was evident he was going to move on at some stage or another and securing a British record transfer for the midfielder was only ever going to be a massive bonus.

They haven’t quite managed to replace him yet, however, there are a few youngsters coming through the youth ranks which could push into the Villa first team and stake a claim over the coming years.

One such player is Rory Wilson, who has been scoring for fun since joining from Glasgow Rangers last summer for just £350k.

Who is Rory Wilson?

The striker completed a move south of the border during the summer having netted 49 goals for the Gers and Scotland youth groups in what was a wonderful season for the 17-year-old.

The teenage prodigy has been described as being “obsessed with becoming the best” by Scotland coach James Grady and his relentless nature in front of goal could take him all the way to the Villa first team in the next couple of years.

Wilson hasn’t let the move to England faze him in the slightest, already making his mark in the U18 and U21 sides this term.

Four goals in the younger age category is impressive enough, but to make the step-up to the Premier League 2 and FA Youth Cup – scoring four and three goals in the respective competitions – takes some talent, and he could find himself on Unai Emery’s mind sooner rather than later.

Grealish also starred for the U21s during his formative years at the club, scoring five goals and grabbing six assists and Wilson has already usurped these totals having been at Villa for less than a year.

The striker also has experience at national level for Scotland, playing for the U17 team on 16 occasions and netting an impressive 15 goals, including a hat0trick against Switzerland just last month.

He doesn’t appear to be resting on his laurels either, having made his U21 debut, aged just 16, in September last year with his future looking extraordinarily bright.

Who knows, in time he could well end up being sold for millions just like Grealish in 2021. Indeed, his current goal-scoring spree dictates that he is arguably the biggest talent since the boyhood hero departed the Midlands. Exciting times.

An update has emerged on Liverpool and their interest in Alberto Moleiro ahead of the upcoming summer transfer window…

What’s the latest on Alberto Moleiro to Liverpool?

According to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, the Reds are one of three teams in the race to sign the Spanish attacking midfielder from Las Palmas at the end of the season.

The report claims that fellow Premier League side Aston Villa and LaLiga giants Barcelona are also interested in snapping up the 19-year-old later this year.

It is stated that the Merseyside outfit, along with Unai Emery’s team, are prepared to pay Las Palmas’ €25m (£22m) asking price, although the gem’s release clause will rise to €60m (£53m) if they are promoted to the Spanish top-flight.

What is Alberto Moleiro’s style of play?

The 19-year-old Spaniard is a versatile attacking midfielder who excels at creating chances for his teammates. With that in mind, he could be Jurgen Klopp’s own version of Arsenal star Martin Odegaard.

Mikel Arteta’s side are top of the Premier League table and the Norway international has been a crucial cog in their well-oiled machine as a creative presence in the middle of the park.

He has averaged an impressive Sofascore rating of 7.40 – the second-best in their squad – across 25 appearances in the division – creating 12 ‘big chances’ and making 2.4 key passes per match.

The former Real Madrid playmaker has racked up 0.25 assists per 90 and Moleiro, who has managed 0.37 assists per 90 in the Spanish second division this term, could develop into a similarly creative threat in midfield.

Las Palmas, like Arsenal, currently lead their league and the teenage wizard has played a significant role in their success to date as the gem has created 11 ‘big chances’, 1.7 key passes per game, and eight assists in 23 starts in LaLiga 2.

Meanwhile, no Liverpool central midfielder has created more than 1.2 key passes per match or more than Harvey Elliott’s seven ‘big chances’ created.

These statistics show that the Spanish magician, whose touch was described as “silky” by scout Jacek Kulig, excels at creating opportunities for his teammates from an attacking midfield, eight, or wide position, much like Odegaard does for the Gunners week-in-week-out in the Premier League.

At the age of 19, Moleiro would not come in as a player who should be expected to make an immediate or significant impact on the team but the gem could be a long-term prospect with the potential to grow into Klopp’s own version of the Norweigan star.

He is yet to test himself outside of the second tier in Spain and it is impossible to tell how the creator would adapt to life in England. Still, his statistics this season indicate that there is a talented player there for Liverpool to develop in the coming years.

Manchester United arguably enjoyed their greatest night of the Erik ten Hag regime thus far on Thursday evening, with the Red Devils coming from behind to see off runaway La Liga leaders Barcelona at Old Trafford.

With the tie finely poised following what was a thrilling 2-2 draw in Catalonia last week, it was the visitors who struck the early blow this time around, with prolific marksman, Robert Lewandowski netting from the penalty spot following a soft foul from Bruno Fernandes on Alejandro Balde.

While United sides of the recent past may well have crumbled after suffering such an early setback, the current crop proved that they are made of sterner stuff as they came flying out the traps after the break, with the often-maligned Fred firing in just minutes after the interval.

Having swiftly seen the benefits of a tactical reshuffle from Ten Hag as Wout Weghorst was replaced by Antony at half-time, those alterations then looked even more astute as the latter man marked his return from injury with a goal, curling in in superb fashion with his typically lethal left foot.

The £86m summer signing ultimately proved the match-winner for the hosts to steer them into the last-16 of the Europa League, with the 22-year-old having ‘enhanced’ the Red Devils’ attack following his introduction off the bench – as per Manchester Evening News journalist, Samuel Luckhurst.

Despite having netted the clincher for the Premier League side on the night, it was Antony’s compatriot Fred who truly stole the show from his central midfield berth, having ‘overwhelmed’ the opposition with his relentless, energetic presence – as per Luckhurst.

How did Fred perform against Barcelona?

The 29-year-old has undoubtedly been a frustrating figure in the side of late due to his inability to maintain a consistent performance across 90 minutes, with that having been typified in the weekend win over Leicester City as the diminutive machine lost possession on 14 occasions, yet also registered an assist for Marcus Rashford’s second strike of the day.

As last night’s encounter showcased, however, when the former Shakhtar Donetsk man is at his best he is undoubtedly a hugely influential figure for Ten Hag, having produced a “herculean” display up against the Camp Nou outfit, in the words of journalist Sacha Pisani.

That standout showing saw the £120k-per-week man win six duels on the night – including recording five tackles – with the 47-touch maestro having been a constant pest in the centre of the park, despite being dribbled past on eight occasions.

The 5 foot 7 playmaker had come out like a “man possessed” after the break, according to journalist Dominic Booth, with that rampant restart swiftly rewarded as he expertly cushioned Fernandes’ fizzing pass, before guiding his effort into the bottom corner – albeit with the ball having perhaps come off the midfielder’s shin.

That slice of luck was perhaps what Fred had deserved for his “box-to-box” performance – as per Statman Dave – as he again proved himself the man for the big occasion, earning justified comparisons to club cult hero Park Ji-sung in the process.

As United prepare for another pivotal, season-defining clash in the League Cup final against Newcastle United on Sunday, the Belo Horizonte native will need to be at his brilliant, destructive best once again.

An update has emerged regarding Newcastle United’s interest in signing Adrien Rabiot in the summer transfer window…

What’s the latest on Adrien Rabiot to Newcastle?

According to Italian outlet Calciomercato, the Magpies have ‘tested the ground’ on a potential deal to sign the French midfielder on a free transfer at the end of the campaign, with his deal at Juventus set to expire, as Dan Ashworth eyes up a swoop for the gem.

The report claims that the 27-year-old is demanding €10m (£8.9m) per season, which works out at roughly £171k-per-week, and his current club are only willing to offer €7m (£6.2m) for two more seasons.

It is stated that fellow Premier League side Arsenal are also in the running for his signature and that a move to England is his ‘most likely’ destination.

Would Rabiot be an upgrade on Longstaff at Newcastle?

Ashworth could land Eddie Howe a big upgrade on current Newcastle midfielder Sean Longstaff by finalising a deal to sign Rabiot on a free transfer ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.

The Magpies academy graduate has enjoyed a resurgence in the first-team picture this season and worked his socks off in the middle of the park, but the Juventus dynamo could provide a step up in quality.

In the Premier League this term, Longstaff has averaged a Sofascore rating of 6.74 across his 22 appearances, making 1.7 tackles and interceptions and 0.8 key passes per game. The Englishman has also won 44% of his duels and completed 80% of his attempted passes in midfield.

Meanwhile, Rabiot has averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.08 in his 18 outings for Juventus in Serie A. The 27-year-old has made 2.8 tackles and interceptions and created 1.1 chances per match, whilst winning 54% of his duels and completing 84% of his passes, as per Sofascore.

These statistics suggest that the France international would be an upgrade on the Newcastle gem both in terms of his defensive quality and efficiency, and his creative talent in possession. Rabiot also provides a goal threat from midfield – scoring four times in the Italian top flight this season – whilst Longstaff has only managed four goals in 100 Premier League appearances in his career.

Italian legend Gianluigi Buffon once hailed the French midfielder’s physicality, saying: “He is a fantastic mix, he has the physical strength of Pogba, who is like a wardrobe, has the personality of Vidal and potentially the dynamism of Marchisio. He is incredible, extremely strong.”

This suggests that Rabiot has the physique to cope with the demands of English football, which would allow his qualities both in and out of possession to shine through.

Therefore, Ashworth could improve Newcastle’s options in the middle of the park by beating Arsenal to the Juventus star’s signature in the coming months.

West Bromwich Albion enjoyed a relatively quiet January transfer window, but admittedly they were hardly in need of vast reinforcements.

Carlos Corberan had already inherited a relatively strong squad and managed to knit them together into a unit which will now have eyes on a return to the Premier League. Considering where the Baggies lay prior to Steve Bruce’s dismissal, this marks an outstanding turnaround.

There was no need for his Spanish successor to go wild in the transfer market, as it offers unpredictability alongside the potential to upset his finely-tuned machine, although he did supplement the squad with two new arrivals and nearly added a third on deadline day.

It was reported by the Evening Standard that Albion had agreed a deal with Chelsea starlet Omari Hutchinson to join until the end of the season, with the 19-year-old turning down offers from Europe and other Championship clubs in favour of a move to The Hawthorns.

However, according to The Athletic’s Elias Burke, it appeared that complications arose, which in turn led to Karlan Grant’s failed move to Swansea City. As such, both deals could not be completed in time, and the clubs missed out on their respective targets.

This arguably would have been the perfect move for West Brom to make given their current situation, bringing in a super-talented teenager to supplement the likes of John Swift, push them for a place in the team or even offer an instant upgrade to drive the team even closer to their objective of promotion.

The youngster has impressed this season for Chelsea’s youth setup and already boasts two senior appearances, having only moved from Arsenal last summer.

In 14 Premier League 2 appearances, he has notched five goals and a further seven assists. This is further supplemented by his three goal contributions in four EFL Trophy matches. 

His dynamism paired with a fine technical proficiency would have made him an ideal partner for Daryl Dike to play off of, with the American having only recently returned from a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

He has notched two goals in his last three league games and will likely play a big role in their promotion push. His return adds pace and power, as well as the cutting edge that they had been lacking up front, and he would have surely thrived from the service of Hutchinson.

Graham Potter’s line about the teenager’s performance during a mid-season friendly further outlined exactly what Dike and West Brom will miss out on, with the Chelsea manager saying: “[Hutchinson] was really good, dangerous and asked a question all the time.”

That prying offensive nature could have been the additional spark to add even more goals to a solid West Brom outfit with the Championship’s fourth-best defensive record.

They should still finish in the play-offs without him, but he could have been the vital difference towards going even further and daring to dream of an automatic promotion spot.

Newcastle United could well be looking to strengthen with the signing of Chelsea playmaker, Hakim Ziyech before the end of the window.

What’s the word?

According to The Telegraph’s Luke Edwards, Magpies sporting director Dan Ashworth is believed to be ‘looking at’ a potential move for the Moroccan international, with the Blues said to be willing to let the 29-year-old depart Stamford Bridge this month.

The report suggests that one of Eddie Howe’s priorities at present is to recruit a new winger or midfielder, hence turning to the former Ajax star – who has two-and-a-half years left on his existing deal – as he can operate in either role.

The piece also goes on to add that the Tynesiders are seemingly only set to move for those players who are on their ‘list of targets in the summer’, with the northeast side having been linked with the 50-cap sensation during the previous window.

Almiron 2.0

Howe’s side are currently somewhat reliant on the devastating brilliance of the resurgent Miguel Almiron to make the difference in the final third, with the Paraguayan international the club’s leading scorer this season with nine Premier League goals thus far.

The 28-year-old dynamo has enjoyed an “amazing transformation” this season according to club legend Alan Shearer, having previously only scored nine top-flight goals across the last three seasons combined.

The diminutive ace has thrived in his regular on the right flank so far this term, providing a real direct and dynamic threat with his ability to cut in onto his stronger left foot and wreak havoc on the opposition.

Newcastle could well land another version of the former Atlanta United man in the form of the aforementioned Ziyech, with the £100k-per-week maestro also typically operating in a wide right berth and cutting in onto his favoured left foot.

The playmaking “genius” – as described by journalist Nizaar Kinsella – has enjoyed a rather disappointing stint in the capital to date with just 14 goals and 11 assists in 97 games across all fronts, although the hope would be that Howe can inspire an Almiron-esque resurgence should he make the switch to St James’ Park.

The Netherlands-born ace has clearly shown enough quality in the past to warrant such interest from Ashworth and co, having recorded a truly staggering haul of 130 goal involvements in just 165 games during his previous stint in Amsterdam.

That breathtaking, creative flair was also evident during the recent World Cup in Qatar, with Ziyech – who made the move to England on a £33.3m deal back in 2020 – having been lauded for his “incredible” form by Morocco boss Walid Regragui, after starting every game in his nation’s surge to the semi-final.

What was also most eye-catching about his display in that tournament was the former FC Twente man’s willing work ethic as he recorded 1.4 interceptions and 1.4 tackles per game, while he also ranks in the top 13% in Europe among those in his position for the latter metric.

Such a trait can also be attributed to Almiron, as the 5 foot 9 speedster ranks in the top 12% in that regard, with Shearer having previously stated that the player’s “work rate” is “one thing that has never been in doubt since he joined Newcastle in 2019”.

To be able to bring in a player who can provide healthy competition for the in-form asset with the signing of Ziyech could well prove an astute move for Ashworth and for Howe, with strengthening in attack set to help bolster what is an already rampant outfit.

Celtic are not pursuing a deal for Luzern midfielder Ardon Jashari in the January transfer window, according to Pete O’Rourke.

What’s the word?

Celtic have been linked with a move for Jashari, who was in Switzerland’s World Cup squad as they reached the knockout rounds in Qatar.

The defensive midfielder has made 17 appearances for Luzern this season, providing four assists, and the 20-year-old is now a coveted player with Eintracht Frankfurt also reportedly interested.

However, speaking exclusively to Football Fancast, O’Rourke has claimed that he is not a priority for Celtic in this window, but he could remain in their sights in the summer.

“I don’t think it’s a top priority for Ange Postecoglu’s side this month in the transfer window, having already brought in Tomoki Iwata, the Japanese midfielder, so I don’t think midfield is the key area of concern for Celtic right now,” he stated.

“But again, it could be a player that might turn to the radar in the summer if he’s still at Luzern l because there is interest from other clubs, I think across European clubs for his services.

A long-term signing

Celtic are already well stocked in midfield, but with Aaron Mooy and James McCarthy ageing, there is a case to bring in younger midfielders, and Jashari, who has been described as an “exciting” talent, could be a good move for the future.

He has already captained his side a lot this season, and would arrive as an internationally experienced midfielder despite his age.

Even if Celtic wait until the summer before doing a deal, he would not have to come in and make an immediate impact, but he can continue his development in Glasgow before eventually earning himself a place in the starting XI.

Wolverhampton Wanderers narrowly missed out on signing Craig Dawson during the summer but it seems as if the Old Gold could return for the West Ham United man in next month’s transfer window.

It was reported on deadline day in September that Wolves had agreed a deal to sign the experienced centre-back but it fell through at the last minute when Jan Bednarek joined Aston Villa rather than West Ham, leaving David Moyes short of cover in defence at the London Stadium.

With Bruno Lage having already lost the likes of Conor Coady, Romain Saiss and Willy Boly over the summer, a lack of centre-back options was perhaps always likely to cost the Midlands club, so it is no surprise that Julen Lopetegui is keen to strengthen in that position in the new year.

According to The Athletic’s Wolves correspondent Steve Madeley, a deal could still be done for the 32-year-old in next month’s window, despite him featuring on a regular basis for the Hammers so far this campaign.

Considering the east London outfit are undoubtedly in a relegation fight this season, as they find themselves just one point ahead of Wolves after a loss against Arsenal on Boxing Day, it would be something of a surprise if Moyes was willing to strengthen a rival by allowing Dawson to join Wolves.

However, there is little doubt that the former Rochdale man would offer experience and quality at the back for Wolves, as the current centre-back duo of Nathan Collins and Max Kilman arguably lacks the necessary know-how for a relegation battle.

Dawson has featured 84 times for the Hammers, contributing nine goals and two assists, so could also add a huge threat from set-pieces should he make the move to Molineux.

Last season saw the Englishman named alongside Declan Rice in the Europa League team of the tournament, which emphasises the quality he would add to Lopetegui’s squad for the rest of the season.

Although the Spaniard earned a win in his first game as manager against Everton on Boxing Day, the goal conceded came from shocking set-piece defending, and Dawon’s aerial prowess could help improve the Old Gold drastically from both attacking and defending corners and free-kicks.

Michail Antonio was full of praise for the centre-back last season, saying:

“He’s been unbelievable, he’s been a rock at the back, he’s like an old-school centre-half. He’s tough, he fights, he’s solid, he’s not scared to get down and deep, he’s been quality and he’s been solid for us. He came in not really to play, he’s taken his opportunity he’s taken his shirt and he’s not giving it up.”

This attitude and ability is exactly what Lopetegui needs in a relegation battle so if a move for Dawson can be done next month, then Wolves should be desperately trying to bring in the defender from West Ham.

West Bromwich Albion have seen themselves linked with few new players for the January transfer window, likely due to their financial issues that saw Steve Bruce hampered in the summer.

The ex-Baggies boss was afforded just £1.1m to spend, yet with a combination of shrewd business and free transfers managed to bring in eight new faces, however their form was so poor that he did not get to see out the season.

His replacement will now have to battle with the same issues, however having taken them on a three-game winning streak before the World Cup break, it seems that Carlos Corberan is having a better go at it than his predecessor.

Both seem to have suffered from a lack of goals however, which could soon be rectified by the return of Daryl Dike.

The 22-year-old marksman did not make it in time for a trip to Qatar with his nation, but had impressed previously with Barnsley and Orlando City.

At the former, he bagged nine times in just 22 appearances, whilst for the American outfit he had scored 19 times in 41 showings.

He had marked himself out as a consistent presence in front of the goal, making his injuries following last January’s transfer even more frustrating.

This season, his absence has likely led to one of the few rumours that have actually persisted, in Aston Villa youngster Cameron Archer.

The 20-year-old was linked all throughout the summer, but news has emerged over the week that suggests Sunderland could now be set to land him in January.

It would be a shame not to lure this young star to the Hawthorns, where he would surely strike up a fearsome partnership with the lethal American.

Having seen his chances limited this season, last campaign he proved his ability at all levels despite his youth.

After notching nine goals in eight appearances for the under-23s, he would also score four times in just two EFL Cup games for the senior squad before Preston North End would secure his services on loan.

His seven goals in 20 games would impress Ryan Lowe so much that he would lavish him with praise in the media: “Cameron has got an abundance of talent.

“His quality levels are fantastic, he’s bullish, strong, he can roll, he has got that little burst of pace too.”

To combine this with the goalscoring exploits of Dike, it could finally solve a long-standing problem for the Midlands outfit to build upon the already solid foundations Corberan has brought.

With a host of talented youth prospects, over the years there has been a steady stream of academy graduates who have gone on to make their mark in the Sunderland first team.

Whilst the likes of Jordan Pickford and Jordan Henderson might be the more notorious examples, even players such as Dan Neil and Lynden Gooch are currently making their impact for Tony Mowbray’s side.

The 58-year-old could now add another name to that list, with Caden Kelly an exciting versatile youngster who seems to have ability and maturity far beyond his age.

Having already featured at attacking midfield and on the wing, he draws similarities with Patrick Roberts for his technical proficiency rather than blistering speed.

Perhaps with the Englishman enduring an inconsistent season, outlined in his 6.85 average SofaScore rating, the 18-year-old could be slowly integrated with a view to one day replace the former Manchester City trickster.

Having set the U18s Premier League alight during the 2020/21 season, where he recorded eight goal contributions, he more than earned his promotion to the U23 side.

That step up again did not faze the teenager, as he would score twice and assist a further three before solidifying his place in that age group.

His progression has been so meteoric that this season he even made a cameo in the Black Cats’ 2-0 defeat to Sheffield Wednesday in the EFL Cup, his first senior appearance for the club and a huge statement of intent from Mowbray.

It is clear that Kelly is well thought of on Wearside, with journalist Josh Bunting taking to Twitter to further praise the youngster.

He claimed: “Caden Kelly is a very nice footballer for Sunderland, really technical, has excellent vision and that relates to good pass selection, plays through the lines with relative ease.”

It seems like he could possess the creative spark needed to unlock the tricky Championship defences they often face, and with Ellis Simms and Ross Stewart hopefully both to return soon, it could be a devastating combination should he be given a chance.

He could rival and even one day surpass Roberts, with a clear technical proficiency and a physicality that will come with time.