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Manchester United’s shocking 7-0 defeat to bitter rivals Liverpool saw summer signing Antony produce yet another ineffectual display on the flanks, with the fleet-footed Brazilian once again showing little to warrant his hefty £86m price tag.

Although the 23-year-old cannot be blamed for the mammoth nature of that fee, it is not unreasonable to demand more from a player who previously provided 46 goal contributions in just 82 games during his time at Ajax, with there having been little evidence that the forward can replicate those feats in the Premier League.

The former Sao Paolo man – who has failed to score in the top flight since October – has showcased a distinct lack of quality in the final third during his time in England to date, with that having been evident at Anfield as the wide man produced a multitude of ‘dire crosses’, in the words of Manchester Evening News journalist, Samuel Luckhurst.

Those woes were laid bare by the fact that the struggling asset failed to complete any of his five crosses and lost possession on 18 occasions from his 41 touches, with that seeing him record a measly match rating of just 5.7, as per Sofascore.

As journalist Nathan Ridley noted, the 5 foot 9 trickster was also somewhat “pathetic” in a defensive sense after winning just two of his 13 duels, while pundit Micah Richards suggested that it was as if United were “playing with ten men because Antony wasn’t doing his work down that side.”

That lack of application must surely see the 15-cap dynamo taken out of the side in the coming games, albeit with Erik ten Hag’s options on the right flank rather limited, particularly with both Anthony Elanga and Facundo Pellistri having rarely been trusted of late.

An alternative option in that role could well have presented itself in the youth ranks, however, with teenage sensation Ethan Williams currently making his mark at academy level.

Who is Man United starlet Ethan Williams?

The promising Englishman will likely be hoping to take inspiration from Alejandro Garnacho – who is now a permanent first-team fixture – by forcing his way into Ten Hag’s thinking, with the 17-year-old having proved his quality as a result of his standout displays in the youth set-up.

The Manchester native – who can feature on either flank – has illustrated his finishing prowess by racking up five goals and six assists in just 15 U18 Premier League games this season, having enjoyed a particular hot streak of late with six goal involvements in his last five league outings.

That includes a goal and an assist in the recent 3-3 draw with rivals Leeds United, while Williams was also able to provide an assist during the club’s FA Youth Cup run, albeit with the Red Devils failing to emulate last season’s success in the competition after crashing out to Stoke City.

The teen gem has also been deployed in a full-back berth on occasion this season, with that perhaps suggesting that he could be able to offer greater defensive traits to that of Antony if he is to be selected any time soon.

Such form has clearly caught the attention of Ten Hag and co as the exciting youngster was pictured taking part in first-team training back in November, with that perhaps an indication that a senior bow may not be too far away.

Chelsea have Brighton & Hove Albion goalkeeper Robert Sanchez ‘high up on the list’ of potential signings, according to journalist Simon Phillips.

The Lowdown: Chelsea’s goalkeeper issues

Since the arrival of Graham Potter in September, Kepa Arrizabalaga has been the preferred choice between the sticks for Chelsea, with the Spaniard starting 12 of his team’s last 14 games in the Premier League, although he has received criticism for some of his recent displays.

The 28-year-old was slammed by Peter Crouch on BT Sport for making a ‘massive error’ against Fulham (via Daily Mail), while Edouard Mendy, the Blues’ other senior option in goal, has been criticised by Shay Given for a ‘terrible mistake’ against Leeds United earlier this season.

The Latest: Sanchez targeted by Chelsea

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Phillips claimed that Sanchez is one of the players being considered by Chelsea to come in as the new first-choice goalkeeper, with Brentford’s David Raya also reportedly being targeted.

The journalist said: “David Raya definitely isn’t the only one. There’s probably a good handful on the shortlist of goalkeepers that could come in.

“High up on the list is Robert Sanchez from Brighton as well. He’s another one Chelsea are taking a closer look at.”

The Verdict: Get it done

Potter knows that he can trust Sanchez given his previous history of working with him at Brighton, during which time he described the 25-year-old as a “monster” who’s “got everything to be a top goalkeeper”.

The Spaniard is particularly adept at stopping crosses, ranking in the 94th percentile in this area compared to his positional peers in Europe’s top five leagues over the past 12 months. He also weighs in with some vital saves, recently making three from inside the box in Albion’s 3-1 win at Southampton a month ago.

While it appeared as though Chelsea had found a top goalkeeper in Mendy, his recent performances have left a lot to be desired. He ranked as the worst player on the pitch in Senegal’s World Cup meeting against England with a 5.8 SofaScore rating, and Sanchez would appear to be a discernible upgrade for Potter between the sticks.

Tottenham Hotspur winger Bryan Gil is again the subject of interest from Valencia, who have wanted to sign him previously, according to a new report.

The Lowdown: Gil’s Tottenham career

Tottenham signed Gil for £21.6m in the summer of 2021, with Erik Lamela going the other way in a swap deal, however his first season at the club did not go to plan, making just nine Premier League appearances.

The Spaniard ended up joining Valencia on a loan deal until the end of the season, and he clearly impressed at the Spanish club, given that they are now interested in signing him on a permanent basis.

The Latest: Valencia reignite interest

According to a report from Estadio Deportivo (via Sport Witness), Valencia have reignited their interest in the winger, as a result of an injury suffered by one of their current options in that position, Samu Castillejo.

It is claimed within the report that the player himself may seek the move, having shown a desire to leave this month due to his lack of playing time, but this stance may have changed as a result of recent opportunities.

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The Verdict: Gil must stay

Even though he has hardly set the world alight during his short time at the club so far, the 20-year-old is still very young, with a lot of time to develop, and recent performances have displayed that he is improving.

In the 4-0 victory against Crystal Palace, the youngster looked lively, grabbing his first assist for the club by playing a nice ball through to Harry Kane for the second goal, while also pitching in defensively by making two tackles.

Lauded as ‘incredible’ by journalist Seb Jenkins during pre-season, Gil clearly has the talent to be a success at Tottenham, he just needs a more consistent run in the team, and Conte should grant him more minutes to deter him from seeking a Valencia switch.

Wolverhampton Wanderers signing Carlos Alcaraz in the January transfer window would be a coup if they can pull it off, Pete O’Rourke has claimed.

What’s the word?

The Racing Club midfielder has been linked with a move to Molineux, with a potential move expected to cost around £17m.

The 20-year-old has already made 83 senior appearances for Racing Club, scoring 12 goals and assisting six times, and can play anywhere in an attacking midfield role or even as a winger.

Speaking exclusively to Football Fancast, O’Rourke claimed that the potential signing would give Julen Lopetegui’s side a real boost.

“It would be a huge coup, he’s a very highly rated player in South America playing for Racing Club,” he stated.

“He’s still only 20 as well. He’s an attacking midfielder, he scores goals and provides goals, and definitely would give that Wolves team a real boost if he was to sign.

The next Argentine prodigy?

The likes of Julian Alvarez and Enzo Fernandez have quickly developed into top-class players within just months of trading Argentina for Europe, and Alcaraz could be the next prospect to hit stardom.

Inter Milan and Benfica are also reportedly interested, making a Wolves move look unlikely, but if they can convince him to move to the Premier League then they will be landing arguably their biggest transfer coup in years.

Wolves have already signed Matheus Cunha from Atletico Madrid, and Lopetegui is seeking to strengthen his squad as he looks to help the side survive a relegation battle.

If they are able to secure Alcaraz, it would be a signing for the present and future and could be the creative spark which takes this side up the table.

Wolves have reportedly made another approach to try and sign Racing Club midfielder Carlos Alcaraz ahead of the January transfer window.

The Lowdown: Approach already made

It was reported back in November that the Old Gold had already ‘asked for information’ about Alcaraz ahead of a potential move in January.

They had set their sights on fellow Argentinian midfielder Maximo Perrone, but Manchester City look set to trigger his $8m (£6.6m) release clause, so the Wanderers could look to move for Alcaraz instead.

The Latest: Another approach

As per O Jogo (via Sport Witness), Julen Lopetegui’s side have approached Alcaraz again over a potential move in January, but will face competition from both Benfica and AC Milan for his signature.

Racing have also put an €18m (£16m) price tag over his head, so the Midlands club know exactly how much he will cost in order to prise him away from Argentinian football.

The Verdict: Great option

Alcaraz would certainly offer Lopetegui another great option in the middle of the park in his squad.

Hailed as ‘one of the biggest talents in Argentina’ by Football Talent Scout Jacek Kulig, he has put up some impressive numbers in the Argentinian league this season, with journalist Alex de Llano highlighting his dynamism and movement as ‘gold’.

Kulig further lists the youngster’s strengths as ‘pace, passing, vision, technique, ball control, creativity, long shots and set pieces’, showing him to be the complete all-round midfielder at the age of just 20.

Nonetheless, Wolves would do well to fight of the high level of European competition for his signature.

Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus is set to be ruled out with injury for the rest of 2022, according to Fabrizio Romano after hearing from “sources” close to the player.

The Lowdown: Jesus’ World Cup ended by injury

The 25-year-old started for Brazil in their 1-0 defeat to Cameroon on Friday night in the World Cup, having been introduced as a substitute in their previous two games, but his involvement ended in the 64th minute as he hobbled off with a knee injury.

On Saturday, the Brazilian FA confirmed that both Jesus and Alex Telles would take no further part in the tournament in Qatar due to injury, with the former also now set to miss the restart of the Premier League season on Boxing Day when the Gunners take on West Ham.

The Latest: Jesus out injured until January

Sky Sports reported that Jesus will be doubtful to feature in that game, and Romano has since shared a further update on the Arsenal striker’s unfortunate setback.

The Italian tweeted: “Gabriel Jesus will miss the rest of the World Cup, sources close to player and Brazil confirm. He has pain in his knee and won’t be able to be back during the competition. Gabriel’s expected to return in January with Arsenal.”

The Verdict: So unfortunate

To suffer a tournament-ending injury at the World Cup must be one of the hardest things for a footballer to endure, and Jesus will no doubt be devastated to be ruled out for the knockout stages of the tournament in Qatar.

The injury setback is unfortunate not just for him but also for Arsenal, with the striker’s importance to the team made clear by his status as the Gunners’ highest-ranked player according to WhoScored performance metrics.

Mikel Arteta’s team will resume the season as Premier League leaders, although their prospects of a prolonged title challenge could well depend on having as many of their key players available as possible.

Jesus now looks set to miss the festive programme for Arsenal, but hopefully he will return in time for the North London derby in mid-January.

West Ham United are eyeing a January move to sign Everton centre-back Michael Keane, according to The Sunday Mirror.

The Lowdown: Three appearances

Labelled ‘one of the most likeable men in the sport’ by The Times journalist Henry Winter, the defender has made 189 appearances for the Toffees since joining in 2017.

However, the 29-year-old has fallen out of favour at Goodison Park this season, lining out just three times in all competitions.

He is yet to make a Premier League start under Frank Lampard during the current campaign, and it looks as if the Irons are open to a potential move for him.

The Latest: West Ham eyeing Keane

West Ham Zone relayed an update from the print edition of The Sunday Mirror (4 December, page 82) regarding Keane, who is set to go out on loan.

They claimed that the Hammers are eyeing a move for the defender alongside Nottingham Forest, Fulham and Leicester City.

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The Verdict: Needed?

David Moyes has five senior centre-backs at the London Stadium, but Kurt Zouma has recently undergone surgery and Craig Dawson’s future remains up in the air.

Therefore, a new centre-back on loan could be useful in the second half of the season, possibly someone like Keane.

He has plenty of Premier League experience and may well be open to a new challenge, so this could be one to watch over the coming weeks.

Leeds United scouts were in attendance for Ajax’s clash against PSV Eindhoven on Sunday, according to 90min.

The Lowdown: Gakpo linked with Leeds

The Whites were heavily linked with a late move for Cody Gakpo over the summer, but as we know, a transfer failed to materialise. Victor Orta even flew to the Netherlands on deadline day looking to finalise a deal, but he returned to Yorkshire by himself.

Hailed as a ‘sensational player’ by Football Oranje editor and Dutch football expert Michael Bell, Gakpo has been in fine form this season, contributing to 30 goals in 23 games, and he looks set to represent the Netherlands at the World Cup later this month.

The Latest: Leeds scouts on a mission

90min shared a story on Monday, claiming that Leeds chiefs were in attendance alongside scouts from a number of other Premier League clubs.

The report states that most clubs present were keeping a keen eye on Gakpo, who registered an assist in the first half. PSV went to the top of the Eredivisie table with a 2-1 win over Ajax on Sunday afternoon, knocking their Amsterdam rivals off the summit.

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The Verdict: Move unlikely

Fabrizio Romano has said in recent weeks that Leeds are still dreaming of signing Gakpo, but the feeling at PSV is that he won’t end up at Elland Road.

It doesn’t look as if Leeds are giving up on a transfer, though, especially following the news that Yorkshire chiefs were watching PSV in action over the last 48 hours or so.

A winter move may be one to watch, but it does feel like the ship has sailed when it comes to Gakpo signing for Leeds, given the scale of interest in him now.

Leicester City are scouting Lorient midfielder Enzo Le Fee ahead of a potential move in 2023, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Le Fee profiled

The Frenchman worked his way up through the ranks at the Stade du Moustoir and has now cemented himself a starting place under Regis Le Bris, having been a standout performer for Les Merlus this season.

Despite still having nearly two years remaining on his current contract, the 22-year-old has been attracting interest from potential suitors across the English Channel, and there are four clubs who want to bring him to the Premier League.

The Latest: Leicester eyeing Le Fee

According to 90min, Leicester are joined by Newcastle, West Ham and Fulham in having ‘scouted’ Le Fee this season, with the English quartet following him ‘closely’.

Lorient are reportedly ready to ‘open talks’ regarding fresh terms with the 22-year-old amid this interest, although it’s stated that they will ‘find it difficult’ to keep hold of him.

The Verdict: Tielemans replacement

King Power Stadium favourite Youri Tielemans could be set to leave next summer following the expiry of his contract and amid reported interest from Newcastle. If he does move on, then Le Fee would be a perfect long-term replacement.

Dubbed ‘incredible’ by talent scout Jacek Kulig, the maestro is a creative playmaker just like the Belgian, having clocked up two goals and two assists this term, along with averaging 2.8 key passes per league game (WhoScored).

That figure is slightly higher than James Maddison’s squad-leading average of 2.5 per game at Leicester (WhoScored).

Brendan Rodgers would also be receiving a versatile operator, with Le Fee having played as a winger as well, so there’s no reason as to why this wouldn’t be a match made in heaven.

Journalist Samuel Luckhurst has described Casemiro as ‘immense’ after his hugely influential performance in Manchester United’s 1-1 draw away to Chelsea.

The Lowdown: United draw at Chelsea

The Red Devils made the trip to Stamford Bridge on Saturday evening, in what was an important game in the Premier League top-four battle.

When Jorginho scored a late penalty, it looked as though United were going to suffer a damaging defeat, only for Casemiro to head home in the dying seconds.

The Brazilian’s impact was great aside from the goal, as he made five tackles and three clearances, respectively, and won 10 out of 13 duels in total.

The Latest: Luckhurst lauds’ immense’ Casemiro

Taking to Twitter after the game, Luckhurst hailed Casemiro in one fitting word:

“Casemiro immense.”

The Verdict: Made a huge difference

United were absolutely desperate for a top-class defensive midfielder in the summer and Casemiro is already showing what a fabulous footballer he is, in that respect.

He has brought huge experience, quality and intelligence to Erik ten Hag’s side and his equaliser at Chelsea summed up a winning mentality that has seen him win the Champions League on five occasions.

At 30, Casemiro should still have a few years left in him at the very top level and he is the type of signing who could prove to be a revelation over time, if he isn’t already.