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Sunderland have submitted an enquiry to sign Aston Villa striker Cameron Archer in January, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Archer out of favour

The Walsall-born talent has found first-team opportunities hard to come by this season, having played just 44 minutes of league football under both Steven Gerrard and Unai Emery.

As a result, a number of clubs have now been alerted to his situation ahead of the winter market, and following a fresh update, the Black Cats are name-checked to be keen on bringing him to the Championship.

The Latest: Sunderland make Archer contact

According to Football Insider, Sunderland are among the clubs to have ‘made enquiries’ regarding Archer’s availability in the New Year.

Tony Mowbray’s side are believed to be ‘chasing’ the 20-year-old, although they aren’t alone in their pursuit, with several second-tier outfits ‘queuing up’ to take the striker on loan for the remainder of the season.

Emery must now ‘decide’ whether to keep him as a backup option at Villa Park or let him go out and get some regular minutes under his belt in 2023.

The Verdict: Potential advantage?

Despite there being multiple unnamed clubs interested in Archer, he shares the same agent as five players who are already at the Stadium of Light, which could give Sunderland an advantage in the race for his services.

The England under-21 forward posted eight goal contributions in 20 outings during his previous loan spell at Preston North End, which saw him hailed as ‘bullish’ by their manager Ryan Lowe.

The Black Cats are reportedly ready to sell Ross Stewart in January should he not want to sign a new contract, so Archer would be an ideal temporary replacement if the Scotland international departs the Stadium of Light.

Tottenham Hotspur are preparing a bid to bring Pedro Porro to the Premier League in the January transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Portuguese publication Correio da Manhã (via Sport Witness), who claim that Fabio Paratici is now ‘preparing to formalise’ an offer for the Sporting Lisbon right-back, with the bid set to ‘be around’ the 23-year-old’s minimum fee release clause – which is currently set at €45m (£38.7m).

The report goes on to state that Spurs’ interest in a move for the Spain international is ‘making people talk’ in Portugal, not least because Manchester City – whom Sporting paid €8.5m (£7.3m) to sign the defender permanently this summer – are said to possess a 30% sell-on clause, thus pocketing a large portion of Tottenham’s potential offer.

“Special”

Considering just how impressive Porro has been for Sporting in recent seasons, it is not difficult to understand why Paratici would be interested in a move for the right-back this winter – especially with it being recently reported that Antonio Conte is willing to part with one of Matt Doherty or Emerson Royal in January.

Indeed, over his 23 Liga Portugal appearances last term, the £21.5m-rated full-back highly impressed going forwards, bagging four goals, providing four assists and creating 11 big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 1.6 shots, making 2.0 key passes and completing 1.4 dribbles – at a success rate of 53% – per game.

The £10k-per-week talent also caught the eye in metrics more typically associated with his position, making an average of 1.8 tackles, 1.1 interceptions, one clearance and winning 5.3 duels – at a success rate of 53% – per fixture.

These returns saw the 23-year-old who Zach Lowry dubbed “special” average a quite breathtaking Sofascore match rating of 7.28, not only ranking him as Sporting’s second-best performer in the division but also as the 12th-best player in the Portuguese top-flight as a whole last time out.

It has been a similar story over the youngster’s 10 league outings this season, with Porro having already registered four assists and created four big chances, as well as making an average of 2.2 key passes, 1.6 crosses, 1.4 interceptions and completing 1.1 dribbles – at a success rate of 46% – per game.

These metrics have seen the former City starlet average an extremely impressive Sofascore match rating of 7.11, currently ranking him as Rúben Amorim’s fifth-best player in Liga Portugal.

As such, it is indeed easy to see why both Paratici and Conte would be keen on a deal to bring the right-back to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium ahead of the second half of the Premier League campaign, as Porro would undoubtedly represent a special addition to the Italian manager’s current options on the right of his backline in north London.

West Bromwich Albion have been handed a further boost in their pursuit of Ryan Porteous…

What’s the latest?

That’s according to Pete O’Rourke, who offered some supplementary information to an earlier report that noted the Baggies’ interest in the Hibernian centre-back.

He told Football League World: “I think that Championship clubs definitely have a good chance of getting someone like Ryan Porteous.

 “Some of the bigger clubs can compete with the likes of Celtic and Rangers on wages. Obviously, the appeal of moving to England is very strong for a lot of players in Scotland as well. It’s an opportunity to go to an ambitious Championship club and a team maybe fighting for promotion to the Premier League. 

“The fact that he’s out of contract in the summer as well will also increase their chances of landing him because he won’t be as expensive.”

Their own Alan Hansen

To sign this Scottish stalwart will instantly have him drawing comparisons with his legendary compatriot Alan Hansen, who starred at the back for Liverpool on his way to making 597 appearances for the club and 26 more for his country.

Described as “a defender with the pedigree of an international striker”, Bob Paisley was full of praise for the now 67-year-old who used to dominate at Anfield. He continued “He is quite simply the most skilful centre-half I have ever seen in the British game.”

Whilst these are lofty ambitions, Porteous will surely have aspirations of reaching the levels that the Reds legend did on his way to winning eight league titles, two FA Cups, four EFL Cups and three European Cups too after a move from north of the border where he featured for Partick Thistle.

Like Porteous’ Hibs, they are hardly one of the traditional ‘giants’ of the Scottish game, proving that you don’t need to have played for the Old Firm clubs to become a big success story.

The 23-year-old does boast similar elements to his game too, with bravery and power matched with the technical ability needed to thrive in the modern game.

These characteristics have culminated in his brilliant personal campaign, where he is averaging a 7.29 rating thus far alongside 1.3 tackles, 3.6 clearances per game and an 80% pass accuracy (via Sofascore).

John Hughes suggested that his performances have often put a target on his back, with him being “a heart-on-sleeve, full-blooded type of player.” As such, he is sure to be a success should he make the switch to a division that prides itself on its physicality.

Having started the season poorly, new boss Carlos Corberan has managed to turn what seemed like a campaign destined for a relegation battle into one which can spur dreams of the playoffs once more.

The January addition of Porteous could be the perfect catalyst to continue their red-hot form, solidifying a back four already impressing with a defender looking to mirror the great Hansen.

Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou won’t be happy with his side conceding four goals against Rennes, according to former Scottish Premiership professional Tam McManus.

The Lowdown: Seven-goal thriller

The Hoops have been out in Portugal for their mid-season training camp during the break but recently suffered a 4-3 defeat at the hands of Bruno Genesio’s team.

The Ligue 1 outfit had a 4-1 lead in what was a total defensive meltdown from the Hoops, before the Glasgow giants pulled it back to 4-3 thanks to goals from Matt O’Riley and Kyogo.

The Latest: McManus’ comments

Speaking to Football Insider, McManus, however, claimed that Celtic were exposed at the back and suggested that they have to be careful of the same not happening moving forward.

“If you watch the way Celtic play, there is always a danger of that [conceding multiple goals].

“Rennes are a good side, I think Celtic played them not that long ago in the Europa League actually. These games are all about getting minutes into the players.

“That being said, I don’t think Ange will be happy with that. They were 4-1 down at one point and that was a pretty strong Celtic side.

“They fought back and got it to 4-3 at half time. That’s what a high press will give you, lots of goals. The big issue was when they come up against quality sides who know how to unpick a press, they will concede a lot of chances.

“They are going to get exposed. The only team up here who might be able to do that is possibly Rangers, so it doesn’t happen too often.”

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The Verdict: No need to panic

Celtic obviously won’t want to let in four goals on a consistent basis against anyone, but the fact that Rennes are a better opposition than they normally face, there’s no need to panic.

Postecoglou’s squad are already nine points clear of their rivals at the top of the table and it would take a huge dip in form and results to stop them from securing their second consecutive title come the end of the season.

The Bhoys return to action this weekend when they visit Aberdeen, and the boss will be hoping his side can continue where they left off before the break.

Journalist Ryan Taylor has claimed that Aston Villa are ‘definitely’ interested in Atletico Madrid’s Matheus Cunha, as well as Villarreal’s Nicolas Jackson.

The Lowdown: Jackson Villa’s top target?

Unai Emery is preparing for his first transfer window as Villa manager and looks set to be backed with a ‘huge’ budget by NSWE.

The Villa boss personally wants to reunite with Jackson and has instructed the club to move quickly over a potential deal. However, it looks as if more than one forward could be on the way from La Liga to the Midlands, with Taylor sharing what he knows after rumours also emerged regarding Cunha.

The Latest: Cunha transfer claim

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Taylor said that Emery would be interested in bringing Jackson to Villa Park and said that ‘another’ is Cunha, who appears to be an in-demand forward heading into 2023, with Wolves also in the mix for him.

The journalist stated: “Nicolas Jackson is one that Emery would be interested in.

“There is another one as well – Matheus Cunha. He’s one they definitely are interested in but there’s a lot of clubs in the mix and, unfortunately for Villa, they aren’t front of the queue at the moment.”

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The Verdict: Jackson over Cunha?

Both Jackson and Cunha are primarily centre-forwards who can also play out wide if needed, so they could be shrewd additions given their versatility.

However, Emery has worked with Jackson before, so he will know all about the Senegal forward’s qualities and potential, at just 21 years of age.

On the other hand. Cunha has struggled at Atletico, netting just seven times in 54 games for the La Liga giants.

Therefore, if it is to be a case of choosing one over the other, it could be better for Villa to pursue what appears to be Emery’s primary target in Jackson.

Sky Sports pundit Paul Robinson has claimed that although the injury to Ruben Dias is ‘a blow’ for Manchester City, he does not see it as a ‘massive problem’.

The Lowdown: Thigh injury

It has been reported that Dias encountered a problem with his thigh during Portugal’s last-16 victory over Switzerland in the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, but continued to play during the tournament.

The central defender has not trained with City since his return from the tournament, and Football Insider have now reported that he is set to spend a month on the sidelines.

The Latest: ‘A blow’

Speaking to Football Insider, Robinson has claimed that although the injury to Dias is ‘a blow’, Pep Guardiola will not see it as a ‘massive problem’, as he has not been a regular starter under the Spaniard this season:

“In truth, he has not played that much this season.

“He has not been a regular starter anyway. They have so much strength in depth in that position.

“[Nathan] Ake has done really well this season. He surprised me in the World Cup as well. [Aymeric] Laporte, John Stones and [Manuel] Akanji have also all played. There is some serious competition for those two centre-half positions.

“Look, the injury to Dias is a blow, make no mistake about it. But, we have to recognise that he has not been a regular starter for them this season.

“I don’t think Guardiola will see it as a massive problem. It will not give him any major headaches unless there are other injuries in that area.”

The Verdict: Other players can step up

There is no doubt that Dias has been a key player for City, helping them win two Premier League titles, but he has only started nine top-flight games so far this season.

Guardiola brought in Manuel Akanji as a new signing from Borussia Dortmund in the summer, while he also has the likes of John Stones, Aymeric Laporte and Nathan Ake that he can call upon at centre-back.

Nonetheless, City still have the third-best defensive record in the Premier League, so should be able to cope without Dias for a month or so if that is how long he will be out for.

Liverpool are interested in making a move for Borussia Dortmund prodigy Youssoufa Moukoko, according to an update from journalist Ben Jacobs.

The Lowdown: Moukoko a massive talent

The German is arguably one of the most exciting teenage footballers in Europe currently, proving to be an influential part of Dortmund’s attack.

Moukoko has nine goal contributions (six goals and three assists) in the Bundesliga this season and has been hailed as ‘brilliant’ by Axel Witsel, while even Erling Haaland said the youngster is ‘amazing’.

The 18-year-old’s current Dortmund deal expires at the end of the season and there is likely to be huge interest in him as that deal ticks down.

The Latest: Liverpool linked with move

Speaking to Give Me Sport, Jacobs claimed that Liverpool are one of several Premier League clubs who could look to sign Moukoko:

“Manchester United are one of those. They’ve tracked him for quite some time. They haven’t entered into any kind of advanced talks yet.

“Liverpool and Spurs are ones to watch and don’t rule out a move to La Liga and Barcelona either. Barcelona’s position is very much that they’re working on the player’s side to try and persuade him not to sign a new contract in the hope they’ll get him for free.

“As soon as transfer fees come into it, it wouldn’t surprise me if they back off the race. So, lots of suitors here.”

The Verdict: Part of the rebuild?

Jurgen Klopp’s squad is ageing and in need of fresh blood, so Moukoko could be someone who comes in as a long-term acquisition who can lead the line in the future.

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Age is only a number, however, and the young starlet is already showing that he can thrive for a big club, so the Reds could even see him as an important figure from the off.

Granted, Liverpool already have a plethora of attacking options, but Roberto Firmino’s very best days are behind him and the likes of Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota are becoming injury-prone, so Moukoko could help ease those issues.

West Ham United will remain without the services of Kurt Zouma for this evening’s FA Cup meeting against Brentford.

What’s the latest?

In recent comments cited by the Evening Standard, David Moyes revealed that, despite the centre-back having recently returned to first-team training after undergoing knee surgery in November, the 28-year-old will not be fit enough to feature at the Gtech Community Stadium for Saturday’s cup clash.

Regarding the current condition of the Frenchman, Moyes said: “Kurt Zouma is getting closer, but maybe not yet. He’s only just going to start training, so we’re probably much the same [from Leeds United].

“We’re trying to recover. We only played late on Wednesday night so we’re still trying to get the players back together and get them ready.”

Huge blow for the Hammers

Considering just how important a part of Moyes’ backline Zouma has become since his £29.8m move to the London Stadium in the summer of 2021, coupled with how poor West Ham have been at the back without the 28-year-old – shipping seven goals in their last three games – the continued unavailability of Zouma for the trip to Brentford is certainly terrible news for the Scot.

Indeed, over his 24 Premier League appearances last season, the £28m-rated talent was in imperious form at the back, helping the Irons to keep five clean sheets, in addition to making 1.4 interceptions, 0.5 tackles and 5.5 clearances and winning 2.8 duels – at a success rate of 58% – per game.

These returns saw the 11-cap international average an impressive Sofascore match rating of 6.98, not only ranking him as Moyes’ best-performing centre-back but also as the Hammers’ sixth-best player overall in the league last time out.

It has been a similar story over Zouma’s 14 top-flight outings in the current campaign, with the £125k-per-week stopper helping his side to keep three clean sheets, along with making 0.9 interceptions, 0.3 tackles and 4.8 clearances and winning 2.7 duels – at a success rate of 72% – per match.

These returns have seen the Frenchman average a Sofascore match rating of 6.87, currently ranking him as the Hammers’ best-performing centre-back and sixth-best player overall so far this season.

As such, it is clear to see that Zouma is very much one of the most talented central defenders in Moyes’ squad at present, with the continued absence of the 28-year-old undoubtedly coming as a huge blow to West Ham’s chances of making it through to the next round of the FA Cup this evening – especially against a team who put two goals past the Irons without reply just eight days ago.

Former footballer Frank McAvennie has claimed that Rangers boss Michael Beale should look to give academy talent Robbie Ure a run in the team.

What’s the word?

The Ibrox side have been without key striker Antonio Colak since November and while he was on the bench in their last game, it remains unclear as to how ready he is to make an immediate impact after missing a few months of action.

Alfredo Morelos has been playing up top for the club of late but with his future uncertain it might be time to start planning for the future already.

With all that in mind, McAvennie has stated that 18-year-old forward Ure could be worth throwing in, just to see how he fares in the first team.

He told Football Insider: “I heard people talking about how Ure is pretty good. Why not bring him in?

“I do not get why other managers do not do it. I know they are under pressure and all that but he is under pressure with the fact that he is struggling for strikers.

“All I have heard about is this boy up front for Rangers, so I would play him. It is a baptism of fire.

“You have got to be a certain kind of person to play for Celtic or Rangers. You are a different breed from everyone else, especially if you like it.“If Beale puts him in, who knows what he could do. If he is doing well for the youth team then put him in. He has got nothing to lose. It would be better putting him in than somebody in midfield up front.“ Big chance incoming?

Ure has actually already scored for the senior Rangers team despite having only played twice at that level. Indeed, he netted the first goal of the game on debut in the League Cup against Queen of the South last August.

He certainly knows how to get his name on the score sheet regularly too. So far this season, in all competitions (senior and youth) he has scored 14 goals and provided eight assists in 29 appearances.Ure has played just one minute in the SPFL this term – coming off the bench in the 1-1 draw against St Mirren – but may well add to that in the coming weeks.He’s certainly done it at youth level, and perhaps he could be the man to replace Morelos when the 26-year-old striker finally does leave Ibrox.

Journalist Joshua Barrie, who contributes for Sky Sports, has praised Rangers manager Michael Beale for the way he has rotated goalkeepers Jon McLaughlin and Allan McGregor of late.

What’s the word?

Over the weekend, the Ibrox club managed to claim a decent 2-0 win away at Dundee United in the Scottish Premiership thanks to two quickfire goals from Fashion Sakala and Malik Tillman scored in the space of three minutes.

Ahead of the game, though, Beale sprung a bit of a surprise as he opted to play McLaughlin in goal from the off ahead of McGregor.

After making the decision, he explained to the press that the 35-year-old is better at defending dead-ball situations from set pieces and so he felt more suited for this particular game.

While speaking about it on The Rangers Review, Barrie offered up his thoughts on it all, saying: “They kind of did that with [Steven] Gerrard at the start of last season, and it’s not an ideal situation, is it?

“You’d want, I’d imagine, if you’re in defence, you’d want a [regular] No 1. But I think it is good management.”

He then went on to echo Beale’s words about how McLaughlin is better suited to claiming crosses when compared to McGregor.

Rotation key?

Interestingly enough, Beale actually claimed that he has faith in all of his goalkeepers. Indeed, he told RangersTV (via GlasgowLive): We have three goalkeepers that could all be the No1. Allan’s had the shirt of late, I just felt this game was perfect for Jon to come in.”

And he’s certainly been happy enough to mix things up lately. While McLaughlin started that most recent win, he also started the 1-0 away win against Ross County in December. However, in the two league games following that victory, McGregor returned to the Rangers’ starting XI.

Clearly, Beale feels as though it’s a bit of a horses-for-courses situation between the sticks right now at Rangers but it certainly worked against Dundee United.

Still, both McLaughlin (35) and McGregor (40) are getting on a bit now so perhaps it will soon be time to refresh the goalkeeping position at the club with some young blood.