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Fulham are reportedly in talks to sign Brighton & Hove Albion striker Neal Maupay.

What’s the news?

According to a recent report from the Daily Mail, the Cottagers have spoken to Brighton about a permanent £15m deal for the Frenchman.

The report adds that fellow Premier League side Everton have been in contact with the player after a proposed move to Nottingham Forest stalled.

After starting his career in France, the 26-year-old moved to England when he joined Brentford in the summer of 2017.

During his time with the Bees, Maupay found the net 41 times in 95 appearances and provided 14 assists along the way before joining Brighton in 2019.

Since then, the Frenchman has scored 27 goals in 109 appearances for the Seagulls across all competitions.

Silva’s next “maverick”

Last season saw the striker score eight goals in 32 league appearances for Graham Potter’s side and end the campaign with the second-highest number of shots (59) in the Brighton squad.

Hailed as a “unique” player by the Brighton manager, Maupay has 91 goals to his name throughout his career, highlighting his clear attacking prowess and what he would be able to offer Marco Silva’s team.

With the centre-forward yet to make an appearance for the Seagulls in the league this season, a potential move to a club where he’d have a better chance of playing regularly could be an ideal scenario for all parties.

Bearing in mind how Fulham already have Aleksandar Mitrovic in their squad, one of seven men to have played every minute of league action so far this season for the west London club, it would be interesting to see how the Brighton attacker would fit in at Craven Cottage should he end up moving there this summer.

Having also been described by Trevor Sinclair as a “maverick” on the pitch in terms of his attitude and the way that he plays the game, Maupay certainly seems to have what it takes to be a valuable asset for Silva and Fulham by adding some strength and depth to that area of the squad.

With Everton also reportedly after the player, if Silva wants to add a striker with top-flight experience who can be a maverick on the pitch and fight for the team, then Fulham should do all that they can to get the French predator to Craven Cottage.

Journalist Ryan Taylor has dropped an Aston Villa transfer update which could give supporters a morale boost before the transfer window closes next week.

What’s the news?

Taylor was speaking to GIVEMESPORT on Villa’s defensive predicament, saying: “I know they’ve got Chambers, who in fairness is not a bad backup, but given the length of Carlos’ injury, I think they will have to look at potential ones and I definitely think they will have to bring someone in.”

Steven Gerrard will surely make the signing of a centre-back his main priority before the end of the transfer window as he looks to solve this issue which threatened to ruin the season before it has truly begun.

A new defender is crucial

Carlos ruptured his Achilles tendon against Everton in Villa’s second Premier League match of the campaign, having to be stretched off, and it was later revealed he will miss the majority of the season.

The £26m signing was expected to form the backbone of a new-look defence for Gerrard, but the injury has seriously derailed any such plans, and another dip into the transfer market now seems required.

There have been a wide variety of potential signings linked with the club, with names such as Jan Bednarek, Abdou Diallo, and Attila Szalai among those mentioned.

The injury to Carlos means that Gerrard has just three fit centre-backs available – Tyrone Mings, Ezri Konsa, and Calum Chambers – and these options may not exactly fill the Villa faithful with joy going forward.

The pairing of Konsa and Mings didn’t exactly set the world on fire last season as Villa stumbled to a 14th-placed finish in the league. The duo only won 35 tackles between them throughout the campaign and had a combined total of 19 attempted dribbles, which shows that they don’t have the confidence to push forward to provide support for the midfield or attack.

Their disciplinary records were also poor, with Mings (11 yellow cards) and Konsa (six yellows, two reds) often lacking the composure to keep a level head during matches.

It’s clear that a new partnership is required at Villa Park, and Carlos was expected to be the figurehead behind it. Following his injury, though, Gerrard will now need to act fast and bring in another solid defender to ensure that Villa don’t ship another 54 Premier League goals like last term.

If they can, it might just solve perhaps the biggest issue facing the 42-year-old right now.

Aston Villa are still trying to sign Southampton defender Jan Bednarek, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The Lowdown: Bednarek linked with Villa

Villa are on the hunt for a new centre-back on deadline day following a serious injury to Diego Carlos last month.

Bednarek, who Ralph Hasenhuttl labelled a ‘really good player’, has been heavily linked with a Villa Park move in recent weeks.

Reports even suggested that an agreement was reached between Villa and the Saints for the defender following a loan-to-buy offer.

The Latest: Romano’s comments

Talking to GiveMeSport on Wednesday evening, Romano has said that Villa are ‘trying to complete’ a deal for Bednarek.

The Italian stated:

“I think Bednarek remains an option for Aston Villa. He could be an option in the next 24 hours and they are trying to complete this deal.”

West Ham have since firmly joined the race, though, with reports suggesting that it is they who are now close to an agreement for the Poland international.

The Verdict: Need to act

With the Hammers now looking like they could hijack a deal, NSWE and Johan Lange need to be on the ball today.

Failing to add a centre-back would leave Steven Gerrard with just three fit and available options, with Carlos set to be out for the foreseeable.

That would be a gamble by Villa chiefs, especially after a poor start to the season, so hopefully a new defender will arrive today.

Arsenal are reportedly one of the clubs who are keeping tabs on Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz, with the Brazil international facing an uncertain future with the Midlands outfit.

What’s the word?

That’s according to journalist Matheus Leal, who revealed on Twitter: “Arsenal is another strong team in the fight for Douglas Luiz. The London team has already started negotiations with the midfielder and counts on Edu Gaspar as an asset to get the contract. The attention given by the manager seduces the athlete. Douglas will rock the market on the last day of the window!”

Sky Sports have also named the Gunners as one of four clubs – alongside Chelsea, Liverpool and Atletico Madrid – who are interested in the 24-year-old, with Villa boss Steven Gerrard admitting that the player’s agent will likely dictate the playmaker’s future with just a year remaining on his current deal.

Ramsdale’s worst nightmare

One man who may well be having nightmares about coming up against the former Manchester City man at London Colney is Aaron Ramsdale, with the goalkeeper having been beaten by Luiz directly from a corner in last night’s encounter between the two teams at the Emirates Stadium.

While some may have deemed that a mere fluke, the 5 foot 9 gem – who could reportedly cost in the region of £20m – pulled off the same trick only a week earlier in the 4-1 thrashing of Bolton Wanderers, catching out opposition stopper Joel Dixon with a curling in-swinging delivery.

Such quality seemingly epitomises the “maverick” nature of the £32k-per-week sensation – as he has been described by journalist Ashley Preece – with the nine-cap ace seemingly possessing a knack for the spectacular.

The £34.2m-rated man has scored just six goals and provided only seven assists in his Premier League career thus far, although has largely featured in a holding midfield berth in recent times, pulling the strings alongside the likes of John McGinn and Jacob Ramsey.

A new midfield addition appears a necessity for Mikel Arteta and co before the close of play tonight, with both Thomas Partey and Mohamed Elneny currently sidelined through injury, while versatile star Oleksandr Zinchenko has also been absent with a knee issue of late.

With skipper Martin Odegaard also picking up a knock against Gerrard’s side, it has left the north Londoners distinctly short of options in the centre of the park, with Granit Xhaka and Albert Sambi Lokonga the only available alternatives at present.

Even prior to those injuries, however, a midfield recruit had seemingly been a must for the in-form Gunners, with Arteta’s men liable to suffer amid their domestic and continental cup commitments if more signings are not made.

A player of top-flight experience and genuine, unique quality – as Ramsdale will likely attest to – Luiz could well be the perfect fit if a deal can be struck by sporting director, Edu Gaspar.

Journalist Pete O’Rourke believes Leeds United will ‘definitely’ consider signing Cody Gakpo in January.

The Lowdown: Deadline day drama

The Whites were in a late rush to sign a new forward last month after Rodrigo dislocated his shoulder days before the transfer deadline.

Victor Orta flew out to the Netherlands looking to bring Gakpo to Elland Road, however, a move failed to materialise, with Netherlands manager Louis van Gaal thought to have played a part in Gakpo’s decision to stay with PSV.

Gakpo has gone on to continue his incredible form with a scarcely believable 19 goal contributions in 13 games this season, with speculation of a winter window move to Leeds already beginning.

The Latest: O’Rourke’s comments

O’Rourke, talking to The Transfer Tavern, said that Leeds thought they were going to sign Gakpo over the summer and believes the Whites are ‘definitely’ considering a winter window move alongside another rumoured target – Ben Brereton Diaz.

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“Cody Gakpo was very close to going to Leeds. They thought they were going to get him but the deal fell through. The player decided to stay in Holland.

“It’s never easy to do these deals in January. But I’m sure that they are definitely two players (Brereton Diaz) that Leeds will be considering again when the window opens.”

The Verdict: Ship sailed?

The summer window may prove to be the only real opportunity Leeds had to sign Gakpo. You’d expect that his outstanding form in recent months will have caught the eye of a number of other clubs, some of which could potentially offer Champions League football in the New Year.

Hailed as a ‘sensational player’ by Football Oranje editor and Dutch football expert Michael Bell, Gakpo is now valued at a career-high £31.5m by Transfermarkt, so the ship may have sailed when it comes to bringing him to Yorkshire.

Leeds United are set to open contract talks with winger Jack Harrison, according to Football Insider.

The Lowdown: Current deal

Harrison eventually made his move to Elland Road permanent from Manchester City in 2021 after three years on loan in Yorkshire.

He penned a deal through to 2024 and is reportedly on £15,000-a-week, less than the likes of teenager Joe Gelhardt and midfielder Adam Forshaw. [FBref]

The 25-year-old has gone from strength to strength with the Whites, contributing to four goals in six games this season, and it looks as if Andrea Radrizzani and Victor Orta want to tie the winger down to a fresh contract.

The Latest: Contract talks

FI provided an update regarding Harrison on Tuesday morning after being informed by sources.

They claimed that Leeds don’t want to lose the wide forward and are now ready to offer him ‘a new and improved contract reflecting his status as a key member of their team’.

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The Verdict: Deserved

Harrison, labelled as having been “absolutely superb” this season by Conor McGilligan, was a wanted man over the summer, with Newcastle reportedly having a £20m+bid turned down.

Therefore, it makes sense to try and secure the Englishman to a new deal ahead of the winter window, otherwise, there could be fresh speculation of an exit in the New Year.

Harrison has certainly deserved an improved contract as well following his displays on the pitch, so hopefully, one can be finalised over the coming months.

Fabrizio Romano has provided an update on Manchester United forward Anthony Martial and the possibility of the player signing a new Old Trafford deal.

The Lowdown: Back from injury and in the goals

Martial had played just 45 minutes of football prior to Sunday’s 6-3 defeat to rivals Manchester City due to hamstring and achilles injuries.

The 26-year-old made his return as a second-half substitute at the Etihad and scored two consolation goals late on, one coming from the penalty spot.

It now looks as if he may play a regular role under Erik ten Hag, providing he remains fit, with his current deal running until 2024.

The Latest: Romano’s update

Romano provided an update regarding Martial in his column for CaughtOffside.

The transfer expert said that the Frenchman is regarded as an “important player” at Old Trafford, with Ten Hag “happy” with the forward. He added that a “key point” when it comes to a new contract will be Martial making sure he will have enough game time.

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The Verdict: Get it done

It looks as if Cristiano Ronaldo could call time on his Old Trafford return in January, with Ten Hag not standing in his way over a potential exit.

Should that materialise, United will have limited central attacking options in Martial and Marcus Rashford. Therefore, guaranteeing Martial regular minutes and tying him down to a new long-term deal ahead of the January window could be a shrewd move.

Ten Hag appears to be a fan of the player as well, so a new contract seems to be a no-brainer from the outside looking in.

Ashley Cole, like many others, got it badly wrong when Aston Villa first brought in Philippe Coutinho from Barcelona, as the Brazilian continues to struggle in Steven Gerrard’s side.

The attacking midfielder initially joined Villa on loan in January last season, and Cole was very excited by his potential in the Premier League.

The former England man said: “I don’t think he needs to prove anything back in England.

“The problem was when he went to Barcelona and maybe that move, at that time, didn’t work out. But him coming back here, he’s got a lot of qualities.

“Ultimately, when you want to bring him into a new environment, is he going to improve the squad on the pitch and off the pitch? Steven obviously has faith and belief that he can do both sides of that and you can’t doubt his quality.”

After a bright start to his life at Villa Park, which returned four goals and three assists in his opening eight matches, the former Liverpool man quickly showed his true colours in the Premier League.

He would manage just permanent deal.

There was hope that, with a proper pre-season under his belt, Coutinho would rediscover some of the form he showed at the start of his spell with Villa, but this season has been something of a disaster for the Brazil international thus far.

In ten appearances in all competitions, Coutinho has failed to contribute a single goal or assist, with WhoScored awarding him a poor average rating of just 6.48 for his performances in the Premier League.

Of those to start more than one game for the Midlands outfit this campaign, it’s a rating that would alarmingly rank him as their fourth-worst player.

Former Villa man Gabby Agbonlahor labelled Coutinho “disappointing” after his form led to him being dropped from the Brazil squad, and it is difficult to see his performances turning around anytime soon.

While Cole suggested that the Brazilian didn’t have anything to prove in the Premier League, that has quickly proven to not be the case and Villa now run the risk of keeping an ageing midfielder in their squad until his contract expires in 2026, as his recent displays suggest that very few sides would be keen to prise him away from Villa Park.

Tottenham Hotspur forward Richarlison suffered a gutting injury setback against his former club Everton on Saturday evening…

What’s the latest?

The Brazil international left the pitch just five minutes into the second half and had to be substituted after going down clutching his left calf. He was pictured leaving the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on crutches and was visibly distraught when speaking to reporters.

“It’s kind of hard to say because it’s so close to realising my dream [playing at the World Cup],” he told ESPN Brasil (via football.london). “I’ve already suffered an injury similar to this, I hope it can heal as soon as possible, or less. I was stopped about two months at Everton.

“I know it’s hard to talk right now, but let’s see, I’ll recover. Monday I have tests to do, but even walking hurts. Let’s wait.”

In what is a suspected MTJ calf injury, the £60m summer signing is expected to have a considerable stint on the sidelines. He will certainly miss Wednesday night’s top-flight clash with Manchester United and will be a huge doubt in the subsequent games following that, as well as for the World Cup in Qatar, which gets underway next month.

Huge blow for Conte

With fellow attacker Dejan Kulusevski also on the sidelines, this latest blow is a big one for manager Antonio Conte.

The 25-year-old had broken into the starting XI during the Swede’s absence and looked to be the first-choice candidate in a front three alongside Harry Kane and Heung-min Son. Three of his last four league appearances have been starts, with just one other start coming from his previous five outings.

Richarlison has also provided two goals and three assists in all competitions, as per Transfermarkt.

But now, Conte is going to have to shift his system to cater for the mounting injury list at Hotspur Way and as we saw during the second half, that is likely to be a 3-5-2 with Yves Bissouma joining Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg – who scored the winner against the Toffees – and Rodrigo Bentancur.

Earlier in the month, the Italian head coach questioned the 26-year-old’s ability to adapt to his tactics and demands. “The only player that is struggling a bit with the tactical aspect is Bissouma, but also he is improving a lot in every aspect,” he said (via The Athletic).

That would make his continual involvement from the off a big risk – at least in Conte’s eyes – heading into some important fixtures, starting with the Red Devils on Wednesday before Newcastle United at the weekend.

It’s also a contrast to the manager’s praise of Richarlison.

“He’s a warrior, a fighter. We need this type of player,” he said to reporters last month (in quotes relayed by football.london). “I’m using him in all three positions up front… No,9, on the right, on the left.”

Now Conte’s going to be without him for the foreseeable future, so he will surely be gutted – if not fuming – by this latest, and devastating, piece of injury news.

AND in other news, Forget Hojbjerg: £42.5m “animal” who had 87 touches ran the show for Spurs vs Everton…

Arsenal defender Oleksandr Zinchenko could be set to return for the Europa League game vs PSV Eindhoven on Thursday night after Mikel Arteta’s positive injury update.

The Lowdown: Injury concerns

The Ukrainian hasn’t featured for the Gunners since the 3-1 Premier League victory over rivals Tottenham Hotspur at the start of the month.

The 25-year-old sustained a calf injury which has seen him miss the last three games, and there was cause for concern that he may miss the World Cup, though the boss has now firmly put those rumours to bed.

The Latest: Arteta’s fitness update

Speaking during his pre-match press conference on Wednesday, Arteta confirmed that Zinchenko’s injury isn’t a long-term issue and insisted that he could be available for selection to face PSV alongside Gabriel Martinelli.

“No they are not ruled out, but we will see tomorrow what we decide.”

Asked if he was worried by his left-back’s problem, he said: “No, I don’t think so. Obviously, he had a current injury in his calf and that’s why he’s been out for this period.”

Further questioned on if he’d feature before the World Cup, the boss replied simply: “Yes.”

The Verdict: Boost for Arsenal

Should Zinchenko return for the Gunners tonight, it would be a huge boost for Arteta, who will know how much of an impact his summer arrival has had on the starting XI.

A ‘very good asset’, as dubbed by sports journalist Josh Bunting, the Ukraine star averages 1.8 tackles per league game and has one assist to his name in just five starts, alongside recording an 88.7% pass success rate (WhoScored).

Europa League victory over Ruud van Nistelrooy’s side would guarantee the Emirates outfit’s place in the competition’s knockout stages, and the potential comeback of Zinchenko would only increase the chances of that happening.