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Southampton defender Mohammed Salisu has been praised for his latest World Cup performance after Ghana secured a 3-2 win over South Korea. 

The Lowdown: Ghana beat South Korea

Ghana picked up their first win of the tournament this afternoon after losing 3-2 to Portugal in their opening game last week.

Otto Addo’s side went in 2-0 up at the interval, only for a brace from Cho Gue-sung to draw the scores level just after the hour mark.

With Mohammed Kudus grabbing his second goal of the game to secure the three points for his country, it was another Ghanaian that also found himself on the end of some heavy praise after the game.

The Latest: Praise for Salisu

Following the dramatic win for Ghana, journalist Ben Jacobs had this to say in a Twitter post on the match and Salisu’s efforts, describing the Saints man as ‘immense’.

“A pulsating game and a stunning win for Ghana. Mohammed Kudus with a brace and a goal from Mohammed Salisu, who was immense in his own box, too. The lowest-ranked side at the World Cup making waves.”

The Verdict: A big performance from Salisu

In addition to opening the scoring for his side, Salisu also found himself doing plenty of important work at the back as Jacobs mentioned.

Having made nine clearances in the game and one off his own goal line, the Saints star also blocked two shots and won five of the nine duels he was involved in.

This performance ultimately earned the £23k-per-week centre-back a strong overall match rating of 7.7/10 from SofaScore, leaving Kudus (8.1/10) as the only Ghana player with a higher rating.

Taking all of this into account, it’s safe to say that the defender played a massive part in seeing his nation pick up their first victory of the tournament.

Moving forward, with Ghana taking on Uruguay for their final group game of the tournament, Salisu will undoubtedly be hoping that he can help his side out again and pick up another potential victory.

Newcastle United have been linked with a move for Brighton and Hove Albion sensation Leandro Trossard of late, following the Belgian’s sparkling start to the new season.

What’s the word?

Recent reports have claimed that the 28-year-old is on the Magpies’ list of targets ahead of the January transfer window, with the forward facing something of an uncertain future at the Amex with his current deal set to expire at the end of the season.

While the Seagulls do have the option of extending that contract by a further 12 months, rumours are swirling that the 24-cap marksman could be set for pastures new sooner rather than later, with a reunion with former boss Graham Potter at Chelsea having also been mooted.

Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie – speaking to GIVEMESPORT – has now provided his thoughts regarding a potential move to bring the winger to St James’ Park, with the journalist suggesting that it could well be an attractive addition as far as manager Eddie Howe is concerned.

He stated: “I think Trossard would be a really good fit. I can see why he’s being mentioned, and I could see that being the sort of player that Eddie Howe would welcome to the club.

“He’s young, he’s already an international player, he’s played in the Premier League before and he ticks a lot of boxes.”

Newcastle’s own Foden

The former Genk ace – who arrived in England on a £15m deal in 2019 – is a player no doubt familiar to the northeast side’s sporting director Dan Ashworth due to the latter man’s Brighton connections.

The Englishman could well utilise that relationship to try and get the 5 foot 7 menace through the door in the New Year, with Trossard having warranted such interest amid his “unreal” displays of late, as described by pundit Rio Ferdinand.

Amid what has been a fine start to the season for Roberto De Zerbi’s side – with the south coast outfit currently seventh in the table – the £42.5k-per-week maestro has arguably been the standout presence, scoring seven times and laying on three assists in just 14 top-flight outings to take his total tally at the club to 25 goals and 14 assists in 118 games.

That record has seen him mirror Manchester City starlet Phil Foden’s start to the campaign, as the Englishman also has seven goals and three assists to his name in the league, with the pair also said to share a number of statistical and stylistic similarities, as per FBref.

Not only do the two men typically operate off the left flank, but they are also alike as a result of their willingness to make things happen in the final third, with Trossard ranking in the top 15% for touches in the attacking penalty area among those in his position in Europe, while Foden also ranks in the top 15% for the same metric.

The pair are also clinical figures in attack from their wide berth, as the Brighton ace averages 0.41 non-penalty goals per 90, while his City counterpart averages slightly ahead at 0.46 per 90 in that regard.

To be compared to the Three Lions ace is some praise indeed, with the Etihad starlet having notably been dubbed a “generational talent” by pundit Gary Neville, after scoring 53 goals and 36 assists in 189 games and winning a plethora of major honours for the champions to date.

Should Newcastle be able to land their own Foden-esque talent in the form of Trossard it would certainly be a huge coup for the club, with Ashworth needing to do all he can to win the race for the player’s signature.

Leeds United are interested in a deal to bring Raphael Guerreiro to Elland Road.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Fussball Transfers (via Sport Witness), who claim that Victor Orta has shown a recent interest in the Borussia Dortmund left-back ahead of launching a potential move for the 28-year-old in either the January transfer window or next summer, when it seems as if the defender will be available to sign on a free transfer.

Indeed, a further report by the same publication claimed that the Whites have ‘recently put out feelers’ for the Portugal international. It is also suggested that Guerreiro himself has ruled out the possibility of signing a new deal with the Bundesliga club – something which will come as a huge boost to Orta considering the player’s £22m asking price last summer.

Would be an unreal signing

While Guerreiro’s form for Dortmund in recent years is undoubtedly more than enough to convince Orta to launch a move for the 28-year-old in January, considering just how impressive the full-back has been in Qatar so far this winter, it is undeniable that the Portugal sensation’s signing would be an unreal deal for the Spaniard to pull off next month.

Indeed, over his three outings at the World Cup so far, the £17.5m-rated talent has played a key role in helping his country reach the quarter-finals of the competition. He has scored one goal, registered two assists and created one big chance for his team, in addition to taking 0.7 shots, making 1.7 key passes and completing 0.7 dribbles (at a success rate of 100%) per game.

The £58k-per-week defender has also impressed in metrics more typical of his position, making one interception and one tackle and winning 2.7 duels (62% success rate) per match. He has also found a team-mate with an average of one long ball, played 2.7 chipped passes and completed 37.7 passes (90% success rate) per fixture.

These returns have seen the “unreal” 28-year-old average a simply sensational Sofascore match rating of 7.37, not only ranking him as Fernando Santos’ fourth-best performer in the tournament but also as the joint 33rd-best player in the 2022 World Cup as a whole.

As such, considering the world-class talent that Guerreiro has showcased in Qatar, the argument that the left-back would be an unreal signing for Orta to get over the line in January is indeed an extremely easy one to make. The Dortmund defender is evidently not just one of the best players in his position, but he currently ranks as one of the best in world football.

Glasgow Rangers could make former Chelsea prospect Alex Kpakpe Michael Beale’s first signing after he left the Premier League club last month.

The Lowdown: A different path

Having been at Chelsea for several years, 18-year-old defender Kpakpe, who can play anywhere across a back four or even in defensive midfield, would have had visions of plying his trade for the Blues first-team. 

But with football’s rapidly moving narrative regularly forcing young players out the door of big clubs, that is not the path that was meant for the now ex-Cobham youth.

His departure became inevitable on the basis of persistent injury and illness issues. But, as that chapter of his career comes to an unfortunate end, Beale and Ross Wilson could grant the starlet a complete change of scenery.

The Latest: Gers trial

According to a report from The Athletic, the Rangers boss has already afforded Kpakpe the opportunity to impress. 

The 18-year-old was spotted in action for the Gers in a closed-doors game, with a view to signing for the development side.

As noted in the report, Rangers realise the importance of illustrating a clear path of progression, with the club hoping to convince youngsters by demonstrating a realistic route to the Gers first-team. 

The Verdict: Beale masterclass?

For Kpapke to have lasted as long as he has in Chelsea’s reserves, he is clearly a talented asset, even earning a professional contract last year.

At 18 years of age, that talent can still be harnessed by the right club if he can find some confidence and fitness, with Beale clearly sharing this sentiment, having given the starlet a chance to impress. 

At current, this is merely interest in the youngster from a Rangers perspective, and whilst there is a history of health setbacks, it could certainly be worth taking a chance on a player who at the very least will improve the standard in the development side.

Tottenham Hotspur are now the major threat to sign Torino’s Wilfried Singo despite other Premier League interest, according to a new report.

The Lowdown: Conte eyeing right-back

Tottenham manager Antonio Conte has his eye on a new addition at right-back, reportedly enquiring about the availability of Denzel Dumfries, while also scouting Malo Gusto at an earlier date.

However, Singo has been of interest to the Italian for quite some time, as reported by Torino Granata at the start of October, and now Spurs could be front runners for his signature in the January transfer window.

The Latest: Spurs in pole for Singo

Italian newspaper Tuttosport, via Sport Witness, have identified Tottenham as the ‘most illustrious’ of the teams competing to sign the 21-year-old, but they also detail that Torino have now begun contract talks with the youngster.

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Barcelona are also mentioned as potential suitors, but a particular warning has been given to the Turin-based side to be careful of Conte’s interest.

The Verdict: Get it done?

Spurs are reportedly planning to sell one of Emerson Royal and Matt Doherty in the transfer window, while Djed Spence could be set for a loan move, so they are in need of a right-wing back capable of operating in Conte’s three-at-the-back system.

Journalist Zach Lowy has lauded the starlet as being an ‘impressive talent’, and he demonstrates this with his dribbling ability, an essential feature for a player in his more advanced position, completing 1.28 per 90 over the past year, placing him in the 87th percentile compared to his positional peers.

Talent scout Jacek Kulig’s review of the player is particularly enticing: “Wilfried Singo is a fantastic player. 20 years of age. Fast, strong, determined, tenacious, high work rate and stamina, good technical ability, dominant in the air. A definition of a complete defender. He will end up in a top club within 1-2 years. No doubt about that.”

The Ivorian would also, crucially, be able to adapt to Conte’s style quickly, making 11 appearances for Torino in the Serie A this season, utilised in a  3-4-2-1 in nearly every outing.

With current right-back options set to leave the club, Singo would be a very good piece of business, giving Conte more depth in an important area of the pitch.

Leeds United handing Pascal Struijk a new contract is a ‘no-brainer’ of a decision, according to Sky Sports pundit Paul Robinson.

The Lowdown: New deal completed?

The Whites centre-back has now entered the final 18 months of his deal at Elland Road, and this season has found himself playing the majority of games at left-back due to the injuries to Stuart Dallas and Junior Firpo.

The Premier League side are looking to sign a new left-back in the winter market, initially leaving question marks surrounding the 23-year-old’s future, but recent reports have claimed that he’s actually already been handed fresh terms, despite no official confirmation from the club.

The Latest: Robinson reacts

Reacting to the news of an apparent agreement in a chat with MOT Leeds News, former shot-stopper Robinson insisted that Struijk is right to be rewarded with a new contract, but feared that his game time could be limited should a signing be made in January:

“He’s had to play because they don’t have another left-back. I think when another left-back is signed, it’ll be interesting to see where he plays.

“Leeds are most secure at centre-half which means he lacks opportunities there and you can’t see him playing in the midfield instead of Tyler Adams in the holding role.

“I know he’s playing every week now and he’s probably enjoying his run in the side. But it’s where he plays when they do eventually sign a left-back, which has been needed for a very long time. It’ll be interesting.

“It’s a no-brainer for Leeds to sign him on a new contract because he can play at the back, at left-back and in the midfield.

“His versatility is fantastic for a manager.

“But from a player’s point of view, I just wonder where he fits in when and if they sign a new left-back.”

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The Verdict: Fully deserved

Struijk has been dubbed a ‘monster’ by Argentinian football writer Daniel Fraiz-Martinez, and after a start to this campaign that fully justifies that praise, Leeds extending his stay would be nothing less than he deserves.

The Belgian currently averages 3.2 tackles and two clearances per league game – second only to Tyler Adams amongst the regulars – alongside having a goal and assist to his name, highlighting the significant impact he has at both ends of the pitch (WhoScored). All in all, he actually ranks as the club’s best performing player this term.

Jesse Marsch will face a selection headache when he has a fully fit squad available to him, but the 6 foot 2 colossus is surely a player that has to be involved one way or another.

Chelsea remain interested in AC Milan winger Rafael Leao as their ‘top priority’ in the transfer market, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The Lowdown: Leao linked with Chelsea

The Blues headline the collection of Premier League clubs interested in Leao, with Calciomercato reporting earlier this month that the Serie A champions would only be willing to sell him for a figure of more than €80m (£70m).

It has recently emerged that Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola would be willing to use Jack Grealish in a swap deal to secure the signing of the 23-year-old, but thankfully for Todd Boehly and co, Milan appear uninterested in this proposal.

Journalist Simon Phillips last week told GIVEMESPORT that the Portugal international is on Graham Potter’s shortlist for January, and it now seems like the Chelsea manager may be willing to take that interest one step further…

The Latest: Leao is Chelsea’s “top priority”

Romano has now detailed that Leao is Chelsea’s main transfer target, although he warned that completing a deal in January may be difficult for the Stamford Bridge outfit.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, the Italian said: “Chelsea remain interested in Rafael Leao. He’s a top priority for them for the present and future, but at the moment it depends on Milan. They have an important game in the Champions League with Tottenham.

“They would love to keep the player to fight for the Italian league, to fight for the Champions League. They want to extend his contract as soon as possible so not an easy one.”

The Verdict: Get it done?

Hailed as ‘electric’ by AC Milan team-mate and former Chelsea ace Fikayo Tomori, the former Lille attacker has been absolutely vital in the Rossoneri’s solid start to the season, displaying his creative abilities by weighing in with nine assists in 20 appearances in all competitions.

That is not the only facet of the winger’s game either, as indicated by his 11 goals in Serie A last term. He has also impressed with his stellar dribbling ability, completing 3.01 per 90 over the last year, a big increase on the 1.69 averaged by Raheem Sterling in that timeframe.

With Christian Pulisic not ruling out a potential departure from Stamford Bridge in an interview earlier this month, Potter could be provided with extra funds from possibly selling the American in order to strengthen his squad in January, and Leao would be an unbelievable replacement if the 24-year-old departs west London.

An update has emerged on Aston Villa midfielder Jacob Ramsey and his fitness ahead of the club’s clash with Wolves in the Premier League…

What’s the latest?

Birmingham Live journalist Ashley Preece has all but ruled the academy graduate out of being in contention to feature in the clash at Villa Park tonight.

Responding to a fan’s question about the dynamo’s injury situation on Tuesday, the reporter replied:

“Jacob Ramsey a big doubt for tomorrow [Wednesday]. Can’t see him making it.”

Unai Emery was unable to confirm whether or not the youngster would be fit enough to play in the match during his pre-match press conference, saying:

“He is so close. He’s starting to try and be with us this week. I don’t know exactly if he can take some minutes against Wolverhampton or next week in the FA Cup. I don’t know.”

Bad news for Emery?

This update should spell bad news for the Villa head coach as the midfielder has not been available for selection since the friendly against Cardiff during the break for the 2022 World Cup.

Emery has only managed the young gem for two Premier League matches, which resulted in wins against Manchester United and Brighton, and it appears as though he will need to wait even longer for the third.

Ramsey scored once and assisted two goals in his three games with the Spaniard in charge, including the EFL Cup defeat to United, and his continued absence is a blow to Villa in spite of their win over Tottenham last time out.

The 21-year-old, who scored six goals in the top-flight last term, has averaged a Sofascore rating of 6.88 across 15 outings in the Premier League this season.

He has been a reliable performer in the middle of the park and has proven, with his aforementioned contributions in attack, that he can be a match-winner by providing a goal or an assist.

Ramsey is also a combative midfielder who can win the ball back for his side and this is evidenced by his 3.0 tackles and interceptions per match, whilst he has also won 51% of his individual duels.

These statistics show that he is a box-to-box engine who has the potential to be the difference for Villa in tight matches and that is why his injury issue should be a frustrating one for Emery.

The Spaniard should want to have the England U21 international available for action because of the quality he can provide when he is fit to play.

West Ham are reportedly keen on Blackburn Rovers striker Ben Brereton Diaz this month and his potential arrival at the London Stadium could see David Moyes finally ditch Michail Antonio.

According to The Sun, West Ham, Newcastle United, Everton and Leeds United are all keen on the Chile international but are currently unwilling to pay the Championship club’s current asking price of £15m.

The former Nottingham Forest man is out of contract at Ewood Park at the end of the current season, meaning that foreign clubs are now free to approach the striker on a pre-contract deal.

However, Jon Dahl Tomasson’s side are gunning for promotion from the second tier and are clearly doing all they can to keep their talismanic striker at the club for the second half of the campaign.

So far this season, the 23-year-old has contributed an impressive nine goals and four assists in 26 Championship appearances, averaging a strong 6.79 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

Last season saw the striker manage 22 goals in the second tier, so he is clearly showing signs that he could make the step up to the Premier League. Given West Ham’s goalscoring woes so far this campaign, Moyes should seriously consider bringing him to the London Stadium.

Part of West Ham’s problem this term has been the regression in form of Antonio, along with the disappointing performances of Gianluca Scamacca.

The former will rightly be recognised as a club icon after becoming their top Premier League goalscorer but he is no longer good enough to be starting each week, as is emphasised by his two goals in 17 top-flight appearances so far this campaign.

The 32-year-old has averaged a shocking 6.36 rating from WhoScored and scores poorly in comparison to Brereton Diaz, averaging far fewer shots (2.7 vs 1.1), dribbles (0.8 vs 0.5) and key passes (one vs 0.4) per game.

It seems only a matter of time before the “phenomenal” star – as dubbed by scout Ron Dor – makes the move to the Premier League and while £15m might seem expensive given his contract situation, his goals could be the difference this season as Moyes’ side look to avoid relegation and given the form of Antonio, it seems clear that he needs to be ditched in favour of a younger replacement.

There is ‘growing interest’ in Celtic right-back Josip Juranovic from a number of clubs in England, according to an update from journalist Scott Burns.

The Lowdown: Juranovic likely to leave

The 27-year-old enjoyed a memorable 2022 World Cup with Croatia, helping them finish third in Qatar and producing consistently strong performances – Gary Neville described him as ‘fantastic’ at one point.

Juranovic has since been linked with an exit from Celtic in the January transfer window, with numerous reports backing him to enjoy a fresh challenge, with Atletico Madrid strongly linked.

Those stories aren’t going away, and now a new claim has emerged from closer to home.

The Latest: ‘Growing interest’ from England

Taking to Twitter, Burns said that Celtic are continue to assess Juranovic’s situation, with more interest coming from south of the border:

“Celtic are aware of growing English Premier League interest in Josip Juranovic. Several EPL clubs have expressed an interest in the Croatian World Cup star. Juranovic has options in Europe but Celtic are keen to see what develops in England.”

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The Verdict: Matter of time?

At this point, it would be a big surprise if Juranovic was still a Celtic player once next month arrives, with so much interest likely to turn his head.

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The right-back may feel he has reached a point where he has outgrown the Hoops, having made 51 appearances to date, with a move to one of the Premier League big boys potentially on the cards.

That level interest would always be difficult to turn down, and the Bhoys board will surely be optimistic they can drum up a huge bidding war if interest grows from the cash-rich English top flight.