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Kevin Campbell has claimed that he can see Leeds United being ‘interested’ in signing Diego Costa along with Wolves.

The former Everton and West Brom striker was reacting to an update from the Italian football journalist and transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, who told  Sky Sports earlier this week that the former Chelsea ace wants to return to the Premier League.

Speaking to Football Insider, Campbell claimed that he can only see the Elland Road faithful as well as Nuno Espirito Santo’s team being ‘interested’ in signing him:

“Wolves or Leeds. Those are the two clubs in the Premier League that I can see being interested in Diego Costa.

“I do not think the top clubs would be interested because he is not the same Diego Costa that was at Chelsea. While he is still a handful he has had his fair share of injury problems of late. It is a case of when you can get him out on the pitch.

“You would have to pay quite a significant price to sign him and I also think there are only a couple of clubs who need a striker like him. I think Wolves are one and the other is Leeds.

“If Patrick Bamford loses form or suffers an injury, Leeds are stumped. Signing Diego Costa could be a good move for them.” 

Costa could be a good signing for Leeds

Costa could well be a good signing for Marcelo Bielsa’s side as Campbell points out. Although his wage demands may be a stumbling block for the Whites, he would not cost them a penny in transfer fees being s free agent, and so may well be an ideal low-cost option.

The Spain international still has a lot that he can offer too despite being 32 years of age now. Previously labelled as a ‘beast’ by his old Atletico Madrid coach in Diego Simeone, he certainly has a physical presence and could be a good alternative to Patrick Bamford if Bielsa would like to go a bit more direct if the Peacocks are chasing the game.

The striker would also give valuable top flight experience to the newly-promoted Yorkshire club, having scored no fewer than 52 goals and supplied a further 18 assists in 89 matches over three consecutive terms in England’s highest division at Stamford Bridge (Transfermarkt).

In other news, find out what Romano has said about one LUFC target here!

Whilst Leighton Clarkson might be stealing the limelight after his Champions League debut in midweek, the Reds also have Jake Cain in the academy who looks to have a very bright future with the Reds.

The 19-year-old travelled with the Liverpool squad to Denmark for their game against FC Midtjylland in midweek but failed to make an appearance, whilst fellow youngster Clarkson played the whole game.

However, it would not be a surprise to see Cain make another first-team appearance for the club this season, after he signed a professional contract with the Merseyside club in 2019, before signing a long-term extension earlier this year.

The young midfielder has been training with the first-team in recent times and made his first-team debut for the club earlier this year in the 1-0 FA Cup win against Shrewsbury Town.

More appearances for Klopp’s side are surely not too far away, as he has been superb in his performances for the academy team so far this season, with three goals and four assists in just seven appearances in the Premier League 2.

In an interview with the club in June of this year, Cain described his playing style, saying:

“Since a young age, I’ve been a very good passer. I can see passes which the opposition can’t defend really well. I like to get into positions where I’m behind the defence and thread balls through.”

Meanwhile, a scout report from Team Talk suggested that the youngster could be deemed a ‘set piece king’ due to his ability in dead-ball situations, which is something that could certainly excite Liverpool fans in the future.

The young midfielder has already drawn comparisons with Jordan Henderson for his style of play, and if he can have anywhere near the impact the Liverpool captain has had at the club once he establishes himself in the first-team, then he will surely prove to be popular amongst the Anfield faithful.

And, in other news… Sold for £15m, now worth £1.8m: LFC sold ace Klopp dubbed a “big talent” at the perfect time

We are now just a day away from the craziness that is the January transfer window.

Of course, Wolves spent big in the summer on the likes of Nelson Semedo and Fabio Silva so it remains to be seen how much money is left in the bank for Jeff Shi and co to spend.

What’s the word?

Wolves have one primary focus in January – to sign a new striker.

With Raul Jimenez still recovering from a fractured skull he sustained against Arsenal, they are light in a central attacking area and thus, need to sign some cover.

Divock Origi had been linked but that rumour has now gone quiet. Real Madrid’s Luka Jovic has also been touted with a loan switch but now a new name has emerged on the scene.

According to The Sun, that’s former Chelsea striker Diego Costa. They report that Wolves are contemplating a move for the Spaniard who has recently been released from his contract with Atletico Madrid.

That means that Shi could land the experienced forward on a free transfer if Wolves can agree on contract terms in January.

Costa would be able to join immediately, rather than next summer as originally anticipated.

Forget Jovic

The Serbian striker may have scored 27 goals in one season for Frankfurt two seasons ago but he has just two strikes to his name since joining Real Madrid.

Jovic has immense potential but in terms of discovering someone for the short-term, there would surely be no better than Costa.

He is a mightily powerful forward and has a proven track record of scoring goals at the elite level and crucially in the Premier League.

Capped 24 times by Spain, Costa has found the back of the net on 52 occasions in just 89 Premier League outings. That’s a fabulous record, one that earned him the title of an “animal” according to Jose Mourinho.

If any word typified the Brazilian born attacker, it would be that.

His natural aggression is incredibly eye-catching and despite now being 32, he’d still be an exceptional addition – especially on a free transfer.

Costa is a colossal battering ram and would add plenty to this rather young Wolves side. His availability has come at a perfect time for the Old Gold.

This would be a superb start to the new year.

AND in other news, 100% duels won: Wolves gem who “performed superbly” has given Nuno a huge headache…

Everton are currently undergoing a revolution under Carlo Ancelotti.

They signalled such intentions during the summer when director of football Marcel Brands and the Toffees decision-makers pretty much secured the Italian an entirely new-look midfield, bringing in the likes of Allan, James Rodriguez and Abdoulaye Doucoure in one window.

However, plenty of ghosts from former reigns are still haunting Goodison Park – even dating back to the Ronald Koeman era in 16/17.

Whilst the Dutchman is now in charge of his former club, Barcelona – its anyone’s guess on how he managed to clinch that – one of his mega-money signings continues to fester away in the depths of despair.

That, of course, is £25m winger Yannick Bolasie.

The 31-year-old has gone out on loan three times since 2018 alone and now finds himself an outcast under Ancelotti. In fact, his time in Merseyside is pretty much done as he was left out of their Premier League squad of 25 for the current campaign.

Now it is on Brands to deliver once more. They need to get him out of the club considering he’s earning a reported £75k-per-week, via Spotrac.

That is quite the sum for a player that has not featured for Everton since a 3-1 defeat to West Ham in May 2018.

It means the winger has cost the club in excess of £41.25m to this day, an extortionate and truly shocking amount of money – all for 32 appearances, two goals and four assists, per Transfermarkt.

When you break it down, Bolasie has cost around £1.2m per appearance and £20.6m per goal.

Bolasie may well be a “lovely” and “genuine” character, as Palace chairman Steve Parish once said, but it’s ever so clear to see that his time at Goodison Park has reached its end.

It’s time for Bolasie and the Toffees to part ways this January, and any departure must be a permanent one otherwise he’ll continue to bleed Farhad Moshiri dry.

AND in other news, Everton boss Carlo Ancelotti could revitalise £62.5m-rated “freak of a talent” with Jan swoop…

Liverpool have been handed a major boost ahead of Sunday’s meeting with Manchester City. The recent round of injury updates have confirmed that Joel Matip could be in contention to start against Pep Guardiola’s side on Sunday.

After being named on the bench against Atalanta, Jurgen Klopp will be hoping to see enough from the Cameroonian in training to deploy him alongside Joe Gomez at the weekend. Indeed, whilst youngster Rhys Williams has done a superb job of stepping up to the plate, familiarity and seniority will be key for Klopp against City.

The Cityzens are without star striker Sergio Aguero, which already weakens Guardiola’s attack. Despite their 3-0 win over Olympiakos last time out, their recent Premier League form proves they are struggling.

City have fallen victim to some shock results over the last few weeks, including a draw against both West Ham and Leeds. In their last four league games, they have scored just four goals – one per match. This stat in itself will have taken Klopp’s fancy and he will be looking for ways to further force his rivals into trouble.

With both Gomez and Matip in the heart of the defence, they will make it their mission to ensure that City barely get a sniff of a chance. Matip’s 6 ft 4 stature will prove difficult for 5 ft 7 Gabriel Jesus and 5 ft 5 Raheem Sterling to counter against, especially if long balls are played in towards the attackers.

The Cameroon international uses his height to his advantage and is very strong both in the air and on the ground when battling for possession. Last year, Ian Wright waxed lyrical over the 29-year-old and his “absolutely brilliant” performance against Sheffield United.

If he pulls off a solid shift on Sunday, Klopp and many others will feel a huge sense of relief knowing that he is up to the challenge of stepping up in the absence of Virgil van Dijk. A win over their main title competitors will be a massive boost for Liverpool, who are already making strides towards their second Premier League success story.

In other news, Exclusive: Chris Kirkland tips Joe Gomez to be Virgil van Dijk partner for “next 10 years”…

Glasgow Rangers begin their group stage campaign with a trip to Belgium to face Standard Liege in the Europa League on Thursday. However, Steven Gerrard’s side could come up against a “real danger”, according to Thomas Buffel.

What’s the word?

The former Belgian international has warned Rangers that Moroccan magician Mehdi Carcela-Gonzalez poses a real threat to their chances on Thursday night, as quoted by The Daily Record.

He said: “Standard Liege’s star player is undoubtedly Carcela.

“If they can get him to produce his best on Thursday then he will be a real danger to Rangers.

“Carcela is very tricky, very skilful on the ball and has a great shot.

“He can conjure up real magic and amazing moments as you will see if you watch a goal he scored against Ajax in a Champions League qualifier two years ago.”

But Buffel, who won the Scottish Premiership title during his time at the Ibrox outfit, has backed the Gers to get the job done, although he insists it won’t be an easy task.

Could give Gerrard problems

After beating Celtic in the first Old Firm derby of the season last weekend, Gerrard’s side should be full of confidence heading into the fixture, but they ought to be wary of the threat posed by the former Morocco international.

The 31-year-old made six appearances in the Europa League last season, whilst he averaged 1.5 shots and 2.3 dribbles per game, via WhoScored, which shows that he is a strong dribbler who is more than capable of running at the back line. By comparison, even Ianis Hagi could only manage 1.3 shots and 1.3 dribbles per game in the same competition last term, as per WhoScored.

Although Carcela hasn’t scored or supplied a single goal and assist this season, he contributed to ten goals in the league last term, via Transfermarkt. Moreover, he finished with a tally of a goal and two assists to his name in the Europa League the season beforehand.

Granted, he has only played seven games this season, but he featured in their most recent fixture on the right wing against Club Brugge, which ended in a 1-1 draw between the two sides. Brugge face Zenit St Petersburg in the group stages of the Champions League tonight.

If Philippe Montanier decides to unleash the attacking midfielder at the Stade Maurice Dufrasne, he could cause Gerrard’s side some problems, in particular on the right flank, as James Tavernier does have a tendency to roam up and down the wing.

However, it’s worth bearing in mind that the back four consisting of Borna Barisic, Connor Goldson, Filip Helander and Tavernier barely faced a shot all game against Celtic, let alone a shot on target, as per SofaScore. So, they should be more than ready for the task that lies ahead.

AND in other news, Ross Wilson must sanction swoop for Glasgow Rangers target Daniel Johnson…

Writing on Twitter, journalist Alasdair Gold has claimed that ‘those within the club believe’ Tottenham can lift a first Premier League crown this season, with Gareth Bale making players and staff ‘excited’ in training. 

Bale, who is apparently ‘raring to go’ after his injury rehabilitation, has impressing players and staff members in training after he returned to north London last month in a headline-grabbing deal. 

The 31-year-old was consistently linked with a move back to Tottenham, but Real Madrid’s asking price along with the Welshman’s lucrative salary had been stumbling blocks.

Gareth Bale could be a serious coup for Spurs

However, when reports surfaced that the Galacticos were willing to subsidise half of his wages, Spurs chairman Daniel Levy couldn’t resist a swoop and managed to negotiate arguably one of the summer’s best deals.

After the Welshman’s progress behind the scenes at Hotspur Way, there is a ‘real belief’ Tottenham can lift their first league title since 1961.

Bale is joined by Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Joe Hart, Matt Doherty, Sergio Reguilon and Carlos Vinicius in signing for the north Londoners during the summer transfer window.

Arguably Spurs’ best summer window in years, club figures are apparently in dreamland over what they could achieve this season, including a Premier League triumph, despite finishing 40 points behind champions Liverpool in 2019/2020. 

talkSPORT pundit Darren Gough described the feat as a would-be ‘absolute miracle’, but Tottenham are under the belief they can certainly challenge and do the unthinkable, according to Gold.

Transfer Tavern take

Of course, strengthening in key areas was a major factor over the summer, with Levy doing particularly well to shore up the weakened left-back and striker positions.

Spurs appear to have captured an ideal blend of youth, quality and experience, including free agent Hart who provides a winning mentality that he garnered at Manchester City.

Whether or not Mourinho’s men properly push for the title remains to be seen, but judging by their fine start to 2020/2021, it’s certainly possible.

Lilywhites, will Spurs win the Premier League this season? Have your say in the comments section below…

World Cup winner Mario Gotze can be David Moyes’ new trophy piece in midfield if the Scot turns attentions to the German after Club Brugge captain Hans Vanaken snubbed a potential move to West Ham United.

What’s the word?

According to Het Laatste Nieuws, via Sport Witness, West Ham have been unsuccessful in their efforts to lure Vanaken to the Premier League after seeing a bid worth in excess of €15million (£13.5m) turned down.

Brugge felt the sum tabled was insufficient to match Vanaken’s value to the Jupiler Pro League champions, while the limited time remaining in the summer window would have made finding a replacement challenging, with the Belgian’s having no immediate option currently in the squad.

But the Irons would have stood to miss out on Vanaken regardless of Brugge’s stance, as the 28-year-old has no intentions of moving to east London and would have snubbed the chance to play alongside the likes of Pablo Fornals and Tomas Soucek.

Moyes had identified Vanaken as his “dream” option to bolster the creative side of his midfield, as the five-cap Belgium international twice voted Belgian Footballer of the Year boasts an insane record of scoring 10 or more times in a campaign for the last seven seasons.

Attention must now turn elsewhere if West Ham are to sign a creative midfielder this summer, with former Borussia Dortmund ace Gotze one potential avenue the Irons can explore following his release.

Moyes’ new trophy piece

Gotze departed Dortmund at the end of last season at the expiration of his contract and remains a free agent having yet to sign for a new side.

Hertha Berlin are said to be lining up the 28-year-old as a late window addition to Bruno Labbadia’s side, with Sport Bild reporting that BSC Sporting Director Arne Friedrich and General Manager Michael Preetz are assessing the viability of a move for the £9.45m-rated creator.

Labbadia has previously stated he is a “big Gotze fan” while Friedrich recently confirmed Hertha’s interest, noting: “Of course that’s a name that we were concerned with.”

West Ham, therefore, would have a slim window to snatch Gotze and bring the 2014 World Cup winner to England, in a deal that would add a true trophy piece to Moyes’ plans despite departing Dortmund following a campaign of scarce appearances.

Lucien Favre only awarded Gotze starting roles in five of his 15 Bundesliga appearances, for an average of 35 minutes per game in 2019/20, yet the five-time Bundesliga champion still achieved an average of 24.7 touches, 15.3 accurate passes, 0.7 key balls and 1.6 duels won, whilst creating three big chances for teammates to score and getting three goals himself, per SofaScore.

Scale those numbers up as a regular starter, and Gotze would be creating chances left, right and centre for the likes of Jarrod Bowen, Michail Antonio and Sebastien Haller to score. Or even from the bench, the German would offer a vastly talented option to rest Fornals and co.

AND in other news, West Ham risk unsettling David Moyes’ plans with a move to sign a 39-cap player once signed for £47.5million.

A transfer report has emerged linking James Garner with a move away from Manchester United, with Coventry City and Millwall keen on the midfielder.

After a title-winning League One campaign, Sky Blues boss Mark Robins has been busy in bolstering his squad options ahead of the new Championship season.

The likes of Gustavo Hamer, Julien Dacosta and Callum O’Hare have all come in and it now looks like the Sky Blues boss is set to make a move for another talented young player.

Teenage Man United talent Garner has emerged as a potential arrival with the midfielder said to be available on a season-long loan deal.

Highly regarded as one of the brightest talents at Old Trafford, the 19-year-old has so far made seven first team appearances for the Premier League side.

With the new Championship season starting this weekend, Manchester Evening News reported that both Coventry and Millwall are interested in making a move. The report added that Huddersfield Town have already held talks with the youngster, whilst claiming that Blackburn Rovers are also keen.

Robins has worked wonders during the transfer window to improve his squad with multiple additions secured and Garner would add further gloss to that.

Of course, it depends how much pulling power Coventry have against the likes of Blackburn and Huddersfield, offering a potentially tasty transfer tussle.

Do you think Garner would be a good signing for Coventry? Let us know your views in the comments section below…

Jan Vertonghen has refused to rule out staying in the Premier League following his departure from Tottenham Hotspur, according to reports. 

According to The Sun, the Belgian defender has hinted he could stay in England after his eight-year spell with Spurs ended this week. Recent reports suggested that he would reject offers from Premier League rivals like Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City but this no longer seems to be the case.

According to Il Messaggero, as relayed by Ricky Sacks, Wolves have entered the race to sign Vertonghen this summer, amid interest from Atletico Madrid and Roma. The Italian publication claimed that his representatives have held talks with Diego Simeone’s side while Roma have registered their interest in the Belgium international.

The former Spurs star is not short of potential suitors as he is now a free agent, so it is hardly surprising that he has attracted attention from across the globe.

Clubs around the world are fighting back against the financial pressures of these unprecedented circumstances and many will have to resort to hunting for bargains, signing free agents and organising swap deals in the summer.

Vertonghen was a firm favourite of Mauricio Pochettino but fell out of favour under his successor Jose Mourinho, earning his last start for the club during the dull 0-0 draw with Bournemouth earlier this month before being dropped to the bench.

The 33-year-old arguably still has plenty left in the tank as he earned the same WhoScored rating as his former Spurs teammate Davinson Sanchez this season.

While Wolves narrowly missed out on a spot in the Europa League, as Spurs staged a remarkable comeback to usurp them for sixth place, Nuno Espirito Santos knows that he needs to sign defensive cover sooner rather than later. However, the Molineux outfit could become embroiled in a transfer battle as they face stiff competition from the European giants.

Seasoned veteran Vertonghen is a versatile player who is capable of playing in the centre or on the left flank and Daniel Levy may live to regret his decision to let him leave in the summer.

Tottenham fans, do you think Levy has made a mistake by letting Vertonghen leave? Let us know your views in the comments below!