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Pundit Kevin Campbell has been reacting to rumours linking Rangers with a swoop for former Ibrox assistant Michael Beale.

The Lowdown: Beale at QPR

Having witnessed his side fail to muster a solitary win across their last five Championship games, Beale has seen his QPR side drop seven points off the automatic promotion places.

The downfall began when Beale was linked with a move to Wolves, with doubts around his future at Loftus Road continuing to circulate ever since. 

He has also been heavily linked with the vacant post at Ibrox to replace Giovanni van Bronckhorst, with Beale thought to be Ross Wilson’s top target, although speculation seems to have resulted in concern from Rangers chiefs over a potential backlash from supporters.

The Latest: A “different animal”

Pundit Campbell doesn’t believe that Beale will end up taking the job in Glasgow, due to his ongoing project at QPR and possible pressure in Scotland. Speaking to Football Insider, Campbell labelled the job in Glasgow as a “different animal”.

“It’s difficult to know if Beale is the best man for the job.

“He’s had success at Rangers before, yes – but only as a coach.

“I think he’s learning on the job right now, doing well at QPR – but Rangers is a completely different animal. It’s a massive club.

“He had overtures from the Premier League, from Wolves, and he turned it down.

“I can’t see him taking this job. He’s got a good project going at QPR and the pressure is slightly less than it would be at Ibrox.”

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The Verdict: Similar amounts of pressure?

Many may argue it is harder to turn things around in London in comparison to taking over at the helm of a club with fresh faces and where Beale has enjoyed success before.

In many ways, with context applied, there are similar amounts of pressure, with QPR now in a goalscoring predicament besides their inability to register a win of recent, scoring just once in their last five.

Add in the fact that he will be back in familiar surroundings and you could argue there is less pressure in what would feel like a clean slate for the boss. Whatever his decision, there will be pressure either way.

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.

Leeds United forward Crysencio Summerville has suffered an injury scare in the club’s mid-season friendly with Elche.

The Lowdown: Fine form

Summerville enjoyed a fine spell of form for the Whites prior to the break for the World Cup as the Whites picked up some valuable points, thanks in no small part to his emergence as a real source of end product.

The 21-year-old made a first Premier League start against Leicester City and then went on to score in the next four top-flight fixtures, scoring winners against Liverpool and Bournemouth.

The Latest: Spain scare

Jesse Marsch’s side took on La Liga outfit Elche on Thursday as they look to regain form and fitness ahead of the Premier League returning towards the end of the year.

Summerville started in a 2-1 win but was withdrawn early on for Sam Greenwood after being on the end of a tackle from Elche’s John Nwanko. Phil Hay relayed the news on Twitter, saying:

‘Man. That’s Summerville limping off. Seven minutes in.’

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The Verdict: Fingers crossed

Marsch was optimistic after the game that the Dutch attacker’s injury won’t prove to be long-term, but it is a worry for the player ahead of a busy second half of the season, with no word yet on an official diagnosis.

You’d expect that he’ll be one of the first names on the team sheet for the match with Manchester City later this month, so fingers crossed that Summerville can play some part in Elland Road friendlies with Real Sociedad and AS Monaco in the next 12 days.

Scottish champions Celtic could well be looking to strengthen defensive ranks even further in the January window, having already secured the signings of Alistair Johnston and Yuki Kobayashi.

What’s the word?

According to Spanish outlet Radio Marca Valladolid, the Old Firm giants are believed to be one of several European clubs who are interested in signing Real Valladolid sensation, Ivan Fresneda, in 2023.

The report suggests that the Parkhead outfit – as well as the likes of Arsenal, AC Milan and Juventus, among others – are interested in making an offer for the 18-year-old, despite the defender’s inexperience at first-team level.

Any move could well prove costly for those interested parties, however, with the piece also adding that the right-back has a release clause of around €30m (£26m) in his existing deal, with that figure having the potential to rise even further.

Juranovic heir

While the Glasgow side are highly unlikely to meet that clause – with the club’s current record transfer that of Odsonne Edouard for a fee of around £9m – the aim would no doubt be to agree to a reduced fee or strike a loan deal for the promising talent.

Although the teenage Spaniard has made just nine appearances for the La Liga outfit to date at senior level, the Madrid-born starlet has clearly already made an impression in that time, having been praised for his “beastly ability” to provide quality service from the flanks, in the words of journalist Juan Arroita.

The 6-foot ace has showcased his undoubted talent in the early weeks of the current campaign having made seven appearances in all competitions thus far, notably ranking in the top 16% in Europe among those in his position for progressive passes received to illustrate his strength in possession.

Not only a threat in an attacking sense, the Spain U19 international has also illustrated his willingness to put in the hard yards defensively, showcased by the fact that he ranks in the top 5% for tackles made and the top 3% for interceptions.

The exciting asset could well prove to be a suitable heir to highly-coveted star, Josip Juranovic at Paradise, with the Croatia international potentially set for a departure next month following a stall in contract negotiations.

Having been “immense” for his country in Qatar – according to writer Zach Lowy – the 27-year-old is now believed to even be attracting the attention of the likes of Atletico Madrid and Barcelona, as well as Manchester United.

The former Legia Warsaw man has spent the past 18 months in Scotland since his £2.5m arrival last summer, notably illustrating his attacking threat after scoring six times and registering three assists in 50 games for the Bhoys to date.

With it looking likely that an exit will be on the cards in the New Year, Postecoglou could well turn to young Fresneda as a more long-term fit, with the one-time Real Madrid youth asset able to provide stern competition to both Alistair Johnston and Anthony Ralston.

Newcastle United have had their hopes of signing Inter Milan’s defensive powerhouse Milan Skriniar slashed in Fabrizio Romano’s latest Daily Briefing report. 

The Lowdown: Prime time

At 27 years of age, Skriniar is now in and around his prime years in the game, and you can see this in his approach as a ball playing defender. 

The Slovakian, dubbed a ‘monster’ by broadcaster Carlo Garganese, has added around ten more passes to his game in comparison to last season on a per 90 basis, averaging 65 accurate passes per match, and it’s clear he’d fit in any ball-playing side in world football.

And perhaps unsurprisingly, plenty of sides are sniffing around as his contract ticks down to its expiry next summer.

This includes Newcastle, who allegedly bid for the dominant defender in the summer and have been named as ‘top candidates’ in a report from Italy this week.

The Latest: Romano dulls hopes

Writing in his Daily Briefing column for CaughtOffside, the transfer guru covered Skriniar’s recent links to Tyneside. 

Currently, the Italian is not aware of any talks with the Magpies, despite what recent reports have suggested.

Taking to his exclusive column, Romano said:  “Despite what you may have read elsewhere, Milan Skriniar is not in negotiations to join Newcastle as of now.

“Chelsea were considering him last summer, PSG have always been leading the race, but Inter are still pushing to extend his contract.

“A new deal and the captain’s armband have been offered – it’s now up to Skriniar; he has to decide.”

The Verdict: “As of now…”

The “as of now” part of Romano’s update bodes well for the side long term. 

Whilst discussions between Skriniar and Newcastle have not commenced as of yet, that does not mean that talks will not occur later down the line, especially if he does not extend his deal.

Sure, competition with the likes of Chelsea and PSG sniffing around serves as somewhat of a January transfer blow for the side. But, the PIF-led project at Newcastle is an exciting one, especially with the side’s occupancy of an illustrious Champions League qualification place at current. 

As such, while talks are not underway, a move for the £70million star is not off the table just yet.

Leeds United continue to be linked to a host of talent with the January transfer window fast approaching, as Victor Orta looks to bolster a squad which lies just two points above the Premier League relegation zone.

The Whites have endured a tumultuous season offering little consistency, but they have recently shown a proficiency in front of goal which could increase their survival aspirations.

Adding Atletico Madrid’s Matheus Cunha to that fold could be the final piece in unlocking Jesse Marsch’s philosophy.

The Brazilian has been touted with plenty of Premier League clubs of late, but despite Wolverhampton Wanderers reportedly remaining the favourites to land the 23-year-old, links with a move to Elland Road persist alongside the likes of Everton and Aston Villa.

Having nearly signed for Manchester United in a £42m move last August, it seems that Cunha may now have to settle for a club lower down the league.

Marsch could play a big role in the deal, given how he had worked with the player at RB Leipzig earlier in his career.

By acquiring the 23-year-old, Leeds could actually get their own version of World Cup star and Atletico team-mate Antoine Griezmann, who has proven that an attacking midfielder can offer far more than just offensive prowess to a team. FBRef even note the 31-year-old in Cunha’s ‘similar players’ metric.

The Frenchman has almost redefined his role in Qatar, with his defensive duties playing an integral role in Didier Deschamps’ system. As such, he has facilitated the success of forwards Olivier Giroud and Kylian Mbappe, more than earning his 7.80 average rating from Sofascore.

Whilst providing three assists, in total Griezmann has created seven big chances alongside making 3.5 key passes per game. This is accompanied by his impressive match average of 1.8 tackles and one interceptions (via Sofascore).

A quietly brilliant creative presence, Cunha offers signs that he could emulate this role alongside Marc Roca and Tyler Adams at Elland Road.

Whilst ranking in the top 2% for assists among positional peers in Europe’s top five leagues in 2022, outlining what he can offer going forward, he also ranks in the top 4% for tackles and interceptions, as well as the top 1% for blocks (via FBRef).

Dubbed an “extraordinary boy” by his former coach Paolo Tramezzani, it is clear that the youngster can pair graft with his quality. This combination helped him to rack up seven goals and seven assists in his debut season in Spain, and a further eight goals and seven assists in his final year in Germany with Hertha Berlin in 2020/21.

He truly is the “magician” that RB Leipzig’s official Twitter account dubbed him.

A consistent creator with the work rate to match, this transfer would mark an incredible coup for Marsch, who could secure his own version of a man who has inspired France’s run to the World Cup final.

Aston Villa failed to break into the top half of the Premier League table as they succumbed to a 3-1 defeat at home to Liverpool on Boxing Day.

The Villans had won their last two matches in the English top flight, prior to the break for the 2022 World Cup, but were unable to continue Unai Emery’s 100% league record in charge of the club.

Jurgen Klopp’s side took the lead early on as a brilliant team move from the Reds opened the Villa defence up and ended with Mohamed Salah converting past Robin Olsen with ease.

Virgil van Dijk, via Ezri Konsa’s hip, then made it 2-0 to the away side as he volleyed in after the ball broke to him in the box after a corner.

Ollie Watkins gave Villa some hope as he brilliantly headed past Alisson after peeling off the back of Joel Matip to make it 2-1 but Stefan Bajcetic’s goal for Liverpool sealed all three points for last season’s Champions League runners-up.

Whilst the England international scored an impressive goal and made some excellent runs throughout the match, the real shining light for Emery was French central midfielder, Boubacar Kamara.

The summer signing from Marseille caught the eye with an impressive display in the middle of the park. He showcased his defensive quality whilst also providing technical ability in possession for Villa.

As per Sofascore, he won 75% of his individual duels as he came out on top in six of the eight battles that he contested throughout the game, winning two tackles and making one interception in the process.

This shows that he was a monster out of possession and did not allow the likes of Jordan Henderson and Fabinho to bully him out of the game. He was able to hold his own and win the ball back for Villa on several occasions, often pushing high up to maintain pressure on the Liverpool defence when the home side were able to establish a period of dominance.

Kamara was also reliable in possession as he completed 89% of his attempted passes, including three of his five long balls, and only gave the ball away eight times from 65 touches in 85 minutes, as per Sofascore.

The 23-year-old proved that he can compete against the top teams, on and off the ball, and Emery should be delighted with the midfielder’s performance, in spite of the end result.

Hopefully, he can continue his fine form throughout the rest of the season and contribute to wins instead of standing out in more defeats.

YouTuber Conor McGilligan has claimed that Leeds United should go out and sign Che Adams to strengthen their team as well as weaken a rival.

What’s the latest?

According to journalist Pete O’Rourke (via GiveMeSport), the Southampton striker may ‘seriously consider’ moving to the Whites if a bid came in this winter.

And it does seem possible that a move could be on the cards with The Athletic claiming that Adams is someone to keep an eye on over the coming weeks amid genuine interest in the past.

Of course, Leeds and Southampton are both in the bottom half of the Premier League table right now and could be direct relegation rivals.

With that in mind, McGilligan has explained that a move for Adams would make sense for multiple reasons.

When speaking on the One Leeds Fan Channel, he said: “I tell you what everybody, how to strip a rival’s asset. We saw that with Newcastle last year when they stripped Chris Wood away from Burnley.

“How incredible would it be if Leeds were to go to Southampton with an offer that they can’t refuse and Leeds go and get Che Adams and strip them of an asset?

“I think that’d be a really good tactic. I can’t ever see Leeds doing that because we’re not bullish in the market at all, I don’t feel. But listen, I think Che Adams would be a really good addition for that No 9.”

A cunning plan

As McGilligan mentions, last January Newcastle United signed Chris Wood from Burnley. At the time, the Magpies were struggling towards the lower end of the table after a poor start to the season.

However, the Clarets were also suffering from the threat of relegation and without their main striker in the second half of the campaign, they went down while Eddie Howe’s men survived.

As things stand, Southampton are bottom of the league but could catch up with Leeds United who are only four points better off than the Saints.

But if the Whites’ can sign Adams, it could prove to be a pivotal moment in the fight to avoid the drop.

Celtic right-back Josip Juranovic has received interest from Italy but reports of a move to Chelsea are wide of the mark, according to an update from reliable journalist Mark Hendry.

The Lowdown: Juranovic linked with move away

The 27-year-old enjoyed a highly impressive 2022 World Cup with Croatia, finishing third in the tournament and standing out as one of the best players in his position.

Juranovic has since been linked with a move to Chelsea a number of times, with the Blues seemingly seeing him as a strong option to bolster their squad depth after Reece James suffered another knee injury.

Now, a new update has emerged – one that goes against the recent rumours.

The Latest: Fresh update emerges

Writing on Twitter, Hendry claimed that Chelsea have actually not yet shown interest in Juranovic, with a move to Serie A potentially on the cards instead:

“Celtic have not had any approach from Chelsea for Josip Juranovic. Reports of a £13m bid is wide of the mark. There has been interest from Italy but nothing from Stamford Bridge, at least not yet.”

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The Verdict: Matter of time?

At this point, it would be a surprise if Juranovic was still a Celtic player next month, with a move elsewhere feeling far more likely after his performances in Qatar.

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It could even be argued that his focus has dipped for the Hoops, having been criticised by Ally McCoist for some poor defending in the 2-2 draw against Rangers on Monday.

Should Juranovic move on, it is vital that Celtic receive as much money as possible for his services, using the money wisely to make Ange Postecoglou’s squad even more formidable.

Pundit Tam McManus has claimed that reported transfer target Youri Tielemans would be a ‘sensational’ and ‘tremendous’ signing for Newcastle United.

The Lowdown: Newcastle interested in Tielemans

As per The Telegraph, the 25-year-old is “of interest” to the St James’ Park outfit, following a long-term injury to Jonjo Shelvey.

The latter is also out of contract in the summer, meaning that the Magpies have a decision to make as to whether they retain him or let him leave as a free agent.

If they decide to let him go, then they will need to bring in a replacement, either in this month’s transfer window or in the summer.

The Latest: Tielemans move backed

Speaking to Football Insider, McManus has backed a potential move to Newcastle for Tielemans, even going as far as to claim that the Belgian would be a ‘sensational’ and ‘tremendous’ signing for Eddie Howe’s side.

The 41-year-old said: “I think that’s a move he wants. I don’t see him signing a new contract at Leicester, that is clear now. He is only 25 years old, he is in or approaching the best years of his career.

“He has been at Leicester for a few years and done well, he’s become a Belgian international. He would be a great signing for Newcastle but I think there will be a lot of clubs looking at him.

“Tielemans would be a sensational signing for any of the top four clubs and Newcastle, right now, are up there.

“It’s going to boil down to finances, he will be looking for a big payday as a soon-to-be free agent. So if Newcastle can stick up the money then I think he would be a tremendous signing. It gives Newcastle another quality option when going forward.”

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The Verdict: No-brainer

To sign a player of Tielemans’ quality and experience for a cut-price fee given his contract situation is surely a no-brainer for Newcastle in January.

Lauded by his manager Brendan Rodgers as an ‘outstanding player’ and ‘one of Europe’s top midfielders’, the Leicester City star ranks in the 86th percentile for average blocks, 85th percentile for tackles and shot-creating actions, and 83rd percentile for passes attempted per game among his positional peers in Europe’s top five leagues over the last year (FBRef).

Boasting plenty of Premier League experience already, the Belgian would be an ideal replacement for Shelvey, who is also five years Tielemans’ senior.