Sam Preston Archives: 01/2019

Rangers’ defensive situation is unclear at present due to the possibility that Joe Worrall will be recalled by Nottingham Forest, so it makes sense to keep Ross McCrorie around.

Wesley Hoedt is already close to the Southampton exit door and the big-money arrival of Chris Mepham would likely be the final nail in the coffin in his St Mary’s career.

Newcastle have not moved forward with a deal for Miguel Almiron – who is supposed to be their prime January target – since the window opened.

Harry Kane’s injury hands Fernando Llorente an unlikely shot at Tottenham redemption and he should thrive on the deliveries of Kieran Trippier.

West Ham are facing the prospect of losing one striker in Marko Arnautovic this month so losing Javier Hernandez in the same window should not be an option.

Newcastle’s injury situation pushed Fabian Schar into action as a midfielder last night against Blackburn and his performance caught the eye of the fans.

Wolves have been given major encouragement over a January deal for summer target Marcos Rojo if they still want him.

Youngsters Sean Longstaff and Callum Roberts put Newcastle 2-0 up inside 22 minutes last night and the supporters loved seeing two products of the academy shining in the first team.

Celtic’s summer transfer window could not be described as a success and with interest from the Premier League striking up again, the Bhoys cannot afford a repeat this month.

Jack Clarke’s performances have attracted the attention of Tottenham and Leeds cannot afford to lose him this month.

Everton are trying to resist January interest in Idrissa Gueye but he is too vital to lose mid-season – for any price.

Jonjo Shelvey has been linked with a move away from Newcastle, but Rafa Benitez needs as many of his current squad as possible fit and firing with no new faces on the immediate horizon.

Chancel Mbemba has been offered to Celtic in a part-swap deal, and could be the man to replace Dedryck Boyata, whose contract expires at the end of the season.

Bristol Rovers defender Michael Kelly is something of a surprise target for West Ham but his arrival would be bad news for Arthur Masuaku.

Giuseppe Rossi is back training with his former club Manchester United and after Manuel Pellegrini took a punt on Samir Nasri, he could do the same with the Italian hitman.