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Sheffield Wednesday have already recruited two new bodies into the building this January, with Danny Rohl utilising the loan market well to add James Beadle and Ike Ugbo to his relegation-threatened side.

The Owls are likely to push on even further and continue to flex their muscles in the transfer window with more additions, the South Yorkshire titans doing everything in their power to stave off the Championship relegation zone and an immediate return to the unwanted depths of League One.

Letting the likes of Tyreeq Bakinson move out on loan to Charlton this month too, it could well be a new-look side that Rohl fields past this hectic January time period.

Related EFL Championship done deals: Every January 2024 transfer

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Aiming to keep their heads above water in the second tier, this is what a dream Wednesday starting XI could look like past January with four new faces present…

1 James Beadle

With Cameron Dawson often shaky in-between the sticks this season at Hillsborough – the Sheffield-born goalkeeper only picking up four clean sheets from 18 games played – the ideal scenario would be that James Beadle eventually comes in and takes Dawson's starting spot.

Starring out on loan with Oxford United away from parent club Brighton before being recalled to move to Wednesday, Beadle will now be up for the challenge of testing himself in the Championship with the Owls for the remainder of the season.

2 Liam Palmer

Liam Palmer will hope to still be Rohl's starting right-back after the transfer window is over, the Wednesday stalwart putting in promising displays under the German boss' tenure to date.

Notably, back in December, the 32-year-old defender shone even as the Owls fell to a 2-1 defeat at home to Cardiff City – winning all but one of his duels when on the pitch versus the victorious Bluebirds.

3 Michael Ihiewke

Bambo Diaby's time in the first team could however be up, the former Barnsley man having a horror show last match at St Mary's as Wednesday were trounced 4-0 by Russell Martin's ruthless Southampton.

His ex-Rotherham United teammate in Michael Ihiewke fared far better against the dangerous Saints attack, making a total of ten clearances in the one-sided contest to ensure the final scoreline wasn't a cricket score.

4 Di'shion Bernard

Played in a defensive midfield role in that sobering loss to the Saints, Di'Shon Bernard will more than likely revert back to the heart of defence in a more comfortable spot in the team alongside Ihiewke to accommodate for a new signing in the centre of the park.

The ex-Manchester United youngster turned Wednesday first-teamer has shone in patches for the Owls this season despite obvious difficulties on the pitch, even notching up two assists from the back.

5 Marvin Johnson

Looking as if he was heading for the exit under Xisco Munoz's dire spell in charge, Marvin Johnson has been a revitalised figure under Rohl.

The 33-year-old expansive full-back stole the show in Wednesday's recent 3-1 FA Cup win over Hull City, picking up a goal and an assist on the day.

The Wednesday number 18's creativity from down the flanks could be crucial when the South Yorkshire side are down on their luck and need a hero to step up to the mark, Johnson onto five goal contributions for the season now since coming back into the first-team fold.

6 Barry Bannan

Adored by the Wednesday masses, Barry Bannan's spot in the side is fixed regardless of murmurs around Hillsborough that a midfielder is a top priority on the shopping list this month.

Bannan also stood out from the emphatic Cup win over the Tigers to kickstart 2024, amassing a ridiculous 112 touches as a main creative focal point for Rohl's men.

Only misplacing five of his 96 passes in the victory, the Owls will need the Scotsman's unerring genius to shine in crunch matches to come in a bid to avoid the dreaded relegation zone.

7 Isaac Hayden

The second new addition to the lineup could be Newcastle United man Isaac Hayden, the Owls going after another fringe Magpies player with Jeff Hendrick currently on the books at Wednesday on loan.

Rohl should attempt to secure a deal for Hayden on loan too, the 28-year-old recalled from a short-term switch to Belgium with Standard Liege to offload him to a Championship suitor.

Reportedly missing out on a deal for Conor Coventry recently, Wednesday will hope lightning doesn't strike twice and Hayden decides to relocate to South Yorkshire to help shore up a susceptible Owls back four.

8 Anthony Musaba

Anthony Musaba has blown hot and cold this season so far for Wednesday, but when the Dutchman has been on-song for the Owls, he's proven to be a crucial figure in the team.

A purple patch in December saw the ex-AS Monaco man score two late winners for the Owls, Rohl hoping the winger can be equally as important when push comes to shove in the latter stages of this gruelling season.

9 Myles Peart-Harris

Another new signing that could come straight into the starting side is Myles Peart-Harris, Wednesday reportedly linked with bringing the promising young attacking midfielder to Hillsborough on loan.

Given cameos under Thomas Frank at Brentford in recent weeks in the top flight, a loan move to the Championship could be a formative experience for the exciting 21-year-old who managed ten goal contributions in total for Forest Green in League One previously away from the Bees.

10 Djeidi Gassama

Former Paris St.Germain winger Djeidi Gassama has shown in flashes for Wednesday his obvious pedigree since joining in the summer, helping himself to assists in narrow wins over Stoke City and Norwich City last month.

Rohl will want the tricky Frenchman to terrorise more second-tier defences in 2024, the 20-year-old twisting and turning Hull defenders in the FA Cup for fun on New Year's Day with a goal scored and four key passes tallied up.

Brain injury charity Headway have criticised the decision not to immediately take off Ederson following his clash with Cristian Romero.

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• Ederson collided with Romero
• Taken off shortly after incident
• Guardiola says it was not due to concussion

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Manchester City goalkeeper was involved in a nasty second-half collision in the 2-0 win at Tottenham, which saw Romero booked, but he was initially allowed to play on after being examined by medical staff. However, Ederson did not last long and was soon replaced by Stefan Ortega, with the Brazilian showing his frustration at being subbed off in such a crucial game.

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  Pep Guardiola confirmed after the game that Ederson's withdrawal was not due to him suffering from concussion but due to excessive swelling under his right eye. The City boss said: “Ederson did not have concussion, he had a problem with his eye. He could not see properly, so the doctor said I should change.”

• WHAT HEADWAY SAID

  But even though it was supposedly not concussion related, Headway are not happy with how the situation played out. Chief executive Luke Griggs told the Standard: “The concern from players of both teams in the immediate aftermath of the injury, as well as from the medical team and the fact a stretcher was brought onto the pitch, would suggest a clear concern for Ederson’s wellbeing. The fact that he was not immediately removed would suggest a concussion was not suspected, this is hard to understand especially as symptoms can be delayed in their presentation. While we were relieved to see the player taken off a few minutes later, it is hard to fathom why this was not an immediate decision. It is yet another example of when a temporary concussion substitute would have been helpful. Ederson’s angry reaction is no surprise given the competitive nature of players who want to take part in massive games like this one, though his reaction underscores the need to take such decisions out of the players’ hands.”

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  WHAT NEXT FOR EDERSON?

  Ederson now faces an anxious wait to see whether he is fit enough to represent City in their final game of the season at home against West Ham. Victory at the Etihad will secure a fourth consecutive title for the Citizens, regardless of the outcome in Arsenal's match versus Everton.

To say that Aston Villa are flying under Unai Emery this season would be an understatement. The Villans sit as high as third in the Premier League and just four points adrift of league leaders Arsenal, who they play next. By the end of the weekend, the Midlands club could sit just one point away from the top of the league with Christmas fast approaching, summing up just how impressive they've been throughout the current campaign so far.

Their last victory, coming over champions Manchester City, was arguably their best yet under Emery. But it's not all good news for those at Villa Park as the January transfer window approaches, with one particular player potentially on the move when the winter window swings open.

Aston Villa transfer news

When it comes to incomings, Aston Villa got it fairly spot on in the summer. Moussa Diaby's stats, four goals and five assists show just how quickly he's settled in alongside Pau Torres, whilst Youri Tielemans and Nicolo Zaniolo begin to find their feet under Emery. All of that has resulted in new heights for the club in the Premier League as we near the halfway point. Amid their successful summer, however, is one man who is yet to make his mark and could already leave the Midlands club.

Aston Villa join the race to sign "unbelievable" defender

The Midlands side have entered the running to secure the services of a new colossus.

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According to Bild, Bayern Munich are interested in Clement Lenglet, who is currently on loan at Aston Villa from Barcelona. The La Liga giants are reportedly open to the move as long as the German side cover the defender's wages in full. Villa, meanwhile, reportedly want to see out their loan move for Lenglet, keeping him until the end of the season as planned.

This comes as a surprise, given Lenglet's game time. The Frenchman has not played a single minute in the Premier League and has been handed all of his opportunities in the Europa Conference League. Despite that though, Villa reportedly want to keep hold of their loanee.

"Quality" Lenglet needs move

When Lenglet secured his return to the Premier League after an impressive loan spell at Tottenham Hotspur last season, he would have been full of hope over his Aston Villa role – but things just haven't worked out. Whether it be Ezri Konsa, Pau Torres or Diego Carlos, Emery has opted for other options ahead of the Barcelona loanee, who may need a move elsewhere if he is to receive regular minutes in the current campaign.

With Bayern Munich reportedly interested too, Lenglet may not get a better chance to secure an end to a stint in the Midlands and a move to a club in the Champions League. It's a surprise that things haven't worked out so far at Villa, with Emery full of praise for Lenglet upon his arrival. Emery said:

"Lenglet was a very good opportunity on loan for one year. He has experience in Barcelona, Sevilla and Tottenham playing at a high level, playing in Europe. I'm very happy with him because he is joining us with his quality, his experience."

Manchester United may be able to prise Jarrad Branthwaite away from Everton in a cut-price deal, with the Red Devils making the defender a top target.

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Red Devils ready to spend againLooking for defensive reinforcementsToffees under pressure to sellWHAT HAPPENED?

Transfer plans are in the process of being drawn up at Old Trafford, although it remains to be seen who will be calling the shots from the dugout in 2024-25 – with questions continuing to be asked of Erik ten Hag’s future. Whoever is at the helm, the general consensus is that reinforcements at the back are required.

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With that in mind, Branthwaite continues to register on United’s radar. At 21 years of age, and having already been drafted into the senior England squad, the commanding centre-half is considered to be a shrewd addition for the present and future.

DID YOU KNOW?

Everton will be reluctant sellers, but their precarious financial position is leaving them vulnerable to early summer raids. Having already been stung with two points deductions for breaches of Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR), the Toffees need to try and balance books by June 30.

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United could look to take advantage of that by making a play for Branthwaite. They will be aware of Everton’s need to raise funds – even with a potential takeover from 777 Partners still in the pipeline – and reports that a supposed £80 million ($100m) asking price could be lowered.

Everton are weighing up a move to bring a promising young talent back to the Premier League next summer, according to a fresh report.

Everton's season so far

The Toffees have made a disappointing start to the new campaign having won just four, drawn two and lost seven of their opening 13 fixtures, and whilst things haven’t been going as hoped on the pitch, they have been a lot worse off it.

Brentford (3-1)

Sheffield United (2-2)

Fulham (1-0)

Bournemouth (3-0)

Brighton and Hove Albion (1-1)

Aston Villa (4-0)

West Ham United (1-0)

Wolves (1-0)

Crystal Palace (3-2)

Arsenal (1-0)

Luton Town (2-1)

Liverpool (2-0)

Manchester United (3-0)

After being found guilty of breaching the top-flight’s profit and sustainability rules, Sean Dyche’s side recently received a ten-point deduction meaning that they now find themselves in the relegation zone and second from bottom in the table.

The Goodison Park outfit could therefore be limited as to how active they are in the market in the new year, but with their sights firmly set on making new additions later in the summer, they have highlighted Leicester City’s right-winger Kasey McAteer as a potential ideal target.

The Foxes star has worked his way up through his club’s youth ranks to get promoted to their first-team, where he’s made a total of 17 senior appearances to date (Transfermarkt – McAteer statistics), and the 22-year-old’s form has caught the eye of the owner.

Farhad Moshiri monitoring Kasey McAteer

According to Football Transfers, Everton are keeping tabs on McAteer, alongside Crystal Palace as both admirers consider making an approach where a deal could be available next summer.

"Everton and Crystal Palace are monitoring Leicester City’s Kasey McAteer, FootballTransfers can reveal. Sources have informed us that Everton's league position will be a factor in any decision that McAteer makes. His ambition is to be in the Premier League and does not wish to sign for a club that could drop back down to the Championship.

"McAteer is also enjoying his time at Leicester during their push for promotion and it's thought that any move may be made in the summer transfer window instead of halfway through the season."

Everton could recruit "extreme talent" in McAteer

Despite not having loads of senior experience under his belt, McAteer has scored five goals in 13 appearances across all competitions this season, so he’s really showing what he’s capable of in the final third when it comes to posing a threat to the opposition’s defence.

The Northampton-born starlet is also a versatile operator having been deployed in eight different positions over the pitch since the start of his career, including on both the left and right flanks, four roles in the midfield and two in the defence, and Dyche would surely love the chance to mould that versatility to fit his needs.

Enzo Maresca’s “extreme talent”, as hailed by journalist Josh Bunting, additionally only pockets £5k-per-week (Leicester salaries), so he would be a nice and affordable option to bring on board, making this a deal that chiefs surely have to pursue if financially possible at the end of the current campaign.

Manchester United can secure a Champions League spot even if they finish sixth in the Premier League, thanks to a rule change by UEFA.

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Man Utd are currently sixth in tableCould still qualify for UCLWest Ham to have a decisive say on United's futureWHAT HAPPENED?

Under the leadership of manager Erik ten Hag, United find themselves trailing behind fifth-placed Aston Villa by 11 points, with only seven games left in the season. However, despite this seemingly insurmountable gap, there is still a pathway for the Red Devils to qualify for the next edition of the Champions League.

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The UEFA co-efficient system has positioned England as one of the top two countries alongside Italy, paving the way for an additional Champions League place. While the top-four teams traditionally secure qualification for the Champions League, this rule change could see Tottenham or Aston Villa benefitting from it instead of Manchester United. Spurs are currently in fourth, ahead of Villa on goal difference, with 60 points and have a game in hand on United.

Yet, there remains a slim chance for the Red Devils to clinch a Champions League spot even if they end up finishing in sixth – . This scenario hinges on West Ham United securing fifth place in the Premier League standings and winning the Europa League. Currently facing Bayer Leverkusen in the quarter-finals, David Moyes' side have an opportunity to create a pathway for another English club to qualify for the Champions League if they go on to win the second-tier European competition.

DID YOU KNOW?

The significance of this lies in the UEFA rule that allocates Champions League spots based on domestic league finishes rather than European competition winners. Therefore, if West Ham achieve success in the Europa League, it would open up an additional Champions League spot for an English club, irrespective of their league position.

In theory, a seventh-place finish in the Premier League could lead to Champions League football if both the winners of the Champions League and Europa League are English clubs that finish outside the top four in the league. However, with Manchester City and Arsenal currently vying for the English domestic crown, this scenario is improbable for the current season.

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With multiple variables at play and the potential for major upsets, the race for Champions League spots promises to be gripping until the very end. Moreover, the prospect of as many as 11 English teams qualifying for European competitions highlights the strength and competitiveness of the Premier League on the continental stage. However, such an outcome would require a remarkable series of performances from English clubs across the Champions League, Europa League, and Europa Conference League, along with significant fluctuations in the Premier League table – which is highly unlikely.

Newcastle United are in critical condition at the moment, with 13 players currently sidelined through injuries and suspensions ahead of some huge games after the international break, including a colossal European bout away at French champions Paris Saint-Germain.

Eddie Howe's attack has been massacred over the past few weeks, with the likes of Alexander Isak, Miguel Almiron, Callum Wilson, Harvey Barnes and Jacob Murphy all out for the foreseeable future.

The Magpies don't have a recognised striker who is fit and available right now, having had to deploy Anthony Gordon down the middle at the weekend in a toothless 2-0 defeat away at Bournemouth.

The absence of both Isak and Wilson has further highlighted Newcastle's mistakes in player sales from the past, including one man who is having a fine season down in the division below.

Why Adam Armstrong left Newcastle

Adam Armstrong came through Newcastle United's academy as a youngster and rose through the ranks at Darsley Park to make his debut in a 1-0 defeat to Fulham in the Premier League back in 2014.

However, after a quartet of loan spells at Coventry City, Barnsley, Bolton Wanderers and finally Blackburn Rovers, the attacker was sold to the latter for just £1.7m, having never scored a single goal for his boyhood club in 21 appearances.

After a fruitful time at Ewood Park, where he bagged 64 goals and 19 assists in 160 matches for the Riversiders, Armstrong made the next big move in his career, signing for Premier League outfit Southampton for a fee in the region of £15m.

Despite the Saints being relegated last term, the 26-year-old is still banging in the goals, sitting second in the Championship charts with nine from 16 matches in the second tier.

Amid Newcastle's injury woes up top, selling Armstrong looks like a potential mistake in hindsight.

Armstrong's stats this season

In 53 appearances for Southampton in the top flight over the course of two seasons, Armstrong scored merely four league goals. This term, he has already more than doubled his previous tally and has found the net more often than both Isak and Wilson who have scored seven goals apiece.

Armstrong has also been utilised in a number of different positions this season, having played on the right wing and even in the centre of midfield at one point, registering three assists for the Saints, according to WhoScored.

Despite his impressive goalscoring form at the St. Mary's Stadium, Armstrong's manager at Southampton, Russell Martin, believes the attacker "has yet to get going" in terms of the heights he is capable of reaching.

This season, Armstrong is taking fewer shots than his Newcastle United counterparts each game, averaging 2.72 shots per 90 down in the Championship to Isak's 3.11 and Wilson's 3.53 in the Premier League to supplement just how red hot he's been in front of goal.

Furthermore, Armstrong has a worse shot-on-target percentage than Howe's two strikers with 36.6% to the Swede's 58.8% and Wilson's 63.2%. Essentially, the Southampton star is taking fewer shots and boasting fewer on target but has a better goal return than Newcastle's frontmen.

Isak and Wilson are scoring in a much more difficult division but Howe could certainly have benefitted from having someone like Armstrong in his squad amidst a plague of injury problems.

كشف مصدر خاص بالجهاز الفني لفريق الكرة الأول بنادي الزمالك النقاب عن موقف المهاجم التونسي سيف الدين الجزيري من مباراة بروكسي المقبلة.

ويستعد الزمالك لمواجهة بروكسي مساء غد الخميس في المباراة المؤجلة من دور الـ32 ببطولة كأس مصر.

خاص | الزمالك يسعى لإنهاء أزمة المستحقات مع إبراهيما نداي

وأوضح المصدر لـ”بطولات” أن على الرغم من تجهيز الجزيري وتعافيه من الإصابة، إلا أنه قد ابتعد عن حسابات الجهاز الفني للمباراة المقبلة.

وأشار إلى أن ابتعاد الجزيري عن حسابات الجهاز الفني للزمالك لمباراة الغد أمام بروكسي، جاء بسبب عدم اكتمال جاهزيته الفنية ورؤية الجهاز الفني بأنه يحتاج لوقت أكبر في التدريبات حتى يكون لائقًا للمباريات.

وكان الجزيري قد تعرض للإصابة خلال تواجده مع منتخب تونس في يونيو الماضي، فيما كان يخوض برنامجًا تأهيليًا خلال الفترة الماضية.

Manchester City have agreed a cut-price deal to sell an "outstanding player" next summer, reports have suggested.

Who is leaving Man City?

It has been a summer of change at the Etihad following a historic treble-winning campaign under Pep Guardiola. A number of players arrived and departed the club in recent months, with the likes of Ilkay Gundogan, Riyad Mahrez and Aymeric Laporte all moving on. Cole Palmer made a big-money move to Chelsea, whereas Josko Gvardiol, Matheus Nunes, Jeremy Doku and Mateo Kovacic were the main arrivals ahead of the 2023/24 season.

Meanwhile, Joao Cancelo, who spent the second half of last season on loan with Bayern Munich, made the move to Spain on a temporary loan deal with Barcelona.

Is Joao Cancelo permanently signing for Barcelona?

The versatile full-back has made six appearances for the Catalan giants so far, already contributing to an impressive three goals, and recent reports claimed that a verbal agreement had already been reached with Barcelona over a permanent €35m (£30.4m) transfer. However, a new update has emerged suggesting that the fee is even lower and that a transfer now appears to be ready to go.

According to The Daily Star, Barcelona have agreed a cut-price £24.3m deal with City for Cancelo. The report adds that City actually wanted closer to £55m for the player after a major breakdown in Cancelo’s relationship with Guardiola, but talks with Barcelona have now concluded successfully with a deal to go through next summer.

Cancelo was hailed an "outstanding player" Bayern's director Hasan Salihamidzic during his loan spell in Germany, whereas the player has already been praised by Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez, alongside fellow loan signing Joao Felix.

"We are talking about two players whose individual quality is beyond doubt. You see them train and you see their greatness. Cancelo comes from a coach (Pep Guardiola) who for me is the best and he interprets everything very well. We have spoken to him and he has understood. With Joao Felix we watched a video with him yesterday. They both give variants that make the team better. Physically, they are strong. They raise the quality of the team, which in general has been very good."

So far, the Portugal international has been playing as a right-back for Barcelona, although as Man City will know well, he can also play further forward or on the left, offering plenty of versatility to Xavi's side.

As per FBref, Cancelo has been one of the best-attacking full-backs in the world over the past 12 months, ranking in the top 5% for assists, passes attempted, progressive carries and successful take-ons. Defensively, Cancelo also has a respectable percentile ranking for tackles won, interceptions, ball recoveries and aerials won, showing his all-round ability.

Valued at €50m by Transfermarkt, you could argue that Barcelona are getting the better end of the deal for Cancelo, but with the player and Guardiola’s relationship damaged, a permanent move away appears to be best for all involved and it looks as if one will go through.

Tottenham Hotspur have enjoyed a stunning start to the new Premier League season under Ange Postecoglou, with Saturday's thrilling – and controversial – 2-1 win over rivals Liverpool having kept the Lilywhites firmly in the mix at the top of the table.

Following the dour nature of Antonio Conte's time in charge, the arrival of the former Celtic boss in the dugout has lifted the mood dramatically, with the Greek-Aussie having already revived a handful of first-team figures who had been on the periphery last term.

Former Brighton and Hove Albion man Yves Bissouma, for instance, has been the club's "most consistent player this season" – according to pundit Micah Richards – having recovered from what was an injury-hit debut campaign last time out.

The 27-year-old's resurgence has, however, come at the expense of a certified Conte favourite in the form of Oliver Skipp, with the Englishman a figure who could perhaps be on his way sooner rather than later.

How good is Oliver Skipp?

The 23-year-old had been a regular fixture last season amid the loss of Rodrigo Bentancur to injury, with the academy graduate having made 31 appearances in all competitions from his deep-lying midfield berth.

Despite that involvement in the senior set-up, however, the former Norwich City loanee didn't exactly impress amid the club's overall woes, having scored just once and contributed zero assists across all fronts.

That inability to make a telling impact in the final third saw Skipp receive notable criticism from talkSPORT pundit Perry Groves, with the ex-Arsenal man describing the youngster and midfield colleague Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg as like a "double appendix" who "don't do anything" in the centre of the park.

Such a stark viewpoint was also echoed by reporter Alex Crook, with the respected source telling GIVEMESPORT that the former England U21 international is "not good enough" if Spurs are aiming to get back to the "elite level".

As Crook also noted, that failure to make his mark even led to reports that the club were open to listening to offers for Skipp during the recent summer window, with it perhaps time that Postecoglou and co do finally cash in in January.

How much is Oliver Skipp worth now?

While a player of potential promise – having been described as the "future of Tottenham" by Conte last season, alongside Pape Matar Sarr – it is difficult at present to see Skipp being able to force his way into Postecoglou's plans, having made just one league start this season.

That rare outing came on the opening weekend away to Brentford, with the £40k-per-week dud having been criticised for his inability to put his stamp on proceedings on the day, with 90min's Sean Walsh writing that he 'failed to get on the ball enough to have any meaningful impact.'

Having made just three late substitute appearances since in the top flight – with Postecoglou favouring Sarr and Bissouma as his midfield partnership – the future appears to be somewhat uncertain for Skipp, despite still having four years left to run on his existing deal.

That lengthy contract is no doubt a factor in the playmaker's soaring valuation of late, with CIES Football Observatory suggesting that the 5 foot 9 asset is worth in the region of €30m (£26m), having cost the club nothing after rising up through the youth ranks.

As such, if Spurs are to again 'listen to offers' in the near future, they could make a handsome profit on the peripheral figure.