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Manchester United’s winless run in the Premier League extended to three games after they fell to a hugely disappointing 4-2 defeat against Leicester City this afternoon.

The Foxes scored two late goals to snatch a deserved victory against Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s charges, with strikes from Jamie Vardy and Patson Daka securing all three points.

In truth, no United player can be proud of their showing at the King Power Stadium, but some members of the back four were particularly disappointing.

Right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka was poor in possession, completing just 50% of his dribbles and failing to pick out a teammate with any of his three attempted crosses, but it was Harry Maguire who really had an afternoon to forget.

The Red Devils captain was returning the starting line-up after being sidelined with a calf injury, and the 28-year-old looked extremely rusty against his former club.

Leicester forward Kelechi Iheanacho dispossessed the centre-back on the edge of his own box after he misjudged the weight of a David de Gea pass, setting up Youri Tielemans for the Foxes’ equaliser after Mason Greenwood had opened the scoring.

However, things went from bad to worse for the England defender. He needlessly put the ball out for a Leicester corner under no pressure in the 78th minute and was unable to clear his lines after the ball had been swung into United’s box leading to Caglar Soyuncu smashing the ball home from close range.

His desperately poor display saw SofaScore award Maguire a match rating of just 6.1 out of 10, the lowest received by any player on the pitch. During the 90 minutes, he won just 56% of his duels, made one error leading directly to a goal and was dribbled past on one occasion, highlighting his underwhelming performance at the King Power Stadium.

Questions will be asked over whether Maguire should have been starting so soon after coming back from an injury, but the 6 foot 3 gem let Solskjaer down against Leicester, piling further pressure on the Norwegian.

In other news… MUFC could secure their next Pogba in “devastating” £74k-p/w gem, Ole would love him 

Taking to Twitter, Sky Sports reporter Lyall Thomas has now shared a Southampton transfer update involving West Bromwich Albion goalkeeper Sam Johnstone.

The Lowdown: Southampton eye summer moves…

The Saints and their transfer chief Martin Semmens reportedly have their eyes on the summer transfer window as they seemingly start to outline targets for 2022/23.

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Union Berlin striker Taiwo Awoniyi has been linked lately, with Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhuttl allegedly eyeing a new striker addition. Meanwhile, lesser-known names like South Korea international Son Jun-ho are also on their radar alongside the potential addition of a new goalkeeper.

Taking to social media, Sky Sports reporter Thomas has now updated Saints supporters with some transfer news involving Johnstone.

The Latest: Thomas makes Johnstone claim…

According to the journalist’s sources, Southampton are among the clubs eyeing a move for West Brom’s soon to be out-of-contract ace. However, they will face stern competition from the likes of Manchester United and Tottenham.

Thomas explained on Twitter: “Tottenham continuing to assess Sam Johnstone as an option to strengthen GK dept this summer, via my colleague @RobDorsettSky, Man Utd and Southampton among other clubs interested.”

The Verdict: Make a move…

Winning the race for Johnstone, a three-cap England international, would be a stellar move by the Saints and Semmens, especially on a free transfer.

Former Baggies boss Sam Allardyce was effusive in his praise for the 29-year-old for his Premier League form last year, while the likes of Wolves legend Steve Bull have heralded Johnstone as a ‘world class’ shot stopper.

For zero cost, he could be the ideal man to strengthen Hasenhuttl’s options between the sticks, but the only caveat is arguably all the competition Southampton face for his services.

In other news: ‘It is true’ – Southampton backed by close source as they also eye ‘star’ international for Ralph, find out more here.

Antonio Conte could be on the verge of making one of his first mistakes at Tottenham Hotspur after a recent claim emerged about central defender Joe Rodon.

What’s the word?

The 24-year-old Wales international has barely featured under the Italian since his arrival last month, featuring for only 54 minutes against NS Mura in the Europa Conference League, in what was just his fourth start of the season overall.

He was signed from Swansea City a year ago for around £11m and could now look to force an exit this January, in a bid to earn some more minutes on the pitch.

According to Football Insider, the 6 foot 4 colossus is “100 per cent” keen to secure an exit next month. Meanwhile, Spurs are seemingly on the lookout for defensive reinforcements, having been linked to the likes of Inter Milan’s Stefan de Vrij and Alessandro Bastoni, as well as AC Milan’s Alessio Romagnoli.

Now, Sky Sports reporter Michael Bridge, who is generally clued up on things behind the scenes at Hotspur Way, has delivered his verdict to GIVEMESPORT. He said:

“As it stands right now, I just get this feeling that Antonio Conte doesn’t think he’s at the level Tottenham need.”

Bad call?

This is a worrying claim as it almost certainly highlights the fact that the 52-year-old isn’t a fan of the Jose Mourinho addition, not at least because of his one start under him and that lasted less than an hour.

It is interesting that Conte will not turn to him despite their mini injury crisis that has seen star centre-back Cristian Romero ruled out for a couple of months heading into the start of 2022.

Rodon features regularly for his country and excelled at Euro 2020 alongside fellow Lilywhites defender Ben Davies, who the Italian has deployed in his back three regularly.

Indeed, the Welshman has played nearly as many times for Rob Page’s Dragons (12) as he has Spurs (16) in 2021.

But it’s a little perplexing as he clearly has a lot to offer and is a more natural centre-back than his compatriot and perhaps an even more reliable option than someone like Davinson Sanchez, who has been regularly lambasted as a “liability” during his time in N17.

Valued at £18m by CIES Football Observatory, Rodon has delivered fine performances for Wales, leading to praise such as “flawless” and him being a “special player” by journalist Ian Mitchelmore.

Meanwhile, in the past, he has been likened to two Premier League greats by Sky Sports’ Andy Hinchcliffe. “You look at Rio Ferdinand and John Terry and there are elements of both in Rodon’s game,” he claimed.

He’s also a player that the Lilywhites faithful have also been very keen to see and some feel that he should be in the starting XI more often, especially with Romero out injured – as seen in reactions relayed by This is Futbol earlier this month, once after the aforementioned Football Insider report and again after he was snubbed from a matchday squad.

They will not be thrilled by this latest update, so with the writing seemingly on the wall for Rodon, Conte could well be about to drop his biggest blunder yet in north London.

AND in other news, Imagine him & Conte: Spurs could form frightening duo with “fearless” £18m-rated beast…

An update has emerged on Rangers and their pursuit of a striker from the English Championship…

What’s the talk?

According to TEAMtalk, the Gers are among a number of clubs keen on a deal to sign QPR centre-forward Lyndon Dykes this month.

The report claims that Norwich, Newcastle and Crystal Palace are among the other clubs interested in signing the attacker, although it remains to be seen how much the west London outfit will demand for his services.

Get it done

Giovanni van Bronckhorst must ensure that he is able to get a deal over the line for Dykes, as he could be a “brilliant find” for Rangers, to use the words of Alex McLeish.

The £8k-per-week bulldozer could provide a different option for the Gers boss at the top end of the pitch, as he is not built in the same way as Kemar Roofe and Alfredo Morelos. Whilst the current Ibrox duo are technically adept and like to make runs, Dykes is a forward who can be the focal point of the attack and hold up the ball for his teammates.

In the Championship this season, he has won an impressive 4.3 aerial battles per game, after averaging 4.8 last season. This shows that he can hold his own in the air and is capable of winning flick-ons by beating opposition defenders to long balls, whilst it also suggests that he could aid Rangers in their defending from set pieces as he could use his talents to defend his team’s penalty box.

Darren Jackson hailed him as “mobile” despite his big frame after he scored a winner against the Faroe Islands for Scotland three months ago. This suggests that the 26-year-old could also offer running off and on the ball to go along with the physical presence that he provides.

In terms of goals, Dykes has also shown that he knows how to find the net regularly. He has scored 18 Championship goals for QPR since the start of last season and has netted four times in six starts for Scotland in World Cup qualifiers.

Therefore, he could be a brilliant find for Rangers, as he is a striker who can score goals, bully defenders with his physique and work hard at the top end of the pitch with his mobile running. This is why Van Bronckhorst must work with Ross Wilson to secure his services before the end of the month.

AND in other news, Time’s up: Van Bronckhorst must ruthlessly axe £900k-rated Rangers dud, he’s a “weak link”…

Wolves midfielder Bruno Jordao is expected to seal a loan move to Grasshopper Club Zurich on deadline day, according to a new report.

The Lowdown: Jordao struggling at Wolves

The 23-year-old joined Wanderers from Braga B back in 2019 but he is yet to make any kind of impression at the club.

Jordao has only made five appearances for Wolves to date, having been loaned out to Famalicao in 2020/21, and he played his first Wanderers game of this season in the FA Cup third round clash with Sheffield United earlier this month.

It now looks as though another loan move is on the cards for Jordao, with the deadline day clock ticking down.

The Latest: Loan move expected

According to The Daily Mail, the 5 foot 11 midfielder will join Grasshoppers on a temporary basis prior to the deadline on Monday.

Jordao’s current Wolves deal expires in the summer of 2024, but with each passing month, the more you wonder if he will see out his time at the club.

The Verdict: Possible summer exit?

The signing of Jordao has unquestionably been a failure, with the Portuguese ace never managing to settle and being badly hampered by injury problems, in fairness.

At 23, he can no longer be seen as a young prospect though and he needs to be playing regular football at a key point in his career, making his Grasshoppers move feel logical.

It could be that Lage has seen enough regarding Jordao, potentially selling him for good in the summer transfer window and hoping this temporary stint will do enough to put him in the shop window.

In other news, another late Wolves transfer claim has emerged. Read more here.

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Arsenal have been dealt a blow in their hunt to sign James Rodriguez, after the on-loan Bayern Munich star hinted at a return to the Spanish capital when his deal with the German side ends as reported by The Mirror.

What’s the word, then?

The Independent had previously reported that the Gunners were hoping to sign the Colombian international on a loan deal in the January window, although a move failed to materialise.

Real Madrid were said to be hoping to offload the former Monaco man upon his return, potentially using him as a sweetener in a deal for Christian Eriksen, but Arsenal’s chances of landing him in the summer look to have been dented after Rodriguez’s latest comments.

The 27-year-old said: “In Madrid, I have everything such as my house and people who love me. We will have to see what happens, but at the moment I have a contract with Bayern Munich.

“I just want to finish the season and we’ll see what happens. I keep in touch with some Real Madrid players.”

Sounds like he’s pretty keen on returning, and staying, in Madrid.

Where would he fit in if he did arrive at the Emirates?

This season, Bayern’s number 11 has featured in five different positions across midfield, highlighting his versatility and effectiveness in each area.

Rodriguez has made 18 appearances across all competitions for Niko Kovac’s side, scoring three goals and recording two assists from positions such as the centre attacking midfield area, left attacking midfield, central midfield, right midfield and left midfield.

To compare with a player whose future in north London looks uncertain in Mesut Ozil, the German almost exclusively plays in the centre attacking midfield position, as well as occasional ventures out onto the right.

If Rodriguez did arrive at the Emirates, Arsenal would instantly be handed a boost in terms of their squad depth, as they would be getting a player with excellent versatility and one who can cover more positions than Ozil – Rodriguez also works a lot harder.

Of course, it must be said that the Colombian playmaker hasn’t shown the form that made Los Blancos shell out £63m for his signature after the 2014 World Cup, but there is definitely a player of real pedigree in there somewhere.

Pundit Alan Hutton has been giving his thoughts on Celtic midfielder Tom Rogic and the hamstring injury that will keep him out until after the international break, Football Insider report.

The Lowdown: Rogic’s influence

Rogic has been a regular for the Hoops this season, missing only his first game of the season on the weekend against Livingston.

He’s netted once and registered four assists, while also leading the way for Celtic in regards to possession won in the final third and successful dribbles per match [Fotmob], showing exactly how crucial he is for implementing the style of play that Ange Postecoglou wants.

However, the Hoops won’t be able to call upon his services against Ferencvaros or Dundee prior to the international break.

The Latest: Ange and Hutton’s comments

Rogic went off injured against Hibernian towards the end of October, with Postecoglou revealing last week that the 28-year-old will be out for two to three weeks.

Hutton, who regularly features on BBC Radio 5 Live, was talking to Football Insider in a story on Wednesday morning, labelling it as ‘very disappointing’.

“Postecoglou will be gutted.

“When he came in, I thought he could get the best out of Rogic. I always thought he was a fantastic player who then went off the boil a little.

“His performances over the past few weeks have been of a high level. I thought Celtic were excellent against Hibs, which was a tough game. Rogic was a big part of that.

“Obviously to lose him is very disappointing because it was hitting those heights he was at a few seasons ago. He was a constant thorn in Rangers’ side every time he played them.

“He was getting back to that. So he’ll be hoping that he’s not out for too long because he’ll be a huge miss and they’ll need him.”

The Verdict: Ange must find a way…

The Hoops only managed to create three big chances at home to Livingston last time out, with a measly 0.26 xG in the first 45 minutes. [Fotmob]

Nir Bitton was the man to come in for Rogic, so Postecoglou may need to test a new approach in midfield against Ferencvaros or Dundee prior to the international break.

Rogic, Callum McGregor and David Turnbull have been the three midfielders Postecoglou has relied heavily on from the off this season, but he won’t be able to call upon his fellow Aussie, so it’ll be interesting to see how the Hoops cope over the coming weeks. Bitton is much more defensive-minded, managing just half of the key passes per game that Rogic does.

Postecoglou admitted that winger Jota could occupy a central role as a number eight, as mentioned by Kieran Devlin, so perhaps that could be an option for more attacking impetus.

In other news: £6.8m: McKay missed out on ‘extraordinary’ ace who’s ‘like Busquets’ before he left Celtic. 

Aston Villa midfielder Marvelous Nakamba could return to the first-team squad for the first time in nearly four months today as the Villans host Tottenham Hotspur.

What’s the story

According to Villa manager Steven Gerrard, the Zimbabwe international is nearing a return to action.

Ahead of the meeting with Spurs, the 41-year-old said of Nakamba: “He has played for the under-23s. So you couldn’t rule out the possibility of him making the matchday squad soon. If not for the Tottenham game, then he’s certainly going to be available for that Leicester fixture.

“But he has an outside chance of being involved in the matchday squad this weekend, although it wouldn’t be a start.

“It might be a bit too soon for him now because he hasn’t had any serious game time. Hopefully, he comes through that, recovers well and then he can be back with the group. He’s been back training fully for ten, 12 days, and he’s smiling, getting closer and closer.”

The Zambian has been sidelined since suffering a knee injury away to Liverpool in December but he featured for Villa’s under-23s last Friday, the 28-year-old’s first match since that pre-Christmas setback.

Gerrard will be buzzing

Although inconsistent form has ultimately denied the West Midlands side any late shot at qualifying for Europe, a top-half finish is still very achievable for the Villans.

With eight matches to go, it is vital that Gerrard’s men finish the season as strongly as possible, with the manager certain to be making judgements over the coming weeks as to which players will have a future at Villa Park .

Therefore, Nakamba’s imminent return comes as excellent timing, both for him and for the team as a whole.

The regular midfield trio of Douglas Luiz, John McGinn and Jacob Ramsey have impressed during the 28-year-old’s absence, although having another option in the middle of the park will undoubtedly improve the Villa squad and give the manager some pleasant food for thought.

Indeed, Gerrard will be buzzing to have Nakamba back available, as the player had proven his worth for Villa earlier in the campaign. His match average of two tackles is the fourth-highest in the squad, while his 86.6% passing accuracy makes him the joint-leader in this regard of any current Villa player to have started a Premier League match this term, as per WhoScored.

Having as many players available as possible will be a high priority for Gerrard as his side look to finish the season strongly ahead of what could be a busy summer in the West Midlands.

In other news: Sources claim Aston Villa’s “crazy” £22.5m-rated talent could now leave, fans will surely be fuming

This week, Everton signed Anwar El Ghazi from Aston Villa on loan until the end of the season, with Toffees manager Rafael Benitez surely delighted that he has signed up another attacking threat for his side to create more chances after a poor first half of the season.

Fabrizio Romano has now added a further detail on the move which will be of interest to Everton fans.

What’s the word?

The journalist has taken to Twitter to add details of a €10 (£8.35m) purchase option on the loan signing of El Ghazi.

The transfer insider tweeted: “Official and confirmed. Anwar El Ghazi joins Everton on loan from Aston Villa, deal sealed and now announced. #EFC

“Buy option will be regularly included as reported yesterday – not mandatory, around €10m.”

The Netherlands international joined the squad at Goodison Park from Aston Villa on Thursday, the same day that Lucas Digne left the Merseyside club to join Steven Gerrard’s side in a £25m move.

Benitez will be delighted

Benitez’s first season at the Everton helm has been a tough one thus far, and the Spaniard is hoping to improve matters by making signings in January to cover key positions and adding new players to resolve clear issues in the side. One of those is scoring and creating goals, with only five wins in the league and 1.28 goals scored per game compared to the 1.78 per game they are conceding.

El Ghazi joins a number of attacking players in the squad, such as the likes of Richarlison, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Demarai Gray and Andros Townsend, with the first two missing large chunks of the season through injury. That has duly hindered the goal threat that Everton has posed so far this season, with the duo netting 34 times between them last term.

The 26-year-old Dutch winger has not had too many opportunities this season to make an impact at Villa Park, with just 12 appearances in all competitions. However, during his time at the club over the last three-and-a-half years, El Ghazi has either scored or set up a goal every 180 minutes (once every two games, effectively), with 26 goals and 16 assists in just 119 appearances for the club, proving that he can be a consistent threat in front of goal.

Benitez will be delighted to add a player with such consistency, something the Toffees have been completely lacking all season, winning just one of their last 12 games in the Premier League. For the bargain price of £8.35m, El Ghazi fits the club’s tight budget, and the loan move gives the Goodison Park hierarchy the chance to weigh up whether or not he would be worth the financial commitment of a permanent deal.

In other news: Benitez must make a move for this defender

West Ham United return to Premier League action this weekend as they look to build on their fine form.

Indeed, David Moyes has steered his side to third in the table after just 11 matches, and now they head to the Midlands to face Wolverhampton Wanderers following the international break.

Last time out, the Irons defeated Liverpool 3-2, but that came at a price after Angelo Ogbonna was ruled out for the season with a devastating ACL injury.

That means the 58-year-old has plenty to ponder about team selection heading into kick-off, so what sort of XI could we see at Molineux today? Here’s what we are predicting…

There could be just the one change to the side which beat Jurgen Klopp’s Reds nearly two weeks ago.

With the Italian colossus on the treatment table for the foreseeable future, Moyes has to decide whether it’ll be Craig Dawson or Issa Diop taking Ogbonna’s place.

The latter could well get the nod, partnering fellow countryman Kurt Zouma in the heart of defence. They are joined by Aaron Cresswell on the left and Ben Johnson on the right as the Scotsman continues to make a big call on the academy gem, leaving Vladimir Coufal on the bench as he misses out again.

They will sit in front of Lukasz Fabianski.

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Further afield, Declan Rice and Thomas Soucel should marshal the midfield. The England international had to withdraw from Gareth Southgate’s recent squad through illness, even if he played against Liverpool with the same issue, but he is expected to be fit and available here today.

Pablo Fornals completes the central area, with Said Benrahma and Jarrod Bowen on either flank.

Up top, Michail Antonio will continue to lead the line after his goalscoring exploits for Jamaica. He made it back in time courtesy of a private jet from West Ham owner David Sullivan.

Moyes will be relieved to have the £12.5m-rated talisman, recently dubbed a “complete monster” and “absolute revelation” by journalist Paul Brown to GIVEMESPORT, available this afternoon.

AND in other news, Daniel Kretinsky key to West Ham landing key January transfer target…