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Manchester United became the first team to progress through to the fourth round of the FA Cup as they beat Everton 3-1 on Friday night.

Erik ten Hag’s men had the dream start to the game as Marcus Rashford continued his fine form at the top end of the pitch by delivering a delicious cross along the Toffees’ box for Antony to convert into an empty net.

However, Frank Lampard’s side pegged them back ten minutes later as David De Gea allowed a simple cross to squeeze between his shins and Conor Coady was on hand to tap it in on the line.

The home team reacted well to that setback, though, as they continued to put pressure on their fellow Premier League side and eventually went back in front at the start of the second half as Rashford’s cross forced Coady into an own goal.

Manchester United found their third in the sixth minute of stoppage time as a foul from Ben Godfrey in the box allowed Rashford to convert from the spot.

Whilst the English dynamo was electric on the left wing and assisted both of the side’s first two goals and scored on the night, the real hero for ten Hag was Portuguese international Diogo Dalot.

The £25k-per-week defender, who has had to watch Aaron Wan-Bissaka start in his place due to his involvement at the World Cup, put in a terrific display at right-back and was arguably the team’s top performer.

Defensively, the former AC Milan loanee was almost faultless for the Red Devils. As per Sofascore, he won five of his six (83%) individual duels and made four tackles, two interceptions, one block, and one clearance off the line.

This shows that he was exceptional out of possession as he won the ball back for his side on a number of occasions and physically dominated the opposition in his battles on the pitch.

Dalot was also reliable on the ball as he completed 89% of his attempted passes and created two chances for his teammates. This shows that he was not a liability to the team and helped ten Hag’s men to control the match at times.

Therefore, the 23-year-old defender was the real hero for United on the night as he put in an excellent display in and out of possession, which could tempt his manager to bring him back into the starting XI for the next Premier League outing.

It is no real secret that Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is in need of further additions to help bolster his midfield ranks, with Wolverhampton Wanderers gem Matheus Nunes one figure who has been tipped for a move to Anfield of late.

According to The Telegraph, the Merseysiders could look to sign the Portugal international on a £44m deal at the end of the season, with the 24-year-old having seemingly been close to joining the Reds prior to his £38m switch to Molineux over the summer.

Journalist Fabrizio Romano – speaking to GIVEMESPORT – has now also suggested that a summer move could be a possibility, with Klopp and co likely to utilise their relationship with the player’s agent, Jorge Mendes, in order to strike an agreement.

The transfer guru stated: “Not for January, but I think this is something that could happen in the summer. He is one of the players they really appreciate and was already on Liverpool’s list before he joined Wolves. They have a very good relationship with his agent.”

The six-time European champions have already used that Mendes connection in the recent past to snap up another impressive figure from the Old Gold, with Diogo Jota having been signed on a £41m deal back in the summer of 2020.

Although the 26-year-old has endured notable spells out with injury since then, when he has featured he has typically impressed as a result of his attacking versatility and clinical presence in front of goal.

That latter trait is showcased by the fact that the dynamic ace has 34 goals and 14 assists to his name in just 93 appearances across all fronts to date, having previously been described as an “exceptional player” by his manager.

To be able to replicate that transfer masterclass with the signing of Nunes could well prove to be Klopp’s next astute piece of business, with the £85k-per-week “baller” – as described by journalist Aadam Patel – already thriving in the early months of his Premier League career.

The former Sporting Lisbon ace has impressively averaged 1.9 tackles per game in the top flight this season to illustrate his ball-winning prowess, while he can also offer a real bonus creatively as he ranks in the top 5% in Europe for progressive passes received among those in his position.

A talent who has been described as “one of the best players in the world today” by Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola, Nunes could well follow in Jota’s footsteps and quickly cement himself as a key figure for the Anfield outfit.

Arsenal are waiting for an update on their enquiry over Bayer Leverkusen winger Moussa Diaby, Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth has claimed.

What’s the word?

The Gunners are eyeing up another attacker after missing out on Mykhailo Mudryk, and Diaby could have been a signing for the short and long term.

A recent update has stated that Arsenal look set to sign Leandro Trossard from Brighton, which may put an end to their January pursuit of the Frenchman, but they could still return for the 23-year-old in the summer window.

Speaking on Sky Sports News, Sheth revealed that no answer had been given to Arsenal’s previous enquiry yet.

He said: “Arsenal are waiting for a response from Bayer Leverkusen over their enquiry for Moussa Diaby.”

A long-term goalscorer

If Diaby does join within the next two windows, he could provide cover across the attacking line, as well as inject goals into the Arsenal side.

Over the past year, Diaby ranks in the top 11% of wingers in Europe’s top competitions for non-penalty goals (as per FBref) and has scored six times in 15 Bundesliga matches this season.

He would be competing with Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli and would raise the standard of depth in attack, as having even one of them on the bench would add serious firepower as a substitute.

He was once described as “incredibly dangerous” by striker Nils Petersen and could help Arsenal compete on multiple fronts as well as reduce their reliance on Saka and Martinelli, as both players have started every Premier League match this season.

Should he join, Arsenal would be set up for the next few years in attacking areas, with the likes of Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah in the squad as well.

However, amid the Trossard reports, it remains to be seen whether Arsenal have already moved on to other targets for now.

An update has emerged on Newcastle United and their hunt to improve their options at the top end of the pitch in the January transfer window…

What’s the talk?

According to The Telegraph, the Magpies are confident of beating Premier League rivals Chelsea to the signing of Everton forward Anthony Gordon.

The report claims that progress has been made on a potential deal to sign the England under-21 international and that the club are hoping that the Toffees can come to a compromise on their £60m valuation.

Journalist Ben Jacobs backed this up by Tweeting:

“Newcastle growing in confidence they can agree a deal this week with Everton for Anthony Gordon, as first reported by @LukeEdwardsTele #NUFC tried for Gordon last summer. Player keen on the move, but fee still an issue even though it’s nowhere near figures quoted back in August.”

Craig Bellamy 2.0

Magpies reporter Luke Edwards recently Tweeted that he is getting “strong Craig Bellamy vibes” from the “raw” Gordon and the club could land their next version of the retired winger by bringing the Everton gem to St. James’ Park.

FFC previously published an article explaining why the move could go wrong for Newcastle, given the gem’s dip in form this season, but Eddie Howe and Dan Ashworth must want the youngster for a reason and there is, of course, the possibility that the winger can fulfill his potential on Tyneside.

Gordon has been directly involved in three goals in 16 Premier League appearances this term, after providing six goal contributions in the division in 2021/22, but his form at youth level before he made the breakthrough at Goodison Park was particularly impressive.

The winger scored 16 goals and produced five assists in 32 under-18 appearances for the Toffees, whilst also being involved in 13 goals in 28 under-21 games.

At the age of 21, Gordon still has plenty of time left on his hands to develop and grow and this means that Howe could use his coaching ability to drastically improve the forward’s output in the final third.

If the gem can become more consistent with his end product at the top end of the pitch then he could be the next Bellamy to grace St. James’ Park, as a fleet-footed left winger cutting inside onto his right foot.

Bellamy produced 43 goals and 23 assists in 128 matches for the Magpies in all competitions during his time on Tyneside and these are the standards that Gordon would have to live up to in order to be the next version of the Welsh wizard, which his youth record for Everton suggests he has the potential to do.

Glasgow Rangers look set to bolster their squad over the coming days as Michael Beale aims to finalise a number of potential incomings at Ibrox.

According to reports, there could soon be a triple swoop for Morgan Whittaker, Todd Cantwell, and Nicolas Raskin in the final week of the January transfer window.

There might be a few more signings if everything goes to plan, and with the 42-year-old previously claiming that he will give youth prospects plenty of chances to impress, it will come as no shock that he looks to add some more up-and-coming talent to the Ibrox ranks.

With that in mind, the Light Blues have been linked with a move for Belgian youngster Noah Sadiki, who is out of contract with Anderlecht at the end of the season.

Beale could uncover his next Trent Alexander-Arnold by signing the highly-rated 18-year-old this month, with the Belgian showing similar traits to the Liverpool right-back. The Rangers boss coached the England defender during his spell at Liverpool U21s, and Alexander-Arnold has since developed into one of the finest attacking full-backs in Europe.

The 24-year-old has registered 64 assists during his career so far, and this season he has completed 78% of his dribbles, made 1.8 key passes per game and grabbed one assist in the Premier League.

Sadiki can play as a winger or a full-back and certainly embodies the same style of play as the Liverpool star, looking to push forward as often as possible. He has claimed one assist this season, along with completing 67% of his dribble attempts and making 0.3 key passes per game.

These aren’t quite on the same level as Alexander-Arnold’s returns, although Sadiki still has plenty of time to develop. Ibrox could be the best place for him to do just that, especially under the tutelage of Beale, who nurtured Alexander-Arnold prior to his emergence in the Liverpool first-team.

The Anderlecht defender – who has been dubbed “highly talented” by talent scout Jacek Kulig – certainly looks to be going places, especially considering that Lille and PSV Eindhoven are also monitoring his progress.

James Taverner won’t be able to play forever, and signing prospects who have time to improve and get a taste of first-team action could be the best philosophy as Rangers eye a potential heir to their current captain, with Sadiki being an excellent choice.

Premier League high-flyers Arsenal could potentially be making a move for Vitoria Guimaraes sensation, Ibrahima Bamba, as manager Mikel Arteta looks to bolster his midfield ranks.

What’s the word?

Writing on Twitter, journalist Jacque Talbot revealed that the 20-year-old’s agent is currently in London, amid reports at the tail end of last year that suggested the promising Italian was a target for the north Londoners.

The transfer insider stated: “Told Ibrahima Bamba’s agents are in London amid Arsenal links.”

The suggestion back in November was that the 6 foot starlet has a release in his current deal of around £26.5m, albeit with further reports suggesting that the Portuguese outfit could be open to a sale for a fee of just €6m (£5m).

Ditch Lokonga

This search for a midfielder comes amid claims that the Gunners have rejected a loan approach from Monaco for peripheral figure Albert Sambi Lokonga, with Arteta seemingly not keen to see his squad further depleted.

Bringing in the aforementioned Bamba could, however, allow the league leaders to move the struggling Belgian on before deadline day, with Lokonga having slipped way down the pecking order at the Emirates Stadium of late.

The former Anderlecht ace – who signed on a £17.2m deal back in the summer of 2021 – has been restricted to just six Premier League appearances so far this term, with only two of those having come from the start.

As journalist Tom Marshall-Bailey stated, the 23-year-old “looks badly in need of a loan right now if he’s to fulfil his potential”, having been unable to dislodge the starting pairing of Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka in recent months.

With it looking as if the one-cap international does not have the full faith of his manager at present, it may well make sense to secure a deal for an “intriguing” asset in the form of Bamba, as lauded by writer Zach Lowy.

The exciting talent would clearly be able to strengthen Arsenal’s midfield due to his ball-winning prowess as he has averaged 2.92 tackles per 90 over the past year, with that record far greater than that of Lokonga, who has averaged just 0.9 tackles in that time.

That ability to provide an effective screen in front of the back four is also evidenced by the fact that the Vercelli-born dynamo has averaged 2.6 tackles and 1.2 interceptions per game from his 16 Primeira Liga outings in the current campaign, while Lokonga has averaged just 0.2 and 0.8 for those same two metrics, respectively, in the top-flight.

That should indicate that the signing of Bamba could prove to be a sizeable upgrade on the struggling Gunners man for Arteta and co.

Manchester United could make a ‘shock swoop’ on deadline day for Barcelona winger Raphinha, according to The Mirror’s Jeremy Cross.

The Lowdown: Raphinha at Barcelona

The 26-year-old made the move to the Nou Camp from Leeds United last summer but has struggled to nail down a regular starting role under Xavi Hernandez.

The Brazilian, who was hailed as a ‘magician’ by former Leeds team-mate and ex-Red Devils winger Dan James, has started nine of Barcelona’s 18 La Liga matches, contributing to just five goals.

He was recently linked with a move to Arsenal, and it looks as if a return to the Premier League could be on the cards for the winger, who has now been touted for a sensational last-gasp move to Old Trafford.

The Latest: Man United could move for Raphinha

The Mirror’s chief sports writer Cross shared a story on deadline day, looking at the Glazers’ plans for United in the final hours of the transfer window.

When it came to potential incomings, he stated that the Red Devils ‘could make a shock swoop’ for Raphinha, adding that the Spanish giants may need to free up funds to sign Manchester City’s Ilkay Gundogan.

The Verdict: Not needed?

Raphinha can play on either wing, but you could say that Erik ten Hag is well-stocked in that area of the pitch, especially with Marcus Rashford in exceptional form and the manager also having the likes of Antony, Jadon Sancho and Alejandro Garnacho to call upon.

Signing another centre-forward could be more beneficial, as Wout Weghorst is only on loan until the end of the season and Anthony Martial has endured a frustrating campaign with hamstring and back injuries.

It looks as if a move for Raphinha could be one to watch, though, and after his impressive spell with Leeds – where he contributed to 29 goals in 67 games – United supporters could be open to the idea of securing a last-gasp transfer.

Tottenham Hotspur did well to sign Pedro Porro during January, but Antonio Conte would likely still not consider the transfer window a huge success.

His side currently sit three points off the pace for top four, having played one more game than most teams around them, and they are battling with two of the Premier League’s most in-form teams in Newcastle United and Manchester United for a Champions League place.

The Italian has always been vocal in his demand for additional support. Indeed, it was as recently as November that he challenged his hierarchy to match the spending of both the Magpies and Arsenal.

However, even with the acquisition of the Spaniard, they have pushed payment of the £39m transfer fee until the summer by taking him on loan until then.

It therefore begs the question as to why they could not have secured Conte his “main priority” last month, which was reportedly a centre-back according to Sky Sports’ Michael Bridge. There were few credible reports which suggested that they might actually move for one, and in the end, such a deal never materialised.

Whilst it might frustrate the 53-year-old Spurs boss, he could now look to his youth ranks to plug this all-important gap, and the outstanding candidate for such a promotion has to be Maksim Paskotsi.

The Estonian defender boasts just one senior appearance for the Lilywhites but remains a highly-rated asset who is seen as the future of the club. Indeed, such is his talent that, in 2020, football talent scout Jacek Kulig labelled him “one of the most talented players in Estonia”.

Having only featured sporadically even at under-21 level, the 20-year-old does not post a great deal of data with which to analyse. However, having been hailed by Kulig as one of the best players for his country, his impressive displays in the UEFA Nations League stand as the best way to gauge his quality.

Averaging a 7.10 Sofascore rating in that competition, his averages of 1.5 interceptions and three clearances per game outline him as a stalwart at the back. He pairs this with an average of one key pass per 90, which further paints him in the image of the quintessential modern-day centre back who is comfortable on the ball.

With a sparkling future seemingly ahead of him, now is as good a time as any for Conte to promote the young titan to the first-team ranks and fill the gap which really needed sorting last month.

The sooner that Paskotsi is exposed to a higher level of football, the sooner that he can set about remedying his club’s biggest failing in the January transfer window.

European giants Atletico Madrid are believed to be interested in signing of Wolves youngster Hugo Bueno, according to a latest transfer rumour.

The Lowdown: Bueno shining for Wolves

The 20-year-old has been a positive for Wanderers this season, producing some impressive performances despite his side’s struggles in the Premier League.

Bueno has picked up 11 league appearances in total, as well as one apiece in the FA Cup and EFL Cup, as he starts to make the left-back spot his own.

His current deal may not expire until 2026 but a worrying exit rumour has already emerged.

The Latest: Atletico eyeing up move

According to AS [via Sport Witness], Atletico have ‘set their sights’ on signing Bueno once the summer transfer window arrives at the end of the season.

He is described as a ‘sensation’ in the report and it is claimed that the La Liga giants’ good relationship with Wolves could work in their favour.

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The Verdict: Must keep hold of him

Losing Bueno this early in his development would be a big blow for Wolves, considering James Collins has claimed he ‘works harder than anyone I know’.

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That work ethic and dedication can only stand the £2,200-a-week defender in good stead moving forward and his value should only rise in the coming years, while an average of 2.3 tackles per game in the league this season further outlines his ability.

Granted, it could be hard to keep hold of Bueno if his head is turned by Atletico – no club want an unhappy player in their ranks – but the hope is that he feels Molineux is the right fit for him currently.

If he decides to leave further down the line it could be hard to begrudge him an exit, at which point Wolves could earn a heftier sum of money and benefit more from the transfer.

Wolverhampton Wanderers will sit down with Ruben Neves in the summer and have a discussion about where his future lies at Molineux.

What’s the latest?

The Portuguese midfielder is proving to be a player in high demand ahead of the upcoming summer transfer window given his contract situation.

Neves will go into the summer with just one year remaining on his deal with Wolves meaning this will be the last opportunity for them to bring in some serious money for the player.

And there are believed to be clubs interested in taking him away from Julen Lopetegui’s side with the likes of Newcastle United credited with an interest.

Speaking to Football FanCast, journalist Pete O’Rourke has suggested the two parties will likely discuss where his future lies in the summer:

“I’m sure Ruben Neves, there’s going to be a lot of clubs interested in him in the summer, not just in the Premier League, but probably also abroad as well.

“So I think Wolves and Neves will sit down in the summer and probably have a discussion of where the future lies for both of them, really, and I’m sure there’ll be no shortage of takers for Neves if he does become available in the transfer market.”

Decision to make

Neves has been intrinsic to the recent success of Wolves having now played 238 times for the Wanderers since joining them back in 2017.

And in that time the 25-year-old has been able to provide a return of 29 goals and 12 assists under the various managers who have come and gone in those years.

However, it now feels as if the Portuguese international is at a crossroads in his career as to whether he will remain playing his football at Molineux or whether it is time for him to move on.

If the player has the dream of playing Champions League football, for example, it would seem apparent this is not going to be something he is likely to achieve at Molineux.

And with this in mind, it also leaves Wolves with a decision to make if the player is not looking to sign a new deal to keep him at the club.

With just 12 months remaining on his deal in the summer, Wolves will face the risk of seeing him potentially go for nothing if they are to refuse him the opportunity to leave.

Whereas, if they decide to cash in on him, they would still be able to bring in a respectable amount of money given his quality.

But with the likes of Newcastle and Liverpool said to be interested, it does feel as if it could be difficult to keep him at Molineux in the summer.