Fabrizio Romano: Man City keen on "brilliant" Girona breakout star Savio

Manchester City are always in the market for up-and-coming talent, and they have started internal discussions regarding a player who is already thriving within the City Football Group.

Manchester City look to arrest Premier League slump…

For most sides, losing just once in their last six Premier League wouldn't be deemed as a slump, especially given when the sole defeat came at the hands of Aston Villa, who have put together an almost formidable run of results at Villa Park this term.

Nevertheless, Manchester City aren't like most sides, which is evidenced by the fact Pep Guardiola and his men are attempting to pull off a record-breaking fourth successive title in a row. Four draws, one triumph over Luton Town and a loss in the West Midlands have left the Sky Blues with work to do if they are to retain the league; however, they will hope to take confidence from their Club World Cup success last week.

Man City make "big-money" offer to "very unique" target; he's wowed scouts

City are in pole position to secure his services.

By
Sean Markus Clifford

Dec 24, 2023

Goodison Park awaits Guardiola's side in one of the toughest assignments they could encounter following their trip to Saudi Arabia. Speaking to official club media pre-match, Portugal international Bernardo Silva said his side must improve as they seek the Premier League crown: "First, we have to focus on the games left this month as it is going to be a very tough month with Everton, then Sheffield United and then Huddersfield in the FA Cup.

"Now we are really focused on the domestic competitions – especially the Premier League as we are not in a very good position. We can think about Copenhagen in the Champions League later on as we have some tough, tough games coming up."

Now, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has offered up the latest state of play regarding Manchester City's pursuit of a talented attacker who could arrive in the summer.

Manchester City discuss Savio deal

Taking to social media platform X, Romano has confirmed that on-loan Girona attacker Savio is a player City chiefs are "discussing internally" as they plan for the long-term under Guardiola.

On loan from ESTAC Troyes, the Brazilian wonderkid is operating under the umbrella of two clubs that are already in the City Football Group, creating a potentially complicated scenario that could eventually lead to the 19-year-old moving to Manchester.

Savio in action for Girona.

Labelled a "brilliant talent" by talent scout Jacek Kulig, Savio, also known as Savinho, has registered five goals and five assists in 20 appearances across all competitions this campaign at the time of writing (Savio statistics – Transfermarkt).

Five similar players to Savio (as provided by FBRef)

Player

Club

Takefusa Kubo

Real Sociedad

Rodrigo Riquelme

Atletico Madrid

Viktor Tsyhankov

Shakhtar Donetsk

Jonathan Bamba

Celta Vigo

Julian Brandt

Borussia Dortmund

Harnessing the power of the player network provided by the creation of the CFG, Guardiola could now land himself a star of the future if negotiations go to plan.

Celtic make approach to sign Scott McKenna with Rodgers’ options stretched

Celtic will be keen to build on their Scottish Premiership campaign and have now made an approach to try and bring a defender into the building in January, according to a report.

Celtic derby day delight sets up January window…

In what was billed by some as a must-win clash in the context of their title hopes, Celtic saw off Rangers at Parkhead in front of a raucous home crowd as goals from Paulo Bernardo and Kyogo Furuhashi cancelled out James Tavernier's late reply from a free-kick for the visitors.

Speaking to media post-match, Brendan Rodgers responded to recent suggestions from some within Scottish footballing circles that had doubted the Hoops' title credentials, stating:

"Over my two spells here I’ve worked against five Rangers managers and every time Rangers 'were coming'. Every time at some point. So for me, it’s it’s normal."

Celtic "advance" in talks with "prospect" after summer scouting missions

Celtic are in the market for quality in the January window…

BySean Markus Clifford Dec 27, 2023

Nonetheless, the Northern Irishman will know that Phillipe Clement's side will throw everything at trying to sway the destination of the Scottish top-flight crown, making January an important month for everyone concerned with Celtic.

Citing his need for new reinforcements, Rodgers said in an interview last month: "We want to bring in quality, especially at the top end of the field. That’s hopefully something that we can hope to resolve in the next couple of windows. We need to add quality. That’s the glaring thing that stands out within the squad. If we can have players available and add to that then we can go again and push forward."

Now, it appears that the Hoops have made a move for an experienced defender who could help to offer some valuable squad depth, according to a report.

Celtic make Scott McKenna approach

According to PLZ Soccer, Celtic have approached Nottingham Forest regarding defender Scott McKenna by making a tentative enquiry, therefore initiating contact with the Premier League outfit and the Scotland international's entourage over his possible availability.

Scott McKenna's Premier League statistics – 2023/24 (Sofascore)

Clearances per game

5.0

Total duels won

5.2 (79%)

Aerial duels won

4.0 (87%)

Accurate passes in own half

18.2 (87%)

Average match rating

6.94/10

Appearances

5

In their Glasgow Derby victory over Rangers, Stephen Welsh was withdrawn and replaced by Maik Nawrocki and Cameron Carter-Vickers was ruled out until after the winter break in the build-up to the fixture, stretching Rodgers' options at centre-back to the limit.

Scott McKenna and Scott Sinclair during Aberdeen vs Celtic.

Dubbed a "good athlete" by former teammate Barry Robson, McKenna is no stranger to Rodgers, who is a known admirer of his qualities after persistently trying to sign him during his first spell at Parkhead.

Now said to be frozen out at Nottingham Forest alongside teammate Joe Worrall, the 27-year-old could be a financially advantageous arrival for Celtic if he is to return to the Scottish Premiership in January, given that he is out of contract at the East Midlands-based side this summer, making this one to watch.

After Perisic, Tottenham player wants January exit as Levy lowers price tag

After Tottenham officially confirmed the departure of Ivan Perisic to Hajduk Split on Friday, it appears another player wants out as he sets his sights on joining a specific club.

Spurs offloading surplus players in wave of loan deals

Club chairman Daniel Levy, chief football officer Scott Munn and technical director Johan Lange have guided the club through a pretty active January transfer window so far.

Romano says Ange really likes midfielder alongside Nusa, Spurs bid possible

Postecoglou is a big fan.

ByEmilio Galantini Jan 19, 2024

As well as the new arrivals, midfielder Timo Werner and defender Radu Dragusin, Spurs have managed to offload a number of unwanted players on loan deals.

Despite nearing the end of his contract, centre-back Eric Dier is among them, as he actually signed for Bayern Munich on a six-month temporary deal.

This is presumably so Bayern can get him permanently for nothing when he becomes a free agent in the summer, but it's still good business for Spurs as they rid themselves of Dier's £85,000-per-week wages.

Alongside the Englishman, youngster Ashley Phillips, Djed Spence, Sergio Reguilon, Japhet Tanganga and Ivan Perisic have also departed on loan.

Timo Werner

Arrival (loan, RB Leipzig)

Radu Dragusin

Arrival (permanent, Genoa)

Eric Dier

Exit (loan, Bayern)

Djed Spence

Exit (loan, Genoa)

Ashley Phillips

Exit (loan, Plymouth)

Japhet Tanganga

Exit (loan, Millwall)

Sergio Reguilon

Exit (loan, Brentford)

Ivan Perisic

Exit (loan, Hajduk Split)

The latter man's move back to his homeland with Hajduk Split was officially announced by Tottenham yesterday, with the 34-year-old sealing a move despite still recovering from a complex ACL injury.

After Perisic, more outgoings certainly aren't ruled out, as uncertainty surrounds the futures of midfielders Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Bryan Gil.

Hojbjerg could be sold by Spurs in January to make way for a new midfield signing, with Postecoglou personally eager to bring in Chelsea star Conor Gallagher.

Gil, meanwhile, is failing to establish himself as a mainstay starter under Postecoglou – leading to suggestions he could move back to Spain.

Gil "looking forward" to La Liga return with Sevilla

As per Vamos Mi Sevilla.com, Gil is "looking forward" to a La Liga return and would be delighted to join Sevilla, his former club.

As relayed by the website, Levy has reportedly lowered his asking price to around £6-7 million, and it is believed the 22-year-old is "within reach" of Sevilla. This comes amid reports from Spain (via Daily Express) that Gil is eager to secure a permanent move away with the help of the Spurs chairman.

richarlison-bryan-gil-tottenham-opinion

However, Sevilla are not the only Spanish top-flight side chasing him, as it is believed Real Sociedad are also contenders for his signature.

Despite his lack of game time at Spurs, Gil has been touted as a promising talent in recent years, with ESPN's David Cartlidge calling him "very exciting".

Rangers stance on Borna Barisic exit shared as Leeds eye January move

Rangers could lose a "special" player during the January transfer window, with a new transfer report claiming a big English club are eyeing a move for him.

Rangers transfer news

The Gers could delve into the transfer market this month, as Philippe Clement looks to further perfect his squad between now and the end of the season.

A host of different left-backs have been linked with moves to Ibrox, ahead of the possible exit of Ridvan Yilmaz, with Liverpool youngster Owen Beck and Benfica ace David Jurasek among those in the mix to come in.

That isn't the only position that is being focused on, however, with West Ham right-back Ben Johnson someone who Rangers are fighting other clubs for, as he looks increasingly likely to leave the London Stadium before the month comes to an end.

Leeds want Rangers ace Borna Barisic

According to a new update from Football Scotland's reliable reporter Mark Hendry, Leeds United are among the clubs interested in signing Rangers left-back Borna Barisic, however, a new contract at Ibrox is also not ruled out. Yilmaz's exit is also possible, ahead of a potential switch to Galatasaray.

Glasgow Rangers defender Borna Barisic.

"Borna Barisic has suitors this month in Leeds United and around Europe in France, Spain and Germany but Gers want him to sign a new contract and have put the question forward for the left-back to consider. Meanwhile another left-back, Ridvan Yilmaz, is still having his future discussed with Hellas Verona wanting the player. Galatasaray reportedly had a bid rejected as Gers look to move him on."

Barisic has been a brilliant player for Rangers over a significant period of time, racking up a total of 224 appearances for the Scottish Premiership giants, so losing him midway through the season could be a blow, given his experience of title races in the past.

The 31-year-old is also someone who was lauded by Steven Gerrard during his time as Gers manager, with the Liverpool legend hailing a brilliant goal he scored back in 2019:

"It’s a moment of magic. I always felt that it would take a moment of brilliance from one of the front men or wide men, or a really well-executed free-kick. Thankfully Borna stepped up and he deserves all the credit that he gets. I’ve seen him do that many times on the training pitch but it’s alright doing that when nobody’s there. You’ve got to do it in big moments so fair play to him."

This season, Barisic has started nine league games, invariably sharing playing time with Yilmaz, also winning an average of 1.8 aerial duels per game, and it would be better to keep hold of him for the time being, especially if his fellow left-back moves on.

Rangers now weighing up offer to sign "really good athlete"

He could be a replacement for Ridvan Yilmaz.

ByHenry Jackson Jan 14, 2024

At 31, his best days could be behind him, or may well be in the relatively near future, but he should be seen as a player who can contribute positively between now and May, potentially leaving at the end of the season instead.

Harry Kane's new coach? Roberto De Zerbi confirms Brighton departure as Bayern Munich make Italian top candidate to replace Thomas Tuchel

Brighton have confirmed that manager Roberto De Zerbi will leave the club at the end of the season.

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  • De Zerbi to leave Brighton after Man Utd clash
  • Likely to join Bayer Munich next season
  • Guided the Seagulls to highest league finish
  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    The Premier League club announced on Saturday that the club's clash against Manchester United on May 19 will be the final game of the Italian coach. The 44-year-old took charge of the Seagulls in September 2022 after Graham Potter left for Chelsea. Under his tutelage, the club finished sixth in the 2022-23 campaign – their highest-ever top-flight finish and also reached the round of 16 of the Europa League.

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    THE BIGGER PICTURE

    De Zerbi has been linked with a move to several clubs, however, Christian Falk reports that he could head to Germany and join Bayern Munich ahead of the 2024-25 season. Bayern sporting Max Eberl has reportedly identified the Brighton coach as his first choice to appoint as Thomas Tuchel's replacement.

  • WHAT ROBERTO DE ZERBI SAID

    Speaking to the club's official website, the outgoing Brighton boss said: "I am very sad to be leaving Brighton, but I am very proud of what my players and staff have achieved with the support of everyone at the club and our amazing fans in the past two historical seasons. We have agreed to end my time at Brighton so that the club and I can continue to work in the way that suits each of us best, following our own ideas and visions, as well as our work and human values.

    "I have really enjoyed an intense and challenging two years working in the Premier League, not least competing in four major competitions this season. Leaving now provides me with time to take a break before deciding on my future plans."

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    WHAT NEXT FOR BRIGHTON?

    The Seagulls, who have won just once in their last nine league outings, will aim to end the season with a win and give a fitting farewell to their manager on Sunday against United at Amex Stadium.

رونالدو يواصل هجومه على تين هاج: أرفض ما يقوله وعليه التفكير قبل التحدث

واصل مهاجم النصر السعودي، كريستيانو رونالدو، هجومه الحاد على مدرب مانشستر يونايتد الحالي، إريك تين هاج، بسبب وضع الشياطين الحمر المتذبذب.

وبدأ مانشستر يونايتد الموسم بشكل سيئ للغاية حيث خسر مباراتين من أصل 3 جولات لعبها الفريق مع أداء لا يرضي الجماهير وأساطير “أولد ترافورد”.

وكان رونالدو قد دخل في خلاف مع تين هاج في بداية عمله مع مانشستر يونايتد وقرر البرتغالي الرحيل بسببه قبل كأس العالم 2022.

وخرج اللاعب المخضرم وقتها ليهاجم تين هاج وأكد على عدم شعوره بأي احترام تجاه المدرب الهولندي بسبب أسلوب تعامله مع اللاعبين وهو ما حدث أيضًا مع جادون سانشو لاحقًا.

اقرأ أيضًا.. مانشستر يونايتد يدرس التعاقد مع لاعب بايرن ميونخ في يناير

وقال رونالدو في تصريحات جديدة مع زميله السابق، ريو فرديناند، عبر قناة “FIVE” على “يوتيوب”: “مانشستر يونايتد يحتاج إلى إعادة بناء كل شيء”.

وتابع: “يقول المدرب إنهم لا يستطيعون المنافسة للفوز بلقب الدوري الإنجليزي ودوري أبطال أوروبا، لا يمكنك أن تقول هذا”.

واختتم: “لا يمكنك أن تقول إنك لن تقاتل للفوز بالألقاب، عليك أن تفكر في ذلك قبل الإفصاح به أمام الإعلام، ربما تقول لنفسك، حسنًا ربما لا نملك الإمكانات لذلك ولكن عليك أن تحاول”.

Can Mumbai Indians take down Chennai Super Kings' Chepauk fortress?

Big picture

This is arguably the biggest rivalry in the history of the tournament – the IPL’s . Mumbai Indians ended Chennai Super Kings’ three-match winning streak earlier this month. And while Super Kings are yet to lose a home game this season, the last team to beat them at Chepauk were Mumbai, in IPL 2015, breaking a two-year streak. Super Kings have a 44% win record against Mumbai, while it’s 60% or above against every other team. Since 2015, Mumbai have won five of the seven meetings between the two teams.All this sets up a mouth-watering contest, as Mumbai face table-toppers Super Kings at a crucial stage in the tournament.

Form guide

Chennai Super Kings: Beat Sunrisers by six wickets, lost to RCB by one run, lost to Sunrisers by six wickets
Mumbai Indians: Lost to Royals by five wickets, beat Capitals by 40 runs, beat RCB by five wickets

While Super Kings have all but sealed their spot in the playoffs, Mumbai are looking to cement their position with the race heating up. They’re coming into the game following a five-day break after their loss to Rajasthan Royals. A win here will lift them to second, while a loss might land them in trouble, leaving their playoff hopes dependent on other closely-competing teams’ results.Super Kings went into their last game, against Sunrisers Hyderabad, facing questions over whether their batting was too dependent on MS Dhoni. They answered some of them, with Shane Watson and Suresh Raina stepping up to lead the chase of 175, and Dhoni didn’t even come out to bat. There are, however, concerns surrounding Ambati Rayudu and Kedar Jadhav, who have been in middling form this season. Rohit Sharma, meanwhile, has struggled to convert starts, but his form does not seem to be that big a concern yet for Mumbai, who have enviable batting depth. After producing slow turners in the first half of the tournament, a batting-friendly track was laid out at MA Chidambaram Stadium on Tuesday, which is good news for the visiting team. Hardik Pandya’s late assault ended Super Kings’ last major unbeaten home streak in 2015. Can Mumbai take down Chennai in their Chepauk fortress yet again?

In the news

South Africa fast bowler Beuran Hendricks, who was named as the injured Alzarri Joseph’s replacement, has linked up with the Mumbai side in Chennai.

Likely XIs

Chennai Super Kings: 1 Faf du Plessis, 2 Shane Watson, 3 Suresh Raina, 4 Kedar Jadhav, 5 Ambati Rayudu, 6 MS Dhoni (capt & wk), 7 Ravindra Jadeja, 8 Dwayne Bravo, 9 Deepak Chahar, 10 Harbhajan Singh, 11 Imran TahirMumbai Indians: 1 Rohit Sharma (capt), 2 Quinton de Kock (wk), 3 Ishan Kishan, 4 Kieron Pollard, 5 Hardik Pandya, 6 Krunal Pandya, 7 Suryakumar Yadav, 8 Rahul Chahar, 9 Jason Behrendorff, 10 Jasprit Bumrah, 11 Lasith Malinga

Previous meeting

Mumbai’s seamers razed through a sloppy Super Kings line-up when the teams met at the Wankhede earlier this month.

Strategy punt

  • Quinton de Kock has been a force for Mumbai at the top of the order, having made 378 runs in ten games. He’s coming into this match with four consecutive 30-plus scores, including two fifties. But this year, he has managed only 114 off 99 balls against spin while being dismissed four times in eight innings. In the IPL since 2015, de Kock has lost his wicket 13 times in 25 innings to spinners. Super Kings could introduce spin early to counter the de Kock threat. Harbhajan Singh, who has had plenty of Powerplay success against left-handers, will be the obvious choice for this match-up.
  • Suryakumar Yadav might be one of Mumbai’s biggest assets, but this season he hasn’t really taken off, particularly struggling in the middle overs against spin. In nine innings, he’s lost his wicket three times to spinners and has scored just 107 off the 91 balls he’s faced from them. A possible fix for this could be Mumbai sending in Ishan Kishan or Kieron Pollard earlier. Kishan has been aggressive against spinners, striking at 163.1 since 2018 in the IPL, while Pollard’s best scores (83 v Kings XI and 46 not out v Sunrisers) this season have come when he’s walked out within the first 12 overs of the innings.

Stats that matter

  • Hardik has an average of 42 in the death overs and has been striking at 207.9 in this phase in nine innings.
  • Raina needs one more fifty to bring up 50 fifties in T20s and one more catch to get to 100 catches in the IPL.
  • Dhoni is one big hit away from 200 sixes for Chennai Super Kings.

Andre Russell in West Indies World Cup squad, Kieron Pollard misses out

Shannon Gabriel, Evin Lewis back in contention; no room for Kieron Pollard, Marlon Samuels or Sunil Narine

ESPNcricinfo staff24-Apr-20191:02

Is West Indies’ World Cup squad too light on spin?

West Indies have named allrounder Andre Russell, who has played just one ODI since 2015, in their preliminary squad for the World Cup, but there was no room for Kieron Pollard or Marlon Samuels. Fast bowler Shannon Gabriel returns, two years since his last ODI, while Evin Lewis and Kemar Roach were included having sat out the recent series against England with injury.Also overlooked was Sunil Narine, the spinner whose previous ODI appearance came in 2016. He may require surgery on a finger ligament injury but remains keen to return for West Indies at some point. “I don’t feel my finger is quite ready for ODI cricket,” he told ESPNcricinfo.Chris Gayle, who has signalled his intention to retire from ODIs after the tournament, is set for a fifth World Cup, while spinning allrounder Fabian Allen won selection ahead of Devendra Bishoo. Alzarri Joseph was not considered after suffering a muscle tear and dislocation of his right arm while at the IPL.While questions about who might be included centred on a possible recall for Pollard, following his form at the IPL, or even a comeback from the retired Dwayne Bravo, the return of Russell was the most significant decision by the new selection panel headed by Robert Haynes.Andre Russell flicks for six•BCCI

Russell has been hampered by a knee injury since returning to cricket last year following an anti-doping ban. He made one ODI and three T20I appearances on Bangladesh’s tour to the Caribbean in mid-2018, but has since played most of his cricket on the franchise T20 circuit – most recently at the ongoing IPL, where he has been a talismanic presence for Kolkata Knight Riders.West Indies will play an ODI tri-series against Ireland and Bangladesh, before the World Cup, and could still make changes to their 15 before the final May 23 cut-off. They recently named their squad to travel to Ireland, featuring fringe candidates such as Jonathan Carter, Shane Dowrich and Roston Chase.”Based on the new selection policy approach which allowed us to consider a number of players that have not regularly appeared in the side over the last two years, we had a wide base of talent from which to choose,” Haynes said.”There were a number of tough calls we had to make to settle on our squad of 15, including ensuring there was some continuity in the side, but we believe we have chosen a strong squad of players taking into consideration such factors as experience, fitness, team balance, current form and conditions.”In keeping with tournament regulations, we submitted our squad prior to the deadline date of yesterday. All players named for the tri-nations series could, however, stake a claim to be in the final 15-member squad that will be submitted after the tri-series and before the final deadline next month.”Gabriel has only played 18 ODIs and missed the opportunity to stake his World Cup case last month, when he was handed a four-match ban for on-field comments made to Joe Root in the St Lucia Test. However, Haynes referred to the extra pace he offers as being important if the white ball does not swing.Roach also missed the series against England, after suffering a stress reaction in his back, but returns to what is otherwise a largely settled squad that pulled off a 2-2 draw against the No. 1-ranked side.West Indies preliminary World Cup squad: Jason Holder (capt), Fabian Allen, Darren Bravo, Carlos Brathwaite, Sheldon Cottrell, Shannon Gabriel, Chris Gayle, Shimron Hetmyer, Shai Hope (wk), Evin Lewis, Ashley Nurse, Nicholas Pooran, Kemar Roach, Andre Russell, Oshane Thomas

Ryan Reynolds & Rob McElhenney reunion? Wrexham story may not be over for ex-Red Dragons captain Ben Tozer after release as a free agent

Ben Tozer has been released by Wrexham as a free agent, but the ex-Dragons captain has hinted at a future Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney reunion.

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Defender moved to Wales in 2021Took on the armband at timesNow preparing for a new challengeWHAT HAPPENED?

After completing a switch to North Wales a matter of months after two Hollywood superstars completed their stunning takeover at SToK Racecourse, commanding centre-half Tozer is being allowed to move on. He has played a leading role in back-to-back promotions for Phil Parkinson’s side.

AdvertisementGettyWHAT TOZER SAID

A new challenge awaits for Tozer, at 34 years of age, but he has said of potentially returning to Wrexham at some stage and linking back up with Reynolds and McElhenney: “I have had a couple of really good chats with both of them. They have both took the time out to make the effort to speak to me which was nice. You never know what could happen in the future with the relationship we have and stuff but it is great the way they have dealt with it and dealt with me, and dealt with everyone really.”

THE BIGGER PICTURE

If his path were never to cross with Wrexham again, then Tozer still has plenty of happy memories to look back on. He added, having savoured another all-expenses-paid trip to Nevada in 2024: “To go to Las Vegas in the manner in which we have for the last two years is outrageous really with the way we were treated out there and the experiences we get. I am very grateful to have enjoyed that. You get some people who turn around to you and say 'you are going to miss that' but I say 'no, I'm just glad it happened'. I would rather look at it like that rather than I'm not going to get this or that anymore. I've had that and I'm grateful I've had that.”

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GettyWHAT NEXT FOR WREXHAM?

Tozer is one of eight players that Wrexham have parted with at the end of the 2023-24 campaign, with Parkinson freeing up space in his squad that he hopes will be filled by summer transfers that are funded by Reynolds and McElhenney.

Sheffield Wednesday eyeing Cadamarteri upgrade who’s been “a joy to watch”

Sheffield Wednesday will just be pleased that they're not the laughing stock in the Championship anymore, rooted to the bottom of the division before Danny Rohl's arrival to Hillsborough with a miracle needed to stay up.

Now, before going into today's game with Mark Robins' in-form Coventry City, the Owls find themselves within touching distance of escaping the drop-zone – four points shy of 21st in the league, that spot occupied coincidentally by a Huddersfield Town side managed by ex-Wednesday boss Darren Moore.

Still, the Owls will need more positive reinforcements through the door this month to help the South Yorkshire giants pull off an unbelievable relegation escape.

One player in particular has been catching Rohl's eye, according to reports, signing a possible upgrade on breakout star Bailey Cadamarteri up top in the process.

Sheffield Wednesday's striker search

Already signing Ike Ugbo on a loan deal this January who can play as a striker, alongside recruiting a new goalkeeper in James Beadle also on loan, the Owls could make it a hat-trick of temporary swoops with a deal for Arsenal youngster Mika Biereth.

First reported by Alex Miller of the Sheffield Star, who described the Danish starlet as 'direct and goal-minded' in the report, the Championship relegation candidates are keen on bringing Biereth on loan to Hillsborough after a prolific spell up in Scotland with Motherwell.

A further update from Miller did suggest that Wednesday might be facing a losing battle to sign the youthful Gunners attacker ahead of other suitors – with Austrian outfit Sturm Graz heading straight to the front of the queue for his services – but the Owls should still persist with this deal.

With Anthony Musaba the top scorer at the moment for Rohl's lowly second-tier side, despite only registering five strikes for the season, Wednesday could well do with the addition of Biereth this January to show they mean business in the fight against the drop.

Rohl could even have to be cut-throat and limit Cadamarteri's first team minutes if a deal was secured for the former Motherwell man, the German boss needing every one of his players to be firing on all cylinders between now and the end of the gruelling Championship campaign.

How Mika Biereth compares to Bailey Cadamarteri

Biereth has made scoring goals look easy ever since bursting onto the scene at youth level with Fulham before moving across to north London, netting a remarkable 21 goals from just 21 games in the U18 Premier League during the 2018-19 season.

The Denmark U21 international took to the pressure of playing for Arsenal like a duck to water after leaving the Cottagers, bagging 11 goals during his first Premier League 2 season before a loan switch to Scotland came calling.

EFL Championship done deals: Every January 2024 transfer

As the January transfer window closes, FFC has you covered for every in and out involving your club in the EFL Championship.

ByLuke Randall Feb 1, 2024

This deadly ability to finish off chances at youth level translated to men's football whilst with Motherwell, helping himself to 11 goal contributions from just 14 games at Fir Park.

His exceptional displays in Scotland saw Daily Record journalist Ben Banks describe him as a "joy to watch", with Motherwell losing the ice-cold attacker branded as a "nightmare."

In stark contrast, Cadamarteri – back in South Yorkshire – only has four goal contributions next to his name this season with the teenage sensation now goalless in his last five Championship games.

Loaning Biereth out to the Championship could see the towering 6 foot 2 striker grow even more and perfect his craft, with the Owls arguably in need of another striker into the building if 32-year-old Michael Smith does leave this month for Derby County.

With Rohl preferring to give raw and unfinished gems chances in his starting lineup since moving to South Yorkshire, over players who have been there and done that, Biereth could well be the next up-and-coming star he fancies this transfer window with Cadamarteri falling down the pecking order as a result.

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