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Nottingham Forest’s revival since Sean Dyche’s arrival at the club has been nothing short of sensational, with the 54-year-old having an immediate impact at the City Ground.

He’s led the Reds to four wins out of a possible five in the Premier League, taking the side out of the relegation zone and now looking upwards rather than over their shoulder.

Dyche has allowed numerous players to recapture their best form in the East Midlands, but none more so than Morgan Gibbs-White, as seen by his form in November.

The Englishman scored three times in his four appearances last month, resulting in the 25-year-old being nominated for the division’s Player of the Month award.

He could be joined by multiple other attacking options after the January window, with owner Evangelos Marinakis once again preparing to invest in the first-team squad.

Forest’s hunt for added reinforcements in the January window

Over the last couple of days, Forest have been just one English side touted with a potential move to land Lyon star Tyler Morton in the upcoming transfer window.

It’s been reported that Dyche’s side could see the 23-year-old as a possible replacement for Elliot Anderson should the England international leave in the winter market.

However, it’s also been reported that Marinakis is unwilling to sanction a January exit for their star player, with a £100m valuation already being slapped on his head.

Morton isn’t the only player on their shortlist at present, though, with Parma striker Mateo Pellegrino another option currently being considered by the hierarchy.

According to Sport Witness, the Reds are just one of multiple Premier League sides considering a move for the 24-year-old forward, who’s already netted seven goals this season.

The report also states West Ham and Spurs have also tracked his progress, with an unnamed English outfit already making a £13m bid for his signature in the summer.

Why Forest’s latest target would be an upgrade on Jesus

During the recent spending in the summer, Forest completed a deal for Botafogo striker Igor Jesus, after the Brazilian impressed at the Club World Cup during the summer.

Such a move generated huge excitement among the fanbase, with the 24-year-old already making an immediate impact in England after his transfer during the off-season.

He’s already found the net on six separate occasions to date, with three of his efforts coming in the Europa League during the club’s first European campaign in 30 years.

Jesus finally netted his first Premier League goal of the season against Wolves on Wednesday night, with his effort hopefully the first of many during the 2025/26 campaign.

However, he could find himself further down the pecking order after January, especially if the hierarchy complete a deal for Pellegrino during the upcoming window.

When comparing the pair’s respective stats from the ongoing campaign, the Argentine has outperformed him in key areas, showcasing why he would be an upgrade in the Brazilian.

Pellegrino, who’s been labelled a “freight-truck” by Serie A commentator Jose Rodriguez, has registered more league goals in 2025/26 to date, whilst also achieving a better goal per shot on target rate.

How Pellegrino & Jesus compare in 2025/26

Statistics (per 90)

Pellegrino

Jesus

Games played

13

13

Goals & assists

4

1

Shot on target accuracy

38%

25%

Goals per shot on target

0.4

0.1

Passes into final third

1.1

0.6

Take-on success

64%

27%

Fouls drawn

2.3

1.4

Aerials won

4.6

3.9

Aerial success rate

55%

41%

Stats via FBref

Such numbers showcase his incredible ability when in front of goal, whether that be in the air or on the ground, with the Argentine possessing serious quality in the box.

He could be the perfect Dyche centre-forward, as seen by his tally of 4.6 aerials won at a success rate of 53%, potentially offering the focal point, an area in which Jesus has struggled.

The Parma talisman has also completed more of the take-ons he’s attempted, whilst making more passes into the final third, arguably being a better all-round option than the Brazilian.

It’s unclear if the player himself would be open to a winter switch to the Premier League, but it’s clear Pellegrino would be a perfect fit for the current system at the City Ground.

He and Jesus are two players who could certainly share the responsibility at the top end of the pitch, with the former of the pair the best option to lead the club into the unknown.

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Crystal Palace are now readying a January move for Chelsea’s Raheem Sterling, with Oliver Glasner personally keen, and they hold an advantage in the race for his signature.

Palace are one of many clubs looking like they could make a push for the European places this season, should they manage to keep their squad together, and there has recently been a positive update on that front, despite Liverpool retaining an interest in Marc Guehi.

There has also been a new update on Adam Wharton’s future, amid widespread interest from Premier League clubs, while the Eagles have been forced to make do without Eberechi Eze this season, with the 27-year-old moving to Arsenal in the summer.

Following Eze’s departure, Glasner’s side brought in Yeremy Pino, but it has now been revealed they want to bring in another forward to soften the blow of losing their talisman in the previous window…

Crystal Palace readying January move for Raheem Sterling

According to a report from SportsBoom, Crystal Palace are now readying a January move for Chelsea’s Sterling, with Glasner personally keen, and the Blues willing to pay part of the winger’s wages to get him off the books.

There is expected to be competition for the Englishman’s signature from Leeds United, but Palace may hold a key advantage in the race for his signature, as he wants to remain in the south for personal reasons.

The South Londoners’ location could give them the edge in the battle for the Chelsea outcast, who has been named as one of the best wingers in Premier League history, given that he lives in Berkshire, but there are doubts over whether they should even pursue a move.

Pep Guardiola has lauded the former Manchester City man in the past, saying: “For his confidence it will be massive, the first goal is brilliant, when Raheem executes without thinking he is excellent.”

However, the 30-year-old has had little opportunity to show his brilliance in recent times, having not made a single appearance for the Blues this season, and he struggled on loan at Arsenal last term, scoring zero goals and picking up just two assists in 17 Premier League games.

Having amassed a whopping 198 goal contributions in 396 Premier League matches and won 11 trophies, there can be no denying that Sterling was a top player in his prime, but his best days might be behind him, so it wouldn’t be the end of the world if Leeds beat Palace to his signature.

Crystal Palace join race for "extraordinary" forward likened to Kvaratskhelia

Crystal Palace join race for "extraordinary" forward likened to Kvaratskhelia

The Eagles are looking to bolster their options in attacking areas during the January transfer window.

By
Dominic Lund

Nov 12, 2025

Harry Brook could be in line to replace Ollie Pope as Ben Stokes’ deputy in Australia this winter, after Brendon McCullum revealed that the identity of England’s Test vice-captain will be part of their pre-Ashes discussions this week.McCullum is set to fly home to New Zealand on Monday evening following the conclusion of England’s home international summer, after their final T20I against South Africa ended in a wash-out at Trent Bridge on Sunday. He is due to meet managing director Rob Key in London prior to his flight to discuss selection for the Australia tour, and though he anticipates picking the squad to wrestle back the urn after 10 years will be “pretty easy”, he admits there are important details to iron out.Undoubtedly, one of the trickier matters to broach will be the issue of the vice-captaincy. McCullum confirmed there has been no conversation with Pope yet, who was originally appointed to the role in 2023, and has led the team on five occasions, most recently in the fifth Test of the India series when Stokes was ruled out with a shoulder injury. However, Brook has emerged as an impressive option since being elevated to the limited-overs role at the start of the summer.”We will work on that one as well,” McCullum said, when asked if there would be a new vice-captain for the Ashes. “We will chat about that over the coming days, as we finalise our Ashes squad.”You’re always looking at things, right? Every time you get together with a series, you discuss things. I think it’s no secret that Harry Brook is emerging as a leader within English cricket, so that’s something we need to work out. But whatever happens, a great team man understands that just because you haven’t got a title, doesn’t stop you from being a leader.”McCullum has clearly been impressed at how Brook has operated in his new role. The pair have been working closely this summer since McCullum assumed control of the white-ball teams at the start of the year, with Brook stepping up as captain in March, when Jos Buttler resigned in the wake of the team’s early Champions Trophy exit.”I’ve enjoyed working with Brooky, I think he’s taken to the role really well, really quickly. Still a work in progress but he’s got a demanding schedule himself and we have to be aware of that as we move forward.”He’s got a good head on his shoulders, he’s well connected within the group. He keeps things very simple. We’ve got a really good relationship and I think that started well.”Pope, 27, has won three and lost two of his five matches in charge, which encompasses a 2-1 series win over Sri Lanka last summer. In that period, he has impressed teammates and staff with his leadership qualities, and emerged as a vital cog in the dressing room.Ollie Pope has led England in five Tests to date•Getty Images

The Surrey batter has also averaged 41.60 at No.3 during Stokes’ tenure. However, the emergence of Jacob Bethell has led to uncertainty as to whether Pope will start the Ashes in that position – and without the insulation of the vice-captaincy, that speculation is likely to grow.Bethell’s breakthrough 2024 was capped off when he averaged 52.00 away to New Zealand on his first Test assignment. And though he has had little game-time this summer, the 21-year-old was able to register his first professional hundred in the third ODI against South Africa. This week, he is set to become England men’s youngest-ever captain, leading a T20I tour of Ireland.”We’ll slow ourselves down a bit there,” McCullum said, when asked if Bethell could break into the XI for the first Ashes Test. “We’ll wait till we get down there before we start making those decisions.”McCullum suggested Pope will be considered England’s reserve wicketkeeper as cover for Jamie Smith. Similar considerations on alternates and the general make-up of the squad will be thrashed out in the coming days.A decision will also be made on back-up for England’s primary spinner Shoaib Bashir, with legspinning allrounder Rehan Ahmed, and left-arm orthodox options Liam Dawson and Jack Leach the candidates with Test experience.The touring party may also include seven fast bowlers to deal with the rigours of a five-match series, particularly given continued uncertainty over the fitness of Mark Wood. The Durham quick, who underwent left knee surgery in March, is unlikely to play any competitive cricket ahead of the first Test in Perth beginning on November 21.”I think it’s a pretty easy squad to pick really,” McCullum said.Jacob Bethell’s impact on debut in New Zealand makes him a strong candidate for the Ashes•AFP via Getty Images

“From our point of view, our very good back-up wicketkeeper is Ollie Pope, he’s done a great job for us in similar conditions in New Zealand. We know where we are at, probably the only one is the second spinner which we need to chat about to make sure we pick the person who will give us the greatest chance. It’s pretty settled.”We are also in the lucky position that, because of the schedule, we know that the Lions are going to be in Australia at the same time. A lot of the guys in that Lions set-up, if needed, will be playing cricket down there, up and running, and if needed can come across into the full squad anyway.”We don’t need too big a squad, but as we have prepared for over the last couple of years, we have a very settled group of batters, a cartel of fast bowlers, and Shoaib Bashir as our frontline spinner. He will give us the greatest opportunity with his bounce when required. We have a counter-attacking batsman at No 7 and a captain with the bit between his teeth and is super excited.”England are also set to employ their third seam bowling consultant of the year with Tim Southee unable to fulfill that duty due to a stint with Sharjah Warriors in the ILT20. James Anderson, who had previously held the role, is also unavailable.Related

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“Tim won’t be available for the Ashes,” McCullum confirmed. “There’s a couple of guys I’m talking to at the moment. Hopefully we will confirm one of those. They’re good names. It would be nice to add them.”Southee’s last engagement this year will be the white-ball series in New Zealand in October, which is also likely to feature members of the Ashes squad not involved in the ODI or T20I sides.The third ODI against the Blackcaps (November 1) in Wellington is just 12 days before the start of an England vs England Lions warm-up at Lilac Hill. Given the proximity of the tours, there is scope to use New Zealand as a pre-Australia base. The Lions are expected to be in Perth from the first week of November.”When it comes to this New Zealand tour, there is a chance we may bring one or two others in,” McCullum said, “to make sure that we we get their final bits of their preparation and the cherry ripe before Australia.”But we will also use the Lions set-up as well, to make sure we get some loading into some guys when we all meet together in Perth. We’ll finish our preparation with our warm-up game and look forward to it.”With McCullum taking Ireland off – assistant coaches Jeetan Patel and Marcus Trescothick will assume charge – he insists he will refresh before “welcoming the boys” back to New Zealand. While he promises to make them as comfortable as possible, with all the trappings his homeland has to offer, he is allowing himself to get excited about his maiden Ashes tour.”Ramp it up now, we’re ready to go,” he said. “I thought it would be exciting. We’re very keen to make sure that we treat every series in isolation and give it the respect and the focus it deserves, because the minute you get too far in front of yourself, you’re going to get your arse kicked. So we always deliberately try and do that. But now the Ashes is our next assignment in the Test team, so we can’t wait. It’s going to be awesome.”We try to do our best to insulate the environment, on good days and bad, from a lot of that noise and we know the noise is going to be extreme. But it doesn’t mean we’re not excited about that. It’s going to be a huge series and we go down there with the type of team that we want. We’ll give ourselves every chance against the very, very good Australian side in their own conditions. It’s going to be a ripper.”

AC Milan are now reportedly plotting a move to sign Niclas Fullkrug from West Ham United after the striker’s agent made a damning admission ahead of the winter window.

The forward has struggled ever since arriving in the Premier League, but whilst he continues to contemplate his future, things have been looking up for West Ham. The Hammers made it back-to-back league wins on Saturday by defeating relegation rivals Burnley 2-1. It followed their 3-1 victory over Newcastle United last weekend and took them level on points with the Clarets.

The international break comes at a bad time for the Hammers, with Nuno Espirito Santo now settled into life in London and gradually turning things around. After the break, his side visit Bournemouth in search of a third-consecutive victory which could take them out of the relegation zone.

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It’s also a game that could see Callum Wilson square off against his former club in search of two goals in two games. Getting the summer arrival fit and firing on all cylinders will be key to West Ham’s survival and potentially key to determining Fullkrug’s future.

AC Milan join Fullkrug race after agent admission

According to Tuttomercatoweb, AC Milan have now joined the race to sign Fullkrug, who has missed the last four Premier League games through injury and scored just three goals during his time at West Ham.

When the forward arrived from Borussia Dortmund, there were question marks about his age, but those questions that were answered by the impressive season that he had just enjoyed in Germany – helping his side reach the Champions League final in 2024.

Any hope that Fullkrug could replicate that form in the Premier League didn’t take long to disappear, however, and now he looks destined to leave.

Speaking on the TOMorrow Business Podcast, Fullkrug’s agent Thorsten Wirth made a damning admission about the forward’s time at West Ham, saying: “Looking back, we have to say the transfer didn’t work out. There’s no point in sugar-coating it.”

Meanwhile, when asked about Fullkrug’s future, he said: “This always has to happen in cooperation with the club, but I believe it can make sense to change something there.”

Although Peter Crouch went as far as calling the forward “excellent” at Euro 2024, it’s fair to say that Fullkrug’s time at West Ham simply hasn’t worked out and he should move on in 2026.

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