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Sunderland earned a 1-1 draw against relegation-threatened Hull City on Saturday afternoon, with Ellis Simms in particular disappointing for Tony Mowbray’s side.

After a disappointing defeat against West Brom at the Stadium of Light on Monday evening, the Black Cats will have been hoping to bounce back away from home on Saturday afternoon.

However, they could only muster a point against the Tigers, with Ozan Tufan’s late strike cancelling out Ross Stewart’s opener, which came 15 minutes after Elliot Embleton had been shown a straight red card.

It was always going to be difficult for Mowbray’s side to earn all three points after the midfielder’s dismissal but in truth, the performance before that was already disappointing and the blame should not lie solely with Embleton, who was perhaps unfortunate to be sent off given that he was badly injured in the process.

It was arguably Simms who was the most disappointing performer on Saturday afternoon, with Sofascore awarding him a poor 6.4/10 rating for his display, with only Amad Diallo (6.2) and Embleton (6.1) ranked lower of the Sunderland players to feature in the game.

During his 60 minutes on the pitch, the Everton loanee would manage just 16 touches of the ball and complete seven passes, both of which were fewer than goalkeeper Anthony Patterson, who contributed 45 touches and 26 passes.

It was also fewer than his replacement Ross Stewart, who had 25 touches and eight passes to add to his goal, despite being on the pitch for half the time.

On the few occasions Simms did have the ball at the KC Stadium, he was very wasteful with it, failing with all three of his dribble attempts and failing to register a key pass or shot on target, while he also lost possession seven times.

Considering he has averaged 1.9 shots, 0.9 key passes and 0.3 dribbles per game in the second tier so far this campaign, it is clear that he was nowhere near his best against Hull, and Mowbray might consider handing Stewart a start ahead of the youngster when they take on Blackburn on Boxing Day.

Aston Villa could potentially suffer a setback ahead of their Boxing Day tie against Liverpool, as goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez is unlikely to be available following his World Cup heroics, helping Argentina win the trophy.

Journalist Pete O’Rourke discussed the availability of the 30-year-old ahead of the crucial festive schedule while speaking to Football FanCast:

“Yeah, I can’t see Martinez being back available for that game.

“Obviously, we all know that their celebrations look like they will go on for a few more days in Argentina and get the players to switch back to domestic action.

“I think it is going to be pretty hard for all managers of players who have tasted success with Argentina at the World Cup so I think we probably won’t see Martinez maybe until January as well.

“And I’m sure Aston Villa have been preparing for that anyway, for the players who maybe went to the later stages of the World Cup.”

This will undoubtedly represent a blow for Unai Emery, especially considering Martinez’s form in Qatar. The goalkeeper kept three clean sheets across his seven matches played, while also making three penalty shootout saves in the wins over the Netherlands and France.

He was in solid form before jetting off to Qatar, making 2.7 saves per match, a success rate of 67%, and keeping three clean sheets in 15 games.

Emery will have to call upon backup keeper Robin Olsen, and this might send shivers down his spine considering just how bad he was in his only Premier League appearance this season.

The Swede played just 55 minutes against Newcastle United back in October, conceding four goals in that time, making just 1.0 passes, and saving just 2.0 shots in a terrible performance.

Emery will be hoping he can improve against Liverpool on Boxing Day; however, the quicker Martinez is back, the better.

Aston Villa have spoken to agent Jorge Mendes regarding the potential signing of Joao Felix, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

The Lowdown: Villa linked with Felix

The Atletico Madrid forward has been strongly linked with a move away from the La Liga giants in recent times, having struggled to find his best form at the Wanda Metropolitano.

Villa are one of the clubs to have emerged as possible suitors for the Portuguese gem as Unai Emery looks to make significant inroads in the transfer market.

It may not be easy for them to get the 23-year-old, but an intriguing update has now emerged.

The Latest: Conversations with Felix’s agent

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Romano said that Villa have been in touch with Mendes about a move to the Midlands for Felix and that the club share a positive relationship with the agent.

The journalist stated:

“For sure, Aston Villa are trying for Joao Felix. They had a conversation with his agent Jorge Mendes and the relationship is very good, but the reality is that the player is expecting something different. So I think it’s not going to be an easy one.”

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The Verdict: Positive signs

This report that Villa have spoken to Mendes is a positive sign as they look to pull off what would be one of their most ambitious signings in years.

Felix will be wanted by some of Europe’s top clubs, considering his reputation as one of the best young attacking players around, having won the European Golden Boy award in 2019 and cost Atletico €126m (£113m) that year.

The 23-year-old is someone who could potentially improve everyone around him at Villa – he has 33 goals for Atletico and four for Portugal – coming as a talismanic signing, and landing him would be a major statement of intent by the club.

Unai Emery will be pleased with the progress made in the short time following his appointment as head coach of Aston Villa in October, and will now look to utilise the January transfer window to bolster the squad’s hopes of a fantastic finish.

What’s the word?

Despite winning three of the club’s four Premier League fixtures since assuming his managerial role, Emery is far from pleased with the options at his disposal, with a clear onus on the offensive flanks this winter, and Udinese’s Gerard Deulofeu could be the man to bolster the ranks.

According to Birmingham Live, Emery has enquired about the availability of his former favourite, contacting the Italian outfit to discuss the possibility of a transfer.

And with Anwar El Ghazi, Bertrand Traore and Mahmoud Trezeguet all departing last summer, the wide options at the Spaniard’s disposal could certainly do with some reinforcements if the club are to challenge for a European place across the business end of the campaign.

“Exquisite”

The 28-year-old winger previously played his trade under Emery’s wing for Sevilla during the 2014/15 campaign, scoring three goals and assisting ten more from 28 appearances, flourishing as a creative focal point for his side and winning the Europa League.

Emery will be hoping that he can maximise the player’s ability once again, acting as a provider for the likes of Danny Ings and Ollie Watkins as the talismanic forces in the centre.

Deulofeu has previously played for Everton and Watford – signing for the latter for £11.5m – in the Premier League, scoring 25 goals and registering 30 assists across 145 total appearances for the two sides, dazzling with his creative flair and guile as a marauding presence up and down the flanks.

And he is now in sublime form in Italy, clinching three goals and seven assists from 17 appearances, reaffirming his excellence as a force for positivity.

And last season, the gem netted 13 times from 34 league outings, also snatching five assists.

The “exquisite” ace – as once lauded by Gary Lineker, would bring a much-desired fresh dimension to the Villans’ attack, with FBref incredibly ranking him among the top 1% of forwards for progressive passes and shot-creating actions among positionally similar players in Europe’s top five leagues over the last year.

The statistical website also ranks the wide man within the top 7% for rate of assists and touches within the attacking penalty box.

While the £9m-rated ace has indeed been playing as a central offensive force for his club, it is highly likely he will revert to the wide role that he has been deployed in throughout the majority of his professional career should he sign for Villa.

Indeed, for a player that is “having a rebirth” after several lacklustre seasons, he would be an exquisite addition to Emery’s ranks and must now continue his resurgence in the Midlands of England, reuniting with a former manager and combining to wreak havoc once more, perhaps even challenging for silverware in the not too distant future.

Manchester United are close to completing a move for Crystal Palace goalkeeper Jack Butland, according to Alex Crook.

What’s the word?

The former England goalkeeper is set to move to Old Trafford to provide cover for David De Gea, after Martin Dubravka’s loan move was cancelled.

The 29-year-old played 17 times for Palace, but failed to usurp Vincente Guaita as the number one choice, and is on the verge of joining Tom Heaton as De Gea’s competition.

Speaking on TalkSPORT, Crook explained the details of the deal which looks close to being finalised.

“It looks like Jack Butland is going to sign from Crystal Palace. They had Dubravka on loan for the first half of the season but he only made two appearances,” he stated.

“He’s been recalled, I think at his own request by Newcastle because he wasn’t getting enough game time.

“They need a backup option to David De Gea, I think we spoke about Yann Sommer of Borussia Monchengladbach, he’s certainly a summer target, but we still don’t know if De Gea is going to commit.

‘They’ve got an option on his contract, he’s on big money so ideally they would like him to sign a longer-term deal, maybe for a reduced weekly salary.”

A long-term solution

Whilst Butland was a huge goalkeeping talent in his younger days, he failed to reach his potential and is far from a long-term goalkeeping solution for Erik ten Hag as he seeks a successor to De Gea.

Dean Henderson is out on loan at Nottingham Forest, but it remains to be seen whether he will part ways for good or return to Old Trafford.

United need a younger goalkeeper for the long run who can play in Ten Hag’s system, and although Sommer is a good keeper, at 34 he is never going to be the number one at United.

Although Butland will provide experienced cover, and is classified as a home-grown player for United’s squad, it is unlikely that he will ever fully challenge De Gea for the number one spot.

Crystal Palace will be looking to bounce back from their heavy defeat against Tottenham Hotspur when they face Southampton in the FA Cup on Saturday.

Patrick Vieira’s side were humbled 4-0 at home by Spurs but go into Saturday’s game as favourites, against a Saints side that look devoid of confidence under new manager Nathan Jones, having lost their last six Premier League games on the trot.

After reaching the semi-finals under Vieira last season, the Eagles will be targeting another strong run in England’s most recognised cup competition but will need to be much improved if they want to get past Southampton.

Here is how Football FanCast expects Vieira to line his side up at Selhurst Park, with five changes from the team that started in midweek.

Vicente Guaita has been the first-choice goalkeeper for all of this season but Sam Johnstone should get a chance in between the sticks for this cup fixture.

There are two changes at full-back, as both Nathaniel Clyne and Joel Ward disappointed in the defeat against Spurs, so Chris Richards and Jairo Riedewald are handed opportunities at right-back and left-back respectively, with Marc Guehi and Joachim Andersen continuing in the middle.

There is one change in defensive midfield, as Luka Milivojevic comes into the side for Jeffrey Schlupp, partnering Cheick Doucoure in the middle of the park.

Eberechi Eze, Wilfried Zaha and Michael Olise all keep their spots in midfield, in the hope that their creativity and flair can unlock a shaky Southampton defence, which has shipped the third-most goals in the top flight so far this season with 32.

The final change sees the “fantastic” Jordan Ayew drop out of the side, as he still boasts just one goal in the Premier League this season, with Odsonne Edouard deserving a start up front in his place.

Given their last two home games have finished 3-0 and 4-0 to the opposition, Vieira needs a much better result in the cup at Selhurst Park on Saturday, or the pressure could quickly build on the French manager.

Tottenham Hotspur may have held discussions with other parties potentially interested in an investment opportunity amid the reports of the Qatar Sports Investments rumours.

What’s the latest?

The week started on the back of reports emerging on Sunday night of talks being held between Daniel Levy and Nasser Al-Khelaifi over a potential minority stake in the Lilywhites.

This had been suggested by the journalist Ben Jacobs who claimed QSI were interested in expanding their portfolio to the Premier League and had identified Spurs as a potential investment opportunity.

However, since those reports had emerged, Alasdair Gold had claimed the north London club had shut down the notion of these talks have taken place.

And now, the Spurs correspondent has suggested on his latest YouTube video that QSI may not be the only party that could potentially be interested in a possible opportunity that may arise in N17:

“I’ve kind of also heard some suggestions certainly from the other side of the table, the Qatar side of the table, that there’s a feeling that maybe Spurs perhaps there’s another couple of interested parties at their end; that maybe, Spurs have had some discussions with about investment in the club.

“Or interested parties, I should say rather than discussions, but if they’re interested, I’m sure there have been discussions.”

In high demand

The initial reports coming from Jacobs have suggested the Qatari investment fund could potentially be looking to take a percentage slightly lower than the 30% Levy could be willing to allow.

However, it was initially thought this could potentially be a one-horse race with QSI and they could have the freedom of offering Spurs the terms they wish for.

But on the back of Gold’s comments, it will be interesting to see whether – if these talks progress – it becomes a serious battle to secure a stake in the Premier League side.

These reports come amid frustration being vocalised by sections of the Spurs fanbase in recent games with some chants heard from the stands directed towards the Tottenham chairman.

The Lilywhites currently find themselves sat fifth in the Premier League table and are yet to bring in any new faces in the January transfer window.

And with the likes of Newcastle United soaring up the league table on the back of fresh investment in the club, perhaps Levy has realised the club may need to source external funding to continue progressing.

But going back to Gold’s comments, having more than just QSI potentially interested in an opportunity at Spurs can only be a good thing for the Lilywhites.

Having a financial superpower like QSI interested will be seen as a positive by many, but only having them interested could restrict Levy’s potential demands if he is to consider offering out a stake in the club.

On the contrary, if Spurs have multiple parties interested, it could be seen as a possible bargaining tool which Levy could use to his advantage.

The January transfer window is well underway and Tottenham Hotspur are yet to make a move to bolster their squad by dipping into the market.

Fabio Paratici and Antonio Conte were busy over the summer as they brought in Fraser Forster, Richarlison, Djed Spence, Ivan Perisic, Yves Bissouma, and Clement Lenglet with the hope of improving the team.

The pair could now work together to secure further additions to the squad in the final two weeks of the window to give the side the best chance of securing a Champions League place for next season.

One player who has been linked with a move to the club is current Brighton winger Leandro Trossard. Reporter Ryan Taylor recently told GIVEMESPORT that Spurs have made a “verbal proposal” to the Seagulls but is not sure if they will go back in with another offer for his services.

Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi banished the Belgian international from their match against Liverpool and has since said:

“Nothing serious happened with Trossard. But recently, he didn’t give 100% in training and on matchday, that’s it on my side.

“Maybe his agent fancies selling him for a lower transfer fee… surely, Trossard didn’t tell me the truth. Everyone in the dressing room knows how things went. But if Trossand wants to rejoin us with the right attitude, I am happy to coach him.”

Tottenham must now pounce on any opportunity to sign the 28-year-old, if he is not settled at the AMEX, as Conte could form an exciting partnership at the top end of the pitch by pairing him with Harry Kane.

The Spurs centre-forward has been in phenomenal form in the Premier League this season as he has plundered 15 goals and one assist in 19 appearances.

Kane has created eight ‘big chances’ and provided 1.8 key passes per game in the top-flight but has only been rewarded with one assist for his terrific creative efforts.

Trossard, meanwhile, has found the back of the net seven times in 16 outings for Brighton this term, after scoring eight goals in 32 games in 2021/22.

The £40k-per-week gem, who was once dubbed a “magician” by journalist Deji Faremi, has proven that he can be a goalscorer in the Premier League and bringing in a player of his quality could allow Spurs to make better use of Kane’s passing ability.

No Spurs player, outside of the England captain, has scored more than four times in the division this season and this indicates that Trossard would be a welcome addition to Conte’s options out wide.

Now, just imagine Kane spinning on the halfway line and firing a through ball for the Belgian international to run onto and use to score a goal for Tottenham in the second half of the season. They could form an exciting partnership up front and that is why Paratici and Conte must swoop for him again this month.

Journalist and stats guru Gavin Buckland has admitted he is a fan of Ralph Hasenuhttl amid Everton’s search for a new manager.

The Lowdown: Everton can take their time

The Toffees were dumped out of the FA Cup a couple of weeks ago, which means they have a free weekend and no game until next week, so the Everton hierarchy don’t need to make a quick appointment.

Everton decided to pull the trigger and sack Frank Lampard following a horrific run of form which has seen the Toffees occupy a spot inside the relegation zone, and managers such as Marcelo Bielsa and Sean Dyche are being linked with the vacant role.

However, another former Premier League manager without a club could be a decent appointment in the eyes of Buckland in the form of Hasenhuttl, who lost his job at Southampton prior to the World Cup.

The Latest: Hasenhuttl would be a left-field choice

Buckland was asked on the All Together Now podcast who he’d like to see appointed as Everton’s next manager, and while a fan of ex-Burnley man Dyche, he also revealed his admiration for Hasenhuttl because of what he did on the south coast.

He said: “I’d got for Dyche, [but] I tell you who hasn’t been mentioned and I’ve always liked is Hasenhuttl. He’s out of a job, I’ve always liked him, possibly he’d be somebody.”

The Verdict: Moshiri should go for experience

Given the precarious position Everton find themselves in and that they have won just once in their last 14 games, it would be sensible for Moshiri to opt for an experienced Premier League manager who’s been there and done it at the bottom of the league.

This would therefore make candidates such as Dyche and Hasenhuttl viable options for Everton, while they are also out of a job, so would be more attainable financially for the Toffees who are severely cash-strapped.

According to TalkSPORT man Alex Crook, Hasenhuttl was judged rather harshly on the south coast when he was sacked last year by both the club and the Southampton fanbase, and with them failing to have improved under Nathan Jones, that could suggest he was doing a better job than people gave him credit for, so perhaps Buckland’s shout is worth considering.

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.