Express & Star

Transfer rumours - January 7

Expressandstar.com brings you all the latest transfer talk from Wolves, West Brom, Aston Villa and Walsall.

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Rushian Hepburn-Murphy in action for Villa (Photo: Dave Birt)

The extracts on this page are taken from various newspapers and media outlets. They do not reflect the views of the Express and Star.

Wolves

According to reports on the continent Wolves are keen on signing 20-year-old Juventus defender Rogerio this month.

Currently on-loan at Sassuolo, the left-back has made 18 appearances so far this season, registering one assist.

Some reports even claim that Wolves have an offer on the table for the Brazilian - who is reportedly being eyed up by other clubs in Europe too.

Meanwhile, Wolves are reportedly battling Juventus for Sporting Braga starlet Antonio Trincao.

The 19-year-old is highly rated in Portugal, having won the European U19 Championships golden boot last season.

Reports claim that Wolves also face competition for his signature from Inter Milan - with a fee of around £13.5m being touted for the forward.

West Brom

Reports suggest that West Brom are chasing AEK Athens midfielder Petros Mantalos.

The 27-year-old had been linked with a move to The Hawthorns previously, and reports now claim that Darren Moore's side could re-kindle their interest this winter.

The Greek international is best deployed in an attacking midfield role, but can also play on the left side of midfield. He's scored three times this season and registered four assists.

Elsewhere, West Brom are reportedly interested in Egyptian winger Amr Warda.

The 25-year-old currently plays for Greek side PAOK Thessaloniki, and has scored one goal this campaign so far in 21 appearances.

The left-sided player reportedly has a €3 million release clause written into his contract.

Aston Villa

Villa starlet Rushian Hepburn-Murphy is reported to be a transfer target for Charlton and Coventry this month.

The 20-year-old is highly-rated at Villa, but has struggled for first-team opportunities so far this season, sitting behind Tammy Abraham, Jonathan Kodjia, Scott Hogan and Keinan Davis in the pecking order.

He's managed one goal in four Premier League 2 appearances so far this season, whilst featuring in a total of seven first-team outings.

Meanwhile, Villa are also reportedly interested in signing CSKA Sofia forward Kiril Despodov.

The 22-year-old Bulgarian, who favours a position on the right wing, is being tipped to have a bright future after scoring ten goals and registering 11 assists in just 22 appearances this season in his native top flight.

Cardiff and Middlesbrough are also reported to be interested in the £5m rated international.

Walsall

Blackburn Rovers are reportedly set to allow Mitch Candlin's loan agreement at Ewood Park expire, after deciding against a permanent move for the 18-year-old.

The forward signed with Rovers on a temporary basis earlier this season, but looks set to head back to the Banks's Stadium.