Man Utd and Newcastle United lead race for powerhouse midfielder as Serie A side ready Arsenal raid

Manchester United and Newcastle United have already done battle twice this season and it is the latter that have come out on top in Carabao Cup and Premier League fixtures.

Now, with the January transfer window just weeks away from opening, the two Uniteds are reportedly set to go head-to-head once again as they bid to lure Ajax midfielder Kenneth Taylor to the Premier League.

TEAMtalk have claimed the 21-year-old is the subject of a whole host of clubs from across the Premier League, with Newcastle and Manchester United among the frontrunners. The Netherlands international came through the youth ranks at Ajax and worked under Red Devils manager Erik ten Hag prior to his move to Old Trafford. Aston Villa, Brighton and Tottenham Hotspur are also said to be showing an interest in Taylor and speculation over his future will only increase as the January window approaches.

The 3AM Verdict: Taylor has long been viewed as a promising youngster at Ajax and now seems like the time for him to test his fortunes elsewhere. The Premier League seems like a natural progression and it would not be a surprise if a reunion with Erik ten Hag was on the agenda.

Serie A giants line up Arsenal defender

Arsenal defender Jakub Kiwior is reportedly the subject of interest from elsewhere as he struggles to secure a regular place in Mikel Arteta’s side.

CalcioMercato have now claimed AC Milan are keen to hand Kiwior a chance to return to Serie A less than 12 months after he joined the Gunners in a £20m deal from Spezia. The Rossoneri are in the midst of a defensive injury crisis with the likes of Simon Kjaer, Pierre Kalulu, Malick Thiaw and Mattia Caldera all currently on the sidelines.

The report claimed Milan will make a ‘concrete attempt’ to persuade Arsenal to part company with the Poland international and a ‘possible loan operation’ could be carried out - although there is also a suggestion Arsenal are not ‘convinced’ by the offer and discussions are ongoing.

The 3AM Verdict: Kiwior has failed to become a regular during his time at the Emirates Stadium but remains a solid backup for Mikel Arteta. A loan move to Milan seems unlikely unless the Gunners boss has a replacement lined up.

Leeds eye Black Cats defender

Sunderland and Northern Ireland star Trai Hume is said to be attracting interest from Leeds United.

The talented defender has quickly rose to prominence at the Stadium of Light after joining the Black Cats in a £200,000 deal from Linfield in January 2022. His form is said to have captured the attention of several clubs and TEAMtalk have reported Leeds are hoping to persuade their Championship rivals to agree to a deal during the January transfer window.

Hume, who penned a new long-term contract in the summer, is also the subject of interest from Leicester City and Burnley and the report suggests Sunderland could be tempted into a sale if they can make a big profit of the defender.

The 3AM Verdict: Hume has made repaid progress since he moved to Sunderland and has also broken into the senior setup with Northern Ireland. The Stadium of Light has become home to several promising talents and Hume is at the top of that list. Talk of a possible departure seems premature and surely it would be in his interests to remain a Black Cat for the foreseeable future.