Transfer rumours - January 3

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

Manchester City are being tipped by the bookies as the team most likely to sign Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves this month.

Pep Guardiola's side are 8/1 to bring in the Portuguese midfielder permanently or on-loan, with Italian giants Juventus second in the running at 20/1. Real Madrid and Manchester United are also being mentioned at 20/1 and 25/1 respectively.

However, bookmakers expect the former Porto star to stay at Molineux, with his odds of staying a stunning 1/20.

Elsewhere, reports in Italy claim that AS Roma are keen to sign Leander Dendoncker.

The Belgian midfielder has been used sparingly by Nuno since joining in the summer.

Wolves have a deal in place to buy the 23-year-old at the end of this season for £12m, although it seems Roma are keen to see if Wolves and Anderlecht would renege on that plan to let him sign up at the Stadio Olimpico this month.

West Brom

West Brom's Matt Phillips has emerged as a reported target for Premier League clubs Cardiff and Burnley.

Phillips has been one of the Baggies' best performers this season so far - scoring five times, and has begun to draw interest from the top flight, according to reports.

Cardiff reportedly see the Scot as a potential option should they fail to bring in Nathaniel Clyne, who the Bluebirds were rumoured to be moving to sign on loan this month from Liverpool. Burnley however, supposedly see him as competition to Aaron Lennon, who's currently injured.

Meanwhile, West Brom are reportedly targeting Everton midfielder James McCarthy - who could be set to leave Goodison Park on-loan this month.

McCarthy has now fully recovered from a broken leg, coincidentally picked up against Albion last season, but is struggling to work his way into Marco Silva's plans.

West Ham and Fulham are also reported to be targeting the 28-year-old.

Aston Villa

Dean Smith is being tipped to look to Brentford to replace Tammy Abraham if he departs this month, with Villa one of the favourites to sign Neal Maupay.

Maupay is 11/2 to sign for Smith's side this month either on-loan or in a permanent deal, with Huddersfield, Crystal Palace and Brighton also in the running.

The Frenchman has scored 15 goals and registered six assists this season so far, one goal behind Abraham and Billy Sharp.

Villa have also been linked with a move for Levante’s Ivory Coast midfielder Cheick Doukoure, according to reports on the continent.

The 26-year-old has made just six appearances for the Spanish side so far this campaign.

It's being reported that the move would initially be a loan, as Villa look to boost their midfield ranks.

Walsall

Loanee Kane Wilson has returned to Albion after filling in at both full-back positions an on the flanks.

Could Dean Keates dip into the market for another versatile player - or could fit again Joe Edwards do that job?