All posts by z3u9t.icu

With the January transfer window now open, Chelsea once again have the chance to splash the cash in another attempt to solve their problems. The Blues attempted to do exactly that in the summer, of course, but as the Premier League table shows, they failed to find the right reinforcements in the previous window, at least for the short term. At the halfway mark and with a season to turn around, Mauricio Pochettino and co must get things right this time around.

With that said, the London giants have reportedly put together a transfer plan to land a player that Todd Boehly dreams of signing this month and one who could really solve Chelsea's biggest problem.

Chelsea transfer news

Whilst Nicolas Jackson has hardly set the world alight at Stamford Bridge this season, his AFCON departure will still frustrate Pochettino, who could be forced to turn to the likes of Armando Broja as the fixtures continue to come thick and fast in England's top flight.

Claudio Echeverri

19th December

Santiago Gimenez

18th December

Dusan Vlahovic

15th December

Lautaro Martinez

1st January

Artem Dovbyk

31st December

If not Broja, then the Blues could yet find a new option to lead the line in both Jackson's absence and the long-term to finally put an end to their striker woes. That new option is unlikely to be the striker Boehly dreams of signing though, as per reports.

Simon Phillips describes on his Substack that is is impossible for Chelsea to sign Napoli star Victor Osimhen this month to put an end to Boehly's dream.

The Blues were at least given hope, however, with the London club hatching a plan to go back in for the Nigerian during the summer window. Then, they could activate his hefty release clause of around £120m ahead of fellow admirers Real Madrid, having had time to manouvre around FFP with a few sales by that point.

Osimhen, who has just signed a new contract in Italy, could be set to make a Premier League switch and perhaps become Chelsea's ultimate solution under Pochettino, but not until the end of the campaign.

"Complete" Osimhen would put an end to Chelsea's striker problems

Chelsea fans are often left holding their breath when it comes to big-money signings these days, waiting to see whether they rise to stardom or join a growing list of transfer flops. And whilst they'd naturally have similar nerves over Osimhen due to his price tag, they needn't. The Napoli forward has such a price tag for a good reason and would be a major upgrade on Jackson, be it this month or during the summer. Osimhen's stats this season more than back up his more clinical nature too.

Player

Starts

Goals

Expected Goals

Shots on Target

Victor Osimhen

11

7

6.7

12

Nicolas Jackson

16

7

10.6

17

Osimhen has already earned the approval of Chelsea legend Gianfranco Zola too, who told Sky Sports when comparing the Nigerian to Didier Drogba: "But Didier didn’t dive. That’s because Didier was too strong to dive! I see a lot of similarities but it’s unfair to compare players from different eras. They both play with a lot of physicality and they are both very good with scoring, taking their opportunities. He’s a very complete player. He’s got a good reference going forward, he can link up play and he’s devastating in the air. He’s a pest to defenders."

To the surprise of barely anyone, Tottenham Hotspur have made a busy start to the January transfer window, with Ange Postecoglou relishing the opportunity to strengthen his team across the park.

Adding talent to the backline is the Australian's priority – with discussions for a new defender still ongoing – but this has not stopped an agreement from being reached for the loan transfer of RB Leipzig forward Timo Werner.

Nor has such a priority meant rumours concerning a new midfielder have subsided, with Chelsea star Conor Gallagher at the front of such transfer discourse.

Looking ahead, Spurs likely still need a centre-forward to replace Harry Kane and Dominic Solanke could be one to watch following the 2023/24 campaign's conclusion.

Spurs transfer news – Dominic Solanke

According to CBS Sports reporter Ben Jacobs – speaking on the Last Word on Spurs podcast – Tottenham have already enquired to Bournemouth regarding Solanke's availability, though a summer transfer looks far more likely at this stage.

With Arsenal also interested, Cherries boss Androni Iraola has attempted to dissuade suitors by slapping a reported £50m price tag on his talisman's signature, though as the goals keep coming such a figure looks increasingly less ludicrous.

Despite the acquisition of Werner, Spurs need a prolific target man to ease the burden from Heung-min Son's shoulders, and the 26-year-old could be the perfect addition to complete the frontline.

Dominic Solanke's style of play

Solanke is an energetic striker with an imposing presence, and having been hailed for his "predatory" instinct by one Sky Sports pundit after bagging a recent hat-trick against Nottingham Forest, is starting to back up Iraola's transfer valuation.

As per FBref, Solanke ranks among the top 15% of forwards across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for touches in the attacking box and the top 8% for clearances per 90, highlighting his presence in the danger area and his desire to get stuck in and contribute toward the defensive effort.

Given Solanke's formative days with Chelsea and subsequent move to Anfield to serve under Jurgen Klopp's stewardship, it's clear that the striker has long been regarded as a talented forward.

And while his time with Liverpool didn't work out, Bournemouth still forked out an initial £19m to snap him up in January 2019, with Solanke scoring just one goal from 27 appearances.

But he's been shaped into a "top, multi-faceted forward" – according to The Athletic's Jacob Tanswell – and while he's quietly been impressing on the south coast for the past few years, his qualities have finally amalgamated to provide the complete, clinical package.

1.

Erling Haaland

Manchester City

14

1.

Mohamed Salah

Liverpool

14

3.

Dominic Solanke

Bournemouth

12

3.

Heung-min Son

Tottenham Hotspur

12

4.

Jarrod Bowen

West Ham United

11

5.

Hwang Hee-chan

Wolverhampton Wanderers

10

Joint-third in the Premier League's scoring charts this season – alongside Son and behind only Erling Haaland and Mohamed Salah – Solanke is in fine company indeed and if he can sustain a striking rate such as this then he will be in good stead to earn another shot at a team vying for silverware and continental competition.

Given that the £50k-per-week gem has also netted a goal against Stoke City in the Carabao Cup this term, taking his tally to 13, he is actually outscoring Son (who has 12 goals) across all competitions, emphasising just how effective he has been in striking sequences.

As per Sofascore, Solanke is taking 3.5 shots per game and hitting the target with an average of 1.2; last season, he was unleashing 2.3 shots per outing.

The newfound confidence and increased output in front of goal have allowed Solanke to take a major step in his development, and there is now a tangible sense that he will be headed for a team such as Tottenham in the coming transfer windows.

While Arsenal are among the contenders for his services, the 6 foot 2 centre-forward would perhaps have greater assurances regarding the regularity of his match action should he head down the N17.

Pulling the string behind him, James Maddison might be the best fit to fully unlock his skills in front of goal too.

Imagine James Maddison & Dominic Solanke

Tottenham signed Maddison from Leicester City for £40m in June following the Foxes' unexpected relegation from the Premier League, though the England international's creativity barely waned all year and he finished with a laudable return of ten goals and nine assists from 28 starting appearances.

Crowned the English top-flight's Player of the Month for August, Maddison swiftly proved himself to be a bona fide star at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and was the inventive life heartbeat at the core.

Ranking among the top 3% of attacking midfielders and wingers in Europe for assists, the top 1% for shot-creating actions and the top 5% for progressive passes per 90, it's clear to see why he might be the perfect player to supplement a prolific phenom such as Solanke.

Spurs in talks to sign £50m Werner partner who would supercharge Maddison

Ange Postecoglou’s side appear to be busy in the January transfer market.

ByAngus Sinclair Jan 6, 2024

He has averaged 2.9 key passes per game this season too, which is a frankly absurd level of creativity; for reference, Manchester City's Kevin De Bruyne – one of Europe's finest ever playmakers – averaged 3.1 in the Premier League last season.

Maddison has unfortunately been injured since November with an ankle injury and this has been a defining factor behind the up-and-down form that Spurs have finally shaken off with a recent bright spell, but his return will be huge.

The £170k-per-week ace would be perfect for Solanke, as specified, with the Bournemouth talisman receiving 4.63 progressive passes per 90 in the league this season, hinting that he thrives as a mobile target man from which a pinpoint player such as Maddison could locate with constancy.

Postecoglou simply has to get this one over the line, and should Solanke continue his rich vein of form and mould it into something permanent, then he really could be the perfect summer signing to continue the revolution down the N17.

All is swell at Liverpool. Or is it? How curious, that Liverpool should be eight points clear at the top of the Premier League in the wake of Jurgen Klopp’s departure.

How intriguing that the Reds failed to complete the trigger-happy summer transfer window that fans demanded, and felt was so imperative to the success of the new era.

How funny, then, that Arne Slot’s side are firing freely on all cylinders, even though those contractual concerns loom over Anfield like an encroaching shadow.

How curious that Mohamed Salah should choose now to go against his own grain and speak to the matchday media.

Mohamed Salah's St. Mary's comments

Salah is a voracious chess player, and his decision to speak of his situation after Liverpool defeated Southampton felt like a calculated gambit as the clock ticks away.

36 days remain until Salah – as well as Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold – can agree to pre-contract deals with clubs from overseas. It’s concerning to say the least.

The Egypt phenomenon is Liverpool’s highest-paid player in history, earning £350k per week plus bonuses, and the fact that he turns 33 in June, compounded by the other contract quandaries, has left Richard Hughes dealing with protracted and difficult negotiations.

One thing’s for sure: Liverpool won’t succeed in replacing Salah next summer, not in terms of output. However, if that unthinkable scenario were to occur, the Reds are keen on replacing him with a brilliant Premier League player.

Liverpool in talks for Salah successor

According to Football Insider, Liverpool are weighing up a move for Mohammed Kudus of West Ham United, with the electric winger understood to have an £85m release clause in his contract.

Said to have wowed Reds scouts, Kudus isn’t a goalscoring winger but brings his qualities through other means. Liverpool simply can’t replace Salah with a pastiche; it would fall flat.

Instead, Slot could triumph in reshaping Liverpool’s frontline with such a wide forward.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

What Mohammed Kudus would bring to Liverpool

Principally fielded on the left flank with West Ham, Kudus might find that his ball-striking success enjoys an upswing with a move to Anfield, where he would occupy the right flank in Salah’s wake.

1.

Mohammed Kudus

West Ham

124

2.

Jeremy Doku

Man City

87

3.

Bruno Guimaraes

Newcastle

72

4.

Ebere Eze

Crystal Palace

69

5.

Luis Diaz

Liverpool

67

As the table above alludes to, he’s an elite brand of dribbler, ranking among the top 11% of positional peers in the Premier League this season for goals scored, the top 2% for progressive carries and the top 1% for successful take-ons per 90, as per FBref.

The Ghana international’s performances have seen him likened, statistically as per FBRef, to Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka, who might not be on Salah’s level but is soaring toward a similar ballpark, having posted five goals and eight assists across 16 matches in all competitions this season.

Saka, 23, ranks among the top 3% of positional peers in the league this year for goals scored, the top 1% for assists and shot-creating actions and the top 1% for progressive carries per 90. It’s clear to see the similarities between the players.

Not just athletic sensations, though, both wingers like to get stuck in. Kudus has won 6.6 duels per game this season to line up nicely against Saka, who boasts an average of six.

Described as a “generational talent” by journalist Gary Al-Smith, Kudus still has much to work on before hitting the level of a top-performing Premier League forward such as Salah, but he’s still only 24 years old – younger than Salah when he joined Liverpool – and is endowed with the athleticism and technical skill to be a triumph.

Move over Salah: 8/10 Liverpool star just dropped his best game under Slot

Liverpool extended their lead at the top of the Premier League to eight points after defeating Southampton 3-2.

ByAngus Sinclair Nov 25, 2024

Chelsea are now prepared to sell a “leader” in January so they can sign an £83 million player, with Enzo Maresca’s side already making contact over a potential move.

Chelsea thrash Southampton 5-1 to extend unbeaten Premier League run

The west Londoners have been tipped as potential Premier League title contenders after a fine start to the campaign, even if Maresca continues to rebuff notions that they could end the club’s near nine-year-long wait for a domestic crown.

Chelsea looking at "big name" £62m striker in "better value" deal than Isak

The Magpies have set an enormous price tag.

ByEmilio Galantini Dec 5, 2024

Chelsea haven’t won a title since Antonio Conte led them to the honour in 2016, but they’re making a serious go of it this season – lying just seven points behind league leaders Liverpool and losing just twice.

They came at the hands of Arne Slot’s side and current champions Man City, with Maresca yet to taste a single loss in the league since their defeat at Anfield in October.

Tottenham (home)

December 8

Brentford (home)

December 15

Everton (away)

December 22

Fulham (home)

December 26

Ipswich Town (away)

December 30

Chelsea thrashed Southampton 5-1 at St. Mary’s to extend their unbeaten domestic run to six games, and it is practically impossible to get at least a little bit excited given just how well they’re playing right now.

Since arriving at Stamford Bridge from Leicester City in the summer, Maresca has implemented an exciting, attack-minded style of play which has pleased both critics and supporters – but Chelsea’s boss is still refusing to get drawn into debates regarding this year’s title race.

“We’re not in the title race. We are not, in my opinion,” said Maresca on Chelsea’s prospects of winning the league.

“What I said to the owners and the sporting directors the first time I met them, because of the age, and because of how good the squad is, for me Chelsea in the next five to 10 years will be one of the teams, or the team, that is going to dominate English football.

“This is what I said this to the club the first time I met them. No matter who will be the manager, for the next five or 10 years, because of the age, the squad, you can dominate English football, and I still think exactly the same.”

Nevertheless, Chelsea will be going into their game against inconsistent Tottenham on a real high, with defender Axel Disasi even managing to get on the scoresheet against Southampton after returning to the starting eleven.

Chelsea prepared to sell Axel Disasi in January so they can sign Tomas Araujo

The Frenchman had missed out on a place in their previous five Premier League matchday squads, but was handed the opportunity to start against Southampton by Maresca.

Disasi ultimately repaid his manager’s faith with a solid display, but there have been reports in the build up to January that Chelsea may look to offload Disasi and free up space for another centre-back.

Chelsea are scouring the market for another central defensive star, and they’ve been linked with Benfica star Tomas Araujo.

TEAMtalk have an update on their interest in the Portuguese, as Maresca looks to reshape the squad into future dominators of English football.

It is believed that Chelsea are prepared to sell Disasi in January and have made contact over Araujo, with their defender’s sale seen as crucial to potentially striking a deal for the latter defender.

Despite being called a “leader” in defence at points, Disasi is also seen as “limited” by some behind-the-scenes at Chelsea, prompting their interest in Araujo, who is believed to have an £83 million release clause in his contract.

The 22-year-old, who can also play at right-back, is emerging as one of the Primeira Liga’s most promising defenders – which has apparently turned heads in west London.

Newcastle United have become big spenders in the transfer market since they were bought by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund in October 2021.

Although the 2024 summer window was quieter for the Magpies, they have not been afraid to splash the cash on new signings since the takeover.

Four of their five most expensive signings, as per Transfermarkt, have come with the new owners at the helm. That includes Alexander Isak, who cost £63m, a club record deal, and Sandro Tonali, with the Italian midfielder costing £55m.

Prior to the takeover, however, the Magpies did not spend money nearly as much and were a selling club rather than a side that spent millions of pounds on new stars.

Newcastle’s record sales

The North Eastern outfit have certainly sold players on for hefty profit during the Premier League era. Within their top eight most expensive sales of all time, just three of them came in the past two summer windows.

Market Movers

Football FanCast's Market Movers series explores the changing landscape of the modern transfer market. How much is your club's star player or biggest flop worth today?

That includes Elliot Anderson, who moved to Nottingham Forest for a fee which is reportedly worth upwards of £35m. Yankubah Minteh also left the club this summer to join Brighton, and Allan Saint-Maximin left in 2023 for Saudi Arabain outfit Al-Ahli, although he now plies his trade at Fenerbahce.

The other expensive departures from St James’ Park date further back than that. It includes the likes of Yohan Cabaye, who made the move to PSG for a fee of £20m, and Netherlands midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum, who moved to Liverpool for around £25m.

Player

Joined

Fee

Year

Elliot Anderson

Nottingham Forest

£35m

2024

Andy Carroll

Liverpool

£35m

2011

Yankubah Minteh

Brighton

£30

2024

Moussa Sissoko

Spurs

£30m

2016

Ayoze Perez

Leicester

£30m

2019

Georginio Wijnaldum

Liverpool

£25m

2016

Allan Saint-Maximin

Al-Ahli

£23m

2023

Yohan Cabaye

PSG

£20m

2013

There is one name on that list in particular whose sale proved to be a stroke of genius from the Magpies, given the money they got and the fact he is worth so little nowadays. That player is Andy Carroll.

Carroll’s Newcastle career

A graduate of the Newcastle academy, striker Carroll had a successful time of things across two spells at St James’ Park. He made 134 appearances for the North Eastern side, scoring 34 goals and grabbing 26 assists.

It took a while for the England international to score his first goal in that famous Black and White striped shirt. First breaking into the first team in 2006/07, it took the striker until January 2009 to find the back of the net, coming against West Ham in the Premier League.

Sadly for the Magpies, they suffered relegation that same season. This arguably benefited the 6’4 striker, however, and he really found his shooting boots. Carroll was prolific in the Championship, scoring 17 goals and grabbing 12 assists in 39 league games, helping the Magpies to promotion at the first time of asking.

That season was not a fluke, and the centre-forward continued his efforts in the top flight. In 2010/11 for the Magpies, he scored 11 goals and grabbed eight assists in just 19 games, which included a hattrick against Aston Villa. His form was so good that Newcastle legend Alan Shearer, speaking on Match of the Day: Top 10 podcast, described him as “unbelievable” when reflecting on Carroll at his best.

His outstanding form earned Carroll a January move to Liverpool, who paid £35m for his services, at the same time as they signed Luis Suarez. That happened to be Newcastle’s record sale, which has since been equalled by Anderson’s move to the City Ground.

Sadly, it did not work out for Carroll on Merseyside. The centre-forward managed just 11 goals in 58 games for the club and ended up back at St James’ Park a few seasons later via West Ham. He managed just one goal on his second spell in the North East.

Nowadays, the former England international plays for Girondins Bordeaux in the fourth tier of French football, after the legendary club were declared bankrupt and relegated. He has five goals in three games for the six-time French champions.

Unsurprisingly, Carroll’s value has dropped considerably. Most recently, Transfermarkt valued the former Magpies man at just £200k. There is certainly an argument that Newcastle made the right choice to sell him for a club-record fee all those years ago.

Not only has his value decreased a lot since the sale, but he was simply never the same prolific goalscorer he was as a Newcastle player for those 18 months in the Championship and Premier League.

Looking back on it, the Magpies may well be relieved they sold the striker for such profit. It has certainly proven to be a smart choice in the long term.

Cost the club £35m: Newcastle star is now worth millions less after leaving

Newcastle made the right call selling star who’s value has plummeted

ByAngus Sinclair Oct 25, 2024

Newcastle United are believed to have stepped up their interest in completing the signing of an “astonishing” player with a huge release clause in his contract.

Newcastle transfer news

Magpies supporters will want to see plenty of transfer business conducted in the next couple of transfer windows, following a relatively quiet time of things during the summer. One report has claimed that Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford is being lined up as a replacement for Martin Dubravka between the sticks, potentially pushing Nick Pope to be the future No.1 at St James’ Park in the process.

Another intriguing rumour that has emerged has seen Newcastle linked with a move for Paul Pogba, whose career has fallen apart in recent years, following drugs charges that ended up leading to an 18-month ban, reduced from four years. He is available to play again from next March, however, and the Magpies are apparently eyeing a move in January, though take that one with a pinch of salt.

More realistically, Las Palmas winger Alberto Moleiro is also seen as a transfer target for Eddie Howe’s side, with sporting director Paul Mitchell sending scouts to watch him in action. Arsenal are also in the mix to snap up the 21-year-old, though, so competition for his signature could be strong.

Newcastle step up interest in "astonishing" ace

According to a new report from Caught Offside, Newcastle and Mitchell are pushing to sign Sporting CP forward Geovany Quenda, stepping up their interest in him. He has an £84m release clause in his current deal, highlighting his ability. That said, the Magpies are far from alone in showing an interest, however, with Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City, Bayer Leverkusen, RB Leipzig, Juventus and Chelsea all mentioned as suitors in the update.

Quenda is a player with an immense amount of potential, so it is no surprise to see many huge European clubs competing to acquire his signature. If Newcastle were able to pip others to the signing of the 17-year-old, it would feel like a major statement of intent, with Portugal manager Roberto Martinez saying of him: “A player who loves to create imbalances. Technical quality, but a quality that is not normal for someone at 17 years old.

“He had an excellent European Championship with the U17s. He has stepped into the first team of Sporting and demonstrated an astonishing personality. And now he has shown that he is ready for the national team. Great news for Portuguese football.”

Despite still only being 17 years of age, Quenda has already made 18 senior appearances for Sporting, scoring and assisting twice apiece, and he has been capped by Portugal at both Under-21 and Under-17 level, scoring six times for the latter.

Newcastle have already lined up "brilliant" £20m Dubravka replacement

The Magpies have a plan in place…

ByTom Cunningham Nov 18, 2024

The Portuguese clearly wouldn’t be signed by Newcastle as a polished player who can immediately be a star man, but his long-term potential is vast, and he should be seen as a primary target who could grow into a future hero at St James’.

Sunderland will be desperate to stop the rot this Saturday when Stoke City travel to Wearside, Michael Beale keeping everything crossed that his Black Cats side don't succumb to their third defeat in a row in the Championship.

If they were to lose another game – putting them onto 13 losses already after 29 games played – the playoff picture could become even more distant for the stuttering Black Cats and Beale's job could even eventually be on the line.

Beale could attempt to win back over the hardened Sunderland masses with this January buy, therefore, shopping in France potentially to win the player in question's services.

Sunderland want to sign Lyon midfielder

According to a report in French outlet L'Equipe, Sunderland are interested in signing Olympique Lyonnais' midfield warrior Skelly Alvero who comes in at a lofty 6 foot 7 frame.

With the 21-year-old finding himself frozen out of the first-team in France currently – absent from Lyon's last five league encounters – Sunderland could come to the rescue and offer Alvero more game-time.

German side Werder Bremen are also reportedly interested in signing Alvero on a loan deal until the end of the campaign according to L'Equipe, Sunderland just behind the Bundesliga outfit in the queue for the young midfielder.

Having success recently signing Pierre Ekwah, who is a fellow compatriot of Alvero, the 21-year-old could well come into the Sunderland side and usurp the settled Black Cats first-teamer's presence regardless.

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As the January transfer window closes, FFC has you covered for every in and out involving your club in the EFL Championship.

ByLuke Randall Feb 1, 2024

The current Lyon man could well come in and form an intimidating midfield duo with Dan Neil in the process, a transfer for Sunderland fans to certainly keep an eye out on.

How Alvero would slot into the Sunderland team

Joining Lyon from fellow French side Sochaux just last summer, Alvero starred for his former club before making the big leap to the Groupama Stadium.

During his time with his previous employers, Alvero would bag five goals and pick up four assists playing for both the Sochaux B team and the senior side.

Moreover, looking at FBRef statistics, Alvero excels in his diligent defensive duties more so than Ekwah currently does at the Stadium of Light.

Helped by his imposing frame on the pitch, Alvero – over the last year on average per 90 minutes – has won 3.05 tackles and 3.98 aerials in contrast to Ekwah's lesser 1.87 tackles and 0.69 aerials.

Whilst Neil in the central midfield two enjoys roaming forward more than the Sunderland number 39, as seen in Neil's 7.01 progressive passes averaged over the same time period, Alvero could come in and fulfil the role of anchor in the Black Cats side far more impressively than Ekwah.

Still, Alvero beats Neil when it comes to successful take-ons – the former coming in at 2.24 to Neil's 0.96 – and could complement Neil's tenacity on the ball brilliantly with similarly brave runs going forward.

Ekwah has also had his fair share of off-days in the Sunderland first team ranks recently, notably giving the ball up against Newcastle United in the already tense Tyne-Wear Derby after a short goal kick out from Anthony Patterson for Alexander Isak to then rifle home.

Signing Alvero would see the Black Cats shop in a left-field market, but with the potential deal being risk-free by loaning Alvero into the building until the end of the season, it could be a buy that pays off.

Tottenham Hotspur are interested in a deal to bring John McGinn to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by The Telegraph, who claim that Antonio Conte has now added the Aston Villa central midfielder to his list of summer transfer targets, with the same publication reporting earlier this year that Steven Gerrard would demand a figure of around £40m in order to part with the 27-year-old.

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The report goes on to state that, despite Fabio Paratici having already brought the impressive Rodrigo Bentancur to north London in the January transfer window, with both Harry Winks and Tanguy Ndombele looking set to leave the club this summer, Conte has targeted the Scotland international as a replacement for either the England or France international.

Conte can axe Winks with McGinn

Considering just how impressive McGinn has been for Aston Villa in recent seasons, it is easy to see why Conte would be interested in a deal to bring the midfielder to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this summer.

Indeed, over his 33 Premier League appearances this term, the £27m-rated talent has been in exceptional form for Gerrard’s side, scoring three goals, registering three assists and creating seven big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 1.2 shots, making 1.5 key passes and completing 1.3 dribbles per game.

The £70k-per-week midfielder has also impressed in metrics more typical of his position, making an average of 28.4 passes, 3.4 long balls, 1.0 interceptions, 3.1 tackles, 0.8 clearances and winning 7.4 duels – at a success rate of 59% – per fixture.

These returns have seen the player who Sam Morsy dubbed “unreal” average a quite remarkable SofaScore match rating of 7.30, not only ranking him as Villa’s best performer in the top flight but also as the joint 14th-best player in the league as a whole.

As such, considering just how little Winks has featured under Conte, it would indeed appear a wise move for Paratici to move the £91k-per-week midfielder who John Wenham dubbed “terrible” on this summer, before reinvesting the funds received from his sale into a move for the much more promising McGinn.

AND in other news: Conte could land the new Broja as Spurs eye “serious” 20-goal gem who’s “like a beast”

Manchester United's January transfer window has been quiet so far, but they could be in for a busy last stint with Erik ten Hag demanding reinforcement.

The Red Devils certainly need inspiration, with the side sitting eighth in the Premier League having scored fewer goals than all but three sides in the division.

A new signing could provide that, with a striker the main target for the Dutch boss, who wants to improve his side's output in the final third.

A striker is Ten Hag's priority

According to transfer insider Ben Jacobs via GIVEMESPORT, United are interested in signing Joshua Zirkzee. Below is what the journalist had to say:

"It's not easy for Manchester United to find a striker in this window, but Zirkzee is a genuine target and there has already been some early contact between the clubs."

As mentioned, a deal this month is unlikely, with the Red Devils financial fair play guidelines and Zirkzee's reported £50m price tag hindering the process.

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Stay on top of all the latest transfer deals across the Premier League, EFL and SPFL as the January window closes.

ByCharlie Smith Feb 1, 2024 How Joshua Zirkee compares to Harry Kane

Ten Hag's biggest problem since the summer has been finding a way to get his attackers firing, with United scoring 1.14 goals per game, which is down from 1.53 last season.

The focus has been on Rasmus Hojlund, who has netted just twice in 16 Premier League games, but Bruno Fernandes (3), Marcus Rashford (4), and Antony (0) have all underperformed in attack as well.

The player who could help ease their attacking woes is Zirkzee, who has been described as a "special" player by Italian journalist Pietro Blazano Prota. The 22-year-old number nine has scored seven goals and created two assists, which is the best goal-contribution record for the Bologna team by three.

Unsurprisingly, football writer Ben Mattinson has compared Zirkzee to former Man United target and Premier League legend Harry Kane, stating that the two are "so similar."

That certainly bodes well for any prospective transfer, and with that in mind, the table below showcases a handful of statistics from their respective leagues that compare the duo.

Goals

0.40

1.32

xG

0.29

0.98

Progressive passes

2.72

2.94

Key passes

1.42

1.20

Touches

42.59

31.72

Although Kane obviously wipes the floor with Zirkzee pretty much across the board, notably for chance conversion and scoring goals, there are still certain similarities between the two. Firstly, they are both strikers who love to get involved in the play and use their intelligence to affect the game from a deeper position, as you can see by the touches, progressive passes, and key passes.

They're both also excellent finishers who outperform their xG, and although it cannot be displayed via statistics, Zirkzee and Kane are extremely composed and will often find space in the box, regardless of how little room there is. The ability to shift the ball quickly to either foot inside the penalty area is what makes them both so dangerous.

The signing of Zirkzee would make United far less predictable in the final third, and he could become a much cheaper alternative to Kane for Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

Coming into the 2025/26 campaign, expectations were all over the place for Tottenham Hotspur supporters after the hot and cold season prior under Ange Postecoglou.

The Lilywhites finished 17th in the Premier League but won the Europa League, but it wasn’t enough for the Aussie to keep his job – with such responsibility falling into the hands of Thomas Frank.

He’s been tasked with the responsibility of leading the club back up England’s top-flight, whilst also being competitive in the Champions League after their recent European triumph.

The Dane has already made an immediate impact in North London, losing only three of his first 14 games at the helm and subsequently achieving a 50% win rate to date.

Numerous players have already managed to impress during the current campaign, with one first-team member in particular catching the eye after his summer transfer.

How Kudus compares to other PL wingers in 25/26

In an attempt to hit the ground running as Spurs manager, Frank spent big to land the signature of winger Mohammed Kudus – forking out £55m for his signature from West Ham United.

The Ghanaian international arrived with huge excitement, understandably so given the nature of the fee, but it’s safe to say he’s already delivered the goods in North London.

The 25-year-old has already netted his first goal for the Lilywhites, whilst laying on four assists for his teammates – the joint most of any player in the division.

However, Kudus’ underlying stats are just as impressive, with his figures further highlighting how big of an impact he’s already had during the early days of his time at the club.

He’s completed the most take-ons of any player in Europe’s top-five leagues across 2025/26, with his tally of 30 successful take-ons over three times higher than Arsenal star Bukayo Saka.

The Ghanaian also ranks in the 98th percentile for take-ons completed per 90 in the Premier League (3.7) – further showcasing his incredible ability at beating the opposition.

Getting past a defender is one thing, but the former West Ham star has also highlighted his ability to produce the end product at the end of his mazy runs.

Kudus has achieved an average of 7.6 crosses per 90, a tally that ranks him in the top 2% of all attackers in the Premier League, with 1.9 of his efforts finding a teammate in the 18-yard box.

Such a feat has allowed him to register 0.5 assists per 90, which also ranks him in the top 3% of all players in England’s top-flight – with his £55m fee now looking like a real bargain.

The Spurs player who’s now becoming world-class

Despite Kudus’ success in the Premier League, numerous other Spurs players have managed to impress under Frank – helping the side currently sit in 3rd place.

Micky Van de Ven has been a huge presence at the back for the Lilywhites, helping the first-team keep a total of four clean sheets in the first nine league outings of 2025/26.

However, he’s also demonstrated his talents at the other end of the pitch, scoring three times in England’s top-flight and sitting as the club’s joint-top scorer.

Such a feat has also been replicated by midfielder Joao Palhinha, with the Portuguese international making an immediate impact in North London after his summer transfer.

The Lilywhites board secured the 30-year-old’s services on a season-long loan from Bayern Munich, but it was a deal that didn’t satisfy a portion of the fanbase.

However, a couple of months on, the deal is now looking like a phenomenal piece of business, with the former Fulham star undoubtedly one of the best additions in the Premier League this campaign.

Palhinha, who earns £135k-per-week, has featured in every league game to date, subsequently producing numerous incredible figures – the most impressive of which is his tally of 39 tackles won.

Such a figure is the highest of any player in the division at present, with only one other player managing to register 30 or more successful regains of possession in the Premier League.

As a result, he’s currently averaging 5.1 tackles made per 90, whilst also coming out on top in 8.6 duels per 90 – with both tallies ranking him within the top 3% of all players in England’s top-flight.

Games played

9

Goals & assists

3

Pass accuracy

83%

Touches per 90

60.5

Tackles made

5.1

Duels won

8.6

Aerials won

58%

Dribbled past

0.6

However, like Van de Ven, he’s also managed to thrive within forward areas, already scoring twice and registering an assist – with his latest strike securing a late point against Wolverhampton Wanderers.

As previously mentioned, it’s his ball-winning ability that has caught the eye most in North London, leading to one analyst labelling him as the “best in the world” for regaining possession for his side.

His current deal has a £30m option to buy next summer, with Frank and the hierarchy desperately needing to trigger such a clause amid his recent form with Spurs.

A dominant number six has been firmly on the club’s agenda over the last few years, with Palhinha finally providing such a quality – but it’s crucial the club don’t let the loanee slip through their grasp.

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