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Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has been handed a boost in his pursuit of Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham.

The Lowdown: Bellingham targeted

There are a whole host of Premier League clubs plotting a move for Bellingham, with Sky Sports recently indicating that Liverpool have made him their priority in the summer transfer window, while Man City have also stepped up their interest in the wake of his performances at the World Cup for England, according to Football Insider.

While Guardiola will no doubt have to fend off interest from elsewhere to secure the central-midfielder, a new development has came to light which indicates that his side may be ahead of another potential suitor in the race for his signature.

The Latest: Real Madrid’s interest

According to Spanish sources, via CaughtOffside, Real Madrid would be unwilling to spend the £130m price tag slapped on the 19-year-old, meaning City may have one less club to compete with to complete a deal for the sought-after youngster in 2023.

However, they would have to be willing to break their own British transfer record of £100m, which they spent on Jack Grealish in 2021.

The Verdict: He’s worth it

Recent performances at the World Cup have only underlined the talent of the England international, displaying the passing range that would be required in a Guardiola team with an extraordinary 96% accuracy against Iran, second to only current City player John Stones in terms of England starters.

Lauded as ‘one of the most gifted players’ fellow Man City man Phil Foden has ever seen, the starlet also showed another side to his game with his first England goal in the same match, sending a deft, looping header past the goalkeeper to get the Three Lions off the mark for the tournament.

During his time with Dortmund, the £49k-per-week earner has wowed fans at the Signal Iduna Park with other aspects of his game as well, registering 1.79 dribbles per 90 minutes over the past year, in the 95th percentile compared to players in the same position.

Given that Bellingham has all the hallmarks to be a top quality central-midfielder for at least a decade to come, he is worth the £130m price tag, and Guardiola should do everything he can to lure him to the club.

Chelsea have identified a host of offensive options amid the pursuit of a place in next season’s Champions League, with the January transfer window now just a couple of weeks away. 

What’s the word?

The Evening Standard reports that Barcelona’s versatile forward Memphis Depay is one option being considered by Blues boss Graham Potter, with a deal previously being explored in the summer before the west London club went with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. 

With the Dutchman nearing the culmination of his contract with the Blaugrana, a deal could be struck this winter, with his club looking to make a profit on a player signed from Lyon on a free transfer last summer.

With Potter facing a dilemma up front courtesy of Armando Broja’s ACL injury, which will likely rule him out for the rest of the season, the need to sign a forward who’s capable of making an instantly emphatic impact is vital.

A timely upgrade

Broja had made a steady start to life at Stamford Bridge, having earned a shot in the first-team this season following a successful loan spell with Southampton in 2021/22, scoring nine goals across 38 games for the south coast club. 

He has played a largely peripheral role for the Blues, only starting twice in the Premier League, although he has a goal and an assist each, slowly working his way up the pecking order.

The signing of Depay would signify a notable upgrade on Chelsea’s current forward options, with a foray into the transfer market for the 28-year-old likely knitting the attack together and refining a cohesive aura.

As per FBRef, the Dutchman ranks within the top percentile for both progressive passes received and touches within the attacking penalty area when compared to positional peers in Europe’s top five leagues  over the past year. 

While he is considered a robust presence up top, his clinical efforts will have been duly noted by Potter, with his return of 13 goals and two assists last season from 27 starts demonstrating his aptitude in front of goal.

Compare that with Chelsea’s forwards this term, with Kai Havertz and Raheem Sterling top-scoring in the league with only three goals each and Aubameyang managing a measly one.

Despite playing mostly on the flanks, or behind the traditional centre-forward role, the £171k-per-week Depay has demonstrated across his career that he is an effective and all-encompassing forward, with flurries in and around the box providing direct and creative support in abundance.

Should Chelsea muster up a deal for the 86-cap Dutchman, who has a commendable 43 goals for his country, they would certainly boast an instant upgrade on the unfortunate Broja.

The Barcelona “enigma” – as lauded by Jonathan Liew – has a pedigree on the biggest stage and offers a fluidity across a variety of offensive roles which could provide a dimension to the Chelsea attack which has been sorely lacking across recent months.

Argentina star Enzo Fernandez’s ‘preference’ is to join Liverpool, according to reports in Portugal.

The Lowdown: Fernandez profiled

The 21 year-old has enjoyed a meteoric rise to the top of world football in the past 18 months, shining at boyhood club River Plate and earning himself a move to Benfica last summer.

The combative midfielder, who can play as a number six, eight or ten, has thrived since arriving in Portugal, registering four goal contributions in the Primeira Liga and now shining on the international stage too, winning the Young Player of the Tournament award in Qatar on Sunday.

Now, with rumours swirling about his domestic future, it appears the Reds have won the race for the man dubbed ‘unbelievable’ by transfer insider Dean Jones.

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The Latest: Enzo chooses Red

According to one of Portugal’s largest newspapers, O Jogo (via Sport Witness), Liverpool have already reached an agreement with the player’s agent, and are now the ‘priority’.

Many of Europe’s top clubs have actually held off on moving for Fernandez because they know he has chosen Liverpool, though the Reds will have to trigger his €120m release clause to get him in January.

The Verdict: Lock it up for the summer

Other reports have suggested that it will be almost impossible to get a transfer over the line in the winter window, with Benfica still in the Champions League and on course for a league title.

And given an immediate move would require the Reds to shell out the £105m release clause, it seems the best possible solution for all parties is an agreement for a summer switch.

As it stands, the Reds will lose Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Naby Keita, James Milner and Arthur Melo from their midfield ranks in the summer, meaning serious reinforcements are required, and Fernandez could be just the man to lead a new era in Jurgen Klopp’s team.

Ranking in the 99th percentile (midfielders in Europe’s top leagues, via FBRef) for expected goals + expected assists as well as for progressive passes, the end product he would inject into the heart of Klopp’s team is nearly off the charts, while he also sits in the 76th percentile for tackles.

Make no mistake about it, snapping up Argentina’s next superstar could be a decade-defining deal at Anfield.

Sunderland journalist Phil Smith has shared his praise for Luke O’Nien following his display in the Wearside club’s 2-1 win over Blackburn Rovers in the Championship on Boxing Day. 

The Lowdown: Sunderland win it late

After putting his team behind with an unfortunate own goal, Ross Stewart scored an equaliser from the penalty spot a few minutes later, and Ellis Simms netted a stoppage time winner for Tony Mowbray’s side.

Another Sunderland player to garner some positive attention on Monday was O’Nien, who made his 22nd league appearance for the club in the current campaign, most of which have come from centre-back despite often being classified as a defensive midfielder.

Indeed, the 28-year-old found himself the recipient of some glowing praise from Sunderland Echo journalist Smith.

The Latest: Smith’s praise for O’Nien

Taking to Twitter following the win over Blackburn, the reporter singled out O’Nien for praise due to his efforts in the match.

He tweeted: “L09 absolutely outstanding today mind. He’s #SAFC starting CB on merit at the moment – so impressive.”

The Verdict: A solid display

Playing the full 90 minutes against the Lancashire club, O’Nien showcased his defensive talents by making two tackles and two clearances and blocking one shot. He also came out on top in seven of his nine duels, more than any other Sunderland defender won on the day.

Chronicle Live also picked up on the 28-year-old’s performance by saying in their player ratings article that he “hardly put a foot wrong” in the game.

Mowbray joined in the praise for the player by calling him “amazing” and even tipping him for a potential move to the Premier League at some point in the future.

Taking all of that into account, it’s safe to say that O’Nien put in a solid display against Blackburn and played a big part in seeing Sunderland come away with victory.

Tottenham Hotspur once again came back from a losing position to secure a point in a 2-2 draw with Brentford on Monday afternoon, a trait that Antonio Conte will undoubtedly be hoping for his side to lose over the remainder of the 2022/23 Premier League campaign.

Indeed, as has been so often the case so far this season, Spurs found themselves behind heading into the break, with Vitaly Janelt’s 15th-minute strike giving the Bees the lead before Ivan Toney looked to have given his side a fantastic chance of going on to secure their first win over Tottenham since 1948 by doubling their advantage 54 minutes into the match.

However, a 65th-minute Harry Kane header pulled the visitors back into the fixture, before Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg completed the comeback just six minutes later, with the Denmark international curling a wonderful strike beyond a helpless David Raya between the Brentford sticks on the 71-minute mark.

And, while the north London outfit were unable to go on and find a winner at the Gtech Community Stadium, the performance of Hojbjerg in the middle of the park will undoubtedly have been a huge positive for Conte, as the 27-year-old once again proved himself to be one of the club’s most important players against the Bees.

Indeed, over his 90 minutes on the pitch, the £61.5m-rated midfielder was spectacular in possession of the ball, enjoying 89 touches – the most of any player in the match – completing 61 of his 68 attempted passes – a success rate of 90% – and making three key passes, as well as playing two long balls, completing one cross and being successful with two dribbles.

The £100k-per-week midfielder also impressed while doing the dirty work, making three tackles, one interception and two clearances, in addition to winning six of his ten duels – a success rate of 60%.

These metrics saw the 27-year-old average an extremely impressive Sofascore match rating of 7.90 – the highest of any player to feature in the match – while football.london journalist Alasdair Gold also awarded the Dane a joint match-best seven in his own player ratings, in addition to stating of his performance:

“Janelt ghosted in behind him to score for Brentford in the first half. Started the game sluggishly but got better as it wore on and levelled the scores with a perfect curling effort inside the left-hand post.”

As such, considering the fact that Hojbjerg currently ranks as Conte’s third-best performer in the Premier League so far this term, it would indeed appear as if the midfielder is having a “very underrated season” – in the words of journalist Sam Tabuteau – something that the 27-year-old’s match-running display against Brentford only proved further.

Journalist Ben Jacobs has admitted Newcastle United and other clubs will have to pay £70-80m if they wish to sign Moises Caicedo.

The Lowdown: Caicedo won’t come cheap

It is looking abundantly clear that Newcastle and Eddie Howe are keen on bringing in some more depth in the centre of midfield after Jonjo Shelvey picked up another muscular injury, with the likes of Caicedo and Youri Tielemans being linked.

This is why they could soon be about to land Alan Varela from Boca Juniors, which would show they are also looking towards the future rather than purely stopgap signings.

Therefore, Caicedo could be that player, as he’s now very much Premier League-proven with 23 appearances under his belt and widely regarded as the ‘crown jewel’ of his national side, according to Ecuadorian football historian Enrico Castro-Montes.

The Latest: Caicedo going to be an expensive signing

Jacobs has been speaking on The Done Deal Show about the Newcastle transfer target and how he won’t come cheap if any team wishes to sign him this season.

He said: “With Moises Caicedo, Brighton’s valuation – and this was even said when Graham Potter was still at Brighton – is somewhere in the region of £70-75m, and when a figure of £42m was quoted to Graham Potter when he was still the Brighton manager, he laughed and said not even close, you’ll only be able to buy his boots for £42m.

“So I think it’s clear, even if Brighton come down on valuation slightly, that you’re going to need, minimum, £60m for Caicedo, and Brighton would really like £70-75m.”

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The Verdict: Newcastle should dodge big-money move

Given that Newcastle already have two £40m players in their midfield in the form of Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton, the need for yet another expensive midfielder may not necessarily be at the top of Howe’s wishlist.

Instead, they should perhaps focus on moving for a younger talent that may not arrive demanding to start every game in the league – so if they can get Varela over the line, that could be a smart piece of business.

Also, the fact that Newcastle are fighting against Financial Fair Play regulations, as highlighted recently by Howe, it would make sense for them to avoid a big-money signing in January and instead wait until the summer when they may have a lucrative sponsorship deal behind them.

Tottenham Hotspur may have been handed a blow in regard to their reported interest in Inter defender Denzel Dumfries.

What’s the latest?

There have been some reports in Italy suggesting the Lilywhites have identified the Dutchman as a potential option this month to provide an upgrade to Antonio Conte’s squad.

And there is the belief that Fabio Paratici has been set the task of finding Conte a new right wing-back over the January transfer window, with Sky Sports News claiming this is one of their two targets for the month.

Now, reporter Fabrizio Romano has been speaking about the future of the 26-year-old Inter star and has suggested that Conte’s former club would only sell their wing-back if a big bid was to arrive this month.

Discussing the reported interest coming from Manchester United on his YouTube channel, Romano said: “Dumfries is not a realistic target for January because Inter want big money for him.”

Solution already at Spurs?

With suggestions that Spurs are keen to provide Conte with an upgrade at right wing-back this month, it does leave us puzzled as to what the plan is with summer signing Djed Spence.

The 22-year-old has been outcasted by Conte since the moment he arrived in north London, with Spence being afforded just a handful of minutes across all competitions.

And it is apparent that time spent during the World Cup break, where Spence impressed during the friendly against Motherwell, has counted for nothing, with the defender playing just two minutes in the games since league action resumed.

There have been some suggestions that Spurs have eyes on other wing-backs this month, with Sporting CP star Pedro Porro believed to be on Paratici’s radar.

However, it is also said that Tottenham’s interest in the Spaniard has come slightly off the boil already this week, after finding out his £40m price tag.

Since the return from the World Cup, Matt Doherty has started all three games under Conte and even got his name on the scoresheet against Crystal Palace on Wednesday night.

But that is the Irishman’s first goal involvement of the season, which is synonymous with the lack of creativity the Italian has recently harked on about.

Having said that, Dumfries has hardly had a consistent output for Inter this season, with just one goal and three assists to his name in Serie A.

With this in mind, if Spurs are to spend big money on a wing-back this month, then it may be best spent on Porro, who has returned two goals and 10 assists across all competitions thus far.

Everton have ‘knocked back’ a loan approach for defender Michael Keane, according to Sky Sports reporter Lyall Thomas.

The Lowdown: Out of favour

The Toffees centre back’s contract at Goodison Park isn’t set to expire until 2025, but after falling out of favour under Frank Lampard, an early exit could be on the cards.

Premier League rivals Southampton are reportedly one of several clubs chasing the 6 foot 2 colossus, and Nathan Jones’ side are the first to step up their interest by making an official proposal.

The Latest: Keane approach rejected

Taking to Twitter, Thomas revealed that Southampton have come forward with an opening loan offer for Keane, though this has quickly been turned down by Everton, who have made it clear that they would rather sanction a permanent exit.

“#Saintsfc have been knocked back in their initial approach for Keane on loan. #Evertonfc not keen to loan to league-position rival + prefer to sell.”

The Verdict: Get him sold

Keane has been hailed a ‘top-class’ player by Josh Bunting and it’s a shame that it’s not worked out for him on Merseyside, but letting him go for good would be completely the right decision.

The Stockport-born talent has made zero starts and just one substitute appearance in the top-flight this season, highlighting he’s viewed as nothing more than a bench warmer (WhoScored).

Lampard clearly has no plans to include Keane in his project moving forward so it makes complete sense for Farhad Moshiri to cash in whilst he can.

Brentford are in desperate need of another star striker.

Their current forward, 26-year-old Ivan Toney, was injured at the start of January but has returned to fitness, although is still at the centre of a controversy. The attacker Toney has been charged by the FA over 262 breaches of betting regulations.

This is likely to result in a significant playing ban if he is found guilty and with him being Brentford’s only out-and-out striker, it means the Bees are lacking depth in this position and thus, will urgently need to bolster the team with a new striker.  We have scouted two strikers who could be a good fit for the club playing alongside Bryan Mbeumo or Ivan Toney.

How essential is Toney to Brentford?

Toney has consistently shown his star quality since signing for Brentford in 2020, playing a substantial role in ending Brentford’s Championship playoff heartbreak. Toney has scored 12 goals in 16 games and contributed to over half of Brentford’s goals this season, putting him third in the race for the Golden Boot.

He has great linkup play with strike partner Bryan Mbeumo and goalkeeper David Raya who sends countless long balls to the former Peterborough man.  As vice-captain for the team, Toney also has a key leadership role within the squad. Brentford face a serious challenge in maintaining their excellent form without their main source of goals.  The Bees don’t have another prolific goalscorer and need to find a new striker fast.

Toney in Trouble

Toney has been charged by the FA over breaching betting regulations and was required to provide a response to the charges on 4th January 2023.  Thomas Frank backed him, however, promising his total support and paid tribute to Toney’s mental strength after he missed out on World Cup selection with England.

Frank was quoted in the Express: “I can only praise Ivan for his mentality and his character.  He is in many ways unique. His ability to have that laser focus going into the game, fulfilling his role in the team, is remarkable.”

Kieran Trippier was found guilty of four betting charges that breached FA regulations and was banned for ten weeks a number of years ago. Frank responded to questions about the betting charges, saying:

“I have been assisting the Football Association with their inquiries and will not be making any comment until such an investigation has reached its conclusion”.

In other events, Toney was pulled over by the Police in April 2022 because his £160,000, green, G-class SUV Mercedes had dangerous, overly-tinted windows and a personalised number plate, reading IVAN 17, that breaches DVLA rules.

The case was brought to Bromley Magistrates Court in December; where Toney was convicted of using a vehicle in a condition likely to cause danger of injury and driving a vehicle when the registration mark failed to conform with regulations. He was ordered to pay fines totalling £540, plus a £54 victim surcharge and £100 in costs.

The Premier League footballer was also given three penalty points on his licence.  Giving evidence to the court, PC George Anckorn said: “The driver’s attitude was poor. He was rude and obstructive to police. He did not care.”

With a recent injury and at risk of a playing ban, it is very uncertain whether Toney will be able to play for much of the rest of the season.  The January transfer window is strategically crucial for Brentford who will need to sign another star striker in order to have a hope of maintaining their position in the Premier League.

Who should the Bees sign?

Junior Adamu

Adamu is a 21-year-old playing for RB Salzburg in the Austrian Bundesliga. He has 14 goal contributions so far this season. Adamu offers something different to Toney because he is not an out-and-out target man but looks to come onto balls played through the defence then attacks using his pace and excellent dribbling ability.  He is an exciting prospect who is not phased by one on one clashes with defenders.  Both Adamu and Toney are good in aerial duels but unlike Toney, Adamu doesn’t like to hold up the ball.

Valued at only€8m by Transfermarkt, Adamu would be a good signing for Frank’s side even if Toney continued to play.  He would be a good backup for Toney and add depth to the squad as well as being another good source of goals. West Ham and Leeds United had already taken an interest in the Salzburg man last summer. With Champions League experience too, Adamu is used to playing big matches that come thick and fast in the Premier League.

H ticks all the boxes for what Brentford need in a new striker and he will grow under the guidance of Frank. The price tag may well actually be around the €15m mark but this signing would still represent excellent value for Brentford.

Mathys Tel

Tel is the next big thing, but you just don’t know him yet. He is a 17-year-old French striker currently being nurtured at Bayern Munich. He’s scored three goals in the Bundesliga this season for Bayern Munich and grabbed another in the DFB-Pokal.

Tel is Bayern’s youngest-ever goalscorer and is already a complete forward; which is why, at such a young age, he’s breaking into one of the most star-studded squads in Europe. He is good technically, extremely athletic and has bags of self-confidence. He can play across the front line but prefers the left side. Like Adamu, Tel is also very speedy with his game being compared to that of Thierry Henry as a result.

His potential appears to be limitless and he will probably stay at Bayern Munich to become a world-beater. However, Brentford have been good at producing amazing strikers so he might be tempted to join the club, perhaps on a loan deal.

Being a major prospect, Tel would be a statement signing for The Bees, one that would be very exciting to see. The London club have previously pulled off signings that you wouldn’t expect, such as Christian Eriksen, showing that the outfit can attract players of a high calibre. Tel is an unlikely signing but you can never count Brentford out.

Conclusion

Both Adamu and Tel are great options for Brentford, but Tel is unlikely to want to leave Bayern Munich and Brentford will likely be conservative if they do buy a striker.

Therefore Adamu looks to be the most likely candidate to move to West London. Brentford have also been linked with Sunderland striker Ross Stewart, currently averaging a goal every 90 minutes in the Championship.  He is good in aerial duels and is very dangerous in the box but Stewart is arguably not ready for the demands of pacy, end-to-end Premier League games week after week.

The Black Cats’ star would reportedly cost £7m but first and foremost, we will have to wait and see if Toney is allowed to play and whether Brentford are in the market for a new striker.

Tottenham have made an opening bid to sign attack-minded Sporting CP defender Pedro Porro, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The Lowdown: Spurs eye Porro move…

The former Man City wing-back has been made a transfer priority at Spurs over the last few weeks amid manager Antonio Conte’s search for an upgrade on his right flank.

Reports have suggested that the 23-year-old is top of the list for sporting director Fabio Paratici, but what could make this move difficult is Sporting’s stance on selling in January.

Reliable outlets like The Guardian have shared that the Portuguese giants are stern and Spurs may have to fork out Porro’s €45m (£39.5m) release clause to land him this month.

Conte is believed to be personally targeting the defender and Tottenham appear determined to negotiate their way around having to pay the player’s exit clause.

The Latest: Tottenham table opening Porro bid…

Reliable reporter Romano, taking to Twitter, has shared an update on the situation.

He claims that Spurs have made their opening bid for Porro, offering one player plus guaranteed money.

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However, in some bad news for supporters, Sporting have replied to their approach by rejecting this formula and maintaining that they must pay his release clause.

The Lilywhites are set for further talks with the club ‘insisting’ on his signing for Conte.

The Verdict: Keep pushing…

Porro could be the ideal solution for Spurs at right-wing-back as Conte seeks to guide his side to a second-consecutive top four Premier League finish.

The Spaniard tops the charts for his club in terms of league assists with five in 13 appearances, and that’s not the only piece of evidence for his real threat.

As per WhoScored, Porro also ranks in Sporting’s top two for shots at goal and key passes made per 90 in Liga Portugal.

Still just 23, he could come as both an instant upgrade for Conte and a signing of real longevity if all goes to plan, with members of the media lavishing Porro as one of Spain’s ‘incredible’ bunch of talented full-backs.

This saga looks like it could go to the wire as talks continue between Spurs and Sporting – but his numbers and reputation indicate he may be worth the transfer push.