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Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg has ‘confirmed’ that Manchester United have made Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham their ‘No.1’ target.

The Lowdown: Midfield additions

The Premier League giants spent more than £200m over the summer ahead of Erik ten Hag’s first season in charge at Old Trafford, with two marquee midfield additions made. Christian Eriksen joined on a free transfer while Casemiro was the club’s second most expensive arrival of the summer from Real Madrid.

It looks as if further midfield reinforcements are of interest, though, with Bellingham – who has been dubbed a ‘superstar’ by Troy Deeney – a man in demand.

The Latest: Plettenberg’s post

Plettenberg took to Twitter on Monday evening to provide an update on Bellingham and United. He ‘confirmed’ that Bellingham is ‘transfer target No.1’ at Old Trafford, with club officials expecting the England international to cost €150m (£130m).

The journalist added that ‘Ten Hag wants him’, although the chances of a deal being finalised are low due to Financial Fair Play rules and competition from rivals Manchester City and Liverpool.

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The Verdict: One to watch

A move may well be unlikely, but it seems as if United officials will do all that they can to bring Bellingham to Old Trafford, so it will still be one to keep an eye upon in the weeks and months ahead.

The Red Devils missed a trick back in 2020 after the England international visited Carrington, and any move now, which could well be for around £130m, would comfortably be a club-record outlay.

A regular for his country this year, Bellingham looks set to feature at the World Cup later this month, and who knows, a return to England could be on the cards in 2023.

West Ham United are reportedly eyeing a January swoop for Borussia Mönchengladbach midfielder Kouadio Manu Kone.

What’s the latest?

As per German publication Sport Bild, the Irons could soon be ready to fork out upwards of €45m (£39m) to secure the services of the 21-year-old in the coming windows.

Despite being the crown jewel of the German side’s midfield, having reported losses over the calendar year they may be forced to move on one of their prized assets.

David Moyes holds the midfielder in high regard and has sent scouts to watch him on several occasions. He remains top of their transfer wish list.

Can ditch Soucek for Kone

The France under-21 international – who burst onto the top-flight scene last season – has warranted such interest following his consistently classy displays over the past season and a half.

That form is particularly impressive given how his side sits in midtable, having hardly set the Bundesliga alight with their play. Their prized asset has shone through amidst the mediocrity, boasting incredible power but a fleet of foot that makes him unlike few other midfielders in world football.

He ranks in the top 1% for dribbles completed, and would certainly bring the excitement factor to the London Stadium.

The “monstrous box-to-box midfielder”– as described by Football Talent Scout Jacek Kulic – also offers the capability to push forward and offer offensively, having scored three and assisted two for his current side, and having scored six goals for his former team in France.

Bringing in such a youthful and expressive recruit for their engine room could allow Hammers boss Moyes the chance to finally ditch their underperforming dud, Tomas Soucek, with the Czech Republic stopper enduring some poor form of late.

The 27-year-old had previously been touted as a fine goal-scoring asset from the centre of the pitch in recent seasons since joining from Slavia Prague – with his debut season tally standing at ten goals.

However, the 54-cap brute has just one goal and one assist this campaign, with journalist Josh Bunting recommending he be dropped as he has “struggled all season” and is “just not good enough to play in that role”.

His replacement could offer an instant upgrade, who has shown form of being a “one-man army”, as noted again by Kulig. Alongside Declan Rice, he could provide the energy they have been lacking.

It could prove time to remove the 6 foot 2 ace from the side, with Kone set to be the midfield star Moyes was craving in the summer.

Arsenal are interested in a deal to bring Denzel Dumfries to The Emirates in the January transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to Italian media outlet CalcioMercatoWeb, who claim that the Gunners are one of a number of Premier League clubs keeping a close eye on the Inter Milan wing-back ahead of a potential move this winter, with the Serie A side believed to have placed a €40m (£35m) asking price on the 26-year-old’s head.

However, the report goes on to state that Edu would only be willing to offer a figure in the region of €35m (£31m) for the defender, while Tottenham Hotspur are also reported to be keen on a swoop for the Netherlands international in January.

Bin Cédric, sign Dumfries

Considering just how impressive Dumfries has been in Italy since his €14m (£12m) move to the San Siro last summer, it is not difficult to understand why Mikel Arteta would be interested in a deal to bring the full-back to north London.

Indeed, over his 33 Serie A appearances – only 21 of which came as starts – last season, the £44m-rated talent was in breathtaking attacking form, scoring five goals, providing four assists and creating six big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 1.2 shots, making 0.8 key passes and completing 0.5 dribbles per game.

It has been a similar story over his 15 league outings in the current campaign, with the £54k-per-week defender having already scored one goal, registered two assists and created eight big chances, in addition to taking an average of 1.3 shots – 0.5 of which have been on target – making 1.1 key passes and completing 0.3 dribbles per fixture.

And, with Cédric Soares having so far played a total of 119 minutes of first-team football for Arsenal this season, it is clear to see that, should Arteta wish to give his side the best possible chance of mounting a serious title charge over the remainder of the 2022/23 campaign, signing an upgrade on the £75k-per-week right-back would appear an extremely wise move this winter.

As such, it is easy to understand why Arsenal would be interested in a move for the “difference maker” Dumfries in January, as the player who was directly involved in more goals last season – nine – than the Portugal international has been over the course of his three-year career at The Emirates – seven – would very much look to represent a huge step up from the 31-year-old.

Arsenal look set to be busy after the World Cup as sporting director Edu Gaspar looks to strengthen Mikel Arteta’s playing squad with a couple of additions.

The Gunners are sitting pretty at the top of the Premier League standings, losing just one of their 14 matches, and hold a comfortable five-point cushion over defending champions Manchester City, who sold two of their key protagonists to Pep Guardiola’s former assistant in the summer.

Both Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko swapped the title-winners for the English capital and given the success that they have both had thus far, it’s hard to imagine the Citizens letting anyone else follow suit.

That said, the north London giants could still sign their very own Riyad Mahrez – another player that Arteta knows very well from his time at the Etihad Stadium – in the form of Toulouse teenager Fares Chaibi.

According to Foot Mercato this week, the 19-year-old dynamo is of interest to Arsenal ahead of the January transfer window as he has caught the eye in Ligue 1 in what appears to be his breakthrough campaign.

Despite only starting nine of his 13 appearances, Chaibi has delivered two goals and four assists, including eye-catching contributions against the likes of Lille and Montpellier. He has also featured in a multitude of positions, ranging from both flanks to central midfield and even up front.

The soon-to-be 20-year-old appears to be a relentless presence in the final third as when compared to his positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues, he ranks within the top 7% for assists per 90 (0.43), as well as inside the top 10% for aerial duels won (1.51), interceptions (0.97) and blocks (1.62) per 90.

Also via FBref, there are similarities between his statistical profile and that of current Gunners star Gabriel Martinelli. However, Arteta could well have his very own Mahrez, given they were both born in France but are eligible to represent Algeria and possess incredibly “versatile” and technical ability.

The Man City star also came to the Premier League from France, joining Leicester City after progressing through the Le Harve academy – famous for producing many a top talent – back in 2014.

Given the desperate need to add strength in depth to bolster Arteta’s side and their title hopes, Edu must consider making an early January move for Chaibi – who has also been dubbed a “revelation” and an “outstanding player” in very recent times – as he could become a Mahrez-like sensation at the Emirates Stadium for many years to come and that’ll only bolster their silverware credentials immensely.

AND in other news, Arsenal “planning” to revive £30m deal for “long-term target”, it’d be a “shrewd” move from Edu…

Leeds United are one of a number of Premier League clubs showing an interest in signing Villarreal forward Boulaye Dia, according to a new transfer update.

The Lowdown: Leeds linked with Dia move

Over the weekend, reports suggested that the Whites were keeping tabs on the 26-year-old, who is currently on loan at Serie A side Salernitana and is part of Senegal’s squad for the 2022 World Cup, winning the Player of the Match award after scoring in a 3-1 win over Qatar.

Dia has scored six goals in 14 appearances for his temporary club, settling in well and providing a consistent attacking threat and end product in the final third.

Now, another update further suggests that Leeds’ interest in the 20-time capped Senegal international is genuine.

The Latest: Fresh update emerges

According to Tutto Salernitana [via Sport Witness], the Whites ‘express interest’ in signing Dia, although they are far from alone in that respect.

Everton, West Ham and Leicester City are also eyeing up a move for the attacker, who has the option of joining Salernitana permanently for €12million (£10.3m).

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The Verdict: Much-needed firepower

Leeds may have scored 22 goals in 14 league outings this season but they still clearly need additional firepower, especially with Patrick Bamford struggling to stay fit for extended periods.

While Rodrigo has bagged nine league goals, nobody else has more than four to their name currently and Dia is someone who could ease that problem.

A strong dribbler who possesses plenty of international experience, he could be a shrewd addition to Jesse Marsch’s side, with a central attacking role his preference, appearing there 12 times this season.

Celtic’s move for Montreal defender Alistair Johnston has been agreed upon by all parties and is ‘all but done’, according to Tom Bogert.

The Lowdown: Johnston in Qatar

The Hoops have been heavily linked with a move for the 24-year-old over the last seven days after securing the services of centre-back Yuki Kobayashi, with Johnston currently representing Canada at the World Cup.

He has played in both games so far, recording SofaScore match ratings of 6.6/10 and 6.1/10 against Belgium and Croatia respectively.

Canada are already eliminated ahead of their final group game with Morocco today, and it seems as if Johnston will be on the move in 2023.

The Latest: Johnston to Celtic ‘all but done’

Bogert took to Twitter to provide an encouraging update regarding Celtic and Johnston. He revealed that a transfer is being finalised and that ‘agreements are now reached between all’, with a move ‘all but done’.

The reporter described a deal as a ‘big move’, as other European clubs were keen on Johnston’s services.

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The Verdict: Exciting

It seems as if Ange Postecoglou and Celtic may have landed another exciting player, and you’d expect that Johnston will eventually replace Josip Juranovic at Parkhead.

The Hoops are thought to be confident of securing a £5m+ exit for the Croatia international, who has only been in Scotland for 18 months.

Contract talks have collapsed with the 27-year-old, but it is good to see that the club have acted quickly and appear to have landed Johnston as a replacement.

West Ham United insiders Claret & Hugh have now dropped an injury update on left-back Aaron Cresswell.

The Lowdown: Injury concern

Cresswell could only complete 16 minutes of a friendly match against Cambridge United on Tuesday night, with the team looking to get back to full match fitness ahead of a Premier League trip to Arsenal on Boxing Day.

With Nayef Aguerd having to be withdrawn during Morocco’s World Cup match against Spain, and Kurt Zouma already on the sidelines due to a knee issue, injuries are starting to mount up in defence for David Moyes.

The Latest: Claret & Hugh update

According to Claret & Hugh, the 32-year-old suffered a minor hamstring injury against the League Two side, putting to bed any hope that he was only substituted as a precautionary measure.

It remains to be seen how long the Englishman is out for, but he was not named in the squad to face Udinese earlier today, which will concern West Ham fans.

The Verdict: Big blow

The Liverpool-born full-back has been a shining light in a disappointing Hammers team so far this season, deemed the second-best performer in the squad, according to average match ratings from SofaScore.

Not only that, but his likely replacement is on the other end of the scale completely, with Emerson Palmieri ranked as the second-worst outfield player using the same metric.

Previously dubbed an ‘amazing player’ by former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson, Cresswell has been a fantastic servant to West Ham through good times and bad since arriving from Ipswich Town in 2014, racking up 311 appearances for the club, and will be a big loss for Moyes if his time on the treatment table proves to be considerable.

Wolverhampton Wanderers manager Julen Lopetegui will have to make a decision regarding the future of Adama Traore in January, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

The Lowdown: Traore’s future

Traore has featured 12 times in the Premier League for Wolves this season, but his future at Molineux is uncertain, amid links to the likes of Tottenham Hotspur and Leeds United in England, while Napoli, Inter Milan and Atletico Madrid are pinpointed as potential options abroad.

The Spaniard’s contract is set to expire at the end of the season, leaving new boss Lopetegui with a key decision to make regarding his future…

The Latest: O’Rourke’s comments

In an interview with GIVEMESPORT, O’Rourke highlighted the choice that the manager is left with in the January window, saying:

“Do they decide now in this January transfer window to cash in on him rather than letting him walk away on a free transfer? That’s going to be a decision that they’re going to have to make.

“The new coach, Julen Lopetegui, will he decide to let him leave or maybe put him back in the team to try and help Wolves climb away from relegation trouble?”

The Verdict: Cash in

Although Wolves are undoubtedly now in a relegation dogfight, they may as well cash in on the winger, who has flattered to deceive for them throughout this Premier League campaign.

Despite once being lauded as ‘unique’ by former manager Nuno Espirito Santo, the £43k-per-week earner has been nothing of the sort since returning to Molineux from a loan spell with Barcelona, registering just one goal in 12 league outings this term, while not even featuring in the top ten highest performers at the club, as per SofaScore.

Consequently, Lopetegui should look to receive some money for Traore while he still can by selling him to an interested English club, with the funds raised then able to be used to strengthen the squad elsewhere.

Liverpool are one of the clubs interested in signing Napoli winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. 

The Lowdown: Kvaratskhelia’s season so far

The 21-year-old only joined the Azzurri last previous summer but has since gone on to make 17 appearances for the club across Serie A and the Champions League. In that time, the Georgian has scored eight goals and supplied 10 assists in the process.

Despite only being a Napoli player a few months, Kvaratskhelia has numerous Premier League clubs looking at him.

The Latest: Liverpool in Kvaratskhelia race

According to a recent report from 90min, Liverpool are joined by Newcastle United, Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United with an interest in signing the winger.

The report adds that, while Napoli ‘have not disclosed a price tag, they are believed to be holding out for a figure above and beyond £100m such is their appreciation of him’.

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The Verdict: A ‘cheeky’ target

Alongside his goals and assists this season, Kvaratskhelia has also had more shot-creating actions (58) and successful dribbles (19) than any other player at Napoli. From a defensive point of view, the winger has made more tackles in the attacking third of the pitch (10) than anyone else at the club.

Having been hailed as a “genuine superstar” by journalist Kyle Bonn, it’s understandable why so many Premier League clubs are after the Napoli star.

Jurgen Klopp will already know what Kvaratskhelia is capable of producing on the pitch, describing his nutmeg on Trent Alexander-Arnold as “cheeky” following the teams’ Champions League clash in early November. The winger also set up one of Napoli’s goals in their 4-1 drubbing of the Reds in the reverse fixture two months previously.

With Liverpool having two standout forwards in Diogo Jota and Luis Diaz out injured, perhaps securing a move for the Georgia international would be a smart decision by the club.

Taking all of that into account, we feel that if the Reds were to sign the Napoli attacker, it would give them a very exciting young player who has already shown how capable he is of standing out in one of Europe’s biggest domestic leagues.

Tottenham Hotspur have stepped up their transfer talks to sign Sporting Lisbon star Pedro Porro after manager Antonio Conte’s behind-the-scenes demand.

The Lowdown: Spurs enter Porro negotiations…

As per recent reports, Spurs have already begun negotiations over signing the former Manchester City player ahead of next month’s transfer window.

This comes as Conte and sporting director Fabio Paratici search for right wing-back upgrades, as the former is currently dissatisfied with both Matt Doherty and Emerson Royal.

Porro has been excelling for Sporting in the Portuguese top flight since leaving City permanently, prompting the north Londoners to take notice and consider a move for him.

The Latest: Spurs ‘accelerate talks’ for Porro…

A fresh update out of Portugal, courtesy of O Jogo (via Sport Witness), brings the latest on the defender’s future, and it involves Spurs.

The Lilywhites and Paratici have reportedly stepped up their chase for Porro as Tottenham ‘accelerate talks’ over his January signing.

This comes as Conte demands a more attacking full-back for his system, with the 23-year-old impressing against Spurs in the Champions League earlier this season.

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The Verdict: Perfect player…

Called a ‘special’ talent by members of the media, Porro could certainly fit the bill if Conte is chasing an attack-minded full-back for Tottenham.

As per WhoScored, the Spaniard ranks among Sporting’s best players this season and already has four assists from the wide areas.

Porro also ranks in their top two for shots at goal and key passes made per 90, highlighting the real threat that he can pose in the forward areas.

Still very young, the defender would also come to Spurs with plenty of sell-on value, so this prospective transfer makes plenty of sense.