Transfer expert Dean Jones says that Leeds United are ‘confident’ that Jack Harrison will sign a new contract ‘soon’.

The Lowdown: Ongoing situation

TEAMtalk’s Graeme Bailey revealed last week that Harrison’s contract at Elland Road is an ‘ongoing situation’, as he has ‘strong interest’ from a number of clubs.

The Whites rejected ‘big money’ from Newcastle United for the winger in the summer, and a new deal is ‘firmly’ on Victor Orta’s agenda.

The Latest: Leeds ‘confident’

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Jones has shared that ‘sources close’ to the situation are saying that Jesse Marsch’s side are ‘confident’ that Harrison will sign a new contract at the club ‘soon’:

“I’ve checked this out and sources close to it are saying that Leeds are confident that he will sign that new contract soon.”

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The Verdict: Exciting

The fact that Harrison is seemingly close to signing a new deal will come as exciting news for Peacocks supporters, especially given that he has been linked with a move away.

The winger has been one of Leeds’ standout performers in the Premier League so far this season, scoring one goal and making three assists in 13 appearances, earning himself two man-of-the-match awards, per WhoScored.

At 26 years of age, he still has a lot to offer, and the Whites will no doubt need him performing to his best if they are going to survive in the top flight again this term.

Tottenham midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur will be assessed by Uruguay’s medical team following an injury scare in Friday’s win over Ghana in the World Cup.

The Lowdown: Group stage elimination

The 25-year-old started every World Cup game for his country in Qatar, but despite a 2-0 win over Ghana in their final group game, Uruguay were eliminated on goals scored.

It meant heartbreak for Bentancur but joy for his Spurs team-mate Son Heung min, who produced a brilliant late assist to help South Korea qualify alongside Portugal.

The Latest: Bentancur injury scare

Bentancur only played 34 minutes on Friday and was substituted after feeling discomfort in the first half.

The midfielder was visibly upset when leaving the pitch, and Sport Witness relayed an update from Uruguayan outlet El Pais on his condition. They claimed that Uruguay’s medical team are set to assess Bentancur, with an official report in the ‘next few hours’.

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The Verdict: Fingers crossed

Bentancur has been a key member of Antonio Conte’s squad this season, starting 19 games in all competitions.

He has been the club’s second-best performer in the Premier League behind Harry Kane, as per WhoScored, highlighting his importance in Tottenham’s midfield.

Therefore, with club action set to return later this month, everyone associated with Spurs will be hoping for a positive update on the Uruguayan’s condition; and by the looks of it, they’ll know sooner rather than later.

QPR have been dealt an early blow ahead of this weekend’s game against Burnley, as the Hoops will certainly be without Ilias Chair after Morocco’s World Cup progression.

The Hoops are yet to appoint a new manager to replace Michael Beale at Loftus Road but whoever takes over will be forced to contend without the influential Chair at first.

After a superb start to the Championship season, which saw the former Stevenage man contribute three goals and six assists in 21 appearances, he was called up to Morocco’s squad for the World Cup by Walid Regragui.

The Atlas Lions have been the surprise side of the tournament thus far as after topping a group containing Belgium and Croatia, they knocked out Spain in the round of 16 on Tuesday to set up a quarter-final tie against Portugal this weekend.

Although Chair is yet to play a single minute of the tournament, he will undoubtedly remain in Qatar until Morocco are knocked out, which means that the £7.1k-per-week earner will not be available when QPR face Burnley at Loftus Road on Sunday, when second-tier football returns after a month’s break.

That is undoubtedly a blow to the Hoops’ chances of beating the league leaders, as Chair has statistically been their best player so far this campaign.

According to WhoScored, the 25-year-old has averaged an impressive 7.11 rating for his performances in the Championship, which ranks him as the number one player for the Hoops, ahead of joint-top scorer Chris Willock.

Former player and Sky Sports pundit Glenn Murray was full of praise for Chair last year as he starred at Loftus Road, hitting nine goals and five assists in the Championship.

Murray said on Sky Sports (via TEAMtalk): “There’s no question about his talent. He’s such an exciting prospect. I noticed him a couple of years ago and he’s the real deal.

“He’s got that low centre of gravity, he can get underneath players but he’s also got vision, he can see a pass and he can score a goal.”

QPR desperately need to rectify their recent form if they are to mount a promotion challenge this season but losing Chair for such a difficult first game back could make things very tough for the new manager, so Hoops fans will be disappointed that the attacking midfielder isn’t available.

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.

Aston Villa are plotting a move to sign Villarreal defender Pau Torres in January, according to reports in the last 48 hours.

The Lowdown: Shopping at Villarreal

NSWE are expected to financially back Unai Emery in what will be his first transfer window in charge, where he’ll be given the opportunity to bring in some of his own players.

The Spaniard is reportedly targeting Samuel Chukwueze and Nicolas Jackson from his former club having already made an enquiry for the latter, and it sounds like the raid is about to continue with a third player potentially on his way to the Premier League.

The Latest: Villa eyeing Torres

According to Football Insider, Emery is looking to ‘lure’ Torres to the Midlands in the New Year, with the boss personally ‘keen’ on the 25-year-old.

He wants to bring in another centre-back and has identified the 6 foot 2 star as his ideal candidate, with the club set to be ‘one of the busier’ top-flight teams in the winter market.

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The Verdict: Potential bargain?

Torres has been described as a ‘dream’ signing for a Premier League club by Manchester United reporter Ryan Haber and Villa should use his existing connection to Emery to their advantage in the race for his signature.

The Villarreal colossus has netted 11 goals during his time in La Liga and currently averages four clearances per game, showing a big impact in both boxes.

Torres has also now entered the final 18 months of his contract, meaning that he could be available on a cut-price deal, something that the club should capitalise on.

Manchester United have been linked with a flourishing titan, with one pundit urging the club to swoop and replace one established star at the Theatre of Dreams.

What’s the word?

Former Premier League striker Jay Bothroyd recently told Sky Sports News (via The Express) that United should launch an assault on Aston Villa for their World Cup-winning shot-stopper Emiliano Martinez.

And The Mirror reports that floundering No. 1 David de Gea is set to hold talks with the Old Trafford hierarchy regarding his future, with his contract up for expiry at the end of the season. 

Speaking of De Gea, Bothroyd said: “He is a top keeper, he had a good season last year. But he’s on a lot of money, he’s one of the highest-paid players in the Premier League.

“I think he’s on about £350,000 a week, that’s a lot for a goalkeeper. Now, for example, if I was Man United, I’d be looking at other options, like you would.

“You would have to look around, Martinez being one of them. Yes he’s at Aston Villa but that could potentially be an option for them.”

Ditch De Gea

De Gea has been a stalwart for United, and while the four-time club Player of the Year will go down as one of the outfit’s greatest goalkeepers, it is time for change following the arrival of Erik ten Hag at the helm in the summer, and that starts from the bedrock.

On a reported £375,000 a week, the Spaniard occupies a sizable chunk of the Red Devils’ resources regarding player pay, and his departure would signify a shifting of the pillars that support the weight of this prestigious club.

Not to mention his wayward displays that have crept into greater frequency over the past several years, furthering the claim that United could find better value for less money should they move for someone of Martinez’s ilk.

De Gea has made 20 appearances under Ten Hag this term, but failed to impress and earn a call-up to the Spanish national squad ahead of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

In the Premier League this term, Martinez is better than his positional peer across a number of metrics, recording an average rating of 6.91 to De Gea’s 6.79, a 69% save percentage to the United ace’s 66%, conceding goals at a rate of 1.2 per match to 1.4, and saving one penalty to his rival’s zero. 

It’s worth noting, however, that the Argentine would not come cheap with the stopper valued at £45m-valued having signed a new contract with Villa at the start of the year, stemming until 2027, and seeing his stock sky-rocket following his monumental triumph in Qatar – the hero in two penalty shootouts. 

Hailed as “unbelievable” and “one of the best goalkeepers in the world” by Villa teammate Matty Cash, Martinez would represent a major statement of intent from Ten Hag, who will be seeking to rewrite the blueprint at Old Trafford after so many years of languishing below the high standards.

It might be time to cast the “woeful” – as once branded by Dominic Booth – De Gea aside, and usher in a new colossus between the sticks to cement the foundations of the new era at Man United. 

Highly-rated Hibernian defender Ryan Porteous is good enough to join Celtic, according to a claim from coach John Hughes.

The Lowdown: Old Firm battle

The 23-year-old has matured into an impressive young player in the Scottish Premiership, becoming an undisputed key man for Hibs, despite his tender years.

Porteous has been described as ‘excellent’ by goalkeeper Craig Gordon and has already made a total of 151 appearances for his current club.

His current Hibs deal expires at the end of this season though, leading to links with the league’s powerhouses, as both the Bhoys and rivals Rangers are reportedly battling to sign him.

The Latest: Porteous good enough for Celtic

Speaking to The Daily Record, Hughes claimed that Porteous is good enough for either club, although the same article claims that Rangers won’t sign him:

“One hundred per cent Porto has a target on his back and he’s been hard done by. But that goes with the territory of being a heart-on-sleeve, full-blooded type of player.

“Maybe that’s a reason to get out of Scotland. I don’t know. But at the same time he has been capped by Scotland because he has all those qualities.

“He has become a much better footballer over the last couple of years too. And he is still evolving and will be even better. Nothing intimidates Ryan. Going to Ibrox is not a problem for him. That’s the kind of guy you want in your team.

“A lot of people mention his temperament. If you take that out him then you’re not getting the same player.

“In terms of determination, commitment and putting your body on the line then all your best players have that edge and it’s a case of managing it. Sometimes I needed to start a fight to get wound up and get the best out of myself. Take that hunger and desire out of Porto and you don’t have the same player.

“It’s what makes him one of the favourites at Easter Road. The way he has progressed over the last couple of years he is good enough for the Old Firm. Definitely.

“I have no idea where he will end up but I’d expect it will be down south. He has all the qualities to go on and be a top, top defender.”

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The Verdict: Snap him up, Hoops

Porteous could be a brilliant signing by Celtic, coming in as a talented homegrown prospect with a high ceiling in the coming years and with the added bonus of beating the Gers to his signature.

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To have already played such a hefty number of games for Hibs at just 23 speaks volumes about his ability and he could provide competition for the likes of Cameron Carter-Vicker and Carl Starfelt at centre-back.

The fact that Porteous has represented Scotland at senior, Under-21 and Under-19 further highlights his quality, and considering he would be available on a free transfer in the summer, it could be a no-brainer for Celtic.

West Ham United are now targeting a move for Aaron Wan-Bissaka, a link that has excited former BBC radio pundit Noel Whelan.

The Lowdown: West Ham target right-back

West Ham are believed to be drawing up plans to bring a new right-back to the London Stadium, due to concerns over the performances of Ben Johnson and Thilo Kehrer, while Vladimir Coufal has been linked with a move to Bayer Leverkusen.

Given that Wan-Bissaka is out of favour at Manchester United, featuring for just four minutes in the Premier League this season, he has now emerged as a potential loan option for David Moyes, as reported by club insider ExWHUemployee earlier this week.

The Latest: Whelan reacts

When asked by Football Insider whether a move to the Hammers would interest the 25-year-old, Whelan said:

“There’s no doubt, he’s not in the plans of Ten Hag.

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“I don’t think he fits into the style of play at Man United. He lacks that bit of a cutting edge in the final third.

“But defensively, I’ve not seen too many people beat him in a one-v-one. He’s got a lot to offer a club like West Ham.

“We know he’s a London boy, he came through at Crystal Palace – so he wouldn’t be too far from home.

“I think it’d be a great deal for all parties, and he’d be a solid buy for West Ham if they can sort out a loan-to-buy deal.

“He’s not done an awful lot wrong at Man United, he just doesn’t give you that bit of quality in the final third that Ten Hag is looking for.”

The Verdict: Get it done?

While Whelan is right to point out that the Englishman’s attacking attributes are limited, as exhibited by his zero assists in the past year, he could be more tactically well-suited to West Ham, where he would not be expected to push forward in the same way.

If given a strictly defensive focus, the former Crystal Palace man would be a serious upgrade at right-back, displaying his tackling abilities with an average of 3.03 per 90 over the past year (97th percentile), while 2.48 interceptions over the same timeframe puts him in the 99th percentile compared to his positional peers.

Football reporter Charlotte Duncker has previously claimed that the enforcer is ‘exceptional’ and that is no doubt indicated by his defensive acumen, which vastly surpasses the likes of Coufal, who has averaged 1.86 tackles per 90 in the same time period.

A move back to London is likely to be very appealing for Wan-Bissaka, and West Ham should prioritise his signing in the January window.

Wolverhampton Wanderers are keen on signing Manchester United right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka in January, according to talkSPORT.

The Lowdown: Cunha and Felipe

New manager Julen Lopetegui is already working on bolstering his Molineux ranks in the New Year with the club currently bottom of the Premier League.

Wolves have netted just eight times in the league and are looking to sign Atletico Madrid attacker Matheus Cunha. A move for centre-back Felipe from the La Liga side also appears to be a possibility, and it seems as if Lopetegui now has another defensive target.

The Latest: Wan-Bissaka interest

According to talkSPORT on Twitter, Wolves are interested in signing the 25-year-old, with United open to offers if they can land a full-back of their own.

They said on Friday afternoon:

“BREAKING: Wolves want to sign Manchester United defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka in January. MUFC are open to offers for Wan Bissaka providing they can source a replacement. – talkSPORT sources understand.”

The Verdict: Smart idea?

Lopetegui only has one out-and-out right-back on the books at Molineux in Nelson Semedo, so a move for another seems to make sense.

The United man has dropped down the pecking order at Old Trafford and has played just four minutes of competitive action under Erik ten Hag this season.

He previously showed his quality with Crystal Palace which earned him a big-money move to the Red Devils and now has 132 games of Premier League experience under his belt, so it could be a good move for all involved.