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Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly close to securing a permanent transfer for Dejan Kulusevski. 

The Lowdown: Spurs’ swoop for Kulusevski

The north London club signed the winger back in the previous January transfer window from Juventus on an 18-month loan deal that costs Spurs £8.3m with an obligation to buy the player for £29.2m if certain sporting criteria are met.

Since then, the 22-year-old has made 32 appearances for the Lilywhites across all competitions, scoring six goals and delivering 13 assists along the way.

Now that domestic football has taken a break as a result of there being a winter World Cup taking place in Qatar, it appears that some behind-the-scenes rumblings have been going on at Spurs regarding Kulusevski.

The Latest: Spurs close to permanent Kulusevski deal

According to a recent report from Football Insider, Tottenham have everything in place to sign Kulusevski permanently regardless of whether he activates the reported clauses in his contract.

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The report also adds that with the club apparently obliged to pay £30m to Juventus if he plays 20 Premier League games this season and they finish in the top four, Spurs will push ahead with the permanent signing in 2023 even if those objectives aren’t met.

The Verdict: A no-brainer for Spurs

After joining in January, the winger managed to end the previous league campaign with the third-highest rate of shot-creating actions (3.64), which was more than Harry Kane (3.54) managed to pick up.

Across the nine league games he’s made this season, Kulusevski, who has been hailed as an “outstanding” player by journalist Charlie Eccleshare, has delivered more assists (5) than any other player in Antonio Conte’s squad.

This further highlights how much of a useful and effective attacking figure the £110k-per-week star is for Tottenham and why securing him on a permanent deal should be a no-brainer for the club.

Moving forward, if Spurs can get this deal confirmed at the end of the season, this will undoubtedly be a massive boost for the club, Conte and the supporters.

Everton transfer target Daichi Kamada had an afternoon to forget in Japan’s World Cup defeat against Costa Rica on Sunday.

The Lowdown: Everton links

Kamada has been linked with a move to Merseyside in recent weeks, with the Toffees thought to be eyeing up a potential move in the January transfer window for the attacking midfielder.

His ability to garner direct attacking returns is second to none, with his haul of seven goals and three assists from 13 Bundesliga games registering him as a vital component in Oliver Glasner’s side.

Kamada’s seven goals see him rank as the side’s top goalscorer in the league this season, with the World Cup serving as a big platform for him to showcase his ability to the masses.

The Latest: Flopping on the World Stage

90min reporter Henry Burt shared a player ratings story from Japan’s 1-0 defeat to Costa Rica where Kamada was slammed for a lacklustre performance.

Burt rated the midfielder 5/10, a joint-worst score for Japan, saying:

“A lacklustre display from the Eintracht Frankfurt playmaker.”

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The Verdict: World Cup blip

The 26-year-old could do very little to help his side and was far too easygoing out of possession, winning just two duels from a possible six, with a measly average of 20% ground duels won.

He lost the ball on 12 occasions, however, there were a couple of positive signs with his four passes into the final third and three recoveries, but both were nowhere near the quantity or quality required.

Ultimately, Kamada was not involved enough but we can look at this performance as a one-off in a set-up that he is not as accustomed to in comparison to domestic life in Germany with Frankfurt.

With 10 attacking returns in 13 Bundesliga appearances, his quality is there for all to see, so Everton may still continue to track him heading into the New Year.

A reliable club journalist has hinted that Aston Villa might return for an explosive former target, with manager Unai Emery scouring for talent that will enhance his team’s prospects of climbing the Premier League table under his tutelage. 

Discussing Villa’s prospective moves in the coming months, BirminghamLive reporter Ashley Preece confirmed that Watford’s Ismaila Sarr is likely to be a name the owners look at when considering which foray into the market will bring success to the club. 

He said:

“Sarr, yes, one we’ve spoken about a few times and, obviously, a player put to Villa by Johan Lange before that deal collapsed at the 11th hour. Villa do lack a Sarr-type in attack and it’s an area Emery wants to add to.”

Sarr would certainly be an acquisition of the right calibre for the Claret and Blue, with Emery, a four-time Europa League winner, eyeing a steady ascension up the ladder in search of success. 

Aston Villa had all but confirmed a deal for the Senegalese international in August, agreeing to a £25m fee for the player before withdrawing their bid at the final stage, citing a variety of hurdles. 

However, with the player scoring six goals and providing three assists from 17 outings in the Championship this season, remaining with the relegated Hornets, Emery appears to be enticed and could urge the club to table a fresh bid.

Capable of playing across the forward line, Sarr’s dynamism and pace would be a fine addition to any team looking to inject impactful additions.

The 51-cap Senegal international scored one goal during his nation’s group phase, a penalty during the pivotal 2-1 victory over Ecuador, and will likely see his stock rise if he can perform against England in the first knockout phase of the tournament. 

Once labelled as “electric” by journalist Rob Blanchette, Sarr would certainly bring an added dimension to the Villa attack, which has already shown signs of spluttering to life since the departure of Steven Gerrard.

As per Sofascore, the 24-year-old has recorded a rating of 7.27 in Qatar, mustering 3.0 shots per outing and proving to be a consistent thorn in the side of his opposition. 

His 1.3 tackles, 0.7 interceptions and 1.3 possessive reclaims per match also furthers the argument that he could thrive under Emery, with the player having “stepped up” recently. 

Whether Watford are prepared to part with their phenom with the club sitting five points outside of automatic promotion to the Premier League will become clearer as the January transfer window draws closer, but with a frightening skill set only improving, he could be a dangerous force once more in the Premier League if Emery was to swoop. 

Crystal Palace are expected to try again for Eintracht Frankfurt ace Djibril Sow in January and the Swiss midfielder could form a superb partnership with Cheick Doucoure.

It was suggested by The Athletic that Patrick Vieira was very keen on signing Sow during the summer but only when it was too late for a deal to be done, so the Eagles could return for him in January.

Those at Selhurst Park will no doubt be keeping a close eye on the 25-year-old’s performances for Switzerland at the World Cup in Qatar and should he impress, it would not be a surprise to see Palace approach Eintracht Frankfurt next year.

It seems clear from the first half of the Premier League season that Vieira is lacking options in midfield. The likes of Will Hughes, James McArthur and to a lesser extent, Luka Milivojevic, are all surplus to requirements at Selhurst Park, as they have made just two starts between them so far this campaign.

The French manager has instead opted to start the likes of Eberechi Eze, Michael Olise and Jordan Ayew in midfield alongside summer signing Doucoure, who has often been left isolated as a result, so signing a natural midfielder to play alongside him should be a priority for the Eagles.

The Mali international currently averages the second-most tackles and most interceptions of anyone in Palace’s squad, while he leads the way for clearances when compared to midfielders and attackers, so it seems clear that Vieira needs someone to help him out with the defensive side of the game.

Sow has been a regular for Frankfurt in both the Bundesliga and Champions League so far this campaign, averaging a strong 6.71 rating from WhoScored for his performances in Germany’s top flight.

It might be tough to prise the former Borussia Monchengladbach man away from The Waldstadion considering they have a Champions League knockout game against Napoli to look forward to, but the temptation of Premier League football and playing under a midfield great in Vieira could just sway Sow.

Sports reporter Sam Smith shared his thoughts on the Eintracht Frankfurt man on Twitter, writing:

“First time properly watching Djibril Sow in this first half & been impressed. Progressive on the ball and combative. As per story from deadline day, Palace were very keen on a deal. Talks were still happening late in the day. Definitely, one to watch ahead of January.”

Therefore, it seems clear that Sow would be a strong January addition at Selhurst Park, and he could form a destructive duo with Doucoure in Vieira’s side.

West Ham United have struggled in the Premier League this season, winning just four matches and scoring only 12 goals in the process.

It’s a far cry from their league form last season and this could be down to the vast number of first-team players who are underperforming. The likes of Lucas Paqueta and Gianluca Scamacca have scored just six goals between them, despite costing £51m and £35.5m respectively in the summer and David Moyes will be expecting much more from them when the season resumes.

However, the performances of Tomas Soucek this season have been disappointing, registering just two goal contributions from 15 matches compared to his excellent performances last season and the fact his contract expires in 18 months, Moyes may have a decision to make.

The club have been previously linked with a move for PSV Eindhoven midfielder Ibrahim Sangare and with Diaro Sport (via Sports Illustrated) stating that an offer of £25m could be enough to secure the player, Moyes must reignite his interest in January.

The Ivorian has been excellent this season, averaging a Sofascore rating of 7.22 for his Eredivisie displays this term, chipping in with three goals from the centre of the midfield while making 0.4 key passes and creating a further two big chances.

Defensively, the 25-year-old has been solid. In 12 league appearances, he has averaged 3.1 tackles, 1.3 clearances, and 1.1 interceptions per match along with winning 59% of his total duels. This ability to focus on the defensive side of the game has allowed talents like Cody Gakpo to flourish, with the Dutchman knowing that Sangare will put in the hard work behind him.

Former PSV manager Aad de Mos sang the midfielder’s praises last season when he was being linked with various clubs, saying:

“He is extraordinary. This season, he has been the king of PSV. You miss Sangare when he’s not playing. He isn’t just suitable for Leicester; he can easily keep up at an even higher club. He can easily play at Tottenham and certainly at Arsenal.”

Judging by these comments, luring Sangare to West Ham would be somewhat of a coup for Moyes and with Soucek’s performances dipping this season, the Scot should be focusing all his attention on bringing the PSV sensation to London in January.

Aston Villa could inject an illustrious piece of Spanish flair into the ranks in the coming weeks, with boss Unai Emery circling on the first signing of his reign at the club.

Indeed, reports from Spain have highlighted Sevilla’s midfield maestro Isco to be hot property on the current market in recent days, with Aston Villa set to rival Midlands rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers in the pursuit of the star. 

The Claret and Blue were tarnished and in dire need of rejuvenation when Emery stepped in during the latter days of October, and have since risen from their languishing position under the recently-sacked Steven Gerrard and struck three league wins from their past four outings. 

The 30-year-old has not quite hit the ground running since his summer move from Real Madrid, but with quality remains unquestionable, with Emery sweating over the interest of Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur, who The Sun claim may also pounce.

Coutinho upgrade

Despite a marked upturn in performance and result before the season froze for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Spaniard Emery will not rest easy until he has stamped his mark onto Villa Park and shifted a few stragglers for players of his own liking. 

One such ace who could find themselves replaced by the five-time Champions League winner Isco, is Philippe Coutinho with the Brazilian failing to spark the fire in Aston Villa that once landed him a £142m transfer to FC Barcelona from Liverpool.

Now plying his trade with Villa, Coutinho might find himself ousted upon the prospective arrival of Isco, who may offer more in the eyes of Emery, who will be looking to cement the team’s status in the Premier League.

As per Transfermarkt, the Spaniard Isco has made 19 appearances for the Red-Whites, scoring just one goal and assisting three more this term

Sevilla have been beset by a stark decline in form this term, currently stuck in 18th place in La Liga after winning just two games from 14 contests.

Despite this, the former Madrista has maintained a 6.8 rating in the league, demonstrating his exquisite ball-playing skill by completing 87% of his passes, averaging 1.4 key passes per game and winning 56% of his ground duels. 

And according to FBref, the “incredible” ace – as dubbed by Andres Iniesta – ranks within the top 7% of midfielders across major leagues for pass completion, and also in the top 3% for rate of interceptions. 

Should he sign for Aston Villa, a club ostensibly on the up, he could bring flair and guile and captivate fans with his wily weaving and slick transitional play. 

He would eclipse the recent travails of Coutinho, who has – despite glimpses – failed to emulate his form at Liverpool at Villa Park, where he has now started just six league matches this season, failing to register a single goal or assist.

Furthermore, his 0.5 key passes per game and 82% pass success rate provide evidence that he is certainly on the decline, with that first stat, in particular, a great deal fewer than Isco.

With the Spaniard still offering positivity in abundance within a Sevilla side lacking inspiration and direction, he could be the catalyst for change under Emery’s wing, who is a four-time European champion himself.

League leaders Celtic are back in action against Livingston at Parkhead on Wednesday night, with Ange Postecoglou’s side hoping to maintain their rampant and relentless start to the Premiership campaign.

The Old Firm giants have won 15 of their 16 games in the top flight so far this term, with the only blot on their copybook the defeat away to St Mirren in September, subsequently ending a 38-match unbeaten run in the league.

In truth, the Glasgow giants have looked almost imperious domestically since the 57-year-old’s arrival at the helm in 2021, with even the recent World Cup break having shown little sign of curtailing their momentum, as the champions clinched a 1-0 victory away to Aberdeen last weekend.

Despite the narrow winning margin – with the returning Callum McGregor having netted late on to seal all three points – it had been a “dominant” performance from the Hoops at Pittodrie, in the words of Postecoglou, as the visitors enjoyed 80% possession on the day.

The only thing missing prior to McGregor’s 87th-minute strike was that clinical edge in front of goal, with the forward line having come up short despite recording 33 attempts on goal, as per Sofascore.

One notable villain in that triumph had been Japan international Daizen Maeda, with the 25-year-old having been hooked at half-time following his recent return from featuring for his country at the World Cup in Qatar.

The diminutive speedster produced a typically hard-working display from the right flank, having won seven of his eight duels. However, he was once again unable to offer that killer touch in attack, having shown ‘plenty of endeavour but little end product’, in the words of The Scotsman’s Mark Atkinson.

Such a performance has been synonymous with the 12-cap menace of late, with the £18k-per-week striker having even been dubbed a “headless chicken” by journalist Casey Evans due to his shortcomings in the final third.

That has been evidenced by the fact that the former Yokohama F Marinos marksman has scored only three goals in his 15 league appearances so far this season, with that indicating his struggles of late.

As such, it should well be the case that Maeda is dropped to the bench against David Martindale’s men tomorrow night, particularly with Liel Abada having been “excellent” – according to journalist John McGinley – after entering the field in his place against Aberdeen on Saturday.

Everton and Frank Lampard are reportedly targeting a loan move for Manchester United winger Anthony Elanga in the January transfer window.

The Lowdown: Bit-part player

The Sweden international has largely been a bit-part player under Erik ten Hag so far this season, starting just six games and failing to last the full 90 minutes in any of his 14 appearances (Transfermarkt).

Given his lack of game-time, United are likely to let the 20-year-old leave on loan in January, and the Goodison Park outfit were linked with a move for him in the summer.

The Latest: Elanga targeted by Everton

As per The Daily Mail, Everton are now targeting a move for Elanga in January, but Lampard will face competition to convince him to join the Merseysiders.

The Sweden international is thought to be ‘frustrated’ with his playing time at Old Trafford, and Lampard wants a new winger and striker for the Toffees.

However, a number of other Premier League clubs are asking about Elanga’s situation, and United are yet to make a decision on the youngster, having already let Cristiano Ronaldo depart.

The Verdict: Worth a shot?

Monday’s 2-1 loss at home to Wolves highlighted Everton’s fragilities in front of goal, as they only managed to score once in 12 attempts.

The result means that the Toffees have only managed to score 12 goals in the Premier League all season, the third-fewest in the division, so they could do with some more firepower in their frontline.

Hailed as a player with ‘plenty of speed’ by top-flight legend Dwight Yorke, Elanga would add another dimension to the Blues’ attack, while he should need little time to adapt having already gained Premier League experience.

Sharing a similar playing style to Anthony Gordon according to FBref, his prospective addition at Goodison Park would certainly be an interesting one going forward.

Tottenham Hotspur are leading the race to sign Sofyan Amrabat in the January transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Italian publication Gazzetta dello Sport (via Sport Witness), who claim that both Spurs and Liverpool are currently ‘in pole position’ to land the ACF Fiorentina central midfielder this winter, although it is also claimed that ‘there is also competition from LaLiga’ for the 26-year-old’s signature in January.

The report goes on to state that the Morocco international himself would be open to a move away from the Serie A side due to his desire to play Champions League football, however, La Viola are said to be unwilling to part with the midfielder for anything less than an offer of €45m (£40m) in the winter transfer market.

Amrabat is “perfect” for Conte

With Amrabat proving beyond doubt during Morocco’s run to the semi-final of the 2022 World Cup that he is an incredibly hard-working player who can drive his team forward with lung-busting runs from the heart of midfield, it is easy to understand why Antonio Conte would be interested in a deal to bring the 26-year-old to north London this winter.

Indeed, over his seven appearances in Qatar, the £22m-rated talent was in astonishing form for the Atlas Lions, making an average of 2.3 tackles, 0.9 interceptions, 1.4 clearances and winning 3.4 duels – at a success rate of 48% – per game, as well as playing an average of 1.9 long balls and completing 38.3 total passes – at a success rate of 85% – per match.

These returns saw the £33k-per-week midfielder average an extremely impressive Sofascore match rating of 6.83, playing a key role in Morocco defeating both Spain and Portugal in the knockout stages of the tournament, with talkSPORT presenter Adrian Durham going as far as to state that Amrabat was his “player of the tournament”.

Furthermore, Pete O’Rourke clearly believes that the Fiorentina star would make a perfect addition to Conte’s current options in the middle of the park at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, with the journalist stating his belief in a recent interview with GIVEMESPORT:

“On paper, he looks like he’s the ideal midfielder for Antonio Conte. A great defensive midfielder, great energy to get around the pitch, likes making tackles and he’s also good on the ball as well – a good passer. I think for someone like Conte, his work rate is perfect for the type of football that he likes to play.”

And, considering the form that Amrabat displayed at the World Cup, it would be extremely difficult to argue with O’Rourke’s assessment of the midfielder’s suitability to Spurs, as the 26-year-old “monster” – in the words of Italian journalist Carlo Garganese – would indeed appear to be something of a perfect fit for Conte’s tactical setup in north London.

Manchester United starlet Anthony Elanga has been urged to go out on loan in this transfer window by YouTuber Mark Goldbridge.

What’s the word?

Goldbridge claimed that the winger is not currently at the right level to play for Man United, with his development stalling after initially coming into the team too early as a result of a lack of other options.

Ahead of their midweek clash against Bournemouth, the Swedish attacker has scored four times in 45 matches for the club, and although the 20-year-old has impressed at times, including scoring away at Atletico Madrid in the Champions League, he still has a long way to go from becoming the finished product.

He has been linked with a loan move to Everton, and Goldbridge has claimed on his YouTube channel that he definitely needs regular minutes to stand any chance of success at Old Trafford.

He said: “My stance on Anthony Elanga has always been he should be doing what Amad [Diallo] is doing in the Championship and playing in the Championship developing – because he’s not developing at Man United.

“There [has been] no development in Anthony Elanga in the last eight months; he is flatlining. Every time he comes on, it’s the same Anthony Elanga that we saw eight months ago.

“He’s not developing whatever talent he’s got. It’s got to the point with me with Elanga, where if I’m being completely honest, I like the player, but my heart sinks a little bit.

“I’m like, this is not exciting, he’s not going to spark. I hope he does, but he’s just not developing. He needs to be playing every week.

“I would like to see Elanga on loan ASAP.”

A good deal for everyone?

Should Elanga join Lampard’s side in the winter window, he could gain regular minutes, whilst Everton would be gaining an additional attacker, so a move could be of benefit for both sides.

If he does well on loan, his value could rise, and he could return to United ready for the first team or be sold on for a sizeable fee.

However, given that Everton are in a relegation battle, he would have a lot of pressure on his shoulders at Goodison Park to deliver instantly. If he settles quickly, he could become a hero if he helps Everton stay up, though poor performances could quickly destroy his confidence.

He needs a regular run of games, and his versatility means he could slot in anywhere across the Everton attack. Therefore, we can see why United may be tempted to loan Elanga out.