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Tottenham Hotspur may have been handed a potential transfer blow over Weston McKennie, who is now believed to be firmly on the radar of Aston Villa and Bournemouth.

What’s the latest?

The American midfielder has been linked with a potential move to Spurs for a number of months, with Fabio Paratici believed to have an eye on the man he initially brought to Juventus in 2020.

And McKennie continues to be a reported Spurs target amid the January transfer window, with the Serie A side expecting Spurs to potentially put forward an offer for the 24-year-old.

However, speaking on the House of Champions YouTube channel, reporter Fabrizio Romano has now suggested Spurs may face competition from other Premier League sides, with two clubs already holding talks with his representatives over a possible move to England.

He said: “Weston McKennie could be one of the players to leave. There are conversations ongoing – as you mentioned – with Bournemouth, also with Aston Villa; there was a call a few days ago to explore the potential conditions of a deal.”

Move now or miss out

McKennie has made 12 appearances for Juventus in Serie A this season, with 10 of those coming in the starting XI under Massimiliano Allegri (via Transfermarkt).

However, on just three occasions in the Italian top flight has the midfielder lasted the full 90 minutes of the game, with Adrien Rabiot – also linked to Spurs – replacing him after 67 minutes on Wednesday evening.

It is believed Spurs are looking to add another midfielder to their squad, with the likes of McKennie, Rabiot and Sofyan Amrabat linked with potential moves to N17 in recent weeks.

In comparison to Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Rodrigo Bentancur, the American has provided fewer goals, fewer assists, fewer tackles per 90 and even fewer shot-creating actions this season (via FBref).

Fabio Paratici, however, has successfully raided Juventus before with the additions of Bentancur and Dejan Kulusevski, who have both thrived since leaving Turin behind for Tottenham.

Therefore, the Italian’s judgement may count for more than the statistics on show from this season so far, with Paratici clearly a fan of the 24-year-old having previously signed him from Schalke.

However, what will be interesting to see is whether the performance of Pape Matar Sarr on Wednesday night against Crystal Palace influences Tottenham’s search for a midfielder.

The Senegalese youngster came on as a substitute at Selhurst Park for a 24-minute cameo in place of Oliver Skipp in which he impressed journalist Alasdair Gold:

“Another bright cameo from the bench. He replaced Skipp on 66 minutes and looked calm and composed in his second Premier League game. Made an important interception late on to stop Edouard running through and preserve the clean sheet,” he wrote.

And with some of Spurs’ youngsters impressing, it will be intriguing to see if the Lilywhites allow McKennie to be snapped up by another side and potentially focus their attention on other areas this month.

Wolverhampton Wanderers could now have been handed a potential boost in their hopes of landing Michail Antonio from West Ham United.

What’s the latest?

It has been reported Julen Lopetegui has identified the West Ham striker as a potential option to improve Wolves’ frontline in this January’s transfer window.

This comes following the Wanderers already adding the Brazilian forward, Matheus Cunha, to their side this month following the arrival of Lopetegui late last year.

But with Wolves struggling thus far in the 2022/23 Premier League campaign, it seems as if this transfer window is viewed as a huge part in their season which they need to use to boost their hopes of survival.

Interestingly, the West Ham man, who has been hailed as an “inspiration”, shares the same agency as Wolves backup goalkeeper Matija Sarkic.

And speaking on TalkSport on Wednesday morning, journalist Alex Crook has claimed Lopetegui is a big fan of the Jamaican striker and feels he could bring Wolves some much-needed goals:

“I’m told the player himself possibly is open to a new challenge. I think his contract is due to expire at the end of the season, but he’s got a year’s option at the end of that, so he’s effectively into the last 18 months of his deal. And Wolverhampton Wanderers would be keen if he was made available.”

Dealing with competitors

Wolves have struggled this season which is evident from their spot in the table as they sit just one place and two points above the bottom.

And their struggles have stemmed from their form in front of goal with Wolves currently the side to have scored the least number of goals so far this season.

Having only found the back of the net 11 times in 18 league games, it is apparent they need to add quality up top this month if they hope to claw their way outside of the relegation zone.

The signing of Diego Costa has not been a success with the Spaniard having been awarded more red cards so far this season than he has scored goals (via Transfermarkt).

And when your top scorer has just four goals to his name at this point of the season, it is apparent there is an issue.

However, in Antonio, Wolves would not be signing a player who is bang in form with the 32-year-old only finding the back of the net twice in his 17 league appearances this season (via Transfermarkt).

The Jamaican has been pushed out of the starting XI on a regular basis by Italian striker Gianluca Scamacca, however, he has previously provided double-figure returns in his last three Premier League seasons.

But then comes the question, why would West Ham deal with Wolves this month and potentially strengthen a side who is sitting just one point behind them in the relegation battle?

Former Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel would be open to talks with Tottenham, should the club part ways with Antonio Conte, according to The Evening Standard’s Nizaar Kinsella.

The Lowdown: Tuchel in England

Tuchel, who likes to play a 3-4-2-1 formation, made the move to Stamford Bridge back in 2021 and was in charge of 99 games. The 49-year-old averaged over two points per game with the Blues, winning the Champions League during his time in England.

The German also won the FIFA Club World Cup and the World’s Best Club Coach Award at Chelsea, and it looks as if might be open to a return to London.

The Latest: Tottenham links

Kinsella took to Twitter on Wednesday, saying that Tuchel ‘would be open to Tottenham talks’.

The Evening Standard reporter said that despite his Chelsea connection, the manager would be interested in the Spurs job, should Conte depart.

The Verdict: One to watch?

Conte’s future in north London appears to be uncertain at this stage, with Spurs losing both of their home Premier League fixtures since the restart following the World Cup.

Therefore, should the club decide to make a change in 2023, a move for Tuchel could be one to keep an eye on, should he still be out of work, following this update.

He’s had relative success in England and has also managed the likes of Paris Saint-Germain and Borussia Dortmund, winning trophies in both countries, so who knows, he could be the man to finally end Spurs’ long wait for silverware, although a lot needs to happen in the meantime for that to have any chance of materialising.

Tottenham Hotspur fans are understandably angry with how Antonio Conte is setting up his side, according to Noel Whelan.

The Lowdown: Spurs’ struggles

After an electric start to the season that brought seven wins from their opening ten Premier League games, Spurs have struggled and currently have just four points from a possible 15.

This drastic drop-off has seen them fall out of the top four and currently sit six points behind Manchester United who’ve played a game less.

Despite the downturn in form, Conte has opted to stay with his preferred five-at-the-back setup which has, in the eyes of Whelan, left supporters frustrated as they drop further away from league leaders and fierce rivals Arsenal.

The Latest: Whelan’s comments

Speaking to Football Insider, the former Premier League striker questioned the Italian’s desire to not mix up his tactics which have proved fruitless of late, saying:

“I’d like to see Spurs try something new, but Conte seems like a stubborn person – and someone who doesn’t change his mind easily.

“He’ll stick to his principles.

“But I would personally like to see him try and change to a four, and just be that little bit more fluid in attack.

“Even playing three at the back, they’re leaking a lot of goals – so it’s not working for them.

“I can see why the fans are frustrated because they’ve watched some of the best attackers in the world in the past – Paul Gascoigne, Ossie Ardiles, Chris Waddle.

“Now they’ve got similar talent in Kane and Son, but they’re being shackled by this system.”

The Verdict: Time for a change?

With attacking talent in abundance when all are fit, Tottenham would likely benefit from a change of mindset on the pitch – but a change off the pitch could also soon occur.

Conte’s contract runs out at the end of the season and The Athletic reported in December that talks were set to take place over a new long-term deal, but since then, Spurs have won just once in the league as he now cuts a visibly frustrated figure.

With anti-Daniel Levy chants being sung since the defeat to Aston Villa, the pressure is mounting on both board and manager.

A change in style could help bring Son Heung-min back to form after only eight goal involvements from 25 games, whilst Richarlison is still waiting to bag his first league goal at Spurs.

The alteration in emphasis might bring back a smile to Spurs fans’ faces, with not much to lose at the minute with how their results have gone of late.

West Bromwich Albion are reportedly interested in signing Aston Villa centre-back Lamare Bogarde this month and his arrival at The Hawthorns could allow Carlos Corberan to ditch Semi Ajayi.

The Athletic reported last month that the Baggies could look to bring in the youngster in January as the manager looks to bolster his defensive options ahead of a likely promotion push in the second half of the campaign.

West Brom sit just outside the Championship play-off places after last weekend’s late defeat against league leaders Burnley but appear to have a great chance of a top-six finish if they can maintain their superb form since Corberan took over from Steve Bruce last October.

The manager has preferred a centre-back partnership of Erik Pieters and Dara O’Shea during his time with the Midlands club, which is perhaps partly down to the injury issues of Kyle Bartley and Ajayi.

The latter has made just two substitute appearances in the league since Corberan’s arrival and has struggled immensely on his rare starts this term, averaging a subdued 6.42 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

This ranks him as only the 18th-best performer at The Hawthorns so far in 2022/23 according to WhoScored, so he could be a prime candidate to depart in the January transfer window, especially if the manager can add another defender to his ranks.

Bogarde could be an ideal option to succeed him, as the youngster would arrive with a very good reputation thanks to his performances in Villa’s youth ranks, with academy director Mark Harrison delighted about the Dutchman’s “immense potential” upon his arrival at the club from Feyenoord.

The 20-year-old, who can also play as a defensive midfielder, made his senior debut for Villa in the 2020/21 season but hasn’t played for them since, so a loan move could be good for both parties this month as he looks unlikely to break into Unai Emery’s first-team.

Given his reputation and potential, he could be a far better option for Corberan than Ajayi in the second half of the season, when you consider the Nigerian’s less than impressive displays under Bruce in the early months of the campaign.

While that would be tough on the former Rotherham man after his injury issues in the autumn, the Baggies must do all that they can to secure a top-six finish this season. Signing a versatile youngster such as Bogarde can only be a good thing for Corberan, even if it means getting rid of Ajayi.

Tottenham Hotspur will continue to push for a move for Sporting CP wing-back Pedro Porro, with the hope that they can complete a deal in this window, Fabrizio Romano has claimed.

What’s the word?

Antonio Conte is in hot pursuit of a right wing-back to replace the maligned Emerson Royal in the starting XI, with his sights set on Porro.

The Spaniard reportedly has a €45m (£40m) release clause in his contract, but Spurs have yet to meet this valuation and are trying to strike a deal for a lower amount.

Speaking on the Here We Go Podcast, Romano revealed the details around the negotiations for the 23-year-old and hinted that a deal could eventually be struck given the admiration for the player.

He said: “Tottenham now have a new meeting scheduled for Pedro Porro, the right back of Sporting. They also had a meeting today [Tuesday].

“The bid of around €37m has been turned down by Sporting, they want €45m, but Tottenham hope to get it done with a new meeting on Wednesday, they will try to offer some add-ons.

“So around €35m fee, add-ons, the possibility to include the player in the negotiation to change the guaranteed fee, so there will be new conversations, Tottenham are really pushing. They are in love with Pedro Porro.”

A vast attacking upgrade

Although he will be signed as a wing-back, Porro could help transform Tottenham’s attack with his creativity in the role.

He ranks highly for goals, assists, shots, shot-creating actions, dribbles and attacking penalty area touches as per FBref when compared to other fullbacks in similar European leagues, highlighting his excellent attacking output, and while the Premier League could be a significantly higher level, he could become a crucial player for Conte.

Meanwhile, Emerson ranks poorly for dribbles, assists and shot-creating actions, and the extra creativity in the side could help get the best out of the Spurs attacking trio of Son Heung-min, Harry Kane and Dejan Kulusevski.

Journalist Luke Edwards has slammed Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp for his recent “aggressive” behaviour towards members of the press.

What’s the latest?

With the January transfer market now officially shut, the Reds can reflect upon a window where Cody Gakpo was the club’s only arrival, while no players were sold.

This may have been a disappointment for some fans who were desperate to see their side add a new midfielder to the ranks. And with the club struggling for form, stuck down in ninth place in the Premier League, the mood at Anfield hasn’t been great of late.

Klopp has seemed to reflect this state of unease that seems to be present within Liverpool right now and he lost his temper earlier on in January, snapping back at a Journalist who asked him about transfers.

In light of his club’s poor form and the underwhelming last few days of the transfer window, Edwards suggested that “something isn’t quite right” with the manager right now.

While speaking on BBC Sounds’ Transfer Gossip Daily, he said: “I thought Klopp’s behaviour at the start of the window, when he was quite aggressive to journalists asking about him signings, I think that sort of behaviour now is wearing thin.

“And I think it portrays the pressure he is under or feeling because something isn’t quite right at Liverpool. I think they needed a midfielder and I think most supporters would acknowledge they needed a midfielder. They haven’t even got close to doing that.”

Bad vibes

In that press conference alluded to earlier, when asked about more transfers, an exasperated Klopp bluntly replied: “Honestly, come on, I’ve had 6,000 press conferences at Liverpool and you were pretty much part of 5,999, do I need to tell you again the money story?”

The German coach had clearly lost his patience but to be fair to him, he was right in explaining that the club didn’t have the funds to go out and sign any more players – as proven by the fact that Gakpo was the only arrival in January.

However, that’s not the only time he’s lost patience publicly this month. Indeed, after watching his side crash out of the FA Cup against Brighton, Klopp slammed his own players for conceding twice from set-pieces.

He said (via The Express): “We concede two goals from set-pieces and that is not allowed in any way.

“It doesn’t feel great. In time we might see the positives but we wanted to get the next round.”

While Klopp’s huge personality may be seen as a real attribute in inspiring his players when things are going well, it may now be starting to rub certain people the wrong way.Amid such a poor season, it’s likely that he’s feeling the pressure and having now not been backed in the transfer market, the manager may cut an even more frustrated figure over the coming weeks.

Chelsea are battling Manchester United for the signing of in-form Napoli striker Victor Osimhen this summer, a new transfer report has claimed.

The Lowdown: Osimhen linked with Chelsea move

The 24-year-old is having a season to treasure for the Serie A giants, scoring 17 goals in all competitions and terrifying defences with his combination of unstoppable power and composure in front of goal.

Chelsea have been linked with completing the signing of Osimhen recently, as Graham Potter and Todd Boehly look to make significant transfer inroads once again when the summer window arrives.

The Nigerian’s head could be turned by a move to the Premier League given that he has just two years left on his deal in Naples, and it doesn’t look as though the Blues’ interest is going away.

The Latest: New update emerges

According to Gazzetta dello Sport [via Sport Witness], Chelsea are ‘ready to invest’ in Osimhen this summer, although he could cost as much as €120million (£107m).

United are also name-checked in the report, while fellow European powerhouses Real Madrid and Bayern Munich are seen as clubs who could afford him, too.

The Verdict: Perfect Aubameyang replacement?

A new centre-forward is definitely needed at Chelsea in the summer, with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang proving to be a huge disappointment, scoring just three times in 17 appearances.

Osimhen could be the perfect signing, in that respect, considering he is almost ten years younger than the Blues striker and has netted 16 goals in as many Serie A starts this season.

He could spearhead a hugely exciting attack that also features the likes of Mykhailo Mudryk and potentially Joao Felix, having been hailed as ‘wonderful’ by Jose Mourinho, who also said the player is ‘of the same level as (Didier) Drogba’.

Chelsea certainly don’t seem to be shy of spending big and offering long contracts at the moment, so coughing up massive money for Osimhen would be no great shock.

Manchester United are eyeing up Napoli striker Victor Osimhen ahead of the summer transfer window following his impressive 2022/23 campaign to date.

What’s the latest?

The Red Devils have been left scrambling for options at striker this season following the debacle with Cristiano Ronaldo in the early stages of the campaign.

This saw United bring in the Dutch striker Wout Weghorst over the January transfer window on a short-term loan deal until the end of the season.

However, it seems that United will be looking to bring in a longer-term option in the summer with the Nigerian striker believed to be one of the options.

Indeed, speaking on his YouTube channel, Fabrizio Romano has suggested Erik ten Hag is a big fan of the 24-year-old but will face competition from other European powerhouses:

“The player is in the list of many clubs. For sure, Manchester United appreciates the player. As I mentioned, he was on the list last summer. Erik ten Hag is understood to be a big fan of Osimhen’s skills.”

Long-term option

It does feel as if United have needed a focal point up top for a number of years now with the likes of Ronaldo only offering the club short-term stints in the side.

And with Ten Hag at the helm, it does seem United have the correct type of manager at the helm to bring in a striker who could play his football at Old Trafford for years to come.

There have been links to Harry Kane and the England captain could certainly provide them with a consistent output of goals in the Premier League.

Tottenham Hotspur’s all-time record goalscorer has proven to be one of the best strikers the league has ever seen and could, therefore, prove to be a sensible option for United this summer.

However, Kane will be 30 years old during the summer transfer window and perhaps this will raise some concerns that he may not provide the Red Devils the long-term option they may be looking for.

Whereas, with Osimhen – who’s been hailed as a “machine”, the 24-year-old is providing Napoli with a stunning return in Serie A with 16 goals to his name this season in 17 appearances.

This comes on the back of the Nigerian netting 14 goals last season in Serie A, showing a steady progression in the striker’s development.

Of course, Osimhen will prove to be a bigger gamble over Kane for United given he has never played in the Premier League before.

But you do have to question how many more years Kane has at the top level. Although he may still have a few more at his peak, Osimhen could certainly offer United a real focal point for years to come.

Fabrizio Romano has said that Manchester United’s takeover suitors will be important when it comes to the club’s search for a new striker this summer.

The Lowdown: Weghorst at Old Trafford

Erik ten Hag managed to bolster his attacking ranks in the January window by signing Wout Weghorst on loan until the end of the season.

However, the Dutch striker has struggled at Old Trafford, scoring just one goal in eight appearances so far. There is also no option to make a move permanent in the summer, meaning United will more than likely be on the hunt for a new centre-forward over the coming months.

The Latest: Romano’s comments

Talking to GiveMeSport about United’s transfer plans for a new striker, Romano said that the club are yet to make any decision. The transfer expert also said that proposed new owners will be ‘crucial’ in the club’s striker search.

“I think there are so many rumours, so many rumours, but at the moment, Man United will not make any decision.

“Also, the new owners are going to be crucial to understand how much they want to invest in a striker.”

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The Verdict: Qatari investors to spend big?

The Red Devils have been linked with big-money summer swoops for Harry Kane and Victor Osimhen, so the club’s new owners may need to immediately stump up some funds to bring in one of their top targets.

A group of wealthy Qatari investors appear to be preparing a bid for United and ‘want things done quickly’ in order to ‘inject funds’ at Old Trafford for transfers.

Therefore, should a deal go through, they could be the ones to make a marquee-attacking signing, in what could be the final piece of the jigsaw in Ten Hag’s squad.