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Sky Sports’ Jamie Weir believes Tottenham Hotspur will target new defenders in the summer.

The Lowdown: Tottenham looking to back Conte

It took a very long time – as it did 12 months ago – but Antonio Conte was finally backed in the recent January transfer window by Daniel Levy, who handed him Arnaut Danjuma and Pedro Porro.

However, neither of them started in the 1-0 win against Manchester City yesterday, which may suggest that they aren’t necessarily the first-team-ready options the Italian would have perhaps wanted.

Spurs have been linked with centre-backs in recent times who they could indeed move for in the summer if they secure Champions League football, with players such as Alessandro Bastoni and Marc Guehi said to be of interest.

The Latest: Spurs to improve at the back

Weir insisted on Sky Sports prior to Spurs’ clash against Man City that while the Lilywhites didn’t improve at centre-back last month, they will improve the defence in the summer when they have more time to assess their options.

Discussing their January business, he said: “Fans will rightly sort of say, ‘oh, but, you know, defence is still a big area of concern’, but that will be targeted in the summer, we understand.”

The Verdict: Levy must bring in new players

Tottenham did improve one part of their defence last month by bringing in a new right wing-back, but they are essentially wingers in Conte’s system, so the heart of the defence is where many may want the squad to be improved.

It will be essential that Spurs sign at least one new centre-back, as they’re still playing Ben Davies in a back three despite the Welshman being a left-back, and of course, Clement Lenglet will head back to Barcelona once his loan deal expires.

Therefore, Levy will certainly have to dig deep into his pockets and find the money needed for Conte to land a top centre-back who can help shore them up at the back, as they have shipped 31 goals in the league already this season, which is the most out of any side inside the top half.

Nottingham Forest could make a move to bring Inter Milan midfielder Roberto Gagliardini to the Premier League this summer, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Marinakis makes contact

The Italy international will be out of contract at the San Siro at the end of the season, and having suffered a lack of game time making just three league starts this term, he’s decided to leave upon the expiration of his deal.

Evangelos Marinakis reportedly made contact to enquire about the availability of the 28-year-old in January but, at the time, he was happy to see out the rest of the campaign.

However, Steve Cooper has now been alerted to his situation after learning that he’s on the lookout for his next destination and appears to be considering taking a second bite at the cherry.

The Latest: Forest eyeing Gagliardini

According to Italian outlet Calciomercato (via Sport Witness), Forest’s ‘appreciation’ for Gagliardini still remains ‘in view of June’, when they could decide to make another approach.

The Inter star ‘doesn’t sound very excited’ about the possibility of a move to The City Ground though and is waiting for ‘offers’ from other clubs in the Serie A.

The Midlands outfit would likely be the suitor to put the ‘bigger offer’ on the table given the English top flight’s financial power, but it’s claimed they may need ‘more arguments’ should they have any chance of securing his services.

The Verdict: Absolute bargain

Gagliardini has been labelled a ‘superb’ footballer by journalist Josh Bunting and Forest will be getting an absolute bargain if they are able to land him on a free transfer in the summer.

The Nike-sponsored player currently ranks in the 99th percentile amongst midfielders for most blocks per 90 minutes and in the 98th percentile for number of touches in the attacking penalty area, highlighting his ability to impact the game at both ends of the pitch (FBRef).

Standing at 6 foot 2, the Bergamo native would also be able to add a different dimension to the midfield with his height, making him an ideal experienced central addition for the Reds.

Unai Emery’s Aston Villa return to action in the Premier League this afternoon as they host Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal on their own turf.

The Villans are attempting to avoid a third straight defeat in the top flight after losing to Manchester City and Leicester in their last two matches.

Emery’s team were beaten 3-1 by City last time out in the league, thanks to goals from Rodri, Ilkay Gundogan and Riyad Mahrez, and the Villa head coach may look to make alterations to his starting XI in order to bounce back from that loss.

Will Matty Cash start against Arsenal?

One player who must be unleashed from the start today is former Nottingham Forest defender Matty Cash, who could provide a much-needed defensive boost on the right-hand side of the pitch.

In his last Premier League start, the Poland international played ahead of Ashley Young and dropped in to help the defence when needed against Wolves in early January, putting in a solid display in that role.

As per Sofascore, the £80k-per-week dynamo won six of his eight individual duels and made two interceptions, three tackles, one block and two clearances, also completing 90% of his attempted passes.

This shows that the 25-year-old, who has made 2.8 tackles and interceptions per match and won 63% of his battles this season, was of huge help to Young on that side of the pitch by cutting out a number of opposition attacks before they got to the former England international at right-back.

Former Villa manager Alex McLeish once hailed the versatile talent’s ability to make an impact at both ends of the pitch, saying: “He ticks all the boxes, both attacking and defending. He’s a real threat going forward, as all modern full-backs are. Nowadays they have to be.”

Cash, who scored four goals and provided three assists in the Premier League in 2021/22, has the quality to make things happen in the final third and has shown that he also has the defensive steel to keep players quiet at the other end, which is why he is suited to a defensive right midfield role.

Utilising the Poland wizard’s versatility and strength in that position could be crucial to Villa picking up a positive result this afternoon, because of the quality that Arsenal have in Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard on the left flank.

The Brazilian winger has racked up seven goals and two assists in 22 top-flight starts this season, whilst the Belgian gem has scored eight goals and set up another two in 16 starts for Brighton and the Gunners combined.

Therefore, playing Cash ahead of Young could help to lock up whoever Arteta selects on the left, as Villa would have two defensive players doubling up on them, which is why the former Nottingham Forest man must be unleashed today.

Leeds United are well placed to sign Lyon striker Moussa Dembele this summer, providing they remain in the Premier League, according to Football Insider.

The Lowdown: Leeds’ attacking options

Andrea Radrizzani and the 49ers bolstered the Whites’ attacking options in January by bringing in Georginio Rutter from Hoffenheim in a club-record deal. He is one of numerous central and wide attacking options on the books at Elland Road, with teenager Wilfried Gnonto impressing since his arrival last summer.

Rodrigo, Patrick Bamford and Rutter are the current centre-forwards in Yorkshire, but it looks as if that trio could be joined by Dembele.

The Latest: Dembele linked with Leeds

Football Insider shared a story in the last 48 hours regarding Leeds and Dembele, with the player’s contract set to expire in the summer.

The report claimed that the Whites are ahead of relegation rivals Southampton in the race for the 26-year-old’s services and are well-placed to sign the Frenchman, so long as they remain in the top flight.

The Verdict: One to watch

Sponsored by Adidas, Dembele is currently valued at €18m (£16m) by Transfermarkt and is still just 26 years of age. He has scored 140 senior goals for Celtic, Fulham and Lyon, so he could be a shrewd addition on a possible free transfer, especially considering that he netted 21 times in Ligue 1 just last season.

Leeds have struggled in front of goal in recent weeks, netting just twice in their last five Premier League games, so Dembele could add some much-needed firepower at Elland Road, making this one to keep an eye on if the Whites manage to avoid the drop.

Manchester United are rolling along just nicely at the moment. Fresh from winning their first trophy in six years, the Carabao Cup, Erik ten Hag’s side are still in with a chance, albeit a small one, of winning four competitions this term.

Since Christmas, the Red Devils have lost just once across all competitions and this momentum has gone a long way to claiming silverware and improving their Premier League position.

The Dutchman is slowly building a team to be reckoned with, although there is a gaping weakness, he doesn’t have an out-and-out striker who could guarantee him 30 goals a season.

Marcus Rashford has been in sensational form this term, scoring 25 goals in all competitions, yet he is usually deployed on the left wing with on-loan frontman Wout Weghorst or Anthony Martial leading the line, yet they have failed to showcase form that suggests they will be the answer for Ten Hag.

If only he could travel back 20 or so years, one of Sir Alex Ferguson’s finest signings would complete his side – Ruud van Nistelrooy.

Imagine Ruud van Nistelrooy and Marcus Rashford

The Dutch hitman was signed for a then British record fee of £19m in the summer of 2001 from PSV Eindhoven as one of the continent’s best strikers and should have completed a move to United the season before, however, injury delayed the move for 12 months.

He soon made up for that lost time, netting an incredible 80 goals in his first two seasons, leading United to the Premier League title in 2002/2003.

Overall, his spell at Old Trafford yielded 150 goals from 219 games, and his natural instincts in the penalty area made him one of the most clinical strikers of his generation. Rio Ferdinand lavished praise on his former teammate, saying he was “the most devastating finisher I have ever played with” and his record in England certainly justifies this comment.

Rashford and van Nistelrooy would form an epic partnership right now at United. The Englishman is a major threat from the wing and would certainly provide plenty of assists for the Dutchman to feed off of every game – assisting nine goals so far this season.

Just imagine the pair of them punishing opposition defences with their lethal play in the box – it could have made United almost unstoppable at their best.

Martial and Weghorst aren’t the most clinical of players, with Rashford’s hard work usually going to waste, yet with the Dutchman leading the line, once the ball breaks to him in the box, there is a good chance that it will end up in the back of the net – based on his sensational record for the club.

There is no doubt Ten Hag will be using the summer transfer window to secure a striker that can take the club to the next level, it’s just a pity a prime van Nistelrooy isn’t available, as he could propel the club to wonderful heights.

Now it is time to find the new “devastating” striker to lead the line at Old Trafford…

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery did not make wholesale changes to his squad during his first transfer window in charge of the club in January.

The Spaniard brought in teenager Jhon Duran, from Chicago Fire, and experienced left-back Alex Moreno, from Real Betis, on permanent deals and allowed centre-forward Danny Ings to join Premier League rivals West Ham United.

Emery may, however, look to do more business in the summer transfer window with a view to attacking the 2023/24 campaign head-on as the coach will have the opportunity to have a full pre-season with his team.

One player who could come through the door at Villa Park is Barcelona ace Franck Kessie as NSWE eye a swoop to sign the ex-AC Milan enforcer.

Are Aston Villa interested in signing Franck Kessie?

According to recent reports in Spain, the Villans are one of the clubs who are ready to make a bid to sign the central midfielder in the summer if he becomes available.

Fellow Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur and Serie A giants Inter are also said to be eyeing up the Ivorian, who was once dubbed “a tank of a player” by journalist David Amoyal.

Antonio Cassano also hailed Kessie as “devastating” and that word aptly describes the midfield that Emery could form by signing the gem to partner Boubacar Kamara next season.

The current Villa midfielder has been a solid performer for the club in the top flight since joining from Marseille last summer. He has made 3.4 tackles and interceptions per match – winning 55% of his duels – across 18 appearances in the division.

Kamara has proven himself to be a strong defensive force in the middle of the pitch by consistently cutting out opposition attacks to win possession back for his side.

Kessie could come in and complement the 23-year-old’s work in midfield by offering quality in possession. The £153k-per-week Ivorian has struggled for game time, starting four matches in LaLiga this term, but caught the eye with his impressive displays for Milan in the Serie A last season.

In 31 appearances in the Italian top-flight, the 26-year-old averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.07 and contributed with six goals and 0.9 key passes per game. The gem only made two tackles and interceptions per game but did win 55% of his battles, which shows that he was fairly effective when competing for the ball.

Kamara is yet to score for Villa and has averaged 0.4 key passes per match but Kessie, who scored 19 Serie A goals in his last two seasons with Milan, could be the attacking presence in midfield to allow the Frenchman to go about his excellent defensive work.

Therefore, they could be a devastating duo for Emery as their contrasting styles and qualities in the middle of the park could blend together to make a balanced midfield that makes an impact at both ends of the pitch.

Manchester United midfielder Casemiro could miss tomorrow evening’s Europa League first leg against Real Betis through injury.

The Lowdown: Premier League return

Casemiro returned to Erik ten Hag’s Premier League XI against Liverpool on Sunday after completing a three-match ban following a red card against Crystal Palace last month.

However, the trip to Anfield turned into a nightmare, with the Red Devils suffering a 7-0 defeat to Jurgen Klopp’s side. To top things off, Casemiro was replaced after 77 minutes with an apparent injury, which could keep him out against Betis.

The Latest: Injury news

ESPN reporter Rob Dawson provided an update regarding Casemiro on Monday ahead of the Europa League tie.

He heard from sources that ‘Casemiro will be assessed by medical staff ahead of the game after the Brazilian player picked up an injury against Liverpool.’

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The Verdict: Worrying

Casemiro has made a huge impact at Old Trafford after arriving from Real Madrid over the summer, helping the Red Devils end their six-year wait for a trophy.

The 31-year-old has been the club’s second-best performer in the Premier League behind Bruno Fernandes, as per WhoScored, while also featuring in every Europa League fixture so far.

Therefore, being without the Brazilian at Old Trafford tomorrow would come as a blow, but with plenty of games left, United will need to be cautious when it comes to Casemiro’s condition, making sure he only features if he is fully fit.

Liverpool have been left shocked by the price tag placed on transfer target Jude Bellingham this summer, according to a new update.

The Lowdown: Liverpool desperate for Bellingham

No player has been linked with a move to the Reds more often this season that the 19-year-old, who is surely one of the world’s most sought-after footballers right now and believed to be a top target for the Reds.

Bellingham has been endlessly tipped to seal a transfer from Borussia Dortmund to Liverpool during the summer transfer window, despite reports of Chelsea also being in the mix.

A new update has now emerged regarding the current situation – one that may not go down too well with Liverpool supporters.

The Latest: Real Madrid favourites

According to Cadena SER [via Sport Witness], it is actually Madrid who are the favourites to sign Bellingham at this point, having met ‘face to face twice’ with the Englishman.

It is also claimed that Dortmund are now demanding €150million (£131.7m) for his services this summer, which has ‘shocked’ suitors and ‘annoyed’ the player himself, as it could lead to another season in Germany if nobody is willing to pay up.

Liverpool are now are ‘looking at other players’ in case that amount is deemed too much, while Manchester City will turn their attention to Mateo Kovacic, leaving Madrid in pole position.

The Verdict: Would be a crushing blow

It does feel as though Reds supporters have put all their eggs in the Bellingham basket this summer, so missing out on him now would be an enormous setback.

It does genuinely feel as though Liverpool are the 22-cap England international’s preferred club at the end of the season  – Arsenal legend Thierry Henry suggested as much last week – but this update is clearly a concerning one.

Bellingham is the perfect midfielder imaginable for Jurgen Klopp to bring in and bolster a weak area of the pitch, and while he wouldn’t solve the issues in the middle of the park on his own, he still has the ability to transform it.

The teenager is having another excellent season, scoring ten goals in all competitions for Dortmund and one at the 2022 World Cup, and his all-round brilliance is already so potent.

Not only is Bellingham slick on the ball, registering four assists in the Bundesliga this season, but he also has 2.6 tackles per game in the competition, showing that he is also hugely effective out of possession.

Manchester City fans are buzzing over a ‘serious’ transfer option for manager Pep Guardiola in the form of Brighton star Alexis Mac Allister.

The Lowdown: City linked…

The Premier League champions have been linked sporadically with a move for Mac Allister after his sensational performances at last year’s World Cup.

Brighton’s attacker seriously turned heads in Qatar and stood out as a key player under Lionel Scaloni, which even prompted club legend Sergio Aguero to rave over the South American.

The 24-year-old is thought to be attracting real attention from across England with the likes of Newcastle, Spurs, Liverpool and Chelsea also credited with interest.

It’s reported that he is seriously considering a summer exit from Brighton and City are thought to be major contenders for his signature.

The Latest: Fans buzz over Mac Allister update…

According to journalist Ariel Helueni of TNT Sports, as also shared by City Xtra, Guardiola has personally held talks with the attacker over a possible move to Man City.

It’s added that Mac Allister is a ‘serious option’ for the Blues, with Helueni stating: “Pep Guardiola had talks with Alexis Mac Allister and he is a serious option for Manchester City in the next summer window.” 

In reaction to the update, supporters have shared their joy on social media, with a few even believing Mac Allister could be the perfect player to succeed captain Ilkay Gundogan (whose contract expires at the end of the season):

Fans exclaimed:

“Bring him to the etihad” – @hulisuncle

“My dream Manchester City signing” – @R1631230011R16

“Yessssss.. good signing.” – @MAVIPHA

“If it’s a decent price go all in for him quality player” – @AaronBu86845579

“Lets trust pep with this signing” – @Sundayokeme1

“Perfect gundo replacement if he leaves” – @Vignesh63732505

The Verdict: Phenomenal player…

Mac Allister’s stats this season tell you all you need to know about his quality and just how crucial he is for Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi.

As per WhoScored, the midfield maestro has scored more league goals than any current Brighton squad member and has averaged more attempts at goal per 90 than anyone bar the departed Leandro Trossard.

Indeed, Mac Allister also ranks in Brighton’s top three for best-performances by average match rating also, clearly showcasing his ability as a proven Premier League player.

If Gundogan does in fact depart Eastlands after many years of faithful service, Mac Allister could well be a decent shout to replace the German.

Injury expert Dr Rajpal Brar has said he’d ‘be surprised’ if Leeds United full-back Stuart Dallas returned from injury before the end of the current campaign.

The Lowdown: Three operations

Dallas has now been out of action for 11 months after suffering a serious injury against Manchester City at Elland Road last April. The Northern Irishman suffered a femoral fracture following a collision with Jack Grealish and had surgery in London shortly after.

Since then, the 31-year-old has had two more operations, with the first being to help limit the sensation in his knee and the latest a small clean-up surgery.

Leeds correspondent Phil Hay said at the beginning of the month that ‘it sounds like he’s going in the right direction’ with the aim ‘always to be back before the end of the season’, but it looks as if that may be asking a lot of the versatile fan favourite.

The Latest: Brar’s comments

Brar was talking to MOT Leeds News regarding Dallas and a possible return before the season is out. The injury expert said he had a ‘rare’ injury for footballers and admitted he’d ‘be surprised’ if he returned, claiming it would be a lot to ask.

“He had a rare femoral fracture (rare for footballers) and then a follow-up procedure in January as well to help clean up the area.

“I’d be surprised if he returned this season because he will return to relatively high-intensity games with Leeds looking to avoid the drop and that is a lot to ask for after missing the entire season.”

The Verdict: Right call

Dallas has been a key man for Leeds over a number of years, helping them return to the Premier League under Marcelo Bielsa. He won three honours following the club’s first season back in the top flight, turning out in a number of different positions.

However, it is only a year on from his very serious injury, so it could be the right decision to look to integrate Dallas back into the side in the summer instead of pushing for a return before the end of May.

He may need time to get fully back up to speed, and with Leeds involved in a battle to avoid the drop, placing the pressure on Dallas to perform to the high standards straightaway could be extremely unfair.

Hopefully, we will see Dallas return to the form that made him a regular for Leeds prior to his injury in the Premier League next season, provided the club remain in the top flight.