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Darwin Nunez is ‘one to watch’ as Newcastle look to further strengthen their squad, according to The i’s Northern Football Correspondent Mark Douglas. 

The lowdown: Goalscorers wanted

Newcastle, Douglas says, ‘made enquiries’ about Nunez last month, before the transfer window opened.

They’ve already strengthened their striker ranks this month with the £25million signing of Chris Wood from relegation rivals Burnley.

They should also have top scorer Callum Wilson back from injury in around five weeks time.

The Magpies have, however, only managed to net 21 goals in their first 21 Premier League matches, so it makes sense that they would want even more firepower.

Transfermarkt value Nunez, who still has three and half years left on his SL Benfica contract, at £28.8million.

The latest: Surprise!

Sources at St James’ Park have apparently spoken about a ‘potential surprise’ in the final knockings of the window, reports Douglas, aside from the more heavily reported targets like Jesse Lingard and Diego Carlos.

Clubs are expected to lower price tags to more ‘realistic’ territory as it becomes clear that ‘Newcastle’s is the only offer that is likely to materialise’.

Douglas has urged Newcastle fans to keep an eye on Nunez in the final week of trading, suggesting he may be the ‘surprise’ arrival.

The verdict: Perfect signing

Wilson will be 30 next month and Wood is there already, while Nunez is still only 22, so perhaps Newcastle envisage building their attack around the Uruguayan long-term.

And it’s no wonder they like him – his record is magnificent. This season, he’s scored 20 goals in just 25 appearances in all competitions, averaging one every 79 minutes.

Yes, the Primeira Liga may not be the standard as the Premier League (it ranks sixth in UEFA’s coefficient, while the PL is top), but Nunez has also carried his form into the UEFA Champions League.

He bagged a brace in a 3-0 win over FC Barcelona in September and was also on target in a defeat against Group E winners Bayern Munich in November.

Perhaps this is a deal to revisit in the summer, though, because Benfica know that selling a prize asset at this late stage could spark a late scramble for a replacement.

In other news, Newcastle are considering another player who produced a UCL masterclass.

Leeds United boss Marcelo Bielsa has suffered a major injury blow over Dan James ahead of his side’s Premier League clash against Arsenal at the weekend.

What’s the story?

According to The Telegraph’s Mike McGrath, James picked up a muscular injury during that defeat at the Etihad, and it remains to be seen how long he could potentially be out for.

That was then followed up by The Athletic’s Phil Hay, who via Bielsa’s pre-match press conference, revealed: “Dan James and Jamie Shackleton are out this weekend. Robin Koch available though. No other changes to the absentee list. Firpo serving a one-match ban.”

Big blow for Leeds

While James may not have exactly lit Elland Road alight with his performances this season since his move from Manchester United – he’s scored just one goal and provided only two assists in 16 Premier League games – he remains a vital part of the first-team squad for Bielsa.

The Welshman has been involved in every single Premier League game this campaign bar one, and that was way back in mid-August when he remained on the bench against Southampton in only the second match of the season for Leeds.

With the Whites already without a number of key first-team stars for the game against Arsenal – including the likes of Kalvin Phillips and Patrick Bamford among others – losing yet another player on the eve of the game is a major blow and setback for Bielsa.

Raphinha and Jack Harrison will surely be expected to start out wide, but it leaves Bielsa with very little room to manoeuvre when it comes to options off the bench and potential game-changers.

Leeds fans will surely be absolutely gutted with the kind of injury luck they have had in recent weeks in particular.

Meanwhile, this Leeds star must be axed vs Arsenal…

Tottenham Hotspur are preparing an offer to bring Franck Kessie to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the January transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by SportMediaset (via Milan News), who claim that Antonio Conte and Fabio Paratici are hoping to secure a deal for the AC Milan midfielder this January, and have offered I Rossoneri the services of Tanguy Ndombele as a makeweight in their bid to sign the 25-year-old immediately.

Previous reports had claimed that Spurs were preparing a lucrative pre-contract offer for the Ivory Coast international ahead of a potential switch to north London at the end of the season, however, it would now appear as if Conte is actually attempting to seal a deal for the midfielder in the current transfer window.

Conte’s next Pogba

Considering just how impressive Kessie has been for Milan in recent seasons, it is not difficult to understand why Conte is reported to be so eager to secure the midfielder’s arrival at Tottenham before the end of the month.

Indeed, over his 37 Serie A appearances last time out, the £25m-rated man was in remarkable form for his side, scoring an astonishing 13 goals, registering four assists and creating five big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 1.3 shots and making 0.8 key passes per game.

These returns saw the player who Antonio Cassano dubbed a “devastating” talent earn a seasonal SofaScore match rating of 7.18, ranking him as Milan’s third-best performer in the top flight of Serie A last season.

The £69k-per-week midfielder has continued this impressive form over his 16 league outings in the current campaign, having already bagged five goals and created one big chance for his teammates, with these metrics seeing the 25-year-old average a SofaScore match rating of 7.19.

In fact, Kessie’s returns are not dissimilar to those of Paul Pogba during his first season under Conte at Juventus, when the France international scored seven goals and registered 11 assists over his 36 Serie A appearances back in 2013/14.

As such, should Spurs manage to get a deal over the line for the 52-capped international this January, the 52-year-old could well go on to unearth his next Pogba at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the second half of the Premier League season – an outcome that would undoubtedly be worth the cost of signing the midfielder now rather than waiting until the summer.

In other news: “In talks…”: Fabrizio Romano drops teasing Spurs update that will leave fans buzzing

As per Mundo Deportivo, an enticing transfer claim has emerged involving Tottenham Hotspur and Barcelona forward Ousmane Dembele.

The Lowdown: Paratici eyes free moves…

Tottenham’s transfer chief has certainly been hard at work behind the scenes going by his numerous links to potential 2022 free agents over these last few months.

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Franck Kessie, Marcelo Brozovic, Lorenzo Insigne and Jesse Lingard are just a handful of names attracting Tottenham’s interest who could all leave their clubs for nothing next year.

Another player who seemingly fits Paratici’s description, Catalans star Dembele, is also out of contract at the end of this season with Spurs’ managing director now making a pre-January move.

The Latest: Paratici offers ‘a lot of money’ to Dembele…

As per Spanish news outlet Mundo, Paratici ‘wants to give Antonio Conte quality players at zero cost’ and it is believed that the France international has now been ‘tempted’ by Spurs as a result.

Tottenham have apparently ‘approached’ Dembele with ‘a lot of money’ as Paratici personally promises the 24-year-old he’ll be a ‘key piece’ in the N17 project.

The Verdict: Get it done?

Spurs’ official sets out a transfer plan of signing stars for little to no cost, we believe a swoop for Dembele could certainly come as an astute bit of business but a slight gamble.

Indeed, on the one hand, Paratici could bypass the player’s estimated £45m Transfermarkt valuation and sign a player Lionel Messi called a ‘phenomenon’ for free.

On the other, the former Borussia Dortmund sensation’s injury record doesn’t paint a pretty picture going by his history of serious hamstring problems (Transfermarkt).

Amassing 27 caps for France in a very competitive squad when it comes to depth, it’s clear Dembele has the ability, with the only question being will he be able to support Conte on a regular enough basis?

In other news: Conte as Spurs enter talks to sign ‘sensational’ player with the physique of a ‘horse’, find out more here.

Leeds United winger Jack Harrison only suffered a dead leg against Arsenal and won’t be injured for any upcoming action, according to journalist Phil Hay.

The Lowdown: Leeds humbled by Arsenal

The Whites’ worrying Premier League form continued on Saturday evening, with the Gunners cruising to a 4-1 victory at Elland Road.

An injury-ravaged Leeds side were rarely in the contest against Mikel Arteta’s team and there are now genuine concerns regarding a relegation battle.

Marcelo Bielsa has a host of key men unavailable and there were worries that Harrison had also suffered an injury after being replaced in the first half.

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The Latest: Positive Harrison update

However, taking to Twitter after the game, Hay confirmed in a nine-word verdict that the winger only had a dead leg, with no serious injury detected.

The journalist tweeted: “Harrison has a dead leg so that’s not serious.”

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The Verdict: No more injuries

This is a rare positive injury update in an otherwise disastrous season for Leeds, who simply cannot afford any more injuries to important figures.

Harrison may not have been at his best this season, failing to score in 15 Premier League appearances, but his availability is crucial in terms of allowing Bielsa to rotate in attack.

Saturday’s defeat only heightened the need to bring in January reinforcements, though, with Leeds’ squad looking threadbare at best amid their precarious league position.

In other news, one Leeds player has been linked with a move away from the club. Find out who it is here.

Flocking to Twitter, many West Ham United fans have been left buzzing over an ExWHUemployee update involving forward and target Jesse Lingard.

The Manchester United ace, who was heavily courted by West Ham in the summer, opted to remain at Old Trafford in a bid to fight for his place under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

However, as Lingard’s minutes fail to rack up, murmurs have started to emerge again regarding his future and there is a consensus that West Ham could make another move in January.

According to reliable club insider ExWHUemployee, the Irons could reignite their interest mid-season and make a move for Lingard during the winter window.

It is even thought that he would be interested in joining West Ham and Lingard’s own brother has made it clear he enjoyed his time at the club and misses it there.

Flocking to this update on the 28-year-old, it’s safe to say lots of supporters are excited at the prospect of re-signing Lingard and it’s little wonder given his phenomenal loan spell at the London Stadium last year.

If David Moyes is to maintain West Ham’s fantastic 2021/2022 season run, signing the England international in January could be a big move if they can get it done.

West Ham fans erupt over Lingard update…

“crying”

Credit: @petersweterr

“We’re going for the title”

Credit: @Callumfitzer_

“The band could be getting back together!! Woohoo!!”

Credit: @mattdcrane82

“love that”

Credit: @td_ldn

“Yes please”

Credit: @Lord_Irons

“It would be a great signing!!”

Credit: @PJ_10_Cricket

“I would take him tomorrow!”

Credit: @WestHamSteven

“Let’s hope it happens”

Credit: @The_Scotty

In other news: ‘Don’t gas me’, ‘Announce the title’…ExWHUemployee’s ‘exciting’ news has many West Ham fans talking, find out more here.

As per Calciomercato.it, a development has emerged in Tottenham Hotspur’s race to sign Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie.

The Lowdown: Premier League calls?

The 23-year-old has enjoyed a resurgence under Massimiliano Allegri recently after a whirlwind 2021/2022 start for him personally.

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McKennie, now a fixed point in Juve’s starting eleven, was the subject of inconsistent performances at club level and even some off-field international drama with the USA before playing his way back in (SB Nation).

Despite becoming a favourite under Allegri, reports suggest that the former Bundesliga man could still leave Turin as both Spurs and West Ham are linked.

A report by La Gazzetta dello Sport last week even stated that new Lilywhites boss Antonio Conte personally wants to bring him to north London and sees him as the ‘new Vidal’.

In another update, Calciomercato.it have brought a promising claim.

The Latest: Spurs not scared by McKennie price tag…

According to the Italian outlet, Tottenham have already approached to ‘ask for information’ on McKennie as they prepare their move for the midfielder.

As well as this, it is believed that the player’s €30-35 million (£25.1m-£29.3m) asking price ‘does not scare’ Spurs or managing director Fabio Paratici by extension.

The Verdict: Get it done?

Given McKennie’s versatility across midfield and even at centre-half, we believe this may be a deal worth pursuing if Paratici and co truly have no problem paying his asking price.

The youngster, having already amassed an impressive 28-caps for the USA, has been lavished with praise by football’s most iconic names in recent seasons.

Indeed, just last season, Italy legend, World Cup winner and ex-Juve boss Andrea Pirlo called McKennie a ‘rock’ in his midfield, praising the midfield maestro who ‘grits his teeth’ (Goal).

Amid his upturn in form, Tottenham could be wise to pounce whilst the player’s confidence is high and can carry serious momentum over to the Premier League.

His £29.3m maximum estimation is arguably generous given his age and the fact he comes with plenty of sell-on value.

In other news: Conte set for Tottenham injury boost as Sky Sports reporter breaks update on Twitter, find out more here.

Jack Harrison could be left out of Leeds United’s starting XI to face Wolves on Saturday, according to former Sunderland striker Kevin Phillips.

The Lowdown: Leeds host Wolves

The Whites are back in Premier League action this afternoon, as they look to finally kick their 2021/22 season into gear.

Last Saturday’s 1-0 defeat at Southampton was the latest disappointing showing in a string of worrying results, which have them languishing in 17th place in the table.

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The Latest: Harrison tipped to be left out

A win is much-needed against a Wolves side who have won their last three league matches and it will be interesting to see how Marcelo Bielsa’s starting lineup looks.

Speaking to Football Insider, Phillips , 48, claimed Harrison could be the man to make way, allowing Raphinha and Dan James to start out wide, even though he didn’t rule out the prospect of all three starting:

“It wouldn’t surprise me if Bielsa played all three [Raphinha, James and Harrison] to go all-out to win the match. But if someone were to make way, it would have to be Harrison.

“With James coming in for big money, you’d like to think he will start. Raphinha will play, he’s one of their best players.

“I would have thought it will be a straight swap for Harrison.”

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The Verdict: Right decision?

Harrison hasn’t made a big enough impact yet this season, failing to score or register an assist in six league appearances to date.

For that reason, Bielsa leaving him out would feel justified, allowing Raphinha and James to prove their worth and show that they should be the first-choice wide pairing moving forward.

Given the former’s brilliance, both for Leeds and Brazil, and the latter’s big-money move from Manchester United in the summer, it certainly feels like that could be the case moving forward.

In other news, a worrying update regarding Bielsa’s Leeds future has emerged. Read more here.

With eight goals scored in their opening nine Premier League games of the season, it’s safe to say that Southampton haven’t been brimming with goals so far in their latest top-flight campaign.

One Saints player who has yet to get off the mark in terms of Premier League goals is winger Nathan Redmond, who has played in all but one of their league games so far this term.

Since joining the club back in the 2016 summer transfer window from Norwich City for a reported fee of £10m, the 27-year-old has gone on to make a total of 209 appearances for the Saints across all competitions, scoring 28 goals and providing 24 assists in the process.

Looking ahead to the future, we feel that the club have an ideal next version of Redmond on their hands in their youth ranks with 18-year-old winger Fedel Ross-Lang.

Who is Fedel Ross-Lang?

The winger joined Southampton’s under-18 side back in the 2020 summer transfer window from Manchester City’s under-18s for an undisclosed fee.

Since then, the Englishman, who has been described as a “talented” player by Southampton’s academy director Matt Hale, has made 19 appearances for their under-18 team, with four goals and provide four assists to his name as he has shown his attacking prowess.

Ross-Lang has also made one appearance for Southampton’s B team in Premier League 2 this season, showing that they have an eye on progressing him further up their youth system, even though it was just a one-minute cameo.

Given the ages of both players, we believe there is every possibility that Ross-Lang could well go on to be Southampton’s long-term replacement for Redmond if the starlet manages to fully cement himself in the Saints’ B team first and show the same level of attacking talent for them as he has done with the under-18s.

If he manages to do that, then Ralph Hasenhuttl could well unearth the next attacking star at St. Mary’s if he feels that Ross-Lang has what it takes to mix in with the rest of the senior squad in the next few years.

In other news: Southampton dealt massive injury blow ahead of Watford clash, fans will be absolutely gutted

Tottenham Hotspur legend Graham Roberts insists that Harry Kane wants to play for the club, having spoken to his father.

The striker was at the centre of a huge transfer saga in the summer as Manchester City attempted to take him to the Etihad Stadium.

However, reports claim that the highest bid City tabled was worth £75m plus £25m, a fee that fell well short of Spurs’ valuation.

As a result, he has remained in north London and has somewhat struggled through the first few Premier League games of the season.

Kane has played in all four league matches so far but has failed to score a goal, with his only strikes this season coming in the Europa Conference League, with a brace against Pacos de Ferreira, and against Wolves in the Carabao Cup earlier this week.

Roberts insists that the England captain is more than happy to keep playing for Tottenham, but says his current role simply isn’t working, as he is dropping far too deep on a regular basis.

He said: “I spoke to his dad on Sunday. No, Harry wants to play, he’s bubbling for every game, but I don’t know what’s being said because Harry Kane is playing midfield. Harry Kane is not going to score a goal from 50 yards up the pitch, it’s not going to happen, it’s impossible.

“He’s had three shots at goal in two games. Even Mourinho got him scoring goals last year. There’s something not clicking.”