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This has not been a spectacular first transfer window for Antonio Conte at Tottenham with Fabio Paratici struggling to convince a number of the club’s top targets to join the north London club.

However, with the hours and days now ticking by as we edge ever closer to the deadline, the Lilywhites could still make a few acquisitions.

What’s the word?

Spurs have turned their attentions to Italian football over the last 24 hours with Dejan Kulusevski and Rodrigo Bentancur believed to be targets.

However, it’s another of their players who they could sign ‘immediately’ according to reports in Spain.

The man in question is Alvaro Morata who is currently enjoying a stint on loan in Turin from Atletico Madrid.

However, another route could be offered out of the Spanish capital for the ex-Chelsea man via Marca. They suggest that ‘Newcastle and Tottenham have been interested in the striker and they can close an operation immediately if Juve opens the door to the striker.’

Controversial signing

The addition of Morata would be wise from the perspective that it would finally give Conte a back up to Harry Kane, but it would also be controversial due to his recent history.

After all, this is a forward who is far from prolific in front of goal, becoming notorious for his lack of composure inside the penalty area.

He scored just 12 times in 34 outings for Atletico in 2019/20 and then bagged only 11 goals in 32 matches for Juve last term. Then, as a result of his form at the Euros last summer, Gary Neville launched a scathing attack on his abilities, saying: “He’s got that vulnerable look about him, almost like he needs a cuddle.”

A war of words with Mauricio Pochettino back in 2017 may also not lend himself too well to Spurs fans.

The Argentine was thought to be interested in signing him a number of years ago but claimed the Spain international wasn’t keen on playing second fiddle.

The former Spurs boss once commented: “He said to me: ‘Why do you want me if you have Harry Kane?’

“You know, if you go to try to sign a striker, they will say: ‘Eh gaffer, you want me for what?”‘To be on the bench? Because it’s Harry Kane, I cannot compete with Harry Kane or Hugo Lloris or different players.'”This doesn’t exactly paint a promising picture of his potential arrival in London this winter but pivotally, he does have experience of English football with Chelsea, being labelled an “assassin” by Rio Ferdinand.The £31.5m-rated attacker’s knowledge of the Premier League may just be enough to convince the club of a late swoop.AND in other news, Talks opened: Conte could form frightening Spurs unit by signing £40.5m-rated “beast”…

Everton writer for The Athletic Patrick Boyland has revealed the latest information in the Toffees’ pursuit of signing a right-back in the upcoming January transfer window.

What’s the story?

In The Athletic’s ‘Transfer Mailbag’ series, Boyland responded to a question from an Everton fan regarding the possibility of signing a right-back to challenge Seamus Coleman by saying: “That’s certainly our understanding currently — right-back is still an area of priority.

“They know it needs to be addressed and that they’re currently putting too much strain on Coleman.”

Boyland also revealed that they “continued to track Rangers’ Nathan Patterson even after the failed summer move” who “is the favourite as it stands.” Everton have also tracked “Aberdeen’s Calvin Ramsay and Metz’s Fabien Centonze” as well as Arsenal’s Ainsley Maitland-Niles being mentioned.

Everton fans will be buzzing

Seamus Coleman, now 33 years of age, is approaching the 13th anniversary of when he first signed for the Merseyside club and is still their first-choice right-back by some margin with Jonjoe Kenny making just two Premier League appearances this term.

The Irishman is still a key player for Rafa Benitez’s side having played 13 league games this season. However, with the right-back approaching veteran status, it may be wise for the Everton hierarchy to start seeking out an eventual replacement.

After 13 years of loyal service, Coleman will certainly go down as a fan favourite at Goodison Park. That said, it’s no secret that he’s is approaching the end of his lengthy spell in the royal blue.

Performances this season have largely been under par, earning a SofaScore match rating of above 6.2 just twice in his last five matches. That highlights the club’s need for a replacement with it clear that Benitez doesn’t much fancy Kenny as Coleman’s long-term successor.

The 33-year-old’s contract expires in June 2023, meaning that the Irishman will go into the final year of his contract next season, should he still be an Everton player.

This should act as an alarm bell of Everton’s hierarchy who will surely opt against handing an ageing full-back a contract extension in six months’ time.

Therefore, the news that a right-back is a priority for Benitez and Moshiri should leave fans elated.

AND in other news, Benitez heading for unforgivable EFC transfer disaster on “cold” £40.5m-rated machine…

Celtic are willing to sell Stephen Welsh for just €2m (£1.7m) amid interest from Serie A outfit Udinese, according to Messaggero Veneto. 

The lowdown

Udinese are looking for a replacement after their Brazilian defender Samir joined Premier League side Watford, and they believe that the 21-year-old Parkhead academy graduate fits the bill.

The Hoops have allowed to two youngsters to leave already this month, sending Euan Henderson and Liam Shaw on loan to Hibernian and Motherwell respectively.

The latest

As per Messaggero Veneto, Udinese owner Gino Pozzo has apparently been making ‘phone calls’ to the ‘Celtic headquarters’ as he looks to strike a deal for Welsh.

He has reportedly asked if there is any room for manoeuvre on Celtic’s aforementioned valuation, and that request allegedly indicates that the player ‘likes’ the potential move.

The verdict

If these reports are accurate, then Celtic’s valuation seems surprisingly low.

First and foremost, Welsh is under contract in Glasgow for another three-and-a-half years. He has also become an increasingly important member of Ange Postecoglou’s squad this term, making 19 appearances overall and starting Celtic’s last two Premiership games and their last three European ties.

His potential to develop even further is quite evident, too – he has amassed six caps for Scotland at under-21 level, while Celtic youth coach Martin Miller has hailed the ‘fan favourite’ as ‘phenomenal’.

It feels like selling Welsh for £1.7m – barely putting him in the club’s top 30 sales – could backfire horrendously.

In other news, Celtic are close to sealing their next transfer

After Celtic beat Real Betis 3-2 in their previous Europa League outing, the Hoops are back in SPFL action this afternoon with a home clash against Motherwell.

With the Bhoys having the likes of Albian Ajeti, Kyogo Furuhashi, Jota and Giorgos Giakoumakis out injured as well as Christopher Jullien and Karamoko Dembele, here’s how Ange Postecoglou could line up his team this afternoon with as many as ten changes.

In goal, we think Joe Hart will return to the starting XI with Scott Bain dropping out after scoring an own goal against Betis. 

At left-back, we can see Greg Taylor coming back in for Liam Scales with Josip Juranovic coming in for Osaze Urhoghide in the right-back position. 

For the centre-back positions, we think Postecoglou will bring Cameron Carter-Vickers and Carl Starfelt back in with Nir Bitton, who is currently earning a weekly wage of £14k-per-week according to Salary Sport, and Stephen Welsh dropping out after their appearances in midweek.

In the two central-midfield positions, we think Postecoglou will opt for club captain Callum McGregor and David Turnbull ahead of James McCarthy and Ismaila Soro who both started in the win over Betis.

Ahead of those two, we think Postecoglou will bring Tom Rogic and Michael Johnston back into the frame with Ewan Henderson also starting after coming on as a substitute against Betis and scoring a goal.

To make up for the severe injury issues Celtic have at the top of the pitch with the likes of Furuhashi, Giakoumakis and Ajeti out, we can see Liel Abada being given a shot to lead the team through the middle. He’s been an offensive threat this term, registering a tally of seven goals and eight assists across all competitions so far this season and could deliver the Hoops another league win. 

Whether Postecoglou goes with this exact starting XI that we have suggested or not, this will still be a big test for the Bhoys in their latest push for the title against a side that have won three of their five previous league games. 

With so many key attacking players out injured, Postecoglou and everyone else at the club will be hoping that the team will be able to keep racking up points while they are out of action so they don’t drop out of the title race.

In other news: “No estimated return date”: Devlin drops big Celtic injury update, Ange will be fuming

A number of West Ham fans have been praising Pablo Fornals after he appeared in his 100th game for the club at the weekend.

The Hammers were held to a 0-0 draw as they faced off against Burnley in an underwhelming performance at Turf Moor. However, there was one positive from the game – fan favourite Fornals racked up a century of appearances for the east London club.

The Spanish midfielder came on as a substitute in the 80th minute, replacing Argentine international Manuel Lanzini.

Despite recently losing his place in the starting XI, the attacking-midfielder remains the Irons’ second highest scorer in the Premier League this season behind centre-forward Michail Antonio,  having scored four times in 16 top-flight appearances during the current campaign.

Fornals has been hailed for his great attitude and hard-working nature. The club’s former defender Tony Gale praised the Spaniard in a recent interview, saying: “I don’t think there’s a fitter man at West Ham. He’s a workaholic, his work rate is phenomenal.”

Since joining the Hammers from Villarreal in 2019 for £24m, the 25-year-old has contributed 14 goals and 13 assists, making himself a near-permanent fixture in the first XI under David Moyes. He is also among the squad’s top performers in terms of tackles, shots and key passes per game, an indication of his all-round value to the team.

Fans flock to praise Fornals

West Ham took to Twitter to congratulate Fornals in a post celebrating the Spaniard making his 100th appearance for the club. Many supporters posted their appreciation for the player’s efforts in response, with one fan hailing him as a “baller”.

Here a flavour of the reactions:

“Hope there’s 100 more to come, what a baller he is”

Credit: @jw12045

“That’s gone so quick”

Credit: @DJS97_

“Quality, Quality player, congratulations Pablo!”

Credit: @rickwhufc

“He’s a future West ham legend”

Credit: @fornalsSZN

“Get him back in the starting eleven plz!”

Credit: @FernsSeniors

“What a signing he’s been!”

Credit: @jlouwnel

In other news: ‘Owners taking cheap shortcuts’ – These West Ham fans fume over David Moyes’ comments

A development has emerged on Rangers’ pursuit of former Glasgow defender Gio van Bronckhorst to take over as manager.

What’s the talk?

According to Sky Sports journalist Dharmesh Sheth, the Dutchman’s agent confirmed to him that he has held ‘positive talks’ with the Gers ahead of a potential move to Ibrox.

Sheth Tweeted: “Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s representative tells @SkySportsNews they held “positive talks” with Rangers today over vacant managerial position. Footage shows van Bronckhorst leaving London earlier.”

He accompanied the Tweet with a clip appearing to show van Bronkchorst heading off to board a plane at Heathrow airport.

Buzzing

This update from Sheth will surely leave Rangers fans buzzing as it appears to place the club one step closer to announcing Steven Gerrard’s successor. The ex-Liverpool man was snatched up by Premier League side Aston Villa earlier this week and the Gers are now moving quickly to bring in a new head coach, with van Bronckhorst seemingly leading the race at this moment in time.

Gers fans will be delighted with the speed at which the decisions are being made by Ross Wilson, with a quarter-final clash with Hibernian coming up next Saturday at Ibrox in the League Cup. The club have the chance to make the last four of the competition and not having a manager in place for the match could hinder their chances, as players would be going out without a coach who they know will be there in the long-term and a bit-part gameplan in-place.

Van Bronckhorst, in particular, could be a superb appointment ahead of this match as his record in cup competitions as a manager is eye-catching. He won four of his five cup finals at Feyenoord and made the quarter-finals and semi-finals in the other two seasons he failed to reach a final. This shows that he is adept at progressing in domestic cups and that could give Rangers an edge in the SFA Cup and League Cup this season, two honours Gerrard failed to win at Ibrox.

Therefore, fans should also be delighted that the talks went well with the Dutchman as he has a track record of winning trophies, including an Eredivisie title with Feyenoord, and could pick up where Gerrard left off. They must be buzzing not only with the speed of the dealings from Wilson but also the fact that they have progressed seamlessly, with the 46-year-old closing in on a switch to the club.

AND in other news, Davis 2.0: Rangers could sign new metronome in gem who “quietly impressed” ex-EPL boss…

Newcastle United have reportedly now been offered the chance to sign Adrien Rabiot in the January transfer window.

The Lowdown: Midfielders, midfielders…

Since the completed takeover at St. James’ Park by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) consortium, it is no surprise at the abundance of names that the North East club have now been linked with signing in January.

Midfielders seem to be at the top of the priority list, with the likes of Philippe Coutinho, Dele Alli and Antonin Barak being linked with a move to Tyneside in recent times.

Nonetheless, it is clear that they need to bring a few fresh faces in, so that they can help climb out of the dreaded relegation zone.

The Latest: Rabiot offered

As per Calciomercato, Rabiot has now been ‘offered’ to the Magpies in January.

It is not stated how much money Juventus would be looking to sell him for, or what he would cost in wages, but one thing for sure is that the Toon now have the chance to snap up his signature.

The Verdict: Get it done

Rabiot would certainly add more guile to NUFC’s midfield, as France national team coach Didier Deschamps described him as a player who ‘has always had technical qualities’.

This can be seen in his style of play, as he has averaged more shots, dribbles and passing success per game than Isaac Hayden, Jonjo Shelvey and Sean Longstaff in their respective domestic leagues so far this term (WhoScored).

Not just that, he also has an extra winning mentality that will be useful later on in the new owners’ project, where they will no doubt be hoping to compete for silverware.

Dubbed a ‘champion’ by the legendary Andrea Pirlo, Rabiot has no fewer than 24 major trophies to his name, playing at the highest level not only with Juve, but with PSG and France.

His £175,000-per-week wages may need to be brought down, given that Newcastle’s current highest earner is Allan Saint-Maximin on £93,000 per week in comparison, but The Old Lady seem to want to let him go, meaning that both his salary and a transfer fee should not be too hard to negotiate.

In other news, find out which potential ‘amazing signing’ is a ‘no-brainer’ for NUFC here!

Tottenham Hotspur slumped to an embarrassing 1-0 loss at the hands of Vitesse in the UEFA Europa Conference League on Thursday evening.

There were some very poor performances on the pitch for Nuno Espirito Santo’s team, and The Transfer Tavern have used statistical experts Sofascore to analyse the worst-three performing players (who played at least 45 minutes) based on statistics:

Ben Davies

Admittedly tied with Steven Bergwijn, Ben Davies was given the joint-third lowest rating out of any of his teammates by Sofascore, a mere 6.3.

Captain for the day, the Wales international lost out on eight of his duels, and failed to record a single successful dribble, tackle or accurate cross from left-back.

He also lost possession of the ball on no fewer than on 14 separate occasions, the joint-fourth most out of any of his teammates.

Dane Scarlett

Young Scarlett did not take his chance to impress, as Sofascore gave him a measly six overall rating.

The striker lost out on a whopping 19 duels, more than double the next closest player, perhaps suggesting he is struggling to adapt physically to senior first-team football.

He did not manage to have a shot or successful dribble, while losing possession 16 times, the second-most out of any Spurs player.

Dele Alli

Oh how far Alli has fallen. The once England regular was given an alarming 5.8 rating by Sofascore, which does not even tell half of the story.

Alli list eight of his duels, and had no shots on target, successful dribbles or key passes, while he too was also guilty of giving the ball away on far too many occasions, 14 in total.

In other news, find out which Lilywhite has suffered another injury setback here…

Aston Villa manager Dean Smith will be desperately looking over his shoulder after his team’s dismal defeat to Southampton in the Premier League on Friday night.

The Villans’ 1-0 loss on the south coast was their fifth consecutive defeat in the division and leaves Smith’s job hanging by a thread.

While much of the focus will naturally surround the manager, his players hardly covered themselves in glory either, with Anwar El Ghazi in particularly shocking form.

The Netherlands international was recalled to the starting line-up at St Mary’s and delivered the kind of woeful performance which would have left fans fuming.

As per Sofascore, he lost possession 16 times over the course of the game and lost seven of his nine duels on the night too, with Valentino Livramento finding it far too easy to pocket him at full-back. Only one of his three attempts on goal found the target, while he has no successful dribbles and none of his four attempted crosses found the mark either.

The Dutchman’s attempt at winning a cheap penalty was also slammed as “pathetic” on commentary, and it rather summed up what was a wholly ineffective performance.

Writing in his post-match player ratings for The Birmingham Mail, Ashley Preece gave him a measly two, saying: “Should have had an early bath after his 11th-minute booking before another clear foul and then a dive. Livramento wouldn’t have had an easier game this season.

“El Ghazi kept losing the ball while he spurned a golden chance after Livramento slipped before firing high and wide. El Ghazi struck a powerful one which was tipped over by McCarthy after the break as Villa initially went to a 4-4-2. Poor on his return to the starting XI.”

With reports in recent weeks and months already indicating that Smith would be open to selling the winger, the £8.5m-rated Dutchman simply has to be sold after his latest disasterclass.

Meanwhile, Ashley Preece has dropped a worrying contract update…

A key update on the future of Newcastle manager Steve Bruce has emerged ahead of this weekend’s Premier League matches… 

What’s the talk?

According to the Daily Mail’s Craig Hope, the 60-year-old will be in charge against Tottenham as PIF are attempting to do things the right way instead of rushing into decisions.

Bruce is still expected to be relieved of his duties by the new owners, with the decision being delayed instead of changed.

Hope wrote: “We have been told that the new ownership model – led by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund and headed on Tyneside by Amanda Staveley – is ‘process driven’ and will be ‘methodical’ in their approach.

“However, sources say it would be wrong to accuse the consortium of ‘indecision’ and it is more a case of them doing things ‘properly’, suggesting the situation is a delay as opposed to a change of heart.”

Delight

Newcastle fans will surely be delighted by this update from Hope for several reasons. For starters, it shows that the plan is still to sack Bruce, and his involvement against Spurs does not indicate that he is set to be given a chance to stay on a longer-term basis.

A recent survey, prior to the takeover, by the Newcastle United Supporters Trust found that 94.3% of supporters are keen to see him depart St James’ Park, with 95.3% fearing that relegation is incoming at the end of the season.

This suggests that fans want Bruce to be sacked by the new owners, which is why the news that he will be managing the team against Spurs could have left them feeling concerned about the rest of the campaign. However, this update from Hope has allayed any fears they may have had, with the former Sunderland and Villa boss likely to go on his merry way after the weekend’s match.

Another reason why many supporters will be delighted with this report is that it proves PIF are not going to make rash, illogical decisions and risk ruining the club. They are on Tyneside for the long-term and are not looking to make a million and one changes in their first week, which could lead to chaos on and off the pitch, and that will surely be music to Newcastle fans’ ears.

Whilst most supporters may want Bruce out as quickly as possible, they could appreciate that PIF are working hard to have a replacement in situ beforehand in order to avoid a spell of time without a permanent manager in the role. Hopefully the club will be able to resolve the situation in the next couple of weeks and leave Magpies fans with something to enjoy when the new head coach is announced.

AND in other news, Newcastle make contact with £22.5m-rated “genius”, him and Saint-Maximin could be terrifying…