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Manchester City are ‘ready’ to make a summer 2023 move for AC Milan star Rafael Leao, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Attacking abundance…

The Premier League champions are currently enriched with real depth in the attacking areas as top-flight clubs continue to struggle with Pep Guardiola’s scintillating brand of football.

No other team in the English top tier has scored more goals than City so far this season, thanks in part to the imperious form of marquee summer signing Erling Haaland, who already has a staggering 18 goals in 12 league games.

Alongside the Norway star, Guardiola has Bernardo Silva, Phil Foden, Kevin De Bruyne, Riyad Mahrez, Jack Grealish and Julian Alvarez at his disposal going forward in a real nightmare for their competitors.

Despite City’s numerous attacking options, though, sporting director Txiki Begiristain is seemingly always working overtime to bolster Guardiola’s squad even further.

The Latest: Man City ‘ready’ to make Leao move next summer…

Reports suggest that City and Begiristain are firmly in the mix to sign Leao, who is in line to feature for Portugal at the upcoming World Cup in Qatar.

The 23-year-old has been a key player at the San Siro for some time, prompting interest from the Sky Blues and other major clubs.

Journalist Rudy Galetti claims on Twitter that City are ‘ready’ to knock on Milan’s door for Leao next summer, alongside Chelsea and Ligue 1 giants Paris-Saint Germain.

The Verdict: Ambitious move…

Milan apparently value their ‘jewel’ at no less than €120m (£105m), but if City were to move for him next year, Leao’s club may be forced to accept a lower offer.

The 23-year-old’s current deal expires in 2024, and if he hasn’t penned fresh terms by then, the Rossoneri would have to consider either selling him or else risk losing him for nothing soon after.

Called ‘world class’ by members of the Italian press, no Milan player has attempted more shots or completed more dribbles per 90 than Leao this season (WhoScored), so it’s clear to see why a pursuit is firmly on City’s agenda.

The Athletic’s Everton correspondent Patrick Boyland has revealed that both Amadou Onana and Idrissa Gueye are ‘back in training’ after concerns over their fitness.

The Lowdown: Fitness concerns

The midfield duo were among those not in the squad for the Toffees’ 4-1 loss at Bournemouth in the Carabao Cup in midweek, after they both came off in the 2-0 defeat at home to Leicester City in the Premier League last weekend.

Frank Lampard confirmed after the match that the pair had fitness issues, but hoped that they would be able to train ahead of their latest trip to the Cherries, who they face in the top flight on Saturday afternoon.

The Latest: Back in training

Taking to Twitter on Friday morning, Boyland has shared that both Onana and Gueye have returned to Everton training after concerns over the duo’s fitness earlier in the week.

The journalist succinctly tweeted: “Onana & Gueye both back in training.”

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The Verdict: Double boost

Having both Onana and Gueye back training and with the squad is no doubt a big boost for Lampard ahead of Everton’s second trip to the Vitality Stadium in a week.

The duo have been mainstays in the middle of the park for the Toffees in the league and rank highly among their team-mates for average tackles, interceptions and passes per match (WhoScored).

The Toffees will likely need both of them fully fit and ready to play if they are to redeem themselves tomorrow against their south coast opponents after the disappointing result in midweek.

The Athletic’s Chelsea correspondent Simon Johnson has shared an exciting update on midfielder Mason Mount’s contract talks.

The Lowdown: Mount deal taking time…

The England international, who has been selected for Gareth Southgate’s World Cup squad, has been at the centre of speculation linking him with fresh terms.

However, unlike fellow academy graduate Reece James, who put pen to paper on a new deal soon after rumours over his own future abounded, Mount’s proposed fresh contract has taken a fair bit longer.

The 23-year-old’s current deal is set to expire in 2024, with still no extension confirmed as of yet, but Johnson has shared some good news in this regard.

The Latest: Chelsea making a breakthrough?

The Premier League giants have apparently made a breakthrough in talks with the midfielder.

Taking to Twitter in sharing a corresponding article from The Athletic, Johnson has shared an update on Mount’s new contract.

He tweeted: “Update on Mason Mount’s contract talks at #CFC…positive talks were held recently & there is now great optimism a deal will be agreed when the next round of negotiations, scheduled for January, resume.”

Following on, the journalist states that a ‘significant development’ took place in the last meeting held before Mount left for the World Cup with England.

The Verdict: A must…

The Three Lions ace is a key player for Chelsea manager Graham Potter, ranking in the Blues’ top four  players in terms of shots at goal and key passes made per 90 in the top flight (WhoScored).

With Mount still very young at 23 and able to improve even further, the Blues and owner Todd Boehly certainly won’t want to risk the notion of needing to sell him before his deal expires in two years’ time.

Indeed, sealing a new deal for Mount should be among the club’s top priorities.

Liverpool could sign two of Declan Rice, Mason Mount and Jude Bellingham in 2023.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to Dean Jones, with the transfer insider revealing in a recent interview with Football FanCast that, while it would appear almost impossible for Jurgen Klopp’s side to land all three of Rice, Mount and Bellingham – all of whom have been linked with the Reds in recent weeks – there is a very real possibility that Liverpool land two of the three midfielders.

Regarding the club’s interest in the midfield trio, Jones said: “We know that Liverpool are about to undergo a midfield overhaul, but I think we’re already entering silly season if we’re talking about Bellingham, Mount and Rice all joining Liverpool – that is absolutely not going to happen. One of them might, possibly two.”

Alonso & Mascherano 2.0

Considering just how impressive both Rice and Bellingham have been for their respective clubs so far this season, should Liverpool be able to land both of the generational midfield talents next year, Klopp could well have formed the club’s next Xabi Alonso and Javier Mascherano-esque pairing in the middle of the park.

Indeed, over Rice’s 15 Premier League fixtures in the current campaign, the 23-year-old has been Mascherano-esque in his marshalling of the midfield, with the £69m-rated talent making an average of 2.4 tackles, 1.6 interceptions, 1.3 clearances and winning 4.2 duels – at a success rate of 61% – per game.

The £60k-per-week star has also caught the eye in an attacking capacity, having bagged one goal, provided two assists and created two big chances for his teammates, in addition to taking an average of 1.2 shots, making 1.3 key passes, being successful with 0.5 dribbles and completing 55.5 passes – at a success rate of 90% – per game.

These returns have seen the England international average an astonishing SofaScore match rating of 7.27, not only ranking him as West Ham United’s best performer in the league but also as the joint 16th-best player in the English top flight as a whole.

Meanwhile, over Bellingham’s 15 Bundesliga appearances this season, the £216m-rated starlet has been Alonso-esque in his playmaking, scoring three goals, providing two assists and creating four big chances, as well as taking an average of 2.1 shots, making 1.1 key passes, being successful with 2.0 dribbles and completing 42.8 passes – at a success rate of 83% – per game.

The £27k-per-week talent has also impressed when doing the dirty work, making an average of 3.2 tackles, 1.4 interceptions, 1.1 clearances and winning 9.7 duels – at a success rate of 63% – per game.

These returns have seen the 19-year-old average a breathtaking SofaScore match rating of 7.38, not only ranking him as Borussia Dortmund’s best performer in the league but also as the joint seventh-best player in the German top flight as a whole.

As such, while it is undeniable that the potential £70m signing of Rice and the possible £100m signing of Bellingham is a colossal amount of money to spend on two players in the same transfer window, the reward could be remarkable for Liverpool, with the English duo undoubtedly possessing the potential to go on and become the next Alonso and Mascherano at Anfield.

An update has emerged on Aston Villa and their interest in signing Roma centre-forward Tammy Abraham in 2023…

What’s the talk?

According to Italian outlet Calciomercato, the Villans are thinking ‘concretely’ about a swoop for the England international as Unai Emery looks to shape his squad during his first window in charge of the club.

The report claims that fellow Premier League side Chelsea have a €75m (£65m) buy-back option but it is ‘difficult to imagine’ them triggering it.

It is stated that only teams from England have the financial power to snap Abraham away from Roma. The Serie A side are open to cashing in on him, despite previously viewing the dynamo as ‘immovable’.

Big Watkins upgrade

Ollie Watkins has endured a rough season in the Premier League this term as he has struggled badly in front of goal. The Englishman has plundered two goals from 14 appearances in the top flight, averaging a SofaScore rating of 6.64.

This comes after he scored 11 goals in 34 league outings in the 2021/22 campaign while averaging a SofaScore rating of 6.90. This shows that his performances have dipped this season after a respectable return last season.

Abraham, who claimed that Jose Mourinho is turning him into a “monster”, is in a similar position in that he has only scored three goals in 12 Serie A starts for Roma after smashing in 17 goals in 37 matches last term – averaging a rating of 7.06.

These statistics suggest that the former Chelsea man would be a better option for Emery if both players are at their best, as his average performance level and goal return dwarfed Watkins’ in 2021/22.

The striker has also proven himself in the Premier League in the past, as he scored 21 goals in 37 starts during his final two top-flight seasons with the Blues before he made the move to Italy.

This shows that his form in the Serie A last season was not a fluke as he has shown that he can score goals on a consistent basis in England and Italy, with his current form looking like an anomaly on paper.

At the age of 25, Abraham also has plenty of time on his hands to improve and develop as a player and this means that he could be a great signing for the here and now and for the future, rather than being a short-term option.

Therefore, Villa must swoop to sign Abraham in the January transfer window or next summer as he has the potential to be a big upgrade on Watkins at the top end of the pitch.

Crystal Palace have once again been linked with a move for Watford forward Ismaila Sarr.

The Lowdown: Summer links

The Eagles were active in the summer window but failed to add a senior forward to Patrick Vieira’s squad, with teenager Malcolm Ebiowei arriving from Derby County.

Palace were linked with a move for Sarr over the summer and were at one point rushing to sign the Senegal international.

As we know, a move to Selhurst Park failed to materialise, however, Sarr, who recently turned out for his country at the World Cup, appears to still be on the radar.

The Latest: Sarr update

Journalist and former Foot Mercato editor Ignazio Genuardi shared an update regarding Sarr on Twitter.

He said that ‘in addition’ to Aston Villa and Everton, Palace are also looking at the forward ahead of a potential winter window move.

The Verdict: Zaha replacement?

Palace star Wilfried Zaha will be entering the final six months of his contract in the New Year so could be on the way out of the club in 2023.

Therefore, Sarr, labelled a “freak” of a talent with “scary” ability by former team-mate Ben Foster, could be a smart replacement.

He can play anywhere in attack, has scored 64 goals during his career and is still just 24 years of age, so if the Eagles part ways with Zaha, they may end up moving for Sarr.

Tottenham have become favourites to sign a new centre-back in the January transfer window.

What’s the word?

That’s according to Football Insider who suggest that Spurs are now frontrunners alongside Atletico Madrid to acquire the signature of Stefan de Vrij.

The Dutchman currently plays for Inter Milan in Serie A but his contract is due to expire at the end of the campaign.

Valued at £40m last summer, it’s believed the defender could now be available at a knockdown price as a result of his contract situation.

Spurs are said to have enquired about his availability and believe a deal could be done as soon as next month.

CIES Football Observatory currently value the player at just €15m (£13m).

Cuti’s perfect partner

In fairness to Antonio Conte’s Tottenham side, there aren’t a lot of weaknesses in their ranks.

Indeed, Harry Kane, Heung-min Son and Dejan Kulusevski form a rather formidable trio in the final third while the battle-hardened midfield of Rodrigo Bentancur and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg are a match for most in the Premier League.

Yet, at the back, there is still a hole to be filled.

Cristian Romero has been so impressive since arriving in north London but with his injury pre-Qatar, they missed him greatly. After he suffered a hamstring injury, Spurs had won just two of their five matches, conceded 11 times and have failed to keep a clean sheet.

Therefore, the signing of De Vrij makes a great deal of sense. Whether it’s as a replacement for Romero or as his eventual partner in defence, he would be perfect.

Described as a “monster” by former Lazio teammate Mauricio, he was also hailed for his “strong and fast” qualities that would undoubtedly be perfect in the top flight of English football.

Usually you require at least one of those qualities to thrive in the Premier League but bringing both of those aggressive traits to England will undoubtedly help a great deal.

After all, Romero is very much cut from a similar cloth, even if his 6 foot 1 frame comes in shorter than 6 foot 3 de Vrij.

Writing about the former’s best qualities, The Athletic’s Charlie Eccleshare once noted: “He possesses the sort of sometimes-unhinged aggression that makes you so relieved he’s on your team and not the opposition.”

That’s a view the Spurs defender has only been too happy to own, once saying: “Defenders in Argentina are encouraged to be aggressive and show aggression.”

Combining that ruthless nature with De Vrij’s own strength would no doubt be a match made in heaven with Conte already reaping the rewards from his Argentine menace.

Tottenham conceded a glut of goals before the World Cup break but a pairing of the aforementioned names after the halt to domestic action would no doubt improve matters in the capital.

West Ham defender Vladimir Coufal is ‘frustrated’ behind-the-scenes with club owners GSBK now making a decision on his future, say Sky Sports.

The Lowdown: Coufal shunned?

The Czech Republic international, who seriously impressed under manager David Moyes during his debut 2020/2021 Premier League campaign, has been a bit-part figure this season.

As West Ham seemingly battle to avoid relegation at this moment in time, the east Londoners have started Coufal in just under half of their top fight matches.

The 30-year-old’s decline under Moyes is stark given Coufal’s past form earned him a new and improved Hammers contract, all whilst becoming a real club favourite.

The Latest: Sky Sports share Coufal exit news…

As per Sky Sports, there has been some news on the right-back’s future at West Ham.

Writing via their transfer blog (15:22, December 14), Coufal is committed to the club but grows ‘increasingly frustrated at his limited playing time’.

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It’s added that Bayer Leverkusen and two unnamed English clubs are keen on signing the defender with GSBK making a transfer decision.

West Ham will apparently look at concrete offers for Coufal but are reluctant to let him leave just yet with their mounting injury problems.

The Verdict: Don’t sell…

The Irons are right to be reluctant over selling the player in January given a real defensive shortage right now, with Kurt Zouma and Nayef Aguerd’s problems harming the depth in the middle while Aaron Cresswell has also been dealing with a hamstring issue.

Called a ‘top full-back’ and someone who still has a lot to offer by former England international Paul Robinson, we believe West Ham are best served waiting until the summer to make any calls.

West Bromwich Albion crumbled to their first defeat in six Championship games on Wednesday night, as Viktor Gyokeres’ late penalty saw Coventry City snatch all three points.

Despite boating 55% of the ball, the Baggies were outplayed at times by the Sky Blues, who recorded 17 shots with eight on target, compared to the five shots and just three on target from Carlos Corberan’s side.

It was a result that, with a win, could have taken them to within two points of the playoff spots.

Instead, it is the hosts who now sit eighth, trailing sixth-placed Queens Park Rangers by a single point.

Over their five-game win streak, it was admittedly a run based on defensive solidity. Their faltering front line had been bailed out by four clean sheets, however on Wednesday that was not enough.

Perhaps for their upcoming fixture with Bristol City on Boxing Day, the Spanish manager could reconsider Grady Diangana’s place in the side, given he has not started a game since Corberan’s first game in charge back in October.

Whilst the winger was enduring a poor season, having only scored three and assisted three more, he has proven in the past that he could be a dependable asset for this level.

What could have given him a gateway to force his way back in is the poor performances of Jed Wallace and John Swift, who were handed a 6.2 and 6.1 rating respectively.

They were the two worst performers on the whole field, and either one could be interchanged for the £25k-per-week former West Ham United starlet.

It was only back in 2020 that the 24-year-old was playing an integral role in the club’s return to the Premier League, as he scored eight and assisted seven across 30 matches.

Boasting a maverick play style unlike many at the club, his inclusion could provide the talent and unpredictability needed to inject some goals into this side.

Renowned editor for the local area Graeme Brown even claimed last year that he was the only one “with potential for magic” in the squad.

It is Corberan’s biggest issue at the moment, but starting this potential game-changer after the poor performances on Wednesday should be a no-brainer.

West Ham United are reportedly eyeing up a move for Torino central midfielder Sasa Lukic in the January transfer window.

The Lowdown: Signings needed

It is safe to say that West Ham need to make some signings in January in order to help push them up the Premier League table.

They are currently sitting in 16th place, just one point outside of the relegation zone, and also have a UEFA Europa Conference League campaign to contend with in the second part of the season.

The lack of quality depth behind Declan Rice in the centre of the park is definitely a concern, and it looks like GSBK are looking to strengthen the spine in the winter window.

The Latest: Lukic interest

As per Italian news outlet Calciomercato, the Hammers are one of four clubs to have ‘shown interest’ in Lukic, alongside Leicester City, Napoli and Roma.

The 26-year-old would like to leave Torino, and if he is not sold in January, he will go in the summer instead.

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The Verdict: Midfield upgrade

Hailed as ‘outstanding’ by journalist Josh Bunting, Lukic would certainly feel like an upgrade on David Moyes’ current options in the middle of the park.

Only Declan Rice is able to match his 88.7% pass accuracy in the Irons squad in their respective domestic leagues (for players to have made at least one start so far this season), while his two goals and 0.5 crosses per game are unmatched by any West Ham midfielder.

Hammers supporters would have caught a glimpse of Lukic playing for Serbia in the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, where he came up against Irons maestro Lucas Paqueta for Brazil, showing that he can perform on the big stage.

Nonetheless, at 26 years of age, he is a player about to enter his prime, and could really shine at the London Stadium.