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Manchester United aren’t expected to be busy during the January transfer window, according to Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth.

The Lowdown: Busy summer

The club were proactive in the summer after appointing Erik ten Hag as manager, bringing in six first-team players.

Brazilians Antony and Casemiro were the two most expensive additions, whereas Lisandro Martinez also joined in a high-profile deal.

Over £200m was spent, and it looks as if United supporters may have to wait until next summer to see more players make the move to Old Trafford.

The Latest: Sheth’s comments

Sheth, talking to GiveMeSport, was asked about United’s transfer plans heading into the New Year. He shared ‘information’ he’s been given, claiming that the Red Devils aren’t expected to be active in January.

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“What I would say is that clubs like Manchester United and a lot of other clubs’ focus is usually on a summer transfer window.

“January is sometimes seen as a panic month, but the information that I’ve been given is that United aren’t likely to be that busy during this transfer window.”

The Verdict: Centre-forward?

You could argue that Ten Hag needs a new centre-forward in the New Year, especially with Cristiano Ronaldo being told last month that he can leave in January.

Should the 37-year-old depart, Ten Hag would be left with just one out-and-out centre-forward in Anthony Martial, although Marcus Rashford can also occupy a central role if required.

However, it could be wise for the club to actively hunt a new striker, with United set for a busy second half to the season where they potentially may still be playing in four different competitions.

West Ham United’s recent defeat to Leicester City saw stalwart Declan Rice continue his fine form in the new season, with the England mainstay having recorded a 7.1 SofaScore rating which maintains him as their highest-rated player in the Premier League thus far.

The ever-dependable midfielder has been a consistently stunning fixture in the Hammers engine room, with his promotion to captain thoroughly deserved despite still being just 23 years old.

Compared and even preferred to the legendary Roy Keane by Stuart Pearce at the start of the year, the 6-foot star – who already boasts 215 appearances for the Hammers – has enjoyed a remarkable rise over the years, having earned his debut during the 2016/17 campaign under Slaven Bilic.

The season following would see him truly breakthrough, earning 26 appearances in the league and having finally realised his dream as a youngster in the academy.

A physical monster in the middle, he took his chance to exhibit his professionalism and ability to not only break up play but to distribute it with ease.

The hope will be that young Conor Coventry can replicate the path taken by his teammate, to force his way beside him and into David Moyes’ plans as a regular starter.

The 22-year-old has already made ten senior appearances over four seasons, outlining that the Irish ace has been in the thinking of many managers.

However, it is this current campaign that he seems to have finally shed the youth setup and will be handed increased involvement with the first team. He is yet to play a game for any side other than the seniors so far.

He has earned praise for his recent exploits in the Europa Conference League, where Moyes has handed him the bulk of his playtime. With an average SofaScore rating of 7.2, it seems that he is taking that chance with both hands.

His cultured display against FCSB in particular earned plaudits, as he showed maturity in a side full of youngsters. Coventry would average a 90% pass accuracy whilst making four interceptions, two tackles and a key pass, via SofaScore.

Only a week earlier had ExWHUEmployee led the way for his admiration, commending his “excellent performance” where he had been “very professional” in the same competition.

Clearly a pass-master who can dictate the tempo whilst also neutralising opposition attacks, this youngster is certainly worthy of the label “exciting talent” that Roshane Thomas bestowed upon him.

With Irish roots too, the comparisons with Rice are never-ending.

Should he boast anything similar to his ability in the coming years, it could mark another sensational product of their infamous academy.

Tottenham Hotspur are seemingly set to complete the permanent capture of forward Dejan Kulusevski, with the Sweden international having sparkled during his loan stint thus far.

What’s the word?

According to Football Insider, a move to keep the 22-year-old in north London for the long term is now “99% done”, with a deal set to be agreed even if the 27-cap sensation does not trigger the reported clauses in his temporary contract.

The report outlines that there was seemingly a £30m option-to-buy included as part of the youngster’s 18-month loan switch from Juventus back in January, with that clause set to be activated if the winger makes 20 Premier League appearances this term and the Lilywhites secure a top-four finish.

That being said, this latest suggestion is that even if those objectives aren’t met, Spurs’ sporting director Fabio Paratici will still plough on with securing a permanent agreement for the former Parma loanee.

Paratici’s biggest masterclass

It is arguably no real surprise that those in N17 are so keen to get a deal done such has been the player’s impact in English football thus far, with Kulusevski having provided 19 goal involvements in just 32 games for Antonio Conte’s side in 2022.

As Chris Clark stated, the Stockholm-born speedster is simply a player that “just makes things happen”, having proven a real livewire in his Tottenham career to date as a result of his ability to both create chances and finish them himself.

That has been evident so far this season with the £110k-per-week ace having provided five goal involvements in just nine Premier League games to date, notably playing his part in the stunning comeback win over Leeds United last time out after teeing up Rodrigo Bentancur late on.

That crucial asset demonstrated everything that Spurs supporters have grown to love about the on-loan asset, with the “ridiculous” talent – as described by journalist Nizaar Kinsella – dancing his way into the opposition penalty area, before picking out his teammate with a deft, precise touch to help steer the hosts to victory.

That moment of quality also only served to further rubberstamp the one-time Atalanta man’s importance to Conte and co, with the club having notably recorded three of their four league defeats this season when the wide man was not in the side, with Kulusevski having been hampered by a thigh issue for a period this term.

Already a key figure in the capital, both his manager and the club’s supporters will likely be delighted they can finally wrap up a deal for the highly-rated Swede sooner rather than later, particularly for what would seemingly be a “bargain” fee, in the words of pundit Paul Robinson.

It could prove to be Paratici’s biggest masterclass yet as the club closes in on the move for that aforementioned fee of around £30m, with that figure seemingly just a fraction of the player’s actual worth, with CIES Football Observatory valuing him at closer to £60m.

To land Kulusevski for just half of his potential value would represent truly astute business, with such a deal one that the Lilywhites could reap the rewards of in the years to come.

Former BBC pundit Noel Whelan has backed Everton in their reported pursuit of Ruben Loftus-Cheek in the January transfer window.

The Lowdown: Everton interested in Loftus-Cheek

As per journalist Simon Phillips, the Goodison Park outfit are monitoring the midfielder ahead of a potential bid in January.

His current deal at Chelsea expires in 2024, meaning that he will only have one year left on his contract come the summer.

The Latest: Whelan backs Loftus-Cheek move

Speaking to Football Insider, Whelan has claimed that Loftus-Cheek is a ‘level above’ Frank Lampard’s current options in the middle of the park, adding that the 26-year-old would give Everton ‘stability and consistency’.

The former Leeds striker said: “I think this would be a case of just reinforcing that Everton squad. He’s not a game-changer. He’s not a number nine, or a number ten – positions they need to improve.

“He’s a quality player at a good age, but he would just be a figure who can drive forward with the ball and use that physical frame. But he certainly wouldn’t change the fortunes of that forward line.

“He’ll give them stability and consistency in midfield, which they need. He’s a level above what they have at the moment, so from that point of view, what a fine signing he will be for any club who get him.”

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The Verdict: Risky

Loftus-Cheek is a player that Lampard knows very well and trusts, having played under the 44-year-old when he was Chelsea manager.

However, his time at Stamford Bridge under the current Everton boss was disrupted by injury, and the midfielder has endured a history of fitness problems throughout his career.

Unfortunately, these problems mean that Loftus-Cheek has not really been able to fulfil his potential, having showed so much promise in his earlier years, even playing for England at the 2018 World Cup as a 22-year-old.

Now 26, the midfielder still has time to get his career back on track, and a reunion with Lampard could be a good fit, but the Toffees must be wary of the injury problems which have hampered his career so far.

Aston Villa boss Unai Emery appears to be keen on securing midfield reinforcements after the World Cup as the Midlands outfit eye one of his former players…

What’s the word?

According to reports in Spain (via Sport Witness), Emery is keen to reignite Villa’s interest in Atletico Madrid star Geoffrey Kondogbia after an unsuccessful attempt to sign him during the summer.

The 51-year-old and the Central African Republic international briefly crossed paths at Sevilla in 2013 and it’s believed that Villa could submit a €25m (£21.5m) bid in January.

After the arrival of Axel Witsel, the 29-year-old has found game time hard to come by at the Metropolitano, whilst he is also considered to be a player that could generate money for Los Rojiblancos.

McGinn upgrade

An upgrade in the engine room could be exactly what Villa need to reignite their season under the former Arsenal boss and Kondogbia is a worthy target indeed.

Primarily a defensive midfielder, the Atletico powerhouse has averaged 3.32 tackles and 2.29 interceptions per 90 over the last year and when compared to his positional peers across Europe’s top five divisions, it ranks him within the top 5% and the top 2%, respectively.

Meanwhile, last season in LaLiga, the 6 foot 2 brute ended the campaign as Diego Simeone’s fourth-best player, as per WhoScored figures, outperforming the likes of Rodrigo De Paul and Antoine Griezmann – both of whom are starring at the World Cup right now.

Kondogbia could represent a better option for Emery’s system than McGinn, who does register a similar output of successful tackles but falls short in other areas of the defensive game.

Currently, there are three other midfielders performing better than the Scotsman, according to WhoScored, whilst he was even dropped for the Spaniard’s first game in charge against Manchester United, in which Villa ran out victors.

McGinn has struggled for form ever since being appointed captain by former manager Steven Gerrard at the start of the season, so it could be wise to bring him out of the firing line heading into 2023 and the prospective arrival of Kondogbia could certainly aid that.

Once described as an “octopus” for his imposing ability to win back possession, the Atletico outcast has also been likened to Paul Pogba by his former Inter Milan boss Frank de Boer.

“Kondogbia is like Pogba,” he said (via the Daily Mail). “They play the same position.”

That sort of review makes the potential £21.5m fee look like a drop in the ocean, so it could well be worthwhile for sporting director Johan Lange to push ahead with Emery’s plan to bring Kondogbia to Villa Park this winter.

On the above evidence, the 29-year-old could well be a big upgrade to the struggling McGinn.

AND in other news, Emery could land his own Yaya Toure in Villa swoop for “devastating” £52m-rated powerhouse…

Glasgow Rangers sporting director Ross Wilson has given an emphatic response to claims that he has mishandled players’ contract situations at Ibrox.

The Lowdown: Contracts dwindling down

Several important players at the Premiership giants are now into the final six months of their contracts, including Ryan Kent, Alfredo Morelos, Ryan Jack, Scott Arfield, Allan McGregor and James Sands, all of whom will be free to discuss pre-contract moves to other clubs from January onwards.

Kent and Morelos in particular have been the subject of potentially lucrative transfer interest in recent months, but whereas they may have been able to command big fees earlier this year, the prospect of them walking out of Ibrox for nothing looms ever larger.

The Latest: Wilson hits out

As per Daily Record, Wilson was asked if it was a mistake on his and the club’s part to allow so many first-team players to come so close to letting their contracts run down without new deals being agreed.

The Rangers chief sniped back: “I don’t buy it. I don’t buy into that at all. Nonsense. There are two key assets here who have been talked about for a long time in Kent and Morelos.

“There is another group of older players who I’m sure everybody understands good contract management is to have those lads on one-year contracts and review them year on year. And there are a couple of boys who have been injured quite a lot so again it is sensible to keep reviewing before the end of the season as well.

“So I don’t buy into that. I don’t think the criticism has been unfair because I think everyone is entitled to their opinion on that, of course they are.”

The Verdict: Rangers taking a gamble

It will not be lost on Wilson that, this time last year, Connor Goldson was in a similar scenario to Kent and Morelos now in terms of nearing the end of his contract, although the defender eventually agreed to new terms in June.

There is a chance that several of those at Ibrox whose contracts are approaching their end will agree to new terms and remain Rangers players for another while yet.

However, with only a few months remaining to get those contracts sorted, supporters could be forgiven for any apprehension or worries as to whether Kent, Morelos, McGregor et all will still be at the club in 12 months’ time.

The Ibrox faithful will already be frustrated from their underwhelming start to the Premiership season and their Champions League humiliation, so getting the ball rolling on sorting out contracts could help to deliver some much-needed good news.

Newcastle United have joined the race to sign Fulham defender Antonee Robinson in January, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Robinson representing USA

The American has recently been in Qatar having been selected to participate at the World Cup, and his performances in the Middle East, alongside in the Premier League, have caught the eye.

The Craven Cottage ace is now entering the final 18 months of his contract in the capital, and with PIF being in the market for a new left-back, have seemingly identified the 25-year-old as someone they want to bring to St. James’ Park.

The Latest: Newcastle eyeing Robinson

According to TEAMtalk, Newcastle are ‘ready to join the chase’ for Robinson in 2023, and he is a player Eddie Howe has ‘on his list’ of personal targets.

The Magpies, however, are set to face stiff competition for his signature, with Inter Milan also considering a move in the winter market.

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The Verdict: Ideal candidate?

Dan Burn has been operating at left-back for the majority of the season with Matt Targett seemingly out of favour, so the need for a natural full-back is apparent and Robinson could be an ideal candidate.

The Milton Keynes-born talent, dubbed ‘fearless’ by Scott Parker, has provided 12 assists and netted four goals throughout his career, and is an athletic player that loves to beat his opponent and bomb down the flank (Transfermarkt).

Robinson may well become Howe’s first-choice option should he put pen to paper, though with his valuation likely having increased after the tournament, the chiefs have to be willing to cough up.

Chelsea boss Graham Potter is eyeing the future of the club with ravenous ambition, and has identified one of the sport’s most touted stars to potentially replace a current option who is attracting interest from Italy. 

What’s the word?

Mason Mount has become a fan favourite at Stamford Bridge; a boyhood Blue, he has been an integral cog in the machine since his ascension to the first-team several years ago.

But with contract talks on pause, Mount finds himself earnestly observed by Italian giants Juventus, withCalciomercatowebreporting that Old Lady boss Massimiliano Allegri is even willing to sell up to three players to make room for the England star. 

Chelsea would undoubtedly be reserved over parting with their ace, who has already proved invaluable for the club, winning the2020/21Champions League, but his departure could turn the page to a deal of truly seismic proportions. 

Space cleared to swoop

Mount would likely garner a lucrative fee, and while many surrounding Chelsea would resent the deal to see their star boy depart, his exit could indeed shift attention to the signing of Jude Bellingham, with a marked increase in confidence over the completion of the deal sure to follow.

Bellingham, still only 19-years-old, is valued at£129mand has become one of football’s most talented young prospects, labelled a “prodigy” and playing with the maturity and leadership of an established midfield powerhouse at the top of the game, with an abundance of experience. 

Lauded as “powerful” and a “superstar” by Premier League legendRoy Keane, Bellingham has recently found himself at the centre of heavyinterestfrom the likes of Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City and Real Madrid.

However, despite intrigue from the world’s most distinguished outfits, Chelsea might feel they hold an advantage should Mount depart, with the hefty fee required and the newfound slot in the team factors that point towards a deal closing on completion. 

And with reports stemming from South Americastatingthat Liverpool have agreed a deal from summer 2023 for Argentina’s 21-year-old World Cup phenom Enzo Fernandez, the door is well and truly paved open.

Whether Chelsea choose to depart Mount, who is viewed by many as a natural leader and a prospective future captain at the club, will remain to be seen, but his 32 goals and 37 assists across181appearances have been crucial to the Blues’ success over the past few years.

AndFBrefranks him within the top 19% of midfielders for assists, the top 15% for progressive passes received and the top 11% for tackles, across Europe’s big five leagues over the past year, and his robust presence at the beating heart of the Chelsea project will need to be meticulously assessed, if the club are indeed going to decide to part with him. 

Though, in Bellingham they’d have a perfect replacement, with Mount’s England teammate comparatively ranking in the top 14% for assists, best 6% for progressive passes receives and the top 35% for tackles.

Wolverhampton Wanderers are among those interested in signing Racing Club midfielder Carlos Alcaraz, according to a new report.

The Lowdown: Wolves target midfielder

Wolves’ interest in Alcaraz is nothing new, with Gazzetta dello Sport reporting back in November that the club had made an enquiry regarding his services, with Racing valuing the youngster at around £13m.

According to Doble Amarilla, via Sport Witness, Tottenham Hotspur were also keen on a deal, while his agent detailed that clubs in the Bundesliga, Portugal and Italy were also potential suitors.

The Latest: Lopetegui maintains interest

Despite the Old Gold undergoing a managerial change since they were last reported to be interested in the 20-year-old, Julen Lopetegui is also said to still be plotting a move to bring him to Molineux.

As per a report from FC Inter News, Inter Milan are considering a bid for the central-midfielder, but they are concerned that their competitors will be able to secure his services first, as they need to generate money from a sale before they can bring anyone to the club.

It is noted that a special eye should be kept on both Wolves and FC Porto, who could be able to sign the Argentinian for either a fee of £13m, or as little as £8.7m if a resale percentage is included, with a move possible in the January transfer window.

The Verdict: Future star

As per reports from Argentina, the maestro has been ‘flourishing’ in his short stint in the Primera Division, despite still being at such a young age, and this is highlighted by a string of quality displays last season.

The starlet emerged as a consistent first-team player, making 42 appearances for Racing across all competitions and scoring nine goals, a very decent record for a central-midfielder.

In an away trip to Colon back in October, Alcaraz displayed his passing range by completing 90% of the balls that he attempted, the second-highest percentage of any player on the pitch, while he also had a 100% accuracy with long balls, and created one big chance.

The youngster is certainly one for the future, but given the amount of appearances he has amassed already, it wouldn’t be long before he would be pushing for a place in the Wolves starting eleven.

Leeds United seem to have a busy January transfer window planned if recent reports are anything to go by, with Jesse Marsch looking to bolster a squad which already underwent a significant overhaul in the summer.

However, before the market has even opened, the Whites have already lost out in their pursuit of one top target in Matheus Cunha.

Indeed, Wolves announced on Christmas Day that they had signed the player in a deal that could ultimately be worth a whopping £44m.

It seems that this was something the Whites were unwilling to match, which duly allowed the Old Gold to win this transfer battle.

The 23-year-old was admittedly struggling this season, having not scored in any of the 17 games he has featured in so far.

Perhaps that transfer disappointment could spur Marsch on to look at his academy instead to find an alternative.

One talent who would fit the mould that the Brazilian might have filled is Sam Greenwood, who has been slowly creeping his way into Leeds’ first team of late.

Despite only making six appearances in the Premier League this season, amounting to 184 minutes, he has still recorded one goal and one assist.

It seems that he is finally getting the rewards he is owed after his performances in the 2021/22 Premier League 2 campaign, in which he scored eight goals and set up another five in just 17 games.

Throughout his time in one of Europe’s top five leagues, Cunha has never managed to equal this goal contribution tally once.

Despite that blot on his copybook, RB Leipzig still dubbed the £49k-per-week midfielder their “Brazilian magician” on Twitter when he was at the club back in 2019.

What makes Greenwood an even more viable option than Cunha is outlined in James Marshment’s tweet on the 20-year-old as he claimed: “The beauty, and uniqueness, of Sam Greenwood’s strike yesterday is that he’s one of the few players in the game who are both left AND right footed. A very rare breed.”

Whilst Wolves might think that they have bested the numerous rivals who were interested in the Atletico Madrid man, at Elland Road it could have put the parts in place for an even more devastating talent in Greenwood to be handed more first-team chances.