So then, Tottenham Hotspur are fifth in the Premier League as international action jumps forward once again. After 11 matches, Thomas Frank’s side have been solid, but they have not been spectacular.

Frank is meticulous, looking to dot the i’s and cross the t’s when crafting a tactical system and a winning culture. At Tottenham, though, the scale of the task is vast, and while there have been encouraging signs since the summer, he needs to build a more creative and exciting outfit.

A sure-fire way to move closer toward this level of fluency would be to inculcate into the fold the latest academy star – the next Harry Kane, perhaps?

Spurs need to find Harry Kane 2.0

Of course, this is easier said than done. Kane is one of the greatest footballers England has ever produced, and his personal achievements down N17 have made him one of Tottenham’s biggest legends of modern times.

Months before leaving Spurs for Bayern Munich in 2023, Kane became the club’s all-time top goalscorer. He left having played 435 matches for the Londoners, posting 280 strikes across all competitions.

It’s fair to say that Tottenham have struggled to replace him, with Richarlison and Dominic Solanke toiling away at number nine over the past few years.

To think he was once a fringe player with little hype around his name, loaned out to a string of lower-level sides before establishing himself as “their best-ever player”, in the words of journalist Sean Walsh.

The lift that would be found through unearthing the new version would be immense, and Frank may find the answer in a current prospect out in League Two.

The Spurs talent who could be the next Kane

This young talent may not be a centre-forward, but he is a skilful and dynamic playmaker who could dovetail into a haggard midfield.

Plying his trade for Notts County in League Two, Tyrese Hall is demonstrating a technical craft that could be further developed over the coming years and established somewhere at the top of the Premier League ladder, perhaps finding a way into Frank’s Tottenham first team.

The 20-year-old has won 53% of his ground duels in League Two this season, as per Sofascore, averaging 1.6 tackles per match besides. This is an impressive metric for a young attacking midfielder.

Jermaine Defoe has even said in the past that Hall is “one of the best players at his age I’ve seen in the country.” There’s a long way for him to go, but if physicality and skill can be balanced out, Frank could have a player of surpassing ability on his hands, perhaps even the next Kane.

He’s found his feet as a central midfielder at Notts County, tailored toward creating and influencing between the lines, but Hall has a diverse skillset, and it’s seen him deployed across a host of roles for Spurs’ youth sides.

Tyrese Hall – Career Stats by Position

Season

Apps

Goals (assists)

Central midfield

30

6 (5)

Defensive midfield

19

3 (4)

Attacking midfield

18

5 (3)

Centre-forward

6

3 (2)

Left midfield

3

1 (1)

Right midfield

1

1 (0)

Data via Transfermarkt

Kane’s performances for the likes of Leyton Orient and Millwall during the springtime of his illustrious career likely helped fashion him into the player he is today, the 32-year-old with 23 goals from 17 matches for Bayern this season.

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Given that the noise around Hall before his breakthrough is arguably louder, with those in the know believing he is beyond something special, there’s every reason to be excited at Tottenham, especially given that his profile could provide a tonic to the current creative woes.

Said to be “magic on the ball” by Magpies correspondent K-Ci Rennicks, Hall has taken a leaf from Kane’s book and fostered his technical craft away from home, learning fundamental skills that the development scene simply doesn’t have the capacity to match.

His creativity and flair could work wonders in the Spurs centre next season, and he might just make his mark as Kane did when bursting onto the scene way back when.

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Tottenham have been tipped to sign a Man City star for around £50 million in January, with Spurs named as the perfect destination for him.

Spurs scour for new attackers to fix Frank's creativity problem

As per multiple reports, co-sporting directors Fabio Paratici and Johan Lange could be about to raid the winter transfer market for attacking reinforcements to solve a key Thomas Frank problem.

The Dane has been heavily criticised for weeks amid Spurs’ real struggles for creativity in the final third, and this was on full display in their recent London derby defeats to Chelsea and Arsenal.

The Lilywhites barely laid a glove on their cross-town rivals in both encounters, and Tottenham currently boast the second-lowest total of shots on goal out of every Premier League side so far.

25/26 Premier League

Spurs

League rank

xG

11.0

17th

Non-penalty xG

11.0

16th

Progressive passes

413

12th

Shots

110

19th

Shots on target

40

15th

Average shot distance

15.6 yards

17th

Stats via FBref

Injuries haven’t helped Spurs either, with club-record signing and first-choice striker Dominic Solanke missing for most of this early season and hasn’t played at all since their 2-0 win away to City at Eastlands.

Talismanic creators Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison are also out with long-term problems of their own, leaving the north Londoners desperately short of attacking impetus in certain areas.

Randal Kolo Muani provided real encouragement on Wednesday that, once Solanke returns, Spurs could be well stocked for quality centre-forwards.

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Kolo Muani’s put in a man of the match performance against parent club PSG in the Champions League, scoring a brace and providing an assist for Richarlison, so Frank will be hoping he can build upon that against Fulham.

If so, Tottenham’s search for a striker could well be put on hold until the summer, with the club reported to be massive admirers of FC Porto sensation Samu Aghehowa after his electric 2025.

Spurs are however believed to be in the market for a winger at the very least, and Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo is attracting real admiration from N17 amid news of his £65 million release clause.

The Ghanaian’s clause will be active for an early period in January as well, but Spurs face overwhelming competition from the Premier League’s biggest hitters for Semenyo’s signature.

If a move for the 25-year-old proves too complicated, perhaps revisiting a deal for Savinho could be an option.

Ex-club chief tips Tottenham to sign Savinho in January

The Brazil international was a top target for Spurs towards the end of the summer window, but City repeatedly blocked a move down south and eventually convinced him to sign a new deal.

However, since then, Savinho has attracted mixed reviews, and with the 2026 World Cup looming, January represents an opportunity to pack his bags and shine elsewhere.

Amid Tottenham’s search for another winger, ex-Everton CEO Keith Wyness has tipped Spurs to sign Savinho in January, and is convinced that the Sky Blues will let him go for around £50 million.

Savinho was actually keen on joining Spurs in the summer, according to Fabrizio Romano, meaning they might not run into much trouble on the player side of things.

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The 21-year-old bagged 11 goals and 10 assists in his final season at Girona before joining City, spearheading them to a brief but surprising La Liga title challenge.

Savinho can also play on both the right and left-hand side, with the prospect of Mohammed Kudus and the South American on either flank coming as pretty tantalising.

Chelsea and Enzo Maresca face their sternest examination yet when Premier League leaders Arsenal visit Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

Maresca’s side enter the London derby riding a wave of confidence following their stunning 3-0 Champions League demolition of Barcelona on Tuesday night.

The emphatic victory showcased Chelsea’s evolution from early-season inconsistency into genuine contenders, with teenage sensation Estevao’s spectacular solo goal providing a potential glimpse of the exciting future being built in west London.

However, Arsenal represent an entirely different proposition.

Mikel Arteta’s men arrive at the Bridge unbeaten in their last seven meetings with Chelsea, not to mention 16 games unbeaten overall since losing to Liverpool in August.

The Blues currently trail Arsenal by six points in the Premier League table, meaning Sunday’s clash carries enormous significance for their title ambitions.

Victory would reduce that deficit to three points and encourage realistic title hopes, while defeat would establish a potentially irrecoverable nine-point gap to the leaders with barely a third of the season completed.

Maresca faces crucial selection decisions, particularly surrounding Cole Palmer’s fitness.

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Chelsea have done well to cope without their superstar player, but reports have suggested that Palmer could be in contention to face Arsenal after breaking his toe recently.

The England international has been out since Chelsea’s defeat to Man United at Old Trafford in September, first being kept out by a niggling groin problem before then suffering that toe injury earlier this month.

It’s been a nightmare start to 25/26 for Palmer personally, with the Englishman desperate to get back on the field.

Enzo Maresca provides Cole Palmer update ahead of Arsenal clash

Now, in some good news for the Blues, Maresca has confirmed that Palmer is ready to start against Arsenal this weekend.

In more good news, Maresca also confirmed that midfielder and summer signing Dario Essugo also took part in a training session this morning.

Palmer’s availability for Sunday’s clash provides Chelsea with their most potent weapon against the Premier League leaders, coming as a big boost for Maresca.

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The 23-year-old has been instrumental in Chelsea’s transformation under Maresca, providing the sheer quality that elevates their attacking play.

The former Man City star racked up 18 goals and 14 assists last term, spearheading Chelsea to the Conference League, Club World Cup and a top four Premier League finish.

His composure in decisive moments separates him from Chelsea’s other attacking options, and against high-pressure opponents like Arsenal, Palmer’s calmness on the ball and intelligent decision-making will prove invaluable.

Suddenly, Chelsea’s chances of upsetting Arteta have just increased tenfold.

Liverpool have now moved into pole position in the race for a Real Madrid attacker, amid Mohamed Salah offering himself to three Champions League clubs.

Salah may never play for Liverpool again after Slot comments

Arne Slot has now admitted that he doesn’t know if Salah will play for the Reds again, in the wake of the Egyptian’s bombshell interview after the 3-3 draw at Leeds United.

The manager said: “After tomorrow we will look at the situation. There is always the possibility to return for a player. I have no clue [if he has played his last game for Liverpool] – I cannot answer that question at this point in time.”

It remains to be seen whether Salah can return to the fold after AFCON, but one thing that is for certain is that he won’t be featuring against Inter Milan in the Champions League this evening.

In the wake of his comments about Slot, the forward has now offered himself to three Champions League clubs, namely Real Madrid, Barcelona and Bayern Munich, according to a report from Spain.

Of course, no Liverpool fan wants to see a club legend leave in this fashion, but if he does depart, Slot will need to bring in another attacker, and the Merseyside club are now leading the race for Real Madrid star Arda Guler.

That is according to a report from Caught Offside, which states the Reds are now the frontrunners to sign Guler, despite Manchester United and Arsenal also stepping up their interest.

The Turk is viewed as the perfect addition to Slot’s attack, with the manager keen to bring in a creative forward, amid the uncertainty surrounding Salah’s long-term future, and the 20-year-old is capable of playing at both right-wing and through the middle. It’s previously been reported that Madrid values Guler as high as £130m.

Signing "magic" Guler could soften blow of losing Salah

The Liverpool talisman hasn’t reached his usual lofty heights this season, failing to make it off the bench in two of the last three Premier League matches, but it would still be a real blow to lose the 33-year-old, who has scored 250 goals since arriving at Anfield.

As such, fans will no doubt be hoping the Egypt international hasn’t played his last game for the Reds, and returns to action after he gets back from AFCON.

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That said, Salah may find it difficult to force his way back into Slot’s plans, with Jamie Carragher recently branding his comments a “disgrace.”

New attacking options may be needed in 2026 regardless, with Federico Chiesa’s future also up in the air, and Guler could be a top signing, with scout Ben Mattinson praising the impact he’s made for Turkey.

Having registered three goals and seven assists for Real Madrid this season, the 26-time Turkey international clearly has the quality to succeed at Anfield, so it is promising news that Liverpool are leading the race for his signature.

Manchester United have been a club in transition over the last 12 months, after Ruben Amorim was appointed as their new manager back in November 2024.

The 40-year-old arrived with huge expectations after his spell in Portugal with Sporting CP, which saw him claim the Liga Portugal title on two separate occasions.

However, his 3-4-2-1 system has failed to have the desired impact at Old Trafford, which has often led to supporters getting frustrated with his stubbornness to change shape.

The fanbase have also been crying out for the likes of Kobbie Mainoo to gain more game time, with the Englishman often having to settle for a place on the bench in every Premier League game this campaign.

He may have opened up a new can of worms over the last couple of weeks, after making some unpopular comments about multiple players on the books at Old Trafford.

Why Chido Obi and Harry Amass are unlucky to play under Amorim

The academy has often played a huge part in United’s success in years gone by, but Amorim has done himself no favours with his comments over recent weeks.

He was asked about the potential of utilising some youngsters within the first-team ranks in the near future, with Chido Obi and Harry Amass two of the names suggested to the boss.

He stated that the left-back was struggling in the Championship during his loan spell at Sheffield Wednesday, but he’s been one of the standout players for the Owls.

The 18-year-old has already featured on 16 occasions in England’s second tier, and even managed to score his first senior goal against Southampton.

As for Obi, Amorim claimed he’s struggled to start in the U21s side this campaign, but the 18-year-old has already racked up a total of 13 appearances across all competitions.

The Danish youngster has already scored on five occasions, including three in three starts in the U21 Premier League, subsequently demonstrating his clinical nature in front of goal.

However, the manager’s recent comments highlight the lack of faith he currently has in the youth players at United to make the step up and feature in the first-team.

The United star who’ll never play for the club again

The aforementioned academy duo aren’t the only ones who have struggled to make their impact at United over the last couple of months, with Mainoo unable to get into Amorim’s plans.

Like Amass, he’s a product of the Red Devils’ academy, but he’s been restricted to 11 substitute appearances in the Premier League this season, with none of which coming from a starting role.

The player himself has covered his displeasure over his lack of first-team action, subsequently leading to the youngster asking for a move away from his boyhood club.

However, such a move has been rejected, with the Red Devils wanting to keep hold of the youngster despite his lack of action throughout the 2025/26 campaign.

He’s not alone in struggling to make an impact, with centre-back Tyler Fredricson potentially already playing his last game for his boyhood club under Amorim.

The 20-year-old managed to break into the senior ranks last season, subsequently making two appearances in the defeats against Brentford and Wolves.

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He’s also only made one senior appearance this time around, featuring for just 45 minutes in the now infamous Carabao Cup Second Round defeat against League Two outfit Grimsby Town.

Fredricson may have appeared on the bench against Bournemouth on Monday night, but unfortunately for his sake, he’s been overtaken by Ayden Heaven in the pecking order.

Such a situation, coupled with the manager’s lack of faith in the youngsters at his disposal, could well spell the end of his career at Old Trafford – under Amorim at the very least.

Tyler Fredricson – stats against Grimsby

Statistics (per 90)

Tally

Minutes played

45

Touches

50

Passes completed

37

Tackles won

1

Blocks made

0

Interceptions

0

Fouls committed

1

Yellow cards

1

Stats via FotMob

His showing against Grimsby at the start of the season is evidence that, unfortunately, he’s not up to the standard required in the Premier League, given the current situation.

It’s a real shame to see the club’s academy setup going to waste at present, with such a decision potentially being a deciding factor in his spell at the club.

However, for the players currently on the books, it will no doubt spell bad news, which could lead to the departure of Fredricson alongside Amass and Obi.

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Tottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank has certainly had problems at centre-forward this season. The Lilywhites have not been at their best in attack very often under their new manager, having only scored 27 times in the Premier League this term.

Their options at number nine have not been in the best form, which has certainly not helped. Richarlison is their top goalscorer this term with seven, with Mathys Tel, the other option up front to have scored.

Despite his talent, Randall Kolo Muani has struggled to adapt to the Premier League and has yet to score.

Dominic Solanke has also been missing for much of the season, but Spurs might hope his return will improve their fortunes.

Why Solanke’s return can help Spurs

Life under Frank has not really got going yet for Spurs’ number 19, Solanke.

He picked up a serious ankle injury at the beginning of the season and has been out injured since, having made just two appearances in the new campaign.

It is frustrating because the former Bournemouth man, who cost Spurs £65m including add-ons, would have been desperate to build on his 2024/25 form.

His debut campaign in North London saw him bag 16 goals and assist eight in 45 games in all competitions.

The three-cap England star will certainly add a new level of dynamism to the Lilywhites’ attack.

He is an excellent penalty box number nine, with good movement in the area and instinct to pounce on any loose balls, as this goal shows.

That is certainly a different profile to the ones which Frank’s side have up front now.

Richarlison has his merits in the penalty area, but he and Kolo Muani are players who both operate well with space to run into.

Solanke’s return will be a massive boost, but if he struggles to rediscover his best form at Spurs, they can always turn to a young star to solve their centre-forward issues.

Spurs youngster who can soon rival Solanke

There are certainly some talented youngsters in the Lilywhites academy. Mikey Moore has shone at first-team level in the past, and Archie Gray recently scored his first professional goal after locking down a spot in the midfield.

Next up could be 18-year-old centre-forward Mason Melia. Described as the “Irish Harry Kane” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, he is set to move to the club in January after signing from St Patrick’s Athletic for just £3.2m including add-ons.

It has been a quick rise to the top for the striker, who hails from Newtownmountkennedy in Ireland. He made his debut at just 15 years of age and has since gone on to develop a reputation as a clinical striker.

When you consider that, it is easy to see where the comparison to Spurs legend Kane comes from. In 35 Irish top-flight games this season, he’s found the back of the net on 13 occasions and has chipped in with four assists.

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Some of his underlying numbers from the 2025 season in a St Pat’s shirt show just how good he can be. For example, Melia is averaging 0.5 goals and 1.4 shots on target per 90 minutes this calendar year.

Melia key stats in 2025

Stat

Per 90 mins

Season total

Goals

0.5

13

Shots on target

1.4

41

Key passes

0.8

22

Dribbles completed

0.8

23

Aerial duels won

1.3

38

Stats from Sofascore

Described as an “instinctive” number nine by analyst Ben Mattinson, the teenager is brilliant at scoring all types of goals.

He has great movement in the box, but can also strike a ball from range with great success.

Despite being just 18 years of age, Melia already has an impressive goal catalogue and has built up a brilliant pedigree outside of that.

Spurs are having issues up front, and if Solanke’s return does not have the impact they would hope, it could be the 18-year-old’s chance to make a real name for himself.

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Newcastle United have now reportedly sent scouts to watch a Serie A defender that they’re looking to sign ahead of Spanish giants Real Madrid.

Eddie Howe confirms Schar injury blow

Whilst much of the focus was on the dramatics of Harvey Barnes’ late winner against Leeds United in midweek, it’s worth noting that Fabian Schar’s injury has dealt Newcastle a frustrating blow.

The defender was forced to depart deep into the second-half and Eddie Howe has now confirmed the extent of his injury blow – telling reporters: “Hopefully not too bad, or maybe not as bad as it first looked. That’s the initial sort of assessment.

“He’s got an injury there, but no break – we think it’s just ligament damage. He’s seeing a specialist in the next few days to get some definitive answers, but (it’s) maybe more positive than the initial assessment.”

Everyone at St James’ Park will be relieved that the defender hasn’t broken anything, but Schar’s absence should still send them a timely reminder about the importance of squad depth.

Even with PSR still hanging over their head, Newcastle would be wise to add to their squad this month and finish the business that they started last summer.

That could mean moves for the likes of Kees Smit, who is on the radar of several top European clubs. The midfield star is enjoying an excellent rise at AZ Alkmaar and could land a big move in the near future.

The same can be said about Jacobo Ramon. According to TeamTalk, Newcastle have now dispatched their scouts in the race to sign Ramon, rivalling former club Real Madrid in the process.

Newcastle battling Real Madrid to sign Ramon

The Magpies signed Malick Thiaw last summer and he’s very much made the centre-back role his own for years to come since arriving. Now, however, he needs a long-term partner and that’s where Ramon could arrive.

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The 21-year-old has been excellent for Como since arriving from Real Madrid in the summer. So much so that he’s back on the radar of the Spanish giants, who could trigger their buy-back clause.

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Newcastle, alongside Premier League rivals like Liverpool, will be hoping that Los Blancos steer clear of their former defender and simply allow a transfer fight to commence.

Dubbed a “complete young centre-back” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, it’s easy to see why so many clubs are chasing 21-year-old Ramon, who could be on his way to the Premier League.

Tottenham Hotspur are in desperate need of attacking reinforcements during the current transfer window, especially if Thomas Frank is to be a success in North London.

The Dane has certainly struggled in the role since taking the reins in the summer, as seen by the Lilywhites currently sitting 14th in the Premier League table.

However, his attacking department has become somewhat depleted in recent weeks, with a solution needed to the issues before the end of the transfer window.

Mohammed Kudus has been ruled out of action for a couple of months after limping off against Sunderland, whilst Brennan Johnson has left the club to join Crystal Palace.

As a result, numerous players have been identified as potential reinforcements, but it remains to be seen how much the hierarchy would splash on new additions.

Spurs want move to land £87m talisman this January

In an attempt to bolster the attacking department, Spurs have identified Wolves striker Jorgen Strand Larsen as a potential addition before the January window closes.

The Norwegian international has also been on the radar of numerous other Premier League clubs this month, with the likes of Leeds United and Nottingham Forest also keen on the 25-year-old.

However, any deal would likely cost a pretty penny, with Rob Edwards’ side currently demanding a fee in the region of £40m to offload their talisman during the ongoing window.

Strand Larsen isn’t the only number nine currently in the Lilywhites’ sights at present, with Porto sensation Samu another star that’s currently admired by the hierarchy.

According to A Bola via Sport Witness, the Spurs hierarchy have consistently monitored his progress over recent months, even being spotted watching the Spaniard earlier this week.

The report also states that Frank’s men would be open to making a potential move, but it would be an expensive addition, with the 21-year-old costing as much as €100m (£87m).

Why Samu would be the perfect Richarlison upgrade

Since Frank’s appointment during the summer, Brazilian forward Richarlison has been the club’s starting number nine with Dominic Solanke missing the majority of the campaign through injury.

The 28-year-old has racked up 21 appearances in the league to date, scoring seven times – the highest of any player the squad – but it appears as though he’s set to miss an extended period of action.

He limped off in the 31st minute of the FA Cup defeat against Aston Villa, with Frank confirming the striker is set to miss the next two months after tests were conducted.

Randal Kolo Muani will likely inherit the starting role until Solanke gets up to full fitness, which showcases the lack of depth in the centre-forward position.

As a result, it’s no doubt fuelled a potential move for Samu before the end of the January market, with the Porto star offering an end to the current number nine issues.

He’s been in tremendous form in the Liga Portugal, catapulting the side to the top of the table, subsequently creating a seven-point gap to second-placed Sporting CP.

When comparing his subsequent stats to those of Richarlison in 2025/26, Samu has dominated in various key areas, which highlight why he’d be able to solve the current issue in the final third.

Samu, who’s been dubbed a “monster” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has scored more goals than the Brazilian this season, whilst also achieving a better shot on target accuracy rate.

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Such numbers showcase his incredible ability to trouble the opposition in front of goal, with his figures handing Frank the clinical nature he’s lacked since taking the reins.

How Samu & Richarlison compare in 2025/26

Statistics (per 90)

Samu

Richarlison

Games played

16

21

Goals scored

12

7

Shot on target accuracy

54%

36%

Pass accuracy

71%

60%

Shot-creating actions

2.6

1.4

Take-on success

45%

43%

Aerials won

47%

37%

Goals per 90

0.96

0.47

Stats via FBref

The Spaniard has also posted a better goal per 90 record this campaign, nearly managing to score a goal per game at present, with such a tally nearly two times higher than Richarlison’s.

However, away from his goalscoring record, the Porto star has further demonstrated his all-round quality, as seen by his higher tally of passes completed and aerials won.

The aforementioned areas would allow the Lilywhites to have a focal point to play off, which in turn could allow other forwards to improve their own tallies.

£87m would be a mammoth sum – subsequently breaking the club’s record – but it’s one that would hand them an elite-level talisman for at least the next decade.

If he can replicate such levels in North London, Samu could easily end the career of Richarlison at the club, with the Brazilian having no chance of returning to the role upon his return to action.

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It wouldn’t be hyperbolic to suggest that West Ham United are in the midst of a crisis.

What little hope emerged before Christmas has all but disappeared, as Nuno Espírito Santo seems incapable of getting a positive result with this team.

The Portuguese manager has overseen one win in the last nine games, and worse than that, handed Wolverhampton Wanderers their first win of the Premier League season last time out.

Fortunately, the powers that be are seemingly trying to save the season by going big in the transfer market, and if reports are to be believed, West Ham could still bring in someone who’d be an even better addition than Taty Castellanos.

West Ham target better signing than Castellanos

While some fans might argue that it’s too little too late, West Ham are doing what they can to avoid relegation this season by going big in the January transfer window.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

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So far, the Hammers have signed Pablo Felipe from Portuguese club Gil Vicente on a four-and-a-half-year deal and Lazio striker Valentin ‘Taty’ Castellanos on a four-and-a-half-year deal.

There is no denying that the club needed reinforcements, and the two forwards could certainly make a difference in the second half of the season.

However, other areas of the team feel more in need of reinforcing, which might explain why the club continue to be interested in another potential star, someone who’d be an even better addition to the team than at least the former Lazio ace.

At least that is according to Sky Sports Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, who claims that West Ham are still interested in English defender Charlie Cresswell.

The £17k-per-week 23-year-old has been impressing for French outfit Toulouse, and while no contact has been made between the two clubs, the Hammers “are keeping a close eye” on the promising talent.

Were the East Londoners to make a move before the window slammed shut, then, according to older reports, they might have to cough up around £18m for the former Leeds United ace.

It could be a complicated and costly transfer to get over the line, but given Cresswell’s ability and potential, it’s one West Ham should pursue, especially as he’d be a better signing than Castellanos.

Why Cresswell would be a better signing than Castellanos

Okay, fundamentally, there are two key reasons why Cresswell would be a better signing than Castellanos, and the first is what the team needs.

While they certainly haven’t been great, West Ham have not been dire in attack this season.

As things stand, the Hammers have scored 21 goals in the league, which is as many as Sunderland and just one fewer than Crystal Palace and Everton.

Moreover, new signing Pablo has already scored ten goals and provided one assist in 14 games this season.

Therefore, with the former Gil Vicente ace now in the team as well, it seems bizarre to spend so much on the Lazio star who has just two goals and three assists to his name in 12 games this year.

Now, in contrast to the attack, the Irons’ defence has been diabolical so far this year.

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For example, as things stand, the club have conceded a whopping 41 goals, which is unsurprisingly the worst record in the league bar none.

That brings us to the second reason Cresswell would be a better signing: in addition to simply reinforcing a weak point in the team, the Englishman also appears to be a quality player.

Don’t just take our word for it, though, as respected analyst Ben Mattinson described the 23-year-old as a “proper leader at the back” during the summer when he helped England win the U21 Euros.

Moreover, as his underlying numbers make clear, the 23-year-old is a brilliant combination of a modern ball-playing and no-nonsense old-school defender who isn’t afraid to get stuck in.

According to FBref, he ranks in the top 1% of centre-backs in Europe’s top five leagues for actual and expected non-penalty goals and for touches in the opposition’s penalty area; the top 5% for aerial duels won; the top 12% for clearances; and more, all per 90.

Cresswell’s Scout Report

Statistics

Per 90

Percentile

Non-Penalty Goals

0.18

Top 1%

npxG: Non-Penalty xG

0.12

Top 1%

Shots Total

1.21

Top 1%

Touches (Att Pen)

2.44

Top 1%

Aerials Won

3.71

Top 5%

Clearances

7.03

Top 12%

Assists

0.06

Top 16%

Blocks

1.50

Top 17%

All Stats via FBref

Ultimately, while their attacking additions might prove helpful, West Ham should go all out to sign Cresswell, as he would be the most crucial bit of business they do this month.

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Manchester United are now reportedly eyeing a deal to sign a 19-year-old midfielder who’s been compared to Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton.

Man Utd plotting key midfield addition

It’s becoming an open secret that Man United are after a key midfield reinforcement this month and potentially in the summer transfer window. The Red Devils have been caught short in the middle of the park in recent weeks, leaving Ruben Amorim with little choice but to play Lisandro Martinez out of position.

Now, with the winter window open, they’ve already reportedly made enquiries over the possibility of signing Brighton & Hove Albion’s Carlos Baleba. The Cameroon star was a summer target and United’s interest has not gone away. Brighton, however, are not keen on selling the 22-year-old midway through the campaign.

Brighton’s stance could force United to look elsewhere if they want to strengthen this month and that could see them turn towards the likes of Ruben Neves.

The Al-Hilal star is likely to be on the move this year after opting out of signing a new deal in Saudi Arabia in an attempt to complete a return to the Premier League.

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With Man United reportedly among the clubs lying in wait, Neves could provide Amorim with a much-needed solution for his midfield problems. Although, it must be said that United would need to find a way past his potential salary demands fresh from Saudi luxury.

There’s also a number of younger stars on United’s reported shortlist, who would offer more long-term solutions either this month or in the summer.

Man United eyeing move to sign Christos Mouzakitis

According to Sky Sports, Man United are now eyeing a move to sign Christon Mouzakitis. The 19-year-old Olympiacos star may well be a cheaper alternative to the likes of Wharton this year, whilst providing a similar solution at the heart of Amorim’s side.

Como scout Ben Mattinson even went as far as to compare Mouzakitis to Wharton last February in what should only be seen as good news for those at Old Trafford.

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The scout described the teenage star as “powerful” and “tenacious” in a raving review of one of the most promising young midfielders in Europe.

If INEOS can avoid splashing out on Wharton and still sign a similar profile this year, then it would be incredibly solid business. Whether Mouzakitis emerges as their leading target remains to be seen, however.