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Tottenham made a late January attempt to sign young Southampton defender Thierry Small before his loan move to St. Mirren.

The Lowdown: Spurs youth recruitment…

Spurs have arguably been known for their high profile youth recruitments in recent years, evidenced by the signings of Destiny Udogie and Bryan Gil in the last two years.

The Lilywhites also completed a deadline day deal to sign highly-rated starlet striker Jude Soonsup-Bell from Premier League rivals Chelsea, with chairman Daniel Levy continuing to bolster the club’s academy ranks.

As per a report from January, it appears they also tried to bring in Saints youngster Small.

The Latest: Tottenham made Small ‘bid’…

According to Football Insider, the north Londoners attempted to strike a move for the defender before his temporary switch to the SPFL.

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It is believed that Spurs lodged a ‘bid’ near the end of the winter transfer window as they attempted a move for Small who was, at the time, considering multiple offers.

Southampton apparently ‘signalled’ they were letting to let him go on a permanent deal to interested buyers but Tottenham didn’t offer enough to convince the south coast side to sell up.

The Verdict: Shame…

Small would have came as another brilliant youthful addition at N17 alongside Soonsup-Bell.

The 18-year-old primarily operates as a left-back but can play both as a wing-back and on the left-side of a three man defence – arguably making him ideal for a system like Antonio Conte’s.

Small has also been called an ‘exciting’ prospect by members of the media upon his arrival at Southampton and it speaks volumes that the club signed him for £5 million from Everton.

The England Under-19 international also once became the Toffees’ youngest ever player to make a senior debut at 16, appearing in an FA Cup victory over Sheffield Wednesday in 2021.

Homegrown and seemingly quite promising, perhaps Spurs could make another move for him this summer.

Journalist Rudy Galetti has shared a Chelsea transfer update as the Blues enter advanced talks to sign Lyon right-back Malo Gusto.

The Lowdown: Boehly keeps busy…

The Blues, after sealing the signings of Mykhalo Mudryk this window among others, are thought to be keeping busy as owner Todd Boehly spends over £400 million since his takeover.

Gusto, who has emerged as a very promising right-back in Ligue 1, has been linked with a move to the Premier League in recent months.

Graham Potter’s side, Atletico Madrid, Borussia Dortmund, Juventus, Barcelona, Manchester United, Arsenal and Man City have all been keeping tabs on the 19-year-old – according to reports.

The Latest: Chelsea enter advanced talks…

Now, as per reporter Galetti, Chelsea have entered advanced talks to sign the teenager.

He explained (via Twitter):

“Chelsea and #OL are in advanced talks for Malo Gusto.

“The team are willing to push already in the next hours for the right-back.

“No problem with the player: an agreement in principle has been reached without issues. Now it’s up to the clubs.”

The Verdict: Get it done…

Having been linked to a host of top clubs all over Europe, Gusto could join Chelsea as one of the continent’s hottest prospects and we believe the club could making a scoop with his potential signing.

The defender has been lavished by members of the press who have called Gusto ‘one of the most exciting’ right-backs in football.

His stats certainly back this up, and for a player so young, the numbers suggest he can more-than compete with some of the English top flight’s most senior players.

According to WhoScored, Gusto ranks in Lyon’s top five for key passes made and completed dribbles per 90 going forward – showing how he could come as a terrific alternative to Reece James out wide.

Defensively, the Frenchman also ranks in their top five for interceptions made and currently sits joint-fifth in their squad for successful tackles made per Ligue 1 match (WhoScored).

As Chelsea enter advanced negotiations, Boehly could be about to back Potter with yet another rising star.

Despite Eddie Howe’s recent comments, journalist Jordan Cronin has insisted that Newcastle United have touched base over Scott McTominay.

The Lowdown: Midfield is an area to improve

It’s no secret that Newcastle could do with at least one new midfielder this month, which was probably required before Bruno Guimaraes’ recent injury, but that will have likely only intensified their search.

This is because last season, Guimarares was playing more advanced with Jonjo Shelvey sitting behind him, and that led to the Brazilian scoring five in the Premier League, whereas he’s only got three this term as Shelvey has also been largely absent.

Therefore, a new No 6 could well be just what the Magpies need, someone who can conduct play and do the hard yards while Howe unleashes Guimaares in the final third more often – which is where someone such as McTominay could come into the equation.

The Latest: McTominay on the radar

However, Howe recently rubbished any talk of Newcastle swooping in for a loan deal for McTominay, although Cronin has heard different information on the contact between Newcastle and Manchester United.

Speaking on the Loaded Mag YouTube channel, he said: “Eddie Howe denied that there was contact with Scott McTominay, but from what I was told, Newcastle did enquire about Scott McTominay – but Manchester United said that there was no chance of letting him go.”

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The Verdict: Newcastle could aim higher than McTominay

Given that McTominay has only been able to start six league games this season, it would suggest that the Scotland international isn’t quite up to the standard of a top-four club, which is what Newcastle are clearly looking to become.

The Magpies have been linked with moves for players such as Moises Caicedo and Youri Tielemans as of late, which would signal a big statement of intent given they’re also wanted by the likes of Chelsea and Arsenal respectively.

If Newcastle could bring in McTominay on loan until the end of the season without an obligation to buy, he could be a decent stopgap signing, although if someone such as Tielemans and Caicedo become more attainable this month, PIF could move for them instead.

What is clear is that there is interest in McTominay despite the Toon boss playing it down, and it remains to be seen if Manchester United can be lured into a sale for a player surely keen on more regular game time.

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Chelsea would be silly not to sign Borussia Monchengladbach striker Marcus Thuram, according to journalist Ryan Taylor.

The Lowdown: Thuram’s future

Sky Sports man Kevin Hatchard recently claimed that he had received a text signalling ‘definite’ interest from Chelsea in signing Thuram this month, with Fabrizio Romano writing in his SubStack column that a Premier League move is the player’s priority (via CaughtOffSide).

The Frenchman has been unwilling to commit to a new contract to extend his stay with Monchengladbach beyond 2023, and so he could be available on a cut-price deal, with BILD claiming it may only take £6m to sign him. (via Football Insider)

The Latest: Taylor’s comments

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Taylor claimed that the 25-year-old is definitely a player that they should be targeting, saying:

“I’m surprised United aren’t looking at this one, maybe even Arsenal, because he ticks that box. But, at the same time, I think Chelsea probably would be silly not to go for it at the moment given their depleted squad.”

The Verdict: Make it happen

Chelsea should be jumping at the opportunity to sign the forward, as they have been presented with a great chance to either get him for a bargain fee, or on a free transfer if a pre-contract agreement can be arranged.

The 6 foot 4 marksman has received some very high praise from people within the game, namely Arsene Wenger, who compared him to Arsenal legend Thierry Henry, while he has also been lauded as ‘world class’ by Wolfsburg sporting director Marcel Schafer.

Given Thuram’s very impressive attacking record in his career so far, it is clear to see why he has been the subject of such high praise, scoring 59 goals and registering 32 assists in 234 appearances at club level, a fantastic return given that he has played the majority of these games at left-wing.

Graham Potter is clearly in need of some new forward options, given that his side are in the bottom half for goals scored in the Premier League, and Thuram has a brilliant scoring record.

When David Moyes signed Nayef Aguerd for West Ham United in the summer for a fee of £30m, the Moroccan defender seemed in line to be a sure starter in the heart of their defence.

Unfortunately, he suffered a serious ankle injury against Rangers in a pre-season friendly, which disrupted his season before he even made a competitive appearance.

He finally made his debut against Silkeborg in the Europa Conference League in October, five months after signing for the Irons, and Moyes eased him back in gently, selecting him for just three more matches before the World Cup break.

This was obviously the best decision as Aguerd was subsequently selected for the Morocco squad for the tournament in Qatar and played an integral part as the Atlas Lions made history by becoming the first African nation to reach a World Cup semi-final.

The £50k-per-week titan played a part in his country’s first four matches at the tournament, but he was substituted against Spain with a thigh problem and was left out of the quarter-final clash against Portugal.

Although named in the starting line-up for the semi-final against France, he was withdrawn shortly before kick-off, and it is uncertain whether he will feature in the third-place play-off on Saturday.

Despite his tournament being interrupted, he received a rating of 7/10 from Sofascore and was part of a defence which kept three clean sheets in the four matches that he played.

Defensively he was a rock, winning 69% of his total duels while making one  interception, one tackle and three clearances per match, and journalist Jonty Colman said it was “absolutely superb to see Nayef Aguerd part of the history-making Morocco side”.

His performances will certainly have given Moyes a significant boost heading into what looks like a crucial second half of the season for West Ham. With the Irons already conceding 17 goals as they occupy 16th place in the Premier League table, the Scot will be desperate for the 26-year-old to shore up the team’s leaky defence.

The Boxing Day clash against Arsenal might come too soon for Aguerd, but the signs look promising that he can become a hero for West Ham heading into 2023, just like how he was for Morocco in Qatar.

Off the back of his World Cup performances, Moyes must unleash him fully once the defender is fully fit again.

Leeds United oversaw a summer of vast change under Jesse Marsch, with the American allowed to reinvest heavily following the sales of Kalvin Phillips and Raphinha.

With the latter, it marked a tough task to replace their top scorer, and arguably the catalyst for their survival.

Although Luis Sinisterra has performed admirably at times, it was always going to take time for the Columbian to acclimatise following his £21m move.

Perhaps Marsch might be opting for a different tactic this January, similar to what he did with Phillips, by spreading his output across multiple different players.

That could explain their reported interest in another south American winger in Gonzalo Plata.

Poised to battle with Newcastle United for his signature, the winger is currently impressing for his country at the World Cup, building upon his impressive start to life at Real Valladolid.

Having moved permanently to La Liga for a €10m (£8.5m) fee, the 22-year-old has been around the senior game for some time despite his youth.

Because of this, his average Sofascore rating of 6.71 is actually commendable, where he has been averaging 1.1 key passes per game.

Although he is viewed as a very raw wide man – with journalist Dean Jones once labelling him “pacey” – he clearly boasts all the physical assets to be a huge success in European football.

Ranking in the top 7% for dribbles completed stands as a glowing recommendation for his ability on the ball, furthering Adrian Blanco’s claim that he is a “true trickster”.

By signing this exciting 33-cap talent, it could spell the end of Dan James’ career on Elland Road.

The Welsh attacker boasts a similar skillset but has consistently underperformed at the level that is required. He has just four goals in 40 appearances since his £25m move from Manchester United.

As such, Marsch’s decision to bring in a new winger while he is out on loan is a damning assessment of his standing within the squad.

He has had his chances, but with the Ecuadorian maestro boasting 24 goal contributions to go alongside his incredible ability to beat a man, it would be a huge upgrade to swap Plata out for the 25-year-old dud.

Therefore, the American head coach can finally send James packing if he were to follow up his interest in the Ecuador whiz this January.

Newcastle United have an injury concern over Joelinton before they travel to face Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon.

The Lowdown: Knee injury

The 26-year-old was taken off at half-time at St James’ Park as Eddie Howe’s side won 1-0 win at home to Everton on Wednesday night.

The midfielder was replaced by Joe Willock after picking up a suspected knee injury in the first half, and concerns were heightened given that there were reports of him suffering ‘considerable pain‘.

The Latest: Joelinton injury doubt

Speaking to the media in his pre-game press conference ahead of the match against Spurs, Howe has confirmed that after a ‘knock’ on Joelinton’s knee against the Toffees, there is ‘potentially an issue’ and it is ‘unclear’ whether he will play any part for Newcastle this weekend.

The Magpies boss said of the Brazilian: “He had a knock to the side of his knee. We thought he could run it off but when he said he had to come off at half-time we knew there was potentially an issue there. We’re hopeful it’s not serious but at this moment it’s still slightly unclear.”

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The Verdict: Worrying

Howe’s comments on Joelinton are worrying, as they suggest that the midfielder may not be risked at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

The 26-year-old has been Newcastle’s fifth-best performer in the Premier League so far this term, delivering one assist and scooping one man-of-the-match award (WhoScored).

He also ranks highly among his team-mates in terms of average shots, aerial duels won, tackles, interceptions, clearances, key passes, dribbles, crosses and through balls per match (WhoScored).

Joelinton is like a completely different player in his new midfield role, and the Magpies are a better team when the Brazilian is in it.

Leeds United were linked with plenty of players across a tumultuous summer for manager Jesse Marsch as he and director of football Victor Orta looked to add plenty of new faces to ensure another relegation battle was not on the horizon.

In total, they added an impressive eight new players on permanent deals, heavily funded by the major and unfortunate sales of Raphinha and Kalvin Phillips.

With the Brazilian, in particular, whose goals were so instrumental in their survival last season, they had lost their top scorer in a flash.

Luis Sinisterra was seen as a direct replacement for him, and whilst he has shown flashes of brilliance early on in his career at Elland Road, there still remains a distinct lack of goals. This is an issue that can be traced to their lack of a proven striker, an area which Marsch seemingly forgot to improve.

With Patrick Bamford’s injuries making him vastly unreliable, and with his squad having scored just ten times in seven matches, a proper striker could elevate this number to great heights and along with it their league position.

That is why the fact that they seemed to miss out on Chelsea’s young gem, who Evening Standard journalist Nizaar Kinsella dubbed “some talent”, Armando Broja is seen as even more of a blunder now.

Bamford featured just nine times last season, and despite making five appearances already this season he is yet to score. Meanwhile, the Albania international was lighting up St Mary’s with his speed and power.

The 21-year-old managed six Premier League goals in his breakout season, but with youth on his side, he remains poised to continue improving.

With all the physical attributes to be a huge success in England’s top-flight, Marsch would certainly benefit from an aerial presence and some added speed to threaten centre-backs with their intensity.

The £6k-per-week gem also ranks in the top 14% for aerials won, suggesting that he would likely thrive off the likes of Jack Harrison, who has a wicked delivery from the byline.

Once labelled as “special” by Enzo Aliaj, the Albanian FA’s UK representative, Broja has been likened to a number of world-famous strikers: “He is for Albania what Robert Lewandowski is for Poland and what Harry Kane is for England.”

He has earned such high praise with the promise he shows, and when compared to the injury-prone and ageing Bamford, there is really no competition nowadays. This marks a huge transfer howler for the Yorkshire club.

Arsenal are confident in tying down Bukayo Saka, William Saliba and Gabriel Martinelli to new contracts, according to Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth.

The Lowdown: Contract situations

Top of the Premier League table after seven games, the Gunners have turned their attention to sorting out fresh deals for some of their most important players.

Both Saka and Saliba are contracted until the summer of 2024, so they theoretically have 21 months remaining at the Emirates Stadium. Martinelli’s deal also runs until that time, but the club have the option to extend this by a further year.

The Latest: Sheth’s claim

Sheth believes that Arsenal are confident in getting the star trio to sign new long-term deals with the club.

Speaking with GiveMeSport about the futures of those three players, the Sky Sports reporter claimed: “I think that would be a big priority. I think that they’re pretty confident of being able to do those deals for those players.”

The Verdict: Huge news

All three of Saka, Saliba and Martinelli have started each of Arsenal’s first seven Premier League games in 2022/23, of which Mikel Arteta’s side have won six, so they can all feel that they have contributes plenty to the team’s early-season success.

The Gunners have scored the third-most goals in the English top flight, and defensively they also come in at joint-third for the least number of goals conceded.

With a combined Transfermarkt valuation of £135m, it is essential for the north London outfit to tie down those three regulars (all of whom are still only 21) to long-term deals as a means of ensuring their long-term future with the club.

Otherwise, Arsenal may be forced into selling them for reduced prices next season when their contracts are dwindling, a situation that Arteta will surely be keen to avoid.

West Ham United have been rebuffed in an approach for Manchester United right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka, according to David Ornstein of The Athletic. 

The lowdown

The defender moved from Crystal Palace to Manchester United in a £50m deal in 2019 but has now fallen down the pecking order at Old Trafford.

The 24-year-old has played just four minutes across their first four Premier League matches of the campaign, with new manager Erik ten Hag preferring Diogo Dalot at right-back up to this point.

West Ham already have two right-back options in their squad in the form of Vladimir Coufal and Ben Johnson, but GSB are seemingly keen to add depth in that area.

The latest

Ornstein tweeted that ‘Man Utd have received approaches’ for Wan-Bissaka ‘from Crystal Palace & West Ham’, but both have been dismissed.

Manchester United ‘don’t plan to sell or loan’ the defender because they want two right-backs in their squad and it’s probably ‘too late’ for the Red Devils to recruit any replacement.

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The verdict

It wouldn’t be a surprise to see Wan-Bissaka’s name continually mentioned in connection with West Ham in the coming months if he continues to struggle for game-time under Ten Hag.

While his attacking numbers are uninspiring – he ranks in the sixth percentile for non-penalty expected goals and expected assists per 90 – he’s very impactful out of possession, placing in the top three percentiles for interceptions and blocks per game among positional peers in Europe’s top five leagues over the last 365 days (via FBRef).

It’s easy to forget that this is a player who won Crystal Palace’s Player of the Year Award in 2018/19 and made the Europa League Squad of the Season in 2020/21 when Manchester United were runners-up.

Jamie Carragher once called him ‘the best one-on-one defender for a full-back in the world’, while former Red Devils boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer previously said that ‘it is virtually impossible to go past him’ because of the defender’s ‘exceptional’ skills in this department.

Indeed, when it comes to being dribbled past, Wan-Bissaka is in the 97th percentile, indicating that he’s bypassed very rarely, and he seems like a teak-tough defender who’d be a fine addition to West Ham’s defence if they can get him in before Thursday night’s transfer deadline.