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Tottenham Hotspur fans have been provided an update on the future of Lucas Moura by transfer guru Fabrizio Romano.

The Lowdown: Moura’s Tottenham future

Moura’s Tottenham contract does not expire until June 2024, however he has evidently started to fall down the pecking order at the club, with Antonio Conte giving him far less game time than he has become accustomed to.

The winger made 34 Premier League appearances last season, but this term he has only been selected for a total of 90 minutes across eight league outings, being utilised as more of an impact player, in part due to a calf injury that ruled him out for eight games.

The Latest: Romano’s update

Romano took to Twitter to dispel the rumours from the last few weeks that the Brazilian has been in talks with boyhood club Sao Paulo, but he details that he could leave at the end of the season, saying:

“There are no talks between São Paulo and Tottenham for Lucas Moura, as things stand.

“Brazilian winger could stay at Spurs until the end of the season and then leave as free agent in June, this is the expectation.”

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The Verdict: Right move?

With Dejan Kulusevski being ruled out of the game against Aston Villa on New Year’s Day, it is the correct decision for Conte to keep Lucas at the club until the summer, as he is still a good back-up option to have

Lauded as ‘outrageous’ at his best by journalist James Ducker, the 30-year-old has averaged 0.32 assists per 90 over the past year, placing him in the 84th percentile compared to his positional peers, highlighting that he is still very much a threat going forward.

Moura is still injured at the moment, with Conte unable to provide any concrete date on when he is likely to return, but when he is back to full fitness, he will be a helpful player for Tottenham in their push for the top four, and the club can then sign a younger replacement in the summer.

West Ham United are chasing AS Monaco defender Axel Disasi, with other Premier League clubs also interested, according to a new report.

The Lowdown: West Ham target defender

West Ham have encountered some trouble in defence this season, with Nayef Aguerd only managing to make two Premier League appearances due to an ankle injury, requiring surgery back in July.

Kurt Z0uma has had fitness concerns of his own, also requiring surgery to resolve an injury back in November, and he is yet to return to first-team action, so David Moyes could definitely do with another option at the heart of defence.

The Latest: Chasing Disasi

According to a report from the Daily Mail, the Hammers are chasing Disasi, who is also being targeted by the likes of Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United this month.

Multiple top-flight clubs are said to be tracking the defender, however it seems as though Man United could be leading the race at present, given that they have already had negotiations with Monaco.

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The Verdict: Get it done?

Football scout Jacek Kulig has detailed that the ‘complete’ centre-back is also able to play at right-back, which would be a big boost for West Ham at the moment, given the recent criticism that Thilo Kehrer has faced.

Not only that, but Kulig likens the 24-year-old to Virgil van Dijk, high praise indeed, but justified given that he thrives in aerial situations, averaging more aerials won per 90 than Zouma and Craig Dawson over the past year.

While the Irons’ current league position is unlikely to make them the most attractive proposition for the defender out of the available options, they should continue to monitor the situation, as his presence in the air means he would undoubtedly be an improvement on the current defensive options at the club.

Everton desperately need reinforcements in the January transfer window but may not be able to afford any, Tam McManus has claimed.

What’s the word?

Frank Lampard’s side currently sit in 18th place and are in serious danger of a first-ever relegation from the Premier League.

They have scored just 14 times in 18 games, and strikers Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Neal Maupay have scored just two league goals between them.

Speaking to Football Insider, former Hibs striker McManus lambasted Everton’s recent recruitment, claiming that the lack of available funds in January could hit them hard.

“I mean, have they got money to spend?

“They spent big in the summer and none of the signings have been that good. Tarkowski has been decent and he’s the one who didn’t cost anything.

“They have spent so much money in the last few years and they are spending a fortune on this stadium. I really do wonder if they have room to operate in this window.

“That’s what they need, fresh faces. New players who can come in and grab this team by the scruff of the neck.

“More than anything is that they need someone who can stick the ball in the back of the net. Calvert-Lewin’s fitness is questionable and Maupay can’t score.

“A defence will keep you up but you have to be efficient at the other end of the pitch. They need a striker but I just don’t think they can afford one.

“They don’t have anyone worth selling, either. It’s a complete mess.

“It will be a huge blow if they don’t get anyone.”

Outsmart the market

If Everton cannot afford to bring in any permanent signings in the January window, they will need to extensively scout the free agent and loan market.

Recruitments are a must, particularly in attacking areas, and if they do not add more goals to the side, they could be in serious trouble.

With Alex Iwobi also picking up an injury, they may also need an injection of creativity before their season spirals out of control, but with limited funds, this could prove difficult.

Everton’s recruitment has been below-par for years, as they have spent excessive amounts of money on players who ultimately failed to shine at Goodison Park, and when they have profited off the likes of Richarlison and Lucas Digne, they have not reinvested the money well, as the club have failed to kick on without them.

Former Leeds United goalkeeper Paul Robinson has been reacting to the club’s attempts to sign Hoffenheim forward Georginio Rutter.

The Lowdown: Leeds make move for Rutter

The Whites have acted fast in their attempts to sign the young Frenchman, with speculation first emerging over the weekend.

Sky Sports stated on Monday evening that Leeds were hoping to have the forward undergo a medical in the subsequent 48 hours, with The Daily Mail reporting on Wednesday that the Premier League club are hoping to finalise a move today.

Rutter is just 20 years of age but is poised to become Leeds’ all-time record signing in a transfer worth £30m.

The Latest: Robinson’s comments on Rutter

Speaking to MOT Leeds News regarding the club’s attempts to sign Rutter, Robinson – who also contributes as a pundit for Sky Sports – described the forward as ‘decent’ and said that he has ‘proven himself at the level he’s been playing at’.

The ex-Whites goalkeeper said of the 20-year-old: “I know who he is. He’s decent, he’s not bad.

“It’s a slight risk when you sign anyone, especially when they don’t have Premier League experience or experience at that level.

“Leeds need to sign a striker who’s going to score goals and he’s proven himself at the level he’s been playing at. Anything is an improvement on what they’ve got, although Rodrigo is stepping up to the plate.

“If you look at the goals he’s scored this season, he’s done extremely well and he’s better operating as a number nine than a wide midfielder or attacking midfielder. He’s better as a striker, he looks more comfortable and he’s scoring goals.

“But you can’t rely on him and Patrick Bamford, especially with his fitness. Bamford’s had one really good season and everyone keeps saying, ‘we need to get him back and fit’. But how long has it been that he’s not been playing?

“They do need somebody else in that position.”

The Verdict: A risk for Leeds?

Rutter, who is just a few months older than Joe Gelhardt, appears to be a star in the making and can operate in all three forward positions, as well as a number 10 just behind the frontline.

However, he has scored just twice in 17 games this season, so you could question Robinson’s comments of the 20-year-old being a ‘proven’ forward and argue that a big-money move would be a risky one by Andrea Radrizzani and Victor Orta.

Leeds are once again flirting with the bottom three in the Premier League, so Rutter may not have the luxury of being able to slowly adapt to life in England, as you’d expect that the Whites could need him to fire in front of goal straight away.

Manchester United are interested in possibly bringing Brentford goalkeeper David Raya, according to The Telegraph.

The Lowdown: Butland in…

The Red Devils have already bolstered their goalkeeping ranks this month by bringing in Jack Butland on loan from Crystal Palace.

United chiefs brought the Englishman to Old Trafford after Martin Dubravka was recalled by Newcastle United, with Butland to provide competition to David de Gea alongside Tom Heaton. However, it looks as if another ‘keeper addition could soon be on the cards in Spain international Raya.

The Latest: United keen on Raya

The Telegraph shared a story on Wednesday, claiming that Manchester United and Chelsea are interested in Raya.

The report states that those two clubs are ready to rival fellow top-flight rivals Tottenham in the race for Raya’s services as he enters the final 18 months of his Brentford deal.

The Verdict: Makes sense

You can see why United are on the search for another potential addition in goal, with De Gea and Heaton both out of contract at the end of the season.

Raya has gone from strength to strength with the Bees and appears to be at the top of his game with a career-high €22m Transfermarkt valuation.

He has been one of Brentford’s top performers this season, as per WhoScored, and has made more saves than any other goalkeeper so far this season (81).

Therefore, you could say that United may be targeting a player at the peak of his powers, however, they could face competition from two of the so-called big six for his signature.

Manchester United are ‘keeping an eye’ on Leicester City midfielder Youri Tielemans’ current situation, journalist Fabrizio Romano reports.

The Lowdown: Tielemans off this summer?

The Belgian has been an excellent servant for the Foxes, scoring what was a legendary winning goal for the club in the 2021 FA Cup final against Chelsea.

Tielemans has been one of Leicester’s most influential players over a sustained period of time, registering 53 goal contributions (28 goals and 25 assists) in 183 appearances, not to mention being called ‘fantastic’ by none other than Emile Heskey.

The 25-year-old is out of contract at the end of this season, however, at which point he will surely move on to pastures new, given there appear to be no concrete reports of talks for a new deal.

The Latest: Man Utd tracking midfielder

Speaking to Give Me Sport, Romano was asked about Tielemans’ situation, saying they are ‘keeping an eye’ on things and Erik ten Hag could be ‘attracted’ to the player:

“They’re keeping an eye on the market. I think it is normal if there is something interesting that could attract the manager.”

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The Verdict: Where would he fit in?

United have been linked with a move for Tielemans and he is certainly someone who could enjoy his football under Ten Hag, possessing the requisite skills to be a success at Old Trafford.

The 58-cap Belgium international is an all-round midfielder who can provide quality on the ball and hard work off it, having averaged 1.2 key passes and 2.2 tackles per game in the Premier League this season.

Fitting Tielemans into United’s team would arguably be the toughest job for Ten Hag, however, with Casemiro, Christian Eriksen and Bruno Fernandes a formidable current trio.

At 25, the £35,000-a-week Leicester man could come in as a long-term replacement for Eriksen, though, who is five years older than him and not a long-term prospect anymore.

Leeds United have made a new offer to Juventus for midfielder Weston McKennie, according to Sky Sports journalist Gianluca Di Marzio.

The Lowdown: Opening offer

The Whites have already spent big this month with moves for Max Wober and Georginio Rutter and could splash the cash once again when it comes to McKennie.

Leeds chiefs submitted an opening bid worth €28m (£24.6m) to Juventus for the midfielder on Wednesday, with the Serie A side holding out for a figure closer to €35m (£30.8m).

The Latest: Improved bid

Sky Sports international reporter Di Marzio shared an update late on Thursday evening regarding McKennie.

He said that Leeds have returned with a new offer worth around €30m (£26.3m) plus bonuses. There is a feeling that the club are close to an agreement which could be closed at some point today.

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The Verdict: Good to see

Leeds could do with a new midfielder before the end of the month, with Jesse Marsch having limited senior options in holding and central midfield.

McKennie, 24, can play in a variety of midfield roles and has been branded as ‘incredibly underrated’ by Football Talent scout Jacek Kulig, so could be a smart addition both in the short and long run.

Time is ticking, though, so it is good to see that Leeds chiefs have returned with a new offer closer to Juventus’ demands. Hopefully, as Di Marzio states, an agreement could be reached at some point in the next 24 hours, giving the club plenty of time ahead of Tuesday’s deadlines to sort out a medical and complete the relative paperwork.

Everton could now make a huge step towards safety with their first January transfer…

What’s the word?

That’s according to Football League World, who claim that Sean Dyche’s first action as manager of the Toffees will be to sign Viktor Gyokeres from Coventry City.

The Swedish marksman has excelled in the Championship for a number of years now and has understandably earned links to plenty of Premier League clubs.

However, with a history of plucking talent from the division below and nurturing them into instant successes, he could repeat this feat in a bid to ensure safety at Goodison Park.

The Sky Blues are holding out for an £18m fee for their star man.

Repeat Wood masterclass

Of all the transfer miracles pulled off by Dyche during his time at Turf Moor, arguably the most impressive was the signing of Chris Wood.

Unloading a club record fee, the New Zealand international joined from Leeds United for a fee thought to be about £15m.

This was seen as an extraordinary expenditure for Burnley, yet at Everton would mark a drop in the water given their recent financial misadventures.

The 31-year-old would quickly become integral in their system, with his bravery and hulking frame making him a natural fit for the 4-4-2 employed.

He would enjoy four consecutive seasons of striking double figures before earning the club a £10m profit as he was sold to Newcastle United.

This kind of explosive impact could now be repeated through Gyokeres, who has continued his lethal form into yet another season.

With 12 goals in 27 games for Mark Robins’ struggling side, the 24-year-old seems poised to obliterate his 17-goal tally from the season prior.

His proficiency is a trait that has evaded most at Goodison Park this season, where only Wolverhampton Wanderers have scored less than them in the league.

As such, they are in dire need of a decisive asset to pull them through tight matches.

This is something which Gyokeres has already proven this season, as he was lauded by opposition manager Chris Wilder after downing his Middlesborough team. 

He claimed: “I thought he was excellent today and I thought he was the difference.”

Desperate for someone to be that catalyst for pulling them from the relegation zone, Dyche should look no further than a league where he already has proven experience locating and utilising great untapped talent.

Newcastle United are looking at the Sheffield United midfielder Sander Berge as a potential late option in this January transfer window.

What’s the latest?

Eddie Howe’s side seems set to part ways with their midfielder of seven years, Jonjo Shelvey, with the Englishman expected to join Nottingham Forest before Tuesday’s deadline.

There is the belief that the Norwegian midfielder is not the only player Dan Ashworth has on his shortlist with Craig Hope suggesting there are multiple players being considered.

Berge has been linked with a potential return to the Premier League since United’s relegation with Liverpool believed to have shown an interest back in 2021.

But speaking on the BBC Transfer Gossip Daily podcast, journalist Luke Edwards has suggested bringing in the Championship midfielder would be a strange addition to the squad although they are struggling to find a replacement for Shelvey:

(7:10) “Newcastle will try and bring in a replacement. I think Sander Berge at Sheffield United has been talked about. A bit of a strange one.

“Yeah, bit of a strange one coming from the Championship. My sort of information is that they are struggling to find someone to come in. So Newcastle are also taking a risk.”

Need to replace Shelvey

Howe’s options in midfield already feel stretched with Shelvey yet to return from an injury which has seen him miss a large chunk of the season so far.

The likes of Sean Longstaff have been given a lot of game time so far this season as Howe’s men continue to impress in their quest for a spot in the Champions League.

However, there have been some scares along the way with the most recent being to Bruno Guimaraes who has somehow managed to recover almost instantaneously from what appeared to be a horrific roll of the ankle.

And had the Brazilian been sidelined for a number of weeks or even months through that issue, who knows how big of an impact that could have had on the Toon?

But in Berge, Newcastle could be bringing in a player who (this season) has provided more shot-creating actions and an almost identical number of passes per 90 minutes as Shelvey did when fit last season (via Fbref).

The 24-year-old has enjoyed an impressive campaign in the Championship so far this season with four goals and three assists also to his name.

But as Edwards suggested, seeing Newcastle look to the Championship at this stage in their development does feel slightly strange when they have been linked to the likes of Edson Alvarez already this month.

Money will obviously be a big factor, but with the Blades flying high in second-spot, we do wonder whether this may be a player who Paul Heckingbottom will be looking to keep ahold of this month.

Journalist Jonny McFarlane believes Rangers need to sign a new goalkeeper in the summer after Jon McLaughlin’s error gifted Ross County an equaliser in the Gers’ 2-1 win at Ibrox.

The Lowdown: Rangers’ goalkeepers

Rangers have seen plenty of rotation in goal recently, with Allan McGregor and McLaughlin sharing the shot-stopping duties amid the uncertain future of the 41-year-old, who sees his contract expire in the summer (salary sport).

Gers legend McGregor is closing in on 500 appearances in total for his boyhood side (via Rangers), with him in his second spell in Glasgow and entering his 16th year as a Rangers player.

McGregor has played 23 times all season, with McLaughlin on his tail with 16, while the latter’s start against Ross County on Saturday afternoon was his first time back in the SPFL side since sitting out the previous two games.

The Latest: McFarlane’s comments

Writing in his player ratings after the game on The Rangers Review, McFarlane left a rather scathing assessment of the McLaughlin’s 4/10 performance, as well as his credentials as a future No 1 and successor to McGregor.

He wrote: “Spoiled his performance with a calamity in dealing with a ball into the box. Not for the first time this season, the experienced ‘keeper was caught in no man’s land at a cross and Jordan White profited with an easy header. If he had stayed on his line rather than coming and missing the ball, it would have been a simple save.

“Nearly had another disaster, a carbon copy of the first, in the 91st minute. The goalkeeper position continues to be an area of major concern that will have to be rectified in the summer.”

The Verdict: Not good enough?

With McGregor set to leave Ibrox come the end of the season, the No 1 shirt is completely up for grabs, with McLaughlin being given every chance he could wish for to make the spot his own, but again he disappointed.

A poor mistake as he misjudged the free-kick that saw Jordan White head into an open net is something that Michael Beale simply can’t risk in a first-choice ‘keeper, especially before getting himself in a mess in injury time to almost throw the lead away for a second time.

At 35 years old himself, he doesn’t have the safety net of youth, inexperience or high potential to merit himself a place and backing in the side.

With only two arrivals coming last month, Beale will surely be backed in the window and a new ‘keeper appear to be fast becoming one of the priorities.