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Tottenham Hotspur are eyeing a summer move for Leeds United defender Robin Koch, according to a report from Football Insider.

The Lowdown: Summer rebuild needed?

Antonio Conte accused his players of lacking ‘spirit’ in his post-match press conference after the 3-3 draw against Southampton yesterday afternoon, indicating the club could be in need of a summer rebuild, regardless of whether the manager stays.

The Lilywhites have been linked with new options at the back for quite some time now, with versatile Stuttgart defender Borna Sosa said to be of interest, while RB Leipzig’s Josko Gvardiol is a more outlandish target.

However, Spurs could also look at bringing in a new option that has proven Premier League experience, with Koch emerging as a potential signing in recent days…

The Latest: Koch targeted

As per a report from Football Insider, Tottenham are in the market for a new centre-back this summer, and they have shortlisted the Leeds defender as a target, in light of him still not committing to a contract extension beyond the end of next season.

The Yorkshire club could look to cash in on the 26-year-old at the end of the current season to ensure that he doesn’t end up leaving for free in 2024, opening the door for a potential move to north London.

Spurs believe the centre-back could be available on the cheap this summer if Leeds are relegated to the Championship, so they are expected to continue to monitor the situation.

The Verdict: Get it done?

After the 3-3 draw against Southampton at the weekend, it is evident Spurs have glaring deficiencies in defence, with Eric Dier putting in a very poor performance, while Clement Lenglet has also been unconvincing this season, being heavily criticised by John Wenham.

Koch has been hailed by sections of the media for some of his performances this season, with pundit Clinton Morrison describing him as ‘outstanding’ after his performance against Brentford back in January.

However, the 6 foot 3 colossus has not stood out for Leeds, recording an average Sofascore match rating of just 6.72, ranking him as just the sixth-best performing defender in the squad, below the likes of Maximilian Wober and Rasmus Kristiansen.

As such, the eight-time Germany international may not be the huge upgrade that Spurs need in defence, and so he could only be targeted as a rotation option, rather than as the club’s main target to strengthen the centre-back area.

BBC pundit Chris Sutton has slammed Rangers manager Michael Beale for not starting Nicolas Raskin in the Scottish League Cup final.

What’s the latest on Beale, Raskin and Rangers?

The Ibrox outfit were unable to taste victory this weekend against bitter rivals Celtic as they lost 2-1 at Hampden Park despite a consolation effort from Alfredo Morelos.

Indeed, a goal in each half from Kyogo Furuhashi was enough to condemn Rangers to defeat and so question marks will understandably be asked of the tactical decisions made by Beale on the day.

For instance, when talking on the BBC phone-in radio show 606, Sutton suggested that it was “strange” to see Raskin left out of the starting team.

He said (46:20): “Well Raskin’s had a good start to his Rangers career. I actually thought that that was a strange decision or possibly a strange decision.

I understand, I think Michael Beale said before the game that in a couple of really big performances, I think the Hearts performance – that was the same team which played against Hearts at Tynecastle.”

Was it a mistake not to star Raskin in the cup final?

As mentioned by Sutton, Beale did pick the exact same starting XI in this cup final as he did in the impressive 3-0 away win against Hearts at Tynecastle earlier on in the month.

And so it’s easy to see why the Rangers manager perhaps felt as if he had found a winning formula on that occasion and didn’t want to tamper with it against Celtic.

Even so, Raskin has started well in Scotland after arriving from Standard Liege this winter. Indeed, he may have played just four times for the club but he’s already won plenty of praise from his new set of fans.

Despite that, he only managed to come on in the 65th minute of the game and was unable to turn the final in Rangers’ favour. Perhaps Beale will regret not starting him when he assesses the defeat this week.

Tottenham have set their sights on Borussia Monchengladbach star Marcus Thuram who is set to leave on a free deal at the end of the season.

The Lowdown: Spurs linked…

The France international has been on Spurs’ radar as per reports in the press with Newcastle also among those thought to be interested.

While the north Londoners are thought to be prioritising the addition of a world class central defender, Antonio Conte’s side are also on the look out for a possible Son Heung-min alternative.

Links to Marco Asensio have also been prevalent in the media with The Times now sharing an update on their pursuit of Thuram.

The Latest: Spurs eye free Thuram move…

According to the reliable newspaper, Spurs are among the clubs eyeing a move for the 6 foot 3 forward, coming after Gladbach confirmed he will depart in the summer.

Thuram is set to leave as a free agent with Gladbach sporting director Roland Virkus, as relayed by this report, declaring he ‘will leave’ and the fact they’re set to lose him for nothing is not a ‘positive’ situation.

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The Verdict: Go for it…

The 25-year-old’s departure is certainly bad news for the Bundesliga side, but their loss could almost certainly be Tottenham’s gain.

As per WhoScored, the attacker ranks as one of Gladbach’s best-performing players this campaign, chipping in with 11 goals and three assists in the German top flight alone.

In that time, Thuram has averaged more shots at goal per 90 than any of his teammates and sits in their top four in terms of key passes and completed dribbles (WhoScored).

Fellow club chiefs have called the player ‘world class’ and his instrumental performances for Gladbach even earned him a call up to France’s squad for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

On a Bosman, a move for Thuram could end up being one of the bargains of the summer.

Manchester United have been in contact with the agent of Borussia Monchengladbach forward Marcus Thuram.

The Lowdown: Thuram speculation

The Red Devils have been linked with a move for the France international in recent months, with reports even claiming the forward has been dreaming of a move to Old Trafford.

A pre-contract move for Thuram was thought to be a possibility, with his contract situation at Monchengladbach unchanged. He has been in fine form this season, contributing to 17 goals in 21 games, and it seems as if contact has been made from those at Old Trafford.

The Latest: United contact

FC Inter News shared an update on Thuram on Thursday, claiming that Inter Milan are interested in the forward.

However, the report says that United are one of four Premier League sides to have spoken with the player’s agent, with no offer yet to materialise.

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The Verdict: Smart idea

Thuram is 25 years of age and appears to be at the peak of his powers in front of goal, so securing his services for nothing could be a shrewd piece of business.

Erik ten Hag is short of centre-forward options, with Wout Weghorst only on loan and Anthony Martial suffering various injuries in recent months.

Therefore, Thuram, hailed a ‘beast’ by talent scout Jacek Kulig and valued at €32m by Transfermarkt, could be an excellent signing for free, making this one to keep an eye on.

Man United ‘could’ pay Victor Osimhen’s €120 million (£105m) price tag this summer, according to Sky journalist Gianluca Di Marzio.

The Lowdown: ten Hag chasing striker…

The Red Devils are reliably believed to be shortlisting star striker targets ahead of possible 2023 moves.

Sky Sports, for example, recently shared news of their interest in Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane with the centre-forward position thought to be a ‘priority’ for manager Erik ten Hag and the club.

The Premier League giants appear to be planning for next season already amid their chase for a top four finish and subsequent Champions League qualifying place.

The Latest: Man United ‘could’ pay Osimhen fee this year…

Speaking to soccernews, reliable reporter Di Marzio claims United ‘could’ pay Osimhen’s £105m asking price and the Manchester side ‘certainly’ want to sign him.

He explained:

“Man United have to pay at least 120 million euros for him [Osimhen], but Premier League clubs have that option, so it could well happen. Manchester United certainly want to sign him, but there are other clubs who are planning the same. It is inevitable that his name will soon be mentioned in various boardrooms!”

The Verdict: Perfect candidate?

If United want to add a proven goal scorer and classic centre-forward option to ten Hag’s ranks, and with real longevity, then look no further than the Nigerian.

Osimhen has amassed a very impressive strike rate for Napoli, bagging 42 goals and 13 assists over 81 appearances in all competitions for the Italian title-chasers.

At international level, the 24-year-old has also racked up 15 goals in just 23 international caps for Nigeria – providing further evidence of his clinical playing style.

The forward has been lavished for his fine form in a Napoli shirt by members of the media with African sports journalist George Addo Junior calling him a ‘beast’.

Given United are financially capable of paying in and around £105m for the player, this could be one to watch in 2023, especially with Osimhen’s proven record in front of goal.

Chelsea are believed to still be plotting to sign Borussia Monchengladbach striker Marcus Thuram, despite having only recently sealed the loan capture of Joao Felix from Atletico Madrid.

What’s the word?

According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, the west London outfit are still set to continue talks with regard to the signing of the towering Frenchman, with the Blues seemingly plotting further moves following Felix’s arrival.

Writing on Twitter about that developing situation, the transfer insider stated: “João Félix deal will not change Chelsea plans as negotiations will continue for Marcus Thuram as revealed last week and also other targets — in different positions.”

This follows reports in recent weeks that have named the 25-year-old as a target for Graham Potter’s side, with the former Guingamp ace potentially set to be available for a cut-price fee with just six months remaining on his current deal in Germany.

Imagine him and Felix

A new striker is seemingly a priority position for the Stamford Bridge outfit this month, with academy graduate Armando Broja out for the season due to injury, while summer signing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has been linked with a return to Barcelona after scoring just three goals in all competitions this season.

The addition of Thuram – who has been dubbed “crazy” by former teammate Denis Zakaria – would seemingly be an ideal solution with the 6 foot 4 colossus having been in stellar form so far this term, having scored 13 goals and provided four assists in 17 games across all fronts for the Bundesliga outfit.

Having that clinical and imposing focal point in attack could well help to get the best out of the aforementioned Felix, with the latter man having previously outlined his preference to play in a free role behind the striker, stating:

“My best position is as the second forward. Playing like a no.10, with a guy in front of me.”

The 23-year-old could well be allowed the freedom to make things happen in a creative berth behind Thuram, with his dynamic brilliance and ability to provide quality service to the frontman showcased by the fact that he ranks in the top 12% in Europe for progressive passes among those in his position.

That potential partnership could also flourish due to the pair’s dribbling prowess with the Gladbach man ranking in the top 7% in that metric, while the former Benfica starlet ranks in the top 17% in that regard.

Equally, Potter could also have the makings of a hard-working and relentless forward line if he is to partner the two men together, with Thuram ranking in the top 16% for interceptions made, while Felix – who has seven goal involvements to his name in La Liga this season – ranks in the top 2%.

With Chelsea in need of a greater injection of attacking quality having scored just 20 goals this season in 17 league games, those two signings could well prove the perfect solution.

Everton have reportedly scouted Lecce midfielder Joan Gonzalez multiple times ahead of a potential move this month.

The Lowdown: Reinforcements needed

The Goodison Park outfit need to bring in reinforcements in January given their precarious position in the Premier League table.

They are currently in the relegation zone and risk being involved in another battle to stay in the division come the end of the season.

The Latest: Gonzalez scouted by Everton

As per Italian news outlet Calciomercato, Everton – along with both Tottenham Hotspur and Borussia Dortmund – have ‘often’ scouted Gonzalez, who is also ‘very much liked’ by AC Milan.

Lecce value the Spaniard at €10m (£8.8m), which is the price that Frank Lampard’s team will have to pay if they are to secure his signature this month.

The Verdict: Doucoure replacement?

The Toffees are reportedly ‘willing’ to let Abdoulaye Doucoure leave in January, in which case they would need to find a replacement for him.

Gonzalez shares a similar playing style to the Everton midfielder and ranks in the 82nd percentile for average blocks and aerial duels won per game among his positional peers in Europe’s top five leagues over the past year, as well as in the 79th percentile for assists and clearances (FBRef).

The fact that he is dominating aerially is not surprising given his 6 foot 2 stature, so the 20-year-old should be able to cope with the physical demands of the Premier League.

This is a deal which would make sense for Everton, especially if Doucoure ends up departing Goodison Park.

Tottenham Hotspur boss Antonio Conte remains keen to bring Ruslan Malinovskyi to north London ahead of the January transfer window…

What’s the word?

That’s according to Corriere di Bergamo (via Sport Witness), who claim that Spurs are prepared to offer €15m (£13m) for his signature at the turn of the year, though Atalanta are holding out for a little more at around €18m (£16m).

The Ukraine international is out of contract in the summer and has rarely been used by manager Gian Piero Gasperini this season.

Conte and sporting director Fabio Paratici nearly signed him during the summer and are still keen to make him a Lilywhites player, though they may need to increase their bid to secure him.

Kulusevski 2.0

Spurs appear to be pretty well stocked in the final third but a recent injury to Richarlison may have changed things somewhat. The side recently suffered in the absence of Dejan Kulusevski and that can’t happen again in the second half of the season.

Malinovskyi bears some similarities to the Swedish winger, though he could be a more versatile option as he’s capable of playing in a multitude of attacking and deeper midfield roles.

Last season for example, the 29-year-old netted 10 goals and laid on seven assists from 41 appearances in all competitions, and did so playing in four different central roles and on the right flank, as per Transfermarkt.

His ability to create chances and relentless work rate is what would lend a comparison to Kulusevski as the Atalanta ace ranks inside the top 4% for progressive passes (5.72), the top 8% for assists (0.41) as well as shot-creating actions (5.19) and the top 15% for successful dribbles (2.27) per 90 when compared to his positional peers across Europe in the last year, via FBref.

These are all key attributes of the Spurs right-winger and in fact, he only currently outranks Malinovskyi for assists per 90 (0.61).

The £21.8k-per-week dynamo would also offer Conte a long-range threat at goal – something that he only really gains from Heung-min Son – as he’s renowned for scoring the odd screamer, with his left foot previously being lauded as a “cannon” by commentator Tony Dorigo.

Also hailed as an “animal” by journalist Fernando Evangelio, it’s clear to see why the Italian would still remain keen on signing Malinovskyi for Tottenham.

As such, Paratici must look to pay the £16m that La Dea want for his signature, even if he’s out of contract in the summer because the squad needs strength in depth if they are to challenge on all fronts in 2023.

AND in other news, Spurs could seal Conte’s perfect Maddison alternative in Jan swoop for £30.5m “beast”…

Manchester United are not likely to secure a transfer deal for Kylian Mbappe according to transfer expert Dean Jones. 

The Lowdown: Mbappe’s links to United

Earlier this month, it was reported that the Red Devils have identified Mbappe as a potential January transfer target should Cristiano Ronaldo find himself leaving Old Trafford as a result of his recent interview with TalkTV.

The Frenchman only signed a new three-year deal to stay with his current club, Paris Saint-Germain, back in May, which reportedly sees him pick up a wage of almost £1m-per-week.

With this recent link to United in mind, it seems as though the possibility of the Manchester club signing him in January has had cold water poured on it.

The Latest: Jones dismisses Mbappe transfer

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Jones had this to say about United’s January transfer window and the likelihood of them signing the PSG star.

He said: “There’s obviously a very good chance they’re going to need a striker in January.

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“But I’m told there’s almost no chance of Mbappe moving in January, so this is something that’s probably going to have to be beyond that if they really do dream of replacing Ronaldo with him.”

The Verdict: Worth the wait

Having made 237 appearances for his current club, the 23-year-old has scored 190 goals and delivered 93 assists along the way.

That alone makes it easy to see why United would want to secure a deal for the Frenchman, who will be likely be leading the line for his country during the FIFA World Cup after an injury to Karim Benzema.

With 14 Ligue 1 appearances to his name this season, Mbappe has scored 12 goals and racked up more shots at goal (58) than any other player at the club.

Described by journalist Carl Anka as being a “cheat code” for the unbelievable pace he has, the PSG star would surely be worth the wait if United aren’t likely to sign him in January.

Everton signed eight new players in the summer which has significantly improved their squad this season, but now they could be planning to invest even more in January as a new update emerges.

What’s the latest?

According to 90min, Everton recruitment representatives were in attendance for PSV Eindhoven’s clash with Ajax last weekend amongst a host of other scouts from Premier League clubs.

As per the report, it isn’t clear who exactly the Toffees are keeping their eye on although Ajax star Edson Alvarez was named as one of the players potentially being watched by the clubs who made the trip to Amsterdam.

The player was the subject of intense interest from Chelsea during the summer transfer window when he was being touted in the region of a whopping €50m (£44m).

The perfect Gueye heir

If Alvarez is one of the players that Everton are watching, there is no doubt that he could be the perfect Idrissa Gana Gueye heir in the centre of the pitch at Goodison Park.

The Toffees reunited with the talented midfielder this summer after completing a deal for the former Paris Saint-Germain star who is now 32 years old on a two-year contract, meaning that he is not a long-term solution or a part of the future in the heart of the team.

As a result, investing in a younger player who is capable of eventually taking over from Gueye would be a great piece of business for the club so a move for Alvarez would make perfect sense.

Over 11 league appearances, the 25-year-old dynamo – who was dubbed a “monster” by journalist Felipe Cardenas – has registered two assists and created three big chances, as well as averaging 1.3 key passes, 1.2 interceptions, 2.3 tackles and 2.6 clearances per game.

Not only that, Alvarez ranks in the top 8% of his positional peers across Europe for shots on goal, passes attempted, clearances and aerial duels won as well as ranking in the top 15% for progressive passes and touches, proving that he is a complete midfielder and would be a valuable asset for Everton.

With that being said, Lampard would have a fantastic player on his hands if Everton can secure a deal for Alvarez and if a move can be made in January it could certainly add depth and quality to the centre of the pitch at Goodison Park.