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Tottenham Hotspur winger Ivan Perisic could help the Premier League club to secure a deal for Josko Gvardiol, according to Frank McAvennie. 

The Lowdown: Spurs linked with Gvardiol

The Lilywhites have recently been linked with a move for the RB Leipzig defender, who is currently playing alongside Perisic for Croatia in the World Cup.

Last month, it was reported that Spurs manager Antonio Conte is hoping that Perisic can persuade his compatriot to come to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the near future.

Following this behind-the-scenes claim, it appears that one pundit thinks this could be a big advantage for Spurs.

The Latest: McAvennie on Gvardiol

Speaking to Football Insider, former Celtic striker McAvennie was asked if having someone you already know at a club helps a player to make a decision to join that club.

The 62-year-old replied: “Of course it is. Coming to London from another country, it is good to have somebody there that you can bounce off. I think it is great to help settle in, however good a player you are. And the word is that Gvardiol is phenomenal.

“It does help. They have got to have somebody that can show you the ropes, that can be a good pull.

“If somebody goes to Tottenham it is because of Conte, not for anything else because they are not going to win anything. Having somebody at the club that you know, if you were swithering on it that would pull it.”

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The Verdict: A boost for Spurs?

Taking into account what McAvennie said, it seems that Perisic’s presence at Tottenham could act as an advantage in their hopes of securing a deal for Gvardiol.

Last season saw the centre-back show how impressive a defender he is, as he ended the Bundesliga campaign with more successful tackles (31) and interceptions (51) than any other player at Leipzig.

He also racked up the second-highest number of clearances (62) and the third-highest number of blocks (30) and made more progressive passes (123) than any of his team-mates.

With all of that in mind, having Perisic as a potential inside man could end up being a big boost for Spurs’ chances of signing Gvardiol, who we feel the club should do all that they can to sign.

Rangers have reportedly made a move to sign Hearts youngster James Wilson. 

The Lowdown: Wilson’s current situation

Still just 15, the striker can only sign a professional contract when he turns 16, which will be next month.

With that in mind, it seems that the youngster could have a big decision on his hands in the coming weeks in regards to his future.

Despite his minimal experience, it appears that the centre-forward has already attracted some heavy interest.

The Latest: Rangers eyeing Wilson move

The Gers are heavily linked with moves for Josh Onomah and Ryan Porteous, and it looks like a third signing could follow the pair through the door in January.

According to a recent report from The Daily Record, Rangers are set to open talks with the player, who is also attracting interest from the English Premier League.

The report also adds that Ross Wilson and co have “written a letter to Hearts instructing them of their intent to talk to the highly-rated striker over an Ibrox move”.

Compensation rules mean that Hearts are powerless to stop Rangers if the player green lights talks, although they have also given permission for the deal

The Verdict: Long-term investment

The Gers have a track record when it comes to giving their youth players a chance to shine in the senior team, such as Leon King, Robbie Ure and Nathan Patterson among others.

And given how young Wilson is, it’s clear that Rangers see him as one of those long-term investments for the club rather than someone who can immediately slot into Michael Beale’s side.

Their interest in the Hearts teenager also suggests that Rangers are keen on strengthening their youth ranks and building a real succession plan under Beale, rather than just focusing on the here and now.

Given the interest in the youngster from down south, this looks like a deal that could end up paying off massively down the line.

Chelsea look set to beat their rivals by making an early bid for one of the continent’s finest young defenders…

What’s the news?

According to The Mirror, the Blues are set to launch a £45m bid for RB Leipzig defender Josko Gvardiol when the January transfer window opens in just two weeks’ time.

Graham Potter’s side face competition from Real Madrid for the 20-year-old, and the surprise bid is expected to ramp up the pressure on the La Liga champions.

It’s thought the Bundesliga club are waiting to sell him during the summer, although his impressive performances for Croatia at the World Cup have raised his stock considerably, and they should be braced for bids during the transfer window.

Dream first signing for Potter

Despite a solid start at Chelsea, Potter hasn’t exactly had it all his own way recently, with the Blues failing to win any of their previous five matches in the Premier League before the World Cup break.

The west London side have conceded 17 goals in just 14 league matches and the defence could certainly be improved.

Gvardiol would be an excellent signing, and considering his displays in Qatar, the 20-year-old has proven that he can shine at the very highest level.

Across seven matches at the tournament, he averaged an excellent Sofascore rating of 7.16/10, which ranked him as the fifth-best player in the squad and the second-best defender behind Dejan Lovren.

The youngster was an absolute colossus throughout the World Cup, showing maturity far beyond his years by helping the team to keep two clean sheets, while he also chipped in with a goal.

Averaging 87.4 touches per match, the defender clearly sought to get involved as much as possible, and this ability to be comfortable on the ball under pressure is something that Potter will be seeking.

His physicality is also a massive strength, with Gvardiol dribbled past only 0.4 times per match. He also made 1.6 interceptions, 1.3 tackles and 5.3 clearances per game, while winning just over half of his total duels.

If Potter can lure the “incredible” defender – as dubbed by Nizaar Kinsella – it wouldn’t just represent a chance to improve Chelsea’s team at this moment in time, but also a perfect opportunity to build for the future; and for the aforementioned £45m fee, it could be a very shrewd move indeed.

One journalist even described the Croatian as a “monster and a warrior” following his heroics in Qatar, whilst also claiming that “there is no better replacement for Thiago Silva out there”.

With the 38-year-old Brazilian approaching the end of his fine career, Gvardiol would be an ideal replacement at Stamford Bridge.

Transfer expert Dean Jones says that a move to Arsenal would ‘appeal’ to Lazio and Serbia midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic.

The Lowdown: Contact made

As per Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport (via Doc), the Gunners ‘have had contact with Mateja Kezman’ – the agent of Milinkovic-Savic – over a potential move in the January transfer window, but they ‘have not yet submitted offers’ for him.

Arsenal is reportedly a ‘real option’ for the player and their interest is ‘certified’; and if a January bid is not forthcoming, then ‘it could materialise in June’.

The Latest: Arsenal ‘appeal’

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Jones has shared that a move to the Emirates Stadium would ‘appeal’ to Milinkovic-Savic.

The journalist said: “I know that Juventus had an eye on this one too. Arsenal would definitely have an appeal about it to Milinkovic-Savic.

“But we have to be open-minded about how other offers from elsewhere might compare to that.”

The Verdict: Dream signing

Milinkovic-Savic would certainly be a dream signing for Mikel Arteta’s side in the middle of the park.

Hailed as ‘dynamic’, ‘stunning’ and ‘electric‘ by journalist and Lazio supporter Jerry Mancini, there are not many better midfielders in world football than the Serbia international.

He ranks in the top 6% in Europe’s top five leagues in 2022 for non-penalty goals, non-penalty xG, shots, assists, xAG, npxG + xAG, touches, progressive passes received and aerial duels won per game (FBRef).

Sharing a similar playing style to world superstars Jude Bellingham and Kevin De Bruyne, among others, the 6 foot 4 brute would likely dominate midfield battles in the Premier League; and at 27 years of age, Arsenal would be signing a player in his prime.

Leeds United’s rumoured move for RB Salzburg defender Max Wober looks increasingly likely, with his club now already looking at replacements.

The Lowdown: Wober heading to Leeds

Recent reports have suggested that the 24-year-old is closing in on a transfer to Elland Road, as Jesse Marsch makes significant inroads in the market.

Wober has stood out as an impressive performer for Salzburg so far this season, making three appearances in the Champions League and averaging three tackles per game in that competition, with Phil Hay reporting on Monday morning that a deal is indeed gathering pace.

A new update on the saga is another positive one from a Leeds perspective, suggesting that the move is edging closer all the time.

The Latest: Salzburg looking for replacements

According to Salzburger Nachrichten [via Sport Witness], Salzburg now think the move will definitely happen as they are already eyeing up replacements for him.

They see this as arguably the biggest indication yet that he will be a Whites player sooner rather than later.

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The Verdict: Strong signing by Whites

This feels like a matter of time until it happens and Wober could prove to be an inspired signing by Leeds, with so many positives standing out regarding the move.

Left-back is an area of weakness currently, with Junior Firpo rarely convincing in a Whites shirt, and two goals and six assists this season highlight Wober’s attacking quality.

Wober is also more than capable of thriving as a centre-back, however, meaning he can cover two positions and add even more depth to Marsch’s squad.

The fact that the Leeds boss has already worked with the 13-time capped Austria international at Salzburg is a added bonus, too, suggesting they know each other inside out.

There is an overarching sense that Newcastle United are teetering on the cusp of greatness, having already made incredible improvements to a side that languished near the pit of the Premier League before the £300m Saudi-led takeover of the club in October 2021.

Under the tutelage of the vibrant and exciting Eddie Howe, the Magpies have exhibited a level of footballing intellect that bodes well for future exploits, with the signings over the past two transfer windows falling into the category of shrewd acquisition, rather than bid with reckless abandon.

Under the watchful eye of sporting director Dan Ashworth, the Tyneside outfit parted with roughly £89.5m last January and £120m this summer, though the signings forged have been considered and calculated, and the club’s league position is a reflection of that approach.

Perching in third place after 17 matches in the division, with just one defeat all term, not even Howe could have expected the outfit to have established such an exemplary base after such little time, but the cohesion and fluidity is striking.

And now, with the January transfer window’s hatches flung wide open, there has been consideration for a marquee swoop in the mould of Real Madrid left-back Ferland Mendy, with French outlet Foot Mercato stating that the Magpies are indeed interested in striking a deal with the French ace, who signed for Los Blancos from Olympique Lyonnais for £47m.

Should he arrive at St. James’s Park, the “amazing” marauder – as once hailed by former Real teammate and compatriot Raphael Varane – could well be able to emulate the success of Liverpool’s Andy Robertson, who recently provided his 54th assist in the Premier League – the most from a defender in the division’s history.

As per FBref, Mendy ranks in the top percentile for pass completion and the top 11% for dribbles completed when compared to full-backs across Europe’s top five leagues – indicating a Robertson-esque ball-playing and transitional aptitude that will pay dividends for Howe as he looks to inject further dimensions into his team’s attack.

It is true that the Scot boasts a far greater rate of productivity on the offensive front, but Mendy holds all the tools to become a force at a side that is showing no rate of slowing down. After all, the former’s assist count of ten during his time at Hull City is precisely the same as the Frenchman has managed in the Spanish capital, albeit from eight fewer outings.

Even if he can’t quite find the same level of creative flair in English football, the Madrid star’s refined and all-encompassing arsenal would be a massive improvement on Dan Burn, who is a solid defender, but not a spectacular attacker.

Leeds United target and FC Luzern midfielder Ardon Jashari has admitted that he has heard recent speculation over a possible January transfer to Elland Road.

The Lowdown: Leeds keen on Jashari

Jesse Marsch has already added to his squad this month with the acquisition of Max Wober from RB Salzburg.

There could be more to come at Elland Road, though, with Sky Sports Germany saying last weekend that Victor Orta and Leeds are vying to sign Jashari alongside the likes of RB Leipzig, Eintracht Frankfurt, Celtic and Napoli.

The left-footed midfielder recently featured at the World Cup for Switzerland and could be available for around €6m-€7m (£5.3m-£6.2m).

The Latest: Jashari’s comments

Swiss outlet Luzerner Zeitung shared comments from Jashari in the last 48 hours. He said that he’s ‘heard about the rumours’ but added that he is currently happy with his current employers and is focused on returning to action.

The 20-year-old said: “I heard about the rumours. There’s no getting around that. But I’m happy now that I can get back on the pitch to train with the team.

“I have now completed two days of training with FCL. For me, the focus is clearly on Luzern, so that I can prepare well and without injury. The timing would have to be right for me to decide to switch now.”

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The Verdict: Possible Klich replacement?

It seems as if Jashari could well be targeted by Leeds officials as a potential replacement for Mateusz Klich. The club confirmed on Wednesday following the 2-2 draw against West Ham that the 32-year-old is leaving Elland Road, with an offer on the table from the MLS.

Jashari can play in two midfield roles and has been described as an ‘exciting’ talent by members of the media, so he could possibly arrive to fill the gap left by Klich.

West Ham United are reportedly interested in signing Genk striker Paul Onuachu, and the Nigerian could be the man to solve the Hammers’ goalscoring woes.

What’s the word?

According to French publication Jeunes Footeux, the Irons, Manchester United, Aston Villa and Everton are all keen on signing the 28-year-old, who has continued his fine form with Genk in the 2022/23 campaign.

The report claims that the 6 foot 7 forward will likely cost around €25m (£22m) for any interested Premier League suitors this month, with the Nigerian forward having hit 15 goals in 18 games so far this term.

West Ham as a squad have managed just 15 goals in 18 league matches this season, with only Nottingham Forest and Wolves scoring fewer, so it seems clear that David Moyes needs attacking additions if he wants to distance his team from a relegation battle.

A new ‘goal king’?

West Ham have long endured a striker ‘curse’, with marquee signings such as Sebastian Haller, Simone Zaza and Jonathan Callieri all failing to deliver the goods in recent years.

While Michail Antonio has stepped up in the past, it seems clear from his disappointing performances so far this season – with the Jamaican boasting just two goals in the Premier League – that he is no longer good enough to be starting every week in Moyes’ side.

Summer signing Gianluca Scamacca also looks to be heading down the same route, as he has managed just three top-flight goals so far, with WhoScored awarding him a disappointing 6.54 rating for his performances.

Therefore, it seems clear that Moyes needs an effective main striker in his squad in the second half of the campaign, and Onuachu could be the ideal man, especially if he can translate his prolific form in Belgium to the Premier League.

Since signing for Genk in 2019 from FC Midtjylland, he has gone on to make 130 appearances, in which he has contributed a hugely impressive 83 goals and 10 assists.

The Nigeria international – dubbed a “phenomenon” by Genk CEO Erik Gerits – would arrive at the London Stadium in confident mood and would certainly be a threat to Premier League defences with his height and finishing ability.

Former professional footballer Josh Fashanu was full of praise for the forward after he scored for Nigeria in 2021, saying: “I want to tell Onuachu well done and a big congratulation because he has proved to everybody that he is still number one and indeed a goal king.”

Onuachu has consistently found the net in his spells in Belgium and Denmark and deserves a shot in the Premier League, for he could be a big difference-maker in Moyes’ West Ham side in the second half of the campaign.

West Ham United’s underwhelming campaign has fallen into dangerously murky territory, with the slide in stability and performance seeing them plummet into the dreaded relegation zone in the Premier League.

Having clinched European qualification across the past two seasons under David Moyes and reached the Europa League semi-finals last year, losing to eventual winners Eintracht Frankfurt – optimism was at the brim when the campaign commenced, with a spendthrift summer transfer window only bolstering hopes that previous successes could be emulated, if not surpassed.

Languishing in 18th place in the league with a paltry 15 points, the Irons are in dire need of some respite. According to Voce Giallorossa, that could come in the form of AS Roma’s Nicolo Zaniolo, with the report stating that West Ham are among the interested parties for the forward.

The Hammers will face stiff competition from London rivals Tottenham Hotspur for the player’s signature, with other reports stating that Antonio Conte’s outfit currently lead the race to clinch the 23-year-old.

This season, Zaniolo has scored two goals and supplied three assists from 15 starting appearances, failing to live up to the heights of last season when he returned eight goals and nine assists.

Quite simply, the 23-year-old would be a “frightening” – as lauded by CBS Sports reporter Ben Jacobs – force in West Ham’s team, capable of lifting them away from near the bottom of the Premier League table and back towards a loftier position, navigating a course back towards success.

Zaniolo could emulate the feats of Manchester United’s in-form talisman Marcus Rashford, who has scored in all seven matches since the resumption of club football following the World Cup in Qatar – where he also netted three times for England – taking his total for the Red Devils this season to 16 goals and six assists across 26 appearances.

With FBref ranking the English phenomenon among the most comparable players to Zaniolo, West Ham fans could be buzzing with cautious optimism over the feasibility of a transfer, which would represent a monumental coup for a club desperately seeking to assert themselves again after a woeful season so far.

Indeed, the Italian ranks within the top 5% of attacking midfielders/wingers in Europe’s top five leagues for total shots, and in the top 13% for progressive passes received. While Rashford ranks considerably lower across both of those metrics, he does perch within the top 7% of positional peers for rate of non-penalty goals, primarily thanks to his recent purple patch.

If the £79k-p/w Zaniolo can rediscover his goalscoring touch, he could nicely supplement the natural instinct, physicality and electric bursts of pace to emulate Man United’s endeared talent.

Moyes will have the proposition of Europa Conference League football as a carrot to try and lure Zaniolo to the London Stadium. It’s a competition that the 11-cap Italian knows well, having won it with Roma last season, scoring the solitary goal in the final against Feyenoord.

Should the West Ham manager prove successful in a bid for the 23-year-old, the Irons might just have a new star in their ranks, capable of leading the charge towards the upper end of the Premier League table once more.

Tottenham Hotspur have a clearly defined way of playing under Antonio Conte, with the Italian a devout user of a three-at-the-back regime.

He utilised it to great effect to win the Premier League title with Chelsea, and then again to win Serie A with Inter Milan.

However, it seems like he is struggling to have the same transformative effect in north London, where he is yet to see huge progress despite having been in the job for well over a year now.

The 53-year-old has persisted with his formation and looked set to have secured an integral long-term star for right wing-back when he acquired Djed Spence in the summer.

However, with a surprising lack of game time, rumours have now begun suggesting the Lilywhites will once again enter the market for a full-back.

It seems that their dream man will be Pedro Porro, who has announced himself as one of Europe’s best attacking full-backs for Sporting Lisbon.

In fact, earlier this week it was reported that sporting director Fabio Paratici was just €11m short of the Spanish wing-back’s €45m (£40m) release clause that the Portuguese outfit are adamant must be met.

Regardless, progress seems to be being made.

Whilst Emerson Royal has his critics, his goal against Manchester City in midweek outlined exactly why he remains an asset to the club.

This is instead a deal that will likely spell the end of Matt Doherty’s career at Spurs, who has seen his play time dwindle. The Irish defender – who cost £15m under ex-boss Jose Mourinho – has just seven starts to his name this season and has hardly impressed when handed minutes.

The 31-year-old hardly poses an offensive threat anymore either, with just one goal and no assists whilst making 0.5 key passes per game, a poor return, via Sofascore.

Meanwhile, his potential successor already has 12 goal contributions this season and seems poised to obliterate his five goals and seven assists in all competitions from the campaign prior.

His attacking exploits have seen him lauded as a “special talent” by journalist Zach Lowy, to which Fabrizio Romano claimed he would be “perfect” for Spurs.

This is exacerbated in his underlying statistics, as when compared to other fullbacks in Europe he ranks in the top 1% for total shots, assists and touches in the attacking penalty area.

There are few that would fit the mould of a Conte player as perfectly as Porro, and his arrival would likely be majestic. However, Doherty would feel slightly aggrieved, as his time at the club would be forcefully drawn to a close.