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Everton have found themselves struggling to make their presence known in the Premier League once again after a poor run of form that has left them one point shy of the relegation zone and Frank Lampard will be hoping he will be afforded the opportunity to strengthen his team in the January transfer window.

The Toffees have picked up just four points in their last five games ahead of the World Cup break which will be hugely frustrating for the manager after acquiring eight new signings last summer.

Indeed, the centre-back partnership between Conor Coady and James Tarkowski has flourished since they arrived at Goodison Park but in terms of the attacking prowess of the team, Everton are struggling.

Only Wolverhampton Wanderers have scored fewer goals than Lampard’s side after 15 league outings so far and addressing this issue by finding high-quality natural finishers who can not only boost goal-scoring opportunities but convert them too is a must.

One player who has been linked with a move to the Merseysiders over the last few months is LOSC Lille forward Jonathan David, and he could be just what Lampard needs to replace Richarlison’s output.

The £43.5m-valued talent has scored 78 goals and registered 23 assists over his career so far with a goal contribution every 134 minutes, proving he is consistent and reliable in front of goal something he has displayed for his team this season so far.

Over 15 Ligue 1 appearances, the 22-year-old has scored nine goals, delivered three assists and created three big chances, as well as averaging 1.4 key passes, 3.3 shots and winning 3.6 duels per game.

David has been tipped to be a “silent assassin” in the World Cup with Canada in Qatar by his nation’s manager John Herdman (via talkSPORT):

“Jonathan is one of those silent assassins. He’s very clued up tactically and that’s what I really enjoy about Jonathan, he really wants to get into the details of the game and understand the pressing tactics.

“The forwards at times want to understand other elements, he knows he’s going to lead that defensive line and will get into the details of that with you.”

The powers at Goodison Park will surely be watching the young forward’s performance at the international tournament over the next few weeks before they potentially make a move when the transfer window reopens.

With that being said, the signing of David in the January transfer window could save Everton’s season if he can flourish in the Toffees team and improve their goal contributions.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly plotting a move to sign RB Leipzig defender Josko Gvardiol next summer. 

The Lowdown: Spurs’ previous interest in Gvardiol

The Premier League club were linked with a move for the centre-back during the previous summer transfer window. During that period, it was claimed in a report for the Evening Standard that Antonio Conte has an interest in the Leipzig defender, who journalist Jack Pitt-Brooke previously said could cost up to £80m.

Despite not signing him in the summer, it seems as though Spurs’ interest in the 20-year-old has not completely gone away.

The Latest: Spurs plotting Gvardiol move

According to a recent report from Tuttomercatoweb, Spurs are looking to sign the defender once next summer’s transfer window opens for business.

The report adds that Conte has asked Ivan Perisic to convince Gvardiol to join Spurs in the summer, with both players currently in World Cup action for Croatia.

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The Verdict: Fantastic target

Despite only starting eight of Leipzig’s 15 Bundesliga games this season, only three players have made more progressive passes than Gvardiol (44), who has been hailed as an “extraordinary” player in the past by his compatriot Ivica Olic.

In addition, only two Leipzig players have made more clearances than the youngster (21), which highlights how capable he is off the ball in a defensive sense, along with moving it forward when in possession.

As one of the five outfield players to feature in every minute of World Cup action for Croatia so far in Qatar, this shows how important he is for his nation and how valuable he is for Zlatko Dalic.

Taking all of that into account, we feel that, given his age and his evident talents, securing a summer move for Gvardiol would be great business from Spurs, especially if Perisic ends up playing a big part in seeing the defender choose the Lilywhites as his next club.

Journalist Dean Jones has been reacting to the rumours regarding Leeds United and Torino midfielder Sasa Lukic.

The Lowdown: Lukic linked with Leeds

Lukic has been heavily linked with a move to Yorkshire in recent weeks, with the Whites thought to be keeping tabs on the 26-year-old at the World Cup in Qatar.

Leeds are reportedly at the front row alongside AS Roma for Lukic’s services and seemingly need £12.8m to complete a transfer.

The Serbia international, who has been hailed as “outstanding” by journalist Josh Bunting, has started both Group G games so far against Brazil and Cameroon at the finals in Qatar.

The Latest: Jones’ comments

Jones was speaking to GiveMeSport regarding Leeds and Lukic and said that a move to Elland Road wouldn’t come as a surprise, adding that the Serbian is on the radar in Yorkshire.

The journalist stated: “There are little changes going on at Leeds at the moment and it wouldn’t surprise me if they are suddenly pulled towards someone particularly like Lukic for their midfield.

“I think that is probably one that would be on their radar right now.”

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The Verdict: Needed?

Lukic can play as a holding, central or attacking midfielder, so he could prove to be a shrewd prospective signing by Andrea Radrizzani, Victor Orta and Jesse Marsch.

Marc Roca and Tyler Adams have both been relied upon heavily so far this season, while there seems to be question marks over the futures of Adam Forshaw and Mateusz Klich.

Should both of those players move on in 2023, Leeds may need another experienced central midfielder, possibly someone like Lukic.

Manchester United have been backed to make a move for Belgium international Thomas Meunier, with journalist Pete O’Rourke saying he would be a good fit.

The Lowdown: Meunier linked with United move

Erik ten Hag has gradually turned things around at Old Trafford after a worrying start to the season, with the addition of new signings such as Casemiro and Christian Eriksen making a big difference.

The United manager is likely to want more arrivals in the coming transfer windows, however, and Meunier is one who has been linked with a switch to the club.

The 31-year-old has forged an impressive career for himself, currently playing for Borussia Dortmund and also winning a total of 62 caps for Belgium.

The Latest: Journalist talks up transfer

Speaking to Give Me Sport, O’Rourke talked up the idea of Meunier becoming a United player:

“I think Thomas Meunier would be a good signing for Manchester United. He’s an experienced player, has played at the highest level and I think he would definitely improve that United squad if he was to arrive.”

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The Verdict: good squad option

Meunier may not be the most exciting player in the world, with the Belgian known more for being a solid performer than a spectacular full-back, but he could be a shrewd signing for United.

He possesses huge experience at both club and international level and has been hailed for the ‘charisma’ he possesses by Michael Zorc, and he could be a strong squad player at United.

Diogo Dalot has made the right-back spot his own for United but Meunier would provide depth in that area, proving to be a notable upgrade on Aaron Wan-Bissaka.

Everton are reportedly looking to terminate Jarrad Branthwaite’s loan deal at PSV Eindhoven. 

The Lowdown: Branthwaite’s move to PSV

Back in July, the Toffees defender joined the Dutch club on a season-long loan deal.

Since then, the Englishman has made 11 senior appearances for PSV across all competitions but has only started four games.

But despite being only a few months into his season-long loan spell, it appears that the defender could be set to see his time in the Netherlands come to an early end.

The Latest: Everton to terminate Branthwaite loan

According to a recent report from Football Insider, Everton have spoken to PSV about terminating Branthwaite’s loan deal in January after having discussions behind the scenes.

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The report adds that no decision has yet been made and there is still a possibility that Branthwaite could stay on at PSV for the rest of the season, as the Dutch club have increasingly warmed to the centre-back following some early struggles.

The Verdict: An extra option for Lampard

Despite his lack of regular playing time in the Eredivisie, the 20-year-old has still been able to show what he’s capable of on the pitch.

For example, in addition to having the highest passing accuracy percentage (89.6%) at the club, Branthwaite has also racked up the third-highest number of clearances (24) at PSV.

In terms of a potential early return to Everton, the fact that Frank Lampard already has the likes of Conor Coady, James Tarkowski, Ben Godfrey, Michael Keane, Yerry Mina and Mason Holgate as his disposal makes it hard to see why he would want Branthwaite back in the mix, even if Mina leaves the club.

In our view, if the defender is likely to be getting more time on the pitch at PSV, Everton should keep him where he is and let him continue his development.

Journalist Dean Jones has now shared an exciting Man United transfer update involving Netherlands international star Cody Gakpo.

The Lowdown: Gakpo dazzles in Qatar…

Before his country’s World Cup elimination at the hands of Argentina, the 23-year-old was dazzling under former Red Devils boss Louis van Gaal.

Gakpo scored three goals in five appearances for the Netherlands in Qatar with the PSV Eindhoven ace proving why he is such a hot commodity in football right now.

The attacker also highlighted why Man United and manager Erik ten Hag are so eager to bring him to the Premier League with reporter Jones now sharing a very promising update on their pursuit.

The Latest: Jones shares exciting Gakpo to Man United update…

Speaking to GiveMeSport, the journalist claims United are hopeful of signing Gakpo in January and the player will be pushed forwards now.

He explained:

“Gakpo is going to be pushed forwards now and there is actually hope they could land him for around the £40million mark, from what I’m hearing.

“It also sounds like Rashford will be considered as a centre forward more frequently too, so that probably makes Gakpo’s versatility appealing.”

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The Verdict: Get it done…

Gakpo’s form in Qatar only brings more attention to his rising pedigree with the Dutch star also racking up an incredible nine goals and 12 assists in just 14 Eredivisie appearances so far this season.

Old Trafford chiefs have been eyeing a move for some time but it now appears the ‘sensational’ player’s possible move to Manchester is gaining more and more traction going by Jones’ latest update.

QPR appear to have struck gold when signing Kenneth Paal on a free transfer in the summer, as the left-back’s value has rocketed since his move to Loftus Road.

The Hoops announced the signing of Paal on a three-year deal in June after he agreed a mutual termination of his contract with Dutch side PEC Zwolle, with the defender signing on an £8k-per-week contract with the west London outfit.

The 25-year-old, who progressed through PSV Eindhoven’s academy, had enjoyed an impressive spell with Zwolle, contributing three goals and seven assists in 106 appearances, so it was perhaps always going to be a smart piece of business by the English Championship club to bring him in on a free.

He has certainly proved his worth at Loftus Road so far this season, notching one goal and four assists in 21 appearances and averaging a strong 6.97 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

Only Ilias Chair and Chris Willock have earned higher average ratings from QPR’s squad, while Paal also ranks in the top five players for tackles, interceptions and clearances for the R’s, which emphasises how important he has become to the west London outfit.

After impressing on his first appearance under Neil Critchley at the weekend, providing the assist for Jimmy Dunne’s goal in the 1-0 win over Preston North End, it seems clear that Paal will continue to be crucial to the Hoops under their new manager.

Should QPR decide to sell the 25-year-old in the near future, they look likely to make a significant profit on the Surinam international, as his Transfermarkt value has rocketed since his arrival at Loftus Road.

When he came to west London, the website valued him at only €700k. His valuation now stands at an impressive €2m, which represents an incredible 186% increase in just six months.

It also sees him ranked as the 10th-most valuable player at Loftus Road, so QPR chief executive Lee Hoos deserves a huge amount of praise for bringing him in on a free transfer during the summer, as it has proven to be a masterstroke from both a financial and footballing perspective.

Manchester United are one of a number of clubs who are keen on signing Borussia Dortmund youngster Youssoufa Moukoko, according to reliable journalist Ben Jacobs.

The Lowdown: Moukoko shines at Dortmund

The 18-year-old is already making a name for himself in Germany, despite his tender years, with 14 Bundesliga appearances already coming his way this season.

In that time, Moukoko has scored six goals and also chipped in with three assists for good measure, shining alongside fellow prodigious talent Jude Bellingham.

The Nike-sponsored prodigy is out of contract at the end of the season, however, and there looks set to be a scramble for his signature.

The Latest: United keen on move

Speaking to Give Me Sport, Jacobs claimed that United are one of the clubs interested in signing Moukoko:

“Manchester United are one of those. They’ve tracked him for quite some time. They haven’t entered into any kind of advanced talks yet.

“Liverpool and Spurs are ones to watch and don’t rule out a move to La Liga and Barcelona either. Barcelona’s position is very much that they’re working on the player’s side to try and persuade him not to sign a new contract in the hope they’ll get him for free.

“As soon as transfer fees come into it, it wouldn’t surprise me if they back off the race. So, lots of suitors here.”

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The Verdict: Big talent for the future

At 18, Moukoko is clearly still a footballer learning his trade, but he has a massive ceiling and could be an exciting addition to Erik ten Hag’s United squad.

To already be a regular for one of Europe’s biggest clubs is a testament to his quality and he has even been hailed as ‘amazing’ and the ‘biggest talent in the world’ by Erling Haaland in the past, which speaks volumes.

The lure of United could be great for Moukoko, especially with Ten Hag turning their fortunes around, and he could be part of a long-term attack that also features the likes of Antony, Alejandro Garnacho and Marcus Rashford.

Liverpool have been boosted by journalist Jan Aage’s Fjortoft’s claim that Jude Bellingham could potentially leave Borussia Dortmund in January.

The Lowdown: Bellingham tipped for Summer move

The Englishman is one of the top young players in the world at the moment, already become a key man for both Dortmund and England, making five appearances at the 2022 World Cup.

Bellingham is considered Liverpool’s main transfer target in the summer transfer window, with the Bundesliga giants willing to sell once it comes around as the Reds, Manchester City and Real Madrid queue up for a bidding war come June (Sky Sports).

However, a potential change in the saga has now emerged – one that could excite supporters who are desperate for immediate midfield reinforcements.

The Latest: January exit possible?

Writing on Twitter, Fjortoft revealed some new information – Dortmund could become ‘weak’ to the idea of selling this month, should a €150million (£132.5m) bid arrive.

“No signs suggesting that Dortmund will let him go this winter. An insider telling me though… For 150 million Euro they could get weak.”

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The Verdict: Too good to be true

In truth, the likelihood is that Bellingham will stay put at Dortmund for the remainder of this season, with such a huge offer unlikely to arrive so soon, especially from Liverpool.

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Should the chance arise to snap him up early, the Reds simply must try to get a move over the line, however, considering he is one of the most exciting footballers of his generation.

FSG are often criticised for their refusal to spend big, though, and it feels more likely that a cheaper midfielder may come in in January, if at all, before a big-money summer move for Bellingham.

Celtic’s latest Old Firm derby stalemate saw World Cup star Josip Juranovic endure a grim return to club action, with the Croatia international having produced an unusually shaky display after entering the fray early in the first half.

The 27-year-old had been called into action following an injury to usual left-back Greg Taylor inside the opening 20 minutes, although the former Legia Warsaw man looked distinctly uncomfortable in that role, having “nearly cost” his side at Ibrox, as per The Athletic’s Owen Brown.

The attacking right-back – who did feature on the left of the defence on 13 occasions last term – was no doubt culpable for Ryan Kent’s equaliser after being caught out of position in the build-up to the goal, having also been far too easily outmuscled by the lively Fashion Sakala.

The latter man had given Juranovic something of a “torching” – in the words of journalist Jonny McFarlane – as the Hoops defender was simply unable to deal with the winger’s sheer pace and directness down the flanks.

Such were his woes, former Bhoys striker Scott McDonald noted that it looked as if the £16k-per-week man was “still in Qatar”, while another former Paradise hero – Chris Sutton – stated that the 27-cap dud had been “awful” and “terrible” on the day.

Following what was “possibly one of his worst performances for Celtic” – according to Glasgow Live’s Matthew Fulton – it looks as if Juranovic could well be leaving on something of a sour note, amid rampant reports that some of Europe’s top clubs are chasing his signature.

On the basis of that latest outing, Postecoglou should have no qualms about ditching the highly-coveted asset this month, particularly with the title-winning coach already having a potential replacement within his ranks.

The former Yokohama F. Marinos boss could well turn to promising full-back Ben McPherson if the Glasgow side are to allow Juranovic to depart in the near future, with the 18-year-old currently shining in the youth ranks.

The promising Scotsman has scored once and registered one assist in 18 appearances in all competitions so far this term, having solidified his place at right-back for the club’s ‘B’ team of late.

The teenager was also part of the U19 side that defeated RB Leipzig in the UEFA Youth League earlier this season, with that exciting crop of youngsters having been lauded as “terrific” by youth boss Stephen McManus.

Such form was recently rewarded with a new contract extension, with the Scotland youth international having committed himself to the club until 2025, showcasing just how highly thought of he is by those at Paradise.

A player who has “worked tremendously hard” – according to McManus – McPherson could well be the next figure to force his way into the first-team reckoning, with the impending exit of Monday’s derby day villain, Juranovic, potentially set to open the door for a chance at senior level.