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Tottenham Hotspur sporting director Fabio Paratici views former Barcelona boss as a ‘strong candidate’ to succeed Antonio Conte.

The Lowdown: Conte succession plan…

The 53-year-old has been repeatedly linked with an exit from Spurs in the last few weeks with Paratici already drawing a list of candidates to replace him long term.

While some noises suggest Ryan Mason will take interim charge for the remainder of this Premier League season if Conte is sacked, there could be many names to watch out for afterwards.

Sky claim some Spurs players have contacted former boss Mauricio Pochettino to return and other candidates in the frame include Roberto De Zerbi, Thomas Tuchel, Marco Silva, Thomas Frank and Enrique.

Conte’s seemingly inevitable exit from the north London club was accelerated by an astonishing rant after Spurs’ 3-3 draw with Southampton last weekend.

The Italian launched a scathing attack on the squad, chairman Daniel Levy and the club’s very culture – stating:

“We are 11 players that go into the pitch. I see selfish players, I see players that don’t want to help each other and don’t put their heart (in).

“Why? Because they are used to it here, they are used to it. They don’t play for something important yeah. They don’t want to play under pressure, they don’t want to play under stress.

“It is easy in this way. Tottenham’s story is this. Twenty years there is the owner and they never won something but why?”

The Latest: Luis Enrique a ‘strong candidate’ for Spurs hot seat…

According to CBS reporter Ben Jacobs, speaking to CaughtOffside, ex-Spain boss Enrique is viewed as a strong candidate by Paratici.

The transfer chief will apparently lead Tottenham’s chase for a new manager, even if Levy’s opinion carries huge weight, with Jacobs adding Enrique could be a ‘popular’ choice for Spurs supporters.

The reporter said:

“Pochettino is extremely open to a Spurs return and retains a strong professional and personal relationship with Levy. But Levy isn’t the only decision maker, even though his opinion carries huge weight. Fabio Paratici will lead on any appointment and he views Enrique as a strong candidate. Both options would be popular choices amongst the fanbase.”

The Verdict: Big pedigree…

Enrique shares a lot of similarities with Pochettino in the sense they both encourage open, attacking football and currently stand out as attainable free agents.

The 52-year-old has also worked with some of football’s most mega superstars, like Lionel Messi, potentially meaning he could handle a few egos in the Spurs dressing room.

Enrique has even been called ‘underrated’ by members of the media with the European coach coming as a really good potential choice.

However, we believe Pochettino still stands out given his Premier League experience.

Tottenham Hotspur's new right wing-back Pedro Porro is quickly becoming one of the most popular members of the squad inside Hotspur Way.

What has Pedro Porro done so far at Spurs?

Since landing in north London, the Spanish wing-back has had to be patient for his opportunity in the starting XI with Emerson Royal impressing in recent months.

But the 23-year-old has begun to show signs of what he could bring Tottenham having provided his first assist for the club on the weekend.

And it seems as if the defender has not been sulking behind the scenes with Alasdair Gold suggesting he has quickly become a popular member of the side at Hotspur Way.

Not only has he earned the friendship of his teammates, but it also seems he has earned their trust on the pitch – none more so than with Harry Kane:

"He's very popular within the squad already. He's a bit like Sonny [Son Heung-min] – he's kind of always got a smile on his face and that immediately kind of brings him into the squad atmosphere and everyone seems to like him.

"I guess it's been about trying to adapt, blend in, get to know the other players, become this kind of member of the squad that they can trust with the ball, and you can see that; Harry Kane especially keeps looking for him with his passes."

What can Pedro Porro bring to this Spurs side?

Throughout the campaign, Spurs have struggled on the whole with a lack of attacking intent from their options at right wing-back which saw them make changes during the winter window.

Emerson has impressed lately, however, on the whole, the Brazilian does not provide much of an attacking threat in Antonio Conte's set-up.

Over the course of the Brazilian's 31 appearances in all competitions this season, he has only been able to provide a return of just two goals and one assist.

To put that into context, Porro has only made four appearances in the Premier League and he has already matched Emerson's assists return for the campaign.

In comparison, this season, Porro has provided significantly more crosses into the penalty area as well as returning almost double the amount of shot-creating actions per 90 minutes (via FBref).

It has to be recognised Emerson could still provide Spurs with a useful option given he has proven to be sound defensively.

The Brazilian has offered just over double the number of tackles per 90 minutes in comparison to Porro this season, potentially offering Spurs an option for games they expect to be put under serious pressure.

But to have a player who is finally able to offer a real attacking threat has to be exciting for all at Spurs but most of all Kane who will be hoping for more crosses like the one for his opening goal on the weekend.

Manchester United are reportedly interested in signing Inter Milan centre-back Alessandro Bastoni, with the Red Devils a ‘concrete threat’ to the Serie A side.

The Lowdown: Bastoni superb for Inter

The 23-year-old is arguably one of Europe’s most exciting young defenders currently, producing a string of influential performances for Inter in recent years.

Bastoni has made 19 appearances in Serie A so far this season, averaging 1.7 tackles per game in the competition, as well as 2.5 clearances in the Champions League, as per WhoScored.

The Italian is out of contract at Inter at the end of next season, however, meaning there could be potential suitors eyeing up his signature this summer.

The Latest: United linked with move

According to Inter Live [via Sport Witness], United are a ‘concrete threat’ to Inter with regards to Bastoni, as the Serie A giants desperately try to keep hold of one of their star men.

The Red Devils could reportedly ‘go as high as’ offering the young centre-back €8million (£7m) a year at Old Trafford, which is ‘triggering a new alarm’ at the Nerazzurri.

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The Verdict: Could be an outstanding signing

Bastoni could be a magnificent signing by United, considering what a formidable defender he already is, despite having most of his career ahead of him still.

The 17-cap Italy international could be viewed as a long-term successor to Raphael Varane at the heart of United’s defence, with the Frenchman turning 30 next month and never too far away from an injury layoff.

Bastoni and Lisandro Martinez could forge a wonderful long-term centre-back partnership at Old Trafford – one that may have the potential to match great pairings of the past, from Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic, to Steve Bruce and Gary Pallister.

Whether or not Inter allow one of their most prized assets to move on remains to be seen – he won the league title in 2020/21 – but the player himself may jump at the chance to join the Erik ten Hag revolution.

Leeds United have reportedly contacted manager Gerardo Martino over a potential move to Elland Road.

The Lowdown: Martino profiled

Martino is an experienced coach who is currently out of work after leaving Mexico following last year’s World Cup in Qatar. The 60-year-old managed Barcelona back in 2013 and has even worked in the MLS with Atlanta.

He has a win over Leeds legend Marcelo Bielsa on his CV and has connections to the Argentine in regards to also managing the national side and Newell’s Old Boys.

In total, Martino, who plays a 4-3-3 system, has managed 413 games during his career, winning 223 of those.

The Latest: Leeds links

Argentine outlet TNT Sports shared a story on Monday evening regarding Leeds and Martino.

They claimed that contact has been made over a potential move to Yorkshire. Martino is yet to rule out an offer but would prefer to take over a side in the summer, when he has time to properly build a squad in his image.

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The Verdict: Big struggle

Leeds have found it a major struggle when it comes to replacing Jesse Marsch, with Andrea Radrizzani and the 49ers Enterprises suffering a number of setbacks. Therefore, it could be a wise move to look at an interim appointment until the summer, when it seems most managers want to get back into work, including Martino.

Who that could be remains to be seen, although the likes of Steven Gerrard and Nuno Espirito Santo have been linked and already have Premier League experience under their belt, so are perhaps ideal short-term solutions despite questions over their long-term suitability.

Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth has said that ‘multiple’ bids are expected from several clubs in the Premier League and Europe for Arsenal transfer target Ivan Fresneda.

The Lowdown: Arsenal moving ‘behind the scenes’

It has recently been reported that the Gunners, along with Borussia Dortmund, are moving ‘behind the scenes’ to try and sign Fresneda and are ‘leading the race’ for the Real Valladolid right-back.

Both clubs have reportedly already ‘agreed terms’ with the 18-year-old, with the deal expected to cost €15m (£13.1m) and the Spaniard set to be loaned back to Valladolid for the rest of the campaign.

However, it now looks as if that duo will not be alone in their pursuits of Fresneda in the final days of the January transfer window.

The Latest: ‘Multiple’ bids could be incoming

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Sheth says that ‘multiple’ bids are expected from a ‘number’ of clubs in both the Premier League and in Europe for Fresneda in the final days of the month, which suggests that Arsenal and Dortmund could be dragged into a bidding war for the teenager.

The Sky Sports reporter stated: “I’m told that there are going to be multiple bids from a number of European clubs and Premier League clubs in what remains of this transfer window. I think Fresneda will need to make a decision if an interested club meets the €15m valuation simply because he’s playing at the moment for Valladolid – he’s getting first-team action, he will want to play.”

The Verdict: Urgency needed

If Mikel Arteta’s team are serious about signing Fresneda, then there needs to be some urgency in terms of getting this deal done, given that Transfer Deadline Day is tomorrow and other bidders are expected to come in for him.

Hailed by journalist and La Liga presenter Juan Arroita for his “beastly” ability to maraud forward and put in crosses, the teenager currently averages one key pass and 0.4 crosses per match in the Spanish top flight, ranking highly among the Valladolid squad in both metrics (WhoScored).

Fresneda also ranks in the top 11% for tackles, clearances and interceptions per match among full-backs in Europe’s top five leagues over the last year (FBref), showing how impressive he is defensively as well, and he already looks like the complete right-back at the tender age of 18.

Perhaps Arsenal’s bullish pursuit of Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder Moises Caicedo is holding up a deal for the Spaniard, or possibly the fact that Cedric’s expected move to Fulham has not gone through yet, but the north Londoners simply cannot let their Fresneda pursuit fall through the cracks.

Glasgow Rangers are yet to make their first senior addition to their squad during Michael Beale’s first transfer window in charge of the Ibrox giants.

The English head coach replaced Dutchman Giovanni van Bronckhorst during the break for the 2022 World Cup break and this month is his first opportunity to bring in his own players.

Sky Sports recently reported that the Light Blues are ‘leading’ the race to sign attacking midfielder Todd Cantwell on a permanent deal from Championship side Norwich and he could be Beale’s first addition.

However, the Canaries gem may not be the only signing of the month for the Gers as they are also reportedly one of a number of teams in Europe interested in a deal to sign Romanian youth international Alexi Pitu from FCV Farul.

Beale could now form an exciting pairing at the top end of the pitch by signing the 20-year-old gem and pairing him with his fellow countryman Ianis Hagi.

The pair trained, and played once, together when they were at Viitorul Constanta and Pitu recently responded to a question asking if reuniting with the Gers gem would interest him by saying:

“Yes I would very much love to play with Ianis again, but first I want to win the title with Farul Constanta.

“I focus on football, I do my training and in the matches, I try to give my best.

“I understand the interest in playing with Ianis at Rangers and of course, it would be very nice.”

Rangers must now convince Pitu to ditch his current club in favour of a move to Ibrox as his form this season indicates that he could be an excellent signing for the Gers.

The gem, who has been described as a “playmaker” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has produced five goals and five assists in 19 league starts for Constanta, which means that the forward has contributed with a goal contribution more than once in every two matches.

Hagi, meanwhile, is due to return from injury this month and has already proven himself in a Light Blues shirt, with 15 goals and 21 assists in 85 appearances for the club in all competitions.

Both players can play anywhere across the attack and this means that Beale could pair them together in a multitude of ways, with one out wide and the other in the number 10 role, or both of them lining up on the flanks to run at teams and cause them problems.

Therefore, the head coach could seal an exciting, Romanian, duo for the Gers in the second half of the season by signing Pitu to play alongside Hagi and deliver goals and assists on a regular basis.

Aston Villa boss Unai Emery has already moved to strengthen his charges with the signing of Spanish defender, Alex Moreno, with the 29-year-old having been snapped up on a £13m deal from Real Betis.

The former Villarreal head coach is no doubt seeking to put his stamp on the current squad at Villa Park, with there seemingly a potential for more new faces to arrive this month.

According to a recent report from the Daily Mail, one player whom Emery is seemingly keen on signing is Udinese star, Gerard Deulofeu, with the fleet-footed winger having previously worked under his compatriot at Sevilla.

The former Watford man –  who made the move to Italy on an initial loan deal back in 2020 – could well be an attainable target with just 18 months remaining on his existing deal, having previously been valued at around £17m during the summer, as per the report.

Journalist Ryan Taylor – speaking to GIVEMESPORT – has now provided an update regarding a potential move for the 28-year-old, with the transfer insider stating that the 5 foot 10 dynamo is a player that Villa are tracking.

Taylor revealed: “Gerard Deulofeu is definitely one where there is interest. He’s done it in the Premier League before with Everton and Watford.

“Although he seems to bounce around clubs, I think Deulofeu is a player that is always going to have that quality. He’s a very direct winger with a decent end product.”

The one-time Barcelona man has warranted such interest as a result of his sparkling form in Serie A so far this season, having scored twice and registered six assists in the Italian top flight so far this term.

That follows his haul of 13 goals and five assists in the league last term, with the £22k-per-week playmaker having thrived since moving away from Vicarage Road just over two years ago.

Bringing such a “quality” asset into the fold – as lauded by former boss Javi Gracia – could well help Emery to find the Villans’ successor to Jack Grealish, with the England international having left a notable void following his £100m exit to Manchester City back in 2021.

The Birmingham-born hero had provided 75 goal contributions in 213 games for the Midlands outfit in all competitions after rising through the youth ranks, notably chipping in with 18 goal involvements in the Premier League during his final season at the club.

The 27-year-old had emerged as something of a talisman prior to his departure, proving truly influential with his creativity from his left-wing berth, having been lauded for such talents by Italian icon Gianfranco Zola, who previously stated:

“He always creates something important and, again, he never flinches. He always wants the ball and creates. These are qualities that will make him even more outstanding.”

Such traits could well be attributed to the aforementioned Deulofeu, with the former Everton menace also having that ability to create something out of nothing, notably earning praise from BBC Sport’s Phil McNulty for his “genius” goal in the FA Cup semi-final win over Wolverhampton Wanderers back in 2019.

Although currently thriving in a more central role, like the City man the Spaniard has typically done much of his damage throughout his career off the flanks, with the hope being he can replicate such impact amid his potential return to England.

To be able to secure a Grealish-esque talent in the coming weeks would surely represent a truly astute piece of business for Villa and for Emery.

Erik ten Hag could give Manchester United “an edge” by signing Ajax starlet Mohammed Kudus during the upcoming January transfer window.

That’s according to journalist Pete O’Rourke, who was discussing the Red Devils’ transfer interest in the Ghana star.

According to The Athletic, the Dutchman is thought to be keen on signing his former Ajax player as he looks to continue building his own squad at United, although reports earlier this month have claimed that the 22-year-old could cost in the region of £40m.

Speaking to Football FanCast about Kudus, O’Rourke stated: “I think there will be a number of clubs who will be monitoring his long-term situation at Ajax, and Erik ten Hag will know all about him having worked with him at Ajax as well.

“He will be hoping that might give him an edge in any pursuit of Kudus as well, but he’s a versatile player and he will be somebody who would definitely add options to United’s attack.”

Man United could have the edge on Kudus

Kudus has excelled this season for Ajax, scoring ten goals and registering two assists in 21 matches, netting four times in just six Champions League outings.

His sparkling club form saw him called up to the Ghana squad for the World Cup and the 22-year-old impressed in Qatar, notably scoring twice against South Korea in a 3-2 victory, and these performance on the world stage will surely have boosted his profile.

Previously described by Ten Hag as a player with “incredible potential”, Kudus’ statistics over the past year compared to positional peers in Europe’s major leagues have been excellent. As per FBref, he ranks in the top 5% for total shots, pass completion success, dribbles completed, touches in the attacking penalty area and progressive passes.

These figures clearly prove that he is performing at a high level and that a move to United shouldn’t faze him.

His previous relationship with Ten Hag could well be a key factor in the Ghanaian choosing his next club, and as O’Rourke mentioned, potentially signing Kudus could give the Red Devils an added attacking impetus heading during the second half of the season.

Aston Villa have been linked with a move for former loanee Tammy Abraham.

The Lowdown: 2018/19 loan at Villa

Abraham spent the 2018/19 season on loan at Villa Park under Dean Smith and helped the club to achieve promotion to the Premier League. The forward, who has previously been labelled a “goal machine” by former Sunderland striker Stephen Elliott, netted 26 goals in the Midlands during that promotion campaign.

He has been with AS Roma for the last 18 months, where he has continued to score at a regular occurrence, with his tally for the Serie A club currently at 31.

The Latest: Villa linked with Abraham

Calciomercato shared a story on Tuesday evening regarding Abraham, with Roma no longer considering the forward non-transferable.

The report name-checked Villa, saying that they ‘can afford an important engagement’ for the 25-year-old.

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The Verdict: Shrewd move?

Abraham has scored goals wherever he has been during his career, with his senior tally for club and country currently at 124.

Still just 25 years of age, the England international could be just what Unai Emery is seeking as he searches for a new A-list forward, and you’d like to think that NSWE could afford a deal after promising the manager a ‘huge’ budget.

The former Villa loanee could prove to be a smart prospective signing to provide another option alongside Danny Ings and Ollie Watkins, so a possible 2023 move could be one to monitor.

Manchester City will benefit in more ways than one with the contract extension of Pep Guardiola.

The Lowdown: Pep commits…

In some absolutely brilliant news for the Premier League champions, their trophy-laden boss and fan favourite Guardiola has now put pen to paper on fresh terms tying him to the club until 2025.

With Guardiola committing his future to the Cityzens for another two years, the knock-on effect could see the likes of £131 million gem Jude Bellingham make the switch back to England – knowing that Manchester City can “guarantee the framework remains in place.”

The Latest: Bellingham boost

That’s according to transfer insider Dean Jones, who claims tying down Pep to a new deal was the natural next phase in rebuilding the side.

Now, high-profile players have been given somewhat of a ‘guarantee’ that the Spaniard’s winning formula will still be present at the Etihad Stadium.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Jones said: “City have been hoping to get this Pep contract tied down so it would help with the next phase of rebuilding the team.

“It means they can turn to Bellingham or Moukoko or any other amazing young talent and guarantee the framework remains in place.

“It’s a really big moment and bad news for their rivals.”

The Verdict: A game-changing deal

Manchester City were always ranked highly in the race to sign England’s World Cup star, Bellingham.

With their beautiful brand of mass-possession football, combined with their winning mentality and respective capture of former Borussia Dortmund teammate Erling Haaland, the Cityzens could arguably be leading the race.

The doubts surrounding Pep’s future at the club served as the only potential stutter around this deal, but with the boss committing to another two years, the stability at the Etihad has been restored.

There is now clarity in what Jones rightly described as a “really big moment” for the club and “bad news for their rivals.”