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Journalist Alasdair Gold has revealed that Tottenham Hotspur may well make a move to sign a new goalkeeper this January if the right player becomes available.

What’s the word?

It was certainly a day to forget for number one option Hugo Lloris in the north London derby after he scored an own goal in Sunday’s defeat.

With that in mind, Tottenham fans will likely be glad to know the club are already planning for a future without the 36-year-old between the sticks.

For instance, they’ve have been linked with Brentford shot-stopper David Raya recently. However, any move for a new goalkeeper is believed to be more of an aim for next summer.

Despite that, in a new article for football.london, Gold has suggested that Spurs could act this winter if the right player was available ‘earlier than expected’.

The journalist explained: “While centre-back (left and right/centre) and a central midfielder are among the summer plans with a new goalkeeper you can’t rule out a move if a player became available earlier than expected this month.”

Time to act

So, it appears as if Spurs may make a transfer U-turn, as Sky Sports reporter Michael Bridge claimed that Spurs will wait until the summer to sign a goalkeeper.

Tottenham manager Antonio Conte still seems to have faith in Lloris, with the Frenchman starting all but one game in the Premier League up to this stage in the season.

However, the very fact that the veteran retired from international duty earlier this month suggests that the player is finally coming into the latter stages of his career.

And so, sooner or later, Spurs will have to find a successor. Beyond Raya, Leeds United goalkeeper Illan Meslier has also been tipped as a possible option for the Lilywhites.

It feels unlikely that those two would be sold mid-season unless a seriously big bid came in, but perhaps Tottenham are planning a shock early move – or maybe someone else entirely will suddenly become available.

For now, it certainly looks like something to keep an eye out for.

Nathan Patterson was left incensed by a Kevin De Bruyne tackle in Everton’s 1-1 Premier League draw at Manchester City.

The Lowdown: Blues shock City

Frank Lampard’s side faced the reigning league champions on Saturday afternoon, in what looked like a horribly daunting challenge from the off.

Unsurprisingly, City looked likely to be comfortable winners in the first half, creating little but completely bossing the ball, finding the opener through Erling Haaland after 24 minutes.

The Blues struck back through an incredible solo strike from Demarai Gray as the match turned sour, with several yellow cards dished out to both teams by referee Andrew Madley.

The Latest: Patterson left ‘incensed’

One incident that stood out in the first half was a bad challenge by De Bruyne on Amadou Onana, with journalist Joe Thomas taking to Twitter to note Patterson’s reaction to it:

“De Bruyne in the book for a late challenge on Amadou Onana as Everton sought to counter. Patterson incensed by the tackle, which was quite cynical. De Bruyne and Onana were teammates just weeks ago at the World Cup.”

The Verdict: Some fight at last

It was nice to see Patterson show some passion at the Eithad, and after not getting close to Pep Guardiola’s side in the first half, the Blues showed some serious fight after the interval.

Lampard has had faith shown in him by the Everton board and it looks like his players are still fighting for him too, which should grant fans some relief after a shocking run of form.

Leeds United appear intent on raiding Red Bull Salzburg once again, with sporting director Victor Orta believed to be eyeing a move for Austrian international, Maximilian Wober.

What’s the word?

According to journalist Peter Linden, the Elland Road outfit are believed to be ‘willing to pay a double-digit million contribution’ in order to land the 24-year-old next month, with the defender having previously worked under Jesse Marsch at Salzburg.

The Leeds boss has already overseen reunions with both Rasmus Kristensen and Brenden Aaronson after signing the duo from the Bundesliga outfit during the summer, with the indication being that the American is now “preparing an offer” to add Wober to that list, as per transfer guru Fabrizio Romano.

The suggestion, as per Romano, is that any move for the former Sevilla man – whose existing contract is set to run until 2025 – could cost in the region of €16m (£14m), including add-ons.

Orta can repeat Aaronson masterclass

As stated above, Marsch and Orta already moved to bring in both Kristensen and Aaronson from the Austrian outfit over the summer, with the addition of the latter man having proven particularly fruitful thus far.

The USA international could no doubt improve upon his attacking output, with just three goal involvements to his name in the Premier League this season, although the signs are that he is still making an impact in his new surroundings, having created five big chances thus far.

The 22-year-old playmaker has clearly illustrated his willingness to make things happen in the final third as he averages 1.9 key passes per game from his 15 league starts, while also proving effective defensively after averaging 1.7 tackles per 90 from his attacking midfield role.

Such a bright start to life in English football – in which the youngster has also recorded 13 chance-creating carries this term – has led pundit Noel Whelan to describe him as a “stand-out” asset for the Yorkshire side, due to his “huge energy”.

With that £24.7m investment already beginning to pay off, Orta could look to repeat that transfer masterclass by snapping up Aaronson’s former teammate, Wober, with the 13-cap titan also possessing the quality to shine at Elland Road.

The Vienna-born ace – who can feature at centre-back or in a left-back berth – has enjoyed an impressive start to the current campaign thus far, showcasing his attacking threat after scoring once and registering two assists from his 15 league outings, while also creating five big chances in that time.

Perhaps more importantly for a side that has shipped 29 Premier League goals this term, however, the 6 foot 2 brute has also illustrated his defensive acumen after averaging 2.1 clearances, 1.7 tackles and 1.2 interceptions this season.

Equally, like Aaronson, the one-time Ajax rock would also offer the benefit of having played under Marsch previously, ensuring that he could well make a smooth transition were he to join Leeds in the New Year.

Having already reaped the rewards of raiding Salzburg in recent months, Orta could well repeat that trick by snapping up Wober in January.

Newcastle United have been linked with a move for Real Valladolid winger Gonzalo Plata in recent times, with manager Eddie Howe seemingly keen to bolster his wide options.

What’s the word?

That’s according to journalist Pete O’Rourke – speaking to GIVEMESPORT – who suggested that the Ecuadorian international could well be an attainable target for the Magpies, having been linked with his signature of late.

The transfer insider stated: “It is a position that Newcastle would like to add to, they do want to bring in [a winger]. He’s a pacey winger who can play wide on the left.

“I think he could be somebody who could be very gettable this January transfer window. Especially with his price tag, I don’t think Real Valladolid would be in any position to turn down any sizable offer for his signature.”

The Tynesiders may well face competition to sign the 32-cap gem – who made the move to Spain on an £8.5m deal in the summer after an initial loan move – amid reports that the likes of Leeds United, Atletico Madrid and Roma have all tracked his progress previously.

Newcastle’s answer to Zaha

The former Sporting Lisbon man is currently shining on the international stage, having played “impressed” in Ecuador’s promising start to the World Cup in Qatar, in the words of journalist Ben Jacobs, playing the full 90 minutes in the South American nation’s opening two group games.

That impact has come amid the youngster’s encouraging displays at club level in recent times, having chipped in with two assists in ten La Liga outings this season, after previously registering 11 goal involvements in the second tier last term.

While not prolific, the winger would certainly add real flair to Howe’s attacking ranks were sporting director Dan Ashworth to get a deal wrapped up, with the highly-rated “trickster” – as described by Adrian Blanco – a truly dynamic asset in attack.

That is certainly the verdict of transfer insider Dean Jones, who described Plata as a ‘game-changer’, while also stating: ‘He’s got pace to burn, he’ll mesmerise people with his trickery and he’s got a finish on him as well. Plata is one of those players you could watch for hours on end.’

Bringing the explosive talent to St James’ Park could well see Howe and co find their answer to Crystal Palace’s Wilfried Zaha, with the skilful Ivorian also offering a real direct and dangerous prospect from his wide berth.

The two men are not only alike as a result of their somewhat maverick talent, but the pair also share a number of stylistic and statistical similarities, as per FBref, with Plata notably ranking in the top 7% for dribbles completed in Europe among those in his position, while the Eagles ace ranks in the top 13% for the same metric – albeit with the latter man having recorded more minutes.

Such a comparison will have piqued the interest of those back at Newcastle such has been Zaha’s impact in the Premier League in recent years, with the 30-year-old – who has been linked with the Magpies of late – scoring 67 goals and 29 assists in 291 games in the competition to date.

To be able to secure a new, more youthful addition in the mould of the Selhurst Park star would surely be a mouthwatering prospect for the Champions League hopefuls, with Ashworth seemingly needing to do all he can to get a deal secured.

Julen Lopetegui was confirmed as Wolves’ new manager last week and it seems as if one of the first big decisions the Spaniard will make will be on the future of Fabio Silva.

The Athletic have reported that, despite Silva joining Anderlecht on a season-long loan in the summer transfer window, the Old Gold will explore the possibility of bringing him back in January as they look to ease their goalscoring woes.

The 20-year-old striker has struggled immensely since joining Wolves from Porto in a deal worth £35.6m, a transfer that broke the Midlands club’s record at the time, with just four goals and six assists to his name in 62 appearances for the club.

Despite the Old Gold scoring just 38 times in the Premier League under Bruno Lage last season, the Portuguese manager thought it wise to loan out Silva to Belgium, with subsequent injuries to Raul Jimenez and Sasa Kalajdzic leaving them extremely low on options in attack.

Diego Costa’s time at the club so far has proven to be a disaster and Wolves have managed the fewest goals in the Premier League with just eight, which has left them in 19th position in the league.

Silva, meanwhile, has enjoyed his time at Anderlecht thus far, with nine goals and three assists in 26 appearances, so Robin Veldman is perhaps unlikely to want to let him go in January, meaning that Wolves could be forced to pay a fee for their own player, emphasising just how poor a decision it was by Lage to let him leave.

Even though he struggled in front of goal, Silva was still a decent option for the Midlands club to have, emphasised by Conor Coady’s praise for the young forward last season.

He said: “We know what he brings us. He’s a young lad who is working every single day. He’s been fantastic since he came in. He works so, so hard to improve and get better, and you see that now.”

Although Raul Jimenez should hopefully be available to Lopetegui when he takes charge after the World Cup, it would not be a surprise to see Silva return to Molineux, as the Old Gold need all the help they can get if they want to avoid relegation this season.

If Wolves are forced to pay Anderlecht a fee, it will only highlight Lage’s shocking decision further, as his poor choices have left the Old Gold in a very precarious situation.

That said, they may well have to if they are to unleash him in the New Year, a call that simply has to be made if they continue their dry patch in the opposition penalty area. Recalling Silva is a simple option, particularly as he now looks bang in form.

Aston Villa are thought to be plotting a move for Villarreal centre-back Pau Torres, according to Football Insider.

The Lowdown: Torres under Emery

Hailed as ‘sensational’ by his national team boss Luis Enrique, the Spaniard has progressed through Villarreal’s academy and is now a first-team star for the La Liga side.

The 25-year-old has made 149 senior appearances for the club, with 105 of those coming under new manager Unai Emery. The defender scored 10 of his 15 career goals under the 50-year-old, and it looks as if the new Villa boss is keen on a reunion with the player.

The Latest: Villa linked with Torres

Football Insider shared a story on Thursday morning regarding Torres, revealing that Villa have made him a top target and are plotting a move after receiving the green light from Emery.

The report adds that Torres is valued at £40m, which would be a record transfer outlay at Villa Park.

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The Verdict: Major coup?

Torres looks set to feature for Spain at the World Cup later this month, looking to add to his 21 international caps.

You could say that a potential move for the defender would be a coup by NSWE, with Torres valued at a career-high £45m Transfermarkt valuation.

He appears to be at the top of his game, has recently been linked with Tottenham and is used to playing in European competition, so he could be the ideal centre-back addition that Villa have been seeking.

Wolverhampton Wanderers could now ‘get rid’ of Raul Jimenez as reports share a big update on the striker’s Premier League future.

The Lowdown: Jimenez’s woes…

Despite his obvious ability, the Mexico international hasn’t been able to contribute as effectively as Wolves supporters would have liked in the last couple of seasons, understandably not looking the same player ever since his skull fracture nearly two years ago.

Indeed, Jimenez missed almost the entirety of 2020/21 with the major issue as the Old Gold implemented a patient, steady return to full fitness from that very serious injury.

Following on, the 2021/22 season saw the Wolves forward make 10 goal contributions in 30 league starts – steady numbers but not quite the level of previous years.

Jimenez bagged 30 goals and 13 assists domestically in two campaigns from 2018 to 2020, and the Molineux side won’t be seeing that form again any time soon considering that he is now sidelined again.

The Latest: Wolves could now ‘get rid’ of Jimenez…

According to recent reports, it appears that club owners Fosun International are now weighing up whether to take action.

La Opinión reported on Thursday afternoon, as translated and shared by Sport Witness, that Club America ‘seems close’ to potentially bringing Jimenez back across the Atlantic.

They add that Wolves are open to selling the attacker and could now ‘get rid of him’, with Jimenez apparently having a ‘foot and a half out of Wolverhampton’ amid a possible return to his homeland.

The Verdict: Time to say goodbye?

There is no questioning the Mexican’s ability, as evidenced by his form in his first two years at Molineux, with former Wolves defender Conor Coady calling Jimenez a ‘phenomenal footballer’ and ‘massive for the club’.

However, as Fosun look to consistently progress on the field and fix the Old Gold’s current issues, change is sometimes required, even if it means letting go of a fantastic servant such as the 31-year-old.

The Times journalist Paul Joyce has revealed that Everton still plan to sign Conor Coady after his loan from Wolves, despite the departure of Bruno Lage.

The Lowdown: Lage departs

The Wanderers confirmed the departure of Lage on Sunday evening after a poor start to the season that has left them in the relegation zone in the Premier League table, having scored the fewest goals (three) in the division.

The Portuguese manager decided to let club captain Coady leave on loan to Goodison Park, after having reservations over whether he could play in a back four, and the Merseyside club have an option to buy him in the summer.

The Latest: No affect on Coady plans

Writing in his latest piece for The Times, Joyce has revealed that the Old Gold’s decision to change their manager will not affect the Toffees’ plans to sign Coady on a permanent basis.

The new coach at Molineux could have different opinions to Lage on the central defender, but they will not be able to recall him, and so Frank Lampard’s side still plan to sign him permanently after his loan spell ends.

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The Verdict: No-brainer

Given the start that he has made to his Blues career, signing Coady permanently is a no-brainer.

As journalist Simon Phillips has pointed out, both him and fellow new signing James Tarkowski have been ‘massive, massive’ players for Lampard already this season, as emphasised by his team conceding the fewest goals in the top flight so far.

Coady seems to be thriving in a back four with Tarkowski as his centre-back partner, and is certainly proving Lage wrong in that respect.

Nonetheless, having been the captain at Wolves, the 29-year-old brings extra leadership qualities not just on the pitch, but in the dressing room as well, and so whatever transfer fee it would take, EFC simply have to pay it to get him in on a permanent deal.

Manchester City currently have a handful of outfield players in their squad who are over the age of 30.

One of those is Riyad Mahrez, who has been at the club since joining from fellow Premier League side Leicester City in 2018.

In 192 appearances for the Citizens, the winger has 63 goals and 46 assists to his name.

Even though the Algerian recently put pen to paper on a new deal at the Etihad Stadium which will see him stay at the club until 2025, the remaining few days before the summer transfer window closes could give City the opportunity to bring in a potential long-term heir for Mahrez.

One name with whom the Premier League champions have been mentioned and who could fit this bill is Everton winger Anthony Gordon.

At the age of 21, the Englishman has made 122 appearances for the Merseyside club across their senior and youth teams, scoring 28 goals and providing 18 assists along the way.

This shows that not only is he capable of finding the net himself, he can also set up goalscoring opportunities for his team-mates, similar to what Mahrez has done during his time at City.

To show the similarities between the two players from their previous domestic campaigns, both wingers ended up having more than 1,000 live-ball touches while also successfully completing more than 50% of the dribbles that they attempted (as per FBRef).

Hailed by Boreham Wood manager Luke Garrard as a “frightening” player after his team came up against Everton in last season’s FA Cup, Gordon is currently of interest to Chelsea, who would reportedly be willing to pay £60m to sign the youngster – the same figure that City paid to sign Mahrez.

With that in mind, it would seemingly take a big investment and effort from the Cityzens to land the Everton starlet’s signature ahead of the west London club, who have not only taken Raheem Sterling away from the Etihad this summer but also ended up signing Marc Cucurella after he was initially linked with a move to City earlier in the transfer window.

If the champions want to end their summer transfer window with a bang and splash out on Gordon, this could not only see an exciting talent added to their squad, but also put to bed any concerns that there may be further down the line about finding a suitable heir for Mahrez.

Dharmesh Sheth has dropped an update on reported West Ham United transfer target Emerson Palmieri.

What’s the latest?

In a recent post on Twitter, the Sky Sports reporter revealed that, despite David Moyes’ £15m move for the Chelsea left-back appearing to have fallen through due to the 28-year-old’s wage demands, talks between the Italy international and West Ham have now resumed, with all parties thought to be hopeful of reaching a compromise in order to push the deal through.

In his tweet, Sheth said: “Talks have resumed between West Ham United & Chelsea over signing of left-back Emerson. Club to club fee close to being finalised & discussions are ongoing with player’s representatives. All parties hopeful a compromise can be reached to get a deal over the line.”

Moyes will be buzzing

Considering just how arduous West Ham’s attempts to bring a new left-back into the club this summer have been – with the Irons missing out on David Raum to RB Leipzig and Filip Kostic to Juventus – Sheth’s claim that a deal for Emerson now looks close to being completed is sure to have left Moyes buzzing.

Indeed, with Arthur Masuaku having left the London Stadium to join Besiktas on a season-long loan – a deal which includes an option to make the move permanent next summer – earlier this month, Moyes currently has only the 32-year-old Aaron Cresswell as a natural option on the left of his defence.

As such, it is clear for all to see that – with tough Premier League and likely Europa Conference League campaigns ahead of the Hammers this season – greater depth is required in that position in order to give them the best possible chance of success both domestically and in Europe.

Considering just how impressive Emerson was during a loan spell at Lyon last season, the 28-year-old would appear to be a very astute signing for Moyes to bring into the club prior to September’s transfer deadline.

Indeed, based on his 2,849 minutes of football played over the past 12 months, FBRef rank the £12.6m-rated talent in the top 7% of full-backs in Europe’s big five leagues and European competitions for passes attempted per 90. He also ranks in the top 11% for passes completed, the top 21% for progressive carries, the top 29% for dribbles completed and the top 30% for shot-creating actions.

The Italian ranks in the top 36% of full-backs for shots per 90, as well as the top 42% for non-penalty xG, the top 35% for xG assisted (xG that follows a pass which assists a shot) and the top 36% for touches in the opposition penalty area over the last 365 days.

From these metrics, it is clear to see that the £75k-per-week defender is very a player in the mould of the attack-minded full-back that Moyes is hoping to add to his first-team squad this summer. That leads us to believe that Sheth’s latest update on the Irons’ pursuit of Emerson is sure to be news which will have left the 59-year-old coach delighted .