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Chelsea are intensifying their efforts to wrap up a January deal for PSV Eindhoven’s Noni Madueke, who has emerged as a lightning-hot prospect since his arrival in Netherlands in 2018.

A product of Tottenham Hotspur’s academy, the 20-year-old is indeed attracting mounting attention after captivating onlookers with his dynamic forward performances.

What’s the news?

According to the Daily Mail, Chelsea have already tabled a £26m bid for the starlet. However, with Madueke’s club, led by manager Ruud van Nistelrooy, demanding at least £35m for his signature, Todd Boehly might have to break the bank once again.

The Chelsea owner has spent roughly £315m since assuming the ownership role less than a year ago, with the £52.4m release clause for RB Leipzig’s Christopher Nkunku also being met.

Previously, The Times stated that Blues boss Graham Potter is enamoured with the player’s skill-set, holding a deep admiration and consequently actively pursuing a move.

Following Liverpool’s recent £35m signing of the prolific Cody Gakpo, there is uncertainty surrounding the likelihood of PSV granting the departure of another enthralling wide option in the same transfer window, especially with the club firmly within Eredivisie title contention.

Potter could get fans back onside

Despite only taking the job four months ago, Potter’s position at Chelsea already looks precarious, with some supporters singing the name of his predecessor Thomas Tuchel at recent games amid a ten-match sequence which has seen the Blues defeated seven times.

However, the 47-year-old could get his dissenters back onside if he can bring Madueke back to London, except this time to SW6 rather than N17.

Having scored nine goals and supplied six assists last term from 35 appearances, becoming a regular presence for PSV despite his inexperience, the youngster announced himself in resounding fashion.

This season, despite seeing large proportions of the campaign hampered by injury, the 20-year-old has found the net on two occasions despite only starting three times, a testament to his innate clinical prowess.

As per Sofascore, his average match rating of 7.15 in the league has been complemented by his peppering output – match averages of 2.3 shots, 1.5 key passes and three tackles are all indicators of the robust aura that he holds on the pitch.

Judging by such intensity levels, Chelsea could very well flourish with his inclusion, especially amid the club’s current woes, languishing in tenth place in the Premier League and out of both domestic cups already.

Journalist Josh Bunting waxed lyrical last year about the blossoming star, praising his dynamism and blend of attributes which would indeed be a sterling addition to the Stamford Bridge ranks.

Bunting tweeted: “Noni Madueke is a terrific player he’s put PSV ahead against NAC Breda, love his game awareness, yes he’s quick and direct and on the ball terrific but for such a young player he’s got a lot of football intelligence, just knows what to do when he picks up the ball, entertaining.”

As per FBref, the “explosive” talent – as heralded by former PSV midfielder Tommie van de Leegte – ranks within the top 1% for total shots and dribbles completed, the top 4% for rate of assists and the top 15% for pass completion when compared to positional peers across Men’s Next 8 leagues, highlighting the energy that he would bring to Stamford Bridge.

Interestingly, he is also among the top 1% for xG (expected goals), despite only ranking in the top 19% for successful strikes.

While this indicates an element of wayward finishing, his positional play and gliding movement in dangerous areas is evidently an innate part of his game, and something which can be nurtured under the guidance of Potter, hopefully blossoming into one of the most devastating attackers in England.

Everton have earned themselves a reputation for transfer disasters since Farhad Moshiri became the majority stakeholder at the club over six years ago and the poor choices in the market have reflected into the performances on the pitch leading to relegation battles and financial concerns at Goodison Park.

The Toffees are currently 19th in the Premier League matching their relegation rivals in the bottom three for 15 points after 19 outings and have the joint-second worst goal tally in the top flight with just 15 goals scored so far.

As a result, the January transfer window presents a golden opportunity for Everton to strengthen their attacking threat this month but there will be no room for error or repeated mistakes of the past as a new addition would need to make an instant impact on the team to ensure the club retains their top flight status at the end of the season.

One player who has been linked with a move to the blue side of Merseyside this week is West Ham United striker Michail Antonio, however, when considering the player’s form it could be another atrocious acquisition for Everton.

Over 18 league appearances, the £85k-per-week forward – who was hailed “shocking” by Dan Lawless – has scored two goals and registered one assist, as well as averaging 0.4 shots on target, 0.5 successful dribbles and only 4.3 accurate passes completed per game, whilst also being 10th lowest rated player in the entire West Ham squad this season so far.

The 32-year-old’s poor form in front of goal has contributed to the Hammers’ similar struggle over the campaign so far with the London club also in the relegation zone and matching Everton for points, so with that considered it makes absolutely no sense for manager Frank Lampard to sign the striker.

In fact, the signing of Antonio would likely be a repeat of Rafa Benitez’s disastrous signing of Salomon Rondon in the summer of 2021 with the former Toffees striker scoring just three goals over 31 appearances before being released by Everton just last month.

Both strikers are in the latter stages of their respective careers and despite tallying up a lot of Premier League experience are not prolific and consistent in front of goal when needed the most.

With that being said, Moshiri must avoid the signing of Antonio this month to avoid making the same mistakes of the past and instead focus on identifying a youthful prospect who offers more goal contributions and more potential for Everton’s future beyond this season.

Leicester City are plotting a move to bring Shakhtar Donetsk forward Tete to the Premier League this January, according to reports in the last 24 hours.

The Lowdown: Failed £25m move

The Brazilian star is currently out on loan at Lyon having joined in March 2022, but with his contract at his parent club set to expire at the end of the calendar year, is now looking to secure his next permanent move.

It was previously reported that the 22-year-old had actually terminated his spell with Igor Jovicevic’s side following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, as the Foxes explored a £25m deal for him last summer, and despite a move failing to materialise, they now appear ready to take a second bite at the cherry.

The Latest: Leicester eyeing Tete

According to The Daily Mail, Leicester, Everton and Nottingham Forest are all ‘showing interest’ in Tete who is ‘targeting a move’ to the Premier League before the end of the window.

Lyon have the option to buy Brendan Rodgers’ target for £17.5m, but as a result of it being ‘unclear’ whether they intend to trigger it, he could be ‘available’ this month should terms ‘be agreed’ with both parties.

The Midlands outfit have ‘scouted’ the talented prospect, though as stated, aren’t alone in the hunt to secure his services.

The Verdict: Massive coup

Tete has been hailed ‘on fire’ by scout Jacek Kulig for his performances since joining Lyon, and it would be a massive coup should Leicester be able to sign him this month.

The Adidas-sponsored attacker has posted 11 goal contributions in 19 appearances across all competitions this season and is averaging 1.8 shots per Ligue 1 game.

Rodgers is in need of attacking reinforcements given how close his side are to the drop zone, and the left-footed star could be just the player he requires to help steer the Foxes away from danger.

Leeds United have already bolstered in two key areas in the January transfer window, but they remain without a nailed-down starter to make the left-back spot his down.

Junior Firpo, currently the only senior natural option in that role, had been expected to take over the mantle but has disappointed in his time at the club, and although Pascal Struijk has deputised in that position, as a centre-back he cannot be seen as the long-term solution.

Victor Orta must have plenty of options to mull over with intensity, surely worried about once again slipping up in his pursuit of the perfect candidate to hold down that position at Elland Road.

One approach he could look to take is buying young and duly attaining a malleable player who Jesse Marsch can nurture into a staple of the senior squad.

Whilst this does not often bring instant results, it has already been done to great effect with Illan Meslier, who has established himself as one of the best young goalkeepers in Europe (as per CIES Football Observatory findings) despite some notable mistakes earlier on in his time in Yorkshire.

The natural choice of the left-backs in whom the Whites have shown reported interest is Jesus Vazquez, and the 20-year-old remains on their radar despite the chase going somewhat cold.

It was tweeted by Total Futbol that Leeds are indeed interested, with the Yorkshire outfit willing to spend £7m to sign him. Sources at Leeds All Over subsequently suggested that this interest is “genuine”, albeit without clarity as to whether he will sign in January or the summer.

He is seen as part of a long-term project, which makes sense given his immense talent at such a young age. He has caught the eye in Europe, with Football Talent Scout Jacek Kulig outlining him as an “exciting prospect”.

With just 24 senior appearances under his belt, it is a testament to how impressively Vazquez has burst onto the scene that he is already being touted with a big move.

In in his debut first-team campaign last season, he established himself as a fine defensive influence with flashes of creativity. He made 1.6 tackles per game alongside winning 4.6 duels per 90, while a match average of 0.4 key passes and a 74% dribble success rate outlined his offensive qualities (via Sofascore).

Very much a work in progress, the foundation is in place with which to build a remarkable defender for the foreseeable future.

Leeds are badly stuck for a reliable natural first-team left-back, so this prospective deal could fix what is arguably the biggest problem plaguing them at the moment after the recent signings of Max Wober and Georgino Rutter.

Arsenal midfielder Mohamed Elneny could be set for an extended spell on the sidelines, with no clear indication on a return date as he struggles with injury, journalist Charles Watts has claimed.

What’s the word?

The midfielder had missed most of the first half of the season with injury before returning shortly after the World Cup break, but could be set for another prolonged absence, with Mikel Arteta confirming he will be unavailable for his side’s FA Cup clash with Manchester City on Friday.

As the primary backup to Thomas Partey, his injury could represent a problem for Arteta, as Arsenal would then lack cover in a crucial area of the pitch.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Watts reiterated that whilst nothing is confirmed, there seems to be a feeling that he is set to miss the rest of the season with injury.

He said: “There’s been a few whispers doing the rounds about the severity of Elneny’s injury and just how long he’s going to be out for, and there have been suggestions that he might be out for the season.

“Now, none of this has been confirmed yet, so it’s been difficult to report, but they’re certainly the whispers that are doing the rounds – that it’s not good news when it comes to Elneny.

“Arteta didn’t confirm any of that today, but he was asked about it and he admits that there were concerns over him.

“He was then asked directly, is there a potential for him being out for the season? And again, he said he’s still being assessed, we’re still trying to get to the bottom of it, but he added when Elneny says something doesn’t feel right, then that’s a bad sign, because Elneny usually plays through an awful lot.

“So that’s bad news for Arsenal, no doubt about it.”

Arsenal must enter the market

Arsenal simply cannot risk not having cover should Partey pick up an injury, and without Elneny, who had been described as “brilliant” by Ian Wright, they run the risk of their midfield being dismantled as the season goes on.

Albert Sambi Lokonga would be the main contender within the squad to replace him, but given his underwhleming form this season, Arteta perhaps needs a more reliable and experienced option than the 23-year-old.

With less than a week left of the transfer window, the club need to find a solution, otherwise, their impressive title challenge could remain one injury away from jeopardy.

Manchester United are battling with Chelsea and Barcelona to complete the signing of Morocco international Sofyan Amrabat on deadline day, according to a recent update.

The Lowdown: Amrabat superb at World Cup

The 26-year-old was magnificent for Morocco at the 2022 World Cup, starting all seven of his country’s matches and averaging 2.3 tackles per match.

Amrabat currently plies his trade at Fiorentina but he has been linked with a move elsewhere in the January transfer window, with United thought to be in the mix.

While the Red Devils look likely to sign Marcel Sabitzer before deadline day’s conclusion, it looks as though their work may not be done there after the injury to Christian Eriksen.

The Latest: United battling Chelsea

According to journalist Edu Aguirre on El Chiringuito TV (16:13) [via Sport Witness], ‘anything could happen’ before the transfer window shuts, with United fighting with Chelsea and Barcelona to sign Amrabat.

He states that Fiorentina are ‘reluctant’ to sell the Moroccan but a move to the Premier League could turn his head.

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The Verdict: Great potential signing?

While it could be argued that United don’t need to sign both Amrabat and Sabitzer this month, it could provide Erik ten Hag with even more midfield depth at a key point in the season.

Amrabat’s energy and quality stood as so much at the World Cup, leading to Fabio Capello calling him the ‘Gattuso of Morocco’, given his tenacious nature.

The £30,000-a-week Fiorentina man could be coming into the peak years of his career, and considering Casemiro turns 31 this year, he could be viewed as a long-term replacement for him.

Leeds United could be set to move on from Jesse Marsch with a familiar face…

What’s the latest?

That’s according to the Daily Mail, who claim that West Bromwich Albion boss Carlos Corberan has emerged as a potential candidate to succeed the American.

With their disappointing loss yesterday, the current Whites manager seemed to remain confident that things would turn around. He was quoted as claiming: “I understand the frustration and doubts, internally we have belief here, we do. The players are all in, they give everything.”

However, the hierarchy decided enough was enough, and called time on his reign on Monday.

Now the Spaniard, who has been at the club previously under the regime of Marcelo Bielsa, could be set to return after two impressive spells in the Championship.

Could get Leeds rocking

Things have been tough at Elland Road of late, and admittedly ever since the departure of Bielsa things have seldom looked up.

January marked the second consecutive window of significant backing from Andrea Radrizzani, and yet they remain without a Premier League win since early November. Marsch’s position became untenable, and he had to go.

Meanwhile, the Baggies are in simply unstoppable form.

Corberan took over the Midlands outfit in disarray, with the club licking its wounds from a torrid Steve Bruce tenure. The 39-year-old went in and instantly got results, with his team now sitting in a playoff spot having been in the relegation zone when he arrived.

He seems to have blended the offensive fluidity of his mentor’s system with a defensive solidity of his own invention. That was arguably the downfall during Bielsa’s time at the club.

As such, his West Brom outfit have lost just two games in the league, scoring 19 times whilst conceding just seven in 13 matches.

He was clearly destined to achieve great things, and even before his first foray into management with Huddersfield Town, he earned praise from the legendary Argentine. He claimed: “Carlos is a good colleague, I have found that. He is very talented. I listen more to his opinion than I give mine to him.”

It was his spell at the Terriers which drew initial praise, as he led them to an unlikely playoff final where they fell at the last hurdle.

He since suffered a succinct failed spell at Olympiakos but has his budding career firmly back on track now at the Hawthorns.

To join Leeds would see him employ many of the skills he has already flexed this season in revitalising his current club, and would represent a romantic return as the student of Bielsa becomes the master at Thorp Arch.

Having a Bielse-esque figure standing in the dugout could well be the much-needed catalyst to restoring that feel-good factor that has not been felt since their initial promotion and first season back in the top flight. Indeed, Elland Road would surely be bouncing again in no time at all.

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has almost promised Allan Saint-Maximin a run in the side amid the recent suspension of Bruno Guimaraes.

What’s the latest?

Howe’s options have been stretched somewhat over the last week following the red card picked up by the Brazilian in their Carabao Cup game against Southampton.

Although Guimaraes and Saint-Maximin do not play in the same position, this has seen Joelinton return to the midfield from his position at left wing.

And after a run out of the team, Saint-Maximin returned to the fold on the weekend against West Ham United after being selected by Howe to start.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, journalist Lee Ryder has claimed this is a dilemma to watch ahead of their game on the weekend with Howe almost promising the Frenchman that spot on the left:

(1:30) “But then you’ve got people like Allan Saint-Maximin still coming back to fitness. He has been almost promised a run in the team by Eddie Howe. So that’s certainly one to watch.”

Dilemma for Howe

The 25-year-old has certainly endured a difficult 2022/23 campaign to date with just five starts to his name in the Premier League.

Although he did start in the game against the Hammers on the weekend, he was dragged off after 69 minutes for the new signing Anthony Gordon.

It was apparent the Frenchman was not quite having the impact many would have wished for with only one successful dribble, no successful crosses and no shots to his name (via SofaScore).

And there lies the dilemma for Howe ahead of the trip to Bournemouth on the weekend. Does he stick with Saint-Maximin or does he start Gordon?

The new signing came on with just over 20 minutes to play and made an almost instant impact after providing Callum Wilson with a golden opportunity to retake the lead.

And given he was such a big-money signing who is already adapted to the league, there will likely be a clamour from the fans to see Gordon start.

If this is the decision Howe makes, it will likely be a damning indication of where Saint-Maximin’s future lies at St. James’ Park ahead of the summer.

Chelsea had an expensive transfer window in January spending £323m on eight new additions to improve their Premier League season, however, it looks like the club are not finished in their pursuit of transforming the squad as a new potential target emerges.

What’s the latest?

According to 90min, Chelsea are amongst a number of clubs scouting talented Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa.

As per the report, it is claimed that the Blues are set to address their goalkeeper situation at Stamford Bridge in the summer with both Kepa Arrizabalaga and Edouard Mendy out of contract in 2025.

It is believed that Chelsea scouts are active across Europe with Costa one of the potential targets they are keeping an eye on alongside Manchester United who have also taken an interest in the young keeper.

Potter could ditch Kepa

There is no doubt that Todd Boehly is an ambitious owner who is dedicated to getting Chelsea back in contention for trophies as well as domination in both the Premier League and European football too.

The west Londoners are currently ninth in the top-flight table after a disappointing run of performance over their first 21 outings and are currently ten points adrift from a Champions League qualifying spot inside the top four.

Chelsea have the worst goal difference and have scored the fewest amount inside the top half of the table, missing out on crucial points and progression due to tight margins that have cost them dearly – losing by just one goal in a number of their games over the last few months against Manchester City, Fulham, Newcastle United and Arsenal.

Kepa – dubbed “error-prone” by broadcaster Bolarinwa Olajide – has been occupying the starting spot in goal for the Blues this season due to Mendy’s injury issues and the controversial ‘keeper has seen better days, conceding up to four goals per game on more than one occasion so far, having allowed in four against Man City in the FA Cup and another four against Brighton and Hove Albion in the Premier League back in October.

Indeed, the club’s recruitment drive has been largely focused on improving the attacking threat over the most recent transfer window, but the signing of Costa in the summer could be a huge boost in their ability to see out games and improve next term.

The 23-year-old – who was dubbed an “enormous talent” by Sergio Conceicao – ranks in the top 2% of keepers in the next eight best competitive leagues for goals against and clean sheet percentage, as well as ranking in the top 12% for crosses stopped.

Not only that, over 19 league appearances this season the shot-stopper has made 36 saves, kept an impressive ten clean sheets and conceded only 11 goals so far, as well as winning 100% of his aerial duels per game, which is extremely eye-catching and could make him hugely valuable to Chelsea in the future.

With that being said, if the powers at Stamford Bridge are considering their options for a new gloveman this summer they should look no further than Costa. Indeed, he could provide the consistency and longevity needed to get Chelsea competing at the highest level once again.

Tottenham Hotspur sporting director Fabio Paratici is believed to be eyeing a move for Sevilla star, Yassine Bounou, with the Lilywhites seeking a potential replacement for club captain, Hugo Lloris, in the sticks.

What’s the latest on Yassine Bounou to Spurs?

According to Spanish outlet La Razon, the north Londoners are said to be interested in signing the 31-year-old ahead of next season, with the Premier League outfit reportedly willing to include promising forward Bryan Gil as part of the deal in order to lower the cost.

The report outlines that while the Moroccan international had been valued at around €30m (£26m) during the summer, amid interest from Paratici and co, his value has seemingly ‘risen’ since his displays at the World Cup – with the experienced stopper said to have a release clause of close to €50m (£44m).

This comes amid a report from AS earlier this week that also suggested that Spurs could make another approach at the end of the current campaign, having seemingly made an attempt during the January window.

Could Bounou be an upgrade on Lloris?

In the short term, Antonio Conte’s side are facing something of a goalkeeping crisis amid the loss of their experienced skipper to injury, with the club having seemingly been denied the chance to bring Ben Foster out of retirement as an emergency option.

In the long-term, however, there does appear to be a need for a new recruit in the goalkeeping ranks, with that man Lloris having been under the microscope for his abject form of late, notably making high-profile errors against the likes of Manchester City and Arsenal last month.

While the 36-year-old only recently extended his contract at the club until 2024, it does remain to be seen if the Frenchman will remain as the first-choice option beyond this season, with Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher having described him as a “liability” after his blunders against City – having notably failed to keep out Riyad Mahrez’s effort at the near post.

As Carragher stated, Conte and co simply “need a new goalkeeper next season”, with the former Lyon man having become far too unreliable of late, after making the most errors leading to goals in the top-flight this season (4) – twice as many as any other player.

Turning to the aforementioned Bounou – also known as ‘Bono’ – could well be that big upgrade that Tottenham are craving, with the dependable “monster”, as described by journalist Ives Galarcep, having impressed for both club and country of late.

The 6 foot 5 colossus was notably a vital part of Morocco’s surge the last four of the World Cup in Qatar, with the Canadian-born gem conceding just five goals in six outings in the tournament, while keeping three clean sheets.

Equally, the towering asset has also impressed at club level this season having made no errors leading to goals from his 19 La Liga appearances, having also saved one of three penalties he has faced so far this term.

In contrast to Lloris – who has been branded “useless” at saving spot-kicks by pundit Gabby Agbonlahor – Bono also appears far more comfortable in possession as he ranks in the top 15% among his European peers for touches made, while the current Spurs man ranks in just the bottom 11% in that regard.

As such, if Paratici and Conte are looking to dispense with Lloris sooner rather than later, they could secure a big upgrade by turning to the Sevilla sensation instead.