As Sunderland set their sights on the play-off places once again in the Championship, the January transfer could quickly become the key to their success. Tony Mowbray's side used the summer window well to welcome the likes of Jobe Bellingham, and will be well aware of just how beneficial winter arrivals can be. So far this season, they've remained on course to battle it out for a spot in the all-important top six, sitting just one point adrift of Cardiff City, who currently hold the final place.

Amid the talk of promotion, however, the Black Cats are reportedly set to suffer a transfer blow when it comes to their pursuit of one particular target in a deal that would have undoubtedly been an incredible boost.

Sunderland transfer news

Sunderland aren't ones to spend an outrageous amount, but that's not to say they didn't splash out to welcome reinforcements during the summer. In the end, those at The Stadium of Light spent over £7m on arrivals such as Bellingham, Jenson Seelt and Nazariy Rusyn. The latter was their most expensive deal of the summer but has arguably been the most disappointing, failing to find the back of the net once in six Championship games.

Mowbray may have been looking to solve the forward's output problem with the arrival of a creative player. According to The Real EFL, though, Sunderland are set to miss out on Amad Diallo in January. Sunderland were reportedly keen on signing Diallo on loan for a second time after he impressed so much in his first spell at the club last season. United, however, reportedly want the winger to play at a higher level if he goes out on loan, making a Sunderland return unlikely.

"Dynamic" Amad Diallo would transform Sunderland

Sunderland will be understandably frustrated if they miss out on Diallo, which looks likely to be the case in January. Their former loanee took the Championship by storm last season and played a large part in the Black Cats' push for promotion. Diallo's stats by the end of his Sunderland spell reflected just how much of an impact he made, scoring 14 goals and assisting a further four.

Earning plenty of praise in the process, Mowbray said via the Metro when asked about the winger: "I think he got wrapped up in the game on Saturday (against Luton) emotionally and that was good to see. With his physical data, he was top in every aspect from distance covered to number of high-speed sprints, he was amazingly athletic as well as showing his talent.

"That bodes well for us and also accelerates him in my mind in terms of him being a starting player for us, beyond a young lad who I can bring off the bench. I’m hoping that over time that’s what happens with the other young lads, as well. At the moment they’re still feeling their way in, but with Amad – and maybe it’s because he’s had more game time – he’s in front and he looks to me like a first-team starter. They bring different qualities. Amad is dynamic and explosive."

Over the years, Chelsea have unearthed a long list of stars from their academy who have gone on to establish themselves in the first-team picture.

It is a testament to the excellent facilities at Cobham that enable the Blues to continuously streamline talent into the senior setup year after year.

It is also remarkable that current first-team stars Levi Colwill, Reece James and Conor Gallagher don't scratch the surface of the obscene amount of quality that started crafting their legacy at Stamford Bridge.

Of course, the most famed world-beating talent known for beginning their careers in the underage groups at Chelsea are Jamal Musiala and Declan Rice; two players who would have perhaps helped the Premier League giants dominate for over a decade.

Those two are the biggest examples of ones that got away and while the Blues are prolific at unearthing more homegrown talent, they are also astute at poaching talent from lower league clubs in England – as has been the case with current academy sensation, Leo Castledine.

Leo Castledine's statistics at youth level

Chelsea poached the promising playmaker from AFC Wimbledon in 2020 after scouring the football league for the next potential star in the making.

'An attacking midfield player who has the ability to play box-to-box, he likes to create and score goals and is very tenacious in the tackle', as described by Chelsea's official website, Castledine's exceptional all-round attributes have seen him make a rapid rise through the underage groups at Stamford Bridge.

During the 2022/23 campaign, the 18-year-old showcased his versatility by operating in a number of positions, including as a deep-lying player, an attack-minded midfielder and even as a centre-back.

It is therefore impressive that the youngster managed 11 goals and two assists in 27 appearances after making the jump to under-21 level last term.

Dubbed a "huge talent" by journalist Felix Johnston, the teenager has continued making huge strides towards a first-team call-up this term by posting sensational numbers in Premier League 2.

In eight appearances, Castledine has chalked up an impressive four goals and six assists, including a glut of goals in victories over Blackburn Rovers and Fulham, with Mauricio Pochettino rewarding that form with a place on the bench in their 2-0 victory over Rovers in the Carabao Cup.

The above statistics also illuminate his prominence even further knowing he's currently supplying goals at a faster rate than first-team star Cole Palmer.

Cole Palmer's statistics this season

The 21-year-old starlet, who arrived from Manchester City in the summer, has become instrumental to the Blues creativity in the final third this term, much like Castledine.

With three goals and two assists in the Premier League, which means he's tied on five goal contributions with Nicolas Jackson, the Englishman has seamlessly slotted into various roles in Pochettino's system, namely cutting in from the right or floating in behind the Senegalese hitman.

The Argentine emboldened the above statement by offering huge adulation towards the youngster, praising him for how he's quickly adapted to life at Stamford Bridge.

He said: "He showed a great performance with character and personality,

"We are happy with the way he has arrived. He arrived on the last day of the transfer window but is playing like he’s been here ten years, showing his character and personality."

Palmer's close control and willingness to receive the ball in tight spaces have delighted the masses since he arrived at the club, with the youngster showing Pep Guardiola what he's missing out on.

Indeed, the £75k per-week whiz has now remarkably played more Premier League minutes for Chelsea than he did for Man City and while that's an impressive statistic on its own, the fact Castledine is outscoring such a talent is a testament to his boundless potential that Pochettino must unlock sooner rather than later.

The proposed takeover of Everton continues to be a big talking point at the moment, and now a new update has emerged regarding 777 Partners and the current situation.

Everton's takeover talk

The Blues picked up a hugely impressive and much-needed Premier League victory on Sunday afternoon, battling their way to a 1-0 triumph away to a good West Ham, thanks to Dominic Calvert-Lewin's goal. It was one of Everton's best results of the season so far, and it steadied the ship greatly after some poor matches recently, as Sean Dyche continues to improve in the Goodison Park hot seat.

Away from the pitch, there has been a period of grieving, following the sad passing of legendary chairman Bill Kenwright at the age of 78 earlier this month, while the constant talk surrounding the takeover of the club has also carried on. Many Everton supporters are desperate for a deal to be struck as soon as possible, bringing an end to the Farhad Moshiri era on Merseyside, but it is clearly not going to be easy for 777 Partners to come in.

Everton takeover latest

Speaking on the Sport Unlocked podcast [via Goodison News], reporter Tariq Panja provided an update on Everton's takeover and explained how 777 Partners' payments could be made if the Blues suffer relegation from the Premier League to the Championship:

"From what I hear from the 777 deal, that will still go ahead with a bunch of contingencies in that contract based on Everton being relegated.

"If this deal goes through, these guys will still pay a similar amount, but slightly less if Everton do not come back up within two years, over a staggered payment scheme."

The idea of Everton being relegated from the Premier League for the first time in their history doesn't bear thinking about for supporters, especially with the exciting move to Bramley Moore Dock happening at the end of the season, as the Blues plan to move into a wonderful new stadium.

On the plus side, it is at least good to know that some planning is being done should the worst-case scenario happen next May, ensuring that Everton are hit as little as possible in a financial sense, should 777 Partners' takeover be completed in the coming months.

Sunday's aforementioned triumph at West Ham was a timely reminder of what this Blues side are capable of, however – they have also won away impressively at Brentford this season – and they should be looking for more of a mid-table finish in the league than worrying about going down, assuming Everton's potential 12-point deduction doesn't happen.

In Dyche, they appear to have a good manager who has made Everton difficult to break down, with even Liverpool struggling to break the deadlock in the Merseyside derby at Anfield prior to a penalty decision, and it would be a big surprise if they fared worse than they have in the past two seasons, just avoiding relegation each time.

A completed takeover would only make things easier for Dyche and his players, bringing more of a settled feeling to the club and also potentially generating more funds for transfer further down the line, but 777 Partners are putting contingency plans in place.

Glasgow Rangers secured just their second Europa League victory of the season as they overcame Sparta Prague 2-1 at Ibrox on Thursday evening.

The turnaround under Philippe Clement has been incredible, with the Belgian winning five of his opening six matches in charge of the Light Blues, conceding just three goals in the process.

Everything seems to be clicking at exactly the right time and with another two European ties to come along with a League Cup final before Christmas, the 49-year-old will be aiming for success before 2024.

The positive start is an indication of the direction Clement wants to take the team, and by asserting his tactical ideologies onto the senior squad already, a campaign that looked set to be disastrous could well be salvaged.

The Belgian is having to work with a team that he inherited from Michael Beale and, despite offering a clean slate to everyone in the squad, there could be some activity in the upcoming January transfer window.

A few players may be shipped out, while it looks as though the former Club Brugge boss is already identifying potential targets in order to bolster his team ahead of the second half of the season.

Rangers January transfer news

Heading towards the winter window, the rumour mill begins to circle and, according to 90min, Rangers have shown interest in Everton defender Ben Godfrey.

They will face some competition, however, as Premier League sides Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United are also seemingly keen on securing a move for the centre-back.

Under Sean Dyche this season, Godfrey has dropped way down the pecking order and has featured for a grand total of just one minute in the league, signifying that his future lies away from Goodison Park.

With this in mind, Clement could potentially make a swoop for the player and, with his contract expiring in 2025, Everton may not stand in his way should a club come in for him in the winter.

The Gers signed just one centre-back in the summer transfer window – Leon Balogun – and he only signed a one-year deal, with Michael Beale missing out on a few targets in the position.

Godfrey could be an ideal acquisition for the club as Clement could restore his confidence by giving him regular game time north of the border, while his talents would allow him to thrive in Scotland.

It wouldn’t be the first time that the Light Blues have signed a player from England who had a bright future, yet their form had taken a dip, as Todd Cantwell has become an integral player in the Ibrox side.

Godfrey could have a similar sort of impact to that of Cantwell and this could give the Gers a monumental boost heading into the final few months of the season.

Todd Cantwell’s statistics since he joined Rangers

Once touted as a player who was worth £40m just over two years ago during his spell with Norwich City, Cantwell’s form was underwhelming during the first half of the 2022/23 season.

This was a talent who had starred in two promotion campaigns and had scored six Premier League goals, yet he had made only ten starts for the East Anglian side before the transfer window opened in January.

Beale came to the rescue and secured his signature for just £1.5m, and it is beginning to look like one of the best pieces of business the club has done in years.

The Englishman registered 11 goal contributions – six goals and five assists – across just 20 games for the Glasgow side in the second half of last season and gave them some added attacking dynamism.

While he began the current season slowly, not helped by Beale’s tactics and an injury picked up against Celtic, Cantwell scored his first goal of the season against Sparta Prague in midweek, and it looks as though he is shining under the Belgian.

If the playmaker can displace Sam Lammers and return to his favoured number ten role, the next few months could be profitable for the former Norwich starlet.

Godfrey is an ex-teammate of Cantwell’s and his return to prominence could give the current Everton defender something to think about regarding his next career move, as he could become a key player at Rangers.

Ben Godfrey’s career statistics

The 25-year-old made 78 appearances for Norwich before signing for the Toffees in a £20m deal in October 2020 and he made a solid impression during his maiden season on Merseyside.

Godfrey made 36 appearances across all competitions and he ranked sixth out of the whole squad for accurate passes per game in the Premier League (33.3), along with ranking in the top five for clearances (3.5) and interceptions (1.1) per game, showcasing his growing talent and maturity, while it looked like Everton had a wonderful talent who could become a mainstay in their defence over the years.

79

0

78

5

51

1

15

1

He was even dubbed as a “revelation” by former professional boxer and Everton supporter Tony Bellew, yet just when things were looking rosy at the club, his appearances became less frequent.

Indeed, over the subsequent two seasons, Godfrey made 27 and then just 15 appearances under a succession of managers, with the low point coming during the current term.

His one start came during the EFL Cup clash against Doncaster Rovers as Dyche prefers the likes of James Tarkowski, Michael Keane and Jarrad Branthwaite to play at the heart of the defence.

This opens the door for Rangers, who could rescue the 6 foot gem from what has been a year to forget and give him a platform to showcase his talents.

It has worked extraordinarily well for Cantwell since joining the Gers from Norwich and Godfrey could follow in his footsteps, putting a poor spell behind him in England in order to shine north of the border while challenging for domestic trophies.

Clement still has plenty of time to work out potential transfer targets, but he will be keen on bringing another one or two fresh faces to the club if he aims to end Celtic’s recent domestic hegemony.

It is an exciting time to be a supporter of the Light Blues, especially with the 49-year-old bringing the feel-good factor back to Ibrox and if he can sign someone like Godfrey in the coming months, it will do his reputation no harm at all.

Liverpool will be looking to strengthen the ranks in 2024 and could unearth an exciting new attacking talent to bolster the existing options at Jurgen Klopp's disposal.

After suffering a calamitous 2022/23 campaign that locked the door on a seventh successive Champions League campaign unde Klopp's stewardship, the Merseyside outfit wiped away the sapped midfield and brought in a wealth of new additions.

And despite a testing week at present that has resulted in a Premier League draw away to newly-promoted Luton Town and a chastening defeat against French side Toulouse in the Europa League, Klopp will be convinced that his side can return to winning ways soon.

That being said, more work is needed on the transfer front in 2024 to restore Anfield to its former vigour, and while the priority will likely be on signing a defensive midfielder and left-sided defender, the Reds boss will be eager to fortify his frontline and given the target's youthful years, could be the perfect option.

Liverpool transfer news – Assane Diao

According to Spanish sources, Liverpool are set to rival Chelsea for the signature of Real Betis winger Assane Diao, who has emerged as one of LaLiga's top talents this season.

The Reds have been impressive in the Premier League this season but still need to improve to sustain a title challenge against the likes of Manchester City and Arsenal, with Tottenham Hotspur also in the mix under Ange Postecoglou's guidance.

In the 18-year-old Diao, Klopp could unearth a destructive new force still malleable enough to be sculpted to his own creation, though the German manager will have to meet the player's €30m (£26m) release clause, with Betis eager to agree to a new deal that raises that amount to €40m (£35m).

Assane Diao's style of play

Despite his youthful years, Diao has burst onto the major scene emphatically this season and has already scored four goals across all competitions for the Spanish side despite only playing ten times.

The two-cap Spain U21 international started his career as a midfielder but quickly proved his attacking skills were not to be sniffed at, and having joined Real Betis from fellow Spanish side Cadiz in 2021, has undergone a positional transformation to left wing, which is proving to propel him into first-team contention.

Strengths

Weaknesses

Aerial duels

Ball retention

Dribbling

Finishing

Long shots

*Sourced via WhoScored

While WhoScored has listed Diao's ability to hold onto the ball as a weakness, it is important to remember that he is literally at the start of the embryonic stage of his professional career, and given that he has impressed through his innate striking ability and elegance and effectiveness in dribbling the ball into the danger areas, this is hardly a cause for concern.

Remarked to be having an "incredible time" with his football right now by talent scout Jacek Kulig, Diao has scored twice from only six starting appearances in LaLiga, completing 80% of his passes, succeeding with 54% of his regular dribbling runs and winning 56% of his duels.

As per FBref, the Senegalese-born starlet ranks among the top 2% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for goals, the top 24% for successful take-ons, the top 19% for tackles, the top 11% for interceptions, the top 1% for blocks and the top 6% for aerial wins per 90.

Not only are his prodigious roots tantalising a career of prolific success, but he is also dazzling with his application and work rate, as is evidenced by his eye-catching defensive metrics.

Such qualities are similar to Merseyside-born Premier League star, Antony Gordon, who joined Newcastle United from Everton in a £45m transfer earlier this year.

How Assane Diao compares to Anthony Gordon

Gordon is listed as a similar player to Diao, as per FBref, and it's clear to see why, with the 22-year-old blessed with electric pace himself and a real ball of fire in his craft.

Unbeknownst to many, Gordon actually joined the Goodison Park side from their Anfield rivals as a youngster after being released from Liverpool's youth academy as a young teenager.

Speaking about his past affiliation with the Reds earlier this year, Gordon said: "It was another chance for me to grow. But that was hard. It affected me mentally and dented my confidence. I had to pick myself up and go again. When I got to Everton, I never looked back.”

Whether Liverpool rue the decision is questionable – under Klopp, they have revelled in an illustrious period steeped in offensive fluency – but nonetheless could have made good use of Gordon's ability had he remained on the books.

That can be rectified through the acquisition of Diao, who indeed offers skills to mirror Gordon's, with the Magpies menace ranking among the top 4% for tackles and the top 12% for blocks per 90.

The £60k-per-week wideman has been crucial for Eddie Howe's side this term and has posted four goals and two assists from ten matches in the Premier League, creating five big chances, completing 85% of his passes and succeeding with 58% of his dribbles, as per Sofascore.

Always considered a talented prospect but perhaps criticised for a lack of end product, Gordon is now starting to demonstrate his potential on Tyneside and is a perfect example of allowing players to nurture their core qualities and bloom into formidable forces at their own pace.

Season

Apps

Goals

Assists

G/A rate

23/24

10

4

2

0.60

22/23

32

4

0

0.12

21/22

35

4

2

0.17

20/21

3

0

0

n/a

19/20

11

0

1

0.09

*Statistics sourced via Transfermarkt

Whether Klopp opts to spend the money on Diao with other areas of the pitch requiring work remains to be seen at this point, but it could be a good move to make given that Betis ace would be happy with playing second fiddle to the likes of Luis Diaz at this stage.

With his alacritous motions and innate faculty for finding the back of the net, Diao would be a player worth investing in, and he could grow into one of the Premier League's finest forwards in the future.

Tottenham Hotspur are weighing a winter move for one "really fast" Premier League defender amid injury concerns surrounding Micky van de Ven.

Van de Ven's hamstring woes

Spurs' 4-1 defeat to Chelsea on Monday was the source of bitter disappointment, but not because of the result.

While manager Ange Postecoglou's early-season unbeaten streak came to an unceremonious end, star centre-back van de Ven handed the Australian his biggest worry by far after being forced off with a hamstring injury.

The Dutchman barely managed to limp off the field, needing assistance by Spurs medical staff in a real concern. Tottenham's summer signing has been imperious so far this season, forming a fantastic partnership with Cristian Romero at the heart of Postecoglou's defence.

Reports in the last two days have now suggested that van de Ven won't need surgery on the issue, which will come as a much-needed boost for Spurs, but it is still unclear exactly how long he'll be out for.

We'll know more tomorrow when Postecoglou addresses the media before Tottenham's Premier League encounter against Wolves this weekend, but in the mean time, new sporting director Johan Lange has reportedly been considering solutions in the transfer market.

Tottenham considering Godfrey move

The Lilywhites are now looking at alternative options for January, with Bournemouth defender Lloyd Kelly and Chelsea's Trevoh Chalobah among the names linked recently.

According to 90min, sharing a transfer update this week, Spurs could now move for Everton ace Ben Godfrey, who has found game time difficult to come by at Goodison Park.

The Englishman was once becoming a regular under Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate, even being included in England's provisional squad for Euro 2021.

However, he has since fallen down the pecking order, and it is believed he wishes to reignite his faltering career. Everton, for their part, are open to doing business with interested sides as the January window looms.

Alongside Spurs, Newcastle and other Premier League sides are showing an interest in the 25-year-old, who has been revered for his speed by former teammates.

Godfrey's "rapid" speed can replace van de Ven

Jonjoe Kenny, who now plies his trade for Hertha Berlin in Germany, once called Godfrey a "really fast" and "rapid" player.

“Ben Godfrey catches pigeons, simple as," said the former Everton defender in 2021.

“But when Ben gets going he’s rapid so I don’t know if they have a race or would have a race but yeah, it’s close between them two. Dominic is really quick too but I’d say Ben.”

Alongside Kenny, Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has previously heralded Godfrey as a player, having called him "really good" in 2020 during the defender's Norwich City days.

“I said in the past that we are looking for a centre-back because we are short there," said Ancelotti on Godfrey to talkSPORT.

"He is a really good centre-back, but he is at this moment playing for Norwich, so I can’t say more."

Given Godfrey's pace, which is crucial for a centre-back in Postecoglou's high line, he could actually be an excellent candidate to come as a van de Ven alternative.

Liverpool have enjoyed a strong start to the 2023/24 campaign as they remain in the race for the title alongside the likes of Manchester City and Arsenal after 13 matches.

The Reds are only two points off the top of the table and have lost once in their opening 13 Premier League games, to go along with eight wins and four draws.

Jurgen Klopp has reacted brilliantly to the disappointment of missing out on a top four finish, which resulted in no Champions League football this season, last term and his side are on course to challenge for silverware this time around.

Mohamed Salah has been in top form with a fantastic return of ten goals and five assists in 13 appearances for the Reds, whilst none of his teammates have managed more than four goals or four assists in the top-flight.

Whilst they have also played out wide, Liverpool's two centre-forward options – Darwin Nunez and Diogo Jota – have combined for eight goals in 24 league matches.

Klopp's main goal threat comes from the right wing with Salah and he does not have a consistent number nine who he can rely upon to find the back of the net on a regular basis, which was also the case last season as Nunez plundered nine league goals.

That could change in the future, though, as the Merseyside-based outfit are reportedly interested in a swoop for a prolific teen striker…

Liverpool transfer news – Francesco Camarda

According to 90min, Liverpool are one of a number of clubs interested in signing 15-year-old AC Milan centre-forward Francesco Camarda.

The report claims that Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund, Manchester City, Chelsea, and Paris Saint-Germain are all keen on a deal for the teenage sensation.

It states that the Reds, alongside Premier League rivals City and Chelsea, have made contact with the player's family as they look to convince him to ditch Italy and secure a move to English football to continue his development.

He is not eligible to sign a professional contract with Milan until his 16th birthday in March and this means that clubs have the opportunity to snap him up before then.

However, 90min do add that it is currently likely that Camarda will opt to commit his future to his current side and sign a deal with the Italian giants, who are still concerned about the interest in his services.

This means that it could be difficult for Liverpool to persuade the 15-year-old and his family to make the decision to uproot and move to the Premier League side.

If they are able to do so, though, then the teenage marksman could be a sensational addition to Klopp's squad for the future as he appears to be an outstanding young talent with the potential to develop into the club's next version of Luis Suarez.

Luis Suarez's Liverpool goal record

The Uruguay international, who currently plays for Gremio in Brazil, enjoyed a goal-laden spell in England after his move from Dutch giants Ajax at the start of 2011.

He went on to plunder 82 goals and 46 assists in 133 appearances for the club in all competitions as he proved himself to be a reliable attacking threat for Brendan Rodgers.

Suarez really hit his stride in a Liverpool shirt during the 2012/13 campaign as the talented finisher produced an eye-catching 23 goals and five assists in 33 Premier League matches.

His best season in England, though, came during the following season. The outstanding number nine fired in a sensational 31 goals and assisted 12 for his teammates in 33 top-flight appearances – 43 goal contributions in total.

He completed 2.8 dribbles and made 2.7 key passes per game that term as the wonderful technician excited supporters with his terrific forward play, as the gem was able to beat opposition players, score goals, create chances, and assist his fellow attackers on a regular basis.

Liverpool's current centre-forward options are yet to prove themselves to be reliable outlets in the same way that Suarez was for the club in the past but Camarda is a young talent who has the potential to develop into that calibre of marksman.

Of course, this means that the Reds would be bringing in someone who is not likely to hit the ground running as he is still a youth team player who has not proven himself at first-team level.

That should not put them off swooping for his services, though, as the Milan teenager could be a terrific investment who goes on to be a huge success.

The statistics that show why Camarda could be Suarez 2.0

The 15-year-old ace has already broken a record at senior level for the Italian giants as he became the youngest player in Serie A history with an appearance against Fiorentina at the age of 15 years, 8 months and 15 days on Saturday.

They trusted him to make his debut before even being old enough to put pen to paper on a professional contract with the club and the teenager played 15 minutes of the 1-0 win for Milan.

As you would expect at the age of 15, Camarda struggled and lost all four of his duels whilst he also failed to complete his one attempted dribble in those 15 minutes. It was more about the experience for the young striker and the confidence that could come from being trusted at that age.

He has been a prolific scorer at youth level for Milan and looks to be a sensational prospect who could develop into being a lethal number nine.

Football talent scout Jacek Kulig hailed him as an "unbelievable" talent and, as of the 7th of November, relayed the striker's return of 11 goals in 17 matches at U17 and U19 level combined this season.

90min claimed that the 15-year-old ace has already scored over 400 goals at academy level for the Italian side, despite still having over four years of his teenage years left, and this highlights his remarkable scoring talent.

Camarda has racked up six goals and one assist in four appearances across the Coppa Primavera and UEFA Youth League so far this term, which speaks to his ability to find the back of the net on a regular basis.

His incredible academy goalscoring record, with over 400 strikes, his goal return this season, and his emergence at first-team level at the age of 15 all suggest that he is a supremely talented young number nine with the potential to be a star.

Therefore, Liverpool could unearth their next Suarez and reliable goalscoring centre-forward – for the future – by winning the race to land the record-breaker's signature before March and helping him to develop and hone his skills as an evidently prolific striker.

Manchester United haven't had the greatest recent history when it comes to transfers, with Antony's stats representing a player who is yet to get going at Old Trafford, whilst Andre Onana's mistakes have stolen the headlines at times this season. It is a recruitment issue that the Red Devils must solve if they are to take their place among the Premier League's best sides every season.

When the January transfer window swings open, Erik ten Hag could once again welcome changes when it comes to both departures and incomings. And that could see one particular player depart after his most recent admission regarding game time at Old Trafford.

Man Utd transfer news

Lying outside of the Premier League's top four and on the brink of a Champions League group stage exit, United haven't had the greatest start to the season, with off-field issues such as Jadon Sancho's falling-out with Ten Hag playing a part. Heading into the festive period, the Manchester club will be well aware of the need to pick up some consistency before the January transfer window arrives to potentially deal them a frustrating blow.

Man Utd could ease Eriksen blow by unleashing their "new Van de Beek"

This £250k-p/w midfielder has already been called the “new Donny van de Beek”.

ByAdam Scully Nov 12, 2023

Speaking to De Telegraaf recently, Donny van de Beek admitted his need for minutes on the pitch and hinted at a potential winter exit, saying: "I have to start playing matches very soon, if not at Manchester United, then at another club. I think this is a healthy ambition.

“Look, I’ve always been an enthusiast. I’m absolutely crazy about football. I earn a good living at Manchester United, but money has never been my motivation. I want to enjoy my work every day. Last season, I was sidelined for months due to my knee injury. You miss it terribly and appreciate even more that you have a wonderful profession. I am at a legendary club and I am still proud every day to wear the Manchester United shirt. But I’m bursting with energy now that I’m in great shape again and I’m training like crazy. Then the moment comes when you have to make a choice.

“I’m excited to play matches again. The manager now makes different choices. We have a great selection and I’m not the only one knocking on the door. We’ll see what happens in January.”

"Fantastic" Van de Beek needs move

It just hasn't happened for the Dutchman at Manchester United, as Van de Beek's stats at the club show. The former Ajax man has made just 62 appearances since joining the club in 2020, scoring and assisting just twice each. Van de Beek's price tag of £35m put instant pressure on his shoulders, but whether it's been through not receiving the opportunities or failing to perform, he has not reached the standards that Ten Hag demands.

A move away could revive the midfielder, who earned praise from Frank Lampard while on loan at Everton. Speaking after a clash against Leeds United in 2022, the former manager said (via Manchester Evening News): Him [Van de Beek] and Allan were fantastic, also Donny on the ball giving us a sense of calm and intelligence, and a nice rhythm in the team, and he’s going to get better and better."

Tottenham Hotspur waved goodbye to Harry Kane in the summer. "Please don't go", the stadium seemed to cry. The Spurs faithful ululating as their record goalscorer and arguably greatest ever player rode east toward Germany.

The allure of silverware was too great to resist for a 30-year-old striker considered among the finest of his generation but never winning more than individual accolades for club or country.

It was the end of an era that should have been so much more. Promised so much more. The halcyon days of Mauricio Pochettino's guidance took Spurs within an inch of the ultimate vanquishing of a long trophy drought in the 2019 Champions League final, losing 2-0 to Liverpool.

Further, several late-stage entries in the League Cup and some tremendous Premier League campaigns have ultimately bore no fruits, and Kane's decision was perhaps apt at this stage of his career.

Ange Postecoglou's start to life in Tottenham took a big blow when the England international opted to move to Bayern Munich in August, but Heung-min Son has performed admirably in the centre-forward position this season, scoring eight goals from nine league matches up front.

The South Korean star is not the long-term solution, but he's been sensational and been crucial to his side's resurgence since the summer, with unfortunate luck halting Spurs' table-topping position a week before the November international break.

In the long run, Postecoglou would be delighted to replicate the club's past feat in bringing a homegrown talent in Kane to the fore, and he might be able to achieve just that given the prolific exploits of Will Lankshear in Wayne Burnett's development squad.

Will Lankshear's youth statistics

Tottenham signed Lankshear from Sheffield United for around £2m last summer, with Levy and co perhaps being a little more generous than need be with the payment to blow Brentford's chances of sealing his signature out of the water.

Intriguingly, Kane was released by Arsenal's academy when a youngster before nurturing his skills throughout his formative years with Tottenham, and so too was Lankshear given the chop at Hale End Academy in 2021.

Perhaps the stars are aligning for a fortuitous replication, and if Lankshear's displays in the Premier League 2 are anything to go by, then he certainly boasts the cutting edge in front of goal to grow into a first-class striker, emulating Kane in soaring into the ascendancy with Spurs.

This season, the 18-year-old has clinched six goals and an assist from just seven matches in the league, corroborating Spurs expert John Wenham's claims that he is a "phenomenal" prospect and a "complete out-and-out finisher."

He's also been brilliant in the EFL Trophy with the U21s this term, posting two goals and an assist from only two starting appearances against League One & Two opposition, as per Sofascore.

He's been in fine fettle this year, with the strides taken after a promising maiden year only improving his chances of reaching the top, having scored five goals and supplied two assists from 13 fixtures during the 2021/22 campaign, including six direct contributions from only five appearances in the U18 Premier League.

Lankshear's decision to join Tottenham looks to have been perfect for the development of his skills and pursuit of a place in the Premier League, having also been dubbed an "absolute unit" by Wenham.

He will be confident that he can take the next step in the coming year, though he is certainly not without competition for an elusive place among the seniors…

Alejo Veliz's career so far

While Lankshear is one of the most exciting talents of his age bracket, perhaps even the most exciting attacking talent within Tottenham's ranks, he's certainly not the only exciting prodigy pushing for a place in Postecoglou's senior squad.

Jamie Donley and Dane Scarlett are a few talents on the club's books who will be confident of wedging their way into the first-team reckoning over the coming years, but Lankshear will also have to compete with a player of Alejo Veliz's ilk.

The imposing Argentinan talisman was signed from his homeland this summer, joining for a reported £13m from Rosario Central. While he has yet to make his mark at the club, making three substitute appearances in the English top-flight, he would not have been expected to cement a prominent role in the starting 11 straight away.

Strengths

Weaknesses

Aerial duels

Passing

Finishing

Headed attempts

Long shots

*Sourced via WhoScored

Last season, the 20-year-old plundered 11 goals and one assist from 23 matches in the Liga Profesional and has been hailed in the past for having the makings of a "complete" centre-forward by talent scout Jacek Kulig.

Dominant in the air, the 6 foot 1 starlet ranks among the top 16% of forwards across divisions similar to the Argentina Liga Profesional over the past year for goals, the top 1% for clearances and the top 12% for aerial wins per 90, as per FBref.

His former coach, Adrian Dezotti, has been effusive in Veliz's qualities, saying: “Alejo is really intelligent but also very cunning, mischievous. He has a lot of tricks up his sleeve, a lot of street smarts. He’s a strategist, a quick thinker."

While such a talent might find himself competing with Lankshear for game time under Postecoglou's wing, the emergence of the pair could actually be a fruitful thing for both, with Veliz's aerial prowess and the former Sheffield United lad's innate finishing skills possibly combining to forge a deadly partnership in the future.

And given that Lankshear is also only 18-years-old, he has several years yet to hone his craft and continue his development to cement a spot in the team with regularity, and based on the current trajectory, he may well be the next thing at Tottenham.

Chelsea have quenched their thirst for acquiring a whole host of emerging talent since the arrival of Todd Boehly.

The Blues have scoured Europe to unearth gems, predominantly aged 21 or under, who boast a high ceiling of potential and can direct the club back towards a trophy-laden period under Mauricio Pochettino.

In the summer, this model was particularly prevalent as only three of their 12 signings were older than 23, including Christopher Nkunku, Robert Sanchez and Axel Disasi.

From the evidence of their recruitment, it is no surprise to see the Blues field the youngest squad on average in the Premier League this season (23.7).

If reports linking them to AS Monaco's youngster Malamine Efekele are to be correct, the 19-year-old would bring the average age of their squad down even further.

Chelsea transfer news – Malamine Efekele

According to Foot Mercato [via Football Transfers], Chelsea are one of several clubs scouting winger Efekele after reports emerged of the Blues' interest.

Compared to former Monaco wonderkid, Kylian Mbappe, who left the club to join Paris Saint-Germain for €180m (£157m) in 2018, the Frenchman has been in fine form for the youth teams this term, scoring four goals and supplying five assists.

The Mbappe comparisons run deeper than the fact that Efekele is a lightning-quick winger from Monaco, having also played for AS Bondy, like the PSG star, and was coached by Mbappe’s father, Wilfried, at the club.

Despite admiring the Frenchman's qualities, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has admitted that there have been no concrete talks between Efekele and Chelsea, although several clubs are interested.

Romano said in his Caught Offside Daily Briefing column: “I’ve had some fans ask me about Monaco wonderkid Malamine Efekele and links with Chelsea.

“He’s a very good and interesting talent, but I’m not aware of any concrete talk or link, at this stage. It’s just normal scouting activity by many top clubs, something very normal for talents like Efekele.”

If Chelsea were to secure the wonderkid's signature, it wouldn't be the first time they've utilised the French market, having acquired Benoit Badiashile, Malo Gusto, Disasi and Lesley Ugochukwu in the past year.

However, Blues legend Eden Hazard – who arrived at Stamford Bridge as a 21-year-old in 2012 – is arguably their most successful Ligue 1 export.

Eden Hazard's goal record for Chelsea

Hazard was captured from Lille for a fee in the region of £32m and the rest, as they say, is history.

The brilliant Belgian moved to England on the back of a staggering 20 goals and 18 assists in one campaign for Lille and instantly left his mark at Stamford Bridge by terrorising defences.

In 352 appearances for Chelsea, Hazard enjoyed a glittering career at the club, recording 110 goals and 92 assists as well as scooping a whole host of domestic honours, including two Europa League trophies, an FA Cup and two Premier League titles.

If Efekele was to link up with Pochettino, although he boasts the blistering pace and the fleet-footed nature of Hazard, it would be near impossible for him to eclipse what he achieved at the club.

Despite demonstrating his tremendous talent in the youth setup, Efekele is still yet to make a senior appearance in Ligue 1 at the age of 19.

By contrast, the former Belgium international was already ripping up France's top division at his age, posting 18 goal contributions in the 2010/11 season to help Lille secure their third-ever Ligue 1 title.

When comparing the abilities of both players at a similar age, Hazard was, quite clearly, levels ahead in terms of his development, however, the Monaco youngster could soon see his talents explode on the world stage and reach the potential that the "next Mbappe" tag promises.