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Journalist Ben Jacobs has claimed that Harry Kane is not overly eager to leave Tottenham Hotspur and make a move to mainland Europe.

The Lowdown: Interest not the same on both sides

It has been widely reported that German giants Bayern Munich are interested in Kane as Spurs fail to match the striker’s ambitions in terms of delivering silverware, with the striker now 29 and yet to win a major honour.

Kane is still under contract at Tottenham until the summer of 2024, which means Spurs have no need to rush into a sale, but if they can’t win anything and Antonio Conte decides against extending his stay, the striker may question his own future.

However, with Alan Shearer’s all-time Premier League goalscoring record in his sights, Kane could still decide to stay with Tottenham and perhaps finish his career in north London.

The Latest: Kane not eager to leave Spurs

Despite the reported interest in Kane, Jacobs has insisted on The Done Deal Show that the England captain isn’t itching to secure a move to the Bundesliga.

He said: “Kane is in a very difficult position, but my understanding still remains that he’s not overly enamoured by Bayern Munich. Why would he go to Bayern Munich? Of course, because he’s guaranteed to win – in all likelihood, anyway – a trophy or two there.

“But it’s not just about the trophy for Kane, it’s about the kind of team and the kind of trophy, so Bayern Munich and the Bundesliga is not necessarily something that’s right for him or his family as he approaches 30, and Spurs are taking confidence from that.

“So internally, I’m still told that Tottenham are in no rush and are quite calm about offering and getting Kane to agree to a new deal.”

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The Verdict: Spurs must keep up with Kane

It would be criminal if Kane finished his career without a single trophy as he’s been one of the best strikers the Premier League has ever produced, as shown by his goal tally and assist record.

Therefore, Spurs must ensure they keep serial winner Conte at the helm and bring in more quality players as they have done over the last two transfer windows to show Kane they mean business and want to push for major honours.

Kane has had a pretty torrid time trying to win silverware having played in three finals for club and country while losing all of them without scoring a single goal, so he will only become more frustrated the longer he has to wait for success, which should worry Spurs even if they are confident of fending off interest from Bayern.

It’s no surprise that the German giants are interested in Kane given he is simply a ‘world-class’ player, as Conte has highlighted himself, and it can’t be debated when talking about his talents. However, to be recognised as a great, he surely has to win at least one trophy.

Liverpool have a ‘long-standing interest’ in Wolves and Portugal midfielder Matheus Nunes, according to a claim from reliable journalist James Pearce.

The Lowdown: Liverpool backed to sign Nunes

The Reds’ midfield has been a major issue all season long, with the likes of Fabinho, Jordan Henderson and Thiago overrun all too often.

It is pivotal that Jurgen Klopp is given the funds to make several additions in that area, either this month or over the summer, and Nunes has emerged as a target recently.

The 24-year-old only completed a move to Wolves last year, but it could be that Liverpool swoop once this season reaches its denouement.

The Latest: Pearce drops Nunes transfer claim

Taking to Twitter on Saturday in sharing a corresponding article for The Athletic that he co-authored with Steve Madeley, Pearce confirmed the Reds’ interest in Nunes.

In sharing the piece to social media, he posted the caption:

“Matheus Nunes is set to walk out at Anfield tonight. It could happen regularly next season as #LFC have a long-standing interest in the Portugal international.”

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The Verdict: Nunes has already shone at Anfield

Liverpool fans got the opportunity to see Nunes close up on Saturday night as Klopp’s men drew 2-2 at home to Wolves in the FA Cup third round.

The Portuguese dynamo may only have been introduced as a second-half substitute but he was excellent, waltzing through the Reds’ midfield at times and looking like a class act.

Nunes won six out of seven ground duels and made one key pass when he came on, and on this evidence, he is someone who could add some much-needed younger legs and quality in the middle of the park at Anfield if Liverpool were to act upon their reported interest and sign him in 2023.

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West Bromwich Albion are reportedly interested in Leyton Orient youngster Daniel Nkrumah and the teenager could prove to be a repeat of Brandon Thomas-Asante at the Hawthorns.

According to journalist Alan Nixon, West Brom and Middlesbrough are battling it out to sign the youngster this month, with an enquiry having already been made by the Baggies.

Nkrumah only broke into Leyton Orient’s first team last season, making seven appearances for the O’s in all competitions, but he has been sent out on loan to Welling United in the National League South recently, with Richie Wellens no doubt prioritising the club’s automatic promotion push rather than developing youngsters at this moment in time.

The forward boasts one goal in his four appearances for Welling and recently saw his loan extended until the end of the campaign, so it will be interesting to see how he develops in the sixth tier over the next few months.

Upon signing his first professional contract at Brisbane Road, Nkrumah earned plenty of praise from former manager Kenny Jackett.

He said:

“We felt he excelled in pre-season and has regularly been training with the first team group. Although he’s still 17 years old, we felt he had earned a professional deal, and to continue to aid his progress in every way he can.”

“He has a great attitude, he’s humble and he’s hard-working. These are good qualities if you want to make it, so I’m looking forward to working with him.”

Should he complete a move to Carlos Corberan’s side this month, he will be aiming to follow in the footsteps of Thomas-Asante, who has adapted to the Championship extremely well after impressing in League Two with Salford City.

The 24-year-old striker has seven goals in his first 19 appearances for the Baggies and looks set to be an important part of Corberan’s side as West Brom look to continue their surge up the Championship table.

Like Nkrumah, the young striker spent time out on loan in non-league but didn’t really pull up any trees, only really coming to the fore for Salford last season in the fourth tier.

Therefore, with the right development, there seems no reason why Nkrumah can’t progress in the same way as Thomas-Asante and become a big success with the Baggies in the future, should Lai Guochuan complete a deal for him this month.

Brentford are in desperate need of another star striker.

Their current forward, 26-year-old Ivan Toney, was injured at the start of January but has returned to fitness, although is still at the centre of a controversy. The attacker Toney has been charged by the FA over 262 breaches of betting regulations.

This is likely to result in a significant playing ban if he is found guilty and with him being Brentford’s only out-and-out striker, it means the Bees are lacking depth in this position and thus, will urgently need to bolster the team with a new striker.  We have scouted two strikers who could be a good fit for the club playing alongside Bryan Mbeumo or Ivan Toney.

How essential is Toney to Brentford?

Toney has consistently shown his star quality since signing for Brentford in 2020, playing a substantial role in ending Brentford’s Championship playoff heartbreak. Toney has scored 12 goals in 16 games and contributed to over half of Brentford’s goals this season, putting him third in the race for the Golden Boot.

He has great linkup play with strike partner Bryan Mbeumo and goalkeeper David Raya who sends countless long balls to the former Peterborough man.  As vice-captain for the team, Toney also has a key leadership role within the squad. Brentford face a serious challenge in maintaining their excellent form without their main source of goals.  The Bees don’t have another prolific goalscorer and need to find a new striker fast.

Toney in Trouble

Toney has been charged by the FA over breaching betting regulations and was required to provide a response to the charges on 4th January 2023.  Thomas Frank backed him, however, promising his total support and paid tribute to Toney’s mental strength after he missed out on World Cup selection with England.

Frank was quoted in the Express: “I can only praise Ivan for his mentality and his character.  He is in many ways unique. His ability to have that laser focus going into the game, fulfilling his role in the team, is remarkable.”

Kieran Trippier was found guilty of four betting charges that breached FA regulations and was banned for ten weeks a number of years ago. Frank responded to questions about the betting charges, saying:

“I have been assisting the Football Association with their inquiries and will not be making any comment until such an investigation has reached its conclusion”.

In other events, Toney was pulled over by the Police in April 2022 because his £160,000, green, G-class SUV Mercedes had dangerous, overly-tinted windows and a personalised number plate, reading IVAN 17, that breaches DVLA rules.

The case was brought to Bromley Magistrates Court in December; where Toney was convicted of using a vehicle in a condition likely to cause danger of injury and driving a vehicle when the registration mark failed to conform with regulations. He was ordered to pay fines totalling £540, plus a £54 victim surcharge and £100 in costs.

The Premier League footballer was also given three penalty points on his licence.  Giving evidence to the court, PC George Anckorn said: “The driver’s attitude was poor. He was rude and obstructive to police. He did not care.”

With a recent injury and at risk of a playing ban, it is very uncertain whether Toney will be able to play for much of the rest of the season.  The January transfer window is strategically crucial for Brentford who will need to sign another star striker in order to have a hope of maintaining their position in the Premier League.

Who should the Bees sign?

Junior Adamu

Adamu is a 21-year-old playing for RB Salzburg in the Austrian Bundesliga. He has 14 goal contributions so far this season. Adamu offers something different to Toney because he is not an out-and-out target man but looks to come onto balls played through the defence then attacks using his pace and excellent dribbling ability.  He is an exciting prospect who is not phased by one on one clashes with defenders.  Both Adamu and Toney are good in aerial duels but unlike Toney, Adamu doesn’t like to hold up the ball.

Valued at only€8m by Transfermarkt, Adamu would be a good signing for Frank’s side even if Toney continued to play.  He would be a good backup for Toney and add depth to the squad as well as being another good source of goals. West Ham and Leeds United had already taken an interest in the Salzburg man last summer. With Champions League experience too, Adamu is used to playing big matches that come thick and fast in the Premier League.

H ticks all the boxes for what Brentford need in a new striker and he will grow under the guidance of Frank. The price tag may well actually be around the €15m mark but this signing would still represent excellent value for Brentford.

Mathys Tel

Tel is the next big thing, but you just don’t know him yet. He is a 17-year-old French striker currently being nurtured at Bayern Munich. He’s scored three goals in the Bundesliga this season for Bayern Munich and grabbed another in the DFB-Pokal.

Tel is Bayern’s youngest-ever goalscorer and is already a complete forward; which is why, at such a young age, he’s breaking into one of the most star-studded squads in Europe. He is good technically, extremely athletic and has bags of self-confidence. He can play across the front line but prefers the left side. Like Adamu, Tel is also very speedy with his game being compared to that of Thierry Henry as a result.

His potential appears to be limitless and he will probably stay at Bayern Munich to become a world-beater. However, Brentford have been good at producing amazing strikers so he might be tempted to join the club, perhaps on a loan deal.

Being a major prospect, Tel would be a statement signing for The Bees, one that would be very exciting to see. The London club have previously pulled off signings that you wouldn’t expect, such as Christian Eriksen, showing that the outfit can attract players of a high calibre. Tel is an unlikely signing but you can never count Brentford out.

Conclusion

Both Adamu and Tel are great options for Brentford, but Tel is unlikely to want to leave Bayern Munich and Brentford will likely be conservative if they do buy a striker.

Therefore Adamu looks to be the most likely candidate to move to West London. Brentford have also been linked with Sunderland striker Ross Stewart, currently averaging a goal every 90 minutes in the Championship.  He is good in aerial duels and is very dangerous in the box but Stewart is arguably not ready for the demands of pacy, end-to-end Premier League games week after week.

The Black Cats’ star would reportedly cost £7m but first and foremost, we will have to wait and see if Toney is allowed to play and whether Brentford are in the market for a new striker.

Chelsea have not been afraid to splash the cash in the January transfer window as Todd Boehly has heavily backed manager Graham Potter in the market.

Noni Madueke was officially unveiled on Friday night and the winger joins David Fofana, Benoit Badiashile, Andrey Santos, Mykhailo Mudryk, and Joao Felix in arriving at Stamford Bridge this month.

However, that may not be the end of the club’s business in the transfer market as they could look to strengthen their options in the middle of the park.

Jorginho is out of contract at the end of the season and Chelsea could wave bye-bye to the Italian international, whether that is this month or in the summer upon the expiry of his deal, by signing a replacement for him in the coming weeks.

Boehly could now replace the former Napoli maestro by reigniting his interest in snapping up Enzo Fernandez. Fabrizio Romano revealed, earlier this month, that the Blues agreed personal terms with the central midfielder before talks broke down with Benfica over a transfer fee, with the gem’s release clause sitting at €120m (£105m).

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, journalist Dean Jones said that he would not rule out the club going back in with another swoop for the Argentine star. The reporter said:

“I’ve spoken to a couple of people around Chelsea who say, while it is unlikely at the moment, they don’t have a new plan to go and fix that midfield problem they’ve got.

“So if the alternative fallback options to Enzo Fernandez don’t come off, they might go back in for him again.”

Chelsea must now reignite their interest in the Argentina international as his form for Benfica this season indicates that he could be an excellent replacement for Jorginho.

In the Premier League this season, the current Blues midfielder has averaged a Sofascore rating of 6.88 across 17 appearances – making 3.3 tackles and interceptions and 0.4 key passes per match.

Fernandez, meanwhile, has averaged a score of 7.44 in 15 outings for Benfica in the Portuguese top-flight. The 22-year-old has made 3.2 tackles and interceptions and 1.8 key passes per game in Liga Portugal, which suggests that the gem could offer a similar level of defensive protection whilst being significantly more creative in possession in comparison to Jorginho if he can adapt to English football.

Journalist Roy Nemer claimed that the midfielder can be a “game-changer” and his creativity from the middle of the park could allow him to win matches for Chelsea, whilst his strength off the ball means that he can make an impact at both ends of the pitch.

Therefore, the Blues could easily wave bye-bye to Jorginho with no worries about their options in his position by signing Fernandez to be an outstanding player for Potter to work with moving forwards.

Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has revealed that the agent of Eduardo Camavinga has denied talk that his client could join Arsenal on loan this January.

What’s the word?

The Real Madrid midfielder has been linked with a move to the Gunners of late, with reports claiming the Premier League club wanted to make the 20-year-old their “surprise” winter ambition.

The Gunners certainly look to be in the market for a new midfielder too, with West Ham United’s Declan Rice said to be a key target in the summer.

And so, in theory, Camavinga could join on loan now to help with the club’s title ambitions before then going back to Madrid, leaving space for Rice to join ahead of the start of next season.

However, while speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano has revealed that a deal doesn’t seem realistic at this stage.

Indeed, the journalist explained (1:26): “The agent Joshua Barnett told me no way for Arsenal loan or Chelsea loan or any other club.

“Because many clubs in Europe, all the top clubs in Europe, want Camavinga but Real Madrid are very happy with him and Camavinga is very happy with Real Madrid. So, no way.”

Too good to be true

Camavinga certainly would be an exciting name to bring to the Emirates before the transfer window slams shut at the end of the month. After all, as per Squawka, he has won more duels per 90 than any other player with 360+ minutes in La Liga or the Premier League so far this season.

Still, it sounds as though the Real Madrid ace won’t be allowed to go with Carlo Ancelotti backing up Romano’s reporting, as he recently told the press: “We will not let Camavinga leave, he’s untouchable, like [Luka] Modric and Toni Kroos.”

Saying that though, the Frenchman has started just five league games so far this season. So it’s not as if he’s quite like Modric or Kroos. And if the youngster feels as though he would prefer to move to try and get more minutes, Arsenal could be an attractive proposition.

Still, for now, everything seems to suggest a loan won’t be happening but you can never say never in the world of football.

Liverpool have found themselves unable to retain their domestic dominance over the Premier League season so far and Jurgen Klopp will be hoping that a much-needed refresh in the summer will get the club back where they belong and competing at the highest level.

The Reds are currently ninth in the top-flight table due to a disappointing run of poor performances that have led to the side falling 10 points behind in the race to secure a Champions League qualifying spot inside the top four after 19 outings.

Indeed, the powerbrokers at Anfield have rebuilt the attacking threat with the acquirement of Luis Diaz, Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo over the last 12 months, however, the increasingly dire situation in midfield remains to be solved.

James Milner, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are all set to leave the club at the end of the season when their contracts expire whilst remaining midfielders Jordan Henderson and Thiago Alcantara are both well into their 30s at this point, leaving just Fabinho as the most experienced player that will likely be part of the future in the centre of the pitch.

As a result, the signing of more than one high-quality midfielder will be imperative in their pursuit to improve and compete with the likes of Arsenal, Manchester United and Manchester City domestically going forward.

One player who has been linked with a move to Merseyside this month is Fiorentina midfielder Sofyan Amrabat and after it was reported that Liverpool have cooled their interest in Moises Caicedo, he could be the dream alternative.

Over 16 Serie A appearances, the 26-year-old talent – hailed as “outstanding” by Joe Cole – has tallied up an impressive 90% pass completion rate and successfully completed 58% of his dribbles, as well as averaging 40.7 accurate passes, 1.1 tackles, 53.8 touches and 2.8 duels per game.

Not only that, the Moroccan international ranks in the top 10% of his positional peers across the top five European leagues for passes attempted, pass completion and progressive passes, whilst ranking in the top 17% for blocks.

Amrabat’s ability to read games, offer good defensive traits and make incisive passes in the centre of the pitch made him one of the stand-out performers at the FIFA World Cup 2022 and clearly what helped him catch the eye of the recruitment and scouting team at Anfield.

With that being said, if Liverpool could acquire the services of Amrabat in their midfield recruitment drive it would be a major coup as he could be a valuable asset to Klopp in his pursuit to build the next generation of success.

Glasgow Rangers manager Michael Beale has been gifted a big opportunity to snap up one of their reported targets for the January transfer window…

What’s the talk?

Fulham have officially confirmed that central midfielder Josh Onomah has been released after a mutual decision to terminate his contract.

This means that the 25-year-old talent is now available to interested parties on a free transfer and could be signed beyond the deadline, as his deal was ripped up before the end of the window.

Last month, Football Insider reported that Gers manager Michael Beale was eyeing up a possible swoop for the former England U21 international.

An opening emerges

Six teams are reportedly eyeing a deal to sign Onomah and Beale must now reignite his interest in bringing the gem to Ibrox in the coming hours of the window as it could be a shrewd move by the Light Blues.

Ryan Jack, Scott Arfield, and Steven Davis are all out of contract at the end of the season and signing the former Fulham talent, alongside Belgian gem Nicolas Raskin, could represent a changing of the guard in midfield for the club.

The three aforementioned players are all in their 30s and will all be older than 32 by the end of the campaign, which indicates that it could be time for Beale to inject some younger players into the mix in that position.

Onomah, 25, fits the bill and his availability on a free transfer also means that his arrival would be a low-risk, high-reward, deal for Ross Wilson to make.

The central midfielder, who journalist Josh Bunting once stated has “huge potential”, has 26 Premier League appearances and nine caps for his country at U21 level under his belt. He has also played 99 matches in the Championship – scoring eight goals and providing 12 assists – and been promoted twice from the division. 

Onomah, who has been capped by England at six different age groups, is an experienced player in the top two tiers of English football and is at a great age at 25, as the gem still has plenty of time to develop and improve.

Beale could take the talented midfielder on as a player who could make an immediate impact on the pitch but also a signing with one eye on the future, with potential exits for Jack, Arfield, and Davis on the cards heading into the summer.

Journalist Alasdair Gold has predicted that Ryan Sessegnon will start over Ivan Perisic for Tottenham Hotspur in their game on Sunday afternoon.

What’s the word?

Despite having only played Manchester City a matter of weeks ago, the two sides meet yet again in the Premier League this weekend.

That time out Spurs squandered a two-goal lead at halftime to lose 4-2, this time around Antonio Conte’s men will hope to perform much better in front of their own fans.

The club’s Italian manager likely won’t be at the stadium after having to have surgery to remove his gallbladder but he still would have been involved in picking the team with assistant Cristian Stellini who will coach the team in Conte’s absence.

Between the two, they will have some big decisions as to who should start this game and perhaps the biggest area of doubt comes on the left flank.

Writing before the game, Gold predicted on football.london, that Perisic’s poor display at the Etihad could cost him his spot with Sessegnon getting the start.

The journalist said: “At left wing-back between Ivan Perisic and Ryan Sessegnon. The Croatian had a nightmare against City at the Etihad Stadium but the faster Sessegnon has not been in top form in recent weeks.”

Gold’s team full was: “Lloris; Romero, Dier, Davies; Emerson, Bentancur, Hojbjerg, Sessegnon; Kulusevski, Kane, Son”.

Important decisions

Perisic did keep his spot in the team the following week and helped Spurs pick up all three points and keep a clean sheet against Fulham with a 1-0 win away from home.

However, his outing at the Etihad was pretty dismal. Indeed, after that game journalist Rob Guest noted that the 23-year-old was at fault for three City goals with Riyad Mahrez getting the better of him on multiple occasions.

Conte may well be wary of a similar issue occurring in this game and so it would make sense to bring in Sessegnon. After all, in his last league start – the 2-0 home loss against Arsenal – he made three tackles and wasn’t dribbled past once despite facing up against the likes of Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard (via SofaScore).

West Ham United will attempt to claim successive victories in the Premier League for just the second time this season when they make the trip north to face high-flying Newcastle United at St James’ Park this evening.

The Hammers have fallen from their pedestal under David Moyes this season, teetering precariously above the relegation zone by just one point and two places prior to the start of today’s action.

Having qualified for the Europa League and the Europa Conference League across the past two campaigns, the Irons now face a battle to remain in the English top flight for next season.

Moyes did earn some welcome respite by defeating lowly Everton 2-0 in the Premier League last time out, a result which preceded an FA Cup victory over Derby County on Monday night, with the resurgent Jarrod Bowen netting three of the four goals during this period.

A trip to Tyneside represents a far more challenging obstacle for West Ham, though, with Eddie Howe’s high fliers perched in third place in the league and into the final of the Carabao Cup. Therefore, Moyes will need to ensure that his side are at their very best if they are to continue their winning streak.

Here is how Football FanCast expects the Irons manager to deploy his starting line-up for the encounter at St James’ Park, with five changes from Monday’s cup win at Derby…

West Ham predicted starting XI v Newcastle – Fabianski; Kehrer, Ogbonna, Aguerd; Coufal, Paqueta, Rice, Emerson; Bowen, Benrahma; Antonio

Established as first choice and “excellent” – as once heralded by Moyes – Lukasz Fabianski will likely come back into the team between the sticks after being rested in favour of Alphonso Areola on Monday night.

Right wing-back Ben Johnson started against the Rams but will likely be replaced by Vladimir Coufal, who has started the last five league outings in succession, while Emerson will hold his position on the opposite flank.

With the east Londoners short on central defensive options, the triad of Thilo Kehrer, Angelo Ogbonna and Nayef Aguerd which started in the FA Cup will maintain their places against the Magpies.

In midfield, Declan Rice will return alongside £51m summer arrival Lucas Paqueta, with the dynamic duo holding the centre during the recent league win over Everton. That means Flynn Downes will be pushed back to the bench after earning a rare start against Derby, with Tomas Soucek also dropping out.

Bowen will almost certainly maintain his starting berth on the right-hand side of attack after scoring three goals from his past two appearances. On the other side, Said Benrahma’s inclusion in place of Pablo Fornals – who failed to have a single shot last Monday – might just sprinkle a bit of flair against a resilient Newcastle backline, the stingiest in the Premier League with just 11 goals shipped.

With £15m January signing Danny Ings sidelined due to injury, veteran forward Michael Antonio is expected to lead the line again, with his physicality perhaps well suited to posing a threat to a resolute Magpies backline.