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Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins features on Tottenham Hotspur’s list of transfer targets, according to Spanish outlet Fichajes.

The lowdown

Villa paid what was a club-record fee of £28million to sign Watkins from Brentford in September 2020 (via BBC Sport).

He’s gone on to score 16 goals in his first 44 appearances for Dean Smith’s side (via Transfermarkt).

Match of the Day pundit Alan Shearer, who knows a thing or two about sticking the ball in the back of the net, has described the Englishman as ‘magnificent’.

He still has four years left on the £75,000-per-week contract he signed upon his arrival in the Midlands.

The latest

Spurs are said to be in the process of a devising a ‘template’ to turn the team into title contenders from next season.

They see a need for reinforcements at the top end of the pitch, either as support or a replacement for Harry Kane.

Watkins is on their ‘list of options’ because his profile ‘fits perfectly with the sporting plan that the team has’.

Villa, though, are described as ‘a complicated club to negotiate with’ and will demand a hefty fee.

The verdict

Watkins is a 25-year-old, excellent all-round striker with multiple years to run on his deal. Villa should be slapping a price-tag of more than £50million on his head.

It’s also worth noting that he probably wouldn’t view Spurs as much of an upgrade right now. After a run of three straight defeats, they look in a bad way, while there’s a sense of an upward trajectory at Villa Park.

In other news, this three-word message saw Villa fans erupt. 

As per 90min, a shock transfer claim has come out of West Ham United involving former Liverpool star and Paris-Saint Germain midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum.

The Lowdown: Agents approach Moyes…

As confirmed by the boss himself, agents have already been attempting to offer their top players to both manager David Moyes and West Ham United (football.london).

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The Scotsman’s candid admission in a recent press conference perhaps exemplifies his side’s season so far and how they’re continuing to defy expectation, with West Ham currently still fighting on all fronts.

As the January window looms, the Hammers’ top priorities appear to be an emergency centre-half and the continued pursuit of a back-up striker to Michail Antonio (The Daily Mail).

However, that hasn’t stopped them from being tipped to bolster their midfield too, with 90min now sharing some surprise news.

The Latest: West Ham approached over Wijnaldum…

As per the outlet and reporter Graeme Bailey, West Ham and Moyes have been ‘approached’ by representatives of PSG player Wijnaldum just months after his move to the Parc des Princes from Liverpool.

His agents are apparently ‘working on finding him a potential loan move in the new year’ with West Ham among those to have been offered the 31-year-old alongside ‘more than half the Premier League’.

The Irons’ stance is not yet clear as they have allegedly refused to rule out the possibility of signing him temporarily in January.

The Verdict: Get it done?

Capable of playing further forward in the attacking midfield positions, Wijnaldum is arguably proven in the English top flight and could come as a cheaper alternative to target Jesse Lingard – especially on loan.

The 85-cap ace, called ‘sensational’ by Reds boss Jurgen Klopp, has scored an impressive 26 goals over those appearances for the Netherlands – potentially highlighting his threat going forward.

Despite playing a bit-part role under Mauricio Pochettino this season, he’s still managed to make his mark in the Champions League group stages with two goals, all while averaging an impressive 91% pass accuracy in midfield – more than any West Ham regular domestically with over two starts (WhoScored).

The only big caveat could be his reported £165,000-per-week wages, over £40,000 more than what West Ham’s current highest earner, Kurt Zouma, is taking home (spotrac).

In other news: ‘Oh my’, ‘Yes yes yes’…ExWHUemployee news on ‘perfect’ striker has these West Ham fans talking, find out more here.

According to a report from Spanish outlet Sport, Tottenham Hotspur are interested in signing Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger. 

The lowdown: Time to say goodbye…

Amidst the takeover chaos at Stamford Bridge, players such as Rudiger are fast approaching the end of their current contracts and no new deals appear to be forthcoming.

Set to become a free agent at the end of the season (Transfermarkt), multiple clubs across Europe are likely to be closely monitoring Rudiger’s situation in west London given his form in the last couple of seasons.

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The Spanish press are even claiming Rudiger is all but certain to leave the club due to the uncertainty around their ownership, and have now name-checked Tottenham as an interested party.

The latest: ‘Meeting’ held

As per the report from Sport, Spurs boss Antonio Conte is believed to have held a ‘meeting’ with the 29-year-old Germany international regarding a possible move to the Lilywhites.

It’s claimed that a demand of €7million (£5.7million) per year salary has priced Barcelona out of the running but Manchester United are in the mix.

There is also interest from Paris Saint-Germain in the centre-back lauded as ‘fearless’ by Garth Crooks following the recent 6-0 rout over Southampton.

The verdict: Elite performer

Signing the man valued at £31.5million for free in the summer would undoubtedly be a superb piece of business by Fabio Paratici.

When compared to leading Tottenham defender Cristian Romero this season using WhoScored, Rudiger slightly outperforms the Argentinian with a rating of 6.92 to Romero’s 6.91 but falls short of the Spurs man when it comes to average numbers of tackles (1.3) and interceptions (0.9) per appearance.

However, the powerful 6 foot 3 50-cap star has scored three Premier League goals in 2021/22, proving to be a threat in both boxes, and would offer an unprecedented boost to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium squad without the requirement of a lofty transfer fee.

The fact that he has experience playing the left-sided centre-back role Conte is searching for is just the cherry on top.

In other news: Report makes exiting swap deal claim! Find out more here.

As per reliable reporter Scott Burns, writing for the Scottish Daily Express, some news has come to light on Southampton’s transfer plans for January involving Rangers star Joe Aribo.

The Lowdown: Semmens eyeing winter moves?

As the winter window looms, Southampton chief Martin Semmens, who oversees the club’s transfer activity, has already hinted that the Saints could be active business-wise as he aims to bolster manager Ralph Hasenhuttl’s chances of Premier League survival.

Sitting just six points above the drop zone, Hasenhuttl’s men will potentially be looking to strengthen if the right opportunity arises, with links emerging to a few names like Angers wonderkid Mohamed-Ali Cho.

Now, as per an update from north of the border, another claim has emerged on the Saints’ transfer plans.

The Latest: Semmens eyeing Aribo bid…

According to Burns, Southampton, and by extension Semmens, are ‘weighing up a move’ for Gers star Aribo and they even had a representative sent to watch him in action at the weekend.

Standing out for the Teddy Bears this season, Southampton already have a number of reports on the midfielder as they keep tabs on his situation ahead of January.

The Verdict: Time to move?

The 25-year-old has been one of Rangers’ players of the season so far, making more SPFL appearances than anyone in their squad so far whilst averaging the second-highest rate of dribbles completed per 90 and scoring the second-most goals (WhoScored).

His contract is also expiring in 18 months, putting some pressure on the Ibrox side to contemplate a sale while they still can.

The Nigeria international, lauded as ‘red hot’ by pundit Gabriel Agbonlahor for his form this season, could well be an astute purchase for Southampton if they can negotiate a realistic price.

In other news: ‘Worst player we have’…Southampton fans blast ‘terrible’ player after recent ‘stinker’, find out more here.

Aston Villa look set to pip the likes of Chelsea and Everton by winning the race for Dundee United defender Kerr Smith.

That’s according to The Daily Record’s Scott Burns, with a number of Villa fans reacting to the news on social media.

Villa have lost a centre-back this month with Axel Tuanzebe cutting his season-long loan short in order to join Napoli but appear to be closing in on Everton left-back Lucas Digne.

That leaves Steven Gerrard with Kortney Hause, Ezri Konsa and Tyrone Mings as senior options, but it appears as if they will bolster their academy ranks with the acquisition of Smith.

Burns has revealed that Johan Lange has struck an agreement with Dundee United for the 17-year-old centre-back in a deal that could rise to £2m.

Smith is now set to travel to the Midlands to undergo a medical and finalise a ‘dream move’, with Villa pipping the likes of Chelsea, Crystal Palace, Everton and Southampton.

The youngster will initially integrate with Villa’s Under-23 side, despite making 12 senior appearances for Dundee United.

Villa fans react

@villareport shared the update regarding Smith on Twitter. This is what these fans had to say in reply, with one labelling the defender as a ‘beast’.

“£2m? Scottish club? Tasty”

Credit: @Jannetts_

“He’s a beast on football manager, so I’m more than ok with this”

Credit: @DaleAC93

“BOOM! Love this.”

Credit: @PhilHRoberts

“Him, Digne and a DM and I’m absolutely buzzing, 10/10”

Credit: @TomC2312_AVFC

“Good deal, very good deal”

Credit: @_VillaJack

“my football manager CB hero coming home, there’s a tear in my eye”

Credit: @tiwari0216

In other news: ‘This is a shock’ – Many Villa fans ‘buzzing’ as club confirm ‘big’ news. 

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Ewan Henderson is set to sign a new three-and-a-half-year contract with Celtic, sources have told Football FanCast.

The youngster’s current deal expires in the summer with Henderson concerned about the amount of midfielders at the club and the pathway to the first team.

Those issues affected the development of his older brother Liam, who left Celtic a year ago for Bari before moving on to Verona.

Brendan Rodgers gave Ewan his first team debut last season, a month after his 18th birthday, and has gone out of his way to make him feel wanted.

The Celtic boss took the younger Henderson brother to Dubai with the first team squad then gave him game time in the matches against Airdrie and St Mirren. Against Airdrie he sent through the pass for Timo Weah to score his first Celtic goal.

With a new contract settling his future, Henderson will be looking to build on his recent first team appearances before assessing his prospects for next season.

Despite his obvious ability Henderson has only made four appearances for Scotland’s U17 and U19 squads.

With the international break now over, Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa will be hoping to continue the momentum that his team built up following their first win of the Premier League season last time out against Watford.

The Whites secured all three points thanks to a first half strike from Diego Llorente, and they head into today’s game at St Mary’s no doubt keen on making it back-to-back victories.

Bielsa will have some big calls to make in terms of his team selection, and he could look to make a bold decision on one of his key men in Stuart Dallas.

The Northern Ireland international played all 38 games in the Premier League last season for the Yorkshire club – in fact, the versatile ace only missed nine minutes of action in the top flight, when he came off against Leicester back in early November.

He completed a sweep of the club awards for his performances, winning Goal of the Season, Players’ Player of the Year and the Player of the Year – a real indication of the kind of impressive displays he put in, and the high esteem in which his teammates hold him.

With his ability to play virtually anywhere across the pitch, Dallas is a manager’s dream, and it’s no surprise that Bielsa himself has made it clear just how much he rates him.

He said: “I had a player like Dallas before in Javier Zanetti, and Julio Saldana when I had my first experience of management at Newell’s Old Boys. Those two players are very like Dallas in terms of their versatility.

“Dallas is a very potent, powerful player and can play with either foot. In the majority of the games that the team has played, he has been one of our best players.”

However, he simply hasn’t been at his best recently, with no goals whatsoever in his eight Premier League appearances thus far and just the one assist to his name – to put that into context, Dallas netted a whopping eight times in the top flight last term, finishing as the club’s joint-second highest scorer.

His performance against Watford last time out was yet again below par, with Leeds Live’s Beren Cross giving him a measly six in his post-match player ratings (the joint-lowest of any player) as he wrote: “Some promising signs again through the middle, but final product is off, whether it’s the final ball or a shot. Had several chances to score around the edge of the box and only tested Ben Foster once.”

Whether it’s through personal issues or even just a case of burnout and needing a real break to recharge his batteries, the £35k-a-week earner just simply hasn’t been up to scratch lately, and it’s high time that Bielsa makes a ruthless call and axes one of his most trusted lieutenants.

Meanwhile, Phil Hay has delivered an encouraging pre-match boost about Kalvin Phillips…

West Ham are likely to spend big on a new striker in the January transfer window, according to former England striker Kevin Phillips.

The Lowdown: Slight dip for Hammers

David Moyes’ side have enjoyed a superb start to the season, sitting fourth in the Premier League and reaching the last 16 of the Europa League. However, the Hammers have lost back-to-back league games since the international break, suffering defeats away to Wolves and Manchester City.

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This mini-slump needs to come to an end at home to Brighton on Wednesday if the Irons are to avoid slipping out of the top four and scuppering their chances of bettering last season’s sixth-placed finish.

The Latest: Phillips tips new striker to come in

It could be that fresh blood is required to take the team forward in January, as the fixtures come thick and fast and squad depth is tested, especially with European commitments in the early months of 2022 as well.

Speaking to Football Insider, Phillips tipped West Ham to sign a big-money striker in order to ease the burden on sole centre-forward Michail Antonio. He said:

“They need to invest in a striker in January. I know there will be plenty of people who argue they don’t need to because they have done very well considering but they haven’t got any backup for [Michail] Antonio.

“When it gets to the second part of the season, the weather changes and the games come thick and fast. Players pick up knows after playing so many games.

“It would be sensible to look at that area to bring someone in. Sign someone who will push and cover for Antonio.

“I know Kretinsky has said there won’t be lots of spending but I’m sure there will be money available. If David Moyes goes and says, ‘I’ve identified a player who can come in and challenge in that area.’ Then the club will back him.

“Why wouldn’t they considering what he has done and where they are? They could potentially finish in the Champions League spots.

“It wouldn’t surprise me if they went out and splashed £20-25million to bring in competition for that area.”

The Verdict: Would be a wise decision

It could be a grave error if another striker doesn’t come in at West Ham during the January window, potentially costing the Hammers dearly both domestically and in Europe.

As Phillips has said, it is unfair to rely too much on Antonio, who has had injury problems in the past and is now 31 years of age. The Jamaican’s form has also tailed off significantly since a sublime start to the season.

Basel striker Arthur Cabral is someone who has been linked with a move to east London and he could be perfect, offering Moyes an extra option who’s young and in red-hot form, having scored 14 Swiss Super League goals already this season.

In other news, West Ham have been linked with signing a Premier League player in January. Find out who it is here.

Fabrizio Romano has dropped a key update in Manchester United’s pursuit of Ajax boss Erik ten Hag.

The Lowdown: United closing in…

The Red Devils appear to be closing in on bringing Ten Hag to Old Trafford after holding ‘positive’ discussions last month.

Sky Sports revealed on Wednesday evening that the Red Devils, who have also spoken to Mauricio Pochettino, are now close to finalising a move for Ten Hag.

The report claims sources from the Dutchman’s camp have shared details regarding a compensation package and how Ten Hag will be announced after impressing United chiefs in an interview.

The Latest: Romano’s big update

Romano has now weighed in with a significant update on Ten Hag moving to England, posting on Twitter on Thursday morning.

He insisted that interim manager Ralf Rangnick has given his approval over a move for the 52-year-old in ‘private conversations’.

“While Man Utd sources insist no final agreement has been reached yet with any manager, even Rangnick has approved Erik ten Hag in private conversations.

“Rangnick is not involved in any negotiation – it’s up to the club to discuss details of the project with ten Hag.”

The Verdict: Good news…

United have stressed that no managerial appointment is imminent, but it looks as if Ten Hag will be the man to come in ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

It is easy to see why Ten Hag is wanted by United chiefs too, averaging an impressive 2.36 points-per-game with Ajax since 2017. He has successfully rebuilt the Dutch giants after losing several star men after their run to the Champions League semi-finals back in 2019, winning the double last season.

Hopefully, Ten Hag will be the man to turn United’s fortunes around, but he’ll have a lot of work to do over the coming months to make an instant impact at Old Trafford.

In other news: Sky Sports man: Fresh Man Utd ‘concern’ after Romano shares ‘bad news’ at Old Trafford. 

Wolves could be a victim of their own success if they lose star midfielder Ruben Neves this summer, according to transfer expert Dean Jones.

The Lowdown: Neves a wanted man

The Portuguese maestro has found his best form again this season after a dip in 2020/21, playing a big role in Wanderers pushing for European football.

Neves’ performances have reportedly caught the eye of a number of top clubs, however, with a summer exit from Molineux far from out of the question.

The 24-year-old, who has picked up nine Premier League bookings this season, will see his current Wolves deal expire in the summer of 2024.

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The Latest: Expert makes key assessment

Speaking to Give Me Sport, Jones claimed that Wolves’ brilliance this season could ironically lead to them losing Neves:

“It is the price of success when your players are wanted by bigger clubs.

“As soon as you’re rising like Wolves have been, you’re always going to get to a point at some stage where teams start picking off your best players.”

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The Verdict: Hard to call

There is no denying that Wolves’ form under Bruno Lage and Neves’ own performances have played a part in raising his profile, but that is the brutal nature of football.

Unless you are one of the very biggest clubs in the world, there is always the risk that your star men excelling with eventually see them earn a move elsewhere, as happened with Diogo Jota, for example.

It is certainly easy to see the same occurring with Neves, and while it would be devastating to lose such a talented player at this stage of his career, it would be hard to begrudge him a move to one of Europe’s leading teams.

There is still hope that he will extend his stay at Molineux, though, which is something that has to be priority number one off the pitch in the coming weeks and months.

In other news, Jones has also dropped a key claim regarding another Wolves player. Read more here.