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Tottenham Hotspur are eyeing a move for Aston Villa star and former Arsenal goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Martinez the hero…

The 30-year-old has become a real favourite at times for his club with Villa teammate Matty Cash calling him one of the best goalkeepers in world football earlier this year.

During this year’s 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Martinez has only gone on to support that theory, even becoming Argentina’s hero in their quarter-final shoot out win over the Netherlands.

Still with a final to play, Villa’s shot stopper could return to the Premier League with a World Cup winner’s medal, but it appears he is attracting attention from Spurs boss Antonio Conte regardless.

The Latest: Spurs eyeing Martinez move…

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, reporter Dean Jones claims Tottenham are ‘looking at’ Martinez and whether he will consider a move away from Villa to Spurs.

This comes as the club reportedly look for a long term successor to Hugo Lloris, and when asked about the situation, Jones explained:

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“A very interesting position at Spurs going forward. I do think they’re keeping an eye on the Pickford situation. I’m pretty sure they’re also looking at Emi Martinez and whether he might consider a move at the end of the season.”

The Verdict: Right man?

Martinez’ age of 30 indicates he wouldn’t exactly be a very long term option to succeed Lloris, but he’d be a quality one.

Called a ‘hero’ and ‘crazy’ by former Argentina international and Man City star Pablo Zabaleta, the South American keeper has displayed his true ability time and time again at both club and international level.

However, whilst he could be a solid option, reports indicate Martinez may also be an expensive one with a £45m price tag.

Rangers striker Alfredo Morelos has not done enough to earn an improved contract at Ibrox, according to pundit Frank McAvennie. 

The Lowdown: Morelos’ contract situation

As things stand, the Colombian is set to see his contract with Rangers expire at the end of the season.

Earlier this month, it was claimed that Rangers had failed to agree a new contract with Morelos after he demanded £45,000-a-week wages.

With time ticking down until his current contract runs out, one pundit has not shied away from sharing his views on the situation.

The Latest: McAvennie slams Morelos

Speaking to Football Insider, McAvennie had this to say about Morelos and his reported demands over a new contract.

“He has got no chance. He has got to lose about 45 pounds. The guy has not done anything for them to demand those terms. I do not think he is in a position to demand anything.

“I do not think the Rangers fans will be too disappointed if they say no. He was the talisman, he was the main guy and now he is not.

“When he comes in it is a waste of time. He is not going for the balls that he should be. I would say he is playing for a move but I do not know where he is going to go.

“You have got to produce on the park for somebody to buy you. Nobody is going to take him if he is at that fitness level.”

The Verdict: A big decision for Rangers

Having made 13 appearances for Rangers in the SPFL this season, the 26-year-old has found the net four times.

His overall performances have not been particularly impressive though as 15 players at Ibrox currently have higher average match ratings, according to WhoScored.

Despite his occasional usefulness in terms of being a goalscoring option for the team, a recent poll ran by Transfer Tavern revealed that roughly 85% of voters would like to see the club sell Morelos in the upcoming January transfer window.

Taking all of this into account, it seems that Michael Beale and the Rangers hierarchy have a big decision to make over how valuable six months more of Morelos is to their season.

Leeds United are seemingly looking to strengthen ahead of the January transfer window, with manager Jesse Marsch in need of further recruits to help in the bid to stave off the drop.

One area that the Whites could well look to address is at full-back, with 90min having reported earlier this month that sporting director Victor Orta has shown ‘interest’ in signing Aaron Wan-Bissaka from rivals Manchester United.

The 25-year-old – who made the move to Old Trafford on a £50m deal back in 2019 – is seemingly set to be allowed to depart in the New Year, with the likes of Wolverhampton Wanderers, West Ham United and the defender’s former club, Crystal Palace, all named as potential suitors.

While pundit Jamie Carragher previously lauded the Englishman as the “best one-on-one defender for a full-back in the world” back in 2020, the former Selhurst Park starlet has endured a real fall from grace since then, with it perhaps unwise for Orta and co to pursue a move.

The Croydon-born dud has been unable to nail down a regular role in the side for the Red Devils this season, having made just two appearances in all competitions under Erik ten Hag thus far.

Although the right-back did register an assist on his return to the starting lineup against Burnley last week, he has rarely offered much in an attacking sense in recent years, with only two goals and just 11 assists to his name in 128 games in total.

Those woes no doubt stem from the defender’s struggles in possession, with the £90k-per-week man having been branded “useless on the ball” by Paul Scholes last year, as he ranks in just the top 33% for pass completion among those in his position in Europe, as well as in only the bottom 10% for progressive passes.

Leeds will no doubt be wary of poaching any more seemingly unwanted figures from their foes at the Theatre of Dreams, with the Yorkshire side having been stung by their recent capture of Dan James.

The pacy Welshman – who had come close to moving to Elland Road in January 2019 – was snapped up by Marcelo Bielsa on a £25m deal last summer, albeit with that switch having subsequently failed to bare fruit.

The 25-year-old scored four goals and registered five assists in 37 games in all competitions last term, although struggled to truly warrant that hefty price tag, having been on the receiving end of stinging criticism from former Leeds defender, Ian Harte back in March:

“Let’s be honest, if he didn’t have the pace, he wouldn’t play in the Premier League. He doesn’t have the knowledge or the know-how. It’s just head down and run. He’s got unbelievable pace, but like Adama Traore, he needs to learn to slow his legs down to get the cross in.

“The majority of games I’ve seen, they end up going over and across the crossbar. Signing him from United for £25m when they had him for four million – he’s done ok, he’s got raw pace but I’m not a massive fan.”

That verdict appears to have been shared by both Marsch and Orta, with James having subsequently been shipped off on loan to newly-promoted Fulham during the recent window – just a year after joining his parent club.

The decision to prise the former Swansea City speedster from Manchester has seemingly already backfired for the club, with those at Elland Road potentially set to repeat their mistake if they opt to turn to Wan-Bissaka in 2023.

Leeds United manager Jesse Marsch is reportedly keen to keep hold of Cody Drameh, according to Fabrizio Romano. 

The Lowdown: Drameh linked with Leeds exit

This season has seen the 21-year-old make just two senior appearances for the Whites across the Premier League and the Carabao Cup, and has not been involved in a first-team matchday squad since September.

Last month, it was reported that Newcastle United and Borussia Dortmund have an interest in signing the full-back, who .

With the January transfer window commencing in just over a week’s time, Romano has shares a behind-the-scenes update regarding Drameh and his situation at Elland Road.

The Latest: Leeds fighting to keep Drameh

The Italian journalist took to Twitter on Friday to share the latest on the 21-year-old amid those recent exit rumours.

Romano tweeted: “Leeds are now fighting to keep Cody Drameh at the club after Newcastle and Borussia Dortmund interest. #LUFC

“Crystal Palace and Bournemouth are also interested – but Jesse Marsch will push again to keep Cody Drameh by suggesting playing opportunities. Loan, not an option.”

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The Verdict: Pressure on Marsch

During his loan spell at Cardiff City last season, the full-back ended the campaign with the second-highest combined total of tackles and interceptions (105) at the club, along with the third-highest total of successful dribbles (24), which makes it easy to see why so many clubs have their eyes on the player.

Indeed, Steve Morison – who managed Drameh during that time in south Wales – hailed the youngster as a “top drawer” player.

However, given the lack of senior action that the defender has had over recent months, it’s surprising to hear that Marsch is apparently so eager to keep hold of him. This duly makes us believe that the Leeds manager has put pressure on himself to start giving the defender sufficient first-team game-time in a bid to convince Drameh to remain at Elland Road.

If Leeds are able to keep hold of the player in January, he will surely need to see a pathway to regular game-time put in front of him by the manager if he wants to continue at the club for the long-term.

Aston Villa have been in contact with the representatives of Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino, but a January move looks unlikely.

The Lowdown: Merino speculation

Merino appears to have been on Unai Emery’s Villa Park wishlist for a number of weeks. Reports towards the end of November claimed that Emery would love to sign the 26-year-old, who can play as a central or holding midfielder.

The Spain international has a €65m (£57m) release clause, with Villa seemingly having the financial power to complete a transfer, however, they haven’t had a positive response.

The Latest: Transfer update

Spanish outlet AS provided an update regarding Merino in the last 48 hours, where Villa were heavily mentioned. They claimed that the player’s representatives ‘have received proposals and calls’ from interested clubs, with Aston Villa one of the most persistent.

However, Merino has no plans to leave the La Liga side and intends to remain at the club beyond the January window.

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The Verdict: Look elsewhere?

It seems as if Villa and Emery would love to sign the left-footed star in 2023, but it doesn’t look as if a move in the winter market has any chance of materialising.

Therefore, the club may be better off looking at alternative targets in the short term, with Atletico Madrid’s Geoffrey Kondogbia seemingly another midfielder of interest.

Villa could even wait until the summer to try again for Merino and look at other areas of the pitch this month, possibly the new A-list forward that Emery has been after since arriving in the Midlands.

West Ham United are in a major slump, there is no doubt about it. David Moyes’ side have won just four times in the Premier League this season and are a far cry from replicating their excellent run last year where they finished in 7th position.

Since returning from the World Cup hiatus, West Ham have lost to Arsenal and Brentford while drawing with Leeds United and if they maintain this current league form over the next couple of months, they could find themselves fighting to retain their Premier League status.

The Hammers take on Brentford in the FA Cup this evening just eight days after their 2-0 defeat and Moyes will be aiming to take revenge and the tournament could provide relief from their poor league form.

Against Leeds, there were a couple of standout performers, with Gianluca Scamacca and Lucas Paqueta getting on the scoresheet, yet it is the Brazilian star who must be let loose against the Bees today.

On the Chalkboard

Paqueta endured a tough start to life at West Ham, registering just three assists across all competitions before the World Cup, however, having impressed at the tournament for Brazil, looks ready to kick on and become an integral part of the squad as they look to find some form.

The £150k-per-week attacking midfielder put in arguably his best performance at the club so far against Leeds in midweek, averaging a 7.5/10 rating on Sofascore, which was the second highest on the pitch.

The 25-year-old scored his first goal for the club while making one key pass and having a further four shots during his 80-minute spell on the pitch.

He also contributed defensively too, winning 50% of his duels while making three tackles, one interception, and one clearance, proving that he can be an asset across all areas of the pitch.

Against Brentford last week, Paqueta made three key passes and took 86 touches throughout the tie despite West Ham losing, but there is no reason why he can’t dominate in the midfield again.

The Brazilian was dubbed a “warrior and wizard” by Squawka last year and he can certainly display those qualities in the FA Cup tonight as West Ham aims to forge a patch into the next round.

The Athletic journalist David Ornstein has revealed that Manchester United transfer target Joao Felix has reached a ‘verbal agreement’ to join Chelsea.

The Lowdown: Felix interest

United’s interest in Felix has been well-documented, as they look for attacking reinforcements after letting go of Cristiano Ronaldo.

They have also been strongly linked with a move for Besiktas and Netherlands international striker Wout Weghorst, on loan from Burnley, but the latter two clubs would have to come to an agreement to terminate his contract, before Burnley could then negotiate with the Old Trafford outfit over a deal.

The Latest: Chelsea ‘verbal agreement’

Taking to Twitter, Ornstein revealed that fellow Premier League rivals Chelsea have now reached a ‘verbal agreement’ to sign Felix on loan for a fee of €11m (£9.68m), a player that he confirmed United were ‘keen’ on:

“Chelsea reach verbal agreement to sign Joao Felix on loan from Atletico Madrid. Fee ~€11m (below initial #Atleti ask). Man Utd + Arsenal keen so 23yo had choice & #CFC project appealed. More reinforcements to follow this month.”

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The Verdict: Blow

It is a blow for United to lose out on Felix, especially to a ‘big six’ rival in Chelsea.

Lauded as a ‘world class‘ player on his day by Atletico chief executive Miguel Angel Gil Marin, Felix showed that he is capable of producing on the big stage at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, scoring one goal and making two assists in four starts (Transfermarkt).

It is safe to say that it has not quite worked out for him in Spain, with just £113m.

Nonetheless, Felix is still just 23 years of age, and so still has such a high ceiling, so the Red Devils may feel a bit gutted that they have missed out on this one.

Arsenal could throw their hat into the ring in the race to sign Jude Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund this summer given their impressive form this season, believes pundit Ally McCoist.

What’s the word?

The Englishman looks set to leave the club this summer amid major interest from Real Madrid and Liverpool, with a reported price tag of €150m (£130m) being mooted.

The decision may rest with the player as he chooses a club with a sporting project best suited to him, and the league leaders may yet fancy their chances of landing him.

Mikel Arteta’s side are currently eight points clear at the top of the Premier League, and with one of the youngest average sides in the division, it is a club that can help young stars thrive.

Speaking on talkSPORT, McCoist suggested that Arsenal’s excellent form this season, as well as the excellent progress made by Arteta, could make the Emirates Stadium an attractive destination for Bellingham.

He said: “Arsenal have got to come into the equation, because of the team, because of the manager, because of the way the club is going, the ages of the squad.

“Arsenal would obviously come int0 it, as would Manchester City. So he’s got a couple of decisions to make.”

Not a priority

With recent reports suggesting that Arsenal may move for Declan Rice at the end of the season, signing another central midfielder may not be on the agenda for Arsenal beyond that.

Granit Xhaka and Martin Odegaard have been excellent as the two advanced central midfielders in the Arsenal side this season in the position which Bellingham would occupy, while they also have Emile Smith Rowe and Fabio Vieira as capable cover there.

Although they may love to sign someone with Bellingham’s quality, it would be a costly transfer in a position which may not need immediate strengthening, so it may be a surprise if they do move for the teenager.

Young centre-back Diogo Monteiro is ‘emerging as a target for Leeds United’, according to Phil Hay.

The Lowdown: Monteiro profiled

Monteiro is 17 years of age but will turn 18 before the end of the month. Capable of playing on the right or left side as a centre-back, the Portuguese teenager is valued at €500,000, as per Transfermarkt.

The right-footed defender currently plies his trade for Swiss side Servette FC and has made seven senior first-team appearances for the club after progressing through their academy.

The Latest: Leeds interest

Hay took to Twitter on Wednesday morning to share an Elland Road transfer update.

The reliable reporter said Monteiro has been ‘identified as part of the anticipating talent programme at Leeds’, with the club lining up a bid.

The Verdict: One to watch?

The Whites have bolstered their first-team ranks this month with moves for Max Wober and Georginio Rutter, and it looks as if Victor Orta has his eye on strengthening the club’s academy ranks with a move for Monteiro.

You’d expect that should a move go through, Monteiro would initially ply his trade at Thorp Arch for the club’s youth sides, looking to feature in the U18s or U21s, hoping to catch the eye of Jesse Marsch.

It seems as if this could be one to watch, with a young goalkeeper also possibly another to monitor, with links to Club Brugge’s Senne Lammens emerging this month.

The Whites have trusted their academy system since returning to the Premier League, handing out a record amount of teenage debuts in the top-flight last season, and who knows, Monteiro could become the next to emerge as a first-team player.

Tottenham Hotspur are still keeping an ‘eye’ on Bayer Leverkusen defender Piero Hincapie, who has been a long-term target of Antonio Conte, according to journalist Christian Falk.

The Lowdown: Hincapie a long-term target

The Lilywhites reportedly submitted a €40m (£35m) offer for the 21-year-old last summer but the figure wasn’t deemed to be enough by the German giants, with Premier League rivals Arsenal and Chelsea also name-checked to be monitoring his situation by the same report.

The Sun, however, are now claiming that a deal for a fee in the region of £20m could be available, a surprising revelation considering his performances for Ecuador at the World Cup, where he played every single minute for his nation.

Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Fabio Paratici and the centre-back are in talks regarding a potential move, though it’s more likely to take place in the summer rather than this month.

The Latest: Falk’s comments

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Falk revealed that Spurs have maintained their interest from 2022 and backed up reports that they aren’t alone in their pursuit of Hincapie.

“Tottenham still has it’s eye on him, already in the summer, but also Arsenal again and Chelsea are visiting what is happening with him.”

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The Verdict: Perfect candidate?

Hincapie has been labelled an ‘Ecuadorian Wall’ by scout Jacek Kulig, and he could be the perfect left-sided central defender that Conte has been looking for.

The Adidas-sponsored player currently averages 2.1 clearances and 1.5 tackles per Bundesliga game and ranks in the 96th percentile for dribbles completed by centre-backs in Europe’s top leagues, showing he has quality on the ball to pair with his tenacity off it.

Spurs would also be receiving versatility with Hincapie’s ability to operate at left-back, making this a bargain of a deal should they be able to secure his services for £20m, potentially locking down the left-centre-back role under Conte or being able to transition to a back-four if a manager change were to occur.