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Tottenham Hotspur have been handed a boost in their bid to bring Ruslan Malinovskyi to the Premier League in the January transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Italian media outlet Calciomercato (via Sport Witness), who claim that, having been heavily linked with a move for the Atalanta BC attacking midfielder this summer, Fabio Paratici and Antonio Conte could now land the 29-year-old for a figure of €15m (£13m) in January.

The report goes on to state that, having been pushed to the side by Gian Piero Gasperini this season, the Serie A outfit are happy to let the Ukraine international leave the club this winter in order to pick up a fee for the playmaker – whose current deal at the Gewiss Stadium is set to expire next summer.

Absolute steal

With it being widely reported that Conte is hoping to add a more forward-thinking midfielder to his current options in the middle of the park in January, coupled with just how impressive Malinovskyi has been for Atalanta in recent seasons, it is not difficult to understand why the Tottenham would be keen on a move for the 29-year-old this winter.

Indeed, over Malinovskyi’s 30 Serie A fixtures last time out, the £17.5m-rated talent was in sensational form going forwards, scoring six goals, providing four assists and creating 13 big chances for his teammates, in addition to taking an average of 1.9 shots, making 1.5 key passes and completing 1.6 dribbles per game.

These returns saw the player who Carlo Garganese dubbed “unreal” average a simply astonishing SofaScore match rating of 7.22, not only ranking him as Atalanta’s second-best performer in the league but also as the joint 18th-best player in the top flight of Italian football as a whole.

Furthermore, with the £22k-per-week playmaker also possessing extremely impressive positional versatility – being able to operate in defensive, central and attacking midfield, as well as at right or left wing-back and even as a centre-forward – Malinovskyi could easily fit into either of Conte’s 3-4-3 or 3-5-2 set-ups in north London.

As such, considering his clear attacking inclination, his ability to play in a number of different roles and the fact he looks to be available for a fee roughly £4.5m less than his current market valuation, should Paratici manage to get a deal over the line for Malinovskyi in January, it would very much appear as if the Italian will have sealed an absolute steal.

Liverpool director Mike Gordon is quitting his role at the club after a successful and influential stint at Anfield, according to reliable journalist Chris Bascombe.

The Lowdown: Gordon excels at Anfield

Since Fenway Sports Group (FSG) took over the Reds back in 2010, Gordon has been a prominent figure at the club, proving to be a hands-on individual.

He has played his part in a glorious period in Liverpool’s history which has seen Jurgen Klopp appointed as manager, as well as Champions League and Premier League glory coming their way. He is credited with implementing the Moneyball principles of John W. Henry and had a key role in contract and transfer negotiations behind the scenes, as well as striking the deal which saw Klopp appointed in 2015.

A big change is now happening upstairs at Anfield, though, following a new update.

The Latest: Stepping down from his role

According to Bascombe for The Telegraph, Gordon is ‘stepping back’ from his role at Liverpool, in what is described as a ‘significant power shift’.

He is described in the report as one of the ‘major architects’ of the Reds’ recent success, and club CEO Billy Hogan will now take on more responsibility.

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The Verdict: Deserves huge praise

Gordon may not always have been the poster boy for this era at Liverpool, with Klopp, the players, Michael Edwards and Henry taking on that mantle instead.

His influence has been huge, though, and his Moneyball approach alongside Edwards has seen the Reds execute some outstanding transfer business, bringing in players who have become modern-day legends.

This update further suggests that big changes are happening regarding Liverpool’s ownership, as FSG potentially look to sell up in the coming months.

Manchester United are reportedly eyeing a shock move for Bayern Munich striker Eric Maxim Choup-Moting in the winter window.

What’s the word?

That’s according to Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg, who revealed that the Red Devils have made an enquiry regarding the Cameroon international amid their quest to bolster Erik ten Hag’s attacking ranks.

Writing on Twitter about that interest, the transfer insider wrote: “News Choupo-Moting: #MUFC is seriously interested in a transfer in winter, they have inquired about him. He’s a candidate to replace #Ronaldo. Manchester bosses expect him to leave in winter. But: Choupo will stay! Talks about a new contract after the World Cup.”

Ighalo 2.0

It could well prove to be a blessing in disguise if the 33-year-old does opt to stay put at the Allianz Arena, with the ageing talent seemingly not the solution to the Old Trafford outfit’s current woes in front of goal.

There is undoubtedly a need for a reliable goalscoring presence in Ten Hag’s side with last season’s top scorer Cristiano Ronaldo – who has been tipped for a departure in January – scoring only three times in all competitions this time around, with the Portuguese having become something of a problem for his side.

That fact – as well as the injury woes of Anthony Martial – has played its part in United netting just 18 times in 13 Premier League games this season, with that only the 11th-best record in the division at present.

Despite those issues in the final third, it would be a rather bizarre choice to turn to Choup-Moting as the solution, even if the £58.5k-per-week menace is having an “unbelievable” season for his current side at present, as per Manuel Veth, with ten goals in just 14 games this season taking him to 28 in total for Bayern.

That current hot streak should not overshadow what would be a potentially head-scratching move for those at the Theatre of Dreams, with any deal likely to be a mere continuation of the recent trend at the club of signing ageing forwards as mere short-term options.

While at least the likes of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Edinson Cavani and the aforementioned Ronaldo all arrived with some pedigree, in the case of Choupo-Moting the one-time Paris Saint-Germain man has never been truly prolific, notably recording a forgettable spell at Stoke City where he netted just five times in 32 games for the Potters.

Such a swoop would evoke memories of the desperate, deadline-day deal for Odion Ighalo back in February 2020, with then-boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer having also turned to the mid-season market to bolster his firepower.

Although the former Watford man hardly disgraced himself in a United shirt – scoring five times in 23 games in all competitions – the Nigerian was seemingly not the calibre of player that the club were in need of, nor an asset who could produce the goods in the long-term as a result of his age.

Lessons should well have been learned from that flawed deal, although it would simply be history repeating itself if Choupo-Moting was to arrive through the door.

The hope among supporters will likely be that this ‘interest’ ends in the same manner as that of another man with Stoke connections, Marko Arnautovic, with the Austrian having at one stage appeared close to joining the Red Devils over the summer.

West Bromwich Albion, following their sensational 2-0 victory on Saturday, could soon be set to name their new manager…

What’s the latest?

According to The Sun’s Alan Nixon, Ron Gourley is considering a highly-rated up-and-coming coach.

Having impressed whilst at Plymouth Argyle, Steven Schumacher could be the man set to make the step up to Championship football.

With it being exactly a week since Steve Bruce’s dismissal, plenty of names have been in circulation regarding the vacant manager spot.

The report names plenty of them, with Roy Keane, Chris Wilder, Leam Richardson, Gary Rowett and Carlos Corberan all mentioned.

He can be a huge success

It is clear that with the vast majority of the names aforementioned, the Baggies are planning to take the club in a new direction.

That direction would be progressive, fresh, and hopefully possessing a plan to build for the long term.

Given his age, Schumacher instantly fits this bill.

Not to mention he already has the experience and incredible recommendations from the EFL, having nearly taken the Pilgrims to playoff glory last season.

However, he has started this campaign looking to bypass the playoffs completely as his side sits top of the league having lost just twice. They already have established a four-point gap from second place, and are twelve points clear of seventh.

He is a tactically adept manager who admitted to admiring and changing his shape in the image of the MK Dons side that thrashed them on the final day of last season. His claim supports this, and also belies a humble manager willing to alter his principles for the benefit of his team: “I think it is important to be adaptable”.

It is this kind of adaptability, combined with his philosophy that prioritises “better data analysis” and “better recruitment processes” that underline his talents as a manager.

He is current and uses his knowledge of the modern game to great effect.

Perhaps this is exactly the kind of manager West Brom needs, especially following the often-archaic principles of the previous tenure.

Also, he would be walking into an impressive side who have featured in the 3-4-3 formation that he likes to employ.

It would mark a big step up for Schumacher, but the 38-year-old has already proven with Plymouth that he deserves to be given recognition for his performances. His fresh thinking could be perfect for the Midlands club, who are crying out for something new to freshen them up.

Sunderland lined up without a natural centre-forward in their starting XI for the fourth straight Championship match as they lost 2-1 to Swansea on Saturday.

Ellis Simms picked up an injury in the 3-0 win over Reading in September and joined Scottish striker Ross Stewart on the sidelines, leaving Tony Mowbray without an out-and-out number nine to call upon.

In the subsequent four matches, the Black Cats have picked up three points and scored just three goals – including one in their last three – as the likes of Amad Diallo, Jack Clarke, Elliot Embleton, and Alex Pritchard have been tasked with filling the void up front.

Mowbray has not dipped into the academy set-up to bring a youngster up to fill the hole left by Stewart and Simms but there are a few options in the youth ranks who have the potential to make the grade in the future.

Whilst they may not be able to help the club with their current problems at the top end of the pitch, Sunderland have a number of talented youngsters at the Academy of Light.

One player who could be the future heir to Stewart’s throne in the number nine position is 16-year-old academy phenomenon Tom Watson.

The attacker played 19 times in the U18 Premier League last season and caught the eye with eight goals and one assist, which is an impressive return given that he only turned 16 in April.

Journalist Josh Bunting picked up on his form shortly after his 16th birthday, Tweeting: “Tom Watson is a player to keep an eye on, he’s scored for Sunderland 18’s against Leeds this afternoon, that’s three goals in his last four games, makes it stick up top, only 16 so is very much new in 18’s football but has taken it to it like a duck to water, natural finisher.”

The forward has kicked on again this term and enjoyed a sublime start to the season. He has scored four goals and provided two assists in five U18 Premier League appearances, whilst he has also been called upon in two Premier League 2 matches for the U21s.

Watson, who can play out on the left or through the middle as a striker, has shown great promise at U18 level and is making big strides in the academy at such a young age.

Of course, it is not a certainty that he will be able to translate his stunning form to U21 or senior level but it does show that the potential is there for him to be a goalscorer for the club in the future.

If he can continue to develop and hone his skills as he gains more experience then he could grow into a player capable of replacing Stewart at the Stadium of Light if Mowbray decides to unearth his talent in a year, or in a few years, as he has shown glimpses of the goalscoring prowess he possesses.

Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou can seemingly do no wrong at present having inspired a real transformation at Parkhead in his tenure thus far, with the 57-year-old earning plaudits – and admirers – from across the game for the stellar job he has done to date.

After an initial slow start to life in the dugout, the former Yokohama boss has since overseen a stunning run of form in Glasgow, guiding the club to the Scottish Premiership title in relentless fashion last term ahead of bitter rivals Rangers – just a year on from having finished 25 points behind their Old Firm rivals following a miserable season under his predecessor, Neil Lennon.

With a League Cup triumph also in the bag in that glorious debut campaign at the helm, the Hoops boss has since seen his side continue their imperious form after picking up six wins from their opening seven league games thus far, with a recent loss to St Mirren having ended a staggering 38-game unbeaten run in the top-flight.

That was a rare blip in what’s been an otherwise sparkling start to the new campaign, with the Bhoys having also received hefty praise for their display against European champions Real Madrid in the Champions League despite defeat, with Postecoglou’s “beautiful” football – as dubbed by pundit Owen Hargreaves – more than proving a match for the 14-time winners in what was an even first-half.

That performance had come just days after a 4-0 thrashing of the Gers at Celtic Park which further rubberstamped the home side’s domestic dominance at present, with astute recruitment and a progressive, attractive approach having worked wonders over the past year or so.

Not all had seemingly foreseen such a scenario following Postecoglou’s appointment back in June 2021, however, with there having been a host of fans and pundits alike questioning the wisdom in bringing in a relatively unknown quantity, particularly one who was not the first choice target.

The former Australia head coach had only been handed the job after a lengthy and protracted pursuit of Eddie Howe had fallen through, with the Hoops having subsequently been forced to act quickly with the new season looming.

One notable naysayer was that of talkSPORT host and pundit, Alan Brazil, with the former Scotland international vocalising his reservations at signing an unfamiliar name amid reports that the incoming manager did not hold a UEFA Pro Licence, stating at the time:

“Celtic have applied for exemption with UEFA for Yokohama Marinos boss, what is it, Postecooglou? (sic), to manage in Europe. He does not hold the required licence – oh, this has got to be a wind-up.”

Having then been asked how he expected the new boss to perform, Brazil replied sarcastically: “Oh, he’d be a great manager. Where do they come up with these guys from?”

The 63-year-old was not the only figure doubting Postecoglou before he had even been appointed, with pundit Noel Whelan also stating that the decision to make the move had been a “shock to everybody”, while also hinting that a swift exit could occur by Christmas if things did not go well.

Both men – and plenty of others – have been made to eat their words by the “excellent” job that the title-winning coach has done since then, in the words of treble winner Martin O’Neill, with such impressive work having even sparked interest from the Premier League, with Brighton and Hove Albion believed to have been interested of late.

Any doubters have well and truly been quashed, with Brazil having notably admitted earlier this year that he has been left “eating humble pie” after being proved horribly wrong, with that a marker of the brilliance of Postecoglou’s time at the helm so far.

According to transfer insider Dean Jones, Arsenal are set for a ‘big win’ by offering Bukayo Saka a new contract at the Emirates.

The Lowdown: Looking to the future

The winger only has two years remaining on his deal with Mikel Arteta’s side, but despite being the previous subject of interest from Premier League rivals Manchester City and Liverpool, has hinted that he is happy to start talks over a new contract.

The Gunners are said to value the 20-year-old at £100m after becoming an integral member of the first-team, and now appear to be ready to secure his long-term future following a fresh update.

The Latest: Saka set for fresh terms

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Jones insisted that Saka will put pen to paper on a new deal at Arsenal which would make up for the quiet end to the transfer window. He said:

“There’s undoubtedly some disappointment that Arsenal haven’t got another forward after going for Raphinha earlier in the window.

“Arsenal hope they can cheer everyone up soon though with a new contract for Saka, which would be a big win.”

The Verdict: Boost for Arteta

Being able to tie Saka down to fresh terms would be a massive coup for Arteta, who will know just how important the academy graduate is when it comes to his long-term plans.

The 18-cap international has had a rapid start to the new season despite not finding his shooting boots, racking up two assists in the opening five top-flight games, and has already made 54 goal contributions in just 136 senior appearances (Transfermarkt).

The Gunners are currently top of the Premier League table having so far maintained a 100 per cent record, and Saka will be hoping that his personal run of form can help his side continue this impressive string of results.

Nottingham Forest are showing ‘serious’ interest in Atalanta midfielder Ruslan Malinovskyi and have even made a first bid, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Forest linked with Malinovskyi

The Reds were linked with a move for the 29-year-old earlier in the week, with the club seeing him as someone who could further take their midfield up a gear.

Malinovskyi has won 49 caps for Ukraine and made 128 appearances for Atalanta, registering ten goal contributions (six goals and four assists) in Serie A last season.

While Forest are yet to get their man, a new update suggests that they are pushing hard.

The Latest: Interest ‘serious’, bid made

According to Calciomercato [via Sport Witness], the Reds are ‘serious’ about bringing in Malinovskyi, having ‘already made’ a €15million (£12.6m) bid for him.

Atalanta want ‘closer to €20m (£16.9m)’ though, and the level of interest in the Ukrainian means they can drive up his price.

It is stated that he ‘could indeed be the next to go’ from the Serie A club this summer, however, giving Forest hope.

The Verdict: Is he needed?

Malinovskyi’s pedigree speaks for itself, given his international experience and the fact that he has made nine appearances in the Champions League in the last two seasons.

That being said, Forest just need to make sure they don’t overbuy in the summer transfer window, to a point at which Steve Cooper has too many options all of whom need bedding into an unfamiliar system.

Midfield does still arguably look the most in-need area for reinforcements, but a move for Cheikhou Kouyate looks all but done and Lewis O’Brien and Orel Mangala have already been added.

Leeds United face major ‘competition’ for the signing of Paris Saint-Germain striker Arnaud Kalimuendo this summer, according to Sky Sports reporter Tim Thornton. 

The lowdown: Interest so far

The Whites have been extensively linked with a move for the 20-year-old wonderkid in recent times and seemingly remain confident in their ability to get a deal over the line.

That’s despite an apparent desire from the French giants to keep the youth starlet and Kalimuendo reportedly being happy to stay and fight for a place in Christophe Galtier’s plans.

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Sharing the current stance, one well-informed onlooker has suggested that a deal is still a possibility this summer, although Director of Football at the Yorkshire club, Victor Orta, won’t be the only one in the mix for the talented youngster…

The latest: ‘His name came up’

Speaking to Give Me Sport, Thornton – a reporter for Sky Sports – has claimed that Leeds are certainly keen on the 12-cap France Under 21 ace and also Rennes’ frontman Martin Terrier.

He said: “Absolutely on the radar, but whether they can get them over the line is another matter. Kalimuendo, for example, there are a lot of clubs that have been looking at him, but I know his name came up a few weeks ago.

“Leeds, they’ll look at a lot of different options, so I suspect they’ve asked the question but, obviously, they’ll face competition if they want to pursue it.”

The verdict: Worth the wait

Albeit the move may currently seem unlikely to come to fruition as things stand, a signing of the quality and long-term potential of Kalimuendo is worth holding out for should he be made available, even alongside other targets such as Terrier or the heavily linked Mergim Berisha.

Last season, the £16.2million valued prodigy scored 13 times in 38 appearances across all competitions whilst on loan at RC Lens, earning a 6.82 Sofascore rating whilst winning 2.1 duels and attempting 1.8 shots on average per game in Ligue 1.

Sharing similar stylistic traits with such renowned strikers as Luis Suarez, Ciro Immobile and Jonathan David (Fbref), Kalimuendo – who was described as a ‘disgustingly good striker’ by journalist Jacque Talbot – would be a sensational addition to Jesse Marsch’s squad if Leeds can win the race ahead of other potential suitors, especially at a previously mooted €25million (£21.1million) asking price.

Nottingham Forest are reportedly interested in signing Lille midfielder Yusuf Yazici, according to Turkish outlet Sabah.

The lowdown: Career so far

A product of the youth system at his hometown club Trabzonspor, Yazici made the switch to Lille in 2019 and was sent out on loan to CSKA Moscow in January.

The 25-year-old has directly contributed to 79 goals in 201 career outings, was the Europa League’s top scorer in 2020/21 and was part of the Lille side which lifted the Ligue 1 title in that season.

Now set to return to France following his temporary spell in Russia, Yazici is facing an uncertain future at his parent club, and Forest could be looking to benefit…

The latest: Forest interested in Yazici

As per Sabah, Nottingham Forest and fellow promoted Premier League hopefuls Fulham are both keen on signing the 39-cap Turkey international this summer.

It’s claimed that the Reds ‘aspire’ to make Yazici part of the City Ground ranks and are already in ‘negotiations’ over a deal as Steve Cooper looks to bolster the attacking options at his disposal.

The report added that Lille ‘will look warmly to the offers’ forthcoming for the man who was described as ‘absolute class’ by football analyst Mahith Gamage.

The verdict: Make it happen

Capable of operating as a striker, number 10, conventional central midfielder and in various wide positions, signing the supremely versatile Turkish sensation would be a sensational coup for the Forest hierarchy to add to the already impressive business completed during the summer.

Last season, Yazici – who shares similar stylistic traits with the likes of current Premier League stars Lucas Moura, Emi Buendia and Martin Odegaard (FBRef) – scored nine times and provided three assists in 34 appearances across all competitions, earning a superb 7.53 Sofascore rating whilst on loan in the Russian top flight.

With the 25-year-old valued at £15.3m and under contract until 2024 (Transfermarkt), Forest should push to land the gifted attacker ahead of their domestic rivals, particularly given the dearth of midfield options current at Cooper’s disposal.