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Manchester United are believed to be "monitoring" Barcelona youngster Ansu Fati ahead of a potential summer move, according to a new update.

Could Fati leave Barcelona this summer?

The Red Devils may have a more formidable look to them these days, but it is still clear that further reinforcements are needed at the end of the season. Recent defeats away to Liverpool and Newcastle United have shown that United still have some flaws and that squad depth needs to be improved moving forward, in order to become genuine Premier League title challengers again.

One area of the pitch could do with extra elite quality is in attack, with Marcus Rashford clearly in sensational form but the other options arguably not the greatest. Antony has contributed positively in his first season at Old Trafford but has also blown hot and cold, while Jadon Sancho continues to flatter to deceive in a United shirt, with the pair contributing just seven league goals between them.

A player who could potentially be available this summer is Fati, who has been linked with a move away from Barca this summer, having struggled to consistently nail down a place in Xavi's team this season, making only 10 starts in La Liga overall. Now, a fresh claim has emerged regarding the 20-year-old, who has a €1billion (£879m) release clause in his contract.

Are United an option for Fati?

According to Football Insider's Pete O'Rourke, United are "monitoring Fati’s situation" currently, as they weigh up a possible summer bid. Chelsea are in the same boat, however, as the Blues also look to make significant reinforcements in the summer window.

Manchester City have been put on "red alert", too, with the attacking youngster "frustrated with his game time at Barcelona and with his father "publicly speaking out about his anger towards his lack of minutes".

While Fati's reputation has dipped a little in recent times, with Pedri and Gavi the new lauded young pair at Camp Nou, he remains a footballer of incredible promise, having been hailed as "dangerous" by Xavi. He already has 97 appearances to his name for Barca, as well as seven caps for Spain, despite being just 20, so he could develop under Erik ten Hag.

A devastating wide man with pace and unpredictability in abundance, he could come in as a strong rival for both Rashford and Antony, possibly even playing with the pair if the former is moved to a more central role next season, depending on whether or not a new striker comes in.

Arsenal fans have been left wowed by some footage of Gabriel Jesus in training ahead of their UEFA Europa League first leg clash away at Sporting.

The Lowdown: In team training

Jesus has been spotted getting fully stuck in to team training after months out injured, ahead of Arsenal’s game against Sporting in the Europa League.

Mikel Arteta confirmed in his pre-game press conference that although the club will try not to rush him back, he has travelled with the squad to Lisbon, and could play a part this evening.

The Latest: Arsenal fans wowed

Taking to Twitter after footage of Jesus was shared, Arsenal fans were wowed by how sharp Jesus looks as he continues to step up his recovery:

“Ooooooooo MY 9 LOOKS HUNGRY. Can’t wait for his return.” – @Ajp08Three

“I can’t wait man, we’ve only just started.” – @Jahvon_CEO

“Tears in my eyes man.” – @JayAndreas___

“Huge news for us!” – @MGC3065

“I’m alive” – @SbuTheGooner_

“Beautiful scenes PL isn’t ready.” – @OnyangoOnyach

The Verdict: Big boost

The return of Jesus to the squad this evening, even if he does not feature, is a big boost for the Gunners for the rest of the season.

He ranks as their second-best average performer in the Premier League with five goals and five assists before his injury (WhoScored), and with both Leandro Trossard and Eddie Nketiah out injured as well, options in the forward line are light at the moment.

Nonetheless, Arteta will not want to rush Jesus back, and instead wait for him to be fully fit before introducing him into the staring line-up again.

Wolverhampton Wanderers’ attacking output is now ‘extremely worrying’, but journalist Dean Jones still backs Julen Lopetegui to steer them clear of relegation.

The Lowdown: Wolves improving

Wolves have shown definite signs of improvement under Lopetegui, having sacked Bruno Lage in October after slipping into the relegation zone, now sitting three points clear of the bottom three.

However, their work is by no means done yet, especially considering the Old Gold have a very tricky period coming up, facing Liverpool at Anfield tonight before coming up against Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United in the following games.

The Latest: Jones concerned

In an interview with GiveMeSport, Jones expressed concern about the performances of Wolves’ strikers, saying:“The goal output of this team in terms of the forwards is extremely worrying. But with Lopetegui in charge, I still think they’ll just be fine.

“He’s improved this team in most other areas and surely it’s only a matter of time before they start scoring more goals.”

The Verdict: Must improve

Not only do Lopetegui’s side have very tough games coming up, but they end the season with trips to Manchester United and Arsenal, travelling to the Emirates Stadium on the final day, by which point you feel they will have to already be mathematically safe.

As such, their strikers must start stepping up to the plate, with both Raul Jimenez and Diego Costa yet to score in the Premier League this season, despite making a total of 21 appearances between them.

Wolves have largely had to rely on goal contributions from the likes of central midfielder Ruben Neves and winger Daniel Podence so far this season, but it is not sustainable to be without a consistently-scoring striker.Lopetegui will be hoping his current strikers can do enough to keep his side up this season, before no doubt strengthening his attacking options in the summer transfer window.

Chelsea have considered replacing manager Graham Potter with Hansi Flick as an ‘idea’, according to journalist Christian Falk.

The Lowdown: Boehly’s new era…

The west Londoners are well into a new era under owner Todd Boehly after the American business tycoon took over from Roman Abramovich.

Chelsea have since spent lavishly in the transfer market with their total spend amounting to around £489 million since Boehly’s acqusition of the club.

The Premier League giants are attempting to invest heavily in their squad with the aim of competing past this 2022/2023 season.

The Latest: Chelsea consider Flick…

According to reporter Falk, Boehly has already considered a replacement for his own managerial appointment Potter.

It is believed that a middleman of the Chelsea owner ‘knocked on the door’ of Flick, who is currently in charge of Germany’s national team, as the Blues think of the former Bayern boss as an ‘idea’ to potentially succeed Potter.

It’s added that Chelsea were also eyeing a move when Marina Granovskaia was sporting director.

Falk claimed:

“I heard that Hansi Flick is an idea as a potential replacement for Graham Potter. I know about the rumours that surfaced after he was spotted at Stamford Bridge for Chelsea’s clash with Fulham but he was actually there because of Kai Havertz,” the BILD reporter wrote.

“Chelsea were knocking at Flick’s door back when Marina Granovskaia held a role with the club. Hansi Flick also told me that there were concrete talks with Tottenham at this time but then he decided on taking up the position of Bundestrainer (Germany head coach).

“But now, not Todd Boehly himself, a middleman knocked on the door of Hansi Flick. I asked Flick about this and he said ‘no comment’. It would be easier for him to say it wasn’t true but he didn’t, so you see there is something there but it’s not an option for Hansi Flick because he wants to remain in charge of Germany for the Euros taking place on home soil in 2024.”

The Verdict: Right man?

Potter’s time isn’t likely to be up any time soon with reports suggesting that Boehly wishes to stick by his manager at least until he has had sufficient time.

Beyond that, however, Flick could come as a good option to potentially succeed Brighton’s former boss past Euro 2024 – if it does indeed come to that.

Flick won trophies galore at the Allianz Arena before being appointed Germany boss – honours which include domestic titles and Champions League medals.

The 57-year-old, who has been called ‘world class’ by members of the media is on a reported wage of $7.08 million-per-year – which roughly translates to around £121,000-per-week.

This salary would be more than affordable from Boehly’s perspective but the question is will Chelsea’s owner wait that long for Flick to become available?

Tottenham Hotspur have finally made a breakthrough in their bid to bring Pedro Porro to the Premier League on transfer deadline day.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Fabrizio Romano who took to Twitter late on Monday evening to confirm that after an initial deal to bring Porro to London had fallen through, the deal was now back on and even on the verge of competition.

The respected journalist said: “Tottenham and Sporting have finally reached full agreement… again after very long meeting — €45m, payment terms finally approved after Sporting’s change last night

“Porro will travel to London tomorrow — he only wanted Spurs move.”

A perfect late signing

Considering just how impressive Porro has been for Sporting over the last 18 months, it is without a doubt easy to make the claim that this is very much an ideal late acquisition for the Lilywhites.

Indeed, over Porro’s 23 Liga Portugal appearances last season, the £22m-rated talent was in fantastic attacking form, scoring four goals, registering four assists and creating 11 big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 1.6 shots, making two key passes and completing 1.8 crosses per game.

The full-back also impressed in metrics more typical of his position last time out, making an average of 1.8 tackles, 1.1 interceptions, one clearance and winning 5.3 duels – at a success rate of 53% – per match.

These returns saw the Spaniard average a quite breathtaking Sofascore statistical rating of 7.28, not only ranking him as Amorim’s second-best performer in the league but also as the 12th-best player in the top flight of Portuguese football as a whole.

It has been a similar story over his 14 league fixtures this season, with the £10k-per-week defender having already scored two goals, provided six assists and created eight big chances, as well as taking an average of 2.6 shots, making 2.4 key passes and completing 1.8 crosses per game.

At the back, the 23-year-old has once again impressed, making an average of 1.4 tackles, 0.6 interceptions, 0.9 clearances and winning 4.4 duels – at a success rate of 53% – per outing.

These metrics have seen the right-back who Fabrizio Romano dubbed “perfect” and Zach Lowy labelled “special” average an even more astonishing Sofascore statistical rating of 7.34, currently ranking him as Sporting’s third-best performer in the league as well as the joint ninth-best player in Liga Portugal as a whole.

As such, considering just how well-suited Porro would appear to be for Antonio Conte’s set-up in north London, the signing of the right-back would very much look to be something of a perfect signing for the 53-year-old Spurs manager.

West Bromwich Albion have been dealt a blow with the news that Matt Phillips is set to be out injured for around six weeks, according to journalist Joe Chapman.

The Lowdown: Phillips’ importance to West Brom

The 31-year-old has continued to be an important figure for the Baggies this season, appearing 25 times in the Championship and starting 14 matches.

Phillips has chipped in with two goals and two assists in the league, with Chapman saluting the Scotland international’s ‘outstanding’ crossing ability just last week.

Carlos Corberan’s side were beaten 2-1 at Burnley on Friday night, and while the result was disappointing, it wasn’t the only negative to emerge from the match for Albion.

The Latest: Phillips hit by injury blow

Taking to Twitter last night in sharing a corresponding article for Birmingham Live, Chapman confirmed that Phillips is expected to be absent for at least six weeks, with the injury blow possibly sparking the West Brom hierarchy into action in the transfer market.

The article mentioned that the 31-year-old has been struck by a quad injury, having limped out of the midweek FA Cup win over Chesterfield despite only coming on as a substitute.

The reporter tweeted:

“Bad news re Phillips, who is expected to be out for at least six weeks. You have to imagine that’ll impact on Albion’s transfer thinking.”

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The Verdict: Big blow to Baggies’ promotion hopes

This is an undoubted blow for West Brom, considering Phillips’ vast experience of 229 appearances for the club.

He may not be a nailed-on starter every singly week – indeed, he has only completed the full 90 minutes four times this season – but his experience could still be crucial to the Baggies’ promotion push, having helped QPR into the top flight nine years ago.

Not having Phillips available until March could leave Corberan with a headache in terms of squad depth, and the hope is that the Scotland winger will be available for the business end of the campaign.

As Chapman referenced, it could force West Brom into making a new signing during the January transfer window in order to make up for the loss of Phillips.

Newcastle United forward Garang Kuol ‘will join’ Hearts on loan for the remainder of the 2022/23 campaign, according to journalist Craig Hope.

The Lowdown: January arrival

The Australian international made the official move to the Premier League at the start of the month after putting pen to paper on a contract at St. James’ Park last summer.

The Scottish outfit have recently been heavily linked with the 18-year-old starlet, and following much contemplation regarding his short-term future, it appears that he is set for a temporary spell north of the border.

The Latest: Hope’s update

Taking to Twitter, Hope revealed that the Magpies are now about to give Kuol the green-light to make his switch to Hearts, with a move likely to be finalised imminently. He wrote:

“I’m told it’s now been decided that Garang Kuol will join Hearts on loan from Newcastle for the rest of the season.”

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The Verdict: Correct decision

Kuol is yet to feature for Newcastle since joining so allowing him to go out and receive regular football is completely the right decision.

Eddie Howe will know that he won’t yet be able to force his way into the squad given the strong start to the term the first team have had so this is a move that makes sense for both parties.

The Egypt-born talent will also be able to gain some valuable experience and get plenty of minutes under his belt before returning to the northeast to hopefully make a positive impression under his new boss.

Wolverhampton Wanderers have been linked with a move for Aaron Wan-Bissaka and now a new update has emerged on the club’s pursuit of the player from a reliable source ahead of the January transfer window.

What’s the latest?

Italian journalist and transfer insider Fabrizio Romano has revealed an update on the Manchester United right-back’s future.

Romano tweeted: “Manchester United are trying to find a solution for Wan-Bissaka in order to let him leave.

“Wolves, West Ham and Crystal Palace remain interested. MUFC Main priority on right-back situation remains to extend Dalot’s contract. Talks will take place soon.”

He could replace Semedo

Julen Lopetegui is only just getting settled in at Molineux but faces a difficult challenge to turn Wolves’ season around after a disappointing start to their Premier League campaign.

The side have found themselves rock bottom in the league table following a run of poor performances over their first 15 outings – collecting just ten points from a possible 45 so far and scoring the fewest number of goals in the entirety of the top flight.

As a result, the newly-appointed manager could be given a golden opportunity to strengthen his squad in the new year when the transfer window re-opens and Wan-Bissaka could be a great piece of business for the Midlands club.

The £90k-per-week Man United ace – who was hailed “excellent” by his club captain Harry Maguire – has found himself out of favour at Old Trafford since the arrival of Erik Ten Hag, playing only ten minutes this season so far.

Over 20 league appearances last term, Wan-Bissaka completed 59% of his dribbles and won 56% of his duels combined, as well as averaging 72.5 touches, 38 accurate passes, 1.7 interceptions, 2.5 tackles and 1.6 clearances per game, proving that he offers solid defensive attributes in the back-line.

It could be an opportunity for Lopetegui to finally replace Nelson Semedo, with the Wolves ace struggling to find consistent form this season so far.

Indeed, over 13 appearances, the full-back has failed to complete 69% of his dribbles, as well as averaging just 0.4 interceptions and winning only 0.5 aerial duels per game, numbers that are rather far behind the United right-back’s output last term.

Thus, the signing of Wan-Bissaka is one they desperately need as they seek to add more depth and quality in a key area of the field with Jonny Castro Otto injured too.

With that being said, it will be important for Lopetegui to identify the right players to join the club in January as it could be the difference between reviving their season or sending them back to the Championship at the end of the campaign.

Aston Villa have begun their new era under Unai Emery in solid fashion, with the Spaniard leading his new side to victories over Manchester United and Brighton and Hove Albion before the World Cup break halted momentum.

Nevertheless, it’s a positive start and Emery will be aiming to add a few new faces to his squad during the January transfer market in order to assert his own stamp on the team.

The club have been linked with a move for Eintracht Frankfurt midfielder Djibril Sow recently, and a move for the 25-year-old – who is likely to cost around £26m – will give Emery the licence to ditch Morgan Sanson.

Emery can ditch Sanson

The Frenchman arrived at Villa in January 2021 from Marseille for a £14m transfer fee, however, he hasn’t come close to justifying the large outlay during his time at the club.

The £45k-per-week midfielder has made just 21 appearances across all competitions for the club and has played a grand total of one minute of football so far this season, proving that his time at Villa is surely coming to an end.

Emery can replace him by signing Sow, who featured for Switzerland at the World Cup in Qatar as they bowed out in the last 16 with a defeat to Portugal.

The midfielder played in all four matches, averaging a solid if unspectacular Sofascore rating of 6.63, while providing one assist, making 0.8 key passes, and winning 56% of his total duels, proving that he can be effective at both ends of the pitch.

The £34k-per-week gem has netted twice in 15 Bundesliga appearances this season, while across Europe’s big five leagues, Sow ranks in the top 12% for interceptions made, clearly demonstrating his ball-winning abilities to excellent effect.

He was described as “combative” by reporter Sam Smith and this type of personality is exactly what Emery needs in the heart of his Villa midfield.

Despite the encouraging start from the former Villarreal manager, the club remains in a precarious position. By signing players of quality such as Sow, however, the 51-year-old might just begin to build a team that is capable of staking a claim for the European spots next season.

Tottenham Hotspur are set to launch a bid to bring Ruslan Malinovskyi to the Premier League in the January transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to Marco Conterio, with the TuttoMercatoWeb editor revealing in a recent post on Twitter (via Sport Witness) that, after being linked with a move for the Atalanta BC midfielder in the summer, Antonio Conte has now requested that Fabio Paratici launches a move for the 29-year-old this winter.

The Italian journalist goes on to suggest that Spurs’ sporting director is in agreement about a move for Malinovskyi, and is set to initiate talks with the Serie A side’s management team regarding a deal in the near future.

However, Conterio finishes his tweet by stating that Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini views the Ukraine international as a non-transferable part of his squad – despite the fact the playmaker’s current contract at the Gewiss Stadium is set to expire at the end of the current campaign.

In his tweet, the journalist said: “Request from Antonio Conte and total harmony with Fabio Paratici: Tottenham in January will try to take Ruslan Malinovskyi. The negotiation with Atalanta has not started but soon the management will talk to each other. For Gasperini, he is non-transferable.”

“Unlock any defence”

While it is true that Rodrigo Bentancur has stepped up in term of goals from central midfield in recent weeks – with the Uruguayan having hit the back of the net on four occasions over his last six appearances for Spurs – it is nevertheless undeniable that Conte is lacking a truly creative option in the heart of his Tottenham side.

Indeed, with Oliver Skipp, Pierre-Emile Höjbjerg, Yves Bissouma and Pape Matar Sarr all predominantly being defensively-minded midfielders, it is evident that, in order for Spurs to be able to break down sides more effectively, the 53-year-old manager requires a playmaker in the middle of the park.

And, considering just how impressive Malinovskyi has been going forwards in recent seasons, coupled with the £17.5m-rated talent also being able to operate on the left wing and as either a left or right wing-back, the argument that the 29-year-old would be an unreal signing for Paratici to get over the line is an easy one to make.

Indeed, FBref rank the Ukrainian sensation in the top 18% of attacking midfielders and wingers in Europe’s big five leagues for non-penalty goals per 90, in addition to the top 5% for shots, the top 15% for assists and the top 7% for shot-creating actions over the last 365 days.

The £22k-per-week midfielder also ranks in the top 20% for passes attempted per 90, as well as the top 3% for progressive passes, the top 16% for dribbles completed and the top 7% for xAG – xG which follows a pass that assists a shot – over the past 12 months.

To put these metrics into context over the course of a season, over Malinovskyi’s 30 Serie A fixtures in 2021/22, the attacking midfielder scored six goals, provided four assists and created 13 big chances for his teammates, as well as 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” and Fuad Alakbarov claimed can “unlock any defence” average a breathtaking SofaScore match rating of 7.22, not only ranking him as Gasperini’s second-best performer in the league but also as the joint 18th-best player in the Italian top flight as a whole.

As such, it is clear to see that Malinovskyi is exactly the profile of midfielder that Conte currently lacks at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, leading us to believe that the €30m (£26m) signing of the 29-year-old would be an unreal deal for Paratici to get over the line in January.