Tottenham Hotspur have been in contact with Nicolo Zaniolo ahead of the closing stages of the January transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to Sandro Sabatini, with the Italian journalist revealing in a recent interview on Italia 1 (via Sport Witness) that Fabio Paratici has made contact with the AS Roma midfielder in recent weeks, instructing the 23-year-old to “break up with Roma” so that he could then bring the player to Tottenham this month.

And, with Jose Mourinho recently revealing that the Italy international has informed him that he “doesn’t want to play for Roma” beyond Tuesday’s transfer deadline, it would appear as if the playmaker has followed Paratici’s instructions – with the Serie A side reported to have placed the midfielder on the market for a figure in the region of €40m (£35m).

Regarding Paratici’s contact with Zaniolo, Sabatini said: “I have an exclusive background on the player. He had received a message from Paratici… The content of the message for Zaniolo was this: ‘Break up with Roma and then I’ll take you to Tottenham’.”

Emerson upgrade

While it is true that Spurs now look set to seal the signing of Pedro Porro on deadline day, considering just how poor Emerson Royal has been this season, coupled with it being reported that Antonio Conte would be willing to part with the Brazilian in January, it would not be surprising to see Paratici launch a late move for Zaniolo in the closing stages of the transfer window.

With it being previously reported that Antonio Conte wanted to bring Zaniolo to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in order to turn the midfielder into a wing-back, the argument can be made that the 23-year-old could represent a huge upgrade on the former Barcelona full-back.

Indeed, Conte himself admitted that he prefers his wing-backs to be more forward-thinking than defensively-minded, while the 53-year-old also has a history of converting attackers into defenders – with Ivan Perisic arguably being the best example of this.

And, when looking at Zaniolo’s metrics over the last year, it is not difficult to understand why Conte would be interested in making the £17.5m-rated talent his next project in the position.

Indeed, FBref currently rank the £79k-per-week playmaker in the top 5% of forwards in Europe’s big five leagues for dribbles completed per 90, as well as the top 15% for shot-creating actions, the top 17% for xAG – xG which follows a pass that assists a shot – and the top 36% for progressive passes – highlighting his creativity on the ball.

The 23-year-old also clearly puts the work in a defensive capacity, with FBref also ranking the player who journalist Nick Mercadante dubbed both a “monster” and “unreal” in the top 24% of European forwards for tackles, the top 24% for blocks and the top 41% for interceptions per 90.

Furthermore, the 11-cap international also boasts extremely impressive positional versatility, being able to operate from both central and attacking midfield, on either flank, as a support striker and even as an out-and-out number nine – something which suggests Zaniolo can easily adapt to being deployed in different areas of the pitch.

As such, while the Italian may not appear a direct replacement for Emerson on paper, with Conte being something of a master in transforming forwards into wing-backs, the Roma star could well end up being Tottenham’s next successful convert on the flanks – should Paratici manage to get a deal over the line for the midfielder prior to tonight’s transfer deadline.

Tottenham Hotspur are interested in signing Barcelona forward Ansu Fati this summer, according to reports from Spain.

The Lowdown: Fati struggling for game-time

Fati has been handed just seven starts by his manager Xavi this season, with the 20-year-old struggling to dislodge the likes of Gavi and Raphinha in the starting XI.

The youngster has committed his long-term future to Barcelona, where he is currently contracted until 2027, and the club have an option to extend his deal by an extra two years.

However, his lack of game-time received has led to him to be linked with a move away from Camp Nou this summer…

The Latest: Tottenham interested in Fati

According to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo (via Sport Witness), Tottenham are one of the clubs taking an interest in Fati, with his current position in the Barcelona squad not going unnoticed by some elite clubs across Europe.

Both Spurs and Arsenal are said to be keeping an eye on the attacker, should his situation not improve in the coming months, while Bayern Munich and Manchester United are also named as potential suitors.

The Verdict: Would he get his game?

The La Masia academy graduate has not managed a goal or assist in his last nine La Liga games prior to Sunday’s clash against Sevilla, but it is difficult to be too critical when four of these appearances were off the bench, only featuring for ten minutes in the recent 2-1 win at Real Betis.

It has not been the productive season that the seven-cap Spain international would have hoped for, but his talent is undeniable, having already scored 25 goals in 88 senior appearances for Barcelona at his tender age, featuring predominantly as a left-winger in the last 50 games he’s played.

Hailed as a ‘difference-maker’ by football scout Jacek Kulig, the youngster is at the stage of his career where he needs consistent game-time if he is to develop into a top player.

However, given that Antonio Conte already has Son Heung-min – who was the Premier League’s joint-top scorer last season – at his disposal on the left of the front three, Fati may not get the minutes that he requires, and Tottenham should instead focus on strengthening other areas of their squad.

West Ham United fell short in their January attempts to sign Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips, but they must rectify their failed bid by landing the 27-year-old at the end of the campaign.

What’s the word?

Having signed for Pep Guardiola’s side for £45m last summer, Phillips has been beset with unfortunate injuries and has failed to leave his mark on the Etihad Stadium, consequently being touted with a move to a host of Premier League outfits.

Among those are West Ham, who are in dire need of an injection of first-rate quality after a deeply underwhelming campaign so far and recently enquired about the possibility of securing the 27-year-old on loan for the remainder of the season, as per The Sun.

According to The Athletic, a summer move is ‘not completely off the cards’, with his integration into the Manchester City machine not as seamless as he or the club might have liked.

“Destroyer”

With captain Declan Rice indicating a desire to move on from the London Stadium, the need for a new high-octane midfield engine has arguably never been greater under David Moyes’ tutelage.

Having only made eight appearances and one start across all competitions for the Cityzens after departing boyhood club Leeds United last year, Phillips has so far failed to make the emphatic introduction that he would have been hoping for in Manchester after years of stellar work for the Whites.

While a large chunk of that misfortune is down to an injury sustained prior to the 2022 World Cup, with the England midfielder missing 11 matches due to a shoulder issue, he is unlikely to usurp the likes of Rodri, Ilkay Gundogan and Kevin de Bruyne from their places in the starting XI any time soon. The dynamic Bernardo Silva has also regularly fluctuated between offensive and deep-lying creative roles.

This is no bad reflection on his own skill set, as the Englishman has emerged as one of the country’s most dogged and robust figures in the Premier League over the past few seasons, but rather an ode to the supreme quality of Guardiola’s established midfield triad.

While Gundogan’s contract is set to expire at the end of the season, and Silva is persistently tethered to rumours of a departure, Phillips might find it best to cut his losses and move elsewhere to serve as a focal point in a team which can offer him a regular starting berth.

Struggling as they are this year, West Ham could offer the Yorkshire “legend” – as dubbed by Amos Murphy – a more prominent role, rekindling the form which saw him earn seasonal Sofascore league ratings of 7.21 and 6.84 over the last couple of years.

As per FBref, the £150k-per-week phenomenon ranks among the top 1% of positional peers in Europe’s five main leagues for blocks, the top 3% for tackles and the top 25% for progressive passes over the past 12 months, illustrating his aptitude in breaking up play and recycling possession into forward-moving transitions.

Once labelled a “destroyer” by Steve McClaren, that epithet is a perfect embodiment of the destructive element, grit and mettle that Phillips could instil at the London Stadium once again.

As such, the 25-cap international would be a superb addition to Moyes’ outfit, with his prospective addition blanketing a layer of resilience and composure to alleviate the Hammers’ defensive woes. West Ham technical director Mark Noble would do well to recruit a tenacious and progressive presence who can steer the ship back on course and unleash the Irons’ former steel.

West Ham United are looking for an opportunity in these final hours to bring in a centre-back from another Premier League side.

What’s the latest?

The Hammers are one of the clubs who have had a fairly quiet Jauary transfer window with their only senior addition this month being the signing of Danny Ings.

However, they have seen the experienced centre-back, Craig Dawson, leave the club for Wolverhampton Wanderers but have not brought in a direct replacement.

There have been links to the likes of the Udinese centre-back Rodrigo Becao but there is also a belief they would ideally like to find a Premier League-proven defender.

Indeed, speaking on the Ranks FC Patreon page, insider Dean Jones has suggested the final hours of this window could see the Irons looking to bring in a loan signing:

(24:00) “I think from everything I’ve gathered, they would actually prefer the centre-back to just come from within the Premier League. So that might be something to look out for.”

Late loan opportunity

The clock is certainly ticking on the Hammers who have lost a hugely experienced centre-back in Dawson who played a massive role in their side last season.

Across the 2021/22 campaign, the Englishman racked up 50 appearances across all competitions including a regular starting spot in the Europa League side (via Transfermarkt).

And given the Londoners are believed to be looking for a loan deal, it will be interesting to see what could potentially become available for David Moyes’ side.

What is worth mentioning is West Ham’s defence has not been the issue for Moyes this season with his side – despite their league position – having conceded the fifth-fewest number of goals this season.

With this in mind, there could certainly be the notion that the Hammers could potentially wait until the summer to delve back into the market and find a permanent solution.

However, Kurt Zouma has had issues with his knee in recent weeks and Nayef Aguerd has also had a long-term injury which has only recently seen him return to action.

So there is definitely the worry Moyes’ options could be hit over the final months of the season through injuries which could leave them short at the back.

But at this stage of the window, the Irons could well be relying on an opportunity to present itself with just hours remaining until the 11pm deadline.

YouTuber Conor McGilligan has urged Leeds United to hire “revolutionary” coach Ange Postecoglou as their manager after Jesse Marsch was fired.

What’s the word?

On the weekend, the Whites slumped to a disappointing 1-0 away loss against Nottingham Forest which saw them drop to 17th in the Premier League, only out of the relegation zone thanks to goal difference.

As a result of their struggles for consistency, by Monday afternoon, the club’s hierarchy had decided to let their American manager go and so are now looking for Marsch’s replacement.

Already, Celtic manager Postecoglou has been a name spoken about in the media and it looks as though he could be under consideration for the Leeds job.

In reaction to all this, while speaking on the One Leeds Fan Channel, McGilligan urged the Whites to go out and bring in the Australian.

He said: “I do like Ange Postecoglou. I can’t tell a lie. I love his football. I love what he’s done at Celtic. And he’s not only improved it there as well, he’s done bits in Australia, he’s done it in Japan.

“A little bit of a revolutionary when it comes to football. So we’ll see what happens.”

Right man for the job

Postecoglou certainly has impressed in the Scottish Premiership with Celtic. Indeed, the manager managed to win the double in his first season in charge – lifting the league and a domestic cup – and looks on course to win another title this season with the Bhoys nine points clear at the top of the table.

What’s more, while that experience of football management in the United Kingdom could help him integrate quickly into life in England and the Premier League, he has top experience elsewhere.

Indeed, Postecoglou has won four domestic league titles in Australia – two each with Brisbane Roar and South Melbourne FC – as well as a league title in Japan with Yokohama F. Marinos.

With his ability to adjust and succeed across the footballing world, it’s easy to see why McGilligan describes him as a “revolutionary”. The Australian certainly would be an interesting appointment.

CBS Sports journalist Ben Jacobs says that Moises Caicedo did not have a preference of club when he wanted to leave in January, amid Arsenal’s interest.

The Lowdown: Two bids rejected

It has been reported that Arsenal could go back in for Caicedo in the summer after having two bids rejected by Brighton and Hove Albion in January, the second thought to be worth up to £70m.

They were not the only ones interested in the central midfielder though, with Chelsea also thought to have had a £55m offer rejected.

Caicedo begged Brighton to let him leave late on in the window, after Arsenal’s first offer of £60m was rejected.

The Latest: No preference

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Jacobs says that Caicedo did not necessarily have a preference of which club he wanted to join, despite posting on Instagram shortly after Arsenal’s first bid:

“Caicedo, from what I understand, didn’t necessarily have an absolute preference of club. He wanted the move, but he termed it very generically a magnificent opportunity, and that magnificent opportunity started when only Chelsea bid and ended when Arsenal made two bids.

“His head was turned during that whole process, which tells you that it’s more about joining one of the big six than necessarily being overly fixed on a singular club.”

The Verdict: Arsenal should be favourites

Arsenal should be favourites to sign Caicedo over Chelsea in the summer, given that they made the higher bid for the Ecuador international and pursued the ‘terrific athlete’ right up until Transfer Deadline Day.

Chelsea ended up signing midfielder Enzo Fernandez from Benfica for a British-record fee instead, so they may be unwilling to splash that amount of cash on another midfielder like Caicedo this summer.

The Gunners are also in a better place than the Blues at the moment in terms of the Premier League table, sitting high at the top while their London rivals struggle in ninth.

Nonetheless, if the North Londoners want him, then they should have a clearer path to his signature.

Fabrizio Romano believes Tottenham Hotspur may not be done in the transfer market once they sign Pedro Porro.

The Lowdown: Porro only the beginning

Spurs have been quiet pretty much all of January and only kicked into gear as deadline day approached, much like they did 12 months ago when they brought in Dejan Kulusevski and Rodrigo Bentancur.

After bringing in Arnaut Danjuma, Tottenham have bided their time over Pedro Porro and now it looks like that will pay off, as they’re set to land the Spaniard on an initial loan deal with an obligation to buy in the summer.

However, it might not be lights out for Spurs’ transfer business once he arrives, as Romano believes sporting director Fabio Paratici loves to do a late deal on deadline day, which may be exciting news for Spurs fans.

The Latest: Spurs not done yet

Romano told GiveMeSport to keep an eye on Tottenham as the deadline approaches because of how active Paratici likes to be in the transfer market, especially as the clock ticks towards 11pm.

He said: “I’m not sure that Porro will be the last because I know how Fabio Paratici, the Tottenham director, works and is used to some opportunities at the end of the market. Something could happen in different positions. So, I would keep the Tottenham market open until the end.”

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The Verdict: Paratici keeping his options open

While Romano doesn’t give away much in his comments, the fact that Spurs aren’t yet closed for business and are thought to be keeping their options open to please Conte further is a good sign.

If Daniel Levy could indeed strike up another deal, potentially for a midfielder given that Oliver Skipp has recently been linked with a move away from the club, that could be an interesting avenue for them to explore.

Spurs have been linked with a move for Italy international Nicolo Zaniolo, although Roma did reject their original offer of a loan deal with an obligation to buy in the summer, so that may well be something they look at as the deadline gets closer.

And given the nature of the surprise activity today at Spurs with Matt Doherty nearing a sudden loan exit, perhaps Paratici will have another trick up his sleeve.

Liverpool midfielder Naby Keita could make a return to RB Leipzig this summer after they missed out on him in January, a new transfer report has claimed.

The Lowdown: Keita linked with exit

The 27-year-old’s Reds career has ultimately been a disappointing one, with injuries hampering him greatly and limiting him to just 127 appearances across five seasons.

Keita is out of contract at the end of the current campaign and he has been linked with a summer exit recently, as a new deal at Anfield looks increasingly unlikely.

Now, it looks as though a reunion with Leipzig could be on the cards.

The Latest: Leipzig reunion on the cards?

According to Bild [via Sport Witness], the Bundesliga side actually tried to sign Keita during the January transfer window but Jurgen Klopp ensured it didn’t happen.

The report says that it is ‘very possible’ Leipzig go back in for the Guinean in the summer.

The Verdict: Time to leave

In fairness to Keita, he has done a solid job in recent weeks since coming into the team, helping sure up the midfield a little while Fabinho and Jordan Henderson have been dropped, averaging 1.2 key passes per game in the Premier League this season.

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That being said, his performances are still far from the required level on a regular basis – he started in the 3-0 defeat at Wolves last weekend, losing possession nine times – and it is time for him to move on.

Too often, Keita is unavailable for long periods – his first appearance of 2022/23 didn’t arrive until December 22nd – and his influence when he is fit is nowhere near what many expected when he joined in 2018.

A summer departure feels like the best outcome for all parties, even though Virgil van Dijk has described his teammate as a ‘world-class’ footballer in the past.

The San Francisco 49ers will still complete a takeover at Leeds United even if the club are relegated to the Championship and are planning a 10-15 year stay in Yorkshire, according to Football Insider.

The Lowdown: Big spenders

The Whites were busy in the winter window, bringing in three marquee players for Jesse Marsch’s first-team squad.

Max Wober was the first to arrive in an £11m deal, whereas Weston McKennie joined late in the window on an initial loan deal which will include an option to buy for £30m in the summer.

Meanwhile, Georginio Rutter joined in a club-record deal at Elland Road, with the 49ers influential in the transfer. The 49ers Enterprises have the option to take full control of the club from Andrea Radrizzani until January 2024 in a £400m+ deal, and it looks as if that will happen.

The Latest: Takeover update

FI reporter Adam Williams shared a story regarding the 49ers and Leeds on Thursday.

He revealed that the 49ers ‘expect to be in control in Yorkshire for 10-15 years once they complete a full takeover of the club this summer’, adding that relegation would not stop a takeover as they are ‘pursuing a long-term capital appreciation model’.

The Verdict: Exciting…

It looks as if it is just a matter of time until we see ownership change hands at Elland Road, and we have seen the potential of the 49ers recently in regards to the move for Rutter.

Without their backing and pushing, the French forward may still be a Hoffenheim player, and if the club avoid the drop this season, we could see more high-profile transfers in the summer.

Development of Elland Road could also be on the 49ers’ to-do list after Radrizzani made plans to expand capacity to 55,000, so it appears to be an exciting time to be a Leeds supporter, especially with the 49ers planning for the long run.

Manchester United’s hectic run of February fixtures continues away to bitter rivals Leeds United later today, with Erik ten Hag’s side hoping for an improved performance following the disappointing 2-2 draw against the managerless Whites at Old Trafford on Wednesday.

That thrilling, end-to-end encounter saw the Red Devils get off to a slow start in either half, having been forced to come from two goals down to secure a point amid what was a frantic finale on the night.

Despite the continued optimism that is surrounding United at present – with the Carabao Cup final looming – the club are enduring something of a mixed run of form in the Premier League at present, having won just one of their last four games in the competition.

With both Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur dropping points on Saturday, it has given Ten Hag’s men the ideal chance to strengthen their place in the top four this afternoon, albeit with the former Ajax boss set to be without the suspended Casemiro once again, while Anthony Martial, Scott McTominay and Antony are also not expected to be involved due to injury.

How will Man United line up away to Leeds?

With those absentees in mind, Football FanCast predicts that the Dutchman will make four changes from the side that was held in midweek, with notable alterations potentially set to lie in the attacking ranks…

Despite the importance of today’s meeting in Yorkshire, Ten Hag may also have one eye on Thursday’s pivotal away trip to Barcelona in the Europa League, hence the possibility that the 53-year-old will somewhat shuffle his pack.

One notable alteration could see Aaron Wan-Bissaka return at right-back in place of Diogo Dalot, provided the Englishman has recovered from illness, while club captain Harry Maguire – who scored in this meeting last season – could replace Raphael Varane in the centre of the defence, with the “world-class” asset, as lauded by journalist Samuel Luckhurst, no doubt a figure needing to be managed ahead of the upcoming Camp Nou showdown.

As for the midfield, the lack of alternatives should see Bruno Fernandes, Marcel Sabitzer and Fred form something of a makeshift trio once again, even though the latter man distinctly underwhelmed last time out.

Further tactical tweaks should well be in order in the forward line, with both Alejandro Garnacho and Wout Weghorst set to make way, with the towering Dutchman having looked “out of kilter” with his teammates on Wednesday, as per Luckhurst.

That should see man of the moment Marcus Rashford deployed in a central berth, with the wide roles potentially set to be taken up by Facundo Pellistri and Jadon Sancho, following the latter man’s timely equaliser in midweek.

Having endured a difficult time at the Theatre of Dreams to date – after previously proving a “revelation” at Borussia Dortmund according to ex-United ace Paul Ince – Sancho will be looking to make up for lost time this afternoon.

Predicted Man Utd XI (4-3-3): De Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Maguire, Martinez, Shaw; Fred, Sabitzer, Fernandes; Pellistri, Rashford, Sancho.