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Tottenham Hotspur manager Antonio Conte has requested to sign Inter Milan defender Denzel Dumfries, according to reports over the last 48 hours.

The Lowdown: Reinforcements needed

The Premier League giants currently have Emerson Royal as their first-choice right-back, but with Matt Doherty and Djed Spence failing to make an impact, the 53-year-old is understandably on the lookout for reinforcements.

Dumfries still has nearly three years remaining on his deal at the San Siro but Simone Inzaghi’s side are believed to be open to a sale in 2023, with his price tag having now been revealed.

The Latest: Spurs monitoring Dumfries

According to Rudy Galetti (via Sport Witness) on Thursday, Spurs are just one of several clubs ‘chasing’ Dumfries, with the signing being a personal ‘request’ from Conte.

The report states that the Tottenham manager is ‘not convinced’ by Emerson, with the 26-year-old Dutchman identified as a suitable ‘alternative’.

Inter are willing to consider offers in the region of €30m (£26m), with Chelsea and Manchester United also holding a strong interest, duly creating big competition for the Lilywhites.

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The Verdict: Emerson replacement?

Tottenham clearly aren’t sold on Emerson and are only playing him because he’s the best of a bad bunch, but having been hailed as a ‘big threat’ by Sky Sports pundit Kevin Campbell, Dumfries would certainly appear to be an upgrade.

The Rotterdam native already has two goals and two assists to his name across all competitions this season and is currently averaging 1.3 shots and 1.1 key passes per league game (WhoScored).

For comparison, Dumfries exceeds all three of Spurs’ senior right-back options for all of those metrics (WhoScored).

For someone with such experience and fantastic ability as the Dutchman, Fabio Paratici splashing out £26m shouldn’t even be up for debate, with his existing connection to Serie A potentially handing Tottenham an advantage in this transfer pursuit.

Liverpool still have a chance of signing Jude Bellingham even though Real Madrid look like the favourites to snap him up, according to transfer expert Dean Jones.

The Lowdown: Bellingham a wanted man

The 19-year-old is one of the most prized assets in world football currently, already blossoming into a key player for Borussia Dortmund and England.

Liverpool have been endlessly linked with a move for Bellingham but so have numerous other top clubs, with his exit from Dortmund expected next summer.

It feels like it could be the most high-profile transfer saga of 2023 as the teenager weighs up his options.

The Latest: Liverpool move still alive

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Jones admitted that Madrid looks like Bellingham’s most likely destination, but he feels that Liverpool could still have the stature to land him if they make a convincing enough sales pitch and hasn’t ruled out the possibility of the teenager coming to Anfield.

The journalist said:

“It’s going to take the sales pitch of the year to stop Jude Bellingham from joining Real Madrid, but Liverpool are a massive club, they’ve got the pull to do that. So until those forms are signed, you can never say never.”

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The Verdict: Top-four finish will be crucial

For Liverpool to have any chance of signing Bellingham, there is surely no doubt that they need to secure Champions League football for next season, something which appears to be in the balance this season.

The Englishman will demand to be playing in Europe’s top club competition, having already done so with Dortmund, and if the Reds can’t promise him that, many other prospective suitors surely could.

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Whether or not Liverpool can even afford the £130m-rated Bellingham remains to be seen – a possible new ownership situation could change that – but if they manage to get a deal over the line, it could be a signing which is eventually as important as the arrivals of Alisson, Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah.

The long-term potential and all-round brilliance of the Dortmund gem make him a truly special prospect, and whoever signs him could be getting one of the best players of his generation.

Sunderland’s Stadium of Light being shortlisted to host Euro 2028 matches is ‘great news’, according to journalist Richard Mennear.

The Lowdown: UK and Ireland submit Euro 2028 bid

The tournament is still six years away, but UEFA’s executive committee are already planning for the event, with a decision on who will be hosting the competition set to be made in September of next year.

The UK and Ireland have submitted an official bid to jointly stage the event, which includes nine stadia in England, two in the Republic of Ireland and one each in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

The Black Cats’ home ground has been named as a participant for the international occasion in what is a fantastic boon for the Championship club.

The Latest: Mennear’s reaction

Taking to Twitter in sharing the news for the Sunderland Echo, Mennear was delighted by the exciting update involving the Wearsiders, although he did add that four of the shortlisted venues would be removed from the final list of host stadia.

He wrote: “Great news that both Stadium of Light and St James’s Park on initial 14-stadia shortlist, will be whittled down to 10.”

The Verdict: So many pluses

Sunderland being a host venue at a major tournament would certainly to boost the club’s profile and put the Stadium of Light on the map, so this is hugely encouraging news for Wearside.

Whilst it might not be as big of a household name compared to some of the other grounds in contention to host Euro 2028, the stadium’s capacity is almost 49,000, making it the ninth-biggest football venue in England – very impressive for a club outside the Premier League.

A stadium of this size is not only likely to be considered for more big events in the future, but could also becomes more attractive to sponsors, so this could prove to be a huge fillip for Sunderland as a club and as a city.

Journalist Joe Thomas claims that James Garner’s latest injury is a ‘real shame’ for Everton and a ‘big hit’ to Frank Lampard’s options.

The Lowdown: Two months out

Speaking after the Goodison Park outfit won 5-1 away at Western Sydney Wanderers in their warm-up friendly in Australia, Lampard gave an update on some players that picked up knocks in the camp.

Both Tom Davies and Yerry Mina are expected to be out for three to four weeks, but Garner could be out until ‘early February’:

“Tom is three weeks-ish, which is a positive result as we were worried about him.

“Yerry is similar, three to four weeks.

“Unfortunately, James Garner is going to be more than that. He’s probably going to be back at the back end of January or early February. It’s a disappointing injury.”

The Latest: ‘Big hit’ for Lampard

Taking to Twitter, Liverpool Echo reporter Thomas claimed that losing Garner for the next couple of months is a ‘real shame’, and is a ‘big hit’ to Lampard and his squad options:

“Real shame for James Garner and a big hit to Frank Lampard’s options when the domestic season resumes.”

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The Verdict: Not ideal

Losing Garner until potentially February is certainly not ideal for Lampard. The central midfielder has made six appearances in the Premier League so far this season, and his 80.8% pass completion rate is one of the highest in the squad.

He came in the summer with a lot of promise having impressed on loan at Nottingham Forest last season, scoring four goals and supplying ten assists on the way to helping them win promotion up to the top flight (Transfermarkt).

Nonetheless, Lampard already has plenty of injuries in his squad, and so losing Garner as well really limits his options once the league season resumes.

Sunderland could reportedly lose both Ross Stewart and Dennis Cirkin in the January transfer window, as a number of clubs consider making bids for the duo.

The Lowdown: Key players

There is no doubt that Stewart and Cirkin are two key members of Tony Mowbray’s squad at the Stadium of Light.

The former played in every minute in the Championship for which he was available before his injury earlier this season, scoring five goals and supplying three assists in his opening seven games in the division [featured heavily under the current manager.

Nonetheless, with their 3-0 win over Millwall at the weekend taking them to within one point of the play-off places, the Wearside club will not want to lose anyone in the January transfer window in a manner which may halt their momentum.

The Latest: Bids considered

As per The Sun, Stewart is a January target for Olympiakos, and the Scotland striker is ‘open’ to a move abroad.

He has yet to sign a new deal with the Black Cats, and his contract is up in the summer. Sunderland have the option to extend Stewart’s deal, but they ‘expect bidders’ in January.

Meanwhile, Premier League duo Tottenham Hotspur and Brentford are thought to be ‘considering bids’ for Cirkin, whose contract expires in 2024.

The Verdict: Keep them!

If Sunderland are to have any chance of clinching a play-off spot by the end of the season, and potentially secure back-to-back promotions, they need to keep hold of Stewart and Cirkin in January.

It may be tempting to accept bids for both given their respective contract situations, but the Black Cats must push to tie them down for the longer term, as they remain crucial members of the squad.

Also, it would be difficult to find adequate replacements for the pair in January, so ultimately it is not worth the risk of cashing in on them.

Sunderland manager Tony Mowbray has held a difficult conversation with Patrick Roberts in his office regarding the winger’s lack of game time in the Championship.

The Lowdown: Amad’s instant impact

Amad Diallo arrived at the Stadium of Light over the summer on a season-long loan from Manchester United and the winger has made an outstanding start to life in the northeast.

The Red Devils starlet’s form has therefore seen the 25-year-old pushed out of the matchday line-up, and the boss has now delivered an update on how he’s been dealing with both players behind the scenes.

The Latest: Mowbray’s comments

Speaking to ChronicleLive, Mowbray was full of praise for Diallo and revealed the explanation he’s given to Roberts as to why he’s not currently starting.

“He’s only playing on a regular basis because of his talent. I have to sit Patrick Roberts down in my office, who, in my opinion, is probably the most talented footballer in this league, yet he’s not playing.

“‘Why am I not playing if you think I’m that talented?’ ‘Well, because this kid assists and scores goals Pat, and with total respect, you scored two amazing goals away at Reading this season and you’ve had some assists, but Amad’s on fire at the moment and he plays in the same position as you’.

“My job is to try to find a way of putting them both in the team, yet you have to pick and choose the games where you feel you can be dominant with the ball and put them both in the team at the same time.”

The Verdict: Deserves a chance

Sunderland will be losing Amad next summer so Roberts will get his chance to shine again, and he more than deserves it given the instant impact he can make.

The Black Cats dynamo has two goals and the same number of assists to his name in just ten league starts this season and averages two successful dribbles per game (WhoScored).

Roberts can also operate in five different positions which is handy should any injury crisis occur, though it’s on his shoulders should he want to force his way back into Mowbray’s starting XI.

Sunderland manager Tony Mowbray has dropped a double fitness update ahead of the Wearside club’s Championship match against West Brom. 

The Lowdown: Sunderland’s next match

The Black Cats are in league action on Monday evening with a home clash against the Baggies, who are currently seven points and 11 places below Mowbray’s side in the league table.

Sunderland’s previous league outing saw them beat Millwall 3-0 at the Stadium of Light thanks to goals from Amad Diallo, Alex Pritchard and Ellis Simms.

Looking ahead to Monday’s clash, Mowbray has dropped an update regarding the fitness of Sunderland’s two players that have recently been involved in the World Cup.

The Latest: Mowbray’s double fitness update

Speaking in his latest press conference (via Sunderland Echo), Mowbray had this to say about Bailey Wright and Jewison Bennette following their efforts in Qatar and their current fitness situation.

He said: “Both of them are back. Bailey wanted to play in our behind-closed-doors game against Middlesbrough on Wednesday so he has had a run out.

“Jewison returned to training on Thursday – he said it was a great experience and featured in every game. The loss against Spain obviously wasn’t ideal but for his age it’s amazing for him to have played at World Cup.

“He showed us in training on Thursday those glimpses of what he’s got, he was sharp and quick. He’s another asset that we can utilise as the season unfolds in front of us.”

The Verdict: Good news for Sunderland

Even though Wright and Bennette have only started a combined total of four league games between them this season, having them both back in the squad will definitely be good news for Sunderland.

With only five Sunderland players having made more clearances than Wright (24) in this campaign, this highlights the defensive attributes he’s able to offer the team.

Bearing in mind how West Brom have made more crosses (518) than any other club in the division this season, this suggests that someone with Wright’s defensive capabilities could be a key figure for the team on Monday.

Then with Bennette having the highest percentage for shots on target (80%) at Sunderland, his presence in front of goal could also be vital on Monday as the Baggies have faced fewer shots at goal (189) and shots on target (54) than any other side in the league.

Manchester City have been heavily linked with AC Milan left-back Theo Hernandez in the past, and Txiki Begiristain should definitely try and bring him to the Etihad Stadium after a sensational World Cup.

It was suggested during the summer that the Citizens were planning a £100m swoop for the France international as Pep Guardiola looked to add to his full-back options, with Kyle Walker set to turn 33 next year.

City currently have Joao Cancelo and Sergio Gomez at left-back, with Josh Wilson-Esbrand also seemingly on the verge of breaking into the first team at the Etihad, which suggests that Guardiola is not currently short of options in that position.

However, Hernandez has proven himself to be a world-class left-back in recent years with AC Milan, contributing five goals and six assists in Serie A last season as the Rossoneri won the Scudetto.

Milan legend Paolo Maldini has tipped the left-back to surpass even his legacy at the San Siro, singing his praises last season.

The Rossoneri technical director said: “If Theo plays just a third of the matches I played, he will surpass me. This is very clear, I was never much of a goalscorer. If he were to surpass me, I’d be happy, because I’d enjoy these goals as well.

“Theo is a very special full-back. He’s absolutely a full-back, but what he does isn’t done by anyone else, above all for his ability to finish, to assist and burst forward.”

He has also been hugely impressive in Qatar with France, contributing one goal and two assists en route to the final as Didier Deschamps’ side aim to win consecutive World Cup titles by defeating Argentina on Sunday.

The 25-year-old was arguably the star performer on Wednesday night as France defeated Morocco 2-0 to seal their place in the final, and Begiristain should definitely consider a January move for the full-back after such an eye-catching display.

As per Sofascore, Hernandez earned an 8.2/10 rating for his performance against the Atlas Lions, which ranked him as the best player on the pitch.

The former Real Madrid man opened the scoring with an acrobatic finish, which emphasised his ability in attack. He was also extremely solid in defence and nullified the threat of Morocco’s danger man Hakim Ziyech, who earned a shocking 5.9/10 rating after completing none of his five dribble attempts.

Hernandez also contributed four tackles and won seven of his eight duels, with a success rate of 88%. That is a significant increase on the 1.8 tackles he has averaged per match with AC Milan this season, which emphasises how much he raised his game on Wednesday night.

Therefore, Begiristain should definitely look at bringing Hernandez to the Etihad next month, as it seems clear that he could be a world-class prospective addition to Guardiola’s squad.

BBC radio pundit Alan Hutton has shared his verdict on Manchester United defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka amid rumours linking the player with a January move away from Old Trafford. 

The Lowdown: Wan-Bissaka linked with United exit

Since joining the Red Devils from Crystal Palace in 2019 for £50m, the Englishman has gone on to make 128 appearances for United across all competitions.

However, the defender has recently found himself linked with a move away from Old Trafford in January, with the likes of Wolves, West Ham United and Palace reportedly interested in him.

With the winter market set to open in a few days’ time, one pundit has hinted that Erik ten Hag could dispense with the 25-year-old next month if the opportunity comes up.

The Latest: Hutton’s Wan-Bissaka verdict

Speaking to Football Insider, Hutton praised Wan-Bissaka’s defensive acumen but feels that the player does not offer enough attacking-wise and, having failed to ‘fit into’ the plans of Ten Hag and previous managers, the Scotsman believes that the right-back’s time at Old Trafford could soon be up.

The 37-year-old said in reaction to the recent exit links surrounding the United defender: “I think they did spend a lot of money on him. He has played quite a number of games but he just does not fit into the way of thinking at this moment in time, or under previous managers.

“He is very defensive. He is probably the best 1v1 defender that England have got out of all the right-backs, it is just the other side that he does not really give you.”

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The Verdict: A decision for Ten Hag

Despite only making two appearances for the Red Devils this season, Wan-Bissaka’s performance in the 2-0 win over Burnley in the Carabao Cup in midweek showed what he can offer when called upon.

In addition to providing the assist for United’s first goal of that game, the right-back also made two tackles and one interception and won eight of his nine duels, as per Sofascore.

He also completed two of the three dribbles that he attempted, which suggests that despite Hutton’s concern over the 25-year-old’s attacking abilities, the full-back has shown that he can be quite a capable player in that regard.

Taking all of that into account, it feels that Ten Hag has a big decision to make as to whether moving Wan-Bissaka out of the club in January would be a good move for all parties.

Liverpool have already completed their first deal ahead of the January transfer window with Cody Gakpo joining the club earlier this week and now a reliable source has revealed their next plan.

What’s the latest?

Italian journalist and transfer insider Fabrizio Romano has revealed Liverpool’s transfer “focus” in 2023.

Romano tweeted: “Jurgen Klopp on Liverpool transfer movements: ‘We’ve to collect money for a bit, then we can spend. That is how we work’.

“Focus will be on new midfielder – but Liverpool are not intentioned to pay €120m for Enzo Fernandez as of today.”

It could be season-changing

There is no doubt that making the right signings over the next few weeks ahead could be season-changing for Jurgen Klopp and his Merseyside squad as their campaign has not started in an ideal fashion at all.

The Reds are currently sixth in the Premier League after a run of inconsistent performances and the reigning League Cup champions were prematurely knocked out of the domestic competition by Manchester City last month, leaving them with the FA Cup and Champions League to compete for as well as the challenge to get back inside top four.

As a result, the signing of a high-quality midfielder over the next couple of weeks could be the perfect opportunity to improve the quality in the centre of the pitch and get Liverpool ahead in their much-needed midfield rebuild.

Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and James Milner are all out of contract at the end of the season which gives Klopp the opportunity to bring in fresh perspectives and transform the midfield at Anfield.

Jude Bellingham is reportedly the main priority for Liverpool, however, it is looking near impossible that a deal will be done this month with a summer signing more likely, although the club have not been short of links to other midfielders.

Sofyan Amrabat, Mason Mount, Moises Caicedo and the aforementioned Fernandez have all been linked with a move to Merseyside over the last few weeks but with the latter speculated with a move to Chelsea, Liverpool have evidently fallen behind in the race for the Argentine.

With that being said, identifying a midfielder who can make an instant impact at Anfield for the right price this month would be hugely advantageous to Klopp as the manager endeavours to improve the team’s performances over the second half of the season.