Leeds United goalkeeper Illan Meslier could potentially join La Liga giants Barcelona next summer, according to a fresh rumour which has emerged.

The Lowdown: Meslier shines for Leeds

The 21-year-old has emerged as one of the standout figures of the Marcelo Bielsa era at Elland Road, excelling between the sticks. He has now made 65 appearances for Leeds, proving to be a model of consistency and becoming the youngest goalkeeper in Premier League history to play 50 times in the division.

He has kept 23 clean sheets during his time in Yorkshire, which works out at approximately one every three matches, a very respectable return.

The Frenchman looks set to have a huge future in the game, and although his current Whites deal doesn’t expire until 2026, there appears to be some interest in him ahead of forthcoming transfer windows.

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The Latest: Barca linked with Meslier

According to pundit Gerard Moreno [via Planeta Barca and Sport Witness], who specialises in Barcelona news, Meslier is wanted by the La Liga giants due to the poor form of Marc-Andre ter Stegen.

A summer move is mentioned rather than a January switch, although no official approach appears to have been made. Andre Onana, Koen Casteels and Bartlomiej Dragowski were also identified by Moreno as potential replacements for the £49.5m-rated Germany goalkeeper, who boasts 14 trophies to his name during his time at Camp Nou.

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The Verdict: Potentially huge loss

Much like a number of Leeds players who are highly sought-after, it is perhaps wishful thinking to expect Meslier to remain at Elland Road for many years to come.

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That would be an ideal scenario, of course, but considering that he is arguably one of Europe’s best young goalkeepers – he has been hailed as ‘excellent’ by BBC pundit Micah Richards – it is easy to envisage him joining a top European club.

If Meslier does choose to move on, it is vital that Leeds receive a decent fee for his services in order to replace him with a similarly talented player and bring in other reinforcements. He is valued at £18m by Transfermarkt, so prospective suitors should not expect to get away with paying anything less.

In other news, David Ornstein has provided a key update on one Leeds player. Find out who it is here.

With Tottenham Hotspur out of the Europa Conference League, the Carabao Cup represents a solid chance for Antonio Conte to seal a piece of silverware at the club.

Later this evening, his side hosts Premier League rivals West Ham United in the quarter-finals of the competition with a place in the final four at stake.

Spurs head into kick-off on the back of a 2-2 draw with ten-man Liverpool on Sunday afternoon, whilst the Hammers’ game with Norwich City was postponed, so they’ve had to wait a week since they last played.

It will be interesting to see what sort of side the Italian head coach will put out in terms of team selection, so here is the starting lineup we are predicting tonight…

There could be as many as three changes from the weekend.

Hugo Lloris is expected to remain between the sticks, despite loan summer signing Pierluigi Gollini often taking the gloves in Spurs’ cup competitions. They are now at the stage where regular starters are needed.

A back three of Ben Davies, Eric Dier and Davinson Sanchez should also continue from the weekend, especially with Cristian Romero still out through injury.

Conte will be forced into at least one change after Ryan Sessegnon picked up a muscular injury on Sunday, so we could see the £36m-rated Sergio Reguilon return to the starting XI on the left, with Emerson Royal on the right.

In midfield, there is a chance that Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg makes a return but Conte may want to keep him fresher for the remainder of the festive period. Instead, Harry Winks could keep his place, only this time he is joined by Oliver Skipp.

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That means Tanguy Ndombele makes way, whilst Dele Alli is another casualty from the draw here at the weekend.

Lucas Moura could, therefore, rejoin Heung-min Son and Harry Kane in the attack.

AND in other news, Talks planned: Spurs source drops major January transfer update, fans will be buzzing…

Lots of Glasgow Rangers fans have been left fuming over some transfer news that has emerged on Borna Barisic.

As per The Scottish Sun, the Ibrox faithful have now rejected a bid worth £2m from Watford for the Croatia international, and have set an asking price of £5m.

The Hornets did go back with an offer of £1.5m in add-ons, but the bid did not impress the Teddy Bears, who have recently sold another full-back in Nathan Patterson to Premier League club outfit Everton for £16m, including add-ons.

Thus, with that kind of money brought in, Light Blues supporters can feel aggrieved with the transfer fee that Watford are offering for Barisic, who is more of a guaranteed starter under Giovanni van Bronckhorst.

Rangers fans on Barisic transfer news

These Gers were left fuming as the transfer news was shared on Twitter, with one RFC fan even going as far as to claim that it is ’embarrassing’:

“A joke of a bid that has rightfully been laughed out. Barisic is here for 2IAR.”

Credit: @DrTimSkelper

“This is the type of behaviour from another club which means you simply refuse to do business with them.”

Credit: @CemetryGates89

“Don’t know what’s worse, the “£2m bid” or the “£5m asking price”. What part of his body was the £2m for?”

Credit: @ZambianPrince

“£2m is an absolute insult”

Credit: @AllyT53

“£2m. Presume they either forgot a ‘0’ or they’re only bidding for the right leg.”

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Credit: @AMcKellar89

“That’s embarrassing from @WatfordFC. You’d maybe get his right foot for that but you’d need another £6m for the left foot as well.”

Credit: @AngryBuff

In other news, find out what transfer update has Gers buzzing here!

Wolves winger Adama Traore could want a new challenge away from Molineux in the January transfer window, according to The Athletic’s Tim Spiers.

The Lowdown: Traore linked with Wolves exit

The 25-year-old has enjoyed a curious Wolves career in many ways, proving to be a hugely entertaining player but also flattering to deceive too often.

Despite this, Traore doesn’t seem to be short of potential suitors this month, with a number of clubs linked with making a move for him, as reports on Friday believe Tottenham are the latest team to make an approach.

The 5 foot 10 Spaniard’s current deal expires in the summer of 2023, meaning Wolves risk losing him on a free transfer if he doesn’t leave by this summer.

The Latest: Spiers further hints at move

Taking to Twitter to respond to a question on Thursday, Spiers suggested that Traore is eyeing up a move elsewhere currently:

“Easy to forget this is his fourth season at the club as well, might want a new challenge, to maybe test himself in the CL etc, which is pretty normal for any ambitious player.”

The Verdict: Time to part ways?

Traore showed what he is capable of on Monday, making a clear impact from the substitutes’ bench against Manchester United and playing a part in Joao Moutinho’s winning goal, but his inconsistency remains his biggest shortcoming.

The winger is still yet to register a goal or an assist in the Premier League this season and this is why a move away from Wolves could make sense for all parties, despite him being hailed as ‘fantastic’ by pundit Tim Sherwood.

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It would allow Traore to test himself at a new club, while Wanderers would earn a hefty sum of money to spend on a strong replacement.

In other news, some Wolves fans are buzzing over an update that has emerged. Read more here.

With the joint-second smallest squad in the Premier League with 25 players according to Transfermarkt, Wolves now have the chance to increase their strength and depth during the current January transfer window.

In terms of what business deals the Midlands club could be looking to do in the next few weeks, it seems as though they have identified one player that they could bring to Molineux that would surely please Bruno Lage.

What’s the news?

Speaking on a live Sky Sports programme, presenter Rob Wotton revealed that Wolves are “interested in” signing Marseille defender Duje Caleta-Car who is apparently “on the market” this month for a potential sale.

Since Caleta-Car joined Marseille back in the 2018 summer transfer window from RB Salzburg, the 25-year-old has gone on to make 104 appearances for the French club across all competitions in which he has managed to chip in with four goals and two assists along the way, showing that he is capable of being an attacking threat on occasion.

Lage would be thrilled

Given how Wolves currently have Romain Saiss away on international duty after starting all 19 of their Premier League games so far this season, as well as having Willy Boly in and out of the squad with injury, a swoop for a defender such as Caleta-Car could be the right move for the Old Gold this month, especially with Lage saying that signing a centre-back is their priority at the moment.

As a result, he would surely be delighted to not only actually sign a central defender, but also bring in someone of the Croatian’s ability.

Labelled as a “very strong” player in terms of his physicality on the pitch by former Liverpool defender Dejan Lovren, Caleta-Car has been in and out of the team for Marseille this season, which may well suggest that he’d be tempted with a move to play in the Premier League with Wolves if he’d be guaranteed regular game time there.

Even though Manchester City (13) are the only team in the Premier League this season that have conceded fewer goals than Wolves (14), adding Caleta-Car, who is currently valued at £14.4m according to Transfermarkt, to their squad could help improve their already sturdy backline and help them achieve European football next term.

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As a consequence, Wolves should definitely make an approach to Marseille this month to see if they would be willing to part ways with the defender and give Lage what he wants.

In other news: Journalist drops behind-the-scenes January update that’ll have Wolves fans sweating – opinion

Writing on his Patreon, reliable club insider ExWHUemployee has shared an update on West Ham’s transfer plans involving Liverpool defender Nathaniel Phillips.

The Lowdown: West Ham eye moves…

As the January transfer window deadline approaches, the Irons and manager David Moyes are said to be eyeing much-needed additions in east London with the acquisition of a centre-back having come as real a goal for the club.

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Kurt Zouma returned to action against Manchester United yesterday afternoon after recovering from a serious hamstring injury, but despite his previously anticipated return, the club have still been linked with a new defender.

Liverpool’s Phillips is one name who repeatedly keeps emerging as Ex provides some information.

The Latest: Ex makes Phillips claim…

Writing on his Patreon, Ex says the Englishman is still a target for Moyes and the club alongside the likes of Burnley’s James Tarkowski.

As well as this, the insider claims a possible ‘loan with view to buy deal’ is currently ‘being discussed’.

Moyes is apparently targeting a left-sided central defender specifically with the Scotsman earmarking Phillips as a candidate.

The Verdict: Get it done?

The 6 foot 2 powerhouse would undoubtedly be a brilliant signing on those kinds of terms, especially going by his numbers for Liverpool last season and praise from Jurgen Klopp.

He averaged a brilliant 4.8 clearances per 90 over his Premier League appearances when playing regularly over 2020/2021, far more than any Reds player in that time (WhoScored).

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Liverpool’s manager raved over the 24-year-old at the back end of last season, calling him ‘absolutely incredible’ and an ‘aerial monster’ to the press (Goal).

With plaudits like these, signing him on loan with a view to buy could be a real snip.

In other news: Insider says West Ham agreement for ‘world class’ £17.1m striker is ‘there to be done’, find out more here.

Tottenham have allegedly reached an agreement with Fiorentina for midfielder Sofyan Amrabat.

The Lowdown: Amrabat profiled

Amrabat is a Morocco international who is primarily a defensive midfielder who can also play in a central role.

The 25-year-old is valued at £8.1m by Transfermarkt and has made 45 appearances for the Serie A side after joining back in 2020.

He’s been missing in Fiorentina’s last four league outings and is yet to contribute to a goal for his current employers, with a move to Antonio Conte’s side now looking likely before Monday’s deadline.

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The Latest: Agreement reached

According to Corriere Fiorentino, relayed by Sports Witness, Amrabat is ‘more than happy’ to move to Spurs and it will happen ‘barring surprises’.

Conte and Fabio Paratici both ‘rate’ the midfielder, with an ‘agreement reached’ between the two clubs.

It seems as if Tanguy Ndombele has to leave the club first, though, with the report claiming the Frenchman is ‘blocking’ a transfer being finalised.

The Verdict: Needed

Spurs are in desperate need of reinforcements in the final days of the window and have ultimately wasted a lot of time on pursuing Adama Traore, who is in Barcelona ahead of a loan move.

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They also look set to miss out on Luis Diaz, so it’s good news that a move for Amrabat is all but sealed, providing Ndombele can seal a move away from north London.

He now looks set to become the club’s third defensive midfielder on the books alongside Oliver Skipp and Harry Winks, so it’ll be interesting to see how Conte uses Amrabat in the second half of the season.

In other news: Spurs now preparing last-gasp bid to sign ‘special’ player who could leave for just £14m. 

Newcastle United are reportedly preparing to make a big behind-the-scenes call following the end of the January window… 

What’s the talk?

According to the Daily Mirror, via Caught Offside, the Magpies are set to make a decision on their sporting director appointment ‘soon’.

The report claims that they are now drawing up plans for the summer transfer window and this key appointment is said to be the first step on their way to making a move for Lille centre-back Sven Botman ahead of next season.

Buzzing

Newcastle fans will surely be buzzing with this news for multiple reasons.

Firstly, they will be pleased to read that PIF are now ready to put the wheels in motion months in advance of the summer. They appointed Nick Hammond as a short-term recruitment chief on the 17th of December 2021 and that gave him very little time to prepare for a month of business as the Magpies looked to strengthen their side.

Whilst they were able to bring in Kieran Trippier, Dan Burn, Bruno Guimaraes, Matt Targett and Chris Wood, they also missed out on some key targets. Deals for Jesse Lingard and Hugo Ekitike fell through on deadline day, with no alternatives in those positions coming in instead.

This suggests that the club made a mistake by not getting their business done early in the window as they were unable to strengthen the team in all of the areas they seemingly wanted to. Therefore, having a sporting director in place months in advance will delight the supporters as it shows that they may have learned from their error.

The Toon Army will also be buzzing with the appointment being set to play a role in the club’s pursuit of Botman in the summer. He could be a fantastic addition to Eddie Howe’s squad and one the fans could start to get excited about.

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In Ligue 1 this season, he has averaged a SofaScore rating of 7.15. This shows that he is capable of regularly delivering top-class performances at the top level, which is why he could come in and improve Newcastle’s team – given that Federico Fernandez’s score of 6.77 is the highest any centre-back has managed for the club so far this term.

At the age of 22, the Dutchman also has plenty of scope for development and could be a signing for the short and long-term. This is why fans will be elated with the club’s plans to make a swoop for him at the end of the campaign.

AND in other news, Wood axed, Howe unleashes “exciting talent”: NUFC’s sparkling new XI after Jan window…

A journalist has revealed that Newcastle United ‘asked’ about the possibility of signing Atletico Madrid defender Felipe just hours before the January transfer window shut.

The Lowdown: Great window

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) consortium managed to bring in a total of five fresh faces in the end, with Matt Targett and Dan Burn following Kieran Trippier, Chris Wood and Bruno Guimaraes through the door on Transfer Deadline Day.

Only time will tell whether their business will be enough to keep them up, but they have certainly given themselves a fighting chance.

The Latest: Felipe ‘asked’ about

As per journalist Antonio Ruiz (via The COPE Supporter), the St. James’ Park faithful ‘asked’ about the potential to sign Felipe only a few hours before the window closed:

“@NUFC has asked about Felipe, if he comes out, the @Atleti would try Lenglet.”

The Verdict: No harm

As the Toon managed to bring in a central defender in Burn anyway, there is not too much worry that they missed out on Felipe.

Yes, he has recently won the La Liga title with Atletico Madrid, and has a lot of experience at playing at the highest level in the UEFA Champions League, but he is 32 years of age now, and so does not have much time left at the top of his game.

Interestingly, he has the same agent as both Guimaraes and another strongly reported Magpies target in Diego Carlos, and so could be one to watch for the summer, perhaps on a short-term deal given his age.

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Nonetheless, with Burn signed, at least the Toon have strengthened their centre-back options going into the second half of the season.

In other news, find out which two NUFC players rejected moves away here!

Davinson Sanchez’s defensive credentials were talked up by new Tottenham Hotspur boss Antonio Conte this week but the 25-year-old’s value continues to plummet.

He is still relatively young for a centre-back, with his peak years on the horizon, but it’s a cause for concern that his fee has dropped off substantially since his £42m move from Ajax back in August 2017.

If anything, it should only be rising, the closer he gets to that optimum age.

At the time, it was a club-record fee spent by then-manager Mauricio Pochettino, who even claimed that the Colombian colossus would “be one of the best centre-backs in the world in the future” to Sky Sports.

Four-and-a-half years on, that’s been far from the case as he’s struggled to cement a regular place in a side that qualified for the Europa Conference League.

Back then, the club were regularly challenging the top four and even made the Champions League final in 2019 – Sanchez didn’t start that day either.

In fact, Sanchez has regularly been lambasted for his frequent mistakes whenever he has started. For instance, Kenny Cunningham once described him as a “real liability” to his side last season, whilst ex-Colombia manager Jorge Luis Pinto claimed that Sanchez “does not have the talent” to succeed.

Just this week, following Spurs’ defeat to Southampton, former midfielder Jamie O’Hara dubbed him “embarrassing” for his role in the three goals conceded.

Earning wages of £65k-per-week, the former Ajax defender is amongst Tottenham’s highest earners at the club but his form has just not justified that and his collapsing value reflects that completely.

As per CIES Football Observatory – a research group that specialises in the statistical analysis of football – Sanchez is now valued at just €30m (£25m).

That’s a drop-off of 40.5% from his transfer fee, a worrying sign considering he’s only 25.

“He has a lot of space for improvement. He’s good physically, he’s fast. He’s good technically. He has the right characteristics to become a top defender but he needs to be focused from start to end,” claimed Conte this week (via football.london). “This is the gap to him becoming a top defender.”

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It remains to be seen whether or not the Italian can be the man to get Sanchez back on track but given there are three players ahead of him in the pecking order, it seems hard to envisage that happening anytime soon.

As such, his value is only set to nosedive harder, leaving chairman Daniel Levy with yet another huge transfer disaster at Tottenham.

AND in other news, Antonio Conte may already have a big transfer regret at Spurs…