Tottenham Hotspur now ‘entice’ central defensive star Rodrigo Becao of Udinese, according to reports out of Italy.

The Lowdown: Lilywhites leak goals…

The Lilywhites have endured a real defensive leakage as of late in the Premier League. Antonio Conte’s side have actually conceded more goals than anyone else in the top eight of the division, shipping 21 in a frustrating record for Spurs.

Eleven of those came in their last five league matches before the World Cup, so shoring up Tottenham’s fragile backline must surely be a major priority for Conte and the north Londoners.

The Latest: Spurs ‘entice’ Becao…

According to a claim from Italy, it appears that in-form defender Becao could now be tempted by Spurs.

As per Udinese Blog, it is believed that they ‘entice’ the Brazilian, who is currently the ‘most requested’ player at the Serie A club leading up to January.

It’s added that Becao ‘has now reached the highest levels of performance’, duly leading to strong interest in the 26-year-old’s services.

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The Verdict: Right man?

The South American is currently Udinese’s third-best performing player on average and has made more tackles per 90 than anyone in their squad (WhoScored), which explains why clubs would want to take him off their hands.

Standing at 6 foot 3, Becao appears to have a physicality suited to English football and already comes with a glowing reputation, having been called ‘insurmountable’ by members of the media.

It could come down to potential price tag, but with his contract expiring in 2024, that could put Spurs in a fairly strong negotiating position.

As Premier League football is pushed to the wayside, with the World Cup finally upon us, the break comes at the perfect time for a struggling West Ham United who are currently languishing just one point above the relegation zone.

Having started the season with progression in the Europa Conference League following last season’s European run, it has proven a tough task for David Moyes to translate this into domestic success.

They have won just four games in the Premier League from 15 played, and will cherish this six-week break before the January window cracks open.

It is there where many fans will expect wholesale changes to add to their extensive summer of recruitment if they are to continue their progression under the Scotsman.

Many will hope for another impressive showing in Europe paired with relative safety secured in the league. Whether this break will ultimately help or hinder remains to be seen, but either way this tournament will be unlike any other.

Thus, what better way to forget about the season than by tucking into our World Cup-inspired Hammers quiz? We bet you can’t get every question correct!

New Glasgow Rangers boss Michael Beale will likely be assessing his squad at present ahead of the impending return to club action, with the 42-year-old no doubt looking at which figures he will be able to depend upon moving forward in the bid to revive the side’s fortunes at Ibrox.

While there are lingering doubts over the futures of contract rebels Ryan Kent and Alfredo Morelos, one man whom the incoming coach will seemingly be able to rely upon is that of trusted skipper, James Tavernier, with the Englishman having been a consistent figure for the Old Firm outfit for a number of years now.

Although the 31-year-old has faced questions over his fitness amid the disappointing start to the current campaign for the Gers, the relentless right-back has typically been the club’s go-to man in recent years.

The former Wigan Athletic ace – who arrived in Scotland back in 2015 – has proven a real standout presence in an attacking sense for the Light Blues to date, recording a ridiculous tally of 91 goals and 112 assists in 373 games in total.

A record that any forward player would be proud of let alone a right-back, the “phenomenal” talent – as described by St Johnstone boss Callum Davidson – has been a talismanic presence for the Scottish giants season after season, notably recording 35 goal contributions in all competitions last term.

Even amid this season’s woes, the one-time Newcastle United gem has still provided eight goals and five assists already, with Tavernier likely to remain a vital piece of the puzzle for Beale over the coming months and years.

In the long term, however, it remains to be seen just who will replace the Bradford-born menace in the side, although one possible option could well be that of 18-year-old Jack Harkness, with the young Scotsman having blossomed at youth level in recent times.

The exciting teenager has been a leading figure for the club’s ‘B’ team of late, notably recording three goal involvements in 13 Lowland League games this season, having been particularly impressive in the latest triumph over Broomhill FC.

That 5-2 thrashing saw the Scotland U19 international prove particularly impactful from his right-back berth, notably putting the ball on a plate for Robbie Ure to net his second of the game late on.

Harkness has also shown his talent for the club’s U19 side in the UEFA Youth League, featuring in four of the young Gers’ six games in the competition, while notably laying on an assist in the thrilling 3-2 triumph over Napoli on home soil.

While it is unlikely that Tavernier will be dislodged from his starting berth any time soon, it is encouraging for Beale to know that he is a player of huge potential just waiting in the wings for a chance to impress.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly in the running for Borussia Monchengladbach striker, Marcus Thuram, although are likely to face competition for the Frenchman’s signature.

What’s the word?

According to transfer insider Dean Jones – speaking to GIVEMESPORT – Spurs could face a battle with north London rivals Arsenal to sign the 25-year-old, with the four-cap menace facing an uncertain future in Germany with just a matter of months left on his existing deal.

The respected source stated: “The Thuram situation isn’t totally clear yet, but it’s reasonable to believe he’s considering his next move. Arsenal have been linked with him too, so there might yet be a bit of a scrap for him if he fancies actually moving to England.”

This comes amid a report from The Sun that claimed Antonio Conte’s side – as well as the Gunners, Liverpool and Newcastle United – are interested in the former Guingamp man, with the 6-foot-4 marksman able to seal a pre-contract agreement in the New Year, or leave for nothing in the summer.

Conte’s next Lautaro

Thuram has warranted such attention amid his sparkling form at club level so far this season, having scored 13 goals and provided four assists in just 17 games across all competitions, with his tally of ten Bundesliga goals only bettered by compatriot, Christopher Nkunku (12), across the division.

That hot streak – which has ensured that the Parma-born gem’s overall record for Gladbach stands at 67 goal involvements in 119 games to date – has seen the forward included as a late pick in Didier Deschamps’ squad for the World Cup, with journalist Raj Chohan tipping him to “make an impact” at the tournament.

While a positive stint in Qatar could only add to the growing list of suitors, as far as Tottenham are concerned they will likely be hoping to edge in the race to secure his services, with Conte said to be keen on bringing in a new attacker as part of a January overhaul.

The Italian could well see Thuram as an ideal fit to strengthen his forward line, with the £8.7m-rated gem – who has been dubbed a “physical monster” by Herve Renard – sharing a number of statistical and stylistic similarities with Inter Milan hotshot, Lautaro Martinez, as per FBref.

That likeness is illustrated by the fact that the pair both compare favourably to those in their position in Europe with regards to non-penalty goals, with the Argentine sensation averaging 0.57 per game for that metric, while Thuram averages just slightly lower at 0.54.

Equally, the two men are also vital figures as a result of their willingness to put in the hard yards in attack, with the latter man ranking in the top 10% for interceptions made, while Martinez ranks in the top 5% for the same metric.

The San Siro starlet was notably a key part of Conte’s title-winning side during the experienced coach’s recent spell in Milan, with the 25-year-old forming a stunning and formidable attacking partnership with Romelu Lukaku, the pair netting 41 times between them as part of that Scudetto triumph in the 2020/21 campaign.

The hope would be that Thuram could have a similar impact were he to link up with the former Chelsea boss in N17, with such an acquisition likely to be the type of additional firepower that the club are currently craving.

West Ham United have seemingly been looking for a set of new full-backs for a good year now, with Aaron Cresswell and Vladimir Coufal having certainly passed the peak of their powers.

The latter in particular has experienced a sharp decline following his seven-assist debut season, where he marked himself as a dynamic defender with immense quality when he would find himself in a crossing position.

However, that has dropped to just four last season, and this season David Moyes has often preferred the youth of Ben Johnson or even a centre-back in Thilo Kehrer to the Czech Republic international.

At 30 years old, his time may be up at the London Stadium, with rumours persisting that a fee of just £6m will be enough to see him leave.

His replacement could already be lined up by the Scottish manager, as earlier this week 90min reported that Celtic defender Josip Juranovic has impressed those at the east London outfit. It seems that any progress is balanced on Coufal’s willingness to be pushed out of the door.

In the Croatian, the Irons would be gaining someone three years younger than his counterpart who boasts a wealth of Champions League experience and a winning mentality.

Although this season he only boasts two goal contributions, last season across two different clubs he sustained six goals and four assists. He does rank in the top 4% for progressive passes, which is imperative for the modern fullback.

It is likely this form that led to the call-up for his national team at the World Cup, where he recorded a key assist in their all-important drubbing of Canada.

Although he only signed last summer – meaning he still has many years left on his £16k-per-week deal – to tempt him to the Premier League should not prove too troublesome.

His exploits in Scotland would draw praise from John Hartson, who labelled him “outstanding” and “a really effective player when he gets forward in the box”.

With Juranovic entering his prime years and Coufal exiting them, it seems a no-brainer to switch these two around and gain an instant boost of dynamism down the right flank.

Tottenham Hotspur have been urged to make some ‘big signings’ during the upcoming January transfer window by former Hibernian striker Tam McManus. 

The Lowdown: Spurs’ season so far

So far this season, Antonio Conte’s side have won nine of their 15 Premier League games, drawing two and losing four, leaving them fourth in the table with 29 points.

One concerning aspect of Spurs’ latest league campaign is the number of goals they have conceded (21), ultimately leaving the north London club with just four clean sheets to their name.

With the January transfer window around the corner, it seems that the Lilywhites have been urged to make moves to remedy their leaky defence.

The Latest: Spurs urged to sign players in January

Speaking to Football Insider, McManus reflected on Spurs’ defensive efforts so far this season and urged them to reinforce in that regard during January.

He said: “That defensive record, it’s horrible really. Conte’s teams are usually so well-drilled and solid so you have to think that it is the players. Conte tried to fix it in the summer.

“[Ivan] Perisic, [Clement] Lenglet, [Djed] Spence, only Perisic has made a real impact for me. Something needs to change in January because Tottenham won’t get into the Champions League if they concede first every week.

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“I’m talking big signings. Top, top players who are going to come in and actually change things. We know they have the money and Conte will want to see the ambition from the club.

“He has the ambition to win Tottenham trophies so the club needs to give him what he needs. They score loads of goals, the midfield has a load of depth. It’s only the defence.

“I don’t know who those players are but they are out there. If Spurs are serious this season then those players have to come in.”

The Verdict: Spurs need defensive reinforcements

Taking into account the number of goals that Conte’s team have conceded so far this season, it’s safe to say that this is one of their weaknesses that Fabio Paratici and co should aim to fix in January.

With the club showing in previous transfer windows that they are well capable of bringing new players to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, this should fill their supporters with confidence that the same will happen this time around.

If Spurs can bring in some new defensive figures to N17, this could be the best way for Conte to fix things up at the back and put his team in the best position to cement a place in the top four by the end of the season.

Aston Villa are set to be offered the chance to sign centre-back Jannik Vestergaard in the January transfer window, with Leicester City happy to sell and the Villans hunting a new centre-back.

The Lowdown: Vestergaard out of favour at Leicester

The towering Dane joined the Foxes from Southampton last year but things haven’t gone to plan for him at the King Power Stadium to date.

Vestergaard hasn’t made a single appearance in the Premier League this season, with Brendan Rodgers generally deeming him surplus to requirements.

Now, it looks as though Villa could be an option for the 30-year-old, should he move on.

The Latest: Villa move possible

According to Football Insider, the Villans are ‘set to be offered the chance’ to snap up Vestergaard in January, as Unai Emery eyes up a new centre-back.

Leicester are ‘willing to listen to offers’ for the 35-time capped Denmark international, whose current deal expires at the end of the 2023/24 season.

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The Verdict: Upgrade on current options?

Vestergaard’s stock has undoubtedly fallen since trading Southampton for Leicester but he is still someone who could be an influential signing for Villa, having made 82 appearances in the Premier League to date and impressing on the south coast.

He was hailed as ‘outstanding’ by Alan Shearer with the Saints, averaging four clearances and 3.3 aerial duel wins per game for them back in 2020/21, highlighting what a dominant physical presence he can be in defence.

Vestergaard is still somewhere in and around his peak and he could prove to be an upgrade on the current options if he can re-find some confidence.

Although they didn’t miss him at the weekend in their 3-0 thrashing of Millwall, Sunderland will be hugely boosted by the return of Ross Stewart against West Brom next Monday.

The Scotland international was expected to make his return from injury against the Lions last Saturday but was omitted from the squad, which sparked fears that he may have suffered a setback in his return to fitness.

However, Tony Mowbray has now provided an update on the talismanic striker ahead of next week’s game against the Baggies, and it is potentially fantastic news for the Black Cats.

He said:

“At the end of the day what matters is my relationship with Ross and with the medical department, where trust is really important.

“The medical department thought it was dangerous to pick him. If he started or came off the bench and had to come off again, your questions would be about whether it was worth the risk we’d taken. I think he needs to have trained for a week – we’ve got a bounce game against Middlesbrough on Wednesday and we might give him some minutes in that.”He was chomping at the bit and he thinks he’s ready, so we hopefully by next Monday he will be ready.”The former Ross County striker had started the Championship campaign in hugely impressive form, hitting five goals and three assists in just seven league appearances for Sunderland.His 7.81 rating from WhoScored comfortably ranks him as the top performer in Mowbray’s side, while he is still the joint-top scorer with Ellis Simms, which emphasises just how big it is for Sunderland to have him back fit ahead of the busy Christmas period.While he might not be risked from the start against the Baggies, it certainly seems as if he could be available for selection, and given their improved form under Carlos Corberan, it could be a game-changer for Mowbray next Monday.Considering the “incredible” striker – as dubbed by Kristjaan Speakman – has been linked with a move away from the Stadium of Light recently, Sunderland will want to get him back firing in the hope that they can push up into the Championship playoff positions, in the hope that they could convince him to extend his stay with the club.[freshpress-quiz id=“659394″]Stewart has been a hugely influential player in Sunderland’s squad ever since joining the club, so it is undoubtedly great news that he is set to return next week.

Tottenham Hotspur have been dealt a potential setback in their bid to bring Piero Hincapie to north London in the January transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by The Mirror, who claim that Chelsea have now made the ‘first move’ in a bid to land the Bayer 04 Leverkusen centre-back this winter, with Graham Potter and his technical team at Stamford Bridge believed to have been keeping a close eye on the 20-year-old during his outings at the Qatar World Cup for Ecuador.

This is sure to have come as a blow to Fabio Paratici and Spurs, as the Italian sporting director in the last week is also reported to be keen on a deal to bring the defender to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the winter window, with the Bundesliga side believed to be demanding a figure in the region of €40m (£34.5m) in order to part with the youngster in January.

Romero reincarnate

With Hincapie himself revealing in an interview with Scouted Football earlier this year that his brother believes he is “a lot like” Tottenham’s own Cristian Romero, coupled with just how impressive the centre-back has been for Ecuador at the World Cup thus far, it is not difficult to see why Paratci would be interested in a move for the 20-year-old in January.

Indeed, over his two appearances in Qatar, the £34.5m-rated talent has been a rock in the heart of the La Tri defence, helping his county keep one clean sheet, as well as making an average of 2.0 tackles, one interception, 2.5 clearances and winning 3.5 duels – at a success rate of 64% – per game.

The £19.5k-per-week defender has also impressed in possession, enjoying an average of 66.5 touches per match, in addition to playing 4.5 long balls, 3.0 chipped passes and completing 47 total passes – at a success rate of 85% – per fixture.

These returns have seen the player who David Cartlidge dubbed a “big talent” average an eye-catching SofaScore match rating of 7.00, currently ranking him as Gustavo Alfaro’s joint third-best performer in the World Cup – playing a key role in Ecuador’s 2-0 win over Qatar and their impressive 1-1 draw with the Netherlands.

Furthermore, according to FBref, the 20-year-old also ranks in the top 15% of centre-backs in Europe’s big five leagues for tackles per 90, as well as the top 5% for blocks, the top 44% for interceptions, the top 4% for dribbles completed, the top 32% for progressive passes and the top 20% for shot-creating actions over the last 365 days.

As such, with the youngster who Football Talent Scout Jacek Kulig labelled both “dominant” and “tenacious” quite clearly being a centre-back who is strong in the tackle and comfortable at playing and carrying the ball out from the back, it is easy to see why FBref list Romero as one of the 23-cap starlet’s most comparable players.

However, while there are clear stylistic similarities between the Ecuadorian and the Argentinian, with Hincapie being left-footed and preferring to play on the left of a back three, it would very much appear as if the 20-year-old would actually make something of a perfect partner to Romero either side of Eric Dier in Antonio Conte’s three-man back line at Tottenham.

So, considering just how impressive a talent Hincapie clearly is, in addition to the fact the Leverkusen sensation looks to be a left-footed Romero reincarnation, it would indeed seem extremely wise for Paratici to launch a move for the defender this winter.

Sky Sports pundit and former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson has shared his scepticism over Everton’s reported transfer interest in Senegal striker Boulaye Dia.  

The Lowdown: Everton linked with Dia transfer

Last month, it was reported that Everton, alongside fellow Premier League clubs Leeds United, West Ham United and Leicester City, are interested in signing the Villarreal striker.

This season has seen the 26-year-old score six goals and provide two assists in 14 Serie A appearances for Salernitana, where he is currently on loan.

Having now been linked with a move to Goodison Park following his efforts at the World Cup, Robinson has offered his verdict on the possible move.

The Latest: Robinson’s verdict on Dia

Speaking to Football Insider, Robinson had this to say about Everton’s reported interest in Dia.

He said: “That’s an interesting one. I liked what I saw from him at the World Cup. He is a good striker who knows where the back of the net is. He is also the right age.

“But, would his performances in the World Cup suggest he will be a success in the Premier League? I’m not so sure. It would be a slight risk to take him.

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“Look, he is good enough but it may take him time. I don’t think Everton have time. They need to sign a striker who is ready to go. Someone who will make an immediate impact. They don’t need a player who will take six months to bed in.

“The need for a striker at Everton is glaring obvious. They cannot rely on [Dominic] Calvert-Lewin and [Neal] Maupay to get them the goal, as good as they are.”

The Verdict: Worth a punt

Described as a “versatile” player by journalist Josh Bunting on Twitter, Dia has 58 goals to his name throughout his career in 164 club appearances.

With more shots on target (10) in Serie A than any other Salernitana player this season, this highlights the attacking presence he has and what he’d be able to offer Frank Lampard’s side.

Bearing in mind how only three clubs have registered fewer shots on target than the Toffees (51) in the league this season, this makes it easy to see why the club have been linked with the Senegal attacker.

Taking all of this into account, regardless of Robinson’s doubts over Dia’s ability to hit the ground running at Goodison Park, we feel that this could be a gamble worth taking.