The 2022 World Cup in Qatar is well underway and Tottenham Hotspur manager Antonio Conte may be analysing the ongoing games with one eye on the upcoming January transfer window.

He has the opportunity to bolster his squad ahead of the second half of the season and the international competition being in the winter provides an unprecedented chance for players to catch the eye on the world stage ahead of January.

One gem who could play his way into a switch to England is Denmark international Andreas Skov Olsen, who currently plays for Club Brugge in Belgium.

According to a recent report from Nieuwsblad, Spurs have sent scouts to watch the attacker in action during the tournament, although it remains to be seen whether or not they will make a concrete move for him at the start of 2023.

The 22-year-old played 65 minutes against Tunisia in his side’s opening World Cup match but did not feature at all in Denmark’s 2-1 defeat to France in their second game.

Olsen may now be hoping that he can play a big part in Denmark’s final group stage match against Australia, which they will need to win to give themselves a chance of progressing through to the last 16.

If he can catch the eye in that game, and potentially beyond, then he could convince Spurs to swoop for him in January and manager Conte could find Dejan Kulusevski 2.0 if the club bring the 22-year-old to the Premier League.

Like the Juventus loanee, Olsen is a left-footed right winger who is adept at scoring and creating goals from out wide, despite not possessing blistering pace.

The winger, who has racked up 96 goals and assists in his club career to date, came into the tournament in fine form after a strong start to the season with Brugge.

He has averaged a SofaScore rating of 7.41 in the Belgian top-flight this term, scoring six goals and providing three assists in 12 starts – creating 2.1 chances per match.

Olsen joined Brugge in January of this year and produced six goals and eight assists in 12 starts during the second half of the 2021/22 campaign.

Meanwhile, Kulusevski has created five goals and provided 1.9 key passes per outing across nine matches in the Premier League this season for Spurs, which highlights the creativity he is able to provide from a wide position.

Therefore, the Danish international, who talent scout Jacek Kulig described as “perfect”, could be the next version of the Swedish attacker for Spurs by coming in and being a left-footed magician who can consistently create chances on the right wing for Conte.

He could provide competition for Kulusevski and has played through the middle and out on the left during his career so far, which means that they could also both line up in the same XI if selected and it does not have to be one or the other.

Chelsea are willing to pay as much as €150million (£129.1m) for England superstar Jude Bellingham, according to an exciting new transfer update.

The Lowdown: Bellingham having superb World Cup

The 19-year-old was rated as one of the best young players on the planet before the 2022 World Cup but his stock has risen even more in recent weeks.

Bellingham is enjoying a superb tournament for England, scoring once and registering an assist, and helping the Three Lions dominate midfield battles.

The Borussia Dortmund star looks likely to leave his current club at the end of the season, at which point there will be an almighty scramble for his signature.

The Latest: Chelsea’s trump card

According to journalist Pacojo Delgado of Cadena Ser [via Sport Witness], Chelsea are in the mix to sign Bellingham, along with Liverpool, Manchester City and Real Madrid.

The Blues are singled out as being willing to spend £129.1m for the midfielder, however, which would smash their transfer record and apparently trump Real Madrid out of bidding for the player.

The Verdict: Truly special talent

It is easy to overhype some young English players but Bellingham really is a genuinely special footballer who can reach the very top in the coming years – that is if he isn’t already there.

He is without weakness as a midfielder, possessing pace, power, versatility, leadership and tactical intelligence, and he is already performing like someone in their mid-20s.

If Chelsea could sign Bellingham, it would be one of their most significant additions in many years, although one would think only a top-four finish in the Premier League will give them a chance of it happening.

New Wolverhampton Wanderers manager Julen Lopetegui will have some big decisions to make at Molineux after the World Cup if he wants to keep the Old Gold in the Premier League and it seems as if the Spaniard is set for a big call on Raul Jimenez.

According to the Mexican news outlet W Desportes, Jimenez could be close to returning to his former side America in Mexico and already has a ‘foot and a half’ out of Molineux.

Lopetegui will reportedly make the 31-year-old available for transfer in January as he looks to cash in on the struggling striker, with Matheus Cunha seemingly likely to arrive as his replacement.

The former Sevilla boss has already voiced his frustrations about Jimenez going to Qatar with Mexico, despite last featuring for the Old Gold in their stalemate with Bournemouth in August.

He said:

“It’s his decision, no problem. And I understand. But, of course, I told him my thoughts. He is not fit at this moment because he has been injured and he hasn’t played any minutes for two or three months. Two or three very important months.

“I understand, of course, that players want to go to the World Cup. I understand the country puts pressure on them to go. But, in the end, you have to be able to play well and you have to show this for your club team first.

“But he decided to go. Mexico decided to call him up. I want, when he comes back, for him to be fit for us. I am worried about that, of course, because Raul is an important player for us for sure.”

Since signing for Wolves in a £30m deal in 2019, the former Benfica man has gone on to make 150 appearances for the Old Gold, in which he has contributed 55 goals and 23 assists.

However, he has sadly never looked the same player after suffering a horrible fractured skull injury in 2020, with just ten goals in his last 47 Premier League appearances, which is far from good enough for a player who earns £100k-per-week at Molineux.

Given Wolves’ woes in front of goal so far this season, which has seen them manage just eight in the Premier League, it seems clear that they don’t currently have the quality required to stave off relegation to the Championship, and there is no time for sentiment from Lopetegui.

Jimenez was once considered a “world-class” forward – in the words of Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan – but his form in recent campaigns shows that he is a shadow of his former self, so Lopetegui is right to consider replacing him in January, especially after his disappointing decision to put his country ahead of his club by going to the World Cup.

Everton have long been linked with a move for Ismaila Sarr, and a reliable source has given an update on the club’s pursuit of the player ahead of the January transfer window.

What’s the latest?

According to journalist Simon Phillips, Frank Lampard is “definitely” interested in signing the Watford and Senegal winger.

Phillips told GIVEMESPORT about the 24-year-old: “I don’t think he’s reached his full potential yet, but he’s definitely got something about him, and he could reach that potential.”

“I don’t know whether he would go to a club like Everton, though, I think he would probably set his sights a little bit higher than that. But it’d be an interesting one to see if anything develops there. But Lampard has definitely got an interest in him.”

He’s a Gray upgrade

Everton have found themselves teetering on the edge of the relegation zone after a poor run of performances ahead of the World Cup break which has left them 17th in the Premier League table and just one point clear of the bottom three.

As a result, Lampard will be desperate to improve performances on the pitch, with only Wolverhampton Wanderers scoring fewer top-flight goals than the Toffees over the campaign so far.

Indeed, the former Chelsea boss will have the opportunity to strengthen his forward line during the January transfer window, and Sarr could be the perfect prospective signing to improve the Toffees’ attacking threat over the second half of the season.

The £35m-valued Watford ace has been an outstanding performer for the Hornets since he joined them in 2019, scoring 30 goals and registering 21 assists in 109 appearances, with a goal contribution every 174 minutes illustrating that he is a consistent and reliable goal threat for his team.

In fact, Lampard could land a huge upgrade on Everton winger Demarai Gray if the powers at Goodison Park can secure the signature of Sarr in the upcoming transfer window.

The Senegal forward has outperformed Gray in many attributes over the season so far, including goal contributions (9 v 1), shots on target per 90 minutes (0.80 v 0.77), pass completion rate (77.4% v 67.5%), goal-creating actions (7 v 3) and dribbles completed (40% v 32.6%).

Everton are in desperate need of more goal contributions, and with Sarr in fine form for Watford and also offering Premier League experience, he could be the perfect profile of player to earn Lampard’s team crucial points in the top flight in 2023.

With that being said, it won’t be easy to convince Watford to part ways with one of their most important players, so the powers at Goodison Park will need to make a very tempting offer to acquire Sarr’s services in January.

Two of the Premier League’s current top four have reportedly joined the race to sign Glasgow Rangers gem Jack Wylie ahead of the January transfer window.

The Lowdown: Contract troubles

According to Football Insider, the Ibrox outfit are ‘pulling out all the stops’ to keep Wylie, although his age means that they cannot offer him a professional contract until his 16th birthday.

The 15-year-old has ‘caught the eye’ of a number of clubs in the Premier League, but the Gers are ‘rolling out of the red carpet for him’ in a bid to try and persuade him that staying at the club is best for his development.

The Latest: Tottenham and Newcastle join race

As per an update from Football Insider, both Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur, two of the English Premier League’s current top four, have now ‘joined the chase’ to sign Wylie.

The defender is in demand after scouts delivered ‘rave reviews’ on his performances for the Light Blues’ youth teams, and also for Scotland at U16 level.

Manchester United, Arsenal and Leeds United have also ‘registered their interest’ in Wylie ahead of the January window, while the Magpies and Spurs are ‘in dialogue’ with his camp.

The Teddy Bears do not want to lose any more of their young stars, after Billy Gilmour signed for Chelsea and Rory Wilson went to Aston Villa in recent years.

The Verdict: Another inevitable blow

Unfortunately for Michael Beale’s side, the attraction of a move to the Premier League has proven too much for the likes of Gilmour and Wilson, and so Wylie is likely to follow suit.

Hailed as a ‘top talent’ and a ‘wonderkid’ by transfer expert and Italian football journalist Fabrizio Romano, the teenager certainly has a bright future ahead of him, but that future looks set to be in English football rather than in Scotland.

It is a shame, because he could have worked his way through the Gers academy and into the first team, but with the January window fast approaching, it seems unlikely that they will be able to keep hold of him.

Liverpool have identified Borussia Dortmund star Jude Bellingham as their priority target next summer, according to Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth.

The Lowdown: Reds eye move…

The Premier League giants are reliably believed to be chasing Bellingham as one of a number of transfer options heading into 2023.

Argentina star Enzo Fernandez is said to have reached a pre-transfer agreement with Jurgen Klopp’s side, for instance, with the Anfield outfit now seriously attempting to back their manager on the field.

Bellingham, though, has been more heavily linked with a move to Merseyside in recent months as the 6 foot 1 midfielder dazzles for both England and Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund.

The Latest: Sheth reveals Liverpool stance on Bellingham…

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Sky journalist Sheth claims the Reds and owners FSG have identified the 19-year-old as their number one target heading into the summer.

He also says their delay in signing a midfielder could be down to waiting for Bellingham to become available in the new year.

Sheth explained:

“It’s clear he is the number one target for Liverpool.

“Remember, in the summer, they did want to bring in a midfielder but they decided to go short-term first of all and brought in Arthur Melo, maybe with one eye on next summer when Jude Bellingham potentially could be available.”

The Verdict: Tough move…

Bellingham’s sensational form in Germany, not to mention impressive cameos in the World Cup, have only raised his price tag and increased the queue of clubs seriously considering a move.

That being said, the dynamic and energetic midfielder would seriously upgrade Klopp’s options in the middle of the park, especially since he has been called a ‘monster’ by members of the media.

If Liverpool pull this move off, Bellingham would undoubtedly excite supporters.

Sky Sports pundit Paul Robinson has backed Sunderland in their reported pursuit of Aston Villa striker Cameron Archer in the January transfer window.

The Lowdown: Registered interest

As per Football Insider, ‘sources’ have revealed that the Stadium of Light outfit have ‘registered their interest’ in a potential deal for Archer in January.

The striker has been limited to just 51 minutes of first-team football at Villa Park so far this season, and so could seek a move away in order to get more game time.

The Latest: ‘No-brainer’

Speaking to Football Insider, Robinson has claimed that Archer would be a ‘great signing’ for the Wearside club, and that a dela in January for him is an ‘absolute no-brainer’:

“Archer has proven he can do it in the Championship.

“He would be great signing for them. He is a different profile of a striker to what Tony Mowbray has currently got. I could see that one happening.

“Look at where Sunderland are. Archer is more than capable of scoring goals at that level. If they can attract him it would be an absolute no-brainer. I really think he would do well there.

“It would be a good move for the player as well. Sunderland are a massive club with a great stadium and great support. There is potential for him to grow there as the club does. It is a move that would make sense.”

The Verdict: Get it done

Tony Mowbray’s side are in need of sufficient cover for both Ross Stewart and Ellis Simms, who have each suffered from injury problems this term, with the former being out since seven games with a toe injury between September and October.

When he was on loan at Preston North End last campaign, 21-year-old Archer managed an impressive seven goals and one assist in 20 matches in the Championship (Transfermarkt), showing that he can play at that level despite his relatively young age.

Nonetheless, the Englishman would surely relish getting more game time at the Black Cats, and so this is a deal that could work out for all parties.

Sunderland fans were not happy with their side’s display on Monday night, with journalist and Black Cats supporter Josh Bunting wholly frustrated by the side’s inability to control the second half.

The Lowdown: Disappointing return

Sunderland were looking for what would have been their third consecutive win after previously seeing off Birmingham and Millwall, having scored five goals along the way, conceding just one.

A 1-0 win against Saudi Pro League-leaders Al Shabab over the break would have also given Tony Mowbray’s side a confidence boost heading into this fixture, making the 2-1 loss to West Brom even harder to take.

The Latest: Journalist fumes at loss

Fans were left frustrated by Mowbray’s decision to bring on Patrick Roberts so late on in the game. As per The Sunderland Echo, the SAFC faithful lamented the boss’ hesitance to introduce more attacking impetus.

Journalist Bunting meanwhile was left more frustrated with what he saw from the Black Cats on the pitch, particularly the individual errors and inability to recognise the threat from West Brom’s right-hand side.

Though he did acknowledge his appreciation for the sides efforts in reaching the heights of 11th place in their first season back in the Championship, Bunting said: “It is hard to criticise anybody this season but that second half tonight was just pathetic. Too many errors, not identifying that left hand side, onto Hull on Saturday and looking for a reaction. Frustrated tonight.”

The Verdict: A game of two halves

Both Bunting and the fans are unfortunately right, as Mowbray got it wrong on the night.

The performance from Sunderland in the second half was a complete contrast to the first, with a creative spark like Roberts wasted on the bench and the decision to bring off Amad Diallo particularly baffling given he was the only real threat.

Sunderland had seven shots to West Brom’s three across the first half, and had four shots to the Baggies’ seven in the second half of proceedings. The boss’ in-game management will have to improve next time out with a trip to Hull City.

Chelsea’s new technical director Christopher Vivell will be looking to hit the ground running in his new role at the club, and will be looking to make waves in the transfer market to ail the club’s lacklustre start to the 22/23 campaign.

Since Graham Potter’s managerial appointment in the maiden period of the season, the Blues have offered glimpses of greener pastures but have still failed to ignite their season – with the weeks preceding the midseason break for the World Cup in Qatar leaving the Blues with a concerning four losses from five fixtures across all competitions.

This disconcerting run of form is something that needs swift remedy, and despite the struggles up front illuminated by torchlight – Chelsea have just 17 goals from their first 14 Premier League matches of the term – a presence of real quality in the centre of the park could go a long way toward steering the ship back on course.

According to CBS Sports journalist Ben Jacobs, Chelsea are now mulling over presenting an offer to Leicester City for their marauding midfield ace Youri Tielemans.

Despite heavy interest from the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool – with the Gunners widely considered to be at the forefront of the race – Potter could work his magic and bring one of the division’s premier players to Stamford Bridge.

Having made 176 appearances for his English outfit since signing from AS Monaco for a fee in the region of £40m in 2019, Tielemans has snatched 28 goals and 25 assists, notably scoring the winner in the 20/21 FA Cup final against none other than Chelsea.

And this season, the 25-year-old Belgian – once dubbed a “top performer” by Foxes correspondent Jordan Blackwell – has scored four goals from 18 outings, also registering one assist.

He recently starred in the Foxes’ dominating 3-0 victory in the Carabao Cup, netting against MK Dons as he captained his side toward the next phase of the tournament.

Should the Blues manage to pip their divisional rivals to what would be a monumental signing, Tielemans could forge an innate partnership with Mason Mount as the beating heart of Stamford Bridge’s team.

With Mount ranking within the top 15% of attacking midfielders for rate of assists, and making progressive passes at an average rate of 3.76 per outing, as per FBref, Tielemans could help him flourish with his offensive role by instilling stability and resilience in front of the defence.

As per Sofascore, the £35.2m-rated maestro has recorded an average Premier League rating of 7.21 this term, making 2.3 tackles per match and winning 59% of his total duels, also creating five big chances of his own and completing 86% of his passes.

Foxes boss Brendan Rodgers once said Tielemans resides within the elite cluster of “Europe’s top midfielders”, and it is clear to see that his ubiquity in the middle would aid Chelsea in the ascension towards prominence and prosperity once again. 

Tottenham Hotspur are now interested in signing Barcelona winger Ousmane Dembele, according to a report from Spain.

The Lowdown: Tottenham’s Dembele interest

As per Sport Witness, the Spanish press previously claimed Tottenham held last minute talks to bring Dembele to north London at the end of the last January transfer window, but they were unsuccessful, with the player deemed to have ‘other plans for the future.’

Not only that, but the Spanish club demanding £17.5m for a player who had six months left on his contract at the time deterred Spurs and other interested English clubs, with the Frenchman eventually signing a new deal to remain at Camp Nou until 2024.

Those renewed terms are believed to include a release clause to the tune of £44m, and Antonio Conte is said to be eyeing a deal once more…

The Latest: Conte renews interest

As per newspaper journalist Gabriel Sans, Tottenham still retain an interest in the 25-year-old, alongside fellow English clubs Chelsea and Wolverhampton Wanderers, who all plan on signing him in the summer of 2023, as well as French giants Paris Saint-Germain.

However, it is pointed out that Barcelona have no interest in selling one of their most utilised players this season, with the 5 foot 8 speedster already racking up 20 appearances in all competitions in the 2022/23 campaign.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/tottenham-latest-news-3/” title=”Tottenham latest news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Verdict: Get it done?

The £199k-per-week earner was once hailed as a ‘phenomenon’ by Lionel Messi, via FourFourTwo, and his performances at club level this season prove why, as he has emerged as a vital player for manager Xavi in the first half of the campaign, amassing four goals and five assists in 14 league outings.

This supplements an impressive 2021-22 season, in which the former Borussia Dortmund man finished with the most assists in La Liga, 13, despite appearing for less time on the pitch than the rest of the top ten.

An average of 3.29 dribbles completed per 90 over the past year also places the winger in the 97th percentile compared to his positional peers, a massive increase on the 1.88 totalled by Dejan Kulusevski and 1.81 by Lucas Moura.

With Dembele in this sort of form, it is no wonder that his current club are not interested in selling him, but if he becomes available then he would be a fantastic addition for Conte, capable of laying on the likes of Harry Kane and Richarlison while also providing goals of his own.