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Signing Inter Milan pair Denzel Dumfries and Stefan de Vrij would be a massive boost for Tottenham Hotspur, Sky Sports contributor Paul Robinson has claimed.

What’s the word?

Antonio Conte is looking to strengthen his squad, and could raid his former club for the Dutch defensive duo.

De Vrij is out of contract at the end of the season, and Spurs may fancy their chances at landing the centre-back in January, whilst Dumfries still has two and a half years left to run on his deal.

Speaking to Football Insider, Robinson claimed that both are necessary in the next two windows to strengthen the Spurs backline.

“Dumfries would make a huge difference,” he stated.

“De Vrij is also a top player but they can probably get away with the centre-halves they have got until the end of the season.

“Right wing-back is one of the top priorities. It’s obvious that Conte is looking in that area.

“If they could get both those players through the door it would be a massive difference. It seems unlikely they would be able to in January though.

“Both players are proven at the very top level. They both know the system so you would expect them to settle in quickly. That is why the manager probably wants them.”

Two necessary targets

Spurs desperately need reinforcements in both areas, with Eric Dier and Emerson Royal both receiving criticism for their poor performances this season, and signing two experienced players could make a huge difference.

Both players can settle quickly to life under Conte, with De Vrij already having experience under the Italian coach, and would arguably provide upgrades on the current Spurs players in their positions.

Dumfries ranks in the top 6% of fullbacks for aerial duels, shots, and attacking penalty area touches, which resembles a significant improvement over Royal, whilst De Vrij would arrive as a title winner with over 350 senior appearances to his name.

If these two arrive at the club in January, then Spurs would stand a much better chance of a top-four finish.

Chelsea appear to be closing in on signing a defender ahead of the January transfer window as Graham Potter looks to strengthen his squad…

What’s the news?

Fabrizio Romano shared an update via his Twitter page regarding Chelsea’s pursuit of defender Benoit Badiashile: “Chelsea are in advanced talks to sign Benoît Badiashile from AS Monaco as new centre-back. Official proposal has been submitted — negotiations now in progress 🚨🔵 #CFC.

“Fee discussed around €35/40m with hope to get it done soon. First call, @David_Ornstein. Talks will continue.”

David Ornstein of The Athletic claimed that Badiashile was the leading candidate for Potter and this recent update suggests that the club are now closing in on his signing.

Potter’s dream

The Englishman is looking to assert his own authority on the squad as he looks to bring in his own players ahead of his first transfer window in charge of the side.

Chelsea signed Wesley Fofana and Kalidou Koulibaly in the summer as defensive options, however, the onus is to bring in more young talent. Badiashile is 21 years old and certainly fits the bill with regard to building ahead for the future, while also being able to challenge for a space in the team at present.

The AS Monaco defender has proven his worth this season in Ligue 1, playing 11 matches and helping his side keep three clean sheets.

The youngster also provides a goalscoring threat, netting twice so far this term while also creating a further big chance, and this goal tally is the same as Chelsea’s centre-backs combined this season.

Badiashile has also made an average of 1.5 interceptions, 0.9 tackles and 3.5 clearances per match, while also winning an impressive 1.9 aerial duels per game at a success rate of 72% – proving just how effective he is in the air and this could be extremely useful for Potter.

The Frenchman was praised by talent scout Jacek Kulig last year, saying: “Badiashile is strong, fast, left-footed, tenacious, good on the ball… A definition of a complete centre-back.”

His ever-growing maturity and the fact he has already played 135 matches for the Ligue 1 outfit before he turns 22 suggests he could be an ideal option for Potter going forward, and with Thiago Silva coming toward the end of his career, he could very well replace the Brazilian in the Chelsea squad.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp could consider eventually taking the Newcastle United job one day, according to a claim from transfer expert Dean Jones.

The Lowdown: Klopp working wonders at Liverpool

The German has become a legendary figure at Anfield since taking charge in October 2015, inspiring them to both Champions League and Premier League glory, among numerous other trophies.

Klopp has twice been named the world’s best coach, and while Liverpool have dipped below their usual standards so far this season, his standing remains powerful.

An intriguing claim has emerged regarding the 55-year-old’s future, which is where Newcastle come into play amid recent reports that the German is “obsessed” about the Magpies.

The Latest: Jones drops Newcastle claim

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Jones claimed that Klopp could potentially eye up the St James’ Park job one day, even though it is still unlikely.

He said:

“Yeah, possibly. I mean, it might be a good moment in Klopp’s career for that change to come around. I’m not totally convinced that Klopp is obsessed by Newcastle in this moment.

“But of course, as a manager of a top flight team, you’re going to be intrigued by what’s going on because they’re threatening your own side’s position in the league and you probably feel a little bit vulnerable.

“But we should also consider Jurgen Klopp is probably going to fancy the Germany job at some point. I know it kind of gets played down sometimes but I’m sure that will be the next job that is also posted in his direction.”

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The Verdict: Feels unlikely

The job that Eddie Howe is doing at Newcastle means that there certainly shouldn’t be any talk of a new manager at the moment, with the Englishman working wonders at St James’ Park.

That being said, even a mention of Klopp becoming their manager one day is undoubtedly exciting, considering his brilliance at Liverpool and the aura that he possesses.

Nonetheless, it feels likely that he will remain at Anfield for some time yet and then possibly take a break – as Jones says, the Germany job shouldn’t be ruled out – so it would be a surprise if he headed to Newcastle any time soon.

Newcastle United have been closely linked with Stuttgart defender, Borna Sosa, in recent times, with the highly-rated gem potentially set to strengthen the Magpies’ full-back options.

What’s the word?

The Croatia international – who is currently representing his country at the World Cup in Qatar – has seemingly been a long-term target for the Tynesiders, with reports in the summer having suggested that he was on Eddie Howe’s radar.

This has been followed by a recent report from German outlet Bild which has claimed that the northeast side – as well as Serie A duo Inter Milan and Atalanta – are interested in signing the 24-year-old, with the player set to command a fee of around £17m.

Journalist Pete O’Rourke – in an interview with Football FanCast – has now provided his thoughts on that potential move to bring the nine-cap starlet to St James’ Park, suggesting that he could well prove to be an improvement on the Premier League side’s current options.

Asked whether the Zagreb-born ace would be an ‘upgrade’ on both Matt Targett and Dan Burn, the transfer insider stated: “Yeah, I think you would have to say he would be an upgrade.

“He’s an out-and-out left-back. Dan Burn’s done a brilliant job that has to be said for Newcastle at left-back this season,  he’s been part of that really mean Newcastle defence. So it’d be harsh on him if they were to bring in a new left-back”

Big ‘upgrade’

As O’Rourke alluded to, it may well be somewhat ‘harsh’ to dislodge the aforementioned Burn – who has helped form the meanest defence in the league this season after shipping only 11 goals – although Sosa’s quality end product should well make a move a no brainer.

The “outstanding” talent – as described by Stuttgart coach Pellegrino Matarazzo – has proven a truly lethal asset from his wide berth, having produced 31 assists in just 96 games during his time in Germany thus far, including a stunning haul of eight assists in just 11 games this season.

A player who is simply a “weapon” due to his David Beckham-esque delivery, in the words of Sven Mislintat, the 6 foot 2 ace also offers real attacking intent from his full-back or wing-back, as he ranks in the top 10% for progressive passes and in the top 12% for dribbles completed among those in his position in Europe.

Burn, by contrast, has chipped in with just one goal involvement since his arrival from Brighton and Hove Albion back in January, with the towering defender also ranking in just the bottom 23% for progressive passes and only the bottom 6% for dribbles completed, having provided a less glamorous, more robust option at left-back.

While the 30-year-old could well still have a role to play in the side in a central defensive berth, if the ambitious outfit are to kick on and push towards Champions League qualification and major honours moving forward, it could well need a quality ‘upgrade’ such as Sosa to come through the door.

Southampton have been hit with a potential injury blow to young winger Sam Edozie. 

The Lowdown: Busy weekend for Edozie

The 19-year-old had a hectic weekend, featuring for 16 minutes as a substitute in the first team’s 1-0 defeat at Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Saturday.

The following day, he was in action for the Saints’ B team as they thumped Middlesbrough 8-1, but he lasted just 34 minutes before his enforced withdrawal through injury.

The Latest: ‘Fingers crossed’ for Edozie

In a tweet on Sunday, Daily Echo journalist Alfie House said: “Understandably, concern at Samuel Edozie’s substitution after 34 minutes for the B team today. Waiting on conclusive update but encouraging to be told he walked off okay to the eye and looked precautionary. Fingers crossed… #SaintsFC.”

Following the aforementioned win over Middlesbrough’s under-21s, Southampton B team manager David Horseman said that the Saints’ coaches didn’t think the injury was a serious one at first, which could be a big relief for first-team manager Ralph Hasenhuttl.

The Verdict: Hope it’s not serious

After joining Southampton from Manchester City during the summer, Edozie – who Pep Guardiola described as an “incredible” player – has made six substitute appearances for Hasenhuttl’s side in the Premier League.

Across those games, the winger has averaged 1.82 shot-creating actions per 90 minutes, which is higher than the likes of Mohamed Elyounoussi (1.79) and Adam Armstrong (1.61). This highlights how much he tried to make an impact in the final third and why this injury worry would be a concern for Southampton.

Despite not yet being able to fully break into the first team and get his first league start of the season, potentially not having the teenager as an option from the bench would still be frustrating for Hasenhuttl

As House mentioned, everyone at St Mary’s will have their fingers crossed that whatever issue the 19-year-old picked up over the weekend is not a serious one and that, unlike fellow youngster Romeo Lavia, he won’t be sidelined for an extended period of time.

Former Glasgow Rangers defender turned pundit Alan Hutton has been giving his verdict on the injury to Connor Goldson.

The Lowdown: Long-term injury

Goldson picked up a thigh strain whilst stretching to make a crucial interception in the 7-1 loss at home to Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League last week.

He was spotted leaving Ibrox on crutches, and Giovanni van Bronckhorst later confirmed that he will be out for the long-term.

The Latest: Hutton reacts

Speaking to Football Insider, Hutton has claimed that losing Goldson is a ‘huge blow’, as he is a ‘leader’ and helps organise the team on the pitch:

“It is a huge blow there is no getting away from that.

“He is definitely a leader within the camp. He will still do that off the pitch. On it, you can hear him organising the back four, the boys in front of him.

“You could see how much of a loss he was in the Liverpool game. When he was not there it kind of fell apart towards the end of the game. He is a huge miss.“

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The Verdict: Fingers crossed

Fingers will be crossed within the club that Goldson’s injury is not as serious as first feared, and that he can make a swift recovery.

He has ranked as their eighth-best performer in the Scottish Premiership so far this season, and best central defender (WhoScored).

No other player in the squad has averaged more tackles, clearances, blocks or passes per game than Goldson has (WhoScored), further demonstrating his importance to the side.

Nonetheless, with other key centre-backs out injured too, the Gers have been left a little light in that area of the pitch, and so will be hoping that Goldson could return straight after the FIFA World Cup in Qatar finishes.

Everton have reportedly fallen behind in the race to sign Blackburn Rovers striker Ben Brereton Diaz in the January transfer window.

The Lowdown: Seven-horse race

It was reported earlier this month that the Goodison Park outfit are involved in a massive seven-horse race to try and sign Brereton Diaz, who is out of contract at Ewood Park in the summer.

Leeds United, Almeria, Valencia, Celta Vigo, Sevilla and AC Milan are also thought to be interested in his signature, in what looks to be a major saga come January.

The Latest: Sevilla in pole

As per Football Insider, Fulham are also in the race for Diaz, but Sevilla are currently in ‘pole position’.

Blackburn are ready to listen to offers for him in January, as they do not want to risk losing the Chile international on a free transfer next summer.

The Toffees had a bid rejected for Diaz this summer, but he is believed to be ‘open’ to playing abroad, and in Spain in particular.

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The Verdict: Unlikely

Given the profile of some of the teams interested in Diaz, including Sevilla, who are playing in the UEFA Champions League, it seems unlikely that Frank Lampard’s side will be able to sign him at this stage.

Lauded as a ‘beast’ by former Rovers manager Tony Mowbray, the six-foot-one machine scored an impressive 22 goals in the Championship last term, and already has eight to his name in this season (Transfermarkt), including a sumptuous curling effort from outside of the box in midweek against Sunderland, which Black Cats podcasters Roker Report described as an ‘absolute screamer’.

Nonetheless, Brereton Diaz is clearly ready to make the step up to the Premier League, but the 23-year-old may have loftier ambitions in terms of playing European football.

Wolves defender Toti Gomes ‘has to start’ his side’s Premier League clash with West Ham this weekend, according to reliable journalist Liam Keen.

The Lowdown: Wolves back in action

After a long break without a game, Wanderers return to action on Saturday evening, making the trip to east London to take on the Hammers.

Bruno Lage is badly in need of a positive result after a poor beginning to the season, with Wolves going into the weekend fixtures sitting 17th in the table. West Ham are one place and two points behind them, however, highlighting the importance of Saturday’s game.

The Latest: Keen wants Gomes to start

Taking to Twitter on Friday, The Express & Star‘s Keen talked up Gomes starting the game, with Max Kilman’s role being tweaked in the process:

“Every decision is a big one and the centre-back issue is an interesting one for Wolves ahead the West Ham game. In my view, Toti Gomes has to start, which means moving Max Kilman to the right of two centre-backs – which he is more than capable of.”

The Verdict: Makes complete sense

Granted, Gomes only has five first-team appearances to his name for Wolves, none of which have come this season, but needs must at the moment, following Nathan Collins’ red card against Manchester City that has led to a three-match suspension.

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At 23, the Portuguese defender is maturing as a player and this should be viewed as a wonderful opportunity for him to prove himself to Lage, having been such a bit-part player to date.

The absence of Collins of clearly a blow for such a big match but Gomes has been described as ‘absolutely excellent’ and ‘fantastic’ by former Conor Coady and can produce an influential showing at the London Stadium.

Southampton have reportedly submitted an offer to sign PSV Eindhoven winger Cody Gakpo this summer, according to The Athletic. 

The lowdown: Hot property

A product of the academy system at PSV, the 23-year-old has successfully come through the ranks at the Eredivisie giants and become a fully-fledged senior international in the process.

The attacker has directly contributed to 123 goals in 206 outings for his club at senior and youth levels, scoring 46 and providing 39 assists for the first team in the process.

Having previously been targeted by Manchester United, Leeds United, Arsenal and Everton, it now appears as though the Saints are also keen on bringing Gakpo to the Premier League…

The latest: ‘Concrete approach’

As per The Athletic, Southampton are understood to have made a ‘concrete approach’ to sign the seven-cap Netherlands star.

It’s claimed that the south coast club submitted an offer for Gakpo, although the bid was ‘turned down’ by PSV, with previous reports stating that the club will demand at least £42.5m for the player.

The report also states that the versatile forward – who was described as a ‘sensational player’ by Dutch football expert Michael Bell – is a ‘key target’ at St Mary’s and Rasmus Ankersen has ‘led talks’ with the ace’s club.

The verdict: Marquee target

Clearly a much sought-after commodity given the widespread interest in him, signing a player of Gakpo’s calibre would be a superb coup for Southampton and would suitably bolster the attacking options at Ralph Hasenhuttl’s disposal.

So far this season, the £27m-valued man has scored four times and provided six assists in just eight appearances across all competitions, earning a remarkable 8.70 SofaScore rating whilst winning 2.7 duels, completing one dribble and playing 2.7 key passes per game in the Dutch top flight.

With in-form marksman Che Adams still linked with a move away from St Mary’s, it’s important that Gakpo remains on the list of potential targets heading into the final days of the transfer window.

Following Glasgow Rangers’ terrific 3-0 victory against Union Saint-Gilloise on Tuesday which overturned the 2-0 defeat in the first leg and ensured passage into the Champions League play-off tie, Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side welcome St Johnstone to Ibrox on Saturday.

The Premiership clash offers the Ibrox side a chance to make it three wins from three on league duty and continue building the momentum ahead of the crucial tie against PSV next Tuesday.

There are no fresh injury concerns for Rangers heading into the tie, with only Ianis Hagi and Filip Helander currently on the treatment table with long-term problems.

Van Bronckhorst will be expecting to see a repeat of Tuesday’s performance against a side who will surely apply a low block and try to ensure it’s a frustrating 90 minutes for the home crowd.

Predicted starting XI

In goal, Jon McLaughlin will continue his no.1 duties, having taken over from club legend Allan McGregor, who is a more than able deputy if needed.

The back four will remain unchanged from Tuesday, with James Tavernier and Borna Barisic taking up their usual spots, with James Sands and Connor Goldson aiming for their third clean sheet in a row at the heart of the defence.

There will be one change in midfield, with Glen Kamara replacing Scott Arfield and he will feature in a midfield three containing Tuesday’s star Tom Lawrence and John Lundstram.

The front three will see the biggest change, with club talisman Alfredo Morelos, who scored on his return against Kilmarnock last week as the Dutchman dubbed him “very important”, will replace £1.8m Antonio Colak in the starting XI. The “terrific” finisher is key to the Gers success and he will be supported by Ryan Kent from the left and Malik Tillman from the right.

The young American scored the goal that ultimately won the tie against USG on Tuesday evening and he has settled into life well in Glasgow.

Predicted Rangers XI (4-3-3): McLaughlin; Barisic, Goldson, Sands, Tavernier; Lawrence, Kamara, Lundstram; Kent, Morelos, Tillman.