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Harry Winks could leave Tottenham Hotspur this January…

What’s the word?

According to The Times, the 25-year-old midfielder is keen to depart his boyhood club on loan in a bid to reignite his career, having played only 61 minutes in the Premier League this term.

He chose not to pursue an exit during the summer, despite interest from top-flight rivals Aston Villa, Brighton & Hove Albion and Everton.

It’s thought that the Englishman is open to a temporary stint aboard in a desperate attempt to try and force his way back into Nuno Santo’s plans – he has been usurped by academy graduate Oliver Skipp so far this campaign.

Time to go

Nuno isn’t the only manager to rarely utilise Winks as he only started nine of 15 league appearances last season, under former manager Jose Mourinho and caretaker boss Ryan Mason.

The £18m-rated ace was a regular for Mauricio Pochettino between 2017 and 2020, also becoming a mainstay in Gareth Southgate’s England squad but his lack of game time and consistency has seen him fall out of the reckoning, on both the domestic and international stage.

Once described as the “perfect” midfielder and compared to Andres Iniesta by the Argentine boss, Winks really would need to impress out on loan during the final six months of the season to stand a chance of getting back into Spurs’ starting lineup.

It isn’t just Skipp that he should be fearing.

The likes of Tanguy Ndombele, Giovani Lo Celso, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Dele Alli are all playing more frequently in the engine room, so you’re looking at him being fifth or sixth choice, and that’s even after the departure of Moussa Sissoko in the summer.

Having seen his transfer value drop in half since December 2019, Winks is certainly at a career crossroad.

The Times have previously described him as ‘stale’, whilst Lilywhites legend Graham Roberts dubbed him “an average player” to Football FanCast in the summer.

As per WhoScored, the Hotspur Way youth product has never managed above a 6.57 average rating in any Premier League campaign since 2016/17, which is hugely underwhelming and some way off the standard you’d expect, especially when you consider his involvement in Spurs reaching the top three in three successive seasons.

It’s time for Winks and Spurs to part ways this winter – sporting director Fabio Paratici must do all he can to shift him on in January.

AND in other news, Spurs lining up swoop for £36m-rated “animal in the box”, he could be perfect for Kane…

A journalist has claimed that Tottenham Hotspur could now sign Kristian Thorstvedt.

The Lowdown: Midfielder wanted

Given that there have been a number of reports linking Spurs with the likes of Nahitan Nandez and Franck Kessie, it is clear that Nuno Espirito Santo would like to bring in a new central midfield player.

However, with the summer transfer window shut now, the former Wolves manager will now have to look at January to make any more signings.

The Latest: Thorstvedt possibility

As per Rogalands Avis journalist Espen Iversen (via Sport Witness), the north London club could now sign Thorstvedt if they ever needed a ‘different midfielder’.

He mentions that the Lilywhites are the Norway international’s ‘favourite club’, and that he has even been dubbed the ‘Lampard from Valand’.

According to Iversen, the player’s agent, Jim Solbakken, is just a phone call away for Spurs.

The Verdict: Worth the punt

Thorstvedt is certainly a player that Nuno could do with in his squad at the moment, especially given that Moussa Sissoko has now left to join Watford.

The likening to Chelsea and England legend Frank Lampard suggests that he has an eye for a goal from the middle of the park, and that has certainly shown in his club career so far, in which he has managed to score 33 goals in total in 105 games over all competitions (Transfermarkt).

At just 22 years of age, he still has a lot of potential, and given that THFC are his ‘favourite club’ as well, they should be jumping on the opportunity to sign the son of former Lilywhite Erik Thorstvedt.

In other news, find out what Tottenham talent has suffered a bad injury here!

Speaking to Football Insider, Lilywhites insider and Tottenham Hotspur source John Wenham has made a damning injury claim involving Steven Bergwijn.

The Lowdown: Bergwijn snapped with strap…

The Netherlands international, after missing Spurs’ crunch Premier League clash at the weekend with London rivals Chelsea, posted an update on his injury via social media.

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Bergwijn dropped an image of his left foot cased in what was a protective boot, with manager Nuno Espirito Santo also confirming that it is a ‘very, very painful’ injury.

As a result, he appears very doubtful for Tottenham’s north London derby against Arsenal this weekend.

The Latest: Insider makes damning claim…

As per Wenham, speaking to FI, the protective boot indicates what could be bad news for Spurs and Nuno ahead of a month which could even define his long term future at N17.

“When you see a protective boot, you are really looking at a month on the sidelines minimum,” the Lilywhites insider explained.

“For us, that is a huge blow. You only have to look at our bench against Chelsea.

“We only had Dane Scarlett and Bryan Gil as attacking options to bring off the bench. You only have to look at the fact Bergwijn was in the team for the first four games of the season to see how important he is.

“He is a positive influence and he’s obviously impressed Nuno over the summer. It’s a massive blow to lose him. We are missing a few options up there.”

The Verdict: Would be big…

Losing Bergwijn for potentially a month comes as a mighty setback for Nuno over one of his best players so far.

The 23-year-old, shining so far in a more attacking role than last season, has made more key passes per 90 in the final third (1.3) than any Lilywhites player so far in the Premier League (WhoScored).

Second only to Son Heung-min when it comes to shots on goal as well, having the winger back as soon as possible is arguably imperative based off what we’ve seen.

In other news: Medical was done: Source reveals player’s summer move from Spurs fell apart at the very last second, find out more here.

Midlands journalist Luke Hatfield believes that there remains a possibility of Adama Traore joining Leeds United this summer, though he believes it would be a sideways step to make the move.

Adama has been linked with a potential move to Elland Road in this transfer window.

At the end of July, it was reported that Leeds had actually tabled a bid worth £30m for the player.

The winger, who was a member of Spain’s Euro 2020 squad, endured a disappointing campaign last term.

In total, he made 37 appearances in the Premier League last season, scoring twice and providing three assists.

Hatfield believes that the winger remains an inconsistent presence, even though he has refused to rule out the prospect of him ending up at Elland Road before the transfer deadline.

He said: “He is a top four player on his day but that day probably doesn’t come every day of the week, so to speak, at the moment. It’s very much a matter of consistency with him.

“But it would be a slight sideways step but it’s not one which is completely out of the realms of possibility.”

Manchester City take on Arsenal at the Etihad on Saturday, with Pep Guardiola’s side hoping to pick up where they left off against Norwich City last time out.

The Citizens bounced back from defeat in their opening fixture against Tottenham Hotspur to thrash the Canaries last weekend thanks to goals from Jack Grealish, Aymeric Laporte, Raheem Sterling, Riyad Mahrez and an own goal from Grant Hanley.

They take on an Arsenal side who have suffered back-to-back 2-0 defeats against Brentford and Chelsea in the Premier League thus far, although they were more successful in midweek, winning 6-0 against a young West Brom side in the Carabao Cup.

Here’s how Football FanCast expects Guardiola to line his side up against the Gunners, with three changes from the team that started against Norwich…

Ederson unsurprisingly keeps his place in between the sticks after picking up the first of what is sure to be many clean sheets this season.

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There’s one change in defence as Oleksandr Zinchenko makes his first start of the season at left-back, with Joao Cancelo dropping to the bench, as Kyle Walker keeps his place on the right.

There are two changes in midfield as Fernandinho comes in for Rodri in defensive-midfield, whilst Kevin De Bruyne makes his first start of the 2021/22 campaign alongside the Brazilian and Ilkay Gundogan, with Bernardo Silva dropping out.

The Portugal international, who was described as “incredible” by Guardiola last season, is reportedly keen on a move away from the Etihad and has been linked with AC Milan, so it would be a surprise to see him start.

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After impressive performances as the weekend, Gabriel Jesus and Jack Grealish start on the wings supporting Ferran Torres up front, and the Spaniard will no doubt be keen to impress in that role given that he could soon be usurped by Cristiano Ronaldo.

West Ham have opened talks with Liverpool for Divock Origi, according to Football Insider.

The Lowdown: A new striker needed

David Moyes appears to be in desperate need of a new striker before the window closes, with Michail Antonio the club’s only recognised senior centre-forward on the books.

The Hammers are yet to make a big-money signing this summer and have just over three weeks left to do so.

Origi, who is on £60,000 per week at Anfield, was linked with a move to the London Stadium last month, and it seems as if West Ham have now firmed up their interest.

The Latest: Origi talks

According to Football Insider, who were informed by a recruitment source, West Ham have opened preliminary talks to sign the Belgium international.

A bid of just £15m could be enough to tempt the Reds to sell the 26-year-old, with the Irons thought to be leading the way for him.

Origi, who was described as ‘unreal’ by Liverpool teammate Caoimhin Kelleher back in the 2019/20 season, has just 12 months left on his current Anfield deal.

The Verdict: A gamble?

Origi has started just nine Premier League games across the last two seasons, with only two coming during the most recent campaign. He’s netted just four goals in that time, so bringing him to the London Stadium in a £15m deal could be a bit of a gamble from West Ham.

He does have plenty of experience for club and country, though, and is also capable of playing on the wing, so his versatility could come in handy. Also, he has garnered a reputation for scoring in big games for Liverpool.

It’ll be interesting to see if rumours of a move to London continue to gather pace, but it seems as if the Hammers are testing the water at this moment in time.

In other news: Many West Ham fans flock to official club announcement, find out more

According to a report by The Times, Tottenham Hotspur, and by extension managing director Fabio Paratici, are ‘ready to make a move’ to sign Villarreal defender Pau Torres.

The Lowdown: Another defender incoming?

It looks like Tottenham aren’t quite done after the signing of Cristian Romero for the heart of their defence.

As per football.london, Spurs could look to add two new centre-backs this summer rather than just one as Paratici continues his major summer rebuild at N17.

In the past week, they have been strongly linked with both Fiorentina defender Nikola Milenkovic and Torres, with The Times now backing interest in the latter man as they provide their own update.

The Latest: Spurs ‘ready to make a move’ for Torres…

The reliable news source says that Spurs and Paratici are now ‘ready to make a move’ for the 24-year-old as they aim to add even more steal to Nuno Espirito Santo’s defence.

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Torres, who they describe as ‘one of the stars of Spain’s run to the semi-finals of Euro 2020’, also played a huge role in Villarreal’s Europa League-winning campaign last year.

The defender, however, will cost a pretty penny with his sky release clause having risen towards the end of 2020/2021.

His previous clause was €55 million (£46.8 million), but it has now rose to €65 million (£55.4 million), though the Lilywhites are hoping they can secure Torres for a lesser figure.

The Verdict: Huge coup…

If Paratici can somehow get this one over the line for Nuno, even factoring in their sell-to-buy policy, it would be one huge coup for Spurs.

Described as ‘sensational’ by Levante head coach Paco Lopez, the young defender possesses an incredible composure and assurance in passing out from the back – as stated by those who have worked with him throughout his career (The Athletic).

Standing at a colossal 6 foot 3, Torres also has the physicality to succeed in Premier League football and, with plenty of years still ahead of him, could gain Spurs some significant sell-on value.

In other news: Agreement reached: Tottenham confirm another N17 exit in social media announcement, find out more here.

Aston Villa could sign a real upgrade on Anwar El Ghazi this summer by landing Bournemouth star Arnaut Danjuma.

What’s the story?

Reports in recent days have suggested that Dean Smith’s side are one of the clubs interested in signing the Cherries winger this summer, with the Midlands club already making an enquiry.

According to the print edition of The Sun, 18/07, p61, (via Football League World), the Championship club are demanding a fee in the region of £35m to part ways with the Netherlands international.

Huge upgrade on El Ghazi

Given that he predominantly plays on the left, but is also capable of playing out wide on the right and through the middle too, as per Transfermarkt, Danjuma would presumably be most in competition with El Ghazi for a place in the starting line-up.

When you compare their numbers last season, it’s the Bournemouth man who comes out on top by far. Danjuma netted an impressive 17 times in 37 games for the Cherries across all competitions, while he also managed eight assists and was one of the key reasons behind his team making it into the play-offs – in his last 13 matches of the regular Championship season, he scored nine goals and set up another five.

El Ghazi, on the other hand, managed ten goals, and was very streaky in terms of his form, blowing hot and cold at varying stages of the season – not the kind of consistency that Smith will want heading into the new Premier League campaign.

As per WhoScored, the Cherries winger also averaged more key passes, dribbles and crosses per game than El Ghazi, while he was also fouled more times per match – a real indication of the kind of influence he had in trying to lead the Bournemouth attack.

Jonathan Woodgate, Danjuma’s former boss at Bournemouth, said: “He’s an exceptional player, in a really good place at the minute, Arnie. He’s another one who I’ve always done a lot of work on him at his previous clubs, so I knew all about him coming into this role, I knew what type of player he was.

“I know last season that he didn’t really get a run in the Premier League and he maybe found it a bit difficult to get game time, but this season he’s been outstanding. I can only talk of what he’s done under my reign, but at the minute, he’s playing some exceptional football, and what else he is doing is working for the team.”

The £35,000-a-week earner clearly showed with the Cherries last season that he’s more than capable of posing a real threat going forward, and given that Villa have already snapped up another exciting Championship talent in Emi Buendia, they could strike gold again by signing Danjuma.

Meanwhile, Villa must unleash this starlet in the Premier League…

Newcastle United are currently waiting to see whether Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta will sanction a move for Joe Willock, according to The Athletic’s Chris Waugh.

The lowdown

Willock spent the latter half of the 2020/21 season on loan at St James’ Park and excelled, scoring in each of their final seven Premier League matches. That equalled Alan Shearer’s club-record streak (via BBC Sport).

Shearer himself hailed Willock as ‘exactly what Newcastle have been missing’ and noted that ‘not many teams have been able to handle him’.

Encouragingly for Newcastle, Arsenal are said to be in the market for two central midfielders this summer, theoretically reducing Willock’s importance and prospects at the Emirates Stadium. The Gunners have already signed one, the Belgian Albert Sambi Lokonga, for a fee of £15.75m.

By contrast, the Magpies are yet to bring in any new faces in the current transfer window, even on loan.

The latest

Waugh reports that ‘dialogue remains open’ between the two clubs, with Willock’s addition seen as ‘vital’ for Steve Bruce’s side.

The proposed loan move can’t necessarily progress much further until Arteta gives the green light, and the Spaniard has yet to decide whether he wants Willock at his disposal this season.

While ‘there remains confidence’ that the 21-year-old will be donning black and white again in 2021/22, the delay is described as ‘a little disconcerting’. [The Athletic]

The verdict

Newcastle fans can probably afford to be cautiously optimistic. Willock was afforded just two Premier League starts for Arsenal last season before he moved north, and it looks as if their summer business will narrow his path to the first team further.

Add in the fact that they’ve missed out on European football, limiting the need to keep peripheral players around as rotation options, and surely Arteta must recognise that heading back to Newcastle is best for Willock’s development.

In other news, Newcastle are eyeing this centre-back with Champions League experience.

Crystal Palace have finally appointed a new manager to succeed Roy Hodgson at Selhurst Park in the shape of Patrick Vieira, but a tough job awaits the Arsenal legend.

The former Nice boss has filled the vacancy in south London after the likes of Nuno Espirito Santo and Lucien Favre turned down the chance to lead the Eagles into a new era.

While it’s certainly an exciting time for the capital club, much work is needed to be done in the transfer market over the coming months after several departures.

Many senior players left Palace after their contracts expired last month, and although some may yet be offered new deals, Vieira will undoubtedly need to bring in several fresh faces to bolster his options.

His task will be made even trickier if talisman Wilfried Zaha is granted his wish and gets a move away from his boyhood club, although the proceeds from his sale could fund a major squad overhaul.

With that in mind, how could Vieira’s starting XI look next season once the summer transfer window has concluded?

Here’s our prediction…

Spanish shot-stopper Vicente Guaita has been one of the Eagles’ standout performers in recent years and, the 34-year-old is expected to keep his place between the sticks next season.

The full-back positions are also likely to be occupied by familiar faces, with highly-rated 21-year-old Tyrick Mitchell on the left and experienced campaigner Martin Kelly on the opposite flank.

Kelly’s position is expected to come under threat from a new arrival, although rumours surrounding a new right-back have been eerily quiet so far, and the departures of Joel Ward and Nathanial Clyne leave him as the only current option.

It’s at centre-back where Vieira is going to be required to strengthen most. Gary Cahill, Scott Dann and Mamadu Sakho have all walked out the Selhurst Park exit door, leaving James Tomkins as the only central defender on the books.

As a result, at least two new centre-halves will be required in south London, and Nottingham Forest’s Joe Worrall has been linked with a £10 million move in recent weeks.

He could be partnered by the highly-rated Chelsea youngster Marc Guehi after a successful loan spell at Swansea City last term, and with the Blues valuing him at £15m, we think Vieira would be happy to sanction both deals.

Another Chelsea youngster who could be on the move this summer is Conor Gallagher. The England Under-21 international is expected to command a £15m fee, and he’d offer energy just ahead of the experienced Luka Milivojevic.

Alongside Gallagher could be Juventus star Aaron Ramsey. The Wales international has been linked with an £8.5m move to Palace, and the pull of working under a former Arsenal great could attract the 30-year-old to the capital club.

In attack, Wilfried Zaha’s potential £40m sale could allow Vieira to re-build his side’s forward line with Eberechi Eze set for a long spell on the sidelines due to injury.

The Gunners’ Eddie Nketiah and Sassuolo’s Jeremie Boga, both linked with Palace, could bolster their attack in £20m and £34m moves, respectively, while Celtic’s Ryan Christie could arrive for a significantly lower fee (£1m).

And, in other news…Fabrizio Romano drops exciting Crystal Palace transfer update, fans will be delighted