Welcome to the latest edition of my twice-weekly column – bringing you exclusive transfer and contract news, as well as news from the Premier League, EFL, Scottish Premiership and beyond.
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NEWCASTLE UNITED
The Magpies are monitoring Andreas Christensen‘s situation at Barcelona.
His name features highly on their wanted list as they chase a new centre-back, but it will be a hard deal to do in the January window.
Newcastle are subject to Financial Fair Play restrictions and have prioritised a midfield signing this month.
Nevertheless, they are keeping a watchful eye on Christensen – who is currently in and out of the Barcelona side.
I’m told Eddie Howe is a big admirer of the Denmark international.
If it’s not a deal that can be done this month, they will come back in for the ex-Chelsea man in the summer window.
A loan this month is not likely as Barcelona don’t want to leave themselves short as they chase success in La Liga and the Champions League.
However, Barca could be open to permanent offers in the summer to help their financial situation.
Man United are also keen on Christensen – but a deal is similarly hard for them to do in January due to their financial restrictions.
Jean-Clair Todibo is also a top target for United but Nice are keeping hold of the France international this month.
I’m told Newcastle and the Red Devils will have Christensen on their list this summer.
READ MORE EXCLUSIVE NEWCASTLE UNITED NEWS AND PUNDIT VIEWS
TOTTENHAM
Spurs are stepping up their interest in Blackburn’s Adam Wharton, who is a highly-rated, top young player at Ewood Park.
They feel he is a potential star in the making and are now readying a move for him in the coming months.
I’m told a move is not likely to happen in January as Blackburn would demand top dollar.
Sources say Crystal Palace and Everton are also keen on Wharton – who could command a fee of between £10-15million in the summer.
Blackburn are desperate to keep hold of the teenager this month but are bracing for interest in the summer – and likely won’t be able to reject eight-figure offers.
Wharton’s admirers in the Premier League see the midfielder as a talent who could make the step up to the top flight with ease.
Meanwhile, Ange Postecoglou wants a midfielder this month if Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg is to depart the club.
The Denmark international’s Juventus move has hit the rocks due to negotiations over a loan fee.
Yves Bissouma and Pape Matar Sarr are both at the African Cup of Nations and midfield is a priority area for Postecoglou – who will only sanction an exit for Hojbjerg if a midfielder is coming in to replace him.
Spurs’ policy of signing players under the age of 24 could come into play again as they look for midfield reinforcements.
Tottenham and Chelsea have been linked with a move for Jordan Henderson – who is keen to return to the United Kingdom.
He will have to take a huge wage drop to return to the Premier League, but is mindful that he will have to play regular football at a good level to make the England squad for Euro 2024.
Several top-flight clubs are ready to take Henderson if Al-Ettifaq’s price tag and his wage demands are right.
READ MORE EXCLUSIVE TOTTENHAM NEWS AND PUNDIT VIEWS
LEEDS UNITED
Robin Koch is set to make his Eintracht Frankfurt loan permanent – and the Whites have several other players out on loan who could seal permanent exits this month.
However, Leeds are not likely to spend big money on permanent deals even if more loanees exit in January.
The plan is for Daniel Farke’s side to make loan signings this month with a few slots in their squad still open and Djed Spence already returning to Tottenham.
I’m told left-back is the priority for Farke – as well as keeping hold of top players like Crysencio Summerville.
READ MORE EXCLUSIVE LEEDS UNITED NEWS AND PUNDIT VIEWS
WEST HAM
Michail Antonio has suffered an injury setback in training, while Jarrod Bowen picked up an injury against Bristol City in the FA Cup.
The Irons are looking for striking reinforcements this month and could revisit a deal for Hugo Ekitike of Paris Saint-Germain.
Montpellier forward Akor Adams is also on the shortlist at the London Stadium.
I’m told David Moyes and his recruitment staff are working overtime to add another goalscorer to the squad this month.
Steven Bergwijn has been linked and sources say there is genuine interest in the Ajax captain.
The Dutch giants are set to put a big valuation on the ex-Tottenham star in excess of £15million.
A deal could well depend on an exit for Said Benrahma this month – with his suitors currently put off by West Ham’s £20million valuation of the attacker.
I’m told talks are not advanced between West Ham, Ajax and Bergwijn at this moment.
READ MORE EXCLUSIVE WEST HAM NEWS AND PUNDIT VIEWS
WOLVES
Sasa Kalajdzic has sealed a loan exit to Eintracht Frankfurt – and the Molineux club will sign a replacement striker this month.
A new forward has always been on the radar for Gary O’Neil since he took the Wolves job.
Kalajdzic wasn’t suited to the style under O’Neil and has been allowed to leave, which frees up wages and a space in the squad.
However, Wolves’ hands are tied financially and it will have to be a loan signing.
Danny Ings of West Ham is a target but the Irons won’t part with him until they sign a striker of their own this month.
READ MORE EXCLUSIVE WOLVES NEWS AND PUNDIT VIEWS
ASTON VILLA
Unai Emery’s side want a right-back in the summer window and have been heavily linked with Bayer Leverkusen star Jeremie Frimpong.
Frimpong has impressed for the Bundesliga leaders this season and Xabi Alonso’s side are aware of growing interest in his services.
The Netherlands international will reportedly be available for around £35million in the summer window due to a release clause in his contract.
I’m told a potential Aston Villa move for his services could depend on how they finish the season – with Champions League qualification likely to make him a realistic target.
Sources say Frimpong is also wanted by Man United, Liverpool and Arsenal.
