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West Brom are reportedly interested in signing Brighton striker Deniz Undav this month and the German forward could be the ideal player for Carlos Corberan as he looks to boost the Baggies’ promotion chances.

What’s the word?

According to Football League World, West Brom are amongst a number of Championship sides interested in signing Undav in the transfer window, with Sunderland, Norwich City, Blackburn Rovers and Millwall also said to be keen.

The Seagulls signed Undav from Union Saint-Gillioise in a deal worth £6m in January 2022 but he has struggled for regular game time under both Graham Potter and Roberto De Zerbi since arriving at the Amex Stadium in the summer.

The 26-year-old is yet to start a game in the Premier League for Brighton but does boast goals in cup competitions against Forest Green Rovers and Middlesbrough, so could add a goalscoring threat to Corberan’s side.

Corberan needs him

Since arriving at the Hawthorns, Corberan has overseen an impressive transformation of West Brom which has seen them diminish any fears of relegation and instead launch a promotion charge, which sees them occupy the final playoff spot after their 4-2 win over Luton Town last weekend.

Corberan has done so without last season’s top scorer Karlan Grant, who has lost his regular starting spot in the first team, with Brandon Thomas-Asante impressing since his summer switch from Salford.

Daryl Dike has only just started to play regularly after suffering a number of injury issues during his time at the Hawthorns, while the forgotten man, Kenneth Zohore, is currently sidelined through injury.

If the Baggies are to seal promotion this season then they will need plenty of depth in attack and therefore, considering Dike’s injury history, they should definitely be looking at a striker such as Undav this month.

Last season saw the German forward hit a remarkable 25 goals and ten assists in just 33 appearances in the Belgian Pro League, so he can certainly be relied upon in front of goal when given regular opportunities.

Upon his arrival at Brighton, Undav promised fans goals and he could potentially provide what’s required at the Hawthorns in the second half of the term to keep their automatic promotion hopes alive.

Undav said: “I can score from everywhere. I have no typical type of goal. I try to score with my head, with the left foot, right foot, with my shoulder, with everything.”

Considering Thomas-Asante leads the way for Championship goals at Albion this season with just five to his name, you could definitely argue that Corberan needs a clinical striker in his squad, and Undav would surely be the ideal man if he joins the Baggies.

Journalist Sacha Tavolieri has now claimed that Chelsea midfielder Kai Havertz could make a ‘surprise’ departure from Stamford Bridge in January.

The Lowdown: Chelsea’s busy January…

The Blues have been very busy in terms of player incomings this year, spending a combined total of £403m across two transfer windows so far and bringing in six new faces already this month.

Backed by owner and American business tycoon Todd Boehly, the Premier League giants haven’t shown any lack of ambition amid this new era at Stamford Bridge. However, after their heavy spending and with even more transfers possible before January 31, Graham Potter may need to green-light some departures.

In accordance with Financial Fair Play rules, Chelsea could soon need to balance their books after serious investment, with reporter Tavolieri now making a ‘surprise’ claim about Havertz on social media.

The Latest: Tavolieri makes ‘surprise’ Havertz exit claim…

Taking to Twitter, the reporter claimed that the ‘surprise’ departure of Chelsea’s 2021 Champions League final hero is possible, with Bayern Munich making contact.

Tavolieri explained: “Kai Havertz linked to a surprise departure this winter? FC Bayern has been in contact this week with CFC in order to inquire about the possibility of a future deal.

“Been told things could go faster at the end of this transfer window. Wait & see.”

The Verdict: Interesting…

While the 23-year-old has come in for some criticism for his displays over 2022/23, both before and after Potter’s arrival, we believe that selling him this month wouldn’t be wise by Chelsea.

Still young and possessing a huge ceiling for growth, the £310,000-per-week forward still stands out as a key player statistically, and one who can provide a spark of creativity under Potter. According to WhoScored, Havertz ranks among the Blues’ top seven players by average match rating and is currently their top league goalscorer with five this term.

While that tally should hardly set the standard for a club like Chelsea, the Germany international is Potter’s third-most used player, highlighting the faith that he has in Havertz to do a job.

Out of all Chelsea regulars with more than one start, the 23-year-old also ranks as their most threatening in terms of shots at goal per 90, so getting rid of him midway through the season would be questionable at best.

Tottenham Hotspur will still have their eyes on the market even if they are able to bring in the Sporting CP defender Pedro Porro in the coming days.

What’s the latest?

Spurs finally brought in their first addition of the January transfer window in the loan signing of Arnaut Danjuma on Wednesday from Villarreal.

The Lilywhites are also looking to bring in the Spanish right wing-back, Porro, this month with the two parties believed to be locked in talks over a possible deal.

It is said Spurs have agreed personal terms with Porro ahead of a possible agreement between the clubs with the 23-year-old said to be open to a five-year deal.

However, speaking on his YouTube channel, Fabrizio Romano has claimed the north London club may not stop there and could look to bring in some further additions:

“Tottenham are not done yet on the market. It doesn’t mean that they are 100% signing a new player after Danjuma and after Pedro Porro, but Tottenham are still exploring the market.

“Tottenham are still looking at opportunities, at options, so the situation is open around Tottenham and deadline surprises are possible for Spurs.”

More to come?

It has certainly been a slow start to the January transfer window for Spurs with it taking 25 days for the first signing to come through the doors of Hotspur Way.

And perhaps that was to be expected with the previous January transfer window seeing the two signings, Rodrigo Bentancur and Dejan Kulusevski, arrive on the final day of the window.

But there is a feeling emerging now Spurs have got their first deal over the line that they are now in business and could quickly make it two signings for Anotnio Conte.

Having endured such a poor run of form since the middle of October when the away defeat against Manchester United kickstarted a dreadful defensive record for Spurs, it does feel like Spurs could do with as many signings as possible.

The Lilywhites have now seen their grasp on the top four fade away but still remain just a handful of points adrift of the race for a spot in next season’s Champions League.

And despite some of the doom and gloom around the north London club, Conte’s men still have the FA Cup and Champions League to fight for.

It will be interesting, though, to see if Spurs have any specific positions in mind over the coming days of the window with their defensive record leaving a lot to be desired.

Goals has not particularly been a problem for Spurs – albeit there’s been a heavy reliance on Harry Kane – but the crux of Spurs’ main issues this season has been their frailties in defence.

Perhaps Fabio Paratici will only be keeping an eye out for any opportunities that present themselves – like Danjuma – but it does feel as if any defensive reinforcements could be much needed.

Journalist Charles Watts has revealed that Arsenal winger Gabriel Martinelli has agreed “in principle” to sign a new contract and it will official be announced “imminently”.

What’s the latest?

It’s been a great season for the Gunners so far on the pitch as they’ve shocked fans and pundits alike with their impressive push for a Premier League title.
Behind the scenes, however, there’s been plenty of work to do for Edu and Mikel Arteta as they try to convince some of their biggest talents to commit their futures to the club.
Indeed, negotiations have been ongoing with the likes of Martinelli, Bukayo Saka, and William Saliba. In positive news, however, it seems as though the Brazilian will be the first to sign an extension.
Indeed, while speaking on YouTube, Watts explained (12:55): “Really fantastic news this. Gabriel Martinelli has agreed a new contract, four and a half years.

“My understanding has been agreed in principle. It hasn’t been signed yet. But that is going to happen imminently. And we could well have an official announcement at some point within the next week.

“Fantastic news. One down two to go. The fact that Martinelli has agreed is just a big boost for Arsenal ahead of the second half of the season.”

Great news

Martinelli has been in fine form for the Gunners this term, starting all 19 of the Premier League games while providing seven goals and two assists in this period.
Such form also earned him a call-up to the 2022 World Cup squad with Brazil which has helped his reputation soar to a whole new level.
Of course, though, that will mean certain top clubs will be monitoring his situation, perhaps plotting to buy the winger in future transfer windows. For instance, former Brazilian international Ramires has claimed that Real Madrid and Juventus will come “knocking on the door” for Martinelli eventually.
Seeing as his current deal expires in 2024, there may have been fears at Arsenal that he could soon start to look elsewhere for a new challenge. However, if he is to sign this new four-and-a-half-year deal – as Watts reports – that should put any exit talk to bed for some time.

Liverpool face Wolverhampton Wanderers for the third time in a month on Saturday afternoon in a Premier League encounter in which Jurgen Klopp’s side cannot afford to lose further ground in the race for Champions League football next season.

Having drawn against Julen Lopetegui’s team in a contentious affair at Anfield in the FA Cup third round, forcing a replay that the Merseysiders narrowly won, the teams meet in the top flight for the first time this season. Anything other than departing from Molineux with three points in tow will come as a blow to Liverpool’s prospects as the season gradually approaches the business end.

Klopp’s men have been beset by turmoil this season, currently languishing in tenth place and out of both domestic cup competitions, with a daunting tie against holders Real Madrid awaiting in the Champions League round of 16.

It would be foolhardy to rely on securing Champions League football next term by winning this year’s edition, and every domestic fixture must now be treated as a must-win. In order to maximise Liverpool’s prospects of another victory against the Old Gold, £35m January signing Cody Gakpo must start today.

Depsite failing to register a direct goal contribution across his first five outings for his new club, Gakpo has looked menacing and comes off the back of an incredible start to the season with PSV Eindhoven, which preceded an impressive World Cup with Netherlands where the 23-year-old scored three times.

In his homeland this term, the £120k-per-week winger plundered 13 goals and 17 assists from 24 outings and swiftly asserted himself as one of Europe’s most exciting young talents, reaffirming that status in Qatar over the winter.

Hailed as a “sensation” by journalist Tom Allnutt, Gakpo brings dynamism and fire to his play; and according to one scout report, his blend of direct assault and precise, defence-splitting ball-playing skills are what earned him his move to the Premier League.

With Liverpool already taking confidence from the knowledge they bested today’s opposition on this ground less than weeks ago, there is a clear path for victory. Indeed, Gakpo could have extra motivation here to let Wolves know what he is all about, having endured a frustrating Reds debut against Lopetegui’s team at Anfield just under a month ago.

Five games; no goals, no assists – on surface level, Gakpo’s barren entrance to life at Anfield is somewhat alarming, but dig a little deeper and there is evidence to suggest that he could soon come good.

As per Sofascore, he was Liverpool’s joint-second highest-rated player in the FA Cup defeat at Brighton last week, while he had no fewer than seven shots against Chelsea the previous week, so it’s not for the want of trying that the Dutchman is yet to get off the mark in red.

The World Cup gem entered the fold at Liverpool amid a difficult period for the club, and while he has not wreaked havoc so far as many of the Reds faithful would have hoped, he is getting into positions where he can threaten. Today might just be the day that the dam bursts if Klopp keeps faith in him.

The Athletic reporter David Ornstein says that Everton ‘explored’ a deadline day move for Fenerbahce striker Michy Batshuayi.

The Lowdown: Deadline chaos

Transfer Deadline Day descended into chaos at Goodison Park, as Everton were rebuffed in late attempts to sign the likes of Reading’s Lucas Joao and Crystal Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta.

In the end, the Merseyside club signed nobody, ending the month as the only team in the Premier League not to bring in a single new face, and will now have to look at the free agent market if they want to strengthen their squad for the second part of the season.

The Latest: Batshuayi ‘explored’

Taking to Twitter just hours before the deadline, Ornstein revealed that Everton ‘explored’ the possibility of signing Batshuayi, but he did not want to leave Fenerbahce:

“Everton explored #DeadlineDay move for Michy Batshuayi from Fenerbahce – but 28yo Belgium striker happy at Turkish club having found stability & good coach in Jorge Jesus. He would only have switched for a stable project.”

The Verdict: What could have been

Batshuayi would have been a smart signing for Sean Dyche’s side, given his previous Premier League 15 goals in total in 22 games in all competitions.

Once hailed as a ‘top class’ player by former Toffees manager Frank Lampard when they were together at Chelsea, the six-foot-one striker also has a habit of scoring big goals in big games, notably the winner in Chelsea’s 1-0 win away at West Brom back in 2017 to give them the Premier League title, and more recently the winner for Belgium in a hard-fought victory against Canada at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

Nonetheless, the Blues would have banked on him to deliver in the latter stages of the campaign, as they look to fight off relegation for the second season in a row.

Insider Pete O’Rourke has claimed that Leeds United fans will hope that breakthrough star Wilfried Gnonto stays at the club rather than making a big move this summer.

What’s the word?

Gnonto arrived at the club for around £3.8m this summer in a deadline-day move from FC Zurich and has been the shining light of an otherwise underwhelming season.

The teenager continued his fine start to life in English football with a stunning performance away at Manchester United in midweek, opening the scoring in the first minute before setting up the second goal in their 2-2 draw, and may start to attract interest from elsewhere.

However, O’Rourke has told Football FanCast that Leeds fans will be desperately hoping he does not leave in the event the club avoid relegation amid potential interest arriving from elsewhere off the back of his fine performances.

O’Rourke said: “He’s definitely got all the tools. He’s already an Italy international as well.

“He’s made a real big impact at Leeds this season. I think for Leeds fans, they’ll be hoping he can stay for as long as possible and that none of the big boys will try and prise him away with a big-money offer in the summer.”

Bargain buy

Gnonto was let go by Inter in 2020, joining Zurich for free, and Leeds brought him to the Premier League for a bargain price with an eye on the future.

The 19-year-old has scored four goals for Leeds this season, and his pace and creativity provide a spark in an otherwise inconsistent team, who recently sacked manager Jesse Marsch.

Indeed, he ranks in the top 9% of wingers for progressive carries and is already a crucial member of the attack as he helps carry the ball forward.

Leeds interim boss Michael Skubala called Gnonto “special”, and if he maintains this level of performance and helps Leeds avoid relegation, he will surely become a hero at Elland Road. Whether that will be enough to see him stay at the club in the long term remains to be seen.

Chelsea’s contract talks with midfielder N’Golo Kante now ‘look positive’, according to reliable reporter Simon Phillips.

The Lowdown: Kante’s future at Chelsea

The 31-year-old’s future with the Blues has been in doubt in recent months, with his current contract set to expire at the end of the season.

At one point, the midfielder was said to be in advanced negotiations with Barcelona. However, a move did not transpire, with Phillips later reporting that the player himself was ‘hoping to find an agreement’ to remain at Stamford Bridge.

The Latest: Progress made

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Phillips has now given a promising update regarding the discussions which have been held.

The journalist stated: “Kante’s contract talks definitely look positive. To start with in the summer, it was very far away. But it looks like from what I’m hearing that Kante’s people have been more prepared to meet Chelsea’s demands.

“There’s no agreement yet. But it has got a lot closer in the last two or three weeks.”

The Verdict: Good news?

Graham Potter strengthened his squad considerably in the January transfer window, bringing in Enzo Fernandez on deadline day in a British-record £106.8m deal, so questions may be asked about whether they need to extend Kante’s contract.

The French midfielder has only made two appearances in the Premier League this season, owing to a hamstring injury which has cause him to miss 31 games since then, but the former Leicester City tank could play a huge part in the rest of the campaign once he is back to full fitness.

Hailed as an ‘unreal player’ by presenter Abbie McCarthy, Kante excels in so many different areas of the game. His dribbling ability is showcased by him ranking in the 98th percentile for progressive carries per 90 over the past year, also placing in the 85th percentile for tackles and the 86th for interceptions compared to other midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues.

As such, it is encouraging to heare that talks between Chelsea and Kante are progressing, as he still has so much to offer at Stamford Bridge.

Aston Villa are ‘leading the chase’ to sign Roma striker Tammy Abraham, a new rumour has claimed.

The Lowdown: Abraham shining at Roma

The 25-year-old joined Roma permanently from Chelsea back in 2021 and he has caught the eye greatly with his overall performances in Italy.

Abraham has scored 34 goals in 83 appearances for the Serie A giants, netting six times in the competition this season, as well as bagging three assists.

It could be that a return to the Premier League is now on the cards, however, following a fresh update.

The Latest: Villa ‘leading the chase’ for Abraham

According to 90min, Villa are interested in signing Abraham this summer and are ‘leading the chase’ for his signature, with Roma ‘ready to discuss selling’ Englishman at the end of the season.

They will demand a fee of at least £40 million for the striker, though, and Manchester United are also mentioned as potential suitors in the report.

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The Verdict: Could be a great addition

Villa have arguably looked a little weak in central attacking areas this season, with Ollie Watkins and Danny Ings failing to consistently deliver and scoring just 12 league goals between them, in a combined 39 appearances.

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Abraham could prove to be an upgrade on both, having matured as a player in Italy and been hailed as a ‘gladiator’ by news outlet Siamolaroma in Italy.

The 11-cap England international could provide both end product and a physical threat, putting his 6ft3in frame to good use, and his best years should still be ahead of him.

Abraham’s experience at Roma will have made him a more rounded player, given its reputation for being defensively strong, and he could feel he has unfinished business in the Premier League, having scored 26 goals in 89 matches in the competition.

Liverpool have enjoyed their best era since the 1980s under Jurgen Klopp, with the German leading them to a sixth European title and a historic first Premier League crown as the Anfield faithful managed to put years of misery behind them.

The 55-year-old has enjoyed some of his greatest success in the transfer market, signing players who were perhaps underappreciated at previous clubs before starring for the Reds, with Mohamed Salah being a prime example.

He isn’t without his faults however, with signings such as Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Takumi Minamino proving to be disappointments during their stint at the club.

Yet, it was the £52.75m move for Naby Keita back in 2018 which has been the most underwhelming for Klopp during his seven-year tenure.

How much is Naby Keita worth now?

Liverpool agreed on a club record (at the time) fee of £48m in 2017 for the midfielder, who was set to join the following year. The Anfield side had to pay extra due to RB Leipzig’s final Bundesliga position, with the final total being the aforementioned £52.75m.

Having registered 11 goal contributions – six goals and five assists – while averaging 1.4 key passes and 2.4 tackles per game during his final season for Leipzig, this form clearly impressed Klopp who was looking to sign a midfielder who could add an attacking threat while also be solid defensively.

His first season at Liverpool saw the Guinean score just three times in all competitions in what was a rather underwhelming campaign despite winning the Champions League.

Bouncing back in 2019/2020, the 28-year-old was an integral part of Liverpool’s title-winning side, registering five goal contributions while completing a staggering 88% of his attempted dribbles and winning 62% of his total duels as the Reds raced away with the title.

Since that campaign, he has played just 68 matches in all competitions due to a variety of injury problems that have seen him miss 53 games. This season alone he has featured just 12 times, getting only 441 minutes on the pitch and Klopp will have a big decision to make come the end of the season considering his contract is due to expire.

His Sofascore rating of 6.52/10 in the league this term ranks him as the third-worst player in the squad and when he has made the pitch, his performances have lacked any sort of urgency or significance, winning only 37% of his duels and losing possession 7.3 times per match.

GIVEMESPORT journalist Louis Dangoor even dubbed him “woeful” at the end of last season and his recent displays have seen his value plummet.

FootballTransfers value the £120k-per-week midfielder at €7.6m (£6.7m) and this represents a massive 87% decrease on the fee Liverpool paid for him in 2018.

Despite some early promise, there is no doubt Klopp has endured a howler over Keita and with the player likely to leave for free in the summer, it is a rare blunder by the German mastermind.