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Todd Boehly is eyeing up a Chelsea swoop for a Premier League forward in order to bolster Graham Potter’s side…

What’s the news?

According to Football Insider, Chelsea are ready to open preliminary talks with Brighton & Hove Albion forward Leandro Trossard ahead of a potential move.

His contract expires next year and the Seagles have ruled out a move in January, however, Potter is holding talks in order to get an agreement in place.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang upgrade

Trossard is currently playing at the World Cup for Belgium, where he came on against Canada for the last 25 minutes and a reunion with Potter at Chelsea looks to be on the cards.

The 27-year-old has excelled this season, scoring seven league goals, including a hat-trick against Liverpool, while also chipping in with three assists that has helped propel Brighton into the top half of the table, despite losing Potter to Chelsea in September.

Although mainly utilised as a left winger, Trossard can be just as effective in a centre-forward role and would be an upgrade on Aubameyang, who has struggled since joining from Barcelona in the summer.

The 33-year-old has scored just one league goal so far, making just four starts, while struggling to get involved in matches, averaging only 15 touches per match and it’s clear the Belgian would be a significant upgrade.

The £42.5k-per-week sensation appears ready to take the next step up in his career, with Brighton being the perfect stepping stone for a move to a Premier League heavyweight such as Chelsea.

Gabby Agbonlahor has dubbed him a real “threat” of late due to his performances this season and the Englishman has backed Trossard to thrive if he moves to a bigger club in the near future.

He was also praised by Alan Shearer for a “magnificent” goal he scored against Brentford last season and Trossard would certainly help Chelsea score more goals, especially with their attacking options netting just 10 goals between them all season.

A move in January appears to be off the cards but securing a deal to bring the Belgian to Stamford Bridge for free next summer would be a very shrewd investment by the club.

Tottenham Hotspur have been linked with moves for a number of goalkeepers in recent weeks, with Antonio Conte and Fabio Paratici seeking to find the club’s long-term successor to Hugo Lloris between the sticks – with the France captain turning 36 years of age later this month, as well as seeing his current contract in north London expire in the summer of 2024.

One shot-stopper linked with Spurs has been Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, the Senegal international who joined the Blues in a £22m move back in the summer of 2020, with 90min reporting in November that Graham Potter’s side had offered the 30-year-old to Conte’s outfit ahead of the January transfer window.

However, while it is true that the £34m-rated ‘keeper did impress in his first season at Stamford Bridge – averaging a sensational Sofascore match rating of 7.35 during Chelsea’s victorious Champions League campaign in 2020/21 – considering just how poor he has been for club and country this term, it would appear wise for Tottenham to avoid a move for the goalkeeper.

Indeed, over his nine Premier League outings in 2022/23, the £55k-per-week shot-stopper has been extremely poor, helping his side keep just one clean sheet and conceding an average of 1.3 goals per game, in addition to committing one error that led directly to a shot and making one error that led directly to a goal.

These returns have seen the player who AS journalist Carlos Forjanes dubbed both a “one-hit wonder” and “transparent” average an extremely disappointing Sofascore match rating of just 6.69, currently ranking him as the Blues’ fifth-worst performer in the top flight of English football.

Things did not improve for Mendy over his four appearances at the Qatar World Cup this winter, with the shot-stopper averaging an even more disappointing Sofascore match rating of 6.30 for Senegal, ranking him as his country’s worst performer in the competition.

The 30-year-old’s World Cup campaign was summed up by his display during England’s 3-0 victory over the Lions of Teranga in the round of 16 on Sunday evening, with the Chelsea stopper saving just one of the Three Lions’ four shots on goal, connecting with no punches and completing just 16 of his 22 attempted passes.

These metrics saw the player who ABC News journalist Ahmed Yussuf labelled “football’s biggest catfish” earn a shocking Sofascore match rating of a mere 5.8, ranking him as Senegal’s worst performer in a fixture in which the reigning Africa Cup of Nations champions unceremoniously crashed out of the tournament.

As such, considering just how far Mendy has fallen since his scintillating Champions Leauge campaign with the Blues two years ago, it would indeed appear wise for Conte and Paratici to steer well clear of the shot-stopper this winter, as the 30-year-old clearly no longer possesses the ability to perform on the biggest stages of club and international football.

Glasgow Rangers have reportedly ‘made contact’ over potentially bringing Ahmed Kendouci to Ibrox in the January transfer window.

The Lowdown: Celtic links

Kendouchi was actually strongly linked with a move to Old Firm rivals Celtic last January, but a move never materialised in the end.

The central midfielder plies his trade in Algeria with ES Setif, and has scored 22 goals and made a further 19 assists for them in 107 games in total over all competitions across four consecutive seasons (Transfermarkt).

The Latest: Contact made

Taking to Twitter, Football Scotland journalist Mark McDougall has revealed that the Gers have now ‘made contact’ over the signing of Kendouci on an initial loan deal in January:

“Rangers have made contact over the signing of Ahmed Kendouci in January. Want an initial loan deal. 23-year-old midfielder.”

Expanding in his article for Football Scotland, McDougall adds that Michael Beale’s side face competition from a number of clubs across Europe, with one in Croatia ‘particularly keen’ on also signing him.

Setif would rather sell him on a permanent deal, rather than the Light Blues’ proposal to sign him on loan first, but a ‘source close’ to Kendouci claims that they are ‘confident’ that a deal can be agreed in January that could see him make the move to Scotland.

McDougall outlines that Kendouci has been capped once by Algeria, and is ‘interested’ in a move to Scotland as he looks to break into Europe, with him being the current top goalscorer in the Algerian top flight and capable of playing across the midfield and at left-back.

The Verdict: Get it done

Given his record in Algeria, Kendouci seems ready to make the move to European football.

Hailed as a ‘complete midfielder with a left foot made of gold’ by Football Talent Scout Jacek Kulig, the 23-year-old is seeking his first big break, and the Teddy Bears could provide him with that.

The fact that the Hoops also wanted him not long ago would also sweeten the deal for supporters, as they could really get one over their main rivals.

Pundit Alan Hutton has been reacting to rumours linking Leeds United with a move for Newcastle United forward Chris Wood.

The Lowdown: Wood reunion?

The Whites appear to be on the hunt for a new forward in January and are thought to be plotting a move for Wood. Reports have suggested that the Leeds hierarchy are eying an alternative to Rodrigo and Patrick Bamford, and a loan swoop for the Newcastle marksman could be Andrea Radrizzani and Victor Orta’s solution.

The 30-year-old, who netted 44 times in 88 appearances at Elland Road, appears to have fallen out of favour at St. James’ Park, starting just twice in the Premier League this season.

The Latest: Hutton’s comments

Talking to Football Insider regarding a possible Elland Road return for Wood, Hutton, who now contributes for the BBC, believes the striker ‘would fit at Leeds’ but would need to weigh up a move back to Yorkshire.

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“Of course it is always going to be difficult.

“He is at a club now that is thriving. They are going places but you need to weigh that up. Is he going to be a regular starter? For me, no.

“That is no disrespect to him it is just how they are going at this moment in time. They are trying to get top four, go for league titles, get in the Champions League. So they are looking for a different type of player.

“Leeds are a big club with a big following but you do not want to fight relegation either. I think he would fit at Leeds but at this moment in time I am not sure what Leeds are capable of.

“Are they capable of being a mid-table team or are they going to be fighting relegation year-in year-out so he will have to weigh that up.”

The Verdict: Why not…

Bringing in an experienced forward like Wood could prove to be a shrewd move by Leeds officials and one that may take them away from trouble during the second half of the season.

New Zealand’s all-time record goalscorer knows where the net is at Elland Road, and a contribution of even five to ten goals could see Jesse Marsch’s side pick up some valuable points.

He may also give Marsch another way of playing in attack and an aerial threat in both boxes, so a loan swoop could be one to keep an eye on heading into 2023.

Like many of Europe’s elite football clubs, Manchester City are reportedly interested in signing Borussia Dortmund and England sensation Jude Bellingham, and the teenage midfielder could reignite a phenomenal partnership with Erling Haaland if he moves to the Etihad Stadium.

It was reported earlier this month by Football Insider that the Premier League champions could look to cash in on £100m club-record signing Jack Grealish in order to fund a move for Bellingham, who would likely cost any interested suitors around €150m (£129m).

The former Birmingham City gem may well have increased his asking price further with some superb displys at the World Cup with England, averaging a 7.58 rating from WhoScored for his performances after impressing in all five of his appearances in Qatar.

This ranked him as the second-best player in Gareth Southgate’s squad as they fell against France in the quarter-final stage, which emphasises how important he already is to England despite his tender age.

He has also been in fantastic form for Dortmund so far this term, with nine goals and three assists to his name in all competitions for the Bundesliga giants, including four goals in the Champions League group stage.

His performances in Germany’s top flight have seen him average an excellent 7.45 rating from WhoScored, which comfortably ranks him as the best player in Edin Terzic’s squad, while the same rating would see him ranked behind only Erling Haaland and Kevin de Bruyne at Man City.

City are hopeful that Bellingham’s friendship with Haaland could be a deciding factor in his next club, as the two played brilliantly together at Signal Iduna Park last season, with only one player in Dortmund’s squad setting up more goals for the Norweigian striker than the teenage English sensation.

The prospect of having another “generational talent” in Pep Guardiola’s squad – as dubbed by Raphael Honigstein – to play alongside the likes of Haaland and Phil Foden would surely be too good for City to turn down, regardless of the astronomical fee that it will no doubt take to bring Bellingham to the Etihad.

Therefore, Txiki Begiristain should do all that he can to ensure that Bellingham joins Guardiola’s squad in 2023.

Journalist Josh Bunting criticised the performance of Rabbi Matondo after he came on for Glasgow Rangers in the Scottish Premiership on Friday night.

The Lowdown: Another win

Michael Beale picked up another win as Gers manager as his side were narrow 1-0 victors at Ross County, thanks to a first-half strike from John Lundstram.

It was not an entirely convincing performance from the visitors in terms of the attacking third, and Bunting was disappointed with one Light Blues attacker’s performance in particular…

The Latest: Matondo criticised

Taking to Twitter, Bunting criticised Matondo after his disappointing cameo at the end of the second half, which saw him miss a clear one-on-one chance with the goalkeeper after failing to take the ball around him:

“Rabbi Matondo with probably the worst 23 minutes I’ve seen this season, just hasn’t worked out and I said when he signed I wasn’t convinced. Has the pace but the intelligence and the awareness just really lack. His crossing really poor, no quality in it at all it was more hopeful.”

The Verdict: Not working out

Since his arrival at Ibrox in the summer, it has simply not worked out for Matondo.

He has still failed to score for the club, and with the way he missed a gilt-edged chance at the end of the game against Ross County, it is easy to see why.

Aside from his miss, the winger lost out on four of his seven duels, and failed to put in a single successful cross, all while losing possession of the ball six times (SofaScore).

If he is to break into the starting eleven anytime soon, Matondo simply has to make more of the chances given to him from the bench.

Liverpool are reportedly eyeing a move for Villarreal forward Samuel Chukwueze.

The Lowdown: Gakpo move

The Reds appear to be closing in on their first signing of 2023 with a move for PSV forward Cody Gakpo. The Netherlands star was heavily linked with a switch to Manchester United, however, Liverpool are the ones who have reached an agreement.

A fee is expected to be between €40m-€50m in what will be a record sale for PSV. The 23-year-old was present on Merseyside on Wednesday for the main part of his medical, and it looks as if the club are weighing up another possible transfer.

The Latest: Chukwueze next?

According to one Spanish outlet, Jurgen Klopp’s side have joined the race for Chukwueze, who could become one of the biggest sales in the history of Villarreal.

The report states that the Reds are ‘attentive’ to the player’s development, with Chukwueze potentially leaving the club in 2023.

The Verdict: Prioritise other areas?

Gakpo’s arrival will see Klopp’s senior attacking ranks increase to six senior options, so a move for Chukwueze, called a ‘terrifying’ direct player and potential ‘superstar in the making’ by members of the media in recent seasons, may not be a wise one at this stage.

Yes, he could be a future star, however, Liverpool could do with bolstering other areas of the pitch after signing Gakpo, with midfield a prime example.

Jude Bellingham seems to be a key target, so going all in on the Borussia Dortmund central midfielder following Gakpo’s arrival could be a smarter call than pursuing Chukwueze.

Tottenham Hotspur have held talks over a double swoop earlier this week, according to the Daily Mail…

What’s the word?

It’s claimed that Spurs have met with Sporting CP over a potential move for both right wing-back Pedro Porro and former Hotspur Way academy gem Marcus Edwards.

However, it’s believed that the Portuguese giants will not let either player leave this month unless their release clauses are met, meaning Porro is likely to cost £40m, whilst Edwards is tied down by £52m – though, the Lilywhites do hold a 50% sell-on clause as part of his previous transfer.

Since making the switch to Portugal, the 24-year-old has made a name for himself, several years on from Mauricio Pochettino’s choice words in comparing him to Lionel Messi.

“The qualities – it’s only looks, his body and the way that he plays – remember a little bit from the beginning of Messi,” he once claimed.

Kulusevski alternative

Spurs boss Antonio Conte has suffered from plenty of attacking injuries this campaign, thus raising the need for reinforcements in the final third. The likes of summer signing Richarlison, the long-serving Lucas Moura and the important Dejan Kulusevski have all been out recently.

The latter has been a crucial part of Tottenham’s success since his arrival last campaign and in his absence, the Lilywhites often struggle to provide Harry Kane and Heung-min Son with enough chances to win matches. That in turn puts a ton of pressure onto their rugged backline.

As such, sporting director Fabio Paratici could find a perfect alternative to the dynamic Swede, should he follow up on these talks with Sporting.

Edwards is in electric form this campaign, having scored nine goals and laid on nine assists across 24 appearances in all competitions, and he has done so by playing in a variety of positions ranging from right-wing to upfront, as per Transfermarkt.

That includes a goal against his former club in the Champions League, so he has also proven that he can do it on the biggest stage too.

Such form has seen the winger lauded as “immense” by journalist Brian Fonseca, as well as a “generational talent” by the Guardian’s Sid Lowe to ESPNUK.

Meanwhile, FBref have compared him to new Liverpool signing Cody Gakpo in terms of statistical profile and it’s easy to see why as he’s in a league of his own compared to his positional peers across Europe’s ‘next eight’ divisions.

Indeed, he ranks inside the top 5% for non-penalty goals, expected assists, touches in the opposition box and progressive passes received.

As such, Paratici must look to bring Edwards home as Conte could really do with his abilities as the ideal alternative to Kulusevski, who remains on the treatment table heading into this weekend.

AND in other news, Levy could match Conte’s lofty ambition with dream Spurs swoop for £44m “phenomenon”…

Crystal Palace have reportedly submitted a bid for Galatasaray right-back Sacha Boey.

The Lowdown: Boey rumours

Boey, hailed as a ‘talented’ defender by journalist Zach Lowy, has been heavily linked with a move to Selhurst Park in recent weeks.

Reports shortly before Christmas claimed that Palace were preparing an offer for the Adidas-sponsored player. It seems as if that has now materialised, with Patrick Vieira seemingly on the hunt for a new full-back.

The Latest: Bid made

Turkish outlet Star shared a ‘surprise development’ regarding Boey in the last 48 hours, with Palace named.

They claimed that the Eagles have actually come forward with a €16m offer for the full-back, but added that Galatasaray don’t want to sell midway through the season.

The Verdict: Summer move?

It’s good to see that Palace are thinking about their long-term plans at right-back, with current options Joel Ward and Nathaniel Clyne both over the age of 30 and into the final months of their respective Palace contracts.

Boey appears to be going from strength to strength in Turkey with a career-high Transfermarkt valuation and he is still just 22 years of age, so could be the long-term solution.

Therefore, if Palace are set on the Frenchman, they may decide to wait until the summer to try again with Galatasaray keen to keep hold of the player this month, or the Eagles may look at alternative targets such as former gem Aaron Wan-Bissaka.

Manchester United are ready to battle Tottenham in the race to sign Monaco defender Axel Disasi, according to a recent transfer report.

The Lowdown: Disasi impressing for Monaco

The Frenchman has become a regular for the Ligue 1 side, making 16 league starts so far this season and chipping in with three assists in total.

Disasi has also done well in the Europa League, scoring one goal, setting up another and winning 1.7 aerial duels per game in the tournament.

The 24-year-old has been linked with a move to Spurs in recent months, but it now looks as though the north Londoners have competition for his signature.

The Latest: Man United linked with Disasi

According to The Daily Mail on Thursday afternoon, United are ‘eyeing a move’ for Disasi, with ‘multiple’ Premier League clubs in the race for the defender, including Spurs and West Ham.

He has won three caps for France to date, with all of his international appearances coming at the 2022 World Cup, including a brief cameo in the final against Argentina.

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The Verdict: Good for squad depth

Disasi could be a strong prospective signing by United in January, providing Erik ten Hag with the squad depth that he craves at the heart of his defence.

It could further throw Harry Maguire’s long-term future at Old Trafford into doubt, with Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez already ahead of the England defender in the pecking order and the ex-Leicester man being touted to leave Manchester in recent weeks.

At 24, Disasi’s peak years should still be ahead of him, and he is someone who could potentially end up being Martinez’s long-term partner at centre-back for United, considering that Varane turns 30 in April.