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Chelsea are one of several big clubs who are interested in signing Inter Milan right-back Denzel Dumfries, whose agent has been in contact over a possible move, according to a transfer report from Italy.

The Lowdown: Dumfries shines at World Cup

The 26-year-old has impressed at the last couple of major tournaments for the Netherlands, catching the eye at both Euro 2020 and the 2022 World Cup, with three goal contributions in each of those.

In Qatar, Dumfries registered two assists and also chipped in with a goal against the USA, being hailed as a ‘brilliant’ player by Micah Richards and a ‘breath of fresh air’ by Rio Ferdinand.

It could be that the Dutchman’s future lies away from Inter Milan as he looks for a fresh challenge, which is where Chelsea come into the picture – along with other prospective suitors.

The Latest: Chelsea contacted over Dumfries

According to Italian outlet Calciomercato, the Blues are interested in signing Dumfries, whose current deal at Inter expires at the end of the 2024/25 season.

Manchester United and Bayern Munich are also believed to be in the mix, in what looks like a strong battle for his signature, with all three clubs reportedly in contact with agent Rafaela Pimenta over a possible €50m+ (£44m) transfer.

The Verdict: Good competition for James

Dumfries could be a strong prospective signing for Chelsea, especially considering how often he has played as a right wing-back for both Inter and Netherlands in a 3-5-2 formation, a system that Graham Potter has used a few times at Stamford Bridge already.

The £55k-per-week defender could provide good competition for Reece James, admittedly having to accept being likely second choice initially but potentially profiting from the Englishman’s ongoing injury problems.

A tally of seven goals and 10 assists in 68 appearances for Inter highlights his attacking quality, while also finding the net six times for his country.

Whether or not Dumfries is content with possibly being a squad player at Chelsea could be pivotal in deciding his next club, though, with James likely to be Potter’s first-choice when fit, having been a regular for the past two full seasons.

CBS Sports journalist Ben Jacobs has shared an update on Tottenham Hotspur’s chances of signing Roma forward Nicolo Zaniolo.

The Lowdown: Spurs submit loan bid for Zaniolo

After renewing their interest in the Italy international, Spurs reportedly lodged a loan bid with an obligation to buy, which was rejected by the Serie A club.

Sky Sports shared that information with numerous updates coming out since, including talks with Zaniolo’s agent as the north Londoners attempt to beat capital rivals West Ham to his signature.

The 23-year-old was also offered out to Paris-Saint Germain as Jose Mourinho and Roma attempt to offload him before the January window closes.

The Latest: Zaniolo signing ‘very possible’ at Spurs…

Jacobs took to Twitter to claim that the signing of Zaniolo at Spurs is ‘very possible’, as Mourinho is ‘happy’ to sanction his sale this month.

He adds that there are ‘talks ongoing’ over the attacker’s signature, although no agreement has been reached just yet, coming after strong summer interest.

Spurs manager Antonio Conte is thought to view Zaniolo as a highly versatile player who can operate further forward and as a wing-back when required.

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The Verdict: Right man?

Going by Zaniolo’s statistics last season, when he was arguably at his best, it’s clear to see why Conte could view the 23-year-old as a solid makeshift wing-back option.

As per WhoScored, the forward averaged a higher rate of successful take-ons and attracted more fouls per 90 than any Roma player in 2021/22. The latter aspect of his game could even help to drag Spurs further up the pitch and relieve pressure, akin to someone like Jack Grealish, the fourth-most fouled player in the Premier League per match (2.4).

The fact that he racked up Roma’s highest rate of successful take-ons last season indicates that, at wing-back, he could provide a dynamic presence and more creativity out wide than that of current first-choice Emerson Royal.

Indeed, he could not only come as a further attacking option, but perhaps even an alternative to fellow target Pedro Porro at right wing-back, although Spurs supporters would most likely want both players to come in.

Everton have been dealt a blow, as Aston Villa striker is not available on a loan deal, Vinny O’Connor has claimed.

What’s the word?

Everton have reportedly had a loan bid rejected for the Englishman, as they desperately seek out firepower to add to their squad.

Villa are seemingly willing to let the 30-year-old leave, but only if they can receive a good fee which Unai Emery can reinvest into the rest of his squad.

Everton have struggled this season, and find themselves in the relegation zone. Frank Lampard is keen to add goals to this side, and Ings would arrive as a Premier League-proven striker with a good record in front of goal.

Speaking on Sky Sports, O’Connor stated that Villa are unwilling to let Ings leave on loan, in a blow to The Toffees, who may struggle to afford him permanently.

“There’s conversation which has been happening between Everton and Villa for Danny Ings,” he stated.

“Everton would like to take him on loan, and that makes sense to Everton as you look at the age of Danny Ings at the moment, you look at the injury problems as well.

“Everton need a goalscorer, they need a goalscorer of proven quality, obviously Danny Ings fits that but Everton are also looking towards the longer term as well, and they’ve had a number of players come in on long-term contracts, big wages and it’s not necessarily worked out.

“A loan deal would suit Everton, but at the same time, what we’re hearing is it doesn’t necessarily suit Aston Villa, who would maybe be a bit more receptive to a permanent move for Danny Ings.”

Desperation for Lampard

Lampard needs to add goals, and quickly, to his side, if he is to keep them up, or indeed even keep his job.

Although Ings could be a decisive signing in the relegation battle, Everton may not be able to afford another expensive transfer for an ageing player, but they will need to find an alternative solution to Ings.

One option could be Blackburn forward Ben Brereton-Diaz, who has been linked with the club.

If Everton fail to bring in a player who can score goals as soon as he arrives, then they may suffer their first-ever relegation from the Premier League.

Chelsea could attempt a January move for RB Leipzig sensation Josko Gvardiol with a bid already made, says Gianluca Di Marzio.

The Lowdown: Gvardiol dazzles in Qatar…

After his sensational World Cup campaign with Croatia, where he played a key role in helping them reach the semi-finals, attention turns to Gvardiol’s future.

Reports suggest Todd Boehly and co are ‘working’ on a move for the 20-year-old, who could cost as much as £86 million, and manager Graham Potter is said to be really interested.

European giants like Real Madrid are also eyeing a move for Gvardiol but Chelsea, according to Di Marzio, are well and truly in the fight for his signature.

The Latest: Di Marzio shares Gvardiol to Chelsea update…

Speaking to soccernews, the Italian transfer reporter claims Real are eyeing a summer deal for the centre-back but Chelsea could attempt a move as soon as January.

He explained:

“I know Chelsea and Real Madrid are most interested in him at the moment. They have already put in bids, but his transfer value has skyrocketed due to his performance in the World Cup.

“Chelsea will probably make an attempt in January, but Real Madrid prefer a summer deal.

“I think Madrid would be the best for his career. Not only because we are talking about Real Madrid, but also because of the presence of Carlo Ancelotti, and he can make him better. Ancelotti knows a lot about defending and Gvardiol would benefit from the help of an Italian coach at this stage of his career.”

The Verdict: Get it done…

If Potter is keen to bolster his backline, we could think of nobody better than Gvardiol in terms of both quality and longevity.

Still young, the Bundesliga sensation has been called ‘unbelievable’ and ‘sensational’ by members of the media – especially after his performances in Qatar,

However, going by recent reports, it appears Chelsea will have to pay big for his services.

Glasgow Rangers target Josh Onomah ‘could definitely do a job’ in the Scottish Premiership, according to talkSPORT pundit Gabby Agbonlahor.

The Lowdown: Beale driving a move

The Ibrox outfit are reportedly considering a move for the 25-year-old in the New Year, with Michael Beale a huge admirer having previously tried to sign him at QPR.

The Fulham midfielder will be out of contract at the end of the season, and after making zero starts and just two substitute appearances this season, is surely very unlikely to pen new terms at Craven Cottage, making a winter exit their last chance to cash in.

The Latest: Agbonlahor reacts

Speaking to Football Insider, Agbonlahor, who was still at Villa when Onomah spent a season there on loan, suggested that a move to Glasgow could help him begin a new chapter of his career:

“I do like Josh Onomah.

“Steve Bruce was after him at West Brom before the transfer window closed.

“He just never kicked on, to be honest. I don’t know why.

“Maybe the Premier League hasn’t been kind to him but he could definitely do a job in the Championship or the Scottish Premiership at a club.

“He just needs a run of games, he just needs to go somewhere where he’s going to play.

“He’s not going to play at Fulham, there’s no point in him being there in the Premier League.

“He’s at that age now, 25, where he needs to play football.”

The Verdict: Double signing?

Rangers have been heavily linked with a swoop for Ryan Porteous, with journalist Alan Nixon confirming this week he’s ‘heard a rumour’ about a deal, and Onomah could be the perfect complement to follow in his footsteps in January.

The Cottagers ace has recorded eight assists and five goals during his time in the capital, where he was previously described as a ‘powerful’ player by his former manager Mauricio Pochettino.

Beale must be keen on landing him to make a second attempt, and securing both Onomah and Porteous would quickly strengthen the spine of the team before Beale’s really even got started.

Erik ten Hag will no doubt be delighted that some of his Manchester United players are currently starring at the World Cup.

Casemiro was highly influential against Serbia in Brazil’s 2-0 victory, achieving a SofaScore rating of 7.8, ranking only second behind Richarlison’s 8.4 rating and the midfielder took 77 touches and won 83% of his total duels throughout the tie.

It might be the performance by Bruno Fernandes however that pleases the Dutchman the most, with the 28-year-old leading Portugal to a crucial opening 3-2 win against Ghana.

It was an entertaining match and the African side perhaps should have snatched a late equaliser if it weren’t for an unlucky slip by Inaki Williams as he was about to score, but it was Portugal who held on.

Fernandes achieved a SofaScore rating of 8.4, the highest on either starting XI and he was integral to the win, providing two assists, making three key passes, and also creating a further two big chances, showing that he was at his attacking best playing on the right-hand side of a front three including Cristiano Ronaldo and Joao Felix.

The Man United star also had a 94% pass success rate, while taking 66 touches of the ball during the match, proving that he wanted to constantly be involved and his desire was important in Portugal’s.

Journalist Josh Bunting said Fernandes was “the most effective player” following a change in formation, while Statman Dave also lauded his performance, claiming he made a “crucial contribution” against Ghana, and if Portugal fancy a deep run in this tournament, they will need Fernandes performing at this level throughout.

Ten Hag will be keen on watching his future matches in the tournament and hoping he can maintain this excellent level, although the Dutchman will be wary that if Portugal happen to reach the final, Fernandes won’t get much rest time between then and the resumption of the Premier League on Boxing Day.

Seeing his players influence matches on the biggest stage of all will give the United manager hope that they can star for the Old Trafford side during the second half of the season and help them finish in the top four and secure a Champions League place next season.

Crystal Palace’s Chris Richards is set for a devastating blow, as his injury means that he won’t be playing at the World Cup with USA.

What’s the word?

The centre-back, who joined the Eagles from Bayern Munich during the summer transfer window, has been absent after suffering a hamstring injury in September.

He recently returned to training with Crystal Palace but faced a race against time to be fit enough for the tournament in Qatar later this month, and it was a race that the 22-year-old would sadly lose.

Richards confirmed the news on his Instagram page recently, writing:

“Gutted that this injury has ruled me out of the World Cup but I know that the boys will go crazy regardless … will be rooting for y’all the whole way. Go out and make history.”

Devastating for Richards

The young centre-back is yet to start a game for Patrick Vieira’s side in the Premier League but impressed on his first start for the club against Oxford United in the Carabao Cup, earning an impressive 7.45 rating from WhoScored for his performance.

If it wasn’t for his injury, Richards would likely have been a shoo-in to be picked in Gregg Berhalter’s squad to travel to Qatar, as he has already earned eight caps for his country.

Berhalter was also full of praise for the defender in 2020 after some impressive form on loan with Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga.

He said: “Chris is one of our central defenders of the future. I like his development very much. I find the cooperation between Bayern and the USSF to be outstanding. Together we’re trying to develop a great player from a great talent.”

It is a huge honour for any footballer to represent their country at a World Cup and it is a great shame for Richards that FIFA decided to stray away from nearly 100 years of summer tournaments by hosting this in the winter.

Indeed, the Crystal Palace man joins a long list of players who are set to miss out due to short-term injury problems.

While it is undoubtedly a huge blow for Richards, Palace fans will be hoping that he can continue his recovery during the World Cup break and be a good option for Vieira to have when the Premier League resumes.

An update has emerged on Newcastle United and their plans ahead of the upcoming January transfer window…

What’s the talk?

According to Calcio Mercato, Dan Ashworth is interested in snapping up wide attacker Arnaut Danjuma from Villarreal for the club in 2023.

The report claims that Italian giants AC Milan and fellow Premier League side Chelsea are both eyeing up a swoop for the former Bournemouth gem.

It is stated that the Spanish outfit are willing to part ways with him for a fee in the region of €40m (£35m), although it remains to be seen how much the Magpies are willing to pay for his services.

Upgrade on Jacob Murphy

Allan Saint-Maximin’s injury has left Eddie Howe with Murphy starting out wide on the left of the front three, next to Callum Wilson and Miguel Almiron.

The former Norwich winger has played 10 times in the Premier League this season, starting four of those matches, and has produced one goal and zero assists, whilst creating 0.5 chances per game. This comes after he managed one goal and two assists in 33 top-flight appearances last term, creating 0.6 chances per match.

These statistics show that he does not provide enough quality in the final third on a consistent basis. He has struggled to make a big impact at the top end of the pitch and Danjuma could come in as a major upgrade on the left flank.

The Dutch international has scored three goals in five starts across the UEFA Europa Conference League and La Liga so far this term, after catching the eye with an impressive 2021/22 campaign.

In his debut season for Villarreal, Danjuma scored 10 goals and provided three assists in 17 starts in the Spanish top-flight. He also plundered six goals and one assist in 10 Champions League starts, which shows that he has the ability to deliver at the very top level of club football.

The winger, who was once dubbed an “exceptional talent” by Clinton Morrison, could also slot straight into the team as he worked with Howe at Bournemouth and previously claimed that the head coach’s style of play suited him as he is an attack-minded player.

Therefore, Ashworth could land a major upgrade on Murphy by signing the ex-Cherries man as his statistics since the start of last season suggest that he would offer a far greater goal threat than the Englishman.

He is also two years younger than the current Magpies man, at 25, and has plenty of years left ahead of him to develop and improve his ability, making him an asset for the here and now and for the future.

Glasgow Rangers appointed Giovanni van Bronckhorst to take over in the dugout at Ibrox in November of 2021 after they lost Steven Gerrard to a club south of the border.

Ross Wilson backed the Dutch head coach in his first window in charge of the Gers by snapping up Aaron Ramsey, Amad Diallo, and James Sands on loan, whilst also signing Mateusz Zukowski on a permanent basis and John Souttar on a pre-contract agreement.

The Rangers sporting director was also able to dodge an error in January as he did not follow up on interest in Scottish winger Siriki Dembele.

It was reported that the Light Blues, along with their Old Firm rivals Celtic, were monitoring the attacker’s situation as his contract at Peterborough was set to expire at the end of the season.

Wilson opted to avoid a deal for the winger and English Championship side Bournemouth ended up signing him on deadline day for an undisclosed fee, although it had been claimed that Birmingham were readying an offer of £1.5m – offering an insight into the kind of money that may have been involved.

On paper, it looked like a promising signing for the Cherries as he had caught the eye whilst playing in East Anglia in the 18 months prior to that. He had scored five goals and provided one assist in 22 second-tier outings for the Posh, after racking up an outstanding 11 goals and ten assists in 38 League One starts in 2020/21.

Peterborough chief Barry Fry previously lauded the winger’s ability, telling Football FanCast: “Siriki can get the ball in his own half and with dazzling dribbling ability, he can beat four or five players and score a wonder goal or cross it for somebody else to score.

“He’s very, very exciting. He’s got the best stats outside the [English] Premier League, I think. We’ll try to keep hold of him if we go up, and we’ll make him an offer he can’t refuse! So watch this space.”

However, he struggled to make a significant impact as he scored two goals and provided one assist in 13 Championship appearances for Scott Parker’s side.

His lack of form for Bournemouth in their promotion-winning campaign has led to him being an outcast in their current Premier League battles. He is yet to make a single appearance for the club in any competition this term, despite not dealing with any injury issues.

The 26-year-old has been cast aside at the Vitality Stadium and his disappointing spell with the south coast club suggests that Wilson played a blinder by deciding not to bring him to Ibrox back in January.

Dembele’s lack of end product in the final third after stepping up to the Championship in England suggests that he is not cut out to play at a higher level, with Bournemouth seemingly feeling that he is not Premier League quality.

Therefore, the Gers chief dodged a bullet by avoiding a swoop for the attacker as his statistics indicate that he would not have added a great deal to the Light Blues squad, judging by his lack of goals and assists.

Tottenham right-back Djed Spence could depart the club on loan during the January transfer window, according to former Spurs defender Alan Hutton.

The Lowdown: Spence struggling to settle

The 22-year-old made the move to Spurs from Middlesbrough in the summer, having impressed hugely in a successful loan spell at Nottingham Forest last season.

Spence has struggled to hit the ground running in his first few months in north London, however, with Antonio Conte admitting that he is taking time to adjust to his new surroundings.

The Englishman has only played one minute of Premier League action this season, which speaks volumes about his place in the pecking order.

The Latest: Loan move predicted

Speaking to Football Insider, BBC Radio 5 Live pundit Hutton talked up a January loan move for Spence, allowing him regular football elsewhere:

“It is a weird one. When Spence signed, I thought he was a great talent. He was brilliant at Nottingham Forest. I thought he was ready for the Premier League.

“But then you hear Antonio Conte coming out and saying it was not his signing, it was a club signing and one for the future.

“It has not gone to plan for Spence which is a shame because he has ability. If this continues towards January he is going to have to look to get out on loan and play. He is too good to sit on the bench.

“You do not want that to effect him moving forward. He will want to be playing week in, week out. If that means going out on loan and coming back a better player so be it.”

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The Verdict: Right decision for all parties

It is disappointing to see how Spence has struggled to date but it is important to remember that he is a young player who is still very much maturing, so there shouldn’t be overly harsh criticism of him or Conte’s development plan.

Sending him out on loan certainly isn’t something many would have expected to happen so quickly after the fee spent this summer, but it makes more sense than seeing him earn barely any minutes at N17.

A return to the Championship could be ideal – Ian Wright described him as ‘swashbuckling’ at Forest – before returning to Spurs a more rounded footballer next summer.