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Leeds United will only be able to make loan signings in the January transfer window, according to claims made by a Thorp Arch source.

The Lowdown: Signings needed in January

The Whites could badly do with reinforcements this month in order to ease the current injury problems and ensure that a Premier League relegation battle isn’t on the cards.

Leeds have had to make do without pivotal figures such as Kalvin Phillips and Patrick Bamford, but they are just a small sample of the players currently unavailable to Marcelo Bielsa.

Despite additions being needed, a new update doesn’t sound too positive for the Elland Road faithful.

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The Latest: Worrying claim emerges

According to Football Insider, a Leeds source has informed them that the Whites will only be able to make loan signings in January due to Financial Fair Play constraints.

The message has been ‘made clear’ by club chiefs to Bielsa, who must now weigh up whether or not he is happy to only bring in players on a temporary basis until the end of the season.

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The Verdict: Are panic signings required?

The downside to signing players on loan is that it brings little stability and rhythm to the squad in the long-term, only alleviating a problem for a short period.

Bielsa must work out if he thinks Leeds can get by without any new faces, with injury problems potentially easing in the coming weeks and perhaps allowing them to pull clear of danger.

A loan-to-buy option for a player could also be shrewd business, allowing the Whites to possibly snap up a player permanently in the summer, assuming he does well at Elland Road in the meantime. Someone like Cagliari midfielder and long-time target Nahitan Nandez could be perfect in that respect, considering the Serie A side are reportedly happy to see him leave.

In other news, Leeds have reportedly been boosted in their pursuit of one player. Find out who it is here.

Harry Winks’ future at Tottenham Hotspur could be in even more doubt following the appointment of Antonio Conte.

The 52-year-old boss is already targeting midfield additions and he could look to raid one of his former clubs, according to emerging reports…

What’s the word?

Italian outlet Calciomercato.it claims the new Spurs boss has as many as six different targets from the Serie A on his shortlist ahead of the January transfer window, in which Inter Milan star Marcelo Brozovic is one.

The vastly-experienced Croatian is out of contract at the end of the season, so he is free to sign a pre-contract agreement with any team outside of Italy from the turn of the year, whilst he could be available for as little as €20m (£18m) in January, as a result.

Ex-Lilywhites boss Jose Mourinho once dubbed Brozovic “the top of the top” and a “fantastic player” to talkSPORT. He added: “Aggression but at the same time great technique and arrival in the box and coming from a more defensive position.”

Taxi for Winks

That glowing endorsement provides some idea into the sort of player that Spurs would be getting, should they follow through with interest. And Brozovic very much sounds like someone capable of not only filling the role Winks plays but actually upgrading it.

It’s believed that the out-of-favour England midfielder will seek a temporary exit from the club in January, as per The Times, but you’d have to imagine that his long-term future is doubtful too, given his lack of game time and inconsistencies over the past 18 to 24 months.

Brozovic has been likened to Frank Lampard in the past, so it’s no wonder Mourinho is a huge fan, whilst his old manager Luciano Spalletti once claimed the 28-year-old beast had a “compass in the foot.”

The £36m-rated Inter star contributed two goals and six assists in 33 league appearances on their way to clinching the Serie A title under Conte last season.

He ended the campaign as their fourth highest-rated player (7.03) by WhoScored as he led the side for tackles (1.6) and key passes (1.4) per game and wasn’t too far behind for interceptions (1.2) either.

Elsewhere, an average of 66.7 passes per game saw him rank third in the squad and that’s even more impressive considering his 89.6% passing accuracy, thus living up to Spalletti’s glowing endorsement.

Winks has not surprised an average of 1.3 tackles or 0.6 key passes across the last three Premier League seasons in north London, so the difference is stark.

Therefore, it would be wise for Spurs to cave into Conte’s demands to sign Brozovic. He could be a very shrewd signing to help transform their fortunes on the pitch.

It’s time to sanction Winks’ departure and bring in the Croatian to replace him this January.

AND in other news, Nail in coffin: Conte’s arrival will have “lazy” £27m-rated Spurs star running scared…

Newcastle United have suffered a major injury blow to Joe Willock ahead of their Premier League clash against Watford.

What’s the story?

The Magpies have endured a difficult start to the new top-flight campaign, remaining winless in their opening five matches and currently lying 18th in the table.

Manager Steve Bruce said: “Joe Willock picked up an injury in this week, unfortunately, and Jamaal Lascelles hurt his thigh. So they, unfortunately, go on to the injured list, which makes that about five or six of our first team.

“Not that healthy, I have to say. Disappointed. Joe’s was a complete fluke, unfortunately he kicked the ground, damaged his toe. He’ll not make this week, and probably touch and go whether he’ll make next week as well.”Massive blow for Newcastle UnitedMake no mistake about it, being without Willock is arguably the second-biggest absence the Magpies could have faced, outside of Allan Saint-Maximin of course.The former Arsenal starlet arrived on a permanent deal in the summer transfer window, and in his initial loan spell at St James’ Park, he showed exactly why he’s a real match-winner. He bagged eight in 14 games following his winter arrival and set a new record by becoming the youngest player in Premier League history to score in seven consecutive matches.That ability to get into the box at the right time to finish things off is something which has been hailed by Owen Hargreaves, too, praising him after his goal-scoring display for Arsenal against Dundalk in the Europa League last season.The former England midfielder said: “The point is, he can do so much, he gets in the box in the right place at the right time. He wants it to feet, he’s always on the half-turn, which is nice to see. Today I saw a bit more athleticism rather than just coasting in there. His overall game is really good.”While Willock has yet to find the net so far this season, he has still shown his importance to Bruce’s side with a squad-high 4.3 tackles per game, while only Saint-Maximin has averaged more dribbles per match (SofaScore).Without him in the starting line-up against Watford, it really looks like it will be more the same of having to rely on Saint-Maximin for a moment of inspiration.Newcastle fans must be gutted over the injury to the 22-year-old gem, especially considering the freakish circumstances in which it came about.Meanwhile, Newcastle are eyeing a move for this Championship ace…

Celtic’s Tom Rogic should be available for Sunday’s SPFL clash with Aberdeen, according to The Athletic’s Kieran Devlin. 

The Lowdown

Celtic will be looking to bounce back from Thursday’s Europa League defeat against Bayer Leverkusen, which knocked out of the competition, when they host The Dons.

Rogic has missed Celtic’s last five matches in all competitions as a result of the hamstring injury he sustained against Hibernian at the end of October (via Transfermarkt).

Manager Ange Postecoglou has raved about his ‘brilliant’ compatriot and the ‘extra special qualities that he brings’.

The Latest

Addressing a supporter in The Athletic’s matchday discussion on Thursday night, Devlin wrote that, while Rogic wasn’t ‘ready’ to face Leverkusen, he thinks he ‘should be for Sunday’.

The Verdict

What do the stats say about Rogic’s importance to Celtic? Well he’d started six of the last seven league games prior to his injury, suggesting he’d established himself as a key man under Postecoglou.

He also stands out in the squad because of his dribbling ability. He’s averaging 2.3 successful dribbles per 90 minutes and his nearest challenger (with more than three starts) is Jota on 1.3.

More generally, it’s crucial that Postecoglou has plenty of options at his disposal between now and the end of the year. Celtic are due to play 10 games in 34 days during that period.

In other news, this trio were Celtic’s poorest performers against Leverkusen.

Swansea kept the pressure on the automatic promotion spots with a last gasp win over Stoke City on Wednesday evening.

Steve Cooper’s side went behind early after a mistake from Marc Guehi, with Nick Powell converting to make it 1-0, but goals from Connor Roberts and a late penalty from Andre Ayew earned the Swans all three points.

Although the penalty decision has been met by a lot of controversy, Cooper will be delighted that Ayew was able to keep his composure and seal the win, which leaves Swansea just one point behind second-placed Brentford with two games in hand.

However, it was not all good for the Swans at the Bet 365 stadium, as Jamal Lowe continued his poor recent form with another disappointing display against Michael O’Neill’s side.

As per SofaScore, the former Portsmouth man would complete just 6/10 passes, which was the fewest of any player who started the game and also far fewer than the 16.8 passes per game he has averaged in the Championship this season.

Lowe would earn a poor 6.2/10 rating for his performance, which was the lowest of any Swansea player bar Guehi; after the defender’s mistake that led to Stoke’s goal.

The 26-year-old would attempt just one dribble during his time on the pitch, in which he was unsuccessful, whilst he didn’t register a single shot on target.

Despite having just 23 touches of the ball in the game, the forward would still lose possession on 11 occasions, suggesting that the Stoke defenders had the better of him on Wednesday evening.

It was no surprise, therefore, that Cooper decided to axe Lowe after just 70 minutes and replace him with Connor Hourihane as his side chased a winning goal, as unfortunately, the summer signing has now failed to score in any of his last 10 appearances in all competitions.

It was another anonymous display from the striker, which will surely worry Cooper, as he will drastically need his forward to improve his form if the Swans are to force themselves into the automatic promotion spots this season.

Many Liverpool fans were not happy with the update given regarding Diogo Jota’s fitness at Jurgen Klopp’s press conference on Wednesday.

Speaking in his pre-Chelsea press conference (via Paul Joyce), manager Jurgen Klopp confirmed that the Brazilian duo Alisson Becker and Fabinho would return for their Premier League clash against Chelsea.

However, he added that the 24-year-old Portuguese forward still has to be assessed after missing their 2-0 win against Sheffield United due to a sudden illness.

Jota has not been seen in a competitive game for Liverpool since their 1-1 draw to FC Midtjylland in the Champions League back in December – where he sustained a serious knee injury.

Because of this, supporters are starting to become impatient due to the Reds’ recent misfortune in front of goal, making their feelings clear to Joyce on Twitter.

Fans getting restless over Jota whereabouts

“What are we assessing him for now? Lord almighty”

Credit: @kaytayking

“They lie all the time”

Credit: @TalkingRed23

“Assessed from an ‘illness’ that kept him out Sunday?”

Credit: @Azza79_

“WHY IS JOTA IN DOUBT I HATE THIS GAME”

Credit: @TheJotaEra

“Assessed for what? It’s March”

Credit: @tsrbys

“Really tired of waiting too”

Credit: @tedcipher

In other news, Liverpool fans split regarding transfer update on 22-goal Klopp star.

Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah is considering an offer from Crystal Palace, according to The Times.

The Lowdown: January offers

The Eagles were after Nketiah’s services during the January window and made two bids for the striker.

However, as we know, the 22-year-old remained at the Emirates and has continued to play second fiddle to Alexandre Lacazette in recent months.

Nketiah has been handed rare starts in the Gunners’ last two Premier League fixtures due to Lacazette’s absence and scored twice in a 4-2 win over Chelsea on Wednesday.

The Latest: Palace offer

The forward is out of contract in a matter of months, and according to The Times, is now considering offers from Palace and Borussia Monchengladbach.

Arsenal haven’t given up hope of Nketiah signing a new deal, but the striker knows that Mikel Arteta is planning on bringing in at least one forward in the summer.

The Verdict: Shrewd move

Nketiah, who Arteta labelled as ‘extraordinary’, showed his quality in front of goal in the week, and still just 22 years of age, a free transfer to Selhurst Park could be an inspired piece of business from Patrick Vieira, Steve Parish and Dougie Freedman.

He has contributed to eight goals in just 784 minutes of action this season and can play anywhere across a front three, so clearly has ability and versatility which could prove useful if afforded more opportunities.

Reports in recent months have claimed that Christian Benteke could be on the way out this summer, so Nketiah may well be the perfect replacement for the Belgian in Vieira’s exciting young side.

In other news: Freedman now stepping up Palace move for ‘phenomenal’ left-footed star.

According to Italian publication Pianeta Milan, Manchester United remain interested in AC Milan hot-shot Hakan Calhanoglu as they are strongly considering making a move for him in January.

What’s the story?

Calhanoglu is currently embroiled in a contract dispute with Milan, as talks over a new deal at San Siro have stalled, which means he will become a free agent in the summer, should he still be available.

And as per Pianeta Milan, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer sees the 26-year-old as the perfect partner to Portuguese magnifico Bruno Fernandes in the midfield.

One potential stumbling block is the kind of fee Milan could demand, although it’s likely that United will look to offload outcasts like Jesse Lingard in the winter transfer window, who earns wages worth £75,000-per-week, to fund the transfer.

Upgrade on Jesse Lingard

After seeing Ed Woodward fail to get rid of much of the deadwood in the summer, there’s no doubt United fans will be feeling a sense of frustration. It may seem like we’re stating the obvious, but Calhanoglu would be a significant upgrade on Lingard.

The Turkey international was in scintillating form for Milan last season, managing to score nine goals and supply nine assists in 35 appearances in Serie A.

Whilst his performances have been mixed so far this season, this could be put down to his struggles with a knee injury.

His ability to play through the middle, upfront, on the left or off the right could make him a useful threat for United going forwards, the kind of versatile player that could offer the element of the unknown that could compliment the likes of Anthony Martial, Mason Greenwood and Marcus Rashford.

Once hailed as an “exceptional” talent by Stefano Pioli, in 11 games in Serie A this season, the Turkish midfielder has provided two assists, whilst he is averaging 2.6 shots and 3.9 key passes per game, via WhoScored. By comparison, Donny van de Beek hasn’t even managed a shot per game, let alone a shot on target.

Van de Beek arguably hasn’t done enough yet to justify his hefty price-tag nor his position in the first team, but Calhanoglu could be a real game-changer. If Ed Woodward waits until the summer, he could seal a stunning coup for the playmaker.

AND in other news, Forget Sancho: Woodward must sanction Man Utd swoop for Leon Bailey…

In an exclusive interview with The Transfer Tavern, Rob Lee, who made 18 appearances for West Ham United, has claimed that Tammy Abraham may prove to be too expensive if Chelsea are wanting £40 million for the striker.

It has been reported that the Blues will look to receive £40 million for their academy graduate who has fallen out of favour at Chelsea since Thomas Tuchel took over from Frank Lampard earlier this year.

West Ham only have one recognised striker after they sold their club-record signing Sebastien Haller to Ajax for £20.25 million in January, but David Moyes decided to not replace him.

Speaking on how £40 million could be too expensive for West Ham and how Abraham has proved himself to be worth that much, Lee told The Transfer Tavern:

“Yeah, that is really expensive and a lot of money but I think he’s done very well and he’s always scored goals whether that be for Aston Villa or Chelsea.

“I’m sure there’ll be other clubs who are interested in him if they’re going to let him go and £40 million does seem a lot of money, but clubs will pay it.”

Last season was the £57,692 per week striker’s breakout Premier League campaign as he managed to score 15 goals, however this season he’s only found the net six times.

Timo Werner was signed for £45 million last summer from RB Leipzig, however he has not been clinical enough in front of goal with just six goals in 32 Premier League games.

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, former Leeds United midfielder Carlton Palmer believes Marcelo Bielsa would leave the Whites for Tottenham if the opportunity arose.

This comes after ex-Spurs star Jamie O’Hara tipped Bielsa, on talkSPORT, to replace Mourinho at the north London club following the Portuguese coach’s recent sacking.

RB Leipzig boss Julian Nagelsmann was reported to be Tottenham’s No.1 choice for the dugout, but the German now has a deal in place to take him to Bayern Munich in the summer.

It leaves Tottenham now needing to look elsewhere and, should their search take them to Bielsa, Palmer thinks the 65-year-old would find it hard to say no to their advances.

Responding to O’Hara’s take, the ex-Sheffield Wednesday player told FFC in an exclusive interview:

“You want to better yourself. You want to get the top jobs, just like players want to go to top clubs, so it’d be a fantastic opportunity for him.

“If Spurs come knocking, that’s a different ball game. That’s a great career opportunity for him. I’d be very surprised if Tottenham came knocking and he wasn’t prepared to go.”

At this moment of time, based on reports, Tottenham seem to be looking at the likes of Ajax manager Erik ten Hag and England boss Gareth Southgate, so Leeds supporters can probably breathe easy.