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The power-shift in north London is becoming increasingly obvious with Tottenham Hotspur sat top of the Premier League standings going into this Sunday’s derby match.

In fact, the signs were starting to creep in several years ago. It is now five seasons since Arsenal finished about Spurs in the English top-flight (2015/16), and this January, chairman Daniel Levy could strike another massive blow to Mikel Arteta in the transfer window.

According to 90min, Spurs are one of several teams eyeing a move for RB Salzburg sensation Dominik Szoboszlai after the Gunners failed in their attempts to sign him in the summer.

Their arch-rivals remain interested but now so are the likes of Manchester United, Liverpool, Wolves and Everton as well as your typical European giants in the shape of Barcelona, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund and Paris Saint-Germain.

The 20-year-old has a bargain release clause of just £20m, so there will be a heated battle to secure his signature in 2021, that’s for sure.

Therefore, Spurs must strike sooner rather than later if they are to stand a chance of securing the Hungarian attacking midfielder and in doing so, they would hurt Arsenal once again.

Back in 2010, Harry Redknapp managed to clinch the signing of Rafael van der Vaart for just £8m from La Liga outfit, Real Madrid. It later came out that the Gunners missed out.

Speaking to FourFourTwo (via the Daily Cannon), he said:

“Yeah, it did get mentioned. I had several conversations with Robin van Persie, my team-mate with the Dutch side, and he’d spoken to Arsenal about me a few times.”

The Dutch playmaker would go onto provide five goals and two assists in just five games against their north London rivals.

Levy simply must repeat this masterstroke with Szoboszlai in the upcoming window.

In 17 appearances in all competitions this season, the enigmatic dynamo has delivered eight goals and nine assists, including a hat-trick in his last league outing from left-wing, as per Transfermarkt.

The generational talent has been likened to both Toni Kroos and Kai Havertz, the latter by Lothar Matthaus, who claimed Szoboszlai was a “gem”.

Whilst Hungarian national team boss Marco Rossi believes the 20-year-old is a “top ten talent in Europe.”

Levy must do everything to ensure that Szoboszlai is lining up in the Lilywhite strip of north London rather than red in the near future.

AND in other news, Spurs can wave goodbye to Sanchez by signing £18m-beast with “huge potential”…

Leeds will be on cloud nine after their midweek thriller against Newcastle gave them a well-deserved three points to hoist them further up the Premier League table. The Championship winners hit the Magpies for five goals, with five individual goal-scorers impressing on the night.

Their next test will come as they face Manchester United on Sunday at Old Trafford. It will be a very tasty affair as both sides are coming off the back of a hard-fought victory and neither will be prepared to drop points.

Marcelo Bielsa’s secret weapon comes in the form of Raphinha, who has been troublesome for the opposition down the right-hand side. Whilst he may have just the one Premier League goal so far this season, his ability to create chances and break down defences has been crucial for Leeds.

In his last outing against Newcastle, Raphinha made two key passes, completed 100% of his attempted long balls and 100% of his dribbles (via Sofascore). Comparing that to the performance of Alex Telles for Man United against Sheffield United, the defender could be in for a difficult game.

The Reds’ summer signing had a tough time against the Blades, losing the ball 24 times and struggling to create his usual sharp long-range passes from the backline. If Telles is up against a speedster like Raphinha, he could easily be forced into a mistake and runs the risk of losing possession just like he did at Bramall Lane.

Bielsa’s creative winger has attracted a lot of praise for his performances in his maiden Leeds season. Graeme Souness recently labelled him a “flair player” and lauded his work ethic both on and off the ball. The £27,000 per week playmaker has already shown his promising potential as a player the team has been crying out for to help Patrick Bamford break down tough opposition defences.

In other news, Radrizzani will be glad to offload Eunan O’Kane next summer…

Some West Brom fans have been slamming the fact that Romaine Sawyers was named in the starting eleven to face Liverpool at Anfield.

As per the official Twitter page of the Hawthorns faithful, the defensive midfield player started alongside Conor Gallagher, with captain Matt Phillips and Grady Diangana occupying the wide positions either side of Callum Robinson and Karlan Grant up top.

The back four for Sam Allardyce’s team consisted of Darnell Furlong, Dara O’Shea, Semi Ajayi and Kieran Gibbs, with Sam Johnstone in between the posts.

Some Baggies have questioned as to just how much protection he is giving the team against the current Premier League champions and league leaders, while others have called for him to be dropped to the bench by Allardyce.

West Brom fan reaction to him starting

These WBA supporters slammed the fact that he was picked to start the game on Twitter, with one fan even claiming that the Englishman is ‘awful’:

“Grant, Sawyers, no Pereira no Krov, this really worries me is he really expecting to go toe to toe with Liverpool”

Credit: @leesouthall1

“Matt Phillips as captain? Matheus Pereira on the bench? Romaine Sawyers starting? Please go dig up my Baggies Brick immediately, you are downright embarrassing to cheer for.”

Credit: @markdsheldon

“Sawyers starting is the crime here rather than who the armband has gone to TBH”

Credit: @ColmBrosnan

“Sawyers. Might a well play with 10 men.”

Credit: @HerbyMcfly

“That team amazes me, Sawyers is just awful and shouldn’t be on the pitch”

Credit: @davidpaynewba

“Sawyers playing again; blokes stealing a living #wba”

Credit: @lewis_botfield

In other news, find out who West Brom may let leave in January here!

After the Milan Skriniar saga this summer, it appears Tottenham Hotspur are moving their interest elsewhere in the Serie A ahead of the upcoming transfer window…

What’s the word?

According to Italian newspaper La Nazione, Spurs are among the teams interested in signing 6 foot 5 Fiorentina colossus Nikola Milenkovic next month.

It’s claimed that La Viola are trying to tie him down to a new deal in Florence while the north Londoners are likely to have to battle Premier League rivals Manchester United for his signature.

The 23-year-old Serbian international would command a fee of around €25m (£22.5m).

Upgrade?

After the departures of Jan Vertonghen (free to Benfica) and Juan Foyth (loan to Villarreal), as well as the ineligibility of Joe Rodon in competitions outside the Premier League, Jose Mourinho is short on central defensive options.

His current pairing of Eric Dier and Toby Alderweireld had contributed to four straight clean sheets in the top-flight against the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea and City, whilst it is also clear that Davinson Sanchez is wildly out-of-favour having not played in the league since that infamous West Ham comeback.

It wouldn’t be a surprise to see him sold and a new man brought in, hence the speculation.

And when delving into the numbers, it is Milenkovic that comes out on top, in comparison to midfielder-turned-defender Dier or former target Skriniar, who has been playing in the very same league.

Per WhoScored, the Fiorentina star is averaging more aerials won (3.6), more tackles (1.6), more blocks (1.2) and is even winning more offsides (one) per game this term.

Only Skriniar is better in terms of passing and likewise Dier with clearances.

In the past, Milenkovic has drawn comparisons to Nemanja Vidic with journalist Dejan Stankovic telling ESPN: “Milenkovic is better than Vidic with the ball at his feet, and he is much calmer on the field. He is the most talented centre-back Serbia have had since Vidic, and they definitely have one thing in common, both are fearless.”

Whilst Ivan Tomic, his former coach at Partizan, added further fuel to the narrative by claiming: “Milenkovic has [the] physical characteristics of a beast. He reads the game well, plays the ball, and should have a great career ahead of him.”

Indeed, Daniel Levy could land Spurs and Mourinho a clear defensive upgrade with a bargain £22.5m swoop for the impressive Serie A powerhouse.

AND in other news, Spurs must sell ghastly £75k-p/w MISFIT who’s burned a £55m hole in Levy’s pockets…

Earlier this month it was reported by ESPN that Manchester City are reportedly one of the sides interested in signing Real Madrid centre-back Sergio Ramos this summer, and his potential arrival would surely be bad news for Aymeric Laporte.

Bad news for Laporte?

Whilst Ramos will turn 35 later this year, the report from ESPN suggests that City feel he is still capable of performing at the highest level, so if he were to be signed, you would imagine that he would be a regular in Guardiola’s first-team.

The former Sevilla man would bring a wealth of experience with him to the Etihad, having made 666 appearances for Real Madrid in his career, scoring an incredible 100 goals from defence.

He has also won four Champions League trophies, as well as the World Cup and he could help Guardiola’s side succeed in Europe, something they have struggled with in recent years, despite dominating domestically at times.

His arrival, therefore, could spell trouble for the out-of-favour Aymeric Laporte, with the Frenchman currently struggling for game time with the Citizens.

Summer signing Ruben Dias and John Stones have formed a superb partnership in the heart of City’s defence of late, meaning the former Athletic Bilbao man has been forced to make do with a place on the bench.

Nathan Ake’s summer arrival only increases the competition at centre-back, so the signing of Ramos could well be the catalyst to bring Laporte’s City career to an end, as it could cause him to slip further down the pecking order and demand a transfer away as a result.

Spanish manager Luis Enrique was full of praise for the legendary centre-back last year, saying:

“Sergio is unique. He is on a different level.”

Therefore, whilst City’s defence has been impressive of late, director of football Txiki Begiristain must surely consider bringing in Ramos on a free transfer, as the £12.6 million rated man could take Guardiola’s side to another level.

AND, in other news… Forget Stones: MCFC beast who had 107 touches was Guardiola’s star vs MUFC…

Early this week, Sunderland suffered a big injury blow. They were rocked by the news that left-back Denver Hume had suffered a further setback, and thus, would be out for a larger period of time.

Therefore, what should Lee Johnson do?

On the chalkboard

The Sunderland boss has been switching things up in recent weeks following the squad’s bout of Covid and because of a number of injuries.

We’ve seen Callum McFadzean deputise at full-back in place of Hume but you can hardly say his stay there has been convincing after he gave away a penalty vs Wimbledon.

He did keep a clean sheet in the Papa John’s Trophy victory over Port Vale, but Dion Sanderson has also been fielded in that third of the pitch.

That came during the 0-0 draw with Northampton so the Wolves loanee has been amongst the shut outs too.

That being said, it’s thought that his parent club aren’t too happy with the lack of game time he’s received.

Tanser to arrive?

With Hume suffering a setback in his recovery from injury, it looks as though Johnson is in the market for a left-sided player. Brighton defender Alex Cochrane has been linked with a switch but another left-back on their radar is Scott Tanser.

The 26-year-old currently plays for St Johnstone in the Scottish Premiership but has experience of the English game having risen through the ranks at Rochdale and Port Vale.

The £800-per-week earner is out of contract in the summer and it’s understood that both Sunderland and Barnsley are eyeing a cut-price deal this month.

For the Mackems, it would be an ideal signing given their lack of depth on the left-hand side, but it would surely also be the final nail in the coffin for Sanderson.

The young defender has only started four games in League One this season but if a left-back arrives, it puts the Wolves loanee in even more danger of not receiving enough game time.

It’s hard to suggest that Tanser wouldn’t come in and immediately play either. Mightily strong in the air, he’d offer a stern physical presence capable of improving Sunderland’s backline.

Via WhoScored, the left-back has won a mighty four aerial duels per game this season. For context, that’s more than Sanderson (2.6) and also more than their other left-back candidates Hume and McFadzean.

They’ve won 0.1 and 1.4 aerial duels respectively this season so in the heading department Johnson can find himself a major upgrade. As far as tackles are concerned, Tanser falls ever so slightly behind Hume with 1.4 tackles per game to 1.8.

Sanderson, meanwhile, only wins one a match. Clearly, the St Johnstone defender would add more to this Mackems backline than their current loanee and consequently, it’s hard to suggest he wouldn’t be a good signing.

With Hume injured and McFadzean less than competent at left-back recently, Tanser would be a superb pick-up in January.

AND in other news, £3.9k-p/w Sunderland brute who lost possession 30x still stole the show on Tuesday…

As the end of the January transfer window creeps closer, Leeds United continue to have their name linked with several potential blockbuster signings. One name to appear on the radar is former Liverpool winger Ryan Kent, who has risen into the spotlight with his power performances for Rangers.

According to the Yorkshire Evening Post, Victor Orta is an admirer of the 24-year-old, who could be ready to embark upon a new adventure. Recent reports have claimed that the Gers may be tempted to cash in on Kent, providing the right price is met for his talent.

Would Ryan Kent fit in at Leeds?

Kent is not a stranger to the Premier League, but his spell with the current league champions wasn’t as fruitful as he’d have liked. The England youth international made just one senior appearance for the Reds before his loan move to Glasgow was made permanent in 2019.

He has since been one of Rangers’ top players, notching a total of 20 goals and 24 assists for the runaway Premiership leaders. This season alone, Kent has enjoyed netting six goals and providing a further 11 assists in 33 appearances across all competitions, according to Transfermarkt.

As it stands, Jack Harrison could leave Leeds at the end of the season to return to Manchester City if they fail to take up the option to buy him permanently. He is currently Marcelo Bielsa’s only option on the left-wing and his departure will leave a gaping hole in the Argentinian’s squad.

In order to boost creativity and bolster his ranks, owner Radrizzani and Bielsa should be heavily considering adding Kent to their arsenal. The £18,000 per week wide man would undoubtedly relish in the chance to become a regular starter for a Premier League club, and it would give him the perfect opportunity to really show the world what he can do with his raw talent.

Steven Gerrard is a huge fan of the playmaker, lauding him as “sensational” back in September and tipping him to win the Player of the Month award.

Kent could prove to be the ideal replacement for Harrison, who has contributed three goals and four assists so far this season. Judging by the former’s numbers, he is already looking to be an upgrade on the Pep Guardiola castaway and could add a serious edge to Leeds’ attack.

In other news, Leeds target Louie Sibley can put huge pressure on Jamie Shackleton…

If Tuesday night’s Papa John’s Cup tie with MK Dons was the dress rehearsal for Saturday, then it was a seamless rendition for Sunderland.

The Black Cats won yet again on the road as they beat this weekend’s League One opponents 3-0.

Lee Johnson rang the changes and it paid off as Dean Lewington’s own goal followed by strikes from Aiden McGeady and Charlie Wyke sealed the victory.

MK Dons were well in the game until the introduction of McGeady and Wyke changed proceedings. It bodes well for the Mackems heading into their clash today with the same opponents.

Sunderland are yet to taste defeat on the road under Johnson and it wouldn’t be a huge surprise if that streak continued. Though, who will be the starting XI of players bidding to take all three points back to the northeast?

We’re tipping the boss to make as many as six changes to his XI for the clash today. We’ll start in defence where Lee Burge returns between the sticks at the expense of Remi Matthews.

Another change is at left-back. Callum McFadzean has been ruled out of contention with a groin injury and thus, Southampton loanee Jake Vokins will likely deputise at left-back.

Bailey Wright is also expected to come back into the defence. The £13k-per-week defender has missed the last two games with concussion but should now be fit enough to resume his duties at centre half.

Max Power will continue at right-back with Conor McLaughlin set to be eased back into action next week.

There is a solitary switch in midfield where Grant Leadbitter replaces Jack Diamond. The remaining two changes are in attacking areas. Lynden Gooch and Jordan Jones drop out in favour of Wyke and McGeady, two of the team’s most in form players.

Between the pair of them, they have contributed to nine goals in Sunderland’s last six outings. They are clearly vital to Johnson’s game plan.

AND in other news, 1 goal in 15 games: SAFC ace who left Parkinson fuming has been a passenger for months…

Liverpool may have missed their best opportunity to axe Divock Origi during the recent winter transfer window after James Pearce revealed that the Reds were open to offers for the Belgian, but none of the ones submitted were deemed acceptable.

The Athletic correspondent suggested in a recent article that the former Wolfsburg loanee needs a miracle to saves his Liverpool career, having struggled throughout the season so far.

The striker has contributed zero goals or assists in eight Premier League appearances this season, whilst his three appearances in the Champions League have been similarly disappointing.

The fact that Liverpool were seemingly unwilling to lower their asking price for the 25-year-old is slightly concerning, as his value is surely only going to decrease if he continues to warm the bench and make little impact on the few occasions he is selected in the first-team.

Last month’s 1-0 defeat against Burnley summed up the Belgian international’s lack of confidence in front of goal, as he smashed a shot against the crossbar when through on goal, in a miss that would prove costly, as the Reds’ impressive home record was brought to an end by Sean Dyche’s side.

Origi, who reportedly earns £60k per week at Anfield, has already seen his Transfermarkt value drop to £14.4 million this season and with his contract set to expire in 2024, Liverpool risk keeping him on their books for too long, if they aren’t willing to budge on their asking price for the 25-year-old.

Since joining from Lille in 2014, the forward has gone on to make 155 appearances for the Merseyside club, contributing just 35 goals and 13 assists in that time.

Whilst that has included memorable performances against Barcelona and Everton, which have lead to him becoming something of a cult figure at Anfield, his displays this season have been far from good enough, so it would not be a surprise to see him soon become surplus to requirements under Jurgen Klopp.

With Diogo Jota close to a return from injury, it is difficult to see Origi getting many more chances in this Liverpool side this season, especially with the Reds out of both domestic cup competitions.

Therefore, it could definitely be described as a mistake by sporting director Michael Edwards to have not axed him during the recent transfer window, as if his form continues, then the Reds will surely regret not cashing in on him. They could have brought in somewhat of a decent fee for him, but instead, face the prospect of seeing his value go lower and lower before having to offload him for pittance.

Edwards has enjoyed some superb times in the transfer market with Liverpool over the years – the Reds’ trophies are a testament to that. But on this occasion with Origi, this surely has to go down as an error on his part.

And, in other news… Edwards masterclass confirmed as James Pearce reveals Kabak transfer details

Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that Jordan Pickford will return in goal for Everton when Manchester City visit Goodison Park on Wednesday night.

The England number one has missed his side’s last three Premier League fixtures plus the Blues’ FA Cup fifth-round win over Tottenham Hotspur due to an abdominal injury, which he sustained during last months’ 2-0 defeat to Newcastle United.

AS Roma loanee Robin Olsen had opened all fixtures that Pickford sat out but will now return to the bench and could be joined by a handful of the XI which were beaten by Scott Parker’s relegation-threatened Fulham last time out.

So, as Ancelotti strives to end a four-game winless league run at Goodison Park, here is a potential line-up the Italian could field against Pep Guardiola’s title-chasing Sky Blues…

Everton were dealt a blow ahead of Wednesday night’s clash with Manchester City after Ancelotti ruled top-scorer Dominic Calvert-Lewin out with a hamstring injury, that he hopes the striker will recover from in time to face Liverpool at the weekend.

But the Toffees boss had brighter news to share on the fitness of Pickford plus midfielder Allan when speaking to the media on Tuesday: “For Dominic, I think it is a matter of days [before he is fit again]. We hope he will be available on Saturday.

“The others are all okay. Pickford trained yesterday [Monday], and he was okay. We will check again today, and if he is available, he is going to play.

“Allan is in contention. He is fit. He is good.”

Allan has missed the last two months of action with a hamstring injury sustained at Leicester City on December 16 but, after a few setbacks in recent weeks, is finally able to make his 13th Premier League appearance following a £21m summer switch from SSC Napoli.

The Brazilian will be expected to waltz back into Ancelotti’s engine room against Manchester City, likely at the expense of Andre Gomes after the Portuguese midfielder was off-tune in Everton’s 2-0 defeat to Fulham while Tom Davies brought the most promise and energy to the role.

Ancelotti also faces a huge selection dilemma over his creative midfielder between Gylfi Sigurdsson and James Rodriguez after neither were at their best against Fulham, and could ere on the side of the Colombian rather than the £100k-per-week Icelandic maestro after he scored in Everton’s 3-3 draw with Manchester United.

Moving Rodriguez back into midfield will also create an opening in attack for Joshua King to earn his first start in royal blue with Calvert-Lewin sidelined, having made each of his three Everton appearances to date from the bench.

Ancelotti has already confirmed that Pickford will return to his role between the sticks on Wednesday night but has decisions to make over Everton’s back four.

Lucas Digne is the only member of the unit that lost to Fulham that will be expected to have guaranteed continued presence.

Centre-half duo Mason Holgate and Ben Godfrey both failed to leave much on the pitch to admire, with Holgate producing a sloppy performance and at fault for Josh Maja’s first goal while Godfrey likewise lacked the sharpness to stop the Cottagers doubling their lead.

Either could now move back out to right-back to afford Michael Keane and Yerry Mina a recall, though Godfrey will be the one expected to take over from the £70k-per-week Seamus Coleman after being favoured in the role against Tottenham in the FA Cup last week in the fifth and final change from the weekend’s defeat.

AND in other news, Carlo Ancelotti is willing Everton to pay £26.5m for a £176k-p/w gem…