TEAMtalk

Tottenham are being tipped to swoop for a versatile Juventus midfielder who could be allowed to leave in the January transfer window as interest ramps up in his services.

Italy international Nicolo Fagioli is reported to be looking for more game time and is open to quitting the Turin giants next summer, with the likes of Marseille and Crystal Palace also showing an interest.

Fagioli has made 15 appearances for Juve in all competitions this season but only six of those have been in the starting XI and the 23-year-old wants more game time in order to enhance his chances at international level – which could happen at Tottenham under Ange Posetcoglou.

And, despite being happy to leave the Bianconeri in the summer, TuttoJuve’s Mirko di Natale has reported that Juventus will keep an eye on the midfielder’s situation till the end of the January transfer window. Indeed, di Natale states that if any appropriate offer arrives, Fagioli will be sold as he is not considered to be an unsellable entity.

Spurs’ interest stems from some inconsistent play again in their engine room this season as Postecoglou often chops and changes that area of his team.

Rodrigo Bentancur has started a domestic ban but will be available again for the Boxing Day clash with Nottingham Forest, while Yves Bissouma continues to be an enigma and not the same player who was so outstanding at Brighton. The only real constants have been the impressive form of Pape Sarr and Dejan Kulusevski in a newer role for the Swede this term.

The report adds that Palace and Marseille are expected to challenge Tottenham for Fagioli but that the north London club’s good relationship with Juventus could give them the upper hand.

Bentancur and Kulusevski were both signed from the Italian giants in the past, with former Spurs sporting director Fabio Paratici playing a role in their captures and still having influence when it comes to Serie A transfers.

Versatile Fagioli a good fit for Postecoglou

Fagioli would be a good fit for Tottenham if he does arrive in north London either in January or next summer, having also been linked with both Manchester clubs.

Having been likened to Luka Modric in terms of his style of play, the Italian is versatile enough to play all three main central midfield positions and is as equally comfortable playing as a No.6 as he is in his more natural No.10 role.

As per Football Talent Scout, Fagioli is described as a playmaker with natural flair who has good vision and the ability to thread accurate passes in behind defences.

He also has superb coordination, agility and balance and is capable of dominating games from the middle of the park, something Tottenham sometimes struggle with when they are on the back foot.

In 62 total games for Juventus, Fagioli has scored three goals and eight assists, but at just 23 years of age there is a feeling that he has yet to reach his full potential – something that Postecoglou will relish the challenge of harnessing.

Latest Tottenham news: City target Romero swoop / Toney back on Spurs’ radar

Manchester City have reportedly joined the clubs keeping tabs on Tottenham defender Cristian Romero, who will look at Champions League football as a deciding factor on a contract renewal or his next club.

Spurs have been a more defensively sound side than City this season. The north London outfit, though seventh, have conceded 14 goals in 13 Premier League games.

And, according to TBRFootball, City have joined the clubs keeping tabs on Argentina World Cup winner Romero.

Meanwhile, former Premier League striker Ivan Toney is reportedly considering a return to England after only six months in Saudi Arabia, and Chelsea and Tottenham have shown interest in him.

Manchester City have reportedly joined the clubs keeping tabs on Tottenham defender Cristian Romero, who will look at Champions League football as a deciding factor on a contract renewal or his next club.

Spurs have been a more defensively sound side than City this season. The north London outfit, though seventh, have conceded 14 goals in 13 Premier League games.

City, three points above them in fifth place, have already conceded 19 goals, including eight in their last three league games.

According to TBRFootball, the Citizens have joined the clubs keeping tabs on Tottenham centre-back Romero, who has been a mainstay of their defence for the last few seasons.

Along with the Premier League champions, European giants Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Inter Milan are all keen on Romero.

It is believed Tottenham hope to tie the Argentine down to a new deal, with plans to start talks in the New Year to make him the top earner at the club.

But the report also states that Romero sees Champions League football as key to his future. That could have a detrimental impact on Spurs’ hopes of keeping him happy.

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UCL much more likely at City

Romero has played just one season in the Champions League with Tottenham, in 2022/23. Given Spurs are currently seventh in the Premier League, they’ll have to make up some ground to secure a place in the elite European competition.

City, meanwhile, are Champions League regulars, playing in it every season since Pep Guardiola has been at the club, and winning it for the first time in 2022/23.

Though they are currently fifth in the league, the Citizens’ previous form suggests they are more likely to fight their way back and end up with a place in the competition.

As such, Romero could look more favourably on a move there, particularly knowing there could be space for him amid a defensive wobble, than staying at Tottenham where he may not be given the shot he wants.

Man City round-up: Big exits possible

City could have to get rid of three of their most influential players of the past few years, with journalist Henry Winter suggesting Kyle Walker, Ilkay Gundogan and Bernardo Silva have lost it.

City boss Guardiola has also suggested that while sacked in the morning chants might not have been wide of the mark, he did not expect them from Liverpool fans during a loss to the Reds.

Jamie Carragher suggested that the game was made easy for Liverpool centre-back Virgil van Dijk by the toothless performance of Erling Haaland.

Meanwhile, in order to rectify their current issues, City are said to be scouting Premier League left-backs Milos Kerkez and Rayan Ait-Nouri.

One of the best FA Cup third-round draws in recent years threw up some intriguing contests as Ruben Amorim will take his Manchester United side to Arsenal, while Liverpool face a Lancashire derby and Tottenham will be on their way to Staffordshire to face a National League giantkiller.

United and Arsenal will go head-to-head at The Emirates this week in the Premier League before facing off again in north London in January, while Arne Slot’s Liverpool will host Accrington Stanley and Tottenham head to Tamworth, who saw off League One sides Huddersfield Town and Burton Albion in the previous two rounds.

Elsewhere, Manchester City will host ‘Class of 92’-owned Salford City in a big local derby, while League Two Harrogate Town will have the short trip to Elland Road to face Yorkshire rivals Leeds United.

The only other non-league side left in the competition, Dagenham & Redbridge, will go to Championship Millwall while Chelsea host League Two’s bottom club Morecambe and fellow fourth-tier strugglers Bromley travel to face Newcastle United at St James’ Park.

There could even be a potential father-son showdown on the cards when Everton host Peterborough, with Ashley Young’s son Tyler currently plying his trade with the League One outfit.

FA Cup third-round draw in full…

Southampton v Swansea City

Arsenal v Manchester United

Exeter City v Oxford United

Leyton Orient v Derby County

Reading v Burnley

Aston Villa v West Ham

Norwich City v Brighton & Hove Albion

Manchester City v Salford

Millwall v Dagenham & Redbrige

Liverpool v Accrington Stanley

Bristol City v Wolverhampton Wanderers

Preston North End v Charlton Athletic

Chelsea v Morecambe

Middlesbrough v Blackburn Rovers

Bournemouth v West Bromwich Albion

Mansfield Town v Wigan Athletic

Tamworth v Tottenham

Hull City v Doncaster Rovers

Sunderland v Stoke City

Leicester City v Queens Park Rangers

Brentford v Plymouth Argyle

Coventry City v Sheffield Wednesday

Newcastle United v Bromley

Everton v Peterborough United

Wycombe Wanderers v Portsmouth

Birmingham City v Lincoln City

Leeds United v Harrogate Town

Nottingham Forest v Luton Town

Sheffield United v Cardiff City

Ipswich Town v Bristol Rovers

Fulham v Watford

Crystal Palace v Stockport County

The ties will be played January 9-13.

Former Premier League striker Ivan Toney is reportedly considering a return to England after only six months in Saudi Arabia, and Chelsea and Tottenham have shown interest in him.

Toney could have made a move within the Premier League in the summer. He was linked with the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham after a few good seasons with Brentford.

TEAMtalk revealed that the Blues were willing to lodge a good offer to get him. But Saudi side Al-Ahli offered better terms, and Toney ended up landing there.

Less than six months later, Fichajes reports the former Brentford man is considering a return to England, as he has not found the same level of motivation for the game in his new surroundings.

The report states that Chelsea and Tottenham have once again shown an interest in landing Toney.

It is also believed there may be doubts on if either side could land him given the finances of signing him, particularly given he now earns around £400,000 per week, which equal is the highest salary in the Premier League (Kevin De Bruyne).

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Toney fears realised

After Toney moved to Saudi Arabia, England legend Wayne Rooney slammed him for the switch, which he felt would hurt his chances of adding to his six England caps and becoming the Three Lions’ next No.9.

“Ivan Toney might have ruined his chances with his move,” he said.

And those fears have come true, with Toney not having been included in an England squad since Euro 2024.

At 28 years old, if he returns to England soon, he could get himself back in their thinking, but he’s unlikely to have a long time left playing at that level regardless, and could have allowed other strikers past him in their mind.

Chelsea round-up: Big striker moves possible

Chelsea could potentially see Christopher Nkunku move to Paris Saint-Germain, with the club wanting to land him, and they may offer Randal Kolo Muani in exchange, but it’s not believed the Blues want to go ahead with that deal.

Liam Delap is also on the Blues’ radar, but they could be in competition with European giants Juventus, who have also joined the hunt for the Ipswich man.

Meanwhile, Chelsea target Tomas Araujo has been likened to Spain legend Gerard Pique.

And the Blues are one of a few big Premier League sides have opened talks to find out the conditions of a move for Borussia Dortmund star Jamie Gittens.

Toney’s Saudi stats

Ivan Toney’s stats for Al-Ahli so far

Tottenham are reportedly watching Dominic Calvert-Lewin ‘closely’, while Nottingham Forest have also joined the hunt for the Everton striker.

Spurs have only recently signed a new striker. They landed Dominic Solanke from Bournemouth for £65million in the summer, making him their record signing.

But now, they seem to be in the market for another new striker.

According to Fichajes, Spurs are looking ‘closely’ at Calvert-Lewin, to potentially add him to their forward corps.

The signing of the Englishman could be an opportunity too good to pass up, as though Everton are reportedly attempting to renew his deal, he’ll be available for nothing in the summer if they can’t.

Along with Spurs, high-flying Premier League side Nottingham Forest are also said to be looking into signing Calvert-Lewin.

Competition for Calvert-Lewin

TEAMtalk have already revealed of late that Newcastle and AC Milan are interested in signing the Everton man.

Sources have stated Milan have been following him for some time.

As such, there could be a big battle on between clubs looking to land Calvert-Lewin.

Though wages will play a part, as will finding the best resolution for a player who has been with Everton since 2016.

Tottenham round-up: Spurs want to repeat trick

Spurs are reportedly looking to pull off a similar deal to their signing of Pape Matar Sarr, who joined as a young midfielder from France, as they are pursuing Reims man Valentin Atangana.

Tottenham are also one of the Premier League clubs said to have opened a discourse about a potential move for Borussia Dortmund’s Jamie Gittens.

The north London club are also said to be leading the race for Lecce full-back Patrick Dorgu.

Meanwhile, they could be given a challenge in signing PSV man Malik Tillman, as it’s believed Manchester United are enquiring about him.

Aston Villa are reportedly planning to recall Louie Barry from Stockport with a view to loaning him to the Championship, where he has a ‘boatload’ of suitors.

Barry is the most in-form player in League One at the moment. After nine goals in League Two for Stockport last term, he has remained on loan with the newly-promoted side, and has already netted 13 times this term in the division above.

Villa will be happy that he finally seems to be finding his feet, after loans to Ipswich, MK Dons, Swindon and Salford left a lot to be desired.

According to Birmingham World, Villa are so impressed that they are planning to recall Barry from his loan at Stockport.

The report states they feel he has outgrown League One and would be better suited to the Championship, with that test one they want to give him.

That report states fifth-placed Middlesbrough want to sign him. A separate report from another outlet, the Sheffield Star, states 13th-placed Sheffield Wednesday are keeping tabs on him, and are one of a ‘boatload’ of clubs attempting to sign Barry.

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Tottenham tipped to miss out

Of late, it was reported that Tottenham were keen to land Barry permanently.

But it seems there is almost no chance of Villa allowing their Premier League rivals to land the 21-year-old.

That it’s suggested they want to send him on another loan to a higher level demonstrates that they are priming him for a place in their side at some point, and he’s getting closer to achieving the right level for that.

If he succeeds in the Championship, Barry could soon find himself in Villa’s squad, and him being sold before they can see if he’s worthy of that is not very likely at all.

Aston Villa round-up: Man Utd raid possible

It’s been reported that the Villans are hopeful of landing Manchester United forward Joshua Zirkzee, just months after he headed to Old Trafford.

The Villans are also keen on PSV’s Malik Tillman.

However, after Tottenham interest in him had already been reported, Manchester United are also said to be enquiring about his availability.

Meanwhile, Villa have been told that a £30million bid will be enough for them to land Ajax midfielder Kenneth Taylor.

Barry’s growing influence

During his four loan spells prior to heading to Stockport, Barry scored just nine goals, in more than 75 games.

In 40 games for Stockport, he’s netted 23 times.

Now showing he is on the way to becoming the player Villa felt he could when he returned back to England from Barcelona’s academy, if he continues in his current form, there’s no reason he can’t be playing up top for Villa in the next couple of years.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly one of two Premier League sides hoping to secure the signature of highly-rated teenage midfielder Valentin Atangana from French side Reims in 2025.

The impressive 19-year-old came through the academy system with Les Rouges et Blancs before being promoted to the first team back in 2023 and is now a regular starter in their engine room.

Indeed, Atangana has started all 13 of Reims’ Ligue 1 outings this season as his side currently sit ninth in the French top flight but are only five points off third-placed Marseille.

As a defensive midfielder, Atangana is yet to register a goal or assist in 35 senior appearances for Reims but has been earning plenty of plaudits for his outstanding work in front of the back line.

He did, however, score on his debut for France Under-21 against Italy before also winning a penalty against Germany just a few days later to show he can be a threat going forward as well.

Tottenham, as reported by The Sun, are one of a whopping 26 teams to have sent scouts to watch Atangana in action last weekend, where he played 66 minutes in a 2-0 Ligue 1 loss to Lens.

Premier League rivals Aston Villa are also rumoured to be keeping tabs on the teenager, with French media already likening Atangana to former Premier League and Champions League winner N’Golo Kante.

Atangana is currently contracted to Reims for another three seasons, although the Ligue 1 outfit may find it difficult to turn down a lucrative financial package from a Premier League club if a concrete offer is made.

Tottenham looking to repeat Pape Sarr trick

Spurs are no strangers to signing young midfield talent from France, having taken a major punt when they spent £14million to take Pape Sarr from Metz in 2021.

It’s now always been plain sailing for the 22-year-old during his time in north London but he started to show real improvements under Ange Postecoglou last season and has been impressive during the current campaign so far.

Sarr has scored six goals and added six assists in 68 matches for Tottenham in all competitions, although three of those strikes and two assists have come in 19 games this term.

He is also set for an extended run in the side due to Rodrigo Bentancur’s lengthy domestic ban and will almost certainly be in the starting line-up when Tottenham host Fulham on Sunday.

As for Atangana, the midfielder could expect a significant pay rise if he accepted a Premier League contract, although there is every chance that he could remain at Reims on loan before being integrated into the squad of his new club.

Latest Tottenham news: Spurs in mix for Dortmund winger / Dorgu signing update

Yet another Englishman starring at Borussia Dortmund is attracting interest from the Premier League’s elite, with a report confirming Tottenham, Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea are all positioning themselves to strike.

Jamie Gittens is the player in question, with a fresh update from Sky Germany reporting that the winger’s superb season so far has put the Premier League’s elite clubs on red alert.

Meanwhile, Tottenham are reportedly leading the race for Lecce left-back Patrick Dorgu, who is on the radar of Chelsea, but the Blues are not currently planning to push for another left-sided defender.

Spurs have a good left-back in their side in the form of Destiny Udogie but TBRFootball reports that the north London outfit want more competition for the Italy international and have now emerged as the firm leaders to sign Lecce man Dorgu.

One observer claimed Tottenham playmaker Dejan Kulusevski reminds him of ‘prime’ Lionel Messi, while a second Spurs star has been backed to prove he was worth “every penny” of his sizeable transfer fee.

Tottenham pulled off arguably the result of the season so far last weekend when demolishing Manchester City on their own turf. James Maddison bagged a brace, with Pedro Porro scoring the third before Brennan Johnson finished off the rout in injury time.

But while Dejan Kulusevski was not on the scoresheet, his silky display that included assisting Maddison’s opener with a perfectly weighted cross has produced a comparison with arguably the greatest footballer of all time.

In quotes carried by Spurs Web, former midfielder and talkSPORT pundit, Jamie O’Hara, claimed Kulusevski’s display ‘was like watching Lionel Messi in his prime at times.’

“Tottenham were unbelievable against Manchester City last weekend,” began O’Hara. “Dejan Kulusevski came in and performed to a world-class standard – it was like watching Lionel Messi in his prime at times. He always steps up against City.”

O’Hara does hold allegiances to Tottenham through his eight-year stint on the club’s books between 2003-11. While comparisons to Messi may well be over the top, it is fair to say Kulusevski has been sensational in a Spurs shirt this season.

O’Hara also insisted Maddison must receive his fair share of praise for the part he played in dismantling the reigning champions. The pundit also suggested more performances of that standard will quickly see Maddison justify the £40m Spurs paid to sign the playmaker from Leicester.

“I think James Maddison also deserves a lot of credit for his performance, he was brilliant and he’s a player who, truthfully, has struggled this season,” added O’Hara.

“He needs his plaudits for that performance – he’s had a tough period and he’s been out of the team; he dictated the tempo of the game exceptionally and we saw the old James Maddison there. If he plays like that going forwards, he is worth every penny that Tottenham paid for him.”

Kulusevski backs never-used Tottenham star to shine

News of Guglielmo Vicario undergoing surgery to repair a fractured ankle had prompted speculation Tottenham could dip into the market in January for short-term cover between the sticks.

However, Ange Postecoglou has insisted he has faith in Fraser Forster, while Kulusevski is equally at ease if Brandon Austin gets a game.

Austin, 25, has been on Tottenham’s books since 2015, though is yet to make his senior debut for the club.

Nonetheless, Kulusevski assured Spurs fans they’ll be in good hands if Austin is called upon to play instead of Forster.

“He’s [Forster] really good and he made some big saves [against Roma on Thursday]. It’s great to have him and I think he’s ready to play,” Kulusevski told the media.

“And I also feel confident that we have Brandon Austin, who’s a very good goalkeeper.

“We miss Vicario because he’s a fantastic guy, but now it is time for Fraser to step up and help the team.”

Latest Tottenham news – Gittens, Geertruida,

In other news, Tottenham have been named as one of four high-powered sides chasing the signature of Borussia Dortmund winger, Jamie Gittens. The other three interested clubs are Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool.

Elsewhere, Caught Offside claim Spurs hold concrete interest in RB Leipzig right-back, Lutsharel Geertruida.

The 24-year-old has reportedly been identified as an ideal target in the event Pedro Porro leaves the club. Porro is being eyed by Real Madrid as a back-up target to Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Finally, it’s believed the chances of Spurs loanee Timo Werner being signed permanently have risen after he cooked Kyle Walker in the build-up to the fourth goal against Man City.

Werner’s loan agreement from Leipzig contains an option to buy worth £8.5m.

Yet another Englishman starring at Borussia Dortmund is attracting interest from the Premier League’s elite, with a report confirming Arsenal, Liverpool, Tottenham and Chelsea are all positioning themselves to strike.

Jude Bellingham and Jadon Sancho both became household names during their respective stints with Borussia Dortmund. The Bundesliga giant have become synonymous with developing rising young stars and they’re not afraid to take a chance on English talent.

Another who followed in Bellingham and Sancho’s footsteps is winger Jamie Gittens. The forward left Manchester City’s academy for Dortmund in 2020 aged just 16.

Gittens made his senior debut for Dortmund in the 2021/22 season, and after two more relatively quiet seasons, he’s exploded into life this term.

The right-footer – who plays primarily on the left side – has bagged seven goals and four assists in 18 appearances for Dortmund this season. Even more impressive is the fact four of those goals came in the Champions League – the pinnacle of European football.

According to a fresh update from Sky Germany, Gittens’ superb season so far has put the Premier League’s elite on red alert.

They state heavyweight quartet Tottenham, Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal are all showing interest in the player. It’s also claimed some of those English clubs ‘have already started initial talks with management to find out about the situation and to position themselves for a potential transfer in the future.’

Exactly which of the four teams have held talks with Dortmund was not made clear. Though what is clear is a return to England is in Gittens’ future…

Jamie Gittens wants to light up the Premier League

The report added Gittens ‘sees himself playing in England’s Premier League in the future.’

Adding further fuel to the fire is the claim Dortmund remain a club who are reliant on a gigantic sale or two every few years.

Dortmund previously sold Sancho to Manchester United for £73m and Bellingham to Real Madrid for an initial £88.5m.

Gittens could be the next Englishman to generate a monster profit for Dortmund, though an exit isn’t expected in the upcoming winter window.

Sky Germany added Gittens is content in Dortmund for the time being and is thriving on the regular minutes he’s now receiving.

That suits Dortmund who are prepared to wait until Gittens has improved further and thus boosted his transfer value even more before greenlighting a sale.

Nonetheless, the fact a sale isn’t imminent isn’t stopping the English clubs from attempting to position themselves as the frontrunner for Gittens.

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Latest transfer news – Delap, Zubimendi, Dorgu, Jesus

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➡️ Ruben Amorim orders Man Utd to formulate £25m bid for dazzling wing-back to beat Tottenham, Chelsea to deal

It’s no secret that Man Utd need a new left wing-back for Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-3 system and some strong claims are emerging from Italy that the new boss has picked a new top target for the role.

Wing-backs are a crucial part of how Amorim prefers to play, but Man Utd’s options on the left are especially lacking. With that in mind, it will be a priority position to reinforce in January – and if not, in the summer for definite.

Now, a new target seems to have ended up on the radar of Man Utd boss Amorim – and their intentions seem strong. Patrick Dorgu is the latest player being linked and it sounds like Man Utd might be willing to make a serious bid for him.

According to Italian reporter Gerardo Fasano, Man Utd have joined the race for Dorgu after he was linked with Tottenham and Chelsea in recent days.

Fasano told Area Napoli: “Manchester United, on the precise indication of their manager Amorim, would like to sink the blow on Patrick Dorgu. The English club needs a left wing-back, and the Dane would be the ideal profile.

“The incoming offer is between €30-35m plus easily achievable bonuses, already in this market session.”

That means Man Utd could put £25m-£33m on the table for Dorgu, who has scored three goals from 14 games for Lecce this season – thanks to him also being used as a right winger.

Serie A side pose threat for Dorgu deal

It’s not just the Premier League where Dorgu could end up. As you may have guessed from the source, Napoli are also showing an interest in the 20-year-old.

And the Serie A title challengers – coached by Antonio Conte – could have an ace up their sleeve to try and tempt Lecce into choosing to do business with them instead of a Premier League side.

Fasano added: “Napoli could perhaps close at €30m but leave him on loan. Generally English clubs don’t leave him on loan, they buy immediately.”

However, it isn’t unheard of for English clubs to sign a player and keep them developing on loan at the same club – think of Liverpool and Giorgi Mamardashvili with Valencia, or Tottenham and Destiny Udogie with Udinese.

Udogie has become Tottenham’s main left-back since, which might lessen their need for Dorgu, but TBR Football yesterday claimed they were leading the race for his signature.

Man Utd might have something to say about that, but they have been linked with other left-backs like Milos Kerkez of Bournemouth, Antonee Robinson of Fulham, Alphonso Davies of Bayern and Theo Hernandez of AC Milan, while they have a buyback clause for Alvaro Carreras at Benfica, so it remains to be seen how serious they actually are about Dorgu.

Man Utd transfer roundup

Meanwhile, Man Utd have also joined Tottenham in the race for PSV and USMNT midfielder Malik Tillman, according to various reports.

Tillman has 12 goal contributions already this season and can play in attacking or defensive midfield roles, with Man Utd reportedly scouting him recently.

However, an issue with his release clause means they may have to wait until the summer to stand a better chance of signing him for a decent price.

In other news, Joshua Zirkzee has reportedly ruled out a January exit from Man Utd, despite his recent struggles, since he is intent on proving himself to Amorim.

Zirkzee had been linked with a reunion with Thiago Motta at Juventus but, although TEAMtalk understands he could be made available on loan still if it’s right for his development, he could well see out the season at Old Trafford.

IN FOCUS: The rise of Patrick Dorgu

Lecce originally acquired Dorgu from Nordsjaelland in his native country, where he was yet to make his first-team debut.

He spent a year in the Italian side’s academy ranks, but once he was promoted into the Lecce first team, there were no second thoughts as he went on to record 34 appearances between Serie A and the Coppa Italia last season.

The teenager’s potential has long since attracted some clubs of serious stature – with his agent namedropping Liverpool, Manchester City and Barcelona before he had even made his Lecce debut – while he made his senior international debut for Denmark during the September break.

This season, he has split his gametime between playing as a left-back or a right winger, developing his output considerably.

Lecce will hope to benefit from their faith in his potential, with Dorgu a candidate to become their record sale when he leaves (eclipsing Morten Hjulmand after his €19.5m move to Sporting CP in 2023).

For now, he remains under contract until 2029. It seems unlikely he will stay at Lecce for all that time, with a big club almost certainly in his destiny.