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Southampton decided to send Nathan Tella out on loan to Championship outfit Burnley at the start of the season, a decision which has backfired following the south coast club’s struggles and Tella’s flourishing fortunes with the Clarets.

To say that the decision was a mistake is somewhat unfair, given that Tella had only just been starting to grow into his own on English soil. However, having adapted so quickly to high-flying Burnley’s system under Vincent Kompany, it’s hard not to wonder he could have forged the same level of success at Southampton, who are currently embroiled in a relegation battle

Indeed, having clinched promotion to the Premier League in 2011, Southampton have consistently treaded water above the division’s depths, but this season sit at the nadir of the table and boss Ruben Selles faces a burdensome battle in ensuring a detrimental tumble into the second tier does not occur.

And with just 19 goals in the league thus far, the addition of a further offensive weapon would go down a treat for the Saints’ third permanent boss of the campaign in order to stave off the looming danger.

Would Saints be better off with Tella in the squad?

By and large, Southampton’s wide options this season have fallen flat and have not implemented the offensive edge to ensure that Southampton preserve their top-flight status, with just 14 matches of the season to go, Selles’ outfit are five points adrift of safety.

In January, imposing talisman Paul Onuachu and fleet-footed winger Kamaldeen Sulemana were signed to bolster the offensive ranks, but perhaps the best deal that could have been struck comes in the form of Tella, who is indeed thriving at the top of the Championship table.

Burnley, relegated from the Premier League last season, have demonstrated that their stay in the second tier is a mere sojourn from their status among England’s elite, and Kompany deserves all the plaudits for crafting a cohesive and exciting outfit, 12 points clear as table-toppers with just 12 matches to play.

And Tella, hailed as “exceptional” by Sky Sports’ Mark McAdam, has been instrumental, scoring 12 goals and providing three assists from 24 starts in the league, with a further two strikes plundered in the FA Cup.

As per Sofascore, the 23-year-old has averaged 1.4 shots and 0.8 key passes for the Clarets this term, creating four big chances and completing 78% of his passes from his robust and relentless role, and he has played a major part in ensuring his loan side’s form remains so commended, notably scoring a scintillating hat-trick against Preston North End earlier this month.

He would certainly be an improvement on Saints’ Moussa Djenepo, who has recorded an average rating of just 6.62 this league season having offered just one assist as his solitary direct contribution.

Taking only 0.3 shots per game and completing 0.5 key passes, the Malian winger does not match the threat of the clinical nature that Tella brings to the table, and having scored just five goals since his £15m move from Standard Liege in 2019, it appears that Southampton are utilising the wrong man right now.

If the hierarchy do turn to replace the 24-year-old, a tailor-made replacement already sits on the books.

Lauded as “the best player on the pitch” by Owen Hargreaves for a past performance in Southampton colours, Tella is shaping into a slick and dangerous force to maraud up and down the flanks, and while this season with Burnley will be regarded positively by the powers that be at St. Mary’s, his inclusion within the beleaguered ranks at Southampton could have proved the difference in the definitive moments that might define their season, and confirm their divisional status next year.

Newcastle United are still holding back in the transfer window as they await to find out where they stand within the FFP regulations.

What’s the latest?

Despite having a fairly quiet January transfer window, Dan Ashworth sanctioned one of the biggest purchases of the month by taking Anthony Gordon from Everton.

The only other arrival Newcastle have acquired is the signing of the young right-back, Harrison Ashby, from West Ham United which was confirmed earlier on deadline day.

There have been links to potential further additions on deadline day with the likes of Sander Berge and Conor Gallagher both touted as targets.

However, speaking on the Ranks FC Patreon page, insider Dean Jones has claimed the Toon are wary about making any further purchases for fear of breaching FFP:

(8:10) “I’m not sure if they know yet [how close to FFP limit they are]. I’m not sure if they’ll know until this season plays out, will they?

“Because as far as I’m aware their league placing and what they qualify, manage to do this season, how much money they bring in will, I guess, be balanced against what they’ve offset in transfers.

“So yeah, we’re very interested in we’ll see because that you know, there is an issue that they’re trying to iron out.”

Not taking any risks

Unlike some other clubs, it appears the Toon are not going beyond their means this month and are preventing any further issues down the line with FFP by ruling out any purchases.

This is something which director of football Dan Ashworth has spoken publicly about already when suggesting loan deals could be the way forward for Newcastle this month.

However, that could also several restrict the Toon’s ability to bring in any more players this month with clubs possibly looking for the cash to reinvest in their own sides.

And this seems as if it could be the case in their reported interest in Sander Berge who is believed to be an option for Fulham this month too.

But with the Cottagers believed to be offering an outright purchase – compared to a loan with an option to buy in the summer – it could see Newcastle miss out on their man.

That being said, they could land on their feet in the dying hours of the window if Chelsea are to decide Conor Gallagher needs to leave the club given their busy month of trading.

Regardless of whether Newcastle are to bring in any further signings this month, not taking any risks with FFP feels like the best option to take and will only benefit them in the long run.

Leeds United will be looking to record their first Premier League victory since November when they welcome Brentford to Elland Road this afternoon.

Jesse Marsch’s side clinched safety against the Bees last season but now face a tougher test, with the west Londoners unbeaten in eight and on the cusp of breaching the top six.

The American head coach will be hoping that the Whites can transition their midweek FA Cup win into the league, where they are desperate to pick up points, with another relegation battle still looming.

He can do himself and the club a massive favour by unleashing returning winger Luis Sinisterra from the off, perhaps over the underperforming Brenden Aaronson.

Despite being a regular since his summer switch from RB Salzburg, the USMNT international has struggled for form as his 6.52 rating sees him rank 11th overall in the current squad, having managed only one goal and two assists, via WhoScored.

Just one of those contributions have come over his last 13 outings, in which the Yorkshiremen have won just twice and have scored more than two goals in five of those outings, per Transfermarkt.

Sinisterra, meanwhile, has been absent with injury for several months and if he were available, then you’d imagine Aaronson would have been dropped a long time ago. In just nine appearances, of which only six have been starts, the Colombia international has found the net twice – on top of a goal and assist in the Carabao Cup, too.

On his day, the 23-year-old is an “exciting” and “mouth-watering” talent – in the words of ex-Leeds goalkeeper Paul Robinson – and one that could cause serious damage to Brentford, whose weakness appears to be in defending the flanks and against skilful players, according to WhoScored.

The tricky 5 foot 10 winger, who cost around £21m from Feyenoord, must therefore be unleashed from the off against the Bees as his presence on the pitch as the “animal” that compatriot Juan Cuadrado once dubbed him could give Marsch and co the best chances of picking up a victory.

Whilst there will be calls for new club-record signing Georginio Rutter to make his debut, for now, it should be the “Paul Gascoigne-esque” Sinisterra – as once described by MEN contributor Conor McGilligan – who gets the nod in west Yorkshire today.

AND in other news, Orta could seal “a great deal” with “incredible” third Leeds signing in £22m “protege”…

Leeds United are still very much in the race to sign the Angers midfielder Azzedine Ounahi this month.

What’s the latest?

The Yorkshire club have made a bright start to the January transfer window having already brought in two new faces and spent in the region of £35m.

Victor Orta has already provided Jesse Marsch with a new option to bolster both his defence in Maximilian Wober and his attack with Georginho Rutter.

However, it does not seem as if the Whites are done just yet with claims suggesting they hold a firm interest in the World Cup star, Ounahi.

And speaking on his Here We Go podcast, Fabrizio Romano has insisted the Premier League side are still monitoring the situation with everything still possible this month:

(12:50) “Between Azzedine Ounahi and all the clubs trying everything is still open. Leeds are still there. Leeds are interested and speaking to Angers. But also Napoli made the proposal to sign a player for the next season. So conversations ongoing but the Ounahi situation will be clarified very soon.”

Final piece to the jigsaw?

It has been a disappointing start to the season for Leeds who find themselves in another relegation battle as they currently sit slumped in 14th spot of the table with just two points separating them from the bottom three.

However, there will be some optimism to be taken from Orta’s actions in the transfer window considering this time last season the Whites didn’t make any moves in the market.

And further reinforcement to their midfield will surely be welcomed by all at Leeds with the likes of Adam Forshaw proving incredibly unreliable over the years but still being used when fit and available.

In Ounahi, Leeds could potentially be adding a player who shone in Qatar at the World Cup and was hailed by the journalist, Ed Aarons, as a “superstar”.

The Angers midfielder was able to boast the highest success rate of take-ons in the World Cup following their defeat in the semi-final against France.

Having attempted 12 take-ons during the tournament, the 22-year-old was able to successfully complete 10 of those (via Squawka).

And considering he has played the majority of the 2022/23 campaign in an attacking midfield role in Ligue 1, this is a player who could possibly provide Marsch with some creativity for his new striker, Rutter.

The Moroccan ranks incredibly high among other midfielders for dribbles completed, touches in the opposition’s box and progressive passes (via Fbref).

Although there may be some concerns over his lack of goals and assists, his attributes could provide a great partnership alongside the defensive rock Leeds have in Tyler Adams.

Tottenham Hotspur defender Ben Davies was fortunate not to connect with Ashley Young in the challenge which earned him a yellow card, according to Dermot Gallagher.

What’s been said?

Antonio Conte’s Spurs were handed yet another disappointing result on Sunday as they hosted Aston Villa and saw Unai Emery’s men take all three points back to Villa Park. And it was a display which saw referee John Brooks dish out the cards.

All three of Tottenham’s centre-backs were handed yellow cards during the first half of the game in north London but there may be some who feel as if Davies was fortunate not to have been shown a red.

The Wales international appeared to go leaping into a challenge with Young which left the Villa man in a heap on the ground after Davies dove into the challenge with his studs.

And having watched the replays, Gallagher has suggested the pair are fortunate Davies did not connect fully with Young as the nature of the challenge not only could’ve seen Davies sent off but also a serious injury to the 37-year-old Villa defender:

“I think it’s not a wise challenge. I think it’s a yellow card because what happens is he seems to go two-footed, but when he actually arrived he actually arrived one-footed,” Gallagher said on Sky Sports Ref Watch.

“Two things is he lands just in front of the player, which is lucky for Ashley Young. And luckily for the player, he didn’t go that extra half a yard because if you hadn’t ended up on his shins it was definitely a red card.”

A day to forget for Davies

It was yet again another dismal display from Conte’s men which saw their hopes of Champions League football suffered another blow after only managing to salvage a draw against Brentford on Boxing Day.

Spurs’ defensive woes seem to only get worse and worse as the weeks go on as the defeat to Villa made in 10 consecutive games in which the Lilywhites have conceded first.

And Davies has played a big role in this dismal Spurs defence of late with 14 appearances to his name in the Premier League alone this season (via Transfermarkt)

During the game at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Davies lost possession 14 times and did not manage to land either of his two crosses to one of his teammates (via SofaScore).

But in relation to the challenge on Young, we have to agree that it was an odd decision from the Welshman to make by going into the tackle in the manner which he did.

Not only was it endangering his opponent, but it also could have left Spurs even more vulnerable against Emery’s men with one less player potentially on the pitch had he landed on Young.

With Spurs defending in the way they are at the moment, the last thing Conte could do with is a red card to one of his defenders.

Tottenham Hotspur remain interested in a deal to bring Kim Min-jae to the Premier League next summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a recent report by 90min, who claim that, having missed out on the centre-back’s signing in the summer of 2020, Spurs are once again interested in the idea of making a move for the 26-year-old at the end of the current campaign, while Manchester United and Real Madrid are also thought to be keeping a close eye on the South Korea international.

However, the report goes on to state that SSC Napoli are looking to tie the defender down to a new deal at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium, with the Serie A side hoping to include a release clause in Kim’s new contract that is more than double his current €45m (£39m) clause – something the Italian side are said to be confident of getting over the line.

“Monster”

Considering just how impressive Kim has been for Napoli following his £16m move to the club this summer, it is not difficult to understand why Fabio Paratici and Antonio Conte would be interested in a deal to bring the centre-back to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium at the end of the current campaign.

Indeed, over his 14 Serie A appearances this season, the £30m-rated talent has been in imperious form in the heart of Luciano Spalletti’s backline, helping his side keep five clean sheets, in addition to making an average of 1.1 interceptions, 1.6 tackles, 3.9 clearances and winning 4.9 duels – at a success rate of 62% – per game.

The £53k-per-week defender has also impressed in an attacking capacity, scoring two goals, as well as making an average of 0.4 key passes, playing 3.5 long balls and completing 66.1 passes – at a success rate of 90% – per fixture.

These returns have seen “the Monster” average a rather remarkable Sofascore match rating of 7.22, not only ranking him as Napoli’s sixth-best performer in the league but also as the 21st-best performer in the Italian top flight as a whole so far in 2022/23.

The 26-year-old has also impressed over his six outings in the Champions League this term, helping Gli Azzurri keep two clean sheets, as well as making an average of 2.3 interceptions, one tackle, 3.8 clearances and winning 3.7 duels – at a success rate of 61% – per game.

These metrics have seen the 6 foot 3 giant who Khvicha Kvaratskhelia dubbed both “extraordinary” and an “iron barrel” average a simply sensational Sofascore match rating of 7.03, ranking him as Spalletti’s 13th-best player in the competition – playing a key role in Napoli finishing top of the Group G standings.

As such, considering just how impressive Kim has been both domestically and in Europe so far this season, it is indeed easy to see why Paratici would be interested in a deal to bring the defender to north London next summer, as the Korean colossus would undoubtedly be something of a monster in Conte’s backline at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium next season.

Leeds United have been backed to avoid relegation from the Premier League at the end of the season by Football Insider pundit John Wenham. 

The Lowdown: Leeds’ season so far

The Yorkshire club currently sit 15th in the table, having taken only 15 points from their 14 games so far.

This puts Jesse Marsch’s side just two points away the relegation zone, which currently houses Wolves, Southampton and Nottingham Forest.

Having been involved in a nail-biting relegation battle at the end of last season, one pundit has backed the Whites to prevent history from repeating itself this time around.

The Latest: Leeds backed for Premier League safety

Speaking to Football Insider, Tottenham Hotspur podcaster John Wenham gave a confident prediction for Leeds, having been particularly impressed by two of their players after seeing them in action against Antonio Conte’s side last week.

He said: “[Crysencio] Summerville, another goal for the boy. He is looking incredible. He might have been thinking about sneaking into the Dutch squad for the World Cup after his late run of form.

“Obviously that hasn’t happened but he will be working with Leeds and looking to continue to improve and nail down that starting spot.

“I thought some of the other Leeds players looked good too. Rodrigo looks a player now. He has come alive finally and he is now looking worth the large fee they paid to Valencia.

“That was good to see. I was impressed with Leeds, as bad as we were in that first half. I think they have enough to avoid going down, it’s just about picking up the results when they deserve it.”

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The Verdict: Work to be done

Despite Wenham’s admiration for Leeds and the duo of Rodrigo and Summerville in particular, it’s safe to say that the club’s results so far this season suggest that work needs to be done if they want to avoid another potential relegation battle in 2022/23.

With the Elland Road club having the highest combined total of tackles and interceptions in the league (475), this highlights how capable the Leeds players are of making important defensive contributions but also how overworked they have been.

Also, with only three clubs in the division conceding more goals than the Whites, it’s clear that this is an area which is letting the team down and preventing them from picking up valuable points.

Taking all that into account, if the likes of Rodrigo and Summerville can continue doing the business in front of goal and the club can add some defensive reinforcements to Marsch’s squad in January, this should help them from getting dragged into another nervy relegation battle.

Everton could now be set to make a surprise move for a reported long-term target in January…

What’s the latest?

According to Jornal de Noticias (via Sport Witness), the Toffees have been handed their definitive price tag to secure a deal for Issahaku Fatawu.

The report references a €40m (£35m) minimum price for Sporting Lisbon to sanction his exit, with the tricky midfielder also poised to star with Ghana in the forthcoming World Cup.

Having sent a scout to watch him in the Champions League recently, they will want to act quickly to ward off the interest from Liverpool, Manchester City and Manchester United.

He can star at the World Cup

Despite a slow start this season for his Portuguese outfit, he has shown in the past why he is so sought-after.

Dubbed “arguably the best African prospect of his generation” in The Guardian’s Next Generation list of 2021, on the biggest stage in world football he could hopefully prove this with “electric” performances akin to last season.

He scored six goals in just seven Ghanaian Premier League games during his breakout campaign, boasting pace and trickery that Everton have lacked this season.

Upon bursting into the Sporting side, his manager Ruben Amorim was full of praise for his young star, claiming “we believe in him a lot” before dubbing him a “great talent” who is “very fast”.

Of Anthony Gordon, Demarai Gray and Dwight McNeil, the wingers on Merseyside have a combined goal tally in the league of just six.

Should his trip to Qatar be as successful as his performances last season suggests they could be, Fatawu will likely have plenty more suitors and a much higher price tag than the one currently placed on his head.

The 18-year-old offers consistency and a goalscoring threat unlike anything already at Goodison Park, and given his youth has his whole career to turn his raw pace into consistent talent.

Facing Uruguay, Portugal and South Korea in their World Cup group, it will make his performances even more impressive should he excel in what seems like a group of death for the Black Stars.

Leeds United are reportedly in the mix to sign Red Bull Salzburg striker Noah Okafor.

The Lowdown: ‘Crazy form’

Okafor has started the current campaign in fine form, contributing to ten goals in 18 games for the Austrian side playing as a centre-forward. The 22-year-old has been labelled as ‘incredibly prolific’ and in ‘crazy form’ by talent scout Jacek Kulig last month.

The Switzerland international played 44 times under Jesse Marsch for Salzburg, and it looks as if a reunion could be on the cards, providing the Leeds boss remains in charge at Elland Road heading into 2023.

The Latest: Leeds links

Calciomercato name-checked Leeds with an interest in Okafor earlier this month and provided a new update on Wednesday evening.

Translated by Sports Witness, they claim that Leeds are genuinely in the mix for his signature and will provide ‘stiff competition’ to AC Milan for the forward.

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The Verdict: De Ketelaere 2.0?

Leeds’ main attacking target over the summer was Charles De Ketelaere, who eventually moved to AC Milan despite Andrea Radrizzani confirming that a €40m fee was agreed with Club Brugge.

This update on Okafor could bring back bad memories for the Leeds board, who may have to face off with the Italian giants once again in the New Year for another exciting attacking talent.

A new striker appears to be needed at Elland Road, though, with the Whites struggling to put away chances, so Okafor could be seen as an ideal addition in Yorkshire.

Former Glasgow Rangers defender Alan Hutton has suggested that Ridvan Yilmaz could leave Ibrox on loan in the January transfer window.

The Lowdown: Galatasaray interest

As per Turkish news outlet Takvim, Galatasaray are planning to make a loan offer for Yilmaz in January, and are closely monitoring his situation with the Gers.

The Turkey international has only made unused substitute again in the 7-1 humiliation at the hands of Premier League Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday night.

The Latest: Hutton reacts

Speaking to Football Insider, Hutton has admitted that it is a ‘strange’ situation with Yilmaz and the club, adding that he could look to go out on loan in January, just six months after joining:

“It is a strange situation.

“I think Rangers put out a lot of money in transfer fees to bring him in.

“I think it has taken him a little bit longer to settle.

“We are going to see more of him hopefully in the coming weeks, there are a lot of games coming up so there is opportunity for him to shine.

“I think if it goes the way it is going, and Barisic is going to be a regular starter then he might look to go out on loan.

“But something in the back of my mind tells me that Rangers have paid all this money for him they are going to try and get him in the team.

“Hopefully in the upcoming weeks we will see a little bit more of him and he can prove his worth to Rangers.“

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The Verdict: Play him more!

The solution seems simple enough, but Van Bronckhorst simply has to play Yilmaz more and start integrating him into the first team.

Barisic is far from his best form, having received plenty of criticism for his performance against Liverpool, and after spending £5m to bring Yilmaz in, the left-back should be getting more game time.

Nonetheless, with only two senior left-backs in the squad, the Light Blues should do all that they can to persuade Yilmaz to stay past January, and the best way of doing that is to give him more minutes on the pitch ahead of Barisic.