Contact has been made with Manchester United as West Ham chiefs eye up a late January move, with co-chair David Sullivan and manager Graham Potter tipped to oversee a busy end to the window in east London.

West Ham target last-gasp January deals in multiple positions

The Hammers are in active pursuit of a new striker, following long-term injuries to Niclas Füllkrug and Michail Antonio, but a fresh centre-forward option isn’t their only potential incoming before the deadline.

West Ham make late January contact to sign ex-Liverpool star on loan

The Irons are chasing late signings.

1 ByEmilio Galantini Jan 30, 2025

West Ham had a bid rejected for PSV Eindhoven star Ricardo Pepi (Fabrizio Romano), and could yet go back in with an improved winter bid (Rik Elfrink). The USA international, who’s bagged 18 goals already in all competitions this season, would be a stellar capture for Potter – but if they fail with another approach, it is widely believed that Brighton starlet Evan Ferguson is another primary target.

“The news has emerged last night that Ferguson’s move to Bayer Leverkusen may have fallen through due to Al Nassr choosing to sign Jhon Duran over their forward Victor Boniface,” said club insider ExWHUemployee on Thursday.

“If the club get this confirmed and are confident that his injuries are not long-term, then further negotiations with the hope of completing before Monday’s deadline will occur.

Chelsea (away)

February 3rd

Brentford (home)

February 15th

Arsenal (away)

February 22nd

Leicester City (home)

February 27th

Newcastle United (home)

March 10th

“West Ham are prepared to include an option or obligation to buy in the loan deal to try and get the deal over the line. Talks are continuing with Ferguson, they are going positively as the club tries to work towards a deal.”

Ferguson’s possible move to the London Stadium is looking well and truly on, as Sullivan seeks to back Potter with a centre-forward who can fill in for both Fullkrug and Antonio.

However, it is also believed that West Ham are targeting another centre-back before the deadline, with Brighton’s Adam Webster among West Ham’s defender targets for this window.

Now, the 30-year-old has been joined by United’s Victor Lindelof.

West Ham contact Man United over signing Victor Lindelof

According to journalist Graeme Bailey, writing for United in Focus, West Ham have contacted United over signing Lindelof in January – with the £120,000-per-week Swede out of contract this summer and potentially available for a cut-price fee.

The 70-cap international appears out of Ruben Amorim’s long-term plans, motivating the Irons to test United’s resolve with an enquiry and gauge whether a mid-season deal for Lindelof is possible.

However, Bailey reports that the former Benfica star has no interest in joining West Ham, and has made that clear to his representatives.

Given Lindelof’s torrid injury record lately, not to mention the fact he’s now entered the twilight phase of his career, you could make a case that this is arguably for the best – and there could be better options out there for Potter.

Newcastle United have now turned their attentions to a new forward as they look to move on from Callum Wilson this summer, it has been reported, with Eddie Howe’s side now looking across the Premier League to find their next marksman.

Newcastle set for attacking changes

There is set to be plenty of change for Eddie Howe’s Newcastle side in the summer, with their attack a key area that they are looking to strengthen.

Having sold Miguel Almiron to Atlanta United in January, they are expected to move to sign another winger in the summer amid links to Celtic standout Nicolas Kuhn, while they have also been strongly linked with a move for Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo, though they will not be the only side chasing the Cameroonian international.

Centrally, there is also going to be change. Callum Wilson is out of contract at the end of the season and, after another disappointing season with injuries, he is not expected to be offered a new deal on Tyneside, meaning that he will become a free agent amid interest from sides across England.

Newcastle want £50m Champions League ace who they were in talks for in 2024

The Magpies have already scouted him in the past.

ByHenry Jackson Feb 15, 2025

Another player with significant interest is Alexander Isak, though Newcastle will be desperate to keep hold of their talisman, who has scored 17 times already this season. Arsenal and Liverpool have both been linked with the Swede, who is under contract at St James’ Park until 2028, and who Newcastle are hoping to tie to a new contract.

Whether they do or not, it is clear that Howe’s side will be on the hunt for at least one new striker this summer, and now a new target has emerged for the Magpies.

Newcastle eye move for striker

Now, a report in Spain [via Sport Witness] has revealed that Newcastle United have now made Chelsea forward Nicolas Jackson their “priority” to strengthen their attack this summer.

It is claimed that “Newcastle in particular are keen on the Chelsea man as they fear losing Alexander Isak in the summer”, and that he is also wanted by Arsenal, Atletico Madrid and Aston Villa.

Currently out injured, Jackson had an excellent start to the 2024/25 campaign, but his form has struggled in recent months,

Appearances

23

Goals

9

Assists

5

Minutes per goal involvement

125

However, he was singled out for high praise by ex-Chelsea man Emmanuel Petit earlier in the campaign, who dubbed his goal against Leicester in November “remarkable”.

“The first touch to avoid the defender is brilliant, the way he won the ball, the first touch is beautiful, just remarkable”, he explained.

Chelsea are believed to be in the market for a new forward this summer and as a result Jackson could be moved on, but should he depart the report adds that the Blues will ask for a fee around €50m (£41.6m).

That could prove too much for Newcastle unless they cash in on Isak, something that few will want to do. However, Jackson would represent an upgrade on Wilson were the Magpies willing to splash the cash.

علق جناح الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي برشلونة، لامين يامال، للمرة الأولى بعد تسجيله هدفين في شباك سيول ولكن بالقميص رقم 10 الذي ارتداه الكثير من الأساطير.

وارتدى القميص رقم 10 كل من ليونيل ميسي، دييجو مارادونا وكذلك رونالدينيو والعديد من اللاعبين المميزين في تاريخ برشلونة قبل أن ينتقل إلى يامال.

اقرأ أيضًا.. كوندي يعلن قراره بشأن تجديد عقده مع برشلونة هدف لامين يامال الأول بالقميص 10 مع برشلونة

واستطاع يامال تسجيل هدفين في مباراة اليوم ضد سيول وقاد برشلونة للفوز بنتيجة 7-3 في ثاني التجارب الودية قبل الموسم الجديد.

وقال يامال في تصريحات بعد نهاية مباراة برشلونة وسيول: “التسجيل بهذا الرقم مع برشلونة حلم، نأمل أن يكون هذا الموسم ناجحًا وأن نتمكن من الفوز بالعديد من الألقاب”.

وحصل يامال على القميص رقم 10 بعد التأكد من رحيل أنسو فاتي إلى موناكو على سبيل الإعارة، مع توقعات بأن يكون الإسباني الموهوب خليفة الأساطير المعروفة في برشلونة.

Contact has been made with Manchester United as West Ham chiefs eye up a late January move, with co-chair David Sullivan and manager Graham Potter tipped to oversee a busy end to the window in east London.

West Ham target last-gasp January deals in multiple positions

The Hammers are in active pursuit of a new striker, following long-term injuries to Niclas Füllkrug and Michail Antonio, but a fresh centre-forward option isn’t their only potential incoming before the deadline.

West Ham make late January contact to sign ex-Liverpool star on loan

The Irons are chasing late signings.

1 ByEmilio Galantini Jan 30, 2025

West Ham had a bid rejected for PSV Eindhoven star Ricardo Pepi (Fabrizio Romano), and could yet go back in with an improved winter bid (Rik Elfrink). The USA international, who’s bagged 18 goals already in all competitions this season, would be a stellar capture for Potter – but if they fail with another approach, it is widely believed that Brighton starlet Evan Ferguson is another primary target.

“The news has emerged last night that Ferguson’s move to Bayer Leverkusen may have fallen through due to Al Nassr choosing to sign Jhon Duran over their forward Victor Boniface,” said club insider ExWHUemployee on Thursday.

“If the club get this confirmed and are confident that his injuries are not long-term, then further negotiations with the hope of completing before Monday’s deadline will occur.

Chelsea (away)

February 3rd

Brentford (home)

February 15th

Arsenal (away)

February 22nd

Leicester City (home)

February 27th

Newcastle United (home)

March 10th

“West Ham are prepared to include an option or obligation to buy in the loan deal to try and get the deal over the line. Talks are continuing with Ferguson, they are going positively as the club tries to work towards a deal.”

Ferguson’s possible move to the London Stadium is looking well and truly on, as Sullivan seeks to back Potter with a centre-forward who can fill in for both Fullkrug and Antonio.

However, it is also believed that West Ham are targeting another centre-back before the deadline, with Brighton’s Adam Webster among West Ham’s defender targets for this window.

Now, the 30-year-old has been joined by United’s Victor Lindelof.

West Ham contact Man United over signing Victor Lindelof

According to journalist Graeme Bailey, writing for United in Focus, West Ham have contacted United over signing Lindelof in January – with the £120,000-per-week Swede out of contract this summer and potentially available for a cut-price fee.

The 70-cap international appears out of Ruben Amorim’s long-term plans, motivating the Irons to test United’s resolve with an enquiry and gauge whether a mid-season deal for Lindelof is possible.

However, Bailey reports that the former Benfica star has no interest in joining West Ham, and has made that clear to his representatives.

Given Lindelof’s torrid injury record lately, not to mention the fact he’s now entered the twilight phase of his career, you could make a case that this is arguably for the best – and there could be better options out there for Potter.

Stats highlights from a day of spectacular individual achievements in the second ODI between Afghanistan and Ireland in Greater Noida

S Rajesh17-Mar-20171 Number of players who has scored a century and taken six or more wickets in the same ODI: Paul Collingwood, against Bangladesh in 2005, when he made 112 not out and took 6 for 31. Paul Stirling came within five runs of becoming the second player to achieve this, and might have reached that rare landmark had he not been given lbw in a dubious manner. Overall, there have only been six instances of a player passing 50 and taking six in an ODI, of which three have happened in the last four years. The last two have both come against Afghanistan – before Stirling’s effort, Scotland’s Josh Davey made 53 not out and took 6 for 28 against them in Abu Dhabi in 2015. Stirling’s is the first such all-round effort in a defeat.1 Number of players who have made a 50-plus score after taking six wickets in an ODI: Paul Stirling became the first to achieve this feat, scoring 95 after taking 6 for 55. There have been instances of players taking six or more wickets after scoring a fifty, but never the other way around, before today.

Highest scores by a player in an ODI after taking 6+ wkts

Player Wkts Runs conc Bat score Versus YearPaul Stirling (IRE) 6 55 95 Afghanistan 2017Andy Bichel (AUS) 7 20 34* England 2003Gary Gilmour (AUS) 6 14 28* England 1975Abdul Razzaq (PAK) 6 35 25* Bangladesh 2002Shahid Afridi (PAK) 6 38 24 Australia 2009Murali Kartik (INDIA) 6 27 21* Australia 2007338 Afghanistan’s highest total in ODIs. They went past their previous best by quite a margin: against UAE in 2014 they had scored 302 for 5, which is their only other 300-plus total in ODIs.5/14 The previous-best figures for Ireland in an ODI, by Trent Johnston against Canada in 2009. Stirling’s 6 for 55 replaced Johnston’s figures as the new best for Ireland.10 Instances of a bowler taking six or more wickets in an ODI when coming in fourth change or later. Stirling came in as the fourth-change bowler today and claimed six. The best figures among these ten is Shahid Afridi’s 7 for 12 against West Indies in 2013.6/43 Rashid Khan’s bowling figures, the first time he has taken five in an ODI; his previous best was 4 for 21, also against Ireland, in Belfast last year. A couple of days back, Rashid took 4 for 48 against the same opponents at the same venue, which means two of his three best bowling figures in ODIs have come in three days. These are also the best figures for Afghanistan in ODIs, going past the previous best of 5 for 32 by Rahmat Shah against UAE in 2014.1 Number of ODIs in which two bowlers have taken six or more wickets in the same game. This match was the first time two bowlers took atleast six wickets while it was the 11th instance of two bowlers taking five-fors in an ODI.101 Asghar Stanikzai’s score, his first ODI hundred, was also the first by an Afghanistan captain in ODIs.5-5 Afghanistan’s win-loss record in ODIs against Ireland; they have won five of the last seven completed matches.

The second David Moyes era is now officially up and running.

Moyes’ return to Everton proved to be a bit of a damp squib, beaten 1-0 by Aston Villa on Wednesday, but it was certainly second time lucky on Sunday, smashing Spurs.

The Toffees raced into a 3-0 half time lead; Dominic Calvert-Lewin broke the deadlock, his first goal since September, Iliman Ndiaye then added a second with a sublime solo strike, before an own goal in injury time had the Gwladys Street End rocking.

Tottenham did hit back twice in the second half, the second of which came far too little for them to mount a full-scale comeback, as the Blues held on for a victory that moves them four points clear of danger.

So now, before travelling to Brighton on Saturday, could Everton strengthen this squad by signing someone from the Seagulls?

Everton aiming to bolster their midfield options

According to a report by Mark Brus of Caught Offside, both Everton, as well as Leicester City, have “held talks” with Brighton & Hove Albion about the possibility of signing Jakub Moder.

It had been widely reported last week, including by David Ornstein of the Athletic, that Moder was on his way to Eredivisie giants Feyenoord, but both Everton and Leicester have made a late attempt to sign the Polish international.

Moder is out of contract in the summer, hence why Brighton had agreed to sell him to the Duch heavyweights for a miserly €1.5m (£1.27m), underlining why two of the Premier League’s most cash-strapped clubs are eager to snap up a bargain.

The 25-year-old joined Brighton from Lech Poznań for a reported £9m in 2020, becoming a key figure upon his arrival, featuring prominently between January 2021 until April 2022, racking up 2,350 Premier League minutes, before rupturing his ACL against Norwich, heartbreakingly sitting out the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

He didn’t feature at all during the 2022/23 season, before making his return against Nottingham Forest in November 2023, after a huge 602 days on the sidelines.

How Jakub Moder would improve Everton

This season, Moder has seen more minutes for his country than his club (167 compared to 160), hence why Fabian Hürzeler is willing to let him go during this window.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

At the peak of his powers, however, Jacek Kulig of Football Talent Scout described the Polish midfielder as “strong, athletic, versatile, tactically intelligent and a good passer”, so he’s certainly worth taking a chance on, especially with Brighton willing to do a cut-price deal.

Given that both Tim Iroegbunam and James Garner are currently sidelined, the former has not featured since 5th October due to a foot injury, David Moyes has limited midfield options, starting Idrissa Gana Gueye, Orel Mangala and Abdoulaye Doucouré during both his matches so far, with teenager Harrison Armstrong the only midfielder in reserve.

Gana Gueye in particular shone during Sunday’s victory over Spurs, with Sofascore naming the Senegalese midfielder their statistical man of the match, while Statman James on Twitter described his performance as “absolutely class”, so let’s see how he and Moder compare.

Moder vs Gueye comparison
Statistics	Moder (21/22-24/25)	Gueye (22/23-24/25)
Appearances	79	96
Minutes	4,011	6,964
Passes per 90	28	37
Pass completion %	74.3%	84.5%
Progressive passes per 90	2.96	3.41
Shot-creating actions per 90	1.37	1.74
Shots per 90	1.43	0.84
Goal or assist per 90	0.13	0.10
Touches per 90	36	47
Tackles per 90	1.43	3
Blocks per 90	0.80	1.29
Interceptions per 90	0.47	1.50
Yellow cards per 90	0.13	0.25
All statistics courtesy of FBref.com

Even when affording Moder an extra season, Gana Gueye has racked up almost 3,000 more minutes than the Poland international during the given timeframe, as a result of his aforementioned long spell on the sidelines.

As outlined in the table, Gana Gueye is much more of a combative midfielder, hence why he’s accumulated more tackles, blocks, interceptions and yellow cards.

Meanwhile, despite what this stupendous strike against Brentford may suggest, the Senegalese midfielder isn’t much of a goal threat, racking up only four goals and four assists in almost 100 appearances since August 2022.

Moder, hardly prolific himself, would offer Everton a bit more going forward so, considering the Toffees have failed to net during nine of their last 12 Premier League games, this would be a welcome edition.

Couple that with the fact he’s ten years younger than Gueye and in due course, he could well usurp the Senegal star in Moyes’ midfield.

Better than Ndiaye: 8/10 Everton star has made himself undroppable to Moyes

Everton’s 8/10 star was everywhere against Spurs in emphatic first win for Moyes

By
Connor Holden

Jan 19, 2025

This could be a significant season for Newcastle United.

Eddie Howe’s side could be cup champions this time next month, into the Carabao Cup final against Liverpool. They have also set up a last-16 tie with Brighton in the FA Cup, with Manchester’s two behemoths the only remaining teams from the Premier League’s recognised ‘big six.’

That term is increasingly outmoded, with Newcastle qualifying for the Champions League in 2022/23, Aston Villa following their trail last term and Nottingham Forest currently ensconced in third, 18 points above Man United.

Newcastle definitely have a team capable of hitting huge heights, no longer punching above their weight but recognised as a fear-inducing opponent.

And alongside the exploits of the first team, the Magpies youth fold is making exciting progress too.

Newcastle's new-found academy success

Homemade superstars were a rarity on Tyneside before Howe and PIF came along. Six years ago, under the tyrannical rule of Mike Ashley, Newcastle’s academy was observed to be in a ‘desperate state’, but that has now changed.

Sean Longstaff was established and Elliott Anderson was coming through when everything changed in 2021, but the shift at youth level has since gone from strength to strength,

The infrastructure has been revamped, with now-former sporting director Dan Ashworth appointing 13 new academy staff members to rewrite the narrative about the club’s production line.

Now, there’s much to be excited about as the system blossoms as a whole. Lewis Miley is a fiercely exciting talent, while Anderson was sold to Nottingham Forest last summer for £35m. Yankuba Minteh also joined Brighton in a £30m deal to placate PSR.

Newcastle’s U21s sit 14th in the Premier League 2, having finished 22nd last term and achieved promotion the year before that. This is incremental progress.

Not just promoting from the city, United are signing exciting up-and-comers to suffuse the formative ranks with a golden glow. Let’s have a look at a young forward who might just be the pick of the bunch.

Howe may have "one of the best prospects in the world"

St. James’ Park has appealed to some of the most exciting senior stars in England – Alexander Isak, Bruno Guimaraes et al., but the same can be said for those at the bottom of the pack.

Vakhtang Salia is one of the most exciting Georgian players to emerge since Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, and it’s a testament to Newcastle’s progress that he opted for Howe’s team last year despite interest from Bayern Munich and Real Madrid.

Aged 17, Salia has already posted seven goals and two assists across 39 senior appearances for Dinamo Tbilisi, with journalist Bence Bocsak duly describing him as an “elite talent.”

A mobile and threatening forward, the teenager has yet to find his best position but is routinely deployed on the left flank. He could provide relief across the frontline after joining United in August when he turns 18.

Left winger

29

5

1

Centre-forward

12

2

1

Right winger

1

1

0

Attacking midfield

1

0

0

Who knows, with such high stock, Salia could assert himself as one of the most talented youngsters in the Premier League next season, maybe even rivalling Arsenal’s Ethan Nwaneri.

A true prodigy, 17-year-old Nwaneri has made waves at Arsenal over the past several years, becoming the youngest player in Premier League history when introduced against Brentford in September 2022 (aged 15 years and 181 days), and properly breaking into Mikel Arteta’s plans this year.

A right-sided player, he’s scored seven times across 24 matches, instrumental in keeping the Gunners afloat with talisman Bukayo Saka sidelined for over a month and not expected to return any time soon.

Development isn’t linear but Salia is doing all that he can in his homeland, sharpening his tools to a keen edge before crossing over to Newcastle. With a natural-born goalscoring ability and dynamism that sees him place across different roles, Howe might just find that he can introduce a rival to Arsenal’s talk-of-the-town talent.

In The Pipeline

Journalist Graeme Bailey has hailed Salia as “one of the best teenage prospects in the world,” and when he alights in Newcastle later this year, there’s every chance that he could make a fast start and show Howe that he’s unearthed a rising star just as bright as Nwaneri.

Their own Mbeumo: Newcastle messed up by letting "dangerous" star leave

Newcastle United already had their own version of Bryan Mbeumo and fumbled him.

1 ByDan Emery Feb 20, 2025

Since defeating relegation rivals Ipswich Town last time out, it’s been one step forward and two steps back for Southampton following frustrating news both within Ivan Juric’s squad and the transfer window.

Southampton injury news

Whilst survival may be still be a world away – 10 points to be exact – victory over Ipswich at least put Southampton on the right path towards attempting the impossible. And it looked as though they were about to follow three points up move with movement in the transfer window, only for their deal to sign Abakar Sylla to collapse in the dying embers of the winter window.

Forced to settle for the reinforcements that they had already welcomed, the Saints will be desperate to see Wellington, Joachim Kayi-Sanda, Rento Takaoka and Albert Gronbaek all leave their mark on Juric’s side.

The latter has already enjoyed a rare Premier League victory at St Mary’s, having started for the first time in his new side’s 2-1 win over Ipswich. But he won’t want to stop there even if the Saints will be forced to cope without one senior figure on the injury front yet again in the coming weeks.

As confirmed by Juric, Jack Stephens is facing another spell on the sidelines after only just making his return to the side from a lengthy month-long injury. The Saints boss stated that he is “not optimistic” about his captain’s setback in what is a frustrating blow for those at St Mary’s.

Sky Sports reporter drops live update as Southampton close in on late deal

The Saints are set to get their man…

ByTom Cunningham Feb 3, 2025

Left to cover for the experienced defender last time out was Joe Aribo, who filled in at centre-back from his usual role in midfield. Speaking to reporters, he reiterated his willingness to adjust if needed once again in the face of Stephens’ injury.

The former Rangers man said: “We are willing to do anything to get over the line. We have to fight together. If I’ve got to go into a position that I’m not familiar with, then I have to play there to the best of my ability. That’s what I was able to do today.”

Another setback for Stephens

Just when Stephens is back remains to be seen, but Juric’s lack of optimism is certainly not a good sign. The Southampton captain has endured a stop-start season, having missed four of the opening 10 Premier League games through suspension and then nine of the last 10 games through injury from the beginning of December into the new year.

His absence comes at a time when Southampton have needed him most too. The Saints have so far conceded 54 goals in just 24 Premier League games – one more than relegation rivals Leicester City and the most in England’s top flight. The argument could certainly be had that with Stephens, that record may have been less damaging.

For now though, Juric must cope without his senior defender once again and search for an internal solution. Whether that sees Aribo drop back once again will certainly be interesting to see in their FA Cup tie against Burnley this weekend.

Misbah showed the way on day one, and the whole Pakistan team celebrated with push-ups after their Lord’s win. But is it the best of the lot? Vote for your choice

18-Jul-2016

da betobet： Sky Sports pundit and Gunners legend Paul Merson is convinced that Arsenal are serious candidates to sign a big-name player in what would be a very surprising move.

Arsenal forced to wait for new striker after January transfer window ends

da bet vitoria： Manager Mikel Arteta saw his side fall short in a late £40 million January bid for Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins (David Ornstein), and they were linked with a plethora of other high-profile centre-forwards throughout the winter transfer window.

Related What Newcastle are now demanding for Isak with Arsenal handed £75m discount

There are discrepancies over his value.

Posts 6 ByEmilio Galantini Feb 8, 2025

However, despite their best efforts, interim Arsenal sporting director Jason Ayto ended the window minus a new number nine, or any major incoming for that matter, with the north Londoners now dealt another shortage in the attacking third.

Arsenal’s next five Premier League games

Date

Leicester City (away)

February 15th

West Ham (home)

February 22nd

Nottingham Forest (away)

February 26th

Man United (away)

March 9th

Chelsea (home)

March 16th

Gabriel Martinelli has been ruled out for over a month after suffering a hamstring strain, with the Brazilian joining Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus on the treatment table and leaving Arteta even more bereft of quality forwards ahead of crucial Premier League fixtures.

These injury blows highlight the need for Arsenal to bring in more attacking quality this summer, as they hope to mount another challenge for domestic glory next season in the event they cannot catch Liverpool in this year’s title race.

Arsenal tipped to sign Tottenham legend Harry Kane

Some reports suggest that Arsenal are already laying the groundwork on a summer move for Benjamin Sesko, while Newcastle United star Alexander Isak is Arteta’s dream striker target.

However, Merson has now suggested a far more left-field name – Tottenham legend and Bayern Munich superstar Harry Kane. The 31-year-old has been flying ever since making the move to Germany, recently becoming the quickest player to reach 50 Bundesliga goals and smashing Erling Haaland’s record in the process.

England’s all-time top goalscorer also boasts 72 goals in 73 appearances for Bayern across all competitions, with reliable media sources reporting that Kane’s contract will include a £64 million release clause active from next January.

Merson is convinced that Arsenal could look to trigger Kane’s release clause, making a Sol Campbell comparison and stating he wouldn’t be surprised if the Spurs icon did end up on the other side of north London.

“Arsenal will buy him,” said Merson on Sky. “Why not? £64m, why not. Sol Campbell did [make the move]. People will go ‘oh he’s this age and that age’ but Arsenal need now.

“If Arsenal haven’t won the League, you’ve got to take a chance. You’ve got to take a chance, buy someone that’s proven. I wouldn’t be surprised, and when you’re Harry Kane, and you’ve been told you can go for £64m, there’s only a couple of teams who could buy him.

“Maybe Tottenham will buy him back, but he’ll have to win something at Bayern Munich to go back to Tottenham. If you’ve not won anything at Bayern Munich, you’re not going back to Tottenham to win nothing.”