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Manchester United are not considering exercising a contract clause in David de Gea’s Old Trafford deal at this moment in time, according to Florian Plettenberg.

The Lowdown: De Gea under Ten Hag

De Gea has gone past 500 Manchester United appearances this season and has once again been first choice at Old Trafford under Erik ten Hag.

The 32-year-old has featured in every minute of action in both the Premier League and Europa League, keeping nine clean sheets.

The Spaniard is out of contract at the end of the campaign, although the club have the option to extend his stay by a further year.

The Latest: Plettenberg’s post

Plettenberg took to Twitter on Saturday to provide an update on De Gea. The Sky Sports reporter shared what he’s been ‘told’, revealing that the club are not currently considering activating a 12-month contract clause and that Ten Hag is open to signing a new number one.

He tweeted: “News De Gea: We‘ve been told that MUFC – at this stage – is not considering to pull his clause to extend for one more year. Ten Hag is open to get a new No. 1 but the player would like to stay beyond 2023. Current salary between €18-20m/year confirmed.”

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The Verdict: Interesting…

Old Trafford officials may have something up their sleeve when it comes to a new goalkeeper, as it does seem surprising at this stage that they don’t want to cover themselves by keeping De Gea until 2024.

Martin Dubravka and Tom Heaton are the backup options available to Ten Hag, although you’d presume that at 33 and 36 respectively they are only viewed as cover, so the Red Devils will need a marquee addition if De Gea departs.

It will be an interesting situation to follow in 2023, but it wouldn’t come as a shock if the club were to eventually exercise the clause in De Gea’s contract.

Tottenham Hotspur are set to battle for the signature of Lecce breakout star Joan Gonzalez, according to a new report from Italy.

The Lowdown: Tottenham target midfielder

Antonio Conte has his sights on a couple of new additions in January, with journalist Alasdair Gold recently telling his YouTube channel:

“There’s lots of little tweaks they can make; an attacking midfielder, a central defender. I think all of those things are going to have to be looked at, and any other kind of opportunities that arise as well.”

Tottenham have previously been linked with the likes of Sofyan Amrabat and James Maddison to bolster their midfield ranks, but an exciting young talent could now be heading to Hotspur Way.

The Latest: Gonzalez in Conte’s sights

According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Lecce value their box-to-box midfielder at around £13m after his sensational start to the season, and Spurs could face competition from the likes of Everton and London rivals West Ham for his signature.

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It is detailed that the 20-year-old has been a “revelation” in the Serie A this season, and so interest from abroad is also present, in the form of German giants Borussia Dortmund, with his current club willing to complete a deal.

The Verdict: Amrabat alternative?

Given that the starlet is still relatively unproven, competing in the Serie A for the first time this season, a move would be a gamble, but it is one that could pay off for Conte, based on his recent performances.

The 6 foot 2 central-midfielder has weighed in with a goal and two assists in 15 league outings, but in truth, he seems more suited to a defensive role, which could make him a cheaper alternative to Amrabat, who would set Tottenham back around £34m.

Over the past year, Gonzalez has used his height to his advantage by averaging 1.62 aerials won per 90, placing him in the 84th percentile compared to his positional peers, while also making 1.62 clearances per match in the same period. To put those figures into perspective, they are both far higher than those registered by Amrabat (0.41 and 0.58).

While it would be a risk signing the former Barcelona youth player, he is showing very promising signs with Lecce, so he could be an astute piece of business for Conte, and on the cheaper side compared to other players linked to this role.

West Ham United have been urged to sign a new centre-back in the upcoming January transfer window following Kurt Zouma’s recent injury blow. 

The Lowdown: Zouma injury blow

In the Irons’ previous Premier League outing against Leicester City, the 28-year-old was forced off the pitch in the first half with a suspected injury.

Last week, the Hammers revealed that the Frenchman had undergone surgery on his knee and will continue his rehabilitation program at the club’s training facility.

With the January transfer window on the way, one pundit thinks that bringing in a new centre-back should now be a top priority for the east London club.

The Latest: West Ham urged to sign a new defender

Speaking to Football Insider, Kevin Campbell offered some words of advice to GSB in terms of possible January recruitment at West Ham.

The BBC Sport pundit said: “It’s going to be a tricky window. I think they need bodies. They’ve got to be able to plug that hole.

“Kurt Zouma is a big loss, but all you need is one more injury and you’re really in trouble and staring down the barrel of the relegation zone. It might be a loan, but it’s absolutely crucial that they get someone through the door in January.”

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The Verdict: West Ham could be busy

Having lost nine of their 15 Premier League games this season, it’s safe to say that things have not been particularly positive at the London Stadium.

Therefore, the focus could be on the January transfer window for David Moyes to refresh his squad and put them on the right track to improve heading into the second half of the campaign.

In terms of Zouma’s injury, the fact that he played more minutes than any other centre-back at the club shows just how important he is and why Campbell thinks the Hammers may need to sign a replacement if the 28-year-old is going to be ruled out of action for a significant period of time.

While we agree with this view, the fact that only three teams in the division have scored fewer goals than West Ham (12) this season suggests that adding a new attacking player is also something that the Irons should explore in the January transfer window.

Tottenham Hotspur were heavily linked with a move for Axel Disasi during the summer transfer window, and with Antonio Conte reportedly keen to strengthen his defence in the January market, it would appear wise for Fabio Paratici to rekindle his interest in the 24-year-old.

Indeed, back in June, Marca reported that, after two years of tracking the centre-back, Spurs were eyeing a move to bring the AS Monaco defender to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

However, when September’s transfer deadline came and went, Disasi remained at the Stade Louis II Stadium, something that, considering his form so far this season, appears to have been an oversight by the Premier League club.

Indeed, over his 15 Ligue 1 appearances in the current campaign, the £44m-rated talent has been in imperious form at the back, helping his side keep five clean sheets, as well as making an average of 2.2 interceptions, 1.3 tackles, 3.0 clearances and winning 4.3 duels – at a success rate of 62% – per game.

The £12k-per-week defender has also impressed going forwards, having scored one goal, registered three assists and created two big chances for his teammates, in addition to taking an average of 0.7 shots, playing 3.3 long balls and completing 39.9 passes – at a success rate of 82% – per fixture.

These returns have seen the player who Football Talent Scout Jacek Kulig dubbed both “complete” and “dominant” – as well as compared to Liverpool centre-back Virgil van Dijk – average an extremely impressive SofaScore match rating of 7.04, currently ranking him as Monaco’s joint seventh-best performer in the French top flight.

Furthermore, as a result of Disasi’s exceptional form in 2022/23, the 24-year-old also earned a call-up to Didier Deschamps’ 26-man France squad for the Qatar World Cup – something that will allow the defender to put himself firmly in the shop window ahead of January.

As such, with it being clear to see that Disasi is extremely strong in defence, capable of both playing and bringing the ball out from the back and a threat in the final third, it is not hard to understand why the Frenchman has earned comparison’s to Van Dijk – nor is it difficult to argue that Paratici must do everything he can to land the Monaco star this winter.

The January transfer window may still be a month or two away, yet Newcastle United have already acted astutely to wrap up their first piece of business, with highly-rated teenager Garang Kuol having agreed to join the Magpies in the New Year.

That deal – which was confirmed last month – will see the 18-year-old arrive at St James’ Park from A-League side, Central Coast Mariners, once the market re-opens, with the promising talent having enjoyed a stellar start to life at senior level.

The dynamic forward already has six goals and three assists to his name in just 13 league appearances for his current side to date, notably netting a brace off the bench during Sunday’s 3-2 defeat to Macarthur FC to act as a perfect send-off ahead of his upcoming World Cup involvement with Australia.

His participation at the upcoming event is a historical one, with the teenager becoming the youngest player ever selected by the Socceroos for a World Cup. Thus, a breakout tournament in Qatar could well see him elevated to stardom before even linking up with his new teammates on Tyneside.

The one-cap sensation was lauded for his performance last weekend, despite ending up on the losing side, with the player’s current boss Nick Montgomery dubbing him a “lethal” presence in attack, while opposition head coach and former Manchester United icon Dwight Yorke dubbed him an “exciting talent” who had “singlehandedly changed the game.”

Such a glowing assessment has likely raised excitement levels in the northeast regarding the potential impact that Kuol can make when he eventually joins up with Eddie Howe and co, with the Egypt-born menace having notably been dubbed the “future of Newcastle” by talent scout, Jacek Kulig.

While it may not be wise to get too carried away just yet as the forward remains in the infancy of his senior career, the hope will be that he can go on to play a key part for the Tynesiders moving forward, even if there is a talk of loan move being on the cards in January in order to gain a work permit.

When Kuol does eventually emerge in Howe’s first-team plans, be it this term or the following campaign, his introduction could well help to bolster a forward line that is currently thriving at present, spearheaded by emerging talisman, Miguel Almiron.

The Paraguay international had scored just nine Premier League goals prior to the start of this season – including just one in 30 appearances last term – although already boasts a haul of eight goals in just 14 league games this time around.

The club’s top scorer – and the sixth-highest scorer in the division – has enjoyed a real resurgence of late, with that remarkable upturn in fortunes having been recently recognised as the 28-year-old was named the Premier League’s Player of the Month for October.

With the former Atlanta United ace thriving on the right flank, in the long-term he could well be joined by young Kuol in the forward line – who can seemingly operate through the middle and on the left wing – with Howe potentially able to form a real mouthwatering attacking partnership.

Leeds United are interested in signing Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie, according to reporter Simon Phillips.

The Lowdown: Previous McKennie rumours

Leeds were linked with a move for McKennie almost 12 months ago during Marcelo Bielsa’s tenure at Elland Road.

Described as a ‘pressing machine’ by MLS expert Chris Smith of 90min, the Whites were thought to be keen on a £20m move for the USA international.

As we know, a transfer failed to materialise, but it looks as if Andrea Radrizzani and the 49ers Enterprises are still keen on the 24-year-old.

The Latest: Leeds still keen

MOT Leeds News relayed an update from Phillips’ Substack account regarding McKennie on Sunday.

The journalist said that up to eight club clubs are ‘interested’ and ‘monitoring’ the midfielder, including Leeds.

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The Verdict: Easy to see why…

The Whites brought in a number of players over the summer, two of which were USA internationals in Tyler Adams and Brenden Aaronson.

McKennie shares the same agent as Aaronson and appears to be at the top of his game with a career-high £22.5m Transfermarkt valuation.

Therefore, it’s easy to see why Leeds are still being linked with McKennie, especially with the growing USA association at Elland Road, so this could be a link to keep an eye on heading into 2023, with the adidas-sponsored midfielder a possible rival for Adams and Marc Roca.

Arsenal have started this season with a bang, losing just two matches in all competitions and occupying top spot in the Premier League table for most of the campaign so far.

However, Mikel Arteta has overseen a draw against Southampton and a defeat to PSV Eindhoven in the Europa League in the club’s previous two matches over the last week.

Today’s clash against Nottingham Forest will be a wonderful opportunity to bring back that winning feeling and continue to build momentum ahead of the mid-season hiatus for the World Cup.

There were only a few players who performed to the standards that Arteta has set at Arsenal this season during the defeat to PSV.

Fabio Vieira was one, and the Spaniard should be ready to unleash the 22-year-old against the team who are bottom of the league table.

The £45k-per-week talent received a SofaScore rating of 7.4/10 for his performance against the Eredivisie side, the highest out of the Arsenal starting XI.

Taking his place on the right of a three-man attack, Vieira displayed his abilities and made two key passes, having 56 touches of the ball during the match and succeeding with his only dribble attempt, showcasing his creative ability.

He won 100% of his duels during the encounter, displaying his strength in one-on-one battles, and this is an excellent trait to have.

It was an impressive performance by the youngster despite the team failing to pull their weight overall, and he could certainly command a place in the starting XI for today’s match.

He has started just once in the Premier League this season, scoring against Brentford, while he has averaged 0.5 key passes per game. If he gets a chance in the starting XI today, Vieira could grasp it with both hands.

Former England midfielder Joe Cole has been impressed by the Portuguese gem, praising his “absolute velvet left foot” after starring against Bodo/Glimt earlier this month.

Although it has been two matches without a victory for Arsenal, Arteta shouldn’t be feeling the pressure, but a solid performance against Forest is required to regain some confidence.

The 40-year-old will likely make a host of changes for this match, although keeping Vieira in the starting XI might be a wise decision.

Leeds United are set to open new contract talks with in-form winger Jack Harrison.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Football Insider, who claim that, after rejecting a £20m+ offer from Newcastle United for the 25-year-old in the summer transfer window, Victor Orta and Jesse Marsch are now ready to open contract talks with the former England U21 international in a bid to extend his stay at Elland Road.

The report goes on to state that, with just 16 months remaining on Harrison’s current deal, coupled with Newcastle’s reported interest in launching a fresh move for the attacker in January, Orta and Marsch are hoping the forward pens an extension that not only deters interest in his services but also reflects his status as a key member of the Whites first team squad.

Orta must act

Following a summer of uncertainty concerning Harrison’s future at Leeds, the 25-year-old has quickly proven exactly why Orta was reported to be demanding a figure in the region of £60m in order to consider parting with the winger ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

Indeed, over his six Premier League appearances so far this season, the £25.2m-rated forward has been in exceptional attacking form, having already scored one goal, registered three assists – the joint third-most in the league – and created four big chances for his teammates – also the joint third-most in the division.

The £15k-per-week forward has also made a total of 18 key passes – with only Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne (25) and Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah (24) having made more than the Englishman – and completed 14 dribbles – ranking him joint sixth in the league, alongside Newcastle United’s Allan Saint-Maximin and Liverpool’s Luis Diaz.

These returns have seen the former New York City FC starlet average a simply sensational SofaScore match rating of 7.22, not only ranking him as Marsch’s second-best performer in the league but also as the 36th-best player in the English top flight as a whole thus far in 2022/23.

Furthermore, the 25-year-old is also incredibly effective in a defensive capacity, with FBref ranking Harrison in the top 3% of attacking midfielders and wingers in Europe’s big five leagues for blocks per 90, as well as the top 8% for clearances, the top 14% for pressures, the top 15% for tackles and the top 17% for interceptions over the last 365 days.

As such, considering just how important the Englishman is within the Whites’ first-team squad, it would appear extremely advisable for Orta to do everything in his power to tie Harrison down to a new deal at Elland Road – as losing the winger this winter would undoubtedly come as a devastating blow to Marsch and his side.

Indeed, while it is true that the Whites’ reported January transfer target Cody Gakpo would represent an exceptional addition – having scored an astonishing ten goals and provided nine assists over 13 fixtures for PSV Eindhoven this season – it is clear to see that Leeds already possess “one of the best wingers in the Premier League” – in the words of Frank Lampard – and should do everything they can to keep a hold of him.

Southampton have made good steps towards sorting their goalkeeping situation this summer.

Last season saw the ageing Fraser Forster and Alex McCarthy compete for the number one spot in Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side, with neither doing much to convince fans that they were worthy starters.

What’s the word?

Forster signed for Tottenham Hotspur earlier in the summer, which meant that a new goalkeeper was always likely to be brought in, and Hasenhuttl worked quickly to secure the services of 20-year-old Gavin Bazunu from Manchester City.

Mateusz Lis also joined the club as a free agent, and he could soon become the second-choice behind Bazunu if McCarthy is allowed to leave, which is a possibility according to talkSPORT journalist Alex Crook.

He told GIVEMESPORT: “Southampton are willing to let him go, I think they’re hoping that someone will come in for him.”

A bold move from Ralph

While the 32-year-old McCarthy has been sat on the bench for the opening two fixtures of the new Premier League campaign, it could be a big risk to let him go.

20-year-old Bazunu is particularly young and an experienced head such as McCarthy behind him will only benefit the Republic of Ireland international as he adapts to his first season as a Premier League player.

Considering Lis has no experience of Premier League football whatsoever, it could backfire if Hasenhuttl is left with those two as his main options, as 40-year-old Willy Caballero should not be starting at this point in his career despite his pedigree in the game.

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Furthermore, McCarthy contributes to Southampton’s homegrown quota and it could be tough for Hasenhuttl to find a suitable, English replacement for the former QPR man before the transfer window shuts later this month.

It was already a bold decision from the Austrian to put his faith in Bazunu as his first-choice this season but you fear that if McCarthy is sold and not replaced, Southampton could find themselves in a tough situation with two extremely inexperienced goalkeeping options. That certainly feels like a big risk considering they are yet to win or keep a clean sheet in 2022/23.

Transfer insider Dean Jones believes there is reason to take Manchester United links to Celtic defender Josip Juranovic ‘seriously’. 

The lowdown: Red Devils

The Red Devils and Chelsea were credited with an interest in Juranovic this week as both Premier League big hitters attempt to add adequate strength in depth to their ranks.

The 26-year-old Croatia international only arrived in Glasgow 12 months ago and played a pivotal role in the side that lifted the Scottish Premiership title last term, directly contributing to four goals in 26 league outings.

Having previously been linked to Atletico Madrid this summer, Juranovic remains in situ at Celtic, however, one well-informed onlooker has suggested a move to Old Trafford could be a possibility…

The latest: ‘Take that rumour seriously…’

Speaking to Give Me Sport, Jones – a journalist for Eurosport – claimed that newly appointed assistant manager Steve McClaren is pushing the interest in the 20-cap ace.

He said: “Interestingly, I’m told that he’s (McClaren) playing a part in this guy.

“He’s recommended him and it feels like he’s a player that would fit in well, so I do think there’s reason to take that rumour seriously.”

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The verdict: Why not…

With speculation continuing to link Aaron Wan-Bissaka with a move away from Old Trafford this summer, question marks surrounding Diogo Dalot and the loan exit of Alex Telles, adding reinforcements at full-back could be pivotal before the September 1 deadline.

Capable of playing as a conventional right-back, centre-back, left-back and in midfield areas, signing a player of Juranovic’s supreme versatility would be a brilliant addition to the United ranks.

Available for a mooted £15million according to 90min, beating competition from domestic rivals and landing the Croatian – who was dubbed a ‘beautiful footballer’ by football journalist Josh Bunting – would be somewhat of a low-key but no less impressive capture.