Spurs eye loan move for 15-goal winger, Newcastle place £61m bid, Liverpool star to leave next year

As we head into the latest round of Premier League action, one eye remains on the transfer rumour mill. The January window is fast approaching and England’s top flight clubs are expected to make some important signings to boost their chances at achieving their respective goals this season.

For many, the chance to finish inside the top four and even challenge for the title is wide open, and there’s plenty of time for the Premier League to take its usual twists and turns too. No doubt, stories will fade out and intensify as the weeks go on, but here’s a look at some of the latest links on the transfer market, and what we make of them.

Spurs eyeing loan move for winger

Despite his high profile move to Saudi Arabia during the summer, Jota is being linked to a new club already. The winger has been ‘frozen out’ at Al-Ittihad and has not played a match since September, as he is not registered to compete in the Pro League.

According to Football Insider, Tottenham Hotspur are monitoring Jota’s situation and are interested in bringing him in when the January transfer window opens, but only on loan. The Portuguese attacker is someone who Ange Postecoglou knows very well from their time at Celtic together and the Spurs reportedly ‘remains a huge fan’ of his. Last season, Jota contributed 15 goals and 12 assists across all competitions for the Hoops.

The 3AM Verdict: Spurs are flying high in the Premier League right now and will surely do anything they can to keep this form going. If they can keep this momentum and enter 2024 at the top of the table, they can really utilise the January window to bring in any back-up they might need. Jota on a short-term deal could actually be a very clever idea. As a creative player with an impressive goal and assist portfolio, he would relish the opportunity to get back onto the pitch and put himself in the shop window, while giving Spurs a big boost in their already impressive attack.

Newcastle bid for Real Madrid target

Newcastle United have reportedly joined the race to sign hot transfer target Gonçalo Inácio from Sporting CP. According to Fichajes, the Magpies have lodged a bid worth €70 million (£61m) for the defender, who is also on Real Madrid’s winter shopping list.

Inácio has quickly established himself as one of the most impressive and sought-after defenders in Portuguese football. He won’t be an easy target to acquire though, especially with his current contract running until 2027. Newcastle are looking to add more defensive options to their squad, especially as they hope to continue the form that earned them Champions League football last season.

The 3AM Verdict: An injury to Sven Botman will have been a blow for Eddie Howe in an otherwise ageing central defence. Even Dan Burn (31) has been used in the middle of the backline despite naturally being a left-back. Jamaal Lascelles, Paul Dummett and Fabian Schär are all into the final year of their current contracts too, which will leave Newcastle with extremely limited options heading into the new season. Investing in a solid, young centre-back will be a very important signing for Newcastle and snapping up a Real Madrid target will make a huge statement too.

Liverpool star to leave next year

Thiago Alcantara is expected to leave Liverpool at the end of this season when his current terms expire, according to Football Insider. The midfielder has been linked to an exit for some time now, and Saudi Arabia even showed interest in him during the transfer window. The initial plan was reportedly to keep hold of him and let his contract run out, as the summer exodus meant the Reds needed all the options they could get in midfield.

However, injury has prevented Thiago from playing a single minute of football this season and he is not expected back until the new year. Liverpool have no intentions of offering the 32-year-old a new deal at the club.

The 3AM Verdict: Liverpool made the right decision not to cash in on Thiago during the summer. They will miss out on pocketing any money for him next year but as the midfielders continued to leave the club, Jurgen Klopp needed every man possible in that area. Thiago’s injury setbacks have been a huge blow for him though but in his absence, new boys Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch have been settling in nicely. Sadly, the team seems to have already evolved without him and an exit is probably the most beneficial outcome for all involved.