Spurs poised to hijack Man Utd's £30m transfer move as Everton chase Aston Villa outcast

Everton are reportedly to offer one Aston Villa outcast a chance to revitalise his career at Goodison Park. Former Wolves midfielder Leander Dendoncker has made just 12 starts since moving to Villa Park in a £13m on the final day of last year's summer transfer window and has struggled to find his way into Unai Emery's side on a regular basis.

Football Insider have now claimed the Belgium international is a target for Everton as they look to boost their squad in a bid to avoid relegation from the Premier League following the ten-point deduction that was imposed on them last week.

The report describes Toffees boss Sean Dyche as 'a big fan' of the former Anderlecht man and stress Villa are ready to listen to offers for Dendoncker during the January transfer window as the likes of Douglas Luiz, Boubacar Kamara and John McGinn currently sit above him in the pecking order at Villa Park.

The 3AM Verdict: There is no doubt Sean Dyche needs to strengthen his squad as the Toffees aim to make light of their recent punishment and escape the relegation zone. Dendocker has failed to make a significant impact at Villa - although that can be put down to the form of those around him. A move to Everton could give him the fresh start he needs and work for both him and the Toffees.

Spurs 'join the race' for £30m Manchester United target

Tottenham Hotspur are said to be ready to solve their defensive injury crisis by joining the race to sign OGC Nice centre-back Jean-Clair Todibo.

The France international is said to be a target for a whole host of clubs across Europe with Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain both said to be among his admirers. The Standard have claimed Spurs are also considering a move for the talented defender after he continued to shine with the Ligue 1 club in recent months.

Ange Postecoglou is also said to have an interest in Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi, Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite and Bournemouth's Lloyd Kelly - but Todibo is believed to be the latest addition to the list and is 'keen' to make a move to the Premier League.

The 3AM Verdict: With so many of Europe's biggest clubs in need of a defender, there is no surprise of the level of interest in Todibo. His performances for Nice have helped them into second place in the Ligue 1 table and has earned him his first two senior caps for France. With a glowing reputation, it will take some going to win the race to land the talented centre-back.

Magpies ready to invest in young Brazilian talent

Brazilian outlet BolaVIP have reported Newcastle United have another Brazilian youngster on their radar.

The Magpies have been linked with several South American prospects over the last 18 months as they look to build on the success of Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton. The £80m duo have helped Eddie Howe's side progress from relegation candidates to Champions League competitors and that has raised Newcastle's profile in their home country.

After failing to complete moves for the likes of Angelo Gabriel and and Matheus Franca prior to their respective transfers to Chelsea and Crystal Palace, the Magpies are now said to be monitoring the progress of Palmeiras winger Riquelme Fillipi. The 17-year-old has penned his first senior contract but could join Newcastle in a £7m move after impressing for Brazil in their run to the quarter-final of the Under-17s World Cup.

The 3AM Verdict: Newcastle have progressed beyond recognition over the last two years but there is still a need to strengthen at all levels of the club. That means being at the front of the queue for talented youngsters from all over the globe and with Dan Ashworth at the helm, it is no shock to see some surprise links such as this.