Tottenham Hotspur have wrapped 2025 up with a win. Victory against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park has rekindled hopes of securing a place in next season’s Champions League, but there is a very long way still to go.

Thomas Frank was delighted with a spirited and resilient performance, but he will, of course, know that improvements are needed.

The Lewis family need to welcome investment in the January transfer window, adding fresh technical quality to Frank’s central midfield.

Spurs' plan to sign a midfielder

Last season’s winter transfer market was a busy one, and that trend is likely to continue next month. Tottenham have to ensure they are in amongst the big spenders, with tactical imbalances and less-than-impressive players hindering Frank’s project.

It’s worth issuing a reminder that both James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski are expected back in the New Year after battling through long-term issues. Neither has featured under Frank’s management.

Tottenham need more control, though. An anchor in a deeper berth. Rodrigo Bentancur and Joao Palhinha have flattered to deceive in the middle of the park.

Adam Wharton would be a significant upgrade, with TEAMtalk insider Dean Jones claiming that the north Londoners are ready to step up their long-standing interest in the Crystal Palace midfielder.

Palace value Wharton, 21, as high as £100m, but with a host of elite suitors circling, Tottenham might be wise to pay the figure in 2026. It would enhance Frank’s system and then some.

Why Wharton would be an upgrade on Bentancur

In Bentancur’s defence, he has spent a lot of his time in Tottenham battling against injury. But Bentancur’s defence is shaping up to be is only positive attribute this season, leaving much to be desired on the ball, layering his team’s attacking efforts.

Analyst Raj Chohan has even gone as far as to claim that the 28-year-old is a “candidate for worst centre-midfielder at a big six club”. Wharton, on the fast track at Selhurst Park, would add youth and energy to a midfield that desperately needs all of the above.

Bentancur is an established and technically gifted international. He has a wealth of experience at the highest level. It is not too much to ask that he pass the ball forward every once in a while.

Wharton trumps him in that regard. The “passing machine”, as he has been described by prominent journalist Henry Winter, has been instrumental in Oliver Glasner’s title-winning success across the past year, so composed and collected from the heart of the Eagles system.

Premier League 25/26 – Bentancur vs Wharton

Stats (per 90)

Bentancur

Wharton

Goals scored

0.08

0.00

Assists

0.08

0.14

Touches

58.64

55.69

Pass completion (%)

84.6

75.2

Progressive passes

2.75

5.83

Progressive carries

0.55

1.25

Shot-creating actions

1.34

3.47

Ball recoveries

6.05

5.76

Tackles + interceptions

3.62

3.26

Aerial duels won

1.89

0.83

Data via FBref

Wharton, moreover, is an able defender. Sofascore show that he has won 56% of his ground battles in the Premier League this season, averaging 1.9 tackles per game.

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And he’s only getting better. The England international has much more to his game than Bentancur, who has become stodgy and uninspiring beside a partner in Palhinha whose defining attribute is his tough-tackling combativeness.

There isn’t enough variation and nuance.

To give rise to Tottenham’s sleeping sparkle, Wharton must be signed. Though Palace would play hardball over a winter signing, Spurs might be richly rewarded for biding their time and striking during the summer, perhaps having addressed a number of different positions in January.

Tottenham’s new hierarchy must showcase their ambition by adding quality to Frank’s squad next month. Bentancur is limited in what he can do, and placing Wharton as the nucleus would only reinforce the bench, tidy up the centre and add new dimensions to Spurs’ creative efforts.

Related Semenyo upgrade: Spurs pushing to sign £295k-p/w "superstar" for Frank

Tottenham are planning to strengthen their frontline in the January transfer window.

Posts 2 ByAngus Sinclair

Scotland Under-19s beat Kenya Under-19s by 15 runs in a low scoring match at Woodvale Road, Eglinton, to stay at the top of the points table. After choosing to bat, Scotland were in trouble at 77 for 6 before a 65-run partnership between Anjan Luthra and Sam Page revived the innings. Page, who top scored with 48 built another handy stand with Kyle Smith as Scotland reached a respectable 188. The only substantial contributions in Kenya’s chase came from opener Rushabh Patel – who scored 50 – and No. 3 batsman Duncan Allan, with 43. The pair added 83 for the second wicket, but once they were dismissed in consecutive overs, the chase faltered, with Kenya managing only 173 for 8 in their 50.Wicketkeeper Mathew Cross, who had been the lone performer among Scotland’s top order and was part of five dismissals in the fiels – including those of Patel and Allan – was named Man of the Match. “We would have been happy with a score of 210-220, but still, to reach 188 after being six down early on was a big effort,” Cross said. “When Kenya batted, we felt that one wicket could change the match. Allan fell at the right time for us to fight back. We dried up the runs [after that] and the asking-rate increased.”At Lodge Road, Coleraine, Nepal Under-19s beat Papua New Guinea Under-19s by 29 runs and moved into the second spot on the points table. Batting first, Nepal scored 277 for 7, driven by a fluent 91 from Rajesh Pulami Magar. Magar’s knock, which included eight fours and a six, was cut short when he was run out by PNG keeper Dogodo Bau. Opener Sagar Pun and Pradeep Airee also scored half-centuries as Nepal finished with 277 for 7. Vagi Oala and Christopher Kent were the main contributors in the chase, scoring 64 and 80 respectively. However, a penetrative spell from left-arm fast bowler Avinash Karn – he picked up a five-for in 6.3 overs – made sure PNG were always behind, eventually folding for 248 with three balls to spare.Magar, who was named Man of the Match, said his team was wary of PNG replicating their successful chase against Canada in the previous round of matches. “We lost a few wickets early on, so I had to stay at the wicket and build a partnership,” he said. “PNG chased down Canada’s score of 266 yesterday and we were a bit wary of their ability to chase the score. But our bowlers bowled brilliantly and restricted them very well.”Canada Under-19s eased to a five-wicket win against USA Under-19s at the Bready Cricket Club No2 Ground, Magheramason. Asked to bowl, Canada shot out USA for 101 in 40.3 overs, courtesy a six-wicket haul from opening bowler Manny Aulakh. The chase was steered by a rapid 42 from Rayyan Pathan, who struck five sixes in his 42 off 29 balls. Though USA managed to pick up five wickets, Canada were never stretched, getting home with 16.4 overs to spare.Aulakh, the Man of the Match, said the pitch assisted the quicks. “There was something in the pitch for the fast bowlers. We stuck to the basics and they [USA] made a few mistakes. This was one of my best spells.”At the Bready Cricket Club Afghanistan Under-19s registered a comprehensive nine-wicket win against Vanuatu Under-19s. Afghanistan justified their decision to bowl, running through Vanuatu in 26.2 overs. The attack was led by left-armer Sayed Shirzad, who claimed 5 for 38 in nine overs. He was well supported by Yamin Ahmadzai and Abdul Naseri, who picked up two apiece. Chasing 112, Afghanistan lost an early wicket, but were solid thereafter with Javed Ahmadi and Hashmatullah Shaidi knocking off the target at over seven runs an over.Man-of-the-Match Shirzad said Afghanistan were pumped up as it was a must-win match for them. “It was do or die for us, we had to win to stay in the hunt,” he said. “I bowled wicket to wicket and that paid rich dividends.”Ireland Under-19s‘s match against Namibia Under-19s at New Strabane Park was washed-out after only eight overs. The match will be replayed on Monday. Ireland need a win to regain the second spot on the points table.

India’s coaching staff is in a state of flux ahead of their first challenge of a long and busy season. The team director, Ravi Shastri, will only join the squad in Sri Lanka on August 8 – four days before the first Test, and only after the practice game – once he completes his duties as a television expert for the Ashes broadcaster. His three assistant coaches are reportedly yet to be given their contracts because the BCCI appears to be waiting to take a decision on Shastri’s future first.Shastri, B Arun (bowling coach), R Sridhar (fielding coach) and Sanjay Bangar (batting coach) were promised extensions during India’s tour of Bangladesh in June, and were expected to be offered contracts before the team’s departure to Zimbabwe later that month. However, it is understood that no contracts have been offered yet.One of the reasons for the delay is Shastri’s perceived lack of commitment. He skipped India’s tour to Zimbabwe after seeking prior approval from BCCI, and having signed up as an analyst with Sky Sports, Shastri also missed the preparatory phase for the Sri Lanka tour.A BCCI source said that part of the reason for Shastri skipping the initial phase of the Sri Lanka tour was due to the revision in itinerary – the schedule was advanced by about ten days, causing a conflict with his commitment to Sky Sports. The BCCI president Jagmohan Dalmiya and secretary Anurag Thakur have not been critical of Shastri’s decisions. Thakur had said last month that Shastri had informed the board about his unavailability for the Zimbabwe tour “well in advance”.However, his absence from the touring party to Sri Lanka has raised doubts about his commitment among some BCCI office bearers. Several board members told ESPNcricinfo that it sent a wrong signal because the man in charge of the Indian team’s affairs had substantial media commitments as well.The situation has neither helped Shastri nor his assistants as long-term appointments. The BCCI hierarchy is understood to be happy to wait for the appointment of a head coach, before giving year-long contracts to assistant coaches. The BCCI is believed to be in touch with a couple of overseas candidates and the cricket advisory committee is likely to interview them in the first week of September.The last set of assistant coaches India had – Venkatesh Prasad and Robin Singh – worked through their two-year stint without a long-term contract. They were compensated on a series-by-series basis. The three assistant coaches have been on a similar arrangement since they were roped in midway through India’s tour to England last year.

Journalist Pete O’Rourke has claimed Leeds United want to sign two midfielders this summer, with Brenden Aaronson a ‘top target’, GiveMeSport report.

The Lowdown: January bids

The Whites failed to add to their senior ranks in the January window, with teenage striker Mateo Joseph Fernandez the only player through the door at Thorp Arch.

Leeds did try and bring Aaronson to Yorkshire, though, and made two bids to RB Leipzig for the American’s signature. As we know, they were unsuccessful, but the club are confident their pitch for the 21-year-old will work in the summer.

The Latest: O’Rourke’s comments

O’Rourke was talking to GiveMeSport regarding transfers in a story shared on Tuesday evening. He said two are wanted at the end of the campaign, with Aaronson their key target.

“I don’t think that stance has changed from the Leeds recruitment team. They still want to bring in two midfielders, and Aaronson remains a top target in the summer.”

The Verdict: Survival required first

It’s good to see that the club want two midfielders in the summer, however, failing to make any senior signings in the winter window has been a huge gamble.

Marcelo Bielsa has had to deal with multiple injury issues this season in what is already a small squad, with Liam Cooper, Kalvin Phillips and Patrick Bamford missing large parts of the season. As a result, Leeds are now flirting with the bottom three as we enter the crunch period of the campaign.

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Hopefully, the Whites will remain in the top flight and bolster their midfield ranks over the summer but they’ll first need to guarantee their place in the division to do just that.

In other news: ‘Exciting’ Leeds attacker now set for March return after months out as reporter relays news. 

Whilst Swansea City’s passing philosophy, started by Roberto Martinez and developed by Brendan Rodgers and now Michael Laudrup, has been critically praised by football pundits and talking heads ever since their ascension to the Premier League two years ago, the starting XI has been propped up by a speedy and resolute defence, with Wales international Ashley Williams at the heart of it.

The centre-back’s consistent form, having now maintained a high level of performance for two consecutive seasons and captaining the Welsh club to their first ever lifting of the League Cup, has convinced many that Williams has a higher calling than playing for a middle order team, leading to the tabloids linking him with a summer move to either Liverpool or Arsenal. But which of these two clubs need the 28 year old’s services more? At which team will he be most successful? And from Williams’ perspective, whom represents the best career move?

Both Liverpool and Arsenal can be accused of looking rather frail at the back this season. Whilst the Gunners may have conceded the fourth fewest goals in the Premier League, it is their performances against clubs of a similar or higher stature, at the top end of the table, which has lead to such aggressive scrutiny of Arsene Wenger from the British media. Furthermore, being unable to hold shape and effectively defend as a team has always been an underlying flaw of Wenger’s attacking philosophy, but it has been the performances of key defenders that have let the side down this season.

[cat_link cat=”premiership” type=”tower”]

The Gunners’ skipper Thomas Vermaelen has done anything but lead by example, being rather embarrassingly exposed for his lack of defensive nous in the North London derby, and although the Belgium international may be a fantastic athlete, there are clear weaknesses to his game that are now being exploited by his opponents. The collective opinion on Vermaelen seems to have changed for the worse since his supply of goals from set pieces has begun to dry up.

Similarly, Bacary Sagna’s woeful performance against Liverpool will live long in the memory and would make good footage for an educational video to show young defenders entitled ‘What not to do if you are a right full-back’. At the same time, Laurent Koscielny appears to have taken a step backwards from last season where he finally appeared to becoming acclimatised to English football, and Per Mertesacker will clearly never put in anything more than a slightly above-average performance.

It’s a similar story at Anfield, with the Reds finding themselves over-reliant on the soon-to-be-retired Jamie Carragher. I am not slating the 35 year old, indeed he has put in some exceptional performances this season, but Liverpool should be at a point by now, and more importantly, Daniel Agger and Martin Skrtel should be at a point by now, where their ageing veteran is not such an integral part of the team.

Skrtel’s dip in form has been well documented, with rumours that he is set for a summer departure, yet I’d argue that Agger has similarly been found wanting this season. A particularly poor showing against West Brom comes to mind, where the Danish international was solely responsible for both of the Baggies’ goals in a smash and grab display. I feel Agger and Vermaelen are similar in their action-packed, forward-thinking style, and thus why they have earned ameliorative reputations, but in terms of actual defensive capability, both are worryingly over-rated.

It’s clear that both clubs need some new blood in their backlines, but which club would benefit most from Williams’ presence next season? The Welshman epitomises the modern day centre-back, being pacey, incredibly physical and good on the ball, which would fit the Arsenal mould well. You’d assume the transition from the style of football at Swansea to that of Arsenal would be a relatively process, considering both clubs have a shared understanding of how the game should be played and a similar emphasis on attack.

Yet, there is an argument that Williams is too similar a player to Vermaelen, in terms of his strengths and weaknesses. Furthermore, is another decent, but not top class, centre-back really what the Gunners need to project them back towards the title race? There is a huge, intangible difference between being a success at a rank and file Premier League team and being at an Elite European club, which is something Wenger has overlooked with many of his recent signings. Similarly, Arsenal appear to face a monumental struggle when it comes to defending set pieces, and the 28 year old, measuring in at just 6 foot, will do little to solve the first team’s height issues.

Perhaps therefore, Liverpool would be the more sensible option for the Welshman. He’d get the opportunity to link up with former boss Brendan Rodgers, whom is attempting to carry the Swansea ethos over to Anfield with the Reds’ progressive passing game. Furthermore, the Liverpool gaffer’s desire for his defenders to play out of the back would suit Williams perfectly, in comparison to Martin Skrtel who quite frankly does not have enough composure on the ball to carry out the tactic effectively and consistently.

Unlike at the Emirates, where Williams will be up against Koscielny, Vermaelen and Mertesacker on a weekly basis for a slot in the first team, breaking into the Liverpool’s starting XI would be a relatively simple task, with his current form providing enough evidence already to stake a claim to being a regular starter next season.

Similarly, the expectation at Anfield is arguably less high than at Arsenal, where their next campaign will be a career-defining year for Wenger, as it becomes clear the fans have had enough of maintaining their Champions League status without ever pushing for the domestic title.

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On Merseyside, the supporters are rather more patient. They too will be hoping for a top four finish next season, but with a team of exciting youngsters rising from the ashes of a squad formerly composed of over-paid has-beens, missing out on Europe’s top club competition would be an acceptable failing as long as there is a clear sign of overall improvement.

But it’s time to view things from the perspective of the player. The fact is, in the modern game, a footballer has to be a careerist first; there is no longer a place for any form of loyalty. Similarly, with the Champions League now being the Holy Grail of European football, any professional will do anything in his power to get as close to it as possible, even if his wings are burnt by flying too close to the sun. And even if Arsenal fail to qualify for the Champions League for the first time under Arsene Wenger this year, you’d expect to see them return to the competition much sooner than Liverpool, who are still a long way off from returning to their former glories.

Perhaps on paper, Liverpool appears to be the best option; Williams will undoubtedly receive more playing time, less would be expected of him and he would become an important element in a team created around Brendan Rodgers’ youthful and progressive philosophy. But if the decision came down to the Welshman, with both clubs throwing a contract in front of him come the summer, I have no doubt he’d choose the Gunners, for the sake of European football, despite the Reds needing the centre-back’s commanding presence considerably more.

Ange Postecoglou’s Celtic side returned to winning ways against St. Mirren on Wednesday night, with second-half goals from Cameron Carter-Vickers and Callum McGregor being enough to secure a 2-0 win at Parkhead.

However, despite the Bhoys’ typical domination – enjoying a 76% share of possession, completing 696 passes and having 21 shots at the Saints’ goal – the 56-year-old’s side once again struggled in the final third – creating just one big chance over the course of the 90 minutes, as well as hitting the target with just six of their 21 shots.

Indeed, the fact that the Hoops required goals from their centre-back and holding midfielder in order to take all three points against a side who now sit ninth in the Premiership table perfectly highlights the poor form of the Celtic front three – with Jota, Daizen Maeda and Liel Abada all offering very little in the way of creativity and cutting edge in the attacking third.

However, it will undoubtedly be 20-year-old Abada most disappointed with his performance on Wednesday night, as the Israeli international saw his run of failing to hit the back of the net or register an assist extend to six games in all competitions.

Lost 71% duels

Indeed, over his 65 minutes on the Parkhead pitch, the right-winger failed to make any real impact on the game going forwards, having just one shot at the St. Mirren goal, failing with his one attempted dribble, finding his man with only one of his four attempted crosses and completing just 29 passes – the second-least of Celtic’s starting outfielders.

The £4.05m-rated forward also offered little in a defensive capacity, winning just two of his seven duels – a failure rate of 71% – being beaten by an opponent once and losing possession of the ball on 12 separate occasions.

These returns saw the £15k-per-week attacker earn an extremely disappointing SofaScore match rating of just 6.8 – ranking him as Postecoglou’s worst-performing starter on the night.

As such, while Abada is undoubtedly a fantastic talent who is much better than his recent form would suggest, it is nevertheless true that the 20-year-old let his side down on Wednesday night – something that could well see Postecoglou give one of Karamoko Dembele or James Forrest a shot from the off at Livingston on Sunday.

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Indeed, should the player who Pat Bonner claimed is a “huge problem” for defenders continue this run of form much longer, he could well start to become a huge problem for his own side, rather than the opposition.

In other news: Postecoglou must avoid disaster on “special” Celtic sensation, he’s a massive “talent”

An update has emerged regarding Newcastle United transfer target Marcus Rashford… 

What’s the talk?

According to 90min, the England international is questioning his future at Old Trafford and may look to pursue an exit from the club at the end of the season. He is said to be frustrated with his game-time under Ralf Rangnick and is set for talks over his role in the team moving forward.

The report claims that the Magpies, along with Arsenal, Atletico Madrid and West Ham, are keeping tabs on his situation in the event that he does become available in the next transfer window.

Meanwhile, reports from Spain have claimed that the Red Devils want a fee of at least €100m (£83m) in order to part ways with the winger.

Lift the roof off

PIF can lift the roof off St James’ Park by striking a mega deal to sign the Englishman from Manchester United ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

Newcastle demonstrated their ambition in the January transfer window as they swooped to sign Kieran Trippier from Champions League outfit Atletico Madrid. A player featuring in Europe’s premier competition and representing the champions of Spain opted to come and join a relegation battle with the Magpies, which sent out a statement on the club’s direction.

However, the prospective signing of Rashford would take it to the next level. Whilst Trippier is in his 30s and may have seen this move as his last career adventure, the Old Trafford forward is just 24 and has the majority of his career ahead of him to develop even further as a player.

In 293 games for the Red Devils, he has scored 93 goals and provided 58 assists. Last season, he was directly involved in 22 goals in 37 Premier League games, which shows that he has the quality to be a regular contributor in the final third, whilst United reporter Rich Fay dubbed him a “joy to watch”.

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Rashford’s best campaign for goals and assists came in the 2019/20 season, when he scored 17 times and provided nine assists in just 31 league outings. These statistics offer a glimpse into the level of player that PIF would be bringing to Newcastle, and he still has plenty to offer at his young age.

Along with the reported £83m transfer fee, this is why he would be a huge statement signing and one which would have the fans at St James’ Park rocking with excitement, potentially blowing the roof off in the process. Eddie Howe would surely be delighted to have a player of Rashford’s proven quality and potential in his squad, so now it is down to PIF to get this deal over the line…

AND in other news, Forget Trippier: Ashworth can seal instant Newcastle masterclass with “promising” £17m gem…

While Celtic boast a proud history of prolific centre-forwards, with the likes of Kenny Dalglish, Bobby Lennox, Henrik Larsson, John Hartson, Chris Sutton and Moussa Dembele all having graced the Parkhead pitch, there is one striker who almost certainly would have made this list had the Bhoys managed to secure his signing back in 2010.

This player is Olivier Giroud, the French centre-forward who Tony Mowbray attempted to sign for as little as £2.5m from Ligue 2 side Tours, before the then-Celtic manager turned his attention towards a deal for Morten Rasmussen – the Danish centre-forward who went on to score just three goals for the Hoops.

In contrast, Giroud went on to sign for Montpellier HSC in a £1.8m deal the following summer, a club where the hitman would bag 39 goals and register 17 assists over his 85 appearances – not to mention winning the Ligue 1 title in 2011/12 – form which subsequently earned the 6 foot 4 striker a £12m move to Premier League side Arsenal in the summer of 2012.

Over his five and a half year spell in North London, the now-35-year-old who Eden Hazard dubbed a “target man, maybe the best in the world” went on to score a colossal 105 goals and provide 41 assists over 253 appearances, as well as lifting the FA Cup on three separate occasions with the Gunners.

An £18m move to Chelsea in January 2018 followed for the Frenchman, scoring 39 goals and notching 14 assists over 119 outings for the Blues, in which time the striker won both the Europa League and Champions League.

However, the £2.25m-rated hitman’s achievements have not been limited to club football, with Giroud also earning 110 caps for France, bagging 46 goals for Les Bleus, as well as the small matter of winning the 2018 World Cup.

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As such, considering Celtic very much had the chance to sign the 35-year-old all the way back in 2010, it is now extremely clear that the Hoops had a nightmare when failing to get a deal over the line for Giroud.

AND in other news: Kieran Devlin drops early Celtic team news ahead of County, supporters will be buzzing

Celtic now look set to fend off interest from Liverpool for Daniel Kelly, with the young playmaker set to pen a professional deal at Parkhead.

The Lowdown: Multiple clubs keen

The Hoops have lost a number of young talents in recent years, with Ben Doak set to become the latest with a transfer to Liverpool edging closer.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/celtic-updates-23/” title=”Celtic updates!!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Reds were also circling over a swoop for Kelly, along with Arsenal and Benfica. Kelly, a creative central midfielder, is just 16 years of age and is actually the godson of former Celtic striker Scott McDonald, with the Hoops connection set to continue.

The Latest: Three-year deal

The Daily Record’s Scott Burns shared a story late on Tuesday evening, revealing Kelly is set to pen a three-year professional deal at Celtic Park despite the interest from Anfield.

Burns added that a contract is set to be finalised before the end of the week, with left-back Mitchel Frame in line for a similar deal.

The Verdict: Good news

It appeared at one point that the Hoops were unable to hold onto any of their future stars, with the likes of Liam Morrison, Barry Hepburn, Josh Adam and Liam Hughes just some who have departed for some of Europe’s biggest clubs in recent years.

Doak looks set to join that list with a move to Anfield, however, Celtic chiefs now look set for a long-awaited boost with two players closing in on permanent deals.

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Hopefully, both Kelly and Frame go on to become first-team regulars in years to come and the Hoops stay in constant communication in regards to a pathway to Ange Postecoglou’s plans.

In other news: ‘Unfortunately…’ – Journalist gutted ‘for Celtic’ as more exit news emerges from Parkhead. 

Wolves are reportedly keen on signing Valencia attacker Goncalo Guedes this summer, although other clubs are also showing an interest.

The Lowdown: Guedes impressing for Valencia

The 25-year-old is enjoying an excellent season for the La Liga side, showing his class in an attacking role. Guedes has scored 11 goals and chipped in with five assists in the league, also averaging 1.3 key passes and 1.8 dribbles per game for good measure.

His current Valencia deal expires in the summer of 2023, so this year could be the last chance they get to receive a substantial transfer fee for him.

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The Latest: Wolves keen on move for Guedes

According to Estadio Deportivo [via Sport Witness], Scott Sellars and Co. have ‘seriously sounded him out’ over a transfer, as have Jose Mourinho’s Roma.

However, Spanish heavyweights Barcelona and Real Madrid are also showing an interest in Guedes, which may be slightly daunting news for Wanderers.

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The Verdict: Great summer addition

Guedes would be a perfect summer signing by Wolves, with his Portuguese connection allowing him to fit seamlessly into Bruno Lage’s squad from the off.

It is his quality which stands out the most, however, and his ability to create magic in attacking areas could give Wolves an extra dimension next season. His tally of 16 goal contributions in La Liga is almost twice that of the most productive player at Molineux, Raul Jimenez with nine.

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He has actually played 20 times as a centre-forward this season, rather than at attacking midfield, so his versatility could be a great asset, with Lage potentially seeing him as a long-term replacement for 30-year-old Jimenez at the apex of the Old Gold’s attack.

In other news, one Wolves player has been tipped to leave the club this summer. Find out who it is here.