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Bayern Munich continue to be linked with a move for Tottenham Hotspur star Harry Kane, with a new transfer report claiming that the Bundesliga giants are ‘very hot’ on the striker.

The Lowdown: Kane wanted by Bayern

The 29-year-old is undoubtedly one of Spurs’ greatest players ever, second only to the iconic Jimmy Greaves in their all-time scoring list, so it is only natural that other top clubs would love to have him in their ranks.

Recent claims have suggested that Bayern are the front-runners to acquire Kane’s services if he doesn’t sign a new deal before its current 2024 expiry date. While the England captain could easily stay put, these exit rumours are refusing to go away.

The Latest: Kane a ‘hot topic’ at Bayern

According to Sport Bild [via Sport Witness], Kane could be a ‘very hot’ topic at Bayern next year, as they look for a direct replacement for the departed Robert Lewandowski.

The report also states that the Spurs legend is seen as the Bundesliga champions’ ‘next transfer coup’, with Sadio Mane – signed from Tottenham’s Premier League rivals Liverpool this summer – struggling to impress in a central attacking role.

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The Verdict: Concerning for Spurs

With every report which emerges, it seems a greater worry that Kane could consider trading Spurs for another of Europe’s leading clubs in the near future.

He is a hugely ambitious player who will want to win trophies in his career – something he is yet to do in a Tottenham shirt – and Bayern almost guarantee that every season, having won the last 10 Bundesliga titles in a row.

That being said, Kane could easily extend his stay at Spurs and remain in north London for many more years to come, with the club currently in a good place under Antonio Conte, back in the Champions League and only one point off the Premier League summit.

Ultimately, the decision lies with the player, who will no doubt be weighing up his options ahead of his 30th birthday next year.

Sheffield Wednesday are having a look at free agent Owen Windsor, according to The Star’s Joe Crann.

The Lowdown: Windsor profiled

Windsor is 21 years of age and has been without a club since the summer after leaving West Brom.

Primarily a centre-forward, he can also play on the wing and has previous first-team experience on loan with Grimsby Town, Newport County and Carlisle United.

The left-footed forward netted three senior goals during those loan spells, and it looks as if Wednesday are eyeing a potential free move for Windsor.

The Latest: Wednesday links

Crann shared a story for The Star on Tuesday morning ahead of the Owls’ clash with Plymouth Argyle.

He claimed that Windsor was spotted in Sheffield Wednesday colours on Monday evening and was an unused substitute for Neil Thompson’s U21 side in a 3-0 defeat to local rivals Sheffield United.

Crann added that Wednesday are looking to bolster their ranks following a recent injury to youngster Luke Cook, who joined the club in the summer after previously playing non-league football.

The Verdict: One to watch

It’s good to see that Wednesday are still actively looking to bring in new players in the free agent market, although you’d expect Windsor would feature mainly for the U21s, should he earn a deal.

Wednesday’s U21s have four forwards on the books at this moment in time, so Windsor could become the fifth and would also provide an option out wide.

He already has 16 games of experience in League Two, so should he impress at Middlewood Road, he may well be on the fringes of Darren Moore’s first-team squad.

Aston Villa acted swiftly in the transfer market during the summer, with the likes of Boubacar Kamara, Diego Carlos and Philippe Coutinho all arriving on permanent deals.

A couple of late additions in Leander Dendoncker and Jan Bednarek gave manager Steven Gerrard some cover in defence and the midfield but it was his reluctance to sell a few players that might come back to haunt him.

Morgan Sanson is the best example, while sporting director Johan Lange will rue not moving him on and bringing in a current Premier League player in his place…

Aston Villa should have signed Tomas Soucek

Back in June, it was reported that West Ham United were willing to listen to offers of £30m for the midfielder as he was haggling over a new contract.

Newcastle United, Everton, and Villa were all showing interest in the player, but no move ever materialised and it could be something Gerrard regrets.

The 27-year-old has been excellent in this season’s Premier League, averaging a SofaScore rating of 7.11, starting every game so far and scoring once.

The Czech titan has contributed well defensively, making 2.8 tackles, 1.5 interceptions, and 2.3 clearances per match, proving that he can get stuck in and do the dirty work too in order to lead his team to success.

These attributes would have worked wonders in the Villa engine room, giving Gerrard some bite in his team.

Sanson hasn’t even played in the league this season, while he currently earns £48k-per-week for contributing nothing.

Missing out on Soucek appears to be a glaring mistake with every passing match, while West Ham manager David Moyes has dubbed the player as “sensational” and he continues to be the heart of their side.

Soucek’s contract doesn’t expire until 2024, but if his performances continue to this high standard, then Moyes might find it extremely tough to keep a hold of him when January rolls around and Gerrard will be kicking himself that he didn’t secure a deal for the player.

Leeds United have made plenty of new additions since their return to the Premier League, however, they almost all backfired last season as they narrowly avoided the drop.

Both former manager Marcelo Bielsa and now Jesse Marsch have invested heavily at Elland Road in recent times, with the summer just gone seeing an outlay of £99.13m.

One of their more expensive disappointments could be the deal to bring German defender Robin Koch to Elland Road for £13m.

He had come off the back of a fine season at SC Freiburg, where he featured 34 times in all competitions.

However, since moving to Yorkshire he has been struck down with numerous injuries that have halted his progress. He only managed 17 Premier League games in his debut season, and across his three years has only featured 47 times.

His average SofaScore rating last season of 6.51 is indicative of someone who, when they needed him most, let them down.

He could only win possession 0.2 times per game, as his side kept just one clean sheet in 20 games, and led to LeedsLive reporter Beren Cross describing him as both “horrible to watch” and “not good enough”.

What makes this all the more frustrating is that he was actually a very competent defender in the Bundesliga, where he averaged a mammoth 2.9 clearances per game.

Meanwhile, this campaign, his form has not offered much respite despite a slight improvement, having averaged a 6.62 rating on WhoScored – the ninth-best in the squad currently. Five other defenders have equalled or better his tackle rate at 1.5 per game, too.

These performances combined with his injuries no doubt contributed to the depreciation of his value, which CIES Football Observatory now rate at just €6m (£5.1m).

As this continues to drop, Marsch now faces the daunting task of deciding whether to stick with the underperforming dud and back his ability or try to cash in what is left of him now.

It is clear that the American is likely to choose the former, as he recently came out following his centre-backs omission from the Germany squad: “The only thing I can say is that we’re really happy with Robin. I think everything from his work ethic to his fitness right now to his mentality, he’s grown as a leader.”

He has plenty of growing still to do, but at 26 years old he has time.

It might have to be a swift turnaround, however, as he cannot command his manager’s unrelenting support should he continue with his current performances.

Newcastle United star Allan Saint-Maximin has suffered a third injury setback involving his hamstring, according to Daily Mail journalist Craig Hope.

The Lowdown: Saint-Maximin injury

After spending six weeks out on the sidelines with a hamstring injury, the Frenchman made his return to action in the Magpies’ 5-1 demolition of Brentford earlier this month.

However, the day before the Toon’s clash at Old Trafford on Sunday, it was revealed the 25-year-old had irritated his previous discomfort, ruling him out for the game against Manchester United and also prompting likely absences for upcoming Premier League fixtures against Everton and Tottenham.

The Latest: Further woe for Saint-Maximin

After securing a point in a 0-0 draw against the Red Devils, Eddie Howe confirmed the reason for the winger’s absence, while the Newcastle manager also shared an update on the 25-year-old’s injury situation.

Taking to Twitter, Hope relayed this news, having stated: “Eddie Howe also confirms below setback for Allan Saint-Maximin. Third time he has aggravated same hamstring. “It’s very minor but it’s going to keep him out for a period” #nufc.”

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The Verdict: Massive blow

Having ranked in the top 1% across Europe’s top five leagues for dribbles completed by wingers over the past year (via FBRef), Saint-Maximin’s electric pace will continue to be a big miss for the Magpies, who have so often relied on the attacker to generate chances in the final third.

In the Premier League this season, the 25-year-old has been rated as the Tynesiders’ best attacking player, having averaged an impressive 7.36 match rating – inclusive of an incredible 8.5 display in the thrilling 3-3 showdown against Manchester City in August (via SofaScore).

Having been hailed as ‘superb’ by journalist Mark Douglas, Saint-Maximin’s recurrent hamstring injury will worry Howe, as the Frenchman appears to be struggling to shake it off and get back firing to the best of his ability.

Crystal Palace were reportedly interested in signing Leicester City ace Ayoze Perez during the summer transfer window and Patrick Vieira would have surely loved him at Selhurst Park.

Reports from Spain claim that the Eagles, alongside Premier League rivals Everton and Fulham, were keen on signing the attacking midfielder during the summer transfer window as he seeks an exit from the King Power Stadium.

However, Perez is reportedly so desperate to return to his native Spain that he is now keen to rip up his contract with Brendan Rodgers’ side, which is perhaps reflected in his lack of game time under the Northern Irish manager.

The 29-year-old first arrived in England in 2014 when he joined Newcastle United from Tenerife and he would go on to become a big hit with the Toon faithful, contributing 48 goals and 17 assists in 195 appearances for the northeast side.

A £30m move to Leicester City would follow in 2019 but he has struggled to consistently replicate that form with the Foxes, hitting just 14 goals and 11 assists in 105 appearances.

After making just 14 appearances in the top flight last season, it was perhaps no surprise to him targeted by other Premier League clubs and he could have been a stellar addition to Vieira’s side, especially in the Eagles’ attack alongside the talented Eberechi Eze.

The former QPR man has enjoyed a superb start to the Premier League season, averaging a 7.05 rating from WhoScored for his performances in the top flight, after notching two goals and two assists.

WhoScored suggests that both Eze and Perez like to dribble and play short passes, which suggests that they could have linked up well had the Spaniard made the move to Selhurst Park.

During his time at Newcastle United, Perez earned the praise of former goalkeeper Steve Harper on talkSPORT.He said (via SportsMole):

“He looks a quality, quality footballer and he’s made that number 10 role his own.

“As a link-up player technically, he’s very good but he needs to add consistency to get into the teams with the big boys.”

The prospect of Perez being at his best in a technical Palace attack that includes the likes of Eze, Michael Olise and Wilfried Zaha would surely have been an exciting one for Vieira, and the Frenchman may well be gutted that Palace couldn’t bring him in during the summer, especially if he completes a free transfer to a Spanish side in the near future.

Newcastle United could well be eyeing yet another late window move, with the Magpies already currently wrapping up the signing of wantaway Everton starlet, Anthony Gordon on a £45m deal.

What’s the word?

According to journalist Rudy Galetti, the Tynesiders are believed to now be in negotiations regarding a swoop for long-term target, James Maddison, with the 26-year-old’s current side, Leicester City, set to demand around £55m if they are to sanction a sale this month.

Writing on Twitter regarding that interest, the transfer insider revealed: “Newcastle are in talks with Leicester for Maddison. NUFC are ready to make the first offer for the AM of around £45m. LCFC want at least £55m (£40m upfront). In case of no agreement, the player will remain a target in the summer.”

This follows reports during the summer that claimed the St James’ Park outfit had made an offer of around £50m for the England international, with the playmaker yet to commit his future to the Foxes with just 18 months to run on his existing deal.

‘Perfect’ for Howe

After what has been a rather quiet window for the top-four hopefuls thus far, it does appear that sporting director Dan Ashworth and manager Eddie Howe are finally beginning to act with deadline day looming, with both Gordon and Maddison potentially on their way to the northeast.

In the case of the latter man, while it may prove difficult to prise the former Norwich City ace from the King Power Stadium mid-season, if a deal can be agreed upon in the coming days it would no doubt be a major boost in Newcastle’s Champions League qualification bid.

The arrival of the one-cap maestro could well provide Howe and co with the creative, midfield spark that they are currently lacking, with regular starters Joe Willock (two goals, two assists) and Sean Longstaff (one goal and two assists) having been rather underwhelming with regards to goal contributions in all competitions this season.

Turning to Maddison – who can also feature on the flanks – could well prove to be a “perfect” signing for the Magpies, according to pundit Gabby Agbonlahor, with the playmaking gem having thrived for Brendan Rodgers’ side of late.

While injury has inhibited the £110k-per-week man’s influence of late, the one-time Aberdeen loanee still boasts a haul of seven goals and four assists in 14 Premier League games this season, with that tally greater than any player in Howe’s squad in the top flight so far this term.

That follows what had been a particularly impressive 2021/22 campaign for the clinical “monster”, as previously lauded by journalist Josh Bunting, with the Coventry-born sensation registering a staggering 30 goal involvements in 53 games in all competitions.

That remarkable consistency has illustrated that Maddison could well be a player that Howe can count on to deliver the goods if he is to make the switch before Tuesday’s deadline, with it potentially set to prove a ‘perfect’ signing both for the club and for the player himself.

An update has emerged on Celtic and their pursuit of Yuki Kobayashi ahead of the January transfer window…

What’s the talk?

According to Football Insider, the Hoops have now agreed personal terms with the central defender ahead of signing him at the start of 2023.

The report claims that the club are now preparing to finalise an agreement as they close in on a free transfer, with Kobayashi’s contract at Vissel Kobe expiring at the end of January.

It is stated that Ange Postecoglou wants to sign a centre-back with the potential to develop and improve over time and has identified the Japanese enforcer as a target.

Imagine him and Carter-Vickers

The Hoops do have the option to sign Moritz Jenz on a permanent basis but there is no guarantee that the club go through with that or that the player will agree to it next summer.

This means that Kobayashi could be thrust into the spotlight next season if he does enough to catch the eye in the second half of the current campaign.

Now, imagine him and Cameron Carter-Vickers, who Jan Vertonghen once dubbed an “absolute beast”, lining up at centre-back for Celtic. It could be the catalyst to forming a remarkable and beast-like partnership at the back.

Indeed, this pairing could provide a perfect balance in possession for Postecoglou as the Kobe defender is naturally left-footed and could open up angles down the left channel, instead of having another right-footed defender next to the former Tottenham man.

Japanese-based journalist Dan Orlowitz praised Kobayashi’s ability on the ball, as he told the Celts Are Here podcast, via the Daily Express: “He potentially brings a lot of what Ange Postecoglou is looking for in terms of contributing to the build-up. He is not necessarily a shot-taker, but he can force turnovers, set up passes and move the ball forward.

“He’s got very good tactical awareness. He’s not the kind of player who will rush into a tackle.”

The same reporter shared a thread about the defender recently and it showed that he is above average in his defensive duels by J-League standards, whilst also pointing out that he is improving in his offensive passing – something that is said to suit what Postecoglou is looking for.

This suggests that he would be an ideal partner for Carter-Vickers as the Japanese defender, who has won 68% of his individual battles in 2022, can play an important role in build-up play on his left foot.

Kobayashi, who Sacha Pisani claims has “room to grow”, also has plenty of time left ahead of him to develop and improve at the age of 22, which means that he fits in with what the head coach wants as he has the potential to get better.

Therefore, he could be a terrific signing and Postecoglou should be delighted with the club’s work to agree terms with the centre-back ahead of the January window.

There could be a ‘big opportunity’ for Crystal Palace star Wilfried Zaha to leave the club in the coming months, according to transfer expert Dean Jones.

The Lowdown: Zaha’s Palace future up in the air

The 29-year-old is a modern-day Eagles legend, contributing so much attacking brilliance over the years and proving to be a talisman time and time again.

Zaha has scored six goals in 12 appearances in the Premier League this season, outlining his brilliance, but he has also been touted with a move away from Selhurst Park.

A fresh claim further suggests that a January switch could be on the cards for the Ivory Coast international.

The Latest: London duo have “considered” Zaha

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Jones said that Zaha could be eyeing up a fresh challenge over the next couple of transfer windows, with two Premier League clubs from London having “considered” a move for him.

The transfer expert said:

“It’s a really key time for Zaha and, possibly, he will see the next two windows as a big opportunity to push the limits of his career a bit further.

“We know Chelsea and Arsenal have considered him, so it will be interesting to see if they would take the next step in trying to actually sign him.

“Palace should and I’m sure will do everything they can to convince him to stay though, of course.”

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The Verdict: Will he stay loyal?

Zaha has remained so loyal to Palace for such a long time, ignoring plenty of transfer interest in preferring to be a bigger fish in a smaller pond, with all due respect to the Eagles.

However, turning 30 this coming Thursday, the Ivorian could feel that now is the last chance for him to get a high-profile move in his prime, which could finally see him leave the club.

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The lure of Chelsea or league leaders Arsenal could be too great to turn down, especially as it would mean being able to stay in London.

Ideally, the hope is he stays at Palace for the rest of his career, but it would be difficult to begrudge him a transfer after giving so much at Selhurst Park, having entered the top 10 of the club’s all-time scoring charts.

Sunderland sporting director Kristjaan Speakman is continuing to build an exciting squad full of talented young players at the Stadium of Light.

The likes of Dan Neil, Aji Alese, Edouard Michut, Jewison Bennette, Jack Clarke, and Anthony Patterson are all promising youngsters who could go on to make the club a huge profit in the future if they fulfil their potential on the pitch.

Developing young players in order to sell them on for big money further down the line can help to keep the club financially sustainable as they could fund their own transfer business by cashing in on gems, rather than needing outside investment in order to compete.

One player who could end up being a great example of that is current first-team defender Dennis Cirkin. The 20-year-old, who arrived at the Stadium of Light in 2021, has been touted with a transfer back to Premier League side Tottenham – who have a buyback option worth £6m.

If that move does go through, in January or next summer, and Cirkin leaves to re-join his former club then Speakman will be tasked with dipping into the market, with a chunk of that £6m, to find the heir to the youngster at left-back.

The Black Cats chief could find the ex-Spurs man’s replacement by securing a deal to sign 22-year-old full-back Anthony Glennon from Grimsby in the January transfer window.

Sunderland, Sheffield Wednesday, and Hull are all interested in signing the full-back and have been ‘making regular checks’ on his performances this season, according to Football Insider.

Former Grimsby boss Ian Holloway described him as being “remarkable” during a previous spell on loan with the club and Burnley reporter Alex James once claimed that the gem has a “big future”.

He would be another player, at the age of 22, who would be joining Sunderland as a young talent with the scope to improve and increase his market value over time.

Glennon has showcased his potential and quality in League Two with Grimsby this season as he has been putting in consistently impressive performances at left-back.

The former Burnley man has averaged a SofaScore rating of 7.18 in 13 matches in the fourth tier and is his club’s top performer in the division this season.

He has showcased his ability to drive forward from full-back with 1.8 key passes per game and three assists, from three ‘big chances’ created, in League Two, which shows that he has an attacking mindset and could make an impact at the top end of the pitch.

It remains to be seen whether or not Glennon has the quality to make the step up to the Championship but part of Sunderland’s development model is taking educated gambles on players with potential and the 22-year-old’s statistics suggest that he could play at a higher level, as he has been a standout for Grimsby.