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Tottenham Hotspur are a club lacking an identity.

Antonio Conte knew what his philosophy would be, but that differed from the defensive stylings of both Nuno Espirito Santo and Jose Mourinho before him.

Then, preceding all three of them was Mauricio Pochettino, who came the closest to any long-lasting success with his expansive brand of attacking football.

Ever since their rise to the top of the English game, the Lilywhites have seemingly lost all track of what direction they wanted to take the club in, with Daniel Levy one of many responsible for this. He has allowed the standards to drop in north London, and now seeking a new manager once again, they must find someone to pick them back up.

Needing a reset, and a strong-willed coach who would be happy to oversee such a revolution, there is arguably few more renowned for his work rebuilding a sleeping giant than Marcelo Bielsa.

Would Marcelo Bielsa join Spurs?

The Argentine is clearly keen to return to football, with his interest in both the recent vacancies at Everton and AFC Bournemouth enough to suggest he would be open to joining Spurs.

Especially following the suggestion from journalist Mark Carey, who put the great Argentine forward as a possible successor in north London.

Although the systems of Conte and the 67-year-old could not be more varied, given the former's reliance on defensive structure whilst the latter prefers free-flowing attack, the gruelling pre-season camp held last year would at least have the fitness levels up to the required level to replicate some form of the infamous 'murder-ball'.

His role in restoring Leeds United to the top flight was instrumental, and in doing so he reset the culture at Elland Road after a 16-year absence from the Premier League.

His unique brand of football had everyone enamoured, and although it had started to fall apart before his sacking, perhaps with a higher calibre of players it might reach new heights.

After all, many of the game's greatest managers have been quick to praise his exploits. Pep Guardiola lauded his achievement with that promotion and seemed to downplay his own legacy in comparison to his idols. He claimed: "Give him my Barcelona and you will see how he will win titles. Give me Leeds, with all due respect to the Leeds players, but I would still be in the Championship."

A former player from his reign, Jamie Shackleton, suggested that the unorthodox leader was a "world-class" coach before Carey seemed to outline exactly what Spurs need from a manager in Bielsa.

He noted: "Across his career, Bielsa has raised the levels of each squad he manages, he demands the highest standards from his players and he has a clear high-pressing style that could benefit many of Tottenham's current crop."

In an effort to find a new identity, and one which will mark a refreshing switch up from their dull last three appointments, Levy needs to look no further than the former Leeds boss.

Arsenal reporter for The Evening Standard Simon Collings was left stunned by a solo run from Gabriel Martinelli that almost led to a goal against Sporting.

The Lowdown: Stalemate

Arsenal had to settle for a 2-2 draw to take back to the Emirates Stadium in the first leg of their UEFA Europa League last-16 clash on Thursday evening.

William Saliba had nodded the Gunners in front with a header from a corner kick, but Goncalo Inacio equalised in the same manner, before Paulinho put the hosts 2-1 in front early in the second half.

Mikel Arteta’s team saw an unfortunate own goal from Hidemasa Morita trickle into his own net to level the scores, with the tie finely poised going into the second leg next Thursday night.

The Latest: Almost an incredible goal…

With the score at 2-1, Martinelli almost scored an incredible solo goal, as he started dribbling with the ball deep into his own half, beating challenges from three Sporting players before rounding the goalkeeper.

Unfortunately, defender Jeremiah St. Juste recovered to intercept the ball, meaning that the chance had gone, but journalist Collings was left wowed after watching Martinelli’s slalom run:

“My word. Martinelli so close to one of the great goals. Unreal run from his own half.”

The Verdict: Shame

It was a shame that Martinelli could not finish off the move, but it was a piece of individual brilliance from the Brazilian.

He won ten of his duels in total, the second-most on the pitch, and also recorded a team-high three shots, seven successful dribbles and two key passes in the match (SofaScore).

Of course, had he scored, the North Londoners would be taking a lead into the second leg, but now they will have to beat Sporting at home if they are to go through to the quarter-finals.

Liverpool transfer targets Jude Bellingham and Mason Mount would both expect to be regular starters if they move to Anfield, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

The Lowdown: Bellingham and Mount linked with Liverpool

The Reds endured another lifeless performance on Saturday evening, drawing 0-0 at Crystal Palace in an instantly forgettable Premier League clash.

It was another terrible performance by the midfield, further highlighting exactly why Liverpool have been linked with signing both Bellingham and Mount this summer.

There simply has to be a major rebuild in that area in order for the Merseysiders to return to the team that they once were under Jurgen Klopp.

The Latest: Both would expect to be regular starters

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Jones said that Bellingham and Mount would both expect to play almost all the time if they were to join Liverpool in the summer.

The journalist said:

“It’s a big squad change to bring in two players like this, not just into the squad but basically into the starting XI, because that’s what both are going to be expecting.”

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The Verdict: No-brainer for Liverpool

Frankly, it is a no-brainer that both Bellingham and Mount would demand to be star players if they arrive at Anfield, as they would be upgrades on the Reds’ current midfield options.

Bellingham’s 7.58 WhoScored rating this season far exceeds any Liverpool midfielder, while Thiago is the only player in that position at Anfield whose rating betters Mount’s 6.75.

They are also both vital figures for England, racking up 58 caps between them already at the ages of 19 and 24 respectively, and they would provide both the quality and the fresh legs that Liverpool so desperately need in the middle of the park.

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If the Reds manage to snap up both Bellingham and Mount, it would have the potential to completely transform the team, although a third midfield signing could also be required, such as the recently-linked Matheus Nunes.

Klopp can continue to build his team around the likes of Alisson, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk, Andy Robertson, Mohamed Salah and Luis Diaz moving forward. If a new midfield is secured, there is no reason why we can’t see a great Liverpool team again.

Leeds United can consider themselves one of the Premier League’s best-performing outfits for this January window, having added four new faces all of whom will likely have a big part to play in the future of the club.

Fans and pundits alike have raved over the newly-bolstered squad assembled by Victor Orta and Jesse Marsch, with journalist Phil Hay, in particular, echoing this sentiment: “In terms of the way Leeds United altered their squad, they’ll feel as happy as most Premier League clubs about the way they used January”.

With a new striker, midfielder and centre-back all entering Elland Road, they were decisive in outlining targets and incisive in their execution.

However, it was not all perfect.

There were one or two deals that did slip by them when they seemed so close, with a proposed move for Tete arguably the most disappointing to miss out on.

Having reportedly been in advanced discussions for the Brazilian, to see him move to Premier League rivals Leicester City was a hammer blow. Especially given that his reported valuation of £21m was snubbed in favour of a loan move.

To miss out on this tricky winger is made all the more frustrating given his similarities to former Elland Road favourite Raphinha, who departed the club in the summer.

His absence has been felt heavily, as the 26-year-old played a starring role in their narrow escape from relegation last season.

Having scored 11 times and assisted a further three, the Barcelona man was synonymous with cutting in from the right flank onto his deadly left foot.

This is one of many traits he and Tete share.

The Shakhtar Donetsk flyer was enjoying blistering form for Lyon this season, with six goals and three assists after just 17 Ligue 1 matches. As such, when compared to other wingers across Europe, he ranked in the top 17% for non-penalty goals and the top 10% for assists.

However, given his samba roots, he is at his core an entertainer. 

His presence in Yorkshire could have got fans off their seats once more, to rejoice in the second coming of the man who saved their club from relegation with such finesse.

Such is his maverick nature, he was lauded by the CEO of Shakhtar Donetsk Sergei Palkin as a “hurricane”. He expanded upon why he had earned this title: “This means that he brings confusion into the opposition defence, being extremely difficult to stop. He has some serious technique, shooting and passing.”

Although there is plenty of cause for celebration after what must be deemed a successful transfer window, there will remain a hint of regret about what could have been with this failed Tete deal.

Manchester United appear to have an interest in Inter Milan forward Lautaro Martinez.

The Lowdown: World Cup winner

Martinez helped his country win the World Cup last year, featuring in all but one of the seven fixtures in Qatar.

The 25-year-old can play as a centre-forward or as a second striker and has been in fine form for Inter this season, contributing to 13 goals in 18 Serie A goals. His displays appear to have caught the eye of Old Trafford officials, although he is under contract at the San Siro until 2026.

The Latest: United eyeing move

Calciomercato shared an update regarding Martinez on Friday, where United and Premier League rivals Tottenham were named.

The report stated that Erik ten Hag’s side are admirers of the forward and that Inter Milan would consider a sale if a €100m offer arrived. They add that United defender Lisandro Martinez, who won the World Cup alongside the striker, ‘could advocate his purchase’.

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The Verdict: Big money

Paul Pogba cost United €105m back in 2016, so it seems as if United will need to make Martinez their second most expensive signing of all time to have any chance of securing a transfer.

A new marquee forward appears to be needed in 2023, though, especially as there is no option to make Wout Weghorst’s loan move permanent in the summer.

That could leave Ten Hag back at square one with Anthony Martial as the club’s only recognised centre-forward, so signing Martinez, lauded as a ‘beast‘ by Inter team-mate Romelu Lukaku, could be a statement of intent.

He’s the most valuable Argentine player on the planet and the fifth most valuable striker at €75m, as per Transfermarkt, and following his impressive displays in front of goal this season, Martinez could be a clever signing.

Journalist Ryan Taylor has tipped Wolves to view Craig Dawson as ‘the top target’ in the January transfer market after past interest in the defender.

What’s the word?

Last summer, the West Ham United centre-back very nearly left his current club in favour of a move to a team in the Molineux outfit with Aston Villa also in the race for his signature.

No deal materialised but Wolves have supposedly seen an offer for the player rejected in the current winter window. Amid all that, Atletico Madrid for Felipe has been rumoured to be an alternative target with Reuters claiming talks have been ongoing.

However, while talking on his own YouTube channel, Taylor has now stated that he expects Dawson to be the priority this January, while adding that the player should be keen on a move away from London.

The journalist explained: “There was some discussions with Atletico Madrid for Felipe but I think Craig Dawson would be the top target.

“He wants to move back to the Midlands. He actually doesn’t live in London and he’s making a long commute to West Ham every day. Tried to leave the club in the summer but the right option didn’t materialise.

“So I think that’s one that can be revisited and David Moyes will probably be keen to let him move on, so he can bring in another player.”

Transfer options

Brazilain defender Felipe might seem like a more glamour signing – after all, he has won the Club World Cup and La Liga – but that may well mean he has higher wage demands and it might take more to convince him of a move to England.

Dawson, on the other hand, seems very open to the move for the reasons stated above. What’s more, with his contract set to expire this summer, he should come fairly cheap. And with plenty of Premier League experience, 246 appearances to be precise, he could come in and make an immediate impact with little adaption likely needed.

The main issue, however, could be the fact that the recent bid seemed to annoy David Moyes. Indeed, just before West Ham played Wolves, an offer came in for the defender and when asked if that was a destabilising thing to deal with, the manager said: “It is, yeah, I agree with you.”

Journalist Pete O’Rourke has claimed that Glasgow Rangers could sign transfer target Nicolas Raskin for a ‘relatively cheap fee’ in this window.

The Lowdown: Back on radar

It was reported last week that Raskin is back on Rangers’ radar after being ‘pushed aside’ by his club, Standard Liege.

As per The Scottish Sun, Raskin looks set to leave the Belgian club in January as his relationship with them has broken down, and he is being forced to train on his own and with the B-team by his manager and former Celtic boss Ronny Deila.

The Latest: Could sign on cheap

Speaking to GiveMeSport, O’Rourke has claimed that the Ibrox outfit could now sign Raskin for a ‘relatively cheap fee’, amid their need for midfielders with the season-ending injury to Steven Davis:

“They’ll need midfielders now with Steven Davis’ injury so that need has been increased.

“Raskin has been a long-term target for Rangers, they’ve monitored and tracked him for quite a while and it does seem he will be leaving Standard Liege after a big fall out there over his contract, so they could get him for a relatively cheap fee in January.“

The Verdict: Get it done?

Michael Beale’s side may have reservations over Raskin’s attitude in terms of whether they should make a move for him, but there is no doubting his quality.

Lauded as ‘monstrous’ and a ‘leader’ by Deila before their fallout, he has played nearly 100 games in Belgian football by the age of just 21, scoring five goals and making 13 assists (Transfermarkt).

Journalist Bob Faesen has also noted how ‘technically gifted‘ he is, while singling him out for his work-rate and claiming that he can play in every position in the middle of the park.

Nonetheless, Raskin would provide sufficient cover in the absence of Davis, and if they could sign him on the cheap, it could turn out to be a real bargain for the Gers.

Sunderland look to have suffered a big injury blow in the build-up to Christmas, with Danny Batth likely to be sidelined with a calf injury.

What’s the word?

The experienced centre-back was forced off in last weekend’s game against Hull City and Tony Mowbray has provided a worrying update on his injury situation.

He said: “It’s very, very rare that you have your whole squad fit and available. Danny Batth felt his calf. Whether it is a tear, I’m not sure, but he felt a sharp pain in his calf as he pushed off and he had to come off.”

Fortunately for the Black Cats, Daniel Ballard was able to make his long-awaited return from injury in the same game, replacing Batth after his injury, while Bailey Wright will also soon be back in contention after returning from the World Cup, where he helped Australia reach the round of 16 before defeat against eventual winners Argentina.

Gutting news for Mowbray

This will be a frustrating and gutting situation for Mowbray, as Batth has been a crucial part of Sunderland’s strong start to life back in the Championship, as only he and Anthony Patterson have started every single game in the second tier.

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Only seven players in Mowbray’s side have been ranked higher than the former Wolves man according to WhoScored this campaign, which emphasises just how important he is at the back for the north east outfit.

The 32-year-old leads the way for clearances and aerial duels won per game by defenders in Sunderland’s squad, living up to his description as “colossal” by journalist Josh Bunting.

Indeed, the titanic defender has made a whopping 4.1 clearances per game – a team-high – and has also won 3.9 aerials a match, the second-best in the entire squad.

The Christmas period is always a busy one and with Sunderland set to face promotion hopefuls Blackburn Rovers on Boxing Day, Mowbray will certainly be gutted that he will be without his most-reliable centre-back.

Hopefully, for the Black Cats, Batth’s calf injury will be a minor one and he can make his return to action as soon as possible, as he will undoubtedly be vital to their hopes of being in the playoff picture over the final few months of the season.

Jude Bellingham’s management have ‘informed Real Madrid’ that Liverpool are ‘leading the race’, according to journalist Christian Falk.

The Lowdown: Attracting interest

The Premier League giants have reportedly made the 19-year-old their number one target next summer following his impressive start to the season, both in the Bundesliga and at the World Cup.

The England international, however, has also been attracting interest from the likes of Real Madrid, Manchester City and Chelsea, so it won’t be an easy task to get this deal over the line in 2023.

The Latest: Falk’s transfer update

Taking to Twitter, Falk claimed that Bellingham’s representatives have contacted one of Liverpool’s biggest rivals to reveal that they are not currently in pole position to land him.

“TRUE – the management of Jude Bellingham informed Real Madrid that Liverpool actually is leading the race for a transfer of Bellingham this summer.”

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The Verdict: Henderson heir?

Jordan Henderson isn’t getting any younger (32), and with Bellingham holding similar leadership qualities having already captained Dortmund, he would be the perfect successor.

Birmingham City’s former gem is also a threat in the final third having posted 12 goal contributions in 22 appearances in all competitions this season, alongside averaging 2.1 shots per league game.

Bellingham has recently been establishing a strong relationship with Henderson during their time together in Qatar, and this connection could prove to be a significant factor when it comes down to the maestro deciding where his next destination will be.

Liverpool’s transfer business in the summer wasn’t quite what the supporters wanted, despite signing Darwin Nunez for a club record fee of £85m.

The midfield area needed some rejuvenation, but Jurgen Klopp failed to bring any of his main targets to the club, as Aurelien Tchouameni joined Real Madrid and Jude Bellingham remained at Borussia Dortmund. Arthur Melo was signed on deadline day yet has played just 13 minutes for the side.

With the January window closing in, FSG might be looking to add some reinforcements to the squad, and they could get their wish, with midfielder Konrad Laimer, who the club were keen on in the summer, seeking a Premier League move.

Perfect Naby Keita heir?

According to 90min, the Austrian is ready to listen to Premier League offers in 2023 and this is great news for Klopp.

Sky Sports Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg revealed that Liverpool “tried to get him” in the final days of the summer window, however, no move ever materialised, but with his contract expiring at the end of the season, Klopp might be able to land him on a reduced transfer fee in January or for free in the summer.

He can be the perfect Keita replacement, especially since his contract also expires next year, and he hasn’t featured since the Community Shield match in July.

With his injury woes meaning he has missed 82 matches for the club since joining, then it might be a wise idea to bring in Laimer as a replacement.

Last season, the 25-year-old registered eight goal contributions in 26 Bundesliga matches, displaying his attacking nous from the centre of the pitch, while Keita managed half that total in just three fewer matches.

Laimer had a much better dribble success rate than Keita (71% to 62.5%) while also winning half of his aerial duels compared to the 27-year-olds 28.6% success rate.

Once dubbed as “sensational” by RankFC podcast presenter Jack Collins, Laimer is known for his ability to recycle possession and his ball-shielding skills, meaning he would fit right in with Klopp’s system.

The German needs to make his move in January, otherwise, it might be too late.