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Chelsea are still trying to sign midfielder Moises Caicedo in the January transfer window despite Brighton’s reluctance to sell, Dharmesh Sheth has claimed.

What’s the word?

The Blues are pursuing another January deal having already secured four big signings this month, and Graham Potter is keen to reunite with the Ecuador international, having previously brought him to the Premier League.

However, Brighton are adamant that they do not want to sell, and have already rejected a sizeable bid for the 21-year-old.

Speaking on Sky Sports News, Sheth claimed that Chelsea are pursuing Caicedo with the intention of landing him this month, rather than in the summer.

He said: “We’ve been saying the whole window that Chelsea are not giving up on signing Moises Caicedo – not just in the summer, but in this transfer window.

“He’s not for sale, as far as Brighton are concerned. They’ve got no intention of selling him, they don’t need to sell him, they don’t want to sell him and they’re under no pressure to actually sell him; he’s still got two and a half years left on his contract.

“We are told, though, that what Chelsea would be prepared to pay just now and what Brighton would want… it’s my understanding that Chelsea and Brighton are not in the same ballpark with regard to how they value Moises Caicedo.”

Wait until the summer

Chelsea’s squad is now rather bloated, having made 14 transfers in Todd Boehly’s first two windows since becoming owner, and with the likes of Jorginho still at the club, they have plenty of options in midfield.

Jorginho and N’Golo Kante could both leave for free in the summer – at which point, a central midfielder would perhaps become a priority, while the market may yet open up more for Caicedo or previous target Enzo Fernandez.

In our view, Chelsea may find better value in the market if they are prepared to wait until the end of the season than if they pay over the odds for Caicedo now.

Leeds United’s talks with Juventus over a move for Weston McKennie are now ‘progressing well’, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The Lowdown: First offer

The Whites seem keen to bring USA international McKennie to Elland Road before Tuesday’s deadline. Leeds submitted an opening bid worth €28m (£24.6m) to Juventus on Wednesday, with the Serie A side holding out for an agreement closer to €35m (£30.8m).

Personal terms shouldn’t be an issue with the 24-year-old either, who could link up with fellow countrymen Jesse Marsch, Tyler Adams and Brenden Aaronson.

The Latest: Romano’s update

Romano has shared further updates in the last 24 hours regarding McKennie and Leeds. The transfer expert said on Thursday evening that talks are ‘progressing well’, with parties discussing ‘key details’.

“Understand talks between Leeds and Juventus for Weston McKennie are now progressing well. Parties are discussing key details, not done deal yet — after green light on player side. Negotiations will continue in the next hours.”

Romano then said on Friday morning that there have been ‘positive contacts’, with Leeds pushing to get a deal completed.

“Leeds United are pushing to get Weston McKennie deal done as soon as possible. Talks continue with Juventus after positive contacts on Thursday. McKennie has agreed personal terms with Leeds days ago but it’s not done deal between clubs yet.”

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The Verdict: Fingers crossed

You can see why the Whites want to finalise a transfer as soon as possible, especially with Premier League leaders Arsenal also being linked with a move for McKennie.

Leeds chiefs will know that nothing is guaranteed until all paperwork is signed, with Mykhailo Mudryk choosing Chelsea over Arsenal and Arnaut Danjuma opting for Spurs over Everton at the last minute.

Hopefully, everything can go smoothly over an Elland Road move for McKennie, with the versatile midfielder potentially filling the void left by Mateusz Klich earlier this month.

Transfer insider Alex Crook has claimed on TalkSport that Everton are favourites to sign Rennes winger Kamaldeen Sulemana.

The Lowdown: Everton looking to back Dyche

Despite it breaking last week that Everton were set to appoint Sean Dyche as their new manager, it took until Monday afternoon for that to come to fruition, which has left the new boss with very little time to be active in the transfer market.

However, Dyche and the Everton board are certainly not wasting any time, as they have £40m burning a hole in their pockets via the sale of Anthony Gordon – and were reportedly looking to spend that on Conor Gallagher.

That dream appears to have been a short-lived one, with Sky Sports reporting that Gallagher is not interested in swapping Chelsea for the relegation-threatened Toffees, although there is more positive news on the Sulemana front, according to Crook.

The Latest: Sulemana could arrive at Finch Farm

While speaking to Jim White and Simon Jordan on TalkSport, Crook revealed that Southampton were soon to drop out of the race for the Ghanaian, leaving Everton as the new frontrunners.

He said: “One player certainly on their radar is Kamaldeen Sulemana. He plays for Rennes over in France.

“Southampton had a bid rejected last week. I was getting the impression over the weekend that maybe Southampton were going to walk away from that deal anyway due to the asking price – looks like Everton [are] now favourites to sign him.”

The Verdict: Dyche needs attacking reinforcements

It’s quite a surprise that Dyche and Everton are looking to someone such as Sulemana to help their woes in the final third, as he has just one goal to his name in 20 appearances across all competitions.

As things stand, Everton have netted just 15 goals in the league, which is the second-least – only behind Wolves – so Dyche will have to start working on getting some belief into the players already at the club, as he can’t solely rely on new signings making the difference.

It has been reported that Everton are indeed looking to strike up a deal with Rennes, with the Ligue 1 outfit looking for around €30m (£26m), which would still leave them money left over from the Gordon deal alone to bring in at least one more player – and that would appear to be better value for money instead of splashing all of it on one player in Chelsea’s Gallagher.

Tottenham Hotspur have agreed a deal to bring Jude Soonsup-Bell to north London in the January transfer window.

What’s the latest?

That’s according to a report by the Evening Standard, who revealed that Fabio Paratici has now agreed a deal for the Chelsea centre-forward – who is expected to be officially announced by Spurs upon completion of a medical and the 19-year-old putting pen to paper on a contract at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

The report goes on to suggest that Manchester City were also interested in a move for the England U18 international this month, with Pep Guardiola’s side also making an offer for the striker, however, despite the interest of the reigning Premier League champions, Soonsup-Bell now appears to be on his way to Tottenham.

“Top goalscorer”

Considering just how exciting a prospect Soonsup-Bell very much looks to be, the fact that Paratici has managed to beat off City in the race to land the 19-year-old this month undoubtedly represents a fantastic coup for Antonio Conte and his side.

Indeed, the £350k-rated talent first caught the eye during his time with Chelsea’s U18 side, scoring an astonishing 23 goals and providing a further two assists over his 25 appearances for the youth outfit – averaging a direct goal involvement every 76 minutes of football played for the U18s.

The youngster has continued his fine goalscoring form while working up the Blues’ age groups, bagging one goal and registering three assists over 12 outings for the U19s, as well as netting five goals and notching two assists over 40 fixtures for the U21s.

Rather unsurprisingly, these returns have seen the teenager already earn his first-team debut for Chelsea, a fact that could see him walk into senior team training at Hotspur Way too.

The youngster has earned a considerable amount of praise for his displays, with Chelsea U18 manager Ed Brand stating of the centre-forward following his winner in the U18 Premier League Cup against Fulham last season:

“Jude is a top goalscorer. He showed great composure to get the ball out of his feet and finish well when he got his chance. He is a fantastic player at this level and he should be really proud.”

However, it has not only been at club level that Soonsup-Bell has been catching the eye, with the striker having also racked up ten goals over 18 caps for England U15s, U16s, U17s and U18s.

As such, it would indeed appear as if the Chelsea wonderkid has an exceptionally bright future in the professional game, with Spurs’ capture of the Chippenham-born talent very much appearing to be a fantastic coup for Paratici and Tottenham, with the club’s transfer team enjoying the rare feat of beating the league champions to a new signing.

Journalist Alasdair Gold has predicted that Ryan Sessegnon will start over Ivan Perisic for Tottenham Hotspur in their game on Sunday afternoon.

What’s the word?

Despite having only played Manchester City a matter of weeks ago, the two sides meet yet again in the Premier League this weekend.

That time out Spurs squandered a two-goal lead at halftime to lose 4-2, this time around Antonio Conte’s men will hope to perform much better in front of their own fans.

The club’s Italian manager likely won’t be at the stadium after having to have surgery to remove his gallbladder but he still would have been involved in picking the team with assistant Cristian Stellini who will coach the team in Conte’s absence.

Between the two, they will have some big decisions as to who should start this game and perhaps the biggest area of doubt comes on the left flank.

Writing before the game, Gold predicted on football.london, that Perisic’s poor display at the Etihad could cost him his spot with Sessegnon getting the start.

The journalist said: “At left wing-back between Ivan Perisic and Ryan Sessegnon. The Croatian had a nightmare against City at the Etihad Stadium but the faster Sessegnon has not been in top form in recent weeks.”

Gold’s team full was: “Lloris; Romero, Dier, Davies; Emerson, Bentancur, Hojbjerg, Sessegnon; Kulusevski, Kane, Son”.

Important decisions

Perisic did keep his spot in the team the following week and helped Spurs pick up all three points and keep a clean sheet against Fulham with a 1-0 win away from home.

However, his outing at the Etihad was pretty dismal. Indeed, after that game journalist Rob Guest noted that the 23-year-old was at fault for three City goals with Riyad Mahrez getting the better of him on multiple occasions.

Conte may well be wary of a similar issue occurring in this game and so it would make sense to bring in Sessegnon. After all, in his last league start – the 2-0 home loss against Arsenal – he made three tackles and wasn’t dribbled past once despite facing up against the likes of Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard (via SofaScore).

Celtic wantaway striker Georgios Giakoumakis wanted to become a top earner at Parkhead leading to his exit, according to Anthony Joseph.

The Lowdown: Giakoumakis on the move

Greek striker Giakoumakis is set to leave Celtic in the coming days with a move to Atlanta United in the MLS the likely destination, with Fabrizio Romano revealing he’s heading to Mexico to join up with Atlanta’s pre-season ahead of a £4.3m move.

The 28-year-old arrived 18 months ago after netting SPFL appearances coming his way this campaign.

He’s been left out of the five previous squads as his departure becomes imminent from Glasgow.

The Latest: Joseph’s comments

Speaking to The Celtic Exchange, Sky Sports reporter Joseph revealed that Giakoumakis had become disgruntled at Celtic Park for a while and gave an update on the deal that is so far not official, saying:

(46:56) “Our understanding is that Giakoumakis was looking for improved terms and wanted more playing time, I think he felt he was promised more playing time.

“I don’t know the part about Ange not being happy about what he was asking for but I know that talks broke down between Giakoumakis and the club, he wanted to be one of the top earners at the club.”

“Over in America, there’s more complexities to a transfer, especially an integral international transfer inwards to the MLS, so as far as I was aware on deadline day that’s what was putting the move on hold, and there’s no rush with either club actually.”

The Verdict: Unsurprising departure

It’s unsurprising to see Giakoumakis head for the Celtic Park exit door amid the issues going on behind closed doors regarding his contract demands, with a lack of game time also down to the brilliant form that Furuhashi has enjoyed this season, with the Japanese the SPFL’s top scorer.

Celtic’s highest earner according to salary sport is captain Callum McGregor on £32k-per-week whilst the Greece international earns just £12k-per-week, but given Furuhashi’s form a bumper deal bringing him closer to McGregor would likely see him eclipse the 28-year-old’s salary, not something Celtic would be open to doing.

Postecoglou has also already moved to bring in Giakoumakis’ replacement with South Korean striker Hyeon-gyu Oh joining for a fee of £3m last month (via Daily Record), all but ending any chance that Giakoumakis would remain at the club.

BBC Radio 5 Live pundit Alan Hutton has been left thrilled by Tottenham’s links to FC Porto star goalkeeper Diogo Costa.

The Lowdown: Spurs officials sent on Costa mission…

Earlier this week, news broke that Spurs are among the Premier League sides to have sent scouts to run the rule over Costa recently.

90min claimed that Lilywhites officials have been on missions to observe the 23-year-old in action as they potentially weigh long-term successors for Hugo Lloris.

Lloris’ current deal runs out in 2024 and other claims say that Antonio Conte’s side are on the hunt for his replacement.

The Latest: Hutton thrilled by Costa news…

Speaking to Football Insider, former Spurs right-back turned BBC pundit Hutton has reacted to the report linking Costa to Tottenham.

Indeed, he claimed looking at a young goalkeeper like Costa with longevity is the ‘way forward’, stating:

“I think bringing somebody in with a view of the longer term, that is going to take over and be there for a certain number of years, that you can build a defence and team round. I think that is the way forward at this moment in time.

“It is a position that people do not talk about all too much. Everyone talks about strikers and midfielders and defenders but you need that solid base to build from.

“I think that is what they will be looking for, someone that is going to be there for the long haul.”

The Verdict: Great player…

If Spurs decide to take their interest in Costa further, chairman Daniel Levy and sporting director Fabio Paratici could acquire a serious shot-stopper for years to come.

The Porto star has already broken records – becoming the first ever goalkeeper to save a penalty and notch an assist in the same Champions League game.

He’s also the only keeper to save three penalties in a single Champions League campaign from 2003/2004 onwards – leaving little wonder Europe’s elite are starting to take notice.

The Portugal international has been called ‘absolutely exceptional’ at ‘pretty much everything’ by journalists and Spurs look to be doing the right thing by keeping tabs.

However, Costa is attracting interest from both Chelsea and United also, meaning they may have to make their move soon.

Since 2008, in particular, Manchester City have been one of the best clubs in the world to coincide with their big-money takeover. Credit where credit is due, however, they’ve spent the money well, finding and creating worldwide stars and serial silverware winners. Under Pep Guardiola, The Citizens have become a global force, attracting the biggest players.

Prior to 2008, even some City fans may admit, moving to Manchester as a player hopefully meant moving to Manchester United, who had unprecedented fame in England at the time. Wearing the famous sky blue of Man City, to put it bluntly, wasn’t actually all that famous. Not least compared to nowadays.

Nowadays, the impact that playing for Man City has on a player is significant when it comes to a rise in fame and popularity. Players are at the top of world football when playing for City – a club capable of competing on all fronts.

So, we at Football FanCast have decided to compile a list of the 10 most famous Manchester City players in history.

10

Joe Hart

If you know what Head & Shoulders is, then you’ll know who Joe Hart is. But, of course, his fame stretches past that of television adverts. The former Man City shot-stopper was one of the best in the Premier League at his best, as he helped the Manchester club to two league titles, and also became a regular for England, playing at multiple World Cups.

His fall from grace has been stark, however, as he has since played for the likes of Torino, West Ham United, Burnley and Tottenham Hotspur, before ending up at Celtic.

He's still going, but when he was at his peak, he was a brilliant goalkeeper.

9

Ederson

Ederson is one of those players that will be a lot more famous for what he did during his playing days once he hangs his boots up.

Right now, yes, he is appreciated as one of the best in his position. But, the fact is, we are witnessing quite possibly the best ball-playing goalkeeper in Premier League history, with undoubtedly the best passing range, and he has already reached over 250 appearances for the club. His trophy cabinet is already absolutely heaving, too.

Ederson has won four Premier League titles, four EFL Cups, the FA Cup, and is also a runner-up in the Champions League.

8

Mike Summerbee

In terms of longevity and general ability, Mike Summerbee is one of the best to pull on the sky blue of Man City. The forward’s name may not be as echoed around the world as other players, but his fame as one of the best to do it in English football remains to this day, as he played for City between 1965 and 1975.

Still revered as a legend at the club, he helped them win the First Division, along with the FA Cup, the League Cup, and the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup. Those were the glory days before the new glory days.

7

Vincent Kompany

Manchester City’s very own captain fantastic, Vincent Kompany’s popularity has kept on rising since his retirement, in which he has followed the management path. Now in charge at Burnley, set for his first season, the Belgium could pick up where he left off as a player in England and continue his success.

Who could forget his strike against Leicester City during his playing days? In total, Kompany won the Premier League title no fewer than four times.

He will go down in history as one of the best signings in Premier League history; City paid £6m to bring Kompany into the club and he went on to play 360 times for the club.

6

Colin Bell

Colin Bell’s legacy is arguably larger than any other player in Manchester City’s history.

The legendary player’s name deserves to be known around the world, he was that good. Recency bias occasionally sees his name left behind, but with a statue cementing his legacy outside of The Etihad, people can really start to appreciate Bell’s time in English football.

Indeed, he was a part of the 1960 glory days, in which City won the Second Division in 1965/66, and won the First Division two seasons later. Bell also won the FA Cup and two League Cups, along with the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup.

Like Summerbee, he was a driving force in winning plenty of trophies before City were awash with cash.

5

Carlos Tevez

One of few players to play for both Manchester United and Manchester City, and have great success with both, Carlos Tevez was a joy to watch at his best.

Ask most football fans if they know the name, too, and the majority of the time it will be a resounding yes. Tevez played for some of the biggest clubs in the world, from both Manchester clubs, to Boca Juniors, and Juventus. At City, he scored 73 goals and laid on 35 assists in 148 appearances.

He also won the Premier League at the Etihad, having already won it at Old Trafford; what a signing, what a player.

4

Yaya Toure

If Yaya Toure received the credit that he deserved for being one of the best, and most all-round midfielders that we’ve had the pleasure of seeing in the Premier League, then he’d be a lot higher on this list. He could do it all, whether that was powerfully driving with the ball, picking out a perfect pass, dancing around players, or firing a thunderbolt towards goal.

One of the greatest players we've seen, and he's now coaching at Tottenham Hotspur. It remains to be seen if he will move into management, but he's got so much to teach younger players.

3

David Silva

If a player could define the term ‘elegant’ then it would be David Silva. His fame as a Premier League great exceeds that of many in recent history. It may take some time for City to find a player of Silva’s calibre again, he was that special when playing for the club.

He regularly captained the club and won four Premier League titles, while also being a part of Spain's iconic run in which they won two European Championships in a row, and the World Cup.

He's undoubtedly got one of the biggest trophy cabinets in City history.

2

Kevin de Bruyne

By the time Kevin de Bruyne retires, he will likely go down as the best Premier League midfielder of all time. He seems like one of those players, too, that will always be involved in football, and, therefore, see his fame extend further and further as the years go by outside of football.

Still going, the Belgium international has 227 goal involvements in 334 appearances; these are staggering numbers. Considering people raised their eyebrows when City paid £55m to bring him in from Wolfsburg, it's fair to say that the club have had the last laugh.

1

Sergio Aguero

Sergio Aguero could have retired after sealing the title in the last minute of the 2012 season, and still, for one, have the most iconic moment that the Premier League is ever likely to see, and, two, remain the most famous player in Manchester City history. It’s the type of impact a moment like that has on a player.

And he did not waste that popularity, going on to further cement his Premier League legacy. He also scored plenty more goals, ending his City career with 260 goals in 390 appearances.

His forced retirement now remains a sad story, but he shined so brightly during his time at City.

Manchester City’s history of success may not be as extensive as Liverpool’s or Manchester United’s, as harsh as it sounds, but, the Citizens are responsible for producing some of the most famous players in English football history, and, in turn, the most memorable moment in Premier League history.

Something tells us that Erling Haaland will have something to say about this list, too, with the Norwegian already one of the most famous players in world football, before he’s even touched a Premier League ball. After his first season in England’s top flight, we might be looking at the most popular striker in world football.

Celtic attacker Kyogo Furuhashi is unlikely to leave the club and move to the Premier League this summer, according to former striker Frank McAvennie.

The Lowdown: Kyogo a key man for Celtic

The Japanese starlet has been outstanding for the Hoops this season, scoring 19 times in just 21 Scottish Premiership appearances and inspiring them to the top of the table.

Kyogo’s overall tally for Celtic now stands at 42 goals in 66 matches, highlighting what a key man he has been for manager Ange Postecoglou since they both arrived.

The 28-year-old’s current Hoops deal doesn’t expire until the summer of 2025 but his head could always be turned by interest from England, with reports recently revealing Crystal Palace are scouting a potential move.

The Latest: Attacker backed to stay

Speaking to Football Insider, however, McAvennie backed Furuhashi to remain a Celtic player beyond the summer transfer window, ignoring the interest from Patrick Vieira’s side:

“I don’t think so. I think everyone in that Celtic team is capable of moving to the Premier League. But it’s the same as Postecoglou, I can’t see it happening yet.

“You can never say never in football. Kyogo won’t be here forever, but I think he’s still got unfinished business. It’s a good sign when the manager and his players are being targeted. You want that because it means they’re doing well.

“This Celtic team are all having fun and they’re so together at the moment. I’m sure his pace would frighten people in the Premier League. But I’m not sure he has the strength to play in England.”

The Verdict: Would be a big loss

Furuhashi is one of the few players at Celtic who feels indispensable currently, given his aforementioned goalscoring form this season, so losing him this summer would be a big blow.

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The £19,000-a-week ace has been hailed as a ‘terrific’ player by assistant manager John Kennedy and the hope is that he remains at Parkhead for many years to come.

The lure of the Premier League is something that is hard to ignore however, whether it be the quality of players or money on offer, so Celtic could find it difficult to keep hold of 16-cap Furuhashi if an offer arrived.

The agent of Celtic teenager Eseosa Sule has confirmed that the player has completed a Parkhead exit.

The Lowdown: January speculation

Sule is an out-and-out centre-forward and was heavily linked with a move to Championship side West Brom last month.

Reports suggested that an agreement had been reached with the Hoops for the 16-year-old, however, only now has a move been rubber-stamped by his agent.

The Latest: Move confirmed

Sule’s representative, Darren McBay, took to Twitter on Monday to share an update on the forward. He said that a transfer to West Brom has been completed, posting pictures of the player holding up a Baggies shirt inside The Hawthorns.

McBay added that a move was delayed beyond January as it ‘still had to get international clearance approved’, something which now appears to have happened.

The Verdict: One to watch…

Sule had been tipped to make an impact on the first-team stage at Parkhead, so losing his services to West Brom isn’t ideal.

Celtic have a recent history of losing teenagers to English sides, with the likes of Leo Hjelde and Ben Doak moving to Leeds United and Liverpool respectively, with both going on to make Premier League appearances.

Sule could well be the next to breakthrough down south, so his development will be one to keep an eye on closely over the coming years, but unfortunately, it won’t be Celtic reaping the rewards.