Chelsea have spent plenty of money on recruitment during the January transfer window, landing Mykhaylo Mudryk, Noni Madueka, Andrey Santos, David Datro Fofana and Benoit Badiashile.

But the Blues may not be done with transfer activity before Tuesday's window closure.

Chelsea are still eager to bolster their midfield options, having missed out on a few key targets.

 

TOP STORY – CHELSEA TO MOVE FOR EVERTON MIDFIELDER

Chelsea will move to sign unsettled Everton defensive midfielder Amadou Onana, according to The Times.

The Blues will divert their attention to the Senegal-born Belgium international after missing out on Benfica's Enzo Fernandez and Brighton and Hove Albion's Moises Caicedo.

Onana was given a leave of absence from Everton training earlier this week and is unhappy given the club's plight with Frank Lampard sacked as manager this week.

 

ROUND-UP

Ferran Torres could be sold by Barcelona in the off-season, despite only joining the Blaugrana in January last year, reports Sport. Barca have ignored offers for the forward in January, despite some clubs wanting him on loan while the report links Atletico Madrid with the 22-year-old.

Milan are monitoring the status of Manchester City full-back Joao Cancelo, according to The Sun. The Portuguese has struggled for games since the World Cup and could be open to a move.

Tottenham are getting closer to completing a deal for Sporting full-back Pedro Porro, reports The Guardian. Sporting are determined to recoup his buyout clause of €45 million (£39.7m), with talks, ongoing since the start of the month, getting towards a conclusion.

– Fabrizio Romano claims Weston McKennie has agreed personal terms with Leeds United however the move hinges on negotiations with Juventus about the transfer fee. Leeds' opening bid was €28m, but the Bianconeri want €35m.

– Everton are plotting a shock £25m move to sign Chelsea's Moroccan winger Hakim Ziyech, claims Sky Sports. Roma are also interested in the 29-year-old too, while PSG are keeping tabs on him, according to Media Foot.

Nottingham Forest are weighing up a bid to sign 28-year-old Italian midfielder Roberto Gagliardini from Inter, claims Calciomercato.

In 2004, Jose Mourinho set out his stall early at Chelsea.

"We have top players and, sorry if I'm arrogant, we have a top manager," said the Portuguese in his first press conference at the Premier League club, not long after he had led Porto to Champions League glory.

"Please don't call me arrogant, but I'm European champion and I think I'm a special one."

Devilishly handsome, with a wicked charm and natural bravado. Men wanted to be him. Women wanted to well... you get the gist. Not only did Mourinho talk the talk, but he walked the walk, winning the EFL Cup and the Premier League in his first season.

That was Chelsea's first domestic title in 50 years, and at the time they broke the record for the most points in a Premier League season (95) and fewest goals conceded (15).

Mourinho was, indeed, 'The Special One', and it's undoubtedly his most famous quote.

But there are plenty of others. To celebrate his 60th birthday, here are some classic Mourinho moments.

Announcing himself in England

With seconds left on the clock in a 2003-04 Champions League last-16 tie, Mourinho's Porto needed a goal at Old Trafford. "If we don't score we are out, if we score we are in, these are the details of the knock-out," Mourinho told UEFA in 2015, when reflecting on that night in March 2004.

Benni McCarthy saw a long-range free-kick parried out by Tim Howard, and Costinha was on hand to hammer home and silence the crowd. As his players charged towards one of the corners to celebrate, Mourinho leaped off the bench and cantered down the touchline, arms aloft. By full-time, he was already heading down the tunnel.

"We were in the dressing room, and it didn't look like it was the last 16, it was like it was the quarter-finals," Mourinho recalled. "Then someone knocks on the door, and it was Sir Alex [Ferguson] and Gary Neville, the captain, and they told us congratulations, you deserved it, enjoy it and good luck.

"It was something that in Portuguese culture we are not used to, but it's something I kept and during my career I did it a few times, when some opponent did something magnificent against my team. I kept something from big people, that can make others feel special.

Wenger wars

Mourinho enjoyed a fierce rivalry with Arsene Wenger during his first stint in the Premier League, and even went as far to suggest the Arsenal boss was something of a voyeur.

"There are some guys who have this big telescope to see what happens in other families. He must be one of them," Mourinho said.

Parking the bus

You would be forgiven for thinking the term "parking the bus" had been common footballing parlance in Britain for many, many years. However, it was Mourinho who first introduced it, after his Chelsea team were held to a goalless draw by Tottenham.

None too happy with Spurs' defensive approach, Mourinho said: "They brought the bus and left the bus in front of the goal as we say in my country." 

In October of last year, the phrase "park the bus" was added to the Oxford English Dictionary.

Too many medals

It must be nice when you've won so much you can throw medals away. That's just what Mourinho did after he had guided Chelsea to a second straight league title in 2006.

The success marked Mourinho's fourth straight domestic title, and after being presented with his winners' medal, he threw that and his suit blazer into the stands. He was quickly presented with another medal; that, too, ended up in the crowd.

The knee slide

During Mourinho's second season at Real Madrid, a late Cristiano Ronaldo goal saw off Manchester City in the Champions League group stages, and Mourinho celebrated like only he can, jumping from the bench and sliding to his knees.

It was a match that also saw former Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher reprimanded by police in the crowds. Rock 'N' Roll on and off the pitch.

Mourinho's time at Madrid unravelled the following campaign when he fell out with key players, including Ronaldo. "Maybe he thinks that he knows everything and that the coach cannot improve him anymore," Mourinho said of his compatriot.

I prefer not to speak...

Mourinho's second stint at Chelsea bore a league title in the 2014-15 season, but also proffered a quote that has lived on as an online meme and a viral clip ever since.

Chelsea lost 1-0 to Aston Villa in March 2014, with his team having Willian and Ramires sent off, and seeing a goal disallowed. Mourinho, too, was sent to the stands.

"I prefer not to speak," he told Sky Sports. "If I speak I am in trouble, big trouble, and I prefer not to be in big trouble. If I speak, I am accused of bringing the game into disrepute." 

Mourinho went on to speak about the referees for a few more minutes.

Gerrard's slip

Mourinho famously 'shushed' Liverpool fans in an encounter with the Reds during his first spell at Chelsea, and it was his team that dealt a severe blow to Liverpool's title hopes in the 2013-14 season.

In April 2014, Liverpool had just three games left and held a three-point lead over Manchester City. Yet a slip from club great Steven Gerrard allowed Demba Ba to pounce and put Chelsea ahead.

Chelsea netted a second late on, leading Mourinho to charge down the touchline and celebrate in front of the Kop. City went on to win the title.

Respect, respect, respect

Mourinho's time as Manchester United manager ended in typically volatile fashion, and the signs were there from the start of the 2018-19 season.

Following a 3-0 home defeat to Tottenham, Mourinho delivered a scathing response to his doubters as he stormed out of a press conference. 

"Just to finish, do you know what was the result – 3-0," Mourinho said while holding up three fingers. "It means 3-0. But it also means three Premierships, more Premierships alone than the other 19 managers together. Three for me, two for them. Respect, respect, respect."

The Dele warning

Mourinho's words of advice to Dele Alli were featured prominently in the Tottenham-focused All Or Nothing documentary series, aired in 2020.

"I am 56 now and yesterday I was 20. Time flies. One day I think you will regret it if you don't reach what you can reach," Mourinho, then at Spurs, told Alli.

"I am not expecting you to be the man of the match every game. I am not expecting you to score goals every game. I want just to tell you that you will regret it. You should demand more from yourself."

Less than 18 months after the documentary aired, Alli's Tottenham spell was over, moving to Everton on what was initially a free transfer at the age of 25. Six months after that, he was in Turkey with Besiktas, where he has been heavily criticised for his performances.

History maker

As Mourinho celebrates his 60th, one thing cannot be denied – he will go down as one of the best managers to ever grace the game.

He joined Roma in 2021 and does what he does best. He won.

Last year, Roma won the Europa Conference League, making Mourinho the first coach to complete the UEFA treble by winning the Champions League, UEFA Cup/Europa League, and Europa Conference League (in place of the defunct UEFA Cup Winners' Cup).

He was the fifth manager to reach the final of all three current major European competitions and the first to reach a major European final with four different clubs.

Mourinho's record speaks for itself. Of his 1,076 games as a coach, he has won 677 (62.9 per cent), with his teams scoring 2,082 goals. 

He is, after all, The Special One.

Arnaut Danjuma has joined Tottenham on loan until the end of the season after the north London club hijacked Everton's move for the Villarreal forward.

Danjuma – who was relegated from the Premier League with Bournemouth in 2020 – looked set to join struggling Everton.

Stats Perform understands Everton, who sacked Frank Lampard on Monday, had been expecting Danjuma to arrive at their Finch Farm training base to complete the formalities of his move on Tuesday. He had already undergone a medical with the struggling Merseyside club.

However, with the paperwork for the deal remaining incomplete, Spurs made a last-ditch move for the Netherlands international, who has opted to join Antonio Conte's men in their push for Champions League qualification.

Danjuma, whose transfer is subject to international clearance, will provide competition for Son Heung-min, Dejan Kulusevski and former Everton talisman Richarlison in attack as Spurs look to push on for a place in the top four.

The 25-year-old has emerged as a regular goal threat since joining Villarreal in 2021, scoring 22 goals in 51 appearances for the Yellow Submarine.

Since the start of last season, Danjuma is one of just two players in LaLiga – the other being Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior – to hit double figures for goals with both his left (10) and right foot (12) across all competitions.

Danjuma's decision to join Spurs represents another blow for crisis club Everton, who have been linked with Marcelo Bielsa, Ralph Hasenhuttl and Sean Dyche in their search for Lampard's successor. 

Tottenham, meanwhile, are hoping to make further additions in what remains of the transfer window, with Sporting CP right-back Pedro Porro reportedly a target.

Arnaut Danjuma has joined Tottenham on loan until the end of the season after the north London club hijacked Everton's move for the Villarreal forward.

Danjuma – who was relegated from the Premier League with Bournemouth in 2020 – looked set to join struggling Everton.

Stats Perform understands Everton, who sacked Frank Lampard on Monday, had been expecting Danjuma to arrive at their Finch Farm training base to complete the formalities of his move on Tuesday. He had already undergone a medical with the struggling Merseyside club.

However, with the paperwork for the deal remaining incomplete, Spurs made a last-ditch move for the Netherlands international, who has opted to join Antonio Conte's men in their push for Champions League qualification.

Danjuma, whose transfer is subject to international clearance, will provide competition for Son Heung-min, Dejan Kulusevski and former Everton talisman Richarlison in attack as Spurs look to push on for a place in the top four.

The 25-year-old has emerged as a regular goal threat since joining Villarreal in 2021, scoring 22 goals in 51 appearances for the Yellow Submarine.

Since the start of last season, Danjuma is one of just two players in LaLiga – the other being Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior – to hit double figures for goals with both his left (10) and right foot (12) across all competitions.

Danjuma's decision to join Spurs represents another blow for crisis club Everton, who have been linked with Marcelo Bielsa, Ralph Hasenhuttl and Sean Dyche in their search for Lampard's successor. 

Tottenham, meanwhile, are hoping to make further additions in what remains of the transfer window, with Sporting CP right-back Pedro Porro reportedly a target.

Gareth Bale has wasted no time in grabbing the golf clubs after his retirement, announcing his participation in the upcoming Pebble Beach Pro-Am.

The former Tottenham, Real Madrid and Wales player stepped away from football earlier this month following his participation at the 2022 World Cup, bringing an end to a glittering career that included winning five Champions League titles.

The 33-year-old confirmed on social media that he will be lining up alongside professionals and other celebrities at the golf event in California, which begins on February 2.

Bale wrote: "Delighted to announce I will be playing in the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am at the start of next month! Let's go."

It will surprise few given Bale's renowned love of golf, famously drawing the ire of Real Madrid fans when he posed with a flag while on international duty that read: "Wales. Golf. Madrid. In that order."

Other confirmed celebrities for the tournament so far include actors Bill Murray and Jason Bateman, as well as Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

Tottenham head coach Antonio Conte is desperate to help Harry Kane win a trophy with the club because he believes success will give his records more validity.

Kane scored Spurs' winning goal in Monday's 1-0 victory at Fulham, with his strike seeing him equal Jimmy Greaves' goals record for the club.

The England striker now has 266 for Spurs, with just one more enough to write his name in the club's history books.

But, Kane, 29, is yet to win a trophy with Tottenham, who last enjoyed success in the EFL Cup 15 years ago.

The atmosphere around Spurs has been poor lately following chastening defeats to Manchester City and rivals Arsenal, but Conte is trying to focus on the positives.

"For sure, I would like to help him and me, also his team-mates, to try to do something important, to win something with Tottenham because he loves Tottenham," Conte told reporters.

"Tottenham is in his heart and it should be good if together we were able to win something, because then it is important to have this record, but I think it could be more important if you win a trophy."

Conte also revealed Kane's match-winning display came despite him not being 100 per cent.

"Today he was amazing," Conte added. "I think he scored a fantastic goal, the execution, to control the ball, then to kick it in that way, only a world-class striker can score this goal.

"About the spirit that I spoke before, I want to underline Harry played with a fever and he was not so good [in terms of condition], but he wanted to play because he understood the moment.

"He understood he is a point of reference for us, for me, for the other players and, with Hugo [Lloris], they are the two players who are a point of reference for the dressing room. Today I am really happy because I think he was rewarded with a goal."

Conte's hope of winning a trophy with Kane remains a fair way off, however.

While they are into the last 16 of the Champions League, success in Europe would be a massive shock.

Domestically they are 14 points adrift of Premier League leaders Arsenal, whom they have also played two games more than, and they were knocked out of the EFL Cup in November.

The FA Cup – which pits them against Preston North End on Saturday – represents their only realistic hope of a trophy this season, and Conte is urging his players to have belief.

"I think that we have to be dreamers," he said. "I spoke to the players and said today has to be a starting point for us.

"Often in the defeats you can learn more than in a win. After the games against City and especially Arsenal, it was important to make good reflections with my players and know that we lost something from last season, not offensively but we lost something defensively.

"When I pick defensively, I want to involve the whole team, so for this reason I spoke to all the players to show me the resilience, the desire to defend the result. I have intelligent players, smart players and good men and I think today that they gave me a good answer. It has to be a starting point.

"On Saturday we want to go to the next round [of the FA Cup]. To go away to a Championship team is not easy, but to be a dreamer we have to know this is an important game for us.

"The FA Cup can be important for us, and the Champions League and 17 games to go in the Premier League. If I see this unity, we have time to have another good season."

Harry Kane wants to repay Antonio Conte with victories after a pivotal team meeting with the Tottenham head coach before the striker's record-equalling goal downed Fulham.

The England captain moved level with Jimmy Greaves' all-time scoring record of 266 goals for Spurs after his pinpoint first-half finish proved the difference in a 1-0 win at Craven Cottage.

While a deadly finish will go down in the record books for Kane, victory moved Conte's side within three points of the Premier League's top four, albeit having played a game more.

After a 2-0 defeat to Arsenal and a 4-2 loss at Manchester City, Kane revealed Spurs players held discussions with Conte and those conversations paid off in London on Monday.

The Tottenham talisman told Sky Sports: "[Conte]'s been through a difficult time outside of football with his personal life. Being part of a team isn't just the players, it's the manager, the staff and being there for each other.

"We want to win every game for him. He puts so much passion into every training session. And we want to repay him with victories.

"We had a good meeting amongst ourselves with the manager in the week just to talk and get back. We are going to keep fighting, like the manager.

"He is a passionate manager and we just have to keep working hard for him."

Spurs were largely up against it in the first half against Fulham, who missed the chance to leapfrog Tottenham into fifth, as Hugo Lloris denied Bobby De Cordova-Reid, Willian and Harrison Reed.

However, Kane's killer instinct was enough to secure all three points and he hailed his side for returning to the basics that saw them qualify for the Champions League last season.

"We dug deep, it was a tough week but this is a good 1-0 win," he added.

"It's been difficult, whenever you give away a two-goal lead at half-time [against City] it's always harder to take. We wanted to get back to basics, clean sheets are really important for us if we're going to stay in the Champions League spots.

"We had to be compact, suffer together at times and we knew we'd get chances. We went back to what got us into the Champions League last year. It was a good sign."

Antonio Conte called on Tottenham to use their victory over Fulham as a "starting point to give everything" in their bid for Champions League qualification.

Harry Kane matched Jimmy Greaves' all-time scoring record for Spurs as Conte's side responded to back-to-back defeats against Arsenal and Manchester City with a 1-0 win at Fulham on Monday.

The manner of the losses to the two Premier League title challengers had caused concerns after a timid 2-0 defeat to the Gunners and 4-2 reverse at City in which Spurs surrendered a two-goal lead.

Head coach Conte says his side must take victory over Fulham, which moved Spurs within three points of the top four, as a benchmark for starting to correct underwhelming form after the World Cup break.

He told Sky Sports: "I got a good answer from my players. We needed a game of solidity like last season. They had the desire to fight and to be serious.

"We showed, when we play as a team, it's very difficult to play against us. I have been happy with the performances, but we had two losses against Arsenal and City.

"Today has to be a starting point to give everything. We have 17 games left; we have to see what happens.

"We have to try to stay in the race for the Champions League, to try in the FA Cup and do the same in the Premier League. It was important to speak and explain the situation compared to last season.

"We are continuing to score, but conceding 21 goals in only 10 games wasn't positive. For this reason, I had a good answer and response from my players."

The omens may be good for Spurs, given they have exactly the same number of wins (11), draws (three), defeats (seven) and points (36) as they did after 21 Premier League games last term when they finished fourth.

Reports persist around the supposedly fractured relationship between Conte and Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy, but the Italian insisted he is "proud" to coach the club as he aims for another top-four finish.

"I am really proud to be Tottenham manager. I had the possibility of being the manager of an important club, it makes me proud and this has to be clear to everybody," Conte added.

"For this reason, I want to fight until the end with my players. In the last period, we were sleeping maybe because we were losing some characteristics from last season.

"I spoke with my players, and I have good players but especially good men. They understand we have to fight until the end for important positions, we have to be ready to suffer.

"When I accepted to become Tottenham manager, I was happy, and I am happy. In every moment and every second of my day, my first thought is for my players and club to improve, to make our fans proud of the team.

"The Premier League is not simple, it is difficult and there are many clubs ready to spend a lot of money on their team.

"We are in the right direction, then we will see. The most important thing for me is to work with my players and to have a good relationship with the club."

Harry Kane equalled Jimmy Greaves' all-time Tottenham scoring record as Spurs boosted their Premier League top-four hopes with a 1-0 win at Fulham on Monday.

The England captain's pinpoint finish on the stroke of half-time proved the difference as he matched Greaves' 266-goal benchmark for Spurs, who claimed a vital victory at Craven Cottage.

Fulham had controlled proceedings before Kane's memorable strike but failed to respond in the second half as Marco Silva's side missed the chance to leapfrog Tottenham into fifth.

Victory followed back-to-back defeats for Antonio Conte's side and moved Spurs to within three points of fourth-placed Manchester United, albeit having played a game more.

Hugo Lloris kept a dominant Fulham at bay during a one-sided opening, repelling Bobby De Cordova-Reid's drive before thwarting Harrison Reed's low effort from Andreas Pereira's right-wing cross.

Kane fired well over with a rare chance that characterised Spurs' tepid start, although Emerson Royal went close with an attempt Bernd Leno parried wide soon after.

Joao Palhinha squandered a golden headed chance from Pereira's pinpoint free-kick, and Kane punished that miss as he turned outside the area before curling into the bottom-right corner for a landmark goal.

Talisman Kane almost netted a record-breaking goal after the break but saw his close-range header expertly tipped over by sharp Leno reflexes as Fulham failed to threaten a comeback.

What does it mean? Crucial win sees Spurs continue Fulham dominance

After losing back-to-back games against Premier League title challengers Arsenal and Manchester City, the pressure was on Conte and Tottenham to deliver at rivals Fulham.

Spurs duly responded with their seventh straight Premier League win at Fulham, matching their joint-longest run of top-flight away wins against one club (also Aston Villa, twice).

Conte's side host City in their next Premier League match in what will prove a chance to avenge their 4-2 defeat at the Etihad Stadium and further boost their Champions League push.

Captain Kane strikes again

Kane had already scored the most goals in Premier League history in London derbies before taking his tally in such games to 48 with his deadly first-half strike.

The England star has netted in five of his six league appearances against Fulham and is now just one goal away from writing his name in Tottenham history by surpassing the late Greaves.

Missing Mitrovic

Like Kane, Aleksandar Mitrovic had enjoyed clashes against fellow London teams in the Premier League this season, scoring in all four of his derby appearances.

But the Serbia striker was largely a passenger for Fulham in this contest and failed to find the target with presentable headed opportunities in either half.

What's next?

Spurs visit Preston North End in the FA Cup fourth round on Saturday, when Fulham host Sunderland in the same competition.

Antonio Conte is relaxed and content at Tottenham, shrugging off the suggestion he felt under pressure.

Spurs have lost their last two Premier League matches, going down 2-0 to Arsenal in the north London derby and 4-2 at Manchester City.

Those defeats have left Tottenham six points off the Champions League places, though they could close that gap by beating Fulham on Monday.

Conte has often bristled over Spurs' transfer dealings, but he claimed he is not feeling any pressure at the club, though he hinted if Tottenham's hierarchy are unhappy, then they must make a change.

"The club put pressure on me to make progress? I am here and you can see the club see every day my work, what I do with my staff and I have zero problem," Conte said in a press conference.

"I have zero problem with this aspect. I am really, really relaxed about this aspect because I know my work here, but also I think on the pitch you can see my work every day and this is my last problem.

"I have zero, zero problems. If the club is happy, I'm happy. If the club is unhappy, I am sorry, it means that I am not so good for them."

Spurs bolstered Conte's squad ahead of the season but are yet to make any additions in January.

However, Chelsea, one of the teams who might well be challenging Spurs for a European spot this season, have spent big this month.

It was put to Conte that his old team's huge expenditure is making it even harder to bring players to Tottenham, but the Italian reiterated his desire for someone above him at the club to discuss the transfer strategy.

"I don't want to go into this situation because I have a lot of headaches," he said.

"I think that at the end of the transfer market, probably the club will explain our transfer market, [like] I asked last time, our vision, the way that we are at this moment.

"I think it'll be good also to have another person to explain to you, otherwise in this type of question the risk to cross a line is easy.

"Now we have to try to be focused, continue to improve, to continue to work."

Additional issues have been caused at Spurs by their sporting director, Fabio Paratici, having been handed a long ban from Italian football.

Paratici has been punished due to Juventus' financial irregularities during his time at the club.

The decision whether to expand his suspension across other leagues and competitions now lies with FIFA.

Declan Rice appears certain to leave West Ham at the end of this season, with the ambition to test himself in the Champions League.

The 24-year-old midfielder is contracted with the Hammers until 2024, with the Hammers having the option of an additional year.

West Ham reportedly want more than £100million for the England international, but may settle for around £80m.

 

TOP STORY – ARSENAL CONFIDENT OF WINNING RICE RACE

Arsenal are winning the chase to sign West Ham midfielder Declan Rice, who favours a move to the Gunners, according to The Guardian.

Rice has also drawn interest from Premier League heavyweights Chelsea and Manchester United.

The London-born defensive midfielder is excited by the prospect of working with Mikel Arteta, according to the report, and Arsenal's manager has plans to integrate Rice into his starting XI.

 

ROUND-UP

–  Milan are monitoring Nicolo Zaniolo's situation, with Fabrizio Romano claiming that Tottenham are only offering an initial loan with a buy option, with Roma wanting a €35/40m (£30.7m/35m) guaranteed fee. Zaniolo is keen to join Antonio Conte's Spurs.

– Football Insider claims that Tottenham have offered Spanish winger Bryan Gil to Roma as part of their proposed Zaniolo deal. The report claims he is one of three players Spurs have presented to the Italian club.

– The Sun reports Roma are also in talks with Chelsea winger Hakim Ziyech about a move to the Italian capital. The Moroccan has also been linked with Barcelona.

Inter want to sign Roma's English centre-back Chris Smalling on a free transfer, according to Gazzetta dello Sport. Smalling's contract expires at the end of this season, although he has the option to extend for another year.

Marseille want to sign Hellas Verona defensive midfielder Ivan Ilic, according to Sky Sport Italia, though OM would leave the 21-year-old on loan at Verona for the rest of the season.

– The Daily Telegraph claims Everton have held talks on the future of manager Frank Lampard, following reports he would be sacked on Sunday.

Jose Mourinho believes Roma can hang on to Nicolo Zaniolo as the Italy midfielder pushes for a move before the transfer window closes.

The 23-year-old has been linked with various clubs but particularly Tottenham, Mourinho's former team, and the Roma head coach is well aware Zaniolo's head has been turned.

Zaniolo played no part in Roma's 2-0 win against Spezia in Serie A on Sunday, with club director Tiago Pinto saying ahead of the game the player had "put his individual interest in front of those of the collective" by deciding not to feature.

Mourinho said: "The director spoke before the match, and he did it well. The important thing today is to have won with a good team performance.

"I have my opinion and I think he will stay here in February, but the market is open and he wants to leave.

"Showing desire doesn't mean leaving. Usually when a player wants to leave it means that there are important offers behind it, but that's not the case.

"There's nothing on the table, nothing the club can accept."

Speaking to broadcaster DAZN, Mourinho added: "I have a very good relationship with him, I have always tried to help him. He has made a maximum effort and for this reason I have always defended him, even when he has been criticised for the few goals and assists."

Zaniolo, who helped Roma win the Europa Conference League last season, has scored twice and had one assist in 17 games during this campaign.

"Right now he wants to leave," said Mourinho. "It's something I have to accept, but where's the offer?

"If he leaves, someone has to come in return. The situation is unacceptable, and I'm sorry that in this story Tiago Pinto comes out as the villain of the story. He's not the villain of the story but tries to defend the interests of the team."

Erling Haaland's extraordinary first season for Manchester City has seen him beat last season's Premier League Golden Boot haul after just 19 games in the competition.

The former Borussia Dortmund striker reached 25 league goals for the season with a hat-trick against Wolves on Sunday.

A first-half header was followed by a penalty early in the second half, before Haaland stroked in a third as Wolves' defending unravelled.

Mohamed Salah and Son Heung-min shared the Golden Boot last season, as the Liverpool and Tottenham forwards each managed 23 goals.

Yet Haaland has taken the art of goalscoring to a new level this season, emerging as the league's premier predator.

The Norwegian has scored 18 in 11 league games at City's Etihad Stadium, already a club record for home Premier League goals in a single season.

He went past Sergio Aguero's best home season haul of 16 on Sunday, with Haaland showing no signs of slowing down for Pep Guardiola's side.

This was also Haaland's fourth Premier League hat-trick, making him by far the quickest player to hit so many trebles.

Former Manchester United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy was previously the fastest to bring up four hat-tricks, doing so in 65 games.

Manchester United are reportedly planning an audacious move for Tottenham star and England captain Harry Kane at the end of the season.

Kane, 29, has put together a spectacular goalscoring resume during his time at Spurs. He is one goal away from tying Jimmy Greaves as the club's all-time leading scorer, while he has already tied Wayne Rooney for the most goals in an England shirt, and is third all-time for Premier League goals.

This season has been more of the same, as Kane has started all 20 of Antonio Conte's side's league fixtures and hit 15 goals, trailing only Manchester City's Erling Haaland (22) in the race for the golden boot.

Tottenham have no interest in parting ways with their frontman, but his contract situation could force their hand.

 

TOP STORY – KANE INTERESTED IN A MOVE TO OLD TRAFFORD

According to the Daily Mail, United boss Erik ten Hag has put Kane at the top of his recruitment plans at the conclusion of the season, when the 29-year-old will have only 12 months remaining on his contract.

Crucially, the report states Kane "is open to joining United", providing further indication that he is unlikely to sign an extension to remain at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Spurs will demand a fee of at least £85million, while Bild adds both Bayern Munich and Real Madrid remain interested.

 

ROUND-UP

– The Guardian is reporting Liverpool will look to pursue 24-year-old Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount at the end of the season if he does not sign an extension at Stamford Bridge.

– According to the Evening Standard, Arsenal are hoping to bring in 20-year-old Real Madrid midfielder Eduardo Camavinga on a short-term loan.

– Calciomercato is reporting West Ham have proposed a loan with a mandatory £30m (€34m) buy clause for Roma midfielder Nicolo Zaniolo, but the Italian side want an immediate permanent deal.

Roma will look to replace Zaniolo with 23-year-old Sassuolo midfielder Davide Frattesi, who is valued at €30m, per Gazzetta dello Sport.

– The Daily Mail is reporting Leicester City have returned with a second offer for 24-year-old Stoke City and Australia centre-back Harry Souttar after their initial £10m bid was rejected.

Juventus have been deducted 15 points in the wake of an investigation into the club's past transfer dealings.

The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) confirmed the news on Friday, with ex-Juve director Fabio Paratici – who is now at Tottenham – given a two-and-a-half-year ban from Italian football.

Paratici's ban includes a request for an extension to cover UEFA and FIFA activities, meaning potentially a big knock-on impact for Premier League side Spurs.

Former Juve chairman Andrea Agnelli has also been banned from holding office in Italian football for the next two years.

It has been widely reported the decision is likely to be appealed by Juve.

The Bianconeri had been third in Serie A, but have now dropped to 10th – 12 points off the Champions League places – as a result of the punishment.

Turin Public Prosecutor's Office had been seeking a nine-point deduction following a hearing earlier on Friday.

But the FIGC went with a harsher punishment after Juve were found to have used transfers to artificially boost their balance sheet.

The sanction comes on the back of chairman Agnelli, vice-president Pavel Nedved and the rest of the Bianconeri's board resigning en-masse last year.

That came in the wake of an investigation being launched into financial violations during their time in charge.

A separate ruling made last year acquitted Juve and other clubs of their financial conduct within Serie A, with a case centred on player values in exchanges and transfers.

But football prosecutors reopened the case Juve after seeking new documents collected by public prosecutors in Turin surrounding the club's conduct.

Juve have denied any wrongdoing, while lawyers claimed prosecutors had not brought enough in to reach the adequate threshold for a new ruling.

The 36-time Italian champions are next in action on Sunday at home to Atalanta, in what was set to be a potentially crucial clash in the race for Champions League qualification.

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