Bayern Munich, Newcastle United and Chelsea are reportedly all interested in promising Leeds United goalkeeper Illan Meslier.

Meslier, 22, arrived at Elland Road on loan as a 19-year-old in 2019, forcing his way into the starting role as they won the Championship and earned promotion before the club made his deal permanent for £5million.

Since then, he has become the youngest goalkeeper to reach 50 Premier League appearances, and the youngest goalkeeper to tally 10 Premier League clean sheets, earning 11 caps for France's under-21 team in the process.

His exploits – including a season-high nine saves in a 2-1 win against Liverpool in October – have caught the eye of some of Europe's big spenders, and Leeds could be forced into a tough decision sooner rather than later.

TOP STORY – CHAMPIONS LEAGUE HOPEFULS QUEUE UP FOR LEEDS' MESLIER

According to RMC Sport, Bayern view Meslier as a potential long-term successor to Manuel Neuer, although they need the reinforcements as soon as possible due to Neuer's season-ending injury.

Leeds will be in the driver's seat in negotiations, however, with Meslier's contract tying him to the club until 2026.

Meanwhile, Chelsea and Newcastle have been impressed with his performances in the Premier League and would like to add him to their ranks.

It was reported two weeks ago by the Daily Mail that Eduoard Mendy had rejected a six-year contract extension from Chelsea, which would add fuel to this fire, while it is unclear how Newcastle view Nick Pope in their long-term plans.

ROUND-UP

– Fabrizio Romano is reporting Bayern, Newcastle, Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain will all make a run at signing 21-year-old Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder Manu Kone at the end of the season.

– According to The Times, Brentford are in the final stages of a £22m move for 21-year-old Freiburg forward Kevin Schade.

– Chelsea will make a late charge for 21-year-old Shakhtar Donetsk winger and Arsenal target Mykhaylo Mudryk, per Fabrizio Romano.

– Calciomercato is reporting 24-year-old Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie has turned down transfers to Bournemouth and Aston Villa in the hope of landing at a bigger club.

– According to The Athletic, Manchester United could still sell right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka this month despite starting in all three of United's wins since the Premier League season resumed.

Frank Lampard believes he can get Everton back on track, as the pressure grew on the former Chelsea boss following a dismal 4-1 defeat to Brighton and Hove Albion.

Everton were no match for Brighton on Tuesday at Goodison Park, as they were condemned to a fourth Premier League defeat in five games.

Having stayed up by the skin of their teeth last season, Everton sit 16th with 15 points from 18 matches.

Everton might well be in the bottom three by the time they face fellow strugglers Southampton on January 14, but Lampard believes he can turn their fortunes around.

"Since I have been in here we have been in this situation, so it's not a case of fear, it's a case of just keep working," Lampard told reporters when asked if he feared for his future.

"I can't control the talk or the decisions, when you are around this area of the table this is what happens.

"You lose a game like this, I absolutely understand any reaction. I don't listen to too much of it because if you do then it becomes your focal point, so I don't focus on it.

"I'm very confident in myself and will work to turn it around. I can't predict the future. We have to try and win games — it's all we can look at."

Lampard was appointed as Rafael Benitez's successor in January 2022. Of the 36 league games he has overseen, Everton have won just nine (25 per cent), losing 19. 

Three days prior to Tuesday's defeat, Everton had frustrated Manchester City to claim a 1-1 draw at the Etihad Stadium, and Alex Iwobi believes a lack of consistency is the main issue.

"I don't think confidence is the issue," Iwobi told Sky Sports. "We showed how we can play against Man City.

"We can't be one minute good one minute bad. We've got to be consistent. The way we discussed in the changing room now is we all want to fix it.

"I'm confident we can get ourselves out of this."

Everton's hierarchy also faced ire from the fans that remained at Goodison Park on Tuesday, with chants of "sack the board" aimed at the directors' box.

Antonio Conte acknowledges he will have to leave Tottenham if he can no longer accept the club's position as unlikely Premier League and Champions League contenders.

Spurs approach Wednesday's Premier League trip to Crystal Palace five points adrift of fourth-placed Manchester United after suffering a dismal 2-0 defeat against Aston Villa on New Year's Day.

Tottenham have now won just one of their past four Premier League games either side of the World Cup break, and their poor run has added fuel to speculation regarding Conte's future.

The former Chelsea, Juventus and Inter boss has been linked with an exit on several occasions since taking the reins in November 2021.

While Conte is content at Tottenham for now, he says his commitment to the club can only last while he remains comfortable with their inability to compete for major honours.   

"My task is to help the club, to create a base, and then to try to improve," Conte said on Tuesday.

"If you say to me, 'the challenge for you is to win the Premier League, to win the Champions League'… This is not the task in this moment.

"I found the club in a difficult position for many reasons. Now my task – I understand it very well – is to help the club go in the right direction and to create a foundation.

"Then, if I am satisfied to continue to do this work and to one day see the result, I will continue to stay. If I'm not convinced 100 per cent, then I can leave my work.

"This is my big challenge here. If I want to stay here, then I have to accept this. Otherwise, if I don't want to accept this, then I have to go."

Spurs supporters vented their frustration towards chairman Daniel Levy during Sunday's loss to Villa, but Conte outlined the need for unity.

Asked about audible chants calling for Levy to leave at Tottenham's last game, Conte said: "Honestly, I did not hear this. 

"All I can say is it is important in this moment to have togetherness between fans, players and the club. We must stick together.

"I understand fans want to win trophies and be competitive, but to go to this step you need to create a base. I can't tell you anything different."

Manchester United must become "smarter" after benefitting from good fortune in Tuesday's comprehensive 3-0 win against Bournemouth, according to Erik ten Hag.

United moved level with third-placed Newcastle United in the Premier League table – as well as five points clear of fifth-placed Tottenham – as Casemiro, Luke Shaw and Marcus Rashford got on the scoresheet at Old Trafford.

The Red Devils look well set to push on for a top-four finish after winning four consecutive league games either side of the World Cup break.

But having seen David de Gea make fine saves to deny Philip Billing and Jaidon Anthony when United were 2-0 up, Ten Hag was frustrated by what he perceived to be a lack of control.

"I'm happy with the result. Today it was not our best game," he told BBC Sport. "We have to be honest, we didn't play that smart as a team. 

"We made great goals, but at times we were quite lucky, and we had some great saves from David. We could have been smarter as a team.

"There were big spaces at 2-0 up, sometimes we have to keep the ball and recognise when to go for goal. That is the next step."

In-form forward Rashford was reintroduced to United's line-up, having scored the winner from the bench at Wolves on Saturday after his late arrival for a team meeting led to him being dropped.

After rounding off the victory with his late tap-in, Rashford has now scored in three successive Premier League games.

"It was, once again, a great performance from him," Ten Hag said of Rashford. 

"I said before the season, and the same with [Anthony] Martial, I believe in the goals because the [other] players will always create, so focus from minute one and the chances will come."

United's next two Premier League fixtures pit them against title contenders Manchester City and Arsenal, but Ten Hag is reluctant to look beyond Friday's FA Cup third-round tie against struggling Everton, who might well have a new manager should Frank Lampard be dismissed following a 4-1 humbling at the hands of Brighton and Hove Albion.

"We have to go from game to game. The next game is a cup one, but we want to win every game. That has to be the approach," he added.

"We don't want to look any further ahead, we'll focus on that, it will be a tough game. We need every energy in the preparations and when we kick off on Friday."

Mikel Arteta believes Arsenal should have been awarded two penalties in the goalless draw against Newcastle United, describing the decisions not to point to the spot as "scandalous".

The Gunners dropped points at Emirates Stadium for the first time in the Premier League this season, missing the opportunity to open up a 10-point advantage over Manchester City, who play Chelsea on Thursday.

Arsenal were not short of openings against Eddie Howe's third-placed side, firing 17 attempts at goal, but just four were on target and the leaders were not at their best in the final third.

Gunners boss bemoaned two decisions that did not go the way of his side, with his view that referee Andy Madley should have punished Dan Burn for a shirt pull on Gabriel Magalhaes and given a handball against Jacob Murphy right at the end.

"I'm extremely proud of my players, the way we played, the way we dominated the game, the way we tried and continued [to try], how we dominated the game," he told Sky Sports.

"We were missing in the final third, that is the final part, we had so many situations to finish those better, and then we had two scandalous penalties.

"They're two penalties, it's very simple. I'm talking about what I've seen and it's two scandalous penalties.

"When you cannot win, you do not lose. We kept a clean sheet, we had a really good performance, and we go again.

"I wanted to win the game but we drew it and we should have done certain things better, especially in the final third, and we should have had two penalties to win the game."

Arsenal are likely to shuffle their squad for Monday's FA Cup third round clash against Oxford United, before what could be a north London derby against Tottenham on January 15.

Manchester United strengthened their grip on a spot in the Premier League's top four as Marcus Rashford continued his fine run in a 3-0 win over Bournemouth.

Having scored the winner from the bench at Wolves on Saturday, Rashford returned to the starting line-up at Old Trafford and capped a dominant United performance with a late tap-in.

United had earlier taken the lead when Casemiro hammered Christian Eriksen's excellent left-wing free-kick home before Luke Shaw doubled their advantage with a neat finish. 

Victory moved Erik ten Hag's side five points clear of fifth-placed Tottenham and level with Newcastle United, who drew against leaders Arsenal.

United took advantage of a set piece to go ahead 23 minutes in – Casemiro volleying Eriksen's delivery into the top-left corner.

Lloyd Kelly's last-ditch tackle denied Rashford while Eriksen saw another free-kick deflect over as Bournemouth avoided further damage before the break.

Bournemouth's luck ran out within four minutes of the restart as Shaw swept home a cut-back from Alejandro Garnacho, who had replaced the injured Donny van de Beek.

Anthony Martial nodded Casemiro's whipped delivery wide at the far post, though David de Gea was called upon to make strong saves to keep out Philip Billing and Jaidon Anthony at the other end.

Garnacho clipped the outside of the post with a fine curling effort but United had their third when Rashford turned Bruno Fernandes' cut-back home following an outstanding pass from Shaw.

Arsenal missed the opportunity to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League to 10 points as they were held to a goalless draw by Newcastle United.

In a game of few clear-cut opportunities, the Gunners made an electric start to the game but could not take advantage, while Joelinton missed the best chance for Newcastle in the final moments of the first half at Emirates Stadium on Tuesday.

Third-placed Newcastle's resilient display continued into the second period, leaving Arsenal unable to score in a Premier League game for the first time this season and ending their 100 per cent home record in the top flight.

Manchester City can cut the advantage held by Mikel Arteta's side at the summit to five points if they beat Chelsea on Thursday.

Cristiano Ronaldo does not have a clause in his Al Nassr contract that would allow him to join Newcastle United if they qualify for the Champions League, Eddie Howe has said.

Five-time Ballon d'Or winner Ronaldo was unveiled by Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr on Tuesday after signing a two-and-a-half-year deal following his Manchester United exit.

According to reports on Monday, the Portugal forward asked to be allowed to return to the Premier League with Saudi-backed Newcastle if they finished in the top four this term.

However, speaking ahead of Newcastle's clash with Arsenal, Newcastle head coach Howe denied that is the case.

"We wish Cristiano all the best in his venture, but from our point of view there's no truth in that," Howe told Sky Sports.

Ronaldo is the Champions League's all-time record scorer with 140 goals and has won the competition once with United and four times for Real Madrid.

Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, Ronaldo effectively confirmed he will not join another European club before retiring.

"In Europe, my work is done. I won everything and played for the most important clubs in Europe," he said.

"This is a great opportunity for me [at Al Nassr], not only in football but to change the mentality of the new generation in Saudi Arabia. 

"I had many opportunities in Europe, Brazil, the United States and even Portugal, but I gave my word to this club, for the opportunity to develop football in this amazing country."

Ronaldo, who has also previously played for Sporting CP and Juventus, could make his Al Nassr debut against Al Tai on Thursday.

Marcus Rashford and Harry Maguire were recalled to Manchester United's starting line-up for Tuesday's Premier League meeting with Bournemouth.

Rashford was named among the substitutes by Erik ten Hag for Saturday's trip to Wolves after turning up late to a team meeting.

However, the England international came off the bench to score United's winner at Molineux and was back in the team to face the Cherries at Old Trafford.

Maguire was also included from the beginning of a league match for the first time since United's 1-0 win over West Ham on October 30.

Ten Hag made four changes from the 1-0 win last time out, with Victor Lindelof and Donny van de Beek also handed starts.

Tyrell Malacia, Raphael Varane and Alejandro Garnacho dropped to the substitutes' bench, while Antony was not part of the 20-man squad.

Defender Lisandro Martinez was also named as a substitute after returning from Argentina, where he was celebrating the World Cup success in Qatar.

United started the game fourth in the Premier League after winning their past three top-flight matches.

Antonio Conte stressed his commitment to Tottenham and suggested his comments following the defeat to Aston Villa may have been misunderstood.

The Italian has repeatedly stated his desire for more money to spend in the transfer market, claiming after Spurs' 2-0 home defeat to Villa on Sunday that he needs two players in the £50-70million bracket "every season" to compete in the Premier League.

After a bright start to the season, Spurs have wobbled of late, conceding at least twice in each of their last seven league games, and have conceded first in all of those games.

Ahead of Wednesday's trip to Crystal Palace, Conte dampened speculation he is considering his future at the club, reiterating his desire to build foundations.

"I am happy but I always say to you I am happy. I want to stay here," he told reporters. "I am enjoying my time in Tottenham, I am enjoying my work in Tottenham. I always say this and I am happy, but it doesn't mean I cannot tell you what we are doing. We are trying to create a base foundation.

"Maybe from the start of my experience here I am repeating always the same thing. It is difficult for me every day to repeat the same thing and for [the media] not to understand. It is difficult. I am happy to stay here because I am at a modern club, I have a good relationship with the players and I have a good relationship with the club.

"Sometimes I go home and think I have to study much more English because I am not good at transferring my thoughts to you."

After scoring 23 goals in 35 Premier League games last season to win the golden boot jointly with Liverpool's Mohamed Salah, Son Heung-min has managed just three in 15 league appearances this season, but Conte said he has no doubts about the South Korean's quality.

"Son for sure is struggling to find the best form and after the [facial] injury he had against Marseille [in the Champions League] he struggled a bit," he said. 

"Also the World Cup he didn't score but we are talking about a player that if we put him in discussion, we are in trouble because Sonny and [Harry] Kane are the two most important players, with [Hugo] Lloris. If we have doubts about them, we are in trouble."

Conte spoke further about the impact of the World Cup on his team, which led to a mid-season break as it took place in Qatar in November and December.

"Many, many people have already forgotten the difficulty of the World Cup," he added. "We said this season will be really, really difficult. The players come back really tired. For sure we have to analyse this aspect and find the best solution.

"For some players the World Cup could have had an impact. I have to find the best solution for the team. The players who worked here worked very well. Some are in a good physical conditions, others who should work they instead have to play.

"Don't forget what's happening in this season. We have already forgotten we are playing with the players that have just finished the World Cup. It takes from you [both] mental and physical energy. The coach, the manager, has to manage the situation."

Leeds United have signed Max Wober for an undisclosed fee, the third player the Premier League club have acquired from Salzburg in the last two transfer windows.

Head coach Jesse Marsch, who was in charge of Salzburg between 2019 and 2021, brought in Brenden Aaronson and Rasmus Kristensen at the end of last season, and has gone back to the Austrian club for his first signing of the January transfer window.

Wober spent three and a half years at Salzburg, making 125 appearances and scoring nine goals as he picked up three league and cup doubles.

The 24-year-old has signed a four-and-a-half-year deal at Elland Road and could make his debut in Sunday's FA Cup third-round clash with Cardiff City.

Wober, who can play at left-back or centre-back, has 13 caps for Austria and had spells with Rapid Vienna, Ajax and Sevilla before Marsch signed him for Salzburg in 2019.

Leeds host West Ham in the Premier League on Wednesday.

Wober told Salzburg's website: "It was not an easy decision, but I have decided to leave Salzburg.

"The last three and a half years in this city and at this club really influenced me as a player and a person. The numerous highlights, which I have gained both on and off the pitch, will be remembered by me for as long as I live.

"If I think back to our first season in the Champions League, our very first match in the competition against Genk or our comeback against Liverpool, then it still gives me goosebumps. Thank you for all these moments we have enjoyed together. I have grown to love Salzburg and see it as a second home."

Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham will all reportedly attempt to sign Inter defender Denzel Dumfries after his stellar World Cup performances for the Netherlands.

Dumfries, 26, played in all five of his country's World Cup fixtures, highlighted by a stunning display against the United States in the last 16 where he scored one and assisted two in a 3-1 win.

The marauding right-back has played in all 15 of Inter's Serie A outings this season, making 13 starts, although he has only produced a full 90 minutes on four occasions.

Despite the Italian side rejecting all bids for Dumfries in the previous transfer window, he is said to no longer be viewed as indispensable, and could be pried away for a fee of €60million.

TOP STORY – PREMIER LEAGUE CLUBS CIRCLE DUTCH STANDOUT DUMFRIES

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Inter are willing to accept a €60m (£53m) fee, although it remains to be seen if the amount of interest drives that price up even further.

Chelsea reportedly view Dumfries as the answer to their depth issues at right-back while Reece James battles injuries, as well as being able to play as part of a back-three.

United believe he can replace Diogo Dalot, and Tottenham feel he is a superior option to Sporting's Pedro Porro, who they had been reportedly close to securing on a €35m (£31m) deal, per the Daily Star.

ROUND-UP

– Spanish newspaper Nacional is reporting Man Utd have made an offer for 24-year-old RB Leipzig winger Dani Olmo, who could cost as much as €66m (£58m).

– The Evening Standard is reporting Arsenal, Chelsea and United are not willing to pay the €11m (£10m) loan fee and €283,000 (£250,000)-per-week wages being demanded by Atletico Madrid for forward Joao Felix.

– According to 90min, Manchester City will sign 19-year-old Velez Sarsfield midfielder Maximo Perrone.

– Nottingham Forest will allow 25-year-old striker Emmanuel Dennis to leave the club for a fee of £10m just five months after his arrival, per The Athletic.

– The Telegraph is reporting Liverpool will investigate a potential £44m move for 24-year-old Wolves midfielder Matheus Nunes at the end of the season.

Erik ten Hag insists Manchester United will not be "burning money" on bringing in the wrong striker in January.

After a tough start to life as Red Devils manager, Ten Hag's team have been much improved of late and currently sit fourth in the Premier League after three straight league victories, despite being short of options up front.

Cristiano Ronaldo was in and out of the team before his bombshell interview with Piers Morgan led to his contract being mutually terminated, while Anthony Martial has struggled with injuries.

But despite the need for a centre-forward to help United's Champions League qualification bid, Ten Hag feels United must avoid the mistakes of the past by wasting finances on the wrong striker.

"You need one who can have an impact otherwise you are just burning money," Ten Hag told reporters. "You don't strengthen the squad and it doesn't help you.

"We have a good team when all are available. We have [a striker], Anthony Martial, I'm really happy with his performances across many games.

"He has had a really good impact. If you see his minutes and the impact he has had it's been huge."

One suggestion for United to boost their attacking ranks has been to recall Amad Diallo, who has scored six goals in 19 matches on loan at Championship side Sunderland.

But Ten Hag is reluctant to bring Diallo back to Old Trafford early, believing it would be wrong to stunt the progress the Ivory Coast international is making with the Black Cats.

"We consider everything. I have a little reservation because I don't want to stop the process, he is making good progress there," Ten Hag added. "Young players need experiences.

"When we decide [he needs] to come back he has to be a player who can compete for the starting 11 or at a minimum of coming on for a lot of games to have an impact."

Mikel Arteta will not stop anyone at Arsenal from dreaming about Premier League glory, but the Spaniard wants the Gunners to remain realistic ahead of Tuesday's huge meeting with Newcastle United.

Arsenal will move 10 points clear of Manchester City at the Premier League summit if they beat the Magpies at the Emirates Stadium, after the champions were held to a 1-1 draw by Everton on Saturday.

With the Gunners unbeaten in their past 10 league games (W9 D1), belief is beginning to build among supporters that a first title triumph since the 2003-04 season could be on the horizon.

Asked whether he needed to play down talk of the title, Arteta said: "It's not about stopping anybody. It's about being realistic about where we are. 

"The way we are performing, obviously it's impressive and we are really happy with that.

"But we also have to set the bars and objectives in the short term for what we want to improve and see what is making us win so many football matches."

Saturday's thrilling 4-2 victory at Brighton and Hove Albion was celebrated in joyous fashion by the Gunners' players, and Arteta has no qualms about the team enjoying their fine run of form. 

"It's great," Arteta said. "When I see those interactions, I see the enjoyment and I see joy and happiness because they were really excited after a big win for us.

"But they are also moderate and understanding as well. We still have a lot of things that we have to improve as a team."

While Arsenal are the only Premier League team with a 100 per cent winning record at home this season (7/7), Newcastle begin 2023 in third place after losing just once all campaign, and Arteta expects a tough test.

"They're a very good team, really well coached," Arteta said. "I think what that Eddie [Howe] has done in that short period of time, when you look at the numbers, is incredible. 

"Big credit to him and the coaching staff. They have created, I believe, a momentum around the team that they play the same way against any opponent.

"It's going to be another big test but we play at home in front of our crowd and we are looking forward to it."

Arsenal have won their past 11 home games against Newcastle in all competitions – only against Stoke City (an ongoing run since 1983) have they ever won more consecutive home matches (16).

Alexis Mac Allister is in no rush to make an exit from Brighton and Hove Albion after his World Cup triumph, despite reported interest from multiple European heavyweights.

The Argentina midfielder earned a recall to the national team at the start of last year and proved instrumental in helping Lionel Messi and company reach the summit at Qatar 2022.

His form had already been impressive for the Seagulls this term, but his performances with La Albiceleste have seen links to several major suitors only multiply since.

But speaking after his return to the Premier League outfit following an extended post-tournament break, Mac Allister has insisted he is happy at Brighton.

"I try not to read too much [into speculation]," he told the club's Albion TV channel. "I always say I am happy here. I don't have any rush to leave.

"I feel really good. I'm really grateful [for] this club, my team-mates and all the people who work here. I'm just focused on the next game."

Mac Allister's words will come as a boost to coach Roberto De Zebri, who warned on Monday the 24-year-old could find a mid-season switch an impediment to his game.

Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool and Juventus are among those all linked with a move for him, though the Blues' pursuit of Enzo Fernandez suggests they may have cooled their interest.

Mac Allister was one of eight Brighton players who headed to the World Cup, and the first Seagulls player to reach the tournament final in history.

The playmaker feels that the experience for all of the team's international stars however will benefit them going forward into 2023, as they look to press on for a top-six finish.

"It was a good World Cup for this club and for the players who went to the World Cup," he added.

"We know we’ve got a good team with really good players. This is a tough league, it will be hard, but we will try to finish as high as we can."