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If there’s one gap remaining in what has steadily developed into a well-rounded Tottenham squad, it’s surely in the wide attacking positions. Sure, the Lilywhites have a vast collection of wing-backs and players like Christian Eriksen and Heung-min Son who can make a difference from the flanks, but none are wingers in the traditional sense – capable of stretching defences with natural speed and width.

That perhaps explains why a number of sources this season, including London Evening Standard last month, have claimed Spurs are interested in signing Watford’s Richarlison. Transfermarkt may rate the Brazilian at just £6.3million but he’s enjoyed an explosive start to his Premier League career, notching up five goals and four assists in 17 appearances.

However, he isn’t the only wide forward impressing in the Premier League this season. Wilfried Zaha, no stranger to Tottenham’s rumour columns, is enjoying another fine campaign as well – the Ivory Coast international’s three goals proving vital to Crystal Palace’s survival bid.

So, Tottenham fans, if you could only sign one wide forward in January, who would it be? Let us know by voting below…

Manchester City and Manchester United will meet for the 41st time in the Premier League this weekend, yet the coming clash on Sunday is arguably more important than any other. While it may seem hyperbolic to suggest a fixture so early in the season can be a title decider, a victory for City will see them go eleven points clear of the pack and leave United (or any other rival for that matter) needing a small miracle to catch them before the end of May. So, can history tell us anything about how the latest instalment of the Manchester derby will pan out? As we’re celebrating its 25th anniversary this season, we take a look back at the history of the Manchester derby in the Premier League.

Head-to-Head

Considering Manchester City have only become serious title contenders within the last eight years, and spent some of the time previously in the second tier, it’s perhaps surprising Manchester United haven’t accumulated a more dominant aggregate lead throughout the Premier League era. Indeed, United have only scored eight more goals than the Citizens during the Premier League instalments of the derby, which has translated to just eight more wins. Much of the difference has of course been made up in recent years but City claimed a fair few scalps over the Red Devils before the Sheik takeover as well; back in the 2007/08 season they did the double, alongside home victories in 2002, 2004 and 2006. After undergoing four consecutive defeats between 2013 and 2014, United will take confidence from the fact they’ve lost to City just once in the five games since.

Top Scorer – Wayne Rooney

As United’s all-time record goalscorer, there’s many a Premier League fixture in which Wayne Rooney has fired his way to top scorer status. His overall strike rate, however, perhaps isn’t so spectacular – eight goals netted in 21 Premier League appearances, meaning there were 14 games in which the former England skipper failed to score. Paul Scholes also earns a place in the top five through longevity but United fans will be most impressed with the return of the legendary Eric Cantona – he scored seven goals in as many league outings against City (albeit one for Leeds), the best haul against a single club of his Premier League career. Andrei Kanchelskis, one of the few players to ply his trade with both clubs, scored all four of his goals against City for United, meaning the Sky-Blues’ only real representative is Sergio Aguero. While only four of his goals have come in the Premier League, his overall record against United is eight in eleven appearances.

The Shared Hero – Carlos Tevez

Perhaps hero is the wrong word for a player whose move across Manchester initially caused so much controversy, partly due to an infamous billboard and partly due to him essentially snubbing a permanent transfer to United, and then continued to cause controversy himself by notoriously refusing to come on as a substitute against Bayern Munich. There was even a point when Tevez was told he’d never play for City again and his opinions of Manchester as a city were hardly complimentary. But it’s impossible to ignore the impact Tevez had at both Old Trafford and then the Etihad Stadium. The Argentine was part of a forward line with Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo that won the Champions League title in 2008, and after his lengthy exile, he returned to the first team to help seal City’s first ever Premier League title in 2011/12. Overall, Tevez scored 107 goals and provided 50 assists in 247 appearances for both Manchester clubs.

The Classic Clash – Man United 4-3 Man City (2009)

Sir Alex Ferguson described it as the greatest derby of all time, but it was also a signal of the balance of power changing in Manchester. While Man City may have eventually succumbed to defeat through Michael Owen’s last minute winner, this was one of the first occasions in which the noisy neighbours truly matched United in terms of pure quality, rather than relying on the derby-day defiance they’d often shown previously. Indeed though, it was a rather incredibly ninety minutes. United took the lead three times and City equalised three times, Darren Fletcher popping up with an unlikely brace of headers and Carlos Tevez providing two assists against his former employers. The Argentine could have found the net too, but his effort in the first half cannoned off the post, and United had more opportunities as well – only to find an in-form Shay Given standing in their path. Overall, this match was a fantastic endorsement of forward-thinking football, and also provided a precursor of how close the rivalry would be over the course of the next few years as City and United regularly battled it out for the English crown.

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Liverpool fans in the Transfer Tavern are pleased with their transfer business thus far but are still hopeful of signing a goalkeeper.

Loris Karius dislodged Simon Mignolet as Liverpool’s number one earlier in the season following the Belgian’s inconsistent performances in between the sticks. The German performed admirably in the league but still looked shaky at times. Now, following two horrific blunders in the Champions League final against Real Madrid, his position at the club seems untenable.

Jurgen Klopp’s search for a new stopper has not concluded yet. The unconvincing Jack Butland looks the favourite to replace Karius with Roma’s Alisson interesting both Real Madrid and Chelsea as well as Jan Oblak proving difficult to prise from Atletico Madrid. Instead, Klopp should turn his attention to the Serie A.

Former Arsenal stopper, Wojciech Szczesny, has established himself as one of the best ‘keepers in the division and could be the answer to Klopp’s problems. Valued at £16.2m by Transfermarkt, the Poland international made just 17 appearances in the Serie A last season, keeping an impressive 11 clean sheets. Following Gianluigi Buffon’s retirement, the Old Lady signed Genoa keeper, Mattia Perin, to replace him.

It’s unclear who will be the number one at the Juventus Stadium next year, and Liverpool should attempt to lure Szczesny back to England. The Pole is an upgrade on both of Liverpool’s current keepers and has experience in the Premier League. At 28-years-old, he is approaching the prime of his career.

Perhaps a controversial move, it could prove to be a great piece of business.

Liverpool fans, thoughts?

As World Cup semi-final opponents go, Croatia fall into the category of tricky, as opposed to outright scary, which should encourage Gareth Southgate that he really could guide his side into the tournament’s final.

There are solid players throughout the side that is looking to prevent England making their first World Cup showpiece since 1966, but it is Luka Modric who really gets the side ticking.

The playmaker, valued at £22.5m by Transfermarkt, can adapt his game based on Croatia’s demands, just as comfortable collecting the ball from deep as he is dictating proceedings from higher up the pitch.

Alongside domestic rival, Barcelona’s Ivan Rakitic, Modric sets the tone in midfield and England must ensure they are not placed on a passing carousel by the gifted duo in Moscow on Wednesday night.

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It is something of a mystery why Croatia have been unable to fully dominate games in the centre so far out in Russia, as Zlatko Dalić tinkers with the attacking system to add penetration.

Nevertheless, the emphasis will be on Jordan Henderson to get to grips with Modric because Southgate’s adventrous midfield setup leaves him as the sole holding midfielder, often with a huge amount of ground to cover.

Modric, along with Rakitic, will be looking to overwhelm the Liverpool man, who has performed admirably this summer, and pin England back.

Fabian Delph, Eric Dier or Ruben Loftus-Cheek coming in to help Henderson may ease the situation, but England must ensure they do not cede too much in the way of goal threat.

Everton are one of three teams in the race to sign Brazil international Bernard, and Marco Silva could get his reign off to an excellent start by securing the pacey playmaker.

What’s the story?

According to journalist Andersinho Marques, former Shakhtar Donetsk winger Bernard will move to the Premier League this summer.

The 14-cap Brazilian, who has registered 35 assists in 157 appearances for the Ukrainian outfit as per Transfermarkt, is a free agent after opting not to renew his contract with the Ukrainian club, and will now reportedly choose between Everton, Arsenal and Liverpool.

The 25 year-old has also been heavily linked with a move to West Ham, and Hammers fans even suspected it was a done deal when the player’s agent posted an Instagram picture at the London Stadium on Friday.

However, it appears the race is now down to just three, and Liverpool’s swoop for Xherdan Shaqiri will probably rule them out. Bernard can play in a whole host of attacking positions, but spent most of last season on the left wing, where he could fix a big problem for Silva and Everton.

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Everton’s own Coutinho?

The probable exit of Yannick Bolasie will leave a gaping hole on Everton’s left wing, and Ademola Lookman will not be able to fill that void by himself. Fans are desperate to see more of the young Englishman, but they simply cannot rely on an unproven raw talent to be their first choice.

Bernard would immediately compete for this spot on the wing, while also adding competition for other places and giving Silva plenty of options to rotate. The crafty little Brazilian, standing at just 5 ft 5, is valued at £14.4m by Transfermarkt, so getting him on a free would be excellent business.

The 25 year-old has a similar dribbling style to Philippe Coutinho, using his low centre of gravity, fantastic close control and rapid burst of acceleration to force defenders to either foul him or let him past.

Marcel Brands has yet to make a summer signing since arriving at Goodison Park, but there is no doubt that the capture of Bernard would be a big one, and it would prove that they can match the ambitions of rivals West Ham who have already sealed big-money deals for Felipe Anderson and Andriy Yarmolenko.

The Toffees have also been linked with a mega money move for Wilfried Zaha, who would no doubt be an excellent signing. However, Bernard is more versatile than the Palace winger, and wouldn’t stifle Lookman because of his ability to play in multiple positions.

So, Everton fans, would you like to sign Bernard on a free? Do you think you can beat Arsenal and Liverpool to his signature? Let us know your thoughts by voting in the poll below…

According to The Mirror, Everton boss Marco Silva wants to sign Chelsea forward Michy Batshuayi on loan for the 2018-19 campaign.

What’s the story?

Everton are believed to be on the verge of securing a big-money deal for Watford forward Richarlison.

The Toffees have thus far been quiet in this summer’s transfer window, but Richarlison will seemingly soon arrive at Goodison Park.

According to The Mirror, Everton boss Silva is also interested in Chelsea striker Batshuayi, and will attempt to sign the Belgium international on loan.

Batshuayi, who represented Belgium at the 2018 World Cup, scored seven times in 10 Bundesliga appearances whilst on loan at Borussia Dortmund last season.

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The 24-year-old is now back with Chelsea ahead of the 2018-19 campaign, but it remains to be seen whether he is in the plans of new Blues boss Maurizio Sarri.

Would Batshuayi be a good signing?

Cenk Tosun will have a big role to play at Everton next season following his arrival in the January transfer window, but the Merseyside outfit need more options in the final third.

Batshuayi’s record of seven Premier League goals in 32 appearances is not exactly terrific, but he has never really been given a regular run in the side.

The forward proved at Dortmund that he is capable of scoring goals on a week-to-week basis, whilst an overall record of 19 goals in 53 Chelsea appearances is not exactly poor when taking everything into consideration.

Batshuayi also netted 33 times in 78 appearances for Marseille ahead of a move to Chelsea, and there is no question that he has the tools to help Everton realise their ambitions next season.

If the Toffees can indeed secure a loan deal for Batshuayi – valued at £36m by Transfermarkt – then it might well go down as one of the best signings of the summer.

According to Tuttomercatoweb, Southampton have joined the race for in-demand Barcelona centre-back Yerry Mina.

What’s the story?

Mina joined Barcelona from Palmeiras in January, and made six appearances for the Spanish giants in the second half of the 2017-18 campaign.

The central defender faces an uncertain future at Camp Nou, however, with Clement Lenglet’s arrival pushing him further down the pecking order.

A whole host of clubs have been credited with an interest in Mina – including Everton, West Ham United, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Lyon and even Manchester United.

The 23-year-old is not exactly short of interest this summer, and according to Tuttomercatoweb, he has another option in the shape of Southampton.

The report claims that the Saints have made an offer worth up to £17.7m for the defender, and want him to be their number one centre-back next season.

Should Southampton sign him?

There is no question that Mina found it tough at Barcelona in the second half of last season, but it was never going to be easy for the South American to slot straight into European football.

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However, Mina – valued at £18m by Transfermarkt – showed at the 2018 World Cup that he has incredible potential, and ended the competition having scored three times in four appearances for Colombia.

The Barcelona defender put in a towering performance against England in the round of 16, and at 6ft 4in, would be an absolute powerhouse in the Premier League.

Southampton received £75m when they sold Virgil van Dijk to Liverpool back in January, and Mina is the replacement that the club’s supporters have been waiting for.

It is not going to be easy to win the race for a player who has an incredible amount of options ahead of the 2018-19 campaign, but Southampton would be pulling off one of the signings of the summer if they convinced Mina to move to St Mary’s.

Arsenal manager Unai Emery has recruited a number of talented players to solve some problem areas.

Right-back Stephan Lichsteiner and Sokratis have come in to boost the defence, while Bernd Leno will hope to be first-choice goalkeeper following his arrival from Bayer Leverkusen.

Uruguay international Lucas Torreira will have a part to play in midfield, and Matteo Guendouzi has been earmarked as one for the future.

The Gunners’ main aim will be to finish inside the top four this season after missing out on the coveted Premier League positions in the last two campaigns.

Arsenal have a squad capable of doing that, but they are missing a marquee signing that will cause their rivals to stand up and take notice.

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Chelsea winger Willian, who has won six league titles in his career, has been linked to numerous clubs, with The Times recently reporting that Real Madrid and Manchester United are interested.

Financially, the Gunners may not be able to compete with those two outfits, but when we asked you if Arsenal should swoop, the fans made their thoughts clear.

Manchester United fans on Twitter were buzzing that, although the club didn’t make any additions on deadline day, they did manage to keep hold of winger Anthony Martial despite Jose Mourinho seemingly open to selling the Frenchman.

Martial signed for Louis van Gaal’s United in the summer of 2015, with the £36m paid making him British football’s most expensive teenager. This summer though it looked like the now 22-year-old would leave Manchester after Mourinho criticised the time off he had for the birth of his baby.

The pacy forward was also limited to just 18 Premier League starts by Mourinho last season as he fell out of favour with the Portuguese manager, and was linked with a move to either Chelsea or Tottenham this summer by The Sun.

However, The Guardian reported that United’s executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward was the man who decided to keep Martial at the club, and fans on Twitter were certainly thankful for his intervention. Check out the best tweets below.

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According to last week’s report in The Northern Echo, Middlesbrough remain keen on signing Everton midfielder Muhamed Besic on loan, but they should turn their attention to Chelsea’s Danny Drinkwater.

What’s the word?

Boro manager Tony Pulis has less than two weeks to bring in some loan players before the window shuts.

The club have lost some key players in the form of Ben Gibson, Patrick Bamford and Adam Traore.

Aden Flint, Paddy McNair and Jordan Hugill are among the players to move to the Riverside Stadium, but it seems that the club are hunting for a new midfielder.

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The Northern Echo reported last week that Everton’s Besic, who spent the second half of the 2017-18 campaign on loan at Boro, remains a target, but wage demands could be a problem.

With a deal yet to go through, perhaps it’s worth the club turning their attention to Chelsea’s Drinkwater.

Why?

It is no major surprise that the midfielder had very little game time last season when he joined the Blues from Leicester City in January in a £35m deal.

In fact, the Premier League winner started just five top-flight matches and came off the bench in a further seven.

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It is likely that Chelsea will be open to loaning Drinkwater out for the season, and even though Boro would mean dropping into the Championship, it could help get his career back on track.

From Pulis’s point of view, he would be recruiting a player that is capable of controlling the middle of the park.

Defensively, there might be better options out there for Boro, but Drinkwater will be determined to prove his ability after spending half of last season in the shadows.