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Sunderland beat Millwall 3-0 at the Stadium of Light in their first game back after the break for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar last weekend.

Tony Mowbray’s men were able to sweep The Lions aside with a relatively comfortable win, thanks to goals from Amad Diallo, Alex Pritchard, and Ellis Simms.

The Black Cats were sitting in the top half of the table before this weekend’s round of fixtures and are now closing in on the play-off places after 21 matches, which highlights how impressive their return to this level has been since they were promoted from League One last season.

One player who has been key to the club’s success this term has been experienced central defender Danny Batth. The former Stoke City enforcer has played every single minute of the campaign so far and caught the eye with some impressive displays.

Journalist Josh Bunting described his performance against Millwall as “colossal” and he has been a titan at the back throughout the season – winning 72% of his aerial battles and making 4.3 clearances per match.

However, Mowbray may already need to start thinking about what life will look like after him. Batth turned 32 in September and his current contract is due to expire at the end of the term, which suggests that he is not going to be a long-term option for the manager.

The head coach could now find the heir to the superb defender’s throne at centre-back by unearthing Academy of Light youngster Zak Johnson in the coming months.

Mowbray named the 18-year-old on the bench for Sunderland’s 2-1 win over Birmingham City in November, something that indicates the manager sees potential in the young talent.

Journalist Josh Bunting described Johnson as an “exciting” prospect because of his “key defensive attributes”, whilst also telling supporters to “remember the name”.

The teenager has played 24 times for the U21 side, after making 16 appearances for the U18s, and made his senior bow for the Black Cats in the EFL Trophy – playing one minute – in the 2021/22 campaign.

He has played ten matches at youth level as a right-back but he is a central defender by trade and has played in the heart of the defence on 26 occasions for Sunderland.

The enforcer has made himself a regular in the U21s, despite only turning 18 in July, and this, along with Mowbray’s decision to call him up to the first-team squad, suggests that he has the potential to make the step up to senior football in the future as he has already made great strides in his youth career.

Therefore, Johnson could be the long-term heir to the exceptional Batth’s position in the team and the boss should give the academy gem more exposure in the Championship, whether that comes in the form of minutes or making matchday squads.

A Glasgow Rangers injury development has emerged on central defender Filip Helander heading into the 2022 World Cup break…

What’s the latest?

It has been revealed that the centre-back has had successful surgery on the foot injury that has kept him out of action for the Light Blues since April and he is now due to return in February of 2023.

Speaking to the Scottish Daily Express, a source close to the player said: “It has been such a frustrating time for Fil but we can now see light at the end of the tunnel.

“We thought that the injury had cleared up in the summer and Fil was feeling good as he took part in pre-season training. He went with the squad to Portugal and then in one of the sessions he felt the problem again and it was back to square one.

“He went back to see a specialist and it was decided to have an operation. The surgery has been a success and now he’s just going through the whole rehab process which will still take time.

“The hope is that he will be back in training in the early part of next year and then playing again in February or March.”

Too late for Gio van Bronckhorst

Leon King suffered a nasty head injury against St Mirren at the weekend and has since been discharged from the hospital but the youngster may not have been called into action as regularly as he has been this season had other centre-backs been available.

John Souttar, Connor Goldson, and Helander are all currently out with injuries and Ben Davies missed the draw on Saturday with a knock.

The 18-year-old, King, has played 17 games across the Premiership and Champions League this season and got caught out for St Mirren’s goal in their last match as he failed to clear his lines within the six-yard box.

He has shown great promise, averaging a SofaScore rating of 6.84 and winning 56% of his duels, but he is still a young player learning his trade and will make mistakes, with his error costing the team two points at the weekend.

Helander, at the top of his game, has the quality to be an outstanding centre-back in the Scottish top flight. The Sweden international averaged a SofaScore rating of 7.10 and won 68% of his duels across 22 appearances in the 2020/21 title-winning campaign.

Therefore, he has the quality to be a huge upgrade on the teenager and could improve the defence with his strong, consistently brilliant, defending.

Football Insider have reported that the board are ‘increasingly likely’ to dismiss the head coach and that means that his potential injury boost in 2023 is set to come too late for van Bronckhorst, who appears set to miss out on the chance to utilise the 29-year-old’s talents.

Maybe things could have been different for the Dutchman if Helander had been available over the last few weeks but the Swedish enforcer’s return may now be a lift for a different man in the dugout.

Leeds United have watched Rennes forward Martin Terrier in recent weeks, according to 90min.

The Lowdown: Leeds’ struggles

The Whites have struggled in front of goal in the Premier League this season, with Patrick Bamford’s last goal coming almost 12 months ago against Brentford.

The 29-year-old has made 10 appearances this season and missed nine big chances, with Gabriel Jesus the only top-flight player to miss more. It seems as if Leeds are looking at adding to their attacking ranks in the New Year as a result, with Terrier a potential target.

The Latest: Leeds linked with Terrier

90min journalist Graeme Bailey shared a story on Tuesday regarding Terrier ahead of the January transfer window.

He claimed that Leeds and six other top-flight clubs have watched the forward in action during the past two weeks, with Rennes set to demand a record fee in excess of £30m for their star forward, which would be a record outlay at Elland Road.

Bailey added on Twitter when sharing the link to the update that there are ‘few better players in Europe’ than Terrier at this moment in time.

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The Verdict: Needed?

Jesse Marsch could do with adding to his attacking ranks in the New Year due to the ailing form of Bamford, so Terrier could be a smart target.

The 25-year-old can play anywhere across the front three and has been in fine touch in front of goal, scoring 29 Ligue 1 goals since the start of the 2021/22 season.

Terrier is also valued at a career-high £28.8m by Transfermarkt, so he could be just what Leeds need, although the Yorkshire club may find a deal difficult for Andrea Radrizzani and co to pull off due to their current league position and the huge level of interest in the forward’s services.

Tottenham Hotspur are interested in a deal to bring Ivan Toney to north London in the January transfer window.

That’s according to a recent report by Football Insider, who claim that sources have revealed Antonio Conte and Fabio Paratici have regularly sent scouts to watch the Brentford centre-forward in action this season, with the 53-year-old manager believed to be hoping to add a powerful and Premier League-proven forward to his Spurs squad this winter.

However, with Manchester United, West Ham United, Newcastle United and Leeds United all reported to be interested in signing the 26-year-old striker in the summer transfer window, as well as Fabrizio Romano revealing that the Bees are likely to demand a figure in the region of £45m in order to part with the attacker, a deal would not appear easy to get over the line for Tottenham.

Conte’s next Lukaku

Considering just how impressive Toney has been for Brentford since their promotion to the Premier League back in 2021, in addition to the centre-forward very much being the type of physical, dangerous and deadly striker Conte likes to have at his disposal, it is easy to see why Spurs would be interested in a move to bring the Brentford star to north London.

Indeed, over his 33 league fixtures last season, the £17.5m-rated forward wasted no time in making his mark in the top flight, scoring 12 goals, registering five assists and creating ten big chances for his teammates, in addition to taking an average of 2.7 shots, making 1.3 key passes and winning 8.6 duels – at a success rate of 53% – per game.

These returns saw the 26-year-old average a simply sensational SofaScore match rating of 7.31, not only ranking him as Thomas Franks’ second-best performer in the league last time out but also as the 15th-best player in the Premier League as a whole.

It has been a similar case for the £21k-per-week hitman over his nine league fixtures so far this term, with the striker having already bagged six goals, provided two assists and created four big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 2.8 shots, making 1.3 key passes and winning 6.2 duels – per game.

These returns have seen the player who journalist Phil Spencer dubbed an “absolute machine” average an equally astonishing SofaScore match rating of 7.31, currently ranking him as Brentford’s best performer in the league, as well as the joint 23rd-best player in the Premier League in its entirety.

And, with Toney quite clearly being a player who is incredibly deadly in the final third, in addition to a real handful for centre-backs as a result of his physical presence up top, there are clear similarities that can be drawn between the Brentford attacker and one of Conte’s former centre-forward sensations – Romelu Lukaku.

Indeed, the £43m-rated Inter Milan loanee was in devastating form under the management of the Italian at the San Siro, scoring 64 goals and registering 17 assists over his 95 appearances under the 53-year-old coach, while the 29-year-old also possesses a similarly imposing physique to that of Toney.

As such, should Paratici be successful in his pursuit of the 26-year-old striker this winter, he could well have unearthed Conte’s next Lukaku at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium – a prospect that is sure to be incredibly tantalising for both the Italian manager and Spurs supporters alike.

Newcastle United remain interested in making a move for Leeds United winger Jack Harrison in the near future, according to CBS Sports journalist Ben Jacobs.

The Lowdown: Newcastle eyeing up Harrison

The Magpies acquired newfound wealth after their big-money takeover just under a year ago, allowing more funds to be available for new signings moving forward.

Harrison is a player who has been linked with a move to Newcastle throughout the summer transfer window and beyond, with the Englishman ultimately remaining at Leeds beyond deadline day.

It’s a rumour which is refusing to go away, though, which suggests that the Magpies’ interest is genuine.

The Latest: Jacobs shares Harrison claim

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Jacobs claimed that Newcastle “really like” the idea of acquiring Harrison’s signature.

He stated:

“Another player Newcastle have in mind for that sort of creative position is Jack Harrison and he’s another one they really like. Let’s see what happens there.

“Leeds have always been very determined that they won’t sell because they got the money for Kalvin Phillips and Raphinha.”

The Verdict: Great squad option

Harrison has been an excellent player for Leeds during a great period in their recent history, providing pace and energy out wide and helping himself to 17 goals and 12 assists in the Premier League.

At 25, he is at a prime age in terms of his peak being ahead of him while also having a decent volume of top-level experience, and he would provide Eddie Howe with another strong wide option, giving the 44-year-old the squad depth that he craves.

YouTuber David Brown has described Harrison as a ‘joke’, given his quality, and if a move to Newcastle appeals to him in January or next summer, it makes perfect sense for PIF to try and get it done.

Crystal Palace have been linked with a move for Leicester City midfielder Boubakary Soumare recently, and the Frenchman could be a superb addition to Patrick Vieira’s midfield.

What’s the word?

Recent reports have claimed that both the Eagles and Nottingham Forest could offer the 23-year-old an exit route from the King Power Stadium after a difficult first season at the club.

In a recent interview with Football FanCast, journalist Pete O’Rourke shared his thoughts on Palace’s potential move for Soumare.

He said: “The French connection is there as well, so I think this could deal could work out for everybody. It would work out for Crystal Palace as they would get a top player in while Leicester could bring in some funds to strengthen the squad. It could be a good fit.”

Should Palace sign Soumare?

While Soumare’s first season in England didn’t exactly go to plan, he was highly regarded during his time at Lille, having been considered one of Ligue 1’s ‘breakout talents’ of 2019/20, and he could perhaps rediscover his mojo with regular game-time at Selhurst Park.

Last season saw the 23-year-old make just 19 appearances in the Premier League, scoring no goals and contributing one assist, for which he averaged a disappointing 6.41 rating from WhoScored.

However, the 2020/21 campaign saw him make 32 appearances in Ligue 1 as he helped Lille to win the title, earning an impressive 6.76 rating for his performances.

This would indicate that he can be an influential player when he is trusted by his manager to start regularly, and at just 23, he still has plenty of time to adapt to the Premier League and reach the potential which earned him the aforementioned ‘breakout talent’ billing.

While Palace have already brought in Cheick Doucoure for £21m this summer, the likes of Luka Milivojevic and James McArthur are into the twilight of their careers, so Vieira could do with younger options in the middle of the park.

As O’Rourke suggests, the French connection between Soumare and Vieira could be crucial in any potential deal for the Leicester man. If the Eagles manager can get the young midfielder playing anything like he did at Lille, it would surely be worth Palace spending the £17m reportedly required to bring him to Selhurst Park.

Scottish champions Celtic could be set to receive a welcome financial bonus, according to the latest reports.

What’s the word?

As per the Daily Record, the Premiership giants are in line to benefit from any potential move for former Parkhead star Moussa Dembele, having included a sell-on clause as part of the Frenchman’s move to Lyon four years ago.

The 26-year-old – who originally joined the Glasgow club for a £500k compensation fee from Fulham in 2016 – is currently facing an uncertain future at the Ligue 1 outfit, with just one year remaining on his existing deal.

With reports suggesting that Manchester United – among others – are interested in landing the striker, the suggestion is that the Hoops could be in line for a sizeable windfall from any potential sale, due to their sell-on fee.

With the forward’s current club looking for a figure above or around the £20m that they paid to land him in 2018, as per the report, Ange Postecoglou and co could be set to recoup around £3m.

Can fund ‘hectic’ end to transfer window

That potential windfall rests on whether or not the former France under-21 international leaves his current club, but should he do so, it could provide valuable extra funds to help with Celtic’s transfer dealings in the remainder of the window.

Title-winning coach Postecoglou has already hinted that it could be a “hectic” period before the September deadline, with the 56-year-old suggesting that there are still “one or two areas” that he would like to address.

The former Yokohama F Marinos boss has already overseen seven major deals so far this summer, although three of those – Cameron Carter-Vickers, Daizen Maeda and Jota – ensured a permanent stay of players who had already been at the club on loan last season.

As such, it is no real surprise that further deals could potentially be in the works, with Postecoglou likely to be keen on bolstering his squad ahead of the start of their Champions League group stage campaign next month.

One name who has dominated discussion of late is Chelsea midfielder Ross Barkley, with reports suggesting that Celtic have made an offer to secure the 28-year-old’s services.

Although there are concerns over their ability to meet the Englishman’s potentially sizeable wage demands, the addition of extra funds from a possible Dembele transfer could well prove invaluable, with the Hoops no doubt hoping that their former talisman can demand a hefty fee before the window closes.

West Ham United have been handed a boost in their bid to bring Dan-Axel Zagadou to the London Stadium this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Italian media outlet CalcioMercatoWeb, who claim that, following the centre-back’s release from Borussia Dortmund at the end of last season, and with the likes of West Ham, AS Roma and Inter Milan reported to be interested in the 23-year-old’s signing, the former France U21 international has now decided he would like a move to the Premier League.

Real boost for Moyes

While it is true that, following his 2017 move to Dortmund, Zagadou struggled with a number of different injuries, should the centre-back manage to keep himself fit after a potential switch to east London this summer, it is undeniable that the Frenchman would make a fantastic addition to David Moyes’ current options at the back.

Indeed, the £8.1m-rated centre-back proved just how talented a defender he truly is over his 15 Bundesliga appearances back in Dortmund’s 2019/20 campaign, helping his side keep five clean sheets, as well as making an average of 1.1 tackles, one interception, 2.3 clearances and winning 3.2 duels – at a success rate of 72% – per game.

The 23-year-old also impressed going forwards that season, scoring one goal, registering one assist and creating one big chance for his teammates, in addition to making an average of 50.3 passes – at a success rate of 91% – 4.1 accurate long balls and 0.4 dribbles per fixture.

These returns saw the £35k-per-week Frenchman who Lucien Favre dubbed “outstanding” and Julian Brandt labelled “unbelievable” average a quite remarkable SofaScore match rating of 7.25, ranking him as Dortmund’s sixth-best performer in the top flight of German football that year.

As such, with Zagadou quite clearly being a defender who is excellent in his reading of the game, confident in playing the ball out from the back and capable of launching counter-attacks with long balls, it is not difficult to see why Moyes would be interested in bringing the defender to the London Stadium on a free this summer.

And, following the latest developments, it would appear as if the 23-year-old has his heart set on a move to England prior to September’s transfer deadline – something that is sure to come as a huge boost to the 59-year-old Scot and his Hammers transfer team.

The agent of Tottenham Hotspur defender Japhet Tanganga is set to be in Milan for talks in the ‘next few hours’, claims Sky Sports journalist Gianluca Di Marzio.

The Lowdown: Tanganga’s place at Spurs

The 23-year-old has struggled to nail down a place in the Lilywhites’ starting XI, having been in-and-out of the team after breaking through under Jose Mourinho.

In the opening 23 game-weeks of the 2021/22 Premier League campaign, the centre-back made 11 appearances, often in various positions. However, he then suffered from a serious knee injury, keeping him out of action until the end of the season.

As a result, his future at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium remains up in the air, with a number of exit rumours doing the rounds this ummer.

The Latest: Di Marzio’s news

Tanganga has recently been linked with loan moves to Serie A giants AC Milan and also to newly promoted Premier League outfit Bournemouth.

Building on this, Di Marzio has now shared the latest news regarding the Spurs player’s future. Taking to Twitter, the journalist claimed: “Tanganga agent in Milan in the next few hours.”

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The Verdict: Good move for him

Following the loan arrival of Clement Lenglet from Barcelona, the 23-year-old has fallen even further down Antonio Conte’s pecking order.

Therefore, if the defender is keen to receive regular first-team minutes in hope of an England call-up, a move away from N17 would be the best move for his career.

He could then follow in the steps of Fikayo Tomori, who has seriously impressed in Italy since his Milan switch in 2021.

Previously described as a ‘really special’ player by Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville, it would be a waste to see Tanganga sit on Spurs’ bench week in, week-out, making this a good move for the youngster.

Tottenham Hotspur may have taken a step closer to signing Barcelona defender Clement Lenglet as they have presented a loan offer, according to reports in Spain.

The Lowdown: Spurs eye new defender deal…

Lilywhites head coach Antonio Conte, guiding his side to a top four Premier League finish last season, has apparently earmarked the signing of a new central defender for his back three.

Indeed, after sealing a trio of deals for Ivan Perisic, Fraser Forster and Yves Bissouma, the Italian is allegedly targeting a right-wing-back, forward and centre-half as he gears up for his first full season in charge.

Lenglet, as per recent reports, is a target for transfer chief Fabio Paratici with another claim out of Spain now sharing the latest news on his potential capture.

The Latest: Lenglet ‘close to agreeing’ Tottenham transfer…

Indeed, an outlet from the Iberian peninsula have come out with an interesting update.

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They state that Lenglet ‘would be close to agreeing to go on loan to Tottenham’ after the north Londoners presented an ‘offer’ to the player days go.

Spurs have allegedly given the 27-year-old an ultimatum to give a definitive answer this week, and the report adds he knows that his ‘best destination’ could be England.

 The Verdict: Last resort…

Given the club’s links to other highly sought-after central defensive stars, like Torino mainstay Gleison Bremer and before that Inter’s Alessandro Bastoni, we believe Lenglet should come as a last resort.

The £97,000-per-week defender has struggled to assert himself in the Barcelona first team with a lack of starts over the last campaign and Conte could arguably do better with world class alternatives like Bremer.