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Tottenham Hotspur wing-back Emerson Royal was grilled at half-time during their FA Cup clash against Portsmouth by journalist Alasdair Gold.

The Lowdown: FA Cup campaign kicks off

Tottenham kicked off their FA Cup journey at home to League One side Portsmouth in North London.

Despite starting a strong side that contained Harry Kane and Son Heung-min, the Premier League side struggled to get the upper hand over their opponents, who play two divisions lower.

With the score 0-0 at half-time, there wasn’t much to entertain the expectant home support, who were hopeful of a dominant and quality-packed Spurs performance following their 4-0 second-half demolition of Crystal Palace in midweek.

The Latest: Gold’s comments

It wasn’t to be for one Lilywhites player in the first half, who yet again found himself on the wrong side of criticism from the fanbase and journalists alike.

On Football.london’s live commentary of the cup tie, Gold singled out Emerson’s first-half showing.

He said: “Emerson Royal has offered nothing in particular going forward, which is only [going] to increase the calls for Djed Spence to be given a chance down the flank.”

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The Verdict: More question marks

Emerson has been consistently criticised for his performances down Spurs’ right-hand side, with him predominantly the favoured choice by Antonio Conte having been handed 11 league starts this season.

One player who was thought to be the solution to the erratic Brazilian was Spence, but he’s been limited to just four league cameos so far.

Another voice who also called for the Englishman to be given a chance in a less diplomatic way was journalist Gareth Davies, who tweeted: “Spence should be on at half-time, but he won’t be. He should have started, but he didn’t. Instead, we have to endure another reminder that Emerson is a genuinely terrible wing-back who can’t even cut it against a League One side.”

Spence has clearly been unable to convince Conte of his credentials, but it’s frustrating for many Spurs fans and voices alike not to even be given the chance to see whether he can prove to be an upgrade on Emerson, or even at least a player worthy of his £20m fee.

Leeds United presenter Joe Wainman has been reacting to the club’s reported bid for Angers midfielder Azzedine Ounahi.

The Lowdown: Rutter move close…

The Whites appear to have accelerated their attempts to sign Hoffenheim forward Georginio Rutter, with that transfer now thought to be close. The 20-year-old could become the club’s most expensive signing of all time and is expected to have a medical in the next 48 hours.

Rutter may not be the club’s second and final January addition, though, with 17-cap Morocco international Ounahi another player of interest.

The Latest: Wainman reacts

Journalist Santi Aouna took to Twitter in the last 48 hours, sharing what he knows about Rutter and Ounahi.

He claimed that ‘Leeds have also made an offer to Angers for the Moroccan midfielder’ which left Wainman – presenter of the Just Joe football show – to tweet in reply:

‘Surely not a double swoop’

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The Verdict: Unlikely?

It does seem as if Leeds may miss out on Ounahi’s services, with an unnamed club thought to be further down the line in the race to sign the midfielder.

However, the Whites will know that anything can happen in the transfer window, so they may still be hopeful of completing a deal for the Angers ace.

You’d expect that Victor Orta’s main focus will be on finalising a move for Rutter, though, which hopefully will go through without any late hiccups.

An update has emerged on Arsenal and their pursuit of a deal to sign winger Mykhailo Mudryk during the January transfer window…

What’s the talk?

Journalist Ben Jacobs has revealed that the Gunners are on the right track to securing a transfer for the Shakhtar Donetsk wide man this month.

He Tweeted: “Told very positive talks took place between Arsenal and Shakhtar on Monday. As reported, sources close to Mudryk say he will be “very disappointed” if a transfer doesn’t happen in January. #CFC have not placed any bid following their own meeting with Shakhtar.”

The reporter added: “Arsenal have still indicated, directly and via intermediaries, they don’t want to pay €100m. But structure of the deal being discussed will be more important than the final number. Shakhtar wanted more money upfront from the second bid (under €70m).”

Jacobs then Tweeted: “Told discussed offer will increase overall total but with some less ‘gettable’ add ons. It means #AFC can stick within valuation (& top-end of guaranteed fee they wish to pay) & offer extras that are either less likely or simply worth paying because tied to success if triggered.”

Kevin de Bruyne 2.0

Mikel Arteta worked with Belgian superstar Kevin de Bruyne during his time as Manchester City’s assistant manager, which lasted for 201 competitive matches, and could land his own version of the gem by signing Mudryk.

Pep Guardiola’s midfield magician has been in sensational form in the Premier League this season and is once again showing that he is one of the best in the business when it comes to creating chances.

The 31-year-old has registered nine assists – three more than any other player in the division – in 17 top-flight matches but has created a whopping 18 ‘big chances’ and averaged 3.5 key passes per game this term.

He ranks in the 99th and 99th percentiles respectively for non-penalty goals and assists per 90 amongst his positional peers in Europe’s top five leagues and European competition over the last 365 days, which shows that he is one of the best attacking midfielders on the continent in terms of scoring and creating goals.

Mudryk, whose pace was described as “frightening” by journalist Josh Bunting, ranks in the 99th and 98th percentile respectively in the same statistics for Shakhtar Donetsk over the last 365 days.

The 22-year-old produced three goals and two assists in six Champions League outings for his club earlier this season and has racked up seven goals and six assists in 12 matches in the Ukrainian top-flight.

He has shown incredible promise at his young age and his statistics indicate that he could have a similar creative impact to the one that de Bruyne is currently having for Manchester City – Arsenal’s title rivals.

The shift in momentum at Manchester United since Erik ten Hag assumed the managerial position last summer has been extraordinary, and gilt-edged success is emerging as a genuine possibility.

Last week’s monumental derby day triumph over Manchester City, winning 2-1 at Old Trafford courtesy of strikes from Bruno Fernandes and the resurgent Marcus Rashford, the Red Devils have now closed the gap on their imperious neighbours to a single point in the Premier League.

With nine successive victories across and the club indeed firing across all cylinders, still active in every competition available, there is an embedded sense of optimism that overflows from the brim at the Theatre of Dreams.

But now with a pivotal away clash in the league against Crystal Palace, Ten Hag must ensure cohesion remains gelled and energy levels stay relentless, preventing a lackadaisical display that will hamper the monumental strides taken across recent months.  

With reports that Anthony Martial faces a race to find fitness following his withdrawal against City at the weekend, the talismanic door swings wide open to offer a platform for Wout Weghorst to make his debut for the club.

Signed from Burnley on a six-month loan deal – cutting his previous spell with Besiktas short – the 30-year-old Weghorst has been signed to provide the ambitious outfit with an imposing figure to lead the line following the mutual agreement to terminate Cristiano Ronaldo’s contract with the club in November.

The £35k-per-week Weghorst offers a formidable 6 foot 6 presence to lead the line, and ranks within the top 16% of strikers in Europe’s top five leagues for aerials won over the past year.

And if he can continue his golden touch on the offensive front, United will flourish. This season, for Besiktas, the “pressing monster”, as lauded by Mark Goldbridge, has scored nine goals and registered four assists, with his hold-up play an enticing prospect for United’s pacy flankers as they look to use his stature to weave in behind backlines.

Palace have lost all three matches since the new year, and might see a continuation of the current woes that plague manager Patrick Vieira’s January, with United’s high-octane and fluid system more than capable of bypassing a defence that only kept one clean sheet in the league since October.

Victory on home soil against the Eagles on Wednesday night would cement the club’s stature firmly within the title race, and with United indeed searching for a tenth successive win, Weghorst could be vital in adding the dimension the attack so craves, and with the wealth of creativity and attacking prowess surrounding his centre-forward position, his debut might just bear fruit.

Liverpool have been linked with a late January swoop for Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Moises Caicedo by transfer guru Fabrizio Romano.

The Lowdown: Liverpool eyeing a new midfielder

It is no secret that Jurgen Klopp is keen on bolstering his midfield, with Jude Bellingham being viewed as his ‘top priority’. There have been other options in that position linked with a move to Anfield, including the likes of Sofyan Amrabat and Declan Rice.

Another potential signing is Caicedo, in whom a whole host of Premier League clubs are known to have been interested, including the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea and Newcastle United.

The Latest: Caicedo ‘one to watch’ for Liverpool

According to Romano on Twitter, the Ecuadorian is ‘one to watch’ as we approach the end of the January transfer window, with the player recently choosing Futbol Division as his new agents, which could indicate that he may be eyeing a move away from the Amex Stadium.

The Reds are said to be ‘well informed’ on Caicedo’s situation, although the Italian also pinpoints Chelsea and Arsenal as potential destinations for the midfielder.

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The Verdict: Get it done?

It was reported earlier this month that Brighton would now be willing to accept £65m for the 21-year-old, which is a £20m reduction on their initial asking price, but it is still a huge sum for a player who is relatively unproven, having played just eight Premier League games prior to this season.

There are some indications that the youngster could be worth the astronomical fee, with football scout Jacek Kulig hailing him as ‘fantastic’ while also drawing comparisons with Anfield legend Steven Gerrard in terms of his playing style.

A no-nonsense midfielder, the starlet specialises in his tackling ability, averaging 2.7 per 90 in the past year, placing him in the 83rd percentile compared to his positional peers in Europe’s top five leagues. However he is yet to display the consistent goal-scoring ability that Gerrard possessed, netting just once in the Premier League this season – the former Reds captain scored 186 times in 17 years at the club.

Given that Liverpool are renowned for a relatively frugal transfer strategy, it might be worth holding off on a move for Caicedo in order to make sure that they are able to fund a summer move for Bellingham, who could cost £130m and necessitate the sale of current Reds players.

Southampton have made an ‘offer’ to sign Lecce defensive midfield star Morten Hjulmand with the Serie A side giving a reply.

The Lowdown: Saints eye Hjulmand move…

The Saints have been linked with a move for Hjulmand in this January transfer window with reliable journalists like Fabrizio Romano sharing news of their interest.

Indeed, it is believed that Nathan Jones’ side have been tracking the Dane in recent weeks amid their search for upgrades at St. Mary’s.

Southampton are currently locked in a relegation dog-fight, laying bottom of the table with four wins in 20 and just one victory in their last five games.

The Latest: Southampton make offer…

Now, according to TUTTOmercatoWEB reporter Marco Conterio on social media, the south coast side have made a bid to sign Hjulmand worth around €11 million (£9.6m).

While Lecce have already replied by rejecting the proposal, it is believed Southampton could return with an improved offer.

Conterio stated:

“The #Southampton wants Morten Hjulmand of the #Lecce . 11 million offer rejected by Salento but #SaintsFC can raise for the midfielder.”

The Verdict: Get it done…

The 23-year-old has been a crucial player for Lecce in Serie A this season, leaving little surprise the club require more than £9.6m to let him leave before January 31.

Hjulmand is a colossal defensive presence in front of their back four with only three of his teammates playing more league minutes than the Scandinavian talent.

According to WhoScored, the midfield man ranks as their second-best performer by average match rating and has racked up four Man of the Match awards – more than any Lecce player.

Defensively, the 6 foot 1 colossus averages more successful tackles and interceptions made every game than anyone in Lecce’s squad with Hjulmand proving vital as they steer clear of relegation to Serie B.

In terms of solidarity and real potential, Hjulmand fits the Southampton transfer profile and he could be their next answer to former star Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg – if they can get a deal done.

BBC journalist Harry de Cosemo has claimed on the True Faith podcast that Newcastle United could go back in for Moussa Diaby if they fail in landing Anthony Gordon.

The Lowdown: Newcastle keen on a new winger

While the form of Miguel Almiron during the first half of the season helped paper over the cracks at Newcastle his goals have since dried up and now they are struggling to score and win games in the Premier League.

The Magpies have scored one goal in their last four league games winning that match 1-0 and drawing the rest 0-0, which has seen them turn to Gordon, although he indeed only has three strikes this term.

It has been reported that Gordon’s price tag is causing negotiations to go a lot slower than perhaps planned with Everton wanting a hefty fee for one of their academy graduates and if they continue to stall on agreeing a deal, Newcastle may wait until the summer to sign a new wide man in the form of Diaby.

The Latest: Diaby could come back on the radar

Newcastle were heavily linked with Diaby over the summer but his price tag was deemed too hefty and De Cosemo wouldn’t be surprised if PIF moved again for the Frenchman over the summer if their pursuit of Gordon is unsuccessful.

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He said: (£2:15) “I think Moussa Diaby is still somebody – if Newcastle don’t get Gordon – Moussa Diaby in the summer is still somebody to watch to see where that goes because they just ran into a dead end where Leverkusen didn’t need to sell, didn’t want to sell and weren’t willing to negotiate on something silly like €100 million or just less than that but it was crazy money he wasn’t worth.”

The verdict: PIF could avoid rash spending this month

While Gordon would indeed arrive with Premier League experience and be fairly comfortable with the league and style of play, Diaby is very much proven in the attacking department with 44 goal involvements since the start of last season, whereas Gordon has 10.

It was reported earlier in the month when Arsenal were said to be keen on landing Diaby that Leverkusen had not lowered their mammoth asking price as they looked to keep the winger until the summer at least.

However, come the summer he will have two years left on his contract and Leverkusen won’t be able to offer him European football, something that Newcastle very likely will be able to do a better value-for-money deal could indeed be done if PIF wait just a few months for someone with a better record in front of goal and has been hailed as ‘speedy’ which would suit Newcastle’s style of play and pressing.

Sunderland-supporting journalist Josh Bunting ‘would have loved’ the Black Cats to have signed an out and out striker in the January transfer window.

The Lowdown: Sunderland’s transfer business

Loanee striker Ellis Simms was recalled by Everton at the end of December, which came as disappointing news for Sunderland, given that he had weighed in with seven goals and two assists in the Championship.

In terms of arrivals, the Black Cats brought in Leeds United striker Joe Gelhardt on a loan deal for the rest of the season, defender Joe Anderson joined on deadline day and Pierre Ekwah was signed to bolster the midfield.

The Latest: Bunting’s comments

The one area that Bunting wishes Sunderland had strengthened further is the attack, but he does believe they still have enough attacking quality, saying: “Without doubt I would have loved another 9 absolutely but there’s so much quality in and around Gelhardt. Look when Stewart came off at Fulham, Sunderland still creates openings in the game whilst playing in between the lines. Frustrating but I’m honestly not all that worried.”

The Verdict: Could pose a problem…

Bunting has an optimistic outlook about how Tony Mowbray’s side will fare without a new attacking signing, but the reality is that it could be the difference-maker in their push for the Championship playoffs.

Sky Sports journalist Keith Downie has recently detailed that Ross Stewart will be out for the rest of the season (via Chronicle Live), which is a massive blow, with the striker scoring a remarkable ten goals in 13 Championship games so far this term.

While new arrival Gelhardt has been hailed as ‘fantastic’ by the media, he is still only 20, and it is unclear whether he will be able to take on the bulk of the responsibility in front of goal, netting on just two occasions in 20 Premier League appearances for Leeds last season.

John Gibson believes it would be a big game to hand Anthony Gordon his first Newcastle United start this weekend.

The Lowdown: Selection dilemma for Howe

Bruno Guimaraes’ midweek red card has handed Eddie Howe a very interesting selection headache with several players capable of moving to the left-hand side while Joelinton drops into midfield.

Howe obviously has tricky winger Allan Saint-Maximin sitting on the bench in recent weeks, £40 million January signing Gordon who’s trained this week and the ever-regular Jacob Murphy also available.

Gordon has indeed been training with his new teammates this week but with less than a week under his belt to get to know people and understand the tactics, it would be bizarre to see him starting against West Ham.

The Latest: Howe must be sensible

Given how little time Gordon has spent with his new teammates, Gibson has claimed on the Everything is Black and White podcast it would be a big gamble to throw him into the starting lineup.

He said: “There are four choices for Saturday, there’s Saint-Maximin, there’s Isak with a twitch in the tactics, there’s Gordon if you decided to gamble and start him straight away which would never happen if Bruno wasn’t suspended and the other one is the rank outsider which is Murphy.”

The Verdict: Gordon not ready to start

It would be very uncharacteristic for Howe to throw Gordon straight into the firing line at St James’ Park as that didn’t happen with the likes of Sven Botman and Guimaraes who both had to wait for their chance.

Also, if Howe doesn’t hand Saint-Maximin his first league start since August then that won’t likely go down very well within the Frenchman’s camp and could well show he has no future on Tyneside.

Given the speed Gordon has showcased this season, he could well be a solid option to terrorise West Ham with deep into the second half after having to deal with Saint-Maximin’s willingness to dribble at them as he has done this season with 21 completed dribbles in just four starts (FBRef).

West Brom centre-back Kyle Bartley is set to undergo another scan on the muscle injury currently keeping him sidelined, according to journalist Joe Chapman.

The Lowdown: Bartley sidelined for Baggies

The Baggies are enjoying a huge resurgence under Carlos Corberan, but someone who has played no part in their recent good form is defensive stalwart Bartley.

The 31-year-old hasn’t appeared for West Brom since the 2-0 victory at home to Stoke City back in November, in which he scored for the second straight fixture, with a muscle injury keeping him out.

Now, a new update suggests that Bartley’s return may still have to wait until later in the season.

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The Latest: Chapman drops update

Taking to Twitter on Thursday, The Birmingham Mail‘s Chapman said that the centre-back will have another scan to gauge the recovery of his muscle:

“Been to see Carlos today, who was typically upbeat. Albion are looking okay ahead of tomorrow’s game, but Kyle Bartley is set for another scan.”

The Verdict: Need him back ASAP

Admittedly, Bartley hasn’t been a great miss since November, considering West Brom have leaped into sixth place in the Championship, mounting a genuine promotion push.

That being said, the veteran’s eventual return will still be a major positive for Corberan, with his know-how likely to be key during the business end of the season – he was man of the match in his final two games before injury.

He has racked up a total of 209 Championship appearances in his career, and been described as ‘incredible’ by Kevin Campbell in the past, so he will give West Brom a really experienced option at a critical point in the campaign.

Bartley’s current deal expires this summer, at which point it could make sense to move him on, but helping the Baggies return to the Premier League would be a fitting end to his Hawthorns career.