Watch more of our videos on ShotsTV.com
and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565
Visit Shots! now
The 3AddedMinutes take on the latest transfer talk from the Premier League and beyond.
Manchester United are never far from the headlines these days - and they thrust themselves to the centre of attention once again on Sunday when it was confirmed sporting director Dan Ashworth had parted company with 13-time Premier League champions.
The decision brings an end to Ashworth’s five-month stay at Old Trafford and comes after the Red Devils conducted a lengthy pursuit of the former FA man before finally enticing him from Premier League rivals Newcastle United. You would think Ashworth’s exit would be the most surprising news to come out of Manchester this weekend - but there are claims from Spain that could well lay claim to such a tag.
Spanish news outlet Fichajes have claimed the Red Devils are considering a move for Spurs star Son Heung-min during the new year as the South Korea international enters in the final six months of his current deal with the north London club. Significantly, the report also claims Son has ‘expressed interest in exploring a new challenge’ - but Spurs will trigger a one-year option in his deal to try and fend off United’s bid for his services.
The 3AM Verdict: This deal seems increasingly unlikely and the presence of a one-year option in Son’s deal surely means he is more likely to remain in north London than make what would be a surprise move to the North West.
Hammers prepare loan bid for Chelsea star
West Ham United are also said to be considering a surprise move during the January transfer window.
French outlet FootMercato have reported the Hammers are ‘determined’ to strengthen their options in defence and are showing an interest in Chelsea star Tosin Adarabioyo. The former Fulham centre-back only joined the Blues during the summer transfer window when his Cottagers contract came to an end and has gone on to make 11 appearances in all competitions for the Stamford Bridge outfit.
However, he has remained on the bench in seven of their last ten Premier League fixtures and the report in France claims West Ham will try and tempt their London rivals into an unlikely move by submitting a loan bid for the defender during the January transfer window.
The 3AM Verdict: This is another deal that seems unlikely to come to pass during January - even though Adarabioyo will probably feel he deserves more game-time after snubbing offers from elsewhere to join Chelsea during the summer.
Sunderland boss delivers transfer message to young prospect
Sunderland head coach Regis Le Bris has revealed the message he delivered to academy product Tommy Watson after he was reportedly the subject of interest from a number of Premier League clubs.
Brighton and Hove Albion were said to be at the front of the race to sign the young winger, who became the latest Black Cats academy product to hit the headlines when he followed in the footsteps of Chris Rigg and Dan Neil by scoring his first senior goals in Saturday’s home win against Stoke City. The Seagulls were believed to have made an unsuccessful bid of around £2m to sign the youngster during the summer - but Le Bris was always confident he could retain Watson’s services after assuring the winger he would be handed a chance at the Championship club.
Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris.Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris.
Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris. | Getty Images
As per the Sunderland Echo, he said: “We had many conversations. The identity of the club and the squad is designed so he would get opportunities. We don't have a big squad with many experienced players, so especially in this league with 46 games and with many options to play, I knew before he'd have opportunities. You have to deserve these opportunities, but the squad is designed for that. It [his talent] was very clear [from day one]. He's very powerful. He likes playing one vs one. He can lose a duel, but the next one he will try again."
The 3AM Verdict: The Black Cats academy system has become increasingly prolific in recent signings with the likes of Anthony Patterson, Dan Neil and Chris Rigg all now regular features in Regis Le Bris’ side. Watson looks set to be the next Sunderland youngster to firmly establish himself at senior level - and surely that means the best place for him to be is on Wearside.
Continue Reading