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According to a report by Foot Mercato, as translated and shared by Sport Witness, Tottenham Hotspur managing director Fabio Paratici may now back an exciting transfer swoop for the club.

The Lowdown: Paratici on the prowl…

Since the 48-year-old was appointed as the new managing director of Spurs, there have been no shortage of transfer rumours linking the Lilywhites with a host of exciting players.

Lorenzo Insigne, Manuel Locatelli and Domenico Berardi are just some of the names linked, with that trio shining for Italy at Euro 2020.

Marcus Thuram is another player mentioned with a possible move to Spurs, with RMC Sport reporter Mohamed Bouhafsi lifting the lid on advanced talks last month.

The Latest: Paratici could now back move…

As per Foot Mercato, Tottenham have now made Thuram a priority summer signing. Indeed, transfer guru Paratici ‘would support’ the swoop internally, and the Frenchman’s odds of moving to north London this summer are ‘good’.

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Thuram’s stance is that he very much wants to leave his current club Borussia Monchengladbach, with the report stating he desires a ‘change of scenery’. If Paratici wants to snap up the 23-year-old as a priority, Tottenham will have to pay ‘at least’ €30m (£25.6m).

The French forward started 20 Bundesliga matches last term, netting eight goals and setting up two others (WhoScored).

The Verdict: Get it done

At a minimum fee of £25.6m, Thuram could come as a possible bargain this summer going by his exploits in the German top flight and some of the plaudits which have come his way during the 2020/21 campaign.

The 1.92m (6 foot 4) beast averaged an impressive two shots per match last season for Monchengladbach, bettered only by attacking partner Alassane Plea (2.1). Thuram also completed more dribbles per game (1.6) than anyone in their squad, and at just 23, he could come as a very fruitful purchase by Tottenham.

Highly versatile, he is capable of playing on both flanks and in a central forward role. He has attracted praise from New York Times bestselling author Grant Wahl, who called him ‘phenomenal’ (Twitter).

If Paratici backs a swoop for Thuram, we believe he would certainly be making the right call.

In other news: ‘In recent days’…Spurs make enquiry to sign £34.4m-rated ‘genius’, find out more here.

An update has emerged regarding Newcastle United’s pursuit of Lille forward Yusuf Yazici…

What’s the talk?

According to Turkish outlet Takvim, the Magpies are already in talks with his representatives over a potential January move, with the attacker said to be valued at €15m (£12.5m).

The report claims that Lille want to loan him out during the second half of the campaign and Newcastle are one of the clubs actively pursuing a deal.

Dream deal

Yazici could be a dream signing for Newcastle next month due to the structure of the move. The Magpies are currently 19th in the Premier League and at risk of relegation to the Championship, which means that permanent signings could be tricky to complete without worrying about how much they could cost the club in the second tier.

However, a loan deal works perfectly for them as it allows Newcastle to cut ties with the player if they fail to avoid the drop. It also means that they can potentially negotiate an option to sign him permanently in the summer if they retain their top-flight status, whether that is for the £12.5m quoted or another price.

For example, if Yazici comes in and scores the goals to keep the club in the Premier League, then they could snap him up permanently; or, if he struggles to adapt to English football and Eddie Howe’s team finish in the bottom three, then he can be sent straight back to France.

Former Lille coach Christophe Galtier once lauded the forward and his connection with Jonathan David, saying: “Yusuf has caught a good dynamic, and he is finding his direction. There is a lot of competition in his position, which drives him to perform well. It takes a lot of effort. I spend too much time with him. He is a very talented player in front of the castle. He plays like the second striker or the number 10.

“If you have such a talented player, the possibilities increase. He has a strong relationship with Jonathan David. They were also together in the Milan match. They were also good defensively in this game and made good placements. I find the two complementary. Such a relationship between the two players is a good thing for the coach.”

This highlights the quality he could bring to Newcastle and suggests that he could strike a chord with Callum Wilson up front. Yazici could look to form a partnership with the former Bournemouth man to complement him at the top end of the pitch, making him an ideal signing to bolster the attack.

He managed 14 goals and five assists in 18 starts for Lille across Ligue 1 and the Europa League last season, showing that he has the quality to provide regular contributions in the final third. This is another reason why it could be a dream deal for Newcastle if they pull it off, as the 24-year-old has proven that he can find the back of the net regularly at the top level.

AND in other news, PIF could save NUFC’s season with £20m move for “decisive” gem likened to N’Golo Kante…

According to reports out of Spain, as shared by Sport Witness, there has been an update on Southampton’s pursuit of Union Berlin striker Taiwo Awoniyi.

The Lowdown: Semmens eyeing summer moves…

Ahead of what could be an interesting 2022 summer window, the Saints, and by extension their transfer chief Martin Semmens, have been tipped to bolster Ralph Hasenhuttl’s options.

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It is believed the south coast side are still in contention to sign England goalkeeper Sam Johnstone with links also emerging to some lesser known names like South Korea international Son Jun-ho.

The striker position is another area Southampton could strengthen as news comes to light involving Bundesliga forward Awoniyi.

The Latest: Report makes Awoniyi claim…

As per Spanish sources (via Sport Witness), Semmens and the club have ‘set their sights’ on the striker who could cost around £21 million.

The report also claims Southampton, alongside West Ham and Newcastle, will ‘bid for Awoniyi’ with a summer attempt to sign him on the cards.

The Verdict: Great option…

Members of the media, like journalist Stefan Bienkowski, have praised the Nigeria international for his ‘remarkable’ season in the Bundesliga with the in-form attacker coming as a good option for Hasenhuttl.

Union Berlin have previously heaped praise on their ‘hero’ who has played a major role for them this season, having scored 12 goals in 25 appearances in the German top flight this season.

He comes as a solid alternative to loanee Chelsea striker Armando Broja this summer as Semmens reportedly casts one eye on the 2022/2023 season now his club are clear of relegation for another year.

In other news: ‘It is true’ – Southampton backed by close source as they also eye ‘star’ international, find out more here.

David Moyes has plenty of decisions to make as his West Ham side kickstart a busy festive period with the visit of Brighton and Hove Albion to the London Stadium this evening.

The Irons have lost back-to-back Premier League matches but have maintained their place in the top-four, for the time being, having been defeated by Wolverhampton Wanderers and defending champions Manchester City in the last two weeks.

It’s their third game in the space of a week and they’ll continue to come thick and fast, with Chelsea at the weekend, Dinamo Zagreb a week Thursday and another four games before Christmas day.

Therefore, the Scot must be considering rotation, especially as he has been dealing with injuries to one key area of the squad but what sort of lineup could we see in east London tonight?

Here’s what Football FanCast are predicting…

There could be four changes from the side that tasted defeat at the Etihad only a few days ago.

In goal, veteran shot-stopper Lukasz Fabianski is expected to maintain his place, with PSG loanee Alphonse Areola only utilised in the cup competitions, though his backline will look a little different.

Aaron Cresswell is a major doubt ahead of kick-off and it’s unlikely that he will be risked, given how many matches are upcoming. Instead, we could see Ben Johnson switch sides and Vladimir Coufal returning at right-back.

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The £18m-rated Czech international, dubbed a “machine” by skipper Mark Noble, has been usurped by the aforementioned academy gem ever since his injury, so this would be a good opportunity to stake a big claim.

Whilst, Craig Dawson may be rested in favour of Issa Diop, who partners fellow compatriot Kurt Zouma in the middle.

Moyes has a massive decision to make on Tomas Soucek amid his poor and inconsistent form struggles. He may well keep his place for now, alongside vice-captain Declan Rice.

Further up the pitch, we’re expecting to see Jarrod Bowen return to the starting XI, with Pablo Fornals occupying the other flank, whilst Said Benrahma could be axed for Manuel Lanzini after the Argentine’s goalscoring impact up in Manchester.

Michail Antonio has also struggled lately, scoring once in eight games, but as their only centre-forward – one that can flick the switch at any time – he should remain up top.

AND in other news, West Ham eye bargain £12m swoop after injury blow…

Celtic are hoping to have a number of deals tied up prior to the opening of the January transfer window.

What’s the talk?

In recent comments cited by the Daily Record, Ange Postecoglou revealed that he and his side are currently in the process of identifying a number of targets they would like to bring into the club during the winter market, as the 56-year-old does not want to repeat his rather frantic transfer business in the summer window.

Speaking about the Bhoys’ transfer plans, Postecoglou said: “We want to make sure we are well organised long before then, so we are going to identify targets and we will be talking to quite a few.

“There will be plenty of people putting their name forward because I think this is an attractive destination at the moment. There will be plenty of names. We are working towards them and we know what we need. We are just focused on being organised in January.”

Fans will be buzzing

Considering just how successful a number of Postecoglou’s summer signings have already proven to be at Celtic, the prospect of the 56-year-old bringing yet more of his targets to the club this winter, as well as having much more time to compile his transfer shortlist, is sure to have Hoops fans buzzing.

Indeed, with Cameron Carter-Vickers, Jota, Carl Starfelt, Kyogo Furuhashi, Liel Abada and Josip Juranovic – all of whom arrived in Glasgow this summer – ranking as the Bhoys’ third, fourth, fifth, sixth, ninth and 11th-best performers respectively in the Premiership so far this season – of players who remain in Postecoglou’s first-team squad – it is clear that the 56-year-old possesses a very keen eye for a signing who could come in and improve his team immediately.

And, with Celtic hot on the heels of the league leaders, should the Greek-Australian coach manage to bring in reinforcements that have a similar impact to his summer signings this January, we would certainly not bet against the Hoops going on to reclaim their Scottish Premiership crown come next May.

You sense all the Bhoys need now is a few additions to really complete their squad and elevate them to the next level.

In other news: Outrageous stat proves £1.8m-rated “menace” is closing in on 242-goal Celtic legend

Aston Villa right-back Matty Cash should be available for selection against Arsenal after sustaining a minor injury at the weekend, Ashley Preece says. 

The lowdown

Cash started against Wolves on Saturday and played 79 minutes before he was substituted, with Ashley Young coming on in his place.

Manager Dean Smith revealed after the game that he’d been forced off with a dead leg.

Cash is a mainstay of the Villa side, with his Wolves injury threatening to disrupt a 100% Premier League starting record.

Going by WhoScored metrics, the 24-year-old has been his side’s third best player so far this season.  Nobody in the squad has made more tackles per 90 minutes.

Cash, incidentally, ranks in Villa’s top-six earners with a reported weekly salary of £65,000.

The latest

Addressing supporters in a Birmingham Live fan Q&A, Preece wrote: “[I] expect Matty Cash to shake off a dead leg for Arsenal on Friday.”

Meanwhile, an update on the fitness of winger Leon Bailey is expected in Dean Smith’s press conference on Thursday.

The verdict

This will surely come as a relief to Villa supporters. Young would have been able to deputise, but it’s clear that Cash is one of Smith’s most trusted lieutenants.

And they need to muster a response on Friday night against a 12th-placed Arsenal side, having conceded three times in 15 minutes in a dramatic late collapse after Cash’s withdrawal on Saturday.

If Bailey is available for selection too, they’ll probably fancy their chances.

In other news, this Villa starlet is being monitored. 

Flocking to Twitter, many Manchester United supporters have erupted over a pre-Liverpool blow involving star midfielder Bruno Fernandes.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is already under pressure after watching his side drop a plethora of Premier League points over this last month.

The Norwegian has overseen losses to both Aston Villa and Leicester City whilst also dropping points in a home draw to Everton, coming as United aim to win their first Premier League title in nearly 10 years (manutd.com).

Ahead of a highly anticipated clash against Liverpool at Old Trafford today, many Red Devils fans have fumed as some team news emerges before they take on Jurgen Klopp’s side.

Indeed, as confirmed by Solskjaer, star man Fernandes is now a doubt for one of the biggest clashes of their season.

The Portuguese playmaker has four goals and two assists in just eight Premier League starts this season, marking himself out as a really key player.

Taking this into account, it’s little wonder United supporters are worried he might not feature today.

Find all of their verdicts on the news down below.

Man United fans erupt over Fernandes blow…

“advantage liverpool”

Credit: @Ansh710839

“We are finished”

Credit: @martemmanuel_14

“Great.”

Credit: @Xire01

“OH GOD….we all know it will be Lingard at the 10 on Sunday!”

Credit: @OilDoug

“no bruno omg”

Credit: @rashy10_

“NOT BRUNO”

Credit: @MAX_DBN

“As if it couldn’t get any worse”

Credit: @Unit01773131

In other news: ‘Worse than Fred’, ‘Just sell’…Man United fans hammer ‘very weak’ player who ‘needs shipping out’, find out more here.

Having seen his Sunderland side get off to an impressive start to their 2021/22 League One campaign, winning their first two fixtures of the new season, Lee Johnson and his team were dealt a setback on Tuesday, with the Black Cats suffering defeat at the hands of Burton Albion.

However, the result was far from a disaster, with Sunderland’s performance still impressive despite the defeat – something which Johnson himself commented upon after the 1-0 loss, claiming that his side “had fantastic control” of the fixture, as well as stating his belief that if the match were to be played 100 times over, the Black Cats would win on 85 occasions.

Indeed, over the course of the 90 minutes at the Pirelli Stadium, the Wearsiders managed 20 shots on goal, seven of which were on target, as well as dominating possession of the ball and creating two big chances.

However, while it is easy to argue that Sunderland were the better of the two teams on the night, it cannot be ignored that the Mackems nevertheless failed to capitalise on their dominance, with a lack of quality in and around the box proving to be their downfall.

As such, it would appear wise for Johnson to freshen up his attacking lineup for the visit of AFC Wimbledon today, with one player in particular who has so far been overlooked in the league and could well be deserving of a shot in the starting XI – Josh Hawkes.

Indeed, following a highly impressive 2020/21 campaign with Sunderland’s under-23 side, scoring 13 goals and providing six assists over his 20 Premier League 2 appearances, the 22-year-old winger was given a chance in the Black Cats’ first team for the Carabao Cup clash with Port Vale last week – getting himself on the scoresheet in the 2-1 win.

However, despite having been an unused substitute in the club’s first two league fixtures of the season, Johnson then dropped Hawkes completely from his matchday squad for the Burton game, a rather strange move considering his impressive performance the previous week.

Also, considering the goalscoring and creative talent that Hawkes quite clearly possesses, the Sunderland boss simply must give the man he himself dubbed a “dangerous” player a shot against AFC Wimbledon, as the youngster could well solve the Black Cats’ troubles in front of goal.

In other news: SAFC in “advanced talks” over “fantastic” £180k-rated dynamo, Johnson will be buzzing

Crystal Palace have received a big injury boost ahead of their Premier League clash with Everton at Selhurst Park this evening.

What’s the word?

In Friday’s press conference, Patrick Vieira revealed that Eberechi Eze has been training well as he continues his recovery from an Achilles problem, with Joachim Andersen and Nathan Ferguson also progressing well.

“The team news is Joachim took some part of training the last couple of days with the team. And Nathan and Eze are doing well,” the manager confirmed.

That wasn’t where the good news ended for the Eagles, though. Vieira provided a positive update on James McArthur, who has been absent in recent weeks with a hamstring issue.

The Frenchman revealed: “James is feeling better as well. He has started doing some individual training on the field, and this morning he took part in the first 15-20 minutes of the training session – but he will not be involved in the Everton game.”

Palace fans will be buzzing

The nwws that Eze is making good progress in his quest to regain full match fitness will have the Palace fans buzzing with excitement given their recent struggles. After a promising run of form during the autumn, the south London outfit are currently enduring a four-game winless run, having lost their last three consecutive fixtures.

Despite having the attacking firepower of Wilfried Zaha, Odsonne Edouard and Michael Olise, Vieira’s charges have been unable to carve open opposition defences over the last few weeks, failing to find the back of the net against both Leeds and Manchester United.

Therefore, this latest revelation will surely be warmly welcomed by everyone associated with Palace, not least the supporters. In 2020/21, Eze was the Eagles’ chief creator with six assists, and his absence from the starting XI has been sorely missed in the opening weeks of the current campaign.

The 23-year-old has only been able to make two substitute appearances so far this term, but if he’s fit enough to feature from the off against Everton today, he could be the difference-maker for Palace once again if he can replicate his form from last season.

In other news… Vieira must seal Palace swoop for “crazy” £10.8m-rated beast likened to LeBron James

David Moyes risks uproar amongst the West Ham United faithful if he makes a move for Phil Jones this month…

What’s the word?

The Irons have been left frustrated by their search for a new centre-back over the past few days after Chelsea’s Kurt Zouma rejected the chance to join the club.

It’s believed that the addition of a new central defender is currently Moyes’ top priority, with Angelo Ogbonna dealing with a pre-season injury problem.

According to the ever-reliable ExWHUemployee, the Hammers’ hunt is nearly getting to the point of them considering free transfers, in which forgotten Manchester United outcast Phil Jones could be a target, even if slightly unlikely.

It’s not the first time that the 29-year-old colossus has been mooted with a switch to the London Stadium. Last month, Eurosport reported of Moyes’ interest in working with the centre-back once again.

Massively uninspiring

If West Ham’s options go from the likes of Zouma and James Tarkowski to Jones, then the Scot risks causing fury amongst the Irons faithful and that is the last thing he needs, with supporters group Hammers United already planning to protest before their game against the Red Devils next month.

Whilst Moyes may well think that he could repeat the theatrics of Jesse Lingard’s comeback, it seems unlikely that he can do the same with the 27-time England international.

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Jones has not played a competitive match for United – or anyone – in more than 18 months after falling out of favour under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer before he picked up a serious long-term knee injury.

The Manchester Evening News claim that the 5 foot 11 defender is effectively ‘unsellable’, and that goes to show just how low the East Londoners would be sinking with a move for him.

It would be one mighty risk to take a punt on someone who has not played at the elite level for so long, especially considering that he is thought to be earning around £110k-per-week at Old Trafford.

Furthermore, when he was in action, he was far from impressive.

Jones was once described as a player who “looks like he’s on roller-skates” and “sometimes he looks like the stunt-man of the team” by Martin Keown to talkSPORT.

Now valued at just £4.5m by Transfermarkt, Moyes would certainly be playing with fire with a move for his former starting centre-back. The Irons faithful will surely be furious if he signs.

AND in other news, West Ham insiders drop major takeover claim, fans will be fuming…