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According to The Telegraph, Tottenham are ready to hijack Leicester’s loan deal for Monaco midfielder Youri Tielemans. 

The 21-year-old was poised to be joining The Foxes this January, but Spurs chairman Daniel Levy has given the green light for his club to intercept this deal. However, the article does not state whether this is a loan or permanent deal.

The French club are willing to loan the Belgian, or sell him for £20m as well. However, it is imperative that Tottenham sign him permanently.

The Lilywhites have a long and rather embarrassing history of signing substandard players; there are currently some in the squad now, and there have been many in the past. Particularly though, the club have signed a raft of slow starters. There is absolutely no guarantee that Tielemans will acclimatise quickly, in which time, this would be a waste of a loan deal from Spurs.

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On the other hand, a permanent deal means the 21-year-old has time to settle into Tottenham and truly become the successor to Mousa Dembélé. Stylistically, Tielemans has many similarities to his compatriot, while also showing a greater attacking instinct. His powerful shot and ability to chip in with a goal could even make him a greater asset to Tottenham, particularly as central midfielders like Eric Dier, Harry Winks and Victor Wanyama are not famed for their goal-scoring prowess.

Now that Tottenham are out of the FA Cup and League Cup, they do not need quick fixes, particularly in the heart of midfield, they need long-term figures and Tielemans is that man.

Sunderland boss Alex Neil picked up another win in the third tier over the weekend as his side beat Gillingham 1-0 at the Stadium of Light.

Nathan Broadhead’s diving header in the last minute sealed the three points to keep the Black Cats in the race to land a play-off spot.

They are currently two points behind 5th-placed Sheffield Wednesday in the table as they attempt to land a top-six place between now and the end of the regular season.

If the Black Cats end up in the play-offs and Neil is able to guide them to the Championship this term, Kristjaan Speakman will be facing the daunting prospect of sorting out the club’s striking options heading into next season.

Ross Stewart has been linked with a move to Premier League side Norwich and Nathan Broadhead is set to return to Everton this summer. They have scored 28 goals between them in League One and losing both of them ahead of a campaign in the second tier would be a disaster, especially if they fail to bring in a player of the requisite quality to replace them.

One striker they have been credited with an interest in is 18-year-old Guiseley forward Josh Stones. The youngster has caught the eye this season with his goals at youth level and Sunderland are one of the clubs keen on a deal for him.

However, Football Insider recently reported that Wigan have agreed terms with the striker ahead of a summer switch to the DW Stadium. This means that, as it stands, Speakman is set to miss out on a deal for the teen as Wigan have swooped in ahead of them.

Stones has scored nine goals in his last five youth games for Guiseley, whilst he recently scored a hat-trick at youth level for England’s schoolboys team against Scotland. This means that he has found the back of the net 12 times in his last six matches in development football, which highlights his incredible potential as a player.

Therefore, missing out on a deal for him would be a big disaster for Speakman. Not only would it be to a League One rival, but it could also be at the same time they lose both Stewart and Broadhead – leaving Neil’s squad threadbare at the top end of the pitch.

The Stadium of Light supremo must do everything in his power to convince the 18-year-old phenomenon to turn Wigan down and sign a contract with Sunderland. His statistics at youth level suggest that he would be an excellent addition to the club’s ranks and they cannot allow their rivals to snap him up ahead of them.

AND in other news, SAFC made huge £600k blunder over “outstanding” machine who aged like “fine wine”…

Manchester United will be without Edinson Cavani for this evening’s visit of Leicester City to Old Trafford.

What’s the latest?

Ahead of the clash against Brendan Rodgers’ side, the Red Devils interim boss was giving team news updates as the Premier League resumes following the latest international break.

Speaking in the press conference at Carrington, Rangnick said that his international players “all seem to be fit” but then declared that “the only player who is injured, unfortunately again, is Edinson Cavani.”

Cavani was injured on international duty with Uruguay and was forced off with calf problem in the first half of his country’s recent clash against Chile.

On the extent of the 35-year-old’s injury, Rangnick said: “According to the doctor, he will be out for a couple of weeks, four weeks, maybe even five weeks. So we will have to wait and see. That’s obviously bad news to have another striker missing out. Apart from that, all the others seem to be fit.”

Rangnick will be raging

With just nine games to go, United are up against it in the race for Champions League qualification, trailing fourth-placed Arsenal by four points having played one match more.

Although Leicester’s defence has been rather porous this term and Cavani has rarely started in the top flight, Rangnick would have ideally liked to have the Uruguayan at his disposal this evening.

Since joining United, the veteran striker has had a big impact. In total, he has scored 19 goals for the Red Devils, and whilst that is impressive for a 35-year-old who is past his prime, it’s his effect on United’s pressing ability which has truly made him stand out.

With around five pressures per game, his work rate is second to none at Old Trafford, although it’s his successful pressure percentage per 90 of 36.7% which makes him one of the best in this metric, with the Uruguayan ranked within the 99th percentile among positional peers in Europe’s top five leagues.

Cavani is not just an industrious workhorse in the final third, either. Red Devils legend Paul Scholes has hailed the veteran’s “perfect first touch” and drawn comparisons with another lethal marksman of old in these parts in Ruud van Nistelrooy.

Therefore, with such a crucial fixture coming up this evening, Rangnick will be raging that the Uruguay marksman was struck with injury in midweek and has duly been ruled out for the visit of Leicester, who have won their last three meetings against United in all competitions.

In other news – Man Utd facing disaster over “phenomenal” £31.5m-rated star, supporters will be fuming

Sunderland have seen plenty of players come and go from the Wearside club over the years during several transfer windows.

However, as has happened with many clubs, they don’t always end up securing every player that they get linked with.

One prime example of a player that the Black Cats were looking to sign and will now be having nightmares over is Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

According to the Sunderland Echo, the striker “was a target of Peter Reid during his formulative years at Ajax.”

However, a deal for the Sweden international “couldn’t be sealed” before he eventually joined Juventus in August 2004.

Throughout an impressive and very long career, Ibrahimovic has played for clubs such as Malmo, Inter Milan, Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United, AC Milan, Inter Milan, Barcelona and LA Galaxy.

With a total of 811 club appearances under his belt, the 40-year-old has scored 492 goals, provided 201 assists and won numerous team titles and individual awards, highlighting just how much of an icon he is.

On the international stage, Ibrahimovic has been a vital figure for his country by scoring 62 goals in 121 appearances.

This season has seen the veteran score eight goals and provide two assists in 19 Serie A appearances for Milan, showing that despite his advanced age, he still has the knack for finding the back of the net in one of Europe’s top divisions.

Labelled as an “unstoppable” player by Gianfranco Zola, as well as having the “technique of Lionel Messi, the character of Muhammad Ali, and the strength of Mike Tyson,” by Mino Raiola, Ibrahimovic could have been an incredible asset for Sunderland had they been able to strike a deal for him all those years ago.

With the benefit of hindsight, securing a deal for the centre-forward should have been a top priority for the Wearside club, no matter what the cost implications would have been.

While there would have been no guarantee over how long he would have been at Sunderland had they been able to sign him, it still would have been a great sight for the fans to see such an exciting and talented goalscorer in their squad.

In other news: Cost £13.6m, now worth £1.8m: SAFC had a nightmare on dud who “lacked professionalism”

Leeds United are interested in a deal to bring Michy Batshuayi to Elland Road in the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by TEAMtalk, who claim that, with the centre-forward’s current contract at Stamford Bridge set to expire in June of 2023, Chelsea have now greenlit the 28-year-old’s departure this summer, in order for Thomas Tuchel’s side to recoup some of the £33m fee they paid for the Belgium international back in 2016.

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The report goes on to state that this has caught the attention of the likes of Leeds United, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Everton, Southampton and Brighton & Hove Albion, as well as unnamed teams in Germany, Italy and Spain, who are all said to be plotting moves for the striker at the end of the current campaign.

“Loves scoring goals”

While it is true that, since Batshuayi’s 2016 move to west London, the centre-forward has failed to ever hold down a place as Chelsea’s first-choice number nine – making just 77 appearances over his five and a half year stay at Stamford Bridge – it is undeniable that, when given the opportunity, the 28-year-old is very much a player who knows how to find the back of the net.

This is something he has proven over his 28 Super Lig outings on loan at Besiktas this season, with the £9m-rated forward scoring 14 goals, registering five assists and creating two big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 3.3 shots – the second-most in the league – and making one key pass per game.

The £87k-per-week hitman dubbed a “beast” was also in devastating form over 14 fixtures in a temporary spell with Borussia Dortmund back in 2017/18, bagging nine goals and providing one assist for BVB – a record of a direct goal involvement every 117 minutes of football played.

Indeed, it is clear to see that Batshuayi is a player who loves finding the onion bag, something which the centre-forward’s former manager, Frank Lampard, confirmed back in November of 2019:

“He has been very good for us so far, and that positive spirit when you’re not playing regularly is not just important for him, cause that’s tough sometimes, but it’s important for the group. He deserves extra praise for that.

“He’s positive, hard-working, loves scoring goals. That might sound simple for a striker but I’ve seen some who don’t love it quite as much. He loves scoring in training, he always stays out to do extra practice. I’m thankful to have him in the squad.”

Furthermore, upon Leeds’ links with a move for the Belgian back in 2021, the former Leeds midfielder, David Norris, also stated his belief that the Chelsea striker would make an excellent addition to the Whites’ options up top:

“He’s big, strong, powerful and can score goals but also, anyone coming in is going to have to fit in with the way they play and the dressing room because that seems really close, but I think he’d be a great signing.”

And, with Jesse Marsch known to favour a formation that features two centre-forwards, the prospect of Batshuayi linking up with Patrick Bamford at Elland Road will certainly be a mouthwatering one for Leeds supporters.

Indeed, Victor Orta’s signing of the 28-year-old could easily be the formation of a deadly duo in the Leeds attack, one that could very well fire the Whites back to the top half of the Premier League standings next season.

AND in other news: Marsch could unearth Leeds’ next £60m talent in “wonderful” £1.8m-rated sensation

A number of West Ham supporters are excited after a new report claimed the Hammers are the front-runners to sign Marseille midfielder Boubacar Kamara.

David Moyes is sure to be eyeing up new signings in the January transfer window, as he looks to take his squad to another level and deal with the injury issues running through the spine of his team.

West Ham look well-placed to mount a genuine top-four challenge in the Premier League this season, as well as hopefully going far in the Europa League, but they have lost both first-choice centre-backs in Kurt Zouma and Angelo Ogbonna.

One player who the Hammers are thought to be keen on signing is Kamara, with the 22-year-old impressing for Marseille this season, making 17 Ligue 1 appearances and enjoying an 89.4% pass completion rate.

According to Corriere dello Sport [via West Ham News & Views on Twitter], Moyes’ side are in pole position to sign the Frenchman on a free transfer this summer, when his current contract will expire.

West Ham fans love Kamara latest

Kamara can play as a defensive midfielder or in the heart of defence, and these West Ham fans reacted positively to the news on Twitter.

“Let’s hope this is genuinely true! Would be a superb signing and if we can agree a pre-contract before the window closes could then push for a marked down move this window. Marseille have two options: accept whatever we offer or get nothing”

Credit: @mhare641

“Very very decent”

Credit: @_ghzst

“Great signing if we pull it off”

Credit: @Kelly77722

“Please!!!!”

Credit: @stevensheppar12

“He’s class, would be a great signing especially for free”

Credit: @YarmoSZN

“Good but we need signings this month”

Credit: @Mxttftbl

In other news, a reporter has made a key claim regarding a possible West Ham transfer. Read more here.

Dermot Desmond’s self-sustaining ownership model at Celtic is a perfect example for other clubs to use, according to financial expert Dr. Dan Plumley.

The Lowdown: Desmond’s successful era

The Irishman is the majority shareholder at Parkhead, fulfilling a lifelong dream by owning the club he has supported since childhood.

During Desmond’s tenure, Celtic have racked up Scottish Premiership titles galore, among numerous other domestic trophies, and another league crown looks to be coming their way this season.

The 71-year-old has run the club in shrewd fashion too, ensuring they are in a healthy financial situation and not getting themselves into worrying amounts of debt.

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The Latest: Expert hails Celtic owner

Speaking to Football Insider, Plumley praised Desmond’s model at Celtic, saying other clubs should take a leaf out of his book:

“It’s always a plus if you can stand on your own two feet. They are set up so they can manage themselves in their own right. We see it too often where a club is solely dependent on one owner.

“If the owner is in trouble, the club’s in trouble. It’s very different at Celtic. You have to class that as a benefit that they aren’t too worried about the owner’s finances.

“This is a blueprint for all clubs. Make them more self-reliant so when the owner does take a hit, they aren’t collateral damage.”

The Verdict: Credit where it’s due

Desmond deserves undoubted credit for the manner in which he has kept Celtic afloat, running the Hoops far more intelligently than some of the more reckless owners elsewhere.

Liverpool owners FSG are a good comparison to use in some ways, with their supporters not always enamoured by a lack of mega-money transfers but the Reds in a strong financial position compared to some of their rivals.

Supporters will always be critical of Desmond – it is the nature of a football fan to never be happy – but he may only be fully appreciated when he eventually sells up.

In other news, Frank McAvennie is in awe of one Celtic player’s development. Find out who it is here.

Glasgow Rangers have been handed a huge boost in their bid to secure a deal to bring Andreas Skov Olsen to Ibrox in the January transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Italian publication Corriere dello Sport (via Daily Record), who claimed that the 22-year-old winger has informed Bologna that he wants to leave the club this winter amid interest from both Rangers and Club Brugge.

The report added that Giovanni van Bronckhorst is keen to sign a right-sided forward this month, with the Denmark international believed to be high on the 46-year-old’s list of targets.

Van Bronckhorst will be buzzing

Since joining Bologna in a £5.4m deal back in 2019, Skov Olsen has not enjoyed the best form of his career, but the 22-year-old nevertheless proved during his time with Nordsjaelland that he would make a fantastic addition to Gers’ current options out wide.

Indeed, over his £5.85m-rated forward scored a whopping 22 goals and provided his teammates with five assists, contributing to a goal with every 114 minutes of league football played.

The £28k-per-week wizard also scored one goal over two appearances in the Sydbank Pokalen during that campaign, along with bagging three goals one assist in his six Europa League qualifying fixtures, taking his season’s haul to 26 goals and six assists in 44 appearances.

As such, should Van Bronckhorst be able to help Skov Olsen rediscover such form following his potential switch to Rangers, the 22-year-old could well prove to be something of a “groundbreaking” transfer for the Light Blues, as claimed by journalist Josh Bunting.

It’s a prospective move which would undoubtedly leave the 46-year-old Gers boss buzzing, particularly if the club can seal the Danish winger’s signing for as little as £5m, as has been widely reported. Their cause may well be helped considerably by the player’s reported desire to leave Serie A.

In other news: Van Bronckhorst drops worrying injury update which will have Rangers fans fuming

According to a report by Sky Sports News, West Ham are one of a number of teams to have shown interest in 23 year-old Fenerbahce centre-back Attila Szalai.

The Lowdown: Moyes scrambling for a defender

The Hammers have not had the best of luck regarding central defenders this year. Following Angelo Ogbonna’s cruciate ligament rupture which has side-lined the Italian for the remainder of the season, David Moyes began the hunt for a central-back, as he had just three first-team options available.

This need was further exacerbated by Kurt Zouma’s hamstring injury, which rendered the Frenchman unavailable for the hectic Christmas period.

With Ogbonna’s contract set to expire at the end of the season, West Ham may be extremely short in the centre-back position even once the Italian is fit. As a result, Moyes and the Hammers board have been scrambling in their search for additions, with a number of other clubs seemingly also in the hunt for a defender.

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The Latest: Hammers interested in Szalai

According to Sky Sports News, West Ham are showing interest in Fenerbahce colossus Szalai. It is reported that Newcastle and AC Milan are also interested in the Hungary international, with all three clubs in the market for a central defender.

It is believed that Szalai would cost in the region of £16.7m, with the 23-year-old’s current contract running until 2025. Hungary manager Marco Rossi said he believed Szalai, who played in every minute of his country’s Euro 2020 campaign, was joining Chelsea.

The Verdict: Exciting potential

With a lack of depth in the central defender position, it is evident that Moyes will be very keen on securing the services of an extra centre-half in the January window. Szalai could prove to be the answer to Moyes’ problems, as the 6 foot 4 youngster has consistently played 90 minutes in the Turkish league this season, without sustaining any serious injuries.

Having been dubbed the ‘Hungarian Virgil van Dijk’, it certainly seems that Szalai has impressed during his short tenure in the Turkish league. Following his magnificent tournament at EURO 2020, the defender received heavy interest from teams across Europe, with giants including Chelsea and Atletico Madrid reportedly interested.

If Moyes does decide to go in for the player though, they are set to be met by tough competition.

Many Glasgow Rangers fans have been left buzzing over the assist that Joe Aribo picked up for Nigeria in their 1-0 over Egypt at the African Cup of Nations.

As per footage shared by the official Twitter page of the Ibrox faithful, Aribo cushioned a header into the path of Leicester City striker Kelechi Iheanacho, who then thumped the ball into the top corner of the net to give the Super Eagles the win in their opening AFCON group game.

The 25-year-old was impressive throughout the match, winning all four of his duels, while he also recorded a successful dribble, clearance, two tackles and two key passes in total (SofaScore).

Journalists hailed his display as ‘absolutely outstanding’ and even called him the ‘best player on the pitch’, while his national side’s fans were busy comparing him to the legendary Edgar Davids.

Aribo has been linked with a move to Aston Villa in the January transfer window, and while performances like these showcase what he can do, some Light Blues supporters may now be worried that a bid could be put in from the English Premier League team, of course managed by former boss Steven Gerrard.

Rangers fans on Aribo assist

These Teddy Bears buzzed as the assist was shared on Twitter, with one even going as far as to call Aribo a ‘king’:

“Yessssss Joe!!!!”

Credit: @speedy430

“GOAT”

Credit: @SpecksRSC2

“He’s the best in the world his name is Ariboooooo”

Credit: @kyleewen14

“Unbelievable player, going be to tough to keep hold of him”

Credit: @pendy_c

“Get the new contract sorted! Give him whatever he wants.”

Credit: @FacelessRanger

“The king”

Credit: @TroyTh3Gardener

In other news, find out which Ger has now been backed to leave this month here!