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A source from Tottenham Hotspur has revealed that Cristian Romero, Giovani Lo Celso and Emerson Royal all flew up to Newcastle for today’s Premier League clash.

The Lowdown: Uncertainty

Nuno Espirito Santo revealed to the media in his pre-game press conference ahead of the match that he would make a late decision on the selection of Romero, Lo Celso and Emerson, as well as Davinson Sanchez, following their exploits during the international break with their respective South American countries.

They had reportedly been expected to miss out because of the travelling involved, and the fact that some of the games in which they played were in the early hours of Friday morning UK time.

The Latest: They travelled

Speaking to Football Insider, a Spurs source has revealed that Romero, Lo Celso and Emerson all flew up to St James’ Park with the rest of the squad on Saturday evening.

That now puts them in contention to play against the Magpies when the fixture kicks off at 4:30 this afternoon.

The Verdict: Big boost

It will certainly be a big boost for Spurs to have all three players available, especially if they can play from the start.

Emerson is currently averaging the most tackles (three) per Premier League game out of his teammates, while he also averages a mammoth five clearances per match, exceeded only by Joe Rodon (seven) in his one appearance so far (WhoScored).

Romero also ranks highly in terms of tackles (1.7) and clearances (2.7) (WhoScored), and the Lilywhites will no doubt be eager to see more of their summer signings in action.

Lo Celso offers a creative spark in midfield, averaging one key pass per game and an 81.5% passing accuracy rate (WhoScored), and he could well be the difference in unlocking what may be a stubborn Newcastle defence.

In other news, find out who has called Daniel Levy ‘pathetic’ after one recent development

Leeds United winger Raphinha may have become even more crucial for the Whites than Kalvin Phillips, according to journalist Phil Hay.

The Lowdown: Raphinha excels on Brazil debut

The 24-year-old has been superb for Leeds since arriving from Rennes in 2020 and he has taken his form with him to the international stage.

Raphinha registered two assists on his Brazil debut on Thursday evening, helping them to a 3-1 victory away to Venezuela in a World Cup qualifier.

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The Latest: Hay hails winger

It was a performance that summed up Raphinha’s brilliance, and taking to Twitter on Friday morning, The Athletic‘s Hay admitted that he could be the first name on Leeds’ team-sheet, ahead of even Phillips:

“One of the questions in the mailbag was ‘Is Raphinha Leeds’ most important player?’ and even though Phillips is the player Leeds really miss, you could easily make an argument for Raphinha.”

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The Verdict: Phillips still the key man

Raphinha is a wonderful footballer who is unquestionably one of Leeds’ star men, but Phillips is still the player they miss the most when he isn’t there, losing seven out of the nine fixtures he was absent for in the top flight last term.

That was highlighted in the 5-1 defeat at Manchester United on the opening weekend of the season when the Whites’ midfield fell apart without him in the team.

Phillips has averaged 2.3 tackles per game in the Premier League this season – only Liam Cooper (2.7) has more – as well as an 84.6 percent pass completion rate.

The England international brings so much energy, quality and all-round influence in the middle of the park that he has the edge over Raphinha, which isn’t to diminish his own class as a footballer.

In other news, one Leeds player has been tipped to make a ‘breakthrough’. Find out who it is here.

Manchester United have reportedly ended their interest in Eduardo Camavinga, Saul Niguez and Ruben Neves, with Paul Pogba now set to remain at the club, but it could be another midfielder who has the biggest impact at Old Trafford in the years to come.

What’s the story?

According to the Daily Mail, French giants Paris Saint-Germain can no longer afford to sign Pogba this summer following their shock move for six-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi.

However, the report claims that the highly-rated 28-year-old is expected to depart United as a free agent for the second time in 12 months’ time, meaning current understudy Donny van de Beek should have an ideal opportunity to shine.

The Netherlands international arrived in Manchester for £40 million prior to the 2020/21 campaign following two standout seasons with boyhood club Ajax, yet he struggled to settle on English shores, limiting him to just four Premier League starts.

Now though, United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer must place his faith in the technically gifted maestro, potentially saving the club millions when it comes to finding Pogba’s successor.

Fans would love to see him flourish

After scoring 41 goals and providing 34 assists in 175 games for Ajax, as well as winning a domestic double in 2018/19 as they reached the Champions League semi-finals, Van de Beek arrived at Old Trafford with high expectations.

Nevertheless, the new environment and physical, fast-paced nature of the Premier League often looked a bit too much for the midfielder to take in last term, although he did show his true potential on occasions.

One such time was against Istanbul Basaksehir while on European duty, and his impressive showing drew praise from former United midfielder Owen Hargreaves.

“I thought Van de Beek was close to perfect. He is so unselfish, he can just fit in and play the right balls everywhere,” said the BT Sports pundit.

The technically gifted midfielder has embarked on physical transformation over the summer months after injury meant he had to pull out of Hollands Euro 2020 squad, improving his strength, balance and agility.

“He’s put on a bit of muscle,” Solskjaer said of the Van de Beek “He’d had last season to learn about English football, and he’s used the summer well.

“You never know how players from abroad come in. Some players need a year. You see Fred’s development, but there are other players that just come in and take to it straight away. It depends.”

And now it’s time for Solsjaer to reward Van de Beek’s dedication with a string of regular starts, allowing him to showcase his true, top-class quality on a consistent basis.

With Marcus Rashford sidelined until October through injury and Jesse Lingard unavailable after testing positive for Covid, Pogba could take up residency on the left-wing for the first few weeks of the new campaign, allowing the Dutchman a chance to prove that he can be the World Cup-winning star’s natural heir.

Every club’s fans love a comeback story, but no side is more associated with them than United, and the fanbase would surely love to witness Van de Beek begin his this season.

And, in other news…Journalist drops intriguing Man Utd transfer update, fans will be delighted

A behind-the-scenes update has emerged on Newcastle United’s attempts to land a director of football…

What’s the talk?

According to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, the Magpies may wait until after the January window to make an appointment in the role. Michael Emelano is ready to start and has told the club what he would do, but the club are said to be making slow progress in their efforts to get a deal done.

He Tweeted: “Newcastle might not appoint director of football until after January window. #NUFC process making slow progress as concerns grow over urgency of situation. Reported leading candidate Michael Emenalo has submitted plans & is ready to start.”

Infuriated fans

This big blow from Ornstein will surely infuriate fans ahead of what could be a season-defining transfer window for the club in January. It remains to be seen whether or not Eddie Howe can get a tune out of the current first-team squad, following their 2-0 defeat to Arsenal in the Premier League on Saturday.

The Toon Army are bottom of the table and the only team in the entire division who are yet to win a single league match – having played 13 times. They face off against 19th-placed Norwich on Tuesday night and a defeat would see them move six points behind the Canaries, which could be a difficult gap to close if their troubled form continues.

This shows the magnitude of the task Howe is facing at St. James’ Park in the coming months and suggests that the current squad is not good enough – based on the evidence so far – to keep them in the division, which is why signings will be crucial in January.

Football FanCast published an article explaining why Emenalo would be a good appointment for Newcastle, citing his background at Chelsea in particular as a key reason. Therefore, bringing him in as quickly as possible would surely be beneficial to the club, especially given their dire situation in the league and how important the upcoming market is.

The signings they make over the winter could prove the difference between survival and relegation and they may have to make them without a director of football in place. This is why supporters will be infuriated by this update from Ornstein and will quite rightly be livid with PIF for not moving at a faster pace with a deal for Emenalo, as it could be a big blow ahead of the coming months.

AND in other news, Ashley’s legacy: NUFC had transfer howler with £21m dud accused of creating “problems”…

Newcastle United will lose out on signing Nat Phillips, claims former Premier League striker Noel Whelan.

The Lowdown: Phillips eyed

According to The Athletic, the St. James’ Park faithful, in addition to West Ham United, Brighton and Hove Albion, Burnley and Bayer Leverkusen, are all eyeing up a potential move for Phillips in the summer transfer window.

Liverpool currently value the central defender at £15m, and it is not yet clear whether the North East club would be willing to pay that kind of money.

The Latest: Whelan prediction

Speaking to Football Insider, Whelan, who played for the likes of Leeds United and Coventry City, has predicted that Phillips will sign for the Hammers, and so the Tyneside club would be set to lose out on his signature:

“I think Phillips would choose West Ham over the others, definitely.

“David Moyes has assembled a really strong side there.

“There is a focus on British based players, you can see what he is thinking. He has got rid of the players who did not give their all for the club. They have got a lot more honesty in that squad now and it shows because they have been much harder to beat over the past 12 to 18 months.

“They have great harmony in that dressing room and it comes from a great core group. Why wouldn’t you be interested in a move to West Ham if you’re Phillips?

“I think he’d be another great addition to West Ham’s squad as well.”

The Verdict: Would be a shame

It would certainly be a shame if Steve Bruce’s team were to miss out on the signing of Phillips, especially if he ends up joining a rival of theirs in the Premier League.

Described as a ‘monster’ by Jurgen Klopp after a match against RB Leipzig in the UEFA Champions League back in March, he is certainly capable of playing at the highest level, and his six-foot-two frame means that he could be a key threat for the Magpies in both boxes.

Phillips won no fewer than 7.5 0f his duels per match in the top flight in the 2020/21 season, in addition to averaging 4.8 clearances, 1.3 tackles and 1.2 interceptions per game (Sofascore), covering the injuries suffered by Virgil Van Dijk and Joe Gomez well.

The Toon would be getting a very good player on their hands if they were to win the race for his signature.

In other news, find out what Mike Ashley has recently told the takeover consortium here!

According to a report by the Lancashire Telegraph, West Ham United have made an enquiry for Blackburn Rovers talisman Adam Armstrong – pushing their name to the ‘front of the queue’ alongside Fulham.

The Lowdown: West Ham in striker chase…

As reported by Claret & Hugh, the Irons have three priority positions for this summer in securing a permanent deal for Jesse Lingard, acquiring a new centre-back and landing a prolific striker.

Michail Antonio was in and out of the team over 2020/2021 due to injury problems, so West Ham are now eyeing a new forward as they aim to impress in Europe next season.

This will be a key summer transfer window for the Hammers who arguably need more strength in depth to compete over 2021/2022.

The Latest: West Ham enquiry made…

As per the Lancashire Telegraph, West Ham have made an enquiry for Armstrong and have subsequently leaped ahead in the race for his signature.

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Their main transfer contenders, Fulham, have also lodged an enquiry and are right up there with them.

Armstrong appears unlikely to sign a new deal at Ewood Park and he enjoyed another prolific goalscoring season over 20/21 – bagging 29 strikes in all competitions with 28 in the Championship (Transfermarkt).

However, there is apparently a ‘stand-off’ between the 24-year-old’s suitors, including West Ham, with clubs involved said to be put off by his £20 million asking price. 

The Verdict: Shortlist…

His numbers in front of goal point to a fruitful striking option for West Ham this summer but £20m may be a bit steep in this difficult financial climate for a second tier forward.

The Hammers have also been linked to alternative options like Youssef En-Nesyri and Tammy Abraham (ExWHUemployee) and they both could offer more value for money given their experience at the top level.

However, we shouldn’t rule Armstrong out as a candidate completely – especially considering he has been tipped before as a potentially ‘perfect signing’ (Gabriel Agbonlahor, Football Insider).

A long summer awaits and West Ham must consider all options carefully.

In other news: ‘Incredible’…Sky Sports pundit raves as West Ham allegedly eye ‘fantastic signing’, find out more here.

According to Calciomercato, Tottenham Hotspur managing director Fabio Paratici is already eyeing his next transfer swoop as news emerges about AC Milan star Franck Kessie.

The Lowdown: Paratici era in full swing…

Following the conclusion of Tottenham’s summer transfer window, it’s safe to say that the new Paratici era is now in full swing.

Chairman Daniel Levy appointed the Italian transfer chief at the beginning of June with Paratici going on to oversee a plethora of incomings and outgoings at N17 – as well as the arrival of new manager Nuno Espirito Santo.

Now, despite the window literally just shutting, it appears that he has his eyes on another swoop for Spurs.

The Latest: News emerges on Kessie…

According to Calciomercato, Tottenham are ‘ready to make an offer’ of €8 million(£6.8m)-per-year to Kessie in January in order to sign him as a free agent next summer.

The Ivory Coast international has just one year left on his contract at the San Siro and clubs will be able to make personal January offers to land him for free later in 2022.

Milan are facing a battle to tie him down with a new deal as a result and it appears both Spurs and Paratici are intent on taking full advantage in the winter months.

The Verdict: Get it done…

Lauded as an ‘extraordinary’ player by sports writer and broadcaster Nicky Bandini to ESPN, landing Kessie on a free deal next summer would come as quite the coup given his £49.5 million Transfermarkt value.

The 44-cap star is arguably one of Milan’s most key players and extremely well-rounded – notching 13 goals and four assists despite being a natural defensive midfielder.

Still only 24-years-old and with plenty of sell-on value, it’s little wonder the Serie A giants are desperate to renew Kessie’s deal – but Tottenham and Paratici will be praying for exactly the opposite.

In other news: ‘Finished article’…Sky pundit in awe of Spurs starlet who’s an ‘improved version’ of Ndombele, find out more here.

Many Wolves fans have been left fuming as some news emerged on Morgan Gibbs-White.

As per the official website of the Midlands club, the central midfield player signed a new long-term deal before signing for Sheffield United on loan for the rest of the 2021/22 season.

Gibbs-White had already made a good impression for the Molineux faithful this season, scoring one goal and making one assist in three games in total over all competitions so far (Transfermarkt).

However, his loan departure has now left Bruno Lage a little light in midfield, with their being a question mark over why he was allowed to go without a suitable replacement lined up.

Nonetheless, the Wanderers will have to stick with what they have got until the January transfer window comes along.

Wolves fans on Gibbs-White news

These WWFC supporters fumed as the news was shared on Twitter, with one even going as far as to claim that it was ‘shocking’:

“We went into this window to look for a midfielder and came out with less. Jeff Shi out”

Credit: @PedroBackOfNeto

“Fosun have well and truly shafted Lage………3 midfielders now might as well throw the white flag in, toxic Twitter and toxic Mol, it’s just not fun anymore!”

Credit: @ebanks_brook9

“Shocking decision. 4th choice centre mid Cundle not good enough. Got a 35-year-old having to play 38 games this year. Not good enough”Credit: @Nichoox”Absolute mess”Credit: @WittoWWFC”Embarrassing”Credit: @H_WolvesYYA”I’M NOW AN ALBION FAN!”Credit: @FinsabuIn other news, find out who Wolves were linked with a late swoop for here!

Jetro Willems is reportedly keen on a return to Newcastle United – as are some of his former Magpies teammates.

The Lowdown: Newcastle need a new left-back

Jamal Lewis fell out of favour with Steve Bruce towards the end of the 2020/21 campaign, having been left on the bench by the manager in the Geordies’ last 12 matches in the Premier League, and only coming on for just six minutes in total during that time (Transfermarkt).

It seems clear who is going to be the starting left-back at St James’ Park come the beginning of next season, with Paul Dummett also currently in the frame, and so it would perhaps be a wise idea to invest in a new option when the summer transfer window opens.

The Latest: Willems keen on return

As per Football Insider, Willems is ‘very keen’ on a return to Newcastle following his loan spell at the club in the 2019/20 campaign.

A source from Tyneside has told the news outlet that many players in the Magpies’ first team squad still remain in contact with him and want him to rejoin the Premier League side.

The Verdict: Little risk in signing Willems

Given that there is no transfer fee to be paid, as he will be out of contract after leaving Eintracht Frankfurt this week, the prospect of bringing Willems back to the Magpies offers very little risk.

The Netherlands international quickly became a fans’ favourite in his short spell on Tyneside, and so the move would also go down well with many of the Toon Army, who would likely welcome him back with open arms when they are allowed back into stadia.

At 27 years of age, Willems still has a lot that he can offer on the pitch, and so Newcastle should seriously be considering bringing him back, particularly as he already knows the club and would likely settle back in with ease if he returns to St James’ Park.

In other news, find out which Newcastle ace wants to leave the club.

Manchester United have been linked with Pau Torres as a potential new signing this summer, and now Fabrizio Romano has dropped a fresh update on their pursuit for the player.

What’s the latest?

The Italian journalist and transfer insider took to his Twitter account to confirm the club’s pursuit of the Villarreal centre-back.

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Romano tweeted: “Pau Torres is attracting interest from top clubs again as his release clause will be valid this summer: €55/60m, available until the end of the market.

“Manchester United and Manchester City are both interested – Chelsea have also sent their scouts to follow him.”

Supporters will be excited

If the appointment of Erik ten Hag wasn’t enough to excite supporters of Man United, the opportunity being explored to improve the defensive system in the team will surely leave fans even more excited.

One of the biggest problems that have been identified at the club is the poor defensive play in the team, with the side conceding the most goals of the top eight in the league which has contributed to their struggles this season.

With that being said, the £50m Torres could be a huge breath of fresh air for the club, proving how influential he can be in the back-line for Unai Emery’s side, leading them to success.

Last season Villarreal won the Europa League with the 25-year-old playing a key role, and now the team have qualified for their first Champions League semi-final since 2006 which is an impressive achievement for Torres who has been an important part of the process playing every single game in the European competition.

The 6 f00t 2 star has tallied up impressive statistics this season in La Liga too, proving successful in 80% of his dribbles, winning the majority of his duels (67%), making 4.5 clearances on average per game and has a 94% pass accuracy in his own half, proving that he has an influential presence and is progressive on the ball.

The Red Devils have crashed out of every competition squandering their chances of winning a trophy, and their problems extend to the Premier League too as the side is struggling to qualify for the Champions League with just four games left to go, and six points adrift from the top four.

Acquiring a signing like Torres to improve the defence at Old Trafford could make a huge difference to the team next season and could put Manchester United in a better position to make progress in the league and cup competitions going forward.

AND in other news: Ten Hag now personally asks Man Utd to sign £111m “diamond”, major coup is inbound