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Sky Sports’ Jamie Weir believes Tottenham Hotspur will target new defenders in the summer.

The Lowdown: Tottenham looking to back Conte

It took a very long time – as it did 12 months ago – but Antonio Conte was finally backed in the recent January transfer window by Daniel Levy, who handed him Arnaut Danjuma and Pedro Porro.

However, neither of them started in the 1-0 win against Manchester City yesterday, which may suggest that they aren’t necessarily the first-team-ready options the Italian would have perhaps wanted.

Spurs have been linked with centre-backs in recent times who they could indeed move for in the summer if they secure Champions League football, with players such as Alessandro Bastoni and Marc Guehi said to be of interest.

The Latest: Spurs to improve at the back

Weir insisted on Sky Sports prior to Spurs’ clash against Man City that while the Lilywhites didn’t improve at centre-back last month, they will improve the defence in the summer when they have more time to assess their options.

Discussing their January business, he said: “Fans will rightly sort of say, ‘oh, but, you know, defence is still a big area of concern’, but that will be targeted in the summer, we understand.”

The Verdict: Levy must bring in new players

Tottenham did improve one part of their defence last month by bringing in a new right wing-back, but they are essentially wingers in Conte’s system, so the heart of the defence is where many may want the squad to be improved.

It will be essential that Spurs sign at least one new centre-back, as they’re still playing Ben Davies in a back three despite the Welshman being a left-back, and of course, Clement Lenglet will head back to Barcelona once his loan deal expires.

Therefore, Levy will certainly have to dig deep into his pockets and find the money needed for Conte to land a top centre-back who can help shore them up at the back, as they have shipped 31 goals in the league already this season, which is the most out of any side inside the top half.

Southampton have reportedly won the race on deadline day to secure the signing of Rennes winger Kamaldeen Sulemana…

What’s the word?

Premier League outfit Everton had seemingly taken the lead in the race to secure the 20-year-old’s signature, with the Daily Mail reporting that the Toffees has seen an agreement for the ace alongside Saints, with the Merseyside outfit homing in on his name.

However, according to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, the south coast club have now ‘struck an agreement’ with the Ligue 1 outfit and look set to win the race for him.

Arriving on a four-and-a-half year contract for an initial fee of €25m (£22m), Saints manager Nathan Jones has successfully bolstered his wide flanks with a immensely exciting addition.

Mane 2.0

The prodigious Sulemana has made 20 appearances for Rennes this season, scoring one goal and providing two assists – with both coming in the Europa League – and has swiftly asserted himself as one of the division’s most tantalising prospects.

According to one scout report, the Ghanaian gem is an innately devastating ball-carrier, with an ever-intensifying aura on the pitch and a growing knack at causing mayhem in-and-around the final third.

As per FBref, he ranks among the top 2% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe’s big five leagues for completed dribbles, the top 15% for rate of assists and the top 11% for total shots, highlighting a budding prowess which could be harnessed to full effect at Staplewood.

When current Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag took the reins at AFC Ajax, he lauded the Ghana youngster as “incredible”, illuminating the expansive skill set at the African sensation’s disposal.

Should Southampton aptly channel his potential, the Saints could go on to enjoy their next Sadio Mane, another African attacker who scored 25 goals and supplied 14 assists for the club from 75 appearances before earning a £34m move to Liverpool in 2016.

Ranking among the top 13% of positional peers for rate of goals, the top 6% for dribbles completed and the top 3% for shot-creating actions, the lightning-quick Senegal ace, who is now playing for Bayern Munich, has become one of the standout attackers in European club football in recent years.

With the Saints loitering within the the Premier League relegation zone at present, indeed languishing at the very bottom of the division after 20 matches, a spark is certainly needed to roar them back into life. Much like Mane had been during the mid-2010s, Sulemana could be that phenomenon at St Mary’s.

Liverpool are interested in re-signing former Reds midfielder Gini Wijnaldum on loan this summer, according to a surprise transfer rumour.

The Lowdown: Wijnaldum struggles after Anfield exit

The 31-year-old was a hugely influential figure at Anfield between 2016 and 2021, winning both the Champions League and Premier League during his time at the club and contributing to 38 goals in 237 appearances, notably being a reliable presence who constantly avoided any long-term injury.

Wijnaldum left to join Paris Saint-Germain last summer but his time in the French capital has been an undoubted disappointment, with Get French Football News even describing him as the Ligue 1 Flop Signing of the Year, claiming that he looked ‘lost’ at times.

With Liverpool arguably in need of a midfield addition this summer, a shock rumour is now doing the rounds.

The Latest: Liverpool linked with shock Wijnaldum move

According to The Irish Daily Star [via Liverpool Echo], there are ‘whispers’ that Liverpool want to bring Wijnaldum back on a temporary basis this summer, with the latter’s report describing it in their headline as a ‘shock loan move’.

It is seen a stop-gap solution ahead of a potential big-money signing of a midfielder next year, with Borussia Dortmund star Jude Bellingham being one possible candidate.

Darwin’s a Red! Get your special edition Darwin Nunez tee here. The Verdict: Sign him up

This could be an ideal piece of business by Liverpool, seeing how it looks increasingly unlikely that they will be able to sign Bellingham this summer.

Wijnaldum may have struggled at PSG but that arguably has more to do with their use of him than anything else, with the Dutchman a system player who thrives under a manager who uses him correctly – such as Jurgen Klopp, who called him a ‘sensational’ player upon his departure from Anfield 13 months ago.

The midfielder would surely jump at the chance to make a short-term return to Liverpool, who signed him for £25m six years ago, and he remains a force who could add some much-needed extra depth in the middle of the park.

While the Reds have plenty of options in that area, the likes of Jordan Henderson, Thiago and Naby Keita are all too capable of picking up injuries – something which rarely happened to Wijnaldum during his time on Merseyside.

In other news, Liverpool are ready to move for a Premier League player. Find out who it is here.

Johan Lange and Aston Villa are keeping an eye on former Real Madrid forward Gareth Bale.

What’s the word?

That is according to a report from The Guardian, who claimed that Steven Gerrard’s side are among a trio of clubs tipped as possible destinations for the Wales captain.

The soon-to-be free agent is said to be keen on finding a new club to ensure that he is fit for his country’s upcoming World Cup campaign in Qatar later this year.

As such, Villa have competition for his signature in Premier League rivals Newcastle United and Bale’s former club Tottenham Hotspur.

Imagine him and Coutinho

The signing of Bale would represent tremendous ambition for a Villa side who appear to be undergoing a mini-rebuild, with Gerrard putting his mark on the squad in what will be his first full season at the club.

The former Liverpool captain is not messing around this summer, and despite securing permanent deals for four players already, it looks as though he is by no means done there.

Despite Carlo Ancelotti’s return to Real Madrid, Bale has hardly been given a chance under the manager who first brought him to the Bernabeu in 2013, making just five appearances in the most recent La Liga campaign, with one goal to show for it.

However, it’s worth noting that, whilst not being given much of a chance, the 32-year-old has still managed to score five La Liga seasons.

A move to an ambitious Villa side under a potentially more trusting manager in Gerrard could be enough to rejuvenate Bale’s passion for the game and would likely help the Villans to make a stronger push for European qualification.

However, it’s the potential partnership between former El Classico duo Bale and Philippe Coutinho which could strike fear into the rest of the Premier League, with both players having found life difficult at times at Spanish giants Real Madrid and Barcelona respectively.

Coutinho has seemingly enjoyed his football under Gerrard, making the move permanent after a respectable return of five goals and three assists in 19 Premier League appearances.

At Villa, it appears that he is playing without pressure, as if a weight has been lifted from him.

This is the effect which could also be had with the “exquisite” Bale, as dubbed by verified journalist Elliot Foster, and a partnership between two serial winners who have suffered subjective mistreatment throughout their careers could well bode for a bond on and off the pitch.

This would be a great move for both club and player.

In other news: AVFC could form an exciting duo as Lange now plots bid to sign £33k-p/w “cat”

Pundit Paddy Kenny has been left bemoaning some worrying news that he has now heard from Glasgow Rangers.

The Lowdown: Scoulding to leave…

As per The Daily Telegraph, chief scout at Ibrox Andy Scoulding is now set to join Tottenham Hotspur ahead of the start of the new season.

He has played a big part in some successful signings for the Gers over the years, including Joe Aribo from Charlton Athletic, Calvin Bassey from Leicester City’s academy and Ryan Kent after a loan spell from Liverpool, all who have seen their market value increase significantly and attract interest from the Premier League during their time at the club.

The Latest: Kenny reacts

Speaking to Football Insider, Kenny has now given his reaction after hearing the news, with the 44-year-old claiming that it is a ‘massive, massive blow’ for Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s team:

“It’s important for Rangers to get these sorts of players in.

“It’s important to get them in for cheap or on a free before moving them on for big money, that’s how they keep going.

“To lose someone like him to Spurs, I’m sure it will be a massive, massive blow to Rangers going forward.

“I’m sure there are other scouts there who can do that job but if this guy is going to Tottenham then he must be good.

“Rangers have never struggled with transfers but to lose a guy like that, who has signed those players, it’s a blow.”

The Verdict: Worrying

It certainly is worrying for the Light Blues going forward to lose someone in Scoulding who has such a big influence at the club.

The summer transfer window is now open, and they will no longer be able to rely on his expertise in terms of finding hidden gems in the market.

Nonetheless, the Teddy Bears will need to bring in a replacement as soon as possible, so that they can continue the great work that Scoulding has done.

In other news, find out which ‘unstoppable’ predator RFC now hold an ‘interest’ in here!

West Bromwich Albion are one of the numerous clubs interested in signing Huddersfield Town midfielder Lewis O’Brien, according to TEAMtalk. 

The lowdown: Championship star

The 23-year-old has been a mainstay in the Huddersfield side for the last three seasons following a loan spell at Bradford City in League One for the 2018/19 campaign.

During that time, the versatile ace has amassed 177 outings for the two Yorkshire clubs, directly contributing to 25 goals.

However, after Huddersfield missed out on promotion to the Premier League following defeat to Nottingham Forest in the playoff final, O’Brien could now be looking to move on…

The latest: Baggies interested

As per the report from TEAMtalk, West Brom and fellow second-tier outfit Sheffield United are ‘big admirers’ of the English midfielder.

Premier League sides Crystal Palace, Southampton and Leeds United are all credited with an interest, whilst newly-promoted Bournemouth and Fulham are also believed to be keen.

The report states that O’Brien – who was described as a ‘sensational’ player by Huddersfield teammate Jonathan Hogg – would be available for a £12million release clause.

The verdict: Statement signing

Having already pulled off the stellar coup of adding John Swift to the Hawthorns’ squad, West Brom would be sending out a statement to the entire league if O’Brien were to be snapped up.

Already a proven elite operator in the Championship, the Englishman stood out once again last season, earning a 7.00 Sofascore rating comprised of 2.2 tackles, 7.5 duels won and 1.1 shots on average per game – showing off impressive durability and versatility with 50 appearances across numerous positions from all competitions in the process.

As things stand, following the release of Romaine Sawyers, Baggies’ boss Steve Bruce currently has only Jake Livermore, Jayson Molumby and Alex Mowatt available as recognised central midfield options and therefore O’Brien should be considered a top target.

In other news: West Brom eyeing Barcelona-scouted star, read more here

West Bromwich Albion were not the Championship’s most dynamic side this season in terms of their attacking power.

Having racked up 18 league games where they failed to find the back of the net, the Midlands club also ended the campaign with the worst percentage for shots on target.

One figure that could be seen as a shining light in the Baggies’ attack is Karlan Grant, who ended the season as their top scorer having found the net on 18 occasions as well as chipping in with six assists.

Rather unsurprisingly, the attacker racked up more shots at goal (108) than any other Baggies player as well as the joint-highest average for shots per game (2.5).

Now that the season has ended and the upcoming summer transfer window is around the corner, this will give Steve Bruce the chance to add some attacking reinforcements to his squad to make the team a much deadlier outfit and potentially give them a chance to win promotion back to the Premier League.

One player that the club have been linked with recently that could fit this particular bill and possibly form a deadly attacking duo with Grant is Jed Wallace.

In 38 league appearances this season, the 28-year-old scored six goals and delivered 12 assists for his side as well as delivering an impressive number of 300 crosses.

Having tallied up an average of 1.7 shots and 2.5 key passes per game, this highlights how much of an attacking and creative threat the Millwall star can be and shows why the Baggies are reportedly after him.

Labelled as an “instrumental” player for his current side in the past by Gary Rowett, this is exactly what the Englishman could be for Bruce and his side moving forward.

With Grant predominately playing on the left wing and Wallace being able to operate from the right as well as an attacking midfielder, having these two players on the pitch together for West Brom could be just what they need to add a bit of life to their attack.

Moving forward, despite having a hefty reported price tag of £9m put on him back in January, West Brom should definitely consider paying whatever Millwall would want for him this summer.

In other news: Bruce can finally replace Dawson as WBA eye move for “special” £2.7m-rated “mountain”

West Bromwich Albion were unable to find their way back into the Premier League this season after finishing tenth in the Championship.

With 46 games in the second division, the Baggies won 18, drew 13 and lost 15 along the way, highlighting how mixed and unpredictable they were in terms of their results and performances.

Another underwhelming factor was the fact that they only scored 52 goals throughout the campaign, which is fewer than the likes of Reading, Bristol City and Blackpool among others.

One reason for this could be down to the fact that the Midlands club waved goodbye to Matheus Pereira during the previous summer transfer window.

After scoring 20 goals and delivering 26 assists in 77 appearances, the Brazilian joined Saudi club Al Hilal.

Now that this uninspiring season has drawn to an end, West Brom’s focus can turn to the upcoming campaign and their next attempt at getting back into the top flight.

One player the Baggies boss could turn to and unearth their next version of Pereira is Rico Richards.

As a product of West Brom’s youth system, the attacking midfielder has made 57 appearances for the club across their U18 and U23 sides.

In those appearances, the 18-year-old has scored 13 goals and delivered five assists, showing the talent he has at scoring and creating goals in a similar vein to Pereira.

The teenager has made just one senior appearance for the club which came during their disappointing 6-0 win over Arsenal in the Carabao Cup back in August where he came on as a late substitute.

Back in February, Richards’ performance against Arsenal in the Premier League Cup was described as “splendid” by Baggies journalist Joe Chapman on Twitter.

Having played in numerous positions across the midfield and attack throughout his short career so far, this sort of versatility could not only make him a suitable squad option for Bruce next season and beyond but it could also make him the new Pereira as he also played in different attacking positions during his time at the club.

If the young prodigy can impress Bruce during the upcoming preseason period, he definitely has the talent to start to be integrated into the first team and potentially make a name for himself in the Championship.

In other news: West Brom eyeing move for “fabulous” £4.5m-rated hotshot, he’s better than Robinson

Phil Hay has dropped an update on reported Leeds United transfer target James Garner.

What’s the talk?

In recent comments made on The Phil Hay Show, the titular journalist revealed that he has been told the Nottingham Forest loanee is a player on Victor Orta’s list of summer transfer targets.

Previous reports have suggested that Manchester United – the defensive midfielder’s parent club – could be willing to sanction the 21-year-old’s departure in the coming months, as Erik ten Hag is targeting the signing of a player in the England U21 international’s position this summer – with Leeds’ Kalvin Phillips thought to be a £60m option for the Dutchman.

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Regarding the Whites’ interest in the youngster, Hay said: “James Garner, who’s been at Forest on loan from Man United, is somebody who’s been mentioned to me a couple of times as somebody they’d like.”

Supporters will love Hay’s claim

Considering just how exciting a prospect Garner quite clearly is, in addition to the fact that Phillips has been heavily linked with a big-money move away from Elland Road this summer, it is easy to see why Orta would be interested in a move for the 21-year-old ahead of the club’s 2022/23 campaign.

Indeed, over his 41 Championship appearances this season, the £6.3m-rated talent has been in exceptional form for Steve Cooper’s side, scoring four goals, registering eight assists and creating seven big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 1.1 shots and making 2.0 key passes per game.

The £20k-per-week midfielder has also impressed in metrics more typical of his position, making an average of 1.4 interceptions, 1.8 tackles, 0.9 clearances and winning 3.9 duels – at a success rate of 53% – per fixture.

These returns have seen the player who Trevor Sinclair compared to David Beckham average a quite astonishing SofaScore match rating of 7.26, not only ranking him as the Reds’ best performer in the second tier but also as the joint third-best player in the division as a whole.

As such, it is abundantly clear to see just how impressive a signing the 21-year-old would be for Orta to secure for Leeds this summer, leading us to believe that Hay’s claim concerning the Whites’ interest in the midfielder will be an update that the Elland Road faithful will love.

AND in other news: Phil Hay drops exciting Leeds United transfer update that’ll leave supporters buzzing

Jurgen Klopp has delivered an injury update on Liverpool defender Joe Gomez after a ‘real shock’ injury scare during the Reds’ Premier League clash against Southampton on Tuesday night.

The Lowdown: Gomez injury concerns

The 24-year-old was forced off the pitch in the 2-1 victory over the Saints after sustaining a knock following a coming together with Nathan Tella, and ended up limping down the tunnel before being replaced by captain Jordan Henderson at the break.

After the game had finished, the centre-back was seen getting onto the team bus on crutches whilst wearing a protective boot, as the club will have to face an anxious wait to see whether or not Gomez will be available for selection for the upcoming Champions League final against Real Madrid on May 28th.

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The Latest: Scan brings good news

Speaking during his post-match press conference to the media, however, the German boss played down the severity of the 11-cap international’s injury and confirmed that the colossus was in high spirits after having a conversation with him in the dressing room. As quoted by the club’s official website, Klopp revealed:

“I hope we are lucky. Joe himself has pain but not too much.

“He got, one time, a real shock to the system, but he is sitting in the dressing room and when I spoke to him he was in a good mood. I think maybe we were probably lucky but we have to figure that out.”

Paul Joyce of the The Times has since added to the optimism, revealing a scan was required but showed no serious damage and there is hope he will be fine for the trip to Paris.

The Verdict: Hopefully fit in time to face Madrid

With other members of the Liverpool starting XI – including Virgil Van Dijk, Fabinho, and Mohamed Salah – all suffering their own setbacks over the last week, the 54-year-old will most certainly be hoping that Gomez is declared fully fit ahead of the highly anticipated final vs Madrid at the end of the month, just in case van Dijk in particular suffers a setback.

Despite only making eight appearances in the top-flight this season, the £19.8m-rated Gomez has still had a hugely positive impact when he has been on the pitch, where he’s averaged 1.3 tackles and 1.1 long balls per game, as well as winning 1.3 of his aerial duels, via WhoScored.

Coming up against the likes of Karim Benzema and Vinicius Junior will be far from easy, so the Reds will need all of their defensive backline experience accessible to them when they face Carlo Ancelotti’s side if they want any chance of getting their hands on that Champions League trophy.

In other news… Fabrizio Romano has delivered a huge transfer update involving one of Liverpool’s senior players.