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Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg is attracting increasing interest ahead of the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by The Mirror, who claim that Newcastle United are now plotting a £30m bid for the 26-year-old at the end of the season, with the Denmark international said to be high on Eddie Howe’s list of transfer targets this summer.

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The report goes on to state that AS Roma manager Jose Mourinho is also interested in a move for the midfielder in the off-season, with the Serie A side having already failed in a bid to bring Hojbjerg to the Stadio Olimpico last summer.

Disaster

Considering how important a part of Antonio Conte’s Tottenham side Hojbjerg quite clearly is, the argument that Fabio Paratici cashing in on the midfielder this summer would be something of a disaster is an easy one to make.

Indeed, over his 31 Premier League appearances so far this season, the £59m-rated Dane has been imperious in the heart of the Spurs midfield, scoring two goals, registering two assists and creating three big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 0.9 shots and making 0.6 key passes per game.

However, it is his defensive metrics that are particularly impressive, with the £102k-per-week dynamo making an average of 1.3 interceptions, 2.3 tackles, 1.3 clearances and winning 5.3 duels – at a success rate of 58% – per fixture.

These returns have seen the player who Rob Davies dubbed a “one-man wrecking machine” average a quite sensational SofaScore match rating of 7.16, ranking him as Conte’s second-best performing midfielder – behind only Dejan Kulusevski – in the top flight.

As such, considering his status in the Tottenham squad, his incredibly impressive level of performance on the pitch and the fact that Newcastle’s proposed offer is roughly half of the 26-year-old’s current market valuation, it is clear to see that selling Hojbjerg for £30m this summer would be something of a catastrophic error by Paratici – especially to a team who could well be a top-four contender next time out.

AND in other news: Huge blow: Spurs dealt yet another major injury setback, Antonio Conte will be fuming

A number of Liverpool fans have been reacting negatively to a report claiming that the Reds could sign Ousmane Dembele from Barcelona this summer.

Jurgen Klopp could be on the lookout for a new attacker at the end of the season, with his forwards having a campaign to forget on the whole. While Mohamed Salah has been largely blameless, scoring 29 goals, both Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino have fallen way below their best, playing a huge role in Liverpool’s struggles.

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Even Diogo Jota, who was flying earlier in the season, seems to have lost his way in recent weeks, missing big chances in last Saturday’s 1-1 draw at home to Newcastle United.

One player who has been linked with a summer move to Liverpool is Dembele, with Sport claiming that he could be available for between €50m and €60m (£43.5m-£52.2m).

Liverpool fans don’t want Dembele to join Reds

The winger has been an injury-prone figure at the Nou Camp, however, and his return of 29 goals in 113 games for the Catalan club is far from spectacular.

These Reds supporters took to Twitter to voice their disapproval at the transfer links, with one disparaging fan calling Dembele a “sicknote” and referencing Liverpool’s rotten luck on the injury front this season.

“Oh my god no no no no, I have seen his games, he misses way too many goalscoring opportunities. Please we need a number 9 who is clinical”

Credit: @DelHassan5

“We Don’t Want A Useless Player”

Credit: @BhojSanjeev08

“Let’s sign another sicknote”

Credit: @CraigSim

“No thanks he’s injury prone”

Credit: @dacruz_bruno

“Not this again…”

Credit: @samazaar

“Oh no… not Dembele”

Credit: @kofi_svn

In other news, some Liverpool fans have been calling for one Reds player to be sold this summer. Find out who it is here.

As per Charlie Eccleshare on Twitter, some Tottenham Hotspur sources ‘close to the deal’ are ‘confident’ an agreement can be reached to sign defender Cristian Romero.

The Lowdown: Spurs in Romero talks…

Tottenham have been in negotiations for Romero over this past week, with Sky Sports claiming that the Lilywhites have in fact stepped up their pursuit of the Argentine.

Spurs also allegedly made an offer of around £34m (€40m) plus £8.5m (€10) in bonuses – but managing director Fabio Paratici will not overpay for his services and has other targets as alternatives (Sky Sports).

A complete agreement is still yet to be reached on price as talks remain ongoing.

The Latest: Sources back agreement…

As per Eccleshare, sharing what he’s heard from some sources ‘close to the deal’, there are those who are apparently ‘confident’ a compromise will be settled when it comes to valuation.

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As well as this, some of the journalist’s sources believe an agreement is ‘not too far away’, but as it stands, the two clubs remain apart in their price for the player.

Tottenham officially sold Toby Alderweireld to Qatari side Al Duhail earlier this week and need to seal his replacement with the transfer window deadline looming next month.

The Verdict: Get it done…

There are great alternatives to Romero, like Fiorentina defender Nikola Milenkovic for instance, who Eccleshare believes would be a ‘straightforward deal’.

However, these extensive negotiations for the South American colossus could prove to be worth all of this trouble given his unbelievable performances in Serie A.

Romero was rewarded with the title of 2020/2021 best defender in the Italian top flight and has garnered praise from critics, with Serie A expert Conor Clancy calling him ‘phenomenal’ (This is Futbol).

At just 23-years-old, the centre-back also has plenty of years ahead of him, potentially marking him out as a real prime target.

In other news: Spurs receive boost in pursuit of possible Lamela replacement, find out more here.

Sky Sports journalist Michael Bridge told The Transfer Tavern that Christian Benteke was going to be released by Crystal Palace until his end of season form earned him a new deal.

The Belgian striker had scored just three goals in his first 17 Premier League appearances last season but enjoyed a blistering end to the season to reach double figures for the first time in four years.

Benteke ended up netting seven times in his final 13 league outings, including goals against Spurs, Chelsea, and Arsenal to help Palace finish 14th.

Prior to penning a contract extension, the 30-year-old was on course to end his five-year affiliation with the Eagles, with his red-hot campaign-ending form eventually proving decisive.

Benteke’s Crystal Palace career has been largely forgetful, scoring just six goals across 75 games in a three-season period at one point.

And with those uninspiring goalscoring numbers in mind, Bridge told The Transfer Tavern that the former Aston Villa frontman, who featured just once at Euro 2020 for Belgium, was on the verge of becoming a free agent:

“Christian Benteke’s form earned him a new contract, let’s just get that clear.

“He was going to be one of those that was going. Benteke would have gone elsewhere, but he was impressive last season.”

Tottenham Hotspur need a clear-out, whoever is in charge next season.

The Lilywhites have regressed drastically since making the Champions League final in 2019 and a lot of the same players that let Mauricio Pochettino down in his final six months in charge are still at the club today.

Spurs chairman Daniel Levy must help his next manager by offloading deadwood. By doing this, he could well raise some extra funds for a much-needed freshen-up to the squad.

One name who appears to be most at risk is Erik Lamela.

A lot has been made about his future but most recently, respected Italian journalist Alfredo Pedulla hinted that a return to the Serie A could be on the cards.

Speaking to Arena Napoli last month, he said:

“Lamela and his wife have the same desire: to return to Italy. Lamela, in all likelihood, at the end of the current football season, will leave Tottenham to try a new experience. He wants to join an important club.”

Whilst back in March, the Evening Standard reported that Bologna were hot on his case and would look to sign him in the summer.

The 29-year-old winger will enter the final year of his deal and it’s hard to envisage him getting an extension, nor does he deserve or warrant one.

It’s rather hilarious that he was signed as Gareth Bale’s replacement for €30m (£26m) back in 2013, yet the Welshman has since come back and done more than he ever has for the club.

Bale has bagged 14 goals and three assists despite largely playing a bit-part role – in fact, he’s directly contributed towards one goal every 90.4 minutes, as per Transfermarkt.

In 177 appearances, Lamela has only scored 17 times for Spurs and has never delivered more than five assists in any Premier League campaign. He has probably spent more time on the treatment table than on the pitch, too.

As of last month, the Argentine was said to have missed 135 matches through injury, including a hip problem that kept him out for 13 months.

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Considering he’s earning around £85k-per-week, you could argue that he’s stolen a living from the North London outfit for the majority of his career here.

To put it into context, Bale has returned for one season and is only three goals off Lamela’s total tally for Spurs. He has also spent 43% of his time out injured.

Check out the latest transfer news on Lamela via the GMS Live football Transfer hub

We’ve seen moments of sheer brilliance from him, bagging that sensational rabona goal against Arsenal but also moments of absolute stupidity. He again tried the trick but this time it was with his team 3-1 down against Leeds, leading to BT Sport pundit Rio Ferdinand slamming him (via football.london).

“The goal against Arsenal was fabulous and we were all drooling over it. But you’re 3-1 down at this moment, he tries this pass,” he said. “But the more important thing was the reaction from all the players in Spurs shirts. I was looking for somebody to get onto him, to say: ‘What the hell are you doing? We’re 3-1 down. Play normal’, that tells me a lot.”

It’s not the first time Lamela has been blasted for his actions either.

Earlier this season, Graeme Souness labelled him “pathetic” live on Sky Sports for his role in getting Antony Martial sent off during Spurs 6-1 whitewash at Old Trafford.

Now valued just shy of £14.5m by Transfermarkt, this could well – and should be – the final few games that we witness Lamela in a Tottenham shirt.

Whatever Levy can get this summer, he should take it and run.

AND in other news, Forget Parker: Levy could win back Spurs fans by hiring 53y/o dubbed a “master” by Pep…

Football Insider pundit Paddy Kenny believes Ashley Young will be a ‘massive’ signing for Aston Villa both on and off the pitch.

The Lowdown: How Smith will use Young…

Young sealed a return to the Midlands earlier this month on a free transfer from Inter Milan.

The 35-year-old, who left Villa for Manchester United back in 2011, signed a one-year contract at Villa Park.

He spoke with Watford and Burnley but decided to return to Villa, where Dean Smith will reportedly use him in two different positions.

According to The Athletic’s Villa correspondent Gregg Evans, Smith sees Young as cover for left-back Matt Targett and right-back Matty Cash.

The Latest: Kenny’s claim

Kenny, 43, was talking to Football Insider and had this to say about Young, believing he will be a great influence on the Villa dressing room.

“I’ve heard in the game he comes across as the sort of bloke who’ll be great to have in the dressing room.

“He’s experienced and you can’t beat experience. He’s still got the legs, that physicality, and he can still run too.

“He’s gone to Inter Milan and won the title so what a signing that is to get him back after so long.

“I’m sure he’ll be a massive addition to their squad. They are looking ambitious and Dean Smith could have a really good season with them.”

The Verdict: A shrewd signing by Villa

Young knows just what it takes to turn out in front of the Villa faithful, and his versatility on a free transfer could prove to be an extremely shrewd signing by Smith.

The Englishman mainly played as a left-midfielder for Inter Milan last season but has turned out as a full-back on over 100 occasions throughout his career.

He’ll be able to serve as backup to both Targett and Cash, and who knows, should Smith be short of wide attacking options, he could well decide to play Young further forward.

Villa are thought to be after two wide forwards this summer and have already signed one in Emiliano Buendia. If they don’t add to their attacking ranks, they may rely on Young in even more ways than expected.

In other news: ‘Please don’t’, ‘There’ll be riots’ – Many AVFC fans say the same thing after club post, find out more here. 

Everton have been linked with a move for Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Harry Winks as the club begins to make plans for the January transfer window.

What’s the story?

According to Caught Offside, the 25-year-old is wanted by Toffees manager Rafael Benitez and will push for a Spurs exit once the winter transfer window opens, with the Liverpool Echo claiming that the Merseysiders have now made an enquiry to Spurs for the player.

Winks has struggled for game-time in recent months and is now believed to be seeking a way out of north London in search of regular action.

Imagine him and Doucoure

After rising through the ranks at his boyhood club, Winks has made 178 appearances for Tottenham in all competitions and started their 2019 Champions League final defeat at the hands of Liverpool.

The technically gifted talent featured prominently during the reign of former manager Mauricio Pochettino, who lavished praised on the midfielder after a late winner against Fulham two years ago.

“He deserves the praise because the whole action is amazing,” said Pochettino. “He recovered the ball like a full-back, we started to build from the back, and then he arrived for the cross from GK, which was fantastic – we have to praise him too.

“It’s amazing, amazing, because we were talking in the last few weeks that he had to score and to have more presence in the opposition’s box because he has the quality to do it. I’m so happy.”

However, a lot of Winks’ good work goes unnoticed. The England international has only recorded nine goal contributions throughout his career, but he offers a different set of skills to the team.

As per WhoScored, no Spurs player who started a league match bettered or matched his average of 70 passes per game last season, and he also topped the charts for pass completion after achieving a 90% success rate.

His highly impressive figures weren’t just down to picking the safe and simple options every time, either. Winks managed 1.3 key passes per Premier League fixture in 2020/21 and pulled off 4.4 long balls – of all of Tottenham’s outfield players, only Toby Alderweireld completed more (7.3).

Therefore, Winks’s key attributes would provide the perfect balance for current Everton midfield star Abdoulaye Doucoure. The Frenchman’s power and pace cause opponents constant issues, but he also has the intelligence to play cute through balls in the final third of the pitch, making him a nightmare for defenders to handle.

It remains to be seen whether Everton follow up their interest in the £18m-rated Winks, but director of football Marcel Brands could pull off another astute piece of business by snapping up the disciplined Tottenham maestro.

In other news… Brands must sanction Everton swoop for £12.6m-rated ace, he’s an “outstanding technician” 

Many Arsenal fans have been left slamming the display of Nicolas Pepe in their 2-2 draw at home to Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Monday night.

The former Lille star actually started off quite well, with a nice curling effort that was saved by Vicente Guaita and then tucked home by Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in the opening few minutes of the first half.

However, his performance became increasingly laboured, as he struggled to have any real impact on the game after that.

The Ivory Coast international lost out on 13 of his duels, and failed with five crossing attempts and five dribbles, while he also lost possession of the ball on no fewer than on 22 separate occasions in the match, the most out of any of his teammates to have set foot on the pitch (Sofascore).

Arsenal fans on Pepe display

These Gunners slammed his performance on Twitter, with one supporter even going as far as to claim that he has been ‘woeful’:

“I’m also done with Pepe at this club he’s so wasteful. He’s been overall woeful for £72m. Lille robbed us. Move him on in Jan and give a young player a chance.”

Credit: @jasonmccann1701

“Shocking all round, Partey and Pepe especially but I just don’t get Odegaard, very poor. Laca has to start. We are so much better with him”

Credit: @Kane2602

“Another #pepe disasterclass should be nowhere near the starting 11.”

Credit: @R15HLA

“A lot of very poor performances again tonight. Odegaard, Partey and ESR bad tonight and the usual rubbish from Pepe.”

Credit: @_Gunner_bhoy_

“Pepe has to be one of the worst signings we’ve ever made, his time is up.”

Credit: @sonnyakram

“Pepe embarrassing stuff there…”

Credit: @Pedro24031

In other news, find out what Arsene Wenger news has Gunners buzzing here!

A number of Liverpool supporters are confident of the Reds signing Saul Niguez, despite journalist James Pearce claiming a bid hasn’t been made.

Jurgen Klopp may be looking to sign a replacement for Gini Wijnaldum this summer, following his exit to Paris Saint-Germain.

The Dutchman was a hugely important player for Liverpool over the past five years, not only providing quality but also staying largely fit while others were injured.

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One player who the Reds have been continually linked with in recent times is Saul, who could potentially leave Atletico Madrid during this transfer window.

The 26-year-old has been a great servant for the La Liga champions, making a total of 337 appearances to date, not to mention winning 19 caps for Spain.

Despite Liverpool’s rumoured interest, Pearce has played down the claim in an interview with The 1892 Reds Podcast [via LFC Transfer Room on Twitter], saying a bid has not yet been made.

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Liverpool fans react positively to Saul update

Although Pearce’s update may come across as negative, these Liverpool fans took to Twitter to claim they think the move could go through because the journalist opted not to rule it out completely.

“I have hope again”

Credit: @_MezzaPunta

“It’s on!”

Credit: @RobGutmann

“Same line peddled last summer re: Thiago”

Credit: @Ogie_Halfhand

“So that’s not no”

Credit: @LFCExcelGenius

“Good news Pearce strikes again”

Credit: @SMiTLA

“Didn’t deny the interest”

Credit: @xberole_

In other news, a journalist has made a key claim over Liverpool’s summer transfer business. Read more here.

A major Newcastle United transfer claim has emerged on Allan Saint-Maximin’s future…

What’s the talk?

The Daily Mail reporter Craig Hope has revealed that Eddie Howe is not keen to cash in on the French winger ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

The journalist has admitted that the club are not completely opposed to selling him if the stars align this summer, but the preferred scenario ends with him remaining at St. James’ Park.

Hope Tweeted: “Why would NUFC consider selling Allan Saint-Maximin? Primarily, an offer of circa £50m would be considered if it meant strengthening significantly elsewhere (striker is priority) & staying ahead of spending rules. But Eddie Howe would prefer to keep him.”

Supporters will be buzzing

The Toon faithful will surely be buzzing with this claim as it suggests that the attacker is likely to stay at the club beyond the end of the next transfer window. If Howe wants him to remain on Tyneside then it is logical to think that PIF will not sell him unless they can replace him with a significant signing – which could alleviate any concerns about selling a current star.

Supporters will want him to be playing in black and white next season as he is an exciting players to watch out on the pitch. He gets the fans off their seats with his incredible dribbling ability as he glides past the opposition in an attempt to create openings for himself and his teammates.

In the Premier League this season, he has completed 4.3 dribbles per game and converted that into five goals and three assists. He has also delivered 1.4 key passes per match as he has been a constant creative threat on the wing, providing the likes of Chris Wood, Joe Willock and Ryan Fraser with opportunities to score.

At the age of 25, he also still has room to grow and develop as a player. Howe can work with him on the training pitch to help him gain more consistency in his end product to help improve his goal and assist numbers, with the Frenchman having plenty of time on his side to do so.

This, along with how exciting he is in the present, is why fans will want to keep him at St. James’ Park for the foreseeable future. Therefore, they will be delighted to read that the head coach’s primary aim is to avoid selling him this summer.

AND in other news, Same agency as Joelinton: NUFC scouting 6 ft 4 star, he’s a dream Botman alternative…