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As per a report by 90min, an interesting Tottenham Hotspur transfer claim has dropped with the Lilywhites now eyeing Barcelona forward Ousmane Dembele.

The Lowdown: Paratici, time to get working?

After Spurs humbling 1-0 defeat away to Vitesse in the Europa Conference League, managing director Fabio Paratici has been urged to get working on the signings of alternative attacking options.

As well as being short of natural centre-forwards bar Dane Scarlett and Harry Kane, the club’s wide options are also a point of contention.

Injuries have already occurred to the likes of Son Heung-min and Steven Bergwijn while Lucas Moura could be slowly reaching the twilight phase of his career.

As the January transfer window slowly approaches, news has emerged on what Spurs ‘may be willing’ to offer Dembele.

The Latest: Spurs ‘may be willing’ to offer Dembele wage increase…

As Tottenham eye the Barcelona forward, along with several other clubs, his current side are working to try and tie him down with a contract extension.

His current deal expires in 2022 and agreeing fresh terms is proving difficult for Barca, especially considering their financial situation and the fact Dembele wants a pay rise on his current wage in excess of £200,000-per-week.

This is where Paratici and Spurs come in, with the 90min report claiming they could be one of several interested sides now ‘willing to offer the money he wants’.

The Verdict: Worth the gamble?

Despite being called ‘frightening’ by Lionel Messi himself, offering the Frenchman over £200,000-per-week could be a very risky move by Paratici.

Dembele’s injury record speaks for itself and could be a real bone of contention to any Spurs move regardless of his ability, not to mention multiple incidents of behavioural issues affecting his career in Catalonia.

In other news: Matter of time: Yet another Spurs player eyeing N17 exit, he’s already said yes…find out more here.

A number of Liverpool supporters are excited after it emerged that the Reds are expected to wear their new Nike away kit away to Manchester United.

Jurgen Klopp’s men face one of their biggest games of the season this weekend, making to trip to Old Trafford for a fierce clash with United.

Liverpool are in superb form at the moment, thumping Watford last Saturday and winning away to Atletico Madrid in midweek, but this will be a stern test even despite their hosts’ questionable form.

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Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is under huge pressure and United don’t look on the Reds’ level currently, but they have the attacking quality to win matches in an instant.

According to This Is Anfield [via Anfield Watch on Twitter], Liverpool will wear their new Nike away strip for the first time on Sunday, giving fans a chance to see it on the biggest stage of all.

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Liverpool fans react to kit claim

These Reds supporters reacted to the news on Twitter, with many seeing this is a ‘good omen’.

“Finally”

Credit: @stackz1shot

“We winning 6-0”

Credit: @lulusityy

“Finally. I hope this kit be our good omen”

Credit: @Hananliverpool

“Looks great”

Credit: @sean99o82

“I’m wearing mine all day then”

Credit: @TheOrigin__96

“Such a beauty”

Credit: @quindelamore

In other news, some Liverpool fans are fuming at one piece of news ahead of the United clash. Read more here.

Sky Sports reporter Michael Bridge has told Football FanCast that Tottenham’s priority before the transfer window closes is bringing in another centre-back and striker.

Nuno Espirito Santo has already added goalkeeper Pierluigi Gollini and defender Cristian Romero from Atalanta to his squad, whilst promising young winger Bryan Gil joined from Sevilla, with Erik Lamela going the other way.

However, Tottenham’s struggles to offload the likes of Serge Aurier, Davinson Sanchez and Moussa Sissoko has affected their spending in the window.

Juan Foyth and Toby Alderweireld have both been moved on, but there appears a general lack of interest in Santo’s squad.

There’s also the ongoing Harry Kane saga, although following Carlos Vinicius’ return to Benfica, Spurs want to bring in another frontman regardless of whether the England captain leaves.

Meanwhile, according to Sky Sports, Tottenham are interested in signing Chelsea’s Kurt Zouma as they look to improve defensively before the window slams shut.

And Bridge told Football FanCast that one player at each end of the pitch is what the hierarchy want:

“My understanding is it’s another defender and a striker they’re focusing on. And I look at the date and the way it’s going for Spurs, and we mentioned the outgoings, they’re struggling.”

Aston Villa’s great season last year went hand in hand with the brilliant form of former captain Jack Grealish, but it wasn’t just him.

Villa were on course for a European challenge before the pandemic took hold of their squad and Grealish’s injury coincided with a poor run of form that saw them crash down in the table.

The likes of Ollie Watkins, John McGinn, Douglas Luiz, Ezri Konsa, Matty Cash and Anwar El-Ghazi all played their part too at both ends of the pitch as Villa bounced back from escaping relegation on the final day of the previous season to a mid-table finish.

One of the main aims of the summer transfer window of 2020 was to get Grealish some much needed help, and they found that in former England international Ross Barkley on a season-long loan move from Chelsea.

Barkley started the season relatively well playing as the number ten behind Watkins and being given some attacking freedom alongside Grealish, with the team set up to protect their creative instincts.

He scored twice in his first four appearances for the team in the Premier League, but soon found his performances dwindling following a hamstring injury that kept him out for several weeks.

Upon returning to the team, the attacking midfielder scored just once in eight games before being relegated to the bench and that would turn out to be his final goal contribution for the season. It was only January but Barkley had already shown that on a consistent basis, he wasn’t the answer to the problems Dean Smith and Aston Villa had been suffering with the previous year.

His presence was barely missed and as questions were raised about whether or not he’d be signed permanently, it became clear that the club were thinking twice.

His poor form saw him labelled as a “liability” by journalist Gregg Evans and ultimately it was decided that the £110k-per-week loanee wasn’t worth the investment. Villa have since put their money to good use, signing all of Emiliano Buendia, Leon Bailey and Danny Ings in the forward positions this summer while also promoting youngster Carney Chukwuemeka to the first-team fold.

It’s turned out to be a stellar decision by the club and board, with Johan Lange ultimately finding a better solution for the club’s issues and also creating a pathway for youngsters to make it into the senior side. It’s safe to say ignoring a permanent switch was a masterclass.

Since returning to Stamford Bridge, Barkley has been restricted to just 270 minutes of football across eight appearances in all competitions with zero goal contributions to his name. Chukwuemeka, by comparison, has featured for 250 minutes in the Villa first-team and has earned plaudits throughout the year too.

Chelsea don’t want or need him, but neither do Aston Villa and that’s credit to the decision making last summer. They certainly struck gold in that department.

AND in other news, John McGinn could be Steven Gerrard’s new Jack Grealish.

Liverpool midfielder Thiago Alcantara tweeted an image of his ‘new season preps’ on Friday afternoon, and it’s fair to say it went down well with the Anfield faithful.

Thiago linked back up with his team-mates on 28 July after featuring for semi-finalists Spain at the European Championships.

He was unable to play a part in the Reds’ 60-minute friendlies against Serie A side Bologna on Thursday due to a minor fitness concern.

How serious is Thiago’s issue?

In an interview with the club’s official site, he explained that he is trying to limit muscular discomfort but said he is aiming to be fit for Liverpool’s season opener against Norwich on 14 August. The shot of him training, then, will certainly be encouraging for fans.

Meanwhile, fellow midfielder Fabinho provided the Reds with a boost by playing 30 minutes against Bologna. The Brazilian, along with Alisson Becker and Roberto Firmino, had only returned from his holiday the previous Sunday.

Liverpool have two more friendlies pencilled in before the Premier League kick-off, facing Athletic Bilbao and Osasuna at Anfield on Sunday and Monday respectively.

Liverpool fans buzzing over Thiago image

“He’s gonna rip the league apart next week onwards”

Credit: @zubinofficial

“THIAGOOOOOO”

Credit: @ahmedlfc

“yes laaaa!!!!! good to see you back maestro”

Credit: @oliharrington97

“Welcome back king”

Credit: @murphyscottg

“Let’s go goat!! Big season incoming”

Credit: @lewinh0_

“What a thing of beauty you are Thiagoooo”

Credit: @3rdEyeofShiva

In other news, James Pearce’s update on Divock Origi got a lot of fans talking.

Flocking to Twitter, many West Ham United fans have been reacting to a transfer claim involving winger Felipe Anderson.

The Brazilian spent the whole of 2020/2021 out on loan at FC Porto with Anderson going on to severely struggle for game time.

Indeed, over his Estádio do Dragão stay, he managed just one Liga NOS start all season and another cameo in the Champions League – playing a meagre 191 minutes across both competitions (WhoScored).

Now, with the summer transfer window open, there has been some speculation in regards to his east London future under manager David Moyes.

Calciomercato provide the latest with a transfer claim surfacing from Italy, with the outlet saying Anderson has now been offered to ex-club Lazio for just €8 million (£6.8 million).

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Flocking to this news, West Ham fans held mixed reactions on social media, with some completely baffled whilst others believe it is in the club’s best interest to offload.

There are also those who don’t wish to see the 28-year-old’s exit and believe he could still have a part to play under Moyes.

Find a flavour of their best verdicts, in reply to West Ham Central, West Ham Fan Zone and West Ham News, down below.

West Ham fans react as Anderson news emerges

“Surely not”

Credit: @malcomrbrown53

“YESS Please be true”

Credit: @TalkinWestHam

“I’m still gutted it’s not worked out for him with us, I think there’s a player there somewhere, but he will never fit in a Moyes team with his work ethic.”

Credit: @hammer763

“Great bit of business that”

Credit: @Sammy_dodgerx

“I’ll drive him to Rome myself.”

Credit: @PeteJimCampbell

“Might aswell keep him please”

Credit: @_Jwoodzy

“We’re so bad at selling selling players £7m from a £40m purchase”

Credit: @CharlieWestHam0

“no way we should let him go for 7m”

Credit: @westdan1895

In other news: ExWHUemployee backs reports of West Ham eyeing ‘powerful’ forward, find out more here.

Former Leeds United goalkeeper Paddy Kenny has hit back at criticism towards Patrick Bamford following his England debut.

The Lowdown: O’Hara on talkSPORT

The 28-year-old, who famously replied to a talkSPORT post last year after they questioned him leading the line for Leeds in the Premier League, made his England debut on Sunday.

He started in the Three Lions’ 4-0 win over Andorra at Wembley but made way for Harry Kane just after the hour mark.

Speaking live on talkSPORT on Monday, Jamie O’Hara said that Bamford ‘shouldn’t’ be in the England squad and hit out at Gareth Southgate for ‘handing caps out like confetti’ in reference to the Leeds marksman.

The Latest: Kenny’s comments

Speaking to Football Insider about the negative comments on Bamford, Kenny was quick to defend the Leeds striker, saying:

“Some of the criticism is ridiculous, 100 per cent.

“Give the lad a chance, for God’s sake. It’s his first cap and it’s a big occasion. He’s never been in that position before, it’s brand new to him.

“England weren’t that good in the first half anyway. And every time I’ve seen him play, I’ve always thought ‘Wow’.

“You just have to give him a better crack of the whip, give him time. Everyone is too quick to jump on people’s backs these days.”

The Verdict: Kenny is spot on

Kane was the only English striker to score more Premier League goals than Bamford last season, with the Leeds marksman netting more than Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Ollie Watkins and Danny Ings.

On that basis, an England debut was the least the 28-year-old deserved. Yes, he was the worst-rated starter at Wembley as per WhoScored, but it was always going to be tricky for the forward to make an impact against a team playing a low block with three central defenders in a much-changed England side.

His first appearance as an England player shouldn’t be his last, and as Kenny rightly says, time will be required when it comes to his international career.

In other news: Ian Doyle thinks another Liverpool regular may now miss Leeds game alongside three Brazil stars. 

Manchester United have been linked with a move for Youri Tielemans as manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer looks to strengthen his first-team squad even further.

What’s the story?

Despite bringing in several high-profile signings over the summer, United were heavily linked with multiple central midfielders as their Norwegian boss aims to bolster his engine room options.

The likes of Eduardo Camavinga and Saul Niguez were believed to be top of the Old Trafford outfit’s wishlist, but they sealed moves to Real Madrid and Chelsea respectively, leaving Solskjaer searching for alternative options.

And now, the well-known journalist and transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has provided an update on United’s search for a new midfielder, claiming Leicester City’s Youri Tielemans is a top target.

“I am told that he is on many top clubs’ list. Real Madrid have his name in mind for the future, Barcelona the same,” Romano revealed on his YouTube channel (as relayed by the Leicester Mercury).

“In England, many clubs are interested. Manchester United have to decide on Paul Pogba, but Tielemans is one to watch for the future for Manchester United.

“Leicester are very good in their strategy. They said no over James Maddison and said no for Tielemans. They always protect their best players. It will not be easy to sign him because Leicester will put a big price on this player,” he concluded.

Manchester United fans will be buzzing

Tielemans has established himself as one of the best young players in the Premier League in recent campaigns, scoring 18 goals and laying on a further 19 assists in 112 appearances for the Foxes, securing the FA Cup and Community Shield along the way.

However, after entering the final two years of his current contract at the King Power Stadium, there’s been much speculation over the Belgian international’s future.

Liverpool were thought to be interested in securing his services over the summer, although no formal offer materialised, and now a selection of European football’s heavyweights appear to have moved to the front of the queue for the technically gifted maestro.

With Pogba potentially leaving United on a free transfer next year, news that Tielemans could be his replacement will surely leave the club’s supporters buzzing with excitement.

Although the Frenchman’s departure would be a huge blow, replacing him with a proven Premier League talent who has his prime years ahead of him would certainly soften the blow.

And, in other news…Man Utd suffer potentially huge selection blow pre-NUFC, Ole will be absolutely gutted 

Everton have emerged in recent hours as contenders to sign Miralem Pjanic in the summer transfer window.

The Lowdown: Davies may be leaving

As per Football Insider, Southampton have reignited their interest in signing Tom Davies after failing to lure him away from Goodison Park in last summer’s window.

A source from the Saints has told the news outlet that they will make a move to sign the 22-year-old midfielder if they are given any sort of encouragement by the Merseyside club.

If Davies were to leave, then Toffees would need to find a replacement, and that could well be Pjanic.

The Latest: Everton eye Pjanic

As per Fichajes, Everton have emerged in recent hours as showing their interest in signing Pjanic, but Barcelona will not listen to any offers below €35m (£30.1m) if they wish to sell him.

It is up to the Toffees now whether they are willing to match the asking price requested by the La Liga club, as the story should develop over the course of the window.

The Verdict: Everton must avoid Pjanic

Even though a deal for Pjanic could sound quite tempting, given that he has been a big name in European football over the last few years, making 80 appearances in the UEFA Champions League for the likes of Barcelona, Juventus and Roma, Everton must avoid that temptation.

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At 31 years of age, the Bosnia international is coming into the closing chapters of his career and he could struggle to cope with the physical demands of the Premier League.

A fee of £30.1m is certainly way too much to be spending on a player of his age, and so the Toffees should really be looking at other targets in the central midfield position.

In other news, find out what big Blues transfer claim has been dropped!

Wolverhampton Wanderers will face a Burnley side without Ashley Westwood in their Premier League clash this afternoon.

What’s the story?

The Clarets midfielder was forced off on a stretcher in their 1-1 draw against West Ham last weekend and has since had to have surgery on his ankle, after fracturing and dislocating it.

Caretaker boss Mike Jackson said to the media, as quoted by Birmingham Live: “It is a fracture and a dislocation. The operation went really well.”

Although, Jackson did provide a positive update on left-back Erik Pieters, saying: “Erik Pieters is doing a lot of running on the grass and is where he needs to be.”

However, after surgery, the 32-year-old now faces a long period on the sidelines and will certainly be absent for Wolves’ meeting with the Lancashire outfit at Turf Moor this afternoon.

A boost for Wolves

It goes without saying that we wish Westwood the very best in his recovery from a serious injury but given his importance to the Clarets, it will be a boost to Wolves that he is missing for this encounter.

The significance of today’s match for both sides is of serious magnitude with both fighting at different ends of the table.

Burnley boosted their survival hopes on Thursday evening with a 2-0 win at home to Southampton but still find themselves one point off safety with 17th-place Everton having a game in hand.

As for Bruno Lage’s men, European qualification is still very possible but will require a strong run of form to close out the season, with the West Midlands outfit currently eighth but five points behind sixth-place Manchester United with two games in hand.

Wanderers are also battling with West Ham, who currently occupy seventh, for a European place with the Hammers three points ahead, although Wolves do have a game in hand.

Lage’s men are in a good position, however, they are slightly reliant on results elsewhere going their way whilst also needing to win their own matches.

At 32, Westwood boasts plenty of experience whilst making 27 appearances in the top-flight for the Lancashire outfit this term, making him a key fixture in their plans.

Therefore, the knowledge that Burnley will be without one of their regular players in Westwood for a crucial match will be a major boost for Lage and co.

AND in other news: Wolves now plot bid to sign “unique” £31.5m-rated livewire, just imagine him & Jimenez