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As per Italian newspaper Corriere Fiorentino, via Sport Witness, a transfer update has emerged on Tottenham Hotspur’s pursuit of Fiorentina striker Dusan Vlahovic.

The Lowdown: Vlahovic on the move?

The Serbia international, who has rejected advances from his current club to make him the highest-paid player in their history, looks to inevitably exit sooner or later.

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His contract expires in 2023, so Fiorentina could risk losing him on a free deal at the end of next season as clubs hover for his signature.

One of those suitors is thought to be Tottenham as the Lilywhites remain heavily linked, following on from sporting director Fabio Paratici’s interest in the 21-year-old over the summer transfer window.

Now, as per a fresh claim from Italy, an update has emerged on the Vlahovic situation involving Spurs.

The Latest: Lilywhites in direct contact?

Corriere Fiorentino (via Sport Witness) lifted the lid on Tottenham’s ‘direct contact’ with La Viola directors Daniele Pradè and Giuseppe Barone, also revealing that the two chiefs held this contact during ‘a trip to London’.

They added that Spurs manager Antonio Conte is a personal admirer of the prolific striker and Tottenham were even ‘ready to come forward’ over the summer during Nuno Espirito Santo’s reign.

The Verdict: Get it done…

Vlahovic stands out as Tottenham’s most blockbuster striking target by some distance and his form in Europe has been among the best.

Scoring 14 goals and setting up three others in just 16 appearances throughout all competitions, it is little wonder his exploits in front of goal have drawn comparisons with Borussia Dortmund superstar Erling Braut Haaland.

Serie A experts who have watched him consistently, such as Conor Clancy, have raved over the young attacker’s talent and ability, with that writer calling him ‘phenomenal’ and a potentially ‘exciting’ long-term replacement for Harry Kane (The Transfer Tavern).

Averaging even more shots on goal per 90 this season than Tottenham’s star duo Kane and Son Heung-min (WhoScored), who both made the PFA Team of the Year last term, it’s safe to say that the Serbian does indeed come as a head-turning target.

In other news: Eight players now safe from Spurs axe after impressing behind the scenes, find out more here.

Former Celtic transfer target Fernando Henrique looks set to secure a move in the January transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Goal Brazil, who claimed that the defensive midfielder could be set to leave Gremio this month, with Al-Ain of the United Arab Emirates appearing to be closing in on a $5m (£3.7m) deal for the 20-year-old.

Previous reports had claimed that Celtic had opened talks with the Brazilian regarding the potential of a move to Parkhead back in October, with The Scotsman stating that Ange Postecoglou was interested in Henrique as none of Ismaila Soro, James McCarthy or Nir Bitton provided the 56-year-old with adequate cover for Callum McGregor.

Postecoglou must finally move for Henrique

While it is true that Celtic have already secured the central midfield signings of both Reo Hatate and Yosuke Ideguchi this month, the fact that Postecoglou was interested in a further deal for Riley McGree would appear to suggest that the Hoops manager still believes he requires greater depth in that position.

As such, with Henrique appearing to be available in the current transfer window, it would seem advisable for the 56-year-old to finally make his move for the Gremio starlet, who would undoubtedly make a fantastic addition to Celtic’s current options in the middle of the park.

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Indeed, over his four Brazilian Serie A appearances last season, the £1.35m-rated man – who Almanaque Esportivo claimed is similar to Manchester United midfielder Fred – made a strong impression, averaging a whopping 2.3 interceptions, 2.8 tackles and 0.5 clearances and winning 5.8 duels (with a success rate of 52%) per game.

These returns saw the youngster earn a seasonal SofaScore match rating of 6.92, ranking him as Gremio’s eighth-best performer in the Brazilian top flight in 2021.

As such, considering that Henrique only turned 20 last summer, it would very much seem that he is a talent with a very bright future in the game. We believe that Postecoglou must this month reignite his interest in a move for the youngster who Everything Celtic dubbed a “strong” player, particularly if he is available for as little as £3.7m.

In other news: Postecoglou drops transfer claim on £5.7k-p/w dynamo, Celtic fans will be fuming

Many Wolves fans have been left to flock to an update on the future of Nuno Espirito Santo.

As per Correio da Manha (via Sport Witness), it is unlikely that the Portuguese boss will be next in line to become the new manager at Tottenham Hotspur after Ryan Mason was given an interim role.

In an interesting revelation, Nuno was reportedly going to take charge of Arsenal to replace Unai Emery before Mikel Arteta got the job instead.

Nonetheless, Jorge Mendes would likely stop him taking the job at Spurs if he was offered it at the end of the 2020/21 term, which has certainly caused some reaction among the Molineux faithful, with some wanting him to go given the poor season that they have had, while others would rather he stayed given what he has achieved with the Midlands club so far in his managerial career.

Wolves fans on Nuno update

These WWFC supporters flocked to the update after it was shared on Twitter:

“YOU’RE MEANT TO BE HELPING US JORGE”

Credit: @PlayA4231

“Nooo he’s meant to help us”

Credit: @tylerwwfc

“Says here Nuno was about to take the Arsenal job. Snake. More reasons to sack him”

Credit: @bestwolvesfan

“The hero becomes the villain”

Credit: @calwwfc19

“The grass isn’t always greener on the other side. Excuse the pun!”

Credit: @peggyja95517835

“Thanks but Nuno won’t leave because, according to him, he has a contract.”

Credit: @Bloseph

In other news, find out what update on a potential Nuno replacement has been slammed by Wanderers here!

Sheffield Wednesday have been boosted by the news that key pair George Byers and Liam Palmer should be fit for the crucial clash with Fleetwood Town.

The Lowdown: Huge game for Owls

The Owls were beaten 1-0 away to Wycombe Wanderers on Saturday afternoon, in what was a damaging defeat in the League One promotion battle.

The loss leaves Darren Moore’s side in seventh place and outside the playoff places ahead of Tuesday evening’s massive trip to struggling Fleetwood.

Wednesday had to make do without both Byers and Palmer for the Wycombe game – they didn’t come off the substitutes’ bench – with the pair key players this season, having started a combined 54 league matches.

The Latest: Key duo return

Speaking to the media on Saturday [via Football League World], however, Moore confirmed that he expects the duo to return to the fold at Fleetwood, having rested them at Adams Park:

“It has been a big week. The likes of George and Liam Palmer have played twice this week and we decided to rotate. Now we get them back and ready for Tuesday.

“We have suffered a lot of injuries this season from over misuse and fatigue and tiredness from games. I was able to rejuggle the pack and get ready for Tuesday.”

The Verdict: Massive boost for Wednesday

This is a huge boost for anyone of an Owls persuasion, given the enormity of Tuesday’s potentially make-or-break trip to Highbury.

Victory there would leave playoff destiny in Wednesday’s hands, taking them above Plymouth Argyle and Wycombe, and possibly Sunderland, too, if they don’t win at home to Rotherham on Tuesday.

Both Byers and Palmer would surely both be in Moore’s strongest possible XI and them being back in the team enhances the Owls’ hopes of securing a top-six place, ahead of the final game against Portsmouth at Hillsborough next weekend.

Byers has brought quality and poise to Wednesday’s midfield, scoring five league goals, while Palmer is a model of consistency, having now made 342 appearances for the club.

Kiko Casilla’s Leeds United career will come to an end in the near future, according to The Athletic’s Phil Hay.

The 34-year-old made the move to Elland Road back in January 2019, joining from Real Madrid after winning three Champions League crowns with the La Liga giants.

Casilla was a key man during last season’s glorious Championship triumph, starting 36 of Leeds’ 46 league games as the Whites made it back into the Premier League.

The veteran goalkeeper has been far more of a peripheral figure in 2020/21, however, starting only once in the league and playing second fiddle to Illan Meslier.

Hay claims Casilla’s time at Leeds is up

This lack of playing time has raised question marks over Casilla’s long-term future and the reliable Hay believes his time at Elland Road is almost up.

Speaking on the The Phil Hay Show podcast [via MOT Leeds News], the journalist revealed that Leeds will look to replace him in the summer:

“He [Bielsa] was clear on Monday there was no injury to Casilla and that it was a tactical move for want of a better move.

“What it meant is that you had a goalkeeper in Meslier starting who is 21 and you had a keeper on the bench, Elia Caprile, who isn’t even 20 yet. That combination is very rare to see two keepers with such little experience.

“I think it’s been over for Casilla here in real terms since the FA charge and the suspension. My understanding is that he is a player they are thinking of trying to move on this summer. He is a player they would like to replace.

“Casilla was on a very high Championship wage and he would have got an uplift with promotion. It’s not a straightforward move.

“I have never got the impression that Casilla has enjoyed the last year and has found it very difficult, he’s found the tension and the criticism of him hard to handle.”

Transfer Tavern take

It makes perfect sense for Casilla to move on to pastures new this summer, considering Meslier and now even arguably Elia Caprile are ahead of him in the goalkeeping pecking order, after they were named as the ‘keepers in the matchday squad to face West Ham.

He is still at an age where he could be a regular elsewhere, but it seems clear that Marcelo Bielsa is preparing for life without the Spaniard.

In other news, Noel Whelan has slammed one Leeds player’s performance against West Ham. Read about it here.

Fulham have been dealt a major blow in their bid to bring Ike Ugbo to Craven Cottage this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by All Nigeria Soccer, who claim that Scott Parker’s side have missed out on the signing of the Chelsea youngster, for whom there has been a great amount of interest in recent weeks.

It is reported that, along with Fulham, Monaco, FC Rostov, CSKA Moscow and Bologna have also failed in a bid to sign the 22-year-old this summer, with Watford, Eintracht Frankfurt and Genk being the remaining three teams in the race.

Parker will be gutted

Considering how highly Ugbo impressed during his most recent loan spell away from Chelsea, the news that Fulham will not be welcoming the centre-forward to Craven Cottage this summer is sure to leave Scott Parker gutted.

Indeed, over his 32 Jupiler Pro League appearances for Cercle Brugge last term, the £4.05m-rated youngster scored 16 goals and created two big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 1.8 shots and making 0.5 key passes per game.

These returns saw the £38k-per-week striker earn a seasonal SofaScore match rating of 6.79, ranking him as Yves Vanderhaeghe’s eighth-best performer in the top tier of Belgian football.

Ugbo also impressed on a previous loan spell at Roda JC Kerkrade in 2019/20, with the former England U20 international scoring 13 goals and proving three assists over 28 appearances in the Keuken Kampioen Divisie.

As such, it certainly appears as if the player whom the Belgian media dubbed “decisive” centre-forward would have made a fine addition to Parker’s attacking arsenal at Fulham ahead of next season – a campaign in which the Cottagers will be looking to secure an immediate return to the Premier League.

However, unfortunately for the 40-year-old and his club, it now very much appears as if the Chelsea prospect will be plying his trade elsewhere next season.

In other news: Fulham dealt transfer blow over “immense” £31k-p/w beast that’ll leave Parker gutted

The relationship between Everton target Rafa Benitez and his previous clubs is an interesting one.

At Valencia, he is hailed an icon for his two La Liga successes and at Liverpool, he will always be a legend for winning the Champions League.

At Goodison Park, however, his name isn’t exactly met with favouritism. He dubbed the Toffees a “small club” back in 2007 and he is not exaclty the most popular man due to his allegiances with Anfield.

He isn’t exactly thought of in the greatest terms at Real Madrid either. The Spaniard was given the job at the beginning of the 2015/16 season but was sacked midway through the campaign in January.

Marcelo played under Benitez in Spain and the duo could be one that’s reunited at Everton this summer. Senior officials at Goodison Park are said to be on the verge of hiring Benitez as the club’s new manager after talks stalled with Nuno Santo.

This comes just days after interest was registered in Madrid’s legendary full-back, Marcelo.

The 33-year-old is coming towards the end of his career but he’d still be a magnificent capture for the Toffees. This is a defender who has been there and done almost everything there is to do in football.

He is one of the most decorated around with four Champions League titles to his name and could thrive under Benitez.

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The Spaniard extracted an enormous amount from the Brazilian back in 2015 by giving him attacking freedom down the left-hand side.

Marcelo quickly became indispensable to Benitez. Towards the end of October of that season, 61% of his passes had been in the opposition half while no Real player had managed more crosses.

He played as many key passes per game as both Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale while recovering the same number of balls as German orchestrator Toni Kroos.

That was evidently a mesmeric campaign for Marcelo and if he can provide the same output under Benitez in Merseyside, it would be a terrifying duo.

The pair clearly get on with the Brazilian saying the following during the former Newcastle manager’s time in the Spanish capital: “Benitez is an amazing coach, very competitive. He talks to us a lot and shows us where we have to improve, he’s on top of it all to make us better.”

Taking home a wage packet of £266k-per-week, Marcelo will need to take a pretty hefty pay cut but if he is willing to do so as his career begins to wind down, Marcel Brands and co must sanction this move.

Everton may have Lucas Digne at their disposal but the opportunity to sign a player like Marcelo doesn’t come around very often.

AND in other news, Everton must complete swoop for “phenomenal” 28 y/o, he thinks Nuno Santo is “amazing”…

Southampton’s decision to sign Guido Carrillo in January 2018 will undoubtedly go down as one of the worst transfers in the club’s history after he was allowed to leave on a free transfer last summer.

The South Coast club were keen to reinvest following Virgil van Dijk’s £75 million move to Liverpool and ended up significantly overpaying for Carrillo as a result, with the Argentine joining in a £19 million deal from AS Monaco.

Les Reed, who was the Southampton vice-chairman at the time, said this about Carrillo’s signing:

“Guido represents a very exciting addition to our attacking options ahead of the final months of the season.

“We are confident he will benefit us not only in the remainder of this campaign, but in the years to come.”

Unfortunately for Reed and Southampton, this would not prove to be the case.

The 29-year-old striker would make 10 appearances in the remainder of the 2018/18 season, scoring no goals and providing just two assists before never being seen in a Saints shirt again.

He would subsequently spend two seasons on loan with CD Leganes in La Liga, where he would manage just 10 goals and three assists in 60 appearances for the club, with his market value seriously declining during his time in Spain.

As a result of his poor performances, Southampton made the decision to terminate his contract last summer so that he could join Elche on a free transfer, bringing an end to a nightmare spell on the South Coast.

Although you could argue that Carrillo was never really given an opportunity to impress at Southampton, Ralph Hasenhuttl clearly didn’t feel he had shown enough to deserve a chance in his side, which really makes you question why he was brought in for as much as £19 million in 2018.

Therefore, Southampton’s decision to sign him clearly proved to be a huge error and the fact that his contract was terminated emphasises that as they were clearly very desperate to be rid of him last summer.

And, in other news… Semmens must not be bullied when selling £20m Saints beast this summer

Leeds United thrashed Burnley 4-0 on Saturday lunchtime to strengthen their grip on a top-half finish in the Premier League.

Mateus Klich’s sumptuous strike on the stroke of half-time put Marcelo Bielsa’s men in front. Jack Harrison’s flick diverted Ezgjan Alioski’s effort past Bailey Peacock-Farrell to double their advantage after the interval.

Harrison then teed up substitute Rodrigo twice in the space of three minutes, with the Spaniard producing a pair of composed finishes.

Leeds have closed to within two points of ninth-placed of Arsenal and are four clear of Aston Villa behind them.

If they win their final two games – a trip to Southampton and a home meeting with already-relegated West Bromwich Albion – they will eclipse Wolves’ record for a Championship-winning side’s points tally in their first Premier League season after promotion.

Diego Llorente was one of the players who shone for the Whites at Turf Moor. The Spaniard, who formed a centre-back partnership with Pascal Strujik, earned a rating of 7.1 from Sofascore.

He came up with two clearances, two interceptions, one tackle and one block against the Clarets, along with winning four duels. Llorente played 43 accurate passes, including four long balls, as per Sofascore.

These Leeds fans gushed over his performance this afternoon, with one supporter hailing him as an “unbelievable footballer”.

Leeds fans delighted with Diego Llorente after Burnley rout

“Diego Llorente is top 3 CB in the league atm, I don’t care what anyone says”

Credit: @Lboxdonn

“If Diego Llorente is not on the shortlist for the Ballon d’Or I’ll be shocked. FACT.”

Credit: @Craigt_93

“I may be in love with Diego Llorente”

Credit: @Psych_Squirrel

“Diego Llorente has been some signing”

Credit: @Jairstone

“Diego Llorente quickly becoming my favourite player. So composed at centre back. Not had a player this good since Rio. Genuinely just want to get down to Elland Road to sing his name. Beautiful footballer.”

Credit: @WarriorLeeds

“Diego Llorente is an unbelievable footballer. Very tight between him and Raphinha for the signing of the season”

Credit: @philhayeveryday

“Diego Llorente is a serious, serious defender”

Credit: @GreggParkhill

In other news, a journalist for The Athletic offered a lowdown on the Bielsa talks.

Some Liverpool supporters are unconvinced by a report claiming the Reds believe Takumi Minamino will go up a gear this season.

Jurgen Klopp ended up bringing in just one player in the entire summer transfer window, with Ibrahima Konate arriving from RB Leipzig.

It was a summer that left many fans disappointed, at a time when their rivals have spent big and there appeared to be a need to strengthen.

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It could certainly be argued that another attacking player was needed – someone who was able to provide competition to the likes of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane, Diogo Jota and Roberto Firmino.

According to the Liverpool Echo [via LFC Transfer Room on Twitter], however, Liverpool are confident that Minamino will benefit from a full pre-season and will be a handy squad player this season, despite struggling at Anfield to date.

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Liverpool fans react to Minamino claim

These Reds fans took to Twitter to provide their thoughts, remaining unconvinced that the Japanese is ready to make the step up.

“Want to believe this but we’ve heard it all before for them or similar players to hardly get a game”

Credit: @Sean_Cousins95

“Minamino has benefited so much that he’s played a grand total of 0 minutes in 3 games”

Credit: @_Nathanshapland

“Pfffttttt”

Credit: @finallypipoy

“These Insiders will believe anything as long as they will save FSG a few bucks”

Credit: @la1lit

“That’s exactly why Klopp has shown zero faith in him so far in the league”

Credit: @JoshLFC1909

“We literally heard this last season”

Credit: @JamzLFC786

In other news, some Liverpool fans have been reacting to rumoured interest in one Premier League player. Read more here.