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Tottenham Hotspur boss Jose Mourinho has been linked with a move for one of his former stars this week…

What’s the word?

According to L’Equipe, Spurs have made contact with Paris Saint-Germain attacker Angel Di Maria over a potential switch to north London as he’s out of contract at the end of the season.

It’s claimed that the Ligue 1 champions, now managed by ex-Tottenham favourite Mauricio Pochettino, remain hopeful of securing him to an extension, but Mourinho would like to reunite with his former Real Madrid star if possible.

Di Maria is thought to have rejected PSG’s latest contract offer at the end of 2020 as it reduced his current £220k-per-week terms.

Forget Bale

Spurs chairman Daniel Levy will have a major call to make in the summer as there’s a possibility that he could keep hold of Gareth Bale for the foreseeable future as there’s seemingly no way back for him in Spain.

His agent, Jonathan Barrett, didn’t rule out staying beyond the season-long loan, he told talkSPORT (via Sky Sports):

“Yeah, there are lots of opportunities; it’s up to him. The most important thing is for him to enjoy his football and that he’s playing well. As long as that’s happening, it’ll all be fine.”

Whilst football.london claim there is an option to keep him longer.

Well, things have hardly gone to plan so far this campaign as the Welshman has featured for 713 minutes, which includes only one start in the Premier League, per Transfermarkt.

Considering Spurs are paying 40% of his £600k-per-week wages (around £240k-per-week), and would have to either do the same again next season or at least force his contract to end a year early, it could be a financial nightmare.

If Di Maria is available for free in the summer, and on similar, if not reduced wages – as mentioned above – then it’s a no-brainer to bring the Argentinian in instead.

He’s a player that Mourinho knows greatly having managed him for two seasons at the Bernabeu.

Indeed the 32-year-old winger has lauded the Portguese’s impact in the past, he told Dario Ole (via Goal): “Mourinho made me a better player. He showed me many things and made me grow as a footballer.”

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Whilst he has also spoken to Marca (via Goal), where the 104-cap international dubbed Mourinho “very special,” adding: “With him, I have improved each year.”

Unlike Bale, the PSG star has featured regularly despite his advancing years.

This term, he’s bagged four goals and provided eight assists having featured for a total of 1551 minutes, via WhoScored – over double the time we’ve seen the 31-year-old Bale in a Spurs shirt.

Even over the past two campaigns, Di Maria has shown he can still cut it at an elite level, averaging at least 2.7 key passes per game in back-to-back league campaigns as well as at least 2.4 shots and 1.6 dribbles per game, vis WhoScored.

This merely emphasises his creative nature and the ability to still get past the opposition’s defence to either create chances or provide for himself.

Marco Verratti also believes he’s an “extraordinary player” who’s similar to Arjen Robben. “They’re very important players in modern football because one-on-one they’re incredible, very generous on the pitch, who provide you with 15 or 20 assists every year, very altruistic and give everything for the team,” added the Italian.

Whilst Di Maria was helping PSG qualify for the Champions League final, Bale was largely sat on the bench at Madrid and as he’s yet to prove his worth back in a Spurs shirt, Levy absolutely must consider a move for Di Maria instead if he has a choice between the two.

Landing the £25.2m-rated veteran on a free transfer could be an absolute bargain move.

AND in other news, “talismanic” £20m monster can be Spurs’ dream Harry Kane heir…

Both Celtic and their Old Firm rivals have been linked with a move for Airdrieonians forward Thomas Robert in recent weeks but the Bhoys will have to act fast if they want to sign him, with Dundee United reportedly having already made a bid for him.

What’s the word?

According to Football Insider, the Tangerines have submitted a bid for the 20-year-old as they attempt to steal the march on Celtic, following the opening of the winter transfer window earlier this week.

It is suggested that Robert’s performances are attracting the interest of sides across Scotland and England, after a superb start to the campaign with the Scottish League One side.

Would he be a good signing for Celtic?

The young right-winger has had no problem adapting to life in Scotland since he joined Airdrieonians from French side Montpellier during the summer, having contributed four goals and two assists in 13 appearances for his new side.

The Hoops are arguably lacking in terms of quality wingers at the club, with just James Forrest available as a natural right-winger, whilst Mohamed Elyounoussi could depart at the end of the season when his loan from Southampton expires.

Therefore, whilst Robert may well prove to be a signing for the future, it would be a mistake by Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell to miss out on him.

Back in December, Airdrie boss Ian Murray admitted that he was anticipating a bid from Celtic for Robert and was full of praise for the Frenchman, saying:

“It wouldn’t surprise me if we have a fight to keep him. Thomas has done really, really well.

“He showed his class again against Clyde with the corner kick, but it wasn’t just that, in the first half he was excellent, his touches on the ball, his movement, his timing in the releasing of the ball, the way he picked up space, was excellent.

“We’ve had loads of clubs looking at him, a few of them were pretty impressed.”

Therefore, it seems clear that Robert won’t be with the League One side for much longer based on his performances this season and the interest being shown in him, so Celtic should flex their financial muscles and ensure that they are the ones to sign the winger this month, as it looks as if he could be a great player in the future for the Bhoys.

And, in other news… Lawwell disaster: Celtic will surely rue not signing gem with 43 goal contributions in 2020

If anything summed up Wolves’ topsy-turvy season it would be their defeat to Burnley.

Over the last month or so they have been a pillar of inconsistency, beating Arsenal and Chelsea but losing to Villa and now Sean Dyche’s men. So how do things improve? Well, the transfer market opening next month should be a big help.

What’s the word?

Wolves supporters were rocked on Tuesday by the news that frightening winger Adama Traore could leave the club for Leeds.

However, lurking in the background of all of that was a report linking the Old Gold with a potential new arrival.

According to Tutto Mercato Web (via Sempre Milan), Wolves are one of a few clubs interested in signing Strasbourg defender Mohamed Simakan.

It’s reported that themselves and Everton are both considering a move for the centre-back, but it looks as though AC Milan are currently in the box seat.

That’s because talks are ongoing between the Ligue 1 side and the Rossoneri over a deal that could be worth between €15-€20m (£13m-£18m).

The player reportedly prefers a move to the San Siro.

Big mistake

Considering Simakan is just 20 years of age, Wolves would clearly be paying for the potential here. However, that isn’t necessarily a good idea from Jeff Shi, especially so soon after signing Fabio Silva.

Of course, Silva cost a club-record £35.6m so has other pressures to deal with, but we’ve already seen that paying such large sums for a player with little experience isn’t too fruitful.

The Portuguese striker has scored just one goal in the Premier League since arriving and there isn’t a great deal to suggest Simakan would perform from the off either.

The youngster played only 19 times last season and is currently playing for a side who are 16th in the French top-flight.

Strasbourg have conceded the third-highest number of goals in the division – 28 – and Simakan has won only 1.8 tackles per game. Considering how much defending his side have had to do this term, that isn’t the best tally.

This would be a rogue pick from Wolves, one we’re not entirely sure would be worth it.

AND in other news, Wolves LIABILITY who lost 83.4% of his duels will have Nuno fuming…

Aston Villa have made some big-name signings recently, with players like Ross Barkley and Emiliano Martinez being brought during the last transfer window. They have been linked to Jesse Lingard in the past and there is now a fresh update on the player’s future.

The latest transfer update on Lingard

According to TEAMtalk, Lingard is ready to ask Manchester United to let him leave in January. His contract expires in the summer, so United will need to sell him this winter if they want to get any money for him. They could, in theory, extend his deal but this doesn’t seem to be likely at this stage.

Lingard also has interest from abroad with teams from Germany, Spain and Italy keen, as well as Scottish giants Celtic and Rangers, keen to sign him.

Would the Englishman be a good signing for Villa

Lingard is yet to feature for the Red Devils in the Premier League this campaign.

However, he has definitely shown he has the potential to succeed in the Premier League in the past, as highlighted by his performances in the division across the 2017/18 season, where he scored eight goals and six assists (Transfermarkt).

In the past, manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has praised the England international saying: “Jesse’s a big game player” but he’s yet to reward the midfielder with much game time.

Lingard also has 24 England appearances, emphasising he has an abundance of experience. A move to a club like Villa, where he should get more chances to play, could be ideal in unlocking the quality we have seen him show in the past.

With his contract expiring, Dean Smith’s side could get Lingard on the cheap, and whilst it could look like a risky signing, it could turn into a great one if they can get the Englishman back to his best and as such, it might be a gamble worth taking.

In other news, fans react to Gabriel Agbonlahor’s comments on this Bundesliga star.

According to Gianluca Di Marzio, Aston Villa have seen an attempt to sign Croatian striker Mario Mandzukic fail to come to fruition.

What’s the word?

The 34-year-old has been without a club since July after he left Qatari side Al-Duhail, who he only joined back in the January transfer window from Serie A giants Juventus.

Now, Di Marzio claims that both Villa and fellow Premier League side West Ham both made attempts to sign the veteran forward, but that Mandzukic turned them both down, instead favouring a move back to Italy.

The report adds that Mandzukic’s decision to reject a switch to England was made “recently”.

Dean Smith would have loved him

Whilst he may be getting on a bit in footballing terms at 34, Mandzukic’s style of play means that he will continue to be a valuable addition to any side wherever he goes.

The Croatian is a tireless runner and always put his team first, running his heart out for the cause. Journalist Aleksandar Holiga remarked: “He stretches the defences with constant movement and seemingly endless stamina, opening space for others to come from behind or cut inside from the wing; his pressing on the ball has proven decisive on a number of previous occasions and he is, of course, one of the best strikers in the world when it comes to aerial power. So even if he does not score himself, his presence could be key for the team’s chances.”

And with an incredible 24 trophies won in his illustrious career, including winning the Champions League with Bayern Munich, Mandzukic would have represented an outstanding coup for Villa.

His former boss at international level with Croatia, Zlatko Dalic, even hailed the striker as representing the “soul of our team”. The 34-year-old’s desire to run himself into the ground in the interests of the team is unlike most forwards, and that selflessness would surely have gone down a treat with Dean Smith.

It’s just a shame that the 6 foot 3 ace didn’t fancy a move to Villa Park.

As the days count down, we are slowly approaching what could be an almighty change at the Stadium of Light.

Sunderland are currently engulfed in a takeover saga, one that could finally see Stewart Donald relinquish his majority stake of the Black Cats.

Settling for a 15% of the football club, he is set to sell most of his ownership in the club to Juan Sartori and Kyril Louis-Dreyfus, but is more change afoot?

What’s the word?

Since the takeover situation escalated, Sunderland are yet to win a game. They lost to MK Dons and then drew with Doncaster which has left them five points off top spot and fighting for promotion once again.

With the quality of football being questioned, it’s also led to queries asked surrounding the future of current manager Phil Parkinson – not for the first time.

As such, he could be replaced if things don’t improve. That’s the word of The Sun (print version, 22/11) who suggests that Sunderland are eyeing Nigel Pearson.

The paper reveals that Parkinson is set to be the first high profile casualty of the impending takeover and with someone like Pearson available, they would not take much time in moving for the former Watford boss.

It’s also thought that he could bring former Sunderland striker Kevin Phillips with him as his assistant.

Promotion bid back on track?

Pearson has not managed in League One since 2008 when he took Leicester to the Championship and beyond but the chance to manage a sleeping giant such as Sunderland would surely appeal to him.

Although his hefty Premier League-sized wages could be somewhat of an issue, in terms of improving the feel of the club and rejuvenating them, there would be few better candidates.

First and foremost, Pearson has promotion experience. He was in the Sheffield Wednesday and Middlesbrough squads in the 1990s when they were promoted through the Football League and then used that expertise as a manager to twice earn promotion with Leicester.

He is someone who knows how to get a team out of a hole, but it’s his coaching and man-management that left plenty of colleagues throwing praise his way last term.

Pearson very nearly saved Watford from relegation last season before being given his marching orders by the Pozzo family. That was despite changing the face of the football club.

Former Sunderland boss David Moyes was left stunned by the decision, claiming that had he kept the Hornets up, he would have been a candidate for the Manager of the Year award.

Although he was given the boot, he had a lasting impact on the Watford players. Ben Foster said last season:

“You need somebody who will demand that just the minimum is working hard and getting stuck in. If you look at the last four or five games we’ve played, the fight, the determination, the never giving up, the constantly everybody tracking back, the work rate, all of that, that’s what’s been missing for the best part of nine months.”

That quote should be music to the ears of Sunderland fans, a group of people who have seen efforts from the players fall way below the level of 100%.

He would undoubtedly improve their promotion hopes.

Meanwhile, Sunderland’s prospective new owner is already on the verge of a HUGE mistake…

Many Birmingham City fans have reacted to a transfer report linking former AC Milan forward Alexandre Pato with a move to the club.

Reports from Italian press have claimed the former AC Milan forward is being considered as a free transfer for the Blues. The Brazil international has been without a club since leaving Sao Paulo midway through August after a short spell.

Aged 31, the former Milan predator has bags of experience, having played for a number of clubs, including Premier League side Chelsea and Villarreal in La Liga. His time in English football at Stamford Bridge saw make just two appearances, finding the net once for the Londoners.

Birmingham sit 17th in the Championship as things stand and have struggled to score, finding the back of the net just three times in the opening seven fixtures.

Blues fans react to Pato transfer links

Do you think the Blues can seal a deal for Pato? Let us know your views in the comments section below…

Chelsea’s Carabao Cup hopes have come to an end after Spurs edged them out of the competition on penalties last night. 

The Blues took the lead through Timo Werner in the first half but couldn’t make any further chances count. Jose Mourinho’s side were able to batten down the hatches and wait until their opportunity to strike.

Indeed, their patient game paid off and Spurs were able to force the equaliser deep into the second half through Erik Lamela. Despite Chelsea fielding Ben Chilwell, Timo Werner and Edouard Mendy, it wasn’t enough to see them into the quarter-finals.

Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink has criticised Frank Lampard’s defence and has admitted it’s a big problem within the team.

“So poor a goal to concede, Emerson [Palmieri] has time to run back and make it a four,” the former Blue told Sky Sports (via football.london). “[Kurt] Zouma also should have got the ball but it happens time and time again with Chelsea with individual mistakes.”

Despite spending about £250million on new signings, Chelsea have won just two out of their last five fixtures. A defeat to Liverpool in the Premier League has also put them on the back foot early in what could’ve been a close title race.

“He has the time. You smell danger but it’s like he goes through the motions and jogs back,” Hasselbaink continued on Palmieri. “He doesn’t see the urgency and the danger. It’s a big worry.”

Adding Chilwell and Mendy to their ranks along with veteran Thiago Silva was a huge statement by Chelsea. Their business showed that they had acknowledged the team’s weaknesses and were eager to plug the leaks.

But so far, the club’s lavish spending hasn’t proved to be too effective and the Blues have toppled out of the Carabao Cup. They will hope to make amends against Crystal Palace at the weekend in the Premier League.

How do you think Chelsea performed against Spurs? Have your say in the comments below…

Aston Villa’s latest move should strike shades of Stewart Downing into the Midlands if emerging reports are to be believed…

What’s the word?

According to the Daily Mirror, Dean Smith’s side are leading the charge to sign Liverpool misfit Harry Wilson this summer but the Premier League champions refuse to budge on their £20m valuation.

It’s claimed that Villa would be prepared to offer up to £12m and are waiting to see if the Merseysiders ‘blink first’.

The likes of Leeds United, Newcastle United, Crystal Palace and Southampton have all also shown interest in the 23-year-old.

Shades of Downing

Wilson has struggled to break into Jurgen Klopp’s senior line-up since making his debut in 2017, and it has seen him go out on loan four times with the latest coming at relegated AFC Bournemouth last term.

Per WhoScored, the Welsh international scored seven times in 31 appearances whilst averaging 1.8 shots, 0.5 dribbles and 0.5 key passes per game.

He’s also widely known as a set-piece specialist, which earned high praise from his German boss earlier in the season, he said: “I am happy he cannot play against us! Each free-kick is a proper threat. We were never in doubt about Harry’s shooting abilities, his skills in that part of the game are incredible – world-class, for sure.”

Having someone who can deliver a decent ball in is something that Villa have lacked for several years, perhaps dating back to Downing’s time at Villa Park.

The club splashed £12m on the veteran winger back in 2009 after a very encouraging spell at Middlesbrough but there are clearly similarities between the two with the pair being dead-ball experts.

Smith does indeed have a few options out wide, but Wilson would undoubtedly be an upgrade on Jota and perhaps, a nice squad option to have going into the new campaign.

AND in other news, Smith must land 1-2 sucker-punch with a swoop for £20m sensation…

Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Owen Otasowie remains a target for Coventry City and a transfer breakthrough could happen in the coming days, according to Coventry Telegraph’s Tom Leach.

The young Wolves academy talent, who was born in New York City, has represented USA twice at under-18 level, whilst also featuring for the Premier League club’s under-23 side.

Aside from featuring at under-23 level this term for the Molineux outfit, Otasowie has also made one appearance for Nuno Espirito Santo’s first team, playing in the Europa League against Turkish side Besiktas.

Coventry manager Mark Robins has now been credited with interest in Otasowie along with the likes of Luton and Peterborough.

Leach, who held a Q&A with Coventry fans on Coventry Telegraph’s website, gave an insight into the Wolves academy before claiming that a breakthrough could emerge in the coming days regarding Otasowie’s future.

“This is one that I missed surface as I was on holiday, but looked into it yesterday. He seems a tidy player and, as we know, we are close to Wolves thanks to Chris Badlan who worked there once upon a time.

“Wolves also have an incredible amount of young players, I used to cover Wolves back in the day myself and they keep their academy player really close to their training base as Compton.

“Players like Otasowie often train with first-team players and Nuno and his coaching staff are regularly at the indoor pitch speaking to them.

“It was part of Nuno’s arrival that he asked the young players to be relocated to Compton.

“We’ll see how the Otasowie story develops over the coming days.”

Robins has been busy already this summer in bolstering his squad options, bringing in the likes of Gustavo Hamer, Julien Dacosta, Marcel Hilssner, Callum O’Hare and Ryan Giles (as per Transfermarkt).

Those are intriguing comments made by Leach and it will be interesting to see if any significant developments happen in the coming days.

Otasowie’s international and Europa League experience bodes well for the future and he could be a good coup for newly-promoted Coventry ahead of their tilt at the Championship.

Do you think Otasowie is a good signing for Coventry? Let us know in the comments section below…