Tottenham decide to sell Steven Bergwijn

According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, Tottenham have decided to sell Steven Bergwijn in the January transfer window, amidst interest from various clubs.

The Lowdown: Bergwijn has not secured himself in Conte’s 11

Since his arrival from PSV Eindhoven two years ago, the Dutchman has not yet reached the heights he would have hoped for when he agreed to his £27m move to the Premier League.

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The winger has started just once in all competitions under Antonio Conte and played a mere 100 minutes under the current manager. Overall, he has made 64 appearances for Spurs, but his returns leave something to be desired, having produced 10 assists and just five goals during that time.

The Latest: Tottenham have decided to sell

According to Romano on Twitter, Tottenham have finally concluded that they will sell Bergwijn this month, following interest from various European clubs.

Ajax are already thought to have submitted an offer to Spurs for the winger, which would see him join on a permanent deal. However, nothing is yet agreed between the two clubs, as talks are expected to continue to be held by Fabio Paratici.

Therefore, Romano claims that the pursuit of Bergwijn remains an ‘open race’.

The Verdict: Needs playing time elsewhere to flourish

Previous Tottenham managers have been complimentary of Bergwijn. Nuno Espirito Santo accentuated the 24-year-old’s importance to the squad, claiming that ‘he’s a very talented player’. Even Conte has been full of praise for the Netherlands international, highlighting his evident ‘quality’ and saying that ‘he’s quick and he can score goals’.

However, even accounting for some injuries, the 52-year-old has not given Bergwijn much chance to flourish at Spurs this season. If the winger wants to secure a spot in the Netherlands’ World Cup squad later this year, the best option may well be to secure first team football elsewhere, as it currently seems that he will receive minimal game-time at Tottenham with Conte at the helm.

In other news: Spurs beast seeking January exit; Mourinho said his ‘talent is amazing’

Newcastle: Howe must unleash Miguel Almiron

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe has some big decisions to make ahead of this weekend’s clash with Burnley at St James’ Park.

The Magpies remain the only team in the Premier League yet to win a single match in 2021/22 after their 1-1 draw with Norwich earlier this week and are in desperate need of a positive result against the Clarets.

Sean Dyche’s side could move six points clear of Newcastle in the table with a win, whilst the Canaries would do likewise if they pick up three points against Tottenham on Sunday, and that would leave Howe’s team in a dire situation.

Unleash Almiron

One change that the 44-year-old could make in order to secure his first win in charge of the club is unleashing attacking midfielder Miguel Almiron from the start on Saturday.

The Paraguayan came on for 13 minutes against Norwich in midweek and looked sharp in his short cameo. As per SofaScore, he won three of his four duels, won one tackle and completed 100% of his passes. He was also fouled twice as he alleviated pressure for his team and showed his value in and out of possession with his work rate.

Last year, his former boss Steve Bruce lauded him as ‘bright’ and said that he is a dream for a manager with the way he trains. 

The ex-Magpies coach said: “Almiron is a manager’s dream. He’s bright, he’s tough, he trains every day and he’s been carrying a thigh injury but doesn’t want to tell anybody.

“The last 20 minutes on Sunday (against West Ham United) he was limping about the pitch. In 18 months he’s proved to be a really top, top player.”

Along with his showing against Norwich, this summary from Bruce highlights what Almiron contributes off the ball for the Magpies. He is willing to put in 100% on the pitch and play through injury to give his all for the club, which could be useful in what could be a physical battle against Burnley due to it being a relegation scrap.

The £15.75m-rated gem has 13 goals and five assists during his time at Newcastle. Whilst this is not an incredible record in 104 matches, it does show that he has the capabilities to make a contribution in the final third and it could be worth the gamble in this huge match.

Therefore, he should be unleashed by Howe from the start against Burnley. His energy, work rate, and ability on the ball could help the Magpies to pick up three points and finally kickstart their season as they attempt to stave off relegation to the Championship.

AND in other news, NUFC must seal move for “extremely gifted” £35k-p/w gem with a “real football brain”…

Everton want to offload three players

Fabian Delph is among a trio of players that Everton are hoping to sell in January, according to French journalist Santi Aouna.

The lowdown

The England international joined the Toffees from Manchester City ahead of the 2019/20 season in a deal worth an initial £8.5m. He has played just 36 games for the club since, having been hit with a succession of injuries which have sidelined him for nearly 50 matches in total.

Everton generated only £14.4m through player sales and loan fees in the summer as they struggled with Financial Fair Play requirements.

The latest

Aouna, a journalist for French publication Foot Mercato, tweeted that ‘Everton would like to get rid of several players’ after the turn of the year.

He identified three of those who could be set for the exit door – Delph, left-back Lucas Digne and striker Cenk Tosun.

The verdict

Delph is probably the most surprising inclusion in Aouna’s list. Digne has reportedly fallen out with manager Rafael Benitez, and Everton have already lined up a potential replacement in the form of Vitaliy Mykolenko.

Meanwhile, Tosun is on the periphery at Goodison Park, having played just six minutes of football since he returned from injury at the start of November.

On the other hand, Delph has started three of the last seven matches for which he has been available, indicating that he is regarded as a valuable squad player by Benitez, and has won plaudits for his ‘excellent’ contribution in recent weeks.

Based on the players’ Transfermarkt valuations, though, they could bank around £37m from the sales. Perhaps that’s the overriding reason for Everton apparently wishing to get that trio off their books once and for all.

In other news, could this Everton ace also head for the exit door?

Liverpool fans react to possible Klopp hint

A number of Liverpool supporters believe Jurgen Klopp may have hinted at extending his stay as Reds manager beyond 2024.

Liverpool return to action on Saturday evening, welcoming an in-form Arsenal side to Anfield. It has the potential to be a thrilling encounter on Merseyside, with Mikel Arteta’s team winning their last three league games in a row.

Not only that, but the Reds lost 3-2 away to West Ham in their last league outing and also dropped two points at home to Brighton, raising doubts over their title aspirations and making this a massive contest.

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Ahead of Saturday’s game, in his pre-match press conference [via James Pearce on Twitter], Klopp discussed his future and admitted his time at Anfield is still “far away from being over.”

The German’s current Liverpool deal runs until the summer of 2024 but the hope is of course that he stays well beyond that date, considering his brilliance as manager and the success he has enjoyed.

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Liverpool fans flock to Klopp news

These Liverpool fans took to Twitter to react to the news, clearly believing Klopp could extend his contract.

“SIUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU « It’s far away from being over »”

Credit: @Lfc_Klopp

“Sounds like he might consider extending”

Credit: @MobPsycho1OOO

“Good spirits”

Credit: @gerald_ynwa

“Extension incoming”

Credit: @_michaelwall94

“Klopp contract extension and #Mbappe22 announced early next year, some say I’m a dreamer”

Credit: @ex_leeds

“Far from over is what I see and that makes me immensely happy”

Credit: @LFCaditya_

In other news, some Liverpool fans have been reacting to another key injury update. Read more here.

Rangers hire Dave Vos as assistant manager

Many Glasgow Rangers fans have been left buzzing as the club announced that they have now hired Dave Vos to be their new assistant manager.

As per the club’s official website, he will now act as assistant to Giovanni van Bronckhorst after joining from Ajax’s prestigious Academy, where he was working as manager of the under-18s.

Vos has also previously been the assistant manager of Jong Ajax and worked at the Dutch FA, so he has plenty of experience in developing and improving young players.

Ajax’s Academy is one of the best in the world, as they aim to have three players progress into the first team every two seasons, and some of football’s finest superstars, including the likes of Johan Cruyff and Marco van Basten, have come through the ranks in Amsterdam (Player Scout).

Given that the Light Blues have a B team as well, Vos certainly promises to be an inspired appointment in the longer term.

Rangers fans on Dave Vos appointment

These Rangers fans were delighted as confirmation of the appointment was shared in an official post on the club’s Twitter channel, with one supporter calling the news ‘superb’:

“Superb”

Credit: @dylanm1872

“Brilliant appointment!”

Credit: @ScottLavery1872

“This is a massive appointment for us.”

Credit: @55andCounting87

“Exciting appointment. Club clearly identified that we were missing a Beale-type in the coaching team.”

Credit: @_darrengreen_

“Fantastic appointment”

Credit: @pendy_c

“Perfect appointment, especially for the younger players to progress. Can’t do much better than the Ajax youth set up.”

Credit: @SamMill01557985

In other news, some Gers fans slammed this man’s display against Sparta Prague

Leeds United must unleash Cody Drahmeh

Amid a growing injury crisis at Leeds United, Marcelo Bielsa may be looking towards the club’s talented academy group for someone who could come in and fill a major void in the first-team.

With all the talk surrounding Kalvin Phillips and Patrick Bamford being out injured, Luke Ayling’s absence has perhaps gone under the radar, but the versatile defender has been a steady presence for the Whites over the years.

If Bielsa is on the lookout for the man to potentially replace him, not just for the long-term but even for the here and now, then Cody Drameh might be the man to whom the Argentine can turn.

In the 19-year-old, Leeds see someone who has a really bright future in the game, with The Athletic’s Phil Hay making it clear just how highly they rate him behind the scenes.

He said: “When they were signing players like Drameh for example, they were talking about him being a long-term successor to Luke Ayling. Ayling is coming up to 30, he’s not coming towards the latter stages of his career, but he’s advanced now in years.

“Whereas Drameh is very young, and because of the talent he has, and he has looked extremely good in the U23s games, they hope that there is a Premier League right-back there who they’ve signed for a small fee from Fulham who will ultimately be worth a lot more down the line.”

Drameh’s potential is there for all to see, with Eredivisie scout Xander Wilkinson raving about his defensive nous, saying: “Defensively so impressive! His mind works quicker than most right-backs I’ve seen in a naturally defensive mindset. Tactically very aware of what is being asked of him, times his engagements well, needs to add a little more unpredictability going forward.”

Meanwhile, LUTV commentator Tom Hill described the teenager as a “box of tricks” a couple of months ago after an impressive performance against Sunderland at under-23 level, and that bodes well for his future as a more adventurous full-back.

If Ayling continues to be missing, then unleashing the teenage talent could prove to be a stroke of genius from Bielsa.

Meanwhile, Leeds could sign a huge Dan James upgrade in this European star…

Liverpool handed Naby Keita injury boost

Even though Liverpool managed to beat Manchester United 5-0 at Old Trafford in their previous Premier League clash, there was some disappointment in the game with both James Milner and Naby Keita having to go off injured.

Understandably, neither player featured in Liverpool’s 2-0 win over Championship club Preston North End in midweek, but it seems as though there has been some good news on that front with their next Premier League clash on the horizon against Brighton & Hove Albion.

What’s the latest?

It has recently been revealed that Keita – who was forced off in the second half against United last weekend after a heavy tackle from Paul Pogba which saw the Frenchman shown a red card and the Guinean taken off on a stretcher – returned to first team training on Thursday ahead of the match at Anfield against Graham Potter’s side.

In today’s pre-match press conference, Jurgen Klopp gave the midfielder the green light to feature this weekend, saying: “Naby Keita looks good, he was lucky. I think he’s ready.”

This should surely be a big boost not only for Keita, who has struggled with many injuries in the past, but also for Klopp and Liverpool fans, who will undoubtedly be over the moon with this news given how the 26-year-old has scored three goals and provided one assist in the nine games he’s played so far this season across all competitions.

Furthermore, Keita has racked up an average of 1.3 shots and 2.5 tackles per game and an average passing accuracy percentage of 86% in the Premier League so far this season, proving himself to be a useful box-to-box midfield option.

Since joining the Merseyside club three years ago after Liverpool secured a deal with German club RB Leipzig in August 2017 for the midfielder, the 26-year-old has made 85 appearances for the Reds across all competitions, scoring 10 goals and providing five assists in the process.

Taking all this into account, we feel that if Keita is fit enough to start on Saturday, he should definitely be in the starting XI to see if he can add some more goals or assists to his tally for this season to possibly help Liverpool secure victory against Brighton and keep their unbeaten streak going.

In other news: Klopp must unleash “important” Liverpool beast on Saturday, he’d terrify Brighton

Man City fans react to Sterling news

A number of Manchester City fans want Raheem Sterling to depart the club after he was once again linked with a move to Barcelona.

The Citizens have enjoyed a generally positive start to the season. As it stands, they are third in the Premier League table, just two points behind leaders Chelsea, who they beat 1-0 at Stamford Bridge last weekend (Sky Sports). On Sunday, they were involved in a thrilling 2-2 with Liverpool at Anfield, taking four points from visits to the two teams ahead of them in the table.

One player who has not been involved as much as he would like this term is Sterling. The England international has started just two league matches (used more regularly. As per Mundo Deportivo (via AS), Barcelona have the money to sign Sterling in January and it is now down to Pep Guardiola and the 26-year-old to decide whether to entertain any prospective offers from Camp Nou.

The news was shared on Twitter by @City_Xtra, and it attracted plenty of attention from Man City supporters. These fans took to the social media platform to respond to the latest rumour, with many hoping that the club will cash in on the England winger, who according to WhoScored has been one of the champions’ least effective performers this season.

Let’s see what these fans had to say about the Sterling news

“sell him !!”

Credit: @achmadepp

“Please Pep sell him”

Credit: @mcfcjosh9320

“Yes, and use the money to buy Haaland”

Credit: @Centurions_21

“If they’ve got a spare £80-90m down the back of the sofa we should be making this deal happen. Has definitely reached a ceiling at City and is 3rd choice on both sides of the pitch now.”

Credit: @Stubamford86

“I mean its kinda perfect cos Sterling gets another chance to prove himself until January and just gets sold if he cant get better”

Credit: @mcfcdavid_27

“Would be a great move for all parties. Dream. Move for Sterling in a league he would thrive, we already have an abundance of players in his position. Additional funds for a world class ST, in January or the summer. Be sad to see him go if it materialised.”

Credit: @LMLee123

In other news, Man City fans have reacted to an update on this striker.

Newcastle have budget to land Icardi

An update has emerged on PSG forward Mauro Icardi, regarding a potential transfer to Newcastle United.

What’s the talk?

According to Gazzetta Dello Sport, via Sport Witness, the Magpies have the budget required to seal a deal for the Argentine in January, with €50m-€100m (£84m)  said to be ‘petty’ for PIF.

The report claims Newcastle are one of the teams interested in taking Icardi away from Paris, with his lack of game time prompting him to consider his future.

Imagine him and Wilson

Newcastle could finally replace the underperforming Joelinton by securing a deal for Icardi in January. We recently published an article highlighting how poorly the Brazilian performed against Tottenham on the weekend, with his display indicative of his time in the North East.

Joelinton joined the Magpies from Hoffenheim for £40m in 2019 and has only managed six goals in 77 Premier League matches for the club. This suggests that he needs to be replaced and bringing in the PSG centre-forward could allow them to axe the ex-Bundesliga attacker.

Icardi could also form an exciting partnership with current striker Callum Wilson. Since the start of last season, the Newcastle man has scored 15 goals in 27 Premier League starts, showing that he has the quality to score goals on a regular basis in the top-flight.

The PSG finisher, meanwhile, has demonstrated his ability to find the back of the net throughout his career. He has scored 36 goals in 73 games for PSG, after netting 124 strikes in 219 games for Inter. Juventus and Italy centre-back Giorgio Chiellini once lauded the attacking demon, claiming he is one of the best players he has played against. He said:

“Among the great attackers I have faced, I highly value Icardi, who inside the area is almost impossible to mark. Mauro against Juve has often scored, it hurt me.

“He’s a world-class centre-forward, even if he lacks something in the collective game, he’s a Trezeguet but with different characteristics, lethal in the aerial game but perfectible outside the surface.”

This means that Newcastle could form a lethal strike partnership by playing with Wilson and Icardi in the Premier League, potentially in a front two or with Wilson coming in off the left in a similar role to the one Joelinton is currently playing.

Therefore, PIF could improve the club’s attacking options whilst also axing a player who does not deserve his spot in the side.

AND in other news, “I understand”: Pete Graves drops key NUFC transfer claim that’ll leave fans buzzing…

Celtic: Greg Taylor sent to injury specialist

Celtic defender Greg Taylor has been sent to an injury specialist, after a re-occurrence of his shoulder issues came to light during the Hoops’ 3-0 win over Ross County last weekend [Daily Record].

The Lowdown: Taylor made a strong start to 2021/22

Making a strong start to the new era at Parkhead under Ange Postecoglou, the Scotland international has already featured in eleven games this campaign, registering two assists [Transfermarkt].

He originally sustained a shoulder injury in the Celts’ 2-1 defeat in the Europa League away to AZ Alkmaar, whilst he suffered another flare up in the Hoops’ 3-0 blitz against Ross County [BBC].

It now looks as if Celtic have moved to rectify the problem long-term.

The Latest: Taylor sent to injury specialist; doubt for Real Betis clash

Kyogo Furuhashi is out for about a month while Giorgos Giakoumakis is still not fit, and now even more injury concerns have emerged ahead of Thursday’s action.

Taylor has reportedly been sent to an injury specialist, all but ruling him out of playing in Celtic’s inaugural Europa League group stage clash away to Real Betis on Thursday [Daily Record].

Josip Juranovic may be moved over to left-back, in order to accommodate his prospective absence.

The Verdict: Taylor’s influence will be missed

In the interest of longevity, this news may come as a positive to the Celtic support, potentially solving the issue long-term and getting Taylor back to 100 per cent.

However, they will certainly miss him for the time being given his influence so far this term.

Coordinating positive passages of play from the left flank, the 23-year-old has managed to keep an average of two key passes per fixture so far in the Scottish Premiership this campaign [WhoScored].

He has also earned adulation over the years for the improvements he has made to his game, labelled as ‘very consistent’ by former manager Neil Lennon [The Scottish Sun].

Ange Postecoglou will hope that his injury is only a temporary one as he enters an important block of fixtures.

In other news, a Celtic icon has had their say on a Hoops hitman. Find out more here.

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