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Fabio Paratici has reportedly ‘knocked on the door’ to try and sign Fiorentina’s Dusan Vlahovic for Tottenham Hotspur.

The Lowdown: Vlahovic likes Tottenham

It has recently been reported that Vlahovic likes Spurs, and his future could be finalised very soon, with news from Florence that his next move will be decided in the coming days.

The North London club allegedly see the Fiorentina star as an ideal replacement for Harry Kane, should he move away from the Lilywhites in the summer transfer window.

The Latest: Paratici wants Vlahovic

As per Gazzetta dello Sport (via Sport Witness), THFC, led by Paratici, have ‘knocked on the door’ to sign Vlahovic, and came forward with an ‘important’ bid of €40m (£35.1m).

However, Fiorentina have ‘kindly shut the door’ to Tottenham, and have made it clear that he will only be sold for a fee in the region of €60m (£51.2m).

Vlahovic could be bought as a back-up striker to Kane, or as his successor should the England international captain move on.

The Verdict: Sign

Whether Kane ends up staying or going, Vlahovic is a player that has the potential to turn out to be as prolific as him in the future.

Described as an ‘incredible’ player by Conor Clancy, editor in chief at Forza Italian Football, Vlahovic scored a very impressive 21 goals and made a further two assists in 37 games in total in Serie A over the course of the 2020/21 season (Transfermarkt), despite being just 21 years of age.

Nonetheless, the Serbia international is a star already with plenty of time ahead of him to develop into an even better player, so Spurs may even want to think about buying him anyway to play alongside Kane and help convince him to stay.

In other news, find out what one pundit has said about this ‘sensational’ THFC target here!

Fabrizio Romano has delivered a huge update on the future of Raphinha at Leeds United this week…

What’s the word?

The Brazilian winger has regularly been linked with moves away from Elland Road following his fine form for the Yorkshire giants over the past 18 months or so, with Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich and Premier League rivals Liverpool just two of the teams mooted with interest.

For now, though, he isn’t leaving Leeds during the January transfer window but that could change in the summer.

“Everything is in place. [Kingsley] Coman is prepared to stay at Bayern and it means that, first of all, that Raphinha from Leeds to Bayern was fake news because it was never a done deal between Leeds and Bayern. The reports on Christmas Day were not true,” the Italian journalist told his ‘Here We Go’ podcast.

“And also about Raphinha, keep an eye on other English clubs for the summer – not for [the] January window but for summer – English clubs are interested in Raphinha and I’m not so sure he is going to extend his contract at Leeds.”

His final season?

This update will come as a double-edged sword for many United supporters.

On the one hand, it’s a massive, massive boost to keep hold of him for the remainder of the season, especially as they are by no means clear of a relegation dogfight.

Yes, Marcelo Bielsa’s side sit eight points above the drop zone but that could quickly change, with multiple teams possessing several games in hand due to postponements over the festive period.

Raphinha has been vital for the Argentine this season as he tops the charts for goals scored (eight), key passes (1.8 per game), dribbles (2.4 per game) and shots (3.1 per game), via WhoScored. He leads in pretty much every attacking aspect, so Leeds would be in a tricky spot without his goals and creativity.

However, Romano’s claim suggesting that the 25-year-old dynamo will not sign a new contract is hugely worrying, even more so as his failure to join Bayern this month will open up the possibility of him going to one of their top-flight rivals instead, just in the summer rather than now.

That would be a devastating double blow.

Instead, those around Elland Road will have to watch their former favourite continue to light up the English game but for another team in the league.

All in all, it’s hard to imagine that many fans will be thrilled by this news. The information surrounding his long-term future and his contract is certainly going to leave a lot of supporters angry.

AND in other news, Marcelo Bielsa dealt another cruel Leeds United injury blow…

According to a report from RMC Sport (via Sport Witness), Liverpool are interested in a move for Angers striker Mohamed-Ali Cho.

The lowdown: Rising stock

The 18-year-old has enjoyed a rapid rise to prominence in France and has previously attracted interest from Leicester City and Eintracht Frankfurt.

Despite not boasting an impressive goal return in domestic football, Cho has netted two goals in three outings for France at under-19 level.

A fresh update has now emerged suggesting that Liverpool could be among the clubs looking at the talented youngster…

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The latest: Premier League giants watching Cho

As per RMC Sport, as translated by Sport Witness, the Anfield club and their Premier League rivals Chelsea are both ‘keeping an eye’ on Cho.

It is claimed that RB Leipzig, Borussia Dortmund, AC Milan and Atletico Madrid are also interested in the teenager as the Ligue 1 outfit eye a ‘record’ sale exceeding the €25m (£20m) they received from Lyon for Jeff Reine-Adelaide.

Formerly of Paris Saint-Germain and Everton at academy level, leaving the Goodison Park club in 2020, the report states that Cho is ‘one of the most highly-rated youngsters on the market’.

The verdict: Firmino successor?

Possessing a perceived market value of £13.5m and out of contract in 2023 (Transfermarkt), signing the French teenager – who was described as possessing ‘bags of potential’ by Alan Hutton when discussing Tottenham Hotspur’s previous interest – would be a relatively inexpensive deal for the Reds.

As Jurgen Klopp and outgoing sporting director Julian Ward prepare for life after Divock Origi and (potentially long-term) Roberto Firmino, adding a new centre-forward to the squad will be necessitated over the coming transfer windows.

Although a lowly two goals in 49 senior appearances from Cho doesn’t make for excellent reading, the ‘intelligent’ starlet – as hailed by his manager Gerard Baticle – has been a regular feature this season, starting on 18 occasions in Ligue 1. That makes him a viable option to continue the pattern of Liverpool turning lesser-known prospects into eventual stars.

In other news: Liverpool could now sign South American beast for a bargain as price drops by 38%

Tottenham Hotspur are in the race to sign Renato Sanches…

What’s the word?

According to Spanish outlet AS, Spurs will have to battle fierce rivals Arsenal for the 24-year-old’s signature this January, with LaLiga outfit Barcelona also mooted with interest. The two north London clubs are said to be ‘immersed’ in a bid to secure him.

It remains to be seen what sort of fee, if any, would tempt Lille into a sale, especially halfway through the season as they appear to be putting up a futile Ligue 1 title defence as they sit in 11th position, though Transfermarkt value the 32-cap Portugal international at £27m.

Shades of Dembele

Lilywhites chairman Daniel Levy has a history in dealing with Gestifute, the agency run by renowned super-agent Jorge Mendes, having signed or appointed the likes of Matt Doherty, Jose Mourinho and Nuno Espirito Santo, and been linked to many more.

However, the arrival of Sanches would top the lot as the young midfielder has emerged as an elite breakthrough talent after questionable spells at Bayern Munich and Swansea City.

Last season, the box-to-box beast played an integral role towards their Ligue 1 triumph and that continued into the summer with Portugal at Euro 2020, when he featured in three group games and their Round of 16 defeat to Belgium.

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An average of 4.6 total dribbles, 2.6 attempted tackles, 1.7 shots, 1.3 key passes and 1.1 interceptions per 90 minutes (via WhoScored) across the course of his short career to date suggests that Sanches is very much capable of influencing a game at either end of the pitch, and that kind of defensive intelligence and ability to drive the ball forward could have some similarities to that of Mousa Dembele during his time in N17.

Meanwhile, the official Euro 2020 website went onto laud him as one of Portugal’s biggest positives at the tournament, some five years on from picking up the Golden Boy trophy and earning some pretty lofty comparisons to Xabi Alonso.

Indeed, Bundesliga.com once likened him to Clarence Seedorf, who very much was cut from the same cloth – ‘A box-to-box midfielder with the strength of a WWE heavyweight and the nimble feet of a ballet dancer,’ they wrote.

Elsewhere, Les Dogues president Oliver Letang believes that the midfielder is a “complete athlete” due to his strength, stamina and speed, and his ability with the ball at his feet.

“Top-class roaming playmaker. The Real Renato is back!” claimed scout Jacek Kulig in the summer, too.

On the above evidence, sporting director Fabio Paratici could well discover a new Dembele for Spurs in Sanches, who would be a mighty fine and solid addition to Antonio Conte’s midfield.

AND in other news, Spurs source drops major behind-the-scenes update at Hotspur Way, Conte will be fuming…

As relayed by The Guardian’s match preview, Tottenham Hotspur boss Antonio Conte has been dealt another injury worry ahead of today’s clash against Leeds United after Cristian Romero came back from international duty with a hamstring problem.

The Lowdown: Conte without key men for Leeds…

As the Italian aims to get Tottenham back near the top of English and European football, it looks like he will be without a handful of key players for his second Premier League game in charge of the club.

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Indeed, marquee summer signing and 2020/21 Serie A MVP award-winning defender Romero will not be able to feature in north London today due to his hamstring injury (The Guardian).

Meanwhile, Conte will also be without midfield gem Oliver Skipp for a different reason, with the 21-year-old currently serving a ban after picking up his fifth booking of the season against Everton.

The Latest: Lo Celso blow emerges…

As per The Guardian, Tottenham have been dealt another injury worry as midfielder Giovani Lo Celso is also doubtful for the clash with Leeds this evening.

Indeed, the attacking ace has suffered a knock and it is currently up in the air as to whether he will feature today.

The Verdict: Blow for Conte…

The Argentine’s performances have attracted criticism in parts but Conte’s arrival comes with plenty of speculation that Lo Celso could thrive in a three-at-the-back formation.

Indeed, the playmaker is capable of rotating with club record signing Tanguy Ndombele in a number 10 role just behind deadly duo Harry Kane and Son Heung-min, as some critics believe this could be the way forward (Alasdair Gold).

As Conte works out the kinks of his new team, potentially losing Lo Celso today could come as a blow given that he will likely want to test out the 25-year-old as much as possible.

If the Argentine can transfer his performances at international level down to Tottenham, Conte may well have a player on his hands, with Lo Celso’s national team coach Lionel Scaloni even calling him ‘one of the best in the world’ (Today.in-24).

Meanwhile, former Lilywhites boss Jose Mourinho called him ‘phenomenal’, indicating that the 25-year-old has no shortage of quality.

Perhaps one of Conte’s biggest tasks at Spurs is getting the best out of Lo Celso on a consistent basis.

In other news: Tottenham tell rising star he is free to leave as they green light surprise exit from N17, find out more here.

Flocking to Twitter, many Liverpool fans have erupted as Sky Sports Germany backs news on reported FSG target and Red Bull Salzburg striker Karim Adeyemi.

Jurgen Klopp’s side, starting the 2021/2022 campaign in imperious form, have looked seemingly unstoppable at times going forward.

Scoring 17 goals in five games alone across all competitions in October, their last Premier League outing away to bitter rivals Manchester United showcased exactly what they’re capable of.

Their stunning 5-0 win at Old Trafford set a benchmark for the high level demanded by Klopp but that doesn’t mean FSG and co are totally ignoring the transfer market.

Indeed, as per Sky in Germany, Liverpool are indeed one of the sides to have ‘expressed an interest’ in signing red hot striking sensation Adeyemi.

Backing other reports, Sky sources now say that the exciting 19-year-old, who has scored 15 goals in all competitions already this season (Transfermarkt), is a target for the Reds.

Flocking to this claim, it’s safe to say many fans are excited and want to see him move to Anfield – with one of them even comparing the teenager to Sadio Mane.

Find all of their verdicts on this claim down below.

Liverpool fans flock to Sky update on Adeyemi…

“this and a Salah renewal and we’ll be happy for now”

Credit: @EvceloLFC

“I want him more than Jude tbf”

Credit: @Dipro_says_hii

“Mad not to buy him! RB Salburg will sell for a decent fee!”

Credit: @JasonLFC1979

“Please please please”

Credit: @CousinCAH

“Great talent”

Credit: @YusufMoneer

“Pls be true”

Credit: @jaslfc_

“The new Sadio”

Credit: @Andy_Hall89

“yessss.. he’ll be worth 100M+ in 2yrs time.”

Credit: @NadMk2

Rangers striker Jermain Defoe was part of Sky Sports’ punditry team for two televised Premier League matches on Sunday.

He joined Graeme Souness, Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville in the studio for West Ham United v Tottenham (two of his former clubs) and Manchester United v Liverpool.

However, Rangers were in action themselves on Sunday, beating St Mirren 2-1 to move three points clear at the top of the Premiership.

What’s Defoe’s role at Rangers?

Defoe signed a one-year contract extension at Ibrox over the summer and has taken some coaching responsibilities in addition to playing (via BBC Sport).

The 38-year-old has only seen eight minutes of competitive action so far this term, making a substitute appearance against Dundee United back in early August. Aside from that, he hasn’t featured in any of Steven Gerrard’s matchday squads.

At 9:21pm on Sunday night, Rangers’ official Twitter channel tweeted that ‘it was great to see one of our coaches on punditry duty today’. They added that they were ‘looking forward to having JD back at our training centre to continue his development as a coach whilst playing a key role within our squad’.

However, with Defoe still in the Gers’ playing ranks and his current club playing yesterday, some Light Blues supporters were not impressed with his Sky Sports appearance.

Fans fume over Defoe no-show

“He should be on the bench to bring on in games, never mind at Old Trafford!”

Credit: @ClaytonLaird

“Key role within our squad… he’s been bombed out”

Credit: @thestranGER1872

“He should have came on in the second half, he’s the best finisher at the club.”

Credit: @jamesst50264523

“There’s no way this is justified”

Credit: @CraigBr92630627

“Would have been great to see him at our game today too Mr Rangers”

Credit: @cccc18721972

“Good luck to Gary Mac on covering the Leeds game next Sunday while we’re away to Motherwell. Baffling stuff.”

Credit: @NYCRFC

“Embarrassing”

Credit: @jamiehanna2000

In other news, many Rangers fans gushed over this training ground image.

Tottenham Hotspur could be preparing for life after Tanguy Ndombele if emerging reports are to be believed…

What’s the word?

According to Sky Sports, Spurs are targeting a move for Lyon midfielder Houssem Aouar before next week’s transfer deadline and have already held tentative talks with the player’s representatives.

The 23-year-old has two years to run on his current deal but will weigh up his options before making a decision on his future.

Interest in the Frenchman, who featured at the U21 European Championships earlier this year, should come as no surprise as the Lilywhites’ new sporting director Fabio Paratici held an interest in signing him whilst at Juventus.

“Paratici has always been in love with this player,” revealed Fabrizio Romano earlier this month.

It remains to be seen exactly how much Aouar would command, especially with less than a week to go before deadline day, though ESPN believe he could be available for a fee in the region of €25m (£21.5m).

Move on Ndombele

It’s also thought that the club are now prepared to offload Aouar’s former teammate after he requested to leave the club recently, so it would make sense to find someone fit to play a similar role.

And that has to be the Lyon star.

Last season he contributed eight goals and four assists, whilst a year earlier, he provided nine goals and ten assists as the French outfit made an impressive run in the Champions League. In total, Aouar has made a direct goal contribution every 196 minutes, as per Transfermarkt.

It’s this sort of creativity and goal threat from midfield that has been lacking at Spurs, even when Ndombele has been featuring. By comparison, his fellow countryman has only contributed towards 16 goals at a rate of one every 267 minutes since arriving in a club-record £55m deal.

Spurs should certainly look to move him on and Aouar, who can play in the no.8 and no.10 role, would be a perfect successor in north London.

The £26m-rated dynamo has been compared to Spain great Andres Iniesta in terms of playing style and an average of two key passes and an 86.8% passing accuracy last season would certainly reinforce that view.

“I’m a big fan of Aouar. I’ve often likened him to Andres Iniesta, which is obviously a big shout because, for me, he is one of the greatest players of all-time,” claimed Ligue 1 expert Adam White to Football FanCast.

“I don’t necessarily mean in quality but in style. He has silky movement and drifts in midfield to pick passes. At his best, he is absolutely brilliant to watch and he can play anywhere in midfield. He’s great on the ball and technically outstanding. His vision is brilliant. He’s a huge talent.”

Paratici must consider axing Ndombele in favour of signing the promising French gem. It would be an outstanding piece of business for less than £25m – a real bargain in comparison to that club-record fee.

AND in other news, Imagine him & Alli: Spurs must secure £22.5m-rated prodigy who’s “like a young Pogba”…

After being forced off the pitch through injury during their 2-2 draw against Brentford, Leeds United have been sweating over the fitness of midfield maestro Kalvin Phillips.

With the England international also missing Leeds’ recent 3-2 defeat against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, there has finally been some clarity about Phillips’ injury.

What’s the latest?

According to a recent report from The Athletic, Phillips has undergone surgery to repair the hamstring injury he suffered and is now expected to be out for at least two months, which is news that will surely have a lot of Leeds fans fuming.

With Marcelo Bielsa’s men having the tough task of taking on Manchester City at The Etihad Stadium later tonight in their latest Premier League match, it seems that they will have to take on the reigning league champions without Phillips.

Last season, Leeds lost seven of the nine league games that the England international wasn’t involved in and haven’t managed to win any of the league games that he’s not played in this term, highlighting just how important he is for the team and how much of a major blow it will be to have him out of action for two months.

This season, the 26-year-old has managed to rack up an average of 2.3 tackles per game and 1.2 interceptions per game in the league, which is a clue as to why the Yorkshire side don’t win many games when he’s not playing given how much of a useful defensive player he is from midfield.

This, therefore, doesn’t make Leeds’ chances of picking up too many points in the next two months look very high, especially with the Whites also having the likes of Liam Cooper, Patrick Bamford, Rodrigo, Robin Koch and Pascal Struijk out injured as well.

Their period without Phillips could get off to a bad start tonight when they take on Pep Guardiola’s side who have scored a total of 33 goals and conceded just nine so far this season in the league.

However, with Leeds managing to secure a win at The Etihad last season thanks to a brace of goals from Stuart Dallas, they should be heading into this game with the confidence and belief that they can cause another upset and come away with three points again.

Although, their injuries will undoubtedly make it much more difficult for Leeds.

Now, everyone at the Yorkshire club will have their fingers crossed that Phillips will be able to make a full recovery as soon as possible and end the season fit and firing with Leeds and away from a potential relegation scrap.

At the moment, though, it’s nothing short of a huge blow to see him ruled out for so long.

In other news: Exciting 4-word January transfer claim emerges that will have Leeds fans buzzing – opinion

French football expert Adam White has alleged that Chelsea are set to beat a host of rivals to the signing of Jules Kounde as an agreement is already in place.

The Champions League holders, according to Spanish media outlet Orgullo de Nervion, are closing in on the signing of France international Kounde. The report states the deal is almost complete and the central defender will more than double the salary he currently boasts at La Liga outfit Sevilla if he exits for Stamford Bridge.

While Chelsea are keen for Kurt Zouma to leave the club, with West Ham United failing to entice the 26-year-old to London Stadium, head coach Thomas Tuchel has made signing a central defender a top priority.

Despite plying his trade at the heart of the back four, Kounde displayed his capabilities in the opposition penalty area by scoring four goals and registering one assist in 49 Sevilla appearances last season.

The highly-rated 22-year-old’s fine form in Spain resulted in him being called up for France’s Euro 2020 squad, where he featured once.

Get French Football News’ White insists Kounde would bolster Chelsea’s chances of building on their Champions League success in the upcoming campaign.

He told Football FanCast: “I love Kounde as a player – he’s fantastic. I think that every major club is interested. I have a feeling that he is on the radar of Chelsea, all of the traditional top six in the Premier League, Barcelona, Real Madrid and Juventus. He is that good.

“Chelsea seem to have acted at the right time and it sounds like a contract has been agreed. He would be a great signing for Chelsea if they can get it over the line.”