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Tottenham Hotspur have their sights set on young English talent Eberechi Eze this summer after Football.London reporter Alasdair Gold confirmed their interest in a recent Q&A over the weekend.

Back in March, The Sun claimed that Spurs were front-runners to land the QPR star after their top scout Brian Carey witnessed the player in action, and this has seemingly been backed up by Gold, who suggests the north Londoners have looked at the 21-year-old all campaign.

They also state that it could cost Daniel Levy around £20m.

Here’s what Gold said:

“[Is Eze from QPR someone we are looking at?] Yes, he is. He’s a very talented player and Tottenham have scouted him during the season.

They also have a really good relationship with QPR and that will help with any potential negotiations. On top of that he’s a Base client and Spurs have good links with that agency.

“The main hurdles for me are that Tottenham are packed with attacking midfield options right now and there will be competition for Eze.

“The 21-year-old will want to continue playing regular first-team football and it might be that Spurs would have to pay the money and then loan him straight out.

“Would that be something they could afford to do this year with all of the financial issues surrounding football and the huge gate receipt losses taken even with the season resuming.

“Spurs have to decide whether, like Steven Bergwijn, he’s too good a young player to pass up on or whether this year it’s just not doable.”

Eze has been QPR’s standout player this season having found the net 12 times whilst also providing eight assists, via Transfermarkt.

His form has seen him pick up two caps for the England U21 squad.

The difficult conundrum would be finding a place for the versatile attacking midfielder given Jose Mourinho’s riches through the middle and out wide.

Spot the fact from the fib: Are these Premier League records true or false?

World Class score: 95% | Expert score: 80% | Veteran score: 65% | Intermediate score: 45% | Amateur score: 30% | Try Again: 5%

They must also ensure that he doesn’t become a Jack Clarke 2.0, who is actually on loan at the Rs.

Gold hints that they could sign him and the loan him back out to continue to get valuable game time, but there’s also another hurdle on whether or not they could actually afford him given the pandemic crisis.

AND in other news, Spurs fans hammer Daniel Levy over major stadium update…

Many Liverpool fans have slated Kenny Cunningham over comments that he made on Irish radio about Fabinho.

Speaking to Off The Ball AM, the former Republic of Ireland international questioned the Reds midfielder’s ability to deal with Manchester City’s attacking players ahead of the clubs’ Premier League showdown at Anfield on Sunday.

Cunningham described Fabinho as “a very good player” but expressed reservations about him as a defensive midfielder, casting doubts on his ability to sense danger and track runners and believing that Jordan Henderson is better in that regard.

He told Off The Ball AM: “I’m not totally convinced about him in that holding midfield position,” adding: “Looking at the goals Liverpool have conceded this season, it has been down to Fabinho’s lack of alertness, inability to sense danger and at times not having the legs to get across the pitch and snuff out the danger.”

Former Liverpool player Phil Thompson rebuffed Cunningham’s claims when speaking on Off The Ball AM this morning, saying “I’m just laughing so much”, with Fabinho coming in for widespread praise from other pundits in recent weeks.

Gary Neville sang the midfielder’s praises on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football [via This Is Anfield] earlier this season, while Paul Robinson told Football Insider that he thinks the Brazilian is “up there when it comes to the best holding midfielders in the Premier League”.

These Liverpool fans on Twitter took aim at Cunningham over his comments about Fabinho:

What did you make of Cunningham’s criticism of Fabinho? Have your say by commenting below!

This article is part of Football FanCast’s The Chalkboard series, which provides a tactical insight into teams, players, managers, potential signings and more… 

West Bromwich Albion may currently top the Championship table, but one damning factor is holding them back from potentially running away with the league title.

The Baggies have amassed 33 points from 16 matches, which would see them on track to surpass a total tally of 92 – a number that in four of the last five seasons has been enough for automatic promotion.

Watch West Bromwich Albion Videos With StreamFootball.tv Below

But such acclaim fails to take into account the form of Albion’s rivals or any injuries and suspensions the side may face, so it can’t be taken as gospel.

Slaven Bilic’s side have somewhat rode their luck too as they find themselves in an increasingly favorable position as the season rumbles on despite not playing to their absolute full potential.

On the Chalkboard

Of all 24 teams in the Championship, the league leaders rank 18th for big chance conversion %, per MRKT Insights, which means they are failing to score what is perceived to be the easiest of chances.

This is quite unbelievable because the Baggies have still found the net on 29 occasions, which ranks them second in the league for goals scored

Therefore, it would suggest that Albion would be doing even better than they already are if they had converted more ‘big chances.’

Per the same source, Bilic’s men rank first for total shots on target and second for average shots per game in the division.

While they are also second for the average number of big chances per game, which makes the figures above even more astonishing.

It further suggests that Bilic’s coaching on the training pitch is on the right path as they are creating opportunities, but then it comes down to the players to stick the ball in the back of the net.

Given the contributions of their wide players and the enigmatic playmaker Matheus Pereira – 14 goals and 11 assists combined – the brunt of their failings in this sense falls down on their impotent strikeforce.

Via WhoScored, the trio of Charlie Austin, Kenneth Zohore, and Hal Robson-Kanu have provided just 20% of their goal total this campaign, so that is undoubtedly where the fault lies as they haven’t been taking the easy chances handed to them.

Tottenham Hotspur fell to an embarrassing defeat against Brighton and Hove Albion this evening, putting a dent in the club’s aspirations of securing a Champions League place this season.

Ange Postecoglou’s side led 2-0 at the break after goals from the in-form Brennan Johnson and James Maddison, but it would all evaporate within just 20 minutes of the second half.

The hosts came straight out of the blocks and turned the game on its head after strikes from Yankuba Minteh, Georginio Rutter and Danny Welbeck secured the comeback for Fabian Hurzeler’s side.

Spurs’ second half collapse puts an end to their five-game winning streak, giving boss Postecoglou a lot to ponder during the upcoming international break.

Brennan Johnson – a man in-form

Despite the defeat, Welsh winger Johnson continued his excellent form in front of goal scoring for the sixth consecutive outing in all competitions.

It’s quite the turnaround for the £47.5m signing, after being widely criticised on social media for his lack of impact during the opening few matches of the season.

His latest goal against the Seagulls saw him match Harry Kane’s record of most games scored consecutively by a Spurs player in the Premier League, quite the feat given his early season form.

However, his efforts in front of goal would all count for nothing given the second half collapse, with the Lilywhites undoubtedly wanting to forget the outing in a hurry.

Johnson can certainly leave the AMEX with his head held high, but the same can’t be said for one player who was extremely wasteful with the opportunities that fell his way on the South Coast.

The Spurs player who failed to impress against Brighton

Given the recent form of Johnson, Dejan Kulusevski has been forced to operate in a more central position alongside Maddison and Rodrigo Bentancur – forming a partnership with the duo in recent weeks.

This evening’s meeting was no different with the Swede starting alongside the pair at the heart of Postecoglou’s midfield – but it was an evening of disappointment from the 24-year-old.

The former Juventus talent only managed 20 passes at a completion rate of 69% and also only won four of the 15 duels that he entered.

Kulusevski also only managed a total of 55 touches during his 90-minute display, a tally that was lower than goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario who registered a total of 63.

Minutes played

90

Touches

55

Passes completed

20/29 (69%)

Duels won

4/15

Possession lost

23x

Fouls committed

2

Dribbles completed

2/6

The Swede also lost possession 23 times during the defeat, the most of any Spurs player, highlighting his wasteful nature as he failed to create any clear-cut opportunities.

The defeat will sting, especially considering the 2-0 lead Postecoglou’s side boasted at the interval, but the upcoming international break gives the Aussie time to process the defeat and prevent it from happening again in the future.

However, one thing is for certain, Kulusevski needs to be replaced for the meeting against West Ham United in less than two weeks time if his side are to stand any chance of an immediate bounce back after the embarrassing loss on Sunday evening.

Ange let Spurs star leave in 2023, now he's massively outperforming Johnson

He’d be a treat at the heart of this Lilywhites squad…

ByAngus Sinclair Oct 5, 2024

Rodri’s absence was always going to knock Manchester City off-kilter, but Newcastle United knew that Saturday’s Premier League fixture was still going to be one of the toughest of the campaign.

But Newcastle played with assurance and gusto and claimed a hard-fought draw, rallying after falling behind in the first half to restore parity through Anthony Gordon’s penalty and cranking up late pressure that unfortunately came to nought.

Eddie Howe will be delighted with many of the performances on show at St. James’ Park, with the goalscorer doing extremely well in the absence of the injured Alexander Isak.

Anthony Gordon proves his worth vs Man City

Isak was ruled out with a toe injury to compound his frustrating start to the season, but Gordon is a dynamic forward and moonlit in a focal striking role on occasion, so he was tasked with the occasion against the indomitable champions today.

He certainly didn’t produce the greatest performance in the world, but Gordon did well against titanic opposition, winning and converting the second-half penalty to make it 11 points from six contests – only three behind Pep Guardiola’s side.

A real menace of a player, the England international has now won seven penalties in the Premier League since the start of last season, the most in the division – Raheem Sterling is second with three.

He also completed two key passes and won four duels, as per Sofascore, but his spot kick was the sole shot of his afternoon and you can’t help but think Isak, fit and available, might have offered that predatory sense that could have won the hosts the game.

Of course, with Rodri out of action, Bruno Guimaraes was able to showcase his quality and dominate from the centre of the park. He was Howe’s real hero.

Bruno Guimaraes was Howe's real hero

Guimaraes was at fault for Fulham’s third goal at Craven Cottage last weekend to condemn the Toon to their first defeat of the campaign, but he made amends today with a fine display against a City side that needed to bounce back after drawing with Arsenal one week ago.

The Shields Gazette were gushing in their review of the Brazilian’s performance, handing him an 8/10 match rating and writing: ‘Imposed himself well against a strong City midfield. Had some good moments on the ball and played Gordon through. A good response to a difficult match late time out at Fulham.’

City might have been missing Rodri but let’s not forget that they still boast some of the best midfielders in the world. Mateo Kovacic and Rico Lewis were strong and City actually won 55% of the game’s ground duels.

Minutes played

90′

Touches

64

Accurate passes

35/43

Key passes

1

Dribbles (completed)

4 (4)

Tackles

3

Interceptions

2

Clearances

1

Total duels (won)

17 (9)

Most of Newcastle’s success in combative situations seemed to have come from Guimaraes, who, as you can see, won a ridiculous amount of duels and stood like an iron wall against City’s attempted onslaughts that never really materialised. There was also silk to match the steel as he successfully completed all four of his attempted dribbles.

Newcastle will look at forthcoming Premier League fixtures against Everton and Brighton & Hove Albion with sights set on victory, but this was an excellent performance against the best team in the country, with signs aplenty that the Magpies are starting to click into gear.

Newcastle wanted ace for £12.5m in 2019, now he's outshining Isak & Gordon

This was a big missed opportunity for the Magpies…

1 ByAngus Sinclair Sep 27, 2024

Manchester United face a Premier League battle to sign a Brazilian international midfielder, according to a new report. It has been a good week for the Red Devils, as they got back to winning ways against Southampton last weekend and secured their place in the next round of the Carabao up in emphatic style on Tuesday night. But they are not resting on their laurels and already have their eye on signings for 2025.

Ten Hag tells Man Utd to track new midfield target demanding £150,000-p/w

Erik ten Hag is pushing Man United’s hierarchy to watch over the young star.

ByBrett Worthington Sep 19, 2024 Man Utd chasing new midfield targets

In a new update, United are in a Premier League battle to sign Lille midfielder Angel Gomes. The former Red Devil is in the final year of his contract, and United, along with Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur, are keen to snap him up.

The Magpies are seen as outsiders to land Gomes, meaning United and Spurs are in the driving seat to land the player, who would count towards a homegrown quota. The interest from Old Trafford is said to be driven by manager Erik ten Hag, who has tasked the scouting department to keep an eye on Gomes and see if he can adjust to their style of play.

The 24-year-old would look to get a substantial pay rise, with this report stating that he wants around £150,000 on any new contract he signs. But Gomes isn’t the only midfielder that United are looking to sign, as they have also been linked with Leon Goretzka in recent days, given his unhappy situation at Bayern Munich.

But United might be in the market for a younger defensive option than Goretzka, and that is why they have turned their attention to a 25-year-old Bazil international.

Man United eyeing Ederson as possible Casemiro replacement

According to TNT Sports in Brazil, relayed by Caught Offside, United are continuing to chase Atalanta midfielder Ederson. This comes as the Red Devils were linked with the player during the summer and were said to have made an offer of £43 million to sign Ederson, but it was turned down.

This new update states that as well as United, Newcastle are also eyeing a deal for Ederson, who has been described as a “machine” by football writer Carlo Garganese in the past. Ederson has shown interest in a move to England before, and according to this report, that could give the Premier League duo the edge when it comes to signing him, as Barcelona and Juventus are also keen.

Apps

95

Goals

8

Assists

3

Ederson, who is said to be on a yearly salary of 2,560,000 euros, which is roughly £2.1 million, has been with the Serie A side since July 2022. The midfielder has been a key player for Atalanta in that time, helping them finish in the top four and qualify for the Champions League, winning the Europa League last term. Ederson’s form has also earned him international recognition, as he’s been capped twice by Brazil in recent years.

Ederson’s arrival at Old Trafford may be seen as a possible long-term replacement for Casemiro, who was linked with a move away in the summer. An exit still looks possible, as he will likely fall behind Manuel Ugarte in the club’s midfield pecking order.

Liverpool are in a position to acquire some much-needed reinforcements this summer after a difficult campaign last season and now a new update has emerged on a potential transfer target.

What's the latest on Liverpool's interest in Jeremy Doku?

According to French news outlet L'Equipe (via Sport Witness), Liverpool have set their sights on Stade Rennais winger Jeremy Doku.

As per the report, the Reds maintain their interest in the player that they almost signed in 2017 and although the player hasn't been a consistent goal-scorer he has become an attractive prospect based on his dribbling expertise.

The news broke a day before interest in Dominik Szoboszlai of RB Leipzig was broken, with FSG clearly looking to splash the cash in the early exchanges of the transfer window.

Who would Jeremy Doku replace in the Liverpool team?

It is no secret that the top priority this summer for Liverpool is to rebuild their midfield presence and inject some much-needed energy into the team to improve performances that were seen over last season.

The Merseyside giants have had no struggles in scoring goals and deploying an attacking threat that is deadly against any opponent of any quality, with only Manchester City and Arsenal scoring more than Liverpool (75) over their most recent campaign in the Premier League, despite their failure to secure a top-four finish.

Having said that, acquiring more attacking options who can provide diversity in the final third wouldn't be the worst idea and with Mohamed Salah set to be out of contract in 2025, there is an opportunity to bring in an understudy this summer to develop and nurture on the right flank who can learn the ropes from the Egyptian superstar.

Doku – hailed a "diamond in the rough" by Kevin De Bruyne – is an impressive attacking presence ranking in the top 5% of his positional peers across the top five European leagues for a whole host of metrics, including non-penalty goals, shot-creating actions, progressive carries, progressive passes received and successful take-ons, as per FBref.

The £14m-rated winger offers strengths that are a little different to those of Liverpool's talisman, outperforming his positional peer in a number of attributes last season including shot-creating actions per 90 (5.65 v 3.83), goal-creating actions per 90 (0.70 v 0.66) and take-on success rate (60.4% v 37.3%), suggesting that he offers a more selfless approach in attacking opportunities and is more confident in challenging opponents.

It is unfathomable that Klopp would ever bench his star man who has provided the Anfield faithful with so many moments of magic, however, the acquirement of Doku could give the Liverpool boss some depth and a different perspective in the position that can be deployed in latter stages of games and provides a rotation option when competing in multiple competitions.

With that being said, Doku is definitely one to watch for Liverpool this summer and if the club's hierarchy can strike up a good deal for the 21-year-old this summer it could be a great opportunity to add some more depth in the forward line ahead of next season.

Manchester United are closing in on a £60m move to sign midfielder Mason Mount, according to reports, with a five-year contract totalling £52m also agreed.

Is Mason Mount signing for Man United?

The Red Devils have seemingly identified Mount, dubbed a "mad player" by Red Devils legend Rio Ferdinand, as a top target to bolster Erik ten Hag’s side this summer.

The 24-year-old is entering the final 12 months of his Chelsea contract but could still be on the move for big money. Man United made an initial £40m offer earlier this month for the midfielder, however, it was quickly turned down by their Premier League rivals.

The Red Devils returned in recent days with an improved £50m bid which was a guaranteed £45m fee plus £5m in add-ons, but that was also rejected.

However, it now looks as if the two clubs are close to shaking hands on a deal for Mount, who Kylian Mbappe has called a “superb player”.

According to The Daily Star's Chief Sports Writer, Jeremy Cross, Man United are now closing in on a £60m deal with Chelsea following further talks.

Those at Old Trafford see £60m as a fair price, and with Mount already agreeing on a five-year deal worth around £200,000-a-week, a transfer looks set to go through and will be worth £112m in total when it comes to a fee and wages.

Ten Hag is expected to get his man, though, and wants the transfer for the England international completed in time so he can join the United squad on the pre-season tour of America next month.

Who else could Man United sign this summer?

There has been no shortage of transfer rumours at Old Trafford so far this summer, and it looks like it could be a busy few months in the transfer market alongside a possible takeover, with Mount potentially the first of many through the door.

A new goalkeeper could be needed with David de Gea’s future yet to be resolved. A direct meeting was held with the representative of Inter Milan’s Andre Onana, a shot-stopper who Ten Hag worked with previously at Ajax.

Meanwhile, a marquee attacker also appears to be on the United agenda, with Harry Kane a long-term target. The Tottenham striker, like Mount, is entering the final 12 months of his contract and a move to Old Trafford did look unlikely. However, reports have suggested that the Red Devils could be tempted back to the table, should Kane’s asking price be lowered from £100m to £80m.

Finally, AS Monaco defender Axel Disasi appears to be another target for United over the coming months. Those in Manchester are thought to be in the lead to secure the Frenchman’s services, so there could be a number of signings ahead of the 2023/24 season.

Newcastle United have been heavily linked with a move for Dominik Szoboszlai this summer and now a new claim has emerged on the club's pursuit of the player.

What's the latest on Newcastle's interest in Dominik Szoboszlai?

Journalist and transfer insider Dean Jones has spoken out on what the RB Leipzig star could bring to St James' Park if a deal can be done and addresses comparisons to former Newcastle player Hatem Ben Arfa.

Jones told Football FanCast:

"If Ben Arfa got people off their seats then Szoboszlai definitely can!"

"He's an unbelievable technician of the ball, his ability to spot a pass is ridiculous, he can score great goals and good around set pieces."

Would Szoboszlai be a good fit for Newcastle?

There is no doubt that Szoboszlai would very quickly become a fan favourite at St James' Park if he could emulate the impact that Ben Arfa made on the club during his five-year stint.

The 36-year-old scored 14 goals and registered 15 assists over 86 appearances for the North East club with a goal contribution every 175 minutes played, as well as holding an integral role in their most recent qualification of European football ahead of this season, securing Europa League football back in 2012.

Now Szoboszlai could be the second coming of Ben Arfa and could play an important part in their Champions League campaign next season if he makes the move to Tyneside this summer.

Over 31 Bundesliga appearances, the 22-year-old sensation has scored six goals, registered eight assists and created a whopping 14 chances, as well as averaging 2.3 key passes, 1.9 shots on goal, 1.7 successful dribbles, 1.5 tackles and 4.6 duels won per game, proving that he is a massive attacking presence on the pitch.

Szoboszlai was featured in The Guardian’s ‘Next Generation’ shortlist back in 2017 where journalist Tomasz Mortimer compared the Hungary international to Toni Kroos:

'He’s a tall, languid, classy talent who is adept behind the striker or as a deep-lying midfielder,'

'He has almost Toni Kroos-like qualities – brilliant ball-striking ability with both feet, a great range of passing, beautiful balance and a really high footballing IQ.'

With that being said, it would be a no-brainer for Newcastle to commit to the €70m (£61m) release clause for Szoboszlai as he could be a revelation for Newcastle in their pursuit for dominance and trophies over next season and beyond.

Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou has given the green-light for Daniel Levy to sign Leicester City star James Maddison, according to reports.

Who could join Spurs this summer?

The long wait for a new manager after Antonio Conte finally ended on Tuesday, with the club announcing former Celtic boss Postecoglou as the head coach to lead them forward.

Levy, speaking to the club's official website, proclaimed his excitement at the Australian's arrival – claiming it marks the return of both attacking football and potential opportunities for youngsters.

"Ange brings a positive mentality and a fast, attacking style of play," said Levy."He has a strong track record of developing players and an understanding of the importance of the link from the academy – everything that is important to our Club. We are excited to have Ange join us as we prepare for the season ahead."

The 57-year-old, though, will need financial backing in the summer transfer market and reports suggest that a new goalkeeper to replace Hugo Lloris, fresh centre-back options and attackers are on the Spurs agenda.

Brentford keeper David Raya, who is apparently willing to join, is a Tottenham target while Man United's Harry Maguire has been heavily linked this past week.

Further forward, Foxes playmaker Maddison is a star of real interest to Spurs, with reporter John Percy sharing news out of north London.

Writing for The Telegraph, he claims Postecoglou has personally green-lit a bid for Maddison this summer and Spurs are now set to make a move for him.

He wrote:

"Tottenham Hotspur are set to move for James Maddison but have been warned that the transfer fee will be over £50 million."Maddison is a priority target for new Tottenham head coach Ange Postecoglou and the England international will be sold this summer following Leicester’s relegation to the Championship."The attacking midfielder has just over a year left on his contract and Postecoglou has given his new club the green light to make an offer this month."

Who is James Maddison?

Called "world class" and "outstanding" by England manager Gareth Southgate, Maddison has certainly lived up to that tag with his performances these last 12 months.

As per WhoScored, the Three Lions ace finished 2022/2023 as Leicester's shining light and best-performing player by average match rating – all while attempting more shots at goal and key passes per 90 in the final third.

Maddison racked up an almighty 19 goal contributions (10 goals, nine assists) and could be an absolute snip for £50m, especially considering he is homegrown.