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Ex-Tottenham employee and former club scout Bryan King believes that manager Ange Postecoglou could soon hand a young player more game time.

Spurs set for Champions League chase

Spurs will continue their fierce battle with Aston Villa for fourth very soon, as Postecoglou's side next take on Fulham away this weekend.

Injury boost for Ange as reliable reporter shares update on Tottenham star

There’s been good news out of N17.

By
Emilio Galantini

Mar 13, 2024

The trip to Craven Cottage precedes what was a fantastic win away to Villa in their last game, with Tottenham putting in their best second half display of the season and a very tricky opponent.

Goals from James Maddison, Brennan Johnson, Son Heung-min and Timo Werner capped off a terrific 4-0 victory for the north Londoners, who now hold all the cards mathematically in their chase for a top four finish.

Spurs sit just two behind Villa with a game in hand, and if they beat Fulham this weekend, then they could temporarily leapfrog Unai Emery's side into fourth – with the Villans not playing till the day after against West Ham.

A slight dampener to Tottenham's win over Villa, though, was the hamstring scare surrounding star defender Micky van de Ven. The Dutchman was hauled off with the issue to be replaced by winter signing Radu Dragusin, who has apparently been impressing in training according to his agent.

“They had a well-laid plan. He had to wait his turn and help his team," said Florin Manea to Fanatik this week.

"It was natural, because the two centre-backs played very well together and it was hard to take them out. From one point of view, it wasn’t normal to take them out. I was talking to someone at the club and he told me he’s training exceptionally well. You can’t blame him. Training is like a match for Radu. That’s what we’ve been aiming for for years. The way you train is the way you play.”

King tips more game time for Dragusin soon

The young defender has been waiting for a consistent run in the team to impress Postecoglou, and he could well get it. Ex-Spurs scout Bryan King says the "complete" Dragusin could well get his chance in the Spurs first team amid concerns surrounding van de Ven.

“The only negative from the win against Aston Villa was van de Ven’s injury," said King to Tottenham News. “Dragusin came on and picked up the pace of the game. As soon as he was on the pitch, Spurs scored, and he of course helped his side to a clean sheet.

“It looks as if he might now get the chance to prove himself and he must take it. He was a little bit silly to pick up a yellow card, he didn’t need to put his foot up to try and block the free-kick, but apart from that he did well. He didn’t take chances, he played it simple and I liked the look of him.”

Glasgow Rangers brought in Nils Koppen as their head of recruitment ahead of the January transfer window to finally replace Ross Wilson, who left his post as sporting director in April 2023.

The former Light Blues chief left to join Premier League side Nottingham Forest after mixed success throughout his time running the football operations at the club.

He made some fantastic signings, including the likes of John Lundstram and Calvin Bassey, but also had his fair share of failures, including Aaron Ramsey and Cedric Itten.

One signing he made for the future that now looks to be emerging as another success was the addition of Zak Lovelace from Millwall in the summer of 2022, as his value has soared.

How much Rangers paid for Zak Lovelace

The Athletic reported that the Gers agreed a compensation of around £100k to bring the talented teenage marksman to Ibrox, after he had made five Championship appearances for the Lions.

Then-sporting director Wilson described the young gem as an "exciting" talent and his electric performances for Rangers B show that the now-Forest chief was right to be excited.

Lovelace has racked up a staggering 17 goals and six assists in 32 B team outings for the club, along with two goals and four assists in six matches in the UEFA Youth League.

He is a bigger talent at the top end of the pitch than current first-team star Ross McCausland, as he outperformed the Northern Ireland international in the academy set up.

The 20-year-old winger produced 14 goals and five assists in 50 matches for the club at B team level and in the Youth League combined before his first-team breakthrough, which is a return of one goal contribution every 2.6 games on average.

Whereas, Lovelace racked up 19 goals and ten assists in 38 clashes, which is a return of one goal or assist every 1.31 outings on average for the academy.

Zak Lovelace's current market value

At the time of writing (17/03/2024), Transfermarkt values Lovelace at £428k (€500k) and this means that his value has soared by 328% from the £100k that they reportedly paid Millwall to sign him almost two years ago.

Rangers and Wilson, therefore, struck gold with the signing of the teenage dynamo as he has been an outstanding performer at youth level, and his value has skyrocketed as a result.

Unfortunately, he has missed over 100 days with a hamstring injury this season, having suffered the blow on his full first-team debut as Steven Davis handed him a start on the right wing against St Mirren.

The 18-year-old speedster produced a dangerous cross that forced Ryan Strain to commit handball, give away a penalty, and get sent off, which allowed James Tavernier to make it 1-0 from the spot.

Lovelace then pulled up with a hamstring issue before the break – replaced by McCausland – and has not been seen in a Gers shirt since.

As you can see in the table above, the Northern Irish youngster has not provided consistent quality in the final third and his former B team teammate could eventually offer more, given the gulf in their respective outputs in the academy.

Lovelace could make a greater impact at the top end of the pitch with his superior quality as a scorer and a creator of goals, but it is now down to him to get fit and then prove it on the field for the first-team.

Overall, though, Rangers have struck gold with the 18-year-old starlet, who appears to be a great prospect given his rising value and excellent output in front of goal, and, hopefully, he will go on to enjoy a successful career in Scotland.

Pep Guardiola is keeping his cards close to his chest regarding his future at Manchester City as his cryptic responses raise more questions.

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• Guardiola might continue at Man City beyond 2025
• Had earlier indicated that he was closing in on an exit
• Post-season break has changed the dynamics

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The City manager suggested earlier in May that the upcoming season might be his last, stating he was “closer to leaving than staying.” However, during the pre-season tour in the United States, Guardiola hinted at a potential contract extension, indicating he has not yet made a definitive decision.

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  WHAT GUARDIOLA SAID

  “When I’m leaving, I will say I’m leaving, but I didn’t say that,” Guardiola remarked before a friendly match against Milan at New York’s Yankee Stadium. “We will see what happens. But I will not rule it out absolutely to extend my contract. I would love to stay because I would love to stay.”

  Guardiola sought to clarify his previous statements made after securing a fourth consecutive Premier League title for Manchester City. He explained that his comments about being “closer to leaving than staying” were a reflection on his eight-year tenure at the club, not an immediate plan to depart. “[I was] saying that I [had] been eight years in Man City. So I’m not here for eight more years. So that’s why I’m closer to leaving than staying. But I didn’t say I’m leaving!”

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Since joining City in 2016, he has secured six Premier League titles, two FA Cups, and the club’s first Champions League trophy. “I want to be sure it’s the right decision. Not just for me, for the club, for the players,” Guardiola emphasised.

  Nonetheless, he remains confident in his players' dedication and effort, noting their continued hard work and competitive spirit that makes them one of the favourites for the Premier League and the Champions League in the next season as well.

  “Still they run like they ran for eight years, it doesn’t matter the competition, it doesn’t matter the tournament,” he stated.

  "It’s good to refresh, for players and managers," he added. "At the same time, we have had success and are still winning Premier Leagues and we are playing competitions like the Champions League. This is my feeling right now.”

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• DID YOU KNOW?

  Manchester City have already qualified for the revamped 32-team FIFA Club World Cup next summer, which will be hosted in the United States. When he was about the possibility of returning with the squad next season for the global showpiece event, Guardiola affirmed: "I would love to."

West Ham United have reached out to the representatives of a Premier League star, indicating that they're interested in doing a deal for him this summer.

Steidten transfer plans taking shape at West Ham

While manager David Moyes' future remains up in the air, technical director Tim Steidten is said to be making transfer plans in the background regardless.

TalkSPORT pundit says West Ham may hire phenomenal David Moyes replacement

He could be a hugely exciting choice for Hammers fans.

By
Emilio Galantini

Mar 27, 2024

The German is said to be looking at potential new defenders and forwards heading into the next transfer window, which are key areas of the West Ham squad that need addressing before 2024/2025.

Nayef Aguerd's lack of consistency has been a real cause for concern at the back for West Ham, and it is believed both the Moroccan and Kurt Zouma are attracting interest from Saudi Arabia (Graeme Bailey).

Meanwhile, West Ham failed to get over half a dozen deals for forwards over the line in January, which has left Moyes' side even more depleted after both Said Benrahma and Pablo Fornals sealed moves elsewhere.

Mohammed Kudus, Jarrod Bowen and Lucas Paqueta stand out as their key creators, but the latter is being regularly linked with a move to Man City. If injury were to befall Kudus or Bowen as well, you could make a very serious case that Moyes, or any new West Ham manager next season, would be in serious trouble.

As a result, West Ham are believed to be eyeing up both new wingers and strikers. A big name who has come onto their radar lately, and in surprising fashion, is Brentford star Ivan Toney.

The Bees striker is looking very likely to leave his club this summer, amid the growing clamour for his services, with his contract also set to expire next year.

Toney scored 20 league goals last season and looks set to be one of the next transfer window's hot topics.

West Ham make contact with Toney's agents

Toney has also been called "remarkable" by Thomas Frank, with West Ham throwing their hat in the ring this past fortnight.

HITC have an update on this, and they claim that West Ham have made contact with Toney's agents to indicate an interest in signing him this summer. His price tag, not to mention whether he'd really want a move to the London Stadium, will undoubtedly be sticking points in this potential transfer saga.

“It is relatively obvious that Ivan Toney will probably be sold this summer,” Brentford boss Frank said to Danish media, via Tipsbladet.

“We also know what he is worth. I don’t think there are many strikers in the world who are better than him right now. He is a really skilled striker who is in his prime football age. Personally, as a coach, I would prefer to keep Toney but one day it could be fun to see him on a top team.

“This winter we actually had no offers for him, but it will surprise me if there aren’t a lot of clubs that will be interested in him.”

Atletico Madrid are reportedly keen on N'Golo Kante as a backup to Conor Gallagher with the France star eager to play Champions League football again.

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• Gallagher in limbo over Atletico transfer
• Spanish club set sights on Kante
• French star interested in returning to Europe

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  According to , Kante has become a prime candidate for Atletico as doubts grow over the club’s ability to finalize a deal for Gallagher. The English midfielder's potential move to Atletico seemed all but confirmed earlier, with the player even participating in training sessions with the team. A £34 million (€39.3m/$43.1m) deal had reportedly been agreed upon, hinging on the transfer of Samu Omorodion to Chelsea. However, with Omorodion's deal collapsing, Gallagher's future now hangs in the balance. Chelsea have instructed Gallagher to return to London, where he will continue training with the under-21 squad while negotiations continue – with Joao Felix now emerging as a surprise candidate to head to Stamford Bridge.

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  Kante, known for his tireless work rate and defensive prowess, would bring valuable experience and stability to Atletico’s midfield. Despite his move to the Middle East, the World Cup winner remains an attractive option for top clubs and was earlier linked with a shock move to West Ham. Moreover, the financial package, considering his recent free transfer to the Saudi club, could make him a more affordable option compared to Gallagher.

  Atletico have reportedly initiated discussions with Kante's brother, who also serves as his representative, to gauge the player's interest in a move to the Wanda Metropolitano. Kante's camp has expressed a willingness to join Atletico, a prospect that aligns with the midfielder's desire to return to the competitive landscape of European football, particularly the UEFA Champions League.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  However, Kante's salary demands could pose a challenge. His wages significantly increased following his move to Saudi Arabia, and for a return to Europe, he may need to lower his financial expectations. Al-Ittihad are aware of these discussions but have opted not to interfere, as they have yet to receive any formal offers for the French star. This indicates that a deal could be on the table if Atletico decide to move forward with their interest.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Kante's physical fitness and ability to compete at the highest levels were evident during his performances in the European Championship. His skills and experience would be invaluable in La Liga, where his style of play aligns well with the league's tactical demands.

  In addition to bolstering their midfield, Atletico are also focusing on strengthening their central defence. The club have identified several candidates, including David Hancko, Piero Hincapié, and Clément Lenglet, as potential signings to fortify their backline, and the addition of a player like Kante, alongside a new central defender, would address two critical areas of need for Diego Simeone's squad as they prepare to challenge city rivals Real Madrid for the championship.

Liverpool defender Rhys Williams will spend the first half of the season on loan at League Two side Morecambe.

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• Williams joins Morecambe until January
• Earned 19 senior appearances in 2020-21
• Defender's career has stalled since

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Williams has signed for Morecambe on loan until January, bolstering the Shrimps' defensive options after a difficult start to the season. Derek Adams' side have lost their opening two games in League Two and will hope the centre-back can help shore up the defence.

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  Williams' career has stalled since a breakthrough 2020-21 campaign that saw him feature 19 times for Liverpool's senior side under Jurgen Klopp. Loan spells with Swansea City, Blackpool, Aberdeen and Port Vale have followed, but the 23-year-old has managed just 26 appearances since joining the Swans in 2021. His most recent loan spell, in 2023-24 with Vale, lasted only a matter of weeks before he returned to Liverpool due to an injury.

• WHAT WILLIAMS SAID

  Williams said: "I'm delighted, the manager has given me a chance to come and play football here and that's the main thing. I want him to be able to trust me, I want to come in and impress the fans so hopefully we have a successful season. After speaking to the manager, I always wanted to go and play for him. I spoke to a few of the boys and they were all really complimentary about the club, the staff and fans, so there was only one place I wanted to go. I'm ready to go, the boys seem ready. I know it's early on but, for me, things will change; I can see a good group, a group which works for each other and that's the main thing – as long as you've got the spirit, you'll always get through tough times."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR WILLIAMS?

  The young defender could make his debut for his new club against Doncaster Rovers on Saturday. Liverpool, meanwhile, are due to face Brentford in the Premier League on Sunday.

With one eye on winning the Scottish Premiership title, Rangers have already turned their focus on just how they might defend their crown next season, with Ibrox chiefs now keen on signing one particular target.

Rangers transfer news

With or without the title, it looks set to be a busy summer for Philippe Clement and his side, who are set for several changes. As things stand, a number of players are set to depart as free agents at the end of the season, with Borna Barisic, John Lundstram and Ryan Jack among those. Lundstram's exit may be particularly frustrating, given that a new contract had looked on the cards earlier in the campaign.

Rangers must unleash £12k-p/w star alongside Matondo

Rangers face a crucial league clash against Ross County on Sunday

By
Ross Kilvington

Apr 13, 2024

However, those departures should lead to more incomings, with permanent deals reported for both Fabio Silva and Oscar Cortes to kick that off. The likes of Jhon Arias could then follow, with reports suggesting that the Gers have joined the race to sign the South American this summer as they look to fill the void left by Brighton & Hove Albion loanee Abdallah Sima.

Arias isn't the only attacking talent linked with a move, however. According to Graeme Bailey for HITC, Rangers are now keen on signing Eduard Spertsyan in a deal that could cost £13m this summer. In signing the Krasnodar attacking midfielder, the Gers would also be getting one over on Old Firm rivals Celtic and strengthening Clement's side significantly.

The deal won't be an easy one to complete, though, with the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine reportedly likely to be an obstacle in any business between British and Russian clubs. An example of that being the case is when Tottenham Hotspur were allegedly strongly discouraged against selling Davinson Sanchez to Spartak Moscow last summer, with the centre-back eventually moving to Galatasaray instead.

"Interesting" Spertsyan is better than Silva

Able to play on the left-hand side, as well as in an attacking-midfield role and in central midfield, Spertsyan would instantly become a solid option for Clement if those at Ibrox pushed on to secure a move. His arrival would also create doubts over Silva's starting place, even if he does turn his move permanent this summer.

At just 23 years old, Spertsyan is only likely to get better and is a player who would quickly prove to make all the difference in what is likely to be a tight race to win the Scottish Premiership once again next season. If Spertsyan does leave Russia, Football Talent Scout's Jacek Kulig will certainly be among those watching his next move, having previously sung his praises via X:

When the summer window swings open, the attacking midfielder will be one to keep an eye on, with his talent more than capable of adjusting to the Scottish Premiership.

Chelsea’s dealings in the transfer market in recent seasons have been questionable, to say the least, splashing over £1bn on new players with the majority failing to make an impact.

The club have spent upwards of £120m on Roméo Lavia and Wesley Fofana alone, with the two players only making a combined 21 appearances since their respective moves to Stamford Bridge.

However, despite the erratic dealings, the Blues have conducted some excellent business, especially on Cole Palmer after signing the youngster for £40m from Manchester City last summer.

He’s since excelled from regular game time under Mauricio Pochettino, scoring 23 times for the Blues in all competitions – making him the club’s top scorer this season.

Todd Boehly was able to invest in the 21-year-old after selling a Chelsea academy graduate last summer, with the former Blues man failing to replicate his form from his time at Stamford Bridge.

Mason Mount's stats at Chelsea

Midfielder Mason Mount joined the Blues as a six-year-old, spending the whole of his early years at the club, before rapidly developing through the club’s youth system.

After excelling at U18 level, scoring six times in 31 outings, the youngster secured a loan move to Dutch side Vitesse, a stint that would allow Mount to gain valuable first-team experience.

He would take the Eredivisie by storm, contributing with 18 goal contributions in 29 league matches, before securing a move to join Frank Lampard at Derby County for the 2018/19 campaign.

The stint in the Championship would catapult the midfielder into the Blues’ first team, scoring his first Premier League goal in the 1-1 draw against Leicester City.

Mount would go on to feature 195 times for his boyhood club, even playing a crucial role in the club’s Champions League triumph back in the 2020/21 season – before departing Stamford Bridge during last summer’s transfer window, with the club receiving a brilliant fee for the 25-year-old.

Mason Mount's wage at Chelsea & Man Utd

The attacking talent departed the club in a £60m to join fellow Premier League side Manchester United, however, the move has been a disaster for both parties.

Injuries have plagued his first season at Old Trafford, making just 12 appearances in the league having missed 27 matches via injury. Such an eventuality has seen Mount dubbed “horrendous” by one prominent Chelsea account.

He earned a reported £76k-per-week at Stamford Bridge, as per Salary Sport, with his weekly wage nearly three times more than current star Palmer, who only earns £22k-per-week. He now earns even more at United, a whopping £200k-per-week.

Given his poor start to life in Manchester, the club did the right thing in offloading the midfielder, especially given Palmer’s form after Mount’s departure.

The £60m fee coupled with his yearly wage of £4m represents fantastic business by Boehly and Pochettino, as the club has higher quality players in similar roles to the 25-year-old.

The aforementioned figures will also go a long way in the club’s battle to stay within the Premier League’s FFP and PSR rules after it was announced the club had pre-tax losses of £90m for the previous financial year.

Chelsea could sell £425k-p/w worth of talent to fund Osimhen move

He will cost over £100m.

By
Joe Nuttall

Apr 19, 2024

The Premier League's financial case against Manchester City could end up costing the governing body tens of millions of pounds, a report says.

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• Man City's financial case set to begin
• Champions have hired expensive representatives
• Clubs to suffer due to Premier League's huge bill

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The English top-flight and the league champions will soon face off in a legal battle as the hearing into the 115 charges for allegedly breaking financial regulations is to begin. City are said to have brought in high-priced lawyers for the case, including familiar face Lord Pannick KC, who represented the club in their successful appeal against UEFA banning them from the Champions League. The barrister is said to be charging around £5,000 per hour.

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  The legal costs for the case are expected to be gargantuan considering its size and importance. The reports that the Premier League will have to pay for the majority of legal fees accrued in their battle with Everton last year, which the top-flight won, resulting in the Toffees being handed an initial 10-point deduction which was later cut to six. Despite the league's attempts to hand the £4.9m legal bill to the stricken club, an independent commission has ruled that Everton will only have to pay around a third of it.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  The ruling suggests that, even if the Premier League wins the case against City, it will still be hit with significant legal fees. On the other hand, if the reigning English champions are successful, the Premier League may have to pick up the entirety of the bill, which would affect payments issued to other clubs.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  While the case will soon begin, it may take a long time before a verdict is handed down due to the severity and breadth. However, many are already calling for City to be hit with a massive points deduction or even relegated from the Premier League.

The Bats pummeled the Costa Rican side in their first match of the Group Stage of the tournament, with Nighswonger's freekick stealing the show.

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• Gotham win 4-0 in CONCACAF W Champions Cup
• Nighswonger scores brilliant goal
• Bats thriving in NWSL play

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Lining up on her left foot, Jenna Nighswonger drilled home a blistering freekick in Gotham's 4-0 victory over Liga Deportiva Alajuelense in the CONCACAF W Champions Cup Thursday evening. The USWNT playmaker scored ' third of the night in first half stoppage-time, helping them to a brilliant lead at the break.

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The match was Gotham's first of the Group Stage of their Champions Cup run, and they sit tied atop the standings with Liga MX Femenil side Tigres at the end of the Matchday. return to action in the Champions Cup on Sept. 19 against Monterrey, but in the meantime, will focus on NWSL action as they return to league play this weekend.

  In the NWSL standings, Gotham sit fourth, trailing third place KC Current by just one point.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR GOTHAM?

  Nighswonger and Co. take on the Houston Dash Saturday evening as the 14th place NWSL side look to pull off a stunning upset over