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Spurs came back from one down to emerge 2-1 victors over Watford on Wednesday night thanks to goals from the returning Heung-min Son and Fernando Llorente, after the Hornets took the lead before half-time through Craig Cathcart.

Llorente had blocked Adrian Mariappa’s effort and the resulting corner was whipped in by Jose Holebas, missed by Spurs ‘keeper Lloris and duly nodded home as the visitors capitalised on what was far from the Frenchman’s first mistake between the sticks.

He may be a World Cup winner but Lloris’ decision making and positional sense can be questionable and the 32-year-old should count himself lucky that the Lilywhites attack was on song to secure the three points in the end.

Arsenal’s Hector Bellerin may be out for the season but it’s given him a chance to show off his new accesory. Check out the video above to see for yourself…

Despite the occasional mistake, Lloris’ ownership of the number 1 shirt has hardly been challenged since his arrival at White Hart Lane in 2012, although, in his compatriot Paulo Gazzaniga, Mauricio Pochettino now has a viable replacement for the captain should he continue to mess up.

Former Southampton man Gazzaniga has impressed in Lloris’ stead – mostly in cup clashes – and it may not be too long before the 27-year-old snatches the gloves.

Here’s how Spurs fans reacted to Lloris’ performance on Twitter…

Rangers have had the pleasure of enjoying the talents of some greats of the game over the years at Ibrox, as they have been able to watch a selection of quality players in Glasgow.

The likes of Rino Gattuso, Paul Gascoigne and Brian Laudrup all represented the Gers throughout their careers, to varying degrees of success, but what about the players who almost joined the club?

One player who came close to arriving at Ibrox in 1997 was legendary Brazilian striker Ronaldo Nazario, with Rangers one of three clubs attempting to sign him.

He had established himself as a hugely prolific scorer by that point, scoring 54 goals in 57 matches for PSV Eindhoven and 47 times in 49 outings for Barcelona.

His agent Giovanni Branchini confirmed the three teams who were interested in the forward, saying: “The clause in his contract was a novelty at the time and it scared a lot of clubs off. The three who were really interested were Inter, Lazio and Glasgow Rangers, who followed negotiations all the way.”

The Gers had a nightmare as they failed to convince the then-Barcelona attacker to make the switch to Scotland. He signed for Italian giants Inter Milan for a fee of £23.8m (Transfermarkt) and went on to win the Ballon d’Or later that year.

This was the first time he received the accolade as he was crowned the best player in Europe, with his manager Fabio Capello dubbing him a “phenomenon”.

After moving to Italy, he found the back of the net 59 times in 99 appearances for Inter before Real Madrid snapped him up in the summer of 2002.

In his debut campaign for the Spanish giants, he scored 29 goals in 42 games across La Liga and the Champions League. This led to him winning the second Ballon d’Or of his career as he became Real’s main man at the top end of the pitch.

He ended his time at the Bernabeu with 103 goals and 34 assists in 177 matches – a stunning return for the injury-ravaged centre-forward.

Ronaldo had spells at AC Milan and Corinthians before calling time on his playing days. He ended his career with a whopping 362 goals for club and country, with 67 goals in 104 caps for the Brazil national team/Olympic squad.

These statistics illustrate why Rangers had a nightmare in 1997 as they missed out on the chance to enjoy watching one of the best players in the world lead the line for the club. He was deemed to be the best player in Europe on two occasions and the Gers fans could have been watching him in blue.

One that got away…

AND in other news, Insider drops worrying behind-the-scenes Ibrox claim, it’s very bad news for Rangers…

Aston Villa are reportedly amongst the clubs monitoring Newcastle United winger Allan Saint-Maximin after it was reported that the Magpies would be prepared to sell the Frenchman for £50m.

What’s the story?

According to the Daily Mail, Newcastle are willing to cash in on their star player this summer with Villa monitoring the situation at St.James’ Park.

It is believed that the £50m asking price, if received, would be added to Newcastle manager Eddie Howe’s transfer kitty with the Tyneside club expected to make major additions to their squad following the takeover by PIF.

The 25-year-old signed a six-year contract in 2020 and is a majorly popular figure in the North-East, but could be sacrificed in order to raise funds for a squad overhaul.

Villa must swoop for Saint-Maximin

The idea of Saint-Maximin being available to purchase will undoubtedly prick up the ears of an array of clubs, particularly in the Premier League with the winger’s talents very much known of in England.

Since joining Newcastle from Nice in August 2019, the £28.8m-rated 25-year-old has scored 12 goals and registered 14 assists in 84 appearances for the Magpies and has been previously labelled as “breathtaking” by pundit Gary Neville.

Although that may not seem a tally that justifies a £50m price tag, the Frenchman has largely been playing in a drab, uninspiring Newcastle side since arriving from France.

In the two full seasons under Steve Bruce the Toon Army finished 13th and 12th respectively, with both campaigns seeing some dire football at times, with both seasons seeing the Magpies pick up 44 and 45 points respectively and score 38 and 46 goals whilst conceding 58 and 62.

This term in particular was looking set for disaster for a sustained period of time before Eddie Howe took over and steadied the ship, largely thanks to January arrivals.

Moreover, the Frenchman averages a 62% dribble success rate as well as a 75% passing accuracy and provides 1.5 key passes a game.

However, now that the Tyneside outfit are the richest club in the world following the Saudi-backed takeover, there are undoubtedly ambitious plans for the upcoming transfer window which could see fan-favourite Saint-Maximin sacrificed.

As well as Newcastle, Aston Villa are expected to spend as they enter Steven Gerrard’s first summer transfer window as Villa boss and have already been linked with big-money moves, such as paying £50m for Brighton midfielder Yves Bissouma.

Currently, the Villans have the likes of Philippe Coutinho, Emi Buendia, Leon Bailey and Bertrand Traore on the flanks but only Coutinho can hold his head high for his efforts this campaign.

The Brazilian joined on loan from Barcelona in January and has already become a fan favourite with four goals and three assists and could be set for a permanent move to Villa Park this summer.

Both Traore and Bailey have spent good portions of the season out injured whilst Buendia has scored just twice after becoming the West Midland’s club’s record transfer last summer, joining from Norwich City for £38m.

There is certainly room in the Villa squad to accommodate Saint-Maximin in the Villa ranks who, alongside Coutinho, could establish a cut-throat partnership that would undoubtedly terrorise defences.

Major boost: Aston Villa now handed big double injury lift, supporters will be buzzing

According to The Sun and reporter Tom Barclay, some promising transfer news has now come out of Tottenham Hotspur involving West Bromwich Albion goalkeeper Sam Johnstone.

The Lowdown: Spurs favourites?

The Lilywhites have been very heavily linked with a move for Johnstone over this last week with reliable sources believing Tottenham are actually favourites.

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Indeed, football.london correspondent Alasdair Gold says Spurs and transfer chief Fabio Paratici are in pole position to sign the 29-year-old who is set to leave West Brom as a free agent this summer.

This comes as Spurs loanee Pierluigi Gollini seems set to return to parent club Atalanta with Antonio Conte now looking like he’ll have to take to the market for a back-up to Hugo Lloris.

The Latest: Barclay makes Spurs claim…

According to reporter Barclay of The Sun, Tottenham are ‘increasingly confident’ they will sign Johnstone, with those inside the north London club now believing he ‘will opt’ to join Conte.

Spurs apparently view the Three Lions ace as a potential future successor to Lloris, though will initially be used as a back-up option.

The Verdict: Ideal option…

On a free deal, Johnstone comes as a very ideal option for Spurs with international experience and proven performances in the Premier League.

Ex-Baggies boss Sam Allardyce was very up front in his praise for the 29-year-old last season despite West Brom’s eventual relegation with various pundits also proving to be big fans of Johnstone.

Wolves legend Steve Bull, for example, lavished the homegrown ace as a ‘world class’ shot stopper – leaving plenty of evidence to suggest he comes as an astute option for Tottenham.

In other news: Tottenham eye ‘in the coming weeks’ as they make offer for exciting midfielder, find out more here.

Manchester United are targeting River Plate’s “rising star” Enzo Fernández this summer and he could slot straight into the team ahead of Brazilian midfielder Fred.

What’s the story?

United are set for a huge overhaul of their under performing squad before next season and according to The Daily Star, up to four midfielders could leave.

This would leave room for plenty of new additions with one target being Argentinian Fernández.

He currently play’s in South America for River Plate but could be persuaded by the lure of one of Europe’s biggest clubs. However, the Red Devils face competition for him from Real Madrid and local rivals Man City, with the player said to have a £20.6m release clause in his contract.

He’s better than Fred

One of the midfielders he would be competing with, or potentially replacing, at Old Trafford would be Brazilian star Fred. He has had a rollercoaster of a career at United and at 29 years old isn’t getting any younger.

The signing of Fernández could provide the perfect alternative, and if he impresses, the 21-year old could be a mainstay at the Theatre of Dreams for years to come.

He has made 36 appearances for River Plate and in his time at the club has been directly involved in 12 goals from midfield.

When you compare his statistics in the league to that of Fred’s, he excels in most categories. The average number of passes he makes per game is 55.3 compared to the Brazilian’s 48.9.

Fernández is also more of a threat in the air with him winning 1.1 of aerial duels per game compared to Fred’s 0.6.

If United are successful in their bid to sign the Argentinian youngster then it’s likely that he will be one of Erik ten Hag’s first singings as manager at Old Trafford.

The Dutchman is reportedly close to agreeing a deal to take the hot seat at the club and signing Fernández would be the perfect start to his tenure.

He’s known for giving young players a chance having developed some star players during his time at Ajax. It’s a same tradition that is part of the fabric at United and if he was signed it would be a signal of the start of a new era under Erik ten Hag.

IN other news: Manchester United: Anthony Elanga was important in crucial win…

West Bromwich Albion secured the permanent signing of striker Daryl Dike on New Years Day, with the 21-year-old making his Baggies debut against QPR on Saturday.

Although the USA international’s first game for the West Midlands outfit didn’t go to plan, with Albion losing 1-0, there will be plenty of excitement regarding what the former-Orlando City man can do based on his previous spell in the Championship on loan at Barnsley last season.

Under current West Brom manager Valerien Ismael, Dike scored nine goals in 22 appearances for the South Yorkshire outfit, helping them to secure a play-off place.

The 21-year-old returned to the MLS outfit, where former Manchester United star Nani had played, with the Portuguese labelling Dike “a special boy.”

Now at The Hawthorns, the £9m-rated striker will be looking to go one better than last season and secure promotion to the Premier League. What is for sure is that if the American can replicate similar form to that of last term, the Baggies’ bid for promotion will certainly be boosted.

Ismael’s side are currently fifth in the Championship, seven points off of the automatic promotion places and in need of an extra goal source.

The Black Country club are the league’s best defenders, having conceded just 20 goals. However, they’re the second-tier’s joint-tenth top scorers with 31 goals. First place Fulham have scored more than double with 64 in one game less.

It’s a major issue that needs to be resolved immediately. In fact, the Baggies haven’t particularly had a recognised goal scorer they could rely on for a handful of seasons now, with former loanee Romelu Lukaku enjoying the most fruitful campaign since the Belgian made the temporary move to The Hawthorns from Chelsea.

The striker scored 17 goals in the 2012/13 campaign, helping Albion to an eighth-placed finish. Similarities can certainly be drawn between the two strikers.

After all, his former teammate Jordan Williams once said: “Daryl has got a rocket of a right foot. I think he’s similar to Lukaku. He hasn’t scored as many goals yet, but he can hit a ball just as hard.”

Stood at 6 foot 2, Dike is only four centimetres shorter than the Belgian, with the use of their respective physicality a major part of both players’ games.

Of course, if Dike was to evolve into a world-class talisman-like Lukaku, Albion fans would be delighted. However, it is certainly realistic to expect the American to score double digits by the end of the season.

If so, the Baggies may have an improved shot at an instant return to the Premier League.

AND in other news, West Brom eye swoop for “dominant” £5.4m-rated beast, he’s miles better than Hugill…

Renowned Glasgow Rangers podcasters Heart & Hand have been left reacting to some injury news that has now emerged on Kemar Roofe.

The Lowdown: Team news

Speaking in his pre-game press conference ahead of the match, Giovanni van Bronckhorst revealed that Aaron Ramsey has been ruled out for the next few games through injury, but should be back for their home leg against RB Leipzig in the UEFA Europa League semi-final.

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The Dutch manager confirmed that they also have a ‘problem’ with Roofe after he injured his knee last time out, and the club now hope that he too will return for the home leg.

The Latest: Podcasters react

Taking to Twitter, Heart & Hand gave their immediate reaction to the news on Roofe, claiming that it is a ‘huge blow’ for the Ibrox faithful:

“Huge blow losing Roofe but it is what is. Fingers crossed he’s back for 2nd leg.”

The Verdict: Not ideal

It is certainly not ideal to be losing Roofe for the next few matches, especially given that Alfredo Morelos is already out.

The striker has come off the back of four goals and two assists in his last three appearances in all competitions, including a hat-trick away at St. Mirren last time out in the Scottish Premiership (Transfermarkt).

He has made an impact not just in the SPFL, but the Europa League and Scottish Cup as well, and has certainly stepped up to the plate in Morelos’ absence.

Nonetheless, his injury now leaves the Teddy Bears a little light up top.

In other news, find out what fresh transfer update this Gers insider has now dropped here!

Rangers have enjoyed a strong first transfer window under manager Gio van Bronckhorst as they have made two additions to their ranks at Ibrox.

James Sands has arrived on an 18-month loan from New York City FC and John Souttar is poised to arrive in the summer after penning a pre-contract agreement with the central defender.

Football Scotland reporter Mark Hendry has claimed that the Dutch head coach is now eyeing up a deal for a Scottish youth international this month.

He Tweeted: “EXCLUSIVE! Rangers interested in Motherwell and Scotland prospect Bailey Rice as Manchester City also weigh up move.”

Patterson 2.0

Van Bronckhorst could land the club’s next Nathan Patterson by securing a swoop for Rice this month as he is a promising young player with the potential to break into the first team down the line.

The right-back made the breakthrough at Ibrox and went on to play 27 times in the senior side before being sold to Premier League side Everton for a club-record transfer fee this month.

Managing director Stewart Robertson explained the thinking behind the sale, saying: 

“This is a deal which fits with our long-term, strategic vision for the club. We have been very clear that player trading is an important element of our business model but only when the circumstances suit Rangers.

“We are delighted for Nathan and his family, wish them all the best for the future and they will always be welcome back at Ibrox.”

This shows that the club are looking to bleed through youngsters from the academy and into the first-team in the hope of developing them into a player who can make them a large profit in the future.

Therefore, the signing of Rice could be a shrewd deal as he could follow in the footsteps of Patterson by impressing in the youth teams before breaking into van Bronckhorst’s side in the years to come.

Rice has captained Scotland at youth level and is said to be one of Motherwell’s most talented prospects, which suggests that he has the potential to grow into a top player.

The fact that Rangers and Manchester City have become alerted to his possible availability also indicates that they have seen enough from him at such a young age to believe that he could be a valuable asset moving forward.

This means that he could be the next Patterson for Rangers and Scotland in the future and that is why van Bronckhorst and Ross Wilson must work hard to pip Pep Guardiola’s side to his signature.

AND in other news, Major development emerges in “groundbreaking” Rangers move, GvB will be buzzing…

Wolves continued their 100% start to 2022 with a 3-1 win over Southampton at Molineux as Bruno Lage’s men moved back into eighth place.

Raul Jimenez’s first half penalty and second half goals from Conor Coady and Adama Traore secured the points, but it was young left-back Rayan Aït-Nouri who was particularly impressive for the Midlands outfit, standing out as arguably the manager’s real hero throughout the match.

The 20-year-old hadn’t started a Premier League match since the 1-0 defeat at Manchester City in mid-December and impressed on his return to top-flight action, having started his first game in a month last Sunday in the 3-0 FA Cup success over Sheffield United.

The Wolves wing-back was credited with the assist for Jimenez’s penalty after being fouled by Saints defender Jan Bednarek, and he was a real livewire in the final third all afternoon.

According to SofaScore, the Frenchman contributed two key passes as well as creating two big chances for Lage’s men whilst also enjoying a 75% dribble success rate, being awarded a hugely impressive 8.1/10 rating. Moreover, Aït-Nouri completed 74% of his passes, as well as two of the three crosses he attempted.

As a wing-back, the youngster succeeded with his defensive duties too, making two tackles and two interceptions whilst also winning 62% of his duels. However, the home side were unable to keep a clean sheet as Southampton captain James Ward-Prowse scored a sensational free kick from distance late on.

The victory was only the 10th league appearance this season for the Frenchman, but with performances like this one, he will heavily boost his claim for a regular starting spot in Lage’s side.

Granted, a groin injury hasn’t helped the £33k-p/w defender stake his claim for a regular spot, forcing the 20-year-old to miss Wolves’ busy festive period having enjoyed a run of eight consecutive starts prior to that setback.

Aït-Nouri’s main competitor for a place is arguably Marçal, with the Brazilian left-back featuring in Lage’s first eight games as Wolves manager. However, the 32-year-old has only played three league games since and was absent from the squad on Saturday. He may find it hard to get back into the team based on his younger team-mate’s performance this afternoon.

In other news – Imagine him & Neves: Wolves must secure deal for £27m-rated beast who has “a lot of character”

Leeds United are progressing with their transfer plans, according to a very reliable source…

What’s the word?

Yorkshire Evening Post chief football writer Graham Smyth delivered a fresh claim to supporters on Twitter after being asked about new signings.

“They’re active. Things are ‘progressing’ we’re told,” he responded.

The only business that the Yorkshire giants seem likely to complete any time soon is the contract extension to first-team regular Adam Forshaw following his return from injury

But with around 20 days left to bolster Marcelo Bielsa’s playing squad, it seems as if the club’s recruitment team are well on the way to getting something done.

Signs of encouragement

This week was another devastating sign that Leeds do not have enough strength in depth to compete for the remainder of the current campaign. After beating Burnley in a huge encounter, a win which moved them eight points clear of the drop, they were then defeated by West Ham in the FA Cup.

Bielsa was dealt another cruel sucker punch as young forward Sam Greenwood picked up an injury, adding to Patrick Bamford’s latest setback. As a result, the Argentine could have as many as 11 players missing for another clash against the Irons next weekend.

Without Bamford, Greenwood and the also injured duo of Tyler Roberts and Joe Gelhardt, Leeds are without a striker option, meaning one of the wingers will have to play there once again.

Elsewhere, a central midfielder sits highly on their priority list, with Kalvin Phillips another frustrating absentee.

Of course, the Yorkshiremen cannot afford to wait around all month and make a few desperate additions late on – that’s never been on their agenda anyway – but it is certainly a hugely positive sign that they are trying behind the scenes.

For now, supporters around Elland Road will surely be buzzing by Smyth’s latest transfer update.

AND in other news, Alan Nixon issues big Leeds United transfer update, Bielsa will be buzzing…