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Tottenham Hotspur have been dealt a blow in their bid to bring Nicola Zalewski to north London this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by CalcioMercatoWeb, who claim that, despite Fabio Paratici being linked with a move for the AS Roma midfielder in recent weeks, it is Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain who now appear to be leading the race for the 20-year-old’s signature – with both clubs said to have submitted an offer for the Poland international.

However, the report goes on to state that Jose Mourinho does not want to lose the services of the youngster ahead of the upcoming 2022/23 campaign, with the Serie A side reportedly not willing to accept an offer of under €50m (£42m) for the Italian-born starlet this summer.

Paratici must move

Considering just how much potential Zalewski appears to possess, it is not difficult to understand why all three of Chelsea, PSG and Spurs would be interested in signing the midfielder this summer, nor is it difficult to make the argument that Paratici simply must join the race for the 20-year-old’s signature by launching a move of his own in the coming days.

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Indeed, over his seven appearances in Roma’s Europa Conference League campaign last time out, the £13m-rated talent highly impressed, providing two important assists and creating two big chances for his teammates, in addition to making an average of 0.9 key passes, taking 0.6 shots and completing 0.9 dribbles per game.

The £9k-per-week youngster who Antoni Partum dubbed the Giallorossi’s “greatest talent” also caught the eye when working back, making an average of 1.7 tackles, 0.9 interceptions and winning 4.1 duels per outing.

These returns saw the five-cap international average an extremely respectable SofaScore match rating of 6.85, ranking him as Mourinho’s 14th-best performer in competition – playing an active role in Roma lifting the inaugural Conference League trophy.

As such, while £42m is undoubtedly a great deal of money to spend on a player who has made just 26 senior appearances in his club career thus far, if his performances in Europe are anything to go by, it would appear an extremely wise move for Paratici to join Chelsea and PSG in pursuit of the 20-year-old this summer – as missing out on Zalewski could very quickly turn into a decision the sporting director lives to regret.

Leeds United have been dealt a blow in their bid to bring Ben Brereton Diaz to Elland Road this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Football League World, who claim that, despite Victor Orta being heavily linked with a move for the Blackburn Rovers centre-forward in recent weeks, it is Wolverhampton Wanderers who now appear to be leading the race for the 23-year-old, as Bruno Lage’s side are said to have made an approach to the Championship outfit for the Chile international.

Previous reports had claimed that the Whites’ director of football had instructed scouts to cast an eye over the striker in pre-season action for Rovers ahead of potentially launching an official bid this summer, with Jon Dahl Tomasson’s side believed to be demanding a figure in the region of £15m in order to part with the 14-cap international prior to September’s transfer deadline.

Imagine him & Bamford

With it being abundantly clear that Orta is looking to add a new centre-forward to Jesse Marsch’s first-team squad over what remains of the summer transfer window – something Phil Hay confirmed in a recent article for The Athletic – the argument that Brereton Diaz could be something of a perfect partner for Patrick Bamford is an easy one to make.

Indeed, over his 37 Championship appearances last season, the £14.4m-rated forward was in electric form for Blackburn, scoring 22 goals, registering three assists and creating three big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 2.8 shots, making 0.6 key passes and completing 1.6 dribbles per game.

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These returns saw the £6.5k-per-week talent who Tony Mowbray dubbed “extraordinary” average an extremely impressive SofaScore match rating of 6.94 – playing a key role in Rovers’ admirable, albeit unsuccessful, charge for a play-off spot last time out.

The striker – who is also more than capable of operating from either the left or right flank – also got off to a fantastic start in Blackburn’s season-opening 1-0 victory over Queens Park Rangers on Saturday, with the 23-year-old making one key pass, completing two dribbles, hitting the target with three shots and earning a SofaScore match rating of 7.3.

As such, the prospect of Brereton Diaz lining up alongside the “deadly” Bamford next season – or even on the left of a front three consisting of the England international and £21m summer signing Luis Sinisterra, who scored 12 goals over 30 Eredivisie fixtures last season – is an incredibly tantalising one.

Indeed, with the fit-again 28-year-old undoubtedly hoping to recreate his goalscoring form of the 2020/21 – 17 goals in 38 Premier League matches – next time out, the addition of Brereton Diaz’s creativity and clinical nature in the final third would appear to be the perfect accompaniment to Bamford in the Whites attack – leading us to believe that Orta must do all he can to beat Wolves to the Chilean’s signature this summer.

Leeds United are monitoring Michy Batshuayi’s situation ahead of a potential summer swoop, according to Ben Jacobs.

The Lowdown: De Ketelaere to Milan

The Whites seem to still be on the search for a new forward after missing out on key transfer target Charles De Ketelaere. Andrea Radrizzani recently confirmed that Leeds were in the race to sign the Belgian and that it was ’50/50′ before he opted for Milan over Elland Road.

The Leeds owner revealed that a €40m (£33.75m) deal was agreed with Club Brugge and added that, in hindsight, he should have looked to seal a transfer at an earlier stage.

The Latest: Batshuayi linked with Leeds

Speaking to EFC Daily, Jacobs made a claim on Batshuayi’s future, with Leeds getting a mention.

He said that Everton ‘have explored’ a move and that Leeds are ‘also monitoring the situation’, although the journalist stated that it’s likely ‘that he ends up at Wolves, probably on a loan’.

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The Verdict: Avoid

Batshuayi was described as ‘unstoppable’ back in 2017 by Pat Nevin, and he lived up to those comments last season. The 28-year-old spent the 2021/22 campaign in Turkey with Besiktas, netting 14 league goals and registering five assists in 33 games.

However, he has struggled in England with just 15 goals in 77 appearances for both the Blues and Crystal Palace, so Leeds could be better off exploring younger alternative targets.

It could also be wise for a new attacking addition to have that bit of versatility as well in Jesse Marsch’s new narrow formation, which would make a move for centre-forward Batshuayi, who currently earns £90,000 per week, a risk.

Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Tanguy Ndombele is ‘pushing for a definitive sale’ and is even willing to take strong action, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Out of favour…

The Frenchman is one of a few Spurs players currently out-of-favour at N17 alongside the likes of Harry Winks, Sergio Reguilon and Giovani Lo Celso as manager Antonio Conte revamps his Premier League squad.

Ndombele is not in the coach’s plans this season and it is believed that Serie A giants Napoli have expressed serious interest in securing his services.

The future of Tottenham’s club record signing could not look any further away from north London at this stage with Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport sharing news on the player’s personal stance.

The Latest: Ndombele ‘pushing’ to leave permanently…

They claim, via Sport Witness, that Ndombele is ‘pushing for a definitive sale’ rather than a loan deal with an option or obligation to buy.

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Indeed, it is believed the 25-year-old is also willing to take strong action to push through a move – specifically by taking a pay cut and reducing his salary to make it happen.

Napoli are listed as a suitor specifically as their midfield star Fabian Ruiz finalises a move to Paris-Saint Germain.

The Verdict: Cut losses…

Bar some bright flashes of form under ex-Spurs boss Jose Mourinho, Ndombele has been unable to display his real ability on a regular basis with concerns surrounding his attitude and application.

He certainly has talent – West Ham star Declan Rice has backed the former Lyon star as a ‘top player’ and ‘street footballer on the pitch’ despite his uncertain future and lack of game time under Conte – but patience must be wearing thin at Hotspur Way.

Whether his exit be permanent or on a temporary deal, Ndombele leaving really does seem best for all parties at this point.

Southampton mainstay Jan Bednarek is ‘ready to change club’ with an ‘unexpected’ and ‘surprising’ transfer to Aston Villa now on the cards.

The Lowdown: Southampton busy…

The Saints have been very active this transfer window having sealed six major signings in Gavin Bazanu, Romeo Lavia, Joe Aribo, Armel Bella-Kotchap, Mateusz Lis and Sekou Mara.

In terms of departures, there have been a few big names leaving St. Mary’s Stadium, with former goalkeeper Fraser Forster sealing a move to Tottenham and ex-striker Shane Long putting pen to paper at Reading (Transfermarkt).

September 1 lingers with just under a fortnight of the summer window remaining, but according to reports out of Poland, defender Bednarek could be on the move before then.

The Latest: Bednarek eyes move away…

According to news outlet Meczyki, the 26-year-old is ‘ready to change club’ this summer.

As well as this, Bednarek ‘may become the hero of a surprising transfer’, as it is claimed that Aston Villa are eyeing an ‘unexpected move’ which ‘may occur’ in the final days of this window.

The Verdict: Fight to keep him?

As per WhoScored, the Poland international finished 2021/22 as one of Southampton’s top five best-performing players by average match rating – all while playing the fourth-highest amount of league minutes.

Defensively, he was arguably manager Ralph Hasenhuttl’s star asset – averaging more interceptions, clearances and blocks made per 90 than any other player in the Saints squad.

Still yet to reach his prime, letting Bednarek go would be a regrettable end to the window and Southampton would arguably need to sign a replacement.

Indeed, this could be one to avoid for the club.

Tottenham Hotspur will be looking to make it four games unbeaten in the Premier League as they head to the Midlands to face Nottingham Forest at the City Ground this evening.

Antonio Conte’s side started the new season with a bang by thrashing Southampton 4-1 before drawing 2-2 to Chelsea and then picking up another victory last weekend, narrowly defeating Wolverhampton Wanderers 1-0.

Now the free-spending newcomers stand in their way of continuing their near-perfect start.

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A win would take them to within touching distance of league leaders and arch-rivals Arsenal heading into next week’s doubleheader.

It does leave the Italian head coach with plenty to ponder ahead of kick-off, does he stick or twist with a winning team? His side play three games in the next seven days and then have the Champions League group stage soon after.

One question mark could be at left wing-back, where summer signing Ivan Perisic, 33, has seemed to emerge as the starter over Ryan Sessegnon.

He managed 76 minutes in what was his first start for the club, having only made 24-minute and 11-minute cameos in the two previous outings due to his fitness, per Transfermarkt.

Conte could be tempted to go with the fresher legs of the England U21 international, knowing the busy fixture list ahead but the wise decision could be to keep the faith in the veteran Croatian.

Heading into the weekend’s fixtures, the Reds had conceded more chances from the right flank than any other side (23) – ten more than anyone else.

Perisic has delivered two assists already this campaign and few can put in a cross like he can in this Spurs squad. Indeed, the former Inter Milan star has averaged two crosses per game in the Premier League, which currently tops the charts at Hotspur Way.

It’s no wonder Paul Merson claimed that the £180k-per-week maestro “makes things happen on the pitch”.

Sessegnon, by comparison, is yet to provide an accurate cross, so if he starts instead, the Lilywhites wouldn’t be making the most of Forest’s major weakness.

As such, Perisic – who has been dubbed a “mentality monster” by i journalist Oliver Young-Myles – must start again today, he could completely destroy the home side with his delivery second to none.

You can forget about Heung-min Son on the left wing as Harry Kane should feast off the Croatian’s two-footed and set-piece ability and that puts Conte’s squad in a very strong position.

AND in other news, Spurs “really like” £18m “absolute tank”, he’s a true heir to Conte’s £92k-p/w “beast”…

Nottingham Forest are reportedly interested in signing Tottenham Hotspur defender Japhet Tanganga before the transfer window shuts later this month.

What’s the word?

According to The Athletic, Steve Cooper’s side are keen on bringing the 23-year-old defender to the City Ground and are exploring the possibility of a permanent deal.

Bournemouth, AC Milan and Napoli are also credited with an interest in the Englishman, who has been available for transfer by the north London side this summer, after struggling for game time since Antonio Conte’s arrival.

They suggest that any permanent deal for the versatile defender would set Forest back around £16.8m, which would see Forest add to their impressive spending spree so far this summer, which has seen them bring in 16 new players after promotion to the Premier League.

Cooper needs him

While Tanganga has struggled for regular game time at Spurs, making just 43 senior appearances in his career thus far, he has shown in cameos as a centre-back and a right-back that he could be a quality addition to Cooper’s squad.

The Forest boss has already worked with Tanganga at England U17 level so knows the qualities that he can bring, while the recent injury suffered by Moussa Niakhate suggests that the Forest boss needs another defensive option in his ranks

Although he has seen his game time limited under Conte, previous impressive performances against Liverpool on his senior debut and against Manchester City last season emphasise Tanganga’s quality.

Gary Neville was full of praise for the young defender after he helped Spurs to a 1-0 win against Pep Guardiola’s side last season, as he shut out some of the Premier League’s best offensive players.

He said: “He handled Raheem Sterling and Jack Grealish in that channel, with Sanchez and Højbjerg, brilliantly. I couldn’t have done that on my own 20 years ago – and I was a good full-back, played for Manchester United, played for England. But what that kid did out there today was really special from a one-on-one defending point of view.”

Tanganga’s versatility, age and homegrown status all suggest that he could be a quality addition at the City Ground, and given his ability as a right-back, he could present a much more physical and defensive option than the attack-minded Neco Williams, which could well be needed for Forest’s more difficult fixtures.

Therefore, Cooper should definitely look at bringing in the Spurs man this summer. He has already proven he can dominate the Premier League’s best and for a team lacking players with top-flight experience, he could be vital to their cause. It’s a deal the Garibaldi simply have to complete before 1st September.

Liverpool have ‘definitely looked at’ Sheffield United midfielder Sander Berge as a possible option, according to transfer insider Dean Jones. 

The lowdown: Midfield saga

Having missed out on Aurelien Tchouameni earlier in the window, the Reds appeared to curtail their pursuit of additional midfield options.

However, following injuries to Naby Keita, Thiago, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Curtis Jones in the opening weeks of the season, Jurgen Klopp admitted that the FA Cup holders could well be forced back into the market for a late swoop.

With less than 48 hours remaining in the transfer window, time is against the Anfield recruitment team, although one well-informed onlooker has suggested that there is a possible target for Liverpool to pursue…

The latest: ‘Definitely looked at’

Speaking to Give Me Sport, Jones – a journalist for Eurosport – claimed that 24-year-old Berge could certainly be an option for Julian Ward in the final hours of the window, seemingly also ruling out a move for Youri Tielemans.

He said: “If Liverpool do sign someone, I think it’s going to be someone that holds good value and also is probably going to be someone that they’ve had on their radar for a while.

“That makes me wonder about someone like Sander Berge. He is a player that Liverpool have definitely looked at closely in the past.

“He has had problems with injury, which is obviously a bit off-putting but, if he is available at a decent fee, I could see Liverpool suddenly doing a deal like that.

“They would say ‘this guy’s been a long-term target of ours and we feel he fits in with our style of play’, rather than going for somebody like Tielemans, who is just a trendy name at the moment.”

Jurgen is a Red! Show how happy you are about it with this awesome t-shirt! Click here to buy…

The verdict: Make it happen

Despite the aforementioned injury issues that have seen the 30-cap Norway ace miss 33 matches since arriving in England, Berge would still be a superb addition to the Liverpool ranks.

So far this season, the powerful midfielder – who was dubbed a ‘physical beast’ by football writer Sebastian Pedersen – has scored twice and provided two assists in seven appearances for the Championship table toppers.

Previously described as a ‘very interesting’ player by Klopp himself, it’s clear to see that there is admiration from Liverpool and given the current predicament, a move for the £14.4million valued Berge would be a welcome one and could emulate the deal that saw Ben Davies also arrive on Merseyside from Bramall Lane.

Liverpool have been suffering from an injury crisis in the middle of the pitch with a number of their first-team midfielders unavailable, but now there has been a fresh update that will certainly give Jurgen Klopp a huge boost.

What’s the latest?

That’s according to Liverpool reporter James Pearce, with The Athletic journalist revealing in a recent article that Thiago Alcantara will return to full training on Monday.

It’s great news for Klopp

There is no doubt that the return of Thiago is great news for Jurgen Klopp and couldn’t come at a better time as Liverpool start their European journey in the Champions League this week against Napoli.

Not only that, but Liverpool have been struggling in the Premier League so far this season, recording their worst points tally in their first six games during Klopp’s tenure – with just nine collected, leaving the Reds sitting sixth in the table.

Their slow start can be blamed on a number of different issues, but one of the club’s biggest problems so far this season has been their lack of experience and depth in the midfield three following a number of injuries.

Thiago Alcantara, Curtis Jones, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Jordan Henderson and Naby Keita have all been sidelined at one stage of the season so far, with only Jones returning to training prior to Thiago’s return.

Liverpool finally acted on their lack of depth on Deadline Day by signing Brazilian midfielder Arthur Melo on a season-long loan deal from Juventus, however, despite being on the bench in the Merseyside derby, he did not make his debut in a red shirt with Klopp favouring a midfield of Harvey Elliott, Fabio Carvalho and Fabinho instead.

The return of Thiago will be warmly welcomed by the Anfield faithful as the disappointing performances from the team are putting Liverpool further behind in their pursuit to be title contenders once again, and the Spaniard’s absence has been felt more and more with each passing game.

Last season, Liverpool only lost one game, drew three and won 21 of the 25 Premier League games that Thiago featured, so having him back fit and available to play in the team will be a huge boost for Klopp and for the team going forward into their upcoming fixtures.

Wolverhampton Wanderers manager Bruno Lage remains secure in his post for now, Liam Keen of The Express & Star reports.

The lowdown

Lage has endured a pretty wretched start to his second full season at the helm at Molineux.

Saturday’s 3-0 defeat at the hands of Manchester City leaves his side 17th in the Premier League table, just two points above the relegation zone.

They’ve picked up just one win and three draws from their first seven matches, and their tally of three goals is the joint-worst in the division.

The latest

Keen took to Twitter to respond to ‘social media rumours’ that Lage had been relieved of his duties.

He said that the 46-year-old oversaw Tuesday’s training session as normal.

“Despite social media rumours saying otherwise, I’m told Bruno Lage has NOT been sacked as of this evening.

“The head coach and his staff are preparing to take training tomorrow morning as usual.”

The verdict

Lage may be safe for now, then, but both he and the club know that an improvement is essential.

Sports journalist Owen O’Brien says that they are planning to hold talks with the Portuguese tactician over recent results after ‘growing increasingly frustrated’.

And Wolves’ next game pits them against fellow strugglers West Ham, the side directly below them in the division.

After that, they travel to Chelsea, and it’s hard to see him keeping his position as the fixtures then ease up if he cannot at least show some improvements against the Hammers and Blues.