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According to a report by AS, Tottenham Hotspur and managing director Fabio Paratici have set their sights on Juventus dynamo Dejan Kulusevski to solve one major Nuno Espirito Santo concern.

The Lowdown: Spurs enter Kulusevski race…

As per reports which have come out over the last week, it appears that Tottenham are firmly in the hunt for Kulusevski, who has emerged as a real target for Paratici at N17.

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Indeed, another exciting report shared how Spurs and Paratici are even planning an audacious mega money double swoop for both the Sweden international and Juve defender Matthijs de Ligt (Calciomercato).

Another update has now backed Tottenham’s interest in Kulusevski at least as they share how Paratici aims to resolve a major Spurs issue.

The Latest: Paratici formulates plan to solve Kane issue…

As per AS, the Italian transfer chief has set his sights on the €40m (£34.5m) forward, who is now a prime target for the club.

Paratici signed him for Juventus and now wants to bring him to Spurs for one main reason, and that is because star striker Harry Kane is severely out of form and not firing.

After missing out on a move away over the summer, the England captain has failed to replicate last season’s stunning run of form, and AS call it an ‘untenable situation’ for Nuno.

The Verdict: Solid target…

Able to play in a wide array of forward positions including as an out-and-out striker (Transfermarkt), it may take a lot for Kulusevski to solve the Kane conundrum given his inexperience and the fact he has scored more than 10 goals just once in a single season.

However, his potential could be vast and he may end up being a very fruitful long term purchase for Spurs in a similar vein to Bryan Gil or Pape Matar Sarr.

In other news: N17 source leaks Spurs development as news emerges on ‘priority’ for Levy, find out more here.

An update has emerged on Rangers midfielder Ryan Jack, regarding his current injury situation at Ibrox. 

What’s the latest?

The Rangers central midfielder has posted a promising injury update on social media, sharing an image of his boots covered in mud.

He posted the image on his Instagram story, via Ibrox News, earlier this week with the caption “Nothing feels better than this”, with his muddied boots on the floor of what appears to be the dressing room.

Fans will be buzzing

Rangers fans will surely be buzzing with this fresh update from Jack. His last competitive appearance for the club came back in February of this year, with a calf injury keeping him out of action ever since.

This Instagram post, however, suggests that he is closing in on a return to first-team action as it indicates that he is back out on the grass doing work. Although, it remains to be seen whether he is doing individual training with a fitness coach or taking part in sections of team training with a view to a full return in the coming weeks.

After eight months out, it will not be an instant return for the midfielder. Steven Gerrard will need to ease him back into the flow of things as to not aggravate the injury and cause further problems and setbacks. This means that it could still be a while before fans see him in regular action, although cameo appearances in the Premiership and Europa League could aid his fitness.

Regardless of that, supporters will surely be delighted to see that he is making progress on his recovery. The long-serving midfielder is a quality option for Gerrard to call upon when fit and the fans will be buzzing for him to be back as he bolsters the squad.

Back in 2019, Rangers assistant manager Gary McAllister was effusive in his praise of the midfielder, saying: “For me, he has been unbelievable from day one.

“He has improved no-end, and you are seeing a midfield player gathering loads of information, experience and being given a bit of responsibility he’s maybe not had in the past.”

Jack lived up to this praise with his form in the 2020/21 campaign. In 19 appearances in the Premiership, Jack averaged a sublime SofaScore rating of 7.14 as he made 2.2 tackles and interceptions per game and completed 90% of his passes.

The midfield beast also averaged a score of 7.05 in four Europa League matches. This shows that he has the ability to come back into the side and make an impact in the middle of the park, both domestically and in Europe, which is why Gerrard and the fans will be over the moon with this fresh update on his road to recovery.

AND in other news, Rangers hit the jackpot with “phenomenal” gem whose value has soared 697% in 2 years…

Reliable reporter Fabrizio Romano shared updates on Manchester United trio Bruno Fernandes, Luke Shaw and Paul Pogba on Sunday afternoon.

As to be expected, his social media post received plenty of interaction from a number of United fans.

According to Romano, Fernandes has been United’s ‘priority’ since last July when it comes to offering contract extensions to members of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s squad.

His current deal, which is worth £180,000 per week, runs until 2025, but United are in talks with the 27-year-old’s representatives over an improved salary and possible length of a new contract.

Romano added that Shaw is also on the club’s renewals list, while the Red Devils are also waiting on a response from Pogba over a fresh Old Trafford contract.

The Englishman’s contract has just under two years to run, whereas Pogba could leave for nothing at the end of the season should his situation remain the same.

United fans react

Here is what these Manchester United fans had to say on Twitter in response to Romano’s post, with one labelling it as ‘important news’ as all three are regulars in Solskjaer’s first XI.

“SIUUUUU”

Credit: @Deafeatist

“The brilliant journalism we all needed now”

Credit: @AliInqiad

“Yesss”

Credit: @lmRashford

“Important news”

Credit: @stretford_end

“VIVAAAAA BRUNO”

Credit: @cultrahull

“Couldn’t care less about Pogba. Get Bruno’s and Luke’s sorted @ManUtd”

Credit: @C_Keshav

In other news: ‘Yeeeessss’ – Lots of MUFC fans buzzing over Romano’s update on Amad Diallo

Jurgen Klopp has been sweating over the fitness of Curtis Jones over the last week and in a period where Liverpool have been dealt a fitness blow to Thiago Alcantara, it was crucial that the academy graduate was fit.

Naby Keita scored against Atletico Madrid in midweek but his performance was ultimately poor, being dragged off at half-time in a display that rather summed up his topsy-turvy Anfield career.

Fortunately, it looks as though Jones will be back in the squad after missing the game with Diego Simeone’s side in midweek.

That’s according to Klopp who was speaking in his pre-match press conference a few days before their clash with Manchester United.

In quotes supplied by The Athletic, the German boss said:

“Curtis will train today [Friday]. He should be in contention for Sunday.”

Considering his performances this term, this will come as a huge boost to Liverpool’s chances on Sunday afternoon. Given Thiago’s injury, it will also be a return that delights the Reds’ head coach.

The 20-year-old initially aggravated a problem while playing for England U21s which after really coming into his own over the last few months, represented a cruel blow.

He starred against Porto in the Champions League before the break, supplying two goals. The youngster was also in vibrant form against Manchester City, proving he has what it takes to stand out in the biggest of games.

During that encounter, Jones assisted Mo Salah’s incredible individual goal, completed 93% of his passes and won five defensive duels. That encapsulated the midfielder’s all-round talents.

Those attributes will be crucial if he plays on Sunday, especially against a midfield containing the likes of Paul Pogba and Bruno Fernandes.

Keeping that in mind, Klopp will no doubt be over the moon that one of his most promising players is back fit and ready to go again.

Liverpool have been in imperious form of late and another win over one of their biggest rivals will no doubt send a huge statement out. If they do come away with all three points then it’s likely that Jones will have played a key role.

AND in other news, Body blow: Liverpool suffer huge setback before Man Utd clash, Klopp will be gutted…

Manchester United got back to winning ways on Saturday evening with a 3-0 victory over Tottenham.

Despite the positive result, a number of United supporters hit out at Fred on social media during the game.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer made just two changes in personnel from the 5-0 defeat to Liverpool, but the Red Devils switched to a 3-4-2-1 system.

The Brazilian kept his place in the side for his 11th appearance of the campaign and partnered Scott McTominay in midfield, with Bruno Fernandes more advanced, but statistically the 28-year-old had a game to forget.

As per SofaScore, Fred was comfortably United’s worst-rated starter with a match rating of just 6.3/10. He lost the ball 16 times, lost 15 of his 20 duels, committed four fouls and was dribbled past four times; while his name didn’t crop up once in Sky Sports’ live web commentary on the match, which suggests that he made minimal impact on proceedings.

A number of United fans didn’t like what they saw from the midfielder, who played the entirety of the game in north London.

United fans react to Fred’s performance

Here is what some United supporters had to say about Fred, with one labelling him as ‘garbage’, while others lamented that the Brazilian “isn’t Man Utd level” and could cost the under-pressure Solskjaer his job.

“I repeat, Fred is the weakest link and will cost Ole his job”

Credit: @LeBoisCornes

“Fred is trash! McTominay is more trash!! ”

Credit: @richie_alone

“Fred is a -1. #MUFC play with a -1 every time Fred plays”

Credit: @iamsteezze

“Big performance from most of the players. Fred was garbage as usual. Special mention to Ronaldo. Cavani. McTominay. AWB. Varane”

Credit: @UtdXtra18

“Fred was by far the worst player on the pitch for United today”

Credit: @Branulous1

“I know Fred isn’t Man Utd level and we as #mufc always get frustrated watching him. However, how bad has Lo Celso been for Spurs! IDK what he offers on the pitch and why he gets picked ahead of Ndombele and Ali always”

Credit: @am_Snehadri

Tottenham Hotspur take a break from Premier League action as they look to advance into the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup later this evening.

The north Londoners made the final of the competition last season, where they were beaten by Manchester City, so Nuno Santo will be looking to take this competition seriously but Burnley stand in his way.

Spurs were completely lacklustre against West Ham on Sunday afternoon, so much so that they failed to register a single shot at goal during the second half – a worrying prospect considering they were chasing the game from the 72nd minute.

Harry Kane is out of sorts, having scored just once in seven successive league starts, whilst there appears to be a substantial lack of creativity in attacking midfield, which is why the Portuguese head coach needs to be bold with his selections tonight.

According to the Daily Mail, Dele Alli will not even be named in the squad for their trip to Turf Moor. Perhaps a little surprising considering he is not injured and has not featured in the top-flight since being hooked at half-time against arch-rivals Arsenal.

With a spot up for grabs, Nuno should turn to Bryan Gil for that playmaking spark.

The young Spanish maestro, dubbed a “big talent” by scout Jacek Kulig, is a player said to have “unbelievable amounts of technique”, which is the sort of flair that only Tanguy Ndombele possesses in the final third.

Gil averaged 1.7 crosses and 1.9 key passes per 90 in La Liga last season, via WhoScored, so he certainly appears to be a more creative outlet than most of Nuno’s current options, should he be able to get that back out of him.

Only Heung-min Son has managed to create more key chances on average in the Premier League.

Spurs correspondent Alasdair Gold believes Gil is a player that could eventually fill the gap left behind by Christian Eriksen, he told football.london:

“I think we’re going to see a very talented young player coming to the fore. He’s kind of got a bit of everything: he can pass, he can dribble, he’s very creative, he has clever movement.

“They’ve just got to decide, is he a guy that can ultimately become the new Eriksen, because the more and more I watch him play, I think the ability’s there to do that. Some have even made a Modric comparison and said, maybe he could end up coming even deeper and becoming that kind of player.”

Valued at a remarkable £27m by Transfermarkt, the 20-year-old gem must be unleashed against the Clarets this evening. He could be the one to provide the cutting edge, particularly against a resolute side like this, and if Kane starts, he will need much better service than what he received on Sunday.

Now with Alli absent, it is surely Gil’s time to shine.

AND in other news, Imagine him & Romero: Nuno could form scary Spurs duo by signing 6 ft 5 “Rolls-Royce”…

West Ham United will be looking to put one foot into the Europa League knockout stages with a victory over in Belgium later this evening.

David Moyes and his side face Genk just two weeks after defeating them 3-0 at the London Stadium to go six points clear at the top of Group H.

The Irons boss is facing a number of selection headaches heading into kickoff, particularly as they have the small test of Liverpool on Sunday in the Premier League, where they are currently occupying a spot in the top four.

It could be a wise decision to utilise some rotation, in which Vladimir Coufal must come back into the starting XI, having barely featured since suffering an injury.

The 29-year-old right-back missed the wins over Everton and Spurs before coming off the bench for the final minute during the Hammers’ 4-1 whitewash of Villa at the weekend.

He managed only eight minutes last week when West Ham knocked trophy holders Manchester City out of the Carabao Cup, too.

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Coufal has been Moyes first-choice in the role over the past 18 months, so it would be smart to hand him some valuable minutes in a bid to get him back up to speed quicker.

Ben Johnson has deputised ever so well but you’d imagine the Scotsman will revert back to his Czech Republic beast sooner or later.

The £18m-rated dynamo is a very crucial player to West Ham’s system. Only fellow full-back Aaron Cresswell (eight) provided more assists than him (seven) last season, whilst he is currently averaging 1.9 tackles and 1.1 key passes per game in the Premier League, as per WhoScored.

That sort of skillset could absolutely terrorise the opposition, both in defence and in the final third as he’s physically dominating at the back and can clearly create things past the halfway line.

“He’s just one of those players that’s 7/10 minimum every time you watch him play,” claimed Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher on Monday Night Football [4th May, 22:24pm]. “He’s the type of player you’d love to play with him. A manager’s dream, never injured, he’s there week in week out.”

Also dubbed a “machine” by club captain Mark Noble to ‘That Peter Crouch Podcast’ earlier this year, Coufal should be starting in Belgium this evening as the Irons look to effectively seal qualification into the next round.

AND in other news, West Ham insider delivers worrying Declan Rice transfer claim…

Steven Gerrard has urged Aston Villa chiefs to land Rangers duo Glen Kamara and Nathan Patterson in January, 90min report.

The Lowdown: Huge January transfer kitty

Gerrard completed a move to Villa Park last Thursday, days after Dean Smith was relieved of his duties in the Midlands.

Prior to the 41-year-old’s switch being made official, though, reports believed that Gerrard has been promised a huge transfer kitty by billionaire owners Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens for the upcoming January window.

And it now appears as if Gerrard may well have two main targets in mind from his former employers in Glasgow.

The Latest: Gerrard urges NSWE…

90min shared a story on Sunday, with sources from both sides informing the site that approaches for several Ibrox stars are expected.

Within their report, they suggested that Gerrard has told Villa chiefs not to miss out on either Kamara or Patterson, believing they are both attainable in the New Year in a double deal that would cost more than £30m.

The Verdict: Solid targets…

Patterson can play as a right-back, left-back or even as a right-midfielder and has been watched by the likes of Atletico Madrid, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain recently, so pipping the European giants in the race for the 20-year-old could be a shrewd move in the long run.

Even if the Villans lose him to a ‘bigger’ club in the future, they would surely make a hefty profit given the teams mentioned as suitors.

Meanwhile, it seems as if Villa are fairly short of central midfield options with four senior options alongside two academy graduates, so Kamara could bolster that area of the pitch considerably.

The Finland international can play as a box-to-box or defensive midfielder and was already on Villa’s radar prior to Gerrard’s arrival, so a double deal over the coming months could be a wise move.

Kamara cost the Gers just £50,000 when he moved to Glasgow, so perhaps the chance to make an exponential profit could appeal to Ibrox chiefs.

In other news: ‘Surely we can do better?’ – Many Villa fans urge club not to pursue £12.6m-rated Gerrard target. 

Antonio Conte recorded his first Premier League victory in charge of Tottenham Hotspur as his side came from behind to defeat Leeds United in north London on Sunday evening.

Spurs went into the break trailing by a goal and without a shot on target but came out in the second half as a completely different outfit, with goals from two unlikely sources in Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Sergio Reguilon sealing all three points to make it three games unbeaten under the Italian.

Truth be told, the visitors will return to Yorkshire feeling a little disappointed and gutted as they deserved to come away with at least a point, having racked up more possession and attempts on goal than the home side.

But Conte’s back-three held firm against the weakened Whites, with Eric Dier arguably stealing the show at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

In the absence of Cristian Romero, who missed the match with injury, the English colossus stepped up to be the aggressive ball-playing beast in the heart of the backline.

As per SofaScore, he recorded the most touches (76) in the Spurs team, which only goes to show that the bulk of their play came out through him in the middle of the defence. This was also reinforced by the fact that he managed more passes (53) than any other player in the side, too.

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It was even more impressive that he managed to create one big chance, with one key pass and managed three successful long balls.

Elsewhere, he defended soundly, managing a game-high seven clearances, as well as winning five of his nine duels, both in the air and on the ground, via SofaScore.

Alasdair Gold of football.london was also impressed by the 27-year-old, whom he described as the ‘quarterback’ of the team due to the lack of creativity elsewhere and also claimed that he ‘had more success with his defending though, with little getting past him.’

With Romero expected to be out for a little longer, the £92k-per-week Dier will need to keep to this standard to ensure more positive results under Conte.

So forget the goalscoring Reguilon, who won Sky Sports’ ‘Man of the Match’ award, the English powerhouse arguably stole the show in north London on Sunday.

AND in other news, Spurs could find new Christian Eriksen after January transfer boost…

West Ham are reportedly interested in signing Braga youngster Vitor Oliveira, but they face competition from Premier League rivals Tottenham for his signature.

The Lowdown: Oliveira an emerging talent

The 21-year-old is an exciting young prospect in Portugal, scoring once in two Primera Liga starts so far this season. Also known as Vitinha (not the same one who played for Wolves last season), he struck four goals in Braga’s 6-0 hammering of Santa Clara at the weekend in the Taca de Portugal.

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Oliveira also averaged a 90.9% pass completion rate in his only Europa League appearance in 2021/22 to date, having three shots in that game.

The Portuguese starlet is being linked with a move to England, with West Ham seemingly in the mix to sign him.

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The Latest: West Ham keen on move

According to Calciomercato [via Sport Witness], both West Ham and Spurs are keen on acquiring the Braga attacker’s signature.

The report claimed that the pair are ‘ready to battle’ to sign Oliveira, although it isn’t specified whether the transfer could happen in January or next summer.

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The Verdict: Added squad depth

While Oliveira wouldn’t necessarily come in as a regular starter for West Ham, he is someone who could be a solid backup for Michail Antonio from January onwards.

There may be times when the Jamaica international, who has started 14 of the Irons’ 16 Premier League and Europa League games so far this term, needs to be given a rest as the campaign progresses, at which point the 21-year-old Portuguese gem could fill in and prove his worth.

The fact that he has scored eight goals in just 11 Braga appearances overall suggests that he could be ready to make the step up to the Premier League.

In other news, West Ham have been linked with a move for a striker. Find out who it is here.