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Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips could the subject of a transfer offer from Manchester United following the appointment of Erik ten Hag as manager. 

That’s according to Paul Hirst and Pol Ballus for The Times.

The lowdown

Phillips has come through the academy at Leeds United and established himself as a key figure, reaching 228 appearances for the club at the age of 26 and bagging 14 goals.

His £38,000-per-week contract – hardly impressive wages given his impact as a now England superstar – is due to expire at the end of the 2023/24 season.

Transfermarkt rate Phillips as the most valuable player at Elland Road with an estimated value of £45million, £4.5million more than winger Raphinha.

It could be the most lucrative sale in Leeds’ history, eclipsing Rio Ferdinand’s £41.4million move to Old Trafford in 2002.

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The latest

Hirst tweeted on Friday morning that Man. United had granted Ten Hag a ‘£120m budget to save’ the ‘broken’ Red Devils.

In the attached story for The Times, published late on Thursday evening, he and Ballus write that Phillips is ‘viewed as a possible alternative’ to West Ham midfielder Declan Rice.

Man. United have apparently been ‘put off’ by The Hammers’ £150million demands, with Phillips a cheaper plan B.

The verdict

It would certainly hurt to lose Phillips, who has been dubbed ‘phenomenal’ and ‘extraordinary’ by former England boss Fabio Capello and was named men’s player of the year for his country in 2021.

Leeds could reinvest the funds, but the problem is that he’s not the only star attracting interest.

Transfer insider Dean Jones says that ‘big clubs’ are also eyeing Raphinha ahead of the summer transfer window.

Losing both in one summer could be destabilising for the club ahead of Jesse Marsch’s first full season in Yorkshire, so don’t be surprised to see them dig in and resist offers for at least one of the players.

In other news, this Leeds man’s loan spell is now a disaster. 

Responding to reports of unrest from Spurs players over Nuno Espirito Santo’s management, Alasdair Gold has dropped his own claim in a football.london Q&A.

The Lowdown: Spurs players unsettled under Nuno?

As per The Independent, just a few months into his reign, some Spurs players appear unhappy with life under Nuno despite an originally brilliant start to the season.

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After picking up the Premier League Manager of the Month award for August, Tottenham have slumped to three defeats in their last three league games by sizeable margins to a plethora of their London rivals.

As such, journalist Miguel Delaney has now revealed that those close to the Spurs squad aren’t impressed – with one quote claiming him to be “some of the worst of Mourinho without the medals”.

The Latest: Gold drops claim…

Responding to these reports when asked by a Spurs fan if Nuno has already lost the dressing room, Gold pleaded to be ‘wary’ of players or agents moaning about coaches.

“I’m so wary of players or agents moaning about managers,” he explained in a football.london Q&A.

“It’s a worrying theme, particularly at Tottenham, and Pochettino, Mourinho, Mason and now Nuno have all had sniping behind the scenes, presumably from those who aren’t playing.

“At some point, we have to look at the players and why the ‘go to’ option is to moan about the manager. How many managers do the club have to go through before the players are happy? Perhaps it says more about them than those brought in to manage them.”

The Verdict: Reoccurring problem…

As explained by Gold, the issue of unrested Spurs players has become a reoccurring theme and one suffered by a plethora of managers since Pochettino left the club in 2019.

Certain sections of the Lilywhites squad must now take blame in what is looking more and more like a toxic environment at Hotspur Way.

The fickle nature of football could mean the mood surrounding Spurs and Nuno could change in a matter of weeks depending on results and if his playing style notably improves.

However, as it stands, it appears the 47-year-old is the latest in a long line of managerial scapegoats.

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

Luke Edwards has dropped a worrying claim involving Newcastle United and the chances of late transfer business.

The Lowdown: Low-budget deals

The St. James’ Park faithful have been linked with a number of low-budget deals involving players such as Hamza Choudhury, Mouctar Diakhaby and Lee Kang-In.

However, with only a few days left until the summer window ends, they need to seriously get a move on if anyone else is planned to arrive in the North East.

The Latest: Edwards on transfer

Writing in his official Twitter page, Edwards has claimed that now ‘there is a growing possibility’ that the Tyneside club will not add any more players to the squad before the deadline hits.

This is because the Magpies are saying that ‘there isn’t money to do it’, even on loan, meaning that they may need to sell players first.

The Verdict: Worrying

It is certainly worrying to hear for the Toon Army that they may not be able to bring anyone else in before the deadline.

Joe Willock has been the only player that has been brought in on a permanent deal so far from Arsenal, and he was in the squad last season anyway, albeit on loan.

Nonetheless, serious questions will need to be asked of the board and Mike Ashley in particular that Steve Bruce is not been given more money to spend in this window.

In other news, find out whose display against Southampton was criticised here!

An update has emerged on Rangers transfer target Jed Wallace, regarding his contract situation at Championship side Millwall.

What’s the talk?

According to Football League World, Rangers target Jed Wallace is increasingly unlikely to sign a new deal with Millwall as the Championship outfit continue to struggle to agree terms with him.

The report claims that Rangers, Celtic and West Ham are among the teams keen on the winger, who is out of contract at the end of the campaign.

Excitement

Rangers fans will surely be excited after reading this update on Wallace’s future. It appears as though the chances of him signing an extension with Millwall are slim, which means that the Gers would be able to snap him up on a pre-contract deal in January should he be interested in moving to Scotland.

Steven Gerrard could land him on a free transfer next summer and add a quality midfielder to his squad without paying a penny in transfer fees. This is why supporters will be excited, as the club could be inching closer to securing a bargain deal for a talented forward.

Millwall manager Gary Rowett once heaped praise on the ex-Portsmouth winger, saying: “It seems Jed Wallace is instrumental in everything we achieve at the moment. His recent stats are unbelievable.”

His statistics for Millwall in the Championship back up these claims from Rowett. He has three goals and three assists in eight games this term, having managed 11 goals and five assists last season.

Wallace also racked up 10 goals and 13 assists in the 2019/20 second-tier campaign, showing that he has the quality to score and assist goals on a regular basis.

Rangers fans will be buzzing to read that he looks set to leave Millwall on a free transfer, as it opens the door for the Gers to swoop in. If he does make a move up north and goes on to translate his form for the Lions up to Scotland then he could be a valuable asset in the final third for Gerrard.

AND in other news, McAllister drops fresh update on “outstanding” Rangers gem that’ll leave fans buzzing…

Many Everton fans have been left buzzing as some news emerged involving Richarlison.

The Goodison Park faithful tweeted a few images of the former Watford ace, confirming he is ‘back in full training’, in what has of course come as a mighty relief to a lot of Merseyside club supporters.

Given that Rafa Benitez has been dealt a double blow with the latest injury news on both Abdoulaye Doucoure and Dominic Calvert-Lewin, it is certainly positive to hear of Richarlison’s return.

The Brazil international has been such a not yet scored for his new club.

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Everton fans on Richarlison news

These Blues were left buzzing as Richarlison’s return was revealed on Twitter, with a few EFC supporters claiming that it is ‘good news’:

“Things you love to see”

Credit: @JMarleyWrites

“Good news from Everton. Inject it”

Credit: @mannie_efc

“Finally some good news”

Credit: @EFC_Eve

“At last, some good injury news!”

Credit: @BlueAndy81

“Proper sight for sore eyes that!”

Credit: @RockfallDCUO

“The league is shaking right now”

Credit: @RicharlisonR9

In other news, find out what transfer news has Evertonians fuming here!

Speaking on live TV (via Football Daily), Sky Sports have now dropped a Tottenham Hotspur transfer claim involving Chelsea defender Kurt Zouma.

The Lowdown: Spurs in centre-back chase…

It has been reported that Spurs are looking into signing another defender this summer even after completing a deal for 2020/2021 Serie A MVP award-winning defender Cristian Romero.

Claims emerged earlier this week of their renewed interest and contacts for Takehiro Tomiyasu, with managing director Fabio Paratici eager to land another defensive option for Nuno Espirito Santo.

They have also been in talks to sign Fiorentina defender Nikola Milenkovic (Sky Sports), with Sky now bringing news as Spurs eye another West Ham United target.

The Latest: Sky drop live TV claim involving Zouma and Spurs…

As per the broadcast giant, via Football Daily’s post, Tottenham are now interested in signing Zouma this summer as they bring a transfer update out of N17.

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“Tottenham are interested in signing Chelsea defender Kurt Zouma,” Sky explained.

“He’s one of a number of defenders the club are looking at.”

The Frenchman now joins a growing list of Spurs transfer targets for the central defensive area as Paratici eyes yet more reinforcements to protect goalkeeper Hugo Lloris.

The Verdict: Great option, but unlikely…

Lauded as a ‘beast of a player’ by Premier League legend John Terry (Instagram Live via Tribuna), Zouma arguably has the ability to succeed at Tottenham.

Standing at a lofty 6 foot 3, the 26-year-old averaged a higher pass accuracy (90.9%) than any Spurs player in the English top flight last year – highlighting his real composure passing out from the back (WhoScored).

However, Chelsea and Tottenham’s unwillingness to do business is well documented so it is difficult to see this transfer coming off as a result.

In other news: 66-cap ace pushed closer to leaving Tottenham, Nuno leaves him out of ECL squad…find out more here.

Everton have confirmed that they have sacked their manager Rafa Benitez this afternoon after just six months in charge.

The Spaniard conceded his tenth defeat in the Premier League yesterday when the side lost to bottom of the league, Norwich City, and already names are being thrown into the hat for the next manager to take on the challenge at Goodison Park.

What’s the word?

Sky Sports journalist, Ben Ransom, has named three managers that are speculated to take over at the club live from the Everton training ground this afternoon, with Wayne Rooney, Frank Lampard and Roberto Martinez all being named as potential suitors.

Ransom spoke live on Sky Sports News on Sunday to speculate on the favourite successors;

“Obviously, Wayne Rooney has been linked straight away, given the relative success he’s managing to have at Derby.”

“Frank Lampard, out of work, his name is always mentioned when a Premier League job comes around.”

“I know that, here at Everton, there are still a lot of admirers for Roberto Martinez, he was in the frame when Benitez was given this job in the summer.”

Everton released a statement this afternoon confirming that a permanent replacement will be made in due course.

Fans will be buzzing

It’s safe to say fans will be buzzing that Benitez has been sacked with immediate effect, with protests planned, banners flown and even attempts to get to the manager in the dugout all being displayed by the Toffees fans over the course of this season.

Rooney is a clear fan favourite for the job, with many fans taking to social media to share their thoughts on appointing the Derby manager, one fan commented:

“This was always going to end in tears, I think the next @Everton manager should be the man who’s worked wonders @dcfcofficial in difficult circumstances and is a bonafide Toffees legend, the one and only @WayneRooney.”

Whoever takes over has a challenge on their hands to change the direction Everton have been heading in this season so far, with the club only picking up only five points from a possible 30 in their last 10 games under the Spaniard.

As a result, they are currently six points shy of the relegation zone, with a huge U-turn needed immediately for the club to have their season saved, so there will be big pressure to make an instant impact for the new manager.

Rooney lacks experience but he has already shown at Derby that he’s capable of reviving a club in troubled waters. With the Rams, he is providing them with a hope of Championship survival despite a haul of 21 points being deducted.

They are now off the bottom, however, on a five-match unbeaten streak. He has worked wonders and it would take something similar to wake the Toffees from their slumber. Perhaps he is the man to do so, therefore.

In other news: Doucoure wanted by Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid

Newcastle United are facing a major injury worry over Joe Willock ahead of their Premier League clash against Wolves on Friday night.

What’s the story?

Writing on Twitter, journalist Craig Hope revealed: “Joe Willock a doubt for Friday’s visit of Wolves with a knee injury, opening door for Bruno’s first home start. Also understand Kieran Trippier will miss Wolves & Leicester but there remains hope he’ll be back this month.”

Worrying news for Howe

While seeing Willock complete the full 90 minutes against Spurs may have offered some hope that the injury he sustained was nothing too serious, Hope’s update is certainly a worrying one for the Magpies boss.

Speaking later in his pre-match press conference on Thursday, Howe delivered a further update on Willock’s condition.

He said: “Joe Willock has had a slight knee problem for a couple of weeks. He’s become a bit more aware of it in training so it’s something we need to stay on top of. We’ll make a late call on him. We don’t think it’s anything serious.”

Despite not seeing Willock hit the heady heights of last season, when he scored eight goals in just 14 Premier League games for the club following his loan move to St James’ Park, the England youth international still offers that box-to-box presence and dynamism from midfield.

The 5-1 defeat to Spurs last time out just raised a sliver of doubt over whether the Magpies have well and truly escaped from the relegation battle this season, especially with Burnley’s seismic 3-2 victory over Everton on Wednesday night.

The result in Lancashire has meant both Burnley and Everton are just seven and six points behind the Magpies respectively, having also played a game less than the Tyneside club too.

Injuries at this stage of the season, and with so much on the line too, can be incredibly taxing for managers, and for Howe, being without one of his key first-team options in midfield in Willock is something that will worry him ahead of tomorrow night.

AND in other news, Wood upgrade: PIF will be having NUFC nightmares after missing out on £20m “cult hero”…

Newcastle find themselves in a precarious position in the Premier League as they head into the last international break of 2021.

The Magpies are 19th in the table and are the only side in the division yet to win a single match, with 20th-placed Norwich on one win below them.

Eddie Howe has been officially unveiled as the new manager of the club following Steve Bruce’s exit last month and faces the unenviable task of attempting to rescue the situation over the coming months.

Dreadful

One player who has contributed to the club’s poor form this season has been Brazilian attacker Joelinton, who has been dreadful in the Premier League when called upon.

Out of all the outfield players who have started a league match this term, only Ryan Fraser and Jonjo Shelvey have averaged lower SofaScore ratings than Joelinton – 6.55. He has played ten games, starting just five, in the top-flight and has averaged 52 minutes per match.

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In that time, per SofaScore, he has lost possession of the ball a whopping 110 times. This means that he has lost the ball once every 4.7 minutes for the Magpies, which works out at roughly 19 concessions per 90.

Couple this with his lack of quality in the final third and you have a player who struggles at both sides of the game for Newcastle. He has zero goals and one assist this season, with 0.6 key passes and 0.4 shots on target per game, via SofaScore. This shows that he is not providing the goods at the top end of the pitch to make up for his lapse play in possession.

Magpies legend Alan Shearer once stated that he finds the forward ‘frustrating’ and lamented the Brazilian’s poor first touch. He said: “A lot of money he cost and he finds it really difficult. His touch is really poor and he hasn’t posed a threat.

“It’s been really frustrating watching him. I actually feel sorry for him because when the ball goes to him, it’s bouncing off him and he’s offering nothing going the other way, also.”

These comments may have come midway through last season, but they are still applicable today as his statistics show that he has not come good at St. James’ Park.

Shearer’s reference to his poor touch could be why he loses possession of the ball far too often, whilst his creative and shooting statistics align with his claim that he does not pose a threat to the opposition.

Therefore, Joelinton has been dreadful for the Magpies in the top-flight and replacing him could be one of Howe’s first tasks in the January transfer window, unless there is a sudden upturn in form over the next couple of months.

AND in other news, PIF plotting swoop for “outstanding” £67k-p/w gem, he’d solve Howe’s major NUFC issue…

Prospective Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag wants to make Monaco’s Aurelien Tchouameni one of his first signings at the club, according to ESPN journalists Rob Dawson and Julien Laurens. 

The lowdown

The Athletic’s David Ornstein revealed on Tuesday evening that Ten Hag has verbally agreed to become the next permanent manager at Old Trafford.

And ESPN believe an official announcement could be made before the end of the month.

Tchouameni is a 22-year-old France international whose primary position is defensive midfield.

He’s under contract at the Stade Louis II until the end of the 2023/24 season.

The latest

Dawson and Laurens write that United have been ‘finalising shortlists’ in their target positions ahead of the summer transfer window.

Ten Hag ‘will be allowed’ to present his own list of options as he looks to put his stamp on the squad and Carrington sources have told the outlet that he’s ‘keen’ on bringing Tchouameni to Old Trafford.

Monaco are apparently willing to listen to offers in the region of £49.7million-£58million.

Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea are also interested, but Tchouameni would prefer to move away from Ligue 1, and the ‘uncertainty’ over the ownership at Stamford Bridge could harm the Blues’ cause.

The verdict

Signing Tchouameni would get the Ten Hag regime off to an excellent start.

He won the official Ligue 1 Young Player of the Year award in 2020/21, a clear indication of his immense promise.

And he’s continued to shine this season, winning four WhoScored Man of the Match awards, as many as PSG duo Lionel Messi and Neymar combined.

Tchouameni looks like an exceptionally well-rounded midfielder, ranking in the 74th percentile or better (relative to positional peers) for dribbles, progressive passes, tackles and interceptions (via FBRef).

He’s of a similar profile to the likes of Liverpool’s Thiago Alcantara and Real Madrid’s Casemiro.

Journalist Zach Lowy has declared him ‘one of the best young midfielders on the planet’, a glowing endorsement indeed.

In other news, Rangnick could be without an ‘extremely valuable’ player for a month.