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Paulo Dybala is still being targeted by Tottenham Hotspur, according to recent claims…

What’s the word?

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT this week, journalist Pete O’Rourke revealed:

“I think Dybala, [a] long-term target under [Mauricio] Pochettino, I’m sure he will definitely be on the list in the summer but I think lots of clubs in Europe will be interested in the playmaker this summer on a free transfer, potentially.”

The 28-year-old came very close to signing for Spurs during the summer of 2019, only for a deal to fall through at the final hurdle over image rights. He has regularly been linked with a switch ever since then.

Conte needs him

This time, however, he’s a player that Antonio Conte could really do with in north London.

The January transfer window saw the Italian let three, potentially four, of his more creative outlets depart the club in record signing Tanguy Ndombele, Giovani Lo Celso, Dele Alli and Byran Gil.

Not as if any were performing at the level required anyway but there has been a severe lack of imagination in the final third, often leaving the likes of Harry Kane and Heung-min Son to provide for themselves. After all, they led pretty much every attacking department last term.

Again, this season, the South Korean tops the charts for goals scored (eight), assists (three) and key chances created (1.9 per game) in the Premier League, via WhoScored.

Three of the four behind him in the latter regard are defenders, so the likes of Matt Doherty, Emerson Royal and Sergio Reguilon have been more creative than any of the departed quarter, which speaks volumes.

But it does leave Conte without an outlet in the heart of the pitch – something that Dybala could aid and not only that, he’ll provide Kane with some backup, too.

Despite being hampered by injury this campaign, the Juve man has still delivered 11 goals and five assists, averaging a direct contribution once every 101 minutes, as per Transfermarkt.

He was once dubbed an “unbelievable player” who does “breathtaking” things by former Arsenal star Aaron Ramsey, whilst Serie A expert Conor Clancy believes his presence would aid Kane tenfold.

“I feel like he’d be unstoppable with Kane because he’s not a number nine, so he’s got to be playing alongside a striker like that,” he told Football FanCast back in the summer.

The £45m-rated dynamo also possesses a career average of two dribbles and 1.6 key passes per game (via WhoScored) only bolsters his threat, ball playing and carrying ability in the attacking third.

He’s got to be someone that Conte would surely love to sign this summer. He’d be a steal on a free transfer, too.

AND in other news, Conte could take Spurs to the next level by signing £27m-rated “leader” who he’d love him…

Alan Nixon has revealed what he has now heard about Newcastle United’s January transfer plans.

The Lowdown: Tarkowski signing?

James Tarkowski has been linked with a move to St James’ Park after the takeover was completed by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) consortium. The Daily Telegraph’s Luke Edwards revealed last month that the Magpies hierarchy are expected to make the Burnley defender one of their first signings, with the 29-year-old understood to be keen on a move to the northeast.

However, Nixon has now revealed the latest on Newcastle’s winter plans, including their hope to sign players in the Premier League.

The Latest: Premier League difficulties

Replying to a fan on Twitter asking if the Magpies will try and sign Tarkowski, Nixon has revealed that it is ‘going to be hard’ for them to sign players from the top flight.

The Sun journalist has also heard that the new owners at St James’ Park are ‘very busy abroad’ when it comes to potential new signings in January.

The Verdict: Annoying

It will certainly be annoying for the Toon Army if they cannot sign Tarkowski or any players from the Premier League when the winter window opens.

Players who know the league well are so valuable as they know what to expect, as opposed to someone coming in from abroad who has never experienced the intensity of the division.

However, Newcastle could still sign some absolute gems from outside the English top flight, with the likes of Ronald Araujo and Ousmane Dembele recently being linked from Barcelona.

Nonetheless, it will certainly be interesting to see what calibre of player they can attract in a relegation battle.

In other news, these were Newcastle’s three worst players against Arsenal

As per a fresh claim from Italy, West Ham United are now one of the many sides tracking Sassuolo forward Filip Djuricic.

The Lowdown: Newman eyes new attackers?

Since the appointment of new recruitment chief Rob Newman, there have been no shortage of links to new attackers at the London Stadium.

Not just out and out strikers, but also forwards out wide – with the Irons also apparently eyeing promising Belgium international Charles De Ketelaere.

Now, it appears Newman has eyes on another winger out of Serie A.

The Latest: West Ham join Djuricic race…

According to Calciomercato, West Ham have now joined the race to sign Djuricic and have become one of the many sides keeping tabs on his performances.

As well as the Hammers, Southampton, Shakhtar Donetsk, Inter Milan, AC Milan and Napoli are also in the mix.

They have apparently been put on red alert now especially with the Serbia international’s contract set to expire in 2022 as it stands.

The Verdict: Get it done?

The 29-year-old, who has averaged more completed dribbles than star West Ham attacker Michail Antonio this season, could come as a fruitful option on a free deal.

Amassing 34 international caps, he was once even likened to Johan Cruyff.

While those comparisons have died down, his impressive rate of two shots on goal per 90 point towards the player still possessing that distinct threat in the final third.

It all depends on whether manager David Moyes can see his side bag Djuricic among a host of interested parties.

In other news: ‘Disgrace’, ‘Get him gone’…West Ham fans slam ‘painful player’ after ‘shocking’ Genk display, find out more here.

Nathan Patterson may be open to leaving Rangers and joining Everton as he struggles to dislodge James Tavernier. 

That’s according to BBC Radio pundit Noel Whelan, who was speaking to Football Insider.

The lowdown

Patterson has been limited to just two starts in Rangers’ first 20 Premiership matches this season, with Tavernier selected for the other 18. Indeed, more than a quarter of his total game-time so far in 2021/22 has come in the Scottish League Cup.

The Athletic’s Jordan Campbell has written that ‘figuring out how to use Nathan Patterson’ is one of the key challenges facing Giovanni van Bronckhorst at Ibrox. The youngster has started just two of the Dutchman’s nine matches in charge so far.

Everton made two attempts to sign the 20-year-old last summer and are expected to renew their pursuit when the January transfer window opens next week (via The Guardian).

The latest

Whelan reckons that Patterson could succeed 33-year-old Seamus Coleman at Goodison Park or even slot in at left-back after Lucas Digne reportedly fell out with Rafael Benitez.

The former Aberdeen striker added that, while the youngster has looked a ‘top talent’, the presence of Tavernier limits his prospects at Rangers.

Whelan told Football Insider: “Obviously we know that Seamus Coleman isn’t getting any younger in that right-back spot. There’s also an opportunity for him on the left with the Lucas Digne situation, he could fill in there.

“He’s played there for Rangers recently. Even though he’s a top talent, it’s bound to be hard to get in the side ahead of the skipper, James Tavernier.

“We’ve seen him really impress for Scotland as well and he’s shown he can be a brilliant attacking talent as well on international duty. From what I know, he’s got a lot of potential.”

The verdict

You can see why Van Bronckhorst may be reluctant to leave Tavernier on the bench or alter his position. The skipper has recorded more goal involvements (14) than anybody else in the Gers squad from his right-back berth.

Indeed, if you go by WhoScored metrics, he has been Rangers’ highest-performing player this season, averaging a rating of 7.79/10.

Intriguingly, Van Bronckhorst managed to fit both players into the team against Dundee United recently by selecting Patterson on the left. Perhaps he’ll need to do that more often in the interests of the youngster’s development and indeed his transfer value.

In other news, many Rangers fans gushed over this Allan McGregor claim

Plenty of Aston Villa fans have been giving their thoughts to Dean Smith’s reaction to Sunday’s defeat to Tottenham on social media.

Villa, who were once again without captain Jack Grealish, suffered a 2-0 defeat to Jose Mourinho’s men at Villa Park.

Worrying Villa form without Grealish

Goals from Carlos Vinicius and a Harry Kane penalty proved to be the difference, with the result leaving Smith’s side in 10th place.

In the games for which Grealish has been out injured, Villa have picked up just five points from a possible 18, scoring three times – leaving them in 14th place in the form table.

Villa fans react

The club shared Smith’s post-match thoughts late on Sunday night on their official Twitter page. He addressed his views on the performance, as well as Grealish’s absence in the clip, which has been viewed more than 24,000 times.

The manager insisted that there were some “good bits” from his team and was pleased with their play up to the final third. He added that players “have to look in the mirror” at spurned opportunities and goals conceded, and that he and the coaching team are “always taking lessons” from poor results.

This is what these supporters had to say to the footage, with some not happy with the comments from the Villa boss.

“Broken record…”

Credit: @terryreid2

“Get him out of my club. Poison”

Credit: @villaiiin7

“Sounds defeated to me”

Credit: @SmithLovelace

“Do something different Deano, the fans know your subs before you make them. Surely the opposition are too”

Credit: @liam_avfc2012

“Lampard in before it’s too late”

Credit: @UTVGAVIN1874

“I don’t have to listen to it to know what he said and know I will be bored by what he said. It’s been the same for weeks now.”

Credit: @Bosey82

In other news: Villa handed possible Grealish transfer boost as club eye £50m alternative, find out more here. 

Fans of Liverpool have been reacting to a post on Twitter, which relayed a report regarding Liverpool’s alleged interest in a summer move for Aaron Ramsey.

According to a report by CalcioMercato (via The Express), Ramsey could be set for a return to Premier League football in the shape of a move to Liverpool, who are facing the prospect of losing Georginio Wijnaldum on a free transfer when his contract expires on Merseyside this summer.

It is said that a move for the £187,000-per-week Juventus midfielder, who has scored two goals and registered four assists over his 18 Serie A appearances so far this season, would suit Jurgen Klopp’s side, due to the 30-year-old’s “potential availability” and “proven Premier League quality”.

However, after Empire of the Kop relayed the reports on Twitter, fans of Liverpool flocked to have their say on the matter, with many appearing to be distraught at the prospect of the Reds making a move for Ramsey this summer, brandishing the news ‘ridiculous’ and ‘silly’.

So, what exactly did these Liverpool fans have to say in reaction to the reports regarding Aaron Ramsey?

“A serious club wouldn’t get a finished player such as this one.”

@SheikhSadio

“Silly to replace Gini with a player the same age, on ridiculous wage & injury prone. Nar, we should pass.”

@AngryLittleMan1

“Too injury prone, no point.”

@Evans_sly

“This guy is broken more times than Matip!”

@76Hangman

“Last thing we need is another sick note.”

@haggisjoseph

“Absolutely not.”

@MattMumford

“NO.”

@ejaz_k_

“Gets to many injuries.”

@mucko7416

In other news: these Liverpool fans were left appalled by this “depressing” transfer news – find out more here!

Everton are reportedly now in fresh talks to sign Brennan Johnson in the summer.

The Lowdown: Standout season

The Welshman is certainly having a standout season at Nottingham Forest, where he has managed no fewer than 15 goals and a further nine assists in the Championship so far (Transfermarkt), playing a big part in their promotion push.

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He has recently picked up the division’s Young Player of the Season award, and at just 20 years of age, his ceiling is quite high.

The Latest: Everton talks with Johnson

As per The Independent, Johnson’s representatives have held ‘productive meetings’ with Everton ‘in the last week’, although their ability to sign him may depend on whether they avoid relegation from the Premier League.

Brentford have already offered personal terms to the Wales international, while Leicester City, Newcastle United and Villarreal are also interested in his signature.

Johnson is ‘unlikely’ to sign a new deal at Forest unless they get promoted, with his current contract set to expire in 2023. He is ‘expected’ to go for a fee of between £20m and £25m, should they end up selling him this summer.

The Verdict: Sign him

Johnson is one of the rising stars of British football, so it would be a real coup for the Toffees if they can attract him to Merseyside, especially with the spectre of relegation a clear and present threat.

Described as a ‘different animal’ on the pitch by Paul Bodin, who worked with him when in charge of Wales’ under-19s and later with the under-21s, Johnson seemingly has the fire in his belly to make something happen for his team, which is the kind of character that Frank Lampard’s side could really use right now.

Nonetheless, perhaps with a few players sold, £20m-£25m should be an affordable price range for Everton.

In other news, these were Everton’s three worst performers against Liverpool

Some Arsenal fans were left blasting the display of Cedric against his old club Southampton in their side’s 1-0 away loss in the FA Cup at St. Mary’s Stadium.

Although there were many poor performances for Mikel Arteta’s team, Cedric, in particular, flattered to deceive some members of the Emirates Stadium faithful.

The 29-year-old lost out on four of his duels and also failed to block any shots or make any tackles against the Saints (Sofascore).

He also lost possession of the ball no fewer than 23 times in the game, which was the most out of any of his teammates to have set foot on the pitch, earning him a quite measly 6.5 overall rating on Sofascore, the joint-second worst out of any Gunners player.

Arsenal fan reaction to Cedric display

These Gooners blasted his performance on Twitter, with one AFC supporter even going as far to claim that the Portugal international is ‘awful’:

“I would really like to see Willian or Pepe deliver a statement performance in a game like this, but both remain short of form and confidence. Cedric was very poor playing on the opposite side. Nketiah had to do more with the chances he had #SOUARS”

Credit: @guyberes

“A terrible, horrible, no-good, very bad match. Willian should never see the pitch again. Any Sunday League player could put in better crosses than Cedric. An absolutely woeful, sloppy, flaccid performance. #DoBetter #SOUARS #FACup”

Credit: @Benzaiohio

“Holding’s awful, Cedric’s awful, Xhaka’s awful, Willian’s awful, Pepe’s awful, Elneny’s awful #SOUARS”

Credit: @Covill44

“Willian, Cedric and Pepe should all be sold. No intent, no idea, simply wasting time by strolling on the pitch. #SOUARS #FACup #Arsenal”

Credit: @Sandesh_Ulloor

“Can we get rid of the useless Willian, dancing aimlessly Pepe and clueless Cedric already. #SOUARS”

Credit: @mwaura24

“Get Cedric off the pitch, I feel sick watching him #SOUARS”

Credit: @AinsSzn

In other news, find out who else was slammed for his display here!

In all the delight of Aston Villa’s impressive win away from home at Spurs in the Premier League, the most eye-catching feature was no doubt the debuts of both Carney Chukwuemeka and Jaden Philogene-Bidace.

Dean Smith embraced the opportunity to hand a couple of Villa’s standout academy players a chance to take to the field in the top flight, and with the final day now upon us, it’s surely time for the manager to hand them a start.

While all the talk has been about Chukwuemeka – understandable given his superb performances in the FA Youth Cup – Philogene-Bidace is also pushing hard to make his mark on the first team.

The 19-year-old has been in fine form this season for the club’s under-23s, scoring five goals in just 14 games at Premier League 2 level, as well as providing three assists. That’s not to mention the superb hat-trick he scored on his England under-19 debut back in November.

His former coach Ahmed Abdulla has raved about his ability as an out-and-out winger, who – judging by the coach’s comments – someone who seems perfectly ready to grab his opportunity in the top flight.

Abdulla said: “He can come inside or go on the outside. The model winger. He hugs the touchline and can beat his man. (He’s) Very confident and very light on his feet and skips past tackles, not one of them that gets hit and goes down. He bounces off tackles. He’s very strong and outstanding in one-v-ones.”

With nothing but pride at stake for Villa, Smith must go one step further than he did last week and give Philogene-Bidace the chance to start from the off against Chelsea.

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It would be an exciting end to what has been a fine Premier League season for Villa.

Meanwhile, Villa are eyeing a summer move for this Scottish star…

Former Leeds United goalkeeper Paul Robinson believes it would be an ‘absolute disaster’ if Marcelo Bielsa took over at Tottenham this summer.

The Lowdown: Priceless figure at Leeds

The Whites are in the middle of a special period in their history, having finally returned to the Premier League this season.

Bielsa has been the undoubted key reason for Leeds’ success, transforming the club’s fortunes and playing an exciting brand of high-energy attacking football.

Worryingly, the Argentine is yet to commit his future to the club for another year, with his current deal expiring at the end of June.

The Latest: Robinson bemoans Bielsa rumour

Tottenham have been linked with acquiring Bielsa’s services and bringing him as their new manager, following Jose Mourinho’s departure earlier in the year.

Speaking to Football Insider, Robinson admitted it was exciting from a Spurs perspective, but disastrous for anyone of a Leeds persuasion:

“From a Spurs point of view, I would love to see Bielsa there.

“When you compare the Spurs and Leeds squad there is not much comparison, and that is no disrespect to the Leeds squad. Tottenham’s squad is made up of top international players.

“Look at what Bielsa got from that group of Leeds players in the Championship, it makes you wonder what he could get from those Spurs players. It could be unbelievable.

“From a Leeds point of view though it would be an absolute disaster. It really would.

“He would be a very shrewd appointment but I don’t think they’ve got any chance of luring him away.”

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The Verdict: Too loyal to leave

The thought of Bielsa suddenly leaving Leeds is a horrendous one, considering he has been the catalyst for such a memorable few years at Elland Road.

Losing him now, at a point when the Whites are primed for a possible European push next season, would be extremely hard to come back from, such is his level of influence.

Bielsa is a fiercely loyal, principled character, however, so it would be a big surprise if he didn’t extend his stay and moved to north London instead.

In other news, one Leeds player has been blasted for his recent behaviour. Find out who it is here.