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Tottenham Hotspur manager Antonio Conte may now be faced with a big transfer decision this summer as he sets his sights on a key summer signing.

The Lowdown: Conte set for meeting…

The Italian, as he seeks to build upon Spurs’ promising end to 2021/2022. will reportedly demand sufficient backing this summer.

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Reliable journalist Matt Law of The Telegraph, sharing news in mid-week, claims that the former Chelsea boss is set to demand as many as six fresh faces in the next window.

The 52-year-old, according to Law’s information, has his sights on a reserve goalkeeper, centre-back, right wing-back, two midfielders and a forward.

Conte is also set for crunch talks over transfers with chairman Daniel Levy and managing director Fabio Paratici, but if he wants to seal the major signing of a forward, it is believed he will have a big decision to make – potentially involving Steven Bergwijn.

The Latest: Conte may have to sell Bergwijn…

As per The Telegraph, Tottenham’s homegrown quota presents a complication to Conte’s transfer plans, so much so that Law states he is ‘likely to need to offload’ one of Bergwijn or Lucas Moura if he wishes to seal the signing of an overseas forward.

Indeed, if the head coach wants to sign a back-up for star man Harry Kane, he may now have to part company with Lucas or Bergwijn – with Conte calling the latter man ‘important’.

The Verdict: Big decision…

Deciding which player out of Bergwijn or Lucas to sell could be a tough decision, especially considering both men have their merits as back-up stars.

The latter man enjoyed some brilliant outings for Spurs earlier in 2021/2022, coming as a real regular until the last couple of months, meanwhile the same can be said of Bergwijn.

Tottenham’s international winger most notably won an away game at Leicester single-handed, turning the 2-1 score line on it’s head with an added time brace and clinching a 3-2 victory for Conte at the King Power Stadium.

What separates them, we believe, is age as Lucas slowly enters the twilight phase of his career at 29-years-old, while Bergwijn still has plenty of years left at 24.

If Conte wants to sign a new striker, parting company with the Brazilian over Bergwijn could be his best bet.

Called a ‘big-game monster’ for ex-Spurs boss Jose Mourinho, Conte’s versatile attacker may well still have a part to play.

In other news: Tottenham in pole position to sign ‘unreal’ 6 foot 3 powerhouse for Conte, find out more here.

Celtic’s encounter on Thursday evening perfectly epitomised what the Hoops have become in the early stages of Ange Postecoglou’s reign at Parkhead.

The Australian’s philosophy of passing out from the back and pressing from the front is an eye-catching one, but until the defence clicks, the Bhoys will continue to suffer damaging defeats.

This was summed up during their 4-3 loss to Real Betis in the Europa League yesterday evening.

Celtic took a surprising 2-0 lead and looked phenomenal value for that scoreline. They played some swashbuckling attacking football before defensive mistakes once again let them down.

Anthony Ralston worked hard but was caught out for more than one goal while Ismaila Soro lacked discipline and was fortunate not to have been sent off in Seville.

However, if we are looking to pick out positives, the display of new signing Jota will no doubt have left the manager delighted.

This was just the winger’s second appearance since joining the club on loan on transfer deadline day and he showed signs of being a wonderful signing for Celtic.

The tricky winger was a regular outlet on the right-hand side and, on his way to providing a whopping five key passes, picked up an assist for the opening goal.

Jota beat his man with a few step-overs before delivering a tantalising cross that Albian Ajeti couldn’t miss. It was a strike which was initially ruled out for handball but VAR quickly showed that it had bounced off the centre-forward’s chest instead.

The dynamic 22-year-old attacker had the beating of Juan Miranda on a regular basis and completed two of five dribbles attempted.

The Portuguese provided his teammates with three accurate crosses and, on another day, he could have helped himself to a goal.

In the early exchanges, the ball was lofted over to him inside the penalty area but it just bounced away and into Betis goalkeeper Claudio Bravo’s grateful clutches.

However, he could have put the game beyond doubt. Jota found acres of space on the right before darting into the penalty area at 2-0, but Bravo raced out and managed to narrow the angle as one of Celtic’s best openings of the game went begging.

Aside from that, the £3.15m-rated forward was a shining light for Postecoglou’s team. In the words of Stiliyan Petrov, who was providing punditry for BT Sport, the 22-year-old was “outstanding.”

After this performance, the thought of the youngster lining up alongside the likes of Kyogo Furuhashi and Liel Abada is a mouth-watering one.

Celtic have a very exciting talent on their hands here.

AND in other news, 83.3% duels won: Celtic surely regret losing 6ft4 “weapon” after European masterclass…

Many Everton fans have been left buzzing as a transfer update emerged on Jesse Lingard.

As per a report from earlier on in the week from The Birmingham Mail, which has since been shared by Toffee TV on their Twitter page, the Goodison Park faithful have entered the race to try and sign the Manchester United ace, who could be on the move before the summer window shuts.

Lingard made a lasting impression while on loan at West Ham United in the 2020/21 season, scoring no fewer than nine goals and making a further five assists in 16 games in total in the Premier League (Transfermarkt).

He would certainly help ease the burden off of the likes of Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison in terms of goals and assists, and being English, would also help fill the homegrown quota.

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Everton fans on Lingard transfer update

These supporters of the Merseyside club buzzed as the transfer update was shared on Twitter, with one Toffee even going as far as to claim that Lingard is a ‘dangerous’ player:

“If we can fit this within the PLS rules then would be a good addition. Pace and knows where the goal is. Proved at West Ham he’s still dangerous.”

Credit: @BramleyToffee

“I’d have him for the right price, will add pace and goals something we need”

Credit: @PhilRoberts222

“All day!”

Credit: @glennryanefc

“I’m all for this”

Credit: @smythy2

“I would be up for that”

Credit: @JackBrokenshir2

“Take him”

Credit: @jackn2307

In other news, find out what transfer update has Blues talking here!

Shane Long’s market value has plummeted in recent seasons, which suggests that Southampton should have sold him a long time ago.

The Irish forward joined Southampton from Hull City in deal worth around £12m back in 2014 and has gone on to make 227 appearances for the Saints, in which he has contributed a disappointing 35 goals and 26 assists.

His best return for Southampton in the Premier League came in the 2015/16 campaign when he managed 10 goals in the top-flight but since then his goalscoring return has been far from consistent.

In the five top-flight seasons he has featured in since then, he has managed just 12 goals, so it seems baffling that he is still at St Mary’s and it seems clear that the Saints should have sold him back when Transfermarkt valued him at £9m in 2017, as he is now valued at just £1.08m four years on.

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The 34-year-old was surprisingly handed a two-year contract extension in 2020 and after scoring no goals for Southampton since then, he now looks set to leave St Mary’s on a free transfer when his contract expires at the end of this season.

It has been clear for some time now that Long is no longer good enough to be playing for Southampton in the Premier League, with the veteran forward spending the second half of last season on loan with Bournemouth in the Championship and managing just two goals.

Therefore, in retrospect, the club should have definitely looked at selling him back in 2017 when he was valued at a career-high £9m as it certainly hasn’t proven to be worthwhile keeping him at St Mary’s, especially considering he is one of the top earners in Ralph Hasenhuttl’s squad.

Although the 34-year-old may be a good player to have around the dressing room, he has been very disappointing in recent seasons and fans will surely be glad to see him leave at the end of this season.

And, in other news… Bye-bye Forster: Semmens should seal Saints swoop for “exceptional” beast

Crystal Palace confirmed on Monday that stock for the 2021/22 Eagles home shirt will be arriving this week.

And a number of Selhurst Park supporters were quick to flock to the official news on social media.

Palace wore their home strip against Leicester City on Sunday, coming from two goals down to take a point thanks to second-half goals from Michael Olise and Jeffrey Schlupp.

There appears to have been a shortage of stock for fans to pick up a home shirt, with Palace providing an update in September regarding the delay.

However, that is now set to be resolved. Palace revealed on their official Twitter page that stock is arriving in-store this week and presumably sent out in the post for fans who pre-ordered the kit before October 3.

Palace fans react

This is what these Palace supporters had to say in reply to the official post, with many happy and one labelling it as ‘great news’.

“Finally I’ve been waiting months to get the home kit!”

Credit: @alex_westry

“Anyone excited”

Credit: @JoWillis28215

“Whayyyy finally”

Credit: @bradhcpfc

“Nice”

Credit: @englund_elias

“great news”

Credit: @busboy67

“Finally! Only ordered it at the start of august!!”

Credit: @JoeThompson95

In other news: ‘I was told’ – Sky Sports journalist makes huge claim about £18m-rated Crystal Palace gem. 

Manchester City will be forced into selling some first-team players this summer if they are to afford Tottenham Hotspur’s Harry Kane, and Bernardo Silva should be the first to go.

What’s the word?

City have already cashed in on fringe players such as Lukas Nmecha, Jack Harrison and Angelino in order to fund a move for Jack Grealish this summer and Guardiola has suggested that if they are to sign Kane before the window shuts, then some first-team players will have to leave.

The Spanish manager also confirmed that the Portugual winger is keen on a move away from the Etihad, whilst he has been linked with the likes of Atletico Madrid, Bayern Munich and Arsenal so far this summer.

After a disappointing couple of seasons, it is no surprise that the 26-year-old is being touted with an exit, as the addition of Grealish suggests that he will struggle for regular first-team football in Guardiola’s side this season.

Should Bernardo be sold?

Last season saw Silva manage just two goals and six assists in 26 Premier League appearances, averaging a solid 7.07 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

The winger has declined from the 2018/19 season, when he was one of the star performers in Guardiola’s side as they won the title, contributing seven goals and seven assists in 36 top-flight appearances, averaging an impressive 7.26 rating from WhoScored.

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His performances that season earned him some high praise from Guardiola, who said:

“Bernardo is having an incredible season, incredible. In the second half, he played like a holding midfielder.

“A holding midfielder…Bernardo. It doesn’t matter, he fought with Paul Pogba and everyone. It’s not just against United, it’s not just his goal, it’s all the season, it was a masterclass, a masterpiece every single game. It was incredible.”

Unfortunately, the former Monaco man has struggled to stamp his authority on games as much in the past two seasons and his lack of goals and assists mean that Guardiola has better, more consistent options in his squad.

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Therefore, considering he is currently valued at £63m by Transfermarkt, Guardiola should definitely look to sell Silva this summer, as his fee could go a long way towards securing a deal for a world-class striker such as Kane.

And, in other news… Guardiola could be set for huge Man City boost with star, he will “die for the badge”

Newcastle United are reportedly now pushing to sign Matthias Ginter in the January transfer window.

The Lowdown: Centre-back targeted

As previously reported by Craig Hope, Ginter is among three central defenders that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) consortium are now targeting next month, along with Tottenham Hotspur’s Joe Rodon and Lille’s Sven Botman.

As his current deal at Borussia Monchengladbach expires in the summer, it is possible that the St. James’ Park faithful can sign him on a cut-price deal in January, given the risk for the Bundesliga club of losing him on a free transfer otherwise.

Nonetheless, it is clear that the Tyneside outfit now want to bolster a defence that has shipped no fewer than 30 goals in the Premier League so far this season, one of the worst records in the division.

The Latest: Ginter pushed

As per Calciomercato, the North East club are now aggressively making their move to sign Ginter in January after a development ‘in the last few hours’.

However, they are likely to face competition from Inter Milan for his signature.

The Verdict: No-brainer

If the new owners can get Ginter in next month, potentially on the cheap, it would surely be a no-brainer for them.

A centre-back who plays like current PSG player and footballing legend Sergio Ramos, given his leadership qualities, he also possesses the same winning mentality as the Spaniard, given that he has won many trophies on the big stage, including the FIFA World Cup with Germany back in 2014.

A monster at the back, he is averaging more tackles (1.2) in the Bundesliga than all of Eddie Howe’s centre-half options are in the top flight so far this term (WhoScored), and so would really elevate the quality in the team.

The really exciting thing is that Ginter is still only 27 years of age, and so is just about to enter his prime years as a footballer.

Nonetheless, January represents the perfect time for the Magpies to snap him up.

In other news, find out which ‘incredible talent’ Steve Nickson has had a meeting over signing here!

Graeme Jones’ first match in charge of Newcastle United ended in disappointment as their winless start to the Premier League season continued against Crystal Palace with a 1-1 draw.

Christian Benteke fired the hosts in front on 56 minutes before Callum Wilson rescued a draw shortly afterwards with a sensational overhead kick into the top corner. The Magpies remain 19th in the Premier League table and are three points off safety, whilst they are only two points ahead of bottom side Norwich.

One player in particular who let Jones down with his display against the Eagles was Allan Saint-Maximin.

The French winger, who is usually the bright spark for the Magpies, was disappointing throughout the game before being taken off for Joelinton in the second half. Saint-Maximin is used to being the star of the show with his tricky, brilliant performances and has so often been a game-changer for the club, but he was unable to showcase his best qualities in the first match after Steve Bruce’s dismissal.

In the eight games prior to today, he had produced two goals and three assists. This shows that he has the ability to provide quality in the final third, which is why he let Jones down this afternoon with his dreadful showing against Palace.

As per SofaScore, Saint-Maximin lost five of his nine duels, including five of his seven ground duels. He also failed to make a single tackle as he was dribbled past once, with zero clearances or blocks, whilst making just one interception for his team. This shows that he was a lightweight in his defensive duties, allowing Palace to get past him too easily.

On the ball, he was not his usual self either. As per SofaScore, he had a dribble success rate of 0% and only completed five of his 12 attempted passes (42%). The 24-year-old also failed to complete a single cross or long ball and lost possession a whopping 19 times from 31 touches.

Along with his lack of defensive nous, Saint-Maximin was unable to effectively use his dribbling skills to create chances for himself and others. Normally so lively in the final third, he was far from his best today and ended up letting Jones down at Selhurst Park.

AND in other news, Ba 2.0: PIF could land goalscoring sensation with NUFC swoop for “incredible” beast…

Leeds head coach Jesse Marsch will surely be starting to think about what he wants to do with his squad heading into the 2022/23 campaign.

If the Lillywhites can successfully avoid relegation to the Championship in the final month or so of Premier League action then they will be able to reset and go again next term with the aim of competing higher up in the table.

They are nine points clear of the bottom three as it stands and Marsch can start to plan ahead knowing that it is likely they will be in the top-flight for another year.

Imagine him & Joffy

Part of his planning should include what he wants to do with the talented young players at the club and one player he must have big ideas for is young striker Sam Greenwood.

The 20-year-old forward is a bright young prospect and the American coach must pair him with fellow youngster Joe Gelhardt to form a deadly duo at the top end of the pitch.

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Joffy recently commented on their relationship, saying: 

“We’ve got a really good relationship off the field.

“We’re always together and when we’re walking down people will say ‘ooo friends’ and take the mick out of us. We just get on well together and on the pitch, we’re always looking for each other and passing to each other and helping each other out and trying to score goals together, really.”

This shows that they already have a good link-up on and off the pitch, which should help them to form an exciting duo alongside each other in the first team for years to come.

Greenwood has shown flashes of being able to make the step up to the senior squad. He has two assists in three Premier League matches this season, after managing eight goals and five assists in 17 Premier League 2 outings for the U23s.

He has been lavished with praise by former Leeds player Noel Whelan, with the retired forward previously saying: 

“Another player (Greenwood) who possesses an immense amount of ability. To have a weapon like that in your side is great.

“You can see the ability he has but the free-kicks are about the hard work he puts in on the training ground and for that he deserves to be praised.”

These comments show that he also provides a set-piece threat for Leeds, to go along with his goals and assists from open play. Couple that with Gelhardt’s two goals and one assist in two Premier League starts and you have a promising duo to look foward to watching on the pitch…

AND in other news, Orta can form “incredible” duo as Leeds eye £10m sensation who “does everything right”…

Leeds United have been handed a major boost over Joe Gelhardt ahead of their Premier League clash against Watford.

What’s the story?

The Athletic’s Phil Hay has revealed that the Whites starlet is all set to feature at Vicarage Road despite limping out of the under-23s’ victory over Crystal Palace last Monday, handing Jesse Marsch a late boost for the clash against the relegation battlers.

On Thursday, the journalist tweeted: “Gelhardt is yet to train this week but he’s due to train tomorrow and is expected to be available for the Watford game. Marsch says he felt Gelhardt needed game time in the 23s, which is why he played on Monday.”

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Great news for Leeds

Having seen Patrick Bamford go down with injury against Wolves, Marsch had the big decision to make as to who would lead the line against Southampton last time out.

The Whites earned a 1-1 draw against the Saints, but it really showcased why Gelhardt should really be in contention to start up front.

Dan James showed why his lack of natural striking instincts can let him down, with Leeds Live’s Beren Cross giving him a six in his post-match player ratings and saying: “Ran the channels and with the space Leeds had in the first half, James had the pace to get sights of goal. Fraser Forster equal to the lot though. Lacking that composure and close control around the box to keep chances alive for the team. Easily smothered by defenders.”

On the other hand, Gelhardt’s introduction as a substitute gave Leeds a bit more threat and impetus, with Cross noting of the teenager: “Again showed immediately why he’s a natural at the head of the attack. Knows where to place himself, draws fouls, carries the ball, goes past people and gets in the box.”

It was no surprise that Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp has been hugely impressed in what limited game-time the 19-year-old has had so far at Elland Road, saying: “He’s like a human wrecking ball. I like him, he’s really exciting. He’s fast, he’s aggressive, he gets on the ball, he takes people on. Once he gets into the box, he loves it. That’s where he can do most of his damage.”

The news that Gelhardt is expected to be available for the game against Watford is sure to have fans buzzing.

AND in other news – Signed for £5m, now worth 700% more: Orta struck dream Leeds deal with “quality” 22-year-old