Jan Vertonghen departure would leave Tottenham in the lurch

After a brief hiatus from the market, Tottenham’s activity in the next transfer window will shape the club’s performances in years to come.

If you asked your average Tottenham fans if they would have rather signed a new player or had a cheese room included in their brand-new stadium, the answer would be ‘yes’ every single time; the same goes for the microbrewery, in-house bakery (?), USB ports in seats, heated seats, and sky lounge.

The season has been going extremely well all things considered.

A non-existent budget has meant that the only transfer activity fans have seen is players leaving the club – but they are still in the running for the Champions League title and a Premier League top four spot, and that is probably what has kept them from rioting.

There is no excuse next season, however.

With the stadium is due to complete soon, the Spurs faithful will be expecting some serious business as a reward for their patience, and that means scarifying some of their current talent for some fresh faces.

One of those players who could see their head turned by a move away is Jan Vertonghen, with Matt Law’s Daily Telegraph briefing suggesting he could ‘consider his options’ if a bid were to come in, as he approaches the closing stages of his contract with the club. The Belgium international has been an absolute serviceman for the club since joining from Ajax back in 2012 and has actually seen his contract extended quite recently (as per the club’s official website) but Law’s briefing is certainly interesting.

However, now heading into the twilight years of his career, the 31-year-old may reportedly have his head turned by other clubs, as would anyone at his age.

The impact of any Vertonghen exit on the club’s form when moving to their new home could be quite significant. He played a huge part in the unbeaten home campaign during the final season at the original White Hart Lane and his stoic presence in the backline would be a welcome sight at the new home.

Clearly, there are going to be some early teething stages when it comes to moving stadiums. Spurs proved that with Wembley and, while the situation may not get quite as bad as West Ham’s struggles in the London Stadium, all hands will need to be on deck to ensure the transition is as easy as possible.

Considering Toby Alderweireld’s future at the club is also in doubt – sitting on a £25 million buyout clause – this leaves Tottenham with only two viable defensive options in Juan Foyth and Davinson Sanchez. Good players in their own right, yes, but lacking the experience and quality needed to drive Spurs forward.

Tottenham fans, could you see Vertonghen leaving? Let us know in the comments below…

Unai Emery has to let Mesut Ozil roam free tonight

The chips were down for Unai Emery against Bate Borisov and in an attempt to break them, he decided to shake things up, introducing Mesut Ozil into the fray.

In only his second appearance in 2019, the Arsenal talisman proved his ability with a commendable performance in the final third.

Despite obviously not being completely fit for action after appearing for the first time in almost a month, the German’s majestic touch and clinical instincts in the final third were persisting. Right from the get-go, he created space for himself in the final third and always served as a viable option to pass to.

Rather than trying to go for glory himself, he distributed possession really well from midfield to attack, allowing his wingers to run forward. Ozil created a few glaring chances, especially in the second half when his clever through-ball wasn’t capitalized well by Pierre Emerick Aubameyang.

The German gave a very disciplined performance, rarely losing possession and recording an 89% passing accuracy from more than 80 passes! He also attempted and succeeded two dribbles (stats via Fotmob), while his off the ball movement to drag away players was also glaring at multiple opportunities.

On another day, Ozil could’ve had a goal or assist. One of his shots swung closely over the post and he showed signs of his old self as the game progressed. If not anything, he proved to be ready to immerse back into Arsenal’s starting lineup to help them achieve the Europa League success.

With Bournemouth up tonight, Emery must allow the German to roam free if he’s going to keep his team in the race for Champions League qualification.

Liverpool fans show sympathy after Besiktas boss Senol Gunes slams Loris Karius

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Liverpool fans have sympathised with goalkeeper Loris Karius, after Besiktas manager Senol Gunes slammed the German stopper following a mistake made against Konyaspor, despite seeing his side win 3-2 on the night.

Gunes stated that he feels there is ‘something wrong’ with the former Mainz keeper, and said that he would’ve played 35-year-old Tolga Zengin if the veteran was available for selection – harsh words indeed.

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Karius was also jeered and heckled by his own fans throughout the game following yet another mistake, and it is becoming apparent that the dismal night in Kiev with Liverpool in the Champions League final has seriously affected his ability to perform competently.

Other than slam the stopper, who is still owned by the Reds – he is on a two-year loan deal in Turkey – the Reds supporters have instead shown a more compassionate side to the 25-year-old’s obvious issues.

Let’s see what the Liverpool supporters are saying about his sad situation over on Twitter…

Everton fans react as Tyias Browning’s move to China confirmed

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Everton announced on Wednesday that defender Tyias Browning had joined Chinese Super League club Guangzhou Evergrande for an undisclosed fee, and Toffees fans were quick to react to the surprising player update on Twitter.

The 24-year-old only made nine first-team appearances in all competitions for the club whose youth system he came through, with the majority of his other outings coming for the U23s – 116 according to Transfermarkt.

The versatile defender, who has played as a centre-back and right-back throughout his career to date, failed to make much of an impact on Marco Silva this term following his return from a loan spell with Sunderland last season, making the squad in the Premier League on just the one occasion – against Huddersfield Town back in September.

Everton supporters took to social media to have their say on Browning’s surprise switch, and while one said “fair play Marcel” – presumably in relation to Brands managing to get a fee for the Liverpool-born man’s services, another said “£30m I heard”.

Here is just a selection of the Twitter reaction…

Here is just a selection of the Twitter reaction…

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Ever Banega could help bring instant success to Arsenal

Arsenal are facing a midfield crisis following reports that Paris Saint Germain are interested (as per the Express) in poaching their French wonderkid Matteo Guendouzi after only one year in the Premier League.

Having already lost Ramsey, who recently signed a five-year deal with Juventus, and Mesut Ozil desperately out-of-favour, ill, missing or injured, Unai Emery simply cannot afford to lose the talents of young Frenchman Guendouzi.

The midfield ace was only signed from Ligue 2 outfit Lorient at the beginning of this campaign but following a string of quality performances have become the subject of “big team” attention. And quite rightly so.

This isn’t the first time PSG have expressed interest in signing the player either. Apparently, before his move to move to north London, Guendouzi had the option to make his move to the French capital.

“It is true that PSG were very interested, like other teams, there were a lot of discussions, but for me the best decision I could make was to join Arsenal,” he admitted to Canal Football Club ( via GFFN ).

Would he do it again now he’s a far more developed player?

If he did make the move, Arsenal should look at signing this man…

This wouldn’t be the first time Emery has tried to bring in the Argentine, having already failed in the summer and January transfer windows due to a lack of funds according to the Mirror.

But it seems with Arsenal’s midfield options shrinking and their future European status in doubt the boardroom will be willing to part with the reported £17m it will cost to secure his services.

Despite his age (31 when they have the option to buy) we think Banega would be a quality acquisition.

Firstly, it would likely spark the end of the Ozil saga and introduce a far more positive environment conducive to success. You’d also have to say that there’s every chance Arsenal would have more of a player in the Sevilla man. Whilst Ozil has really let him form dip recently, in more ways than one, Banega is starting at the top level of Spanish football.

It’s a no brainer.

Secondly, Emery would have a player he’s very familiar with, having already combined at Valencia and Sevilla. The in-depth knowledge of the midfielder’s skillset, traits and abilities will surely help him finetune his tactics.

Finally, should Guendouzi move back to France, Banega is versatile enough to operate in the centre of midfield and perform a very similar role. He’s a dogged in his defensive efforts, much like the Frenchman, and has supremely better passing and technical ability as an experienced player.

Would you be willing to exchange prodigy Guendouzi for an ageing but experienced Banega?

تقارير: وودوارد أقنع ديمبلي بمغادرة برشلونة إلى مانشستر يونايتد

كشفت تقارير صحفية إسبانية أن الرئيس التنفيذي لنادي مانشستر يونايتد، إد وودوارد، لعب دورًا رئيسيًا في إقناع لاعب فريق برشلونة عثمان ديمبلي بفكرة الانتقال إلى الدوري الإنجليزي.

وارتبط اللاعب الفرنسي بخطوة الرحيل عن النادي الكتالوني، في مواسم انتقالية سابقة.

ولم يتمكن ديمبلي من إثبات نفسه في الكامب نو، حيث عانى من تذبذب مستواه وكثرة إصاباته.

وذكرت تقارير صحفية، اليوم، أن مانشستر يونايتد بات قريبًا من الحصول على خدمات ديمبلي في موسم الانتقالات الصيفي الحالي مقابل 50 مليون يورو (لمطالعة التفاصيل من هنا).

وحسب صحيفة “موندو ديبورتيفو” الإسبانية، فإن إد وودوارد الرئيس التنفيذي لـ مانشستر يونايتد لعب دورًا كبيرًا في حسم صفقة ديمبلي لصالح الشياطين الحمر.

وأوضحت أن وودوارد تواصل بشكل شخصي مع ديمبلي وممثليه لبحث فكرة انتقاله إلى الأولد ترافورد، هذا الصيف.

وأشارت إلى أن المحادثات بين الطرفين دامت لفترة طويلة، حيث حاول وودوارد إقناعه طوال تلك المدة.

وأفادت أن وودوارد نجح في النهاية في مسألة إقناع ديمبلي بفكرة الانضمام إلى كتيبة أولي جونار سولشاير.

دالوت يقترب من مغادرة مانشستر يونايتد إلى الدوري الإيطالي

كشفت تقارير صحفية أن لاعب فريق مانشستر يونايتد ديوجو دالوت اقترب بشدة من الانتقال إلى الدوري الإيطالي، في موسم الانتقالات الصيفي الحالي.

وتراجع دور دالوت تحت قيادة المدرب أولي جونار سولشاير، مما أدى إلى ارتباطه بخطوة الرحيل هذا الصيف.

وحسب صحيفة “ديلي ميل” الإنجليزية، فإن دالوت سينتقل إلى صفوف فريق ميلان الإيطالي قبل انتهاء فترة الانتقالات الصيفية يوم الاثنين المقبل.

وأفادت أن المحادثات بين الناديين قد تسارعت أمس الجمعة، وتم التوصل إلى اتفاق بينهما.

اقرأ أيضًا.. آرسين فينجر: تلقيت عرضًا لتدريب مانشستر يونايتد

وأشارت إلى أن المدافع البرتغالي سيتوجه إلى إيطاليا اليوم السبت، استعدادًا لخوض الفحص الطبي في ميلانو قبل اتمام انتقاله رسميًا إلى سان سيرو.

وستكون صفقة انتقال دالوت إلى الروسونيري على سبيل الإعارة، لمدة موسم، دون خيار شراء دائم.

Liverpool fans want to sign De Bruyne after Belgian’s comments

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Liverpool fans are calling for what would be the most audacious transfer move in recent history, after Kevin De Bruyne spoke highly of the Reds’ title charge.

Liverpool and Manchester City have formed a new rivalry over the last year or so, thanks partly to the their intense Champions League clash last campaign and of course even more so due to this year’s title race.

The two are locked in an epic battle that looks certain to go right to the end, and De Bruyne has now had his say on the showdown between the two clubs.

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“Last year we were 12 points ahead, and now we are one behind,” De Bruyne said. “That shows Liverpool are doing well.

“If we keep winning and they keep winning it goes to the wire, but if we win every game until the end of the season and it’s not enough you just have to congratulate Liverpool, as they will win with 99 points.

“There are still 10 games in the Premier League – a long way to go – and Liverpool are still there, so we try to win game by game.”

De Bruyne has always been a classy contender, but Liverpool fans are reading more into the comments due to past admissions that the Belgian international grew up as a Liverpool fan.

The 27 year-old has quite literally said the words “I want to play for Liverpool” before, and even though Transfermarkt values him at a whopping £135m, fans are calling for a jaw-dropping summer move.

You can find some of the best Twitter reactions down below…

West Ham United: A defensive overhaul is needed right away

Some crazy times are unfolding at West Ham United right now.

Indeed, the Hammers pulled off the most remarkable of comebacks against Huddersfield Town, successfully avoiding back-to-back defeats against Premier League relegation contenders.

While Manuel Pellegrini’s men showed impressive fighting spirit to claw back from being 3-1 down to eventually steal it in the end, they should’ve never been caught in such an embarrassing predicament to begin with. Frankly, Huddersfield pounced on some shambolic defending from the Hammers, scoring goals which could’ve easily been avoided.

Complacency will be pointed out whenever debating the disappointing defensive showcase, but this isn’t the first time the Hammers have struggled to keep out lowly opponents. Their defence tends to switch off way too many times, resulting in too many near-disasters. The fact that they’ve only kept 5 clean sheets and conceded 46 goals this season proves their defence can’t be trusted.

If Manuel Pellegrini wishes to get back among the heavyweights, he needs to work on their defensive issues. Pablo Zabaleta needs a more dynamic replacement. Angelo Ogbonna tends to lose concentration and making silly mistakes much too often. Issa Diop isn’t mobile enough and needs a strong partner to get him functioning.

While Mark Noble and Declan Rice have both tried their best to shield their defence, their hard-work is often undone by defensive hiccups. West Ham needs to invest in defenders more than anything else. That’s a demand Pellegrini must take to David Gold and David Sullivan this summer. No doubt about it.

They need proper centre-backs, mobile full-backs and experienced candidates who can fend off the shakiness and protect them from being exposed by weaker opponents throughout Pellegrini’s tenure.

West Ham fans, which defenders would you want to sign this summer? Join the discussion by commenting below…

Adam Blackmore says Danny Ings could miss Southampton’s next three PL fixtures

[ad_pod ]BBC Radio Solent journalist Adam Blackmore has reported via his official Twitter account that Ralph Hasenhuttl expects Southampton striker Danny Ings to be out of action until the clash against Tottenham Hotspur, meaning he will miss the club’s next three Premier League fixtures.

What’s the word, then?

Well, the 26-year-old has suffered from his fair share of injury issues over the last few years, and it has been no difference since he arrived at St Mary’s from Liverpool last summer.

He picked up his latest hamstring issue during the 1-1 draw against Burnley at Turf Moor at the start of the month, which saw him miss the 2-1 defeat at home to Cardiff City last time out.

Blackmore now reports that the Austrian manager believes he will be without the centre-forward until the clash against Spurs on March 9, meaning he will be sidelined against Arsenal this weekend, Fulham and Manchester United.

Bad news?

It certainly is.

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Southampton need their best players on the pitch in their battle against relegation, and it is a bitter blow that they won’t have Ings available over the course of the next couple of weeks – and especially in the monumental game with the Cottagers on Wednesday.

The 26-year-old is the south coast outfit’s top scorer in the Premier League this term with seven goals, and his absence could potentially move them a step closer to the Championship with Nathan Redmond and James Ward-Prowse the only other players looking like scoring on a semi-regular basis right now.

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