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Despite being relatively unknown to Premier League followers, Paul Stewart is hopeful that incoming Tottenham defender Takehiro Tomiyasu can be a success in north London.

According to The Athletic, the Japanese centre-back is on the verge of becoming Nuno Espirito Santo’s first signing as Spurs boss, with the 22-year-old expected to sign from Serie A side Bologna.

Following a wretched campaign defensively under Jose Mourinho, Santo has taken his steps to improving his defence, with Tomiyasu able to play anywhere across the back-four.

He’s made huge strides since moving to Italy from the Belgian league and has progressed well at international level, not only racking up 22 caps for Japan, but has been named in their squad for the Tokyo Olympics.

But whilst the games will further Tomiyasu’s experience, it’s likely to rule him out of the opening few weeks of the Premier League season, with the final taking place the weekend before Tottenham host Manchester City on the opening-day.

Not many would have heard of the defender prior to his links with Spurs, but Stewart reckons he could spring a surprise.

He exclusively told The Transfer Tavern:

“If Nuno’s had his guys looking at him at Wolves, then he’s making the decision. You can nick players that stand out. You only have to look at Kante from French division two.

“I’m hoping that Nuno has been looking at him for some time and was looking at him for Wolves and is now looking at him for Spurs – that’s what you would hope.”

Newcastle United are plotting an ambitious swoop for Manchester United transfer target Amadou Haidara.

What’s the story?

Eddie Howe’s side have enjoyed a good start to the January transfer window thus far, signing Kieran Trippier from Atletico Madrid and Chris Wood from Burnley.

Now, The Daily Mail have revealed that the Magpies are prepared to push the boat out for Haidara, who has previously been linked with a switch to Old Trafford.

The report adds that “Newcastle expect the total cost of a deal for the highly-rated Mali midfielder, who is currently on Africa Cup of Nations duty, to stretch beyond £80m including wages over the length of his contract. Haidara would command a long-term deal and wages in the region of £160,000-per-week, which would make him Newcastle’s highest earner.”

Exciting news for Newcastle fans

While the signings of Trippier and Wood have given Newcastle a couple of experienced veterans with plenty of Premier League experience, a move for Haidara would certainly be the most exciting.

The claim that the Magpies’ swoop for the Mali midfielder cost cost well over £80m, and also make him the highest-paid earner at the club, would be a real statement of intent from the new owners.

And, when you look at some of the comments that have been made about his ability, it’s no surprise why Newcastle are keen to swoop in ahead of United to sign him.

Indeed, now United boss Ralf Rangnick waxed lyrical about him when he first brought him to RB Leipzig, saying: “We’ve been following his progress in Salzburg, as he’s developed into an absolutely exceptional player there. There aren’t many players his age with so much potential. He has all the requirements to follow in Naby Keita’s footsteps.”

If Newcastle can beat off the interest from United for the £34m-rated star, then it really would be a major statement and exciting news for the Magpies fans.

Meanwhile, Newcastle are eyeing this experienced centre-back…

Everton are in the midst of a gruelling relegation battle with the Toffees fighting for their lives to remain in the Premier League.

While the club will be more focused on what’s happening on the pitch at this moment in time, it seems as though there could be some challenges ahead at Finch Farm once the season comes to an end and the summer transfer window opens for business.

What’s the news?

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, journalist Paul Brown had this to say about the potential transfer interest that could be around Dominic Calvert-Lewin in the summer.

He said: “I know for a fact that Arsenal like and have liked Calvert-Lewin for quite a few years, even before he was scoring regularly in the Premier League.

“So, if I was to guess, I’m pretty sure they’ll make a bigger push for Calvert-Lewin than they will Richarlison in the summer.”

Fans would be seething

Everton signed the striker back in 2016 from Sheffield United in a deal worth a reported fee of £1.5m.

Since then, the Englishman has made 187 appearances for the Toffees across all competitions, scoring 56 goals and providing 17 assists along the way.

To highlight what a capable striker he is, the 25-year-old went through the 2020/21 Premier League season with more shots on target (46) than any other Everton player as he bagged 21 times in all competitions.

Even though the centre-forward hasn’t managed to score a league goal since recovering from his toe injury back in January, it would still infuriate a lot of Everton fans to see their club potentially sell Calvert-Lewin in the summer, especially to another Premier League side.

Having scored 32 league goals since the start of the 2019/20 season, losing the England international would surely be a massive blow for the Toffees and their hopes of progressing from the sticky situation they’ve found themselves in during the majority of this campaign.

Moving forward, the main focus for everyone at the Merseyside club right now should be to avoid getting relegated down to the Championship by picking up as many points as they can under Frank Lampard’s management.

Then, if the Toffees do secure their safety, this could put them in a better place to keep hold of their star striker should Arsenal, or any other club, come in to try and sign him. For now, however, it’s not exactly promising news.

In other news: Lampard must finally axe “poor” 28 y/o Everton flop who’s massively “costing the team”

Everton have been linked with a transfer move for Arsenal defender Calum Chambers as the winter window fast approaches.

What’s the story?

According to reports in the national papers, the Toffees are exploring the possibility of signing the 26-year-old for a reduced fee as he enters the final months of his current contract in north London.

Everton were heavily linked with a move for Chambers’ teammate Ainsley Maitland-Niles over the summer before that move collapsed, and now Rafa Benitez could be forced to change targets.

The report states that: “Everton have reportedly identified Calum Chambers as their back-up plan in January should they fail in pursuit of his Arsenal team-mate Ainsley Maitland-Niles.

“Rafael Benitez is looking to bolster Everton in the right back position and he is said to have identified two players at Arsenal that find themselves on the periphery. “

It goes on to claim that the preferred option for the Goodison Park hierarchy remains a short-term loan deal for Maitland-Niles with the option of a permanent move next year, but that the Gunners could allow Chambers to leave for as little as £5 million in January.

He could be Everton’s new Mason Holgate

Despite signing for Arsenal back in 2014 as a highly-promising youngster from boyhood side Southampton, Chambers has only made 121 appearances for the capital club in all competitions.

The £50,000-per-week dud has shown glimpses of his true potential – particularly during an impressive loan spell at Fulham – although he’s failed to produce quality performances on a consistent basis throughout his career.

After a particularly poor showing against Chelsea back in 2018, pundit Tony Cascarino labelled him an “accident waiting to happen,” and he’s done little to dispel that notion since.

“Calum Chambers joined Arsenal from Southampton more than three years ago and also won the first of his three England full caps about that time, as a 19-year-old, yet he still looks like a kid who has only just been given his chance,” said Cascarino.

“Last night, the 22-year-old central defender was nervous on the ball and lacking concentration – he was an accident waiting to happen.”

Therefore, Benitez should carefully consider making an approach for Chambers over the coming months, with the former England international bearing a striking resemblance to current Everton outsider Mason Holgate.

Both players showed promise in their youth deputising at right-back and centre-back, yet both have perhaps become a jack of all trades and masters of none.

Last season, for instance, Holgate became rather error-prone in his duties at Goodison Park.

Replacing an instrumental figure such as Seamus Coleman will be a big job for any new arrival, and it’s unlikely that Chambers will be able to pick up where the Irishman left off.

And, in other news…Journo reveals the big Everton call Moshiri may make “by Christmas”, it’ll worry fans

Journalist Tom Barclay has been left shocked by some exit news out of Southampton involving one player who has been a ‘key figure’ at points under Ralph Hasenhuttl.

The Lowdown: The Athletic claim emerges…

There are many current Saints players who could leave the south coast club by the end of 2021/2022, especially in the goalkeeping department, with as many as four shot stoppers out of contract in June.

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Alex McCarthy, Fraser Forster, Willy Caballero and Harry Lewis are all in danger of leaving on Bosmans as things stand – while the likes of Jack Stephens and Shane Long also see their deals expire before July 1 (Transfermarkt).

The Athletic, making a recent claim, say that yet more players could depart Hasenhuttl’s squad this summer – including Moussa Djenepo, Theo Walcott and Nathan Redmond as the Saints become open to offers for all three.

The trio are out of contract in 2023, prompting Saints chief Martin Semmens to try and make money off their sales whilst it is still possible, but Barclay insists Redmond’s inclusion is a ‘surprising’ one.

The Latest: Barclay shocked by Redmond exit news…

Speaking to GiveMeSport, The Sun reporter claims the 28-year-old’s potential exit is a shock due to him being ‘quite a key figure’ at points over 2021/2022.

He explained: “Redmond, he’s probably the most surprising one in a way because he was actually quite a key figure early in the season.

“He’s got a nice versatility to him, the fact that he can play in that wide left role, on the right as well, and can play off a front-man.

“And he was having quite a nice combination with Broja, particularly when Broja was really playing well. If anything, perhaps that combination was working best for Broja.”

The Verdict: Stick or twist?

The winger, valued at around £16.2 million by Transfermarkt, is also in the prime of his career and homegrown – putting Semmens and Southampton in a position to command reasonable price tags this summer.

Supporters will also remember Redmond being complimented personally by Man City boss Pep Guardiola, who advised the forward to attack his Sky Blues side more whilst raving over his qualities as a young English player at the time (BBC).

His versatility, having played in almost every attacking midfield position and further forward (Transfermarkt), will also be a major attraction to interested clubs.

Unless Southampton can agree an extension, with time running out before he’s a free agent at the end of next season, we believe now is the right time to cash in.

In other news: Journalist: Southampton enter mix to sign ‘sensational’ and ‘flawless’ player from huge club! Find out more here.

With Southampton set to take on Burnley this afternoon after grabbing their first league victory of the season with a 1-0 win over Leeds United last weekend, Saints manager Ralph Hasenhuttl revealed that he has almost a full squad at his disposal apart from Jack Stephens, who is still recovering from a knee injury he picked up earlier in the season.

Taking this into account, it seems as though Hasenhuttl has a few big calls to make about who starts against the Clarets today.

On the chalkboard

One decision that we think should be fairly easy for him to make is to drop Mohamed Elyounoussi out of the team on this occasion.

The Norwegian started and played the majority of the match against Leeds, failing to register one shot on target or make one accurate cross or long ball. He also lost possession 19 times and racked up an average passing accuracy percentage of 68%, ultimately earning himself an uninspiring overall match rating of 6.3/10, making him the lowest-rated Saints player on the day according to SofaScore.

Given how the winger, who is currently valued at £10.8m by Transfermarkt, was taken out of the team for the 3-1 defeat against Chelsea, it seems as though he failed to restore the faith Hasenhuttl put in him when he started against Leeds, which says to us that he may not be good enough to play at this level on a consistent basis.

So far this season, the 27-year-old has made six appearances for the Saints in the Premier League but has only managed to score one goal, which came during their 2-2 draw against Newcastle United, proving that he is not a consistent threat in front of goal.

Looking ahead to today’s game, we feel that Southampton would probably have a better chance of beating Burnley without Elyounoussi in the starting XI, instead seeing if he can have a positive impact off the bench if needed. The numbers suggest that he has not been good enough to warrant a place in the starting XI, especially after the Leeds game.

In other news: Saints could unearth ideal Romeu heir with “excellent” 18 y/o ace, Ralph is a big fan – opinion

Sky Sports reporter Michael Bridge has hinted Tottenham Hotspur may look to sign Houssem Aouar by offering wantaway midfielder Tanguy Ndombele to Lyon in a swap deal.

Ndombele has reportedly told Spurs chairman Daniel Levy that he wants to leave the club before the transfer window slams shut at the end of the month.

The midfielder’s plea for a move comes after he was left out of the travelling party for Spurs’ midweek Europa Conference League trip to Pacos de Ferreira despite also being excluded from the matchday squad for the win over Manchester City on the opening weekend of the Premier League season.

Ndombele, 24, became the north London club’s record signing when he joined from Lyon in a £63million deal just two years ago.

But Bridge believes Ndombele could be set for a return to Lyon as Spurs remain keen on welcoming long-term target Aouar to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

He told The Transfer Tavern: “I don’t know where Ndombele would go. Aouar is a proper No.10 who Spurs really need and they still haven’t replaced Christian Eriksen, in my opinion.

“I like Aouar and whether they can do some kind of swap with Ndombele, I don’t know.

“Ndombele is a YouTube player. He has the best showreel but the world is in a situation where people don’t really have a lot of money.”

Many Glasgow Rangers fans have been left slamming the display of Ianis Hagi despite their 2-0 win at home to St. Johnstone in the Scottish Premiership.

Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s team came home from Ibrox with all three points thanks to goals from Alfredo Morelos and Ryan Kent, but Hagi, making up the final part of the front three, was certainly not as influential.

The Romania international lost out on five of his duels in total, the joint-most out of any of his teammates on the pitch, and failed to score with all three of his shots (SofaScore).

He was also unsuccessful with all of his dribble and crossing attempts, while Hagi was guilty of losing possession of the ball on no fewer than on 18 separate occasions in the match, the second-most out of any Light Blues player (SofaScore).

Rangers fans slam Hagi

These Teddy Bears slammed his performance on Twitter, with one Gers supporter even going as far as to claim that he was ‘non-existent’:

“Good half but Hagi has been stinkin’”

Credit: @jaayfc

“Btw Hagi is useless wide. We need to stop this”

Credit: @RheiceMulgrah

“Still don’t get Hagi, would love to know how many times he loses possession in a game by just falling down”

Credit: @de5erteaglegreg

“What do people actually see in Hagi?”

Credit: @WilliamGrimes_

“Hagi out wide is utterly depressing just get Fash on”

Credit: @LeighamMacleod

“Hagi non-existent here”

Credit: @L8522Mac

In other news, find out what official RFC post has fans gushing here!

Flocking to Twitter, many West Ham United fans have erupted over transfer claims involving marquee Champions League striker Darwin Nunez.

The Hammers are having to cope with mounting injury problems as January looms, with David Moyes tipped to reinforce a number of needed positions in the squad.

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The Evening Standard back the news line that West Ham’s manager will be granted the funds to swoop for a striker as an alternative to mainstay Michail Antonio, along with a centre-back to cope with their lack of depth in that area.

It is news on the former position which has many Irons fans talking, however, as the east London club join the race to sign Benfica frontman Nunez.

The marquee forward, who said to have a release clause of around €150m (£128.3m), is attracting West Ham’s interest as they join Brighton in the race for his signature.

West Ham fans erupt…

Reacting to this claim by The Argus, as they cite reports in Portugal, many Irons supporters have erupted over the news, with some believing he could be an excellent addition.

Tipped to become ‘the best in the world’ by his manager Jorge Jesus, the 22-year-old is certainly rated highly and already has two goals in just six caps for Uruguay. Scoring three times in five Champions League outings this season, he also put on a stunning performance against Barcelona over the autumn.

Taking this into account, it’s little wonder so many West Ham fans are talking, with their club reportedly interested in the flying Benfica striker. Check out some of their best reactions below:

“Interesting”

Credit: @ghzst

“Him Lingard and Ake in January & we’re winning the quadruple”

Credit: @VintageLanzini

“Huge potential”

Credit: @louieewade

“Would actually be someone the fans would love & versatile too. Is like a hybrid of Suarez & Cavani, like most  players he is an absolute workhorse. His G/A contribution is getting better too. Luis Suarez loves him too which should be another indication of the talent Nuñez has”

Credit: @mhare641

“Yes please”

Credit: @NathWHU_

“Please god be true”

Credit: @BoormanB

“Could be a great buy! Finishing & 1st touch can be erratic & could improve but he’s young, big, quick, 6ft 1, strong, works hard (when he wants) who links up well & can play ST, wide & CAM! Could be Cavani MK2… Plus at Almeria he was no stranger to getting on the weights”

Credit: @WhufcSloth

In other news: West Ham could now back Moyes with £17.1m bid to sign 6 foot 3 powerhouse in January, find out more here

The Birmingham Mail’s Ashley Preece has delivered a teasing transfer claim on Aston Villa’s pursuit of Southampton captain James Ward-Prowse.

What’s the story?

Reports in recent weeks and months had suggested that Dean Smith’s side had made Ward-Prowse a key target of theirs this summer as they look to strengthen their options in the middle of the park.

But, The Athletic’s David Ornstein then revealed that the Midlands club had had a bid rejected by the Saints, and that Ralph Hasenhuttl’s club had no intention of letting him go.

But now, Preece has delivered a 12-word update on where things currently stand from a Villa point of view.

He said: “All I’ll say is JWP could well happen. It’s not dead yet.”

Villa fans will be excited

Having already sealed deals for the likes of Emi Buendia, Leon Bailey and Danny Ings, among others, Villa have enjoyed a fruitful summer transfer window thus far, with the obvious caveat of losing Jack Grealish, of course.

But sealing a deal for Ward-Prowse, an England international and a captain of a Premier League rival, would be fantastic business for Villa, and it’s no surprise that it’s received a lot of backing from the likes of former Three Lions goalkeeper Paul Robinson.

He said: “He would be a great signing for Aston Villa though and in truth, Villa are moving forward faster than Southampton. They are a bigger club as well.

“If he moved I think it would enhance his international opportunities and for that reason I think it is a move the player will try and push through. Southampton will not want to do business but they are a club that will do business at the right price, of that I’m sure. I think Villa can get the deal through if they are willing to pay.”

And that claim from Robinson that Villa are “moving forward faster” than the Saints is the one that really stands out and tells a big picture about the kind of exciting project the Midlands club are building under NSWE’s ownership.

They have been quick out of the blocks with their summer recruitment, and while only time will tell how much of a loss Grealish leaving will be, have done virtually everything possible to try and still take that next step.

It’s exactly why Preece’s latest claim that a move for Ward-Prowse may not be dead should have Villa fans drooling at the prospect of another hugely exciting signing arriving at Villa Park this summer.

Meanwhile, Gregg Evans has dropped an Aston Villa transfer update…