Tottenham interested in Yves Bissouma

According to the Daily Star, Tottenham are interested in signing Yves Bissouma from fellow Premier League outfit Brighton.

Spurs eye Bissouma

Spurs are among a number of clubs interested in the 24-year-old, with Arsenal, West Ham and Everton also mentioned as potential suitors.

The Gunners are believed to be confident in getting a deal done for the £15.3m-valued Mali international (Transfermarkt), with the Seagulls demanding £30m for his signature.

Interesting option

Bissouma has been a key player for Brighton this season, playing in all but two of their 34 Premier League matches to date (Transfermarkt). Given the interest from other clubs, it is clear he has plenty of talent and could have a big future in the game.

The former Lille man is an all-round midfielder. For example, he has managed more tackles per game (2.8) than Tottenham enforcer Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg (2.6) this season, while he has also averaged more dribbles per match (1.5) than Son Heung-Min (1.2).

With him in the middle of the park, Spurs would have a real driving force. If Daniel Levy were able to beat Arsenal to his signature, that would make his signing all the sweeter.

In other news, this Champions League winner is interested in managing Tottenham.

ESPN journalist drops Nagelsmann claim

Writing on Twitter, ESPN reporter Archie Rhind-Tutt has dropped an enticing Julian Nagelsmann claim involving Tottenham Hotspur, with one of his sources explaining that the RB Leipzig manager has always held an ‘active interest’ in the club as a fan.

Nagelsmann has been heavily linked with the vacant managerial position at Spurs and those rumours have only elevated since Jose Mourinho was relieved of his duties on Monday.

Indeed, the German, Brendan Rodgers, Erik ten Hag and Graham Potter are on the list of possible new managers at Spurs according to reliable Tottenham Hotspur correspondent Alasdair Gold.

ESPN journalist drops enticing Nagelsmann claim

Dropping an update in regards to Nagelsmann, Rhind-Tutt has relayed some enticing information from one of his sources close to the man himself. While the 33-year-old is allegedly a fan of Spurs as his English club, the source also believes that he would be ‘tempted’ to take the job at Tottenham.

“Source close to Julian Nagelsmann tells me that he has previously had ‘an active interest’ in Spurs as his English club (just as a fan I’m told). It would be ‘a perfect match’ in their words,” the journalist explained on Twitter.

“Source thinks Nagelsmann could be tempted by a move to Spurs. Can understand why – Bayern aside, where else could he go?

“The Bayern job would come up for him again. The expectations there for him would be sky high. If Nagelsmann is playing the long game, Spurs makes more sense.”

Transfer Tavern take

This could come as a rather exciting update given that he is currently viewed as one of the most exciting coaching talents in Europe, as well as being described as ‘fearless’ by players who have worked under him.

For this reason, we believe that Nagelsmann should be prioritised above all other managerial candidates given his prestige and glowing reputation across Europe.

In other news: Gold has backed reports linking Spurs to this managerial ‘genius’, find out more here.

Newcastle’s Ritchie shone vs West Ham

Matt Ritchie stole the show for Newcastle United with a standout box-to-box performance to help Steve Bruce’s men defeat West Ham 3-2 on Saturday afternoon.

The Hammers’ visit to St James’ Park offered the Magpies a great chance to cement their survival hopes after beating Burnley last week and relegation rivals Fulham not returning to action until a trip to Arsenal on Sunday.

An own goal from Issa Diop and a tap-in from Joelinton seemed set to give Newcastle three valuable points until a second half comeback saw 10-man West Ham draw level, only for Joe Willock to come off the bench and head a late winner for the home side.

Willock’s third goal since a deadline day move to St James’ Park on loan from Arsenal in February sealed the rewards of an impressive team performance from Newcastle, who reaped the rewards of a lively display from Allan Saint-Maximin throughout the first half.

The Frenchman, making his first start in six games after returning from a groin injury at Burnley, created chances galore with every venture forward into Irons territory, dancing his way between opposing defenders and testing Lukasz Fabianski.

No player was able to turn home one of the 24-year-old’s game-high five key passes before being replaced by Callum Wilson early in the second period, but Saint-Maximin made his presence count by creating the opener.

Saint-Maximin latched onto possession near the halfway line as referee Kevin Friend played advantage after Craig Dawson fouled Joelinton for his second yellow card, accelerating into the box before drilling a low effort goal bound.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/latest-newcastle-news%2c-gossip-and-views” title=”Latest Newcastle news, gossip and views!”]

Fabianski made the initial save but a lack of communication from Diop saw the French centre-half ricochet the ball in-off his Polish teammate.

Joelinton would soon tap in his second goal in three games before West Ham mounted a second half comeback, only to be denied a point when Willock met Ritchie’s sublime cross to send his header into the back of the net.

Ritchie’s delivery capped off a super Saturday for the £3.5m-rated dynamo, who offered Newcastle plenty of width and support at both ends of the field to move up to 15th and open a nine-point lead over the Premier League’s bottom three.

Only Saint-Maximin (five) – who Bruce has previously lauded for being the Toon’s “most creative player” – and Miguel Almiron (three) created more goalscoring chances for Newcastle than Ritchie (two key passes), who additionally delivered a team-high four crosses, per SofaScore.

His willingness to push forward failed to prevent Ritchie from helping to thwart the Champions League-chasing West Ham, with the 31-year-old additionally offering three clearances – only Ciaran Clark (10) and Federico Fernandez (seven) made more for the Magpies.

Bruce’s decision to recall Ritchie to the starting line-up for the first time since January when United hosted Tottenham earlier this month now appears a stroke of genius, with the St James’ Park natives claiming seven of a possible nine points since.

The Toon boss will hope to see that run of form continue after claiming Newcastle’s first back-to-back Premier League wins since December and for only the second time this season, with much of the credit going to Ritchie after his hard-working, steely determination stole the show against West Ham.

AND in other news, Newcastle undecided on St. James’ future of £25,000-per-week star Steve Bruce wants to keep

Aston Villa: Fans slam Grealish update

Plenty of Aston Villa fans have hit out at the club’s official Twitter post regarding Jack Grealish.

Villa shared Dean Smith’s comments ahead of Saturday’s trip to Liverpool, with the manager confirming Grealish has now suffered a ‘setback that will probably put him back a couple of weeks’.

The 25-year-old has missed the club’s last seven games with a shin injury, and it seems as if he’ll be missing at least a few more following this latest update.

Villa have struggled without the attacking midfielder, picking up eight points from a possible 21 without their talisman.

Grealish also missed out representing the Three Lions during the recent international break, and this latest setback may impact his chances of going to this summer’s European Championships.

Villa fans react

Villa shared Smith’s comments on Grealish on Friday morning and it didn’t take long for hundreds of supporters to have their say.

These fans weren’t impressed, with one labelling the update as ‘ridiculous’.

“Something fishy going on here”

Credit: @seantk83

“logging off.”

Credit: @catrinedwards18

“This is just getting ridiculous now”

Credit: @JamieBenFord2

“Why won’t the club tell us what the injury is then? Which will then stop the rumours circulating.”

Credit: @gazswain

“I’m not even surprised anymore. He won’t play again this season& won’t go to the euros”

Credit: @tom_avfc1

“So disappointing. I was so excited to see Jack play loose now that we’re guaranteed safety and I really think he would’ve exploded leading up to the Euro’s. I just hope his long term health is okay and he can still get to the Euro’s.”

Credit: @VikingsAndVilla

In other news: Many AVFC fans buzz at John Percy update regarding £65k p/w star, find out more here. 

WBA fans react to Joseph Masi reveal

West Bromwich Albion fans have been reacting to the news that they spent the least in agent fees from February 1st 2020 to February 1st 2021 amongst sides in the Premier League.

Throughout this campaign, the Baggies have spent £37.93m on new acquisitions (Transfermarkt). While that fee is not the lowest in the top flight, they have still managed to spend the least on agent fees. They parted with £4.2m, which was less than the likes of Burnley, Crystal Palace and Brighton, all of whom spent less on transfers during the summer and winter windows.

However, that may well be corroborative with the fact that they are where they are in the Premier League table. The top four biggest spenders on agents are Chelsea, Manchester City, Manchester United and Liverpool – three of those sides are currently in the top four of the table.

The news was shared on Twitter by journalist Joseph Masi, and it attracted plenty of attention from the Baggies supporters. The fans took to the social media platform to share their thoughts.

Let’s see what the fans had to say about the update from Masi below

“Shows in our league position”

Credit: @robertupton9

“Madness that we’ve managed to spend less than Burnley!”

Credit: @AshDavies21

“Proud of that”

Credit: @albion_gaming

“Good, I’m really happy we aren’t throwing money at middle men who are fleecing the game. Well done WBA more should follow your lead .”

Credit: @AdKido44

“If your not willing to pay the money don’t be surprised when were going straight back to the championship.”

Credit: @sicoop01

“No surprise is it looking at the amount we spent on transfer fees”

Credit: @steaksworth

In other news, West Brom are interested in this 24-year-old.

Gold drops big Son Heung-min contract update

Writing for football.london, reliable Spurs correspondent Alasdair Gold dropped a rather exciting update on the future of Son Heung-min.

Previous reports detailed that talks were on hold over a new deal for the South Korea superstar, partly due to financial circumstances caused by coronavirus.

Gold drops big Son Heung-min update

Before the new year, much speculation surrounded when Son was going to finally pen a new deal and commit his future to the Lilywhites – but supporters have had to wait eagerly for an agreement and announcement.

Now, writing for football.london, Gold has dropped the latest on the 28-year-old – and it’s good news for Spurs.

The reporter explains that Son has ‘always wanted to remain at Spurs’ and the long awaited new deal is ‘expected to be sealed before the new season begins’.

Gold explains that all major contracts will have been pushed back by certain financial issues – like getting a set date for the return of needed revenue streams. Most notably, this includes finally getting supporters back inside the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Transfer Tavern take

It is also unlikely that a ‘mega offer’ could turn to Son’s head at this point given the financial impact of coronavirus, with it now seeming inevitable that the attacker does sign a new deal.

News that it is expected to be announced before next season begins is surely exciting for Lilywhites supporters, and if he stays throughout the prime of his career it will surely prove to be a major boost for the club, regardless of which manager is in the dugout.

In other news: Tottenham starlet suffers injury blow, find out more here.

Everton fans on Niasse transfer update

Loads of Everton fans have been left to hail a transfer update involving their former player Oumar Niasse.

As per the official Twitter page of Huddersfield Town, the Senegal international has signed for the EFL Championship club.

Several members of the Goodison Park faithful still have some fond memories of Niasse and so flocked to the post to show their appreciation for the 30-year-old.

He scored nine goals and made a further four assists in 42 games in total over all competitions across four separate terms for the Merseyside club (Transfermarkt), but now the striker will want to write a new chapter in his footballing story with the Terriers as they look to ease off any potential fears of relegation down to League One come the end of the 2020/21 term.

Everton fan reaction to Niasse transfer update

These Toffees hailed the transfer update on Twitter, with one Blues supporter even going as far as to claim that they were ‘absolutely delighted’:

“Love this. Go on Oumar lad”

Credit: @adxm1878

“Absolutely delighted for the lad. Gives his all every game and will do well in that league.”

Credit: @B3Bell

“Made up for him”

Credit: @LouisMeliaEFC

“Yesssss Oumar !!!!!”

Credit: @Ryanlowe1878

“Oh my the prince has arrived”

Credit: @Kie36117663

“Get in Oumar.”

Credit: @Stirla1878

In other news, find out what EFC man has been slammed by fans as transfer news has emerged here!

بعد تواصل برشلونة.. تقارير توضح موقف إيسكو من مغادرة ريال مدريد في الميركاتو

كشفت تقارير صحفية إسبانية موقف فرانشيسكو إيسكو، صانع ألعاب فريق ريال مدريد، من الرحيل عن صفوف النادي الملكي في نافذة الانتقالات الشتوية الجارية.

إيسكو عقده ينتهي مع ريال مدريد في نهاية الموسم الجاري 2021/2022، ولا توجد أي مفاوضات بين الطرفين بشأن التوقيع على عقد جديد.

وحسب شبكة “البرنابيو ديجتال” الإسبانية، فإن إيسكو يرفض الرحيل عن ريال مدريد قبل انتهاء عقده.

وأشارت الشبكة إلى أنه رغم حقيقة وجود أندية مهتمة بالتعاقد مع إيسكو هذا الشتاء، لكن صاحب الـ29 عامًا لا يريد الرحيل عن “سانتياجو برنابيو” إلا بعد نهاية عقده.

تقارير صحفية ذكرت أن برشلونة توصل بالفعل إلى اتفاق مبدئي مع إيسكو، لينتقل إلى النادي الكتالوني بعد الرحيل عن ريال مدريد.

يُذكر أن إيسكو هذا الموسم لم يُشارك كثيرًا مع ريال مدريد، حيث خاض فقط 10 مباريات بمُختلف المسابقات، وسجّل هدف وحيد.

Fabrizio Romano provides Grujic update

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has shared what he has been told regarding the future of Liverpool midfielder Marko Grujic.

Grujic to leave?

The 24-year-old has been pretty much ostracised by manager Jurgen Klopp for some time, even though he was the German tactician’s first signing for the Reds after he was appointed back in 2015.

Grujic has just 16 first-team appearances during that timeframe, scoring just once and providing one assist. He’s also had various loan spells with the likes of Cardiff City, Red Star Belgrade and Hertha Berlin (TransferMarkt).

His fortunes looked to be changing earlier this season after putting in impressive performances against the likes of Lincoln City in the Carabao Cup and Arsenal at Anfield, but he was quickly shipped off to FC Porto for the campaign.

Speaking to Anfield Watch, Romano said that Grujic’s days on Merseyside are pretty much numbered.

“For sure, [Liverpool] are looking to sell some players in the summer, ones that aren’t always in the team at the moment,” Romano told Anfield Watch.

“Marko Grujic, I’m told, could be involved in some possible swap deals next summer if Liverpool have some good opportunities to add in midfield or in defence.

“He could be an interesting player to offer so they will try to do something smart again, as they have (done) previously with the Diogo Jota deal, for example.”

Transfer Tavern Verdict

Only Klopp will know why Grujic has not featured for Liverpool – as there does not appear to be any clear explanation regarding his lack of inclusion.

If Grujic is not going to get the opportunity to play, then it is probably best for both parties if he is allowed to leave in the summer.

In other news, Paul Robinson slams Liverpool following David Ornstein’s transfer development.

Man Utd dealt injury blow ahead of Sociedad

Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has ruled Edinson Cavani out of the Europa League clash with Real Sociedad due to a fresh muscle injury.

Cavani last featured for the Red Devils during the 1-1 draw at struggling West Brom in the Premier League on Sunday and was expected to be fit to face Sociedad on Thursday night after playing the entire game.

The 33-year-old has become one of Solskjaer’s most trusted and consistent performers over the past few months, which is evident because he has started four of their past five Premier League fixtures with two goals to show for his four starts.

Drawing with Sam Allardyce’s side ensured the Red Devils have now conceded 31 goals in the top flight; out of all their closest rivals, only Merseyside clubs Liverpool and Everton have conceded more so far this season.

The draw also extended a run of two games without a win in the Premier League, and Solskjaer confirmed the club’s third-highest goalscorer wouldn’t be available for today’s trip to Sociedad.

“With Paul, he’s recovering well,” said Solskjaer. “He’s starting the treatment and will still be a few weeks, he won’t be playing in February, that’s for sure. So still a few weeks until we see Paul, definitely.

“Apart from that, we have a couple of doubtful ones [to see] if they’ll be fit enough. Anthony and Scott, we’ll have to check them tomorrow. Edinson and Donny definitely not travelling.”

The manager has now a decision to make over who will lead the line in what is sure to be a tough test against the two-time La Liga champions.

At his best, when he is fully fit and firing on all cylinders, Anthony Martial is still one of the club’s best options through the middle, having finished the 2019/20 season as the club’s top scorer with 23 goals in all competitions.

However, that is not the case now, and it remains to be seen whether the Frenchman will keep his place in the starting line-up given his poor run of form this season.

Martial started on the left wing against West Brom on Sunday but struggled to make much of an impression and did little to justify his selection in the first place, before being forced to make way for Mason Greenwood in the second half.

Despite his best efforts, the 25-year-old has been unable to replicate the form that saw him score 23 goals last term, as he took just 40 touches – which was at least 20 fewer than Marcus Rashford, per SofaScore.

He couldn’t complete a single successful dribble and also failed to register a single shot in the entire game, let alone a shot on target, while second-half substitute Greenwood managed at least one during his brief cameo off the bench.

Solskjaer also revealed to reporters ahead of kick-off that there are fitness concerns over Martial, so there’s no guarantee he’s involved from the off tonight, only increasing the struggle on the United boss to find a solution.

Greenwood appeared alongside Solskjaer in the pre-match press conference, which implies fans can expect to see him return to the starting XI against Sociedad tonight.

Admittedly, the 19-year-old himself has struggled in recent weeks, with just one goal in his past 18 Premier League appearances. But he may have a key part to play if Solskjaer can get the best out of him regularly.

Whether Greenwood can step up and be the answer in Cavani’s, and potentially Martial’s, absence remains to be seen. Clearly, though, it’s an unwanted headache to have for such a crucial encounter.

AND in other Man Utd news, Man Utd must seal swoop for Victor Lindelof replacement in Sven Botman…

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