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According to a report from Spanish outlet Sport, Tottenham Hotspur are interested in signing Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger. 

The lowdown: Time to say goodbye…

Amidst the takeover chaos at Stamford Bridge, players such as Rudiger are fast approaching the end of their current contracts and no new deals appear to be forthcoming.

Set to become a free agent at the end of the season (Transfermarkt), multiple clubs across Europe are likely to be closely monitoring Rudiger’s situation in west London given his form in the last couple of seasons.

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The Spanish press are even claiming Rudiger is all but certain to leave the club due to the uncertainty around their ownership, and have now name-checked Tottenham as an interested party.

The latest: ‘Meeting’ held

As per the report from Sport, Spurs boss Antonio Conte is believed to have held a ‘meeting’ with the 29-year-old Germany international regarding a possible move to the Lilywhites.

It’s claimed that a demand of €7million (£5.7million) per year salary has priced Barcelona out of the running but Manchester United are in the mix.

There is also interest from Paris Saint-Germain in the centre-back lauded as ‘fearless’ by Garth Crooks following the recent 6-0 rout over Southampton.

The verdict: Elite performer

Signing the man valued at £31.5million for free in the summer would undoubtedly be a superb piece of business by Fabio Paratici.

When compared to leading Tottenham defender Cristian Romero this season using WhoScored, Rudiger slightly outperforms the Argentinian with a rating of 6.92 to Romero’s 6.91 but falls short of the Spurs man when it comes to average numbers of tackles (1.3) and interceptions (0.9) per appearance.

However, the powerful 6 foot 3 50-cap star has scored three Premier League goals in 2021/22, proving to be a threat in both boxes, and would offer an unprecedented boost to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium squad without the requirement of a lofty transfer fee.

The fact that he has experience playing the left-sided centre-back role Conte is searching for is just the cherry on top.

In other news: Report makes exiting swap deal claim! Find out more here.

Manchester United extended their unbeaten start to the new Premier League campaign with a comfortable 4-1 victory over Newcastle United.

Summer signing Cristiano Ronaldo marked his return to the club with a well-taken brace, predictably stealing the headlines on his first Old Trafford outing since leaving 12 years ago.

However, it was arguably another one of United’s household names that was the real star of the show for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s charges.

World Cup-winning midfielder Paul Pogba put in another fabulous performance on Saturday, controlling the centre of pitch with his incredible passing range and dictating the tempo of the game.

The 28-year-old also provided two assists for his teammates, taking his tally up to seven for the season after just four top-flight appearances.

And his underlying numbers were perhaps even more impressive. As per SofaScore, Pogba made three key passes during the 90 minutes, created one big chance and had a whopping 129 touches.

He also achieved a passing accuracy of 92%, won eight duels and pulled off two successful dribbles, leading to a match rating of 8.1 out of 10, the second-highest amongst any player on the pitch.

Doubt still remains over the Frenchman’s future in Manchester as he has now entered the final year of his current contract at the club, and after his blistering start to 2021/22, Solskjaer will surely be desperate for Pogba to put pen to paper on fresh terms as quickly as possible.

United’s Champions League campaign gets underway in midweek, and Pogba will be hoping to take his domestic form onto the European stage when the 20-time English champions take on Young Boys.

And, in other news…Report reveals MUFC make “excellent” £63m-rated gem top priority, Ole will be elated 

Sheffield United forward Daniel Jebbison could be heading for the Bramall Lane exit door on a temporary basis, Slavisa Jokanovic has revealed. 

The lowdown

Jebbison burst onto the scene for the Blades, as he scored on his debut against Everton in a 1-0 win over the Toffees towards the end of the 2020/21 season.

It was a frustrating league campaign for Sheffield United, as they were relegated from the Premier League after a disappointing campaign in the top-flight.

Jebbison made four appearances in all competitions last term for the Blades, and is likely to be behind a number of other options Jokanovic has at his disposal this season.

The Sun have recently reported that the likes of Sunderland, Burton Albion and Doncaster Rovers are all rumoured to be interested in a deal to sign Jebbison on a temporary basis this summer.

The latest

Speaking in an interview after Jebbison featured in their 1-0 win over Carlisle United in the First Round of the EFL Cup (quotes sourced from The Star), Blades boss Slavisa Jokanovic revealed that Jebbison could head out on loan for the 2021/22 campaign.

“When one guy is out [Mousset], it’s a chance for all the players and Jebbo is one of the important products from our academy. We believe he has to be on the field, which is the only reason we’re thinking about a situation of loaning him.”

The verdict

A loan move elsewhere is likely to be the ideal option for all parties involved here. Jebbison impressed in his breakthrough season last term, but it’s understandable that he might not feature much this season, as Jokanovic has more experienced options to call on in the Championship.

The likes of Lys Mousset, Oliver McBurnie, Rhian Brewster, Billy Sharp and David McGoldrick are all likely to be ahead of Jebbison in the pecking order at Bramall Lane this term, and a loan move elsewhere could provide him with the ideal opportunity to further his development in senior football.

BBC Sport’s Garth Crooks labelled Jebbison as an ‘interesting’ talent as he named him in his Team of the Week back in May 2021, so it will be beneficial for the Blades to see that talent develop week in week out.

Leeds United could choose to sell a big-name player in order to follow the Leicester City model, according to journalist Graham Smyth.

The Lowdown: Leeds in a great place

The Whites are enjoying a wonderful period in the club’s history, with Marcelo Bielsa guiding them back into the Premier League and establishing them as a top-half team, playing exhilarating football along the way.

Leeds now have a formidable squad capable of battling across various competitions, and in someone like Kalvin Phillips, they have a genuine international star in their ranks.

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The Latest: Star player could be sold

While Phillips isn’t specifically mentioned, the Yorkshire Evening Post‘s Smyth has responded to a question on Twitter and claimed that Leeds could eventually opt to sell one of their prized assets, hinting at the way Leicester City have cashed in on players before reinvesting:

“No I don’t imagine so. But if they’re going to follow the Leicester model someone’s likely to be sold at some point aren’t they?”

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The Verdict: Inevitability about it?

In truth, the Whites will find it impossible to keep hold of their best players forever – sadly, that is the nature of modern football, with richer clubs eventually getting their own way.

It could be that an enormous offer comes in for Phillips next summer, for example, at which point Leeds may feel selling him on and building the squad with those funds could be more beneficial in the long-term.

In an ideal world, someone of Phillips’ calibre would remain at Elland Road forever, but it may end up making more sense to part ways and use it to their advantage, assuming he wants a fresh challenge.

In other news, Leeds have been tipped to sign one player in January. Find out who it is here.

Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins features on Tottenham Hotspur’s list of transfer targets, according to Spanish outlet Fichajes.

The lowdown

Villa paid what was a club-record fee of £28million to sign Watkins from Brentford in September 2020 (via BBC Sport).

He’s gone on to score 16 goals in his first 44 appearances for Dean Smith’s side (via Transfermarkt).

Match of the Day pundit Alan Shearer, who knows a thing or two about sticking the ball in the back of the net, has described the Englishman as ‘magnificent’.

He still has four years left on the £75,000-per-week contract he signed upon his arrival in the Midlands.

The latest

Spurs are said to be in the process of a devising a ‘template’ to turn the team into title contenders from next season.

They see a need for reinforcements at the top end of the pitch, either as support or a replacement for Harry Kane.

Watkins is on their ‘list of options’ because his profile ‘fits perfectly with the sporting plan that the team has’.

Villa, though, are described as ‘a complicated club to negotiate with’ and will demand a hefty fee.

The verdict

Watkins is a 25-year-old, excellent all-round striker with multiple years to run on his deal. Villa should be slapping a price-tag of more than £50million on his head.

It’s also worth noting that he probably wouldn’t view Spurs as much of an upgrade right now. After a run of three straight defeats, they look in a bad way, while there’s a sense of an upward trajectory at Villa Park.

In other news, this three-word message saw Villa fans erupt. 

A number of West Brom supporters are excited about the prospect of striker Daryl Dike potentially joining the Baggies this summer.

Valerien Ismael got his West Brom reign underway on Friday night, watching his side draw 2-2 away to Bournemouth in an entertaining Championship encounter.

The Baggies are already one of the favourites to be promoted to the Premier League this season, but that doesn’t mean new signings aren’t required to further enhance the squad.

According to the Express & Star, West Brom are eyeing up a move for American attacker Dike, who currently plays for Orlando City.

The 21-year-old impressed hugely during a loan spell with Barnsley last season, scoring nine goals in 21 league appearances and helping the Tykes reach the Championship playoffs.

West Brom fans excited about potential Dike signing

News of West Brom’s rumoured interest in Dike has gone down well with these Baggies fans on Twitter, who provided their positive thoughts on the update.

“The more I see and read of this Daryl Dike, the more I’m impressed. Nine goals in 19 games for Barnsley, 2 player of the month awards in a 5-month loan spell, looks a right handful in the videos from last season. Get him in”

Credit: @danwba27891

“Daryl Dike looks like exactly the player we need. Power, strength, decent in the air and with a good touch. Yes please”

Credit: @uber_foods

“Sounds like Dike is feasible if we could get him in that would be ideal and then we really do need to look into midfielders”

Credit: @_Simonian

“Dike. One in 2 for Barnsley. Knows the system. Very little time for him to get up to speed. No brainer”

Credit: @JWba1996

“We won’t lose a game this year if we sign Dike”

Credit: @FreddyG1011

“Dike is a better signing for WBA than Delap for numerous reasons; 1) experienced at this level already. 2) knows the current manager and how he works. 3) we can get a long-term recruit. Loan to buy. Which isn’t an option with Delap”

Credit: @beechyboy90

In other news, a pundit has given an update on the future of one West Brom player. Find out who it is here.

Celtic are interested in a deal to bring Hannes Wolf to Parkhead in the January transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by German publication Bild, who claim that Celtic, as well as Trabzonspor and Rapid Vienna, are keeping a very close eye on the situation of the Borussia Monchengladbach attacking midfielder ahead of a potential swoop in the winter market.

The report goes on to state that the 22-year-old is not currently used by Adi Hutter, as well as claiming that, despite having splashed €9.5m (£8m) in order to sign the Austrian from RB Leipzig this summer, the Bundesliga side are willing to sanction his departure in the January transfer window.

Postecoglou must move

While it is true that Wolf has not enjoyed the best of campaigns with Gladbach this season, the youngster nevertheless proved during his time with Red Bull Salzburg that he would make a fantastic addition to Ange Postecoglou’s options in attacking midfield ahead of the second half of the current campaign.

Indeed, over his 22 Austrian Bundesliga appearances – only 15 of which came as starts – back in 2018/19, the £13m-rated man scored a highly impressive eight goals, registered seven assists and created four big chances for his teammates, as well as making an average of 1.1 key passes and taking 1.9 shots per game.

These returns saw the Austrian earn a seasonal SofaScore match rating of 6.92, efforts which, alongside the likes of Erling Braut Haaland and Takumi Minamino, saw his side clinch their league title at a canter.

The £27k-per-week forward also impressed in the Europa League that year, scoring one goal, providing three assists and creating four big chances over his 10 appearances in the competition, playing a crucial role in his side’s run to the round of 16.

As such, it is easy to see why Ralf Rangnick made a move to sign the 22-year-old for RB Leipzig, with the now-Manchester United manager stating of Wolf: “Hannes caught our attention due to his prominent development, which is reflected in his numerous national and international outings, in spite of his young age. His strengths make him a versatile option across the attacking midfield. He stole the show with [Amadou] Haidara in the Europa League [in 2018/19].”

As such, with winning the league title and going deep into European competition undoubtedly being two of the biggest objectives of Postecoglou’s tenure at Parkhead, something which Wolf is clearly capable of helping his side achieve, it would indeed appear highly advisable for the 56-year-old Hoops boss to do all he can to land the attacker in January – as he could be one of the final pieces to Postecoglou’s first-team puzzle in Glasgow.

In other news: Big blow: Celtic dealt huge injury setback ahead of Dundee Utd, Ange will be gutted

Fabrizio Romano has dropped a key update in Manchester United’s pursuit of Ajax boss Erik ten Hag.

The Lowdown: United closing in…

The Red Devils appear to be closing in on bringing Ten Hag to Old Trafford after holding ‘positive’ discussions last month.

Sky Sports revealed on Wednesday evening that the Red Devils, who have also spoken to Mauricio Pochettino, are now close to finalising a move for Ten Hag.

The report claims sources from the Dutchman’s camp have shared details regarding a compensation package and how Ten Hag will be announced after impressing United chiefs in an interview.

The Latest: Romano’s big update

Romano has now weighed in with a significant update on Ten Hag moving to England, posting on Twitter on Thursday morning.

He insisted that interim manager Ralf Rangnick has given his approval over a move for the 52-year-old in ‘private conversations’.

“While Man Utd sources insist no final agreement has been reached yet with any manager, even Rangnick has approved Erik ten Hag in private conversations.

“Rangnick is not involved in any negotiation – it’s up to the club to discuss details of the project with ten Hag.”

The Verdict: Good news…

United have stressed that no managerial appointment is imminent, but it looks as if Ten Hag will be the man to come in ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

It is easy to see why Ten Hag is wanted by United chiefs too, averaging an impressive 2.36 points-per-game with Ajax since 2017. He has successfully rebuilt the Dutch giants after losing several star men after their run to the Champions League semi-finals back in 2019, winning the double last season.

Hopefully, Ten Hag will be the man to turn United’s fortunes around, but he’ll have a lot of work to do over the coming months to make an instant impact at Old Trafford.

In other news: Sky Sports man: Fresh Man Utd ‘concern’ after Romano shares ‘bad news’ at Old Trafford. 

Leeds journalist Phil Hay has dropped a claim on Brazil international Raphinha amid speculation over his future… 

What’s the talk?

Responding to a fan’s question regarding the Brazilian’s situation heading into January, the Athletic journalist played down the prospect of him leaving Elland Road.

Hay said that a big-money move for Raphinha would be more likely to arise at the end of the campaign, rather than midway through.

He said in his Athletic Q&A:

“Re: Raphinha – I see no sense at all in Leeds entertaining bids in January.

“It’s not like his value is going to diminish and you’re unsettling your squad at a key point of the season. Add to that the fact that the most elite clubs don’t tend to do big deals in January.

“If they’re doing a Grealish or a Kane for example, those offers tend to come in the summer window because there’s more time to negotiate and value for money tends to be slightly better.”

Delight

Leeds United fans will surely be delighted with these comments from Phil Hay as they appear to rule out the prospect of Raphinha departing in January. Liverpool were recently touted with having an interest in the forward and that news could have left some feeling concerned about what could happen in the winter market.

However, Hay has allayed those fears by stating that there would be no sense in Leeds cashing in on him. Victor Orta appears unlikely to sanction a sale in January and Leeds fans may be able to enjoy Raphinha’s talents for the rest of the season, at least.

Selling him next summer, if at all, would give Leeds plenty of time to source a replacement and reinvest the funds ahead of the 2022/23 campaign. Whereas, if he left in January it would leave little room for Orta to work with to ensure the Whites do not go into the second half of the season with a lack of firepower.

Raphinha has three goals in seven Premier League matches this season and was directly involved in 15 goals in 26 starts last term – six goals and nine assists. This shows the level of impact he is capable of having on the team in the top-flight, as he has proven that he can both score and assist goals for Leeds – making him a potential game-winner every time he steps on the field.

Therefore, Leeds fans will love Hay’s comments dissuading the notion that Raphinha could leave in January. They will surely want a player of his talent to remain at Elland Road and, hopefully, that will be the case.

AND in other news, 12 duels won: Leeds warrior with six tackles was a shining light vs Southampton…

Leeds United correspondent Phil Hay has shared his view on Robin Koch following the 3-0 win over Watford.

The Lowdown: Leeds ready to sell Koch

The 25-year-old made just his 15th appearance of the season at Vicarage Road on Saturday and his 11th in a defensive midfield role.

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The German partnered Mateusz Klich in a crucial victory but struggled throughout, losing possession 23 times and coming off second best in 12 duels, as per SofaScore.

Koch was also dribbled past five times and failed to complete any of his six attempted long balls, with this performance coming just a few days after reports suggested that Leeds are happy to move the 25-year-old on in the summer.

The Latest: Hay reacts

Hay shared a story on The Athletic on Sunday, with one fan in the comment section believing that Adam Forshaw’s presence was missed. This is what Hay had to say in reply, admitting that he ‘is not sold on Koch’ in midfield:

“Agreed, and the sooner Phillips can start the better. I’m not sold on Koch at CDM and Klich is always better further up the pitch. Cooper the stand out player yesterday. Genuinely excellent.”

The Verdict: Unfortunate

Koch has played in his natural centre-back position on just two occasions this season, so it isn’t a surprise that he is one of the club’s worst-performing players in the current campaign, as per WhoScored.

Labelled as ‘horrible’ to watch by Beren Cross in the opening day defeat to Manchester United, the German could be the one to make way over the summer, with the club planning a defensive overhaul.

The Whites have conceded 68 league goals this season, so you could argue that Koch being offloaded is unfortunate due to starting at the back just twice, but it looks as if that may well be the case.

In other news: ‘Outstanding…’ – Sky Sports man stunned at confirmed Leeds news regarding Radrizzani and 49ers