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Tottenham Hotspur aim to beat their Premier League rivals to the signing of a promising EFL talent, according to reports this week…

What’s the word?

Football Insider claim that Spurs are keeping tabs on Stoke City centre-back Harry Souttar ahead of the January transfer window, but they are merely one of many top-flight teams eyeing up a move.

It’s thought that the Lilywhites’ recruitment team have sent scouts to watch the 22-year-old defender on several occasions this season.

Aston Villa are one of the teams also mentioned with interest and the Potters are bracing themselves for bids in the coming months.

It remains to be seen how much the five-cap Australian international would cost, especially having signed a new long-term contract extension earlier in the year. Transfermarkt value him at just £3.6m, whilst ex-Stoke man Mike Pejic believes he’s worth more than £20m.

Rodon 2.0

Spurs are no strangers to signing players from the lower divisions, with Dele Alli perhaps being the biggest success story, Ryan Sessegnon and Jack Clarke less so.

However, this potential swoop has all the hallmarks to be a similar one to that of Joe Rodon, who signed for £15m from Swansea City a year ago – almost to the day.

Whilst he is yet to properly break through in the first team, the Welsh international is a very promising talent and one who could play a major part in the club’s future for years to come.

It’s Jose Mourinho who deserves the credit for that, having taken a wild punt on Rodon last year.

Tottenham’s sporting director Fabio Paratici could look to repeat this trick with Souttar, who has been touted for big things by those around him throughout his short career to date.

During a loan spell at Fleetwood Town, his former manager Joey Barton lauded him as “outstanding”, whilst Potters boss Martin O’Neill once described him as a “player blessed with great natural attributes” with “good game intelligence”, via The Stoke Sentinel.

Furthermore, he has also been dubbed a “Rolls-Royce of a defender” by the club’s legendary defender Ryan Shawcross, earning comparisons to the likes of Harry Maguire and Virgil van Dijk.

Rodon, who excelled at Swansea before joining Spurs, was likened to both Rio Ferdinand and John Terry, so Souttar would certainly add another interesting element to the future of Tottenham’s backline, especially when considering the pair have been praised ever so highly.

Standing at 6 foot 5, the Stoke man is a colossal aerial presence and he has won an average of 4.6 headers per game in the Championship this term, on top of 2.1 interceptions and 1.8 tackles per match, via WhoScored, which backs up O’Neill’s claims over his football intelligence.

All in all, a move for Souttar would be quite a shrewd one, though Nuno would need to find space for him in the squad.

Paratici must look to repeat Mourinho’s masterstroke with Rodon with a swoop for the Potters giant this January.

AND in other news, 87 touches, 89% duels won: “Phenomenal” Spurs beast has now handed Nuno a huge dilemma…

Former Leeds United midfielder Carlton Palmer has told Football FanCast that he expects his old side to make another move for Huddersfield Town star Lewis O’Brien in the future.

O’Brien, 22, was a target for Leeds during the summer transfer window, with the club’s director of football Victor Orta revealing to the Yorkshire Evening Post that the player’s valuation prevented a transfer.

Palmer, however, does not think that is the end of it and believes the Yorkshire club could revisit things when the transfer window is open again.

When asked by FFC if he could see Leeds making a fresh move for O’Brien, the ex-Whites player said:

“Yeah, for sure. You identify a player, but you don’t always get the player at the time. I remember when I signed for Leeds United, Howard Wilkinson told me he was tracking me for nearly three seasons before he was actually able to sign me and that’s the way it goes sometimes.

“You keep your scouts watching him, make sure he’s performing, make sure he’s the player that’s going to fit into the system that you want and then you test the water again at the appropriate time.”

Marcelo Bielsa and Leeds have already shown that they are not afraid to revisit previous targets.

After missing out on Dan James back in 2019, the Premier League outfit finally managed to land him last month. Perhaps a similar thing could happen with O’Brien in the new year.

According to TEAMtalk, West Ham United, led by new head of recruitment Rob Newman, are now ‘contemplating a January bid’ for Hull City forward Keane Lewis-Potter.

The Lowdown: Newman era begins…

As confirmed by the club, West Ham have now begun a new era of transfers as they appoint former Manchester City scouting chief Newman to their new head of recruitment role.

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The 57-year-old comes with a glowing reputation from Eastlands and will oversee a Hammers restructuring in terms of their scouting and recruitment department.

Commenting on his new role, Newman spoke of the importance to sign players who fit West Ham perfectly and not just players who you think ‘he’s a great player for that team, he’s automatically going to make us a great team’ (whufc.com).

Now, it appears the Irons chief has set his sights on a new West Ham target.

The Latest: West Ham weighing January bid for Lewis-Potter…

As per TEAMtalk, West Ham, and by extension Newman, now want to sign Hull forward Lewis-Potter after his ‘impressive rise’ over the last two seasons.

The 20-year-old, scoring 20 goals and supplying 10 assists in 85 appearances for the Tigers since his senior debut in late 2019, is now attracting the Irons’ attention as they weigh a January bid.

One of the Championship’s top starlets, he has become a fixture in Grant McCann’s first team and it is believed West Ham are keeping tabs after they also snapped up another one of Hull’s rising talents in Jarrod Bowen.

The latter man has gone to become a mainstay for Moyes and now it appears West Ham have set their sights on another starlet from the MKM Stadium.

The Verdict: Get it done?

Lewis-Potter has described himself as ‘raw’ when speaking to Hull City’s official website, and going by his impressive performances over the last two seasons, he could be a real coup for West Ham.

If he can follow in the footsteps of Bowen, who has been one of Moyes’ standout performers this season, it’s safe to say Newman’s tenure as new head of recruitment wouldn’t get off to the worst start.

In other news: ‘Perfect’, ‘I would cry’…Many West Ham fans erupt as talks held for ‘incredible signing’, find out more here.

Manchester City have reportedly been offered Cristiano Ronaldo as an alternative to Harry Kane this summer, and the veteran Juventus star could be a phenomenal addition to Pep Guardiola’s squad.

What’s the word?

According to Italian news outlet Corriere dello Sport, Ronaldo’s agent Jorge Mendes has sensationally offered City the chance to sign the legendary forward this summer in a deal worth just £25m.

Although Ronaldo is now 36 years old, he emphasised his class at Euro 2020 this summer by winning the Golden Boot. He could be the clinical goalscorer that City are clearly lacking, with early-season performances suggesting that if they cannot bring in a striker, then they could struggle to match the heights of last term.

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Kane remains the first-choice option for City, but given that Daniel Levy has reportedly decided not to sell the England captain to City, with their £125m bid rejected, it might be time for Guardiola to consider alternatives as we near the end of the transfer window.

Would Ronaldo be a good signing?

Ronaldo has enjoyed an incredible career with Sporting Lisbon, Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus, scoring 674 goals in total, whilst his 36 goals in all competitions for Juventus last season demonstrates that he certainly isn’t slowing down.

The Portuguese forward’s time at Old Trafford could prove to be a stumbling block in any potential move. However, if City could convince him to join, he could be a superb short-term option for the club, and would perhaps allow them to fill the gap left by Sergio Aguero before potentially taking advantage of Erling Haaland’s release clause at Borussia Dortmund next summer.

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After failing to score in their first two games of the new campaign, Guardiola clearly needs a centre-forward before the window shuts; and considering that the manager dubbed Ronaldo “incredible” back in 2020, Txiki Begiristain should definitely consider bringing him to the Etihad this summer.

In other news… Txiki heading for Man City transfer disaster with exciting youngster

Aston Villa manager Dean Smith will not pursue a deal for Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones this window as he is ‘happy with the squad he has’, as relayed by Sky Sports News reporter Rob Dorsett on Twitter.

Becoming an influential part of Jurgen Klopp’s side last term, the 20-year-old managed to register nine goal contributions from 34 appearances, with four goals and five assists to his name [Transfermarkt].

Despite being linked with the Villains in recent days, it seems that Jones will not be pitching up in the Midlands this summer after recent claims made by Dorsett on social media.

Speaking to his large following on Twitter, the journalist signified that Villa will not be pursuing the prodigious 20-year-old, claiming that Smith is happy with the resources he currently has at his disposal.

In light of this news, plenty of Aston Villa diehards took to Twitter to share their opinions on the club’s unwillingness to pursue a deal for the Liverpool ace.

Aston Villa fans react

Replying to multiple outlets on Twitter, here is what some Villa fans had to say about the update, with many venting their fury at Smith over his stance on the squad. Indeed, one irate supporter dubbed it a “joke”:

“So we have cash for a player in a position where we desperately need reinforcements but won’t actively pursue a deal. Absolute circus.”

Credit: @avfc4_alex

“Very surprising if he is happy with what we have. So clear we need some steel in the middle. Also we have started 2/3 games with 36 y/o Young and El Ghazi as wingers. I’d doubt there is a team in the Prem that would start a game with worse wingers all season.”

Credit: @AlexWhiting13″Happy with squad? Look at the bench. On his head be it, that’s for sure”Credit: @MrLukeCE”This is a joke. 115m in on transfers so not a penny spent. 86 people out on loan and an average age of 18 on the bench.”Credit: @davilla82″Relegation battle, lack quality”Credit: @LittleMurdoch”IMO better if we sign nobody now. Let Dean struggle and take the losses. Need Smith out more than anybody. If it means doing worse for now it’s worth it, honestly”Credit: @wtflol7676In other news, many Aston Villa fans react to an update on these two players in Smith’s squad. Find out more here.

Southampton have been linked with a move for Nathaniel Phillips recently and the Liverpool ace could be the ideal man to replace Jannik Vestergaard in Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side, should the Denmark international complete a move away from St Mary’s this summer.

What’s the word?

According to James Pearce of The Athletic, Liverpool are willing to sell Phillips for between £12-15m this summer, and Southampton, Burnley, Brighton and Newcastle United have all been in contact with the Merseyside outfit about a potential deal for the centre-back.

Considering Vestergaard has reportedly expressed his desire for a new challenge amid interest from Leicester City, it seems likely that the Saints will cash in on the Danish defender this summer, rather than potentially losing him for nothing at the end of the 2021/22 campaign.

Therefore, a new centre-back signing will likely be necessary to replace the former Borussia Monchengladbach man this summer, and Phillips could be an excellent addition to Hasenhuttl’s squad.

Would Phillips be a good signing for Southampton?

Despite being on the brink of a Liverpool exit in the summer of 2020, Phillips established himself as an important player in Jurgen Klopp’s side last season as they turned their campaign around to secure Champions League football.

The Anfield outfit were left without Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip for much of the season, which paved the way for Phillips to become a regular starter, and he made 17 Premier League appearances in total, averaging a very impressive 7.29 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

However, with Liverpool’s centre-back trio now back fit ahead of the 2021/22 campaign, and Ibrahima Konate having also joined from RB Leipzig, it seems unlikely that the 24-year-old will feature as much for the Reds next season, so an exit could well be on the cards.

After he made his Premier League debut in a 2-1 win against West Ham, Klopp labelled Phillips a “monster” due to his impressive aerial ability.

Last season saw the defender average a superb 5.6 aerials won per game, which suggests that he would be a more than adequate replacement for Vestergaard, who despite his height, managed just 3.3 aerials won per game in the Premier League last season.

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Therefore, Hasenhuttl should definitely look towards the £7.2m-rated Liverpool man this summer if Vestergaard does complete a move away from St Mary’s.

And, in other news… Imagine him and JWP: Semmens should swoop for Euro 2020 star

Aston Villa were soundly beaten 4-1 in a behind-closed-doors match against Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday [Liverpool Echo], much to the dismay of some Villa fans on Twitter.

In a fixture shrouded in secrecy, the Reds dished out a comprehensive beating to their visitors with goals from Divock Origi, Neco Williams, Curtis Jones and Kaide Gordon. The Liverpool Echo’s report didn’t specify who netted for Villa.

Of course, this defeat comes as another disappointment for Dean Smith’s men over the weekend, following their opening day 3-2 Premier League defeat to Watford at Vicarage Road [BBC].

Sunday’s encounter will have no real bearing on the eventualities of the 2021/22 campaign, with fitness for fringe players more likely the prior motive behind the match taking place.

However, plenty of Aston Villa fans still took to social media to vent their frustration at the result.

Aston Villa FC fans react:

Replying to popular Aston Villa fan outlet AVFC Faithful, here is what some fans had to say about the friendly defeat to Liverpool:

“If this doesn’t say ‘sack everyone’ I don’t know what does”

Credit: @ajsfounded71″Not good for our confidence”Credit: @DanIonasca

“We’d have preferred that to have remained secret.”

Credit: @jamsey55

“Everything’s just been going downhill since Elmohamady left.”

Credit: @VstonVilla”Loooollll #avfc”Credit: @Harry34740948″Tears”Credit: @LantharrIn other news, many Aston Villa fans loved this update from the club.

A number of Liverpool supporters have been loving the latest video of cult hero Joel Matip, with the centre-back starring in a behind the scenes clip of the Reds’ pre-season tour.

Matip has become a hugely popular member of the Reds’ dressing room, often proving to be one of the funniest members of the squad, without always trying to be.

Not only that, but the Cameroonian is a top-class performer when he is fit, with injuries sadly hampering him throughout his time at Anfield.

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Jurgen Klopp’s men are currently working hard in pre-season, but Matip, Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez enjoyed some downtime recently.

In a video posted by the club’s official Twitter account on Wednesday, the three centre-backs take part in a bowling competition, with Matip constantly mocked by his colleagues.

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Liverpool fans react to brilliant Matip video

These Liverpool fans took to Twitter to show their appreciation for Matip, as he adds another classic clip to his ever-growing collection.

“Matip kills me”

Credit: @KeeganLMoyer

“I love this. Joel is so funny we need more Joel content”

Credit: @1bmh_

“A night out with Joel Matip would put a smile on anyone’s face!”

Credit: @phil_corrigan

“Big Matip never leave”

Credit: @jordanhillllll

“I can’t deal with him. I love him”

Credit: @Jake_Phillpotts

“I’ll forever love Matip”

Credit: @LFC_000

“Matip is the funniest player of all time”

Credit: @redmen_lfc_

In other news, some Liverpool fans are unhappy with an update regarding one Reds player. Read more here.

“If he’s good enough, he’s old enough” was the verdict of ex-Tottenham captain Graham Roberts when asked whether Dane Scarlett will be given senior opportunities next season.

The teenage striker only signed his first professional contract back in March, but is highly-rated by those in north London and is expected to soon be making an impact in the first-team.

Scarlett became Spurs’ youngest player in their history when he came off the bench in the Europa League last term, one of three first-team appearances he made under Jose Mourinho, including his Premier League debut against West Brom.

Despite having the likes of Harry Kane ahead of him, the 17-year-old isn’t expected to head out on loan, and has already made an impact in pre-season, scoring the opener against Leyton Orient earlier this month before seeing an effort ruled out for offside four days later at Colchester.

With Tottenham’s seventh-place finish seeing them qualify for the Conference League, the third tier of European football, Roberts is confident Scarlett will get his fair share of chances under Nuno Espirito Santo.

He exclusively told The Transfer Tavern:

“Yes, you’ve got the League Cup; you’ve got the Conference League. He’s a young kid, only 17-years-old, but if he’s good enough, he’s old enough.”

Newcastle United are reportedly eyeing up a cut-price move for Boubacar Kamara in the summer transfer window.

The Lowdown: Centre-back and midfielder eyed

The St James’ Park club have bene linked with a number of centre-backs and centre midfielders throughout the transfer window so far, including Will Hughes, Kyle Bartley and Cameron Carter-Vickers.

Given that Kamara is capable of playing both as a centre-back and central midfielder, Steve Bruce may be looking to kill two birds with one stone with his potential signing.

The Latest: Kamara interest

As per The Daily Mirror, Bruce is interested in a move for Kamara, who is in the final year of his current deal with Marseille.

The 21-year-old is duly thought to cost in the region of £15m, which could present a bargain to Newcastle given that he is currently valued at £33.3m by Transfermarkt.

Both Liverpool and Manchester City are also monitoring the player, but the Tyneside club may be able to pounce on his signature as neither of the other two clubs has firmed up on their alleged interest.

The Verdict: Bargain

The fact that the Magpies could get Kamara for essentially half of his market value presents itself to be a real bargain.

Once described as a ‘phenomenon’ by his former team-mate Rolando in May 2020, he is still only 21 years of age, and so it is scary to think how good he could be in the future.

The Frenchman played in 35 Ligue 1 games in the 2020/21 season, winning 6.9 of his duels per match while also averaging an impressive 2.5 tackles, 1.3 clearances and one interception per game (Sofascore).

He could be a very smart signing by the Magpies at just £15m if they get the deal over the line.

In other news, find out what details have been shared of talks with Amanda Staveley on the potential takeover