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According to The Telegraph, Daniel Levy could soon make a move for Zinedine Zidane as he continues the search for Tottenham’s new permanent manager.

The Lowdown: The search goes on

Jose Mourinho was sacked as Spurs boss over a month ago, but the north London outfit still remain without a permanent first-team manager.

In recent days, Mauricio Pochettino has been linked with a return to the club (The Guardian), while Antonio Conte has also popped up on Spurs’ radar after leaving Internazionale. Now, though, Levy may have another name up his sleeve.

The Latest: Spurs could move for Zidane

Zidane also recently left his post, departing Real Madrid following the end of the 2020/21 La Liga campaign.

As such, he could now emerge as a target for Spurs as they look to fill their vacancy as soon as possible, report The Telegraph.

The Verdict: Reaching for the stars

There are few, if any managers in European football who can match Zidane’s record. He has won the Champions League three times as a manager, adding to the one he picked up as a player, while he also led Madrid to the La Liga title on two separate occasions. Already a legendary footballer, he can also be classed the same as a boss.

Zidane’s salary was said to be €12m a year (£10.3m) at Real Madrid (wionews.com), which works at around £198,000 a week. It is unclear what sort of wages the Frenchman would be looking for, but anything in line with his previous pay packet would be a considerable sum for Tottenham. Still, to get quality, you must be prepared to pay top-level prices.

In other news, Tottenham plan to sell this man this summer.

Everton currently find themselves in an unnatural territory as they bid to avoid being relegated out of the Premier League and into the Championship.

With six games left to play, the Toffees need as many points as possible and hope the teams directly above them can slip up and fall behind.

However, it seems as though talks have been going on behind the scenes to try and secure one potential deal for the upcoming summer transfer window.

What’s the news?

According to a recent report from The Independent, Everton have had “productive meetings” with the representatives of Nottingham Forest midfielder Brennan Johnson over a potential summer transfer.

The same source suggests a fee in the region of £25m could be enough to secure his services.

Johnson has all the ingredients

As a product of Forest’s youth system, the 20-year-old has made a total of 105 appearances across their U18 and senior side as well as for Lincoln City, who he had a loan spell with last season.

In those appearances, the Welshman has racked up a combined total of 56 goals and assists, having found the net 33 times and delivered 23 assists for his teammates.

With 15 goals and ten assists to his name in this current Championship campaign, no other Forest player has been able to provide as many goal contributions as the youngster.

In fact, only six other players in the second division have managed to score more times than Johnson.

Labelled as a “special” player that is “destined for the top,” by Glenn Murray, Johnson has also received praise from Wales youth coach, Paul Bodin, who had this to say about the young talent.

He said: “He’s got all the ingredients, he’s got the right attitude, he’s got great family support, so the world is his oyster.”

Thinking about how Everton have struggled to score goals at times this season, with 11 league games in which they have failed to find the net, a player like the 20-year-old could be the exact sort of spark the Toffees need to freshen up their attack for next season.

Taking all of this into account, it’s easy to see why Everton have been in contact with Johnson’s representatives over a potential move to Goodison Park.

Whether the Toffees end the season in the Premier League or Championship, they should definitely do all they can to secure the Forest sensation’s signature in the summer.

In other news: Huge blow: Everton now dealt worrying injury setback, it’s terrible news for Lampard

According to a report by journalist Sid Lowe in The Guardian, Real Madrid president Florentino Perez is understood to be referencing Manchester City as the club not being ‘fully committed’ to the European Super League (ESL), which apparently played a heavy hand in the breakaway division’s eventual suspension. 

Indeed, as per this report, the Sky Blues are whom Perez is referencing when he opened up over one of the six Premier League founding clubs first getting cold feet over the project.

He explained that ‘one of the English clubs’ didn’t seem so interested and that doubt ‘spread to the rest’ of the teams (The Guardian), eventually resulting in many clubs announcing they’d be withdrawing from the ESL plans.

With Lowe explaining that this originally unnamed club is indeed City, many Sky Blues supporters erupted at this claim – with one fan calling it ‘massive’.

The proposed breakaway could have had untold consequences for English football, especially considering that UEFA threatened to ban involved sides from domestic competition and even warned that players may not be able to represent their national teams (Sam Cunningham on Twitter).

Given the huge ESL tipping point in which City allegedly played a heavy part, it’s little wonder this has grabbed plenty of attention from fans.  Lots of Sky Blues supporters protested over their club’s involvement in the controversial plans, with many now overjoyed their side eventually played a big role in its suspension.

Find some of their verdicts below.

Man City fans erupt over ESL claim

“We’re saving football”

Credit: @Prince_Ederson

“Massive”

Credit: @PelvisPoker

“We joined the ESL to bring it down. In the process, became friends with UEFA as well. And now lesser competition for Haaland.

Masterclass.”

Credit: @damned_reality

“Proud to be a blue now”

Credit: @FodenCTID

“THATS MY CLUB SAVING FOOTBALL”

Credit: @mxnciteh

“Well done Man City, good riddance Mr Perez!!”

Credit: @skyblue9320

“We’re massive”

Credit: @alexmcfc_1

“Joined just to dismantle them from inside, my owner”

Credit: @CityJoul

In other news: Man City fans also flocked to this ‘best news’, find out more here.

Leeds United have had a bid knocked back for Brenden Aaronson this week, according to reports.

The Athletic claim that RB Salzburg have rejected the Whites’ offer of £15m for the 21-year-old midfielder and also believe they are intent on signing him before deadline day on January 31st.

Historically, the Austria Bundesliga champions have rarely hesitated to cash in on their biggest and brightest stars but they remain in the Champions League and Aaronson’s influence to the side makes him invaluable right now.

Therefore, the Yorkshire giants may need to turn their attention elsewhere and it’s another name that they have been linked with that could prove the be the perfect solution.

Forget Aaronson

Just last week, Foot Mercato editor-in-chief Sebastien Denis claimed Leeds were one of several teams looking at a potential move for RC Lens midfielder Seko Fofana

And what a signing he would be.

Soon after these links, the Ivory Coast powerhouse captained his side to a last-gasp victory over Saint-Etienne in Ligue 1, where he bagged the winner in one of his typical box-to-box runs.

It was his eighth goal of the campaign.

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One of these strikes came during a 1-1 draw with financial giants Paris Saint-Germain, where he bullied Mauricio Pochettino’s engine room, leading to journalist Zach Lowry describing him as a “phenom”.

Fofana is currently Lens’ second highest-rated player (7.09), per WhoScored figures, whilst he’s averaged a squad-high 2.8 shots, 2.2 dribbles, 1.3 key passes, 0.8 tackles and 0.8 interceptions per game.

That only goes to show how well-rounded he is – not only is he getting forward and contributing in the final third with cutting-edge passes and an incredible ability to carry the ball but he is also putting in the dirty work in his own half, as evident above.

It’s no wonder his manager Franck Haise dubbed him “the most complete player.”

“On the pitch, he is able to stay organized to adjust the team’s balance. At the same time, he has a great ability to create and to be decisive on the last pass. He is also capable of scoring a few goals in a season,” he said (via Newcastle World).

Having begun his professional career at Manchester City, there have been interesting comparisons made to his former youth coach Patrick Vieira, who was an absolute box-to-box machine in his day at Arsenal, as well as Yaya Toure.

He’d only need to be half of either to be an instant hit at Elland Road. All of his attributes point towards him being an exciting fit for Bielsa and his high-intensity system.

Just imagine the £16.2m-rated dynamo sitting in front of an anchorman like Kalvin Phillips. He could really get forward to help Leeds in the final third, knowing that he has an international quality defensive midfielder behind him.

That’s a mouthwatering partnership that could bring the Yorkshiremen so much success.

As such, Victor Orta and co must turn their attentions to Fofana before deadline day in a little over a week’s time.

AND in other news, Leeds could welcome back key injured duo earlier than expected…

Ravel Morrison was once described by Sir Alex Ferguson as the “the best kid he’s ever seen”, and Dean Windass believes that another Manchester United great, Wayne Rooney, should give him a chance at Derby.

Morrison, still just 28-years-old, has played for no less than 11 different clubs since leaving Old Trafford nine years ago, but has spent just a single season at all but one of those.

His last adventure was a brief stint with Dutch outfit ADO Den Haag, but he played just five times across all competitions.

Morrison has played a limited amount of football in recent seasons but is currently on trial with the Rams as he looks to finally fulfil at least some of his incredible potential.

He has started each of Derby’s two pre-season friendlies, playing the first hour against Man United before 72 minutes in Saturday’s defeat at Salford United.

Rooney’s side are currently under a transfer embargo, but Morrison is a free agent following his release from Den Haag back in January, meaning he could become an option for the Derby boss should he impress in the coming weeks.

Windass exclusively told The Transfer Tavern that Rooney could be perfect for the troubled United academy graduate:

“The boy has got so much ability. He’s had his off the field problems, but Wayne will know him, and will know what a talent he is.

“Maybe he needs a Wayne Rooney, who will go ‘come on, the penny has got to drop with you some time. Do you want to come and play in the Championship with me?’

“Everyone makes mistakes, you don’t become a bad player overnight. He would be a great signing for Derby, so let’s have a look and see what his attitude is like.”

Southampton have been linked with a move for Metz centre-back Boubakar Kouyate recently and he could be an upgrade on Jan Bednarek in Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side should he make the move to St Mary’s this summer.

According to French news outlet L’Equipe (via The Pink Un), both Southampton and Norwich City are considering moves for the 24-year-old defender this summer, as they look to strengthen their squads ahead of the 2021/22 Premier League campaign.

The £4.5m-rated defender has enjoyed an excellent debut campaign with Metz having joined from Ligue 2 side Troyes last summer, so it is no surprise to see him attracting interest from the Premier League ahead of next season.

In 24 appearances in the French top-flight, Kouyate has averaged an impressive 7.10 rating from WhoScored for his performances, with one goal and no assists to his name.

If we compare him with Bednarek, who has struggled immensely in recent weeks for Southampton, there is a clear winner, which suggests that should Kouyate arrive at St Mary’s in the near future, he could oust the Poland international from the first-team.

As per WhoScored, Kouyate has averaged 2.4 tackles, 2.3 interceptions, 5.3 clearances and 3.8 aerials won per game in Ligue 1 this season.

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For comparison, Bednarek has managed just 1 tackle, 2.4 interceptions, 3.8 clearances and 2.8 aerials won per game in the Premier League this season, averaging a less impressive 6.83 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

This gives Kouyate the edge in every defensive aspect other than interceptions where Bednarek has a slight edge, which suggests that the Mali international could help solidify Southampton’s leaky defence next season.

Only relegated West Bromwich Albion and Sheffield United have conceded more goals than Southampton in the English top-flight this season, which suggests that defensive additions are a must this summer, and given their respective performances, it seems clear that Kouyate would be a better option than Bednarek in Hasenhuttl’s side.

Therefore, vice-chairman Martin Semmens should definitely look at bringing the 24-year-old to the South Coast this summer, thus beating Norwich to the punch.

And, in other news… Southampton gem’s future looks bleak after Hasenhuttl admission, he’s the “weak link”

Aston Villa may rue not signing long-term transfer target Milot Rashica after news emerged that he has signed for newly-promoted Norwich City.

What’s the story?

The versatile forward was linked with a move to Villa Park last summer, with reports even suggesting that a deal was supposedly close. However, that failed to materialise before the end of the transfer window deadline, and Rashica ended up staying put with the Bundesliga side.

DeichStube then claimed that Villa hadn’t gone away in the chase to sign him, and that they will look very carefully at the 24-year-old’s form to see if a potential move in January could be struck.

And then, according to Football Insider, it was suggested that the Midlands club were preparing a fresh move for the forward this summer, adding that he “is on the club’s shortlist of potential wide forward signings going into the next transfer window”.

But Rashica will now no longer be playing in a Villa shirt, with Norwich confirming that they have signed him from Werder Bremen.

Villa may rue it

Florian Kohfeldt, Rashica’s manager at Bremen, has previously raved about the winger’s ability, saying: “He is a player who can decide Bundesliga games. You don’t find that very often. Milot has incredible skills. In speed, in goal scoring, in passing. These skills also fall on others. Rashica would fit well to England with his pace, but also with his style of play to Spain.”

Speaking on how Rashica would be an improvement on what Villa already have and how playing with someone like Grealish would help Rashica, Daniel Pinder, editor-in-chief at Get German Football News, told FFC: “He is a versatile player who can play anywhere across the front three as he has done for Werder Bremen, and I think he would be a huge upgrade on Trezeguet and El Ghazi.

“At a team like Villa where he would have the likes of Grealish and John McGinn, I think he could do well and excel.”

Given the fact the £8.1m-rated ace was linked with a move for Villa for so long, and has now instead joined a fellow Premier League side, Villa may rue the decision not to land Rashica.

For it to be such a long-running saga suggests Johan Lange was really keen on bringing him to Villa Park. And while they may have ended up signing Buendia, Rashica’s versatility means it really shouldn’t have been a case of either or.

It’s a move that Villa may feel they should have gone for. It may just go down as a howler from Lange.

Meanwhile, Ashley Preece has dropped a major Aston Villa transfer update…

Graham Potter is reportedly in the frame to take over from Steve Bruce at Newcastle United.

The Lowdown: Jones to take charge against Tottenham?

As per The Daily Mirror, the 60-year-old is reportedly going to be sacked this week following the takeover at St James’ Park by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) consortium.

Graeme Jones would then be placed in caretaker charge for their match at home to Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League next Sunday until the new owners bring in a new permanent manager.

The Latest: Potter in the frame

According to The Sun, Potter is now in the frame to replace Bruce at Newcastle as he is on the wanted list of the new owners.

However, whether he would be interested in leaving Brighton and Hove Albion for Tyneside is another question, with the Seagulls currently 13 places higher than the Magpies in the Premier League table.

The Verdict: Inspired appointment

Potter would certainly be an inspired appointment by the new owners at St James’ Park should they be able to persuade him to leave their Premier League rivals.

Described as a ‘fantastic’ manager by Alan Hutton for what he has done for Brighton, the 46-year-old could have a similar transformation at Newcastle.

Potter plays an attacking brand of football which is similar to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City (Brighton & Hove Independent), a sheer contrast to the negative tactics that Bruce has often been accused of playing.

With a potential squad full of star names at his disposal, it is mouth-watering to think what Potter could achieve with them if he becomes Bruce’s successor at St James’ Park.

In other news, find out which £31.5m-rated ace Newcastle are targeting

Lots of Wolves fans have been flocking to a transfer update on Adama Traore.

As per Football Insider, Liverpool have made an enquiry over the possibility of signing the Spain international in the summer transfer window as they look to increase their attacking options.

Although Traore had a disappointing 2020/21 campaign by his high standards, with just six goal contributions in 41 matches across all competitions, he was absolutely electric in the previous term, notching six goals and a further 12 assists (Transfermarkt).

Furthermore, the Molineux club would be selling yet another player to a rival in the Premier League, after Diogo Jota joined the Reds and Matt Doherty signed for Tottenham Hotspur last summer.

Therefore, it is understandable to see why so many of their supporters would like to keep hold of Traore, who is renowned for his searing pace.

Wolves fans on Traore transfer update

These Wolves supporters bemoaned the exit rumour as it was shared on Twitter by Talking Wolves:

“IMO would be a big loss”

Credit: @ma316hdi

“Nooo”

Credit: @AriKonra

“Don’t strengthen our rivals”

Credit: @Adam11520205

“We should defo keep him if Adama wants to stay, you don’t sell your best players”

Credit: @satsomboon

“@LFC still owe @Wolves money for Jota!!! #wwfc”Credit: @gjp12775″Yawn, yawn! Yes and if they want him they will get him!”Credit: @TewNickIn other news, find out what transfer update has left these Wolves fans gushing

Alan Hutton has claimed that a club in the Premier League are now eyeing up a move to sign Nathan Patterson from Glasgow Rangers.

The Lowdown: Everton bid

According to The Daily Mirror, Everton have made a £5m bid to try and sign Patterson before the summer transfer window ends.

However, The Scottish Sun have claimed that Liverpool have been following his progression since the beginning of the year, and so it could turn out to be a two-way tussle between the Merseyside clubs for his signature.

The Latest: Hutton on Patterson

Speaking to Football Insider, former Light Blues player Hutton has claimed that he has heard that Liverpool are eyeing Patterson, but wants him to stay at Ibrox and continue to fight with James Tavernier for the starting right-back spot:

“We’re looking at a guy with the potential to be very good.

“To be at Rangers for a number of years, to be a Scotland international for a number of years. We’re looking at potential, we’ve seen glimpses of him, I would like to see more.

“I think now where we’re getting to a stage where there’s interest in him from down south, from big clubs. I have heard Liverpool are now sniffing about him as well.

“Steven Gerrard will probably have a big decision to make in the coming months. Is it Tavernier or is it Patterson?

“Can he share the load with Tavernier? We know how good he’s been, he’s the captain, his numbers are excellent. Patterson’s really now starting to push him.

“It’s probably a headache, I was going to say that he doesn’t want, but it’s a good situation to be in.

”I’d love to see him push Tavernier all the way. I think he’s got all the makings of being an excellent full-back for Rangers.

“Two very good full-backs fighting each other for their place.”

The Verdict: Keep

With only a few days left of the window remaining, Steven Gerrard’s team must be looking to try and keep hold of Patterson now, as there would be so little time to find a replacement for him.

At just 19 years of age, he has already shown just how much potential he has by getting called up to the senior Scotland squad for Euro 2020, playing in two matches in total under Steve Clarke (Transfermarkt).

With the Gers involved in the UEFA Europa League group stages once more as well, Gerrard will need to rely on his whole squad for the season, meaning that Patterson may well get more minutes under his belt by rotating with Tavernier.

Nonetheless, his market value will only get bigger as he develops, and so now is not the right time to sell.

In other news, find out who RFC fans fumed at against Alashkert here!