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Tottenham Hotspur will be desperate to return to winning ways in their next Premier League match against Chelsea, with the opportunity to cement a place in the top four. 

The Lilywhites looked less than convincing at Turf Moore as they conceded a late Ashley Barnes goal, but they’ll be pleased to have Harry Kane back in their ranks.

Interestingly, it appears as if the North London club are eyeing a possible summer raid, as according to Tuttosport (via Sport Witness), Tottenham Hotspur are in the race to sign Tanguy Ndombele.

Indeed, it’s understood that Tottenham, Arsenal and Barcelona are all in the race to sign the midfielder, while Paris Saint-Germain have been following him but most of the attention goes to Juventus.

Spurs still haven’t found a replacement for Mousa Dembele, so perhaps the Lyon midfielder could be the man to fill the current void in the middle of midfield.

There have been no suggestions of a potential price that Spurs may have to pay for him, but he will no doubt attract a big fee with a number of clubs in for him and the potential to become a star.

The 22-year-old has even been compared to Manchester United’s Paul Pogba by Lyon boss Bruno Genesio, according to Tuttosport (via Daily Star), as he stated this:

“I do not like comparisons, but indeed, Ndombele can be a new Pogba,

“He is strong physically and above all technically.

“Tanguy with the first touch manages to jump even three players and when he starts dribbling he is difficult to stop.

“He can play in any position in the midfield.”

THE VERDICT:

Tanguy Ndombele, who is valued at £40.5 million (by Transfermarkt), has established himself as one of the most promising midfielders in Europe this season, so it comes as no surprise that Spurs are taking an interest.

The Frenchman could easily fill the void left by Dembele and he has the potential to become a star in the Premier League, having produced two goals and five assists this season, as well as making great strides on the international stage.

It won’t be easy to land him, though, so Spurs will have to produce some summer magic if they’re to get their man.

Thoughts?

Former England international Carlton Palmer believes that West Brom striker Andy Carroll could have a future at The Hawthorns beyond the end of the season. 

The lowdown: Short-term solution

Signed during the January transfer window on a deal until the end of the current campaign, then-Albion manager Valerien Ismael was hoping to soften the blow of losing fellow mid-season arrival Daryl Dike to a hamstring injury.

Since then, Ismael has been replaced by Steve Bruce and powerful frontman Dike is still yet to return to fitness, leaving a 33-year-old Carroll leading the line for the most part.

As the end of the season comes into view, Palmer has suggested that there is room for both strikers to remain part of the Baggies’ squad…

The latest: Money the only issue

Speaking to Football League World, the 56-year-old suggested that the major stumbling block for Carroll’s future is likely to be financial.

The ex-England defender stated: “Well, it depends how much he’s costing you.

“You know, at the end of the day he’s 33 now, he’s played 20 games in total this season, 12 games for West Brom and he’s played eight games for Reading previously. So he’s played 20 games in total, and the goal tally of four.

“Now, he does present a different option for you, in terms of, you know, he is superb in the air, and his hold up and link up play is very, very good when he is fit and whatever.

“So, in answer to the question, it just depends on how much he’s costing you to stay in the building.”

The verdict: Worth the risk

Despite his advancing years and previous injury concerns, the towering ex-Liverpool and Newcastle United marksman has enjoyed a new lease of life in the Championship this season.

Carroll – who was once hailed as ‘unplayabale’ by Alan Pardew – has completed 90 minutes on eight occasions for Bruce’s current side.

The nine-cap England international recently won an astonishing 19 aerial duels against Stoke City (Sofascore), evidence of an unrivalled ability as a target man and proof that the experienced striker can provide a worthwhile understudy to a hopefully fit-again Dike next season.

In other news, West Brom set for talks to sign defender. Read more here

Tottenham Hotspur are interested in a deal to bring Darwin Nunez to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Portuguese publication A Bola (via Sport Witness), who claim that the 22-year-old’s agent, Edgardo Lasalvia, has revealed that a number of top European clubs – including Spurs – have made contact with Benfica concerning a move for the centre-forward at the end of the current campaign.

The report then goes on to state that, as a result of the Uruguay international’s spectacular form both domestically and in European competition this season, the Liga Portugal side will demand a figure of around €100m (£83.5m) in order to part with the striker this summer.

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Tottenham’s next Poyet

Considering how impressive Nunez has been for Benfica in the current campaign, it is hardly surprising to learn that Fabio Paratici has been in contact with the Portuguese giants in order to sound out a move for the youngster this summer.

Indeed, over his 23 Liga Portugal appearances this term, the £36m-rated forward has been in breathtaking form for Nelson Verissimo’s side, scoring 21 goals, registering three assists and creating eight big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 2.8 shots and making 1.1 key passes per game.

These returns have seen the £31k-per-week goal-getter average a quite extraordinary SofaScore match rating of 7.40, ranking him as the eighth-best player in the Portuguese top flight.

The 22-year-old who James Dodd dubbed a “sensational talent” has also been in rather remarkable form over his nine Champions League outings this season too, scoring five goals and averaging a SofaScore match rating of 7.02 – firing his side to the quarter-finals of the competition.

As such, it is clear for all to see that Nunez is one of the most exciting talents in world football at present, leading us to believe the centre-forward would make an excellent addition to Antonio Conte’s current options in attack – or even a potential replacement for Harry Kane, who continues to be linked with a move away from north London.

And, should Nunez be able to continue his impressive form after a theoretical switch to Spurs this summer, although they do not play in the same position, the Uruguayan youngster could well go on to become the club’s next Gus Poyet – Nunez’s compatriot and former Tottenham attacking midfielder who scored an impressive 23 goals over his 98 appearances in for the club.

AND in other news: Conte can form “dangerous” duo as THFC plot bids for £156m pair who “really get along”

Tottenham Hotspur are among the potential suitors for Paulo Dybala this summer as he looks to depart Juventus following the expiry of his contract.

According to Italian journalist Niccolo Ceccarini, Spurs are waiting ‘at the window’ for the Argentinian attacker to make a decision on where his future lies away from the Allianz Stadium.

The Lilywhites’ chances are bolstered by the fact that current sporting director Fabio Paratici was the man to bring Dybala to the Old Lady from Palermo back in 2015.

Atletico Madrid have also been mooted with interest but the 28-year-old will wait until the end of the season to decide.

If Paratici manages to seal the 5 foot 10 forward on a free transfer, then he could well replicate one of his greatest decisions from his time at Juventus.

The Italian supremo has a knack for sealing superstars for absolute bargains – a year into his tenure in Turin, he sealed a ‘deal of the century’ in Andrea Pirlo, signing the 32-year-old for nothing from AC Milan in 2011.

Kingsley Coman was another astute signing who didn’t cost a penny in terms of a transfer fee but perhaps the most renowned is that of Paul Pogba, who Paratici snatched from Manchester United aged just 19.

It was a move which upset Sir Alex Ferguson, though the then-young Frenchman went on to put up outstanding numbers as he provided 34 goals and 40 assists across 178 appearances before returning to Old Trafford.

Dybala could be held in similar regard, should he make the move to N17 this off-season.

Not only would it be a steal, considering that he’s valued in the region of £36m by Transfermarkt, but he would fill a lot of needs for current Spurs manager Antonio Conte.

The Italian lacks depth behind Harry Kane up top, a role that Dybala could easily fulfil, but his versatility also opens up the prospect of him being a no.10 in behind the England talisman.

Once described as “unbelievable” and “breathtaking” by former Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey to The Athletic, the Argentina international has delivered 13 goals and six assists in 29 appearances this term, taking his Juventus career total to 161 direct contributions in 283 games.

His playing style has drawn some comparisons to late compatriot Diego Maradona, too.

An average of 1.6 key passes and registered 1.9 dribbles per game across the course of his recorded career on WhoScored suggests he has the ability to play in the hole, just as much as up top, given his goalscoring record.

Therefore, if Paratici can win the race for the wizard’s signature, then he may well stumble upon another Pogba-like transfer masterclass, and that has to be an exciting prospect to those around the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

AND in other news, Talks underway: Spurs eye dream Conte signing in £18m prodigy dubbed “the next Mbappe”…

Celtic have a handful of games left before they could potentially get their hands on the SPFL trophy.

And, after the significant overhaul that took place at Celtic Park during the summer transfer window, it seems as though a clue has emerged over one potential deal that could be completed this time around.

What’s the news?

According to a recent report by SBI, a Celtic source has revealed that the Bhoys are in advanced talks with Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur regarding the permanent transfer of Cameron Carter-Vickers.

The Hoops signed the centre-back on a loan deal from the north London outfit in August of last year.

Since then, the 24-year-old has been a key cog for Ange Postecoglou and his side this season, playing 41 games across all competitions for the Bhoys.

In the SPFL, only Joe Hart and Carl Starfelt have played more minutes than Carter-Vickers, showing just how highly Postecoglou rates him.

The £22k-per-week American has also shown on the pitch why he’s been picked so many times, particularly with his defensive capabilities.

For example, no other Celtic player has been able to rack up a higher average of clearances per league game (4.2) than the Spurs loanee.

Also, with a combined total of 55 tackles and interceptions, the centre-back has undoubtedly contributed a lot to the fact that Celtic have the best defensive record in the league, with just 19 goals conceded.

Postecoglou will be buzzing

His overall performances in the league have earned the defender a rating of 7.36, making him the fourth-highest rated player in Postecoglou’s squad.

Labelled as an “immense” talent by Chris Sutton, it’s easy to see why the Parkhead club would be keen to secure the player down to a permanent deal in the summer.

Moving forward, if the Bhoys were able to seal a deal with Tottenham that would see Carter-Vickers become a permanent Celtic player, this would undoubtedly get their summer business off to a great start – not to mention being something that would leave the manager buzzing.

Indeed, if the Hoops are able to secure the league title and then sign the defender permanently, this would surely delight a lot of fans and give the team a great chance of being successful in their next campaign.

AND in other news: Postecoglou must now unleash £10.5k-p/w Celtic “solider,” he could be a game-changer

Having sacked manager Lee Johnson this week after a humiliating 6-0 defeat at Bolton, Sunderland fans were looking for a reaction as their side hosted bottom club Doncaster Rovers in today’s League One clash.

The Black Cats are still in the hunt for automatic promotion and would’ve fancied their chances against lowly Rovers, despite being under the interim charge of Mike Dodds and going into the match off the back of a thrashing in Lancashire.

However, the Wearside club’s predicament worsened as they lost 2-1 to the Yorkshire outfit, thus loosening their grip on the automatic promotion places.

It was a poor performance from all involved for Sunderland, but midfielder Elliot Embleton was particularly disappointing.

According to SofaScore, the 22-year-old failed to produce a single key pass or complete either a cross or a long ball, whilst losing 86% of his duels. Moreover, the attacking midfielder made 44 touches whilst losing possession on 19 occasions, an average of losing the ball once every 2.3 touches.

There was little attacking output from any of Sunderland’s forwards, with veteran striker Jermain Defoe making his second Black Cats debut as he came on in the 72nd minute in place of Embleton.

The £5.3k-per week 22-year-old managed just one shot (which hit the woodwork) whilst failing to contribute in helping to defend against Doncaster’s goals, offering no tackles, interceptions, blocks or clearances.

Embleton, a former youth player at the Stadium of Light, has been a regular for the Black Cats this season after returning from his loan spell at Blackpool last term.

The 22-year-old has made 30 appearances in all competitions in the current campaign, scoring four goals and contributing five assists, and he is an integral part of the Sunderland setup.

However, with a new manager set to be appointed in the coming days (at least fans will hope that’s the case), the Englishman’s efforts over the course of the season so far could count for little, and the midfielder will have to prove himself to his new boss, whoever that may be. Performances like his one today won’t support his case of being in the starting XI going forward, and he may well have put a significant dent in Sunderland’s promotion hopes with this insipid display.

In other news: Journalist drops “crucial” Sunderland manager claim which will leave fans elated 

Manchester United have an exceptional talent on their hands in Alejandro Garnacho.

It’s been a tough decade for the Red Devils, but class is permanent and is clearly embedded into the roots of the club – as can be seen with their academy product portfolio.

Despite the emerging talents of youth players such as Hannibal Mejbri, Shola Shoretire, Anthony Elanga and Charlie McNeill – there is a bigger buzz around former Atletico Madrid prospect; Alejandro Garnacho.

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The Manchester United youngster has achieved a cool 18 goal returns (12 goals, six assists) in 30 appearances that span from the U18s to the U23s in Premier League 2.

Despite not making a first-team appearance for the Red Devils, the 17-year-old was called up to the Argentina national team last month in what looked to be a bid to get the starlet to secure allegiance – with Garnacho also able to play for Spain having been born in Madrid and growing up there.

Garnacho was described by the Spanish media (via Playmakerstats.com) as the “jewel in the crown” of Atletico Madrid’s academy, though, that was until Manchester United beat several top European outfits to his signature.

The youngster has also been described as “rampant” by Manchester United themselves, after a performance against Stoke City in which he bagged a hat-trick in the U18s’ 6-1 win.

With his record healthy, his reputation growing, and the fact that he is 17-years-old plying his trade with the U23’s – the main hype around the starlet is his adoration and subsequent comparison to Cristiano Ronaldo.

Taking to Instagram, Garnacho has already stated: “Greatest of all times… @Cristiano” after the great Portuguese gave the youngster the match ball after hitting a hat-trick against Norwich City.

The United starlet has also been seen emulating Ronaldo’s “Siuu” celebration after netting in the academy whilst his deal with Nike is yet another resemblance of the famous attacker.

The fact that Garnacho has trained with both Lionel Messi and Ronaldo at the age of 17-years-old is incredible but he has earned the right to do so with his performances for the youth set-up.

His goal in the FA Youth Cup win over Wolverhampton Wanderers served as a fantastic example of his prowess as a player.

Ten Hag could instantly impress the fanbase by utilising the youngster in what looks to be a major rebuild for the club.

In other news: Ten Hag’s first blow: Romano relays big update that will leave MUFC supporters gutted…

West Ham insider ExWHUemployee has now shared a significant injury update regarding Angelo Ogbonna.

The Lowdown: Ogbonna’s injury

The Italian defender suffered a cruciate ligament rupture during the 3-2 win over Liverpool last November. Consequently he was ruled out for the season; and with his contract expiring in the summer, this seemingly meant that the 33-year-old had already played his last game in a Hammers shirt.

Before the Liverpool game, Ogbonna had played the full 90 minutes in all ten of West Ham’s opening Premier League matches this term. He played a crucial part in the team’s fantastic start to the season as his side won six, drew two and lost two.

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The Latest: Ex’s update on Ogbonna…

In an interview for his site The West Ham Way, ExWHUemployee was asked by site editor Mark Carlaw about Jarrod Bowen’s injury situation. After relaying positive news on the 25-year-old, Ex continued speaking about some of the club’s other injuries.

He stated: “Whilst we are on injuries, I can say that Ogbonna is ahead of schedule, with end of April being a potential return date for him.”

The Verdict: Great news

The Irons have suffered from a lack of central defensive depth at times this season, with Craig Dawson and Issa Diop at times the only two options to call upon in that position.

Therefore, Ogbonna’s return will prove hugely useful for the east London club as they prepare to undergo a busy period consisting of Premier League clashes in the hunt for a European finish and their all-important Europa League quarter-final tie against Lyon.

Interestingly, the Italian ranks in the 94th percentile for non-penalty goals among defenders in Europe’s top five leagues (via FB Ref), so with Michail Antonio going through another drought in the final third, let’s hope that the defender can offer some attacking threat from corners upon his return.

In other news: West Ham target has ‘gentleman’s agreement’ to leave his current club

Antonio Conte’s Tottenham Hotspur side will be looking to bounce back from their disappointing 1-0 defeat to Brighton as they take on Brentford today.

Spurs take on the Bees in the evening kick-off in the Premier League as they continue their march towards sealing a top-four finish in the division.

They are currently above their rivals Arsenal on goal difference and three points clear of sixth-placed Manchester United, as Conte has his team sitting in fourth in the table as it stands.

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The Italian head coach may look to freshen his side up after their loss to Graham Potter’s men and one player he must finally unleash from the start is Ryan Sessegnon at wing-back.

Sergio Reguilon endured a rough afternoon against Brighton and could do with a match on the sidelines. As per SofaScore, he only completed 63% of his attempted passes, failed with 100% of his dribbles and only made one tackle throughout the match – failing to make a single interception or clearance.

This suggests that it could be time for Conte to switch it up at the back and unleash Sessegnon after over a month out through injury.

Prior to his setback against Everton, the 21-year-old was starting to shine on the left. Against Burnley, he recorded a SofaScore rating of 6.9 as he completed 100% of his dribbles, 91% of his passes and created one chance. He also made two tackles, two clearances and one interception as he showed that he can impress at both ends of the pitch.

Sessegnon carried that form over into his next game as he started against Leeds. As per SofaScore, he completed 81% of his passes and created two chances, with one resulting in him recording an assist, whilst he also made two interceptions and one tackle.

The dynamo was once dubbed a “big talent” by former Fulham teammate Stefan Johansen and Jose Mourinho previously called him “absolutely fantastic” as he compared him with Ashley Cole. This shows how highly he has been rated in the past and that is why Spurs must throw him another bone in the Premier League this week.

Therefore, he must be unleashed from the start at wing-back in order to give him the chance to show that he can be an important player for the team, as he did against Burnley and Leeds. It will allow Conte to rest Reguilon and avoid overplaying the Spaniard, whilst also keeping Sessegnon fresh and match fit.

AND in other news: Huge boost: Spurs handed “fresh” injury lift ahead of Bees, supporters will be buzzing

Backing big transfer news out of Tottenham Hotspur, Alasdair Gold has shared some news on Twitter involving Juventus forward Dejan Kulusevski.

The Lowdown: Spurs ‘hit the panic button’…

After missing out on two targets in less than a week with both winger Adama Traore and forward Luis Diaz now looking off the table, Spurs and transfer chief Fabio Paratici are set for a pivotal last few days of the winter window.

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There has even been talk from sources of Spurs hitting the ‘panic button’ in north London with a ‘massive’ last hurdle approaching and ‘fears’ that manager Antonio Conte could walk (Telegraph reporter Matt Law).

Tottenham look set to be busy behind-the-scenes as they attempt to orchestrate both incomings an outgoings before Monday’s deadline, with midfielders Tanguy Ndombele and Dele Alli also still unable to seal moves away despite a willingness to let them leave.

Sharing more news out of N17, backing a claim from The Athletic and journalist David Ornstein, football.london correspondent Gold has dropped his own update on Twitter.

The Latest: Gold shares Kulusevski news…

As relayed by the reliable reporter, Tottenham and Paratici have now entered last minute talks for Sweden international Kulusevski.

Spurs’ managing director apparently has ‘high hopes’ for the 21-year-old personally as he turns to potentially signing the former Parma star as a Diaz alternative.

“Fabio Paratici is in talks for another name on his list in Dejan Kulusevski after the Diaz disappointment,” Gold explained on Twitter.

“He has high hopes for the versatile 21-year-old Swede even if he’s not the statement signing the Colombian was.”

The Verdict: Boom or bust?

The Scandinavian rising star will be a name familiar to most Spurs supporters given their club have long been linked with a move.

TUTTOmercatoWEB even claimed before the new year that both Paratici and Conte see Juve’s attacker as a ‘gem’ who possesses huge potential – thereby prompting the Italian duo to add Kulusevski to their list of transfer targets.

Gold reiterates that Spurs are looking to secure a loan deal with the option to make his move permanent, and if Juve green-light those conditions, Kulusevski could actually come as a shrewd purchase.

Over his best Serie A season for ex-club Parma in 2019/2020, the winger averaged a brilliant 2.2 key passes per 90 – a number exceeding that of any Spurs player in the Premier League this campaign (WhoScored).

He’s also highly versatile, able to play on the wing, further forward or even as an advanced playmaker – plugging many holes in Conte’s side.

Lauded as an ‘athletic phenomenon’ by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, Kulusevski comes with bags of potential and it could be very interesting to see how he fares in England if Tottenham can seal an agreement.

In other news: Spurs now also preparing marquee eleventh hour bid to sign ‘special’ forward for Conte, find out more here.