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Tottenham Hotspur have seemingly made pre-summer contact over signing a brand new defensive target with Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly now in their sights.

The Lowdown: Conte eyes new centre-half…

According to The Telegraph, Spurs’ head coach is placed a central defender on his summer transfer wish-list among his five other requests to the club board.

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As well as a centre-back, it is believed that Conte has his eyes on a reserve goalkeeper, right-wing-back, two midfielders and a new forward.

Of the defenders linked, there have been many, with recent claims heavily linking Tottenham and transfer chief Fabio Paratici to Torino’s star man Gleison Bremer.

However, as per Il Mattino (via Calcio Napoli 24), it appears a new target is now in their radar in colossal Napoli man Koulibaly.

The Latest: Tottenham make pre-summer Koulibaly move…

It is reported that Tottenham have now made contact for the 30-year-old and have started knocking on the door alongside Everton and Newcastle United.

It is believed that the Lilywhites sent a ‘request’ to sign Koulibaly, but for now, all discussions have been postponed until the end of the season.

The Verdict: Come back again?

Out of all Tottenham’s targets, we believe the Senegal international comes as a surprising one given his age and possible price tag – with Transfermarkt valuing him at around £40.5 million.

He’s also on a reported £183,000-per-week, wages that would put Koulibaly in and around Spurs’ top earners.

These could be heavy financial prices to pay from a Tottenham perspective given the 57-cap star doesn’t exactly come as a long-term solution to Conte’s lack of centre-back depth.

His quality cannot be denied, with former Salernitana manager Stefano Colantuono branding him an ‘extraordinary’ player earlier this season, but we believe Paratici may be best looking elsewhere for a cheaper and younger option.

In other news: ‘That’s for sure’ – Sky Sports reporter now backs big transfer news out of Tottenham, find out more here.

Glasgow Rangers fans love a video shared on the club’s Twitter page as they urge fans to renew their season tickets ahead of the new campaign.

This season has been a wonderful one for the Gers so far. They have already sewn up the Scottish Premiership title – they lead the table by 20 points (BBC) – and are just three matches away from going the whole league term unbeaten. Not only that, they are also into the Scottish Cup quarter-finals after knocking out Celtic in the previous round, meaning they are in with a chance of a domestic double.

Unfortunately, supporters have been unable to attend matches throughout the term due to the coronavirus pandemic – however, that didn’t stop the club selling out their season tickets (via The Daily Record). To convince fans to do the same ahead of the new season, the club released a rather emotional video.

It was shared on their official Twitter account, and it delighted the fans. They took to the social media platform to share their thoughts.

Let’s see what the Rangers fans had to say below

“Ooh Mr. Rangers. That is filthy.”

Credit: @Richard56830486

“Wow!! Talk about tugging on your heart strings!!!”

Credit: @ECMcElhatton

“Goosebumps watching that”

Credit: @papatam57

“Mr @RangersFC, that put a massive lump in my throat! Love this club!”

Credit: @EnsomVargr

“This is absolutely brilliant, well done to all involved”

Credit: @charliearchibal

“Oh hwg 10 in a row”

Credit: @sagahansenOF

In other news, Rangers fans react to this man’s comments.

With Newcastle eyeing up a summer move for Chelsea striker Tammy Abraham, this could be the perfect time for Steve Bruce to wave goodbye to Joelinton.

Reports in recent days have suggested that the Magpies are one of the sides interested in signing Abraham, and a move for the centre-forward would push Joelinton even further to the sidelines amid a really disappointing career at St James’ Park.

While his performances have slightly gone up a notch in recent games, with two goals in his last five, it doesn’t mask the fact that the Brazilian has been terrible value for money – with 76 games played for the Tyneside club, he has a measly nine goals and seven assists.

To put that into context, Joelinton has actually earned more yellow cards for Newcastle than he’s scored (10 to 9).

It’s no surprise then that former Magpie Rob Lee has been very vocal in his criticism of the forward, and speaking exclusively to FFC on a couple of occasions, he let his feelings be known.

He said: “If he came for £5-10 million you’d probably think ‘yeah that’s not bad’, but when you arrive for £40 million and you wear the number nine shirt then the pressure is massively on you and I don’t understand why they paid that amount of money for him.

“He was immense against Aston Villa, probably our best player until he got to the box, and then when he’s in the box, he always makes the wrong decision. When you want him to shoot he passes and when you want him to pass, he shoots, it’s just a conundrum of how you play him.”

He added: “First of all, I want to know who spent £40 million on Joelinton. If it was Steve Nickson, then come out and hold your hands up and say ‘yeah, I sanctioned and put forward that deal’, but I’m sure he won’t.

“Secondly, the club should have made it clear from the beginning that he’s not a centre forward and they could’ve done that by not giving him the number nine shirt.

“The minute he was given the number nine shirt he’s a centre forward. He’s the club’s most expensive signing and with him being a forward player as well as the number nine, people instantly expect him to score 20-25 goals a season.”

In bringing in the £40m-valued Abraham – dubbed a “hell of a talent” by Aston Villa boss Dean Smith – Bruce would have the perfect chance to finally axe Joelinton from his starting line-up, or even just cash in on him completely.

Either way, Joelinton’s days at St James’ Park could well be numbered if Abraham arrives this summer.

Meanwhile, Newcastle could sign Joe Willock’s perfect midfield partner in this Premier League star…

According to Dan Sheldon of The Athletic, another loan spell at Southampton is unlikely for Broja, but a permanent move is possible in the summer.

The Lowdown: Broja’s outstanding form at Southampton

The 20-year-old has quickly established himself as one of Southampton’s most important players since arriving on a season-long loan from Chelsea.

The striker has made 17 Premier League appearances this season, nine of which have come as part of the starting XI.

Broja has scored five goals and produced one assist under Ralph Hasenhuttl, which makes him Saints’ second top scorer in the league behind James Ward-Prowse.

The Latest: Broja permanent transfer possible

Hasenhuttl has previously stated that talks are taking place between Martin Semmens, Southampton’s club’s chief executive, and Marina Granovskaia at Chelsea over the Albanian’s future.

According to fresh reports from Dan Sheldon and The Athletic, ‘as it stands’, another loan move for Broja is unlikely. Therefore, this means that the loanee will either leave Chelsea on a permanent transfer this summer or will remain at Stamford Bridge in a bid to fight for his place in Tuchel’s side.

This is fantastic news for Saints fans, as it is also said that Broja is enjoying his time at Southampton and that he has developed a good relationship with Hasenhuttl, meaning if a fee can be agreed the player certainly seems keen to stay put at St. Mary’s.

The Verdict: Massive for Saints fans

The possibility of a permanent deal coming to fruition will arouse excitement amongst the Saints fanbase, who are desperate to keep hold of the 20-year-old beyond the summer.

Broja is scoring a top flight goal every 175 minutes this season, a fantastic rate for a player who had rarely stepped foot on a Premier League pitch before 2021.

The fact that the player has a good relationship with the manager will give the club a big boost in negotiations over a permanent transfer, as this could influence Broja into pushing for a return move.

Hasenhuttl would clearly love for the striker to return, having described the striker as ‘dangerous’ in front of goal. Therefore, it likely all depends on whether Southampton have the finances needed to meet Chelsea’s asking price.

Keith Gillespie insists he is not surprised that Ed Woodward has resigned from his role at Manchester United after a number of failed pursuits of players in recent years.

Woodward resigned from his role as executive vice-chairman following the fiasco surrounding the European Super League, though he will remain in his post until the end of 2021.

His departure came amid a wave of anger towards the club’s ownership, leading to a protest from fans that saw the angry supporters invade Old Trafford and force the postponement of a clash with Liverpool.

Since then, United have reached the Europa League final, though they lost on penalties to Villarreal, and are now heading into the transfer window attempting to strengthen Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s squad.

It remains to be seen if those plans come to fruition but Gillespie has pointed to the fact that various players have been linked with United over the years, only to fail to materialise in the end.

Woodward has previously led pursuits of Jadon Sancho at Borussia Dortmund, Cesc Fabregas when he was with Barcelona, Mats Hummels when he played for Dortmund, Sergio Ramos at Real Madrid and Antoine Griezmann at Atletico Madrid, all per Planet Football.

As a result, Gillespie has not been shocked by the supremo’s decision to step down.

He told Football FanCast in an exclusive interview: “There was a lot of players touted as coming to United that didn’t materialise.

“It’s no surprise whatsoever to me. In terms of what the United fans want, they didn’t want him in, they don’t want the Glazers there.

“Whether they’ll follow suit, I don’t know.”

Aston Villa reportedly believe they have a ‘decent chance’ of signing Arsenal starlet Emile Smith Rowe this summer, according to The Northern Echo.

The Villains have previously had a £25m bid for the 20-year-old rejected by the Gunners, but Dean Smith is expected to continue pursuing his services as he propels a summer recruitment drive [The Northern Echo].

Smith Rowe has yet to sign a new deal at Arsenal, whilst reports have indicated that the Midlands club could firm up a second offer for the youngster, believed to be around the sum of £30m [Football Insider].

The England under-21 international is only under contract at the Emirates Stadium until 2023, something that the Villa Park hierarchy are keen to exploit [Football Insider].

Villa have already beaten Arsenal to the chase for Emiliano Buendia [The Mirror] and signed Emiliano Martinez from the north London club last year, while they could also pounce upon the Gunners’ reported reluctance to pay Sheffield United’s £35m asking price for Sander Berge [Sheffield Star].

Aston Villa fans react

Upon hearing these developments, many Aston Villa diehards took to Twitter to express their opinions on this latest news.

Replying to popular Twitter outlet The AVFC Faithful, here is how some Villa supporters summarised the situation with Smith Rowe:

“I’m not too bothered if we get him or not but it would be hilarious”

Credit: @av_reece”Smith Rowe needs the step up in his career”Credit: @josh_priv3″LADSSSSSS”Credit: @DG_Avfc”I genuinely feel like we’re doing this just to wind them up for thinking they’d get Grealish”Credit: @KishinJay”If this is the case, Arsenal clearly haven’t said “he’s not for sale at any price” and must have given a sign that they would sell him. Concerning if you’re an Arsenal fan tbh”Credit: @TomRutherford17″Can’t see this one happening, if it did Arsenal fans would riot! Losing their best keeper and then one of their best young talents would show the decline and pulling power”Credit: @cji1981In other news, Aston Villa are interested in a swoop for an international midfielder.

In an exclusive interview with The Transfer Tavern, former Wolves striker Steve Bull has hailed Burnley star Josh Brownhill as a “top-class player”.

According to TEAMtalk, Brownhill is someone who Wolves have recently scouted, though they are not alone, with the same report stating that the likes of West Ham and Aston Villa have also been monitoring the midfielder.

Brownhill had a solid season for Burnley, making 2.1 interceptions per game in the Premier League last term, more than any other Burnley player (via WhoScored).

The 25-year-old also proved to be a versatile asset for Sean Dyche, playing both in midfield and out wide.

On Brownhill, Bull told TT:

“He’s a top-class player. I think Burnley, if they want to be just below us, not in a bad way, stop where you are and you can be a big fish in a little pond.

“But if you want to come to Wolves and make yourself a big fish in [a bigger pond], he can come here all day long.”

It remains to be seen whether Wolves’ interest in Brownhill materialises into a bid this summer, but a midfield shake up at Molineux looks certain regardless.

Ruben Neves continues to be heavily linked with a move to Arsenal, with The Athletic reporting that contact has been made between the two clubs over a transfer.

Aston Villa must finally land Manchester United and England star Jesse Lingard amid his recent comments.

What’s the story?

Reports in recent weeks and months had suggested that Dean Smith’s side were ready to rival fellow West Ham in a move for the 28-year-old.

The Times then delivered an update on Lingard’s situation, name-checking Villa as one of the teams who have registered their interest in luring Lingard away from Old Trafford, and that the attacking midfielder had turned down a contract offer from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side.

And now, Lingard has admitted that regular first-team football is what he is interested in as he looks to force himself into Gareth Southgate’s England squad for next year’s World Cup.

He said: “Obviously, the World Cup is a long way away but… you need regular football. I was so close to going to the Euros and I think obviously it plays a huge part and it’s a big factor. If you’re playing over 20 or 25 games, of course you know you’re knocking on the door so I think it does play a big part in that.

“You want to start games. When I’m a sub I’m always ready to play. I’m always ready to be needed when I’m called up. It’s one of those things I’m going through at the moment but I think on recent performances hopefully we’ll see a change in the next few weeks.”

Goals from midfield

After joining West Ham back in the January transfer window on a short-term loan, Lingard racked up an incredible nine goals and four assists in just his first ten Premier League games for the club – it was no surprise then that he was lauded as being “absolutely phenomenal”.

His ability to score goals from midfield is exactly what Villa could do with going forward, with John McGinn their top scorer last season from a central area with just three.

What marks Lingard out as a real threat is his timing of his runs, and it’s something Michael Carrick has previously raved about.

The United coach said: “He senses where the space is and how to use it. I wouldn’t necessarily say he’s a dribbler with skills and tricks but he’s dynamic. How he plays, he is unique in some ways. You don’t see so much of that now as everyone wants to get on the ball. Off the ball, he’s very effective.”

His performances with the Hammers showcased the kind of impact the £75k-a-week earning star can have when he’s on song and the confidence is flowing through his veins.

If he isn’t getting enough first-team football at United, then Smith and Villa must absolutely be all over a move for him in the January transfer window.

It would seal a dream midfield for the Villa boss.

Meanwhile, Villa could have another academy breakout in this star…

West Bromwich Albion ‘haven’t given up’ on signing Chelsea’s Trevoh Chalobah, according to a report from Birmingham Live journalist Joseph Chapman.

The lowdown

Chalobah spent the 2020/21 season on loan at Ligue 1 outfit FC Lorient, starting 24 games and making a further five substitute appearances.

He excels at dribbling, shooting from distance and above all interceptions, ranking in the league’s top 10 last season with 2.4 per 90 minutes (via WhoScored).

Chalobah, who can operate as a defensive midfielder as well as a centre-back, is said to be ‘realistic’ about his limited prospects at Stamford Bridge (via The Athletic).

He has two years left on his contract and is valued at £3.15million by Transfermarkt.

The latest

The report says that the Baggies remain hopeful of landing Chalobah during this summer’s transfer window.

The issue is that the player’s availability has apparently ‘alerted a number’ of potential suitors.

As a result, the competition for the 22-year-old’s signature is described as ‘stern’.

West Brom are closing in on another midfielder, though, in the form of free agent Adam Reach.

The verdict

It’s no surprise to see so much interest in a young talent like Chalobah, who shone in a Lorient side that only avoided relegation by two points.

In all likelihood, West Brom’s chances will depend on whether he’s been offered the opportunity to play regular Premier League football.

If not, then they’ll be able to land themselves an excellent replacement for Okay Yokuslu. And if they’re promoted, he should be able to make the step-up with them given his showings in the French top flight.

In other news, there’s fresh interest in this Baggies ace.

Leeds United boss Marcelo Bielsa could sign the club’s new Mark Viduka in Sheffield United powerhouse Daniel Jebbison.

What’s the story?

According to TEAMtalk, the Whites are one of a number of Premier League teams who are keen on striking a deal for the 18-year-old before the summer transfer window closes.

Leeds’ new Mark Viduka

While Viduka’s time at Elland Road was certainly controversial and laced with several incidents, there was no questioning the kind of impact he could make on the football pitch when he was right at it.

In a piece for Leeds Live, Jon Howe wrote about the Australian: “He was an ominous physical specimen, an old-fashioned centre forward in many respects, but mixed a formidable presence with a delicate technique that made him the purest example of a ‘good touch for a big fella’ player you are ever likely to see.”

While Jebbison is very much a raw prospect, the 6 foot 3 prodigy has got all the right tools and ingredients to become Leeds’ next Viduka.

The coach who had Jebbison at his academy back in Toronto, Bassam Naim, called him “a force to be reckoned with”, adding: “Athletic, strong. Always creative when he was with us. Lots of energy? He loves to go forward. He loves to take on players.”

And, when you look at the stats behind some of his performances last season – albeit in very limited game-time – you get a real picture and idea of just why Jebbison could develop into another powerful striker at Elland Road much like Viduka was in his pomp.

As per Whoscored, the starlet averaged one shot per game in the Premier League, while he also showed why he can be a real handful for top-flight defenders by also making 1.5 tackles per match and winning 1.3 aerial duels per game too.

The teenager could be the man to fill the massive shoes of Viduka at Elland Road.

Meanwhile, this Leeds star proved why Bielsa must sell him…