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Tottenham Hotspur’s impressive business in the transfer market looks set to continue in January, but only if Daniel Levy is willing to do so…

What’s the word?

According to Italian transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, mooted Spurs target Milan Skirniar’s position at Inter Milan has not changed since the summer, meaning a good offer will prise him away from the Serie A giants.

Speaking on the ‘Here We Go’ podcast, he said:

“Milan Skriniar situation hasn’t changed. Inter Milan needs money, if Tottenham arrives tomorrow morning with €50m-60m, Inter will sell him. It’s up to Tottenham now.”

Game-changing swoop

The north Londoners were merely an elite centre-back away from having one of the best transfer windows the Premier League has ever seen.

Whilst they did bring in young prospect Joe Rodon from Swansea City, he is one for the future rather than right now and with Spurs sitting top of the table after ten matches, they could well be a shout for the title.

And signing a player of Skriniar’s calibre could make those claims become a reality as he’s exactly what they need – despite holding the best defensive record in the division, it took until the end of October to record their first clean sheet.

We’re also now seeing the consequences of not signing additional bodies following the injury to Toby Alderweireld and the exits of Jan Vertonghen (free to Benfica) and Juan Foyth (loan to Villarreal).

Yes, Spurs kept a clean sheet against Chelsea at the weekend, but on another day that’s a win for the Blues as Tammy Abraham squandered many chances. In fact, Frank Lampard’s men recorded 13 shots to the visitors’ five and enjoyed 60% possession, as per SofaScore.

After the game, Jose Mourinho claimed that “Dier made more mistakes” than Rodon, so the jury is still out on whether the Englishman is truly suited to a central defensive role.

Skriniar has continued to impress for Inter this term, averaging 2.6 clearances, 1.4 interceptions, 1.2 tackles and a passing success rate of 91.8%, via WhoScored.

The Slovakian monster has been likened to Alessandro Nesta and Martin Skrtel whilst former coaches have lauded him as a “talented” and as a “leader on and off the pitch.”

In September, The Sun’s Duncan Wright claimed that Skriniar could be available for just £35m due to the desperation for finances at Inter, if that appears to be the case again this January, then Levy absolutely must sanction the move.

Doing so could hand Spurs a major boost in their pursuit to secure a historic Premier League title.

AND in other news, Exclusive: Gary Mabbutt lauds Spurs summer decision on one key star…

MatériaMais Notícias

Even despite going 1-0 up thanks to a Luke Shaw own goal, it never really looked like Newcastle were going to come away with all three points against Manchester United on Saturday night.

Steve Bruce’s side got off to the perfect possible start as Shaw turned the ball inside his own net within two minutes, but even with that early shot in the arm, the Magpies didn’t seem interested in getting out of second gear.

Bearing in mind that this was the same United team that got demolished 6-1 at home to Tottenham, and it was incredibly disappointing to see Newcastle not being willing to throw any significant punches on a surely wounded Red Devils.

Instead, they were incredibly passive throughout, and the fact Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side took an incredible four times as many shots as them – 28 to 7 – just underlined how frustrating the Magpies were.

But whilst they surrendered a point thanks to a late flurry of goals from United in the final few minutes of the game, Bruce effectively lost complete control of the match with his reluctance to make game-changing substitutions earlier than he should have.

It took until the 73rd minute for Ryan Fraser to be introduced into the attack for a hapless Joelinton, even despite the Scotland international being his country’s match-winning hero in midweek against Czech Republic.

The club’s summer signing would have been on cloud nine following his goal-scoring display, and Bruce could really have tapped into the momentum that he would have built.

And if that wasn’t bad enough in itself, Bruce waited another 15 minutes to bring on Miguel Almiron, having seen Bruno Fernandes give United the lead.

The Paraguayan’s goal-scoring record for Newcastle leaves a lot to be desired – he’s managed just nine goals in 59 games – but his pace and energy would have offered the Magpies a much-needed counter attacking threat.

Instead, Bruce’s in-game management reflected the Tyneside club’s performance: passive, weak and ultimately far too little, and far too late.

Even though he has been a big part of Chelsea’s success over the years, N’Golo Kante has lately also been linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge. Of course, whether that will indeed materialise or not remains to be seen, but the transfer rumours are still there.

Not only that but over the course of the summer transfer window, Manchester United suddenly emerged as potential suitors should the versatile midfielder really want a change of scenery.

And now, the Red Devils have essentially been tipped to go in for the player by Crystal Palace star, Andros Townsend.

Here’s what he said for TalkSPORT: “For me, 100 per cent, his best position is just in front of the back four, patrolling that midfield, literally like a wall between the midfield and the back four. He is the best player in the world in that position. If, hypothetically, he went to Man United, he would make them title challengers.”

The reason behind such a huge claim is that Townsend believes Kante would free up both Paul Pogba and Bruno Fernandes, giving them more licence to attack and play higher up the pitch where they are the most dangerous.

Of course, the current Blue is also keen on playing in advanced areas as well but can be deployed in a deeper, destroyer role.

But at the end of the day, a switch to Old Trafford would indeed be a very difficult operation and one that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is not necessarily contemplating at the very moment.

Verdict

Adding Kante to such a talented and stacked midfield would surely push Man United to a whole new level.

But realistically, it would be difficult to see Frank Lampard part ways with his midfielder in the first place, let alone let him go to a direct rival for the top of the table in the Premier League.

Sheffield United have been linked with several players in the transfer window, with Championship stars like Matty Cash and Antonee Robinson (who went to Fulham) among their targets.

However, with only two confirmed signings so far in Aaron Ramsdale and Wes Foderingham, Chris Wilder has been answering questions around the transfer window, giving Blades fans an insight into his plans.

Speaking to Yorkshire Live, the Blades manager said, “The market is slow, there’s not much happening, We have obviously done the big one from our point of view in terms of Aaron, delighted that we have got him in. The timing was key for him, we have secured a fabulous goalkeeper that has had a season in the Premier League and will get better and stronger and wants to come back home. I am delighted with his attitude, I think the world of the boy and he’s going to be a big player for us next season.

“Others we are working on, there’s a couple of players potentially who are going to go out and a couple of positions to cover and improve. We are working overtime as we always are – we have made our big signing now and we have to make sure from a financial point of view that we see what’s available.

“The loan market is available to us and we are going to use that and the key is when that window shuts and I am sticking the team down on that piece of paper that it looks better than what it ended up and I am certain that it will do.”

It is understandable that he feels like Sheffield United have already made their big signing in Ramsdale, who cost them £18.45m to become the second most expensive signing in their history, per Transfermarkt.

However, his indication of using the loan market may suggest that players like Cash, who is valued at around £15m, might not be heading to Bramall Lane in this window.

A deal for Cash might not be out of the question, though, as Wilder has hinted that some players could be offloaded, which may hint at an intention to sell first to free up space and funds for further signings.

With the transfer window not over until 5 October, the Blades have plenty of time to add more signings, but hopefully they can move on some players that Wilder believes are surplus to requirements in order for him to add greater squad depth.

His comments highlight that, despite their top 10 finish last season, the Blades cannot just splash the cash, but Wilder has earned the trust to utilise the transfer window in the best possible way that he can.

Blades fans, what further transfer activity do you expect in this window? Let us know your views by commenting below!

Liverpool have just won their first league title in 30 years, and it doesn’t look as though they’re going to rest on their laurels after their success.

Indeed, the Reds have been linked with a number of players that will improve their squad with the Thiago Alcantara rumours running rampant, while links to Kalidou Koulibaly still bubble under the surface.

However, despite all these targets from mainland Europe being reported, the Reds are now apparently looking domestically at one player.

What’s the story then?

The Daily Mirror are reporting that Liverpool are interested in signing Leicester’s Harvey Barnes.

The paper’s story says that Barnes fits Liverpool’s transfer strategy of signing young players with high sell-on potential, and you can understand exactly why the Reds are in the market for him.

The 22-year-old has been pivotal in Leicester’s success this term, contributing to 14 league goals, despite only starting 24 games throughout the campaign.

Perfect Shaqiri replacement

Liverpool’s front three is almost impenetrable, and any attacking player that is brought in may have to offer something a little different if they want to see a lot of first-team action, and Barnes is that man.

Not only can he play on either wing, but he can also slot into a midfield role, and that sort of versatility is exactly what Liverpool need, especially if Xherdan Shaqiri leaves as he’s expected to.

Shaqiri has played in five different positions since joining Liverpool, and despite Barnes’ career still being in its infancy, he has played in six different roles for Leicester.

The Swiss international is far from a key player at Anfield, but he does offer something valuable, and it seems as though his versatility won’t be missed all that much if Barnes joins this summer.

It is no secret that Liverpool are eyeing a potential transfer for Bayern Munich’s star, Thiago Alcantara. The midfielder has been one of the Bavarian team’s best performers and has intrigued Jurgen Klopp as well.

Not only that but we’ve heard whispers that the deal is reportedly really close to being finalised, so much so that the length of the contract and some other details were revealed as well. However, there’s another twist in the story.

The ever-reliable Fabrizio Romano reported for The Guardian that Liverpool are refusing to pay the asking price of €30m (£27.2m) and this is the only stumbling block they will face in their attempt to bring the 29-year-old to the Premier League.

Even though he has just one year left on his contract, Bayern are still reluctant to let him go unless they are properly reimbursed for their star player. Of course, we have to remember that the German outfit are still in the Champions League and the deal will likely have to be put on hold until their ventures in Europe are first sorted.

Thiago himself is keen on the move and is now waiting for his club to soften their stance and let him make the transfer. As things currently stand, however, Klopp doesn’t want to spend more than he absolutely has to.

Only time will tell how will that affect this deal.

Verdict

The Spaniard might be 29 already but even with that taken into account, £27.2m still feels like a proper bargain for one of the best midfielders in world football. Of course, it is also true that he only has a year left on his contract but it’s difficult to expect Bayern to lower their asking price even further.

Maybe it wouldn’t be a bad idea for the Reds to just accept these terms and get themselves an incredible signing.

Lee Charnley has confirmed that Newcastle United have renewed their partnership with FUN88 amid talk of the proposed takeover in the northeast.

As per the club’s official website, the betting company was established in Asia in 2008 and has a significant global online following, offering numerous gaming strands in a multitude of languages.

FUN88 has also developed a rather popular presence on social media with fans of the Magpies, many of whom use its accounts and some reaping rewards from its competitions and giveaways in recent years, according to nufc.com.

Charnley was ‘delighted’ that Newcastle have renewed their relationship with the company and added that they ‘look forward’ to what the future holds with them partnering together.

Indeed, this could be seen to be good news by members of the Newcastle faithful, but what is really on everyone’s lips at the moment is whether the prospective takeover will eventually be approved by the Premier League.

Mike Ashley and the Saudi Arabian group are still yet to find out as to whether the proposed £300m deal is to be given the green light by the Premier League despite months of waiting.

The buying side are also still yet to hear as to whether they have passed the Owners’ and Directors’ Test (ODT) set out by England’s highest division, which would surely give more clarity as to whether their bid is likely to be approved.

Nevertheless, everything remains speculation up until this point, but at least the news of the renewed partnership with FUN88 is something that could please many of the club’s supporters.

Geordies, are you pleased that Newcastle’s partnership with FUN88 has been renewed? Comment below with your views!

Former England number one goalkeeper Paul Robinson has urged Liverpool to move for Wolverhampton Wanderers winger Adama Traore, in an interview with Football Insider.

What did he say?

Traore has been outstanding for Wolves this season scoring four goals and providing seven assists and his club have reportedly placed a £70m price tag on the Spaniard as a result.

His form has been certainly been noticed by Robinson, who described the attacker as one of the most improved players he has seen in the Premier League.

The former Tottenham Hotspur man also urged Premier League leaders Liverpool to move for the former Barcelona player.

“I think it is somebody Liverpool will be looking at anyway,” he told Football Insider.

“Traore has had an outstanding season. I do not think anybody has improved in the Premier League like he has – so visibly.

“From running down blind alleys with no end product to scoring goals, finding intelligent passes and consistently delivering end product with his unbelievable speed. He is causing defenders all sorts of problems. Nobody knows whether to drop off or come tight because either way he gets past you.

“His development as a player and an athlete has been great to watch. I can see Liverpool signing him.”

Options

Traore is unlikely to have a shortage of suitors come the summer following his incredible season in the Midlands, with Liverpool one potential location.

The Reds have though built their side around a front three of Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino, which means it could be very difficult for Traore get game time.

However, should Liverpool ever choose to cash in on one of their stars, Traore would present the ideal replacement and could fit in well in Jurgen Klopp’s team.

This article is part of Football FanCast’s Opinion series, which provides analysis, insight and opinion on any issue within the beautiful game, from Paul Pogba’s haircuts to League Two relegation battles…

Sheffield Wednesday sank to a fourth straight game without victory, but it was always going to be a hard task to follow up recent developments off the field.

Even more so when coming up against the league leaders, West Bromwich Albion.

The Owls succumbed to a 2-1 defeat at the Hawthorns on Saturday afternoon and, once again, were left rueing a late goal against them as they looked sure to be returning to south Yorkshire with at least a point.

It comes just days after the club were charged by the EFL for financial misconduct with them staring down the barrel of a hefty points deduction at the very least.

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In three straight matches now, Wednesday have seen results slip from their grasp, starting with Blackburn Rovers’ come-from-behind victory before Swansea City snagged a point at the death before the international break.

Time and time again, it appears that it is down to individual mistakes. After the game, manager Garry Monk said: “We’ve just got to keep doing what we’re doing and cut out silly mistakes. It’s nothing to do with tactics or anything like that. But, unfortunately, we’re human beings, sometimes we make mistakes.”

But this problem continues to arise as those who make such errors are given the very platform to do it again, and again, and… again.

This is epitomised by goalkeeper Keiren Westwood, whose rush of blood to the head led to him scything down Matheus Pereira inside the penalty area, just weeks after his awful clanger against the Swans.

Liam Palmer also saw red for a reckless yet needless challenge soon after to halt any chance of salvaging a point back in their favour.

The 40-year-old has also added: “We’ve talked about it, we’ve discussed it, we’ve trained it, we’ve shown it, that’s all you can do.”

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However, this is where he is wrong. Monk needs to be gutsy and show some mettle to drop those that have consistently let him down in recent weeks.

Then they will truly know that their place is up for grabs, and they’ll hopefully learn from it, rather than sitting back with the safety net of knowing they’ll be starting the next game regardless of whether they hoof the ball into their own net or not.

Time to be bold, Garry.

In other news… one Wednesday regular shouldn’t face the axe after he ran the show against the league leaders.