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As per reliable reporter Jack Rosser of The Evening Standard, an encouraging update has come to light as Tottenham Hotspur eye a move for Middlesborough defender Djed Spence.

The Lowdown: Spurs join race…

Sky Sports first broke the news that Spurs had joined the race to sign Boro’s in-demand youngster who is currently shining on loan at fellow Championship side Nottingham Forest.

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London World add that Spurs boss Antonio Conte is actually ‘edging closer’ to the 21-year-old’s capture as he eyes new-right back additions in north London.

In another update, Rosser has come out with an equally encouraging claim.

The Latest: Spurs agreement possible this month…

Taking to Twitter, he explains that a deal to sign Spence ‘could happen’ in January as Tottenham and north London rivals Arsenal tussle for his signature.

He does however add that the player won’t actually make the move until the summer.

“Arsenal and Tottenham target Djed Spence valued at up to £12m by Middlesbrough,” he explained.

“Deal could happen in January but Spence won’t move until the summer.”

The Verdict: Get it done…

Already attracting plenty of praise for his performances at the City Ground over 2021/2022, we believe £12m would be a snip for the homegrown ace with both pace and delivery on the right-hand side.

Sky Sports pundit Jobi McAnuff called Spence a ‘massive player’ for Forest this season whilst Boro’s manager Chris Wilder heaped praise on the ‘outstanding’ starlet for his temporary spell so far.

With plenty of years ahead in what could be a promising career, signing the defender should be a no-brainer.

In other news: Offer ready: Conte could soon sign ‘game-changer’ for Spurs after recent Levy meeting…find out more here.

Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa has dropped an injury update concerning Pascal Struijk.

What’s the latest?

Speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of the Whites’ trip to Manchester City on Tuesday evening, the 66-year-old Leeds manager revealed that, despite recovering from a hip injury, the 22-year-old missed the 3-2 defeat at Chelsea on Saturday with a fresh injury to his knee – something that will keep the former Netherlands youth international sidelined this evening.

On the current condition of Struijk, Bielsa said: “He’s not going to be available. Pascal’s injury is not very frequent. An explosive movement made two bones in his feet collide together.

“That does not generate an injury, nor an articulation or muscular. It has the effect of a knock on his bone. That generates pain. Until that pain disappears it’s going to prevent him from playing. Sincerely, in my whole career, I have never seen an injury like that.”

Fans will be terrified

Considering that Struijk is becoming an increasingly important player within Marcelo Bielsa’s first-team squad at Elland Road, coupled with the fact that the Whites are currently in the midst of a rather severe injury crisis, the news that the defender will once again be out of action against the reigning Premier League champions on Tuesday night will undoubtedly terrify fans of the club.

Indeed, over his 12 league appearances so far this season, the £8.1m-rated man has made an average of 1.6 interceptions, 2.3 tackles, 1.4 clearances and has won 3.8 duels per game.

These returns have seen the centre-back average a SofaScore match rating of 6.79, ranking him as Bielsa’s 14th-best performer in the top flight of English football.

As such, with fellow centre-backs Robin Koch and Liam Cooper also currently out of action due to injury, as well as defensive midfielder Kalvin Phillips, Bielsa has once again been left with very limited options in the heart of his defence for the trip to the Eithad, something that does not bode well whatsoever for Leeds’ chances of getting anything out of the game.

In other news: Bielsa must now unleash “predatorial” £16.5k-p/w LUFC dynamo, he’d give Pep nightmares

Speaking to GiveMeSport, journalist Pete O’Rourke has made a West Ham United transfer claim involving rival Tottenham Hotspur attacker Dele Alli.

The Lowdown: West Ham eyeing Alli?

As manager David Moyes and new recruitment chief Rob Newman weigh attacking additions this January, there have been plenty of links to alternatives as they mainly target Man United playmaker Jesse Lingard.

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Czech Republic international Antonin Barak of Hellas Verona is seen as an attacker West Ham could potentially move for instead of Lingard, with Spurs midfielder Alli also apparently attracting the Irons’ attention.

Tottenham are said to be open to offers for the England international this month with Eurosport reporter Dean Jones recently claiming that Newman and West Ham are keeping close tabs.

The Latest: O’Rourke backs Alli interest…

Speaking to GMS, another reporter in O’Rourke believes the 25-year-old could indeed be a target for the Hammers and Moyes this month.

He explained: “Obviously Spurs are open to letting Dele Alli move on and I’m sure West Ham, like a number of Premier League clubs, have looked at Dele Alli’s availability.”

The Verdict: Good Lingard alternative?

There are similarities to Lingard as both Englishmen currently find their futures up in the air, but should West Ham move for Alli if they cannot seal one of their top targets in the Red Devils ace?

Scoring a career total of 91 goals in all competitions, despite being criticised for his performances this season, he has recently impressed in some showings – most recently against Liverpool when he attracted lots of praise in a 2-2 draw.

Earlier this campaign during Nuno Espirito Santo’s tenure in north London, Alli also drew acclaim from pundit Rio Ferdinand, with the former Three Lions defender calling him a ‘machine’ after a fine start to 2021/2022.

However, we believe the 6 foot 2 ace should only be viewed as a second option after Lingard, especially since the latter man is already a proven player under Moyes who bagged nine goals and four assists in just 16 Premier League appearances on loan last season.

In other news: West Ham set for imminent move to sign ‘phenomenal’ powerhouse as reporter drops Twitter message, find out more here.

Leeds United star Kalvin Phillips could be ‘tempted’ by a summer move to Liverpool or Manchester United, according to journalist Paul Brown.

The Lowdown: Phillips linked with Leeds’ rivals

The 25-year-old’s reputation has grown hugely in the last year or so, with the wider footballing public realising what Whites fans have known for a long time. He was the squad’s fifth-best performer last season as per WhoScored, an indication of his importance to Marcelo Bielsa’s side.

Phillips has also become a key player for England, being nearly ever-present in their run to the Euro 2020 final, and he has been linked with joining both Liverpool and Manchester United in recent times.

The midfielder’s current Leeds deal doesn’t expire until the summer of 2024, however, so a huge bid would likely be required to prise him away from Elland Road.

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The Latest: Journalist claims exit could happen

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Brown believes that Phillips’ head could be turned by one of the two Premier League heavyweights in order to reach another level in his career.

He told the publication: “I could see him being tempted by a move to one of those clubs.”

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The Verdict: Future up in the air

It is tough to predict what will happen with Phillips, but hard as it may be to accept, it would be difficult to begrudge him a move away next summer. Indeed, Eurosport reported last month that the club were struggling to agree a new deal for the 25-year-old, who is seeking reassurances that the Whites can be competitive at Premier League level.

Leeds are languishing near the relegation zone but the England international is someone who deserves to be playing at the very top level, testing himself against Europe’s best midfielders in the Champions League. He is England’s reigning Player of the Year, after all.

From a Whites perspective, it would clearly be fantastic if Phillips pledges his long-term future to the club, but as Brown has hinted, the midfielder may feel that a fresh challenge needs to come his way.

In other news, Phil Hay has given his thoughts on a potential Leeds signing. Find out who it is here.

Alan Nixon has dropped a teasing West Bromwich Albion transfer claim ahead of the January window.

What’s the talk?

In a recent post on Twitter, The Sun journalist claimed that Valerien Ismael and his West Brom transfer team are targeting a number of centre-forwards ahead of the opening of the winter market, although went on to suggest that bringing one of said targets into the club will not be easy.

In response to a fan asking for an update on what business the Baggies are hoping to do in January, Nixon said: “Been looking into strikers for weeks… not easy.”

Fans will be buzzing

Considering Ismael’s distinct lack of a goalscoring number nine at The Hawthorns, the news that Albion are indeed targeting a centre-forward in the January transfer window – and appear to have already penned a list of potential candidates – is sure to have left fans of the club buzzing.

Indeed, it is clear for all to see that summer signing Jordan Hugill, who joined the club on a season-long loan from Norwich City, is simply not of the standard required for West Brom’s promotion push.

So far this term, the 29-year-old has scored just one goal over his 18 Championship appearances, as well as averaging an extremely disappointing SofaScore match rating of 6.53 – ranking him as the Baggies’ fourth-worst performer in the division.

And, while Karlan Grant and Callum Robinson have chipped in with nine and four league goals respectively, Ismael’s lack of an out and out goalscorer at the tip of his three-man attack is undoubtedly the biggest factor as to why the Frenchman’s team have scored fewer goals than each of the other sides currently in the top six – Stoke City aside.

As such, the news that the club are looking to address this issue in January is undoubtedly positive for everyone involved with West Brom – as, if Albion are to have any chance of catching AFC Bournemouth and Fulham in the automatic promotion spots, a 20-goal-a-season striker would appear to be very much required.

In other news: Bye-bye Hugill: Val could land WBA the next Andy Cole with “incredible” £32k-p/w beast

Many West Brom fans have been left slamming the display of Robert Snodgrass despite their 1-0 win over Hull City in the Championship on Wednesday night.

Karlan Grant was the man that turned up with the winning goal at the Hawthorns after he was assisted by Callum Robinson with around 20 minutes left to play in the game, to give the Baggies all three points.

There were some good performances from the home team, but Snodgrass was one who seemed to struggle, as he lost out on five of his duels in total, the most out of any of his teammates, while he also failed to record a single shot on target, dribble or accurate cross in the entire match (SofaScore).

He was also guilty of losing possession of the ball on no fewer than on 13 separate occasions, the fifth-most out of any Albion player (SofaScore), as WBA supporters were particularly critical of his ability to hold onto the ball.

West Brom fans on Snodgrass display

These West Brom fans slammed his performance on Twitter, with one even going as far as to claim that he is a ‘pound shop Chris Brunt’, a player who made over 400 appearances for Albion and moved to central midfield late on in his career (Transfermarkt):

“Livermore made that goal and still gets slated by fans who seem blind to the fact that Snodgrass has no legs whatsoever and lost possession multiple times….again. Saturday has to be Livermore and Molumby in the middle.”

Credit: @DJAndyMole

“Snodgrass is a pound shop Chris Brunt”

Credit: @LastBlairite

“Livermore and Snodgrass get pushed off the ball so easy, no energy at all”

Credit: @BromBreakdown

“Snodgrass is awful…”

Credit: @BlakeCalum

“Snodgrass and Livermore both dreadful too. It all is.”

Credit: @DickLaurent96

“Robinson, Grant and Snodgrass non-existent not that any of them haven’t they’ve just been the worst of the bunch”

Credit: @Leighwbafc1

In other news, find out what transfer news has Baggies raging here!

Newcastle United are reportedly now chasing a move for Marc-Andre ter Stegen in the January transfer window.

The Lowdown: Goalkeeper conundrum

With Martin Dubravka, Karl Darlow and Freddie Woodman still at St. James’ Park, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) consortium now have a little bit of a conundrum on their hands in terms of what to do in the goalkeeping department.

What is clear is that they would need to let one or two of them go in January if they would like to bring a new number one in, but that may not be so easy to find midway through the season.

Nonetheless, with the North East club also being linked to the likes of Thomas Strakosha recently, it seems to be an area that they are keen to strengthen in.

The Latest: Ter Stegen offer

As per Sport (via Sport Witness), ter Stegen has now ‘received an offer’ from the Tyneside outfit to join them in January, but the Germany international did not want to listen.

He was reportedly left ‘surprised’ to know that the Magpies ‘still did not have a technical structure’, and so it looks as if the new owners will have to try a lot harder to convince him to sign from FC Barcelona.

The Verdict: Move on

It does not seem as if ter Stegen wants to move to the Toon, and so it is time for them to move on.

Currently rated at £49.5m by Transfermarkt, it would likely cost a lot of money in order to lure him away from Barca, and in perhaps the only position the Toon Army can actually boast some depth in already.

Given the decorated career that he has had so far, in which he has won the UEFA Champions League among many other trophies (Transfermarkt), it is understandable that ter Stegen would not want to join to be involved in what looks to be a relegation scrap, when he is already at a prestige club in La Liga and the Champions League.

Nonetheless, the new owners should be looking at strengthening other areas of the pitch first of all, before they start looking for a new man in between the posts.

In other news, find out which three major signings PIF are plotting here!

Loads of Glasgow Rangers fans have been left fuming as some news emerged involving a new partner.

As per the official website of the Ibrox faithful, Sportemon Go (SGO) will now become a top tier ‘Official Club Partner’ with back of the shirt sponsor branding, digital non-fungible token (NFT) collectables, as they will also offer a significant commercial investment into the club.

They have formed sports partnerships with a number of high-profile athletes, including Premier League players Andy Robertson and Luke Shaw.

While they will bring some benefits, including innovative creative digital collectible products and fan engagement activities, a lot of Light Blues supporters are not happy with the new partner, as some feel as if they have too many already.

Others noticed the unfortunate Twitter handle that the company possesses, and so do not want to be associated with them.

Rangers fans on partnership

These Teddy Bears fumed as the partnership was announced on Twitter, with one Ger even going as far as to claim that it is ‘awful’:

“I don’t like this at all Rangers”

Credit: @Allan85200280

“No this ain’t it”

Credit: @DCRS_Boom

“Wow”

Credit: @King_Kamara18

“Called it. Shambles.”

Credit: @phil_091

“Rangers fans DO NOT put your money into this”

Credit: @kylEnsign

“Awful. Everything about it is awful”

Credit: @gordmatheson

In other news, find out whose comments have left Gers buzzing here!

Plenty of Aston Villa supporters have been reacting to Ashley Preece’s predicted XI for the game against West Ham this weekend.

Villa play host to David Moyes’ side, who have just come off the back of dumping holders Manchester City out of the Carabao Cup.

The Hammers are also impressing in the Premier League and in the Europa League, whereas Dean Smith’s men have lost their last three.

Preece shared a story on Tuesday evening, believing Smith will ring the changes this weekend following the 3-1 defeat to Arsenal.

The reliable reporter has tipped Smith to return to a back four, with Leon Bailey and Jacob Ramsey coming in for Axel Tuanzebe and Emiliano Buendia.

That would allow Smith to go with a 4-3-3 system, with Ollie Watkins out on the left and Douglas Luiz holding in front of a back four.

Villa fans react

This is what these Villa fans had to say in reply to Preece’s Twitter post, with some picking out Tyrone Mings for criticism and another labelling the decision to play Buendia centrally as opposed to out wide as ‘bizarre’.

“Mings only had 4 yellow cards all last season and already has four this… I’m not entirely sure what that says, but it isn’t positive.”

Credit: @CaptainScott87

“All Norwich fans said to us Buendia has to play on the wing and yet we’ve played him in the middle, really bizarre.”

Credit: @MartinRammer

“9 games and already 1 yellow away from a ban.. makes that ridiculous time wasting a bit more ridiculous.”

Credit: @lvad78

“No Buendia… there is a surprise! Pathetic agenda against him despite not playing in his favoured (or most used to) position or formation. Grealish was right…”

Credit: @AlBlanch

“Definitely useful for Mings to have a game out. He’s been a liability this season. Needless fouls, constantly giving the ball away, regularly out of position. I close my eyes when the ball comes near him at the moment.”

Credit: @RossMatthewman7

“Mings should be dropped but he won’t be”

Credit: @TaylorMods

In other news: ‘The best’ – Many AVFC fans go wild as Fabrizio Romano shares ‘official’ Villa news. 

Everton are extremely proud when it comes to their academy but over the last 12 months, they’ve experienced some problems.

Their young players are beginning to close the door on Finch Farm and walk away just as they move closer to gaining a first-team breakthrough.

That was the case for Thierry Small who rejected a contract, refused to turn up for training and then joined Southampton.

However, Goodison Park remains an attractive place for the stars of tomorrow to come.

While they may lose some budding prodigies, Marcel Brands has tried to repair some of the holes that have emerged in the Everton academy.

That began last week when the Toffees completed a £1m move to sign Francis Okoronkwo.

The attacker was at Sunderland before he was poached away by Rafa Benitez’s men in an exciting move for the youngster.

A quick forward with the ability to play all across the frontline, he has been on the Everton radar for a while now.

What provoked them to entertain a move was a clash with Sunderland last season.

The U18s faced the Black Cats at the end of last term and it was Okoronkwo who caught the eye the most, scoring against them in a 4-3 win.

Everton have eventually signed him and he looks a wonderful capture.

Aged just 17, it could be a while before we see him in the first team but there are certainly openings available.

Anthony Gordon has gained match time under Benitez this season while Ellis Simms has also appeared on the bench with Richarlison and Dominic Calvert-Lewin out injured.

The thought of Okoronwko appearing alongside the latter is a thought to behold.

After all, some of his characteristics are similar to the England international. Sources have described the teenager’s game as “powerful” and “quick” to the Liverpool Echo.

The best review given to the outlet, however, was about his form in 2020/21: “[He was] one of the best players in that age group,” they said.

Capable of making darting runs, terrifying defenders and scoring goals, the young attacker looks like someone to get excited about.

His play combined with someone as ruthless as Calvert-Lewin provides plenty of hope for the future at Everton.

AND in other news, Rafa may have Everton’s long-term Rodriguez heir in “sensational” rarely-seen 17 y/0…