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Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, Tottenham legend Graham Roberts has warned Jose Mourinho about signing Lewis Dunk this summer, suggesting the Brighton centre-back is not going to get his old side back into the Champions League.

According to football.london, Tottenham are keen on adding a leader with Premier League experience to their backline and Dunk is one player who they could look at.

The captain at his club and boasting over 130 top-flight appearances, the 29-year-old certainly fits the criteria mentioned above.

Roberts, however, is not entirely convinced, viewing the Englishman as a “decent player” at best.

“I think he’s a decent player,” the former Tottenham defender told FFC in an exclusive interview. “But I don’t think he’s a player that’s going to get you in the Champions League.”

As well as Dunk, football.london reports that Spurs are also considering Fulham’s Joachim Andersen and Nikola Milenkovic of Fiorentina.

Meanwhile, Football Insider claims the Premier League outfit will target Milan Skriniar when the transfer window opens after coming close to signing the Inter Milan man back in January.

Toby Alderweireld is not getting any younger and there are question marks surrounding Davinson Sanchez due to the amount of mistakes he makes, so it would not be a surprise to see Tottenham go after a new central defender this summer.

With the European Super League now very much dead in the water, all eyes will firmly be back on the Premier League on Wednesday night when Aston Villa take on Manchester City.

Dean Smith’s side fell to a 2-1 defeat last time out to reigning champions Liverpool, and face another incredibly difficult test when they take on the current league leaders.

The Villa boss has once again got some major injury concerns to deal with ahead of the game, and that will no doubt play a major part in his selection.

With that in mind, below is a look at how Villa might line up when City come to town tonight.

In goal, Emiliano Martinez will be hoping to keep his first clean sheet in five Premier League games, with Villa’s defence just beginning to creak a little after an impressive campaign overall.

The back-four should also remain unchanged, although Smith may want to make some big calls in the midfield area.

The Villa boss confirmed that January signing Morgan Sanson will once again be missing from action thanks to injury, and he could well look to freshen things up by bringing Ross Barkley back into the fold.

The England international appears to be on his way out of Villa Park, but was brought on as a substitute in the defeat to Liverpool last week, and Smith may feel like offering him one final chance in a big game to try and prove his worth – the £31.5m-rated Douglas Luiz might be the man to miss out.

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Jacob Ramsey will also be pushing for a recall back to the starting line-up, and could do so in the place of Bertrand Traore. The Burkina Faso international just hasn’t been himself lately, and Anwar El Ghazi will be hoping to get his chance.

Predicted XI: Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Mings, Targett; Nakamba, McGinn Barkley; Ramsey, Watkins, El Ghazi.

Meanwhile, Villa must drop this liability vs Man City tonight…

Former Glasgow Rangers manager Alex McLeish believes Ianis Hagi is unhappy at Ibrox due to his lack of playing time.

McLeish makes Hagi claim

Hagi has been in and out of Gerrard’s starting line-up so far this campaign. He has made 42 appearances in all competitions this term, of which 33 have been starts – the Gers have been involved in a total of 52 matches throughout the season (Transfermarkt).

Speaking to Ibrox News, McLeish believes the £5.4m-valued Romania international (Transfermarkt) will be upset. He said:

“He’s played cameo roles for most of the season. There were doubts about him at Genk, they thought he was just ok, but he’s a young lad.

“For a young player like that, I would say that a lot of the games he has contributed more in than at the beginning which shows his improvements. He’ll probably be upset that he’s not started that much or played.

“Steven has obviously got a game plan, and he is a little reluctant to disrupt that too much.”

More expected

This campaign has been far from a total disappointment for the former Genk man. He has managed seven goals and 12 assists in the matches in which he has played, and his performances have contributed to the Gers winning the Premiership title.

Having said that, he will most likely have expected to be a crucial player for the 55-time Scottish champions, and that has not really been the case. He has also come in for criticism from the club’s supporters, which will not have done his confidence any favours. He has been linked with a move to Lazio (Sport.ro), and that may well be on the back of his mind.

Hagi, though, still has plenty to offer. He is just 22 years of age, and there have been plenty of signs of his talent. If both he and Steven Gerrard can remain patient, the youngster could have a fantastic career at Ibrox.

In other news, Rangers are favourites to sign this striker.

Plenty of Aston Villa fans have been giving their thoughts to a transfer update on Chelsea striker Tammy Abraham.

Villa have been linked with a summer move for the Blues forward who netted 26 goals for the club on loan.

And according to the Daily Telegraph, cited by Birmingham Live, any club wanting to sign Abraham will need to fork out £40m.

The report suggests that the 23-year-old could leave Chelsea as part of a ‘reshuffle’ of Thomas Tuchel’s squad ahead of the 2021/22 season.

Abraham, valued at £36m by Transfermarkt, still has over two years remaining on his Stamford Bridge deal.

He’s on £82,000-a-week with the Blues, so it seems as if Villa will have to make Abraham their club-record signing and one of the top earners at Villa Park, should they wish to bring him back to the Midlands.

Villa fans react

@AVFC_News shared the news on Abraham on Twitter on a number of occasions.

This is what these Villa supporters had to say in reply.

“SNAP THEIR HANDS OFF”

Credit: @Jedi1708

“Pay it, a better standard of player and him and Watkins would compliment each other.”

Credit: @Liam_856

“Better spent on Tammy than Barkley.”

Credit: @avfcthegambia

“Don’t care how much it costs… just get him”

Credit: @irvines02

“Seems very reasonable for 40 million. Our academy will save us millions in the future.”

Credit: @StevenB40945084

“Make an offer 35 mil, it’s a start !! Would love to see him back with us. His quality is needed, obviously needs help within CM but at least we’d have 2 main CF’s who could push us to the next level with their goals as Ollie can’t do it all!!!!”

Credit: @MarkPau86473828

In other news: Many AVFC fans flock to footage of Dean Smith, find out what it’s about here. 

According to reports, Aston Villa are interested in signing Burnley winger Dwight McNeil this summer.

What’s the story?

With the 2020/21 Premier League now entering its final weeks, attention will soon be turning towards the start of the transfer window, and it appears that Dean Smith’s side already have some plans firmed up.

Football Insider claimed that Villa have their eyes on McNeil, with the 21-year-old “one of the top targets of their recruitment team” and the Midlanders “lining up a huge bid for him”.

The report added that the winger’s recent new contract with Burnley will not deter Villa, with the signing of a new wide forward high on the summer agenda for Johan Lange and co.

Premier League star

While two goals and five assists in the Premier League this season is hardly something to shout about, the 21-year-old is playing for a Burnley side who have hardly come to be known as a swashbuckling, attack-minded side in their years under Sean Dyche.

McNeil has arguably been one of the few standout performers going forward for the Clarets, and it’s something which has previously caught the eye of Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp.

He said: “Dwight McNeil is such a good player, lovely left foot, doesn’t stop running. Every time I watch him he gets better and better, he’s got real quality and certainly a player that the top six to eight clubs will be looking at, and that’s no disrespect to Burnley because I don’t like saying that sometimes, but he is that good.”

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Given that Villa appear to have taken a real step forward this season after only just surviving relegation from the Premier League in 2020, it’s no surprise they are intent on taking another leap come the summer with a swoop for the £60m-rated McNeil.

Meanwhile, Villa mustn’t sell this star this summer; it’s not Grealish…

After Tottenham Hotspur’s ambitions to qualify for the Champions League took a major blow this afternoon, succumbing to a 3-1 defeat at Leeds United, many Lilywhites supporters proceeded to take aim at defender Eric Dier.

The 27-year-old, playing in front of England boss Gareth Southgate, endured a horrible afternoon in Yorkshire as Spurs take a big dent in their quest to qualify for Europe.

Dier, up against Leeds ace Patrick Bamford, was given a tough task right from the off and was at fault for his goal late in the first half.

The centre-back was caught ball watching, with the Whites striker promptly nipping in ahead of him to gift Leeds a 2-1 advantage (football.london).

Rodrigo eventually sealed a 3-1 victory for the home side as Spurs watched on, and a frustrating afternoon is perhaps encapsulated by what these supporters thought of Dier’s display.

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Having earned a 6.4 match rating, losing the ball 12 times and getting beaten in the majority of his aerial duels (SofaScore) – it’s safe to say the numbers back up a regrettable afternoon for the defender.

Here’s how Tottenham fans rated his performance at Leeds.

Tottenham fans hammer Dier

“Give Dier away for free, I will drive him to his new club. I would carry him on my back to his new club. Just get rid of him. Always awful. Insane that he can say that he plays in the Premier League”

Credit: @THFCFredrik

“Dier is woeful”

Credit: @dwarfhubby29

“Disgusting performances from Aurier , Dier and Reguillon”

Credit: @Pasco78Lee

“Just remember that Poch wanted rid of Dier two years ago and Levy outright refused to sell him”

Credit: @HotspurHub

“Eric Dier was clueless!! Does he ever look around to see where his man is???? So easy for Bamford. Horrible defending, absolutely clueless”

Credit: @hazza_b82

“Take out Toby, Son, Kane and Lloris (Dele was decent), some very poor performance, Dier should be embarrassed and even late on jumped out the way of a shot. Blood some kids now.”

Credit: @ColinWilde33

“Eric Dier is as useless as a white crayon. He needs to go.”

Credit: @ChristinaZandes

“Dier and Aurier two absolute donkeys. Useless”

Credit: @barney_york

In other news: Alasdair Gold backs reports of Spurs eyeing ‘perfect’ boss for Tottenham, find out more here.

Tottenham Hotspur have Jerome Boateng atop their summer transfer wishlist…

What’s the word?

That’s according to Sport Bild, who claim the 32-year-old is attracting interest from Spurs ahead of the expiry of his contract at Bayern Munich next month.

Boateng will be free to join any club he wants in the upcoming window and it is believed he would accept a substantial pay cut to his reported £210k-per-week wages, though he desires a lengthy three-year contract.

Last month, Sky Germany suggested the German international had held ‘concrete talks’ with the North London outfit.

Short-term fix

It seems apparent that reinforcements in defence will be the priority for Spurs, regardless of who is in charge next season.

Alasdair Gold at football.london believes they are particularly looking for a centre-back with leadership qualities and ideally, he would be one of two additions in the role.

Hardly a surprise given defensive mistakes and inconsistencies have been the defining theme of Spurs’ tumultuous season.

A move for Boateng could well be an interesting option to consider as it will cost Levy nothing in terms of a transfer fee, and that will save a ton of money when it comes to finding that other central defensive signing.

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It would also fulfil their desire to find that leader at the back.

The 6 foot 3 colossus is a vastly experienced defender that has won multiple trophies, including a World Cup, nine Bundesliga titles and two Champions Leagues.

Back in 2015, Boateng was considered one of the very best in the world. “He has stabilised his play and now he is a complete player,” claimed former German international Matthias Sammer. “There’s no question that he is the best defender in the world.”

Despite not being offered an extension at the Allianz Arena, he has regularly featured for the Bundesliga champions, playing 37 times in all competitions and remains one of their best ball-playing options, with an average passing accuracy of 88% in the German top-flight.

He’s also not really regressed, so there shouldn’t be many doubts over his suitability to perform for Spurs. As European football expert Kevin Hatchard told talkSPORT this week:

“He is very much back this season. Hansi Flick is a big supporter of Boateng, he’s played him in the vast majority of the games and he wanted to keep him,” before adding: “I think he would be a good short-term option for Spurs. If he shows the form he’s shown this season then he could do well. And he’s free.”

The 76-cap beast would be a fine short-term fix to Spurs’ defensive issues and if Levy can tie him down to a smaller length contract, then it would certainly be a masterstroke.

AND in other news, Levy spends £60m on 3 new signings: How Spurs’ XI could look if Scott Parker is hired…

Speaking to Sky Sports (via Football Daily), Spanish football journalist Alvaro Montero has shared news involving Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane – with Barcelona not prioritising a move for the striker and Man City now favourites to sign him. 

The Lowdown: Kane exit saga underway…

After Sky Sports broke the news that Kane has reiterated his desire to leave north London, many Premier League clubs have been linked with a swoop for the superstar hitman.

This includes the likes of City, Manchester United and Chelsea on the domestic scene – with chairman Daniel Levy remaining firm on his Kane stance this summer.

Sky believe that Levy values him at ‘well over’ £120 million and any club who wants to sign him will have to invest heavily in a very difficult financial climate.

The Latest: Journalist shares news involving Kane

Speaking to Sky and sharing his information on the saga, journalist Montero has effectively ruled out Barca as serious contenders for Kane’s signature this summer.

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“After asking, I believe that Harry Kane is not the priority number one of Barcelona,” he explained (via Football Daily).

“Once you ask inside the club, the feeling inside Barcelona is that Harry Kane is going to stay in the Premier League.

“Here in Spain, we are talking about Manchester City as the next team.”

The Verdict: Bad news for Spurs…

Ideally, if Kane is to leave north London at all, Lilywhites supporters will surely want him to move abroad in his quest to win silverware.

Manchester City being touted as the favourites for Kane could present a problem for fans who don’t want him leaving to a rival – especially given City are one of the only clubs in world football who could probably afford his sky high valuation.

As per this development, it appears the 27-year-old’s likelihood of choosing a move abroad has just grown that little bit slimmer.

The only hope for Spurs supporters may be Paris-Saint Germain due to their backing, especially given the likes of Real Madrid and Barcelona are suffering from crippling financial problems.

Could Mauricio Pochettino have a say in stopping Tottenham’s rivals from snatching Kane away this summer?

In other news: Spurs now eyeing this Kane replacement from a Premier League rival, find out more here.

Celtic fear that Crystal Palace could scupper their plans to land Eddie Howe as their new permanent manager, according to Football Insider.

The Lowdown: Howe agreed on Parkhead move

Reports last week suggested that the 43-year-old agreed to become Neil Lennon’s successor.

One of the reasons regarding an official announcement being delayed is thought to be down to Bournemouth’s involvement in the Championship playoffs.

Howe wants to bring some members of the Cherries’ coaching staff with him to Scotland, but promotion to the Premier League for Bournemouth over the next 10 days could make that difficult.

And it seems as if the Hoops are fearing the worst when it comes to the Englishman possibly moving elsewhere.

The Latest: Celtic’s fear following Lampard development

Frank Lampard pulled out of the race to take over from Roy Hodgson on Thursday.

A Celtic source has now informed Football Insider that the managerial twist at Selhurst Park has prompted fresh fears at Parkhead that the Eagles could now make their move for Howe.

Howe spoke to Palace last month, and it seems as if the development on Lampard has got the Hoops worried.

The Verdict: Saturday key?

Even though reports have suggested Howe will be the next permanent boss in Glasgow, as we know with the Ben Davies transfer saga in January, anything can happen until a deal is officially signed.

In an ideal world, Brentford would turn around a one-goal deficit against Bournemouth on Saturday, which may then give the Hoops the chance to tie up deals for Howe’s backroom staff.

However, should the Cherries book their spot at Wembley for May 29, that could give Celtic another week where they may sweat over Howe moving elsewhere.

In other news: Celtic transfer U-turn emerges, find out more here. 

Football Insider pundit Frank McAvennie has had his say on Manchester City’s interest in Aston Villa captain Jack Grealish.

The Lowdown: City planning huge Grealish bid

A Manchester City source has recently informed Football Insider on the Premier League champions’ latest stance regarding the 25-year-old. Pep Guardiola’s side hold a strong interest in Grealish and are still plotting a huge bid at the end of the season.

Reports earlier this year have suggested that the playmaker is excited about the possibility of moving to the Etihad Stadium and has informed his friends that he would be interested in a move to the blue side of Manchester.

The Latest: McAvennie shares his thoughts

Talking to Football Insider, McAvennie feels that Villa have a ‘problem’ when it comes to the attacking midfielder and compared it to Harry Kane’s situation at Tottenham. The 61-year-old said:

“That’s the biggest problem for Villa.

“They have to keep Grealish. It’s the same with Harry Kane at Spurs but Grealish hasn’t come out and said anything.

“Villa were challenging now they have gone the other way. John McGinn and Barkley were flying.

“Something happened but if Villa can’t challenge, Grealish won’t stay. They have to prove to him that they can get Europe next year.”

The Verdict: Could Villa’s blushes be spared?

Manchester City are aware of the release clause in Grealish’s contract, but in our opinion, their interest in Harry Kane could be crucial.

Sergio Aguero will leave the Premier League champions over the coming weeks, and following the developments with Kane, it seems as if City are keen on signing the England captain. Should a big-money deal go through, a huge move for Grealish could be put on the backburner due to the finances involved.

However, the Villa captain may want to play in Europe’s elite club competitions at some point in his career, so it is down to his club to try and convince him that he can do that at Villa Park in the future.

In other news: Villa plotting bid for Celtic ace, many AVFC fans torn – find out more here.