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Tottenham Hotspur are set to battle for the signature of long-time target Marcel Sabitzer this summer…

What’s the word?

According to Sport Bild, Spurs are among three Premier League teams chasing the 27-year-old RB Leipzig captain ahead of the transfer window re-opening, with Manchester United and Liverpool also keen.

Sabitzer’s contract will expire in 2022, so the Bundesliga outfit are reluctant to lose him for nothing and want around €42m (£36m).

It’s also claimed that Jose Mourinho is a big fan of the Austria international, whilst the report suggests that there is a “75% chance” he joins Spurs after this current campaign.

Imagine him & Kane

This is the sort of signing which should excite Harry Kane for more reasons than one. A lot has been made about his future at Spurs, considering he is desperate to add silverware to an already glistening career.

“Look, I try to stay out of that speculation as much as possible. I’m fully focused on doing the job on the pitch from now until the end of the summer, and then we’ll see where we go from there,” said the England captain to Sky Sports last week.

The arrival of Sabitzer would not only lower the expectations on his shoulders but also put them one step closer to ending that long wait for a trophy.

Jose Mourinho has relied heavily on Kane’s exploits this season. He has directly accounted for 30 of their 49 league goals – that’s a whopping 61% of all Premier League goals either scored or assisted by the 27-year-old.

Only one other Spurs player has hit double figures in the league Heung-min Son, so the north Londoners could certainly do with finding another source of goals and that’s why Sabitzer fits the bill immensely.

The Leipzig skipper has previously been lauded as a “goal threat” by current boss Julian Nagelsmann and his numbers reinforce that. After providing 16 goals and 11 assists during the 2019/20 campaign, he has followed it up with seven goals and six assists this term, via Transfermarkt.

Imagine that sort of influence tucked in behind the free-scoring Spurs sensation.

Sabitzer’s outstanding ability from set-pieces has even drawn comparisons to David Beckham and perhaps could help fill that sort of void, which was left behind by Christian Eriksen last year.

Then there are his leadership capabilities, which would certainly help ease the pressure off Kane to deliver.

His former head coach Ralf Rangnick waxed lyrical about him last season, telling Kicker (via BuLi News): “He has clearly changed for the better and has become a leader. The way he has developed his personality is remarkable. I’ve only rarely experienced something similar.”

Furthermore, the midfield dynamo has previously been dubbed “perfect for Jose Mourinho” by transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, so in some ways, it’s no surprise that there’s a 75% chance he’ll make the swap to north London this summer.

Daniel Levy absolutely should sanction this deal, even if it’s taking a £36m wedge out of his back pocket. He, Kane and Son could spearhead Spurs back into contention for the big prizes.

AND in other news, Exclusive: Pundit slams Spurs defender Davinson Sanchez

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, former Premier League midfielder Carlton Palmer has criticised Newcastle United’s Miguel Almiron after the Paraguayan attacker stated that he would like to play for a team that “fights more”, prior to the 2-2 draw with Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.

Almiron’s controversial comments came in a recent interview with Paraguayan radio station ABC Cardinal and, according to Football Insider, that interview has now left several of his Newcastle team-mates fuming.

In what has been a disappointing season for the Magpies, Almiron has arguably been one of few positives at the club. The 27-year-old has come up with some important goals for Steve Bruce’s side, netting in wins against Southampton and relegation rivals West Brom.

Discussing the comments made by Almiron in an exclusive interview with FFC, Palmer said:

“If I was Steve Bruce, I would be absolutely annoyed and angry. There’s too much, there’s too much coming out of Newcastle at the moment. I mean, the manager’s had a flare-up with one of the players, which is an everyday occurrence at football clubs up and down the country.

“Whether it’s between player and player or between player and manager, whether it’s a big player and a coach, there’s always a disagreement, but why that gets into the public domain…”

The ex-Sheffield Wednesday player also added:

“Him making that comment now is going to create more problems within the dressing room because players are going to turn around and say, ‘well you’re accusing me of not fighting then for the club?'”

With Newcastle battling for Premier League survival, Almiron’s comments are the last thing Bruce needs, especially after all the fallout from the Daily Mail’s Matt Ritchie story.

According to recent reports, Ryan Bertrand could be set to leave Southampton this summer, with the 31-year-old yet to agree terms on a new deal with Saints.

Since joining Southampton from Chelsea in what was an £11.97 million deal back in 2015, Bertrand has gone on to make 238 appearances for the club, chipping in with eight goals and providing 20 assists along the way.

However, with the 31-year-old’s contract set to expire at the end of the season, and, as yet, there being no agreement reached in ongoing talks between the left-back and Southampton regarding a new deal, the Evening Standard report that the England international’s six-year stay at St. Mary’s could be coming to an end.

The Standard go on to claim that both Leicester City and Arsenal are considering a move for the £70,000-per-week defender, with the Foxes thought to be long-term admirers of Bertrand, while the Gunners are looking for back up for their first-choice left-back, Kieran Tierney.

Transfer Tavern Take

Having made 28 Premier League appearances for Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side so far this season, the possibility of losing Bertrand, particularly on a free transfer, may come as something of a blow to the South Coast outfit this summer.

However, with the left-back having averaged a rather disappointing WhoScored match rating of just 6.42 in the league this term – ranking him as the club’s 15th-best performer in the top flight – perhaps letting the 31-year-old to move on could be a smart move by Saints, allowing them to save a considerable amount of money on the left-back’s wages, which could then be used to secure a replacement with a substantially brighter future than Bertrand.

In other news: ‘I hope so’ – Southampton’s £21m summer target dropped a huge hint on a potential Premier League move – find out more here!

Aston Villa are eyeing a summer move for Fenerbahce goalkeeper Altay Bayindir.

What’s the story?

With reports in recent days and weeks raising question marks over the futures of both Emiliano Martinez and Tom Heaton this summer, it’s no surprise that Villa appear to have their eye on signing a new shot-stopper in the transfer window.

According to Turkish outlet Takvim, Villa had representatives watching Bayindir in Fenerbahce’s 3-1 victory over Gaziantep, while fellow Premier League sides Newcastle and Crystal Palace are also said to be interested in the 23-year-old.

He’s been tipped to move to the Premier League

Standing at an imposing 6 foot 6, Bayindir would certainly be able to replace the sheer presence Martinez has in goal if the Argentine were to leave for Manchester United this summer.

The 23-year-old was recently praised for an impressive performance by former Arsenal star Mesut Ozil after the German made his debut for Fenerbahce earlier this year.

And, due to his form, former Turkey ace Oktay Derelioglu tipped Bayindir to make the step up to one of the Premier League’s big boys, along with fellow Turkish shot-stopper Ugurcan Cakir.

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He said: “Within a few years (Altay could play for) Manchester United, Liverpool, Barcelona or Chelsea. Altay and Ugurcan should cost 50m euros (£43m). In my opinion, the best squad of the league is Fenerbahçe’s. But if it were not for Altay Bayındir, the team could have around 48-49 points.”

While Martinez has had an outstanding debut campaign at Villa Park this season – he’s kept 14 clean sheets in the Premier League which is the third-most in the entire division – Dean Smith’s side could really do with someone to provide genuine competition for him.

Whether Martinez stays or goes, Villa could really benefit from having a goalkeeper like Bayindir in their ranks, and it’s unsurprising that Johan Lange is keen to make that happen.

Meanwhile, Villa must surely regret this major howler…

The story of Celtic starlet Adam Montgomery is an intriguing one. The talented Hoops prodigy came through the ranks as a striker and forward but he’s been reborn in a new position this term.

He is now a left-back and has gone from running rampant in forward positions to keeping players with similar qualities to his at bay.

Celtic are a club with plenty of pedigree in that position too. They let Andy Robertson go when he was in the U15s while they have recently housed the likes of Aaron Hickey and Kieran Tierney too.

None of them are at the club anymore but Montgomery is very much in the boat of trying to replicate the likes of Tierney.

He was a fan favourite at Paradise and won a multitude of honours before departing for Arsenal in a £25m move two years ago. Celtic have since struggled to replace him, however.

Diego Laxalt was brought in on loan from AC Milan but he is set to head back to Italy in the summer. Greg Taylor has developed nicely in recent months but they could save millions in the transfer window by forgetting about new recruits and bringing through Montgomery instead.

The 18-year-old is yet to make a first-team appearance but has been on the bench in recent weeks and is now training with the seniors.

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He has come a long way since being a plucky forward but he certainly deserves an opportunity to play. After all, the Bhoys are witnessing a number of young players heading for the exit door as a result of no senior opportunities.

Cameron Harper has already headed back to America while Karamoko Dembele’s future is uncertain too. He is out of contract and it doesn’t look as though he’ll pen new terms.

Montgomery’s rise, however, could make up for their exits. Whether it’s in Dembele’s position on the wing or further back in defence, there are a number of players he could succeed in the squad.

His sheer versatility would also be a huge option for John Kennedy or any new manager that arrives.

Speaking about his transition from attack to defence, the teenager said a few weeks ago: “When [changing position] was first to put me, I was a bit ‘ahh’. I am a tricky winger normally, I like beating players and getting at people.”

The youngster added: “The way Celtic play full-backs is very attacking so going back to full-back, it hasn’t been a massive difference for me. I’m really enjoying it.”

Montgomery’s mentality and attitude to the game certainly has to be admired. His maturity appears to be well beyond his age.

Based on that and his ability to play in various roles, he has to be handed a chance. He could save Celtic from making some costly blows in the transfer market.

AND in other news, Big update emerges in Celtic manager hunt, it could be great news for fans…

Everton tore into the Premier League’s ‘big six’ in a statement released on Tuesday morning.

Local rivals Liverpool, along with Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea, Spurs and Arsenal have agreed in principle to join a European Super League, for which they would always qualify automatically.

The Blues have accused them of ‘tarnishing the reputation of our league and game’, ‘disrespecting’ every other Premier League club and ‘betraying’ the majority of football supporters in the country.

Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville led the backlash when reports of the agreement first emerged on Sunday.

Neville dubbed the clubs a ‘disgrace’ and declared that they had committed a ‘criminal act against football fans’.

And the United legend was pleased by the furious response from Goodison Park.

“Go on Everton,” he wrote on Twitter in reaction to a section of the statement which called for the plans to be immediately scrapped and warned the clubs to ‘remember the privileged position they hold’.

Transfer Tavern verdict

You suspect that one of the motives behind the plan devised by the ‘big six’ is their fear of clubs like Everton.

Managed by Carlo Ancelotti and backed by Farhad Moshiri, the Blues are emerging as a force in the English game once again.

Win their game in hand, and they would only be three points off the Champions League qualifying places.

Based on this campaign, Everton, along with the likes of Aston Villa, West Ham, Leicester and Leeds are a long-term threat to the six’s participation in European competition.

In other news, Everton have been tipped to pursue this striker from one of the Super League clubs.

David Moyes may be made to regret allowing Oladapo Afolayan to leave West Ham United in January as he continues to impress at Bolton Wanderers.

Afolayan joined the League Two side on loan for the rest of the season as a late window pick-up for Ian Evatt, but has an uncertain future in claret and blue with his contract set to expire this summer.

The 24-year-old was relaxed about his situation when speaking to the media last month, and could be offered a permanent stay at the UniBol as Evatt is hopeful that a long-term deal can be agreed.

Afolayan has proven to be a regular of Evatt’s plans in Greater Manchester since his mid-season switch, with the forward starting 16 of his 18 outings and is yet to miss a League Two fixture for the promotion-chasing Wanderers.

He was in scintillating form on Tuesday night as Bolton beat Carlisle United 1-0 and played a key role in Eoin Doyle’s winner, but Evatt was unhappy at the treatment he received nor the protection given by referee Martin Coy.

“Dapo was brilliant [in the] first half, breathtaking,” Evatt said, via quotes by The Bolton News. “I just wish he’d get more protection because the amount of fouls and kicks that he gets, and referees need to do more to protect these skill players. He is bruised and battered, and he doesn’t deserve that.”

Afolayan was officially fouled four times by Carlisle and was denied a penalty in the second period when George Tanner appeared to trip the attacker – no player for either side was fouled more or as often, per SofaScore.

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It has been a frequent trend of his time at the UniBol for fouls to be given for challenges on Afolayan, who has been fouled 3.1 times per game on average, which ranks the London-born forward second across League Two just shy of Exeter City’s Will Dean (4.5).

Afolayan coming close to his first Bolton goal when the West Ham product rattled the base of the post before Doyle struck home will have given him encouragement to keep doing what he’s doing, as well, after two assists in his 18 Wanderers appearances to date.

But Evatt describing Afolayan’s first-half display as being “breathtaking” will be particularly worrisome for Moyes, who may be left to rue allowing the forward to leave the London Stadium with just six months left on his contract.

Afolayan is bound to have a suitor in Bolton when his Hammers terms expire, and is showing great progress in his development by taking the bumps and bruises from League Two opposition without dropping his head.

The character that will build is certain to be beneficial to his continued development as he forges a career in the game, most likely away from West Ham having only played one senior game when he scored from the bench against Doncaster Rovers in the FA Cup in January.

AND in other news, West Ham have been rocked by a double injury blow ahead of hosting Chelsea…

Speaking in a football.london Q&A, reliable Tottenham Hotspur correspondent Alasdair Gold has dropped an update involving Brighton and Hove Albion boss Graham Potter – with the journalist saying the Lilywhites have ‘definitely’ shown an interest.

Potter has been revered at times for his job on the English south coast this season and has even earned admirers like Man City manager Pep Guardiola (Brighton and Hove Independent).

Gold drops update involving Graham Potter

Indeed, the 45-year-old has entered the Tottenham managerial shortlist as a result, with Gold recently backing reports that Spurs do hold an intrigue (football.london).

In an update, the journalist has dropped another claim on Potter, and while he believes that the Lilywhites ‘definitely’ have him on the radar, he could be a ‘tough sell’ to many supporters.

“He’s definitely one Spurs have looked at, particularly with his playing style,” explained Gold to football.london.

“However, with Brighton teetering above the drop zone, it might be a tough sell to many fans to replace Mourinho to bring in a man who steered a team to 17th (potentially) in the league.”

Transfer Tavern take

A notable dark horse for the job, you could argue Spurs need a more prestigious candidate than Potter despite his plaudits over 2020/2021.

Indeed, figures of the English media have branded him ‘excellent’ (via Miguel Delaney), but the Lilywhites should be looking for a manager with more experience at the top level.

As Julian Nagelsmann takes the job at Bayern Munich, it would appear Erik Ten Hag is the next best thing – especially considering he has drawn comparisons with Guardiola and has experience winning silverware.

In other news: Tottenham working to sign this colossus, find out more here.

Everton suffered a setback in their pursuit of European qualification at the weekend, going down 2-1 to Aston Villa at Goodison Park.

Anwar El Ghazi’s 80th-minute winner meant the Blues failed to kick on from a big three points at Arsenal the previous week.

Reflecting on the defeat, The Athletic’s Toffees correspondent Patrick Boyland pointed out the impact of one absentee.

In their eight games without Abdoulaye Doucoure, Everton have picked up just one victory.

More midfield bodies needed at Goodison after 2020 transfer spree?

In mid-March, the £20million summer signing was ruled out for up to 10 weeks after sustaining a small foot fracture.

According to Boyland, the statistic demonstrates that ‘eyes should be on the midfield again over the summer’.

The Blues recruited three midfielders ahead of the 2020/21 season for a combined fee of £42.5million – Doucoure, Allan and James Rodriguez, but all three have spent at least some time on the sidelines this campaign through injury.

Boyland shared the stat and his verdict on Twitter, and here’s how Everton fans reacted.

Everton fans lament Doucoure absence and slam replacements

“8 games without Doucoure and poor results are no coincidence. He’s been vital this season. Without him we look very much like the side from last season.”

Credit: @followeverton

“Our best midfielder by a mile”

Credit: @Adam0841

“If only we’d just bought a new midfield ey”

Credit: @Stu17666455

“I said it at the time him missing was a bigger blow than any other player missing, his energy cannot be replaced, we cannot play with gomes, james, sigurdsson and davies, any of these 2 in the same team is criminal, more legs needed in the summer.”

Credit: @BrunsypPB

“Sigurdsson, Davies, Gomes, all need binning simply not good enough”

Credit: @gflan02

“Yes, legs and the ability to go past someone with the ball.”

Credit: @petduff

In other news, one of Boyland’s The Athletic colleagues tipped Everton to make this move.

Charlton Athletic have been dealt an injury blow ahead of their crucial League One fixture on Tuesday evening, as Diallang Jaiyesimi has been ruled out.

What’s the latest?

According to a statement posted on the club website, Jaiyesimi is expected to miss the fixture against Lincoln City due to a hamstring injury, meaning this will be the third consecutive fixture in which the winger has been sidelined.

However, the club went on to confirm that Ben Watson, after being rested for the 1-1 draw with Accrington Stanley last weekend, looks set to be involved in Tuesday’s clash.

Huge blow

Following the stalemate at The Crown Ground, Charlton now simply must win against Lincoln if they are to stand any chance of securing a top-six finish in the league come the end of the season.

As such, the continued absence of Jaiyesimi is likely to come as a huge blow for Nigel Adkins, as the Addicks appear to have been missing the 22-year-old’s cutting edge in the final third in both their loss against Peterborough United and their draw with Crewe Alexandra, as well as the aforementioned draw at Accrington.

Indeed, prior to the loss against the Posh, the former Dulwich Hamlet ace had scored one goal and provided two assists over his previous five league appearances, averaging a highly impressive SofaScore match rating of 7.04 over these fixtures.

However, Adkins will once again have to make do without the winger on Tuesday, and will undoubtedly be hoping that his side can secure a result in order to keep Charlton in with a shout of the play-offs on the final day of the season – a fixture in which the 56-year-old will likely be praying for Jaiyesimi to be back for.

In other news: Adkins must unleash “unplayable” £5.4k-p/w Charlton ace tonight, can be a game-changer – opinion