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Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou will be convinced of his side's ability to finish in the top four and return to action under the Champions League lights after the summer, making efforts to achieve this goal in the transfer market this month.

The Australian closed the door on an illustrious tenure with Celtic in June to try his hand in the Premier League and after some exemplary business in the market to combat the sale of Harry Kane to Bayern Munich, led the charge as his team soared into the ascendancy.

However, as we all know, this was stifled when injuries to key players created a rather dramatic slump, which has now been put to bed with some excellent results and performances of late.

There's a certain lack of depth and this was solved with acquisitions this month for Radu Dragusin and Timo Werner; while a midfielder appears to be the next port of call, Postecoglou is indeed laying the groundwork for an exciting addition at the end of the term.

Spurs eyeing "special" teen

According to numerous sources including Fabrizio Romano, Tottenham have initiated negotiations with Club Brugge to discuss the transfer of prodigious winger Antonio Nusa.

Nusa staying in Belgium for the remainder of the campaign actually suits Spurs as they push for a midfielder, especially as he wishes to stay put right now and his outfit are seeking €30m (£25m) for his exit.

Likened to Erling Haaland

Nusa might only be 18 years old but he already offers some of the most dynamic and electric talents around, ranking among the top 14% of attacking midfielders and wingers across divisions similar to the Belgian Pro League for goals, the top 10% for shot-creating actions and the top 1% for progressive carries and successful take-ons per 90, as per FBref.

The four-cap Norway international has been hindered by back injuries this season but has still managed to post three goals and three assists apiece across just 12 starting appearances.

With an innate eye for goal and stunning athleticism, Nusa is a remarkably skilful and fleet-footed vehicle down the left lane, and given his Norwegian roots and blooming prolificness, Spurs could sign their own version of Erling Haaland by sealing the deal later this year.

Likened to the Manchester City goal machine for his raw strength and staggering natural offensive ability, albeit offering a different skill set stylistically, Nusa could shoot right to the top in the coming years and Spurs seem intent on snapping him up quickly before interest erupts in a shower of hungry suitors.

Haaland signed for City from Borussia Dortmund for a £51.5m base fee in 2022 and has since gone on to obliterate the yardstick for success as a high-class centre-forward in England's top-flight, scoring an unprecedented 36 goals from 35 appearances last season, 52 in all competitions as Pep Guardiola's side won the Treble.

Nusa is something of a livewire at this stage and there is no certainty about where he will be in several years, but the latent talent is there and if channelled, he could grow into one of European football's most frightening stars, and Spurs must ensure that he is signed soon. Before it's too late.

Chelsea identify Aston Villa star Jhon Duran as primary target after Benjamin Sesko signs a new deal with RB Leipzig.

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• Chelsea eyeing move for Duran
• Missed out on signing Sesko
• Wanted to sign the Colombian in January

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Blues, who were keen on signing Aston Villa's Duran in January, have rekindled their interest in the striker after missing out on Sesko who recently extended his contract with RB Leipzig, according to .

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The report further claims that the West London side have prepared a shortlist of at least three forwards for the upcoming summer window, however, Duran is reportedly their primary target as the club shares a good relationship with the Villans.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  The 20-year-old Colombian forward enjoyed a good run of form for Unai Emery's side who finished fourth in the league in the 2023/24 season and secured a Champions League slot. The attacker appeared in 37 matches across all competitions where he scored eight times.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR CHELSEA?

  Enzo Maresca's side will be back in action next month as they are set to conduct their pre-season in the US where they are scheduled to face Wrexham, Manchester City and Real Madrid.

With over half of the Premier League season played, Arsenal find themselves in the midst of another title race, and while they aren't leading like they were last year, they are still within touching distance of Liverpool and Manchester City.

The summer signing of Declan Rice has helped to make the team more robust in defence, but with the side looking less fluid in attack, Mikel Arteta's decision to spend £65m on Kai Havertz is coming more and more under the microscope.

In fact, the latest player touted for a move to the Emirates is a midfielder who could very well take the German's position in the team, so maybe it isn't just the fans who are growing impatient with the former Chelsea man's performances.

Arsenal look to Italy for midfield reinforcements

According to GOAL Brasil, Arsenal are among several clubs interested in Atalanta's star midfielder Ederson and have 'made inquiries' about his availability in the transfer market.

The report has revealed that Liverpool, Manchester United, Newcastle United and Paris Saint-Germain have also inquired about the 24-year-old this month. Still, no club has made a formal offer to the Bergamo outfit as things stand.

There has not been a reliable report as to how much the Serie A side want for their dynamic midfielder, but CIES Football Observatory values him at around €30m (£26m), which, if accurate, might represent a bargain in this market, and a brilliant opportunity for Arsenal to sign the perfect Havertz replacement.

How Ederson compares to Havertz

Now, had Havertz arrived for a substantially smaller fee, or perhaps from a club that wasn't Chelsea, he might be getting less flack for his performances this season, as his return of four goals and one assist in 21 Premier League appearances isn't utterly woeful, it is just very, very underwhelming.

What makes it worse is that he doesn't look much better than when he first arrived at the club, essentially torpedoing any hope some might have had that he'd grow into his role in N5.

With that in mind and football being as cutthroat as it is, it does make sense to start looking for a replacement, especially if the Gunners have any genuine ambition to win the league, and Atalanta's Ederson looks to be that ideal replacement.

While his return of five goals and one assist in 21 Serie A appearances is only slightly better than the German's output in England, what is going on under the hood makes all the difference.

When comparing the pair's underlying numbers, it becomes practically impossible to argue for Havertz over the Brazilian, as in the vast majority of relevant metrics, he is beaten, and in several instances, it isn't even close.

For example, the "versatile" midfielder, as South American football expert Tim Vickery described him, scores more non-penalty goals than the German from a lower non-penalty expected goal and assist figure; he also produces significantly more progressive passes, shots on target and shot-creating actions per 90 than his potential future teammate.

It isn't just in attack where he thoroughly outclasses the former Bayer Leverkusen prodigy, though, as his defensive output is genuinely impressive, and Vickery's assertion that he's a "strong" player certainly rings true when looking at the number of tackles he wins and the number of blocks, interceptions and clearances he makes per 90.

Arsenal to rival Spurs for £30m signing who could replace Odegaard

The 24-year-old has been on fire this season.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Jan 30, 2024

Ultimately, the Gunners need someone new to come in and make that left-eight position their own if they are to push on and fight for this league title, and Ederson looks like he could be the man to do that.

Alisha Lehmann and Douglas Luiz have reunited in Las Vegas, with the Aston Villa stars still at the centre of a Juventus transfer saga.

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• Swiss star following boyfriend around the States
• Taking in the sights alongside Copa America action
• Both are seeing summer switches to Italy mooted

• Instagram
  

  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Both currently ply their trade in England for Aston Villa, as they grace the WSL and Premier League. There has, however, been talk of a historic deal taking the duo to Italy – allowing them to continue working alongside one another in Turin.

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• DID YOU KNOW?

  For now, Luiz is focused on international matters with Brazil. He did not figure in their Copa America opener against Costa Rica, as Lehmann watched on from the stands, but will be hoping to see game time when the Selecao face Paraguay at Allegiant Stadium on Friday.

• THE GOSSIP

  Lehmann has made the trip to Nevada alongside her boyfriend, and they have met up in a Vegas hotel alongside close friends. The Swiss star has a couple of days in which to see the sights and hit the local casinos before watching her partner in Copa action again.

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• WHAT NEXT?

  Lehmann has already spent time in Miami, Orlando and Los Angeles during her summer break from competitive football. Her tour of the United States may head to San Francisco next, with Brazil due to face Colombia at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara on July 2.

Whilst West Ham United didn't exactly enjoy a busy January deadline day when it comes to incomings, the Hammers are reportedly set to seal a dramatic departure after the window has slammed shut, despite an initial obstacle.

West Ham transfer news

Amid the chaos of the end of the transfer window, West Ham welcomed Bournemouth on Thursday evening, holding the Cherries to a 1-1 draw in the Premier League courtesy of James Ward-Prowse's penalty. The former Southampton captain spared the blushes of debutant Kalvin Phillips, who gave the ball away inside his own area for Dominic Solanke's early opener.

Most of the drama was saved for off the pitch, however, with the Hammers linked with a move for Armando Broja in the early stages of the day, only for the Chelsea striker to eventually join Fulham on loan late on. Meanwhile, those at the London Stadium were also busy negotiating the departure of Pablo Fornals. All looked on course for the Spaniard to join Real Betis before the deadline, but now a day later, a deal is yet to be confirmed.

Fans needn't worry though. According to Sky Sports' Dharmesh Sheth, Fornals' move to Real Betis is still expected to go through, with IT issues understood to be the problem. If ever there was a bad time for IT issues to take place for a football club, it is transfer deadline day. Sheth reported the news on Friday morning, posting on X:

David Moyes is certainly still optimistic over a deal taking place too, saying: "I think the Pablo deal has a chance to be ratified. I think we did get the paperwork tied up just before the deadline."

Fornals is written into Hammers folklore

Arriving at West Ham in the summer of 2019, Fornals has enjoyed a fairly successful four years in London, with last season's Europa Conference League win the top highlight. Cementing his place in the Hammers' history books as West Ham's all-time record European appearance maker, the midfielder will hope to see his reputation remain intact among the supporters. Fornals' stats during his time at the club show just how important he has been in Claret and Blue at times.

At his best, Fornals earned plenty of praise at the London Stadium, including during West Ham's Europa Conference League run last season. After the midfielder scored in the semi-final against AZ Alkmaar, former teammate Declan Rice said, via BBC Sport: "He's not played as much as he wanted to this year but every time he has come on he has given everything for the badge, for the shirt. To score that goal and put it through his legs to send West Ham into the final, his name is going to be written in West Ham history forever."

Manchester United failed to make any new additions to their squad in January.

A striker was the priority for the month, however, the last two matches have highlighted both a problem and a solution to Erik ten Hag's midfield.

With that in mind, let's take a look at the player United missed out on who could have elevated the side dramatically.

Man United's midfield dilemma

In the last week of the transfer window, reports indicated that the Old Trafford outfit were in talks to sign Morten Hjulmand.

The Danish midfielder only joined Sporting CP in the summer from Lecce, but he has already excelled in his new surroundings. The Portuguese club have slapped a £68m release clause in the player's contract, which ultimately meant that the Red Devils couldn't sign him in the winter.

However, in an alternate reality, the 24-year-old could have been walking onto the Old Trafford pitch against West Ham United on Sunday in place of Casemiro.

The Brazilian returned to the United squad last Sunday against Newport County, and his performance left a lot to be desired. Throughout the game, the 31-year-old was sluggish, wasteful, and completely off the pace, as highlighted by his four fouls and 64% pass accuracy.

Casemiro's performance against Wolverhampton Wanderers this week was slightly better, but his inability to lock down the midfield on his own was glaringly obvious. The former Real Madrid man was dribbled past four times, committed a penalty, and only won five of his 12 ground duels.

How Hjulmand could have unleashed Mainoo

Kobbie Mainoo has been United's most consistent performer over the last month or so, and it is clear that Ten Hag has realised just how important he is to the side, as he has played every minute of the last four games after he was substituted at half-time against Nottingham Forest.

The 18-year-old skillset is extremely well-rounded, and he has been utilised as a defensive midfielder mainly since coming into the side. However, his last two matches have indicated that his best role may be slightly further forward as a box-to-box number eight, as he has scored in both of them, including a last-minute winner on Thursday, where he showed the world what he's truly capable of and why he's such a "special" prospect, as per analyst Ben Mattinson.

Having Hjulmand in the side would allow Mainoo's creative traits to flourish, as well as his ability to affect the game in the final third. The table below Hjulmand's statistics from this Europa League season proves why.

As you can see, Hjulmand is the definition of a "monster" out of possession, as alluded to by journalist Zach Lowy, due to his athleticism and ability to cover ground, unlike Casemiro. The Danish international reads the game brilliantly and mops up in the middle of the pitch, as shown by his interceptions and tackle statistics.

Just by fielding Hjulmand in the starting XI, United would be much more defensively secure in transition, which is where they are currently caught out with Casemiro in the team, and what is preventing the number 37 from pushing on. Therefore, Mainoo could move further forward to provide support to the attacking players while also having the option to drop deeper to get on the ball.

Giving the academy graduate the freedom to express himself anywhere on the field could just see him develop into United's best midfielder since the days of Paul Scholes.

Jesse Lingard finally has lift off in South Korea, with the former Manchester United star’s first goal for FC Seoul earning a Team of the Week nod.

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• Moved to the Far East in February
• Faced issues with form & fitness
• Hoping to have found springboard

• Getty
  

  WHAT HAPPENED?

  The 31-year-old playmaker completed a shock switch to the Far East in February after spending several months as a free agent. Following his release by Nottingham Forest in the summer of 2023, Lingard was linked with West Ham, Al-Ettifaq and a number of teams in MLS without landing a contract.

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  His spell in Asia did not get off to the best of starts, as questions were asked of his contribution to the collective cause before a knee injury was picked up that required surgery. Lingard is now back on the field and giving his loyal legion of fans something to shout about.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  His first goal for FC Seoul was recorded against Gangwon FC, with the deadlock broken in what turned out to be a 2-0 win. The ex-England international offered enough in that contest to land himself a place in the K-League TOTW for round 19.

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• WHAT NEXT?

  Lingard will be hoping that effort is the first of many, as he seeks to justify the faith that has been shown in him by those in the South Korean capital. He signed a two-year contract when opening up a new challenge and has always been someone that boasts unwavering belief in his own ability.

Manchester United striker Rasmus Hojlund has admitted to feelings of guilt after Denmark were knocked out of Euro 2024 by Germany.

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• Denmark beaten at last-16 stage by hosts Germany
• No goals for Hojlund in four games at Euro 2024
• Striker left feeling guilty after exit

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Denmark were beaten 2-0 by Germany in the last 16 of the European Championship on a stormy night in Dortmund on Saturday. The game was packed full of controversy, as both team had goals ruled out, while Germany's opener came from the penalty spot after a controversial handball call against Denmark defender Joachim Andersen.

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  The result means the tournament hosts progress to the quarter-finals of Euro 2024 and a clash against either Spain or Georgia, while Denmark now head home. Hojlund headed into the tournament after a first season at Manchester United where he scored 16 goals and helped the Red Devils lift the FA Cup. However, he failed to find the back of the net in Germany, despite playing in all four of Denmark's matches, and admitted to feeling guilty after the defeat.

• WHAT HOJLUND SAID

  He posted on Instagram: "To be honest I didn’t really know what to expect from my first Euros. Supporting Denmark during a tournament was always one of the highlights as a Dane, playing for Denmark was indescribable. I was so eager, and wanted so badly to make our country proud. I texted one of my friends that I felt a bit guilty. It’s a weird sentimental mix, because there’s also pride. Obviously we wanted to bring the cup home, but the thing that will always bring me pride, both as a footballer and a Dane: We are red we are white. We stand together, side by side."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR HOJLUND

  Hojlund can now enjoy a break from football before returning to action with Manchester United. The club are set to jet off on a pre-season tour of the United States in July ahead of their first Premier League game of the 2024-25 campaigin against Fulham at Old Trafford on August 16.

A manager praised for doing the "best job" in his league last season is a candidate to replace David Moyes at West Ham, if the Scotsman is indeed sacked.

Moyes facing uncertain future at West Ham

While the 60-year-old publicly stated that talks are 'well down the line' over a contract extension at the London Stadium, widespread reports indicate his future is far from certain.

ExWHUemployee shares manager search update from "the very top" at West Ham

Rumours are surrounding Moyes’ future.

By
Emilio Galantini

Feb 14, 2024

A lacklustre start to 2024 has pushed West Ham chiefs into considering alternatives to Moyes, and it is reliably believed that negotiations over fresh terms have been postponed until the club have a clearer idea of the Scotsman's potential to bring more success.

“We know the Chairman is very aware of the discontent amongst the fans, he's not on social media but is very well-informed of what is happening," said insider ExWHUemployee this week.

"A new deal for Moyes is not close. Results and performances have put any planned talks back, and the manager of course has been warned things must improve fast. The objective was to retain Moyes, and the club are known to want to stay loyal to the manager, however we can confirm options are being assessed. Tim Steidten will be looking at alternatives as the club plan ahead, although that is to be expected.”

The likes of Lille manager Paulo Fonseca and former Chelsea boss Graham Potter have been floated as just a few of the potential options for owner David Sullivan in the last 10 days. If West Ham do decide to part company with Moyes, it would be for good reason, as the Hammers fan base appear divided over whether he can take them any further.

The east Londoners won their first major trophy since the 1980s last season, lifting the UEFA Europa Conference League after beating Fiorentina in Prague. However, West Ham also flirted with relegation to the Championship domestically, with the club still yet to win a single game in 2024.

It will be very interesting to see who Sullivan and Steidten could opt to appoint if Moyes leaves, with former Nottingham Forest boss Steve Cooper emerging as a candidate.

Steve Cooper emerges as West Ham option to succeed Moyes

Indeed, according to 90min, Cooper could be an option to replace Moyes at West Ham, as it is believed he'd be "in the running" if their boss departs. The Welshman has been linked with Crystal Palace in the last few months, but as they attempt a deal for Oliver Glasner, the door remains open for Sullivan to appoint Cooper.

He steered Forest away from relegation against all odds last season, as Cooper had to deal with both a bloated squad and consistent rumours surrounding his future.

Former Irons head coach Sam Allardyce even praised him for doing the "best job" in England's top flight.

“If Nottingham Forest survive relegation, Steve Cooper has definitely done the best job of all the managers in the Premier League this season," said the ex-top flight coach last year (No Tippy Tappy Football Podcast via Forest News).

"What becomes difficult in terms of building team spirit is having too many players. Most managers don’t have enough. What they don’t have enough of is quality, and what they don’t want is quantity."

As Arsenal began the cycle of 2024 Mikel Arteta's men looked like a belegaured outfit. The goals certainly weren't flowing and neither were the victories.

Across that New Year period the Spanaird's side lost three straight games in which they scored just once.

It was a run of form that pales in comparison to the current purple patch they find themselves in now.

Arsenal have won their last six games in the Premier League and have scored 25 goals in the process. Such a run means they now have the best goal difference in the division, although they are still bettered for points by holders Manchester City and recently crowned Carabao Cup champions Liverpool.

That said, they have put themselves in with a remarkable chance of winning the title come May and they have done so without some key men too.

Oleksandr Zinchenko has missed the last three matches through injury while Gabriel Jesus only returned to the bench against Newcastle last Saturday after sitting out three league games of his own with a knee problem.

However, there have also been some long-term issues, notably to summer signing Jurrien Timber and midfield enforcer Thomas Partey. The former will no doubt have a bright future at the club but for the latter, his time in London could soon be coming to an end.

Why Arsenal need to sell Thomas Partey

Back in the summer transfer window of 2020 Arsenal made a big effort to land Partey from Atletico Madrid.

It was a long pursuit and one that ended on transfer deadline when the Gunners paid the Ghanaian's £45m release clause.

Now, that feels like a bargain and compared to the £105m for Declan Rice, it certainly is. By signing the midfielder Arsenal thought they'd acquired their next Patrick Vieira and for many years he showed what a powerful and technically gifted weapon he is.

Partey has a set of unique qualities. Not only can he break up the play with relative ease, but his range of passing is a joy to behold. He might not contribute much to the attacking phases of play in the final third but he is often the man to start the charge.

Let's him somewhat of a quarterback if you will. He sprays passes from deep and sets Arsenal's forward players in motion. It's those attributes that have seen him labelled an "unbelievable" asset by Yaya Toure.

With the arrival of Rice, Arteta hasn't really missed that but the idea of him playing beside their record buy is a rather sumptuous thought. It's just a shame we're unlikely to see that.

Why? Well, a wretched injury record, the emergence of Jorginho and a contract that expires in 2025. It means that if Arsenal want to receive a penny for his signature then they'll need to cash in when the summer window opens.

So far this term he has played just 251 minutes in the league and hasn't been seen in Arsenal colours since the 1-0 win over Manchester City all the way back in October. Bizarrely, he was even fielded at right-back for his first three appearances of the campaign.

That intriguing tactical switch now feels like a lifetime away with a hamstring injury plaguing Partey's season. He has missed 26 games and counting but a return may finally be near.

Speaking recently, Arteta noted: "He’s been out for many, many months now. We need to really nail the timing of when he has enough in the tank to compete. But I think he’s very close."

A return date has been pencilled in for the beginning of April but even then he could struggle to get into the side.

His absence hasn't just been painful for the player but it's also been hurtful to the club, both from a performance and monetary point of view. After all, he's still one of the club's highest earners, even over poster boy Bukayo Saka.

In fact, he is the fifth-highest earner in the entire squad at Colney. The fact he's missed as much football as he has this term, then, means he is rather burning a hole in Arsenal's pockets. Injury can't be helped, of course, but it would certainly free up the coffers if they decide to move the former Atleti star on.

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Football FanCast's Wage Burners series explores the salaries of the modern-day game.

There has been interest in the player this season, notably from Italy and ahead of a summer window where Edu and Co will need to fund the arrival of a new striker, Partey really does feel like an expendable asset.