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Tottenham Hotspur managing director Fabio Paratici is now reportedly in talks to try and sign Corentin Tolisso for Spurs after contacting his agents.

The Lowdown: Ndombele replacement?

Calciomercato reported earlier on in the week that Spurs are ‘in the running’ to sign Tolisso alongside some of the biggest names in European football, namely Inter Milan, Juventus, PSG and Atletico Madrid.

Perhaps they have one eye on Tanguy Ndombele potentially leaving the North London club, given recent reports of interest from abroad and the fact he wanted to leave during the summer, per The Times.

Nonetheless, if Nuno Espirito Santo were to lose one of his central midfield players, then a replacement would be needed.

The Latest: Paratici wants Tolisso

According to a most recent report from Calciomercato, Tolisso has made the ‘surprise decision’ not to renew his current deal at Bayern Munich, which is expiring next summer.

He is reportedly a ‘long-time ball’ of Paratici, who has been talking to his agents to try to bring him to the Lilywhites.

However, there is ‘nothing advanced or defined’ at this moment in time, as Atletico Madrid have been named as a club who could potentially hijack a deal.

The Verdict: Ndombele out, Tolisso in

It has not quite worked out for Ndombele at THFC, with a mere ten goals and eight assists in 83 games on total over all competitions across the last three consecutive seasons (club-record £63m for him, fans should certainly expect more.

At a good age of 24 and still holding a market value of £40.5m, now may be the best time for Nuno and Paratici to cut their losses.

In would step Tolisso, who could come on a free transfer next summer, and if it does not work out, they can always sell him on for a profit.

Nonetheless, there is no reason why it should not, given that he has scored three times as many goals (48) as Ndombele (16) has from midfield in his club career so far, and is capable of playing anywhere across the middle of the park like Ndombele can, providing depth in multiple positions.

A UEFA Champions League and World Cup winner as well (Transfermarkt), Tolisso has that extra winning mentality, which would be very useful for a side who have not won a major trophy since 2008.

In other news, find out who this Tottenham ‘insider’ believes may be offered a new deal here!

Journalist Darren Lewis has tipped West Ham United to buy real quality if  Daniel Kretinsky ends up purchasing a 27% stake in the Hammers.

The Lowdown: Kretinsky eyes Irons stake

Over the past few days, it has emerged that the Czech investor is interested in buying a 27% stake in the east London club (via The Guardian).

As of yet, however, there has been no official comment from the club or from the businessman himself.

The Latest: Big times ahead

Speaking to Sky Sports’ Super Sunday Matchday (via Hammers.news), Lewis predicted big times ahead for the Irons as he discussed the possibility of Kretinsky investing in the club and the subsequent potential for lucrative signings in the January transfer window. He said:

“What it does, it provides the ability for West Ham to go into a transfer window where they are going to look at quality, rather than making up numbers, with a degree of confidence.

“He (Kretinsky) is a guy who is very canny with his investments, he’s got other business interests as well outside of football.

“He’s generated a lot of optimism within the West Ham fanbase because they’re feeling now that with a guy like that coming into play suddenly they can start to think about the club matching David Moyes’s ambition…

“Now what the new investment enables them to do is go into a transfer window looking to attract – and they will be able to attract – the kind of quality player that will hopefully take the club to another level.”

The Verdict: Wait and see

Of course, the rumours that there could be a new investor at the club will surely have delighted many West Ham supporters. David Gold, David Sullivan and Karen Brady, are the current owners, and it is fair to say they are far from popular among many Irons fans.

Worth €3.4bn (£2.9bn, via Marca), Kretinsky is not quite on the level of Roman Abramovich or Sheikh Mansour, for example, but fresh impetus and points of view may be exactly what West Ham need to move to “the next level”, as Lewis put it. Should the deal go through, it promises to be an exciting time ahead for the Hammers, who are already flying as it is.

In other news, many West Ham fans love this news about Mark Noble

Wayne Rooney’s Derby County are still at risk of receiving a points deduction this season.

What’s the latest?

That’s according to a claim made by John Percy, with The Telegraph journalist revealing on Twitter that talks are ongoing between Derby and the EFL over an “agreed sanction” for the club’s financial breaches, with the governing body pushing for a points deduction – with a nine-point sanction on this season’s total, with a further three-point suspended deduction, being a possible outcome.

Percy continued by stating that the Rams insist that their accounting did not break EFL rules, so a compromise must be reached between the two parties – something which both Derby and the EFL wish to resolve as soon as possible.

In his tweet, the journalist said: “DCFC update: talks ongoing with the EFL over an “agreed sanction” for financial breaches. EFL pushing for points deduction (-12 & -3 suspended possible). Derby insist their accounting policy is fair, so compromise must be reached. Both sides determined to finally resolve it ASAP.”

Fans will be worried

The news that the EFL are still pushing for a points deduction is sure to come as a headache to everyone professionally involved with Derby County, while it is also bound to leave fans of the club rather worried.

Indeed, despite Wayne Rooney’s side starting their Championship campaign in impressive form considering the club’s off-field issues, picking up six points over their opening five fixtures of the season and suffering defeat just once, a possible nine-point sanction would completely wipe out this decent early season form, and then some.

However, with it appearing as if there are negotiations to be had with the EFL regarding the severity of the club’s punishment – Percy revealed in a further tweet that “Derby will either try and agree a compromise or fight [the sanctions]” – it would certainly not appear as if a nine-point penalty is inevitable.

As such, all of Rooney, Mel Morris, the Derby County players and fans of the club will undoubtedly be hoping that a positive resolution can be found regarding the Rams’ fate in this matter, and then they can finally begin to put this whole mess behind them.

In other news: Alan Nixon reveals worrying off-field Derby County development, fans will be fuming

Rangers manager Gio van Bronckhorst may be forced to be creative with his squad at Ibrox in the coming weeks as he faces a big issue at the top end of the pitch with his Gers team.

Ex-Leeds forward Kemar Roofe has suffered a fresh injury blow and it remains to be seen how much of the campaign he will miss.

Van Bronckhorst told Herald Sport:

“We don’t know the exact injury or how long he’s going to be out. We have to wait until the doctor tells us the extent of the injury.”

Big issue

The injury to Roofe has left the Dutchman with a big issue as Alfredo Morelos is his only senior, natural, centre-forward, with Fashion Sakala currently being deployed in a wide role.

With games coming thick and fast over the festive period, rotation may be vital for the Gers and they cannot afford to play Alfredo Morelos in every single game. Therefore, if Roofe is out for a number of matches then the 43-year-old may need to dip into the academy pool to find a stand-in until the ex-Anderlecht man is able to return.

One player he could look to is teenage forward Tony Weston. The former Blackpool man has been in sensational form for the B Team. He scored 15 goals in the Lowland League by the start of December and has since added a 16th strike, to go along with his five goals in eight cup outings. This means that he has found the back of the net a whopping 21 times in all competitions for the reserves.

With that in mind, it’s clear to see why he was dubbed “clinical” by Gers coach Steven Smith.

His ex-Blackpool manager Simon Grayson once lauded his enthusiasm for the game too, saying:

“He’s got so much enthusiasm. The lads were watching what he was doing, where his pure enthusiasm and love of being a professional footballer is at the front of his mind.

“He’s got 30-year-old lads behind him in the warm-up and I’ve never known a 16- year-old lead with stuff like that. He’s got confidence in his ability and it’s great for him.”

Weston’s sublime form for the B Team suggests that he could be deserving of a chance to make the step up to the senior side. He could come in and help plug a gap whilst Roofe is injured and allow van Bronckhorst to rest Morelos, in order to prevent the Colombian from being overworked and picking up any knocks of his own.

Therefore, the ex-Feyenoord coach must hand this huge opportunity to the teenager to see whether or not he is able to adapt to playing senior football.

AND in other news, Forget Tavernier: “Terrific” Rangers beast with 51 duels won is already Gvb’s key man…

Arsenal could revive their interest in Newcastle United’s Freddie Woodman, Chronicle Live journalist Lee Ryder has claimed.

The lowdown

Arsenal have a ‘pressing need’ for a second-choice goalkeeper but it was revealed on Wednesday that talks over a potential deal for Sheffield United’s Aaron Ramsdale were ‘on the brink of breaking down’ (via The Athletic).

The Blades were demanding £35million for Ramsdale when Arsenal hoped to pay around half that figure.

Woodman is set to start Newcastle’s Premier League opener at home to West Ham United on Sunday with Martin Dubravka and Karl Darlow both sidelined.

He spent last season on loan at Swansea City, keeping a league-high 21 clean sheets for the beaten playoff finalists. The 24-year-old’s Transfermarkt value has now climbed to £9million.

Newcastle and Arsenal have already done business this summer, of course, with Joe Willock’s permanent move announced on Friday.

The latest

Ryder reports that, earlier in the summer, a swap deal was discussed whereby Woodman would head to the Emirates and Willock would return to Tyneside.

That was abandoned after Dubravka and Darlow were hit with separate issues, but Arsenal could now re-open conversations after encountering frustration in their Ramsdale pursuit.

The verdict

Newcastle might not stand in Woodman’s way when Dubravka or Darlow return to the fold, but it will be interesting to see what the player himself decides.

Will the allure of Arsenal persuade him to accept another back-up role, or will he express a preference for first-team football elsewhere?

Off the back of his displays for Swansea last season, he really ought to be a starting ‘keeper in the Premier League.

In other news, Newcastle have reached an agreement for this perfectly-named ace. 

An update has emerged regarding Leeds’ reported interest in Torino midfielder Sasa Lukic.

What’s the talk?

According to Tutto Mercato Web, the Whites are interested in a deal to sign the 24-year-old this summer. Leeds are keen on the Serbian, as are Russian giants Spartak Moscow, and could make a move for him before the end of the transfer window.

The midfielder recently commented on speculation over his future, saying: “I don’t read the newspapers much. It’s normal for a player to be the subject of rumors (about his future) but I don’t think about that.

“I am a Toro player and I plan to do well this season. It’s my fifth year (at the club) and I feel like home.

“Every year I try to do the best I can: last year I got off to a good start, then Covid stopped me for a few weeks and I couldn’t go back like before. But I am working hard. I hope to have a good season, myself and the whole team.”

Fans would be fuming

Leeds chief Victor Orta has to avoid making a costly blunder with Lukic this month. He must avoid lashing out a big fee on the Serbian as it could represent a blunder in the transfer market given his form throughout his career in Serie A.

There are a couple of reasons why this could work for Leeds. For starters, his versatility has seen him play as a holding, central and attacking midfield player for Torino in Italy. This shows that he is capable of adapting to several different roles, which could come in handy for Marcelo Bielsa should injuries or suspensions arise.

Lukic also has room to improve at the age of 24. This means that he is not the finished article and could have more development left in him, which Bielsa could potentially unlock through his coaching. These two reasons are why he could be a decent addition if the price is minimal.

However, there has been nothing to suggest that this will be a loan deal or one where Torino are happy to let him go on the cheap, especially when there is interest from multiple clubs, which could spark a bidding war. If Leeds do need to shell out a sizeable fee for him, then they must avoid it completely.

Fans would be frustrated to see the club take a gamble on Lukic given his performances for Torino in recent years. Last season, he averaged a lowly WhoScored rating of 6.48 in Serie A across 32 appearances, which was still an improvement from the 6.31 he managed in 30 games the previous campaign.

This shows that his performances have been statistically poor in Italy, which is why Leeds fans might not be happy to see him join unless it’s a loan or on a very cheap deal. If he has been unable to perform consistently in Serie A, that might well also be the case in the Premier League, so  Orta must avoid a costly howler with Lukic in this transfer window.

AND in other news, Leeds handed boost over maestro who has “something special”, Bielsa will be delighted…

Sunderland-born Steve Howey believes that the loss of Charlie Wyke is going to be a major blow for the Black Cats.

Following a goal-shy first two seasons at Sunderland, the striker scored 31 times in League One last season to help the north-east giants finish in the top-six.

However, despite being named as the club’s Player of the Year, Wyke he rejected the opportunity to extend his stay at the Stadium of Light and was therefore available to sign on a free transfer.

And Wigan did exactly that, securing Wyke’s services earlier this month, leaving Sunderland manager Lee Johnson with a tough job on his hands to replace his goals ahead of their fourth straight season at League One level.

Howey exclusively told Football FanCast:

“Well, it’s a blow, if somebody scores 30 goals a season, it’s going to be a blow. But the lad got his move from it.

“But Sunderland are in a situation where they can’t afford to be paying players sums of money that if you’ve had a good season, you’re going to get offered by other teams.”

With Wigan in the same division as Sunderland, this did appear a surprise move for Wyke and one that he perhaps accepted due to the Latics offering a better financial package.

In terms of chances of getting promoted, the Black Cats are firm favourites to end their stay at League One level and win the title, whilst Wigan are expected to challenge for the top-six.

Despite defeat in their midweek fixture, Mark Warburton has seen his Queens Park Rangers side get off to an impressive start in their 2021/22 Championship campaign, with the Rs picking up 12 points over their opening seven games of the season.

However, having conceded 10 goals so far this term, the most of any team in the top half of the table, there is a clear area of the pitch in which the 59-year-old must improve should he wish for his side to be considered genuine contenders for promotion: defence.

While Warburton’s main back three have highly impressed, with Robert Dickie, Jordy de Wijs and Yoann Barbet ranking as QPR’s first, third and sixth-best performers respectively so far this season – as well as loanee defender Sam McCallum appearing to have the left wing-back spot nailed down following a commanding display against Bournemouth – the right wing-back position has been something of a problem area for Warburton.

Indeed, over Osman Kakay’s four Championship appearances so far this term, the 24-year-old has averaged a disappointing SofaScore match rating of 6.53. Summer signing Moses Odubajo has also done nothing to convince his manager that he should be the club’s first choice in the position, averaging a SofaScore match rating of 6.42 over his five league fixtures.

Adomah could be the answer

As such, it would seem wise for Warburton to mix things up in the position in the club’s upcoming fixture against Bristol City this afternoon, with versatile winger Albert Adomah appearing to be a strong candidate for the role.

Indeed, having been brought on at left wing-back in QPR’s 3-3 draw with Reading last weekend, the 33-year-old impressed over his 18 minutes on the pitch, registering one assist, making two key passes and creating one big chance for his teammates, returns which saw the £720k-rated man earn a SofaScore match rating of 7.3.

The £18k-per-week forward put in an equally impressive display after being brought on for Kakay with 35 minutes left to play against Bournemouth on Tuesday, making three key passes, three interceptions and three tackles, seeing him earn a SofaScore match rating of 7.3.

As such, in posing a clear threat going forwards, as well as appearing solid defensively, the man who Sabri Lamouchi dubbed a “positive” player could well be the answer to Warburton’s right wing-back woes, with Adomah being released in that role potentially being a game-changing move by the 59-year-old.

In other news: QPR handed major injury boost ahead of Bristol City clash, Warburton will be buzzing

Jacob Murphy is set to sign a new long-term deal at Newcastle United, ending speculation linking with him moves to Leeds United and Rangers [Shields Gazette].

The Lowdown: Newcastle strive towards the 2021/22 season

Moving into 2021/22, the Toon will be hoping to improve on their 12th placed Premier League finish last campaign [BBC].

Despite not yet plunging into the summer transfer market yet, Steve Bruce’s men have been linked with moves players like  Kristoffer Ajer and Matheus Nunes.

However, keeping hold of their key assets will also likely be a priority to the St James’ Park hierarchy, something which they seem to have successfully enacted in the form of the 26-year-old.

The Latest: Murphy set to pen new long-term deal at St James’ Park

Excelling in his newly defined role as a right-wing back, Murphy is set to commit his future to the Geordies on a lengthy new contract [Shields Gazette].

Though the finer details of his signature are yet to be finalised, he will now bring the curtain down on interest in his services from Premier League side Leeds United and UEFA Champions League qualifiers Rangers [Shields Gazette].

In recent months, European attention from Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen and Turkish Super Lig Galatasaray had also come to the fore [Football Insider].

The Verdict: New Murphy contract is welcome news for the Magpies supporters

Unquestionably, this news will come as a timely boost to the Newcastle United support. Playing a key role in the Magpies’ upturn in form towards the end of 2020/21, the versatile right-sider registered seven goal contributions in 31 appearances; three goals and four assists [Transfermarkt].

Labelled as ‘outstanding’ by The Times editor Henry Winter back in April [Football Fancast], he has shown a commendable desire to adapt as a footballer over the last year, winning 106 duels over the course of the campaign in his new defensive role [Premier League].

In other news, an Italian side are interested in a Newcastle United midfielder.

Burnley centre-back James Tarkowski is eager to join West Ham United after they renewed their interest, according to Football Insider.

The lowdown

The publication reports that the Hammers are targeting Tarkowski once again after first trying to sign him last year.

They’re apparently intent on recruiting a ‘top-level centre-back’ in the summer transfer window.

The 28-year-old Englishman, valued at £22.5million by Transfermarkt, is about to enter the final year of his contract at Turf Moor.

Tarkowski made 36 appearances for Burnley last season, averaging 4.6 successful aerial duels, 4.4 clearances and 1.8 tackles per 90 minutes (via WhoScored).

Defensive partner Ben Mee has hailed Tarkowski as ‘honourable’ after he resisted earlier interest to remain at Burnley.

The latest

Tarkowski may now have decided the time is right to seek a new challenge. The report states that he would jump at the chance to join the Irons.

Encouragingly for West Ham, Burnley have already set to work on a possible replacement in the form of Stoke City’s Nathan Collins.

Last year, the Clarets rejected a bid as high as £31million for Tarkowski.

The verdict

If West Ham want a top centre-half, then Tarkowski fits the bill. He’s an upgrade on what they currently have, and could slot in alongside Angelo Ogbonna to form an enviable partnership.

Craig Dawson and Issa Diop would then provide excellent depth behind that duo.

From the player’s point of view, this move is long overdue. He’s been consistently impressive for a number of seasons now, but there’s only so far he can go with Burnley and if he wants to earn more England caps in the future, a move to a side in the Europa League could help him showcase his talents on a bigger stage.

In other news, West Ham are weighing up a move for this former Arsenal star.