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Speaking to the Daily Record, a well-placed source close to the situation has dropped an update on Cameron Carter-Vickers and his potential exit from Tottenham Hotspur.

The Lowdown: Goodbye?

The USA international has been tipped as one of numerous players to make way this summer as Spurs adopt a sell-to-buy policy.

Tottenham must offload players who are deemed surplus to requirements and bolster key areas of the squad, with reliable reporter Alasdair Gold expecting a big summer of change.

The club recently took up an option to extend Carter-Vickers’ contract by one year so as to not lose him for free, with a well-placed Daily Record source now coming out with a fresh update.

The Latest: Source drops Carter-Vickers update…

Speaking to the Scottish outlet, an unnamed source has revealed Carter-Vickers’ own stance on leaving north London this summer.

It is claimed that the 23-year-old is ‘looking for a new challenge’ and wishes to secure a move away ‘as soon as he can’.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/spurs-latest-updates-4/” title=”Spurs latest updates!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

“Cameron is looking for a new challenge and a few clubs are interested,” the Daily Record source explained.

“Celtic and Bournemouth are the most serious right now. He’s looking to get something sorted as soon as he can with the season just around the corner.”

The Verdict: Time to go…

Despite showing signs of early promise, with former Spurs fan favourite Jan Vertonghen once calling him an ‘absolute beast’, we believe that the time is right for Carter-Vickers to leave.

Spurs may certainly look to make that happen after extending his deal, with chairman Daniel Levy seemingly refusing to let the American centre-back depart on a free transfer.

While it is claimed Levy values him at £5m, an arguably insignificant sum, you could also say that every penny is needed in these difficult financial circumstances for the club.

In other news: ‘In recent days’…Spurs have now made approach to sign £34.4m-rated ‘genius’, find out more here.

Aston Villa have introduced a new manager, with Steven Gerrard joining the club in November, and he will surely be confident going into his first Premier League winter transfer window, making his own mark on the squad.

Gerrard has been in charge of the side for seven games, with four wins for the Villains so far climbing from 16th to 10th since his arrival, and has had the opportunity to work with the current crop of players at Villa Park to determine his next moves in the upcoming transfer window.

He recently spoke to Birmingham Live to offer an insight to his plans for January;

“In terms of the January window, there’s obviously conversations at Villa and there always will be behind the scenes identifying areas where we can improve.”

Time to go

One player who is expected to be axed in the winter transfer window is striker, Wesley Moraes, who has been on loan at Club Brugge for the first half of the season, struggling to make an impact on the Belgian side with no goals or assists in his seven appearances.

The centre forward suffered a horrific ACL injury back in January 2020, when he was playing for Aston Villa, which saw him injured for almost 18 months, making his return in April 2021, and being sent out on loan to Club Brugge a few months later.

He is now linked with a move to one of two Brazilian clubs, Sao Paolo or Internacional, who are both rumoured to be interested in the £35K-p/w gem and it could really be a blessing in disguise for Gerrard, as he will be looking to free up funds so that he can spend on players he wants to add into his Aston Villa team of the future.

Rumours of a replacement

Gabriel Barbosa, better known as Gabigol, has been heavily linked with Aston Villa and a number of other Premier League clubs for that matter, including Newcastle United, West Ham, Arsenal and Everton.

The Flamengo forward has offered a much better output in his most recent season for his club compared to Villa flop, Wesley, with an impressive 29 goals and nine assists in 43 appearances, and has quite rightly grabbed the attention of Premier League clubs desperate to add goals and creativity to their side.

Flamengo legend, Zico, claimed Gabigol “has everything” in an interview: “I think Gabigol has everything to be the greatest striker in Flamengo’s history.”

Reports suggest that the goal machine would costs around £17m, but with the competition so broad across a number of Premier League clubs rumoured to be interested in securing Gabigol’s signature, it could be a battle of the highest bidder.

The Villa boss would surely welcome a striker with the volume of goals Barbosa has scored for his Rio De Janeiro based club at Villa Park, as he continues to attempt to climb the Premier League table in the second half of the season, in the hopes he will be able to repair the damage done before his arrival to the club last month.

In other news: Gerrard dealt a blow in securing transfer target

If Celtic fans have been casting their eye across the pond at the MLS in recent times, then they might have seen a very familiar face in Victor Wanyama.

The Kenya international was of course on the books at Parkhead for a number of seasons having been signed by Neil Lennon back in 2011.

The then 20-year-old almost immediately endeared himself into the hearts of Celtic supporters when he paid tribute to the Lisbon Lions at his unveiling, saying: “It has always been a dream of mine to play for a club like Celtic. After reading the club’s history, I have chosen 67 as my squad number to show appreciation to the 1967 squad.”

Wanyama would make 91 appearances in total for the Hoops during his spell in Scotland, scoring 13 goals and providing nine assists too – his most famous strike of course being the one against Barcelona in the Champions League when Celtic pulled off the unthinkable in beating the European giants.

The Kenyan’s tough-tackling nature and ability to drive forward from box-to-box saw him nominated for the PFA Young Player of the Year award in 2012/13, and it was no surprise to see him attract admiring glances from south of the border.

Sold to Premier League side Southampton for a fee around £12m, Wanyama went on to make 97 appearances in all competitions for the Saints, netting four goals in total and helping the club achieve three top-eight finishes in the Premier League.

That then earned him a move to Tottenham where he would make the exact same amount of outings, but his time in north London ended rather acrimoniously.

He would then later say: “I was frustrated and when I came back from injury I didn’t get enough chances to play and enjoy my football.When I came back, the club should have trusted me and given me more chances to play again.

“I was fit and training well. I never argued with Pochettino but I wanted to speak to him. I went to his office but he was busy. I saw his assistant Jesus (Perez). He told me be to be patient, that my chance would come blah, blah, blah. I didn’t go to see them again. That’s why I left the club. I’m a football player and I wanted to play football.”

Since arriving in the MLS on a free transfer back in March 2020, things haven’t quite worked out for the Kenya international.

Montreal lost in the play-in round in his first year at the club, having finished ninth in the Eastern Conference (out of 14), and 18th overall (out of 28).

Then just last season, Wanyama’s side fared even worse, finishing tenth in the conference and thereby missing even the play-in bracket, let alone finding themselves in the play-off proper or even making a run for the MLS title.

To think that just a few years ago, Wanyama was shining on the global stage by helping to beat Barcelona, then playing Premier League football with the likes of Southampton and Tottenham.

Now, Transfermarkt see his value down at just £4.5m, and it paints a real picture of how his career has panned out.

Things have gone downhill for the 6 foot midfield machine, and it’s safe to say Celtic played a blinder by cashing in on him at the right time.

AND in other news – £4.7m down the drain: £12k-p/w Celtic liability rinsed Peter Lawwell for 140 weeks

Aston Villa are interested in a deal to bring Joe Gomez to Villa Park in the January transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by The Mirror, who claim that Steven Gerrard is hoping to strike a deal with Liverpool regarding a loan move for the centre-back this winter.

The report goes on to state that the Reds’ £36m summer signing of Ibrahima Konate has knocked the England international down the pecking order at Anfield, something that the 41-year-old Villa boss is attempting to take advantage of.

However, it is also claimed that Jurgen Klopp will not have forgotten the defensive injury crisis his side suffered last season, something which could see the German block Gerrard’s potential move for the 24-year-old.

Gerrard’s dream deal

While things appear to be very much on the up at Villa Park under the new leadership of Gerrard, with Villa having won both of their fixtures since the 41-year-old’s appointment at the club earlier this month, it is undeniable that, should the club wish to mount a serious charge towards the top end of the Premier League table, they must strengthen in the January window.

And, considering the fact that Villa have already shipped 21 goals over their 13 top-flight fixtures in the current campaign, centre-back would certainly appear to be a position that is in more urgent need of winter reinforcements.

As such, while it is true that Gomez has not featured all that much for Liverpool this season, featuring just seven times in all competitions for the Reds, the defender has nevertheless proven in the past that he would make a fantastic addition to Gerrard’s options in the heart of defence.

Indeed, over his 28 Premier League appearances back in 2019/20, the £27m-rated man helped his side keep 12 clean sheets, as well as making an average of 1.4 interceptions, 0.8 tackles, 2.1 clearances and winning four duels per game.

These returns saw the £75k-per-week centre-back earn a seasonal SofaScore match rating of 6.92, ranking him as Liverpool’s 13th-best performer in their title-winning campaign.

Furthermore, Klopp is clearly an enormous fan of the 24-year-old, with the German coach stating of Gomez back in 2020: “Since he is playing as a centre-half again – his natural position – together with [Virgil van Dijk] there is exceptional. He is a sensational footballer, which is good.

“He has outstanding speed, which helps us a lot to keep our last line high; he is a really good challenger; good in one-on-one situations; football-wise, I said already, good. The package is really nice.”

As such, it would indeed appear highly advisable for Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens to do all they can to secure a deal for the 11-cap England international in January, as not only would Gomez appear to be a dream upgrade on Villa’s current options in the position, he could also help replace the potentially outgoing Tyrone Mings – who has been heavily linked with a move to Newcastle United this winter.

In other news: Hatfield drops AVFC January transfer claim which will be music to the ears of fans

Aston Villa will look to sign a new left-sided centre-back this summer to replace club captain Tyrone Mings, Football Insider report.

The Lowdown: Summer rebuild

Villa have struggled in recent weeks, losing their last four Premier League games. They have dropped down to 15th in the table as a result, and it looks as if Steven Gerrard is planning a major rebuild ahead of his first season in charge.

Recent reports have claimed that NSWE are expected to spend over £150m this summer, with the futures of eight players thought to be in doubt.

One of those is Mings, who has been a regular at Villa Park this season, and a further update regarding the England international has now emerged.

The Latest: Source shares update

Football Insider shared a story on Monday morning after being informed by a Villa source. They led with a title suggesting that Villa want a new defensive star to replace Mings, with Gerrard not convinced about the 29-year-old.

Mings has just over two years remaining on his current contract and is actually represented by the same agency as Gerrard.

The Verdict: Busy summer

Should Mings and Ezri Konsa move on as reports have suggested, Villa would be in desperate need of marquee defensive signings with just Calum Chambers and Kortney Hause remaining.

It looks as if Villa will have the funds to make some big-money signings, and you’d expect that could grow beyond £150m with funds brought in by possible departures.

The likes of Joe Gomez, Stefan de Vrij and Matthias Ginter are just three centre-backs who have been linked with a move to the Midlands in recent months, and at this rate, all three could be needed.

In other news: Gregg Evans: AVFC chiefs very excited over midfielder now set to sign at Villa Park

Aston Villa confirmed on Friday that COVID-19 spot checks will be in place for Saturday’s game against Wolves.

Reliable reporter Ashley Preece relayed the news on social media, which, as to be expected, received plenty of interaction at such short notice from a number of Villa fans.

Villa return to action at home against their Midlands rivals on Saturday afternoon, looking to get back to winning ways following a 2-1 defeat to Tottenham prior to the international break.

Fans attending the Villa Park clash may now be asked to provide proof of a valid NHS vaccination pass, alternative proof of a vaccine or a negative lateral flow test 48 hours before kick-off.

Spot checks will be increased, however, Preece claimed that no fan will be refused entry as certification is not yet mandatory.

Villa fans react

This is what these fans had to say in reply to Preece’s post, with a selection of responses to view below.

“This is a shocker from Villa so last minute I get no one will be refused so why do it”

Credit: @SamBrogan3

“Villa Park 4G about to cause utter chaos”

Credit: @JamesLIoyd

“Shambles”

Credit: @MisterGuilbert

“Will cause chaos as there’s no signal for anyone to get on the NHS site .. you can guarantee most people won’t know beforehand”

Credit: @FowlerLegend

“Absolutely pointless then what is the point in doing it? ‘excuse have you got your covid status?’ No ‘Ok go on through’”

Credit: @KBK_DJ

“What is the point if no one will be refused entry?”

Credit: @ChristopherSS76

In other news: ‘Makes a lot of sense’ – Many AVFC fans buzz at Gregg Evans’ ‘exciting’ transfer news. 

West Bromwich Albion’s transfer business in recent years has been far from exemplary, but there’s one deal for which the club’s hierarchy will gain praise for many years to come.

Back in the summer of 2015, the Midlands outfit turned down multiple bids for star striker Saido Berahino after the youngster had bagged an incredible 20 goals in all competitions throughout the previous campaign.

Fellow Premier League outfit Tottenham Hotspur were desperate to secure the forward’s signature in the run-up to the August deadline, but no deal could be agreed between the two clubs.

Berahino, who had cost West Brom nothing in transfer fees having come up through the youth academy, reacted badly after learning that his dream move had been blocked, tweeting that would never play for chairman Jeremy Peace again before going on strike.

Tony Pulis was appointed as the Baggies’ new manager midway through the speedster’s breakthrough season at The Hawthorns and attempted to bring him back into the fold before slowly losing patience.

The Welsh tactician later claimed that Berahino’s fitness and mental levels were not right after West Brom managed to secure a very healthy £12.51m fee for his services courtesy of Stoke City in January 2017. 

It was later reported that the Burundi international served an eight-week FA suspension at the end of his time at The Hawthorns for failing a drugs test, capping off a terrible final few years at his boyhood club. 

Berahino’s career offered so much promise in its early stages, with 10 goals in just 11 outings for England’s under-21s illustrating his truly top-class potential, but several bad decisions in a short space of time ensured that he never reached the heights which once seemed inevitable.

It took him 35 appearances to register his first goal at Stoke, by which time they had been relegated from the Premier League, and he would score just four more goals for the club before being released in June 2019, a month after being convicted for drink driving.

The now 28-year-old spent time in Belgium following his Stoke exit, featuring for Zulte Waregem and RSC Charleroi, before returning to English shores with League One outfit Sheffield Wednesday over the summer.

However, he has never shown the form which almost earned him a move to Spurs six years ago, proving that West Brom struck gold over his transfer by earning themselves a sizeable fee for a player who was already in decline.

In other news… Signed for free, now worth £6.3m: West Brom struck gold over “special” maestro

AS Roma may reignite their interest in Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz in the future, says Express & Star journalist Luke Hatfield.

The Serie A side were linked with a move for Luiz during the summer transfer window, with Calciomercato claiming that the 23-year-old was a target for Jose Mourinho.

Nothing materialised, though, with Luiz remaining at Villa Park. The £31.5m-rated Brazilian is an important player for Dean Smith, starting two of Villa’s first three Premier League fixtures in that holding midfield role.

Hatfield, however, would not be surprised if Roma showed interest again in the future and tried to make a move for Luiz.

“It wouldn’t surprise me if Roma kept tabs on him over the next couple months and see how he’s doing at Villa and then maybe reignite their interest,” Hatfield told TT.

“Of course it depends on his performances as well because if he steps up his level, obviously Villa will be expecting more money for him.”

Luiz was not the only Villa player who was linked with a move to the Stadio Olimpico. According to Football Insider, Roma were also keen on Anwar El Ghazi and tried to sign the 26-year-old.

An ex-Premier League manager, it is not a shock to see Mourinho trying to tap into the English market.

Many Glasgow Rangers fans have been gushing over some recent news involving their B team.

As per the club’s official website, the team managed to win the first leg of their UEFA Youth League tie away at Septemvri Sofia 4-2 on Wednesday afternoon, thanks to a hat-trick from Tony Weston and another goal from Cole McKinnon.

The Bears had to come back from 2-1 down, levelling the score at 2-2 before the half-time break, and then going on to clinch victory ahead of the second leg at home.

It was a result which brought a lot of joy to Light Blues supporters after the disappointment of the first team losing their Scottish League Cup semi-final 3-1 at home to Hibernian on Sunday.

New manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst would have kept a close eye on what happened during the game to see if any young Gers are ready to make the step up to his first team squad.

Rangers fans on B team’s win

These Rangers fans gushed as the result was shared on Twitter, with one describing it as ‘outstanding’:

“Fantastic stuff!!!”

Credit: @zander_staff

“Sensational result.”

Credit: @Wilf1872

“Outstanding”

Credit: @GazBernard02

“Wow. Some effort that from the young”

Credit: @waynefawcett

“Brilliant, looking forward to the home leg.”

Credit: @thechosenfew12

“Cracking result Rangers!!!”

Credit: @speedy430

In other news, find out whose performance in particular had lots of Gers fans buzzing

Tottenham Hotspur have been handed a huge blow to their chances of keeping Harry Kane this summer…

What’s the word?

According to the Telegraph’s Mike McGrath and John Percy, the 28-year-old striker will insist on joining England teammate Jack Grealish at Manchester City, with talks planned with the North London side this week.

It’s thought that the Aston Villa captain is close to sealing a £100m switch to the defending Premier League champions and that Kane would like to follow him to the Etihad Stadium.

The £108m-rated talisman is due to return to Hotspur Way for pre-season training on Monday and is expected to request talks with chairman Daniel Levy, where he will reinforce his desire to join Manchester City.

Nuno blow

This will come as a massive setback to new Spurs boss Nuno Santo as he’s heading into the new season – his first in charge of the club – with a player who wants to be elsewhere.

And it’s not just any player, it’s Kane.

The 28-year-old forward is integral to Spurs’ chances of success on the pitch. For instance, Kane accounted for 54.4% of their 68 goals scored in the top-flight during the 2020/21 campaign, whilst he’s bagged at least 20 goals in five of the last seven campaigns, as per WhoScored.

If you take him out of the side, Nuno will then be left without a senior striker, with last season’s backup option Carlos Vinicius returning to parent club Benfica following an indifferent loan spell in the capital.

However, it’s no surprise that the Lilywhites academy product wants to leave his boyhood club after so many years. They have still not won a trophy since 2008, despite making the Champions League and Carabao Cup finals in recent seasons.

He has made it no secret that he wants to compete for Europe’s top trophies and that isn’t happening at Spurs anytime soon as they’ll be competing in the third-string UEFA Conference League this term.

Kane pressing ahead with his intentions to leave the club leaves the Spurs hierarchy in a sticky predicament because, if they do not listen to his wishes, they risk handing Nuno an unhappy player, and that’ll do him no favours in the dugout.

This situation will undoubtedly leave the Lilywhites faithful fuming. Will Kane play in a Spurs shirt again? That very much remains to be seen right now.

AND in other news, Fabrizio Romano drops big Cristian Romero update…