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Tottenham Hotspur sporting director Fabio Paratici is eager to sign Antonio Rudiger…

What’s the word?

That’s according to Football Insider, who claim the Lilywhites recruitment chief is “calling every day” to try and win the race to sign the out-of-contract Chelsea centre-back.

The 28-year-old has emerged as a ‘top target’ for Spurs as they look to sign him for nothing in the summer following his likely departure from Stamford Bridge.

However, despite the Italian being in constant contact with Rudiger’s camp, the north Londoners face stiff competition from some of Europe’s biggest teams, including Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich and Real Madrid.

Major upgrade

Despite his contractual situation, Blues boss Thomas Tuchel has continued to trust the German international to regularly start matches, featuring 25 times across the Premier League and Champions League.

After securing a winners’ medal in the latter competition last season, Rudiger would undoubtedly be a massive upgrade on several of Antonio Conte’s current options at Spurs and his familiarity with not just the English top-flight, but the Italian manager himself would help tenfold.

He has recorded 45 of his 176 appearances for the Chelsea under Conte. They even won the 2017/18 FA Cup together, leading to the German describing his boss as a “very good coach” to reporters at the time.

Rudiger has averaged 2.1 aerial duels won, 1.3 tackles and an 86.4% passing accuracy, having been only one of two players to register over 1,400 minutes in the Premier League this term, as per WhoScored, who also state his strengths as being passing and more crucially concentration.

The £31.5m-rated colossus has been one of Chelsea’s standout performers over the past 12 months, with BT Sport pundit and Premier League legend Rio Ferdinand a big fan of his.

“Look at Rudiger, he’s arguably, since Tuchel has been there [at Chelsea], been the best defender in the Premier League,” he told his podcast (via the Metro). “Him or [Ruben] Dias in that time. He’s been unbelievable, he’s like an animal.”

Both Japhet Tanganga and Davinson Sanchez, who has previously been lambasted as a “liability” to Spurs have struggled in recent games and neither are up to the standard of Rudiger, given his vast experience and trophy history.

Paratici could land a massive upgrade on the latter with an ambitious swoop for the Chelsea star this summer.

AND in other news, Fabrizio Romano reveals Spurs’ “priority” in January…

A number of Manchester City fans have flocked to the news that 19-year-old centre-back Taylor Harwood-Bellis is set to join Stoke City on a loan deal.

According to The Telegraph’s John Percy, the Potters are expected to complete the loan signing of the teeenage defender within the next 24 hours, following a medical which was scheduled to take place today.

Harwood-Bellis is currently on loan at Belgian outfit Anderlecht in a deal which had been intended for the full season. However, the youngster has played just 12 minutes of league football in the last seven games for the Brussels club, so it appears that City are favouring more regular game-time in the English Championship for the defender.

The 19-year-old is no stranger to that division, as he was previously sent out on loan to Blackburn Rovers for the second half of last season, where he made 19 appearances for the Lancashire club.

Fans pleased with impending Harwood-Bellis loan move

Twitter channel City Xtra shared the news of the impending loan deal and lots of City fans took to the comments sharing encouragement for the youngster, who one supporter hailed as “one for the future”. Indeed, Pep Guardiola said back in 2019 that the teenager has “a lot of quality”.

Here’s what these fans had to say on the news:

“As long as he plays”

Credit: @FodenFanatic47

“Good Loan for him!”

Credit: @KonradPlayz

“Slowly coming back home”

Credit: @CityLife433

“See a lot of potential in this guy, will be a hell of defender”

Credit: @elhamdarr

“Hoping that he’ll do well in this loan spell and one day play for the first team”

Credit: @IlkaySilva

“Class. Not sure what Stoke are like as a destination for him but at least he’s out of Anderlecht”

Credit: @_TJ932O

“Hope he plays, looks like a great talent and definitely one for the future”

Credit: @HemingsCharli

In other news: ‘Wow’, ‘Yessss’, ‘At last’ – Many Man City fans go wild as ‘very big’ transfer claim emerges’

Fabrizio Romano has backed up previous reports that Newcastle United are now ‘keen’ on signing Benoit Badiashile in the January transfer window.

The Lowdown: Botman off?

Romano has confirmed that the deal to try and bring Sven Botman to St. James’ Park has ‘collapsed’, meaning that they will now have to look at other targets in the centre-back area.

They have conceded no fewer than 42 goals the Premier League so far this season, the second-worst in the division, and so bringing in a new central defender should help improve that number.

Nick Hammond has already secured the signings of Kieran Trippier and Chris Wood, and the North East club can now target the centre-half position over the next few days.

The Latest: Badiashile interest

As per Romano, the Tyneside outfit are now ‘keen’ on doing a deal for Badiashile, although West Ham United are also ‘interested’ in his signature, and the AS Monaco ace has recently picked up an injury:

“Newcastle are keen on Benoit Badiashile after Botman deal collapsed. West Ham are also interested. Nothing agreed yet.

“From today’s medical tests, AS Monaco expect Badiashile to be back with the team in 2-3 weeks. Timing will be key to understand next steps.”

The Italian’s update comes after previous reports from The Sun believed the clubs to be ‘in talks’ over a deal.

The Verdict: Sign

If the Botman deal cannot be done, then the Magpies need to bring in another centre-back fast, as crucial games like the one at home to Watford on Saturday afternoon are coming thick and fast.

Although Badiashile has no experience in England, he has been playing at a high level in Ligue 1 and in the UEFA Europa League, despite being just 20 years of age.

Described as a ‘tenacious’, ‘strong’ and ‘fast’ player by Football Talent Scout Jacek Kulig, the Frenchman has a bit of everything, and could certainly thrive in the Premier League.

Nonetheless, if Eddie Howe’s team can scoop him up in this window ahead of David Moyes’ high-flying Hammers, then it would represent a real sign of intent.

In other news, find out which other centre-back NUFC are ‘eyeing’ here!

Newcastle United have added two players to their ranks this month as PIF begin to flex their financial muscles at St James’ Park.

Kieran Trippier and Chris Wood have become the first acquisitions of the new era but there is still plenty of work to be done before the window closes on January 31st.

What’s the word?

Newcastle are facing difficulties in their bid to bring Diego Carlos to the northeast of England with Fabrizio Romano claiming on Thursday evening that a bid had been knocked back.

However, some early morning transfer news from West Ham insider – ExWHUEmployee – was a little more encouraging.

He provided an update on Jesse Lingard from West Ham’s point of view with the Irons interested in re-signing the England international this month.

His update came amid Newcastle’s bid to sign the attacking midfielder. However, after Craig Hope revealed that a move had been rebuffed, Ex seemed to be more upbeat about the Magpies’ hopes.

Indeed, he went as far as to suggest he was already on his way to link up with Eddie Howe’s men.

He said: “I have tried to get a clear answer on the Jesse Lingard situation. Rumours are that he is set to join Newcastle on loan after they agreed to match his £100k a week salary (and more) as well as paying a fee. Whereas Manchester United will not agree a deal with us due to being in competition with them for a Champions League spot.”

Fans buzzing

Newcastle have found life incredibly tricky in the transfer market this month and thus, the idea of a player being on the verge of joining will surely leave supporters elated.

However, when it’s someone of Lingard’s quality, they will only be more delighted.

The Toon Army saw the benefits of adding well in January last year when they welcomed Joe Willock to St James who was a roaring success.

He eventually became a permanent signing last summer after scoring a mightily impressive eight goals.

Elsewhere in the Premier League, Lingard was also lighting up proceedings during a temporary stint at the Hammers.

His form in east London was immense, racking up nine goals and five assists in just 16 outings. It’s that type of form that has seen his stock and reputation increase with plenty of eyes now cast in his direction with the January window ongoing.

Lingard has only found the net on two occasions this term but has found regular minutes hard to come by. Therefore, a move elsewhere makes sense and Newcastle will be hoping he chooses them this winter.

If the rumours are true and he really is on his way to join the Magpies, supporters will be extremely pleased. This is a player who will add more vibrancy, personality and style to their forward line.

AND in other news, “From sources” – Fabrizio Romano drops big NUFC transfer update that’ll delight fans…

Newcastle United feature on Dele Alli’s list of transfer options, according to The Chronicle’s Lee Ryder. 

The lowdown

The 25-year-old’s Spurs future is in doubt after he was left out of Antonio Conte’s matchday squad for Sunday’s visit to Chelsea. The Englishman has started eight league games this season, but hasn’t played a minute of top-flight football since the end of December.

It was reported before the January transfer window that Newcastle would focus on players with Premier League experience. Their first two additions of the month – former Spurs defender Kieran Trippier and Chris Wood from Burnley – both fit that particular bill.

The latest

Sharing a link to his piece in The Chronicle on his personal Twitter feed, Ryder said: “Newcastle remain an option for Dele Alli after midfielder is axed by Tottenham”.

The report stated that the 25-year-old’s agency Base also work with Wood and Trippier, and they enjoy a ‘good rapport’ with the Magpies’ head of recruitment Steve Nickson.

Ryder said that relationship could prove to be ‘key’, but warned that ‘it may be down to’ whether Dele is ready to take on a Premier League relegation battle for the remainder of the season.

The verdict

The big question around Dele is whether he will ever recapture the levels he showed at the start of his Premier League career. In his first three top-flight seasons, he contributed to a hugely impressive 66 goals, but his numbers have dropped markedly since then (via Transfermarkt).

There have been encouraging flashes this season. For example, he produced what The Athletic’s Charlie Eccleshare called a ‘superb’ performance in a 2-2 draw with Liverpool last month, completing five out of seven dribbles, making four clearances and creating a big chance (via Sofascore).

Also, Sky Sports pundit Roy Keane reckons that Dele could ‘get his career going’ at St James’ Park, where ‘the fans would love him’. It could well be one for Newcastle to strongly consider.

In other news, this trio struggled against Leeds on Saturday

Rangers boss Gio van Bronckhorst is still in with a chance of sealing a sensational first term in charge of the Ibrox club between now and May.

He still has the opportunity to lift the Premiership, Europa League and Scottish Cup titles before the campaign comes to an end, having taken over the keys in the first half of the season.

They are second in the league, in the quarter-finals of the European competition and into the last four of the domestic cup, which shows that they are within touching distance of major success.

The ex-Feyenoord boss is not the first Dutch manager to step foot in the dugout at Ibrox. Dick Advocaat was in charge of the Glasgow giants for three years and managed 195 games – winning an impressive 135 of those as his team scored 427 times during his tenure and won the domestic treble in his first campaign.

However, Advocaat was not perfect and cost the Gers millions with one shocking transfer decision in 2000. He opted to sign Norweigan striker Tore Andre Flo from Chelsea for a reported fee of £12m and it ended up being a disaster for the club.

Despite bringing the talented centre-forward in for a club-record fee, Rangers did not win a single trophy in the 2000/01 campaign. He scored a respectable 13 goals in 22 matches in all competitions but did not do enough to bring home any silverware that year as Celtic pipped them to the trophies.

In the following season, Advocaat left Rangers in January and Alex McLeish took over. Flo found top form as he bagged himself 25 goals in all competitions across 46 appearances – showing that he was more reliable in terms of availability and his end product.

However, his goals were – again – not enough to win the title for the Gers as the Hoops snatched it up again and the club opted to cut their losses on him in the summer of 2002.

They sold him to English side Sunderland for a reported fee of £6.75m ahead of the 2002/03 campaign, which meant that Rangers lost £5.25m on the striker in just two years.

This means that the club failed to be successful on the pitch with him in the side and made a huge loss on his value in a short space of time. Therefore, Advocaat cost the Gers millions with his decision to bring the forward to Ibrox for such a big transfer fee, as he did not live up to the hype and was unsuccessful on and off the pitch as a player and as an investment.

AND in other news, Huge boost: 3-word Rangers update will leave Van Bronckhorst buzzing…

West Ham United will sanction the exit of Issa Diop in the summer amid heavy interest from Lyon, according to former Premier League striker Noel Whelan.

The Lowdown: Diop’s West Ham career

The 25-year-old arrived at the London Stadium in 2018 after the Hammers agreed a then-club record £22m fee with Ligue 2 outfit Toulouse. However, since arriving in east London, the defender has often struggled to adjust to life in the English top flight.

As a result, Diop has played just 11 Premier League games this season, with David Moyes favouring a centre-back partnership of Kurt Zouma and Craig Dawson.

According to L’Equipe (via Get Football News France), Lyon are interested in bolstering their centre-half options with the addition of the £10.8m-rated defender.

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The Latest: Whelan’s claim on Diop

Whelan, who used to regularly feature as a pundit for the BBC, believes that West Ham will let the Frenchman go in the summer.

Speaking with Football Insider, the 47-year-old claimed: “I think they can afford to let him go.

“They have Zouma now and Craig Dawson has provided quality and consistency this season. He has been the standout player out of all of the centre-halves for me. David Moyes knows how important Dawson is at the back. He’s a leader and a competitor. He’s their rock at the back.

“Diop is not getting in the side so I think they’ll let him go and look elsewhere. It doesn’t surprise me to hear he might leave. I think they will let him if the right offer comes in.”

The Verdict: Time to sell

Given Lyon’s apparent interest in the player, this may be the time for West Ham and Diop to part ways.

Despite the huge promise he showed when he first arrived at the club, the move hasn’t really worked out for the Frenchman, given his sparsity of game-time this season despite the Irons being far from stacked in his position and the meagre impression he has made whenever called upon.

The 6 foot 4 defender has displayed glimpses of brilliance during his four-year stay in east London, with Jose Mourinho even referring to him as “a monster” after one of his performances against the Portuguese’s Manchester United side in the early weeks of the 2018/19 season.

Therefore, whilst this news may come as a disappointment to some West Ham supporters, the move would probably be in the best interests of both parties, and it’s little wonder that Whelan is predicting that Diop’s four-year stint with the Hammers could soon reach its denouement.

In other news: Whelan has also made this transfer claim regarding a potential London Stadium incoming

There is no guarantee that Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves will leave the club in the summer transfer window, according to reliable journalist Tim Spiers.

The Lowdown: Neves exit talks

The 24-year-old’s future has been a major point of discussion in recent months, with a move away from Molineux potentially on the cards.

Neves has been linked with a switch to Barcelona and it may be that he feels it is time to test himself at a Champions League-playing club, with The Athletic even reporting the club are lining up £50m worth of talent from Sporting CP as a replacement.

A fresh update has given Wolves some hope that their star midfielder could remain at the club, though.

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The Latest: Spiers hints at stay

Taking to Twitter on Monday, Spiers admitted that Neves could easily be moved on but added that he would only leave if the right offer comes along:

‘Neves was close to leaving last summer, there’s been interest from big clubs for years, so this is nothing new and he may stay. Clearly belongs in the Champions League but he also loves Wolves and is settled. Will only move for the right club. Key for Wolves is succession plan.”

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The Verdict: Would be huge for Wolves

The idea of Neves remaining at Wolves feels like an added bonus this summer, with the general assumption that he will move on to pastures new for big money.

He has been such an influential figure this season, finding his best form again and averaging 2.3 tackles per game in the Premier League, not to mention scoring four goals and registering two assists.

The likelihood is that the right offer will arrive for Neves and he will depart – if that does happen, it is vital that Bruno Lage uses the money wisely to bring in a tailor-made replacement.

In other news, Wolves are believed to be ‘planning for life’ without one player. Read more here.

Manchester United may not be able to appoint Robin van Persie to Erik ten Hag’s coaching staff because of work permit concerns, ESPN’s Mark Ogden has reported.

The lowdown

Ten Hag has emerged as the number one choice to succeed Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as United’s permanent manager, with the Red Devils now ‘confident’ that a deal can be struck.

Now 38, Van Persie spent three years at Old Trafford after a £24m move from Arsenal in 2012. He scored 58 goals in 105 appearances for the club and helped them to win the 2012/13 Premier League, which remains their most recent title triumph.

Since the spring of 2021, he has been coaching the under-16 side of Eredivisie outfit Feyenoord and working with head coach Arne Slot on first-team training days. As per ESPN, he has been identified by both United and Ten Hag as a possible appointment.

The latest

Ogden tweeted on Sunday morning that a ‘work permit issue threatens Van Persie‘ in his hopes of taking up a coaching role at United.

In the corresponding article for ESPN, he explained that both the club and Ten Hag have ‘identified Van Persie as a potential appointment’. However, sources have told the publication that the Dutchman’s ‘lack of top-level coaching experience is likely to count against him’ when he applies for a Governing Body Exemption to work in the Premier League.

As a result, the Red Devils are ‘exploring alternative options’ who can form part of Ten Hag’s backroom team. Steve McClaren and Rene Meulensteen, two former assistants to Sir Alex Ferguson, could apparently return to Old Trafford.

The verdict

Is this a big blow to United, and one which could leave Ten Hag frustrated that someone he has endorsed might not join him in Manchester?

According to Ogden, One of the main reasons that they picked out Van Persie was his ‘knowledge and experience of the Premier League’. Indeed, he made 280 appearances in England’s top flight across his stints with United and Arsenal.

Fortunately, McClaren and Meulensteen more than tick those boxes. The former has 218 matches worth of managerial experience in the Premier League, having taken the reins at Middlesbrough and Newcastle United, and he was of course part of the coaching team which steered Man Utd to the treble in 1999.

Meulensteen also knows the ins and outs of Old Trafford, having worked under Ferguson between 2008 and 2013, while he too can boast English top-flight managerial experience from a subsequent spell at Fulham.

In other news, Paddy Kenny reacts to this development concerning a reported United target.

Writing for GiveMeSport, transfer insider Dean Jones has made a claim involving Tottenham Hotspur and Christian Eriksen.

The lowdown: Premier League return

The 30-year-old has already made a successful return to England following the end of a two-year spell at Inter Milan, where he was a fixture under Antonio Conte, playing 26 times in their Serie A winning campaign.

Having been released by the Italian outfit following a cardiac arrest at Euro 2020, Eriksen signed a short-term deal at Brentford until the end of the 2021/22 season.

Since then, the Danish midfielder has scored once and provided one assist in five Premier League outings, also making a goalscoring comeback on the international stage.

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The latest: Spurs talks over last 14 days

In his latest update for GMS, Jones has claimed that ‘talks have been ongoing in recent weeks’ at Tottenham ahead of the summer transfer window.

It’s also claimed that Spurs will ‘show the mark of their ambition’ and ‘sources’ have cited a ‘priority’ attempt to bring the 111-cap Denmark star to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, should the Lilywhites finish in the top four.

Despite a willingness from Brentford to keep the man once described as a ‘high-level’ footballer by Conte whilst in the Inter Milan hot seat, Jones states that the chances of Eriksen staying in west London are ‘very slim’ as things stand.

The verdict: Match made in heaven

Making the creative Dane a Lilywhite once again would be a smart move from the club, particularly as Managing Director of Football Fabio Paratici looks to oversee an overhaul of the squad this summer.

Valued at £13.5million (Transfermarkt), signing the star who clearly still has plenty to offer at the top level on a free deal would leave funds in the transfer budget for targets elsewhere whilst also significantly boosting the options at Conte’s disposal.

Boasting a trophy-laden, glittering career, Eriksen has amassed 110 goals and 159 assists in 533 senior appearances across spells in Holland, England and Italy and would therefore offer invaluable knowledge and experience to young Spurs midfielders such as Oliver Skipp, Rodrigo Bentancur and Harvey White, as well as high-quality output.

In other news: Source claims Spurs could sanction exciting swap deal! Find out more here.