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Speaking to Radio Toscana, as transcribed by Fiorentina News, Italian journalist Niccolò Ceccarini has shared what he expects from Tottenham as they eye Serie A star Dusan Vlahovic.

The Lowdown: Spurs in Vlahovic chase…

Tottenham’s links to the 21-year-old sensation have showed no sign of ending since they were repeatedly tipped with a summer swoop.

As per The Telegraph, Vlahovic was a target for Spurs as managing director Fabio Paratici eyed a striker alternative to superstar Lilywhites man Harry Kane.

Fanta Calcio also claimed an offer had been made for the Serbian but to no avail, and since Antonio Conte’s appointment as Spurs boss, they have been tipped as one of the frontrunners for his signature.

Calciomercato.it name-dropped the exciting forward as one of many Serie A big names who Conte could bring to N17 as journalist Ceccarini also makes a claim on live radio.

The Latest: Ceccarini makes Vlahovic claim…

Speaking to Radio Toscana, as transcribed and shared by Fiorentina News, the market expert and reporter believes Spurs will make another attempt to sign him after north London rivals Arsenal recently lodged a bid.

“Today’s news is Arsenal’s offer to Fiorentina for Vlahovic,” he explained.

“The figure we are talking about is very important, but in addition to the interest of the Gunners, I also expect an offer from Tottenham, perhaps in June.”

The Verdict: Why wait…

La Viola president Rocco Commisso recently confirmed that Vlahovic rejected new deal offers to make him the highest paid player in the club’s history, putting Fiorentina under some pressure to sell while they can.

His current deal expires in 2023 and Spurs would be remiss not to take advantage of the opportunity as soon as possible before one of their competitors strike an agreement.

Kane, currently out of form with just one Premier League goal so far and Tottenham’s only natural senior striking option, needs to be backed up and Vlahovic could come as the perfect January option.

Lauded as ‘incredible’ by Serie A expert Conor Clancy, the hot shot forward has continued his fine 2020/2021 goalscoring run of form into this season and his proficiency could be a real asset for Conte.

In other news: Conte now personally plotting to sell ‘very talented’ Spurs player who Nuno called ‘unique’…find out more here.

As more speculation builds on the potential sacking of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, the question has turned onto who will replace him at Manchester United.

With many high profile managers already named in the race there seems to have been a big twist in the manager saga with Duncan Castles now claiming in The Sunday Times that Manchester United are stepping up to persuade Zinedine Zidane to become the next manager at Old Trafford.

The 49-year-old football manager has been out of work since he made the decision to leave Real Madrid at the end of last season, and his next move has been a hot topic of conversation.

According to Castles, writing for The Sunday Times; ‘Zidane — a winner of three Champions League and two La Liga titles as a coach — is understood to be unsure whether the opportunity presented by United is the right one to take at this point.’

Zidane has also been linked to the Paris Saint Germain and the France international job, with the latter reportedly being the Frenchman’s top priority following the World Cup 2022.

However, the connection and relationships that the ex-Real Madrid boss has at Manchester United with Raphael Varane and Cristiano Ronaldo could have the power to turn his head and consider the job with more interest.

Ronaldo spoke in 2019 about his admiration for Zidane in his time with him at Real Madrid;

“You need to feel like you are an important part of the group and Zidane made me feel special.”

With that in mind, the Frenchman’s appointment at the Red Devils would surely excite fans, not just because their current boss would be heading through the exit door, but because the coach is a serial winner, someone who already has a wonderful relationship with two of their star players.

The search for a new manager comes after a series of unfortunate results from Solskjaer’s side, after only five wins from eleven in the Premier League, that has now put Manchester United five points adrift from the top four.

Pressure has significantly increased on Solskjaer from both the fans and the media, after the Norwegian’s team were embarrassingly defeated by two of their biggest rivals in the league, 5-o to Liverpool and 2-0 to Manchester City, both at Old Trafford.

Despite the mounting speculation, Solskjaer is yet to be sacked and is expected to lead training tomorrow at Carrington as the team return to prepare for an important point winner away to Watford on Saturday. The idea of Zidane potentially replacing him, however, will have supporters teaming with anticipation.

In other news: Solskjaer commits a “sackable offence” in Man United training…

Divock Origi is among the possible targets for Newcastle United when the transfer window opens in just over a month’s time. 

That’s according to The Northern Echo’s chief sports writer Scott Wilson, who tweeted that the Magpies are ‘stepping up [their] plans’ for what is shaping up to be a crucial January transfer window – after 12 Premier League games, they find themselves bottom of the table and without a win.

The lowdown

Origi, one of the players to whom they may turn as they look to lift themselves from the mire, has been restricted to just 16 minutes of Premier League football for Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool this season.

However the Belgian is seizing opportunities when they come. Across his seven appearances in all competitions (including three in the Champions League) he has been directly involved in five goals, scoring three and setting up two more (via Transfermarkt).

The 26-year-old’s £60,000-per-week contract is up at the end of the season, but it could be extended if the requirements of a performance option are met.

The latest

According to Wilson, Eddie Howe apparently wants to ‘heavily prioritise’ targets who are ‘proven Premier League players’.

Newcastle’s ownership, for their part, are particularly keen on players who are struggling for game-time at their current clubs, hence why Origi is regarded as a potential loan option ahead of January.

The verdict

Origi certainly meets Newcastle’s criteria. He is struggling to dislodge the likes of Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino, Diogo Jota and Sadio Mane at Anfield, but there’s no real shame in that.

Over the course of his Premier League career, he has a respectable return of one goal every 170 minutes, while Liverpool assistant manager Pep Lijnders even dubbed him ‘one of the world’s best finishers’.

The problem for Newcastle is that Mane and Salah are due to head to the Africa Cup of Nations in January, so the Reds might want to keep Origi around as a much-needed option for their attack. That could certainly complicate the Magpies’ chances of doing a mid-season deal for the Belgian.

In other news, this goalkeeper wants to join Newcastle

Newcastle United will focus on Premier League-proven players in the January transfer window, Italian agent Andrea Boscolo has told Tutto Mercato Web (via Sport Witness).

The lowdown

The Northern Echo’s Scott Wilson reported on Monday that Eddie Howe’s preference was to target players who have delivered in the English top flight. The report named James Tarkowski, Jesse Lingard, Divock Origi and Oleksandr Zinchenko as candidates who fit that particular bill.

It is shaping up to be a crucial transfer window for the Magpies as they seek to avoid relegation. They are currently rock bottom of the Premier League, having failed to win any of their first 12 matches in the division.

The latest

Bosconi, who is based in England, was asked what market Newcastle would look to ‘play’ at the turn of the year. He predicted that January would be a ‘national transfer window’ before hinting that there could well be interest in Serie A stars come the summer.

“They absolutely have to save the season, they have taken Howe who knows the local market and I think they will go with players who already know the Premier League,” he told Tutto Mercato Web (via Sport Witness).

“It will be a national transfer window, then this summer, without problems with Fair Play, they will give you a lot to write.”

The verdict

You can understand Newcastle’s domestic-focused strategy for the mid-season transfer window. They can’t really afford to give players time to adapt to the Premier League, and they certainly can’t afford to take risks which don’t pay off.

They are set to look at players like Tarkowski, who has made 171 English top-flight appearances, as trusted quantities who can all but guarantee improvement.

The Magpies made an astute domestic addition last January, of course, in the form of Joe Willock, who proceeded to bang in eight goals in 11 starts, inspiring a late surge up the table. Whoever they bring in from a Premier League rival in a few weeks’ time, hopefully they can have a similar impact at St James’ Park.

In other news, could this be one of Newcastle’s Serie A targets for the future? 

Kasper Hjulmand is the leading candidate to replace Rafael Benitez at Everton, according to Spanish outlet Fichajes.

The report claimed that the 61-year-old is likely to be the next Premier League manager to be sacked, with the Toffees’ board set to give him one more game – none other than Wednesday’s Merseyside derby – to save his job.

Everton are currently rock bottom of the top flight’s form table after picking up just one point from their last five matches.

Hjulmand to Everton?

Fichajes claimed that taking over at Goodison Park is an attractive proposition because of the funds at Everton’s disposal and the opportunity to work in the Premier League. The report added that Denmark boss Hjulmand realises he must take on a greater challenge in order to ‘push himself and improve’.

As it stands, he is planning to take his country to the 2022 World Cup after they stormed through qualifying with nine wins from 10 matches. They’ll be looking to build on their run to the semi-finals at Euro 2020, when they won over many neutrals across the continent.

Fan feed The Toffee Blues relayed Fichajes’ report, and here’s what some Everton supporters made of it, even if one doubted that the 49-year-old would be a leading pick for club owner Farhad Moshiri.

These Everton fans excited by Hjulmand links

“Plays very good football and won’t play Rondon like a mad man. Sign him up, Rafa is out of his depth”

Credit: @gersonselema

“We are blue, we are white, we are playing like Danish dynamite!”

Credit: @Evertonian1982

“YES”

Credit: @Norre23

“Plays 3-4-3, sick”

Credit: @Darathepapa

“I’d have this all day”

Credit: @GaryBarnes1878

“The fact it’s not just someone from this country is promising at least cause there’s no way he’s Moshiri’s pick”

Credit: @3andcaptain

In other news, Everton remain interested in this midfielder.

Manchester City are back in for striker Dusan Vlahovic and are willing to meet Fiorentina’s asking price.

That’s according to La Repubblica, as relayed by Get Italian Football News, which has duly had a number of City fans talking on social media.

Pep Guardiola reportedly ‘fell in love’ with the 21-year-old over the summer after a move for Tottenham’s Harry Kane failed to materialise.

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Rumours have cooled in recent months, with the likes of Arsenal and Juventus linked with the Serbia international. The latest update suggests that Vlahovic isn’t convinced by the project with Arsenal and prefers a move to Juventus.

City are now reportedly willing to meet the demands for the striker, though, with the January transfer window just weeks away.

City fans react

Well-known City outlet @City_Xtra shared the update regarding Vlahovic on Twitter on Thursday.

Here is what these fans had to say in reply, with one labelling the news on the striker, who has scored 14 times in 16 matches this season, as ‘fantastic’.

“a fantastic signing, we must get him”

Credit: @yeaitsbrooks

“YES PLEASE”

Credit: @MikicVedran

“WE’RE ALIIIVEEEEE”

Credit: @Kushagra9320

“ON MY KNEESSSSSSSS”

Credit: @SilkyCyrus_74

“Finally, I’ve been starving to hear some news about a striker”

Credit: @mcfcAdriann

“YES YES YES. JUST SIGN HIM. TAKE OUR MONEY”

Credit: @Jacob4rmstrong

In other news: ‘We’re back’ – Lots of Man City fans buzzing over ‘great news’ on one Etihad star 

Flocking to Twitter, many Liverpool fans have erupted over the latest transfer claim involving Borussia Dortmund sensation Jude Bellingham.

Jurgen Klopp’s side are currently flying high near the top of the Premier League table and have also set a Champions League footnote, becoming the first English team to win every one of their group stage matches in a single season.

However, despite their fine form, many fans are still eager to see how the squad may strengthen in future, with Dortmund youngster Bellingham reported to be a prime target.

The England international is said to be attracting interest from Liverpool, with The Mirror now dropping a pretty promising transfer claim. It is believed that the Reds, and by extension owners FSG, are ‘making plans’ to bring the teenager back to England and currently ‘lead the race’ for his services next summer.

Indeed, Klopp has apparently personally identified the 18-year-old as a target to strengthen his options in midfield.

Liverpool fans erupt…

Dortmund defender Mats Hummels is certainly full of admiration for the teenage talent, describing him as a leader and “serious” at such a young age, leaving little wonder why so many Reds fans are joyous at the prospect of signing him.

Only the Anfield front three Mohamed Salah, Diogo Jota and Sadio Mane have averaged a higher rate of completed dribbles per 90 than Bellingham this season (WhoScored). Meanwhile, the midfield maestro sits just behind Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold at Liverpool in terms of league assists, racking up five in just 13 Bundesliga starts.

Taking into account his age and his homegrown status, it is little wonder that some Liverpool fans even believe he would be a ‘dream signing’ – check out some of their best reactions below:

“I beg”

Credit: @BrandonWoofy

“Don’t give me hope if this club is actually buying the right player for a good amount of money”

Credit: @RitsonLfc

“He’s my dream signing and would be unreal but my only worry is that I know how we’re run, someone big would have to leave to fund it and a certain Egyptian hasn’t signed a new contract yet….”

Credit: @LFC_James

“Don’t tease me.”

Credit: @PleasantPups

“I will cry”

Credit: @have_alice

“I’m on my knees”

Credit: @HottraGatto

“please happen”

Credit: @Ac1984Ross

In other news: ‘Wow’, ‘No way’, ‘Please’… Liverpool fans erupt as FSG also eye ‘bargain’ signing, find out more here.

A number of Liverpool supporters have responded positively to James Pearce’s claim that Harvey Elliott is closing in on a return from injury.

The 18-year-old has been absent since the middle of September after he suffered a dislocated ankle in the 3-0 win away to Leeds United.

It was a cruel blow for Elliott, who had begun the season in hugely impressive form, starting three Premier League matches and not looking remotely out of his depth.

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While there were initial fears that the midfielder could be out for the entire season, he has been making remarkable progress in his recovery from that setback.

According to The Athletic’s Pearce [via Anfield Edition on Twitter], Elliott is expected to return to full training next month, assuming everything goes to plan.

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Liverpool fans react to Elliott latest

It is a hugely positive update from the reliable journalist, and these Liverpool fans took to Twitter to provide their thoughts on the news.

“Like a new signing that”

Credit: @Hans_LFC

“Fantastic news”

Credit: @DWLFC94

“Yes, good news”

Credit: @Aaliyahlfc14

“Get innnn”

Credit: @KaanBursa9

“Finally Starboy is returning”

Credit: @lfcnicoo1

“That’s great news”

Credit: @firi450

In other news, some Liverpool fans slammed one player’s performance against Tottenham. Read more here.

Celtic and West Ham United have both been linked with a move for Northern Ireland defender Paddy McNair, The Northern Echo report.  

The Lowdown: McNair profiled

McNair is 26 years of age and is primarily a centre-back who can also turn out as a holding midfielder. A 49-cap international, McNair has been with Championship side Middlesbrough since 2018, making 133 appearances for the club.

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He appears to be at the top of his game with a career-high Transfermarkt valuation of £5.4m and has contributed to five Championship goals this season.

Celtic are after three Japanese January signings in Reo Hatate, Yosuke Ideguchi and Daizen Maeda, while they are also expected to make Jota’s loan permeant. Football Scotland believes that could be all of their January business, but it seems as if the Hoops may have room to swoop for McNair as well.

The Latest: Hoops keen

The Northern Echo shared a story on Wednesday regarding McNair and his future ahead of the January window.

They claimed that both the Hoops and the Hammers are monitoring his situation at The Riverside, with Middlesbrough boss Chris Wilder keen to keep hold of McNair in the New Year.

The Verdict: Avoid?

Ange Postecoglou already has plenty of centre-backs on the books at this moment in time, so a move for McNair doesn’t appear to be desperately needed.

Christopher Jullien will be Postecoglou’s sixth option at the back when he returns from injury, and the Hoops boss also has a number of defensive and central midfield options, especially with Hatate and Ideguchi on the radar.

McNair was also pictured wearing a Rangers scarf outside Ibrox back in 2019, so his name may not exactly be a popular one with Celtic supporters, so it could be wise to allow West Ham to win the race for his services.

In other news: ‘Could be a long time’ – Devlin shares worrying injury update on Celtic ace after bone ‘break’. 

Without the guidance of manager Steven Gerrard in the dugout after testing positive for the current global virus, Aston Villa had the tough task of taking on Chelsea at Villa Park in their latest Premier League outing.

A Reece James own goal put Villa ahead in the first half, only for two Jorginho penalties and a goal from Romelu Lukaku to secure the win for Thomas Tuchel’s side.

In terms of individual performances for Villa, one player that stood out as being particularly disappointing on the day, arguably more so than Tyrone Mings who was at fault for Lukaku’s goal, was attacker Emiliano Buendia, who started behind strikers Ollie Watkins and Danny Ings.

Before being replaced by Carney Chukwuemeka after 74 minutes, Buendia failed to have any sort of impact for the team in an attacking or defensive regard.

Offensively, the Argentine only managed to complete 26 of the 37 passes he attempted, losing the ball on 17 occasions and making no key passes, crosses, long balls or any shots at goal.

Buendia didn’t have much of an impact from a defensive point of view either, losing both of the duels he was involved in and not making a single tackle, clearance or interception.

This display earned the 25-year-old, who is currently earning a weekly wage of £82k-per-week according to Salary Sport, an overall match rating of 6.3/10, making him one of Villa’s lowest-rated players on the day from SofaScore, showing that he was Gerrard’s weak link on this occasion.

Moving forward, with Villa’s next league match against Leeds United postponed, meaning they will be back in action next weekend with an away clash against Brentford, this would be a great chance for Buendia to have a good rest and get fully prepared for the game and hopefully put in a better performance than the one he delivered against Chelsea.

Even though the Argentine has started 12 of the 17 Premier League games he’s appeared in for Villa so far this season since arriving in the summer from Norwich City, if he doesn’t fix up his performances and starts adding some regular goals and assists to his record, then he could find himself out of the team.

In other news: Villa have made this man their main target…