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Tottenham Hotspur are blessed with a very promising academy set-up.Oliver Skipp and Japhet Tanganga are the latest names to breakthrough into the first team, joining the two Harry’s – Winks and Kane – as recent success stories at the Hotspur Way base.One of the key criteria that chairman Daniel Levy was reportedly looking for in his next manager post-Jose Mourinho was centred around the development of the club’s emerging youth talents, and so far, Nuno Santo has ticked those boxes.But who could be next in line, in the near future?The Portuguese boss is pretty stacked in the wide department but you can forget about Jack Clarke and Ryan Sessegnon for the time being, neither are products of the Spurs system.Instead, it may well be J’Neil Bennett who emerges as the Lilywhites’ next Andros Townsend.The 19-year-old gem has been sent to League One outfit Crewe Alexandra on loan and has already made an instant impact, scoring an absolute scorcher.

Bennett made his senior bow earlier in the season, coming off the bench for a nine-minute cameo in Spurs’ first leg of their UEFA Europa Conference League qualifying clash with Pacos de Ferreira.

But he’s a player that has been touted to have a big future in north London, having been a constant source of goals in the youth set-up. Across all levels, he has bagged 22 goals and 13 assists, as per Transfermarkt.

Speaking about his deadline day loan move, football.london reporter Alasdair Gold waxed lyrical about the young winger. “Great move for J’Neil Bennett until January. The 19-year-old has got plenty of talent,” he tweeted. “Really looking forward to seeing what he can do with first team football.”

The ever-reliable journalist has also dubbed Bennett as a “livewire” in the past, as if his record in front of goal wasn’t enough to be excited about.

If this loan spell away from N17 proves to be a success, then we could well see the promising teenager accelerated into the senior side this time next year.

Spurs surely have a future star on their hands in Bennett.

AND in other news, Forget Dier: Spurs could find Romero’s dream partner in swoop for £45m-rated “monster”…

Leicester City have suffered a potentially significant blow in their pursuit of Sampdoria winger Mikkel Damsgaard.

What’s the story?

The Foxes are one of several Premier League clubs to have been linked with a move for the highly-rated 21-year-old in recent weeks following his impressive showing at Euro 2020.

However, according to Italian outlet Calciomercato, Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur are in ‘first place’ to secure Damsgaard’s signature, meaning that a move to the King Power Stadium could be off the table.

Brendan Rodgers will be gutted

Damsgaard starred for Denmark over the summer, scoring two goals and laying on an assist for teammates in five appearances at the European Championship in helping his nation to reach the semi-finals of the tournament.

His eye-catching performances attracted the attention of a host of the continent’s top clubs, opening the door to a possible exit from the Stadio Luigi Ferraris despite only arriving in Serie A 12 months ago in a £6.08m deal.

The creative talent is a product of the famed Nordsjaelland academy and showed his class for Sampdoria last season, bagging two goals and providing four assists in 35 top-flight appearances as he settled into life on Italian shores.

He also managed 1.5 dribbles per league game, the highest tally amongst his teammates. His potential is clear for all to see, and he has showcased it on the international stage to devastating effect.

After playing a pivotal part in Sampdoria’s shock 2-1 victory over eventual champions Inter back in January, TV2’s football expert Martin Mikkelsen hailed Damsgaard as “magical”, praising his decision-making in the final third despite his tender years.

“He’s magical – what speed! He is dynamic and can go both ways. He is creative but also so mature in his decisions,” Mikkelsen claimed.

Therefore, Rodgers is likely to be gutted that Spurs and Aston Villa appear to be beating Leicester in the chase for the Danish maestro. The Foxes have had a successful transfer window so far, significantly strengthening the Northern Irishman’s ranks in a variety of positions.

However, one area which is still quite threadbare is the right wing. Marc Albrighton remains the only natural in that role within the first team squad, and Rodgers will be disappointed to learn of the extra competition for £18m-rated Damsgaard.

In other news…David Ornstein reveals huge Leicester City update which will leave the fans delighted

Ligue 1 side Nice are submitting a bid for Celtic striker Odsonne Edouard, according to Football Insider.

The Lowdown: Giakoumakis to arrive?

The Hoops appear to be making progress in bringing a striker in of their own before the end of the month.

Reports linked Celtic with a move for VVV-Venlos’s Georgios Giakoumakis earlier in the week, and it is believed that a bid has now been accepted for the Greece international.

It could well be a case of one in, one out at Celtic Park, with an update provided on Nice’s links with Edouard.

The Latest: Source shares update

Football Insider shared a story on Thursday where pundit Kevin Campbell gave his thoughts on the situation.

In their report, they shared the latest from a Celtic source, who claimed that a bid is being submitted by Nice. They didn’t share how much that would be worth, but it is understood the Hoops may have to accept less than £20m.

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The Verdict: Sell

Edouard has been a fine servant to Celtic and has been a regular under Ange Postecoglou this season, but with the forward working on a Parkhead exit, the club should look to sell if they land Giakoumakis.

The 23-year-old, labelled as ‘superb’ by Darryl Broadfoot and hailed by John Hartson last year, is into the final 12 months of his contract.

If Celtic don’t cash in this month, they could risk losing him for nothing over the coming months, not exactly ideal when the Hoops were after £40m last summer.

He’d be free to discuss a possible pre-contract agreement in the New Year, so it seems to be the time for Dominic McKay to cash in if the incoming bid from Nice is reasonable.

In other news: Celtic snub: McKay target has now turned down Parkhead move after pleading for Glasgow switch. 

Despite all the speculation surrounding Declan Rice and his future at West Ham United, football.london writer Sam Inkersole says the club don’t have to sell one of their prized assets. 

The Daily Star reported that Manchester United are interested in Saul Niguez if Paul Pogba leaves the club, but are also interested in Declan Rice, although it would take close to £100m to sign the England international.

Rice has also been linked with Chelsea, but Inkersole believes West Ham are in the driving seat to keep their star player, telling Transfer Tavern: “The fact is West Ham don’t have to sell, don’t want to sell, so why would they sell. 

“Also, he’s going to cost a heck of a lot of money, West Ham value him at £100m, I suspect a little bit less than that would probably get a deal done if you came up to them on the table and said here’s 70, 80 maybe it could get done, but West Ham hold all the cards, they don’t have to sell him.”

The defensive midfielder formed a formidable partnership with Leeds United’s Kalvin Phillips for England at Euro 2020, helping the Three Lions reach the final of the competition.

This was also off the back of a very good season with West Ham, which saw the Hammers finish sixth in the Premier League and qualify for the Europa League.

David Moyes did a terrific job last season and after success on the pitch, the West Ham manager will be hoping to keep hold of his prized assets to help continue the growth of the football club.

Xabi Alonso reportedly has a "verbal promise" from Bayer Leverkusen that the Spaniard can leave if he has an offer from Liverpool or Bayern Munich.

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• Alonso courted by both Liverpool & Bayern
• Leverkusen want to be fairly compensated if he decides to leave
• Might demand around €25m from his potential suitor

• (C)Getty Images
  

  WHAT HAPPENED?

  According to Alonso has a verbal agreement with his current employers that he will be allowed to shift base if he gets an opportunity to take charge at Anfield or the Allianz Arena. However, his potential move comes with a price tag, as there is no written exit clause in his contract, which runs until 2026.

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  It is reported that any potential suitor must negotiate a transfer fee with Bayer Leverkusen, who are likely to demand between €15 million ($16.25m/£12.83m) and €25 million ($27.1m/£21.39m). However, an exit clause will allegedly come into force in 2025 which should be around €15 million.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  While Alonso remains the preferred candidate, Bayern are also monitoring other options as well, in case they miss out on their primary target. Bayern's new sports director, Max Eberl, and sports director, Christoph Freund, hold Brighton manager, Roberto De Zerbi, in high regard and could push for him as well.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Amid potential interest from the two European heavyweights, Leverkusen remain calm about Alonso's future. Sporting director Simon Rolfes strongly believes that the Spaniard will remain with the team after this season and is still unfazed despite the intense speculation.

Olivier Ntcham has parted ways with Celtic after a four year spell with the Parkhead club [Sky Sports].

The Lowdown: Celtic face mini-exodus going into 2021/22

Before deciding to take the position as Hoops manager, Ange Postecoglou would’ve been well aware that multiple senior exits were expected at Celtic Park this window.

The likes of Kristoffer Ajer and Scott Brown have moved on to pastures new, whilst rumours continue to swirl regarding the future of Odsonne Edouard.

However, the departure of another Hoops man has now been settled owing to recent reports.

The Latest: Ntcham departs after four years at Celtic

The 5 foot 11 Ntcham has finally left the Scottish giants after a long ordeal, bringing the curtain down on four years at the club [Sky Sports].

The Frenchman won eight trophies during his spell in Glasgow in the form of three Scottish Premiership titles, two Scottish Cups and three Scottish League Cups [Transfermarkt].

He was most recently linked with a move to Greek outfit AEK Athens, though his next destination after leaving Celtic remains unclear.

The Verdict: Losing Ntcham for free is bitterly disappointing

Frustratingly, losing someone of Ntcham’s quality on a free transfer will come as a bitter blow to the Parkhead hierarchy.

Once targeted by Porto for a rumoured £15 million, Celtic may wish they had sold him when suitors for his signature were plentiful [The Scottish Sun].

Capable of producing moments of brilliance when on form, his goals against Lazio at the Stadio Olimpico and Rangers in a 1-0 Glasgow Derby victory will not be forgotten by the Hoops support.

All in all, he registered 37 goal contributions in 147 appearances for Celtic; 24 goals and 13 assists [Transfermarkt].

Once labelled as ‘excellent’ by former boss Neil Lennon, the Celts will hope to put his freed-up salary funds to good use by acquiring a suitable replacement [67 Hail Hail].

In other news, Celtic weigh up a move for a Republic of Ireland international.

Arsenal chief Edu Gaspar risks making his biggest mistake since the signing of Willian.

According to talkSPORT last week, the Gunners are set to submit a £30m bid for Sheffield United goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale after having two bids already knocked back by the Championship outfit.

“It is my understanding that Arsenal have made the Sheffield United ‘keeper their no.1 target. They’ve been linked with Sam Johnstone as well, but it’s all in now for Aaron Ramsdale,” claimed transfer expert Alex Crook.

“I’m told they’ve already had two bids rejected for the former Bournemouth goalkeeper and they are lining up a third.  The fee could be as much as £30million. That would be music to the ears of Bournemouth as they have a sell-on clause.”

If these reports are to be believed, then it’s clear that the Brazilian supremo has not learned from his previous mistakes.

This time last year, the North London giants sanctioned a swoop for then-free agent Willian. That has turned out to be a very expensive gamble, with the 32-year-old winger thought to be on around £220k-per-week, which was more than Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, as per The Sun.

In return, the former Chelsea star scored just once in 37 appearances and provided only three assists after his impressive debut on the opening game of the season, coming in for some heavy criticism, and he’s now thought to be close to an exit.

There could be some similarities here with the £10.8m-rated Ramsdale.

Mikel Arteta already has a no.1 in Bernd Leno and sanctioned the exit of Emi Martinez last season, so there would have to be question marks over whether or not the Englishman would start between the sticks right away.

Spending £30m would therefore be a massive gamble to make, and that’s not considering the fact that he has been relegated twice in as many seasons.

At just 23, he’s far from reaching his peak as a goalkeeper, and undoubtedly he’s one for the future.

“He can become one of the best, especially in the country,” Everton goalkeeper Asmir Begovic claimed to talkSPORT. “He’s already proved that he can play at the highest level. He’s got a lot of potential still to fulfil.”

Jurgen Klopp has previously dubbed him “incredible” for his display against Liverpool, but as Gunners legend Nigel Winterburn has suggested, it’s a “huge amount of money” for someone who may not be an upgrade on Leno.

If Edu goes ahead with this deal, then he certainly will be putting his reputation on the line once again, especially as Arsenal could bolster so many other areas for that sum of money.

He must avoid repeating the same mistake twice.

AND in other news, Romano drops Arsenal transfer claim on £100k-p/w flop, fans will be buzzing…

The Brazilian marked his first start since early January with the opener as the Blaugrana marched to victory

Raphinha staked his claim for regular minutes in a Barcelona shirt, while the rest of the Blaugrana hummed around him as they swept to a comfortable 4-0 win over Getafe on Saturday.

The Brazilian winger, filling in for the rested Lamine Yamal, showed exactly why he could yet play a part for the Catalans both this season and beyond as he scored the opener and turned in a compelling performance.

Raphinha's goal saw him dart behind the backline and tuck the ball comfortably into the bottom corner. The Brazilian could have made it two shortly before half-time, too, but blasted over after running through on goal.

Fellow forgotten man Joao Felix made it two shortly after the break, as he finished off a well-constructed move with a side-footed finish. They added a third after an hour, Frenkie de Jong tucking the ball in after a fine piece of set-up play from Raphinha, and Fermin Lopez capped off an encouraging afternoon in stoppage-time.

In truth, this was too easy for Barca, as Getafe offered little fight. Still, if the remainder of Xavi's reign is about signs of encouragement, then this game was full of them.

GOAL rates Barcelona's players from the Olympic Stadium…

• Goalkeeper & Defence

  Marc-Andre ter Stegen (7/10):

  Made one crucial stop at the end of the first half, and another in the second. Little to do, otherwise.

  Jules Kounde (6/10):

  Solid at the back, moved the ball well. His second straight encouraging performance.

  Pau Cubarsi (8/10):

  Impressive once again. Won his tackles, looked good in the air and pinged it around. Another La Masia gem?

  Ronald Araujo (7/10):

  A quiet afternoon as a left sided centre-back. A few nice long passes caught the eye. Kept Greenwood quiet.

  Joao Cancelo (5/10):

  Dangerous down the left with his usual clever runs and incisive passes. His final ball was lacking, though. Still not quite figured it out.

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• Getty Images
  

  Midfield

  Andreas Christensen (7/10):

  Held it down at the base of midfield. Talllied an assist, too, striding forward to setup Felix's goal.

  Frenkie de Jong (8/10):

  Marauded forward more so than usual. Got on the scoresheet, too. Getafe were poor in central areas, and he capitalised well. He's always wonderful to watch.

  Ilkay Gundogan (7/10):

  Ventured into the final third with regularity, but missed a good chance or two. Really should have scored from a free header in the first half.

  Joao Felix (6/10):

  Tried to do a lot of the ball, but not much of it came off. Couldn't miss from 10 yard as he grabbed himself a goal.

• Getty Images
  

  Attack

  Raphinha (8/10):

  Replaced Yamal, and staked his claim for regular minutes. Came close with a cheeky flick early on, took his goal well, and created chaos throughout. It wasn't all smooth; he missed a glaring chance, and overhit a pass to Felix when he should have scored himself.

  Robert Lewandowski (5/10):

  A few neat flicks and nice moments, but ended the game with just two touches in the opposition box.

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  Subs & Manager

  Fermin Lopez (7/10):

  A lively cameo from the homegrown midfielder. His work-rate has been exemplary this season, and was rewarded with a late goal.

  Vitor Roque (6/10):

  Should have scored late on.

  Oriol Romeu (N/A):

  No time to make an impact.

  Pedri (N/A):

  No time to make an impact.

  Hector Fort (N/A):

  No time to make an impact.

  Xavi (8/10):

  Benched Yamal, gave Raphinha a shout, and stuck with Cubarsi. It all amounted to one of Barca's better performances in recent memory. A comfortable win, with some standouts throughout the side. One of the good days…

An injury setback has ruled England captain Leah Williamson out of Arsenal's huge Women's Super League clash with Manchester United on Saturday.

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• Williamson ruled out of Man Utd clash
• Arsenal star suffered 'minor' hamstring injury
• Ilestedt also absent due to illness

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Williamson recently returned from nine months out after rupturing her ACL, making her comeback in a cup fixture with Reading in January. However, despite starting for Arsenal in their FA Cup defeat to Manchester City on Sunday, she wasn't fit for the massive meeting with Man Utd on Saturday, ruled out because of a hamstring problem.

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• WHAT EIDEVALL SAID

  Speaking to Sky Sports before the game, Arsenal head coach Jonas Eidevall said of Williamson: "[It's a] minor injury, really unfortunate, but it keeps her away from this fixture here."

• Getty
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Williamson wasn't the only absentee for Arsenal, with fellow centre-back Amanda Ilestedt also ruled out of the game due to illness. It meant that Laia Codina was named to the starting XI for just the third time in the WSL this season, alongside England international Lotte Wubben-Moy.

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• DID YOU KNOW?

  Williamson was one of four players to suffer a devastating ACL injury at Arsenal last season, along with Beth Mead, Vivianne Miedema and Laura Wienroither. After making her initial comeback before Christmas, Miedema returned to the Gunners' matchday squad for Saturday's game following a knee irritation.

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has insisted he is happy at the club despite reports linking him with a move to Saudi Arabia.

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• Fernandes focussed on United and Portugal
• PIF wants Reds captain
• United have made poor start to season

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  United captain Fernandes is reportedly wanted by the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund (PIF), owners of four Saudi Pro League sides. Despite being United captain, the midfielder's performances and attitude have attracted criticism over the past year. However, the 29-year-old has poured water on rumours he could leave Old Trafford.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Since Cristiano Ronaldo joined Al-Nassr in January, several big names have joined the Saudi project. Karim Benzema, Sadio Mane, Riyad Mahrez and Neymar all left top European clubs, while younger stars like Ruben Neves and Gabri Veiga took the plunge too. Fernandes and United have endured a poor start to the season, but for the time being he remains committed to Erik ten Hag's project.

• WHAT BRUNO FERNANDES SAID

  Speaking to Sport TV, Fernandes said: "I’m focusing on the national team and United. I’m happy where I am. In the national team, we had some very good times, at Manchester United we didn’t start the way we wanted. I don’t look at rumours. I don’t pay attention to them. Today, it’s very easy to spread rumours in the press. I prefer to concentrate on my goals."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR BRUNO FERNANDES?

  Only time will tell how strong Fernandes' commitment to United is. His contract expires in 2026, by which time he will be 31. If United continue to struggle to keep up with the top teams in Europe, then the Portuguese star may decide to cut his losses and join the Saudi project.