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Speaking to Football Insider, Tottenham Hotspur insider John Wenham has lifted the lid on a collapsed stadium deal which saw chairman Daniel Levy squander ‘millions’.

The Lowdown: Spurs eyeing financial boosters…

Following the easing of coronavirus restrictions and life slowly getting back to normality, Tottenham have seen numerous prestigious events being hosted at their brand new state of the art ground.

The NFL, for example, as well as the recent heavyweight boxing bout between Anthony Joshua and Oleksandr Usyk, will have grossed the club millions of pounds worth of off-field revenue.

However, in a revelation, insider Wenham has claimed that Spurs could have been earning more over lockdown as he lifts the lid on collapsed stadium sponsorship discussions just before COVID.

The Latest: Wenham makes stadium deal claim…

As per the club insider and Spurs source, speaking to FI, the Lilywhites and Levy were actually in talks with HSBC over the stadium’s naming rights but a deal ‘fell through’.

“I know Tottenham were previously in discussions with HSBC, that fell through for whatever reason,” he explained.

“That was right before the pandemic. In hindsight, would Tottenham have taken that deal? Who wouldn’t?

“We could have been earning millions for two years even while the stadium was shut.”

The Verdict: Big blow…

Given Tottenham and Levy announced a £63.9 million loss during the pandemic last year, it’s safe to say a naming rights deal would have assisted the club in a major way financially.

Spurs ended up having to borrow £175 million through the bank of England in what was a turbulent time off-field for the club.

After the HSBC blunder, Tottenham will be hoping to secure the right naming rights deal as soon as possible.

In other news: Spurs already have offered pencilled in to sign ‘world class’ player who Hoddle called outstanding, find out more here.

Leeds United outcast Ian Poveda is set to leave Elland Road in the summer transfer window, according to a fresh update which has emerged on Tuesday morning.

The Lowdown: Poveda unwanted at Leeds

The 21-year-old has become almost surplus to requirements under Marcelo Bielsa, not making a single Premier League start last season.

While Leeds have gone up several gears, Poveda appears to have been left behind, with just one league assist coming his way in the last two years.

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The Latest: Summer exit on the cards

According to Football Insider, Poveda looks set for a ‘late-window exit’ from Leeds, having been demoted from the first-team by Bielsa at Thorp Arch.

A Thorp Arch source has told the outlet that the Whites will listen to offers for the youngster in the remaining weeks of the transfer window, with both loan and permanent moves mooted.

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The Verdict: Time to move on

Poveda is a talented young player with potential, but he has got stuck at Leeds and it is hard to see a future for him given how limited his playing time has been.

The Englishman is comfortably behind the likes of Raphinha, Jack Harrison and Patrick Bamford in the attacking pecking order and there is still time for another addition to come in, too.

Poveda will benefit from earning playing time elsewhere and Leeds will no doubt be keen to sell him permanently, in order to generate more funds for transfers.

In other news, Marcelo Bielsa has explained a key selection decision against Manchester United. Read more here.

Aston Villa could be about to sign their own version of Gonzalo Higuain after they were linked with a move for River Plate striker Julian Alvarez.

The 21-year-old Argentine striker has been on fire this season, scoring 17 goals and registering seven assists in 20 appearances in the Argentine top flight to push them to the top of the table after 24 games.

His fine form has seen him likened to Manchester United and Real Madrid legend Cristiano Ronaldo in the past, but it’s his former teammate Higuain who has been singing the praises of the young striker.

Both Alvarez and Higuain came through the famed River Plate academy and the former Chelsea loanee has revealed that he sees a lot of himself in the striker who has so far earned five caps for the Argentina national team.

Speaking to ESPN Higuain declared: “He is the best striker that River Plate has. He has scored 20 goals and half of Europe wants him.

“I saw how he moves, how he uses both feet. I see him similar to me in terms of his hunger, the desire to make it, the desire to learn.

“I love him in every way, how he plays, his humility… it makes me very happy that he is doing well.”

Combine that with his goal record and it’s there is every reason to believe that he could become as devastating as Higuain was in his career. After all, he’s also been compared to some other great South American strikers. River manager Marcelo Gallardo once said: “He is constantly hungry and I see that in players like Suarez, Cavani and Julián Alvarez.”

The forward has a €2om (£17m) release clause in his contract with the Argentine giants but they are hopeful of tying him down to a long-term contract.

Aston Villa currently have both Danny Ings and Ollie Watkins as central striker options, but with Ings turning 30 later this season there is no harm in looking ahead to the future. Watkins has been fielded on the wing at times this season and like Alvarez, became a striker after initially breaking through on the flanks.

It would also take the pressure off those two in front of goal and would allow Gerrard to be more flexible tactically, possibly playing two up front on occasion and still having a spare forward for the bench. The options in the squad will allow Alvarez plenty of time to adapt and bed in without too much pressure, while also bolstering the squad and adding firepower to a team that has only managed 21 goals in 15 games so far this season.

AND in other news, Aston Villa not regretting decision to reject £110k p/w “liability” last summer.

Manchester United’s new manager Ralf Rangnick is tempted to move for RB Leipzig midfielder Amadou Haidara in the upcoming January transfer window.

What’s the story?

According to SPORTbible (who cite The Mirror), the 63-year-old tactician could sanction a deal for the box-to-box dynamo after previously signing him from Red Bull Salzburg for Leipzig back in January 2019.

Haidara’s current contract with the Bundesliga giants is believed to contain a £33m release clause, meaning a move to Old Trafford over the coming months could be relatively straightforward.

Man Utd can get rocking again

Securing the Mali international’s services during the winter window could get United rocking again, rescuing their stuttering season in the process.

The highly-rated 23-year-old has become a crucial cog in Leipzig’s setup over the last two years, scoring ten goals and providing six assists in 100 appearances for Jesse Marsch’s charges.

However, it’s the holding midfielder’s defensive work that really catches the eye.

As per FBref.com, Haidara has averaged 0.96 tackles won per 90 this term, 6.56 successful pressures and 2.26 blocks, outperforming Scott McTominay in each metric.

After bringing the midfield gem to the Red Bull Arena from sister club Salzburg, Rangnick made no effort to hide his pleasure at Haidara’s arrival, lauding the engine room operator’s quality.

“We’re delighted to have signed Amadou,” he told the club’s official website upon his unveiling (as relayed by Bundesliga.com).

“We’ve been following his progress in Salzburg, as he’s developed into an absolutely exceptional player there. There aren’t many players his age with so much potential. He has all the requirements to follow in Naby Keita’s footsteps.”

With Rangnick’s famous gegenpressing style requiring a set of players with a very specific set of physical and mental attributes, the temptation to bring in a player already familiar with what is required is obvious for the German coach.

United’s lack of a natural defensive midfielder has long been discussed amongst pundits, fans and journalists alike, and Haidara could be the ideal solution.

It remains to be seen whether United’s new boss will be backed with significant sums in order to improve his first-team squad over January, but if he is, then the versatile gem may well be top of his wishlist.

And, in other news…Rangnick can become instant hit at Man Utd by signing “complete” £45m-rated “machine” 

Crystal Palace could be set to add another exciting acquisition to their ranks this summer after being linked with a move for Watford midfielder Will Hughes.

What’s the story?

According to The Athletic, he has been offered a five-year contract extension at Vicarage Road, which included a significant pay rise by the Hornets following the club’s promotion back to the Premier League, but talks have reached an impasse.

Football.London’s Palace reporter Joe Doyle has now provided an update on the situation, claiming that the Eagles are monitoring the ongoing stalemate ahead of a possible move for the 26-year-old.

Hughes only has one year remaining on his current contract at Vicarage Road, and the Watford hierarchy are said to be disappointed that the offer including sizeable financial incentives and the desire for him to be a central component to the club hasn’t been enough for him to commit his future.

As a result, the former England under-21 international has been forced to train with the Watford under-23’s, playing 60 minutes against St Albans in a recent friendly.

Fans will be buzzing

The Eagles are currently undergoing a major overhaul of the first team squad under new manager Patrick Vieira, with several exciting additions already at Selhurst Park.

Marc Guehi, Conor Gallagher, Joachim Andersen and Michael Olise have brought a new wave of hope and optimism to the south London club, and Hughes could be the next arrival as the new era begins to take shape.

After coming up through the ranks at boyhood club Derby County, the combative midfielder joined Watford back in 2017 in search of top-flight football. Since joining the Hornets, Hughes has established himself as a very useful Premier League player, scoring five goals and providing eight assists in 77 appearances in England’s top division.

With experienced campaigner James McCarthy departing Palace on a free transfer last month and Cheikhou Kouyate potentially being called upon to fill in at centre-back once again, Vieira may need further reinforcement to his engine room ahead of the upcoming campaign.

Therefore, the club’s supporters will surely be buzzing to hear that the Eagles’ hierarchy are tracking an experienced top-flight player for this position who still has his peak years still ahead of him and seems ready to move on from his current club.

Hughes would represent another astute signing by Palace and further add to their already impressive transfer business this summer.

In other news… Get it done: Parish must complete Palace swoop for £12m wizard, Vieira would love him 

Crystal Palace have interviewed Swansea City manager Steve Cooper and are split on whether to offer him the Selhurst Park job.

And, as to be expected, a number of Palace fans have been giving their thoughts on the off-field development on social media.

According to Football Insider, who were informed by a source, the Eagles board were impressed with the 41-year-old.

However, the report adds that the Palace hierarchy are 50/50 on whether to hand the Welshman the job. Some believe he is the perfect man to take over from Roy Hodgson, however, others want a boss with Premier League experience.

Cooper has been at the Liberty Stadium since 2019 and has taken charge of over 100 games as Swansea boss, leading them to the Championship playoff final last year.

Palace fans react

@CPFCtransfersHQ shared the news on Cooper on Wednesday evening. This is what these Eagles supporters had to say in reply, with a number of fans against a deal for the Swansea boss.

“Please no anyone but him”Credit: @erictwigs”NO PLEASE NO”Credit: @Thomas01568186″Why are we going for him for why?”Credit: @cpfcjj89″Ygxchjjfdmjjcxsawhkm CXXKKZSSZ JUST DO SOMETHING PALACE”Credit: @TheEagleDC”Hopefully we never get linked with wasteman like this ever again now the penny’s dropped parish has realised there’s far better out there like Favre.”Credit: @JA9baller”Will get a Brentford season ticket if this happens”Credit: @Char_uk1

In other news: 63-year-old another Palace target, fans react, find out more here. 

The decision to bring Che Adams to Southampton is looking more and more like a masterclass by Martin Semmens, as his market value continues to soar.

Southampton signed the striker from Birmingham City in 2019 and he has since gone on to make 80 appearances for Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side, in which he has contributed 13 goals and 10 assists.

The Scottish forward found goals hard to come by at first but broke his duck with a superb effort from the halfway line in the 1-0 win against Manchester City in 2020, and he has looked a far more dangerous player since then.

When he joined the club, Transfermarkt valued him at just £10.8m but a recent increase now sees him valued at £18m, which represents a 67% increase.

While Southampton won’t be looking to sell the 25-year-old anytime soon, they would surely make a comfortable profit on the £15m they paid to sign him from Birmingham if they did cash in, which is undoubtedly a relief when you consider some of the dreadful transfers they have completed in recent seasons, with the likes of Guido Carrillo, Soufiane Boufal, Wesley Hoedt and Mario Lemina being prime examples.

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Even when things weren’t going Adams way at the start of his Southampton career, Hasenhuttl was still a big fan of the striker and sang his praises in 2020, saying:

“He is a guy who is one day a little bit frustrated when he sees he doesn’t play but then when the game comes, he shows up immediately and this is fantastic.”

Adams has started this season well, contributing an assist for Adam Armstrong in the opening game against Everton, whilst his deflected effort saw the Saints open the scoring against Manchester United.

After Danny Ings’ exit, the former Sheffield United man may have to step up his goal return this season if Southampton are to be successful, but there is no doubt that his signing will go down as a successful one.

And, in other news… Dan Sheldon drops Southampton transfer update on “one of the best”

Mark Douglas has claimed Hamza Choudhury is now ‘keen’ on a move to Newcastle United before the summer transfer window ends.

The Lowdown: Down to the wire

Writing in a piece for Newcastle World, Liam Kennedy has claimed that the St. James’ Park faithful’s chase for Choudhury is set to go down to the wire.

They are reportedly a long-term admirer of the Leicester City ace, and are keen to strike a deal before the deadline hits.

However, that possibility currently hangs in the balance at the moment, as the North East club would prefer a loan move, likely with an obligation to buy, while Brendan Rodgers’ team would like to sell him permanently.

The Latest: Choudhury ‘keen’

Writing in his latest piece for The Chronicle, Douglas has claimed that Choudhury is now ‘keen’ on a move to Tyneside on loan, if a deal can be struck before the window shuts on Tuesday night.

There is reportedly a ‘willingness’ from both sides to sort out the move, but ultimately it will come down to finances.

The Verdict: Sign

Given that Joe Willock is the only player to have signed for Steve Bruce’s side on a permanent deal from Arsenal, and even he was on loan at the Magpies from January onwards last season anyway, they simply must get some extra bodies through the door in the next couple of days.

Choudhury has plenty of experience of playing in the Premier League, and would offer Bruce another handy option in the middle of the park.

He is a good age at 23, and being English, would help fill the homegrown quota, especially given that Matty Longstaff has recently left to join Aberdeen on loan for the rest of the campaign.

In other news, find out whose display against Southampton was criticised here!

Aston Villa have been linked with a move for Burnley striker Chris Wood in recent days.

And, as to be expected, plenty of Aston Villa fans have been reacting to the links on social media.

According to Football Insider, who have been informed by a recruitment source, Villa are one of three Premier League clubs who finished in the top 12 keeping an eye on the 29-year-old.

Burnley would demand a fee of around £30m-plus for Wood, although they would hope that could rise to £40m with a possible bidding war.

Wood netted eight times in the last 11 games of the 2020/21 campaign for the Clarets, and it seems as if that form has caught the eye of Villa.

Villa fans react

Football Insider shared the news on their Twitter page on Tuesday lunchtime, and it didn’t take long for a number of Villa supporters to share their views.

It’s safe to say these Villa fans weren’t happy with the links, with one describing it as ‘ridiculous’.

“I don’t know what’s worse, the supposed 30m or ‘bidding war’…. think it’s safe to say he will remain a Burnley player, especially if they are holding out for more than 5m”Credit: @Matt_21_Sully”Football Insider is nonsense and guesses at the best of times but this is just ridiculous. He’s worth half that and turns 30 this year. “bidding war”. Behave yourselves. All credibility fully gone.”Credit: @swabraUTV”LOL”Credit: @BOOMBEEF”lost any bit of respect you had with a headline like this! Someone has left their phone on the table at the pub! 40 mill for Chris Wood”Credit: @RattyAVFC”Makes no sense for Villa as good a player as he is. Put the stirring spoon down.”Credit: @PeterStevens82″Hahahaha, never”Credit: @krh944″What you lying for?”Credit: @wst1975

In other news: Many fans slam Tyrone Mings, find out more here. 

A major decision has been made that will affect Rangers and Giovanni van Bronckhorst significantly in the Premiership next season.

What’s the talk?

Sky Sports have reported that VAR will be introduced in the league after the World Cup later this year, which means that it will be in use from December onwards.

41 of the 42 Scottish Professional Football League clubs, including Rangers, voted in favour of the equipment being brought in, although it will only be used in the Premiership and Championship sides will not benefit from it.

It will, however, be used for the Scottish Cup semi-finals and final for any side who makes it there to experience, with the system set to cost £1.2m-per-season.

Neil Doncaster, who is the chief executive of the SPFL, said this about the introduction:

“I believe this was the right decision and that VAR will help referees to ensure tight decisions are more often the right ones and will support a higher standard and more consistent level of decision-making.”

Gio van Bronckhorst will be relieved

The Gers head coach will surely be relieved by this call as it means that his team will not drop any points due to refereeing errors.

This should, in theory, mean that the vast majority of decisions are correct and in line with the laws of the game, in terms of the major calls in matches. Therefore, this is a huge boost as Rangers will not be cursing their luck with officiating and blaming problems out of their control for results.

Van Bronckhorst will be able to go away from each and every match knowing that the result, whether it is a win, draw or loss, is down to his team’s performance and not because of a refereeing error.

Back in January, the Gers held talks with the SFA over the standard of officiating of their clash with Aberdeen as they found eight separate issues with decisions in that particular match.

There was also uproar after a clash with Dundee United earlier this year as Rangers were denied a clear penalty and both Charlie Mulgrew and Ryan Jack escaped red cards.

These decisions can have a huge influence on matches and that is why van Bronckhorst will be buzzing that VAR is being brought in.

It will be a big boost to his side as they will not be stripped of calls that should be going their way, whilst they will need to be at their best to ensure that they are not punished for it at the other end.

AND in other news, Sources: Shock Rangers transfer claim emerges that will leave Wilson excited…