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Tottenham Hotspur have been dealt a setback in their bid to bring Daichi Kamada to the Premier League in the January transfer window.

What’s the talk?

Speaking in a recent interview with German publication Sport1, the attacking midfielder revealed that, despite the reported interest of Tottenham Hotspur and a host of other European clubs, he will not be leaving Eintracht Frankfurt this winter.

However, the 26-year-old did go on to suggest that he and his representatives will be in talks with interested parties regarding the possibility of a free transfer at the end of the current campaign – when his contract with Eintracht ends – in January.

Regarding his future, the Japan international said: “I’m staying in Frankfurt this season. Even if there could be talks with other clubs in winter, I’m not interested in leaving immediately. I’ve already decided that I want to finish the season with this coach and this team.

“I am much more demanding than you think when it comes to the clubs I would like to switch to. There have been talks and contacts with big clubs for two years.”

The playmaker went on to claim that he is also in discussions with the Bundesliga side concerning the possibility of signing a new deal with the club, stating: “Of course, we are in talks about extending the contract. After my performance, that’s not a big surprise either.”

Paratici must move

While Kamada’s claim that he will not be leaving Germany this winter will undoubtedly come as a blow to both Antonio Conte and Fabio Paratici, the 26-year-old’s decision nevertheless brings with it a significant financial silver lining.

Indeed, with the Japanese sensation’s current deal at Deutsche Bank Park coming to an end in the summer of 2023, should the forward-thinking midfielder fail to put pen to paper on an extension with Eintracht prior to January, Kamada will be free to discuss pre-contract terms with a new suitor upon the turn of the year, before moving on a free at the end of the season.

And, considering just how impressive the 21-cap international has been in Germany so far this season, should Paratici go on to land the playmaker on a free next summer, it would undoubtedly represent a massive coup for the sporting director.

Indeed, over his 13 Bundesliga appearances this season, the £26.5m-rated talent has been in astonishing attacking form, having already bagged seven goals, registered three assists and created two big chances for his teammates, in addition to taking an average of 1.5 shots – 0.8 of which have hit the target – making one key pass and completing 0.5 dribbles per game.

These returns have seen the player who MUNDIAL claimed has been “tearing it up” average an extremely impressive SofaScore match rating of 7.14, not only ranking him as Oliver Glasner’s best-performer in the league but also as the 32nd-best player in the German top flight as a whole this term.

The £33k-per-week wizard has also caught the eye for all the right reasons over his six Champions League fixtures in 2022/23, scoring three goals – one of which came against Spurs – and creating one big chance for his teammates, while also averaging a simply sensational SofaScore match rating of 7.18 in Europe’s most prestigious club competition.

As such, it is clear to see that Kamada – who was once dubbed “the liberator of Arsenal” for scoring a brace in a 2-1 Europa League win over the Gunners that ultimately led to Unai Emery’s dismissal – would make an exceptional addition to Conte’s attacking arsenal – leading us to believe that Paratici must do everything he can to land the midfielder, especially on a free transfer.

Tottenham Hotspur head coach Antonio Conte has been non-committal over the availability of Cristian Romero and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg ahead of his team’s Champions League Group D clash against Sporting Lisbon on Wednesday night.

THE LOWDOWN: FATIGUE WAS FELT

Having been beaten convincingly by Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United just last week, Conte was hit with further detriment over Hojbjerg and Romero, who both felt the fatigue of playing regular minutes for the side and needed a well-earned rest.

As such, both players sat out the game against Newcastle United yesterday, with the manager still unsure as to when they will return to the Tottenham line-up.

THE LATEST: CONTE COY ON DUO’S RETURN

Speaking to the media after the defeat to the Magpies, Conte stated that Romero had struggled over the “last two or three games” and was “half and half” as to whether he would play in Spurs’ two most recent matches. It was a similar struggle with Hojbjerg, having played “every minute of every game”.

The 53-year-old said (via football.london): “Romero was the last two or three games. He arrived every day half and half to decide if he play or doesn’t play. I think in the past we have taken a risk. The players gave their availability to play otherwise, honestly, if the player doesn’t want to play, I don’t force the player.

“Now, after the game against United, he felt a lot of fatigue and then yesterday, he felt fatigued in his calf. Before in his thigh, the right. Now left in the calf. Pierre, it was the same because Pierre played every game, he played every minute, and he was really tired.

“About Richy and Deki? No chance. I don’t know about Pierre and Cuti for Wednesday. If you ask me in this moment, I don’t have an answer because I don’t know the way they recover from this fatigue and this situation if they have something, Romero in his calf or Pierre in his thigh.”

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THE VERDICT: MIND GAMES AT PLAY?

With Conte coy on whether Hojbjerg and Romero would be available for the clash against Sporting, one may wonder whether this is an example of mind games heading into that all-important fixture.

However, if the pair are indeed suffering with fatigue, it would be wise to give them another game off to recover, in order to avoid potential injury.

The Danish midfielder in particular could do with time off if he is not at 100%, having played the third-most minutes of any outfield player in the squad so far this season.

Liverpool striker Roberto Firmino is wanted by Atletico Madrid as his contract runs towards its final six months, according to reports in Spain.

The Lowdown: Firmino into final year

The Brazilian has been a true modern-day great at Anfield, playing a huge role in Jurgen Klopp’s side enjoying so much success in recent years.

Firmino’s current Liverpool deal expires at the end of this season, however, and there is no sign yet of him penning a new contract and extending his stay.

The 31-year-old is therefore unlikely to be without suitors and a new update is now doing the rounds.

The Latest: Atletico eye up move

According to Spanish outlet Todo Fichajes, Atletico are eyeing up a move for Firmino next summer, with Diego Simeone an admirer of the Brazil international.

The forward has scored 104 goals and registered 77 assists for Liverpool in 338 appearances, being described as a ‘world-class’ player by Klopp.

The Verdict: Exit feels likely

While the thought of Firmino leaving the Reds is a sad one, considering the seven years of wonderful service he has provided, it does feel as though this will be his final season at the club.

At 31, there is no shame in admitting that his very best days are now behind him, and despite him scoring six goals so far this season, his all-round game isn’t what it was, in terms of energy and influence.

A summer exit ultimately makes the most sense for all parties, allowing Firmino one last big move in his career and giving Liverpool the chance to sign a younger alternative.

Liverpool have endured somewhat of an injury crisis in midfield already this season and the signing of Arthur Melo on Deadline Day was made to bolster the centre of the pitch, but now Jurgen Klopp may have changed his mind on the player.

What’s the latest?

According to Italian news outlet Tutto Mercato Web, Liverpool could cut short their season-long loan deal with Arthur if they make a midfielder signing in January.

As per the report, Klopp is not particularly keen on what he has seen from the Brazilian so far and the club will keep their eye out for a potential permanent signing they can snap up in the winter transfer window so that they can send Arthur back to Juventus.

It would be a big risk

Considering the position that Liverpool have found themselves since the start of the season, it would be a big risk to let go of any midfield reinforcements even if the club do manage to secure a permanent signing to add to the depth in January.

The Reds’ midfield options are some of the most injury-prone players in the team with Naby Keita, Jordan Henderson, Curtis Jones, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Thiago Alcantara all sustaining injuries of the last few weeks and months, which would suggest that they need more than just one midfielder to cover the three key roles in the centre of the pitch.

Not only that Keita, Oxlade-Chamberlain and James Milner are all in the last 12 months of their contracts and at present, there are no indication that the three players will remain a part of the squad at Anfield beyond next summer.

As a result, signing just one midfielder in January may not be enough to strengthen the side especially if Liverpool are still in all European and domestic competitions in the new year, so letting go of Arthur – whether he is in Klopp’s plans or not – could be a big mistake.

The £125k-per-week ace has only been featured for 13 minutes so far since joining the Merseyside giants with his arrival coinciding with the return of Thiago, who earlier this month recently recovered from a hamstring injury.

It will be interesting to see if Arthur will get opportunities over the next few months before the transfer window reopens again.

Nottingham Forest have made an offer to sign VfL Wolfsburg midfielder Aster Vranckx this summer, report L’Equipe (via Sport Witness). 

The lowdown: Rise to prominence

Signed from Belgian outfit KV Mechelen in 2021, Vranckx has gone from strength to strength since arriving in Germany, having made 47 first-team appearances for his previous employers, where he came through the academy system.

The 19-year-old Belgium youth international made 28 outings last season for the Bundesliga side, scoring twice whilst operating centrally and in wide areas to showcase impressive versatility.

Having previously been linked to Vranckx, a fresh report emerging from France has claimed that Forest did more than just show their interest…

The latest: Offer made

As per L’Equipe, translated by SW, the three-cap Under 21 starlet is understood to have ‘received offers’ from Nottingham Forest, Fiorentina and Bologna this summer.

It’s claimed that Lille are also attentive to the situation surrounding Vranckx and a move could still be on the cards before the end of the transfer window.

The report makes no mention of the details of the offer for the youngster – who was billed as a ‘very exciting’ prospect by football talent scout Jacek Kulig – but previous reports have claimed that he could be available for around €8million (£6.7million).

The lowdown: Try again

Albeit the midfield department has already been strengthened with the signings of Lewis O’Brien, Orel Mangala and Cheikhou Kouyate, adding a supremely talented and versatile operator such as Vranckx to Steve Cooper’s ranks would be a significant capture.

Sharing a similar stylistic likeness to proven Premier League performers such as Conor Gallagher, Joelinton and Jeffrey Schlupp (FBref), the teenage Belgian seemingly has all the attributes required to make the grade in the English top flight.

Earning a reported £15,000 per week, signing Vranckx at the aforementioned asking price should be an affordable venture for the City Ground hierarchy and Dane Murphy even alongside the rumoured move for Neal Maupay.

Nottingham Forest have been linked with a move for Che Adams this summer, and now a new update has emerged from a reliable source on the club’s pursuit of the player in the final weeks of the transfer window.

What’s the latest?

According to transfer insider and journalist Dean Jones, Nottingham Forest are “trying to sign” Southampton striker Adams.

Jones told GIVEMESPORT:

“I do wonder about this Nottingham Forest interest. I think there’s something in that and I think that Forest are trying to sign him.

“I mean, Nottingham Forest, I’ve lost count now, but I think they’ve signed 12 players. Their aim for this window was to sign 15 players.”

Imagine him & Gibbs-White

Forest have already signed a number of new players to strengthen their team ahead of their campaign in the Premier League, however, following their first defeat in their first game against Newcastle United at the weekend, Steve Cooper will surely be hoping to resolve some of the issues displayed so far.

The Reds weren’t capable of taking anything from their opening game of the season on their visit to St James’ Park on Saturday, and the lack of attacking threat will surely be a concern for Cooper.

Forest failed to register a single shot on target against the Magpies and didn’t create a single big chance either, something that will need to be quickly resolved if the newly-promoted side want to start picking up points to have any chance of remaining in the top-flight next season.

As a result, the pursuit of Adams could be the perfect opportunity to strengthen and improve the attacking threat, along with the chances needed to be created in front of goal over the campaign ahead.

Over 30 Premier League appearances last season, the £15m striker scored seven goals, delivered three assists and created 31 big chances, as well as making 17 key passes, proving that he could be a very valuable asset to Cooper if a deal can be done.

The Saints striker was not only impressing in league football, as Adams was lavished with praise for his performances last year for national side Scotland with Ally McCoist dubbing the player a “breath of fresh air” in the team:

“He’s come away from matches bursting with confidence and it has shown in his club displays. Since then, he scored against the likes of Manchester United at Old Trafford and away to Spurs as well. He has been a breath of fresh air for us.”

Forest are also trying to sign Morgan Gibbs-White from Wolverhampton Wanderers this summer with three bids already rejected, but if they can strike up a deal with Wolves, it could be a double boost for Cooper in his attempts to inject more creativity in front of goal.

Gibbs-White scored 11 goals, delivered nine assists and created 16 big chances for Sheffield United whilst on loan with the Championship side last season, so if the Welsh manager can combine the strong anchor play of Adams with the 22-year-old’s playmaking talents, it could cause non-stop nightmares for opponents coming up against them.

With that being said, the signing of Adams could be just what Cooper needs at The City Ground to further improve his team and get the side more creative in attacking play as they come up against tough competition in the top tier.

Combine the forward with a dose of Gibbs-White and the Garibaldi could strike gold. It’s a mouth-watering combination just waiting to happen.

Newcastle United have been linked with a move for Maxwel Cornet, and now a new update has emerged on the club’s pursuit of the player this summer.

What’s the latest?

According to talkSPORT, Newcastle are preparing to trigger the £17.5m release clause of Burnley forward Cornet this summer.

As per the report, Eddie Howe is looking to strengthen his front line ahead of the new season and has identified the striker as a target, but Everton are also keen to sign Cornet too, whilst Nottingham Forest failed to agree on personal terms.

He’d be a great signing

The Magpies have already added three new faces to their squad this summer, but they remain on the lookout for a star striker, and with Cornet effective when deployed at centre-forward – he is capable of offering a great deal to Howe if the Magpies can seal a deal for the player.

Cornet has tonnes of experience playing across the front three, in left midfield and at left-back – giving the Newcastle manager the opportunity to sign a player with great versatility as well as the quality needed in each position to be reliable.

The £44k-per-week Ivorian sensation had a fantastic debut season in English football, scoring nine goals and delivering one assist – finishing the season as the top goalscorer for the Clarets – but it wasn’t enough to stop the side from being relegated on the final day.

Despite a difficult relegation battle, it didn’t stop Cornet from drawing high praise for his performances, with his former team-mate Nick Pope hailing the forward “quality” and journalist Alex James even claiming Cornet was “the best summer signing” last season.

Howe could even form a formidable attacking partnership between Callum Wilson and Cornet next season, combining the Burnley star’s eye for a goal-scoring opportunity and Wilson’s hunger for goals, a duo that could be an absolute nightmare for their opponents this season.

With that being said, the signing of Cornet could well prove to be one the Magpies’ best addition this summer, however, they will need to put in their offer soon with Everton and Nottingham Forest also keeping an eye on the player.

AND in other news: “Back in…”: Sky Sports journo drops NUFC transfer update, supporters will be buzzing

Everton have only made one signing so far but continue to be linked with a number of players this summer, and now an update has emerged on an offer made for a new transfer target.

What’s the latest?

According to Italian journalist Gianluigi Longari, Everton have made a loan offer for Tottenham Hotspur defender Japhet Tangana.

Longari tweeted:

“Many admirers for Tanganga as anticipated last month. Milan but also Napoli closely follow the central of the THFC which also has requests on loan from the Premier as Southampton and Everton. An Italian adventure teases the English defender.”

Frank needs him badly

It is no secret that Everton struggled in the Premier League last season with a relegation scrap that left the side vulnerable to a drop into the Championship, but ultimately they managed to secure survival on the penultimate game of the season.

There were a number of issues Frank Lampard’s squad faced over the season with the side suffering a major injury crisis for the majority of the season and having the worst injury record per 1,000 minutes in the Premier League, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin in particular missing the majority of the season through injury.

Not only did the Toffees suffer a number of injury issues to key players, their performances on the pitch were atrocious and the side ended the season conceding 23 more goals than they scored with Jamie Carragher branding the Everton defence “a Championship back four”.

As a result, it’s clear Lampard needs to address and improve the team’s defensive play, and signing Tanganga could be a great opportunity to do so.

Despite the 6 foot 1 monster’s limited game time with Spurs, he has proven that he can offer fantastic defensive attributes and reliability in the back-line when he has been given the opportunity to play.

Last season over 11 Premier League appearances, Tanganga who was hailed “really special” by Gary Neville made 1.3 tackles, 2.7 clearances and won 3.8 duels on average per game, as well as being successful in completing the majority of his dribble attempts too (71%).

With that being said, the signing of Tanganga could be a major coup for Everton as they attempt to rectify their issues and improve ahead of next season, and the 23-year-old could gain more game time and development at Goodison Park.

AND in other news: Alan Myers delivers seven-word Everton transfer claim that’ll leave supporters excited

Tottenham Hotspur could finally axe one of their struggling stars as they line up a move for a former academy graduate…

What’s the word?

According to 90min, the north London outfit are tracking their former winger Noni Madueke ahead of a potential move this summer after an exciting breakthrough at Dutch side PSV Eindhoven.

Verified journalist Sean Walsh relayed the report from his colleague Graham Bailey, claiming that Spurs were among multiple Premier League teams “keeping tabs” on the 20-year-old.

Leeds United and Newcastle United have also been mooted with interest, though it remains to be seen how much the Englishman would command. Transfermarkt currently value him at £16.2m.

Bye-bye Bergwijn

Given the arrival of Richarlison from Everton this week, and Dejan Kulusevski remaining on loan in N17, the arrival of another winger would certainly raise questions.

However, strength in depth will be required this season as the Lilywhites will be competing in the Champions League, and in a bid to compete on all fronts, manager Antonio Conte will need an array of options.

Behind the aforementioned duo, there is little quality, with Steven Bergwijn proving to be something of a flop ever since his £27m move from PSV in January 2020.

The 24-year-old lightweight has been linked with a switch to Ajax all summer, so the arrival of Madueke could certainly allow the Italian head coach to finally axe the Jose Mourinho signing.

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Bergwijn has managed just one start under Conte since his arrival in November, so it’s evident that he’s just not fancied by the manager.

The former Hotspur Way starlet could be an intriguing replacement and a likely upgrade in the role, considering his form for the Eredivisie side.

Over the last two seasons, Madueke scored 18 goals and laid on a further 14 assists across the Dutch top-flight, Dutch cup and all three of UEFA’s European club competitions, as per Transfermarkt.

Given the fact that Bergwijn has only managed 18 goal contributions across his 83 appearances for Spurs, it’s clear that the England U21 international would be a better option, not to mention the homegrown benefits he’d bring, too.

Former PSV midfielder Tommie van de Leegte has been left impressed by Madueke’s impact over in Europe, telling Omroep Brabant (via Goal): “He’s fast and has the capability to trick his opponent. He brings creativity and is very explosive in his actions.”

On the above evidence, sporting director Fabio Paratici would be wise to follow up their interest with a firm bid as it would allow them to sell Bergwijn to Ajax and, at the same time, improve Conte’s squad.

AND in other news, Alasdair Gold drops Christian Eriksen update…

After a disappointing Champions League final for Liverpool the supporters were hit with more bad news as it was reported that Sadio Mane plans to leave the club this summer, and now a reliable source has given an update from the club’s perspective.

What’s the latest?

Liverpool reporter for The Athletic James Pearce has given a deeper insight into the potential departure of Sadio Mane this summer and how the club are set to approach the situation.

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As per Pearce’s report for The Athletic, senior sources at Anfield have revealed that the club will not accept the reported €30m (£25.5m) and the club believes that it would be more beneficial to keep the player for another 12 months and let him go on a free transfer in 2023.

However, Liverpool value Mane at around €50m (£42.5m) and would only be interested in sanctioning a deal for the winger if they can find a suitable replacement this summer.

Supporters will be gutted

Mane has been a consistent and outstanding performer for Liverpool over the last six years since he joined the club in 2016, and has played a key part in winning huge honours including the Champions League, Premier League, FA Cup and Carabao Cup.

Not only that, the Senegalese attacker has won the Premier League golden boot and finished fourth in the Ballon d’Or in 2019, proving that he has been considered one of the best players in the world during his time on Merseyside, so supporters will surely be gutted at the prospect of him leaving this summer.

The rumoured decision on Mane’s part to leave the club comes as he has one year left on his contract alongside Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino, and it was believed earlier this month that FSG would work to open contract negotiations with the two wingers in particular to secure their future at Anfield.

With that being said, Pearce’s update does offer an element of positivity for supporters as Liverpool are clearly not ready to let the player go easily and will work to either find a like for like replacement to make sure the club does not suffer from Mane’s exit in the upcoming season should they reach an agreement that is mutually beneficial.

Either way, the news that a player who has scored 120 times for them is set to depart is not ideal at all. It’s certainly a huge blow to Klopp’s Anfield empire.

AND in other news: Forget Mane: Klopp can land new LFC hero in deal for “tenacious” £100m “predator”