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Leicester’s main priority in the summer transfer market is likely to be securing Youri Tielemans on a permanent deal. Brendan Rodgers has admitted the club will do everything they can to sign him.

However, fans of the Foxes have been debating another possible transfer, reacting to a tweet talking about Portuguese striker Andre Silva who has spent the season with Sevilla.

The reaction to a potential transfer was split positively and negatively as the fan base appeared divided over Silva. The 23-year-old has attracted interest from the Midlands side per El Desmarque.

One fan claimed that he was overhyped and overrated whilst another joked about the possibility of signing a player with a similar name to Adrien Silva.

A further supporter looked at things more analytically, hinting that Salomon Rondon would be a better option in the transfer market.

The Portugal international, who has been capped 33 times, has scored on nine occasions in 27 La Liga games this term for Sevilla.

He’s still contracted to AC Milan but has never really hit the ground running in Italy and as a result, could now be looking elsewhere for a permanent move.

Here’s the best of the reaction.

قالت شبكة “Football Insider” الإنجليزية، إن نادي بايرن ميونخ الألماني خفض سعر بيع الدولي النمساوي دافيد ألابا مدافع الفريق، من أجل بيعه في نافذة الانتقالات الشتوية القادمة، وذلك بعد اهتمام ليفربول بضمه.

ويمتلك ألابا عقدًا مستمرًا مع بايرن ميونخ حتى الصيف المقبل، لكن حتى الآن لم يتوصل لاتفاق مع الإدارة الألمانية حول تجديد العقد، وبالتالي يمكنه التفاوض مع أي فريق بداية من يناير 2021.

تقارير صحفية ذكرت الأسبوع الماضي أن ليفربول يريد ضم ألابا في الشتاء المقبل لتعويض غياب الدولي الهولندي فيرجيل فان دايك (طالع المزيد من التفاصيل).

وبحسب الشبكة، فإن إدارة بايرن ميونخ تريد تفادي رحيل ألابا مجانًا، وستحاول بيعه في الشتاء القادم، وخفضت سعر بيعه.

وأوضحت الشبكة أن إدارة بطل دوري أبطال أوروبا خفضت سعر بيع ألابا إلى النصف، من 60 مليون جنيه إسترليني لـ30 مليونًا.

تلك الأنباء تأتي بعدما أكد حسن صالح حميديتش المدير الرياضي للنادي البافاري عدم استئناف المفاوضات مرة أخرى مع ألابا لتجديد عقده، بعد سحب العرض من قبل إدارة النادي، مشيرًا إلى أن رحيله بات أمرًا واقعًا (طالع ماذا قال؟).

Injuries are hitting Tottenham at exactly the wrong time! Harry Kane could well be out for the rest of the season, Dele Ali has fractured his hand and now Harry Winks has a problem with his groin, as per the Evening Standard.

It all just proves Spurs need to spend big this summer.

Reaching the semi-finals of the Champions League would be massive for the club, particularly with it coinciding with the opening of their new stadium. Ambitions are high, though injuries have left fans feeling hard done by as they look towards Wednesday’s second leg.

Yes, it’s unlucky they’ve picked them up at the wrong time, but they should have a squad capable of dealing with absences like Winks’. Indeed, Champions League opponents Manchester City – for example – have been without Benjamin Mendy and Kevin de Buyne nearly all season, but they’ve got a squad that means they’re still fighting for the quadruple.

Even City look tired now, and that proves how hard it is to play on all four fronts, but that’s what Spurs surely aim to do next year. Liverpool had to throw themselves out of the domestic cups to be in the position they’re in now, but Mauricio Pochettino’s side want to be bigger than that.

After all that hassle with the stadium, they have to be.

Having faith in the players they’ve already got only takes a club so far. Those players could be the best in the world, which they’re not, but no player can play every three days. They need back-up in midfield, up top and in defence, so Daniel Levy had better start putting his money into the team.

There needs to be one hell of a shopping list in the summer, but that’s what it’s going to take if Spurs are to achieve their ambition of becoming one of Europe’s most successful clubs in the next decade.

Spurs fans, who do you think should be brought in to offer cover in midfield next season? Join the discussion by commenting below…

Tony Pulis has made some bizarre decisions during Boro’s current slump, and has often looked devoid of ideas of how to get back into a game from a losing position.

Strange then, to hear him singing the praises of one of the Teesside club’s rising stars, and lament how he has deserved more playing time and how he will become a Premier League player, yet continuously overlook him game after game.

The player in question, 20-year-old Marcus Tavernier, has all the attributes the side have been lacking in recent weeks.

Speaking to Teesside Live about the player, Pulis said: “If I’ve got a bit of a disappointment it’s that Tav hasn’t had as many games as he deserves.

“He’s going to be a top player. He’ll eventually play in the Premier League.”

He has a creative eye, pace in abundance, and the enthusiasm of youth. All these traits, along with the added incentive of wanting to impress the manager, makes it all the more amazing that the player has managed just a handful of minutes — mainly in cameo roles — since the turn of the year.

In fact, he scored for Boro’ in his last league appearance in which he was given time to influence a game, when he was brought off the bench with 29 minutes remaining against Ipswich in December.

His reward was to remain unused on the bench for the next two games before being left out of the squad completely.

He made no more appearances until February, but, even then, has only been on the pitch for a total of 33 minutes throughout 2019.

It is staggering, in the current woeful form, that Pulis has not given Tavernier a chance, and if he wants things to improve, then he must consider giving the youngster the opportunity he has been patiently waiting for.

If Pulis’ days in the Boro’ hot-seat are numbered, surely he should be at least wanting to try new things that might see Boro’ out of their slump.

The one thing that he would get from playing Tavernier, would be an energetic display, and the youngster would have the full support of the Boro’ fans behind him.

If nothing else, it would show that the manager is trying new ideas to rectify the situation.

As it is, he is often seen to be just plodding along, week after week, seemingly without the nous or ability to do anything different.

Would you give Tavernier a chance in your starting lineup at Bolton tonight, Boro’ fans? Let us know your opinion below…

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Southampton’s excellent performances of late finally translated into a result as they came back from one down to win 2-1 against Spurs at the weekend, with James Ward-Prowse netting for a third consecutive game to ensure all three points remained on the south coast.

The 24-year-old’s stellar showing – and free-kick – earned him a spot in Garth Crooks’ team of the week, with the BBC Sport pundit making a bold claim that his recent performances should make him at least a possibility for Gareth Southgate’s England squad:

“It’s about time England manager Gareth Southgate introduced James Ward-Prowse into the England squad to add to the single cap he won in 2017.

“His performances against Tottenham and Manchester United in recent weeks are proof enough that the lad is ready.

“His work rate is phenomenal and his ability to take free-kicks is a tremendous asset”

Indeed, the Saints academy graduate has been in fantastic form in recent weeks and if the St Mary’s Stadium outfit evade the drop, he will have surely have been instrumental.

Watch the video below to see the most insane overhead kick you will see this week…

Ward-Prowse’s skill-set is unique and perhaps one that the Three Lions don’t yet have – sure, Kieran Trippier can take a free-kick and Jordan Henderson’s engine will ensure he always has a place in Southgate’s considerations, but Ward-Prowse offers both and more in one package.

Whether or not the number 16 would fit into the 3-4-1-2 that Southgate found success with in the summer or not is unclear but he would certainly add a different dimension to the team. Crooks may be spot on with this assessment.

When was the last time St. James’ Park was buzzing as it was on Saturday evening?

After watching Newcastle United pull off the most unbelievable comebacks against Everton, the Geordie faithful could feel the start of something special. It might’ve taken time for Rafa Benitez to get them running, but the inspired win shows he’s taken them the right way.

The Magpies’ poor defensive stature was proved in the first half when mistakes at the back allowed Everton to race into a 2-0 lead. However, instead of falling silent like they usually do, Newcastle decided to pounce on the front-foot. Even after Matt Ritchie missed a penalty, Benitez sensed the possibility of a stunning turnaround.

He drifted away from a 3-4-3 shape to a more traditional 4-4-2 formation by bringing in Paul Dummett for Jamaal Lascelles. This change in system worked wonders. Ayoze Perez and Salomon Rondon stuck close to each other, troubling Everton’s defenders with their link-up play and unpredictable movement.

The change in tactics allowed Newcastle to put more crosses into the box, which instantly pressurize Everton’s defence to crumble. Newcastle pulled off their first win after trailing 2-0 since the great Sir Bobby Robson’s days. On the day, Benitez must have hailed as highly as the legendary managers by fans.

After so many problems behind the scenes on Tyneside for years, the Spaniard’s finally gaining his magical touch at Newcastle. He’s got them on the rise and inserted a never-say-die attitude, which could get them far up in the Premier League in the final stretch.

Newcastle fans, do you think Benitez can help guarantee a top-half finish? Join the discussion by commenting below…

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Davie Hay has suggested that Celtic cut short Filip Benkovic’s loan deal and send the defender back to Leicester City.

The defender is currently out injured but is expected to be back in contention for a place in March.

Benkovic recently spoke out about how he is looking forward to making an impact in England next season, dashing hopes that Celtic might be able to negotiate a second loan stint.

As quoted by The Scottish Sun, he said: “I want to make another step at the end of the season. I want to show that I can play in the English Premier League.”

The 21-year-old hasn’t played since being injured against Hamilton on January 26, with Hay now questioning the value of bringing him back for less than two months of action.

Looking on Benkovic’s absence on Thursday night and the remainder of the season, Hay explained his thinking in the Evening Times:

“Another big miss has been Filip Benkovic too. I think the boy is a cracking centre-half, probably the most commanding central defender Celtic have had since Virgil van Dijk. But his remarks that he is definitely returning to the Premier League at the end of the season makes you think on a number of fronts.

“One is that Celtic are going to have a substantial job to do in the transfer market this summer with Dedryck Boyata also set to move on. It will need to be a busy summer but I just wonder too if there is any point in Benkovic hanging around now until the end of the season. He might be as well just going back to Leicester now.”

Benkovic has been Celtic’s best central defender this season with that area of the team causing Brendan Rodgers problems throughout.

When Dedryck Boyata made himself unavailable at the start of the season Jack Hendry was teamed up with Kris Ajer as Celtic lost out to AEK Athens in the Champions League qualifiers.

Tottenham are currently going through a heavily transitional time – adapting to a new manager and trying to replace goal-machine Harry Kane who is sidelined with injury.

The likes of Dele Alli have stepped up to try to give Spurs a boost up the table, but there’s been a couple of coasters in the ranks this season…

Ryan Sessegnon

The wonder-kid who nearly every big English team set their sights on whilst he was at Fulham. The teenager was transformed from a left-back into a winger because his goal-scoring ability was too clinical not to be utilised in attack.

Spurs won the race for the youngster but this season has been disappointing for Sessegnon in one way or another.

The 19-year-old hasn’t had much game time this campaign, arguably because Jose Mourinho wants only his best XI out there.

However, when Sessegnon has featured, he’s left a lot to be desired. His most recent performance was against RB Leipzig in the Champions League, and the wide-man had a torrid time. He lost possession an alarming 23 times when on the ball and didn’t win any of the 13 duels he attempted.

Sessegnon has a lacklustre WhoScored rating of of 6.35. Granted, he’s only played 12 matches this season, but the teen needs to grab any opportunity with both hands and score a lot more than just the one goal.

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Tanguy Ndombélé

Another new addition to Tottenham’s squad and another who hasn’t made much impact this season. Ndombélé joined the club for a hefty fee of £53.8m but his two goals and two assists in the league haven’t quite shown his worth.

The Frenchman got off to an incredible start, scoring on his debut and bagged himself an assist the following game. Since then, Ndombélé hasn’t had much luck in the engine room – in his last five matches the 23-year-old has averaged a weak rating of 6.7. During these games the midfielder made no key passes and attempted no shots towards goal.

Ndombele has also missed six matches this campaign due to two separate injuries, another frustrating issue for fans and Mourinho himself to deal with.

What do you think, Spurs fans? Do you agree with the above or are there other players who have let the club down more?

According to a recent report from Sky Sports, Southampton are in the market for a new full-back and Fulham’s Joe Bryan is one of their targets.

The Saints actually want to strengthen both of their defensive sides and for that reason, they want to dip their toes into the transfer market in January rather than waiting until the summer.

Bryan is having an excellent season in the Championship and has warranted interest from multiple clubs – Southampton could face some competition from Watford as well, as Sky Sports notes.

But who exactly is this left-back and what makes him so special?

To answer those questions, we sought the opinions of those who know him best…

David Pleat, former Tottenham Hotspur manager and pundit

Pleat was simply in awe of Bryan’s exceptional quality when he was still playing for Bristol City.

Back then, his team managed to do the impossible and knocked Jose Mourinho’s Manchester United out of the League Cup, with their left-backs immense display a key reason for the triumph.

Pleat compared Bryan to Luke Shaw and said that he had silenced his critics and showed real determination.

Here’s what he said on BBC Radio 5 Live, as quoted by Bristol Post:

“Joe Bryan showed all-round determination and ability.

“He’s really done well for himself tonight. People who have doubted him in the past will have look at him tonight and reconsider his abilities very closely.

“If you were comparing the two full-backs on the one night, you would say that Joe Bryan showed far more vitality, dynamism and ability than Luke Shaw who was brought for a lot of money.”

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John Sheridan, Bryan’s former manager at Plymouth Argyle

The now 26-year-old defender was playing for Plymouth Argyle back in 2013 as a loanee and even though he didn’t stay there for too long, he still managed to impress his temporary manager, John Sheridan.

After a comfortable 2-0 victory over then fourth-placed Cheltenham Town at Home Park, the gaffer was heaping praise on his player, highlighting some of his biggest strengths in the process.

Here’s what he said to the Plymouth Herald:

“He just does the basics. He knows what his strengths are.

“He has got a lot of energy and, I tell you what, he won’t back out of anything in the tackle. He’s good in the air as well for his size.”

Steve Cotterill, former Bristol City manager

Another former manager who was clearly impressed by Bryan is Cotterill, the former Bristol City gaffer who coached the now 26-year-old in 2015.

Back then, after the left-back had won the Football League’s Young Player of the Month award for February, his coach heaped praise on him, saying that he could be more brains than brawn.

Here’s what he said, as quoted by BBC:

“He’s one of the clever ones and wins all the quizzes.

“He brings a sensibility. He’s level-headed. He’s one of a kind.”

Verdict

It seems that Bryan is could well be a fantastic addition at Southampton and a long term replacement for Ryan Bertrand.

Those who know him rather well believe he has a lot of quality and, for that reason, the interest from the Saints doesn’t really come as a surprise.

Tottenham fans have taken to Twitter to react after the news of a contract extension for Toby Alderweireld was announced. The Belgian international saw his current deal with the club extended until 2020, but there is a catch.

Alderweireld’s deal was set to run out at the end of the current campaign, but in triggering an extension clause, Spurs have also included a £25m release clause, which would see the former Atletico Madrid defender leave the club if anyone meets that fee – one would assume a lot of clubs would see that as a bargain for a top-class defender.

Fans of the north London club have been crying out for the 29-year-old to sign a new contract, but they were not expecting any fresh terms to come with such a low release clause, which pretty much means Alderweireld’s time with the club is almost up.

Let’s see how Spurs fans react to the news…