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Sheffield Wednesday midfielder Josh Windass is attracting the interest of a host of Championship clubs.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by The 72, who claimed that Cardiff City have made an approach for the £1.44m-rated Owls ace, while Football Insider reported that Ipswich Town, Middlesbrough and Stoke City are also thought to be keen on a move for the 27-year-old.

Windass is one of the few Wednesday players whose contract does not expire at the end of the current season, meaning that the club could demand a fee for his sale this summer.

Unforgivable move

While Wednesday have had a season to forget in 2020/21, with the Owls starkly facing the prospect of suffering relegation to the third tier of English football, Windass has been one of the few bright sparks at Hillsborough.

Over the £10,000-per-week midfielder’s 40 Championship appearances this season, he has bagged nine goals and provided five assists – with no other Wednesday player scoring or assisting more than the 27-year-old in the league – while also averaging a SofaScore match rating of 6.80, ranking him as the Owls’ seventh-best performer in the division.

As such, while a summer clearout would seem necessary at Hillsborough in order to help balance the club’s catastrophic books, selling a player of the importance of Windass – coupled with the mass exodus of out-of-contract players – would be a disaster ahead of the club’s 2021/22 campaign, whichever league they will be playing their football in.

Not only would selling Windass leave Darren Moore with an incredibly difficult goalscoring and creative void to fill in his side, the loss of the player whose own father Dean dubbed as “explosive” would also be gutting for the fans of the club, as the 27-year-old has by far and away provided them with the most excitement of any Wednesday player with his goals and assists this season.

As such, considering that Dejphon Chansiri is already not in the fans’ good books, selling one of their star players is not likely to be something which improves their relationship with the owner, and could even be considered an unforgivable move by the Hillsborough faithful.

In other news: Shocking Sheffield Wednesday update could seal Owls’ relegation – opinion

An update has emerged on Benfica wizard Everton Soares, regarding interest from the Blues in his signature…

What’s the talk?

According to UOL Esportes, via Portuguese outlet A Bola, the Toffees are eyeing up a swoop for the Brazilian and have been tracking his progress for a number of years.

The report claims that AC Milan and Borussia Dortmund are also keen on the forward and will compete with Everton in January.

Get it done

Everton must ensure that they can get a deal over the line for the attacker as he could be “exceptional” for Rafa Benitez in the Premier League.

The £16.2m-rated wizard has shown quality for Benfica in recent years and could bolster the club’s options out wide. He has scored 12 goals and provided 16 assists in 73 games for Benfica and caught the eye with some stunning displays last season.

In the 2020/21 campaign, he averaged an excellent Sofacore rating of 7.10 as he produced seven goals and eight assists in just 24 league starts. Soares created eight ‘big chances’ and averaged 1.3 chances created per game throughout the season, showing off his creativity as a winger.

Andros Townsend (1.9) is the only Everton midfielder and forward averaging more key passes per game this term than Soares did for Benfica. This suggests that he could come in and add to Benitez’s options in the forward line by offering a new threat alongside Townsend and the likes of Demarai Gray and Alex Iwobi.

Fortaleza president Marcelo Paz was previously effusive in his praise of the wide man, saying:

“He is a fantastic, exceptional, very talented player, with great dribbling skills. Of course, he will not be (the second coming of) Ronaldo, because he is Il Fenomeno and there is only one. But I assure you that he is a special player, he has all the qualities to become among the best in the world. And besides being strong he is a serious guy.”

These comments suggest that he has the potential to progress further and improve. At the age of 25, he still has plenty of time on his side and he could arrive at Everton with both the quality to make an immediate impact and the scope to increase his value over time and develop into a top player on the pitch for Benitez.

AND in other news, Everton to be offered £31.5m-rated beast who’s “similar to Xavi”, Rafa would love him…

Some Glasgow Rangers fans have been left buzzing as some news emerged on their game at home to Hibernian in the Scottish Premiership on Sunday.

As per the official website of the Ibrox faithful, no Light Blues supporter will be refused entry into the ground, despite it being used as a ‘test event’ by the Scottish government.

This comes after Gers were told that they must show a vaccine certificate if they wish to go into the stadium, and must be fully vaccinated and able to show proof of such, unless they are exempt.

While the restrictions are not ideal for some of the fans, the latest information about not being refused entry has at least lightened the mood of those planning to go to the match tomorrow afternoon.

Rangers fans on Hibernian news

These Light Blues buzzed as the news was shared on Twitter, with one RFC supporter even going as far as to claim that it is ‘fantastic news’:

“Yessss finally!!”

Credit: @laurenrfc96

“Ideal”

Credit: @JordanCowie72

“Fantastic news”

Credit: @sc__morton

“Great news and what a relief for anyone who was concerned about getting in on Sunday”

Credit: @HeartAndHamez

“This is amazing.”

Credit: @BrianSpanner1

“My club”

Credit: @RFCGW

In other news, find out what one pundit has heard about Connor Goldson’s contract here!

A report has now revealed that Newcastle United attempted to sign Cole Palmer on loan ahead of the January transfer window.

The Lowdown: Big future

Coming through the ranks at Manchester City, there is no doubt that Palmer has a big future ahead of him.

He has scored goals for fun at youth level, and has since earned call-ups to the senior team, despite being just 19 years of age.

He is a player that Pep Guardiola is especially fond of, having dubbed him ‘exceptional’ and a ‘talent’ with ‘special quality’ when he gets in front of the net (talkSPORT).

However, with the array of talent that City have at their disposal, a loan move away could suit Palmer as he aims to develop quicker by playing more regular football.

The Latest: Attempt rejected

The Athletic have now revealed that the Sky Blues have ‘knocked back’ an attempt from the St. James’ Park faithful to take Palmer on loan for the rest of the season.

Representatives of the North East club ‘suggested’ the idea of a loan deal, but were told that the striker is in Guardiola’s plans for the next few months.

The Verdict: Shame

It is certainly a shame that the Tyneside outfit now look set to miss out on bringing Palmer in, given the circumstances that they currently find themselves in.

A loan move would have suited them, as if the worst case scenario happened and they were to find themselves relegated from the Premier League down to the Championship at the end of the term, then Palmer could have just been sent back to the Etihad Stadium.

Callum Wilson is by far their top scorer this campaign with six goals, and has not really been helped by his fellow strikers.

Nonetheless, Palmer has shown that he knows where the back of the net is, and could have aided Wilson in that sense to get as many goals as needed to stay up.

In other news, find out which ‘world-class’ ace NUFC are now ‘most likely’ to sign here!

In recent comments made on the West Ham Way Podcast (Patreon), ExWHUemployee claimed West Ham United are interested in a summer swoop for Tammy Abraham.

According to the West Ham insider, Abraham has emerged as a target for the Hammers this summer, with the 23-year-old said to have ‘fallen out of favour’ at Stamford Bridge in recent weeks.

ExWHUemployee also revealed, following recent contract discussions between the club and the £58k per week England international, Chelsea are not prepared to match the centre-forward’s wage demands in the negotiations that could see a renewal to his current deal, which expires in the summer of 2023 – potentially opening the door to the sale of the player this summer.

The Hammers insider claims Abraham is on a list of five or so forwards who Moyes ‘likes’ as we begin to look forward to the summer window.

Transfer Tavern Take

Having enjoyed an impressive start to the season, scoring six goals and providing one assist over his first 14 Premier League appearances this term, the £36 million-rated Abraham has seen his playing time become more limited in recent weeks, as well as his goals drying up – having not scored in the league since the turn of the year.

And, with the sale of Sebastien Haller in January leaving David Moyes with just one recognised centre-forward in his first-team squad, as well as the fact that ExWHUemployee claims Abraham ‘fits the criteria’ of striker that the West Ham boss likes, it would indeed appear that all signs point to the Hammers making a move for the Chelsea man this summer.

In other West Ham United news, many fans wanted this Premier League ace after a contract claim – find out more here!

Many Wolves fans were heavily critical towards forward Adama Traore during their Premier League clash against local rivals Aston Villa.

The 25-year-old started on the left-hand side of an attacking three but found himself interchanging with Pedro Neto during certain moments of the game.

Traore has been heavily linked with a move away from Molineux and was slated by Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp before the kick-off, astonished that he has not made any goal contributions during the 2020/21 campaign.

Last season, Wolves slapped a £70m price tag on the Spaniard’s head as both Liverpool and Manchester City were interested in his services.

Despite his slump in form, Traore still managed to secure his first set of international caps for Spain, but we suspect the club won’t get such a hefty fee if they decide to cash in this time around.

With all this in mind, supporters lambasted Traore and believe that he has lost interest in playing for Wolves, as you can see below.

Traore in Molineux bad books

“What’s the point of Adama?”

Credit: @csayers83

“Has Adama Traore forgotten he is the fastest player on the pitch?? The man doesn’t want to run this first half”

Credit: @craiglewis1993

“Unless Traore gets the ball to feet he’s useless, offers zero off the ball movement, sooner Podence back the better, Traore is an impact sub only, such a waste of talent, if he hasn’t developed a footballing brain by now I don’t think he ever will.”

Credit: @jamiewalters23

“Maybe Traore could move more, get into space to actually receive a pass”

Credit: @Ashbe_87

“Traore….you really selling yourself at the moment! Dream move back to the championship on the cards !!”

Credit: @Pukkawolf

“Doesn’t offer anything always wants the ball to feet and if he doesn’t get in he doesn’t care. When he gets the ball he either gets fouled gives it away or kicks it out”

Credit: @Jackbar83877495

In other news, Tim Spiers responds to Wolves exit rumours regarding ‘outstanding’ gem.

Taking to Twitter, 90min journalist Sean Walsh has made a claim involving Tottenham Hotspur and a possible move for Brentford attacking midfielder Christian Eriksen. 

The lowdown: A joint reunion…

Having made a superb return following a cardiac arrest at Euro 2020, Eriksen could already be eyeing the next step as the summer transfer window approaches.

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Out of contract at the end of the season (Transfermarkt), the 30-year-old has already been linked with a sensational move back to N17 to rejoin Spurs and in turn, reunite with Antonio Conte who he starred under at Inter Milan.

Sharing news on social media, Walsh has suggested that the move could now be edging closer than ever…

The latest: Walsh drops update

As per his information, the Brentford and Tottenham reporter claims that the north London club are now ‘confident’ of signing Eriksen this summer.

Walsh explained in a Tweet that the move could be dependent on whether Conte remains at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and whether the Lilywhites reach the UEFA Champions League.

The verdict: Get it done

This is a no-brainer for Spurs as transfer chief Fabio Paratici attempts to strengthen the squad in the summer transfer window.

The 111-cap Denmark international has been nothing short of a revelation since joining Brentford and has directly contributed to three goals in seven Premier League outings for a side that was floundering in February.

Overall, the man hailed as a ‘very special player’ by Spurs insider John Wenham, has earned an outstanding 7.49 average rating since returning to the English top-flight, creating three big chances, making 2.1 key passes per game and taking 1.9 shots a match (Sofascore).

These statistics bear out the star’s continued class and given the perceived stylistic similarities with Manchester City ace Kevin De Bruyne (Fbref), Tottenham should be desperate to land Eriksen.

In other news: Source: Tottenham edge closer to ‘top signing’, he now really wants to join Conte! Find out more here.

Tottenham Hotspur return to action this evening as they look to get back to winning ways in the Premier League.

Jose Mourinho’s side face another away trip, this time to the Midlands to face Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux Stadium.

The north Londoners advanced into the Carabao Cup semi-finals in midweek, defeating Stoke City 3-1, but have lost their last two league outings after being defeated by Liverpool and then Leicester City last weekend.

This’ll be the first time since Christmas that Spurs have played, so it will be interesting to see what sort of side Mourinho opts for tonight.

Here’s the XI we’re predicting…

There could be as many as six changes from the side that conquered the Potters on Wednesday night.

Club captain and number one Hugo Lloris keeps his place between the sticks, as do both Eric Dier and Matt Doherty, the latter impressed enough to keep his place over Serge Aurier.

We will surely see the return of Sergio Reguilon at left-back, replacing Ben Davies, with Toby Alderweireld also coming back in for Davinson Sanchez, who has often been snubbed in the Premier League this term.

The industrious Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg played the full 90 in midweek, but should also remain in the starting lineup, whilst Moussa Sissoko returns to partner him despite Harry Winks’ Man of the Match display.

We could also see Tanguy Ndombele start with £100k-per-week Dele Alli reverting to type as the forgotten man in the English top-flight, and on the wings, Mourinho will also go back to his usual duo of Heung-min Son on the left and Steven Bergwijn on the right.

Harry Kane also played the entire match against Stoke, scoring the third and final goal, and he is also set to keep his place. If anyone is undroppable, it’s him.

It means there is no room in the XI for the likes of Erik Lamela, who returned from the bench just a few days ago, £25m signing Lucas Moura, Gareth Bale or Ben Davies.

AND in other news, “A blow” – Exclusive: Mabbutt reacts to major Spurs injury setback before Wolves clash…

A new name has emerged as a potential candidate for the vacant Tottenham Hotspur job this week…

What’s the word?

According to Duncan Castles and Ian McGarry on ‘The Transfer Window’ podcast, Atalanta boss Gian Piero Gasperini is a manager that Spurs have on their radar to replace Jose Mourinho, who joined their Serie A rivals AS Roma on Tuesday.

“We also understand here at the Transfer Window Podcast, that another manager who is of great interest to Tottenham and indeed who they have inquired about – and ironically is also in Serie A – is Gian Piero Gasperini who has been in charge of Atalanta, who have become something of a surprise club in European football in the past few years.

“Gasperini is not the young and dynamic coach which Tottenham have effectively described to agents as their preference. However, he is a very experienced manager and he’s certainly an interesting character who is dependent on a hyper-offensive possession-based style of play. He likes to pressure teams in the same way Jurgen Klopp does with Liverpool.”

“It is our information that a high-profile agent in Europe has informed Gasperini of Spurs’ interest and he has responded positively.”

Exciting appointment

The vastly experienced 63-year-old has done great things at La Dea since his appointment in the summer of 2016. Across 234 matches in charge, he’s accrued a 53% win rate, but more impressively, has averaged a whopping two goals per game whilst competing against Italian giants Juventus and both Milan clubs.

By comparison, Mourinho was thought to have “sucked the culture” out of Spurs with his defensively-minded tactics and boring training sessions, despite winning 52% of his matches in North London.

Supporters were equally frustrated by the Special One’s seemingly dated playing style, with some brandishing him a “dinosaur” and “washed-up” after defeat to Liverpool this year, via talkSPORT.

It’s no wonder Levy is targeting an attack-focused successor and in Gasperini, there cannot be many better candidates as his Atalanta team are one of the most attacking and relentless in Europe.

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As described on the aforementioned podcast, the Italian’s playing style is “hyper-offensive” and “possession-based,” which places focus on scoring goals, work rate off the ball and quick tempo passing rather than the defensive side of things – a stark, stark contrast to Mourinho.

His fluid 3-4-3 system utilises wing-backs to great effect as they are practically wide midfielders and that could suit the likes of Sergio Reguilon and Matt Doherty in the current Spurs set up.

Gasperini has caught the eye of Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane, who seemingly adores the Atalanta boss after he claimed to be a big fan of his when the two teams met earlier this year.

“Gasperini has done a great job. He was the coach of the Primavera youth team at Juventus when I was there. I really like him as a coach,” explained the three-time UCL winner. “Atalanta have proved themselves on the pitch, changing two or three players this year to improve even more. It’s going to be difficult and we have to prove that we’re a strong team.”

The 63-year-old has transformed Atalanta, qualifying for the Champions League in three straight seasons, and that has earned him the Serie A coach of the year award for a second successive campaign.

Spurs have not featured on the big stage since their final heartbreak in 2019, so perhaps Gasperini could steer them back on track and at the same time, bring some much-needed excitement and entertainment back to the Hotspur faithful.

AND in other news, Levy could banish a four-year problem by signing £18m-rated “special player” who “gives 100%”…

Mark Douglas has dropped an enticing transfer update on Newcastle United and their pursuit of Kyle Joseph.

The Lowdown: Newcastle linked to Joseph

The St. James’ Park faithful have been reported to be lining up a move for Joseph in the summer transfer window, with his current deal at Wigan Athletic set to expire at the end of the 2020/21 term.

Celtic have also been linked to the striker, but Douglas has given an update that could be vital in the race to sign him.

The Latest: Newcastle front runners

Writing in his latest piece for The Chronicle, the journalist has shared that the North East club are among the front runners to sign Joseph as he is being chased by a number of other clubs in the Premier League.

The 19-year-old would be given a pathway into the first team on Tyneside, though he would cost a compensation fee despite him being out of contract in the summer, which could extend to above £500,000.

The Verdict: Newcastle should sign Joseph

Joseph is a player for the future, having scored five goals and made a further assist in 17 games in total in the EFL League One as a teenager so far this season (Transfermarkt).

Latics journalist Paul Kendrick described him as a ‘shining light’ after a man-of-the-match performance back in November, and he is certainly someone to keep an eye on for the Toon Army when the window opens.

In other news, find out what big update on the potential takeover involving the ‘Big Six’ has been dropped here!