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Tottenham have held talks with Valencia over a loan move for Bryan Gil, AS report.

The Lowdown: Gil’s struggles

Gil was brought to the club during Nuno Espirito Santo’s time in charge but has struggled to make an impact in north London.

The 20-year-old is yet to start in the Premier League and has had to make do with appearances in various cup competitions. The left-winger is still awaiting his first goal as a Spurs player and has registered just one assist in 20 games.

It now seems as if he could depart on loan in the final days of the January transfer window in what could be a busy end of the month.

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The Latest: Spurs demands

According to AS, Spurs want a £1.5m loan fee for Gil, with Valencia reluctant to pay that.

Tottenham also want them to pay a percentage of Gil’s salary, with Conte now giving the green light for the Spaniard to depart.

Valencia have maintained contact in recent days and have held talks, however, it seems as if a possible loan fee without an option to buy could be a stumbling block.

The Verdict: Correct call?

It hasn’t worked out for Gil in his first season at the club, so allowing him to gain regular first-team football ahead of the 2022/23 season could be a shrewd call in the long run.

The club signed the young playmaker for a reason, so they are absolutely correct to be seeking a mere temporary exit with no additional buy option.

That said, Fabio Paratici could do with bringing an attacking player in before signing off on a loan for Gil.

Moves for Adama Traore and Luis Diaz seem to have collapsed, so an exit for Gil may be one that has to wait until the final hours on Monday to go through, providing there is an attacking arrival before that – perhaps a certain Dejan Kulusevski?.

In other news: ‘Agreement reached’ – Spurs breakthrough as player Conte and Paratici love now ‘happy’ to sign.  

Wolverhampton Wanderers have comfortably established themselves as a midtable Premier League side, currently sitting 8th ahead of Tottenham and Everton.

In the summer, the club were hopeful to secure another one of Jorge Mendes clients, Renato Sanches, but unfortunately, the deal collapsed and Wolves went into the season without the midfielder joining.

The 24-year-old was on the radar of many top clubs in the summer, including Liverpool, but he remained with Lille and has continued to impress after returning from injury at the end of September.

So much so, that Wolves are reportedly going to get back in the race for Renato in the January transfer window.

What’s the word?

It has been reported that Head Coach, Bruno Lage, views Sanches as the ‘missing ingredient’ to his midfield at Wolves, but the midfielder’s knee injury initially gave the West Midlands club cold feet.

According to the Telegraph (via The Sun), Wolves are now in pole position to secure the Portuguese international in January, whilst Express & Star journalist Luke Hatfield believes Wolves’ fellow countryman will try to convince him to join during the current international break.

“I’m sure he will be. I’m sure they will. It happens all the time, doesn’t it. You only need to look at other clubs,” he told GIVEMESPORT. “Buendia, when he went to Villa a big part of that was Emi Martinez speaking to him on international duty. So it’s going to happen.”

Moutinho replacement

Despite a dodgy injury record, Renato Sanches has shown that he is a promising player who has been an asset to some of the very best European sides,  Lage will be looking to snatch up the £27m-rated beast, before a title-winning team turns his head.

The Lille president has spoken out about Sanches’ current situation at the club, and has suggested that they would be willing to let him go, should the right club come in.

Olivier Letang said: “I have already spoken about it and I have already discussed with him, if an offer from a big club arrives, Renato will be able to leave.”

The 2016 Golden Boy winner has been lauded as a “complete athlete” by the aforementioned Les Dogues chief, whilst Bundesliga.com once likened him to Clarence Seedorf, so there’s no denying he’s one supremely talented player.

Wolves currently have a fantastic midfield partnership in Neves and Moutinho, both have become stand out and key players for the side.

However with Moutinho recently turning 35, it is no wonder that Lage is envisioning how he may replace one of his most reliable players with 120 appearances in just over three seasons, it will be important to find somebody to continue the successful style of play Wolves have developed in their midfield.

Sanches, who has been dubbed a “machine” by Lille’s official Twitter account before, seems like he could be the perfect replacement for Moutinho, offering a new dynamic in midfield, whilst fitting the club’s profile and being part of an existing relationship Wolves already possess with Mendes.

The Bundesliga winner is no stranger to European football, featuring in the Champions League with 25 appearances for Lille, Benfica & Bayern Munich, not to mention winning the Euros with Portugal in 2016.

He is sure to add the right experience and winning mentality that could elevate Wolves in their efforts to climb up the table and secure a European spot.

AND in other news, Wolves could be set for a major January nightmare, fans will be fuming…

Tottenham Hotspur return to Premier League action in Sunday’s late kick-off as they welcome Leeds United to north London for Antonio Conte’s first home game in charge of the club.

And the 52-year-old Italian has plenty to ponder after his first two matches in the dugout saw his Spurs side narrowly defeat Vitesse 3-2 in the Europa Conference League before making his top-flight bow with a 0-0 draw at Everton before the international break.

A lot of Spurs’ major problems still linger but that should be expected having only been appointed a week before his key stars competed on the biggest stage.

For instance, the Lilywhites have failed to score a Premier League goal in around five hours of playing time, the last being Heung-min Son’s winner at Newcastle United, whilst their last shot on target came nearly four hours ago.

Similarly, the north Londoners rank second-bottom for shots per game (10.1), meaning only the division’s basement boys, Norwich City (10), have managed fewer. Meanwhile, they are also the second-worst team for expected goals, managing an xG of just 11.43.

It’s clear, on the evidence above, that Conte has a massive problem with creativity in the final third, and scoring goals. Perhaps his initial system at the club – a 3-4-3 of sorts – isn’t helping.

Recently, it has been mooted by football.london reporter Alasdair Gold that the former Chelsea boss could tinker with his system to deploy an attacking no.10, rather than two inside forwards behind Harry Kane.

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You could argue that the lack of a creative middle man is exactly what is holding them back right now, so wingers – on top of wing-backs – isn’t necessary.

That could well be a solid solution to the problem but it means someone has to unfortunately make way, and that won’t be Son. We could well see Lucas Moura most at risk, despite his performances for the club this season.

Indeed, only Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg (7.15) has managed a better average WhoScored rating this campaign than the £18m-rated Brazilian winger (7.04) but given the change in system, he simply cannot be accommodated.

However, what makes this even better for the Italian head coach is the subsequent use of the 29-year-old dynamo from the bench.

His pace and tenacity could cause all sorts of problems when the opposition is looking a little leggy, and with Marcelo Bielsa demanding relentless work rate throughout, Moura could feast as a substitute late in the second half today.

Spurs teammate Eric Dier once dubbed him a “nightmare” to train against, so that only bolsters such claims.

Conte needs a man in the middle to pull the strings and that can’t be Moura, so he should be be the unlucky casualty from the starting XI. Instead, the 52-year-old ought to turn to Tanguy Ndombele or Dele Alli.

It’s bold and brutal but it could be the solution Spurs need.

AND in other news, Spurs could find new Christian Eriksen after big January transfer boost…

West Ham United could seal their biggest signing since Dimitri Payet amid emerging reports ahead of the January transfer window.

In some ways, it shows the substantial progress the east London outfit have made under David Moyes, going from relegation contenders to competing for a place in the Champions League – and more than holding their own.

There has been a lack of ‘marquee’ signings in recent years but that’s not a bad thing as their recruitment has been pretty spot-on, with relatively unknown names like Tomas Soucek and Vladimir Coufal becoming crucial influences on the pitch.

Having Jesse Lingard on loan and splashing £30m on Champions League winner Kurt Zouma is certainly a step in the right direction, but everything could be eclipsed by the prospective arrival of Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder Denis Zakaria.

According to Italian outlet Calciomercato, the Irons are among the teams interested in signing the 25-year-old this winter as he attracts interest from across Europe, though they’ll be battling Premier League rivals Everton, as well as Serie A giants Juventus, for his signature.

Gladbach head coach Adi Hutter is desperate to bolster his playing squad next month but he’ll only be able to do so if he garners some more income, so selling the Switzerland international could be in his best interests, especially as the player is out of contract in the summer and is currently valued at £24.3m.

A new central option in the midfield engine room may be the least of the Hammers’ concerns but they simply cannot turn their nose up at sealing a player of Zakaria’s calibre for a bargain price in January.

Of course, club captain Mark Noble is retiring, plus there may be some doubts over loanee Alex Kral’s credentials. Meanwhile, there are always doubts and reports on the future of Declan Rice at the London Stadium.

He is a player who has earned comparisons to a whole host of midfield greats, ranging from Patrick Vieira and Zinedine Zidane, to Paul Pogba and Toni Kroos.

“It’s not easy to compare him to the greats of the past, but he combines many qualities that were really defined by Michel Platini and Zinedine Zidane,” claimed international and domestic teammate Yan Sommer.

German football legend Lothar Matthaus once stated: “I’m glad that Gladbach have found another pearl. At his age I was earning my first stripes for Borussia. He reminds me of Toni Kroos at that age.”

The 40-cap beast has consistently put up impressive numbers in the Bundesliga and for his country – as per WhoScored, Zakaria has averaged 2.3 successful tackles, 1.6 interceptions, 1.4 dribbles and 1.1 shots per 90 minutes over the course of his career.

By no means would he be a flair player like Payet once was, but the box-to-box dynamo would be a major coup for the club, one which would shock many around the continent, just as it did with the silky Frenchman all those years ago.

Zakaria, who has been dubbed a “very complete footballer” his former manager Marco Rose, would be a sublime addition for head of recruitment Rob Newman to secure. He must do all he can to win the race to sign him this winter.

AND in other news, 87 touches, 100% dribbles: West Ham gem who “caught the eye” has given Moyes a dilemma…

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, former Southampton striker Kevin Phillips has described Danny Ings’ recent injury as a “huge blow” for the Saints.

Despite an injury-hit campaign, Ings is Southampton’s top goalscorer this campaign, but suffered another major setback at Sheffield United last weekend.

Just 13 minutes into Saints’ win at Bramall Lane, the England frontman sustained a muscle problem and is now facing around four weeks on the sidelines.

Ings missed almost the whole of November following a knee injury and also spent the best-part of January out injured.

It means that the former Liverpool striker won’t be available for Southampton’s crucial Premier League meeting with Brighton on Sunday and is expected to miss their FA Cup quarter-final with Bournemouth the following week and home game with Burnley at the beginning of April.

Since Ings’ injury, Che Adams has stepped up to the plate by scoring Saints’ second against the Blades before netting a consolation in their defeat at Man City.

But despite Adams’ impressive form, Phillips was in no mood to underplay the loss of Ings. He told Football FanCast:

“Losing Danny Ings for a few weeks is a huge blow for Southampton”.

Whilst it’s obviously a considerable blow for Southampton, beating Sheffield United was a massive result for them, especially following Fulham’s surprise victory at Anfield later in the day.

Saints head into the weekend just seven points above the relegation-zone, but with Fulham hosting Manchester City, beating Brighton on Sunday will surely but secure Southampton’s Premier League status.

Leeds United are interested in a deal to bring Brennan Johnson to Elland Road in the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by the Daily Mail, who claim that Leeds have now joined Brentford and Newcastle United in the race for the signing of the Nottingham Forest attacking midfielder, who is yet to agree a new deal at The City Ground – with his current contract set to expire next summer.

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The report goes on to state that, while Victor Orta is plotting a £20m offer for the 20-year-old, this move is on the basis that the Whites remain a Premier League side next season, as well as Forest failing to secure promotion to the top flight.

He’s better than Aaronson

Considering the fact that Leeds have also been linked with a move for Red Bull Salzburg’s Brenden Aaronson this summer, it is clear that Orta and Jesse Marsch are targeting the signing of a new attacking midfielder ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

And, while it is undeniable that the USA international is a fantastic young talent – having scored four goals, provided four assists and averaged a SofaScore match rating of 6.90 over his 22 Austrian Bundesliga appearances this season – there is an argument to be made that Johnson could well be the smarter choice for Leeds.

Firstly, the 20-year-old has experience in the English game, proving himself to be one of the most exciting young prospects the Championship currently has to offer.

Indeed, over his 43 second-tier outings this season, the £900k-rated talent has been one of Steve Cooper’s standout performers, scoring 15 goals, registering ten assists and creating 14 big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 1.9 shots, making 1.3 key passes and completing 1.2 dribbles per game.

These returns have seen the £2.5k-per-week sensation who Sabri Lamouchi dubbed an “unbelievable” player average an incredibly impressive SofaScore match rating of 7.11, ranking him as the Reds’ fourth-best outfielder in the league – playing a key role in his side’s late push for an automatic promotion spot.

Secondly, with Salzburg having already rejected a £20m bid for Aaronson in January, as well as the likes of AC Milan and RB Leipzig reportedly interested in the 21-year-old, it would appear likely that the Austrian side will demand a great deal more than Johnson’s own £20m price tag this summer.

As such, while Aaronson would certainly be a fantastic coup for Orta and the Whites, the signing of Johnson may well prove a better deal for Leeds to pursue – as the Wales international would not only be a cheaper option for the Spanish sporting director, considering their respective returns this season, he could also a have a brighter future than the Salzburg starlet.

AND in other news: Deal close: Agreement now in place for £63m talent, Leeds supporters will be gutted

In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, former footballer and current pundit Carlton Palmer has been discussing Liverpool transfer target David Alaba.

It has been suggested recently that the Reds have offered the Austrian international a contract in the hope of signing him on a free transfer in the summer, although it seems as if Real Madrid are currently in pole position to complete a deal for the Bayern Munich ace.

Whilst the 28-year-old wouldn’t be able to fix Liverpool’s current defensive crisis if he arrived in the summer, he could be a great long-term addition to Jurgen Klopp’s side and could become a regular alongside Virgil van Dijk at the heart of Liverpool’s defence.

In a previous interview with Football FanCast, Palmer suggested that Alaba is “world-class”, so it is no surprise to hear him urging the Merseyside outfit to sign him in the summer, as he exclusively told FFC:

“If you look at Alaba, who’s going to be free in the summer. The fact that he’s going to be free in the summer, he’s 28 years of age. If Liverpool are looking for cover, he’s a very versatile player. He’s one I’d be looking at, because, I’m thinking, any club would be saying ‘well, we’re not going to give you more than £13/14 million for him, because he’s free in the summer.”

Palmer told us that he believes that the Reds should consider a bid for Alaba now, considering the fact Bayern Munich wouldn’t be able to demand a significant fee, as they are almost resigned to losing him for nothing at the end of the season.

Certainly, the Austrian would significantly improve Jurgen Klopp’s current options if he were to join in January and whilst paying a fee for someone who’s free in a few months time may not bee deemed as too smart from a financial perspective, getting Alaba could prove to be the difference between Liverpool retaining the Premier League title or just settling for a top-four spot, as their recent form has been far from good enough.

Unfortunately for Liverpool supporters, Klopp has admitted that January signings are unlikely, so they may have to wait until the summer to see if Alaba opts to join the Anfield outfit.

And, in other news… Forget Tsimikas: Liverpool can sign Robertson’s true heir in £10.8m-rated wonderkid

Many Crystal Palace fans are reacting to a tweet from respected journalist Fabrizio Romano in which he discusses the likelihood of Jean-Philippe Mateta signing for the club.

Following a lot of talk about the Bundesliga forward being close to signing for the Eagles, Romano all but confirmed the rumours were true. He tweeted: ‘Jean-Philippe Mateta joins Crystal Palace on loan until 2022 with obligation to buy [around €17m] as per @domfifield, confirmed. He turned down two bids from Italian clubs and will sign for #CPFC tomorrow – medicals pending. Here-we-go soon.’

The Frenchman is 23 years-old and has been in great form this season with Mainz (WhoScored). He has played 18 times in all competitions and picked up 11 goals and one assist, with seven of these goals coming in the Bundesliga. The £13.5m-valued striker also has featured for the France U21 side in the past (Transfermarkt), scoring three goals in nine appearances. Many fans are buzzing over the news, with one calling the possible transfer ‘exciting’.

It is understandable to see why the fan base are getting excited. Strikers Christian Benteke, Jordan Ayew, and Michy Batshuayi have only scored four goals between them this season (WhoScored), so some fresh blood could be exactly what the club need to strengthen the attack and help push the Eagles up the table.

Here is how Palace fans reacted to the Romano tweet:

“Exciting singing for us #CPFC”

Credit: @palacedann

“FAB IS BACKKKK”

Credit: @DrizzyCPFC

“Well that was quick”

Credit: @EBERZEE

“If this man said my twin brother wasn’t my real brother, I’d believe him. Get excited. One step away from here-we-go territory…”

Credit: @acjonesy1

“Here we gooooo”

Credit: @BaileyCPFC_

“Woah this is actually a very exciting signing for us”

Credit: @ChristianEagleO

In other news, many Crystal Palace fans slated one player who lost possession 22 times over his performance versus Manchester City.

In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, David Norris, who made 36 appearances for Leeds United, has backed his former side to make a move for Julian Draxler who has fallen out of favour at PSG.

Draxler has been handed just six starts in the 19 league games since Mauricio Pochettino was appointed as their new manager, so rumours of a move away to Leeds are still rife, following their interest in the midfielder last summer.

The German midfielder is still just 27-years old and if he was to join Marcelo Bielsa’s side, he would add creativity and versatility as he can operate as a number 10, false nine or winger, something which would help Bielsa if he wished to change formations.

Speaking on how Draxler would be a good signing for Leeds United and how the German may now see Leeds as a good move for his career, Norris told FFC exclusively:

“Yeah he would be a good player for them and I’m sure he was spoken about last summer a little bit but I don’t think he fancied it. He may have possibly thought with Leeds being newly promoted that it wasn’t clear what they would be like.

“After this season he may see Leeds differently as they are one of the big teams now and they have got a chance of doing something special so that might change his mind. I think it could have something to it.”

The 27-year old has had a successful career since he swapped Wolfsburg for PSG in 2017, having won an impressive 13 trophies during his time in Paris.

Bielsa will be looking to add some more Premier League quality to his squad this summer as they look to improve on what has been a solid debut campaign.

After making his Premier League debut against Manchester United in April 2018, Arsenal’s Konstantinos Mavropanos hasn’t quite progressed as perhaps he might have wanted.

The now 23-year-old currently finds himself on loan at Bundesliga side VfB Stuttgart, and he’s been one of the club’s most impressive performers this season.

His average match rating based on Whoscored is currently 7.04, which ranks him as Stuttgart’s fifth-best player this campaign, and when you look at some of his underlying numbers, it’s easy to see why.

The Greek centre-back averages a monstrous three interceptions and 2.8 tackles per game, both of which are the best in the entire Bundesliga – quite the achievement for someone playing his first season in German football.

Those statistics are also significantly better than what William Saliba has managed in his loan spell at Nice, with the young Frenchman averaging 1.5 interceptions and 0.8 tackles per game in comparison.

Stuttgart manager, Pellegrino Matarazzo, has waxed lyrical about the centre-back, saying: “He’s our gladiator! He’s a monster in terms of physique. And when he makes a mistake, he hums around some Greek swear words. I like that. He’s just a tough dog.”

Generally being used as a right-sided centre-half in a back-three, or even at right-back, the 6 foot 4 titan is getting a footballing education in the Bundesliga, certainly in terms of getting used to new positions and systems.

Football.London recently said that Arsenal are closely following his progress with the German side, and that his performances are drawing admiring glances from rival clubs and managers.

So while Saliba could be the young centre-back out on loan who Arsenal fans may be excitedly looking at ahead of next season, Mavropanos has shown this season that he must surely be unleashed by Arteta at the start of the next campaign.