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According to a report by The Athletic, Tottenham attacker Erik Lamela has now expressed an interest in leaving the club during this summer transfer window alongside the likes of Harry Winks and Serge Aurier.

The Lowdown: Sell-to-buy…

Tottenham will need to offload players this summer if they’re going to attack the market and bolster new manager Nuno Espirito Santo’s squad options ahead of 2021/22.

Many players have been named as possible outgoings in the last few months, including Aurier, Winks, Lamela, Moussa Sissoko, Lucas Moura and even Dele Alli (football.london), and The Athletic have brought an update on the situation involving potential exits.

The Latest: Lamela open to leaving Tottenham…

Lamela has now apparently expressed an interest in playing elsewhere this summer, with his stance on leaving seemingly unknown until now.

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The 29-year-old had been touted as a name to make way and The Athletic have now reported that he is open to doing just that. Lamela is joined by Aurier and Winks as other men who want to leave alongside defender Toby Alderweireld, with the latter apparently informing Spurs of his wishes a while ago.

The Verdict: Time to go…

The Argentine’s career in north London is perhaps best summed up by his contribution during Tottenham’s most recent derby with Arsenal in March.

In a 2-1 defeat at the Emirates Stadium, Lamela scored one of the goals of the 2020/21 Premier League season, burying a sumptuous, improvised rabona into the bottom corner through a crowd of bodies. However, he later went on to receive a second yellow card and was subsequently dismissed for a hand-off into the face of Kieran Tierney (BBC).

Pundit Noel Whelan said at the start of the season that Lamela can be a ‘world beater’ on his day, but those glimpses of quality can be overshadowed by disciplinary problems and a torrid injury record.

Therefore, we believe that an exit for player would suit all parties this summer.

In other news: ‘Understand’…Alasdair Gold backs reports of big news coming out of Tottenham, find out more here.

Ange Postecoglou lifted his first trophy as Celtic manager as his side beat Hibernian 2-1 in the League Cup final on Sunday.

Hibs took the lead through Paul Hanlon in the 51st minute, only for Kyogo Furuhashi to equalise within a minute at the other end. The Hoops forward then sealed the victory in the 72nd minute, completing the turnaround with his double.

Forget Kyogo

Whilst Kyogo scored the two goals and may grab the headlines for Celtic, another player stole the show for Postecoglou’s side – Tom Rogic.

CelticWay reporter Tony Haggerty gave him an 8/10 in his player ratings piece, explaining:

“The Wizard of Oz came back into the first-team fold at the expense of Israeli midfielder Nir Bitton. Hibs plan was to thwart the influential midfielder at every turn and disrupt his flow. He floated a delicious chip which was turned inches wide by Macey on the hour mark. He always looked capable of producing something that could open the Hibs defence and his quick thinking free-kick released Kyogo to make it 2-1.”

The Australian midfielder was a menace to the Hibernian defence as he picked up an assist for the second goal. Athletic reporter Kieran Devil lauded Rogic after his involvement, saying:

“Obviously superlatively brilliant from Kyogo there, but brilliant speed of thought and execution from Rogic there too.”

The 29-year-old was switched on as he took a quick free-kick to play the Japanese international in on goal, which allowed him to strike the winner. Without Rogic’s awareness to catch Hibernian off-guard with his free-kick, Kyogo would not have had the chance to win the match and that illustrates his importance to the result.

Journalist Josh Bunting also took to Twitter to praise him for his part in the goal, tweeting: “As good at the finish was, Rogic is going under the radar at the moment think he’s been Celtic’s most improved player under Ange Postecoglou. Knows exactly what to do in this system, terrific ball over the top for Kyogo Furuhashi. He’s been the heartbeat of this team of late.”

These quotes on Rogic’s performance highlight how crucial he was to the Hoops and why he stole the show on Sunday in the final. He was pivotal to Kyogo playing well as he provided the attacking platform upon which the striker built his play, which is why he was Postecoglou’s main man.

AND in other news, Celtic can finally replace Scott Brown by signing 20y/o gem…

Wolves right-back Nelson Semedo could return for his side’s Premier League clash with Newcastle United, according to injury expert Ben Dinnery.

The Lowdown: Semedo missing recently

The Portuguese ace has been out of action since the 2-1 defeat away to Arsenal in late February, having picked up a hamstring injury.

Prior to that setback, Semedo had started 23 Premier League matches for the Wanderers, proving to be an important part of Bruno Lage’s plans.

With Wolves visiting Newcastle on Friday evening, an injury boost may have emerged in the hours leading up to kick-off.

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The Latest: Dinnery makes key claim

Taking to Twitter, Dinnery, an injury analyst who runs the Premier Injuries site, claimed Semedo is in line to make a return to the side at St James’ Park:

“Nelson Semedo is training at a ‘good level’ and the right-back is in contention for the trip to St James’ Park.”

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The Verdict: Last-minute boost

This is a welcome boost for Wolves, and while Semedo may not be deemed match fit enough to start, the update suggests he will be able to play a key role between now and the end of the season.

Having the 28-year-old back in the fold means Jonny could revert to his preferred left-back role, giving the side an ideal balance in the two full-back positions.

Lage needs as many key men available in the final weeks of the season and Semedo certainly falls into that bracket, having averaged 2.3 tackles per game in the league this season. Only Toti (4.0) and Rayan Ait-Nouri (2.9) have a higher average.

In other news, Wolves are in a four-way battle to sign one player this summer. Find out who it is here.

Celtic have been handed a huge injury boost ahead of their upcoming Scottish League Cup semi-final.

What’s the latest?

In recent comments cited by the Daily Record, Stephen Welsh revealed that, despite being substituted due to a knock in Scotland U21’s 2-0 defeat to Belgium in midweek, he will be available for selection against St. Johnstone this weekend.

Speaking about his current condition, the centre-back said: “I’m fine. It was a knock when their player had a shot and followed through on us, but I just came off as a precaution. I’ll be fine for the weekend.

“You’re always worried when you feel a bit of pain, but luckily it wasn’t a twist or anything. It was just pure impact so I should be fine.”

Postecoglou will be buzzing

Considering the fact that Carl Starfelt is also an injury doubt for Saturday’s fixture, the news that Welsh looks set to be available for selection is sure to have left Ange Postecoglou buzzing, as, without being able to call upon the 21-year-old, the Bhoys boss would have been extremely short of options in the heart of his defence.

Not only that, but the academy graduate has proven over his five Scottish Premiership appearances this season that he is an extremely exciting prospect at Parkhead, with the £1.08m-rated man helping his side keep two clean sheets and providing one assist, as well as making an average of 1.2 interceptions, 0.8 tackles, 2.2 clearances and winning 6.2 duels per game.

These returns have seen the centre-back average a SofaScore match rating of 7.12, ranking him as Celtic’s joint 11th-best performer in the top flight of Scottish football so far this term.

As such, the news that Welsh will not be required to spend any time on the sidelines will undoubtedly provide Postecoglou with a huge boost ahead of Saturday’s fixture, as the 56-year-old will be desperate for a win in order to have a shot at picking up his first silverware as the Hoops boss.

In other news: Ange drops exciting behind the scenes update which is sure to have Celtic fans buzzing

Manchester United have been linked with a big-money move for Benfica forward Darwin Nunez.

The Lowdown: Nunez profiled

Nunez, described as an ‘absolute beast’ earlier this month during a podcast discussing his display against Liverpool, has been on fire in front of goal this season, with the Uruguay international netting 33 times in 38 games in all competitions.

The 22-year-old has played as a centre-forward, second striker and left winger during the current campaign, starring in all three positions.

Nunez only joined the Portuguese giants back in 2020 and is under contract until 2025, but it looks as if the Red Devils are keen on a potential club-record deal.

The Latest: United interest

Sports Witness relayed an update from Correio da Manha on Tuesday, name-checking United with an interest in Nunez.

They said that the Red Devils have been ‘very attentive’ to Nunez this season, more so than any Premier League side.

The ‘big news’ from the story was potential finances in a move, with Benfica believing they can break the record of Joao Felix’s move to Atletico Madrid, which cost €120m (£99.7m).

The Verdict: Interesting…

It looks as if a move for Nunez could set United back over £100m, however, marquee signings are needed in an Old Trafford rebuild this summer.

Erik ten Hag looks like he’ll be the man to lead that rebuild ahead of the 2022/23 campaign, and he’ll know all about Nunez after he scored the goal to dump Ajax out of the Champions League back in March.

Edinson Cavani will depart United over the coming months, which will leave Cristiano Ronaldo as the only recognised senior striker at the club.

Therefore, investing in Nunez, who appears to be a star of the future, could be a wise move, and it seems as if the club are working on a possible club-record deal.

In other news: ‘Problems…’ – Fabrizio Romano now shares fresh blow for Man Utd and Erik ten Hag on Twitter. 

Aston Villa attempted to sign Aaron Hickey from Bologna during the summer transfer window, according to Corriere dello Sport (via Sport Witness).

The lowdown

Hickey joined Bologna from Scottish Premiership side Hearts in September 2020 for a fee of £1.5million.

The Serie A outfit beat off competition from German giants Bayern Munich to secure the left-back’s signature.

Hickey has started all seven of Bologna’s Serie A matches so far this season, scoring twice (via WhoScored).

Villa manager Dean Smith currently has Matt Targett and the versatile veteran Ashley Young available in the left-back position.

The latest

The report states that, in the summer, Glasgow rivals Celtic and Rangers ‘looked for’ 19-year-old Hickey.

But ‘Aston Villa also came forward’, only to find that Bologna viewed him as ‘absolutely not transferable’.

The verdict

Having made a strong start to the campaign, you’d expect Hickey to take the next step in the next year or two.

He could have joined Bayern, but they planned to place him in their second team in the 3. Liga, and in choosing Bologna he prioritised first-team football in one of the top-five leagues.

But he’ll soon outgrow the mid-table outfit and be ready to turn out for a bigger club, no doubt generating a healthy profit for Bologna.

He’s a player who, unlike Young, could compete with and perhaps eventually surpass Targett over the long-term, so this is certainly one to keep an eye on down the line.

In other news, fans flocked to this Louie Barry claim from Ashley Preece. 

Alex McLeish has made a worrying transfer claim on Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips.

What’s the talk?

The former Premier League manager has claimed that it would be hard for the Leeds midfielder to turn down Manchester United.

The Red Devils are reportedly interested in a swoop for the England international and McLeish believes that Phillips’ head could be turned.

He told Football Insider:

“It will be tough for him to turn it down, 100%.

“Jack Grealish was a fan of Aston Villa all his life, but he had his head turned by a dominant club like Manchester City.

“It’s the same thing – if United come and go all the way with their interest, it is hard for him to stay.”

Concern

This claim from McLeish will surely leave Leeds fans feeling scared about the midfielder’s future at Elland Road. Whilst supporters will want to believe that Phillips would reject any team to stay at his boyhood club, McLeish makes an excellent point regarding Jack Grealish – who was in a similar position.

The prospect of playing Champions League football and competing for the top trophies year-in-year-out could be a tantalising one for Phillips, which is why his head could be turned by United. This is a concerning thought for the Elland Road faithful as they start to ponder life without the England international in their midfield.

During the European Championships, Italian icon Andrea Pirlo compared Phillips with Jorginho and labeled both of them as being the ‘rock’. He said:

“Both players do such a good job protecting the defence and being that rock in midfield. Often this job can go unnoticed – but I think they have both been recognised this tournament and rightly so.”

The £35k-per-week Leeds beast showcased his quality on one of the biggest stages in football, starting seven games as England reached the final of the Championships. This explains why other teams are taking an interest in his services and why Victor Orta may be a very busy man in the next couple of transfer windows.

Leeds fans will be hoping that Phillips demonstrates his loyalty to the club by rejecting offers to join Champions League teams to help the Lillywhites get to that level themselves. However, until they have weathered the storm and see that he is still a Leeds player, there will surely be concern over his next step.

AND in other news,  Orta must sanction Leeds deal for £42k-p/w “machine”, Bielsa would love him…

Slavisa Jokanovic’s Sheffield United centre-forward Daniel Jebbison is attracting an increasing amount of interest as the summer transfer window draws to a close.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by TEAMtalk, who claim that the likes of Everton, Leeds United, Aston Villa and Brentford are all interested in a deal for the Sheffield United striker, whom Jokanovic has given the green light to depart Bramall Lane on a temporary basis this summer.

The report continues by stating that Everton have gone as far as to make an offer for the 18-year-old, however, the bid believed to be in the region of £5m was knocked back by the Blades – although Rafael Benitez’s side are reported to be returning with an improved offer in the coming days.

Big mistake

While sanctioning the temporary departure of Jebbison this summer is all well and good, if Jokanovic indeed believes the youngster will not feature much for Sheffield United this season – although there is an equally good case against shipping the striker out, too – should the 53-year-old’s willingness to allow the 18-year-old to leave this summer ultimately lead to the club parting with the highly-rated teenager on a permanent basis, it would undoubtedly be a huge mistake on the part of the Serbian.

Indeed, regarding the aforementioned argument against allowing the £900k-rated man to leave the club on loan, considering the fact that Billy Sharp is the only United centre-forward – of which there are currently seven in the first team – to have found the back of the net over the club’s opening four Championship fixtures, it would seem as if Jebbison could well be needed by Jokanovic this season.

Furthermore, the fact that so many Premier League clubs are reported to be interested in the player Micah Richards dubbed a “fantastic” talent would very much appear to suggest that they believe the forward is good enough to play a role in their respective first teams – so exactly why the Sheffield United boss feels differently is something of a mystery.

And, should the manager ultimately be tempted into sanctioning the permanent sale of the England U18 international this summer, it would not seem to be an exaggeration to claim that it would be the biggest mistake of his United career to date, with selling one of the club’s most promising forwards potentially being an unforgivable act by the Serbian, and would undoubtedly leave fans livid.

In other news: Jokanovic could solve big Sheffield United issue with £24k-p/w beast who’s “like a Paul Scholes”

Everton extended their winless run to eight matches after falling to a 4-1 defeat at Goodison Park at the hands of local rivals Liverpool in the Merseyside Derby.

The visitors were in scintillating form in this midweek clash, with captain Jordan Henderson opening the scoring after just nine minutes before Mohamed Salah bagged his 18th goal of the campaign with a wonderfully curled finish.

It seemed as if Jurgen Klopp’s imperious charges would be out of sight by the half-time interval, but the hosts worked their way back into the tie thanks to a well-taken Demarai Gray strike.

However, there was no stopping Liverpool in the second period. Salah ruthlessly capitalised on a Seamus Coleman mistake as Everton were growing in confidence and Diogo Jota made sure of the three points, adding some gloss to the scoreline along the way.

Coleman’s error killed the game as a contest, although in truth, Rafa Benitez’s struggling side never realistically looked like taking anything from the tie.

The Toffees were hampered by several poor performances from key individuals in what was a crucial fixture for both club and manager, with star midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure arguably the most underwhelming.

As per SofaScore, the box-to-box midfielder received a match rating of just 5.9 out of 10, the second-lowest total received by any player on the pitch.

Throughout the 90 minutes, Doucoure was bullied by his counterparts in the engine room, losing ten of his 11 duels, achieving a passing accuracy of just 65% and being dribbled past on three occasions.

He also gave away possession 12 times, failed to make a single tackle and had only 32 touches, nine fewer than goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, highlighting his hugely ineffective display.

And the Liverpool ECHO reporter Adam Jones was equally as unimpressed with Doucoure’s showing against the Reds.

“Similarly to his midfield partner, the Frenchman couldn’t get close to his Liverpool counterparts for the majority of the game. His attacking influence was not as effective as Everton needed it to be,” Jones wrote after awarding him a 3 out of 10.

Doucoure has been a standout performer for Everton this season, and the under-fire Benitez would have been hoping for a big performance from the 6-foot maestro.

That was far from the case, though, and the former France U21 international’s dismal display may have been the final nail in the coffin for the Spanish tactician at Everton.

And, in other news…Everton line up “leader of the year” to succeed Benitez, Toffees fans will be ecstatic

Sheffield Wednesday have been handed a boost in their bid to bring Bailey Peacock-Farrell to Hillsborough this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Birmingham Live, who claimed that, with Birmingham City having secured the loan signing of Wolves goalkeeper Matija Sarkic, the Blues are now no longer pursuing a deal for the Burnley shot-stopper.

A further report by Yorkshire Live claimed that this puts the Owls in a much more favourable position to land the 24-year-old this summer, although Championship side Bournemouth have also been credited with an interest in the Northern Ireland international.

Great news for Wednesday

While Peacock-Farrell’s game-time has been limited so far in his Burnley career, with the ‘keeper having played second fiddle to the likes of Nick Pope and Joe Hart at Turf Moor, there is still plenty to suggest that the 24-year-old would be a fantastic signing for Wednesday this summer.

Indeed, in the season prior to his Burnley move, he made 28 Championship appearances for Leeds, over which the £900k-rated man kept 10 clean sheets, as well as averaging 2.1 saves and conceding just 1.1 goals per game.

These returns saw the man Noel Whelan dubbed a “fantastic” player earn a seasonal SofaScore match rating of 6.76, with his eye-catching performances leading to Sean Dyche splashing out £2.5m in order to purchase the youngster.

Furthermore, with Keiren Westwood having left Hillsborough at the end of last season, and the 36-year-old having been the club’s number one for the last seven years, there is very much a spot to be filled between the sticks at Wednesday.

As such, should the Owls go on to secure a deal for the £18k-per-week man this summer, and he subsequently manages to replicate his form while playing in the second tier with Leeds, it would certainly appear as if Darren Moore will have pulled off a huge coup for the club.

With Birmingham now out of the picture for Peacock-Farrell, it looks as if Wednesday’s chances of landing the 24-year-old have significantly increased, something which should come as great news for the club’s supporters.

In other news: Moore’s reported stance on £5.1k-p/w Sheffield Wednesday flop is the right call