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Tottenham Hotspur are interested in a deal to bring Dejan Kulusevski to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the January transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Italian publication La Gazzetta dello Sport (via The Mirror), who claim that Antonio Conte has identified the Juventus winger as one of his primary targets in the winter market.

It is also reported that Massimiliano Allegri would be willing to consider the sale of the 21-year-old this month, with the Serie A side valuing the Sweden international between £25m and £30m.

The report goes on to state that the 52-year-old Spurs boss is willing to offer either Giovani Lo Celso or Tanguy Ndombele as a potential makeweight in a move for Kulusevski, something which it is claimed the Bianconeri may well be tempted by.

Conte can axe Emerson with Kulusevski

While Emerson Royal only joined Tottenham in what was a €30m (£25.8m) move last summer, it has been recently reported that, as a result of his below-par performances so far for Spurs, Conte is already planning on signing an upgrade on the Brazil international in January.

And, while it is true that Kulusevski has not exactly been at his best since his £31.5m move to Juventus back in 2020, the versatile right-winger proved during a loan spell with Parma back in 2019/20 that, when given the opportunity to do so, he can return incredibly impressive metrics.

Indeed, over his 36 Serie A appearances that season, the £27m-rated man scored ten goals, provided eight assists and created a whopping 13 big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 1.7 shots and making 2.2 key passes per game.

The £78k-per-week forward also impressed in a defensive capacity, making an average of 0.6 interceptions, 1.1 tackles and winning 4.6 duels per fixture – something that would suggest the 21-year-old would be very well suited to playing in Conte’s right wing-back role.

These returns saw the Swede earn a rather astonishing seasonal SofaScore match rating of 7.14, ranking him as Parma’s second-best performer in the top flight of Italian football that season.

As such, it would certainly appear as if the arrival of Kulusevski could allow Conte to axe one of Fabio Paratici’s first signings last summer in the shape of the player who Alasdair Gold dubbed an “incredible” talent, something that we believe would be a very wise move considering the sheer amount of potential the young Juventus player clearly possesses, coupled with Emerson’s disappointing first half-season in north London.

In other news: Conte could unearth his new Moses with £18m THFC swoop for “undefendable” £43k-p/w gem

With on-loan defender Axel Tuanzebe leaving Aston Villa for a different loan spell away from his parent club Manchester United, this time to Napoli – as well as reports claiming that Wesley will be joining Brazilian club Internacional on a temporary basis until the end of the season after his loan spell with Club Brugge earlier in the campaign – Villa seem to have been more focused on getting players out of the club rather than bringing new ones in this month.

However, it seems as though the Midlands club could be set to welcome their first new face of the 2022 January transfer window imminently, which will surely excite a lot of fans.

What’s the latest?

According to a recent report from The Athletic by journalists David Ornstein and Gregg Evans which was shared on Ornstein’s official Twitter profile, Barcelona star Philippe Coutinho is set to join Villa on a six-month loan deal after a number of Premier League clubs were apparently interested in signing him.

The report also claimed that the opportunity to play under Steven Gerrard was the key factor in the 29-year-old’s decision to return to the Premier League.

The move has now been confirmed by Villa’s official club website, which stated that “the agreement, which is subject to the player completing a medical and receiving a work permit, also includes an option to buy and Philippe will travel to Birmingham in the next 48 hours.”

During his time with Liverpool, Coutinho made 152 appearances in the Premier League, scoring 41 goals and providing 37 assists in the process, with 81 of those games seeing him play alongside Gerrard, who recently labelled the Brazilian a “serial winner” and a “special footballer”.

Even though Coutinho has only scored 25 goals and provide 14 assists in 106 appearances for Barcelona since he made his big-money move to the La Liga club back in January 2018, it is still an exciting piece of business for Villa and their fans to see Coutinho playing under his former teammate for the remainder of the season.

Moving forward, if Coutinho can hit the ground running at Villa and Gerrard can get the best out of his former Reds team-mate in terms of goals, assists and solid performances, this could be just what the Midlanders need in order to get consistent results under their belt after winning four and losing four of their eight Premier League games since the 41-year-old took over in November.

In other news – Imagine him & Ings: Lange can form scary AVFC duo with £30m beast who “has everything”

Everton have been one of the most active Premier League clubs in the transfer window so far, and for good reason when you take a look at the poor performances Rafa Benitez’s side have put on this season.

However, they have now been linked with a third signing but it is predicted not to be one that the fans would welcome.

What’s the word?

Journalist, Paul Brown, has given his perspective on the rumour that Everton are interested in bringing Ross Barkley back to Goodison Park during the January transfer window.

Brown told GIVEMESPORT:

“It’s very strange they’ve been linked with Barkley at all because there’s been so much animosity with the fans, I think it would be a disaster if they tried to re-sign him.”

Everton have been speculated to be interested in signing the attacking midfielder this month, as he struggles to gain a starting position at Chelsea with just 12 appearances across all competitions this season.

Fans will be fuming

The 28-year-old left his boyhood club to make a shock move to Chelsea in the January of 2018, after making 179 appearances for the club scoring 27 goals and bagging 28 assists, with the transfer causing uproar in the Everton fanbase, who saw him as one of their own.

Benitez is already in a vulnerable position at the club, with fans planning protests against him, booing, leaving the ground early during matchday and even flying banners criticising the Spaniard but bringing Barkley back to the club could only further his fractured relationship with the fans and Brown’s warning speaks volumes.

The Everton manager and owners will need to do everything they can to regain the trust and support of the fans over the rest of the season by climbing the table into a much better position, and they will need to identify how to do that without causing further damage.

It would be interesting to see how fans react to a return for Barkley this January, but it could also be an opportunity for the midfielder to rebuild a relationship with the fans of the club he supports.

In other news: Myers reveals details in Lucas Digne move

Celtic have been dealt a further blow in their bid to bring Riley McGree to Parkhead in the January transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a claim made by Anthony Joseph, with the Sky Sports journalist revealing in a post on Twitter that, after talks between the Charlotte FC midfielder and Celtic had broken down regarding personal terms, the 23-year-old is now close to agreeing a deal with Championship side Middlesbrough – with his switch to the Riverside Stadium expected to be completed this week.

In his tweet, Joseph said: “UPDATE: Middlesbrough are closing in on the signing of Charlotte FC midfielder Riley McGree for £2.5m, plus add-ons. Deal expected to be completed this week. As reported last night, talks between the player and Celtic had stalled.”

Postecoglou will be fuming

Considering just how impressive McGree had been while on loan at Birmingham City in the first half of this season, in addition to the fact that Ange Postecoglou was clearly extremely keen on securing a deal for the versatile central midfielder, the news that Middlesbrough look to have beaten the Bhoys to the Australia international’s signature is sure to have left the 56-year-old manager fuming.

Indeed, it was previously reported that, due to his level of interest in the signing of McGree, Postecoglou was personally involved in the negotiations with the midfielder – who the Celtic manager had previously called up to the national side during his time in charge of Australia.

And, it is not difficult to see why the Greek-Australian coach was so keen to secure a deal for the £540k-rated man this month.

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Over his 13 Championship appearances in the current campaign, the 23-year-old scored two goals, registered two assists and created three big chances for his teammates, as well as making an average of 1.4 key passes, 1.3 interceptions, 1.2 tackles, 22 passes and winning 4.8 duels per game.

These returns saw the £5.7k-per-week midfielder average a highly impressive SofaScore match rating of 7.02, ranking him as Lee Bowyer’s sixth-best player in the second tier.

As such, it is clear to see that McGree would have made a fantastic addition to Postecoglou’s current options in the middle of the park, as well as why missing out on the Charlotte FC star will come as a huge blow to the 56-year-old manager and his side.

In other news: “Not true”: Big twist emerges on “extraordinary” Celtic-linked gem, fans surely gutted

Aston Villa have Marseille’s Boubacar Kamara on their list of midfield targets.

That’s according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, and as to be expected, a number of Villa fans have been sharing their thoughts on the rumour.

Kamara is 22 years of age and is primarily a defensive midfielder, an area of the pitch that Villa want to bolster following Marvelous Nakamba’s injury.

He is out of contract with the Ligue 1 club at the end of the season and has been linked with the likes of Leeds United and Manchester United this month.

However, it appears as if a Villa Park switch could be on the cards in the final days of the January transfer window following Romano’s claim. The journalist revealed that Kamara is also on Villa’s midfield shortlist alongside Juventus’ Rodrigo Bentancur.

Villa fans react

@villareport relayed Romano’s update regarding Kamara on Twitter. Here is what these Villa supporters had to say in reply, with many excited at the links and one labelling a possible deal as ‘perfect’.

“Oh my lord, yes please”

Credit: @HarryMummery

“DO IT NOW”

Credit: @Finleysurrell1

“Must be dreaming”

Credit: @STAUNT0N

“B. Kamara is the dream IMO. The perfect player for us. Hope we can get him.”

Credit: @ClaretVillans

“AAAAAAAAAA YES”

Credit: @DanAV___

“Please I beg, Don Lange”

Credit: @nedhandy8

In other news: ‘Such a talent’ – Some Aston Villa fans ‘confused’ as club confirms exit news

Crystal Palace are looking to make Jean-Philippe Mateta’s move permanent.

That’s according to journalist Tom Barclay, and, as to be expected, a number of Eagles fans have been reacting to the news on social media.

Palace brought Mateta in 12 months ago from Mainz on an 18-month loan which included an option to buy. [BBC]

The 24-year-old has scored against rivals Brighton and Millwall during his time at the club and has featured regularly under Patrick Vieira in recent months.

And it now seems as if he has done enough to make a Selhurst Park stay permanent, with Barclay stating he has won Vieira over in recent months.

The journalist added that a deal is not done yet, but a full-time transfer appears to be on the cards for the Frenchman.

Palace fans react

This is what these Eagles supporters had to say in reply to Barclay’s post, with one ‘buzzing’ for the forward and another labelling it as ‘incredible’.

“Good. Goals against Millwall and Brighton. I’m a fan forever.”

Credit: @HunterCPFC

“Buzzing for the man, Vieira clearly rated him above Benteke and at 24 years old we could get him on the cheap”

Credit: @ReeceJMT

“YESSSSSS”

Credit: @EvilSashPioneer

“Would be incredible if he goes on to be a big player for us”

Credit: @SWPalace

“YESSSSS”

Credit: @MattCPFC

“Get in”

Credit: @Rpcpfc

In other news: ‘Onto the next one, sorry Donny pal’ – Many Palace fans react as Romano shares ‘bonkers’ update. 

Leeds United target Brenden Aaronson will be ‘up for grabs’ during the summer transfer window, according to reliable journalist Phil Hay.

The Lowdown: Primary transfer target

The Whites seemingly spent most of January trying to lure the 21-year-old to Elland Road but RB Salzburg managed to keep hold of him.

Endless transfer rumours linked Leeds with a move for the USA international, who has scored five goals in 18 caps for his country and is seen as someone spearheading their golden generation.

Indeed, Victor Orta and Andrea Radrizzani submitted bids of £15m and £20m, per The Athletic, and even considered sending a third offer before the deadline. The bids were reportedly turned down because the Austrian champions wanted the American to play a part in their Champions League knockout tie with Bayern Munich.

Aaronson may well leave Salzburg at the end of the season then, and a new update suggests there could be quite the tussle for his signature.

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The Latest: Hay makes fresh claim

Taking to Twitter on Friday, Hay made it clear that the young midfielder will be a wanted man in the summer, adding that Leeds are still ‘so keen’:

“Everyone thinks Aaronson will be up for grabs in the next window.”

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The Verdict: Perfect summer signing

It seems clear that Aaronson is a major target for Leeds and he ticks so many boxes when it comes to looking for ideal summer signings.

At 21, he is at an age where he should improve immeasurably in the coming years, but he has already made 51 appearances for Salzburg and started all six of their Champions League games so far this season, highlighting the experience he has a the top level.

Leeds are lacking a genuine No.10 in their team – somewhere who can link the midfield and attack in central areas – and Aaronson, with 23 career assists, could be that man, giving the Whites an extra attacking dimension in the process.

In other news, Leeds are still thought to be monitoring one player. Find out who it is here.

Many Glasgow Rangers fans have been left fuming over some transfer news that has emerged on John Lundstram.

As per The Athletic journalist Jordan Campbell, the central midfield player ‘won’t be leaving’ Ibrox before the January transfer window shuts.

He had been linked with an exit earlier on this month, but now looks set to stay, despite the potential arrival of Aaron Ramsey.

Lundstram, reportedly on a whopping £22k-p/w, has not made the sort of impact that the Teddy Bears would have liked him to when he arrived in the summer after leaving Sheffield United.

He currently ranks in 23rd out of the 29 players in the Light Blues squad in terms of average rating in the Scottish Premiership so far this season (WhoScored), and has been criticised for some of his performances by the Gers faithful.

Nonetheless, he will now want to pick himself up for hopefully a strong finish in the second half of the campaign.

Rangers fans on Lundstram transfer news

These RFC supporters fumed as the transfer news was shared on Twitter:

“Boo”

Credit: @WilliamGrimes_

“Why?”

Credit: @Good1Aye

“Knew today was too good to be true”

Credit: @RFCGW

“Aww it’s all crumbing down”

Credit: @72__J

“Day ruined”

Credit: @scottm1872

“Big wage to leave sitting on the bench barely contributing. Shame.”

Credit: @AMcKellar89

In other news, find out the latest on this Rangers player’s potential exit here!

Newcastle United are facing a major setback before their Premier League clash against Aston Villa this weekend.

What’s the story?

Eddie Howe’s side registered an impressive 3-1 victory at home to Everton in mid-week, with Kieran Trippier scoring a sublime freekick. However, the England international did appear to pick up a little niggle, and was forced off in the final few minutes of the contest.

Speaking in his post-match press conference, the Magpies boss said: “I think Kieran’s got a slight calf issue. He motioned that he needed to come off, so we’ll have to see how that is.

“It would be devastating to lose him in the form he’s in.”

Big blow for Howe

Aside from the superb free-kick against the Toffees, Trippier has brought a steely resolve and leadership at the back for Newcastle – something they desperately need in the second-half of this Premier League season.

While it is only a small sample size of three Premier League games, as per Whoscored, his average match rating of 7.88 is by far the highest of any Newcastle player this season.

He also ranks top for tackles and interceptions made per game, and is also right at the top for key passes too – the kind of all-action displays from right-back that have had the St James’ Park faithful purring.

And, speaking to GIVEMESPORT, journalist Pete O’Rourke admitted that being without Trippier for a significant amount of time would be a major blow for the Magpies.

He said: “I think it would be a big blow to Eddie Howe. Trippier has come and really slotted straight into the team. He has been a big improvement on what they’ve got.”

With momentum well and truly on their side, Howe will be desperate to keep things going when his side take on Villa, and being without Trippier for that game, and potentially longer, would leave him very worried indeed.

Meanwhile, Newcastle must finally sell this star…

Leeds United may have received a huge injury boost ahead of the visit of Manchester United, with Stuart Dallas spotted in action at Thorp Arch on Friday evening.

The Lowdown: Dallas an injury doubt

The Whites face one of their biggest games of the season on Sunday afternoon, welcoming bitter rivals Manchester United to Elland Road for what could be a ferocious match.

It is also a vital 90 minutes in Leeds’ quest to pull clear of the relegation zone, with last weekend’s 3-0 loss at Everton further sending them towards the drop zone.

Dallas has been an injury doubt all week after limping off early at Goodison Park, but some positive news may now have emerged.

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The Latest: Back in training

As pointed out by Leeds All Over, an official club video on Twitter shows Dallas training with his teammates, suggesting he could be available to face the Red Devils.

Incredibly, the 30-year-old hasn’t missed a league match for Leeds since July 2020.

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The Verdict: ‘Massive’

Dallas, hailed as ‘outstanding’ by Paul Robinson, has been such a great servant for the Whites, not only showing great dependability but also quality, scoring eight Premier League goals last season.

His versatility also makes him a key figure – he can thrive in midfield or in either full-back role – which has been priceless in such an injury-plagued campaign.

Having Dallas available on Sunday will immediately enhance Leeds’ hopes of picking up a famous win against Ralf Rangnick’s side, with Robinson saying the impact of his injury would be ‘massive’.

In other news, a journalist has tipped a left-field replacement for Bielsa. Read more here.