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Tottenham Hotspur must beat their arch-rivals to the signature of Houssem Aouar this summer…

What’s the word?

French journalist Julien Laurens, who has appeared on ESPN and BT Sport, has claimed that Spurs have entered the race to sign the long-time Arsenal target.

He tweeted: “Being told that Tottenham have now also entered the race for Houssem Aouar. Arsenal are still keen on the Lyon playmaker but Spurs are in the conversation too now.”

Back in September 2020, the Gunners had a bid rejected by Lyon for their star midfielder, as per The Guardian, and evidently they have retained their interest in him this transfer window.

Get it done!

If the Lilywhites can beat their arch-rivals to the 23-year-old, then sporting director Fabio Paratici deserves a lot of praise as he’ll be signing someone capable of getting the club rocking again.

Spurs suffered one of their poorest seasons in recent times, slipping down to seventh in the table and missing out on a place in either the Champions or Europa League for the first time in over a decade.

Several midfield options also appear to be on the chopping block, including Moussa Sissoko and Harry Winks, so there could certainly be a spot for Aouar to fill ahead of next season.

Valued at €30m (£26m), the French dynamo has been a regular source of goals and creativity from a deeper role, having provided 24 goals and 25 assists since the start of the 2018/19 campaign.

The impressive numbers don’t stop there as, throughout his entire career, Aouar has averaged 2.1 dribbles, 1.8 shots, 1.4 tackles and 1.2 key passes per game, via WhoScored.

It’s no wonder the Lyon maestro has been compared to Andres Iniesta – a player capable of pulling the strings from the no.8 role – as well as being dubbed “an exceptional talent” and lauded for his “special” qualities.

“I’ve often likened him to Andres Iniesta, which is obviously a big shout because, for me, he is one of the greatest players of all-time,” claimed Get French Football News journalist Adam White to Football FanCast.

“I don’t necessarily mean in quality but in style. He has silky movement and drifts in midfield to pick passes. At his best, he is absolutely brilliant to watch and he can play anywhere in midfield. He’s great on the ball and technically outstanding. His vision is brilliant. He’s a huge talent.”

On the above evidence, Aouar could be a mouthwatering prospect in Spurs’ current engine room and as such, he could be the sort of signing to get fans excited after a dismal and negative 12 to 18 months.

Paratici must do all he can to secure the 5 foot 9 gem.

AND in other news, Paratici could secure Spurs’ best signing since Son with £34m-rated “absolute beast”…

Many Glasgow Rangers fans have been reacting to comments from Jason Leitch that stadia in Scotland could be at full capacity by the start of the 2021/22 season.

The previous campaign was a magnificent one for the Gers as they won the Premiership for the first time in 10 years while also not losing a single game in the league. However, their supporters were unfortunately unable to follow the 55-time Scottish champions live due to the global pandemic.

We are now fast approaching the start of the 2021/22 season, and Leitch, the National Clinical Director of the Scottish Government, has now provided an update on potential crowd numbers at football stadia in Scotland. Surprisingly, he has revealed that grounds in the country could be able to hold full capacity from August 10 (via STV).

The news was shared on Twitter by @STVNews, and it attracted plenty of attention from Gers supporters. These took to the social media platform to share their thoughts on the claim, with many unconvinced that a full-capacity return will happen so soon.

Let’s see what these fans had to say about the claim from Leitch

“Collect your new laptop and bike upon entry”

Credit: @simonmcq

“Are they bamming people up? Good PR for a couple of days then fans will not be allowed in and they will forget they said it.”

Credit: @scottgraham89

“What planet is the Dentist on? He knows full well this will never happen. Absolutely not a hope in hell. A very dangerous man with a loose tongue”

Credit: @SilverB35036766

“There is zero chance of this happening. Only UEFA officials and rugby fans can go to matches.”

Credit: @Bob27551627

“The word ‘could’ is doing a hell of a heavy lifting in that sentence…”

Credit: @scottberwick

“Let’s be honest. It’s not happening”

Credit: @B4ZZ_B0W5K1

In other news, Rangers are set to ramp up their interest in this 27-year-old.

A major update has emerged on Southampton’s pursuit of a Serie A midfielder, it could lead to an unforgivable blunder by Martin Semmens.

What’s the talk?

According to Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, Southampton have submitted an offer to Serie A side Sassuolo for midfielder Filip Djuricic as they attempt to re-sign the Serbian international six years on from his loan spell at St. Mary’s in 2015.

The report claims Southampton’s Premier League rivals West Ham have joined them in their pursuit of Djuricic, who has one year left on his contract at Sassuolo. However, it does not state how much has been offered or whether or not Sassuolo are open to cashing in on Djuricic in the coming months.

Earlier this year, Sassuolo coach Roberto De Zerbi voiced his frustration at Djuricic’s “wrong attitude” prior to a Serie A match with Sampdoria. He told Sport Mob:

“He had a wrong attitude with me before the Sampdoria game. He trained well after what happened, but it was fair to leave him out today. Rules must be respected. He is the player I’ve coached the most during my career.“Not only he did apologise, but he also wanted to join us. He is a regular starter, but when a player commits a mistake, a coach must intervene like he would do with his own son.” Semmens blunder

Southampton CEO Martin Semmens could be heading for an unforgivable blunder with this prospective deal for Djuricic. This could be a major error by the club as Djuricic has not proven that he is good enough to improve Southampton’s team in the years since he left from his loan stint in 2015. Semmens should, instead, be looking to avoid this deal and he should stop himself from making a mistake in the summer window.

Djuricic played nine games for Southampton in the Premier League in the 2014/15 campaign and failed to provide a single goal or assist, averaging a dismal WhoScored rating of 6.40. This proved that he was not good enough to make an impact in England at that point in his career and his statistics for Sassuolo do not suggest that there has been a major improvement. In the last six Serie A seasons, he has racked up 12 goals and 13 assists whilst playing for various clubs and he has never averaged a WhoScored rating higher than 6.75.

The £8.1m-rated flop is also at a tricky age for a signing. He is at the age, 29, where he has little resale value and he would not be a player Southampton could develop and then sell on for a profit at a later date. This means that he needs to be of the requisite quality to come in and make an immediate, big, impact in the Premier League. Given the aforementioned statistics, he does not have that quality and Semmens should pull out of any deal to avoid making a massive blunder.

AND in other news, Semmens could land Southampton’s dream Danny Ings heir in £2k-p/w dynamo…

A centre-back partnership of Harry Maguire and Cristian Romero at Manchester United could be brilliant, says Forza Italian Football’s editor-in-chief Conor Clancy.

Romero, 23, is currently being linked with a move to Manchester United, with Calciomercato (via The Sun) reporting that the Red Devils are ready to do battle with Liverpool for the Atalanta defender.

Maguire has been a mainstay in United’s defence since joining the club back in 2019; however, some feel that the Englishman and Victor Lindelof do not work as a centre-half pairing.

Considering that, Clancy thinks a move for Romero this summer would make sense, suggesting he could work well alongside Maguire.

“I think they could [be a partnership],” the Italian football expert said. “I think for 35 games a season, they’d be brilliant.”

Clancy, however, did have a word of caution. He added: “But they might make a few odd decisions because they probably have the same flaws in that sometimes they do things and you just think, ‘What? Why did that happen?’ ”

Whatever the case, United fans will surely be pleased to see Ole Gunnar Solskjaer trying to improve both the team’s defence and attack after finishing behind rivals Manchester City in the title race.

The Red Devils are, of course, also in for Borussia Dortmund winger Jadon Sancho, so this is possibly shaping up to be a good transfer window for the club.

Liverpool have made the first move in their attempts to bring Otavio to Anfield this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Portuguese publication A Bola (via Sport Witness), who claim that Jurgen Klopp’s side have made an offer of €23m (£20m) plus Marko Grujic for the FC Porto attacking midfielder.

However, the report goes on to state that Porto have no intention of agreeing a deal for Otavio that includes the Liverpool midfielder, and instead have informed the Reds that they will have to pay Otavio’s €40m (£34m) release clause if they wish to sign the 26-year-old this summer.

Coutinho 2.0

Considering just how impressive Otavio was for Porto last season, it is unsurprising to learn of Liverpool’s interest in the former Brazil U23 international.

Indeed, over his 26 Liga NOS appearances for Sergio Conceicao’s side last term, the £21.6m-rated man scored three goals, registered eight assists and created eight big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 1.4 shots and making 1.7 key passes per game.

These returns saw the £29k-per-week midfielder earn a seasonal SofaScore match rating of 7.30, ranking him as Porto’s third-best performer in the top flight of Portuguese football.

There are clear comparisons that can be drawn between the 26-year-old and Liverpool former star attacking midfielder Philippe Coutinho, with Otavio’s strengths being noted as his ball control, his playmaking and his consistency, traits that have also been attributed to the Barcelona player.

Indeed, the two players are also capable of operating from a number of positions across the front line and midfield, with Otavio having been fielded from left, central, right and attacking midfield, as well as at left-wing and as a support striker last season.

As such, if Liverpool do go on to get a deal over the line for the Porto star this summer, Klopp would be gaining a type of player he has not really possessed since the sale of Coutinho back in 2018, with Otavio very much appearing to be a talent that the German manager would love.

In other news: Liverpool make an official bid for “extraordinary” £43m dynamo, fans will be buzzing

Leeds United youngster Alfie McCalmont may feel ‘devastated’ about an update regarding his future, according to ex-Whites striker Noel Whelan.

The Lowdown: McCalmont’s future up in the air

The 21-year-old has still only made two first-team appearances for Leeds, spending last season on loan at Oldham Athletic.

According to Peterborough United’s director of football, Barry Fry, McCalmont has been offered to the Championship club as part of a deal to bring an unnamed player the other way.

They have turned down the move, however, meaning the youngster’s future remains very much up in the air.

[freshpress-quiz id=“355458″]

The Latest: Whelan feels sorry for youngster

Speaking to Football Insider, Whelan admitted it is a tough position for McCalmont to find himself in, saying he may need to move elsewhere, in order to kick on in his career:

“I think as a player, if I was out Alfie, I’d feel devastated. He’s done very well when he’s been out on loan this season. That will be very disheartening to the player.

“But depending on whether they’ve had talks and saying they’re going to need a different type of player and he will be used very sparsely, then on a player’s point of view again, you’ve got to feel that you need to kickstart your career.

“Sometimes it’s not at the respective club where you’ve been at for a number of years and come through the academy. Sometimes you have to break away and start your own future in football. Maybe it needs to be away from a very big club like Leeds.”

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The Verdict: Time for a fresh challenge?

The fact that Marcelo Bielsa was seemingly willing to let McCalmont leave suggests he has no future at the club, assuming it would have been a permanent exit.

Leeds have made giant strides in recent years and it may simply be that they have reached a level where the Northern Irishman cannot cut the mustard.

It is a reminder of the brutal nature of top-level football and a move away from Elland Road for McCalmont could be beneficial for all parties.

In other news, Leeds have been linked with a move for a player who impressed in the Premier League last season. Find out who it is here.

Writing on Twitter, reliable club insider has shared West Ham United team news with ace Angelo Ogbonna facing a late fitness test for the Everton clash on Sunday.

The Lowdown: Ogbonna injury issues

The Italian colossus has been out of action again recently following his latest injury issue, coming after he missed eight games for West Ham between February and April with an ankle problem (Transfermarkt).

Most recently, Ogbonna suffered a knock during West Ham’s 1-0 loss to Chelsea at the London Stadium and subsequently missed the Hammers’ last victory at Turf Moor.

Insider Claret & Hugh recently refused to rule out his inclusion for tomorrow, stating he has a ’50/50′ chance of returning for manager David Moyes.

The Latest: ExWHUemployee shares news on Ogbonna fitness test

Writing on Twitter, fellow inside source ExWHUemployee has shared what could be good news regarding the 32-year-old – going on to claim he ‘should’ be back for the Everton clash.

However, he erred on the side of caution, claiming he is facing a late fitness test and that will determine whether he is indeed involved.

Responding to a fan’s query regarding Ogbonna, he claimed: “‘Should’ be back but a late test will determine”.

The Verdict: Ogbonna return could be huge boost

The centre-back has arguably been Moyes’ outstanding centre-half throughout the 2020/2021 season alongside 2020 summer signing Craig Dawson.

He has made the most clearances per 90 on average out of every West Ham regular with 20 or more starts in the Premier League (WhoScored), and his return could seriously bolster the Hammers backline.

Moyes waxed lyrical over the centre-back recently and rued his loss as a ‘big blow’, calling Ogbonna ‘magnificent’ (Evening Standard).

West Ham fans, as a result, will be praying he is passed fit to feature.

In other news: West Ham fans erupt over this ‘best’ update, find out more here.

With the summer transfer window now quickly approaching, Everton will be keen to splash the cash.

They’ve already identified a right winger as a priority but the Toffees need to consider looking at their right-back spot as well.

On the chalkboard

Carlo Ancelotti has enjoyed a productive first full season with the Toffees but defensively, there are still plenty of issues to iron out.

Mason Holgate endured a shocker against Aston Villa by losing possession to Ollie Watkins who scored but he was then hauled off after just 45 minutes against Sheffield United on Sunday.

A potential stand-in at right-back, things wouldn’t bode well if Seamus Coleman suddenly picked up an injury.

Jonjoe Kenny has had a torrid loan spell at Celtic so doesn’t seem a viable option which leaves them with the aforementioned Coleman as their only competent option.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-everton-transfer-news-lukaku-leao-bissouma-berge-antony” title=”Read the latest Everton transfer news!”]

Even then, he’s hardly set the world alight this term. Aged 32, he is approaching the end of his best days and that was evident against Villa last Thursday.

With his contract expiring in the summer of 2022, Ancelotti should be searching for replacements.

Odriozola on the way?

One player Everton have been linked with in the last few weeks is Real Madrid full-back Alvaro Odriozola, someone who could move to England on a two-year loan deal.

The 25-year-old was signed from Real Sociedad for €30m (£26m) but rather unsurprisingly, hasn’t been afforded too many opportunities at the Bernabeu.

The full-back has only started eight times this season in La Liga but despite his lack of minutes, he’d still be an upgrade on Coleman.

Speaking about Odriozola in 2018, Sociedad president Jokin Aperribay said: “I’ve known Alvaro since he was a boy as he was friends with my son. I’ve seen him grow up. He is a great person, very responsible.”

Aperibbay added: “He’s a player that will always give his best. He is very fast, I think among the fastest players in La Liga. He is very talented and has a lot of projection.”

Coleman has clearly lost a yard of pace in the last few years so adding someone like Odriozola to the Everton ranks would be incredibly beneficial.

The Spaniard is a rampant force down the right-hand side and possesses plenty of creativity. During his final campaign with Real Sociedad in 2017/18, he produced 155 crosses, putting him in the top five players for that statistic in La Liga.

The Everton skipper has always been a similar player for the Toffees, producing an impressive 28 assists during his time in Merseyside. That said, Odriozola has actually provided more key passes per match (1.2) throughout their respective careers.

Coleman, by comparison, has managed just 0.8. Of course, the Irishman has a larger sample size but it bodes well that Ancelotti could be gaining such a like-minded replacement.

The 25-year-old would be a solid signing from Marcel Brands and co.

AND in other news, Forget Gordon: Ancelotti must unleash “fearless” 21 y/o Everton beast next season…

With a host of first-team regulars set to become free agents over the coming months, serious injuries to young stars mounting up and Wilfried Zaha leaving the door open to a summer exit once again, the task facing Roy Hodgson’s successor at Crystal Palace is already mounting up.

The Eagles’ chairman Steve Parish is expected to provide some funds in order to rebuild large sections of the playing squad, but it’s still expected to be a precarious time for the south London outfit as they enter the post-Hodgson era.

However, one man who could help Palace enjoy a smooth transitional period is already at the club. Jean-Philippe Mateta arrived on an 18-month loan deal with an option to buy back in January, although he failed to find his best form at Selhurst Park in 2020/21.

After impressing at parent club Mainz in the Bundesliga, bagging seven goals in 15 league appearances for the relegation-threatened outfit, Mateta earned himself a move to the Premier League, and big things were expected of the 23-year-old.

Despite his sizeable reputation and Palace’s mediocre form, the former France Under-21 international found himself restricted to just two starts in England’s top-flight in the second half of the recently-concluded campaign.

Mateta only managed to score a solitary goal in his 218 minutes of Premier League action under Hodgson, but his impressive performances at Mainz suggests that whoever replaces the former England boss could have a serious talent at their disposal.

With Christian Benteke and Andros Townsend amongst the players approaching the end of their current contracts at Selhurst Park, and Chelsea loanee Michy Batshuayi expected to return to his parent club, a gaping void in the capital club’s forward line is set to appear ahead of next season.

If the new Palace boss can unlock Mateta’s potential and extract the sort of displays that earned him a move to England in the first place, then life without their old guard will be something the club’s supporters can look forward to rather than fear.

He has the ability to become the Eagles’ new poster boy but he’s yet to be given a fair chance in south London. The next Palace regime must be brave enough to unleash the £13.5-rated beast (as per Transfermarkt) next season.

And, in other news…48% win rate: Parish could revive CPFC by hiring “unbelievable” Hodgson successor 

Whatever club you support, there will always be a transfer hoodoo attached to it; that’s certainly the case with Celtic.

Whether it’s seeing their best players leave the Bhoys or their failure to sign some of football’s brightest stars, those in the Parkhead think tank will be ruing some costly errors.

Perhaps the most famous of recent times is John McGinn. The midfielder is a Celtic supporter but, when the Bhoys came calling, a move didn’t materialise. They bid for his services when he was at Hibernian but he chose to move to Aston Villa in the Championship instead.

It was the hope of regular football which lured him to England and he hasn’t looked back since. McGinn is now a mainstay in the Scottish national team and has even been touted at £50m in some circles.

However, there should be an even bigger regret over one of football’s greatest target men – Olivier Giroud.

The year is 2010, and with Tony Mowbray bidding to strengthen his Celtic squad in the winter transfer window, he turns his attention to a little-known Frenchman.

Giroud was playing his football for Tours in Ligue 2 at the time and finished that season with a grand haul of 23 goals in 41 matches.

Unfortunately, the Hoops weren’t able to get a deal over the line. A £2.5m move collapsed and Mowbray went and signed Morten Rasmussen instead. The Dane scored just two goals for Celtic, while Giroud has gone on to become a global star.

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His failed move is one that the Hoops should look back upon with regret. After all, they’d have probably made a fair profit on the France international.

He moved to Montpellier later that year, where he scored 25 in 42 during the 2011/12 campaign, when his side miraculously won Ligue 1.

A switch to Arsenal followed, where he became a star under Arsene Wenger. He wasn’t a regular goalscorer in English football but his days south of the border have been recognised among some of the greats.

Eden Hazard dubbed him the best target man in the world when he moved to Chelsea, before an overhead kick goal in the Champions League saw the Frenchman labelled “out of this world” by Glenn Hoddle.

Giroud has since won the World Cup with his country and, once he retires, he will go down as one of Les Bleus’ greatest players.

The 34-year-old has 107 caps to his name, scoring 44 goals in the process. That record puts him above the likes of Zinedine Zidane, David Trezeguet and Michel Platini. In fact, he is France’s second-top scorer in their history, just seven strikes behind the legendary Thierry Henry.

Giroud was a spiky-haired youngster when Celtic failed to sign him all those years ago. Now he’s a towering presence playing for one of the best clubs in world football. He is very much one that got away for the Hoops.

AND in other news, Celtic could replace Klimala by signing “dangerous” 19-year-old with “the heart of a lion”…