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An update has emerged on Newcastle United’s pursuit of Barcelona attacker Ousmane Dembele…

What’s the talk?

According to Spanish outlet Sport, the Frenchman is not interested in signing for the Magpies due to their current position at the bottom of the Premier League.

The report claims that the €15m-per-season (£12.7m) contract offer on the table from Newcastle is not enough to tempt Dembele to risk relegation to the Championship, with the forward set to explore other options.

Fans will be fuming

Newcastle fans will surely be fuming with this update as it appears to rule out any chance of Dembele arriving at St James’ Park in January.

It highlights how damaging the early part of this season under Steve Bruce has been for the Magpies, with Eddie Howe inheriting a team in a terrible position in the Premier League. They are bottom of the division and the only team without a single win in the league, having picked up just six points from their 13 games.

This means that it could be difficult to attract players in January as they may not want to be involved in a scrap against relegation, irrespective of the takeover by PIF. Dembele’s apparent objection to making the switch highlights this and will bring to light an issue which will leave fans all the more frustrated with the club’s start to the campaign.

They might also be furious because Dembele could have been an excellent addition to the side. His former Barcelona team-mate Lionel Messi once dubbed him a ‘phenonemon’, with the Argentine saying: “On the pitch he’s a phenomenon. It’s up to him where he ends up, he could be one of the best. He’s young and he is adapting.”

The £45m-rated dynamo has 30 goals and 21 assists in 121 appearances for Barcelona, having managed 10 goals and 22 assists in 50 games for Borussia Dortmund earlier in his career. This shows that he has the quality to provide goals and assists at the top level, which is why he could have been a superb signing for Newcastle.

He could have arrived in England and made key contributions in the final third to help the Magpies stave off relegation. Instead, he looks set to reject the Tyneside club’s advances and either stay with Barcelona or else join another side to progress his career.

AND in other news, Howe could save NUFC’s season with “beautiful” 27-goal beast, he loves St James’ Park…

According to a report in the paper edition of Sport, via Sport Witness, there has been a transfer update out of Tottenham Hotspur as manager Antonio Conte seemingly re-ignites interest in Adama Traore.

The Lowdown: Spurs come close…

The Spaniard, who ended up signing for Barcelona on loan in the latter stages of January, was a rather public target for Spurs and Conte as the Lilywhites head coach sought a new right-wing-back.

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Reliable reports indicated that Tottenham’s manager was chasing Traore and aimed to transform the Spain international into a makeshift full-back (The Athletic).

GiveMeSport revealed just how close the Lilywhites came to signing the winger as personal terms were apparently completed.

Indeed, according to their information, Fabio Paratici and co shook hands on an agreement to make Traore one of the club’s highest paid players on a £120,000-per-week salary – but that ultimately wasn’t enough to seal his move as Barca eventually hijacked the deal.

Now, however, it appears Spurs and by extension Conte have re-ignited their interest.

 The Latest: Conte eyes Traore move…

Indeed, Sport (via SW) claim Tottenham are interested in signing Traore yet again with Barcelona not ready to pay the fee to sign him permanently from Wolves.

It is claimed Conte’s side are one of the clubs on ‘lookout’ over his situation at the La Liga giants and are ‘waiting’ to see how things unfold regarding his future.

The Verdict: Re-join the hunt?

As Spurs keep watch over Traore, potentially having another chance to sign him this summer, the fact his deal at Molineux expires at the end of next season could hand Paratici and a really strong negotiating hand.

It is feasible to believe Tottenham could significantly wiggle down his estimated £25.2 million market valuation given Wolves will have just two windows to make any profit off of his sale.

And the Spaniard would arguably strengthen Conte’s options, especially considering how much he has impressed in the Europa League with Barca since signing in the winter window.

He’s notched two assists in the competition so far whilst ranking in as their second-best performer going by average match rating (7.12, WhoScored).

Traore’s also completed more successful take-ons on average (3.5) than any Catalans star in Europe, putting real emphasis on his creativity going forward and leaving little wonder pundit Noel Whelan said he’s a ‘game-changer’ and the ‘perfect fit’ for Conte (Football Insider).

In other news: Tottenham attempts to seal mega-money agreement take new step after major off-field development, find out more here.

Leeds United will not target a new striker this month…

What’s the word?

That’s according to the ever-reliable Graham Smyth of the Yorkshire Evening Post, who delivered a fresh update on the Whites’ plans heading into the final week of the transfer window.

‘Bielsa did welcome both Joe Gelhardt and Tyler Roberts back from the treatment room at the weekend to bolster his attacking options, although neither started as Daniel James occupied the lone striker role.

‘Their return, along with that of Rodrigo who on Saturday played his first 90 minutes since September, mean Bielsa will not be asking for a new striker in the remainder of the January transfer window,’ he revealed in a recent column for the website.

Risky plan

This is a very risky decision from Bielsa and the club.

Of course, it would be hugely surprising to see the bring in many additions – if any at all – during the mid-season window because it’s not something that they have ever really done.

For instance, a midfielder is high on the agenda but they have not signed one since January 2018, some four years ago.

However, as we’ve seen regularly this season, injuries have persisted to rip through the playing squad, particularly upfront, where Bielsa has been without his star man Patrick Bamford for much of the year.

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Indeed, the England international has missed 17 of their last 18 matches with a string of problems, ranging from ankle and hamstring injuries to his latest, a foot issue.

He has now missed as many games as goals scored in the Premier League last season and his absence in the final third has been evident – not at least because he’s the only senior centre-forward.

Raphinha (eight) is the only player to have found the net more than four times, whilst it’s been on academy gem Gelhardt and wingers Jack Harrison and James to fill the void, to not much of an effect.

If Bamford does return in due course and goes and picks up another injury, it’ll leave Bielsa back at square one in dealing with this problem, whereas any signed backup could fill in again.

The Yorkshiremen are by no means out of the relegation dogfight just yet, so this news should leave much of the Elland Road faithful worried, if not furious, heading into the final five days of the window.

United badly need additions and it doesn’t seem like that is going to happen.

AND in other news, Leeds could secure Bielsa a bargain Aaronson alternative in £22.5m-rated “phenomenon”…

Many Glasgow Rangers fans have been left buzzing over some transfer news that has emerged on James Sands.

As per the official website of the Ibrox faithful, they have now confirmed the signing of the United States international from New York City FC on an initial loan deal for 18 months, subject to a work permit and international clearance.

The Teddy Bears also hold an exclusive option to buy him after his loan expires.

It is no doubt a shrewd signing by the Light Blues, as Sands can play in a number of different positions for Giovanni van Bronckhorst, adding depth across the defence and in central midfield.

He also brings with him plenty of quality, having recently helped NYCFC win the MLS Cup, and being named ‘Young Player of the Season’ for his side (Rangers).

Indeed, Sands is just 21 years of age, and so has the potential to become a top player for the Gers.

Rangers fans on Sands transfer news

These RFC supporters buzzed as the transfer news was shared on Twitter, with one even going as far as to claim that it is ‘superb’:

“Superb, welcome to the Gers”

Credit: @speedy430

“FANTASTIC”

Credit: @KJP_2002

“Got to love it. We sell our reserve right back for £16million and bring in a U.S.A international called Sands, for no money, with the help of ex-Celtic manager Delia. Is that moon-howling I hear? Take a bow Ross Wilson”

Credit: @UnionCityBlues2

“LET’S GO”

Credit: @DeadlyMonster13

“What you love to see”

Credit: @CammyF2103

“Great news have a feeling this player will be very decent.”

Credit: @RangersBanter17

In other news, find out what ‘outstanding’ club update has Gers gushing here!

An exciting update has emerged on Newcastle United and their pursuit of Tottenham midfielder Dele Alli…

What’s the talk?

Chronicle reporter Lee Ryder has claimed that the Magpies are in negotiations over a deal for the England international, but it remains to be seen whether or not he will be willing to sign for the club.

He Tweeted: “Dele Alli isn’t short on options after being made available by Spurs for loan. Will be interesting to see if he is up for the challenge at #nufc – talks on a deal have been ongoing throughout January. Notably, Alli is represented by the same agency as Trippier and Wood.”

Howe will love it

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe will surely love this update as Alli could be a superb signing for the Magpies on loan until the end of the campaign.

He is a proven top-flight performer who could come in and make a major impact in the final third, potentially winning games for the club. The ex-MK Dons man has shown his quality at this level over the years and could thrive as a key member of Howe’s squad.

In 181 Premier League matches, he has scored 51 goals and provided 37 assists. Throughout his entire Spurs career, he has 67 goals and 61 assists in 269 games in all competitions, showing that he can score and create goals at the top end of the pitch as he has done so on a regular basis over the course of a number of years in London.

This suggests that he could come in and be a fantastic signing for the club if they are able to get this move over the line, which is why Howe will love the news that they are in talks with Spurs to get it done.

He would surely be buzzing to have a player of Alli’s pedigree and quality to select in the coming month as it could improve his starting XI.

The move would also be an ideal one for the club as it would mean that they avoid the financial burden of keeping him on in the Championship if they fail to avoid the drop.

Newcastle are 18th in the Premier League table and relegation to the second tier would result in a major loss in income, which could make it difficult to afford Alli’s reported £100k-per-week wages.

AND in other news, Newcastle could get SJP rocking by signing “top class” £50m beast who has “everything”…

With Steven Gerrard succeeding in turning things around at Aston Villa, his attentions will already be turning towards the January transfer window and the kinds of new signings that he could make to strengthen his squad.

And while the former Liverpool skipper would be right to cast his eye far and wide for those potentially game-changing additions, he might want to look closer to home to see someone who could really get Villa Park rocking: Jaden Philogene-Bidace.

The 19-year-old was in fine form last year for the club’s U23s, scoring five goals in just 14 games at Premier League 2 level, as well as providing three assists – that’s not to mention the superb hat-trick he scored on his England under-19 debut last November either.

His former coach Ahmed Abdulla has raved about his ability as an out-and-out winger, and judging by the coach’s comments, he seems perfectly ready to grab his opportunity in senior football.

Abdulla said: “He can come inside or go on the outside. The model winger. He hugs the touchline and can beat his man. (He’s) Very confident and very light on his feet and skips past tackles, not one of them that gets hit and goes down. He bounces off tackles. He’s very strong and outstanding in one-v-ones.”

The Birmingham Mail’s Ashley Preece recently indicated back when Dean Smith was in charge that while the winger is highly-rated, a January loan move could be on the horizon.

He said: “It’s crystal-clear that Philogene-Bidace remains highly thought of at Bodymoor Heath, his challenge now now is to stay patient and be ready when called upon.

“A Championship loan move could well be in the offing in January but, as it stands, Villa have a serious talent on their hands, one who’s primed and ready to make his mark in the Premier League.”

But with injuries and other issues no doubt taking its effect, handing an opportunity to one of the club’s brightest young prospects from the academy could be a sure-fire way to save a lot of money and get the fans excited too.

While much of the talk at Villa has been around Carney Chukwuemeka – which is understandable given his superb performances in the FA Youth Cup last season and recent game-time too – Philogene-Bidace could well be the academy starlet to become the club’s secret weapon heading into the new year.

Meanwhile, Villa have made this man their main target…

Wolves have been pretty busy during the previous summer and winter transfer windows with players leaving the club and new ones coming in.

Looking ahead to the upcoming summer window, it seems as though this could once again be the case for the Old Gold in their latest attempt at strengthening their squad.

What’s the news?

According to a recent report from journalist David Ornstein in The Athletic, Wolves are eyeing Sporting Lisbon midfielder Matheus Nunes as a potential replacement for Joao Moutinho, whose £100k-per-week contract at Molineux is set to expire in the summer.

In 125 combined appearances for Sporting’s senior and U23 sides, the midfielder has scored nine goals and provided 11 assists along the way.

Moutinho heir at Wolves

This current campaign has seen the Brazilian-born midfielder make 28 league appearances for his club and even have his first taste of Champions League football with six appearances to his name.

To highlight how much of a well-rounded midfield option he is for his side, the 23-year-old has racked up a total of 23 tackles, 26 interceptions and 23 crosses in the Portuguese league this season, putting him in the top ten for each statistic in Sporting’s squad.

His overall performances have earned the Portuguese international a season rating of 7.08 from WhoScored, making him Sporting’s sixth-highest rated player for this campaign.

This rating would make him the highest-rated Wolves player by the same metric, showing what an impressive player the £27m-rated gem is at a fairly young age.

Labelled as an “unbelievable” player by Goncalo Santos as well as being “one of the best players in the world today” according to Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola, Nunes certainly has a lot of hype around him, which could make him an exciting recruit for Bruno Lage’s side.

With Wolves’ track record of signing players from Portuguese clubs, Nunes, who has a better technical rating than Moutinho at this stage of his career according to SofaScore, could be an ideal long-term figure for the Midlands club and follow in the footsteps of the other players that have joined the Old Gold from Portugal such as Ruben Neves, Fabio Silva and Chiquinho among others.

In other news: Wolves plot swoop for “special” £33m Mendes client, he’s better than Trincao…

Dele Alli is among three players who could leave Tottenham Hotspur in January, according to Alasdair Gold for Football London. 

The lowdown

Spurs generated just £29.43m from sales during the summer against their £60.21m spend (via Transfermarkt), so in theory, offloading more players in January could generate funds for new manager Antonio Conte to put his stamp on the squad through recruitment.

Dele started Spurs’ first six matches of the new season under Nuno Espirito Santo but hasn’t been named in a Premier League XI since.

The latest

In a Football London Q&A on Monday, Gold namechecked £27m-rated midfielder Dele as he identified players who could be transferred out in the New Year. Harry Winks (valued at £18m by Transfermarkt) and Joe Rodon (£9m) were also tipped for potential mid-season exits, although Gold added that the Wales defender could leave on loan rathe than permanently.

In response to a question on potential January outgoings, the journalist replied: “It depends what the situation is in a month’s time for certain players.

“For instance, if the current situation does not change and there are no injuries in the centre of the park, I’d be surprised if Harry Winks does not want to leave for regular football. The same goes for Joe Rodon, who is not getting the minutes at centre-back in the Premier League.

“There is also the Dele Alli situation and whether Conte sees him as part of his plans going forward and exactly where he fits. He was seven minutes away from making it a hat-trick of half-time substitutions under the past three Spurs head coaches.”

The verdict

Spurs have to beat Group G leaders Rennes in the final round of fixtures to guarantee progression in the Europa Conference League. If they go out of that competition, then there’ll be fewer opportunities, and a reduced need, for the players mentioned by Gold.

Conte is said to have some pretty ambitious plans for January, with one report even mooting a double swoop for Matthijs de Ligt and Stefan de Vrij, and Spurs may need to be ruthless with their squad players for his vision to be realised.

In other news, Spurs are in the frame for this Premier League defender

A worrying behind the scenes claim has emerged surrounding Antonio Conte’s future at Tottenham Hotspur…

What’s the word?

According to ever-reliable football.london journalist Alasdair Gold, there are fears amongst the playing squad that the Italian could walk from the club if he’s not backed sufficiently in the transfer window this month.

‘It is understood that Conte has been extremely candid in his assessment of the club and his squad during multiple discussions with chairman Daniel Levy since he arrived, with plenty of home truths delivered publicly and privately about the level Spurs are at.

‘Now football.london understands that some of the Tottenham players fear Conte could walk next month if he is not backed with new signings to improve the squad during the remainder of this January transfer window,’ he wrote in a recent column.

Trouble in paradise?

This worrying bombshell from one of the most trustworthy when it comes to anything Spurs-related will surely leave many supporters around N17 absolutely furious as their midweek exit from the Carabao Cup was another reminder of just how poor this squad is.

It is true that the Lilywhites were missing some crucial players, such as Heung-min Son, Cristian Romero and Eric Dier, who would have all surely started if fit enough, but in their absence, the depth and backup options badly disappointed.

That has long been a problem at the club.

Conte very much needs to be backed financially if he’s to stand a chance at transforming Spurs, something he was brought in to do with an impressive CV that contains Premier League and FA Cup triumphs.

The fact that some noises suggest there are fears that he will not last in the job, on his own accord, is hugely concerning. Spurs would be set back ever so much if they lost a manager of his calibre and if his players – who are with him every day – are thinking that, then it’s rather telling.

“You’ve got Conte, give him what he needs. They need to strengthen. Give him what he needs,” claimed ex-midfielder Jamie Redknapp to Sky Sports (via the Daily Mail).

Many supporters have urged the club to back the Italian head coach this month and it now seems like a failure to do so will likely cause a big departure in the dugout. That would then be another devastating blow to the fanbase, so don’t be surprised if many are fuming by this major update.

AND in other news, Tanguy Ndombele could yet stay at Spurs amid reports…

Leeds United boss Marcelo Bielsa has dropped a worrying transfer update ahead of the January window.

What’s the story?

The Whites find themselves in a difficult position in the Premier League heading into the busy Christmas period, with their mid-week drubbing at the hands of Manchester City placing a lot of scrutiny on the club’s growing injury list and potential transfer plans.

And now, Bielsa has delivered an update on where things currently stand, and it’s not great news for Leeds fans.

He said: “It’s a question that I’ve answered various times, I don’t have a different answer than what I’ve given up until now. Of course I’m losing authority in the position I defend because every game presents new difficulties. The question you ask me leaves me defenceless to defend my ideas.

“It’s also important to leave clear what I’ve said about this subject previously. The capacity for an institution to fortify their squad has a limit due to their budget. In that sense the president, the club have acted in a more than sufficient manner. But this is not the moment for me to explain anything.”

Fans will be worried

Having been at the hands of a 7-0 thrashing against City, and a clash against a resurgent Arsenal at the weekend, Leeds can ill afford any more big slip-ups in terms of results, and injuries too.

Bielsa has had desperate misfortune with missing the likes of Kalvin Phillips, Raphinha and Patrick Bamford for extended periods of time and it has placed a lot of question marks over his reluctance to strengthen his squad.

Phillips is now out for the best part of two months and the fact that they’ve not won a single game this term when he’s not featured suggests they need more bodies in the team.

The Argentine has been known to favour a tight-knit group that he can rely on, but what the injuries and illnesses have caused and exposed is a glaring lack of depth, especially in key areas.

His comments that new signings may not be on the table due to budget concerns should leave fans very worried, particularly with the prospect of a real relegation battle looming for the second half of the season.

Meanwhile, Phil Hay has delivered a Leeds United transfer update…