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Tottenham Hotspur are interested in signing Konrad Laimer, according to emerging reports…

What’s the word?

German outlet Sport Bild claim the 24-year-old’s performances for RB Leipzig this season have caught the eye of several Premier League teams, including the north Londoners.

It’s thought that the Austria international originally caught the eye of Spurs scouts during their two-legged Champions League clash in 2020 and he has remained on the radar ever since.

Laimer will soon enter the final 12 months of his current contract, though the Bundesliga outfit are keen to tie him down to an extension but that will not happen until the end of the season, and the player himself has left his future open to interpretation.

Bye-bye Winks

You’d imagine that a move for any new midfield option would push Harry Winks even further down the pecking order and it could even lead to his inevitable departure.

He’s currently sat behind winter signing Rodrigo Bentancur, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Oliver Skipp under manager Antonio Conte.

Leeds United reportedly rejected the chance to sign the Englishman on loan during the January transfer window, whilst Football Insider pundit Alan Hutton has urged Winks to leave his boyhood club for the benefit of his career.

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“If he can’t get into that side, he’s got to move on,” he said.

Despite being lauded as a “reliable” option by the Italian head coach, Laimer would be a considerable upgrade and would offer better suitability to the system in north London.

Aside from his passing ability, Winks offers very little to Spurs, whether that’s defensively or in the attack.

As per FBRef, he’s averaged only 1.61 tackles and 1.43 interceptions per 90 throughout the course of his domestic league career at the Lilywhites, which is fewer than that of Laimer (4.8 tackles and interceptions per 90) during his time in Saxony.

Elsewhere, Winks is lacking in the final third, averaging only 0.73 dribbles, 0.74 penalty box entries and 4.69 pressures per 90, leading to a disappointing xG+A of 0.08.

Thus, the £91k-per-week midfielder is effectively just passing the ball sideways and backwards without really getting involved defensively or in the attack either.

By comparison, the £23.4m-rated Laimer – who bagged his fourth and fifth goals of the season at the weekend – is a world apart, averaging 0.2 xG+A, 1.05 penalty box entries, 1.4 successful dribbles and 9.94 pressures per 90 across the course of his Bundesliga career, also via FBRef.

Once as “incredibly aggressive on the ball” by his former boss Adi Hutter and compared to former Conte star N’Golo Kante, Laimer would appear to suit the Italian’s system down to a tee as he expects that sort of energy and work rate in the engine room at all times, especially when there’s just the two players.

‘Dirty work’ could be his middle name, according to Bundesliga.com, and that’s not something you’d associate with Winks, so perhaps this move could see the Spurs boss finally axe the long-serving, struggling academy graduate.

AND in other news, Alasdair Gold drops Sergio Reguilon update…

Sunderland took the ultimate smash-and-grab from their match against Gillingham this afternoon, winning 1-0 and taking all three points as they now go unbeaten in their last five games, climbing back into the play-off positions in League One, one point ahead of Oxford United.

Despite having 80% possession, 25 shots, eight corners and three big chances, the Black Cats could not convert any of their opportunities against their stubborn opponents at the sunny Stadium of Light this afternoon within the regulation 90 minutes.

It was only when 69th-minute substitute Nathan Broadhead nodded the ball past the Gills goalkeeper from a cross delivered into the box by Elliot Embleton in the fifth minute of added time that Sunderland finally broke their stalemate, stealing all three points and an important win in their pursuit for promotion this year.

One player who had one of his worst performances in a Sunderland shirt this season was the current League One top scorer Ross Stewart, who dropped an absolute stinker in front of the home fans and almost cost Alex Neil’s side an important win with his complete lack of attacking output against the Gills.

According to SofaScore, Stewart was rated the worst player on the pitch (6.0) and with good reason, considering that his team had 25 shots and he didn’t have a single one on or off target throughout the day. He also lost 89% of his ground and aerial duels combined, failed with 100% of his dribbles and only had 25 touches of the ball.

The 25-year-old – who was hailed a “handful” by former Ross County boss Stuart Kettlewell – has scored 22 goals and contributed four assists in 39 appearances for his team in League One this season, so it was clearly just one of those off-days for the forward, who has scored more than anybody else in the league and recently earned his first call-up to the senior Scotland side for their international friendlies.

Sunderland are now in a great position to secure a second chance at promotion into the Championship after moving up to sixth this afternoon, just two points behind Sheffield Wednesday, and Alex Neil will be hoping that his side can continue their unbeaten run over their last six games of the season. Stewart will quickly need to put this uncharacteristic off-day behind him, though.

In other news: Sunderland will have nightmares over “surprise” 18-year-old, he’s the new Harry Kane

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Arsenal fans have taken to Twitter to react after the club was linked with a move for Sevilla midfielder Ever Banega, as reported by The Mirror.

The Argentina international worked under Unai Emery during their time together with the Spanish side, winning the Europa League, and now the Gunners boss is keen to be reunited with the 30-year-old yet again – Emery also coached Banega at Valencia.

Banega reportedly has a £17m release clause and is the north London-based club’s preferred choice to replace Aaron Ramsey – a deal could not be struck in January, however, due to a lack of funds in north London (as per the aforementioned report).

Arsenal are in need of a new midfielder after losing Welsh international Ramsey to Juventus. However, with Banega turning 31 in June, perhaps the ageing midfielder is not the right solution for the Gunners.

Let’s see how Arsenal supporters reacted on Twitter to the news concerning Banega…

An injury expert has now dropped a ‘hopeful’ Wolves claim involving Ruben Neves.

The Lowdown: Not as serious

Speaking to the media, Bruno Lage revealed that Neves’ injury setback was ‘not as serious’ as they initially expected.

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The Portugal international has been missing since March, but will now be hoping to make a swift recovery in time to play the final few games of the season.

The Latest: Dinnery reacts

Speaking to Football Insider, Ben Dinnery, who runs the Premier Injuries site and has a background in both medicine and data analysis, has claimed that he is still ‘hopeful’ that Neves will return in ‘early to mid-May’, despite this ‘new info’ from Lage:

“My understanding initially hasn’t changed a great deal even with this new info.

“We’re talking about an MCL here. The indication that it was a grade two.

“I was working on the premise that we could maybe see a return around early to mid-May. I am still fairly hopeful that is the case.

“It happened against Leeds. He tried to continue but he couldn’t. He then went out to Portugal for some rehab and recovery.

“The target was always going to be around game week 35. I think there is a strong possibility that he’ll play again this season somewhere around there.”

The Verdict: Big boost

The fact that Neves’ injury is not as serious as previously expected, and that he could return for the last few matches of the campaign, is certainly a big boost for the Midlands club.

He currently ranks as their fourth-best performer in the Premier League so far, scoring four goals and making two assists, while also picking up two man-of-the-match awards (WhoScored).

The 25-year-old also ranks highly among his teammates in terms of average tackles, interceptions, shots, passes, long and through balls per game (WhoScored), and will clearly be an important player for them if they are to finish the season strongly, and potentially challenge for a European place.

In other news, find out which ‘electric’ star the Wanderers now ‘want’ to sign here!

As per reliable source The Athletic, an update from West Ham has emerged regarding central defender Angelo Ogbonna. 

The lowdown: Current situation

The 33-year-old was an ever-present in David Moyes’ starting line up during the opening weeks of the 2021/22 campaign and had played every Premier League minute prior to being injured against Liverpool at the London Stadium back in November.

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Since then the experienced Italian has undergone successful surgery on a cruciate ligament injury but remains unlikely to make a full return to competitive action before the end of the season.

Out of contract in the summer (Transfermarkt), there had been questions as to whether Ogbonna might’ve played his final game for the club.

The latest: New deal incoming

According to the report, having returned to ‘light training’ the club are looking to reward the 13-cap Italy ace with a prolonged stay.

Therefore, West Ham are ‘expected to activate the one-year option’ to extend Ogbonna’s deal beyond the end of the ongoing season.

The east Londoners are also believed to be set to open ‘preliminary talks’ over a new contract for the man once described as ‘top-class’ by Garth Crooks following a team of the week worthy display against Everton.

The verdict: No brainer

Whilst it remains to be seen how the 6ft 2ins centre-back will come back from what was a serious injury, Ogbonna’s unerring quality was there for all to see as the ex-Juventus man helped Moyes’ side towards three clean sheets in 11 league outings early on.

Recruitment chief Rob Newman will be looking to further add to the defensive ranks, particularly as Issa Diop seems destined to move on to pastures new, but tying down the experienced Italian is undoubtedly a smart place to start the summer business.

Potential incomings aside, Ogbonna will be 34 when the new season begins and could be used in a rotation with fellow reliable veteran Craig Dawson to partner Kurt Zouma as West Ham attempt to fight on multiple trophy fronts once again.

In other news: Find out who the three worst West Ham players were against Burnley. 

Glasgow Rangers simply got the job done at home to Livingston on Wednesday night with a 1-0 win at Ibrox thanks to a late goal from Scott Arfield.

It was enough to give them all three points in the end, thus keeping them firmly in the driving seat for another Premiership title.

Some of Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s team may have been left disappointed with their own individual performances though, and The Transfer Tavern have used statistical experts SofaScore to analyse who the three worst performers (to have played at least 45 minutes) were for the hosts on the night:

Glen Kamara (6.9)

Admittedly jointly-rated with Calvin Bassey, James Sands and Alex Lowry in terms of rating (6.9), Kamara ranks in third here as Sands did not finish the game, Bassey ultimately kept a clean sheet as a central defender, and Lowry is an 18-year-old who made his first appearance in the Premiership.

As for Kamara, he did not boss the midfield as he usually does, losing out on eight of his duels in total – the joint-highest out of his team-mates – while he also made no clearances or interceptions.

The Finland international was also guilty of losing possession of the ball 14 times, the fifth-most out of any Rangers player, as per SofaScore.

Scott Wright (6.8)

Wright ranks second with a 6.8 rating given by SofaScore.

The winger lost five duels and failed to record a single successful dribble, while he was also unsuccessful with three of his four crosses and lost possession 13 times in total.

On top of those figures, some members of the Ibrox faithful were particularly critical of his performance on the night.

Cedric Itten (6.7)

With a 6.7 overall rating, Itten was ranked as the Light Blues’ worst player of those who featured for 45 minutes or more.

The striker was beaten in four of his six duels and never managed a shot on target, while he also gave the ball away six times, as per SofaScore.

With the likes of Kemar Roofe on the bench and Alfredo Morelos to come back, he may now find his starting place under threat.

In other news, find out what team news was lauded by these Gers fans

Liverpool have been dealt a huge blow ahead of the Merseyside derby with Everton after Roberto Firmino missed training and is a huge doubt for the clash.

He was the only absentee at training yesterday according to This is Anfield, with the Reds fielding a strong squad at their Kirkby complex. The Brazilian also missed his side’s comfortable victory over rivals Manchester United in the week, following a foot injury he sustained in the FA Cup semi-final last weekend.

Manager Jurgen Klopp said the situation was still uncertain heading into the game and that “he’s getting better” but “it’s uncomfortable and painful” for him.

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The 30-year old has had a smaller but still as crucial role in Liverpool’s success this campaign appearing 31 times and being directly involved in 15 goals. His availability against Everton would have provided Klopp with the perfect chance to rotate and rest players ahead of the important Champions League semi-final first leg on Wednesday.

Liverpool and Everton are further apart in terms of their form this season than they have been in a very long time. The Reds are battling for the Premier League title whilst their neighbours are fighting to avoid relegation.

Frank Lampard’s side desperately need the points so might prove tougher than what their league placing suggests, the local rivalry here is also huge so that surely adds extra motivation.

Firmino hasn’t scored in any of the 11 games he has played against the Toffees but does have two assists to his name. He was, however, involved in the league game last year where Everton defeated Liverpool for the first time in over a decade.

If he misses out today then we potentially could see him play in the game against Villarreal. If Liverpool are to be successful on all fronts this season then they’ll have to use the squad.

As for his future, it remains to be seen whether or not he is content with being more of a squad player. His contract expires next summer so Liverpool could cash in this year to avoid losing him on a free transfer.

Former England international Kevin Phillips said in an interview last month that he believes Firmino “is likely to move on” and that “he will want a new challenge”.

Even if that ends up happening, there’s no doubting his overall ability with him producing many great performances in a Liverpool shirt.

IN other news: Sources: Liverpool agree terms to sign “special” £36m-rated ace, Klopp surely buzzing – opinion…

Liverpool’s Takumi Minamino is ‘desperate’ to stay at Anfield beyond the January transfer deadline, as per Goal’s Neil Jones. 

Minamino’s prospects in L4 may have taken a further hit with the signing of £37m attacker Luis Diaz from FC Porto. The Japanese forward is yet to start a Premier League game this season, and now he faces more big-money competition.

Reports after Diaz’s arrival suggested that Liverpool would listen to offers for Minamino and Divock Origi in the final days of the window.

However, the former seems to have no interest in moving elsewhere, and Jones wrote on his Facebook page that the Reds have rebuffed ‘initial interest’ from AS Monaco and Leeds United in any case.

Minamino has played a key role in Liverpool’s run to the final of the Carabao Cup, scoring four goals in their five matches in the competition, including a late equaliser to force a penalty shoot-out against Leicester City in the quarter-finals.

Fan feed Anfield Watch relayed Jones’ claim, and here’s how these Reds supporters reacted.

These Liverpool fans delighted by Minamino news

“Yes Taki!”

Credit: @DJDazza84

“Yess”

Credit: @ai_leo_hi

“Carabao Salah, let’s go!!”

Credit: @phylosiothical

“Redemption season still on!!”

Credit: @hassan_ahmed99

“Yes my boi!!!!”

Credit: @zsangboi

“Yasss I was worried”

Credit: @TeslaP100D1

In other news, there’s been a big update on the future of this Reds youngster

Leeds United remain interested in signing Nottingham Forest starlet Brennan Johnson.

What’s the story?

Reports in the January transfer window suggested that Marcelo Bielsa’s side were interested in landing the 20-year-old, but a deal failed to materialise before the end of the deadline.

Football Insider have now claimed that while Forest are preparing new contract talks with the youngster over staying at the club, Leeds are continuing to monitor him ahead of a potential move.

He was fantastic against Arsenal in the FA Cup

Sabri Lamouchi, Johnson’s former manager at Forest, hailed him not just as an “unbelievable player” but also one with the “right mentality” – exactly the kind of words which will have Bielsa nodding his head in appreciation.

The starlet enjoyed an impressive campaign on loan at Lincoln City in League One last season, scoring ten goals and providing a further twelve assists in the league – his displays were key as they made the play-off final, losing to Blackpool 2-1 despite him setting up a goal at Wembley.

It’s no surprise then that he has kicked on once again, this time in the Championship.

The 20-year-old has bagged seven goals and provided another five assists in 30 games across all competitions, playing in a whopping seven different positions, including stints on either flank, and through the middle on his own as well.

His performance in the FA Cup earlier this year against Ben White and Arsenal was a particular highlight.

Despite not getting on the scoresheet himself in that famous victory over the Gunners, he completely destroyed the north Londoners’ full-back Nuno Tavares, and he got the better of former Leeds defender White as well.

As per Sofascore, he attempted two dribbles, provided one key pass, sent in two crosses and also managed one interception, regularly being spotted doing his defensive work.

Writing in her post-match player ratings for The Nottingham Post, Sarah Clapson gave him the joint-highest score of a nine, saying: “Had the measure of Nuno Tavares early on, so much so the Gunners man suffered the indignity of a first half substitution. Continued to put the visitors on the back foot with his awesome pace.”

Johnson’s performance in that game at the City Ground showed exactly why he would be an exciting signing for Bielsa and Leeds if they can eventually land him.

Meanwhile, Phil Hay has delivered an update on this Leeds United transfer target…

Flocking to Twitter, lots of Manchester City fans are buzzing over reports that Ajax manager Erik ten Hag is one of the names in the frame to succeed Pep Guardiola when the latter’s contract expires.

City fans will be struggling to picture life without Guardiola following the most successful period in the club’s history. During his five-and-a-half year stay at the Etihad Stadium, the Catalan native has lifted 10 trophies, having won every domestic competition on offer in England.

Therefore, it is undeniable that Guardiola has created a legacy in City’s history, and he will duly go down as one of the greatest managers of the Premier League era, having won the division three times and currently on course for a fourth title.

However, the possibility of him leaving the club could soon become a reality, as the 51-year-old’s contract is set to expire in the summer of 2023. With Guardiola’s contract now into its final 18 months, City have been drawing up a list of potential successors to replace him.

Man City fans want Ten Hag

Independent fan page City Xtra shared the news from Simon Mullock of The Mirror, which claimed that one of the names being spoken about as a potential successor to Guardiola is Ajax boss Erik ten Hag.

The Dutchman was in charge of Bayern Munich’s reserve teams when the current City boss was in first team charge at the Allianz Arena, while in Amsterdam he has won five trophies and led his team to the brink of the Champions League final in 2019.

As a result, many City supporters shared their excitement at the news from Mullock, with many fans hailing Ten Hag as the perfect replacement for Guardiola.

Here’s what some of them had to say:

“Only him. Not Potter, Not Arteta. Nobody else”

Credit: @MoSakoooo

“Let’s go. Another person to reject United and come to us. Manchester is blue”

Credit: @MCFC_BEN04

“Only one I would probably be happy with tbh”

Credit: @Cameron_MCFC_

“Bald for bald replacement. Don’t mind if I do (pls extend though Pep)”

Credit: @7Mcfcmax

“exactly what I want”

Credit: @Stonesologist_

“He would be a great fit after Pep’s departure”

Credit: @viveketernal

In other news: ‘We can reveal…’ – Sky Sports share live TV transfer development out of Man City