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According to a report by the Daily Star, providing the latest on Paulo Dybala and his links to Tottenham, chairman Daniel Levy will be offered the chance to secure his signature this summer alongside Chelsea – but the Lilywhites are not yet planning to place a formal bid.

Dybala has been, arguably, one of the best attackers in Serie A over recent years, averaging an impressive 3 shots and 2.1 key passes per 90 in the league last season – with no player from Tottenham managing to equal or better the latter stat over 2020/2021 (WhoScored).

Tottenham offered Dybala chance

Unfortunately for the Argentine, he’s been unable to replicate that stellar form on a regular basis this campaign due to injury issues – missing 20 matches in total for the Old Lady as they miss his influence (Transfermarkt).

Tottenham were eyeing Dybala during Mauricio Pochettino’s time in north London, as per this report, and they remain interested in the 29-cap star.

It is said that Levy and co will be offered the chance to sign him this summer alongside English capital rivals Chelsea, but as of yet, there is no formal offer on the table.

Transfer Tavern take

Described as ‘extraordinary’ by Italian footballing icon and Juventus hero Alessandro del Piero (via talkSPORT), despite missing a portion of this season, he has still averaged a threatening 2.6 shots and 1.4 completed dribbles over the league matches he has featured.

These numbers indicate he would be an excellent signing for Spurs and perhaps even ‘extraordinary’ just as del Piero suggests, as Dybala looks ‘increasingly likely’ to quit Juve this summer according to the latest report.

In other news: Levy has been told the asking price after lodging a verbal offer, find out more here.

According to a report by the Daily Mail, prospective new Derby County owner Sheikh Khaled bin Zayed al Nehayan looked into the purchase of West Ham United and Bournemouth last year – with Derbyshire Live sharing this claim whilst stating it casts ‘further doubt’, prompting Rams to have their say on the development. 

The Bin Zayed Group’s proposed takeover of Derby seems to be in increasing doubt, and this update by Sportsmail claims that there has been a worrying lack of communication from the United Arab Emirates.

The EFL ratified Derby’s purchase in November, but this fresh report that the Rams’ potential future owners failed to complete bids for further clubs could heighten further takeover concerns.

Flocking to this Mail claim, with Derbyshire Live sharing that it could cast further doubt, these Derby fans had interesting responses – with one fan even stating ‘we can only hope it’s true’ due to the Bin Zayed Group’s perceived unreliability.

Another supporter says it’s ‘silly’ just how many clubs they have enquired for whilst failing to complete any actual takeover, find all of their verdicts down below.

Derby fans react to takeover claim

“They shouldn’t be allowed to muck another club around. Next time they mess a club about they should be refused. It’s silly to think how many clubs they have done this to.”

Credit: @MattySim3

“Must be costing a fortune in legal bills, Newcastle reports say 500k it cost the club. So the potential new owners must be racking up the same sort of bill. This for the second time. Obviously his investors have pulled the money again.”

Credit: @WelshRams

“Apart from the obvious in that Mel wants out . Why would we want any part of this crew they sound and look so sketchy. And this is where Mel doesn’t sound or look like he’s living up to his statement of selling the club into good hands.”

Credit: @MarkSpendlove

“We can only hope it’s true. Let’s move on from these TimeWasters.”

Credit: @ramsfan0285

“Clearly timewasters, but don’t understand what Bin Zayed Group get from this”

Credit: @Ash05898320

“There’s never been any doubt about this – it’s not, and never was, happening”

Credit: @kensdavies

In other news: Derby fans raged at this news, find out more here.

Southampton received yet another blow at the weekend as it was confirmed that star striker Danny Ings is set to miss around four weeks of action through injury but in his absence, Ralph Hasenhuttl should rely on youngster Nathan Tella to step up.

The academy talent has established himself as something of a regular in Southampton’s matchday squad in recent weeks and was handed the second Premier League start of his career in the 2-0 win against Sheffield United at the weekend.

The 21-year-old was originally seen as a winger but impressed in a striker role for David Horseman’s B team earlier in the season, scoring four goals in a 5-2 win against Leicester City in the Premier League 2.

This was clearly enough to convince Hasenhuttl to give him more regular chances in his first-team, as he has gone on to make nine appearances in the Premier League, as well as one in the FA Cup, where he earned his first assist for the senior side in the 2-0 win against Wolves.

Tella was originally selected alongside Ings in attack at Bramall Lane at the weekend but when the former Liverpool man was forced off injured in the first half, he partnered Che Adams, which could well be Hasenhuttl’s preferred front two for upcoming fixtures, as both impressed with their performances.

The former Arsenal youngster was a constant thorn in the Sheffield United defence with his pace and willingness to make runs in behind, which led to Southampton’s opening goal, as he was fouled by Ethan Ampadu for a penalty, which James Ward-Prowse tucked away.

Following the game, Hasenhuttl was full of praise for Tella, saying:

“He can be a threat against everybody because he is quick, even on the ball, he is calm.

“He is never nervous, he is never arrogant and he has a good mixture of enjoying what he is doing and staying calm on the pitch.”

Therefore, it seems clear that the Austrian is a big fan of Tella and he should have faith in him to step up in the absence of Ings for the next month or so, despite him having made just 12 senior appearances for Southampton in his career thus far.

And, in other news… Southampton will rue missing out on “technically outstanding” £21.6m-rated record-breaker

In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, former Hull City midfielder Dean Windass has made a claim regarding striker Harry Kane, and Manchester City’s reported interest in him.

A recent report from Bild has suggested that the Citizens could target the England captain next summer as they look to sign a replacement for Sergio Aguero, with the Argentinian widely expected to leave the club when his contract expires at the end of this season.

The 27-year-old has been in sensational form for Tottenham Hotspur so far this season, contributing 10 goals and 11 assists in his 16 appearances (ahead of Wednesday’s game with Fulham) in the top-flight, resulting in a superb average rating of 7.90.

However, despite his impressive goalscoring return for Spurs in recent years, Kane is still yet to win a trophy with the North London club, something he admitted he would have to do if he was to stay with Spurs for the long-term.

Therefore, if City can beat Spurs in the Carabao Cup final later this year, then perhaps it will open the door to Kane joining the Citizens in the summer.

Here’s what Windass had to say about the Spurs striker when speaking exclusively to Football FanCast…

“They’re in the final of the Carabao Cup, it’s not enough for Harry Kane. He’s got to win FA Cup finals, he’s got to win the Champions League. That will be his goal, it’s not financial for him anymore. It’s not as though he’s chasing the money.

“These players nowadays can play two or three years in the Premier League and don’t have to work again. It’s not financial, he just wants to win trophies. So to be fair, [how sure am I that he’ll move to the Etihad?] 95% he will end up at Man City.”

Windass clearly feels that Kane will want to move to a club where he’s likely to win trophies and considering Pep Guardiola has delivered two Premier League titles, one FA Cup and three Carabao Cup trophies during his time with the Citizens, a move to the Etihad certainly seems a safe bet if the England striker wants to win trophies.

It will be interesting to see whether City do make an official approach for the Tottenham man during the summer and whether Daniel Levy and Mourinho would be willing to let the £108 million rated man leave the North London club.

And, in other news… Guardiola must swoop for “unbelievable” £90m-rated beast; he can break Aguero’s Man City record

Many Rangers fans have flocked to a tweet that was recently posted by the club’s official Twitter account announcing that the Glasgow club have agreed on a four-year deal with Nnamdi Ofoborh, which is set to begin in the summer. 

This tweet includes a link to a post on the Gers’ official website in which it is explained that ‘there will be training compensation payable’ to Bournemouth, with Ofoborh agreeing to move to Ibrox after rejecting a contract extension at the Vitality Stadium. 

The 21-year-old midfielder is currently on loan at the Cherries’ EFL Championship rivals Wycombe Wanderers for the remainder of the 2020/21 campaign after which he will join up with the current Scottish Premiership leaders. 

His teammate on the south coast, Jack Simpson, will join the Gers immediately, replacing George Edmundson, who joined Derby County.

So, how have these Rangers fans been reacting to this news? 

The club’s tweet sharing the Ofoborh news drew a largely positive response from fans of the Glasgow club,  a lot of whom, it seems, can’t wait to see the midfielder at Ibrox.

“Brilliant”

Credit: @muirsy1

“Lovely”

Credit: @camrfc

“Nice!”

Credit: @onlyoneamoruso

“No messing outstanding Rangers”

Credit: @ayeready1872

“Yesssss Morning Announcements”

Credit: @SuperAlly1989

“incredible”

Credit: @hannahfirman_30

“It just keeps getting better & better.

what a time to be alive.

C’mon the Gers.”

Credit: @DugsOf

In other news, many Rangers fans have been raging at their club over their Alfredo Morelos decision.

Sheffield Wednesday boss Tony Pulis finally secured his first victory in charge of the Owls this afternoon, and he has central defender Tom Lees to thank for it.

The veteran glanced home at the far post from a free-kick from skipper Barry Bannan in the 67th minute in the game’s only goal at Hillsborough Stadium.

As a result, the three points moved the Yorkshiremen off the foot of the Championship table, nudging ahead of Wycombe Wanderers on goal difference.

Coventry did try to snag a late equaliser, but heroics from returning 36-year-old goalkeeper Keiren Westwood delivered the Owls their first win in nine outings.

Both Lees and Westwood had a key influence in the result, but another Wednesday man shone above all – Joey Pelupessy.

The Dutch defensive midfielder absolutely dominated the visitors in the middle of the park, bringing home a 7.3 rating by SofaScore.

He won ten of his 12 duels (83%), both aerially and on the ground, made a squad-high five tackles, and only lost possession four times from 31 touches as he proved to be a hard man to combat.

YorkshireLive’s Dom Howson waxed lyrical over the 27-year-old in his post-match ratings, having him a 7/10. He said:

“Worked his socks off in the midfield engine room and kept things simple in possession.”

Pelupessy was also 100% accurate in his long balls, made one key pass and put in one interception.

Overall, it was the divisive powerhouse that completely ran things for Pulis.

By comparison, Lees was rather wasteful with the ball, making just 45% of his passes on top of losing possession 14 times, via SofaScore, so the goal perhaps masked his showing somewhat.

The £450k-rated Jos Luhulay signing is out of contract in the summer, so Pulis may need to dish out fresh terms sooner rather than later, especially if Pelupessy can keep that up in 2021.

AND in other news, Exclusive: Windass reacts to latest Sheffield Wednesday blow…

Speaking candidly over a potential return to Ligue 1 giants Paris-Saint Germain (The Sun), defender Serge Aurier has refused to rule out a return to the Parc des Princes whilst dropping an exit hint – going on to say he would ‘never turn down’ an offer from the French side and that is ‘absolutely certain’.

Aurier, who has been rejuvenated under manager Jose Mourinho this season, playing the majority of matches over summer signing Matt Doherty, could have his head turned in future by PSG – especially given the affection he holds for his former club.

Aurier breakdown

The Ivorian, despite conceding a penalty at home to Leicester City recently, has arguably enjoyed his best season at Spurs to date so far – with Lilywhites hoping he can keep up consistent form as their club chase their first piece of silverware since 2008.

Indeed, Aurier’s fine run has even motivated Daniel Levy to plot a new contract for him alongside the likes of Son Heung-min and Hugo Lloris, according to Football Insider.

Exit hint emerges

Amid these fresh deal claims, with Levy reportedly planning negotiations, the right-back has dropped a subtle exit hint as he opens up over his beloved former club.

“When I say PSG is the club close to my heart, I don’t want journalists to say, ‘He can’t say that!’ But of course, I will answer,” explained Aurier, quotes via The Sun.

“It’s the club I’ve loved the most out of all the clubs I’ve played for.

“Paris is where I turned into a man, as a professional, where I discovered myself more. That’s where I enjoyed myself the most.

“When I was a youngster at Lens, Paris was the club of my heart.

“One day, it would be no problem at all to go back, with pleasure. I will never turn down an offer from Paris, that is absolutely certain.”

Transfer Tavern take

Whether or not he gets the opportunity to return to the French capital, potentially to link up with Mauricio Pochettino, remains to be seen – but it could be one to watch out for in future windows.

As Levy plans to tie down the African with a new deal, it could take a big offer from PSG if they wish to seal his return – depending on negotiations.

In other news: Tottenham have been boosted in their pursuit of this ‘dream’ signing, find out more here.

Steven Gerrard is concerned that Glen Kamara could leave Glasgow Rangers in January, if recent reports are to be believed…

What’s the word?

According to an exclusive from TEAMtalk, the Rangers boss believes Kamara could leave the Ibrox outfit in the winter transfer window, amid interest from a number of Premier League clubs including Burnley, Brighton, Everton, Leeds United, Newcastle, Sheffield United and Southampton, as well as European sides Monaco, Lille and Borussia Dortmund.

And Gerrard is reportedly desperate to tie the 24-year-old down to a new deal as the Finland international has become an integral part of his side in recent months.

Former Celtic striker Teemu Pukki recently tipped his international teammate to play in the Premier League but Rangers chief Ross Wilson must keep Kamara at all costs.

Keep Kamara at all costs!

The Nigerian joined Rangers from Dundee FC for a mere fee of £45,000 in January 2019, according to The Daily Record. Since then, Kamara has made 69 appearances for the Gers, scoring two goals and supplying three assists in all competitions, whilst he hasn’t been sent off at all so far, via Transfermarkt.

He has continued his fine form for club and country this season, receiving praise from former Rangers star Neil Murray in the process. Murray singled out the “excellent” player after he ran the show against Celtic at Parkhead in the first Old Firm derby of the season, telling The Daily Record: “Kamara was excellent at the weekend and he really is an intelligent footballer.

“He has so much ability on the ball, although if you don’t have that then you just won’t play in Gerrard’s midfield.

“We tend to forget how young he is and how much better he is going to get.”

This season, Kamara, whose market value is rated at £1.08m via Transfermarkt, has only made one appearance in the Europa League, whilst he has averaged one tackle, one interception and two clearances per game, via WhoScored. For context, even Ryan Jack has just managed one clearance per game, as per WhoScored.

Gerrard’s side are currently enjoying a 16-game unbeaten run, stretching all the way back to the 1-0 win away at Aberdeen at the start of the season. If the Gers are to regain the Scottish Premiership title, we suspect the defensive midfielder will have a part to play in stopping his side from conceding sloppy goals. Get it done, Gers, before it’s too late.

AND in other news, Glasgow Rangers ace Joe Aribo could soon overshadow Ryan Kent at Ibrox…

After waxing lyrical about Matty Cash’s debut season with Aston Villa, Paul Robinson believes Dean Smith’s side pulled off an excellent deal on the “outstanding” man, who Leeds were also circling during the summer, as per Football Insider.

The Whites were eyeing up a swoop for the former Nottingham Forest ace last season. The right-back bagged himself three goals and five assists in 42 Championship games. He also contributed 14 clean sheets and showcased his versatility by operating on the wing on several occasions, via Transfermarkt.

A player of Cash’s calibre would’ve been a good fit for Marcelo Bielsa and his Championship-winning Whites. However, had Andrea Radrizzani made a move for the £65,000 per week defender, it would have likely posed a huge threat to Luke Ayling’s position within the club.

Signing Cash could have been trouble for Ayling

The Bielsa’s favourite played a huge part in his side’s promotion last season, both defensively and in attack. The 29-year-old has also been a key player in Leeds’ returning Premier League campaign, starting every top-flight match so far and contributing to three clean sheets.

But had Leeds brought in a younger player in his position, it’s hard to predict whether he would be seeing much game time at all this season. According to WhoScored, Cash averaged more clearances (3) and tackles (2.6) per league game, than Ayling with an average of 1.8 for both facets.

The new Villa recruit also had better discipline, picking up seven yellow cards to Ayling’s nine. Even this season, Cash has a better passing percentage so far (78.4%) and more interceptions (2.9) compared to the Leeds dynamo’s 77.5% and 0.3 respectively.

Whilst Ayling is very much part of the furniture at Elland Road, there’s no knowing whether the arrival of Cash would have elbowed him out of the spotlight and away from Bielsa’s attention.

Either way, he can count his lucky stars that Cash did not arrive in Yorkshire this summer.

In other news, Bielsa doesn’t need to sign this Leeds January target whilst Bamford is around…

Roberto Martinez was full of praise after Leander Dendoncker’s recent performance for Belgium in their recent international friendly agains the Ivory Coast.

Quoted by HLN (via Sport Witness), the former Everton boss said: “Vanaken and Dendoncker were special. How they guarded the organisation of the team – great. I can say that they have now reached a level that allows them to play on a high international stage.”

A decision for Nuno

Dendoncker has started just two Premier League games this season, being benched against West Ham and playing a mere 12 minutes against Manchester City. Joao Moutinho has been the favoured midfielder it seems but the comments from the Belgium boss may have Nuno Espirito Santo rethinking some things.

The 25-year-old netted a total of six goals for Wolves last season, operating primarily as a central midfielder. However, he also slotted into a more defensive role and even filled in as a centre-back on a whopping 15 occasion across all competitions (via Transfermarkt).

Having conceded seven goals already this campaign, Nuno could be mulling over the idea of replacing one of his defenders with Dendoncker permanently. Conor Coady has also impressed whilst on international duty and could be paired up with the Belgian in the heart of the Wolves defence.

In other news, Pedro Neto showcases his ever-improving ability with international brace…