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Southampton striker Daniel N’Lundulu has been linked with a move to La Liga side Real Betis recently but the Southampton board should ensure that he is still with the club at the end of the month.

What’s the word?

French news outlet Foot Mercato have claimed that Real Betis are interested in signing the 21-year-old and that they could make an approach for him this month.

The Saints academy ace has been on the fringes of Ralph Hasenhuttl’s squad this season after impressing with David Horseman’s B team.

Semmens must stand firm:

So far this season, N’Lundulu has made six appearances in the Premier League, all of which have come from the bench. The youngster also has five goals and one assist in just seven appearances for the B team, which certainly suggests he is ready to play with the senior side.

The form of Danny Ings and Che Adams so far this season has perhaps limited the youngster’s appearances for Hasenhuttl’s side but it certainly looks as if he has a bright future with the South Coast club, so it would be foolish to let him go to Betis.

N’Lundulu earned the praise of Hasenhuttl along with the other under-23 players that are pushing for a spot in the first-team, saying:

“He’s a type of striker we don’t have in our side so far. He gives us physical options, can keep the ball very well.

“He’s also learned to work hard in front. This was something our youth have to learn and in the past month, we were working a lot with the under-23s and with these teams.

“They are more and more adapted to what we are doing here in the first team and it is nice to see when they are coming out, they are now on a different level.”

With Moussa Djenepo and Nathan Redmond both currently sidelined, we might see Theo Walcott on the wing more often in Southampton’s upcoming fixtures, which could, in turn, allow the likes of N’Lundulu to be given more of a chance up front.

Certainly, the 21-year-old’s record with the B team, where he has 12 goals and three assists in 29 appearances, suggests that he has an eye for goal and a future in Hasenhuttl’s side, so Martin Semmens and the rest of the Southampton board should not even consider negotiating with Real Betis in January, should they make an official approach.

And, in other news… Worse than Tella: Southampton must axe “exciting prospect” amid manager update

Sunderland players will have a rare opportunity to spend their Christmas at home.

Unfortunately, it’s not exactly come about in ideal circumstances. Over ten players have tested positive for the dreaded pandemic and thus, the Academy of Light is closed and three games have been postponed.

Yet, Lee Johnson and Kristjaan Speakman still need to be switched on.

On the chalkboard

Sunderland’s main problem this season, specifically under Phil Parkinson, was having players capable of going beyond a defender.

Charlie Wyke has been among the goals but he’s not someone that will get in behind and race away. With Chris Maguire out of form and Aiden McGeady alienated until Johnson arrived, you can see why there has been some attacking pedigree lacking.

Consequently, the new manager wants players capable of stretching the play in January.

Of course, the emergence of Jack Diamond has given Johnson another option to consider but he is still an incredibly raw talent.

Perhaps the help of a Premier League youngster could do the trick?

The solution

Potential buyer William Storey admitted last weekend that he has plans to bring in young academy players from Premier League U23 sides if he seals a takeover. Thus, The Sunderland Echo pieced together a list of possible targets.

One name to emerge was Manchester United hotshot Anthony Elanga. Aged 18, they don’t come much younger than that at senior level, but he’d be an astute capture for a Mackems side in dire need of a pace injection.

Elanga is capable of playing through the middle as a striker or on the left-wing and he has the ability to cause havoc wherever he’s played. The teenager has scored six goals and registered three assists in all competitions at youth level this season and would arrive at the Stadium of Light with a glowing reputation.

Speaking during a Manchester United youth game, Leicester television commentators labelled him a “speedball” before Red Devils legend Gary Neville compared the technique of his finish to a certain Thierry Henry.

“He’s a nightmare to play against,” Neville added. If this doesn’t get you excited, nothing will. Elanga is a prestigious talent capable of ripping it up in League One if he’s given enough license.

He’d be an exceptional capture but like all signings, someone must lose out. On this occasion, it would probably be Danny Graham, a forward who hasn’t scored all season.

The experienced striker was signed for a second spell in the summer but hasn’t exactly done very well. Thus Elanga would simply have to take his place in the squad if he joins on loan.

AND in other news, Storey can secure IMMEDIATE success in Jan with genius Sunderland strategy…

According to TEAMtalk, Celtic are interested in signing James McCarthy from Crystal Palace, but the Eagles simply can’t afford to let their midfield diamond go.

What’s the word?

The Bhoys want to bring McCarthy back to his hometown of Glasgow as they apparently see him as the obvious successor to club captain Scott Brown. Neil Lennon’s side have struggled for consistency so far this season, having lost two out of their last three games in all competitions.

However, they may have a tough task trying to prise McCarthy away from Selhurst Park, as a number of Premier League clubs have reportedly taken an interest in the Republic of Ireland international, including Burnley and Aston Villa.

The 30-year-old, who has played for Hamilton Academical in the past, is arguably exactly what Celtic need, although Lennon has previously warned his players that they can’t live off of their former glories, which implies that he doesn’t want to sign players who will be approaching the twilight of their careers.

But from Palace’s point of view, Roy Hodgson simply can’t afford to lose his midfield enforcer.

Keep McCarthy at all costs

Reunited with his old comrade James McArthur at Selhurst Park, McCarthy has turned out to be a shrewd signing since he arrived at the Eagles from Everton for £3m, after six seasons at Goodison Park.

Together, the ex-Hamilton pair have helped Hodgson’s side cement their place in the Premier League

McCarthy has played a combined 261 games in the Premier League for Palace, Everton and Wigan, winning 88 games and losing 104. On average, he produces nearly 42 passes per match, showing he is an important part of the supply chain for the likes of Jordan Ayew, Michy Batshuayi and Wilfried Zaha.

Whilst this might not seem like a lot, only Luka Milivojevic averages more passes per game from the midfield, which shows precisely what Hodgson has to work with.

Not only has McCarthy made 40 appearances for Palace, but he is also averaging 2.3 tackles, 1 interception and 1.2 clearances per game in the top flight this season, via WhoScored.

Valued at £4m via Transfermarkt, it would make little sense to essentially let him leave for a small profit, especially when you consider the fact that these kinds of numbers would be incredibly hard to replace in a winter transfer window that seems more uncertain than ever before, given the current unprecedented circumstances clubs are currently operating in.

Palace’s form has been patchy at best so far, as a promising start to the season – which saw Hodgson’s side stun Manchester United at Old Trafford – has quickly tailed off, with three defeats in their last four fixtures in the league.

It goes without saying that his potential departure would be a total disaster for Parish but a major coup for Celtic.

AND in other news, Wilfried Zaha: Steve Parish can’t afford to gamble on Crystal Palace talisman’s future amid links abroad…

According to recent reports, former Newcastle United loan signing Jetro Willems has rejected the offer of a new contract with Eintracht Frankfurt.

The report by the Chronicle Live states that the 26-year-old left-back, who spent a large part of last season on loan at Newcastle, has rejected the offer of a new deal from the Bundesliga side, meaning that he will be free to sign a pre-contract deal with any European club this January.

And, according to the report, the £4.05 million-rated defender would ‘welcome a move’ back to Steve Bruce’s side, with the player’s agent stating: “Jetro felt very comfortable at Newcastle and he said he felt like it was home, so of course he would be happy to go back if the chance came up.

“It is a great club and he had a great time in England. Newcastle were very good after the injury so it is something he would be happy with if the opportunity came up.”

In his time at Newcastle, the Netherlands international highly impressed, scoring two goals and providing three assists over his 20 appearances for the club.

However, the 26-year-old then ruptured his cruciate ligament, an injury which has resulted in the defender not playing a game since his last appearance for Newcastle back in January this year.

Transfer Tavern Take

While Willems did undeniably impress during his spell in Newcastle, the fact that the club spent £14.85 million on bringing Jamal Lewis in over the summer transfer window could mean that the Magpies are no longer in need of another player at left-back.

Having said this, the fact that Willems would be available on a free transfer could mean that a deal that is too good for Newcastle to refuse Fans of the club may now face an anxious wait to see whether or not their side do indeed make move for the 26-year-old in January.

In other Newcastle United related news, Steve Bruce has stated that he cannot influence the club’s potential takeover, find out more here! 

Both Liverpool and Manchester United have been linked to a loan move for Ousmane Dembele as the transfer window ticks down.

It appears as though the Reds have capped off their summer spending after welcoming Kostas Tsimikas, Thiago Alcantara and Diogo Jota over the threshold. However, there could be room for just one more deal – especially a short-term one.

Spanish outlet Sport (via The Mirror), claim the Reds had made contact over a season-long move for the Barcelona man. Manchester United are also in hot pursuit of his services though, also looking to strike a loan deal with the La Liga giants, according to the Manchester Evening News.

Liverpool could snub Man United for Dembele

Although the Merseysiders look unlikely to make any more additions to their squad, temporarily bringing in Dembele could be a smart move. Transfermarkt value the forward at £50.4million, so any option to buy could see Barca demand a fee in that region. With Liverpool already splashing £45million on their shock move for Jota, funds could now be low in the bank of the champions.

Similarly, if they are keen on bolstering their attack and bringing in Dembele, they may have to pay a large chunk towards his mammoth £209,000 weekly wage (via wageindicator.co.uk).

But both Jota and Thiago came as surprise packages which could indicate Fenway Sports Group do indeed have the cash to spare. If finances aren’t an issue, Dembele could favour a move to Anfield over Old Trafford.

Why would Ousmane Dembele sign for Liverpool?

Despite being primarily a winger, the France international can also be deployed further up the pitch as a right midfielder, or in the No.9 position. This would provide excellent cover for Liverpool’s current front three, who look exposed in terms of back-up.

Jota was a very smart signing from the Reds, but should more than one injury occur across the attacking trio, Liverpool need more than just one reliable option.

Xherdan Shaqiri missed a total of 11 matches through injury last season and Divock Origi managed just six goals in 42 appearances (via Transfermarkt).

Jurgen Klopp’s side also boast good chances of winning back-to-back titles, which Dembele would definitely love to be a part of. If Liverpool make an offer for his services, it will be hard for him to turn them down.

In others new, Neil Mellor discusses Rhian Brewster’s Liverpool future

West Ham United are facing a tumultuous summer.

They have sold Grady Diangana to West Bromwich Albion in a deal that has led to howls of derision from fans and have roundly failed to strengthen their squad in the summer.

Tomas Soucek has arrived on a permanent basis, his loan deal being converted, but other than that, they are no better than they were at the end of the campaign.

And The Athletic has now made it clear just how poor their transfer activity has been.

They report that there were a number of players discussed as potential targets who have moved to other clubs instead of ending up in east London.

Cameo Clubs: Which obscure teams did these football legends play for?

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The names may be familiar for West Ham fans; Ollie Watkins and Matty Cash have joined Aston Villa from Brentford and Nottingham Forest respectively; Antonee Robinson has moved to Fulham from Wigan Athletic; Eberechi Eze has gone to Crystal Palace from QPR; Jamal Lewis has joined Newcastle United from Norwich City, while Callum Wilson and Ryan Fraser have also rocked up at St James’ Park from AFC Bournemouth.

There is no guarantee, of course, that any would have decided to move to the London Stadium when faced with rival interest but there must be frustration at the inability to get deals over the line this summer for the Hammers.

Any one of the seven players would undoubtedly have improved David Moyes’ squad and given him more options in his selections.

Is life under Gold and Sullivan really that bad? Maybe this quiz will change your minds, West Ham fans…

Instead, he is still working with the same group of players he had at the end of the 2019/20 campaign.

It really isn’t good enough.

Manchester United face stiff competition from Arsenal in the race to sign Gabriel Magalhaes from Lille, reports claim.Â

Gabriel finds himself on the Red Devils’ radar amid interest from a number of European clubs this summer with Arsenal among them.

According to Goal, Lille still haven’t decided where his future lies, and he is currently considering his options ahead of a potential move.

It is understood that the Ligue 1 club want at least £25m for the highly-rated centre-back.

Recent reports had suggested that the Red Devils were close to completing a deal for the defender but this doesn’t seem to be the case.

While Man United have made contact with his agent, Fabrizio Romano revealed they are not in talks with Lille at the moment.

The Italian transfer expert tweeted that Arsenal are ahead of their fierce rivals as they have started discussions with Les Dogues to sort out a deal, while Napoli remain interested but are waiting to see what will happen with United’s other defensive target, Kalidou Koulibaly.

It is common knowledge that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wants to sign a centre-back to play alongside Harry Maguire at the back, as Victor Lindelof has struggled for consistency, and Eric Bailly has barely played at all.

The 22-year-old Brazilian is exactly the sort of player he needs to bring to Old Trafford this summer.

Gabriel, who has been described by Lille president Gerard Lopez as an “absolute machine,” has the pick of the crop after putting in a string of impressive performances at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy last term.

United are a more attractive option than Arsenal, as Solskjaer can offer Champions League football, while their top-flight rivals will have to settle for playing in the Europa League next season.

Admittedly, Mikel Arteta’s side may have an advantage, as Raul Sanllehi worked with Lille chief executive Marc Ingla during their time together at Barcelona, which is believed to have worked in their favour while negotiating for Nicolas Pepe.

Ed Woodward will have his work cut out as it seems as though the centre-back has dropped a huge hint on social media. However, there are bound to be plenty of twists and turns as the transfer saga continues to unfold in the coming days.

United fans, do you think Woodward will sign Gabriel this summer? Let us know down below!

Darren Bent insists appointing Ledley King as a first-team coach at Tottenham Hotspur is a “masterstroke” by Jose Mourinho.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Spurs striker admits he is surprised it hasn’t happened sooner.

Recent reports revealed that King had held talks about joining the backroom staff at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium after Mourinho announced his assistant Ricardo Formosinho would be leaving north London to pursue his own career as a head coach.

Mourinho has now confirmed that the club’s former captain will be linking up with his coaching staff next season.

Spurs qualified for the Europa League with a 1-1 draw at Crystal Palace on the final day of the season, and Mourinho dropped the news immediately after the game.

The pundit, who played with King at White Hart Lane, believes the move will win Mourinho favour with the fans.

Bent told assistant editor Russell Edge “that guy can do the lot, he can do everything – play, defend, everything, and he did it with one leg.”

“Do you know what’s mad though? I’ve always thought to myself surely when he retired one of the managers would get him on board on the coaching staff defensively. Honestly, outstanding.”

“I don’t know if it was him that didn’t or what but it didn’t happen but I always felt managers were missing a trick with him because this guy, the fans love him – that’s a way to get the fans on board because they idolise him – he’s obviously that good as well.”

“It’s a masterstroke from Mourinho if he pulls that off.”

It is hard to argue with Bent here, as King is a hugely popular figure amongst the fan base.

King, 39, made 323 appearances for Spurs, scoring 14 goals in all competitions, famously winning the League Cup in 2008.

After breaking through the ranks, the academy graduate led the club for seven years, until a recurring knee injury forced him to retire at the age of just 31.

The arrival of Martin Jol coincided with King’s revival, as together the duo laid the foundations that turned Tottenham into a team capable of challenging for a place in the Champions League.

The firm favourite enjoys the honour of hearing his name ring out on the 26th minute of every game to mark his shirt number and he has worked as a club ambassador up until now.

Despite the fact his playing career was sadly cut short, King knows the club inside and out, and his local knowledge could prove useful.

The Lilywhites have leaked goals for fun throughout the season and fans will be hoping the veteran can fix their defensive frailties on the training pitch.

Whether or not he will be able to make an immediate impact remains to be seen.

Tottenham fans, are you excited to see Ledley King link up with Mourinho? Let us know down below!

With just seven games to go, Leeds inch ever closer to their return to the Premier League after dismantling Fulham 3-0 at Elland Road on Saturday afternoon.

The Whites saw rivals West Brom slip to a 1-0 defeat to Brentford the night before, and they took advantage of that slip-up with the minimum of fuss.

Patrick Bamford, Ezgjan Alioski and Jack Harrison all notched in a comfortable victory, and the latter in particular drew some high praise from the club’s fans for a virtuoso performance.

Aside from his goal and assist, Harrison also provided two key passes, created one big chance and finished with a 7.9 match rating as per Sofascore – only goalkeeper Illan Meslier finished with a higher score (8.1).

And after seeing his display, Leeds fans flocked to Twitter to share their reactions.

A couple of Leeds fans talked up how good Harrison looked playing out on the right-hand side, with most of his appearances this season coming on the opposite flank (38).

A few fans made it very clear they wanted to see Harrison signed permanently, with reports back in January suggesting that parent club Manchester City are willing to let him go for around £8m.

If Leeds get one key piece of transfer business done this summer, then surely securing Harrison on a permanent deal is right up there at the top of the list.

Can you name every one of the Leeds’ top goalscorers from the past 15 seasons? It’s a tricky one…

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The 5 foot 9 ace has been an ever-present for Marcelo Bielsa’s side this season, playing in every single Championship game, and has scored six times and provided eight assists across all competitions.

He’s had the kind of impressive campaign that should have Victor Orta and co with a fairly simple decision to make about whether to bring him back for next season.

Loads of Tottenham fans have reacted to a post from the club’s official account showing footage of Son Heung-min giving an interview at Enfield. 

Son spoke extensively about his military service and how it feels to be back training with his teammates. Spurs shared a clip on Twitter, with the caption “I’ve missed the guys. When I came back, I couldn’t stop smiling, like always!”

Last month, the South Korean returned to training for the first time since the nationwide lockdown began after completing national service with his home country. He impressed army officers and finished at the top of his class (Daily Mail).

As Son was ruled out with a broken arm in February, there is no doubt his return will give Jose Mourinho’s side a massive boost.

Indeed, the 27-year-old is the club’s second-highest goalscorer at the time of writing, only a goal behind star striker Harry Kane, and he has provided more assists than the England international up until now (BBC).

He has scored nine goals and created seven assists in the Premier League, taking three shots per game, averaging 1.4 key passes and attempting 2.3 dribbles on average (via WhoScored).

Unsurprisingly, lots of Spurs supporters gushed over Son’s latest “amazing” interview on social media, with one fan dubbing the video “fantastic”.

Scroll down through some of the glowing reactions so far…

Tottenham fans, are you excited to see Sonny back on the pitch? Let us know down below!