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Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba is reportedly leaning towards signing a new contract with the club after months of deliberations.

What’s the story?

According to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, the 28-year-old World Cup winner is now favouring extending his stay at Old Trafford after entering the final year of his current contract.

Pogba has entered the final year of his deal with United and was heavily linked with a move to Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain over the summer, before they signed Lionel Messi.

And while Ornstein claims that no ‘meaningful progress’ has been made over a new deal, meaning the France international could still leave on a free in 12 months’ time, Pogba is said to be impressed by the recent progress made by the Red Devils and could put pen to paper on fresh terms as a result.

“Recent events are believed to have had a profound effect on Pogba, and there is now a feeling that opting to stay with the 20-time English champions is becoming a realistic possibility,” the well-known and reliable journalist wrote.

“With the transfer window closed, talks are expected to resume in due course, and although Pogba can speak to foreign suitors from January, it is anticipated that his mind could be made up sooner.

“How Pogba and his team-mates fare in the campaign, the success of their signings, United’s longer-term vision and offers from elsewhere will be among many factors influencing his decision.

“The lack of movement in talks suggested joining the likes of Paris Saint-Germain or Real Madrid looked likely, and while that may yet occur, he is currently thought to be leaning the opposite way,” he concluded.

Manchester United fans will be absolutely buzzing

News that Pogba is believed to be open to signing a new contract at United will leave the club’s supporters absolutely buzzing, given his influence on the team.

The former Juventus maestro has been in excellent form for many months now and has started the new campaign in emphatic fashion, providing seven assists in just four Premier League games.

He’s struck up a magnificent partnership in the Red Devils’ engine room with Bruno Fernandes, and the duo could be central to any future success that the club has.

Therefore, this latest revelation will give United’s fanbase, manager and players alike renewed hope that a successful new era is beginning at Old Trafford, with Pogba potentially a key figure in that.

And, in other news…Fabrizio Romano drops exciting Man United update, fans will be absolutely delighted 

Writing on his Patreon, club insider ExWHUemployee has lifted the lid on a behind-the-scenes ‘shake up’ at West Ham United.

The Lowdown: Moyes eyeing the long term…

During his first stint with the Hammers, Moyes was not offered the chance to build on his work at the London Stadium – being quickly replaced by Manuel Pellegrini.

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Nearly two years after he was re-instated following GSB’s decision to part ways with the Chilean, Moyes has guided West Ham back to Europe whilst being handed a new and improved long term deal.

The 58-year-old touched upon building for the long term and putting ‘another layer of bricks’ on top of simply signing players, with Ex now revealing news of a major overhaul at academy level.

The Latest: ExWHUemployee lifts lid on behind-scenes ‘shake up’…

As per his information, West Ham are now set for an overhaul in terms of key staff in the Hammers academy.

Indeed, Ex believes that Under-23s coach Dmitri Halajko is now ‘set to leave’ within the next month and other ‘key people’ could also be on their way before the season finishes.

Jeremy Sauer, who is currently assistant boss to Halajko, may depart after his current coaching partner with Moyes and the club now apparently set for an overhaul.

The Verdict: Moyes building…

Given the Scotsman’s fine job at West Ham, we believe the club and supporters should watch on and let him reshape the finer details of the club in his own image.

Planning for the long term is arguably an underrated part of any manager’s job with the emphasis being on aspects like transfers or results on the field.

Finer changes like this one could have a major impact on the talent coming through at Rush Green, and therefore, the first team – so this update could possess some significance.

In other news: ‘I’ve heard’…Insider drops ‘boardroom level’ claim in possible boost for Moyes and West Ham, find out more here.

While things at Celtic look as if they have started to click under Ange Postecoglou in recent weeks, with the Hoops picking up back to back away wins in their last two league fixtures, the 56-year-old manager will nevertheless know that Tuesday evening’s Europa League tie is already something of a make or break game in the Bhoys’ season.

Indeed, losses in their opening two Group G matches have left Celtic rooted to the foot of their Europa League table, behind Tuesday’s visitors to Parkhead, Ferencvarosi TC, on goal difference.

As such, while the Hoops’ hopes of qualification for the knockout stages of the competition are already extremely thin, a win against the Hungarian side is a must should Postecoglou have any hope of his team making it out of the group.

So, with nothing but victory being enough, it would seem essential that the Greek-Australian manager fields as strong a side as possible against Ferencvarosi – with summer signing Giorgos Giakoumakis appearing to be a must in the Bhoys starting XI.

Postecoglou must finally unleash Giakoumakis

Life at Parkhead has got off to a rather slow start for Giakoumakis since his £2.5m move this summer, with the centre-forward managing a grand total of just 33 minutes of game time over his two appearances in green and white.

However, with both of these appearances coming in Celtic’s last three games, and Postecoglou insisting before the club’s 2-0 win over Motherwell last weekend that the 26-year-old is “ready to make an impact” for the Hoops after a series of injury setbacks, the 56-year-old must finally unleash Giakoumakis from the off against Ferencvarosi.

While the forward is yet to demonstrate his goalscoring ability in front of the Parkhead faithful, should Celtic fans require evidence that the Greek international is capable of firing them to the knockout stages of the Europa League, all that is needed is to look at the striker’s astonishing returns for VVV-Venlo last season.

Indeed, over his 30 Eredivisie appearances last term, the £2.25m-rated man scored a league-high 26 goals, registered one assist and created three big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 3.2 shots and making 0.5 key passes per game.

These metrics saw the player who Jeroen Kapteijns dubbed a “phenomenon” average a remarkable SofaScore match rating of 7.35, not only ranking him as his club’s best performer in the Dutch top-flight but also as the joint sixth-best in the entirety of the league.

As such, with Postecoglou in desperate need of three points on Tuesday evening, the 56-year-old simply must unleash the goal machine that is Giakoumakis, as the centre-forward is clearly more than capable of putting a team such as Ferencvarosi to the sword and firing the Hoops closer towards the knock-out stages.

In other news: Ange drops fresh Celtic injury update ahead of Europa League tie, fans surely buzzing

Tottenham Hotspur are on the verge of making another addition this transfer window…

What’s the word?

With just a week left to go, it appears that Fabio Paratici and co are close to sealing a fourth signing in young Metz midfielder Pape Matar Sarr.

Renowned Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano took to Twitter to announce:

“Pape Sarr to Tottenham, agreement reached and here-we-go. Deal set to be completed for €15m fee, personal terms agreed on verbal basis waiting for contracts to be signed.”

This came as an update to his report from yesterday, where he said:

“Deal at final stages for talented midfielder Pape Sarr to Tottenham from Metz. The verbal agreement has been reached between the two clubs – now discussing on Sarr staying on loan at Metz until June 2022. Talks ongoing on personal terms. Details still to be sorted.”

The 18-year-old talent is expected to cost in the region of £14m and he is likely to stay with the Ligue 1 outfit before heading to north London next summer.

One for the future

It seems as if the Lilywhites are planning for the long-term with this move – and quite rightly so.

Spurs boss Nuno Santo is awash with plenty of options in the engine room right now, with Oliver Skipp, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Dele Alli his preference right now.

He also has the likes of Giovani Lo Celso and Harry Winks available from the bench, whilst there’s even Tanguy Ndombele and Moussa Sissoko still on the books despite mooted moves away.

Indeed, Sarr could be the long-term successor to either but perhaps more so to the 31-year-old, who has to be running out of time in the capital.

The veteran Frenchman has regressed over the past 12 to 18 months – as per WhoScored, Sissoko averaged 1.4 dribbles per game during the 2019/20 campaign but that halved to 0.7 in 2020/21 and similarly, his key passes per game dropped by 0.4. Furthermore, he also managed far fewer tackles.

Described as “quite a versatile player” who “plays the box-to-box role” by French football expert Adam White to Football FanCast, the rising Metz prodigy could well take the reigns from Sissoko in a year’s time.

Sarr enjoyed a breakthrough last season, playing 26 times in all competitions, including full-length appearances against Mauricio Pochettino’s big-spending Paris Saint-Germain and title winners Lille.

The teenager has been likened to Miralem Pjanic and been lauded as a player who’s “got everything”, and his performances would certainly reinforce that.

He averaged two tackles, 1.2 interceptions, 0.8 dribbles and 0.7 key passes per league game last term, via WhoScored. All of which clearly exceed Sissoko’s returns.

Nuno and Paratici could finally axe the dwindling Frenchman by signing Sarr.

This latest and exciting breakthrough is sure to leave many around N17 absolutely buzzing.

AND in other news, Bye-bye Ndombele: Paratici could find Spurs’ next Dembele in £26m “outstanding talent”…

An update has emerged regarding Aston Villa’s interest in Norwich midfielder Todd Cantwell.

What’s the talk?

According to Football Insider, Villa are currently working on a deal to sign the Canaries attacking midfielder. Johan Lange is pushing to sign the England under-21 international for a ‘sizeable’ fee, although no specific figures are mentioned.

It was reported earlier this week that it would take between £40m and £50m for Norwich to part ways with Cantwell this summer, having already sold Emi Buendia to Dean Smith’s side.

Nightmare

Lange must avoid a transfer nightmare with Cantwell this month. It would be a mistake for the club to pay up to £50m for the midfielder this summer, as it would be a significant overpayment for his services.

He is valued at £19.8m by Transfermarkt, whilst his former teammate Buendia’s value is listed as £31.5m following his £34.56m move to Villa earlier in the window. This suggests that he is not worth anywhere near as much as the Argentine, which is why Lange must not pay £15m more for Cantwell than he did for Buendia.

There is also the question of where the 23-year-old would fit in. Dean Smith currently has Anwar El-Ghazi, Bertrand Traore, Emi Buendia, Leon Bailey Danny Ings and Ollie Watkins at his disposal in attack. Watkins, Ings and El Ghazi all hit double figures for goals in the Premier League, whilst Bailey scored nine in the Bundesliga and Buendia managed 15 goals and 16 assists in the Championship.

Meanwhile, Cantwell scored six goals and set up another six in the second tier for the Canaries. This suggests that he may not be a better option than any of the aforementioned players, which means that he could only be a back-up at Villa Park next season.

His former Norwich coach Gary Cockaday called his talent God-given when speaking to The Athletic in October, saying: “Todd looked at one of them in the eye, put his toe under the ball, flicked it back over his head, turned and he was gone. All without looking at the ball.

“He did things every week that were just special. It was God-given. No one taught it. I always believed if you had someone like that, don’t change them or make them conform.”

Whilst Cantwell may have talent and have the potential to improve further, Villa should not be paying £50m for a player who could be sat on their bench for the majority of the campaign. If the price was significantly lower then it may be a different discussion, but that does not appear to be the case here.

AND in other news, “Going nowhere”: Journalist drops big Aston Villa transfer update, fans will be fuming…

Paul Stewart wants to see Cristian Romero make his debut starting alongside Joe Rodon at the heart of the Tottenham defence against Manchester City.

The Argentinian centre-back became Nuno Espirito Santo’s third summer signing when he joined in a £42.5m move from Atalanta.

However, having only signed last weekend, Romero hasn’t played a single minute in pre-season and is carrying an injury from the Copa America final.

During Tottenham’s five pre-season matches, Santo has tried and tested several different centre-back pairings as he looks to improve on last seasons defensive problems under Jose Mourinho.

However, Eric Dier and Davinson Sanchez started the final friendly against Arsenal, which suggests they’re likely to keep their place for the visit of the Premier League champions.

That wouldn’t be a popular choice with the Spurs faithful after their own respective performances weren’t at the required level last term.

Asked who he wants starting this weekend, Stewart exclusively told The Transfer Tavern:

“I think Rodon and the new signing, Romero. If I was managing that would be my starting two, the others have been in there last season and haven’t cut the mustard, the biggest problem Spurs had was across the defence.

“Rodon did exceptionally well at the EUROs and Messi has backed Romero, so I can see them starting.”

Everton have witnessed a quiet transfer deadline day so far but they are on the verge of sealing at least one move.

Despite the Toffees struggling to conclude a swap deal for Luis Diaz and James Rodriguez, there is positive news beginning to emerge.

What’s the word?

One player that Rafa Benitez has had in his crosshairs during the final day of the window is Salomon Rondon.

The Venezuelan is currently playing his football in China but could head back to the Premier League in the concluding hours of the window.

That’s according to the reliable Everton Insider, The Bobble, an individual who was being retweeted on Twitter by the renowned journalist Paul Joyce on Monday evening.

They revealed the following update during deadline day: “Everton are edging closer to announcing Salomon Rondon as a new signing, with talks progressing. The club are awaiting for Rondon to come to a financial agreement with former employers Dalian Professional from the Chinese Super League.”

Rafa buzzing

With Dominic Calvert-Lewin the only real senior option for Everton’s striker berth, signing Rondon will be important for the rest of the season.

It will also be a signing that delights Benitez, a manager who coached the powerful attacker during his time at Newcastle.

The Spaniard has been to sign players who will work hard for the rest rather than bonafide global stars and it appears to have worked a treat.

They have already established a wonderful relationship together with Benitez even comparing the 31-year-old to a certain Alan Shearer.

During Rondon’s time at Newcastle under the current Everton boss, he played 61 times, scoring 26 goals in the process.

He wasn’t the most prolific force in the Premier League but evidently, he’d only need a short adjustment period considering he’s already played in England before.

Benitez trusts him and with that in mind, supporters should trust him too.

It’s not the most glamorous of signings but it’s something for the Toffees fanbase to get excited about on deadline day nonetheless.

AND in other news, David Ornstein delivers intriguing Everton transfer update, Brands must act quickly…

Leeds United are plotting a record-breaking transfer move for Sampdoria star Mikkel Damsgaard.

What’s the story?

Reports in recent weeks have suggested that Marcelo Bielsa’s team are one of the sides interested in signing the Denmark attacker, with Turkish publication Sabah claiming that the Yorkshire club, along with the likes of Barcelona, Juventus and Liverpool, among others, are all interested in landing him too.

And now, according to Il Bianconero (via Sport Witness), Leeds are pushing hard to get him to England this summer, although it will not come cheap.

The report claims that Sampdoria president, Massimo Ferrero, will not sell him unless he gets a good offer, and that’s said to be more than €30m (£26m).

Bielsa will be buzzing

Having splashed out a club-record fee of £26m to land Rodrigo from Valencia last summer, a move for Damsgaard would have to end up being a record-breaking one for Leeds, given Ferrero’s reported stance on the matter.

But, given his performances for both club and country, it would be money well spent.

Dubbed as “magical” by Norwegian football expert Martin Mikkelsen, he also added that the 21-year-old is “dynamic and can go both ways. He is creative but also so mature in his decisions.”

The £26m-rated star has also been hailed as being “phenomenal” by Denmark teammate, Kasper Schmeichel, for his performances at EURO 2020 over the summer – Damsgaard of course struck that superb free-kick in the semi-finals against England.

After hearing about the links to the Dane, former Leeds man Noel Whelan raved about the prospect of him arriving at Elland Road.

He said: “Wow, now he would be a signing. From what I have seen, he is the next big thing coming out of Denmark. Again, we are looking at players who are the right age and of the right profile. Somebody who would compliment what Marcelo Bielsa already has.

“Leeds nowadays are very intense and aggressive in their style of play and fitness plays a huge part. He looks to me as if he could do that as well, which is important because it’s not just about the little flicks. Damsgaard is a very exciting prospect. If we could get that deal over the line it would show just how far we’ve come in the last couple of years.”

With his ability to play all across the front positions, and the fact he’s only 21, Damsgaard appears to be the kind of perfect, versatile signing that Bielsa will love at Elland Road.

Meanwhile, Phil Hay has dropped an exciting Leeds United transfer update…

A journalist has claimed that Tottenham Hotspur could make a transfer offer for Haris Seferovic in the summer window.

The Lowdown: Kane situation unclear

The future of Harry Kane at Spurs is currently unclear, as Fabio Paratici has recently admitted that he would like to keep him after the England international captain reiterated his desire to leave (Sky Sports).

Whether the 27-year-old stays or goes, Nuno Espirito Santo’s team will surely be looking to bring in a new striker, whether that would be to replace Kane or play as a backup to him.

The Lowdown: Seferovic interest

As per Italian football journalist Rudy Galetti, the north London club are ‘interested’ in a move for Seferovic and are ‘thinking about making an offer’.

He describes the transfer saga as an ‘evolving situation’ and claims that the Benfica forward could make a move to the Premier League.

The Swiss international is currently valued at around €25m (£21.4m), and it may be a deal to watch as the window progresses.

The Verdict: Sign

Whatever happens with Kane, Tottenham should be looking to snap up a proven goalscorer in Seferovic.

The 29-year-old managed 26 goals and a further seven assists in 48 games across all competitions across the 2020/21 season (Transfermarkt) and carried that form into Euro 2020 with Switzerland.

Seferovic scored two headers against the reigning world champions and tournament favourites France in their last 16 tie, showing just how much of a beast that he can be in the air. With a 6 foot 2 frame, he should have no difficulty at all in coping with both the physical and aerial demands of the Premier League.

In other news, find out which ‘crazy’ ace has been touted a ‘dream’ signing for Spurs

Steve Howey feels Steve Bruce will have to be frugal in the transfer market due to Newcastle United potentially having a budget of just £15million.

The Magpies’s arbitration case is set to go ahead later this month, although the Premier League have failed to give the club a date.

Should the proposed takeover by the Public Investment Fund be pushed through, having initially been rejected by the Premier League last year, Newcastle would become the country’s richest club with assets worth a reported £320billion.

However, with the case yet to be heard, the Magpies remain under Mike Ashley’s ownership and Bruce does not have quite such extensive sums to play with ahead of the transfer window slamming shut at the end of next month.

While Newcastle were initially looking to secure Joe Willock’s services on a permanent basis following a fruitful temporary spell at the end of last season, the club have now entered talks with Arsenal over another potential loan deal.

Ex-Magpies defender Howey believes Bruce will have to be shrewd.

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, he said: “Apparently the budget is something like £12-15million. That doesn’t buy you one decent player. Whether it’s in instalments or other ways they can structure deals, I don’t know.

“Without a doubt, there has to be some dealings going on. Ultimately, whoever they get in, they need to do their due diligence on the player because Newcastle just can’t afford to take a punt.”