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Pundit Noel Whelan has dropped a big claim involving Tottenham’s links to Mauricio Pochettino.

The Lowdown: Tottenham hold Pochettino talks

As per BBC Sport, Spurs have held talks with Pochettino over a potential return to North London, although there has been no contact with PSG over the matter.

Ryan Mason is still in interim charge at the moment, but given that talks are being held with other managers, it looks very unlikely that he will get the job on a permanent basis.

The Latest: Whelan lauds potential Pochettino appointment

Speaking to Football Insider, Whelan, who is now a pundit after a stellar footballing career playing for the likes of Leeds United and Coventry City, has lauded the potential appointment of Pochettino, and does not understand why he was sacked in the first place:

“I think if you can get him, he’s a fantastic appointment.

“I also think it’s one of the biggest farces in football. Letting him go when they shouldn’t have let him go and bringing in Jose Mourinho. I just think why did you let him go in the first place? 

“It was such a bad decision to get rid of him, one of the best up-and-coming managers. He had the most successful season Tottenham have had for a long, long time taking them to the Champions League final, finishing second one season. 

“I mean, what were they thinking anyway? It just seems ridiculous the way they got rid of a really good manager. He was snapped up by one of the biggest clubs in European football in PSG because they knew what a good manager they could have.

“I’m pleased he might be back in English football, absolutely. We benefit and so will Tottenham.”

The Verdict: Tottenham should avoid Pochettino for now

There is no doubt that Pochettino did a lot of great things while managing the Lilywhites, none more so than getting them to a UEFA Champions League final, as well as achieving four successive top-four finishes in the Premier League, which is hard to do considering the quality of the division and the size of their budgets compared to the likes of Manchester City, Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal.

However, the Argentine never won a trophy during his time in North London, and managers are judged on what the win for their respective clubs.

Jose Mourinho was brought in with the hope that he could deliver a trophy to THFC, given what he had won in the past. He managed to get them to a Carabao Cup final, but was sacked shortly before it, perfectly encapsulating the sort of luck the club have had around silverware recently.

Spurs do need a serial winner though, who is capable of delivering trophies to the club, and ‘Poch’ does not fit this profile.

However, manager options may be limited if the likes of Zinedine Zidane and Antonio Conte get snapped up, and given that the 49-year-old has still proved himself to be a promising coach, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him return.

In other news, find out what Daniel Levy has done to try and convince Pochettino to join here!

Tottenham Hotspur chiefs have now set their sights on one of Aston Villa’s rising stars after an appeal from club officials, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Paratici weighs top talent…

Spurs managing director Fabio Paratici, as per recent claims, also has one eye on future talents with there being many on his radar.

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Peterborough United duo Ronnie Edwards and Benjamin Mensah, a central defender and right-wing-back respectively, are just two names Tottenham have been linked with recently.

Middlesbrough ace Djed Spence, currently on loan at Nottingham Forest, was the subject of multiple Spurs bids in January and there is reason to believe they could return to the charge this summer.

The Latest: Tottenham hierarchy plot Patterson move…

According to Football Insider, Tottenham are now ‘plotting’ a move for Villa’s exciting young left-back Travis Patterson.

The 16-year-old is regarded as one of the ‘top-level’ youngsters coming through in the Midlands with Spurs club officials and ‘talent spotters’ scouting Patterson.

It is believed that these employees have now ‘recommended’ the England Under-17 international to Tottenham’s ‘hierarchy’ – appealing for his signing behind-the-scenes.

The Verdict: Make a move?

Patterson is certainly emerging as one to watch, having already made his Villa Under-23s debut at just 16.

This is a real indicator of his talent, and going by Spurs’ homegrown quota issue, they should be looking to get as many top English talents through the door as possible.

His development has been described as ‘rapid’ and there is no sign of it slowing down, and going by his real rise, he may well be a Tottenham left-back of the future if club chiefs decide to tempt him across the Premier League to north London.

In other news: Tottenham officials dispatched to club as they allegedly eye ‘unbelievable’ £33m man for Conte! Find out more here.

Watford have joined the race to sign the promising centre-forward Saikou Janneh this summer, according to reports…

What’s the word?

That’s the word from The Sun, who claim that the Premier League new boys, Watford and Norwich City, are both plotting a move for the Bristol City striker, as each side look to put together a squad capable of surviving in the top flight next season.

It is also reported that Brighton & Hove Albion are keen on a move for the 21-year-old, who has two seasons remaining on his contract at the Championship side.

Meanwhile, in Europe, Hertha Berlin and Bayer Leverkusen are thought to be keeping tabs on the striker, opening up the possibility of something of a bidding war for the youngster’s services in the upcoming transfer window.

However, the Bristol City manager, Nigel Pearson, is believed to be desperate to retain the services of Janneh, as the 57-year-old feels the Gambian striker has a big future at Ashton Gate.

Signs of promise

Despite the fact that Janneh has made just three first-team appearances for Bristol City, the 21-year-old has shown huge signs of promise during a loan spell at Torquay United, where he bagged 16 goals in 28 appearances for the National League side, while the Newport County boss, Michael Flynn, claimed that Janneh is a “fantastic lad” and a “great character” while the striker was on loan at his side earlier this season.

And, should Watford go on to land the centre-forward this summer, while he may not be a Premier League ready forward just yet, Janneh would represent a fantastic piece of transfer business for the future of the club, as well as potentially offering Xisco Munoz an option as an impact substitute from the bench.

Furthermore, with Ismaila Sarr likely to attract interest once again this summer – with the 23-year-old having highly impressed in the Championship, scoring 13 goals and providing four assists over his 39 appearances in the second tier – the signing of Janneh could also be seen as a move to land a long term replacement for the £18 million-rated Watford star.

As such, all in all, while the reports do not mention how much a potential deal for the Bristol City youngster would set the Hornets back, the 21-year-old’s signing would be an astute and intelligent addition to Xisco’s squad ahead of his side’s Premier League campaign. If they can beat all of those clubs to pull off this blockbuster signing, Hornets’ supporters should be very happy indeed.

Many Glasgow Rangers fans have been left fuming at a referee decision in their 0-0 draw with Brighton and Hove Albion in a friendly on Saturday evening.

Ianis Hagi thought that he had scored late on in the second half, only for the referee to bring the play back for an alleged foul on Yves Bissouma.

Steven Gerrard’s men more than held their own against the Premier League outfit, as new signing John Lundstram hit the crossbar as the Gers threatened to go ahead on more than one occasion in the first half (The Daily Mail).

Even though it was just a pre-season friendly, it would have been a very good result if the Ibrox faithful managed to beat the Seagulls, but in the end, they had to settle for a draw.

Nonetheless, a lot of RFC supporters were not happy at all with the decision to chalk Hagi’s goal off.

Rangers fans on disallowed goal

These Rangers fans slammed the decision to disallow Hagi’s goal on Twitter, with one even going as far as to claim that it was a ‘terrible decision’:

“That’s the worst dive I’ve ever seen”

Credit: @666lucifxr

“Terrible decision by the ref! Goal all day”

Credit: @mjh1977

“Never a foul, we got robbed”

Credit: @Justin83517287

“That’s poor”Credit: @JamieGirdwood”Scottish officials are embarrassing”Credit: @EverySaturdayWe”No way is that a foul”Credit: @RangersCentral3In other news, find out what big claim has been dropped on this ‘top-quality’ Ger here!

Glasgow Rangers fans are far from happy with comments from journalist Peter Martin, who said the Gers were able to win the Premiership title last term because of their rivals’ complacency.

The Gers were, by far, the best team in Scotland last term. The won the league title with 102 points, 25 ahead of their nearest rivals Celtic, and they went through the whole competition without losing a single game (thefishy.co.uk).

Not only that, they set a new British record of just 13 goals conceded in a top flight campaign (thehindu.com) – it was as comprehensive a victory as possible.

However, it appears not everybody sees it that way. Writing for PLZ, Martin believes Celtic’s complacency allowed the the Gers to capture their 55th top-tier title – a rather insulting claim given how good Rangers actually were.

An extract from the article was shared on Twitter by @KerryFail, and it attracted plenty of attention from the Gers supporters. They took to the social media platform to share their thoughts.

Let’s see what the the fans had to say about the Martin article below

“Peter – said when rangers got late penalty at hearts years ago that there was a stench of cheating … he can’t help himself”

Credit: @boxing_rugby

“Peter is a bitter boy that’s just embarrassing!!”

Credit: @glasgowgolfer77

“Sounds bitter”

Credit: @KennyRo72222630

“Tears”

Credit: @SC55RFC

“First Rangers team in a long time to bring not only a very dominant performance across the season but an actual bit of flair on the park. Some cracking individual and team performances. To label them this way to get readers is mediocre journalism”

Credit: @MarkDoc8458445

“He’s the type that’s stuck in the past that thinks every Xmas in the 80s was a white Xmas. The truth is this Rangers side would compete with any other team from any season you could mention”

Credit: @AlfieBoy78

In other news, Rangers fans were livid at this club update.

Speaking exclusively to The Transfer Tavern, former Premier League midfielder Carlton Palmer believes Sheffield United’s next manager will have less control than Chris Wilder, and control is what forced the 53-year-old out in the first place.

Wilder left Sheffield United back in March, with the Blades glued to the bottom of the table, and the club have since confirmed that there is a five-man shortlist of managers who could potentially succeed him.

That shortlist includes Paul Heckingbottom, who was put in interim charge following Wilder’s departure from Bramall Lane.

For Palmer, handing someone like Heckingbottom the job would suggest that the club want an individual who is going to allow them to call the shots, perhaps taking on more of a head coach role rather than a manager one.

On Sheffield United’s manager situation, the ex-Sheffield Wednesday player told TT in an exclusive interview:

“This might be an issue in terms of why Chris left the club because if they put somebody like Paul, you’ve got to remember now, if you put somebody like Paul in there and they could perhaps call the shots with Paul.

“But if you get a manager worth his salts, you’re not going to be able to call the shots. He’s going to want to run the club the way that he wants to run the club. And, you know, I think in the end that was the issue with Chris Wilder – they were trying to bring in a director of football.”

In terms of external candidates, Club Brugge manager Philippe Clement is one name that has been linked with the job in recent days.

West Ham United are in the race to seal Nikola Maksimovic in a free transfer this summer…

What’s the word?

That’s according to Plaza Deportivo, who claim the Irons are in a battle with La Liga outfit Valencia to sign the 29-year-old centre-back, whilst there’s also thought to be interest from Italy and Real Betis.

Maksimovic will be free to join whoever he wants next week when his contract finishes at Napoli, where he has been a regular presence for the past five seasons.

He’s currently valued at £9m by Transfermarkt, so it could certainly present some fantastic business for a team like West Ham, especially as manager David Moyes is said to be keen to bolster his central defensive options this window.

Absolute bargain

Given the need to strengthen areas right across the pitch, landing a vastly experienced defender could be an astute move to make.

The need for a new striker is perhaps paramount, whilst there is little depth in central midfield and at full-back, where injuries plagued the Hammers throughout 2020/21.

Capped 25 times by Serbia, the 6 foot 4 colossus would be a low-risk solution to Moyes’ needs. He has played 132 times in the Italian top-flight and 41 times across both European competitions, via Transfermarkt, something that cannot be said for much of the current squad.

In the past, he has been likened to former Manchester United brute Nemanja Vidic, which could suggest he’d be the perfect fit for Premier League football.

As would his average of at least 1.8 aerial duels won per game across the last two seasons whilst Maksimovic has also proven his ability on the ball, managing an impressive career average passing accuracy of 89.3%, via WhoScored.

It’s no wonder former Everton boss Carlo Ancelotti, who managed him at the Stadio San Paolo, dubbed him the “complete” defender. “He has no problems. I am satisfied, he is an excellent defender, complete, flexible and fast, he can play both centre-right and centre-left.”

Moyes must urge a move for the free agent next week, he won’t cost GSB a penny.

AND in other news, Moyes can repeat West Ham’s Lingard masterstroke amid ExWHUemployee transfer claim…

Sheffield Wednesday have gathered a rather mixed bag of results in their current League One campaign so far, winning four, drawing two and losing three of their opening nine league games of the season. That has left them in ninth place in the table with a home clash against Oxford United coming up this Saturday.

The Owls’ latest league match saw them beat Wigan Athletic 2-1 at the DW Stadium, ultimately knocking their opponents off top spot in the table.

Despite Darren Moore’s side managing to take all three points in midweek thanks to an own goal from Max Power and a second half strike from Callum Paterson, there was one Owls player in the game who did not have a particularly successful night.

On The Chalkboard

Left-back Jaden Brown, who played in a more advanced role against Wigan and has done throughout the season so far, lost possession 12 times and ultimately earned himself a rather disappointing overall match rating of 5.8/10, making him Wednesday’s lowest-rated player on the night according to SofaScore.

Since joining the Owls on a free transfer from Championship club Huddersfield Town during the summer transfer window, the 22-year-old – who is currently valued at £450k according to Transfermarkt – has made six appearances across all competitions for Wednesday, but has yet to score a goal or provide an assist for the team.

Looking ahead to the match against Oxford, we feel that it would be the best if Moore were to drop Brown from the team on this occasion and give Olamide Shodipo – who recently defended Moore and Wednesday’s start to the season – a chance to see if he can be a better fit for the team on the left of midfield.

Moving forward, if Moore decides to stick with Brown in that position, the 22-year-old will need to vastly improve upon what he delivered on the pitch against Wigan, or else he could soon find himself out of the team as the season progresses.

In other news: “Unpredictable” £4.8k-p/w ace drops promising transfer hint, SWFC fans will be buzzing

Liverpool want to sign Ousmane Dembele from Barcelona after it was reported the Reds are potentially interested in signing the 24-year-old on a free transfer.

Dembele made the move to the Camp Nou from Borussia Dortmund in 2017 for a fee of over £100m (BBC) after providing 22 assists in 50 games for German outfit (Transfermarkt).

However, although he has managed 30 goals in 118 games in Spain, a succession of injuries and questions over his attitude mean he has not lived up to expectations.

The now £45m-valued man’s contract is set to run out at the end of the season, meaning he would be available on a free transfer. According to Mundo Deportivo (via FourFourTwo), Jurgen Klopp is an admirer of the winger, and Dembele’s agent has even approached the six-time European champions to see if they would like to sign him.

The news was shared on Twitter by @AnfieldEdition, and it attracted plenty of attention from the supporters. They took to the social media platform to share their thoughts, with one fan hailing the French starlet’s ‘incredible ability’.

Let’s see what the fans had to say about the Dembele news below

“plz yes do it !!! he’ll be perfect for us Klopp will turn him into a monster.”

Credit: @ROLOred05

“Get him free sell ox and keita”

Credit: @bennn435

“Sign him up. Especially for free. Klopp would get the absolute best out of him.”

Credit: @jaycmoore90

“I’d take him on a free for sure. Injury problems but still has incredible ability”

Credit: @drewHxH

“For free?!? You’ll be silly to pass this up even with the injuries”

Credit: @BenWayland123

“I’m taking this all day even with his injuries”

Credit: @lewinh0_

In other news, Liverpool fans want this man to leave the club.

Alex Pritchard looks poised to complete a move to Sunderland after completing a medical, according to reports from the Sunderland Echo.

The Lowdown: Sunderland move towards crunch 2021/22 campaign

Looking towards 2021/22, Black Cats manager Lee Johnson will be under no illusions with regards to the importance of the forthcoming campaign as he bids to lift his side out of League One for the first time since 2018.

Making inroads in the transfer market, the Wearsiders have brought in former Manchester United goalkeeper Jacob Carney [The Chronicle]. Sunderland now look set to land their second signing in quick succession following recent developments.

The Latest: Pritchard close to Stadium of Light switch

Pritchard is said to be on his way to the Stadium of Light after finalising background checks, and journalist Keith Downie has revealed that his medical evaluation has been successfully ratified, with looser ends of the deal expected to run smoothly [Sunderland Echo].

Available as a free agent after departing Huddersfield Town last season, he is set to sign a three-year deal on Wearside.

The Verdict: Pritchard would seem a solid signing for Sunderland

Upon reflection, the 28-year-old would be a solid addition who would add experience and quality to the Sunderland starting XI. Pritchard made 19 appearances for the Terriers in 2020/21, although the midfielder was unable to get on the scoresheet [Transfermarkt].

Of course, he made heads turn in 2016 after signing for Norwich City in an £8m deal from Tottenham Hotspur [Daily Mail].

Now in need of a career revitalisation, moving to Sunderland could be the perfect tonic to boost his confidence. Successfully carrying out 236 of 296 attempted passes (79.7%) last season [Infogol], his composure on the ball could add another dimension to the Black Cats’ midfield.

Once labelled as ‘very skilful’ by former Spurs teammate Christian Eriksen, Sunderland should look to ratify the deal for Pritchard as soon as possible .

In other news, a divisional rival has signed this former Sunderland talisman.