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Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly been dealt a blow to their hopes of securing a move for Ruslan Malinovskyi. 

The Lowdown: Spurs linked with Malinovskyi

Spurs have been linked with the Atalanta midfielder in recent weeks ahead of the upcoming January transfer window.

Across 142 appearances for the Serie A club, the Ukrainian has scored 30 goals and delivered 28 assists in the process.

As the winter market approaches, though, it appears that some behind-the-scenes issues may have dealt Spurs a significant blow to their hopes of signing the midfielder.

The Latest: Spurs dealt Malinovskyi transfer blow

According to a recent report from Il Giorno, Spurs’ chances of securing a deal for Malinovskyi have taken a blow due to Fabio Paratici’s reported involvement in the investigation surrounding Juventus and their market operations over the last few years.

The report adds that fellow Premier League side West Ham United and Ligue 1 outfit Marseille both have an interest in signing the Atalanta ace.

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The Verdict: A worry for Spurs

Last month, it was reported that Paratici is among six people under investigation as part of a probe into alleged financial corruption at Juventus, with the transfer of Cristian Romero from Juventus to Atalanta being part of the probe.

If this investigation is likely to scupper Spurs’ chances of sealing a deal with Atalanta for Malinovskyi, who has been hailed for his “unreal” shooting ability in the past by journalist Carlo Garganese, it may well be the north London club’s best option to play it safe and walk away.

Bearing in mind how only two players at the Serie A club have taken more shots at goal in the league this season than the Ukrainian (19), and with just two players making more progressive passes than him (41), this highlights the sort of player that Spurs could be missing out on in January.

Overall, with Paratici involved in the investigation surrounding Juventus, this could be a worry for Spurs and his efforts in potentially seeing new players come to the club in January.

With Wolves occupying a relegation spot in the Premier League, it is perhaps only natural that some of their players are being linked with exits ahead of the January transfer window.

Ruben Neves, unsurprisingly, is attracting attention as he continues to impress despite the Old Gold’s shocking start to the season, while Daniel Podence has also been linked with Everton.

However, few fans would have expected to see the transfer rumour mill linking right-back Nelson Semedo with Champions League outfit Chelsea, as his performances since joining from Barcelona do little to suggest that he would be a good option for Graham Potter’s side.

Therefore, if a deal can be negotiated with the Stamford Bridge outfit, it could be an ideal opportunity for Steve Davis to move on a player that hasn’t been good enough and replace him with a better option using the funds they would receive.

Semedo made the move to Molineux in September 2020, with Wolves remarkably paying £37m for the full-back’s services, a fee they look unlikely to recuperate from Chelsea, especially as his contract is set to expire at the end of this season.

So far this term, the 28-year-old defender has averaged a shocking 6.42 rating from WhoScored for his performances in the Premier League, which ranks him as the 16th-best player in Davis’ squad, so it would not be too much of a loss for the Old Gold if he were to join the Londoners over the winter.

Previous campaigns have also seen the former Barcelona man fail to live up to his price tag, as he averaged 6.90 and 6.82 ratings from WhoScored for his performances in the top flight, with just one goal and four assists to his name.

Regularly caught out defensively, the Portuguese full-back has been described as a “liability” by former Wolves reporter Tim Spiers, a piece of criticism that rather sums up his dismal time in the Midlands.

Although Ki-Jana Hoever is currently out on loan with PSV Eindhoven, which leaves Wolves very short of options at right-back, Jonny is capable of filling in there while the Old Gold search for a replacement.

Semedo’s time at the club has undoubtedly been a disappointing one, and after 109 weeks at Molineux, Davis should definitely look to take advantage of Chelsea’s surprising interest in the Portuguese defender by moving him on in January.

A worrying update has emerged on Newcastle United midfielder Joelinton ahead of the club’s clash with Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday…

What’s the latest?

Magpies manager Eddie Howe has revealed that the Brazilian gem is a doubt for the match against Antonio Conte’s side after suffering an injury in the 1-0 win over Everton in the Premier League on Wednesday.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference, the coach said:

“He had a knock to the side of his knee. We thought he could run it off but when he said he had to come off at half-time we knew there was potentially an issue there.

“We’re hopeful it’s not serious but at this moment it’s still slightly unclear.”

Gutting for Howe

The Toon head coach should be gutted by this update as it suggests that the former Hoffenheim man could be unavailable for selection on Sunday.

Allan Saint-Maximin has been ruled out of contention to feature in the match but this injury to Joelinton is more concerning as he has been a machine in the middle of the park this season, whereas the Frenchman has not started a league match since August.

The central midfielder, who initially joined the club as a striker in 2019, has been in fine form this season for the Toon. He has averaged a SofaScore rating of 7.04 in 10 Premier League outings, after averaging a score of 6.79 in the top-fight last term.

Magpies teammate Kieran Trippier recently described him as an “absolute machine” and stated that he is the standout player in training for the Magpies, which provides an insight into how highly he is rated by his peers.

He has made 3.5 tackles and interceptions per game in the middle of the park, winning 6.6 individual duels per match. The gem has also created 1.1 chances and completed 1.7 dribbles per outing, which shows that he has the quality, and engine, to make a big impact at both ends of the pitch.

Joelinton can break up opposition attacks and provide a shield for the defence whilst then having the ability and drive to push forward with the ball to kickstart counters. This gives Sven Botman and Fabian Schar less to do at the back and allows the likes of Callum Wilson and Miguel Almiron to enjoy more of the ball going forward.

Therefore, Howe will be gutted by this injury doubt and should now be hoping that the enforcer is able to recover in time for Tottenham. If he is not able to do so then the manager will be hoping that it is not a long-term issue for the club to deal with…

Every youngster in West Ham’s academy right now will be looking to emulate Declan Rice’s progression into the first team but 16-year-old Ollie Scarles may well have a better chance than most.

Rice joined West Ham’s academy after leaving Chelsea and has gone on to become the Hammers’ captain after Mark Noble’s retirement, making 208 appearances for the first team by the age of 23.

He is also an England regular, having earned 34 caps for Gareth Southgate’s side in his career thus far, and he looks likely to be a mainstay for the Three Lions for the next decade.

In Scales, West Ham look to have an extremely talented teenager who is already threatening to break into the first team, having travelled to Belgium to face Anderlecht last week.

The Athletic’s West Ham reporter Roshane Thomas has claimed that Scarles is “on David Moyes’ radar” and it is easy to see why, as he has registered three assists in three U’18 Premier League games so far this season.

Transfermarkt suggests that Scarles’ main positions are as a defensive midfielder and a centre-back, so the Rice comparisons are only going to be natural as he continues to progress in the Hammers’ academy.

However, The Athletic claim that he is also capable of featuring as a left wing-back and left-midfielder, having featured there in Papa John’s Trophy game earlier this season.

Scarles’ former coach David Kingston spoke very highly of the youngster’s attitude and ability when speaking to The Athletic.

He said: “West Ham have a great player on their hands. He’s probably the most humble teenager you’ll come across. In terms of having a positive attitude, he’s the best I’ve worked with.”

While it might be some time before we see Scarles feature regularly in West Ham’s first team, he looks to have a bright future ahead of him and with enough hard work, there seems no reason why he can’t emulate Rice’s progression from academy star to England regular.

West Ham United appear to have missed the boat with regards to the signing of free agent, Dan-Axel Zagadou, with the former Borussia Dortmund man looking set to stay in Germany.

What’s the word?

That’s according to journalist Fabrizio Romano, who revealed that the 23-year-old is seemingly set to join Bundesliga side Stuttgart, with the Hammers said to have been “never close” to securing his signature.

The transfer guru stated on Twitter: “Dan-Axel Zagadou is set to sign with Stuttgart on free transfer — he will undergo medical tests next week, the agreement is imminent. Zagadou was never close to joining West Ham despite rumours — he’s prepared to stay in Bundesliga.”

Recent reports had suggested that east Londoners were in “talks” to sign the 6 foot 5 colossus on a free transfer – following his exit from Dortmund at the end of last season – with the centre-back having also been linked with a move to England over the summer.

Moyes needs him

Amid the Irons’ dismal start to the new season – with five defeats from seven in the league thus far – manager David Moyes could well have done with the boost of a new addition, despite having already completed eight major deals in the recent window.

Even with those incomings, the London Stadium outfit have still appeared somewhat short of quality in their defensive ranks, with summer signing Nayef Aguerd having been struck down by injury before even kicking a ball competitively, ensuring a potentially lengthy stint on the sidelines for the £30m man.

Veteran ace Angelo Ogbonna is only just being eased back into the fold after missing the majority of last term with an ACL issue, while there are also concerns regarding a potential degenerative knee injury for regular starter, Kurt Zouma.

Equally, Craig Dawson has made just two appearances so far this term after suffering a thigh injury in pre-season – while he was also close to a move to Wolverhampton Wanderers over the summer – and new signing Thilo Kehrer is still finding his feet after his arrival from Paris Saint-Germain.

That raft of issues has left Moyes and co with a number of defensive concerns that Zagadou could well have helped to ease, albeit with the former France U21 international also having endured injury woes of his own in recent seasons.

When he has been fit, the “outstanding” ace – as dubbed by former boss Lucien Favre – has caught the eye as a result of his impressive stature and strength in the air, as he notably ranks in the top 1% among those in his position across Europe’s top five leagues with regards to aerial duels won.

Also comfortable in possession, the £8.1m-rated man – who can also feature at left-back – ranks in the top 9% for progressive carries and the top 8% for progressive passes, showcasing his ability to initiate attacks from deep.

Such a powerful and composed asset could well have provided the Hammers with real additional quality, with the club now likely to have to wait until January, at least, if they are to bolster their defensive ranks sufficiently.

Aston Villa are considering a deadline day move for Tottenham forward Lucas Moura, according to Mike McGrath.

The Lowdown: Moura profiled

Dubbed a ‘monster’ by international teammate Raphinha, the Brazilian has been with Spurs since 2018. Primarily a right-winger who can play on the left or as a second striker, Moura has made 204 appearances in north London.

The 30-year-old has contributed to 65 goals in England and has a 100% win record against Aston Villa from five games, supplying two assists in those matches.

The Latest: Villa interest

According to McGrath, Villa like Moura, along with Wolves’ Leander Dendoncker, who Villa have now had a bid accepted for.

The reporter shared a story for The Telegraph in which he stated that Villa are considering a move for the Spurs and Brazil forward.

The Verdict: Busy few hours

It looks as if NSWE and Johan Lange could be extremely busy today, with a move for Moura – who has scored 110 senior goals between club and international level – under consideration.

A deal with Wolves for Dendoncker seems to be on the cards in terms of midfield additions, and a new centre-back could also be of use following Diego Carlos’ serious injury last month.

The next few hours could be crucial in the hunt to get numerous last-minute deals in place, with extra pressure potentially on the board following the club’s poor start to the season.

Newcastle United must sign Conor Gallagher if Frenkie de Jong moves to Chelsea this summer, according to former Leeds United striker Noel Whelan.

The Lowdown: Gallagher linked with move

The Magpies have picked up four points from their opening two Premier League games this season but their summer spending may not be over yet.

Eddie Howe will be looking at reinforcements to make his squad even more formidable and they have been linked with a loan move Gallagher this summer.

The Englishman could be allowed to leave Chelsea on loan, with first-team opportunities potentially hard to come by under Thomas Tuchel this season.

The Latest: Pundit talks up signing

Speaking to Football Insider, Whelan claimed Newcastle should move for Gallagher, especially if Barcelona man De Jong joins Chelsea in the coming weeks:

“I think it’ll rest on Frenkie de Jong. If he comes in, I think Gallagher will be allowed to leave Chelsea on loan again. Newcastle aren’t going to get Maddison, so where do they turn to? Conor Gallagher. We know he’s a real talent.

“He’s a similar player in that midfield role, very creative, scores goals, assists – but Newcastle won’t be held to ransom. Gallagher is ready and waiting, he’s fit, he’s proved he can do it in the Premier League – it’s a no-brainer, for me.

“If they manage to get him, that will definitely help the front line out with his forward thinking and creativity.”

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The Verdict: Great loan option

Gallagher was outstanding on loan at Crystal Palace last season, scoring eight goals and registering three assists in the league, leading to his call-up to the England setup. He has been hailed as ‘outstanding’ by Tuchel in the past, which is high praise from such a renowned manager.

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The 23-year-old could be a similarly brilliant signing for Newcastle, bringing technical quality and an incredible work ethic, as highlighted by an average of two tackles per game for Palace in 2021/22.

Gallagher has the quality to take the Magpies’ midfield up another gear, and there could even be the possibility that a temporary move becomes permanent eventually.

Nottingham Forest have been linked with a move for Remo Freuler this summer, and a new update has emerged from a reliable source on the club’s progress in signing the player.

What’s the latest?

According to Italian journalist and transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, the Premier League side are “pushing to sign” the Atalanta midfielder.

Romano tweeted: “Nottingham Forest are pushing to sign Remo Freuler. Negotiations on, club optimistic after deal collapsed for William Carvalho. Talks will continue in order to reach full agreement.”

Imagine him & Lingard

Forest have wasted no time and no resources in ensuring that they have a squad which can compete in the Premier League when they make their long-awaited return to top flight football this weekend, with 12 summer signings already secured.

It has been reported that Cooper is keen to sign another midfielder before the transfer window closes in four weeks’ time, and Freuler fits the profile of someone who would be a huge asset to the Reds in their pursuit to retain their top-flight status by the end of this season.

The 30-year-old Atalanta ace has been a consistent and reliable performer in Serie A over his six-year tenure with the club, and last season yet again showed that he has the quality to be a great prospective addition in the centre of the pitch for Forest.

In 29 league appearances last term, Freuler scored one goal, delivered three assists and created three big chances, making 2.4 tackles and 1.2 interceptions and winning 4.7 duels per game. He also completed the majority of his dribbles (57%) and tallied a pass completion rate of 92% in his own half.

Furthermore, the midfielder ranked fourth for the most pass interceptions completed in all of Serie A last season, and his hard-working attributes haven’t gone unnoticed.

Il Giorno correspondent Fabrizio Carcano said of the 46-cap Switzerland international: “Remo isn’t especially athletic, but he is the brains of Atalanta. He covers everyone, recovers balls, tackles, and – most importantly – builds play from behind. His pass completion ratio is very high. He is the conductor of the orchestra.”

Cooper could even strike a formidable midfield partnership between Freuler and Lingard. Combining the Swiss midfielder’s work ethic with the former Manchester United star’s attacking prowess (56 senior career goals) could help the Forest boss to continue deploying his attack-minded style of play with comfort in the Premier League.

Lingard could really benefit from having a player with the passing range and defensive capabilities of Freuler behind him, which would allow the Englishman to put his complete focus on creating and converting goal-scoring opportunities in a more advanced role.

The signing of the Switzerland midfielder would be a great coup for Forest and would likely add consistency in the middle of the park which could well be needed in order to compete in the top flight this season.

Liverpool centre-back Joe Gomez could still look to leave the club in 12 months’ time despite signing a new deal, according to former England man Paul Robinson.

The Lowdown: Gomez signs new deal

Despite being linked with a move away from Anfield earlier in the summer, the 25-year-old recently committed his long-term future to the Reds.

Gomez’s new contract saw him extend his stay until the end of the 2026/27 season, at which point he would have been a Liverpool player for an impressive 12 years.

The Englishman struggled for playing time last season, however – he only started four games in the Premier League – and he has been tipped to continue eyeing up a potential exit.

The Latest: Robinson makes big claim

Speaking to Football Insider, Sky Sports pundit Robinson claimed he could still see Gomez leaving Liverpool if he doesn’t get more chances this season, regardless of his shiny new deal:

“From his point of view, I’m surprised to see him sign. I’m surprised he didn’t want to leave and become that main centre-half just like Van Dijk is at Liverpool.

“But on the other hand, he’s obviously been assured of game time and was happy with the role that was proposed. Within these five years there are still options to go out on loan and options to leave.

“It just gives the club that security with their asset and gives Liverpool four top-class centre-backs to lean on for this season. The situation could well change again next summer if he’s not playing as much as he wanted.

“The onus is now on him to show what he’s got now if he wants to get back into the England squad and become the partner for Van Dijk.”

[freshpress-quiz id=“398089″] The Verdict: Playing time key

Gomez is an outstanding centre-back who has been hailed as ‘world-class’ by Jurgen Klopp, so there is no doubt that keeping hold of him is a huge positive.

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That being said, it is going to be a challenge for the defender to earn regular minutes at the heart of Liverpool’s defence, considering Virgil van Dijk, Joel Matip and Ibrahima Konate are all arguably ahead of him in the pecking order.

Should that continue to be the case, Gomez’s head could be turned by a move in the next year or two, although the fact that Van Dijk and Matip are now in their 30s does mean that he and Konate could be the Reds’ long-term centre-back pairing.

Aston Villa want to sign another midfielder this summer, transfer insider Dean Jones has told GiveMeSport.

The lowdown

The Villans have already added Boubacar Kamara, the former Marseille midfielder, to their squad.

And Gerrard also has the likes of John McGinn, Douglas Luiz, Jacob Ramsey, Morgan Sanson and Marvelous Nakamba at his disposal.

But it seems that the 41-year-old isn’t satisfied with that as he looks to turn Villa into a side that can contend for Europe.

The latest

Jones says that Gerrard wants another new face to play alongside Kamara.

He’s apparently identified this as a ‘big’ objective ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

“The priority is to get a midfielder to go alongside Kamara,” he said. “So that is the big fix.”

The verdict

Aston Villa’s most common midfield selection last season was Douglas Luiz, John McGinn and Jacob Ramsey.

You would imagine that Kamara would replace Luiz, occupying the same role as he did at Marseille.

But relegating either McGinn or Ramsey to the bench would be very bold indeed.

The former has impressed so much at Villa that he’s been linked with a Champions League outfit in the form of Tottenham Hotspur.

Ramsey, meanwhile, earned a nomination for the Premier League’s Young Player of the Season last term after a breakthrough campaign.

But who might Gerrard be looking at?

Well, Joseph Masi of The Express & Star reported on Friday that Villa are considering a move for Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher, valued at £22.5million by Transfermarkt.

It’s a deal that could furnish the manager with some highly competitive depth.