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Charlton Athletic are closing in on the signing of Blackpool striker Armand Gnanduillet, according to News Shopper.

The 27-year-old, who stands at 6 foot 4 inches tall, has become a target for Lee Bowyer as he looks to strengthen his squad, having amassed 15 goals in all competitions this campaign.

Bowyer is supposedly keen to bring in new faces during the January transfer window, due to how thin his injury-hit squad has become.

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Not only would Gnanduillet be another option for the Addicks manager to choose from, but he would also bring an entirely different option to those that are currently at the club.

Looking at his general play in League One, Gnanduillet has had an impact for Blackpool, as shown below.

However, one specific trait that he will provide should be a welcome addition for the Addicks: his aerial prowess.

Gnanduillet wins a massive 7.7 aerials duels per game, which makes Macauley Bonne’s 4.2 seem fairly small, even though that is the largest number of any Charlton player, alongside Jason Pearce.

Looking at the Addicks’ other strikers, Tomer Hemed averages 2.6, Chucks Aneke wins 1.8, Lyle Taylor gets 1.5 and Josh Davison comes out on top 1 time per game – to put things into context, the France-born Ivorian wins more aerial duels per game than all four of these combined.

Can you remember how much each of these transfer icons cost? Only experts will get 100% on our quiz…

His presence could also prove useful for set-pieces. Charlton are mid-table for both scoring and conceding from set-pieces, having done so eight times in each instance.

There may be some scepticism attached to the move as it is another player coming from a lower league, but Gnanduillet demonstrated that he can excel against Championship opposition during Blackpool’s 2-2 draw in the FA Cup versus Reading.

The colossal striker scored a well-taken goal, in which he powered through the defence before smashing the ball past Sam Walker, though he did hit the bar with an attempt at a panenka penalty.

The Blackpool Gazette gave him a rating of seven, adding: “Took his goal superbly and held the ball up well, but will be remembered for that embarrassing penalty miss.”

Despite that moment, encouragement can definitely be taken from that performance, as well as his aforementioned statistics when looking at the prospect of Charlton signing him.

Meanwhile, Bowyer must rework his magic to keep hold of teenage star past January.

Tottenham fans have taken to Twitter to hammer Danny Rose following the 1-0 defeat to Liverpool on Saturday.

The England international was making his tenth Premier League start of the campaign against Jurgen Klopp’s men last time out, and proceeded to deliver a sloppy performance in front of Spurs’ home support.

Rose was withdrawn in the 69th minute having made no tackles, interceptions or blocks against the Merseysiders, while he was also vacant in an attacking sense.

The 29-year-old failed to have a single shot, nor did he make a key pass, while he completed just one dribble and had two unsuccessful touches as well.

Additionally, the former Sunderland full-back completed just 59.1% of his 22 passes on a day where he struggled to find his teammates before his withdrawal shortly after the hour mark had passed.

Rose also had just 32 touches of the ball and failed to win an aerial duel – he really didn’t do much, and you can see why Jose Mourinho substituted him.

Let’s see what the Tottenham fans on Twitter though of his performance…

Quite simply, this supporter named Chris Miller demanded that somebody “get Rose out of my club” – a short, but hard-hitting and damning verdict on the left-back’s display.

In response to Chris’ tweet, two supporters named Kevin and Gavin shared their thoughts.

Kevin said that it’s a “shame” Rose’s career is ending like this, and that he’d prefer for the Englishman to leave soon “before the good memories are forgotten”.

Meanwhile, Gavin wrote that the Tottenham No.3 is a “wage thief” before adding that he can’t wait for Ben Davies to return.

Elsewhere, this fan said that the former Leeds defender is “making a mockery of the term ‘professional’ footballer” – they also added that, at this point, Rose is merely a “fella with a kit on”.

Another fan with the username ‘Tottenham Boxing’ said that the time has come to “pay off this guy and get him out of the club” before stating that they’d rather turn to the youth than persist with players like Rose.

How much do you remember about football in 2019? Our quiz will test your knowledge…

Lastly, George said that Rose makes him sad everytime he watches the left-back play – that’s not good, is it.

In other news, these Tottenham fans were left drooling over one player who was “like the energiser bunny” against Liverpool…

The sale of Scott Sinclair to Preston North End marked the end of a romanticised journey into Scottish football for the Bristol Rovers academy graduate.

Leaving with an iconic chant which will be immortalised on the Paradise terraces, a return of 62 goals in 167 games and three SPFL titles, Sinclair will be remembered as a genuine success story.

His failure to build on the form he displayed at Swansea City during the early stages of his Premier League career ultimately forced him north of the border, a decision others have also made in recent years.

Like Sinclair, Oliver Nthcam moved from Manchester City to Celtic, while last summer both Mohamed Elyounoussi and Fraser Forster joined the champions in search of the regular opportunities that eluded them at Southampton.

The former has been absent with injury in recent weeks but the form he showcased during the early stages of the season lends reason to believe he could become another Sinclair-esque success story.

Seven goals and six assists in 13 appearances across all competitions prove Neil Lennon has temporarily secured the services of a talented playmaker.

Discussion of whether he could become a permanent signing has already arisen in light of his electric form, with one fan asking Kieran Devlin, The Athletic’s Celtic correspondent, whether he believes Elyounoussi would be willing to take a wage cut to join the club.

According to Spotrac, the Norway international is currently earning a whopping £60,000 per week, which equates to roughly £3.1m per year. That may well be lower than Peter Lawwell’s reported £3.5m salary last season but there is no doubt the flying winger could be a significant drain on the club’s resources.

In response to the question, Devlin suggested Celtic may have to choose between Forster and Elyounoussi, who represents something of a pipe dream.

“I think Forster’s more likely to drop in wage than Elyounoussi – which I think, as highly as I rate him, might be a bit of a pipe dream. Might come to a point where Celtic have to decide on whether to splurge on Forster or Elyounoussi given the size of outlays they’ll likely command.”

Given Southampton paid £16m to sign him, his Champions League experience and a statistically tangible upsurge in form this season, it’s fair to assume he won’t be available for anything less than a premium price.

That Devlin has suggested the potential move is an unrealistic ambition isn’t good news for the Hoops faithful, but Sinclair’s career proves that the home of the Scottish champions is a perfect environment for a failed Premier League player to reinvent themselves.

Perhaps that success story will resonate with Elyounoussi should an offer arrive come the end of the season.

During a Q & A session on Friday afternoon, The Athletic’s Carl Anka shed some light on contract situations at St Mary’s.

Southampton have a number of players who are soon to be out of contract, including Maya Yoshida, Shane Long, Cedric Soares and Pierre-Emile Højbjerg.

Yoshida, Long and Cedric’s deals are all set to expire in the summer, whereas Højbjerg’s will end in the summer of 2021.

Ralph Hasenhuttl’s deal is also set to expire in the summer of 2021.

When asked about Long’s contract situation specifically by a fan, Anka gave a helpful response that covered all bases.

What did he say?

After saying that the question was “handy” because he had already put it to Hasenhuttl, The Athletic’s Southampton correspondent wrote that the Austrian said: “No change [regarding contract extensions] because we will get 36 points and then we will speak to the players. Let’s have a look then.”

And then I asked “does this include your own contract?”

And he gave me a firm “Yes.”

Not long to go on current form

While everyone associated with Southampton is presumably keen to see Hasenhuttl put pen to paper on a new deal, or at least begin to discuss it, they shouldn’t have much longer left to wait if the club’s recent form is anything to go by.

The former RB Leipzig manager said that he is waiting to get to 36 points before discussing new deals with his players as well as his own contract, and seeing as Southampton’s recent run of four wins and a draw from their last five outings – before Saturday’s game against Wolves – has left them on 28 points, we shouldn’t have to wait too long until these discussions begin if eight more points are amassed quickly.

We can only wait and see what happens in regards to Hasenhuttl, Long, Yoshida, Cedric and Højbjerg’s deals.

In other news, Southampton find themselves in a ‘Catch 22’ situation regarding Danny Ings…

Tottenham Hotspur have been linked with a move for Leicester City striker Islam Slimani in the January transfer window.

The Telegraph reports that the Algeria international has emerged as an option as Spurs seek reinforcements up front.

Harry Kane is currently injured and could be out until the end of the season and the only other out-and-out option in Jose Mourinho’s squad is Troy Parrott, the 17-year-old who has yet to make his full Premier League debut for the club.

Slimani is currently on loan at AS Monaco from the Foxes and has scored seven goals in Ligue 1 this season, while also registering seven assists.

Leicester, though, could well be reticent to strengthen a team that could be seen as a potential top-four rival between now and the end of the 2019/20 season.

Would a move for Slimani be a clever one for Spurs, though?

The big fat Tottenham quiz of 2019 – how much do you remember about the last year at Spurs?

Football FanCast’s writers debate that very topic below!

Charles Jones

“This is a really interesting one for me.

“Slimani was dreadful at Leicester as he scored just 13 goals in 46 appearances for the Foxes, but he’s shown some semblance of form at Monaco this term, contributing to 14 goals.

“He’s a bit of a target man as he wins 2.7 aerial duels per game, according to WhoScored, and that may actually work in Spurs’ favour when you consider that the man who they regularly looked towards to replace Kane previously was Fernando Llorente.

“Slimani won’t provide the goals that Kane usually does, but Llorente didn’t either, yet, the Spaniard did quite a good job as Kane’s understudy during his time in London.

“This move could work out and Slimani could be the new Llorente.”

Viji Jeevathayalan

“Whilst it would be easy for Spurs to turn their noses up at a proposed move for Islam Slimani, he could well be a worthy heir to Llorente.

“The latter made his presence known in north London despite only being a back-up to Kane, chipping in with vital goals when Spurs needed it most. Think back to how the Spaniard made himself a hero with his goal against Manchester City in the Champions League last season.

“Llorente’s physical profile and style of play represented something different to Kane, and that’s exactly what Spurs would be getting with a swoop for Slimani. The Algeria international is a powerhouse standing at 6 foot 2, and has an impressive career average of 2.1 aerial duels per game – Llorente’s average is only slightly better at 2.8.

“So whilst it may not be the most glamorous move in the world, Slimani could enjoy similar success to Llorente.”

James Beavis

“It’s ludicrous that Tottenham would even consider signing a player who has proven he can’t hack it in the Premier League.

“Thirteen goals in 46 games for Leicester City isn’t completely disastrous, but it’s also not the return you’d expect from a then club-record £29m buy and suggests he simply isn’t suited to playing in the English top-flight.

“While that goalscoring record for the Foxes isn’t great, what is perhaps more telling is the fact that he clearly hasn’t been fancied by three managers in Claudio Ranieri, Claude Puel or Brendan Rodgers, spending time out on loan at Newcastle United, Fenerbahce and now Monaco in recent seasons.

“Spurs need someone who can start and make an impact for them in the Premier League for the next few months as they look to secure a top-four finish, and if they had Slimani spearheading the attack they would have next to no chance of achieving that aim.”

Meanwhile, Spurs are still paying for a huge mistake.

According to a fresh update from L’Equipe, Atletico Madrid’s newest offer for Edinson Cavani has once again been rejected by Paris Saint-Germain, who believe the offer didn’t represent his true value.

What’s the word, then?

It seems that Diego Simeone’s chase of the veteran striker is slowly but surely turning into a true soap opera, with the finale nowhere near in sight just yet.

Having made their first proposal of around €10m (£8.4m) in mid-January, the Rojiblancos formulated a fresh proposal yesterday, which amounted to €15m (£12.6m), as L’Equipe state.

Who on earth is that?!?! Can you name all of these obscure January signings?

But that still wasn’t enough as Paris Saint-Germain have once again said no to their Spanish rivals as they still believe that the offer did not match the sporting value of the 32-year-old Uruguayan international.

Despite his contract running out in June, the Saints are still quite firm in their stance.

Verdict

Needless to say, Atletico Madrid really need this deal to go through if they are to somehow turn their fortunes around in the remainder of the ongoing 2019/20 campaign.

And while they are still holding onto that third spot in La Liga, they haven’t won a single game in their last four fixtures, even getting eliminated from the Copa del Rey against lower-league opposition.

We can’t know for sure whether Cavani is the one to fix their issues and set them straight but Simeone seems to realise that he needs a new striker who can be consistent and lethal in the box.

L’Equipe state the Uruguayan remains the Rojiblancos’ priority in the ongoing transfer window and with only 22 goals in 21 La Liga games, it’s quite easy to see why.

Meanwhile, Paris Saint-Germain might be getting ready to table a huge offer for Manchester City’s key man…

There was big news on Thursday in the Premier League – it has been decided that the top tier’s transfer window will now close at the end of August instead of before the start of the season.

For the past two campaigns, all business has needed to be done before the first games of the competition kicked off. However, it has been the only league to make such a decision, with all other countries in Europe waiting until the end of August to let the deadline pass.

A football legend: Can you get over 80% on this Gazza quiz? Find out now…

There has been plenty of reaction to this big news, including from Newcastle supporters – and it seems the Toon fans are a little pessimistic.

For some, they don’t believe it will be much different for them.

That is perhaps a little unfair, as the Magpies did spend £61.56m last summer. However, before the signing of Miguel Almiron last January, Newcastle had not broken their transfer record since the signing of Michael Owen in 2005, so you can understand their pessimism to an extent.

Others believe that it will just draw out the agony of trying to bring certain players in.

Not very optimistic at all.

Some, meanwhile, believes it will just mean more talk from the club’s board.

And there are others who just believe this will mean more takeover talks in the summer.

Last year, the Bin Zhayed group were linked with a bid for the club, but it ended up not materialising. Clearly, the fans believe there has been some ulterior motive to these reports.

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It remains to be seen whether it has much effect on the north-east club.

Meanwhile, Clinton Morrison says this Newcastle could become a “superstar”.

Wolves boss Nuno Santo has been held in high acclaim this week after a glowing endorsement was thrown his way by Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson.

What’s he said?

The west Midlanders drew to Manchester United at the weekend on an early evening that was marked by the occasion of Bruno Fernandes making his debut following a blockbuster move from Sporting Lisbon.

And despite Wolves winning just one of their last eight matches in all competitions, the Portuguese manager has been given a rave review by Merson, who was touting him to be the next man to take the helm at Old Trafford.

Speaking in his recent column, he said:

“I think Wolves have got every chance [of finishing in the top four], they have got the firepower – Jimenez, Jota and Traore, the most improved player in the history of football! Those three can hurt anybody on any given day.

“This manager does not get the credit he deserves, I think he is up there with the best in the business.

“When you talk about Man Utd looking at managers, I am thinking: ‘How are you not getting this man?’ This bloke is as good as anybody, I think he is one of the top managers in the world of football in my opinion.”

Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson.

Glowing review

Quite surprisingly, it’s mighty hard to disagree with Merson. Nuno is one of the most underrated managers in the division currently, but he has a little while to go before he can be considered in the same bracket of Champions League-winning Jurgen Klopp and multi-title winning Pep Guardiola.

Wolves’ meteoric rise over the past few seasons can be attributed, in most part, to the 46-year-old.

Since he took over in the summer of 2017, the Molineux-based side have won the Championship title and have since gone on to make the Europa League knockout stages at the first attempt.

Now they are competing regularly for a place amongst the top-flight elite – Nuno’s men currently sit just two points from a top-five berth as we enter the final portion of the season.

For away day veterans only: Can you name all of these defunct stadiums?

Should he guide them to European glory this season or edge them closer to breaking the top four, then serious conversations can be made about the Portuguese being up there with the very best.

And in other news, returning Wolves man the protagonist behind them ending a damning trend….

Former Premier League striker Kevin Phillips has told Jan Vertonghen to leave Tottenham Hotspur this summer, per Football Insider.

What’s he said?

The defender has a contract that expires in the summer.

Ajax manager Erik Ten Hag has already confirmed that the Dutch giants are interested in signing him should he become available in the next transfer window.

Vertonghen was, of course, substituted against Southampton in their FA Cup fourth-round replay, leading to a dejected reaction from the 32-year-old.

And Phillips believes the time has come for him to call time on his Spurs career.

He said: “You saw the reaction of Vertonghen when he came off in the last game.

“He wasn’t happy. You could just see he was in dismay.

“He’s been a good servant for the club, but it might be just time for him to move on and fresh blood to come in.”

Spot on

Phillips has nailed this.

Vertonghen is coming to a fork in the road, with his contract expiring and there being interest from his former club in bringing him back.

The big fat Tottenham quiz of 2019 – how much do you remember about the last year at Spurs?

An exit from Spurs this summer would hardly be earth-shattering given the publicity surrounding his contractual situation.

But Spurs need to bring in younger blood in the summer.

Vertonghen is 32 and will turn 33 in April, while Toby Alderweireld, his usual defensive partner, is 30 and will be 31 next month.

A younger defender is required this summer, regardless of Vertonghen’s future.

Meanwhile, Spurs targeted this striker in January!

Whilst Arsenal fans may not have the pleasure of seeing their side play in the Champions League this season, that doesn’t mean they haven’t been able to take any enjoyment from the competition.

On Wednesday night, the Gunners saw their north London rivals Tottenham lose 1-0 to Bundesliga side RB Leipzig in the first leg of their last 16 clash.

And one man who seemed to catch the eye of watching Arsenal supporters, was Marcel Sabitzer.

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As per Sofascore, he made an impressive three interceptions, had 71 touches, completed six of his ten attempted long balls, and won five total duels.

After seeing his performance, Arsenal fans took to Twitter to voice their thoughts on the midfielder.

One fan meanwhile suggested that amidst the likes of Dayot Upamecano and Timo Werner – the former of course having been linked with a move to the club last summer – Sabitzer “is the one”.

Another supporter even claimed that he is the “ideal Ramsey replacement”.

Still only 25-years-old, the Austria international has built up considerable experience playing at the highest level for Leipzig, making 115 appearances in the Bundesliga alone.

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This season has seen him be an influential figure for Leipzig, scoring 12 times and providing a further eight assists in 31 games across all competitions.

Whether the Gunners will heed some of their fans’ advice on looking to sign the £36m-rated man, is another matter however.

Meanwhile, Arsenal fans discuss this ace’s Champions League display.