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Fabio Paratici could turn to his former club in an attempt to bolster Tottenham Hotspur’s playing squad this winter…

What’s the word?

According to Italian outlet Calciomercato, Spurs are plotting a double swoop on Serie A giants Juventus for attacking midfielder Dejan Kulusevski and centre-back Matthijs de Ligt.

The 31-time Dutch international is likely to cost the bulk of the deal, with a fee in the region of €100m (£86m) mooted by the report.

Paratici signed the young 22-year-old colossus from Ajax in a £70m deal during summer 2019 and he has since evolved into one of the standout performers in Turin.

Paratici masterclass

If the Italian supremo can secure his former signing in north London, then it would be one outstanding and a major coup for Spurs.

De Ligt was an absolute rock for Juventus last season, displaying incredible defensive attributes that makes him one of the best emerging talents in the game.

As per WhoScored, he averaged 1.4 tackles, 1.1 interceptions and 2.1 aerial duels won per game, proving that he has an impressive ability to read the game and act, on top of his evident physical attributes.

He was just as good with the ball at his feet, as expected in the modern-day. Despite averaging a whopping 63.9 passes each outing, he still managed to keep his accuracy rate at 92.5%.

This is a stark improvement on Eric Dier, who started out life as a midfielder. His ball-playing qualities should be up there with the best but quite frankly, de Ligt’s returns show that he would be a massive, massive upgrade in N17.

The Englishman has started every single Premier League game under Nuno Santo this season but has managed a disappointing 83.9% passing accuracy, whilst he is yet to even record a tackle and merely averages 0.8 interceptions per match, also via WhoScored.

De Ligt has previously been dubbed an “absolute monster” by Italian football expert and broadcaster Carlo Garganese, whilst his agent, Mino Raiola once claimed: “Matthijs is like an oil tanker, you can’t expect him to suddenly turn 90 degrees. He goes steadily. But, once he’s on course, he can’t be stopped.”

On the above evidence, Paratici could quite easily transform Spurs’ defence in one fell swoop for the Dutch beast. He’s clearly way better than someone like Dier, at such a younger age too.

It will be a very hard transfer to make but if the Italian pulls it off, it has to be regarded as one of the biggest-ever signings in north London – that’s for sure.

AND in other news, Forget Graham Potter: Spurs not hiring “exciting” 51 y/o over Nuno was Levy’s biggest mistake…

Wolves have been trying desperately to sign a new player on transfer deadline day but sadly for Bruno Lage, it’s looked unlikely.

They’d made a late dart to sign Sven Botman and had also looked at Renato Sanches. However, neither are set to walk through the doors of Molineux.

What’s the word?

Wolves have discovered some alternatives to those two players in the last few hours with Hamza Choudhury believed to be of interest.

However, a fresh rumour has emerged from France where it looks as though they’ve submitted a bid for Marseille defender Boubacar Kamara.

That’s followed up by David Ornstein who reports that Wolves are working on a late deal to sign the midfielder/defender.

He claims that a permanent move could be done before the deadline with the 21-year-old out of contract next summer.

Lage must get him

After moves for Duje Caleta-Car and Botman fell through in the final days of the window, Wolves must ensure they get at least one centre-half in before the market closes.

They have been after Fulham’s Tosin Adarabioyo too but given the potential in Kamara’s locker, he looks like a sensible signing.

Touted as a player who should cost in the region of £50m by scout Jacek Kulig, the youngster is one of the most promising young players in France.

Called an “exciting” talent by Kulig, Kamara was incredibly impressive in the French top tier last season.

He completed 86.7% of his passes and also won 1.9 aerial duels per game. For context, only four regular starters at Molineux were more successful when it came to passing. As for headed battles, he’d have ranked fifth.

What is most impressive about Kamara is his tackling rate. The centre-back won a whopping 2.5 challenges per match last term which is bettered by no regular starter at Wolves in 2020/21.

On that evidence, he’d be a fantastic late addition for the Old Gold and one that would surely delight supporters after previous deadline day heartbreak.

AND in other news, Fresh twist emerges at Wolves on transfer deadline day, Lage will be delighted…

Former England international Carlton Palmer insists that Mikel Arteta cannot replicate the style of Manchester City at Arsenal because the players simply aren’t good enough.

The Gunners are in dire straits after an absolutely appalling start to the season.

Arsenal have not scored a goal in the Premier League and have lost 2-0 to both Brentford and Chelsea, and been thumped 5-0 by City.

Arteta, of course, worked as Pep Guardiola’s assistant at the Etihad Stadium between 2016 and 2019.

He has routinely attempted to implement a style of football in which Arsenal keep possession, pass the ball, and press high up the pitch.

This season, that has not paid any dividends and Palmer believes that the tactical style is actually limiting some of the club’s best players, including Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

The Gabon international scored just 10 goals last season, in 29 games, having scored 22 times in 36 games the campaign prior.

Speaking exclusively to The Transfer Tavern, Palmer said: “You look at Arteta who’s coming in there, he wants to give it a Man City flare, but they haven’t got Man City players.

“The striker, who will score you 25, 30 goals, has gone off the boil because now it’s pass, pass, pass. He’s not that player. He need the ball fed through for him to run onto to score.

“He needs the ball gone early for him to score. Arsenal have lost that identity of what they’re about. Arteta’s trying to bring a Man City feel to Arsenal when he hasn’t got the players to do that. So I’ve said before the start of the season, I think Arsenal will struggle, I really do believe they’ll struggle, I don’t see them being any better than ninth or tenth in the league.”

Leeds United will not pay £35m for Bournemouth winger Arnaut Danjuma, says Joe Wainman, formerly of All Leeds TV.

Back in June, Danjuma told Dutch outlet Voetbal International that Leeds were a “bigger institution than Bournemouth” and joining them would be a “nice step” in his career.

The 24-year-old Dutchman really impressed in the Championship last season. He scored 17 goals, provided seven assists and recorded an average of 1.8 dribbles per game (per WhoScored).

Could Danjuma be a good addition then for Leeds? Based on that, perhaps. But with a report from the print edition of The Sun (via the Mirror) claiming that Bournemouth have slapped a whopping £35m price tag on the player’s head, it is a deal Wainman cannot see happening.

“For £35m, not a chance,” Wainman said in a chat with TT. “I think if Bournemouth are holding out for that, then they’re going to be holding out for a long time because Leeds United probably won’t pay £35m for a player in this window and definitely not for Danjuma.”

Indeed, it is one that is hard to imagine happening. £35m for a player in English football’s second tier, who did not make much of an impact during his last stint in the top flight, is madness really.

He did have his injury problems that season, but whatever the case, Danjuma does not look like a £35m player yet.

Leeds United are still ‘pushing’ to sign Huddersfield Town midfielder Lewis O’Brien, according to talkSPORT pundit Gabriel Agbonlahor.

The Lowdown: Leeds keen on signing O’Brien

The Whites have had a relatively serene summer in the transfer market, with Junior Firpo the most notable addition given the prestige of Barcelona.

Someone who has been continually linked with joining Leeds is O’Brien, however, with Crystal Palace also thought to be interested.

The 22-year-old started 39 Championship games last season and is a key figure for the Terriers.

[freshpress-quiz id=“359346″]

The Latest: Pundit makes fresh claim

Speaking to Football Insider, Agbonlahor, a regular on talkSPORT, claimed Leeds are trying to get a deal for O’Brien over the line, adding that he will want to go there:

“He’s pushing to join Leeds. Yorkshire lads don’t want to leave Yorkshire. I didn’t want to leave Birmingham to go to London.

“He will want to stay in the area. It’s a big move for him and it makes sense.

“Bielsa likes his versatile players, just look at Stuart Dallas. O’Brien is like that, he can play everywhere.”

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-leeds-united-news-12/” title=”Latest Leeds United news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Verdict: Good squad addition

Given his lack of experience at the top level, it is unlikely that O’Brien would come in as an immediate starter for Leeds, but he is a midfielder with obvious long-term potential, averaging two tackles per game in the league last season.

Last weekend’s 5-1 thrashing away to Manchester United highlighted the need for midfield depth, with Robin Koch struggling badly in the middle of the park.

Marcelo Bielsa must have seen something in O’Brien to keep trying to sign him – it’s hard to argue against the Leeds boss, considering the success he has enjoyed at Elland Road.

In other news, one Leeds deal is reportedly unlikely to come to fruition this summer. Read more here.

Evening Standard journalist Jack Rosser has revealed West Ham United could be priced out of a move for central defensive targets Clement Lenglet and Nikola Milenkovic.

Hammers boss David Moyes is looking to bolster his squad with new arrivals after a club record Premier League points tally ensured the east Londoners will feature in the Europa League next season.

According to Spanish newspaper AS, Barcelona’s Lenglet is being tracked by West Ham and Everton.

While a loan move has been touted, Barcelona would prefer to sell the 26-year-old France international due to exceeding La Liga’s wage limit.

Italian media outlet Calcio Mercato have reported that West Ham have identified Fiorentina’s Milenkovic as a potential signing this summer.

The 23-year-old Serbia international made 37 appearances last season and also showed his attacking threat from set pieces by notching three goals.

However, Rosser believes Moyes may seek cheaper alternatives before the transfer window slams shut next month.

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, he said: “They would be fairly expensive signings, which isn’t the market that Moyes has been shopping in at West Ham.”

Many Glasgow Rangers fans were far from happy with the performance of John Lundstram during their Champions League third qualifying round clash with Malmo.

Having won the Premiership for the first time in 10 years last season, the Gers have put themselves in a position to qualify for the group stage of the Champions League. They faced Malmo in the third qualifying round first leg on Tuesday but were beaten 2-1. Had it not been for a last-minute deflected strike from Steven Davis, the result would have been even worse.

Lundstram, who signed for the club on a free transfer from Sheffield United this summer (rangers.co.uk), was included in the starting line-up, but he struggled to deal with the fitness of his opponents in the middle of the park.

Some journalists covering the match did not spare the 27-year-old in their player ratings. The Daily Record’s David McCarthy gave him a five, writing that he “didn’t have the powerful influence his manager would have hoped for”. Mark McDougall of Glasgow Live issued Lundstram with a lowly four and opined: “Made his first start and had a really poor night. Was constantly caught in possession and made poor decisions in his passing. Not a great start when it comes to competitive games.”

Many Gers fans were not happy either with what they saw from the 27-year-old. These fans took to social media platform Twitter to share their thoughts on the former Everton youngster’s night in Sweden, with one Bear even describing it as “criminal”.

Let’s see what these fans had to say about Lundstram’s display

“Davis tried hard, Arfield and Lundstram miles off the pace”

Credit: @Cammy26_2

“Lundstram was a massive letdown, heard so much good stuff about him but he was as good as a player short tonight.”

Credit: @MitzisLapdog

“Lundstram was too negative when he had the ball. No chance both will start next week.”

Credit: @budgie1234567

“Lundstram’s passing was woeful, Kent was poor again. Definitely missed Morelos no control in the midfield. Better performance needed at Ibrox”

Credit: @Daniel11Thain

“Lundstram with one of the worst performances from a Rangers player I’ve ever seen in Europe.”

Credit: @CedricItten

“Lundstram sleeping at the first then turning his back on the shot, criminal.”

Credit: @BookerChattings

In other news, many Rangers fans have been reacting to this man’s imminent departure.

Trevoh Chalobah could be announced as a West Bromwich Albion signing next week, according to journalist Joseph Masi. 

The lowdown

The 22-year-old, who can play as either a centre-back or a defensive midfielder, has just completed his third loan spell away from Chelsea. After earlier periods with Ipswich and Huddersfield, he spent the 2020/21 campaign with Ligue 1 outfit Lorient and finished in the league’s top 10 for interceptions per game with 2.4 (via WhoScored).

Despite appearing 44 times for the west London club’s under-23s, Chalobah hasn’t been handed a senior debut for Chelsea.

West Brom have already commenced their summer business, reuniting former Barnsley midfielder Alex Mowatt with their new manager Valerien Ismael.

The latest

Talks between West Brom and Chelsea ‘have continued to progress well’ in recent days and the signing of Chalobah is getting closer, Masi told the Shrophshire Star. He added that reports in London are ‘saying he could be confirmed as an Albion player next week’.

Lorient are said to be keen on a permanent deal for the 22-year-old, but his preference is to remain in England.

In even more positive news for the Baggies, it is ‘unlikely’ that Chelsea will demand a transfer fee even though his contract still has two years to run.

The verdict

This would be excellent business from West Brom and a true statement of intent as they look to win back their place in the Premier League. If it is indeed a free transfer for Chalobah, it could genuinely prove to be a contender for the Championship signing of the summer.

The Chelsea ace really ought to be playing top-flight football somewhere in Europe given how well he did in Ligue 1, but perhaps he views West Brom as his route to making a breakthrough to the Premier League.

If they intend to use him as a shield for the defence, he would likely represent a more than able replacement for former Baggies loanee Okay Yokuslu, who has returned to Celta Vigo.

In other news, this midfielder might struggle to fit into Ismael’s plans. 

Former Tottenham Hotspur captain Graham Roberts has labelled previous manager Jose Mourinho’s treatment of Dele Alli as “absolutely pathetic”.

New Spurs boss, Nuno Espirito Santo, got to see his side in action for the first time last weekend, as Spurs drew 1-1 with Leyton Orient in a pre-season friendly.

One name that Tottenham fans may have been happy to see amongst the starting XI against the O’s, was Alli.

The attacking midfielder only featured 15 times in the Premier League last season as he was frozen out by then manager Jose Mourinho. After Mourinho was sacked and Ryan Mason was appointed caretaker manager, Alli started five of the last six Premier League games.

Alli’s attacking instinct has seen him score 65 goals for Tottenham, as well as laying on 60 assists for his teammates showing just how effective he is for the club. Former Spurs player Graham Roberts was not happy though with Mourinho’s treatment of the midfielder last season.

He said: “I’ve always liked Dele Alli, I think he’s a great player. 

“You know last year the way Mourinho treated him was absolutely pathetic. You don’t treat football players in that way to get the best out of them, and I think the rest of the players turned against Mourinho because of that”.

Alli will be hoping that he is a key figure in Nuno Espirito Santo’s side this season and get back to his previous fine form, to help Tottenham return to the top four and attempt to challenge for trophies.

Leeds United have been name-checked as one of the sides interested in signing England U21 international Noni Madueke this summer.

What’s the story?

Reports in recent weeks and months had suggested that Marcelo Bielsa’s side have already put out feelers for the PSV star over a potential summer move.

The Daily Mail then claimed that the winger is valued at around £15m, although the Whites were likely to face competition from the likes of Leicester and AC Milan.

Now, Foot Mercato have revealed that several clubs across Europe are eyeing a potential move for the exciting winger after his impressive spell at PSV, with Marcelo Bielsa’s side one of them.

A new Raphinha

When this Premier League campaign is fully said and done, there’s no questioning that Raphinha will be right up there with the signings of the season. The Brazilian has been an absolute revelation at Elland Road, managing six goals and six assists in the top flight and bringing some real excitement to Elland Road with his tricks and fearlessness.

In Madueke, Leeds could find someone who is incredibly similar with his explosiveness, skills and a wand of a left foot.

Former England under-21 manager Aidy Boothroyd hailed his ability, saying: “He’s a powerhouse of a player, technically very good, left-footed and likes to come in off the side of the pitch, off the right and go and link.

“He’s got a goal in him, he’s very creative. He’s got a massive smile, a lovely kid. The lads have taken to him, as they would because he’s a good player, he has that respect for what he’s done at PSV.”

Meanwhile, former PSV ace Tommie van de Leegte also raved about the England teenager, declaring (via Goal): “He’s fast and has the capability to trick his opponent. He brings creativity and is very explosive in his actions. That’s what PSV needs.”

And, with suggestions that Helder Costa could be set for an exit from Elland Road too, Leeds could wave goodbye to the Portuguese ace and welcome one of England’s most exciting young talents in the process.

Meanwhile, this Leeds United transfer target would be a major upgrade…