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Tottenham Hotspur have long held an interest in Diego Carlos and they could snatch him from Newcastle United’s grasp…

What’s the word?

According to the Daily Mail, Spurs have joined the Magpies in the race to secure the Sevilla defender before the January 31st deadline.

Sky Sports reporter Kaveh Solhekol also provided an update on the situation live on air on Thursday’s ‘The Transfer Show’ (17:05).

“The latest we are getting on Diego Carlos is that Sevilla want to keep him for their game this weekend [against Celta Vigo],” he said.

“But after that game, the expectation is that Sevilla will do a deal and then it’s up to the player where he wants to go.

“They have had an offer from Newcastle and they have been in the driving seat for the past couple of days. But there is also another Premier League club from London who have made an offer of around £30m for him.”

He then added: “I’m not in a position to say which club it is, but I know that Spurs have a long interest in the player and they have been watching him closely for a long time.”

Major defensive upgrade

What a signing this would be for Antonio Conte.

With Eric Dier and Cristian Romero on the treatment table recently, the lack of quality depth in his backline has become ever so apparent.

Spurs may remain unbeaten under the Italian in the Premier League but they were beaten over two legs in the Carabao Cup semi-final against Chelsea – another reminder of how far ahead the Champions of Europe are, whilst they conceded twice during their midweek win over Leicester City.

Davinson Sanchez has been particularly disappointing since his £42m arrival from Ajax in August 2017. The fact that he has struggled to cement a regular place in the starting XI over the past four years is telling.

His performances in a Lilywhites shirt have often led to fans and pundits describing him as a “liability.”

The 28-year-old Brazilian would be a considerable upgrade on the Spurs star as he continues to excel for Sevilla, where he won the Europa League in 2020.

During that season, he contributed towards 21 clean sheets, keeping the likes of Edin Dzeko, Raul Jimenez, and Barcelona’s frontline of Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi silent.

Whilst this campaign, Carlos has formed a solid partnership alongside Jules Kounde – as per WhoScored, he’s averaged a squad-high 2.8 aerial duels won, 1.1 tackles and an impressive 88.3% passing accuracy per league outing.

Sanchez isn’t as strong in the air and is worse on the ball, based on his returns in the Premier League this campaign.

[snack-amp-story url = “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/tottenham-latest-news-transfer-gossip-rumours-conte-paratici-levy-premier-league” title=”Read the latest Spurs news, transfer updates and much, much more!”]

Carlos, who is valued at £40.5m by Transfermarkt, has previously been dubbed a “beast” who is “built like a tank” by Spanish football expert Domagoj Kostanjšak to the Blood Red podcast (via the Liverpool ECHO).

With ten days to go, Spurs supremo Fabio Paratici must ensure it’s the north Londoners who win the race for the Sevilla titan this window.

AND in other news, Spurs edge closer to Adama Traore deal…

Aston Villa’s recent upturn in form continued as they cruised to a 2-0 victory over Norwich City in the Premier League on Tuesday evening.

Steven Gerrard’s side came into the game off the back of a narrow defeat at the hands of Liverpool, but got back to winning ways thanks to goals from Jacob Ramsey and Ollie Watkins.

And while the former took his goal well, it was Emi Buendia’s performance that really caught the eye for Villa.

The Argentine star of course was back on his old stomping ground at Carrow Road following his summer move from the Canaries, and it certainly felt like he was keen on reminding his former club just what they are now missing out on.

The little play-maker relished being a key part of the Villa attack, playing some superb one-touch passes and being a constant menace for the Norwich City defence.

As per Sofascore, only Douglas Luiz boasted a better passing accuracy than him among those players who started, while he provided the second-most key passes and crosses on the night too.

He was always looking to drive forward with the ball and that was unsurprisingly reflected by the fact he attempted seven dribbles – more than four of the man in second, Watkins.

During the game, The Athletic’s Gregg Evans simply tweeted: “Buendia is in the mood tonight. Rolls it through Cantwell’s legs, draws a huge cheer from the away end and helps win a corner. #AVFC looking good…”

And, writing in his post-match player ratings for The Birmingham Mail, Ashley Preece gave him an eight, saying: “Started well and really entertained, popping first-time passes into his teammates and flicking little ones around the corner. Buendia strutted his stuff out there and even nut-megged his pal Cantwell which he enjoyed.

“The only gripe is that Buendia doesn’t carry much of a goal threat with his best work coming outside of the 18-yard box. Enjoyed himself out there. The Argentinian had a couple of efforts blocked in the second half as Norwich made sure he didn’t score. A majestic performance nonetheless.”

While Ramsey will no doubt steal the headlines for his excellent finish and his continued improvement this season, Buendia put in the kind of statement-making performance that surely had Gerrard purring about what’s to come.

Meanwhile, Villa have been offered this European star…

Leeds United are one of many teams interested in Rob Dickie ahead of the January transfer window…

What’s the word?

That’s according to The Athletic, who claim that the Yorkshiremen are among several sides keen to sign the Queens Park Rangers defender. Many of their Premier League rivals, including West Ham, Southampton, Wolves and Burnley are also mentioned.

Whilst no asking price is specifically mentioned by the report, it’s believed that the Championship outfit would command at least eight figures – give or take £10m – though Transfermarkt value him at just £2.7m.

QPR managed to squeeze nearly £20m out of Crystal Palace for Eberechi Eze last summer, so they are capable of driving a hard bargain.

Bielsa needs him

On the face of it, another centre-back addition is perhaps the last thing on Victor Orta’s agenda but given the injury nightmare that manager Marcelo Bielsa has suffered, it wouldn’t go amiss to add a talent like Dickie.

The likes of skipper Liam Cooper, Pascal Struijk, Robin Koch and Diego Llorente have all faced time on the sidelines since the start of the season. It’s gotten so bad that Luke Ayling had to partner the German in the middle against Arsenal last time out, despite both only just returning from their own injuries.

Standing at a whopping 6 foot 4 and right-footed, the 25-year-old would hand the Argentine a very reliable option to his backline, especially as he’s equally adept in a four and a three.

“Rob is so comfortable on the ball. Physicality, aerially strong, passing: his technical base is so sound. He’s a very talented player,” claims his manager, Mark Warburton.

The Athletic go as far as comparing him to Manchester United defender Harry Maguire in terms of playing style.

Currently, Dickie ranks as the Rs’ best performer on the season so far, averaging a 7.16 rating on WhoScored. An average of 3.9 aerial duels won, 1.8 tackles, 1.5 interceptions and 82.2% passing accuracy, via WhoScored, would certainly back up the aforementioned praise and likeness.

Also lauded for his leadership and being an “unbelievable man” by his former Oxford boss Karl Robinson, the QPR star would surely be a player that Bielsa would love to have at his disposal.

For a little over £10m, it could be quite the steal.

AND in other news, Bielsa dealt gutting Leeds United transfer blow ahead of January…

Celtic midfielder Tom Rogic looks set to return from injury when the Hoops take on Hearts at Parkhead on Thursday night, as per The Herald.

The Lowdown: Without Rogic…

The Australian has missed the last six games after suffering a hamstring injury against Hibernian at the end of October.

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The 28-year-old, hailed as ‘brilliant’ by Ange Postecoglou, was a regular in the team prior to his muscle issue, with the manager using the likes of Nir Bitton and James McCarthy alongside Callum McGregor and David Turnbull in Rogic’s absence.

However, it now seems as if the Aussie is set to be available for selection once again, providing Postecoglou with a timely injury boost.

The Latest: Rogic to return

The Herald provided an injury update on Wednesday ahead of Celtic’s meeting with Hearts tonight. They suggested that both Rogic and Bitton will return to the squad after revering from their respective knocks.

However, the report added that Carl Starfelt and Giorgos Giakoumakis are both still sidelined with their hamstring and knee issues.

The Verdict: Good news…

The Hoops have an extremely busy month ahead with nine fixtures in all competitions, so having strength in depth may well be crucial to enjoying a positive December.

On that basis, having a regular in Rogic back and ready to go is a huge boost to bolster Postecoglou’s midfield options.

His displays have also improved under the 56-year-old, averaging more key passes per game and recording a better WhoScored average match rating when compared to last season, so hopefully he can pick up where he left off when he returns.

In other news: Nicholson ‘plans’ to sell ‘terrific’ Celtic ace in record-breaking £25.5m deal. 

Sam Johnstone is arguably one of West Bromwich Albion’s best players on their books, and the subject of his contract, which ends in the Summer of 2022, has been a hot topic.

What’s the story?

Head Coach Valerien Ismael has delivered a promising update on the immediate future of Baggies goalkeeper, Sam Johnstone, as rumours of a cut-price move in January to a number of clubs have circulated non-stop since the beginning of the season.

Ismael hailed Johnstone as the “best player” when discussing the plans for January;

“Yes, we are planning for that,” Ismael responded when asked if he expects Johnstone to still be at the club after the transfer window.

“We definitely don’t want to lose the best player in the squad.

“For our purpose and what we want to achieve, Sammy is a massive part of our project regardless of his contract situation and is a big part of my thoughts.”The England goalkeeper has been linked with Tottenham, West Ham and Southampton to name a few of the Premier League clubs reportedly desperate to secure the star’s signature either in January or in the summer when he will be available on a free.Make or break for West BromWest Bromwich Albion are in a vulnerable position right now despite sitting third in the table, with a shaky run of form over the last few months where goals were not being scored.They have scored fewest out of the top three, however luckily for Ismael, goals conceded have been few for the side, with the least strikes conceded out of the top three teams.This statistic only puts further emphasis on the importance of keeping Johnstone until the summer for West Brom, and it could really be a make or break situation for the side, being the difference between Premier League football or staying for another season in the Championship next season. Thus, fans should be delighted that Albion are planning to keep him at the Hawthorns heading past the winter.West Brom will be hoping to be in a position to prove to Johnstone that is worth staying for the second half of the season by the time the transfer window opens in a few weeks, with the Baggies currently working hard to close the gap with top of the table, currently only five points shy of Fulham.Ismael should be doing everything he can to keep the stopper sweet until the inevitable in the summer when the 28-year-old will be available to go on a free to wherever he pleases, hopefully with the Baggies back in the Premier League as a result of his dedication.In other news: Ismael must axe Hugill from the team

Flocking to Twitter, many Liverpool fans can’t believe their bad luck as more injury news is confirmed, this time for striker Roberto Firmino.

Reds manager Jurgen Klopp has had to cope with mounting injury problems in his squad recently, akin to the issues he was having last term, as he now sweats on six players in total.

Before Firmino’s setback, Liverpool already had five players sidelined for the trip to West Ham today with James Milner, Naby Keita, Harvey Elliott, Curtis Jones and Joe Gomez all unavailable (This is Anfield).

Confirming yet more injury news, Klopp has said that Firmino, who already has six goals to his name this season, has been added to the list after he sustained a ‘serious hamstring injury’ (Liverpool FC on Twitter).

“Bobby is not good news with a serious hamstring injury, really unfortunate,” Klopp said.

“Losing Bobby Firmino is a blow. It’s weeks and I don’t know exactly but more than four which I would consider a serious injury. We have to see, Bobby is a quick healer.”

Flocking to this news, it’s little wonder so many Reds supporters are livid given that they are slowly running out of options with the Africa Cup of Nations also on the horizon, when they will lose the in-form Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane.

Check out some of the reactions from Liverpool fans below as news of Firmino’s injury was revealed by Klopp.

Liverpool fans erupt over Firmino blow…

“Horrible news. Feel for Bobby – he was in great goalscoring form this season. Next man up is Minamino!”

Credit: @jon_s1989

“Absolutely awful news the form he has been in. Injuries racking up now. Still can’t believe we never brought more quality in”

Credit: @BennyBlanco22

“Our season is over when AFCON starts”

Credit: @MehdiAHG

“They just don’t stop do they”

Credit: @ibrahimkhvn

“Bad news on Bobby”

Credit: @derekcollinsmsl

“Absolutely devastated”

Credit: @NabySzn_

“It never ends”

Credit: @xAVKOx

In other news: Plenty of Liverpool fans erupt as club confirms ‘bad news’

Glasgow Rangers fans have been left gushing over some exciting international footage of Gers youngster Alex Lowry.

As shared on Twitter (@CroatianScout2), the midfielder managed to ping a sweet ball off the post and into the back of the net from outside of the box to equalise for the young Tartan Army in the 91st minute against Croatia U19 in the U19 EURO Elite Round.

Lowry is a player that Steven Gerrard had a lot of hopes for before he joined Aston Villa to become their new manager, as he named him among a lot of senior players in the squad for their pre-season game against Partick Thistle.

The 18-year-old has also demonstrated his quality at club level, scoring a brilliant free-kick from 25 yards out for Rangers B last month, and his latest goal for his country only emphasised just how much potential he has – it seems he may take after the former Gers gaffer when it comes to shooting from distance.

Rangers fans on Lowry goal

These members of the Ibrox faithful gushed as the goal was shared on Twitter, no doubt hoping the next man in the Ibrox dugout will look to the youth teams for talents like Lowry…

“Another fantastic prospect.”

Credit: @Conroy24948717

“Baller”

Credit: @unbawmcgaw

“What a player AL is”

Credit: @jamiehunter72

“Stop it.”

Credit: @gmkelly1979

“Wooft”

Credit: @euangtaylor

“Whoever the new manager is they need to utilise the academy. There are good players there that need a chance.”

Credit: @rangersgary1

In other news, find out what official club post has Gers buzzing here!

Many Everton fans want Lewis Dobbin to start in their next game at home to Watford after he scored for the U23’s against Leeds United on Monday night.

As per the official Twitter page of the Goodison Park faithful, the winger bagged an equaliser to make the score against the Whites level at 2-2 with a ‘superb first-time finish’.

That was the first goal that he has scored for the U23’s, as he is certainly making an impression despite being just 18 years of age.

Dobbin had previously scored 14 goals for the U18’s before being promoted, and has already played in two games in the Premier League for the senior side so far this season (Transfermarkt).

With Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison out injured, and Salomon Rondon not firing, it is no surprise at all to see so many supporters of the Merseyside club calling for the Englishman to be given a start by Rafa Benitez.

Everton fans on Dobbin goal

These Toffees called for Dobbin to start the next match on Twitter after he scored his goal:

“Just play the lad in the first team”

Credit: @cashako

“Start him and/or Simms when we need please”

Credit: @alfieartist11

“Start him Saturday”

Credit: @peter_j_oreilly

“Get him in the first team”

Credit: @Yerman58839952

“@rafabenitezweb you getting this?”Credit: @RhysDavies1878″Start him over Rondon”Credit: @BrandrickGeorgeIn other news, find out what contract news has Blues talking here!

With just six goals conceded in their opening ten Premier League games of the season, Manchester City have the second-best defensive record in the top flight so far in this campaign behind league leaders Chelsea who have conceded just three goals.

Despite having conceded fewer goals than the likes of Liverpool and Manchester United, it seems as though Pep Guardiola has his eye on adding a new defensive star to his squad to tighten up his defence even further.

What’s the news?

It has recently been reported by Calciomercato (via Sport Witness) that Italian club AC Milan are trying hard to tie left-back Theo Hernandez down to a new deal.

However, they are facing difficulties to secure his future with Manchester City putting pressure on the club in an effort to try and sign their star defender.

Dream move?

Hernandez, who has been described as a “monster” by Milan legend Serginho, joined the Serie A club back in the 2019 summer transfer window from Real Madrid for a reported fee of €20m (£16.9m).

Since then, the 24-year-old, who is currently valued at £45m according to Transfermarkt, has made 92 appearances for Milan across all competitions in which he has managed to rack up a mightily impressive attacking record of 16 goals and 16 assists along the way.

So far this season, Hernandez has played in all but two of Milan’s 11 Serie A games, scoring one goal and providing three assists, showing how important he is for the team and why City want him so intently at the Etihad Stadium.

In terms of a potential move to the Manchester club, we feel this would be a dream move for Pep and co. That’s because they currently only have Oleksandr Zinchenko in their squad that predominantly plays in the left-back position. Not only would be an upgrade on the Ukrainian but if you keep in mind his attacking play-style, it would perfectly suit the Citizens.

That being said, if City does sign Hernandez in the near future, he could find himself in for some competition on the left of Guardiola’s side in Joao Cancelo who has played the full 90 minutes in all but one of City’s Premier League and Champions League games so far this season.

He played as a left-back in the majority of those games and thus, has earned himself an overall season rating of 7.26/10 for his league performances, making him one of City’s highest-rated players according to WhoScored.

That doesn’t mean Hernandez wouldn’t be the ideal signing in January, however.

In other news: Pep must unleash “intelligent” £140k-p/w Man City star vs Brugge, he’s a game-changer – opinion

Liverpool have been handed a big injury blow ahead of their top-of-the-table Premier League clash against Manchester City.

What’s the latest?

On Thursday, Reds manager Jurgen Klopp revealed that Trent Alexander-Arnold will not be available to play in the match at Anfield against Pep Guardiola’s side after missing their midweek 5-1 victory over FC Porto in the Champions League due to a muscle issue.

Even though Liverpool managed to cruise past their Portuguese opponents in midweek thanks to goals from Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane without the right-back’s presence, everyone at Anfield would undoubtedly have preferred to have him available for the visit of the champions this weekend.

Klopp will not be happy

The 22-year-old, who is currently valued at £67.5m according to Transfermarkt, has made 185 appearances for Liverpool across all competitions in which he has managed to score 10 goals and provide an impressive 47 assists in the process.

Given how Alexander-Arnold has already chipped in with three assists in just six appearances across all competitions so far this term, this shows just how much of an attacking threat he has been even as a defender.

Also, with SofaScore currently listing him as the joint-third highest rated player in the Premier League so far this season alongside Chelsea defender Thiago Silva, this proves just how impressive his overall performances have been and why he will be such a big loss for Liverpool this weekend as someone who could have helped unlocked City’s strong defence, which has only conceded one league goal so far.

Looking ahead to the match against Guardiola’s men, with Klopp saying in his recent press conference that he has a number of options to compensate for the loss of Alexander-Arnold by playing the likes of Neco Williams, James Milner or Joe Gomez there or changing the system altogether, this says to us that the German has a big decision on his hands to try and manage the situation as best he can.

In other news: Forget Thiago: Liverpool must unleash “talented” gem vs City, he’s game-changing