Tottenham: Darren Bent backs Tanguy Ndombele exchange deal with Barcelona

Former Tottenham striker Darren Bent has thrown his backing behind Barcelona’s reported offer for Tanguy Ndombele.

Ndombele has been the subject of intense speculation in recent weeks, with a report from Sky Sports suggesting that Barcelona have offered Spurs the chance to sign Samuel Umtiti and Nelson Semedo in exchange for letting the Frenchman go.

After hearing about the news, Bent admitted that the two players they would potentially be getting in return may be good for Spurs in the long-run and help fix some important issues for them.

Speaking to Football Insider, he said: “To be fair, that swap deal would cover up a lot of cracks and I think it would help. Centre-half, they’ve been a little bit week this season and at full-back as well, they’ve been a little bit suspect. Tanganga’s done very, very well but he’s still quite young.

“Semedo a couple of years ago was absolutely brilliant for Benfica, absolutely brilliant. Went to Barcelona, struggled a little bit but that covers it. Umtiti as well, a World Cup winner of course! If you’re getting Umtiti and Semedo, you ain’t having to buy these players and that’s two positions kind of sewn up.”

In terms of the two players they would be getting in return, both Semedo and Umtiti would help solve Spurs’ current woes at right-back and centre-back respectively.

Serge Aurier has been the picture of unreliability what with his recklessness, whilst Kyle Walker-Peters was sent out on loan to Southampton during the middle of the campaign. And in the heart of defence, Jan Vertonghen’s future is very much up in the air due to his contract with the club expiring in the summer.

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Letting Ndombele go after just one season would be a bold gamble, but it may be worth it overall.

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Sunderland fans furious at Joe Hugill’s imminent exit

Sunderland are about to lose yet another promising young talent and it has left many fans at the Stadium of Light absolutely reeling.

According to Echo reporter Phil Smith, Man Utd are closing in on a swoop in for teenage striker Joe Hugill – one of the brightest prospects left in the academy.

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The Black Cats have already seen Logan Pye join the Premier League giants whilst Sam Greenwood, Luca Stephenson and Luke Hewitson have also left the club in recent times.

As Hugill is only 16, he is free to leave the club as he’s unable to sign professional terms until he turns 17 later this year. Smith claims the two parties have agreed on a compensation package.

MEN Sport believe this fee is around £300k with United winning the race to land his signature over Arsenal, Spurs and Leeds.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and his coaching staff, including head of youth development Nicky Butt, saw the 6 foot 2 teen in action when Sunderland’s U23 side faced the Red Devils’ last year.

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But fans in the northeast are furious. Here’s what has been said…

AND in other news, Sunderland fans react to Keith Downie post about Josh Maja…

Profit Players: Charlie Austin has been West Brom’s supersub following his £4m arrival

This article forms part of our Profit Players feature series, which is where Football Transfer Tavern takes a look at how well a player has fared since being signed or sold, using statistical figures and statements from pundits to prove how good of a deal the club managed to achieve.

In 2013/14, Charlie Austin’s prolific form in front of goal helped to fire a team playing in blue and white into the Premier League. Five years on from those heroics with QPR, for whom he also scored 18 top-flight goals despite their relegation a year later, West Brom put their faith in a second lightning strike by signing him from Southampton for £4m last August.

Austin came to The Hawthorns with a tremendous scoring record at Championship level but, having turned 30 last summer and endured a lean campaign with the Saints, it would have been understandable if some Baggies fans had reservations about his arrival.

Any such opposition to Albion’s decision to buy him may well have grown after the first three months of the season, with only one goal in his first 11 league appearances for Slaven Bilic’s side. He duly lost his place in the starting XI following the November international break but, far from shattering his confidence, it ended up getting the best out of him.

Austin duly went and scored in five successive league games despite starting only one of them, hitting six goals in the space of just two hours on the pitch (as per WhoScored). Most of those were crucial goals, too, with late winners against Sheffield Wednesday and Preston, along with a two-goal salvo to ensure victory from a losing position away to Birmingham. The 30-year-old was swiftly proving to be the epitome of a supersub.

The £4m man hasn’t been able to maintain such excellent form, with only one goal since Christmas as he continued to settle primarily for substitute appearances rather than a place in Bilic’s first XI (as per TransferMarkt). However, it is evident from his tremendous form in late 2019 that he is quite capable of embarking on rich scoring bursts.

Despite only starting 13 of Albion’s 35 Championship matches so far this season, Austin is their second-highest scorer with nine goals in all competitions, only one behind Hal Robson-Kanu. His goals have been worth eight league points to the Baggies, without which they would not be in an automatic promotion place, and his eight league goals have come in 1,123 minutes of game-time, one per 140.37 minutes. Contrast that with Kenneth Zohore, who cost twice as much last summer but has just three league goals in 602 minutes, one per 200.67 minutes.

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Should the Championship season resume and West Brom maintain their place in the top two, they may well look back on their £4m investment in Austin and regard it as an astute purchase towards a proven scorer with previous in firing teams to promotion.

West Brom fans, how good a decision was it to sign Austin for £4m last August? Comment below with your views!

Tottenham Hotspur: Ryan Fraser refuses Bournemouth contract extension; could be good news for Jose Mourinho

Tottenham target Ryan Fraser has rejected an offer from Bournemouth and is set to leave when his contract expires at the end of the month. 

According to Sky Sports, while his teammates Simon Francis, Andrew Surman, Artur Boruc and Charlie Daniels have all signed short-term deals, Fraser has turned down an extension.

Earlier this year, Football Insider revealed that Spurs are prepared to offer him a lucrative contract, as Jose Mourinho has made it clear he is at the top of his shortlist.

Last month, the Daily Star claimed that the Lilywhites are leading the race to sign the Cherries winger, and this could be good news for Mourinho.

Although Fraser has failed to hit the same heights he enjoyed in the 2018/19 campaign, it is worth remembering that he scored seven goals and created 14 assists in the Premier League last season, a figure which was bettered only by former Chelsea talisman Eden Hazard for the latter metric.

Moreover, he could be a very reliable player, as he last picked up an injury all the way back in 2015.

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Meanwhile, Son Heung-min is the club’s second-highest goalscorer this season, only one goal behind Harry Kane, while he has provided more assists than the striker at the time of writing.

In comparison, Steven Bergwijn gave fans a brief glimpse of what he has to offer before he was forced to miss the Lilywhites’ last game against RB Leizpig after sustaining an ankle injury. The 22-year-old has scored two goals in five league games, including netting in front of the home crowd against reigning champions Manchester City (Transfermarkt).

Mourinho has been plagued by constant setbacks this season. Son and Bergwijn have finally returned from spells on the sidelines, which will no doubt give the team a huge boost as Spurs had slumped to several poor results in their absence. However, to add further insult to injury, youngsters Japhet Tanganga and Troy Parrott have been ruled out for the foreseeable future.

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While Fraser has struggled to replicate his sensational form, he could provide solid cover for the wide options, and signing the speedster makes perfect sense, as he will soon be available for free. Son has been an integral part of the squad for many years, and the Scotsman could share the workload with Bergwijn to reduce the risk of injury.

Moreover, it doesn’t matter if he fails to live up to expectations, as Daniel Levy will have gained a valuable asset for no extra cost if the transfer goes through.

Tottenham fans, should Daniel Levy sign Ryan Fraser in the summer? Let us know in the comments below!

Brighton & Hove Albion: Graham Potter promises game-time to Alexis Mac Allister and Tariq Lamptey

Brighton manager Graham Potter has indicated that he plans to give game-time to two young prospects at the club over the coming weeks.

Brighton & Hove Independent reported that the Seagulls boss signalled his intentions to utilise Alexis Mac Allister and Tariq Lamptey throughout the remaining nine games in their Premier League season.

Speaking initially about Mac Allister, Potter said: “He’s been brilliant, his attitude has been great and he is fighting to play. I’m sure we will be using him over the next nine that matches.

“The same with Tariq, again a young player adapting to us and the league but he’s got attributes that I’m pretty sure that we can use over those nine matches.”

Mac Allister was signed by Brighton in January 2019 but, having had loan spells back in his native Argentina last year, he was recalled by his parent club at the beginning of 2020, with the Seagulls paying Boca Juniors a reported £500,000 to prematurely end his loan with the Buenos Aires outfit.

The 21-year-old attacking midfielder made his senior Albion debut in the 0-0 draw at Wolves in March, getting 10 minutes as a late substitute. He made a good impression in that brief cameo, though, registering one shot and delivering three crosses, and his potential is reflected in him winning two senior caps for Argentina last year.

Right-back Lamptey, signed from Chelsea in January, has yet to make his debut for Brighton, although he did feature for his previous club in their Premier League win at Arsenal in late December. In his 30-minute appearance at the Emirates Stadium, he won two tackles and supplied one key pass, along with delivering two crosses (as per WhoScored).

It remains to be seen whether he can displace first-choice right-back Martin Montoya or experienced backup Ezequiel Schelotto, although Potter has indicated that he intends to use the full depth of his squad during a hectic schedule in which Brighton play nine league games in 37 days.

With the Seagulls embroiled in a relegation dogfight which sees them currently just two points clear of the drop zone, Potter may be reluctant to depend heavily on inexperienced youngsters like Mac Allister and Lamptey given how high the stakes will be with their Premier League future on the line.

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However, as the manager has outlined, Brighton have a frenetic run of matches ahead of them and he may need to utilise the full depth of his squad. Indeed, the youthful exuberance of the aforementioned young duo could be used to good effect if their carefree enthusiasm transmits positive energy to the team that inspires them to get the results they need to retain their top-flight status.

Brighton fans, do you think Potter should trust in youngsters like Mac Allister and Lamptey over the next few weeks? Join in the discussion by commenting below!

Tottenham Hotspur: Spurs launch bid for Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg

Tottenham Hotspur have launched a bid for Southampton star Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg. 

According to Duncan Castles, as relayed by @TranSPURS, Tottenham have already made an offer for the Saints ace, who was recently stripped of the captaincy by Ralph Hasenhuttl.

Spurs have been linked to Hojbjerg for a number of months after Jose Mourinho identified the Dane at the top of his list of transfer targets, via Sky Sports.

According to The Times, Southampton will demand £35m for their former captain, despite the fact the Lilywhites had privately hoped he would be available for roughly £20m. Daniel Levy signed Tanguy Ndombele for a club record fee of £53.8m last year.

Hojbjerg has impressed at St Mary’s over the past few years, which has brought him to Mourinho’s attention. The midfielder, who played for Bayern Munich in the past, has played 29 games for Hasenhuttl’s side this season, registering one assist, making 2.4 tackles per game, averaging 1.5 interceptions and successfully completing 1.7 clearances per game on average (via WhoScored).

Castles revealed that the Saints have received three offers so far for the Danish international, although “none of them are satisfactory”. Tottenham have offered cash plus players in exchange but Southampton are refusing to budge, amid interest from Everton.

Mourinho is acutely aware that he will be severely restricted by a tight budget in the summer as Spurs bear the full brunt from the economic impact of the coronavirus crisis.

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While their asking price is surely more than affordable for a team that is reportedly the richest in London, clubs are working under unprecedented circumstances. As it stands, fans will have to wait and see what new signings are made in the upcoming transfer window.

Tottenham fans, should Daniel Levy sign Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg in the summer? Let us down below!

Liverpool can land Timo Werner alternative in Victor Osimhen

For months and months, all signs pointed to Timo Werner heading to Liverpool this summer in a big-money deal.

But in the end, the Germany international penned a deal with the Reds’ Premier League rivals, Chelsea, and Jurgen Klopp’s side have missed out on a target they have been linked with for a very long time.

If the Merseyside club are still intent on bringing in a new centre-forward to Anfield, then reports touting them with a move for Lille star Victor Osimhen is a step in the right direction.

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According to Rai Sport journalist Ciro Venerato (via Sport Witness), there have been “live meetings with the Liverpool chief scout”, and that the striker’s “agent is very close to the Liverpool CEO, who is pushing a lot for Osimhen”.

Whilst he may not be the same kind of high-profile player like Werner is, Osimhen’s achievements in Ligue 1 have shown that this is a talent who can also get to the very top of the game.

Even back when he had just signed for Bundesliga side Wolfsburg, he had made an immediate impression on his coaches, with then manager Andries Jonker saying: “He has great potential in him. He is ambitious, quick and highly unpredictable, he will be a star in the future if he maintains his focus.”

And at Lille, he has absolutely backed up those claims. Before the Ligue 1 season was cancelled, he had racked up an impressive 18 goals in 38 games across all competitions, whilst also providing six assists.

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Just like Werner, he can operate off the left-flank too, and that kind of attacking flexibility will surely be something Klopp will relish having at Anfield what with his exciting and fluid front three.

Averaging 3.2 shots and 0.8 key passes per game, Osimhen has led the line superbly for Lille, with his 7.14 average match rating in the league ranking him joint-14th amongst all players in the division.

So whilst Liverpool may feel a tinge of regret at missing out on Werner, they can sign a truly exciting alternative to the German in Osimhen.

Rangers should dump Bongani Zungu move in favour of long-term Gerrard target

Rangers appear to be closing in on a £3.5m move for Amiens midfielder Bongani Zungu but with a player that Steven Gerrard is all too familiar with becoming available for transfer, should Ross Wilson aim his sights elsewhere?

What’s the word?

According to Goal.com correspondent Neil Jones, long-term Rs target Ben Woodburn will be free to leave Liverpool this summer – either permanently or on loan.

The 20-year-old midfielder has struggled to break into the first-team under Jurgen Klopp with Curtis Jones seemingly ahead of him in the pecking order, and after loan spells with Sheffield United and Oxford United, it certainly seems like it’s time to move on.

Gerrard has long admired the Reds youngster, wanting him before his move to the Blades whilst last summer The Sun claimed Woodburn was once again ‘on the radar’ of the Anfield legend.

Maybe it can be third-time lucky?

Forget Zungu

We’ve already detailed why a move for the South African midfielder would be a disaster waiting to happen at Ibrox, which can be read here – but in short, Zungu has displayed nothing that screams ‘sign me up!’

Instead, a swoop for the transfer-listed Woodburn makes a ton of sense and with him in need of a revival, Gerrard can be the man to bring the best back out of him.

The legendary Liverpool star named the Welshman as his captain whilst in charge of the Reds’ youth team and lauded his abilities by saying:

“I think Ben needs to play so if Jurgen doesn’t need him it’s an excellent opportunity to come and play with his friends who he came through the system with, be the captain and leader in this team, and set the example. The challenge is when he comes down to this level can he approach it like a first-team game and so far he has been excellent.”

Gerrard has regularly called upon his old outfit for players, namely Ryan Kent and Sheyi Ojo, and now would be an ideal time for Woodburn to follow suit.

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At Oxford, he’s shown glimpses, averaging 1.9 shots and 1 key pass per game, via WhoScored.

He’d certainly be less of a risk than Zungu, so it’s time for Wilson to switch tactics and pursue the player that his boss has seemingly chased every window since taking the helm in Glasgow – Woodburn is valued at just £4m by Transfermarkt.

AND in other news, Rangers could make a shrewd move with Lyndon Dykes signing…

Celtic news: Bhoys eyeing Premier League man as replacement for Bolingoli

Celtic’s summer is bound to be quite busy once again. But then again, the Bhoys are always looking to further bolster their squad and maintain that dominance over the Scottish Premier League and the domestic scene as a whole. And now, according to Sky Sports, they are looking to offload Boli Bolingoli and immediately replace him with a new player.

The same source claims that Leeds United’s Barry Douglas is apparently high on their wishlist and we could see them make a move for the new Premier League left-back in the ongoing window.

Of course, Marcelo Bielsa’s men have been promoted to the English top-flight, which may or may not have an effect on Celtic’s potential bid, but new arrivals are surely on the cards.

Interestingly, Sky Sports also say Bolingoli is attracting interest from the Ligue 2 side Amiens and they are offering a loan deal that includes an option to buy at the end of the campaign, for a fee around £2.3m.

It is also worth mentioning that the player himself broke the Coronavirus rules with a trip to Spain without telling anything to the club or to Neil Lennon, leaving them furious with that decision. The papers don’t directly say anything about that potentially being one of the reasons he’s being sold but it’s safe to say he’s not exactly on the manager’s good side anymore.

Verdict

Douglas is a highly experienced player already in his 30s and seeing how he’s had limited opportunities for the Whites in 2019/20, he could indeed be an attainable target for Celtic.

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Of course, first, they have to offload Bolingoli but the interest from France seems to be strong enough for them to successfully do that sooner rather than later. On the face of it, it seems like a good deal for all parties involved.

Man United news: Ole was offered new Sancho alternative in Juventus outcast

We’re bound to keep hearing about Manchester United’s chase of Jadon Sancho long into the ongoing summer transfer window. Of course, Borussia Dortmund won’t exactly budge and are still demanding extraordinary sums of money for their young talent.

On one hand, it is understandable considering the sheer quality and the talent of the young Englishman. He is undoubtedly one of the players of both the present and the future. But on the other hand, the outside circumstances also mean no one can afford him for that price.

With that in mind, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will have to look for alternatives and many names have already popped up in the last weeks or so. The latest one, however, according to Sky Sports, is Juventus’ Douglas Costa.

The 29-year-old has been offered to Man United by Juventus and the Red Devils are still mulling over whether he’d be a good investment. The issue is, the same source claims, his injury record. Here’s what Gianluca Di Marzio said on the subject for Sky Sports:

“Juventus want him to leave. His agents are moving to find a solution, they have talked to Manchester United, to understand if the would be interested. They will think about it, but the problem is that Douglas Costa is often injured, so this is a problem for a club that wants to buy him. The agents have talked to Manchester United, for sure, and have proposed his transfer.”

Now, the ball is in Man United’s backyard.

Verdict

Of all the players to be mentioned as Sancho alternatives, Costa definitely looks like the least attractive one. He may still have quality but he’s 29 and with a bad injury record.

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It’s pretty safe to say that this would indeed represent a downgrade if Ole went for him instead of the young Englishman. However, Sancho remains their n0.1 priority and his transfer to the Premier League is still on the cards.