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Spurs are in the process of assembling a ‘new-look’ backroom team for incoming manager Paulo Fonseca, according to Football London journalist Alasdair Gold.

The lowdown

Tottenham are said to be closing in on the appointment of the former AS Roma boss and could make an official announcement this week.

They’ve been without a permanent manager since sacking Jose Mourinho in April.

Fonseca, who’s also managed the likes of Shakhtar Donetsk FC Porto, is set to sign a two-year contract with the option for a further year.

Spurs are set to compete in the inaugural Europa Conference League in 2021/22 after finishing seventh in the Premier League.

The latest

Gold explains that Spurs are looking to provide Fonseca with a team that ‘will cater to his strengths’.

Crucially, though, ‘new coaching talent’ will be recruited to address concerns over the defence.

That problem is apparently ‘high on the agenda’ after plaguing Spurs last season.

They gave up an ‘expected goals against’ tally of 52.55, only the 11th-best defensive record in the top-flight.

The verdict

Encouragingly, Spurs are building an environment where Fonseca could thrive. He was dogged by behind-the-scenes structural issues at Roma, but here, he’ll have the support of a general manager who effectively handpicked him and the assistance of a tailored backroom set-up.

The concern is the extent to which Spurs’ defensive issues, in particular, can be solved through coaching alone.

They may need to invest in a top centre-half, with Toby Alderweireld and Joe Rodon either side of their peak years and Davinson Sanchez and Eric Dier proving to be unreliable.

Still, getting a coach in to improve the team’s defence shouldn’t hurt and is a very positive step.

In other news, Fabrizio Romano has revealed the latest transfer noises coming out of N17.  

Liverpool will be among the clubs interested in signing West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice when the summer transfer window opens, according to transfer insider Dean Jones. 

The lowdown: Contract rebel

A recent report from The Guardian has claimed that the 23-year-old has rejected a third offer a new deal at the London Stadium and is ‘open’ to a move away at the end of the season.

With Rice under contract until 2024 (Transfermarkt), Hammers boss David Moyes has previously placed a £150m price tag on the England international, who previously came through the Chelsea academy.

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Amidst growing interest from Manchester City and Manchester United, the Reds have now been tipped to show their own admiration for Rice…

The latest: Jones makes Rice transfer claim…

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Jones claimed that Liverpool will be weighing up a possible swoop for the 29-cap England ace.

The journalist stated: “Of course, they’re going to be interested in Declan Rice because if Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea have had that player on their radar, then you kind of at least have got to consider whether you’re going to need him.”

The verdict: An unnecessary expenditure

Currently, Jurgen Klopp has Fabinho as the only recognised senior defensive midfielder within the Anfield squad, although Jordan Henderson, James Milner and youngster Tyler Morton have all deputised in the role at times this season.

Nonetheless, the powerful Brazilian midfield general has enjoyed a stellar campaign, with five goals and four assists in 44 appearances across all competitions; and despite the lack of natural options in that position, spending anything like the mooted £150m on Rice simply isn’t a realistic prospect for the Reds.

Instead, as the two Manchester clubs potentially do battle for the 23-year-old’s signature, Klopp and incoming Anfield sporting director Julian Ward are more likely to set about pursuing an affordable alternative.

Using the FBRef comparison tool, statistically this term, 21-year-old Nice starlet Khephren Thuram-Ulien is the closest match to Rice, whilst Liverpool’s own Fabinho also appears in the top 10.

In other news, Liverpool have been linked with a shock move for one player. Find out who it is here.

Many Manchester United fans have been left to slam the display of Donny van de Beek in their 3-2 loss at AS Roma in the Europa League on Thursday night.Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s team already had a very comfortable 6-2 home lead from Old Trafford in the first leg to take into the second, and while they may have lost on the night, they still went through to the final comfortably on aggregate, where they will play Villarreal after they knocked out Arsenal in the other semi-final.Edinson Cavani grabbed most of the headlines with both goals, but van de Beek’s performance was not quite up to scratch.The attacking midfield player lost out on five of his duels and also failed to record a single shot on goal, dribble or cross, losing possession of the ball on no fewer than on 11 separate occasions, earning him a quite measly 6.3 overall rating on Sofascore, the joint-second lowest out of any MUFC player to have started the game. Manchester United fans on van de Beek display

These Red Devils slammed his performance on Twitter, with one supporter even going as far as to claim that the Netherlands international was ’embarrassing’:

“Another poor performance from van de Beek last night, remind me, what the hell does he do? #MUFC #UEL”Credit: @Its_Harambaeee”van De Beek has been awful tonight, is a step slow and very indecisive. Perhaps a run of games would change this but he is demonstrating why he doesn’t start ahead of McFred. #MUFC”Credit: @seejaydubu”Why does van de Beek pass backwards so often? Is the lad confused? #MUFC #ROMMUN”Credit: @ALDMUFC”#mufc might as well play with 10 than have van de Beek playing, seem to carry him every game”Credit: @JezLynch”Can’t believe people rate van de Beek he’s absolutely garbage would genuinely rate Djemba-Djemba higher! #RomaManUtd #MUFC”Credit: @donkeypunch1510″Another embarrassing van de Beek game. #MUFC #UEL”Credit: @hatedglazersIn other news, find out whose display in the first leg was slammed here!

Graham Roberts believes that a clutch of young Tottenham Hotspur players could be given a major opportunity to impress in the Europa Conference League this season.

Spurs qualified for the competition after finishing seventh in the Premier League last season.

It certainly wasn’t their main objective, with the Conference League the third-tier European competition, behind the Champions League and the Europa League.

New Spurs boss Nuno Espirito Santo has involved a number of youngsters in pre-season, including Alfie Devine and Dane Scarlett.

Devine is just 16, while Scarlett is 17, and they have each made their first-team debuts for the club.

The former played in the FA Cup clash with non-league Marine last season, scoring in the 5-0 win, while Scarlett has made three appearances, a one-minute cameo against West Bromwich Albion in the Premier League and also against both Ludogorets and Wolfsberger in the Europa League, providing an assist in the latter.

And Roberts believes that players of their kind will have a major opportunity in the Conference League this term.

He exclusively told The Transfer Tavern: “It’s brilliant to play in that Europa Conference, I think a lot of youngsters will be given chances in that. What you’ve got to be careful of is that you don’t play too many and you get knocked out, and everyone’s having a go at you because it’s the Conference.

“So they’ve either got to take it 80 or 90 per cent serious or they just say ‘it’s just for the youngsters and we’re not bothered about it’.

“So it’s down to what the manager and what the club want to do with it. But those two could learn a lot in that competition this year, very, very much so.”

Leicester City are reportedly closing in on the signature of Southampton defender Jannik Vestergaard after reaching an agreement with the Saints.

What’s the story?

According to The Telegraph, Leicester have had a £15 million offer accepted by the south coast club for their 29-year-old centre-back, who is now set to discuss personal terms with The Foxes.

The report claims that Vestergaard has already told teammates that he expects to move to the King Power Stadium this summer after becoming eager for a new challenge in his career.

Brendan Rodgers’ charges were first linked with a move for the Denmark international in January 2020, but with the 6 ft 5 beast only having one year remaining on his current contract, City have been able to get him for a reduced fee in the current window.

Brendan Rodgers will be over the moon

Leicester have been searching for a central defender all summer following former club captain Wes Morgan’s retirement, and Wesley Fofana’s horrific injury only accelerated their search.

Several names such as Ozan Kabak, Issa Diop and James Tarkowski were rumoured to be on the club’s wish list, but it’s Vestergaard who the FA Cup holders have eventually opted for.

The former Borussia Monchengladbach defender enjoyed a stellar 2020/21 campaign at the St. Mary’s Stadium, scoring three goals in 30 Premier League appearances, achieving a highly respectable 6.89 WhoScored rating along the way.

His impressive performances attracted the attention of several pundits, including Tim Sherwood, who sang his praises early last term, saying: “During the early part of the season, he was their best player. He was outstanding.”

And his underlying numbers back up his eye-catching displays on the pitch. Vestergaard averaged a whopping four clearances per league game last term, 0.5 blocks and 1.4 interceptions, placing him in the top five amongst his teammates for each metric.

He became renowned for long, raking diagonal balls from the back last season and has always excelled in the air due to his giant frame. The imposing Scandinavian achieved a passing accuracy of 83% and won 64% of his aerial duals, highlighting his ability to do the modern and traditional aspects of defending extremely well.

Therefore, Rodgers will surely be over the moon that the Leicester hierarchy have agreed a deal for the £60,000-per-week ace.

Fofana’s lengthy spell on the sidelines threatened to derail the Midlands outfit’s push for a top-four finish before the new campaign had even kicked off, but bringing in an experienced Premier League player in the peak of his powers will have the Foxes dreaming once again.

And, in other news…Get it done: Rudkin must complete Leicester City move for £21.5m “warrior”

According to Goal, via West Ham Central, the Hammers are interested in Red Bull Salzburg striker Patson Daka – with many supporters erupting as GSB allegedly eye the ‘perfect signing’.

Daka has attracted much attention for his exploits in Austria, drawing comparisons with Premier League legend Thierry Henry, and it’s not hard to see why judging by his phenomenal goal record over the 2020/2021 season.

Indeed, the Zambian star bagged a truly head-turning 34 goals and 12 assists in 42 appearances in all competitions for Salzburg (Transfermarkt) – with West Ham now apparently one of the clubs interested.

Not much is mentioned in regards to a price tag or any formal enquiry, but Goal claim that the Irons are certainly taking note of the 22-year-old.

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Given his brilliant campaign, it’s little wonder supporters are excited at this link – with one Hammers fan calling Daka the ‘perfect signing’ if they can get a deal done.

Find all of their best verdicts on this development down below.

West Ham fans erupt as GSB allegedly eye Daka

“Please…don’t play with my heart again!

I think he’s levels above Toney, Armstrong & Abraham ability-wise & suitability for West Ham!

Unbelievable pace & work rate, good with both feet, strong, good in the air, excellent link-up play & his agent is Kanoute!

Get it done!!!”

Credit: @WhufcSloth

“This is a dream for me.”

Credit: @DNXN90

“I’m on my knees”

Credit: @1bbyWHU

“Now this I can really get behind!! Make it happen Moyesy”

Credit: @westhampep

“Yes please. Perfect signing but probably too expensive for us.”

Credit: @zan_nichol

“Yesss”

Credit: @HarryZippyAx

“Thought he was going to Leipzig but if he’s available for £25m, he’d be perfect. Fast, young, good on the ball and prolific admittedly not in the best league but he has had experience in Europa.”

Credit: @WestHam_Xtra

“This is THE signing we have to make this summer!!”

Credit: @gdizzle1981

In other news: West Ham fans were left horrified by this development, find out more here.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin has been linked with the Goodison Park exit door in the last few weeks and as a result, Everton have been touted with moves for a number of Europe’s top strikers.

Swiss forward Haris Seferovic could join Rafa Benitez at the Toffees but they’re now in the hunt for a more electrifying forward at Euro 2020.

What’s the word?

According to reports in Italy (via TEAMtalk), Everton are interested in signing Patrik Schick from Bayer Leverkusen this summer.

The Czech Republic striker enjoyed a fabulous European Championships and has also attracted the interest of Tottenham.

However, for any deal to be concluded, Benitez and Marcel Brands will have to part ways with a hefty sum of money.

Schick only just signed for Leverkusen a year ago and as a result, there is no pressure to sell.

That said, if they receive an offer of €40m (£34m) they might be willing to offload.

DCL running scared

If Everton bring Schick to Merseyside this summer then it could well send Calvert-Lewin running for the hills.

The England international found the net on 21 occasions last term and was provided with no competition for a central striking berth.

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However, the arrival of a new forward with similar qualities might have him sweating over his place in the team.

Of course, it would be foolish to dismiss Calvert-Lewin but his minutes could be reduced a little next season and most importantly, he might not have as many goal-scoring opportunities.

That’s because Schick is one of the most in-form strikers on the planet, enjoying a wonderful summer with Czech Republic.

His country reached the quarter-finals of the Euros before they were knocked out by Denmark.

Schick scored in that game which took his tally in the tournament to five which means he’s currently the joint top scorer in the competition alongside a certain Cristiano Ronaldo.

Therefore, it’s hardly a surprise that new Leverkusen boss Gerardo Seoane described the 25-year-old as a player with “incredible finishing qualities” just a matter of days ago.

He only found the net 13 times last term but as he approaches his prime years, Schick looks like a force to be reckoned with.

The forward scored a mind-boggling goal from the halfway line against Scotland during matchday one of the European Championships and at 6 foot 2, is a brutal presence for any defender.

Like Calvert-Lewin, he is capable of reigning supreme in the air. Last term, he won 2.3 aerial battles per game in the Bundesliga and then a whopping 3.8 duels per match in the Europa League.

Capable of brutally dominating a backline, he’d be an exceptional signing, one that could finally give Everton’s current star striker some competition for his shirt.

AND in other news, Everton make contact to sign “superb” 69-goal colossus, he’s perfect for the Toffees…

Tottenham Hotspur sit top of Group G on goal difference as they return to UEFA Europa Conference League action later this evening.

Nuno Santo and his side will be looking to make it four straight wins in all competitions when they head to the Netherlands to face Vitesse at the GelreDome.

The Portuguese is expected to ring the changes, keeping in mind their Premier League clash with West Ham United on Sunday afternoon, so not all of Spurs’ first-team stars will make the trip.

One player who shouldn’t travel is centre-back Cristian Romero, who narrowly made it back from South America to face Newcastle United at the weekend.

He started and played the full 90 minutes as the Lilywhites defeated the Magpies 3-2 at St James’ Park but you could tell that his preparation for the match was far from ideal, thus he should remain in England and be rested for tonight’s encounter.

During the match, the Evening Standard’s Dan Kilpatrick described the 23-year-old defender as “unsurprisingly very shaky”, whilst football.london’s Alasdair Gold made note of his blunder for the home side to open the scoring.

Romero was beaten far too easily by Callum Wilson just minutes into the game and he never really recovered, not that it was his fault for his selection.

Just a couple of days earlier, he featured for Argentina in their win over Peru in Buenos Aires, he then had to fly back on a private jet along with Spurs’ other three players who had been on international duty in the continent, only just making it back on Saturday – one day earlier.

Meanwhile, as per SofaScore, the £31.5m-rated colossus was dribbled past three times, the second-most in the match, whilst he also lost possession 13 times and made just 49 of his 60 passing attempts, only proving that he was sloppy and a little sluggish on the afternoon.

He should remain in Nuno’s first-choice XI, however, he could probably do with sitting this one out in order to be fresh for this weekend’s London derby.

This decision could be hugely beneficial heading into Sunday.

AND in other news, £27m-rated “freak of a talent” facing fight to save Spurs career amid latest Nuno call…

Manchester United are still at risk of losing midfielder Paul Pogba on a free transfer next summer.

That’s after his agent, Mino Raiola, revealed there are no fresh updates regarding an extension.

His comments were shared by the reliable Fabrizio Romano, which, as to be expected, had a number of Red Devils fans talking on social media.

Pogba, who returned to Old Trafford in 2016, has just eight months remaining on his current contract.

He’ll be able to discuss a potential pre-contract agreement with clubs outside of England in the New Year, should his situation remain the same.

And by the looks of it, the Frenchman, who received the third red card of his career on the weekend, may well have that chance. Raiola, talking to The Times, relayed by Romano, said:

“You would have to ask Man United about Paul’s contract extension. At this moment everything is calm. There is no update.”

United fans react

Romano shared Raiola’s comments on Twitter on Tuesday evening. This is what these United supporters had to say in reply, with one labelling it as ‘absolutely mad’.

“Just let him go, all this is so boring it’s absolutely mad.”

Credit: @ZacharyHolt

“tears either he’s staying or Mino lost his juice”

Credit: @m0rant

“Omg he’s staying”

Credit: @2020AAGAMER

“PLEASE LEAVE”

Credit: @TedJoyce_

“Amazes me that over the last two years, anybody still thought this contract wasn’t just being run down”

Credit: @MartyMUFC2

“Terminate his current contract immediately”

Credit: @NightscribeLog

In other news: ‘Wow’ – Lots of MUFC fans erupt at what Romano has said on Solskjaer and Conte.

Dean Windass believes Dominic Calvert-Lewin would jump at the chance to join Real Madrid if the Spanish giants submit an official bid.

It has been a summer of change for Everton, with Carlo Ancelotti departing in favour of a return to the Bernabeu and former Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez moving into the hotseat.

While Ancelotti has left Merseyside, the Italian has been keeping a close eye on proceedings at Goodison Park and is reportedly mulling over a £50million move for Calvert-Lewin.

The frontman, who reportedly earns £75,000-a-week, enjoyed the best spell of his career under the guidance of Ancelotti and scored 21 goals in 39 appearances last season.

Calvert-Lewin is yet to return for pre-season training after being a member of the England squad which reached the Euro 2020 final before a heartbreaking penalty shoot-out defeat to Italy earlier this month.

Although Calvert-Lewin came through the Everton ranks and has made 173 appearances for the Toffees, Windass feels the frontman would be happy to swap Goodison Park for Real Madrid.

Speaking exclusively to The Transfer Tavern, Windass said: “What a great move it would be for the kid.

“He’s proven now. At the end of the day, if Real Madrid come knocking and he’s had that affinity with the manager before, I think he’d jump at the chance.”