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Spurs have received a double injury boost ahead of tonight’s UEFA Europa Conference League crunch match…

What’s the latest?

The north Londoners must overturn a one-goal deficit to keep their European hopes alive as they welcome Portuguese outfit Pacos de Ferreira to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this evening.

Nuno Santo’s side are down by one goal and will have to win to qualify for the group stages of the competition. Failure to advance would leave the Lilywhites without a spot in Europe for the first time in over a decade.

“It is a must-win game,” the head coach told reporters in his pre-game press conference.

And their chances of pulling off a positive result have been boosted massively after the 47-year-old confirmed that two key players had recovered from injuries.

Cristian Romero missed Spurs’ trip to Wolves, whilst Heung-min Son limped off early during that clash on Sunday afternoon but when asked if the pair were available tonight, Nuno replied (via football.london):

“Yeah, like I said. Only it’s Joe [Rodon] and Cameron [Carter-Vickers] [who are absent through injury].”

A huge relief

This will undoubtedly leave the Hotspur faithful and the manager absolutely relieved as just like Nuno says, it’s a must-win for the club.

Spurs have already missed out on both the Champions League and the Europa League, thanks to their seventh-place finish last season, so this is the only chance they have to compete on the big stage this campaign.

Nuno rotated his side for their trip to Porto last week, with the Portuguese handing out no fewer than four debuts in what was a relatively young and inexperienced starting XI.

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The likes of Byran Gil and Romero featured for the first time, whilst youth talents such as 17-year-old wonderkid Dane Scarlett and Nile John started from the off, too.

Given that this fixture is back on their happy hunting ground in N17, Nuno could be tempted to name a much stronger lineup, especially as he knows just how crucial a result is here tonight.

Therefore, having Son and Romero fit will come as a massive boost.

The South Korean sensation was Spurs’ second top-goalscorer and biggest creator last season, managing a squad-high two key chances created per game, via WhoScored.

Meanwhile, Romero, who was signed from Atalanta this summer, was named the Serie A’s defensive MVP in 2020/21 and led the league for interceptions (3.1 per match).

These are the sorts of influences that Spurs could really do with in this must-win game.

Both the fanbase and Nuno himself should be delighted with this latest development.

AND in other news, Paratici could complete Spurs’ summer business with “unplayable” £27m-rated “machine”…

Former Premier League star Carlton Palmer insists that Manchester City will try to sign Harry Kane from Tottenham Hotspur again, even if a deal for Borussia Dortmund’s Erling Haaland makes more financial sense.

City spent the summer pursuing a deal to sign Kane from Spurs but were unable to strike an agreement with chairman Daniel Levy.

It has been reported that a bid worth £75m plus £25m in add-ons was the only one tabled by City, and firmly rejected by Spurs, who were demanding closer to £150m.

Kane subsequently stayed put, while Haaland remains at Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga.

The latter will be available next summer for a fee in the region of £65m, when his release clause becomes active, and Palmer believes that a deal to bring him to City would be a sensible one compared to signing Kane for a huge fee.

But he expects the club to try to bring the England captain in again, be it in January or the summer.

Speaking to The Transfer Tavern, he said: “He’s going to cost you upwards of £200 million, in the deal, and he’s coming on for 29.

“I think that’s a lot of money to pay for a 29-year-old but if he delivers you the Champions League then fine. But if you can get Haaland in for £65 million, and then you put his salary on top, then you’re looking at half that deal and he’s a lot younger so there’s your business. We’ll have to see.

“I think they’ll still go for Harry Kane and they’ll try to bring him in during the next transfer window, for sure.”

West Ham United likely fended off big competition for the signature of Kurt Zouma, according to former Hammer Frank McAvennie.

The Lowdown: London switch

Following two loan spells with Everton and Stoke City, Zouma’s time at Chelsea finally came to an end after 151 appearances, with West Ham paying £31.5million for the centre-half.

Zouma, 26, was an unused substitute in the goalless draw with Southampton before making his debut for the club in last week’s 2-0 Europa League victory over Dinamo Zagreb.

In the Hammers’ recent game, Zouma impressed against Manchester United,  making 12 clearances, winning all of his ground duels, winning three of his four aerial duels and completing 93% of his passes.

The Latest: McAvennie impressed

Speaking to West Ham Zone, former Irons striker McAvennie has expressed his satisfaction with what he’s seen so far from the towering Frenchman at West Ham.

“I did say he was a good player.

“He’s a commanding centre-half, just what they needed.

“They’ve got boys who can run the ball but he’s a powerful and big player.

“I’m delighted. I’m convinced there must have been other teams in for him.”

The Verdict: Next level defender

The signing of Zouma certainly strengthens David Moyes’ defence and adds more competition to that area of the field.

With Zouma forming a strong bond with Angelo Ogbonna, Craig Dawson and Issa Diop remain at the club and could be called upon with European games on Thursday night.

Zouma’s powerful presence and ability to distribute the ball out of defence, with his 93% pass completion from Sunday, alongside the midfield pivot of Tomas Soucek and Declan Rice, means the spine of Moyes’ side has strengthened from the end of last season.

After struggling to stake a claim in the Chelsea side on a regular basis, Zouma now finds himself with the chance to cement himself as one of the Premier League’s best centre-backs and potentially see a return to the France national team.

In other news, Noel Whelan has been full of praise for this West Ham United midfielder. Find out more here.

Southampton fans are absolutely delighted at the news they have signed Armando Broja on a season-long loan from Chelsea.

After a slow start to their transfer window, the Saints have finally kicked into gear. The south-coast outfit captured Romain Perraud (southamptonfc.com), Danyl Simeu (chelseafc.com) and Valentino Livramento – the latter two from Chelsea – while they have agreed a fee with Blackburn for Adam Armstrong (The Athletic).

Ralph Hasenhuttl will be hoping these new arrivals will help them improve on their 15th place Premier League finish from last term.

Now, they have brought in another fresh face, also from Chelsea, in Broja. The £2.7m-valued 19-year-old spent last term on loan at Vitesse Arnhem in the Netherlands and scored 11 goals in 34 games for the club (Transfermarkt) – he could be prove to be an inspired new arrival for the Saints.

The news was shared on Southampton’s official Twitter account, and it attracted plenty of attention from the supporters. They took to the social media platform to share their thoughts.

Let’s see what the fans had to say about the Broja news below

“SIUUUUUUU”

Credit: @rxdmond

“Great start to day”

Credit: @dankiz1

“10 prem league goals 5 assists Let’s go”

Credit: @benoport

“Buzzin with this. Excited to see him develop this season”

Credit: @SFCMart

“Excited to see this guy play. Welcome to Southampton mush”

Credit: @Bennett2Terry

“Hello there Mr Albanian Lewandowski, glad to have you on the ride for this wacky season”

Credit: @ScottishSexyMan

In other news, Southampton fans want to re-sign this midfielder.

Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhuttl has provided an update on the future of Danny Ings at St Mary’s, which will delight the majority of Saints fans.

What’s the word?

Ings has been heavily linked with a move away from Southampton this summer after it was revealed that he had rejected the offer of a new four-year contract with the Saints, due to his aspirations of playing in Europe in the near future.

The likes of Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester United and Chelsea have all been linked with a move for the England international throughout the summer, and given that his current contract is set to expire at the end of the 2021/22 campaign, it seemed likely that Southampton would cash in on him.

However, Hasenhuttl has now clarified his future with the Saints and assured fans that he won’t be sold this summer, saying:

“He’s our player for another year, we paid a lot of money for him. When we brought him here, we invested a lot to get him to the highest level and how he is at the moment. We stuck with him with all these injuries he had, gave him the time to recover, gave him the time to perform.

“There’s no reason to sell him, but it’s always a risk for the player when you go into your final year without a contract. That’s why it’s never good for nobody, not for us, not for him, because you never know what can happen in football – injuries can happen, which nobody wants.”

Will Ings stay at Southampton?

From what Hasenhuttl suggests, the 28-year-old will remain at St Mary’s this summer, with the Austrian perhaps still holding out hope that he will sign a new contract in the future rather than potentially losing him for nothing at the end of next season.

Considering he was Southampton’s top scorer last season with 12 goals, despite suffering a number of short-term injury problems, you can see why Hasenhuttl is so keen to keep him at the club. They could seriously struggle if they lose a player of Ings’ goalscoring ability and influence on the pitch.

The “outstanding” forward is a fan favourite at Southampton and Saints fans will be delighted to see him play for another season, even if it does mean potentially losing him for nothing in 2022.

And, in other news… Semmens should seal Saints swoop for PL beast with “a taste for the big games”

A number of Liverpool supporters cannot believe that the Reds have been linked with an audacious summer move for Manchester United star Paul Pogba.

Jurgen Klopp may be keen on signing a replacement for Gini Wijnaldum, with the Dutchman leaving Liverpool for Paris Saint-Germain earlier this summer.

The 30-year-old was an influential performer for the Reds over five seasons, proving to be a model of consistency, both in terms of performance and fitness.

[freshpress-quiz id=“359326”]

Wijnaldum’s exit has left a void in Liverpool’s midfield and they have been linked with a sensational move for Pogba to help fill it.

According to Le10 Sport [via Sport Witness], the United midfielder has been offered to the Reds by his agent, Mino Raiola, but they would only potentially be interested in signing him in January.

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Liverpool fans react to stunning Pogba rumour

It is a rumour that has come from nowhere and these Liverpool fans have been reacting to the story on Twitter.

“You what”

Credit: @jvm_ii

“Hahahahahahahaa”

Credit: @LFC_Kenan

“If this happens, I’ll shave my head and have Souness cry with me”

Credit: @NotVeryFunny511

“Imagine the fume, it would be amazing”

Credit: @scouser_soze

“Shut up LOLLLLLL”

Credit: @Kay__Gee

“How can these people type this stuff with a straight face? He’s a United player who probably wants £300k a week loool”

Credit: @SMXLFC

In other news, some Liverpool fans have lauded one Reds player after brilliant new footage emerged. Find out who it is here.

Crystal Palace remain interested in signing Celtic striker Odsonne Edouard this summer, according to reports.

What’s the story?

The Scottish Sun claim Palace are one of several sides keen on securing the highly-rated 23-year-old’s signature over the coming weeks, although fellow Premier League side Brighton and Hove Albion are reportedly leading the race.

Newcastle United and Italian outfit Roma are also credited with an interest in Edouard, who only has 12 months remaining on his current contract at Celtic Park.

Imagine him and Wilfried Zaha

Since arriving on Scottish shores back in 2017, the £15.3m-rated gem has established himself as one of Europe’s most promising young forwards, bagging 83 goals and providing 27 assists in 169 appearances for the Hoops.

In his last three campaigns with the Glasgow giants, Edouard has scored a minimum of 22 goals in all competitions, highlighting his natural ability to put the ball in the back of the net on a regular basis.

Once described as an “outstanding footballer” by former Celtic striker Frank McGarvey, the Paris Saint-Germain academy graduate would be a valuable addition to Palace’s ranks and could provide the necessary firepower to steer them towards a 10th consecutive top-flight campaign.

The Eagles have already secured the signatures of several exciting, young acquisitions in the current window, but with the departure of Andros Townsend and Michy Batshuayi, further reinforcements in the final third may be required.

Although Palace talisman Wilfried Zaha has been open about his desire to leave Selhurst Park once again this summer, the Ivory Coast international now looks set to stay in south London, and that could lead to a deadly duo forming next season.

Edouard is also renowned for his link-up play and eye for a pass as well as his goalscoring ability, with an average of 1.2 key passes per league game in 2020/21, and nine big chances created evidence of that.

Therefore, the combination of Zaha and Edouard would one capable of striking fear into any Premier League defence, as both men are equally comfortable being the creator or finisher.

Such fluidity is exceptionally hard to defend, and therefore, chairman Steve Parish must sanction Palace’s move for the former France Under-21 international before fierce rivals Brighton snap him up.

And, in other news…Heir to Gary Cahill: Parish must complete Palace move for £16.2m-rated “monster” 

Liverpool have suffered a potentially huge blow in their pursuit of Atletico Madrid midfielder Saul Niguez after Barcelona reportedly entered the race for his signature.

What’s the story?

According to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo (as reported by LFC Transfer Room), the 26-year-old would be on his way to Anfield had the club’s hierarchy made a £42 million bid rather than a £35m one.

The report also claims that negotiations have now taken a break between Liverpool’s hierarchy and Atleti after La Liga giants Barca began negotiations for Saul.

Klopp will be gutted

Jurgen Klopp is thought to be in the market for a new dynamic midfielder this summer after Gini Wijnaldum’s decision to join Paris Saint-Germain left a significant gap in the club’s engine room.

Several star names have been linked with the Reds in recent weeks, such as Florian Neuhaus and Renato Sanches, but it’s Saul who appears to be the club’s primary transfer target.

After struggling for game time last season, the Spain international is keen to seek pastures new ahead of the upcoming campaign, and Atleti are happy to sell.

Saul’s indifferent form last season saw Luis Enrique leave him out of his 24-man squad for Euro 2020, but the technically gifted midfielder has won plenty of plaudits for his impressive displays in the past.

“What a player. I’ve been harping on about Saul Niguez for a few years now. I think he’s a major player. He’s composed, calm, great left foot, lovely conductor, he can score goals, tactically he’s very aware,” said Rio Ferdinand.

“You can see (Diego) Simeone, he gets his teams really well set up, and he’s in the middle orchestrating and dictating things.”

Therefore, news that Liverpool face stiff competition from one of the world’s biggest clubs for Saul will surely leave Klopp feeling gutted.

Ibrahima Konate has already arrived on Merseyside to strengthen the first-team squad, but if the Anfield outfit are to stand a chance of regaining their Premier League crown next season, then further additions will also be required.

Adding Saul would be seen as a major coup by the Liverpool hierarchy and fans alike, and they’ll surely be hoping this latest development doesn’t prevent them from securing their man.

And, in other news…Edwards could find Liverpool’s new Salah with swoop for EURO 2020 star, he’s “magical” 

Aston Villa manager Dean Smith could finally replace Idrissa Gueye by signing Southampton powerhouse Oriol Romeu.

What’s the story?

According to The Telegraph, Villa have made the holding midfield position a priority this summer, with Romeu figuring prominently on their target list.

However, the report added that the Saints are unwilling to sanction a sale, so a deal may be difficult for Smith’s side to execute.

Villa’s new Gueye

As per WhoScored, the Spaniard averaged 3.3 tackles per game in the Premier League last season, which actually ranked him joint-third in the entire division, with only Leicester’s Wilfried Ndidi and Crystal Palace’s Tyrick Mitchell above him in the list.

Romeu also averaged an impressive 1.4 interceptions per game and an 82.6% pass accuracy, so clearly he has the ability to read the game and step in on the front foot when required – something which really made Gueye stand out in his time in the English top flight (including one season at Villa in 2015/16) and now at PSG.

Last season in Ligue 1, the Senegal midfielder managed 2.3 tackles and 0.7 interceptions per match, while also having a 92.6% pass accuracy.

Kurt Zouma, his former teammate at Everton, waxed lyrical about Gueye’s abilities, saying: “We are very happy to have him because the work he is doing in midfield is just unbelievable. Every single game, he is doing the same thing – he is running everywhere, tackling everywhere, recovering balls, passing well. Everything comes with confidence. I think he is playing more forward now and we all know Gana has quality, with the ball and without the ball.”

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In the £65,000-a-week Romeu, they could find someone who also covers the ground very well and possesses both the defensive instincts and secure passing which could benefit Villa in the middle of the park.

If Villa are looking for someone to finally replace the all-action displays provided by Gueye in his time at Villa Park, then Romeu could be the man to do so.

Meanwhile, John Percy has dropped a major Villa transfer update…

Many Everton fans have been reacting to a tweet from Dominic King, who shared an image of a banner which was erected outside Rafael Benitez’s house in England.

As we approach pre-season, the Toffees remain without a permanent manager after Carlo Ancelotti left the club to return to Real Madrid (Sky Sports). At the moment, it appears that Benitez is set to be his replacement (The Telegraph), but this is a potential appointment which does not appear to have gone well with many Everton supporters – after all, he used to be the manager of their fierce city rivals Liverpool.

Still, that is no excuse for the banner which was put outside his family home, with the message reading: “We know where you live, don’t sign”. That is an appalling threat to make to someone just because they might become the manager of a football club.

A photo of the banner was shared on Twitter by journalist King, who fumed: “This banner is online. It has been posted not far from where Rafa Benitez lives with his wife and his daughters. It’s sinister, it’s reprehensible and the people responsible for it should be ashamed. They are a disgrace.”

The image duly attracted the disgust of many Everton supporters who took to the social media platform to share their thoughts on what one Toffees fan understandably called a “despicable” act.

Let’s see what the fans had to say about the tweet from King below

“It’s hard enough being an #Everton fan without suffering the despicable element of a minority of so called fans. Totally ashamed!”

Credit: @Holdtight_TV

“It’s utterly shameful & embarrassing. It’s criminal behaviour & should be treated as such.”

Credit: @EFCMatt1

“100% not what our football club is about utterly embarrassing. Forget about football, in this instance I feel for his family and Benitez himself.”

Credit: @notsimon1878

“Disgusting, too far. The person(s) who have put this up don’t represent me as a fan! That goes for the banners outside Goodison too. I don’t want Benitez at all but this is too much!”

Credit: @Pistolpov

“Ashamed and embarrassed”

Credit: @EvertonNewsFeed

“Utterly embarrassing for us Blues. I didn’t want Rafa as manager but now more than ever I will support him. If he wants to manage us with all this going on deserves our support.”

Credit: @bluedoc999

In other news, Everton are believed to be interested in this Juventus ace.