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According to a report from Portuguese newspaper A Bola (via Sport Witness), Tottenham Hotspur are among the clubs interested in signing Benfica striker Darwin Nunez. 

The lowdown: Huge interest

Already being indexed as one of the major movers in the upcoming summer transfer window by reputable journalist Fabrizio Romano, the 22-year-old is expected to attract an abundance of interest as a “big name” in the market.

Clubs from across the continent have been linked with the Benfica hotshot and a move away from the Primeira Liga seems inevitable at the end of the season.

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Amidst links elsewhere to Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez, it certainly seems as if Fabio Paratici wants to sign a striker for Antonio Conte, and now Spurs are named amongst the leading contenders to bring the Uruguay international to the Premier League.

The latest: Lilywhites named

As per the Portuguese source, translated by SW, Tottenham, West Ham and Manchester United are all in the mix to land Nunez.

Serie A title-holders Inter Milan are also cited as being interested in the eight-cap Uruguay star, who recently fired Benfica into the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals with a goal against Ajax.

It’s claimed that the Eagles will hold out for bids in the region of €60million (£50million) for their prized asset – way short of a €150million (£126million) release clause.

The verdict: Star signing

Albeit an expensive transfer at the mooted figures, few strikers in Europe can boast the scintillating form shown by Nunez this season.

At present, the Uruguayan is firmly in the race for the European Golden Boot with 20 league goals this season.

Tipped to become ‘the best in the world’ by Jorge Jesus, Nunez has enjoyed a rapid rise to prominence and Paratici could truly add a superstar in the making to Conte’s squad with this capture.

Valued at £36million and under contract until 2025 (Transfermarkt), signing the dynamic frontman at almost any price to partner with Harry Kane would surely be regarded as a superb piece of business.

In other news: Tottenham sets sights on a highly-rated EFL starlet! Find out more here.

Everton are reportedly among a number of clubs who want to sign Christian Eriksen on a free transfer in the summer.

The Lowdown: Eriksen’s deal expiring

The 30-year-old’s six-month deal at Brentford expires in the summer, so he will be able to talk to other clubs about signing as a free agent.

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The Denmark international has made a return to the pitch after suffering a cardiac arrest while playing for his country at Euro 2020, so caution was taken by the Bees over the length of contract given to him during the January transfer window.

The Latest: Eriksen wanted by Everton

Co-writing in his latest piece for 90min, transfer insider Graeme Bailey has revealed that Everton are just one of the clubs ‘looking’ into offering Eriksen a contract this summer, along with Aston Villa, Crystal Palace, Newcastle United, West Ham United and Fulham.

The Dane’s former club Tottenham Hotspur are also ‘interested’ in his signature, and there is interest from abroad too, but the 30-year-old would prefer to remain in England.

The Verdict: No-brainer

Assuring that the Merseyside club can stay in the Premier League, signing Eriksen for free is surely a no-brainer.

Described as a ‘magician’ by Spurs insider John Wenham earlier this season, and recently hailed as ‘unbelievable’ by his manager Thomas Frank, the playmaker has already reminded the Premier League what he is capable of by scoring one goal and supplying one assist in his five Brentford appearances so far, including netting in the recent 4-1 demolition of Chelsea at Stamford Bridge (Transfermarkt).

Currently rated at £13.5m, and not thought to be wanting six-figure wages, landing Eriksen on a free transfer would be a real bargain, and the Toffees would do well to beat off the fierce competition for his services.

In other news, find out what ‘significant’ update has now emerged from Goodison Park

Taking to Twitter, Foot Mercato journalist Sebastien Denis has broken some West Ham United transfer news involving RC Strasbourg striker Ludovic Ajorque.

The Lowdown: West Ham in striker hunt…

In perhaps the worst-kept secret of the January transfer window, Irons manager David Moyes and new transfer chief Rob Newman have their eyes firmly placed on bringing in a new striker alongside other additions.

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There have been plenty of names linked with a move to east London, including Flamengo’s Gabriel Barbosa and Blackburn’s Ben Brereton-Diaz, with Moyes and Newman seemingly looking under every rock.

The latter has been tasked with assisting West Ham in the transfer market after leaving his role of chief scout at Manchester City, coming with a big reputation from his time at Eastlands (The Athletic).

As of yet, the head of recruitment has been unsuccessful in clinching any West Ham deals, but he has now set his sights on a new target.

The Latest: Newman eyeing Ajorque…

According to French journalist Denis, West Ham and by extension Newman have set their sights on Strasbourg’s in-form talisman Ajorque amid their drawn-out search for centre-forward options.

The journalist explained on Twitter: “Looking for a 9 for many months, West Ham is interested in Ludovic Ajorque, the Strasbourg serial scorer, current 2nd top scorer in L1 with 10 goals.”

The Verdict: Get it done?

Reliable West Ham insider ExWHUemployee recently claimed that the Irons were looking for talent in Ligue 1, with the French top flight potentially becoming a solution for Newman (West Ham Way).

It is therefore no surprise to see another name from France linked with a move to West Ham, but going by his numbers, Ajorque could be a shrewd option.

Alongside his impressive strike rate this season, the 27-year-old has notched an impressive total of 79 senior career goals and is an imposing threat going forward.

Compared to West Ham’s current squad, the towering 6 foot 5 striker has averaged a colossal 3.7 aerial duels won per 90 over 17 league starts – far more than any Irons player this season (WhoScored).

An aerial threat and proven in front of goal, it’s little wonder the Hammers and Newman now hold an interest in Ajorque.

In other news: West Ham source: Newman also moves to sign ‘devastating’ forward after price plummets by £32m, find out more here.

Speaking to The Transfer Tavern, journalist Dean Jones has shared an interesting update on Tottenham Hotspur’s links to former star Gareth Bale.

The Lowdown: Bale set for summer exit…

The Wales international is set to leave Real Madrid as a free agent in June with his contract on the verge of expiry, leaving the door open for interested clubs to sign him on a Bosman this summer.

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Bale’s pedigree and experience at the very top level could be a real pull for clubs in the Premier League and beyond with Spurs having been linked to signing him a third time.

The 32-year-old spent 2020/2021 on loan at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, finishing last season as the Lilywhites’ third-most threatening player in terms of league goals and assists combined (WhoScored).

Bale, who is about to become one of the big name free agents up for grabs, is apparently attracting Spurs chairman Daniel Levy’s personal interest as Jones shares what he knows.

The Latest: Jones shares interesting Bale to Spurs update…

Speaking to The Transfer Tavern, the transfer reporter explained how Levy is ‘tempted’ by the idea of signing Bale, a player he ‘loves’.

When asked if the Tottenham chief could be contemplating a summer swoop, Jones explained:

“I mean, he’s always tempted. He loves him. He managed to get him back there before.”

The Verdict: Third time lucky?

Bale’s reunion at N17 last year was a mixed one, with the attacker enjoying spells of brilliant form but also suffering from various fitness issues throughout.

He even attracted criticism from ex-manager Jose Mourinho for giving a false depiction of his rehabilitation on Instagram at one point.

Wales’ superstar could also command huge wages which may be a point of contention financially for Tottenham amid their issues with mounting club debt.

That being said, critics in England believe his quality remains, with talkSPORT host Andy Golstein claiming last year that Bale is still ‘world class’ and he would take him at Manchester United.

Having racked up an impressive career total of 183 goals, there is no question that the ex-Southampton product carries a threat when at his best, but manager Antonio Conte’s intense training methods and high-intensity pressing style could wreak havoc with Bale’s fitness.

This move arguably comes as a mixed bag when taking all of this into account and it will be interesting to see whether Levy does in fact green-light the transfer this summer.

In other news: Paratici sets sights on ‘phenomenal’ £100m man who Spurs have been offered before! Find out more here.

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Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhuttl has confirmed during his Crystal Palace pre-match press conference, via Sky Sports, that Charlie Austin could leave the club before the end of the January transfer window.

What’s the story?

Hasenhuttl told reporters on Monday, as quoted by Sky Sports:

“Sometimes you get to a point when you as a club can’t give a player what he expects us to give him so in this situation we are trying to find a win-win situation for both sides.

“I think he has played two times from the beginning since I have been here. He is a fantastic striker who can score for every team. He is 100 per cent professional, he shows the team that if we need him he is here.

“But like every player he wants to start from the beginning and if there is not the option here in Southampton then maybe he will be looking for another club where he has this option.

“Then we have to talk about these things. We don’t send any player away but if there is a different option for him it can be he is an option for another club.”

Austin joined Southampton from Queens Park Rangers in January 2016.

The centre-forward has managed 20 goals in 72 appearances in all competitions for the Saints, as per Transfermarkt, but has netted just two Premier League goals this season.

Hasenhuttl has admitted that he will be unable to give Austin the football that he wants in the second half of the season, which could lead to an exit.

The 29-year-old has actually only started two Premier League matches since Hasenhuttl replaced Mark Hughes as head coach at the start of December.

Should Southampton fight to keep him?

Austin’s Premier League record is 34 goals in 97 appearances, suggesting that the striker certainly knows how to find the back of the net at the top level.

Southampton recorded a 2-1 win over Everton in the Premier League last time out, but the Saints are far from safe in the top flight.

Pl>ymaker FC’s Matchday with Max caught up with Jamaica’s women’s team. See what happened when he met the history makers in the video below…

Austin – valued at £9m by Transfermarkt – will only have 12 months left on his Southampton contract this summer and a move at the end of the 2018-19 campaign makes sense for all involved.

For now, the Saints, who face Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Wednesday night, must fight to keep hold of a player who is certainly capable of coming off the bench and scoring some vital goals before the end of the season.

That said, Austin is understandably desperate to secure regular football at this stage of his career and a move away this month is looking increasingly likely.

Celtic have two distinct financial plans in place for whether or not they qualify for next season’s Champions League, according to football finance expert Doctor Dan Plumley.

The Lowdown: Celtic closing in on title

The Hoops are enjoying a memorable season to date, with Ange Postecoglou proving to be an inspired managerial appointment last summer despite a rocky start in Glasgow.

As the season slowly reaches its conclusion, Celtic find themselves six points clear of Rangers in the Scottish Premiership title race, as well as preparing to face their arch-rivals in the Scottish Cup semi-finals.

If Postecoglou’s side are crowned champions of the league they would of course qualify for the Champions League, as they look to make their mark in Europe’s biggest club competition.

The Latest: Financial plan in place

Speaking to Football Insider, Plumley revealed that plans are in place at Celtic financially, in terms of them qualifying for the competition or not, as it could make a £17m difference:

“You have to be careful, of course. Celtic know near enough what their revenue will be each year because it’s almost guaranteed that you’re going to finish first or second.

“They sell out every week and they know what they’re working with. The differentiator is, of course, European football. If they win the league this year, they get automatic qualification, which is going to be worth £17m minimum.

“That makes a big difference, so they’ll have different models depending on different possibilities.  Model A, they make the Champions League. Model B, they don’t. That extra money makes a big difference.

“Everything is based around those distinct models and whether you can repeat the trick and qualify year on year.”

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The Verdict: Shrewd approach from Desmond

This is a really smart approach after major shareholder Dermot Desmond hinted at as much recently, ensuring the club is run in sensible fashion rather than recklessly.

The expectation should be that Celtic are in the Champions League next season, of course, but in the event that it doesn’t happen, it is only right that a contingency plan is in place.

While Postecoglou and his players deserve huge praise for their performance on the pitch this season, the manner in which the club is being run as a whole is also worthy of positive reviews.

In other news, Kieran Devlin has singled out one Celtic player for praise. Find out who it is here.

Rangers have been hit or miss in the transfer market over the previous few years, with the Premiership side often reluctant to splash out on transfer fees and in turn, this results in free transfers and loan signings at Ibrox.

This campaign has been no different, under both the ex-manager and Giovanni van Bronckhorst. Some players such as John Lundstram and Fashion Sakala have turned out quite well after a slow start, whereas Juninho Bacuna was back down in the English Championship after only five months in Glasgow.

With the club six points clear at the top of the league in January, the onus was on the new manager to strengthen, which he didn’t.

Bringing in Amad Diallo who is young and raw hasn’t paid off and the club should have moved for a player former Rangers legend Brian Laudrup called a “crowd-pleaser”, the Denmark international Andreas Skov Olsen.

The Ibrox side were perennially linked with Olsen during the summer and January transfer windows to no avail, as Club Brugge’s Champions League riches won the battle as they signed him for £6.3m from Bologna.

The right-winger’s stats have been fantastic since moving to Belgium, scoring five times and laying on seven assists for his teammates in only 12 matches since January.

Compare this to Diallo’s stats since his arrival; eight matches, one goal, and no assists and you can see which player Rangers really should have pushed the boat out for.

Hopefully, this is a lesson for Ross Wilson, although the Ibrox side are now traditionally a selling club, signing players who will immediately improve the first team will more often than not pay the club back with performances and excellent stats.

Club Brugge prevailed where Rangers didn’t take their opportunity and it was a poor choice from Wilson.

AND in other news, Gough 2.0: Van Bronckhorst could save Rangers millions with “superb” rarely-seen 18yo

Everton have made a “concrete” enquiry to sign Juventus star Dejan Kulusevski in this January transfer window.

What’s the story?

The Toffees might be without a permanent manager currently following Rafa Benitez’s sacking, but it appears they are still trying to make moves in terms of their recruitment.

And, according to Romeo Agresti, the Merseyside club have got their sights set on Sweden international Kulusevski.

Speaking on Goal Italia’s Twitch channel, the journalist said: “Everton made a more concrete survey for Kulusevski. But Juventus did not receive any offers.”

Huge upgrade on Iwobi

Amid all the chaos and confusion surrounding who Everton will be looking to appoint as their new manager, bringing in Kulusevski would be an unqualified success that Toffees fans would absolutely get behind.

Described as “explosive” by former Villa and Sweden striker Marcus Allback, he also added: “He likes to challenge his direct opponent. He likes to dribble with the ball, play the short passes and he is very good on the through balls. He’s quick and would cause a lot of trouble for most of the teams he plays.

In fact, while Toffees fans might be sick of the sight of Liverpool star Mohamed Salah, they could find themselves getting their own version of the Egyptian in Kulusevski.

Italian coach Pierpaolo Bisoli once claimed: “He has incredible physical strength. He reminds me of a young Salah for the way he shakes off opponents in the first ten metres.”

Crucially, Kulusevski is a significant upgrade on what Everton have already got in Alex Iwobi, who quite frankly, has been a very disappointing signing since his own big-money arrival from fellow Premier League side Arsenal.

The Nigeria international has managed just six goals and five assists in 80 Premier League games for the Toffees, while his start to the current campaign has been similarly underwhelming to say the least – just the three goal contributions in total.

That lack of end product is not something Kulusevski struggles with however, with the Swede a real threat with his directness and quality.

Last season saw him score seven goals and provide another seven assists in all competitions for Juventus – a real indication of how he is very much at home at such a high level for someone who remains only 21 (four years younger than Iwobi).

As per Whoscored, Kulusevski also averages far more shots, dribbles and key passes per game over his career, and unlike Iwobi has broken into double-figures for goals in a season before – the Swede has also managed more assists than the Everton man in a single campaign too.

The £27m-rated star would be the kind of signing that would get Goodison Park rocking.

Meanwhile, Moshiri should look to hire this man…

Taking to Twitter, broadcaster, author and Tottenham Hotspur fan Greg Jenner has commented on a Tottenham Hotspur exit development involving young winger Dilan Markanday.

The Lowdown: Spurs in Markanday exit talks…

As per reliable reports, Tottenham are in talks with Blackburn over an exit for the Lilywhites starlet with Sky Sports revealing that the 20-year-old could now leave.

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Alongside Sky, reliable reporter Dan Kilpatrick of The Evening Standard claims that a deal could be announced next week as with the fee to believed to be around £500,000 – which could rise to over £1 million with add-ons.

The Latest: Jenner reacts…

In reaction to this development, Jenner, a BBC broadcaster, claimed Spurs letting the talent go is a real ‘waste’.

“What?! That’s bizarre – he’s clearly a big talent,” the BBC Sounds host explained.

“And we have a striker crisis. Why haven’t we been playing him instead of very very young Dane Scarlett? What a waste!”

The Verdict: Agreed…

Making his senor debut this season in the Europa Conference League, Markanday has come on leaps and bounds at Spurs, even scoring an incredible 12 goals and five assists in 14 Premier League 2 starts.

The homegrown ace could’ve been a star in years to come but manager Antonio Conte’s use of a three-of-the-back formation makes Markanday’s inclusion as a winger difficult to say the least.

Lilywhites supporters will be disappointed to see him leave but will be interesting to see how he adapts to England’s second tier.

In other news: ‘This will get Tottenham fans excited…’ – Sky Sports drop major transfer claim on live TV, find out more here.

A big Newcastle United update has emerged on Brentford striker Ivan Toney… 

What’s the talk?

According to 90min, the Magpies are one of the teams showing an interest in signing the English centre-forward at the end of the season.

The report claims that it would cost a sizeable fee of around £50m to prise him away from the London club, with Arsenal, Everton and West Ham also keen on him.

Meanwhile, a Football Insider source suggests an asking price of £30m has been slapped on his shoulders with Newcastle keeping tabs.

Imagine him & Allan Saint-Maximin

By signing the Bees frontman this summer, Eddie Howe can seal a dream duo by pairing him with French attacker Saint-Maximin.

Toney has shown, this season, that he can thrive as part of a two-pronged attack as he has built an exciting relationship with Bryan Mbuemo. The Brentford pair have 16 goals and 11 assists in the Premier League between them and this shows that they have been superb together in the top flight.

Since making the jump up from the Championship, the Englishman has taken to the division like a duck to water – earning plenty of plaudits along the way.

Bees boss Thomas Frank has been effusive in his praise of the goal machine. He said:

“Ivan is very intelligent, because he’s reflecting, and he deserves a lot of praise himself for also coming into a well-run club and listening to all the small bits and adding extra layers to his development and performance.

“If you want to be a top player you need to work hard, constantly reflect and want to learn and then of course you need to have that confidence that he’s got so naturally.He’s coming across so fantastically: he’s humble, calm, but with a mindset of a lion.”

His statistics back up the acclaim as he has produced 12 goals and four assists in 27 league starts, averaging a sublime SofaScore rating of 7.33. He has been able to regularly provide quality on the pitch and still has room to improve at the age of 26, which is why he can be a fantastic signing for the Magpies.

Now, imagine him lining up alongside Saint-Maximin in black and white. The French winger has five goals and three assists in the Premier League and has created 1.4 chances per game. This suggests that he can supply Toney with the opportunities he needs to find the back of the net, whilst Toney’s assists suggest he can also put the ex-Nice man into positions to score for himself. Simply mouthwatering.

AND in other news, Howe can unearth his own Ginola in Newcastle’s rarely-seen 19 y/o “bright talent”…