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Tottenham Hotspur legend Graham Roberts does not like the idea of the club appointing Roberto Martinez as manager.

Sky Sports, via The Daily Mail, reported earlier this week that the former Everton boss has entered into talks with Spurs over the possibility of replacing Jose Mourinho as the club’s manager.

It remains to be seen if he will reach an agreement with the club, as he is set to manage Belgium in the European Championships this summer.

Roberts, though, doubts the potential appointment of the former Wigan Athletic boss.

Indeed, he does not think that his CV will be that appealing for Spurs, as he has yet to win anything with Belgium, and only succeeded at a small club.

Speaking exclusively to The Transfer Tavern, the UEFA Cup winner said: “Why would you go for a foreign manager that you know nothing of?

“Martinez, Wigan, okay, little club. Belgium manager, if you can’t manage those players at Belgium then well… If he doesn’t win the trophy this year he’s failed because he’s got the best players. That’s not for me.”

Indeed, Martinez has only ever won the FA Cup during his career, though he did guide Swansea City to promotion from League One in 2007/08.

Belgium also finished third at the 2018 World Cup.

PSG are monitoring Everton left-back Lucas Digne, according to French outlet Le10 Sport.

The Parisians, who missed out to Lille on the Ligue 1 title recently, are said to be keen to strengthen their defence and have identified the 27-year-old as a possible option.

Could Digne really go back to PSG?

Digne has previously spent three years in the French capital, as PSG signed him from Lille back in 2013 for a fee of £13.5m. In 2016, having spent time on loan at Roma, Digne moved to Barcelona for £14.85m, and Everton then shelled out £18.2m to bring him to Goodison Park two years later.

He has gone to rack up a century of appearances for the Toffees, contributing 18 assists in that time. Among his team-mates, only Gylfi Sigurdsson (10) and James Rodriguez (eight) set up more goals than Digne (seven) in the 2020/21 season, despite him playing as a left-back.

Mauricio Pochettino’s side eyeing two Blues

This may not be the only business conducted between PSG and Everton. According to Fabrizio Romano, the two clubs remain in talks over a permanent deal for Toffees striker Moise Kean, who spent last season on loan at the Parc des Princes.

Twitter account Everton News Feed relayed the report on Digne, and here’s the pick of the reactions from Toffees supporters.

Everton fans flock to Digne-PSG claim

“I guess we’re getting 120 million from PSG in the summer then.”

Credit: @gersonselema

“We should endeavor to keep Lucas Digne at all costs unless we receive an unbelievable offer. Really like the lad.”

Credit: @PeterPapadopo11

“If they give us 60 million up front for him then they have a deal. Otherwise they can monitor all they want.”

Credit: @maynard_hanna

“Offer the Mbappe guy in return and we’ll talk”

Credit: @sayantan01

“Wouldn’t surprise me if he wanted the move. Wouldn’t blame him either.”

Credit: @joshwilbert1

“Well that’s him off then”

Credit: @Dixie73375628

In other news, many Everton fans also flocked to this update on the future of one of Digne’s team-mates. 

Tottenham Hotspur manager Antonio Conte could make Inter Milan’s Alessandro Bastoni his top defensive target ahead of the summer transfer window, according to journalist Dean Jones.

The Lowdown: Bastoni linked with Spurs

Despite his desire to bring one in during January, Tottenham failed to sign a central defender for Conte. As a result, the Italian has ended up employing left-back Ben Davies as a makeshift left-sided centre-back.

However, according to Spanish sources, Spurs are already in the process of bolstering their defensive options and have submitted a £42m bid for Bastoni.

Inter remain reluctant to sanction a sale, so the 23-year-old remains on a list with the likes of Sven Botman, Josko Gvardiol and Nico Schlotterbeck as potential additions (via The Athletic).

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The Latest: Jones’ claim on Bastoni

Jones believes that Conte will make a big push to sign Bastoni from his former club.

Speaking with GiveMeSport, the reporter claimed: “I think there’s a good chance that Bastoni will emerge as the guy.

“At this stage, I keep being told there is no order at the moment, that they’ll see at the end of the season where they’re at and they’ll go from there.

“They have a shortlist, but it’s not in any sort of ranking, as it stands.”

The Verdict: Great signing if it comes off

Described by journalist Mario Sconcerti as a “young Bonucci”, Bastoni is clearly valued quite highly in Italy. This praise is warranted by his underlying statistics – the 23-year-old ranks in the 99th percentile for progressive passes received, the 94th percentile for shot-creating actions and the 91th percentile for progressive carries (via FBRef) among positional peers in Europe’s top five leagues.

With Conte’s preferred back-three formation, Bastoni would suit playing on the left-hand side of the defence, with his ability on the ball complimenting this style of play.

Therefore, it would not be a surprise to see Conte make a big push for the Inter centre-back, who certainly seems like he would be an ideal signing in terms of what the Lilywhites boss is seeking in a defender.

In other news: One Tottenham man could lead a potential N17 mass exodus

Taking to Twitter, reliable ESPN reporter Moises Llorens has shared a big update on Barcelona attacker and Tottenham Hotspur target Ousmane Dembele amid his contract stand-off.

The Lowdown: Spurs table offer…

As reported in recent months, the France international is a target for Spurs and manager Antonio Conte as Lilywhites chief Fabio Paratici takes to the 2022 free agent market.

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According to Mundo Deportivo, Tottenham’s managing director is eyeing ‘quality players at zero cost’ for his countryman at N17 – including Dembele, whose deal runs out at the end of this season.

Spurs have also allegedly made an offer to sign the 24-year-old on a pre-contract, promising ‘a lot of money’ and the guarantee of being a key player (Mundo Deportivo).

After recent claims Tottenham will ‘push hard’ for his signing this month, ESPN journalist Llorens has shared a significant update.

The Latest: Spurs gifted possible boost,,,

According to his information, sharing news late Tuesday night, Dembele is set for a crunch ‘meeting’ today amid his contract stand-off at the Camp Nou.

However, it is now apparently very unlikely that the player signs an extension, with the difference in negotiations ‘practically insurmountable’.

Indeed, the La Liga giants would apparently see Dembele penning fresh terms as a ‘miracle’ in what could be a boost for Paratici and Spurs.

The Verdict: Time to strike?

The forward looks almost certain to leave as things stand, but does that mean Spurs should continue their alleged pursuit and sink the final blow?

Lauded as ‘exciting’ and ‘almost unplayable’ at times by Premier League legend Rio Ferdinand, Dembele’s ability is clearly rated and there is a reason Barca paid an initial £97 million to sign him from Borussia Dortmund back in 2017.

However, the winger also has a troubling history of hamstring problems and could command a hefty salary – with his current wages believed to be around £210,000-per-week.

An offer around this amount or over would make him the highest paid star at Hotspur Way, even above the likes of Harry Kane, and it would arguably be a gamble to invest that much in a player prone to absences.

Coming with plus and negative points, a move for Dembele before January 31 could prove potentially fruitful but with a big element of risk.

In other news: Conte green-lights move for £220,000-per-week ‘jewel’ as he lays out transfer demand for Spurs chiefs, find out more here.

An update has emerged on Everton target Denzel Dumfries, regarding PSV’s valuation of the defender.

What’s the talk?

According to Eindhoven Dagblad, via SportsLens, Everton transfer target Denzel Dumfries is available for a fee in the region of £12.8m (€15m) this summer as Eredivisie side PSV attempt to rake in as much as possible for their right-back.

The Toffees are reportedly interested in signing the Dutch international this summer as Rafa Benitez looks to strengthen his squad heading into next season.

Everton need him

Marcel Brands must sanction a deal to sign Dumfries this summer as the club need to bring in a new right-back to compete with Seamus Coleman. The Irishman turns 33 in October and struggled at times last season, averaging a disappointing WhoScored rating of 6.65 in 25 Premier League appearances under Carlo Ancelotti.

This shows that Benitez could upgrade his side by landing a younger right-back who is able to perform to a higher standard in the top-flight. Dumfries could be the perfect target due to his age, recent performances and his price tag.

In terms of his price, he could be a bargain for the Blues. Norwich chief Stuart Webber recently claimed that it would take an offer in excess of £35m to prize another Everton target, Max Aarons, away from Carrow Road this summer, more than double what PSV seemingly want for Dumfries.

The Dutchman averaged a WhoScored rating of 7.07 for club and country last term, including playing for his country at the European Championships. Aarons, meanwhile, averaged a score of 6.93 for Norwich in the Championship across 45 starts. Whilst that is still an impressive showing from the English defender, it does not warrant him being £20m more expensive than Dumfries.

The PSV man’s performances have also caught the eye of some ex-Everton stars too, with former Toffee Marcus Bent labelling him as a “terrific” talent and saying that fans would be delighted if he came through the door this summer.

He told Football FanCast:

“Speaking to Everton, they said he’s a terrific player, but clubs don’t sell their players when the Euros are on because they can put x number of pounds onto their player. Terrific, quick, pacey, he’s a rocket.

“If the club could get him on the back of what he’s done or whether they could attract him to Goodison is a different point entirely, but if you could get him, the fans would be elated.”

At the age of 25, Dumfries also has plenty of years left ahead of him in his career and could be the long-term successor for Coleman.

This is why Brands must sanction a bargain deal for the defender, as they need a player of his age and quality to come in at right-back.

AND in other news, “That was the disappointment” – Exclusive: Ball fires warning to Rafa on £18m-rated Everton ace…

Crystal Palace are set to pip Leeds United in the race to sign Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher, according to TEAMtalk.

The Lowdown: Gallagher talks

Palace and Leeds were reported to be in a two-way tussle for the 21-year-old last week

Gallagher spoke to Patrick Vieira and Dougie Freedman on FaceTime over a possible move to the Eagles, whereas Leeds made a presentation to the midfielder over an Elland Road switch.

It now appears as if a winner has been named in the race for his services.

The Latest: Winner named

TEAMtalk shared a story on Thursday morning, claiming Gallagher has opted to remain in London after Palace made a late bid for his services.

Gallagher had been in Yorkshire and visited Leeds’ training ground, but Palace were made aware of the midfielder’s situation when they signed Marc Guehi, who swapped Stamford Bridge for Selhurst Park earlier this month.

Palace have now persuaded Gallagher to remain in the capital and he is set to join on loan.

Further reports have even claimed the youngster ‘will have a medical’ later today, with Matt Woosnam suggesting Vieira will use Gallagher as one of two slightly more advanced central midfielders in a 4-3-3 system.

The Verdict: Huge

Palace pipping Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds to Gallagher could prove to be a huge piece of business this season.

Vieira has two defensive, two central and two attacking midfielders on the books at this moment in time, and Gallagher is capable of playing in any of those areas to provide a third option.

His versatility could be priceless for the Eagles in Vieira’s first season and it seems as if he will be heading across London instead of to Leeds, adding depth through the spine of the new gaffer’s team ahead of his first campaign in charge.

In other news: ‘Imagine’ – Many Palace fans react to approach for £46k-p/w ace.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has a few big choices to make ahead of the Reds’ Premier League clash with Southampton tonight.

The Merseysiders have not been in action since the 1-1 draw against Newcastle United two weeks ago following the decision to postpone their fixture against Manchester United last week.

They were left frustrated in the clash with the Magpies, with tonight’s clash against the Saints representing what could be their last realistic chance to earn a place in the top four.

One player who should be left out by Klopp at Anfield is forward Diogo Jota. Despite the Portuguese forward having enjoyed an electric start to life with Liverpool following his move from Wolves last year, he has simply not managed to hit the same heights in recent weeks.

The £36m-rated forward has started each of the last three Premier League games, not managing to get on the scoresheet. As a matter of fact, he is now five matches without a goal in all competitions.

That run has shown little signs of ending, with Jota having flattered to deceive against both Leeds and Newcastle. Over those two games, he managed to have nine shots according to WhoScored but only got four of those on target.

Meanwhile, Jota was also supremely wasteful on the ball having conceded possession 23 times against Leeds and 16 times against the Magpies.

In both games, the forward was substituted by Klopp. He lasted just 80 minutes at Elland Road whilst also being withdrawn after just 57 in the frustrating stalemate with Newcastle.

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Whilst it might make sense to keep him in the starting XI considering Liverpool’s need to win the game against a stuttering Southampton, Jota’s lack of rhythm and form make him a prime candidate to drop out.

AND in more news, the Reds have received a huge defensive boost ahead of hosting the Saints at Anfield…

Flocking to Twitter, many West Ham United fans have erupted over big news on Vladimir Coufal.

As well as benefitting from the arrival of recruitment chief Rob Newman in a new Hammers transfer era, manager David Moyes is also eyeing a number of new contracts for his first team stars.

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Indeed, as explained by Claret & Hugh, West Ham have fresh deals for some key players in the pipeline, with Coufal, Tomas Soucek and Declan Rice linked to being offered fresh terms.

According to sources in Italy, Angelo Ogbonna could also sign a contract extension, but now some big news has emerged on Coufal’s situation specifically.

According to reporter Roshane Thomas of The Athletic, the Czech Republic star has put pen to paper on a new three-year deal with the option to extend it by a further year.

The 29-year-old was crucial to Moyes last season, averaging the joint-most tackles per game for West Ham in the Premier League and marking himself out as a real fan favourite.

Taking this into account, it’s little wonder that numerous Irons supporters have absolutely erupted on social media upon hearing of his contract extension – one even called it the “best news ever”.

Check out some of their best verdicts below.

West Ham fans erupt over big Coufal news…

“Best news of the week!”

Credit: @_samhowell

“SIUUUUUUUUUU”

Credit: @alex_cvb

“Absolutely MASSIVE news!!”

Credit: @dave_lapointe

“YESSSSSS”

Credit: @morgzwhu

“This is absolutely superb news, well done Moyes and the board 👏🏻🔥⚒ Another step in the right direction”

Credit: @MartynHobbs12

“That’s big”

Credit: @conwhufc03

“Best news you’ll see today #GSBOUT irons irons irons”

Credit: @joehalford1990

“This is the best news ever”

Credit: @StefGoodridge

In other news: Reliable reporter says West Ham fans ‘should be excited’ by another development, find out more here.

West Bromwich Albion have received a significant boost ahead of their Championship encounter with local rivals Birmingham City over the weekend after defender Matt Clarke completed his recovery from injury.

What’s the word?

The Brighton and Hove Albion loanee has been on the treatment table with a hamstring problem since the end of August when he hobbled off before half-time in the 2-1 win at Blackburn Rovers.

However, he returned to the pitch for West Brom’s U23s prior to the international break before taking a place on the substitutes bench against Stoke City.

“I feel like I’m now ready, but it’s the international break, and there are no games to play,” Clarke said following the defeat at the Bet365 Stadium. “It does give me a chance to catch up even further in terms of fitness and sharpness, so we will see where we are when the matches return.”

But with domestic football set to resume over the coming days, the centre-back is expected to make his comeback against Birmingham, something former Baggies striker Kevin Phillips believes will be a sizeable bonus to Valerien Ismael’s charges.

In an exclusive interview with West Brom News, Phillips said: “Of course now with the break, you’d like to think he’ll be in and around it come when they next play.

“Big boost he’s got some minutes under his belt, we know how experienced he is and where West Brom are sitting at the minute, they need those experienced players back in the side to help them. That will be a big boost.”

Valerien Ismael will be delighted

The Midlands outfit have been victorious in all three of the games that Clarke has started since his arrival on a season-long loan from Brighton, meaning Ismael will be delighted that his star defender is set to return to action.

Despite his limited action, the 25-year-old has already showcased his true potential at the Hawthorns, averaging 2.3 interceptions per league game, the highest tally amongst his teammates, as per WhoScored.

Clarkes has also won 5.7 aerial duels during his second-tier outings and made 2.7 clearances, placing him third amongst his West Brom colleagues for both metrics, illustrating his importance to Ismael’s charges.

While he’s been out, Albion have only won two of six matches, which just goes to show how big a miss he’s been.

Hopefully, they’ll get back to winning ways if he returns this weekend.

And, in other news…Signed for £0, sold for £12.51m: West Brom struck gold over 28y/o dud 

Many West Ham United fans have been angered on Twitter, following an official club tweet reminiscing about the acquisition of Tomas Soucek from Slavia Prague in July 2020.

Enjoying a fantastic 2020/21 campaign, the 6ft 4in ace registered an outstanding 11 goal contributions from 41 appearances; 10 goals and a solitary assist [Transfermarkt].

Signing for the Hammers on the 24th July 2020 for around £19 million, he has gone on to become one of the most highly regarded midfielders in the English top flight over the course of his time in London.

Despite this, the tension surrounding the lack of action with regards to signings this year at West Ham United is palpable.

In light of this, it was no wonder that plenty of West Ham United diehards took to Twitter to vent their frustration at the club.

West Ham United fans react:

Replying to the West Ham United official Twitter account, here is how some Hammers fans reacted to the post about Soucek:

“This’ll be one of those moments to tell the grandkids about in decades to come. “Once upon a time we would add to the squad with new players that would strengthen the team. Once upon a time…””

Credit: @DapperDan”Infuriating, right?”Credit: @dirtyepic7″What about this year’s signings? #GSBOUT”Credit: @RobF_WHU”Yes a great signing. Desperately trying to cover up the lack of spending this year. Need at least 5 signings to consolidate on last year’s great performance. GSB please do not conform to type!”Credit: @Pinnerhammer”Our transfer window is so bad, we are being reminded how good old ones were”Credit: @13illz98″Ah, I remember that feeling of a new signing being announced”Credit: @AngryWesthamIn other news, West Ham fans rage at a reported transfer plan.