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12 months ago, Tottenham Hotspur were looking to bring Jack Grealish to the club.

It was widely reported that the club were trying to convince Aston Villa into selling their star man, however, the Villans stood firm and resisted any attempt the Premier League outfit made.

As reported by Sky Sports, Tottenham failed with a £25 million bid for the midfielder in the summer and they continued to stall over making any improved offer for the talented midfielder, giving the Villa Park outfit the opportunity to find the investment they needed without having to offload their key players.

It would not have been a surprise if Mauricio Pochettino’s side looked to try and go again for him this summer as he is the type of player they are currently missing in their squad at the moment.

However, any deal regarding Grealish and Spurs is likely to be dead in the water now.

The Villa captain was heroic for the Championship outfit throughout the campaign and was crucial to their play-off winning success over the past weekend.

Now with his boyhood side back in the top-flight, it would seem almost impossible for the player to leave the club this summer.

Grealish signed a new contract with Aston Villa earlier in the year and The Mirror recently reported it contains a £60 million release clause.

Although Villa would have to accept the offer, there would be no guarantees that the 23-year-old would be prepared to move without giving the Premier League a crack with his beloved side, whilst there is no suggestion that Tottenham would be prepared to smash their transfer record to sign him either.

Spurs lost out on him last summer and it looks highly unlikely that they will be able to get him in the upcoming transfer window.

Tottenham fans, do you think your side will be able to sign Grealish if they went in for him? Or do you think this ship has sailed once again? Let us know what you think by sharing your thoughts with us below!

It really felt like Chris Hughton had weathered the storm at Brighton in the Premier League season that has just gone.

Despite some very poor results and performances, in the end, the 60-year-old was able to steer the south coast club to safety.

He even managed to take a point from Arsenal at the Emirates in the penultimate round of fixtures after a 1-1 draw, a draw that could have easily been a win on another day.

However, it was not enough to save his job, with a former Brighton player putting his sacking largely down to the style of football that was being played at the Amex under his watch.

“I think what it was was the style of play, especially at home,” Steve Sidwell told talkSPORT when speaking about Hughton’s dismissal.

“The away form [and cautious approach] started creeping into the home form and nerves sat in,” the ex-Seagulls midfielder added.

Looking back at Brighton’s season, Sidwell certainly raises a good point. The football was dire at times, hence why Hughton has been replaced by Graham Potter, a coach who had Swansea City playing some good stuff in the Championship.

But even so, Hughton’s dismissal still feels a little harsh, especially after that bright performance at the Emirates against Unai Emery’s men. Based on that display alone, the former Norwich City manager probably deserved to at least see the start of the new season from the Amex dugout.

What is done is done, of course, and Brighton supporters will now be hoping Potter can deliver both results and performances.

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The summer is finally here, which only means one thing for football fans – transfers galore. And for Tottenham supporters, in particular, it could be a window to remember.

Nearly 18 months since their last signing, Spurs look set to go crazy this summer with a plethora of new faces joining the club along with some names leaving the north London side. One name already that has been linked with a move is Giovani Lo Celso.

According to BBC Sport, the Real Betis midfielder was the subject of a £53 million from Tottenham last week and with the news that Christen Eriksen is likely to leave this summer, the Argentine playmaker could be a replacement for the outbound Danish international.

Tottenham fans are excited, but what have the experts across the continent been saying about Lo Celso?

Guillem Balague – Spanish football journalist

If a player from Spain is in the midst of a move to England, Guillem Balague is already on the case.

The Spanish football journalist has been the centre of many breaking stories involving players to and from Spain over the past few years, and although Balague has yet to confirm any movement between Spurs and Lo Celso, the Argentine is a player that has caught his eye.

Balague tweeted during Real Betis’ incredible 4-3 win over Barcelona at the Nou Camp back in November: “Lo Celso extraordinary. Man to man with (Sergio) Busquets defending, attacking the space on the left-hand side or receiving the ball between the lines when Betis kept the ball.”

Gabriele Marcotti – European football journalist

Another journalist to take a liking to Lo Celso is ESPN regular Gabriele Marcotti. The European football writer recently sang the former PSG man’s praises during an airing of ESPN FC but was quick to reframe that a deal should only happen if Eriksen is sold this summer.

Marcotti said via the Daily Express: “I think the thinking from Tottenham’s perspective is that he’s kind of an insurance policy against Christian Eriksen. If Eriksen goes, he’s a Plan B. Obviously not identical players but he would bring some of the same creativity and some of the ability to pick out a pass.”

Stewart Robson – Former Arsenal player

Another expert to speak up on the matter of Lo Celso to Tottenham on ESPN FC was former Arsenal man Stewart Robson and, just like Marcotti, the pundit is a fan of the Real Betis playmaker but also said the midfielder would only work if Eriksen left.

Speaking to ESPN FC via USA SportsRadar: “He (Lo Celso) can go past people better than Eriksen.

“He’s got a bit more athleticism, he’s a good passer of the ball. But you can’t have too many of those players in the side, so if Eriksen stays it will be difficult for him to come in.”

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There is plenty of news currently surrounding Tottenham Hotspur. The main reports so far are in regards to Christian Eriksen, who may be on the move this summer after telling Danish newspaper Ekstra Bladet he would be open to a switch to Real Madrid. Spurs, meanwhile, are looking to bring in some new faces, and may yet even lose another star name. Here’s a look at the latest rumours involving the north Londoners…

Bizarre Lo Celso report

Despite BBC Sport reporting that Spurs have already tabled a £53million offer, ABC Sevilla claim Spurs have bid just €40m (£35.66m) for Real Betis’ Giovani Lo Celso – which the La Liga club, allegedly but also understandably, scoffed at. Lo Celso joined the club from PSG in April following an initial loan period and after a stunning season in the Spanish top flight appears to be one of Tottenham’s main targets this summer. The ABC Sevilla update is certainly a strange one and doesn’t appear to fit the majority of the information given on Tottenham’s pursuit so far this summer.

Sakai to solve right-back problem?

Spurs are currently light at right-back, with neither Kieran Trippier or Serge Aurier looking to have a secure future at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. As such, Mauricio Pochettino is reportedly interested in Marseille’s Hiroki Sakai according to Sky Sports. At 29 years old, he does not fit the club’s usual transfer target profile, but the Japanese international has still made the shortlist as a reliable option.

Lloris on PSG shortlist

Along with Eriksen, Tottenham may also lose captain Hugo Lloris this summer, according to the Sun. PSG are fans of him, and may make a move for the Frenchman if a deal for first-choice target David De Gea cannot be completed.

[ad_pod ]According to Canal-plus journalist Romain Collet-Gaudin, Liverpool are set to reignite their interest in Lyon playmaker Nabil Fekir, but will not offer more than €30m (£26.7m).

The Reds were pursuing the Frenchman for almost the entirety of last summer and finally made a breakthrough in negotiations with the Ligue 1 side after a £53m fee was agreed.

However, the deal broke down after the Merseysiders expressed concerns with the results of his medical, and consequently pulled the plug on a deal which would’ve seen the French international arrive at Anfield.

You can relive Liverpool’s Champions League celebrations in glorious 2D thanks to the guys at 442oons in the video below…

Now, with just one year remaining on Fekir’s contract, it seems as if the Champions League winners are set to go back in for the 25-year-old Lyon star who hit 12 goals last term.

Given the fact that he was just inches away from becoming a Liverpool player last year, the concerns over his medical were obviously enough to worry the Reds into backing away, so it would seem strange for them to go back for a player who they have serious doubts over fitness wise.

Are they right to reignite their interest? Let’s see what the Football FanCast writers have to say…

Matt Dawson

“I think it would be extremely questionable if Liverpool reignited their interest in Nabil Fekir given the forwards they already have. However, saying that, bringing in a player of his quality certainly wouldn’t hurt. Considering the Reds don’t actually need to improve in many areas, saving money doesn’t need to be on the agenda. Fekir is a fine player and if they’d finally be able to sign him they’d go one step closer to matching the depth Manchester City possess.”

Charles Jones

“It’s hard to pinpoint where Liverpool need to improve their squad this summer, but a move for Nabil Fekir wouldn’t be a bad start. The Lyon man could provide cover for Roberto Firmino which is something the Reds have probably highlighted as a priority this summer, and there aren’t many players in the world who can play that type of role. I think that they are spot on with targeting the Frenchman.”

Luke Glanville

“Liverpool fans are probably so sick of hearing the name Nabil Fekir and I don’t blame them one bit. In my view, the club wouldn’t be right to go back chasing the Olympique Lyon star once again this summer. It’s a myth that the Reds still need a Philippe Coutinho replacement given their scoring record in recent times. And for these reasons, it’s very difficult to see where the Frenchman would fit in at Anfield.”

According to the Daily Star, Manchester United have enquired about the availability of Leicester City star James Maddison as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer looks to tackle revitalise the club’s chances at silverware.

In our minds, James Maddison is the kind of player Manchester United should be targeting this summer; young, home-grown, hungry and ambitious and incredibly talented. Indeed, the former Norwich City man became a key player at the King Power in 2018-19 after making the jump up from the Championship last summer, scoring seven goals and creating seven more in 36 appearances.

Frankly, it would seem that United are making promising leaps back towards the club’s core value of promoting young, following warnings from high profile signings like Alexis Sanchez, Angel Di Maria and Radamel Falcao, the kind of strategy Wayne Rooney championed to ESPN earlier this month.

So, with Maddison’s possible transfer in mind, we’re going to take a look at three potential knock-on effects of signing the Foxes’ star man.

United sell Pogba

The Frenchman shook the foundations of Old Trafford by recently announcing his intention to leave the club in search of new challenges. However, whether we’re any closer to seeing that happening remains to seen, obviously.

That being said, there’s absolutely no reason to believe that Maddison couldn’t be a natural heir. He’s young and exciting at 22-years-old and has produced seven goals and seven assists for Leicester City this season. His pass accuracy, though only marginally better, trumps Pogba’s (83.8% compared to 82.8%) and he converts on average more key passes per game than the Frenchman (2.8 compared to 1.6), as per WhoScored.

Statistics aside, by simply watching Maddison play you get the impression he’s going to become a special player. The way he so competently made the step up from the Championship to the Premier League, which is a huge gulf in class, suggests he has the mental strength to take another leap.

Out with the old, in with the new.

Manchester United go back to their roots

For a side who promoted the iconic class of ’92 and built their success on a strong foundation of young exciting players, too few cases of young players bursting into the limelight have occurred.

James Maddison, though not a product of Manchester United, boasts all the characteristics of a player the club desperately need if they’re to rediscover their core values and principals; promoting youth and giving them an opportunity to perform on the big stage, that is.

And with Crystal Palace’s promising right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka reportedly close to a move and Daniel James already signed on – as well as academy graduates Tahith Chong, James Garner, Angel Gomes and Mason Greenwood in the waiting – Maddison would be the icing on the cake for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer who seems to have the club heading in the right direction.

Bruno Fernandes deal falls through

Sporting Lisbon ace Fernandes is hotly tipped to join Manchester United this summer after an impressive season which saw him claimed 32 goals and 18 assists.

However, as time drags on and with negotiations seemingly hitting a stalemate – which the Telegraph suggests is because United are waiting to complete the Wan-Bissaka deal before committing to any others – there’s every chance that Ed Woodward may either miss the opportunity to sign the Portuguese star, with Spurs also interested, or opt only to purchase Maddison for the attacking midfield role.

Manchester United fans, do you agree with our predictions? Let us know in the comments below…

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Arsenal are after Kieran Tierney this summer and former Burnley boss Owen Coyle thinks he can make a big impression in the English top-flight, as reported by The Scottish Sun.

What’s he said?

The paper reported on Saturday that the Gunners have had a £15m bid for the player rejected by the Scottish champions, who are holding out for a fee around £25m.

That would be a record fee for a player leaving Scotland so there would be massive expectation on Tierney’s shoulders if he does make the move, but former Premier League manager Coyle believes he has the talent required to make it at a big club in England.

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As quoted by The Scottish Sun, the 52-year-old said:

“Kieran is a sensational talent and is only going to get better. Arsenal won’t be the only admirer. Top clubs all over the world will be watching him.

“Every club in England will know how good a player he is. I watch a lot of Premier League football and Kieran could play for any team in the league.

“I truly believe that. He is capable of going into the Man City team — that’s how good he is. You look at Andy Robertson and the impact he has made at Liverpool. Kieran could do the same at a top club in England.

“Scotland have two left-backs who belong in the top bracket of world football in that position. I am so excited to watch him develop because I think he will be even better next season.”

Is Tierney at that level?

It’s a big call to compare Tierney to a recent UEFA Champions League winner like Robertson and the 22-year-old would likely need a season or two in the Premier League, just like the Liverpool defender, to grow and adjust to playing at that level on a consistent basis.

The Celtic left-back has quite the rapport with supporters in Glasgow, being a boyhood fan of the club just like them, and has already won a massive amount of trophies in a pressurised environment.

That popularity is no small part due to his ability though. Tierney is considered to be one of the best young players in Scotland, having won the PFA Scotland Young Player of the Year award three years in a row between 2015 and 2018, an award that Andy Robertson has won previously.

With 41 appearances in European competition too, he’s not completely without experience at the top level. The body of evidence in his career so far suggests he could make it in England and Arsenal should be ready to pay Celtic’s asking price this summer.

The new £1bn Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is impressive, but where does it rank in comparison to the other Premier League grounds?

English football is blessed with some of the best stadiums in the world, filled with history and iconic moments.

It’s not just the design of a stadium that counts – the support and atmosphere is also a key factor.

Premier League supporters will travel week in, week out to watch their team play, whether that is at Old Trafford or Vitality Stadium.

But where do the current Premier League stadiums rank? Find out below…

20. Crystal Palace

Selhurst Park can create an electric atmosphere when Crystal Palace are on song, but the ground is in desperate need of an improvement to the facilities.

For some away fans, there is a pole in-between themselves and the action, so even watching the action unfold can be tricky. The stadium is in need of refurbishing.

19. Burnley

Turf Moor is an old-fashioned ground, but an electric atmosphere is rare.

Often a vast viewing of empty seats, there is no intimidation factor and is somewhat becoming outdated as a ground.

There is no special element to the ground which entices you in. Many stadiums are better in the Premier League and would be more suited to a Championship club.

18. AFC Bournemouth

The Vitality Stadium has the smallest capacity in the Premier League at just 11,329. A trip down to the south-coast for away fans can be an enjoyable day out, but as a stadium, it does not impress.

Another example of a ground that needs improving and increasing capacity could help.

17. Watford

Vicarage Road has endured recent renovations but still struggles to impress spectators.

The Graham Taylor stand has a massive flaw where the first few rows cannot be used, as they divert into the ground and you are too low down for the action.

This leaves many empty seats and dissolves any potential atmosphere that could be created from that stand.

16. Southampton

There is nothing unique about St Mary’s Stadium. Has the potential, but lack of attendance brings the rating down.

They need to find a way to fill the stands. It is good for away fans, packed out behind the goal, but the home support lets it down.

The design is generic and does not capture the ordinary spectator if they don’t have an attachment to the club.

15. Brighton & Hove Albion

It is a unique design with the arch of the Amex Stadium. The modern facilities are impressive and is a very aesthetically pleasing ground.

However, the lack of atmosphere again brings this stadium ranking down. It has potential but needs improvements to generate atmosphere.

14. West Ham United

London Stadium is often mocked for not being a “football” stadium, but fans still manage to create an atmosphere – more often than not.

People often criticise the design for away fans with a large gap between upper and lower tiers.

If West Ham’s owners purchased the stadium, they could potentially make adjustments to change it into more of a “football” stadium.

Not close to the best, but not the worst.

13. Wolverhampton Wanderers

Molineux Stadium is a great example of an old-fashioned ground. The stands are close to the pitch, it’s intimidating to visit as an away fan, and overall, it is a good stadium.

However, away fans are packed on the lower tier, making it very difficult to connect and generate an away atmosphere. Moving the positioning of the away fans would significantly improve the ranking for this stadium.

12. Everton

Goodison Park is filled with emotion, sentimental value and history. It has been an excellent stadium over the years, but it is in desperate need of refurbishment.

Everton should keep in touch with the old, iconic look, but improve the facilities generally and renovate the stands to gain a higher ranking.

11. Norwich City

Carrow Road. A 27,00-seater with excellent traditions and values.

A great trip for the traveling fans, but the use of clappers to generate an atmosphere somewhat tarnishes the reputation. The stands are tight to the pitch and old-fashioned, and overall it is a good stadium.

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Lots of Everton fans have been reacting to some outgoing transfer news, as Brendan Galloway looks set to leave the club on a permanent basis this summer.

According to Football Insider, the Toffees left-back is in “advanced talks” with Championship newcomers Luton Town.

The report claims Marco Silva has given the green light for the move, and that the player will leave on a free transfer despite having a year left on his contract.

And fans on Twitter have been left feeling disappointed that the youngster did not live up to his potential at Goodison, although most are wishing him the best with the move as well.

Indeed, the 23 year-old looked set to become one of a long line of English youngsters to break into the Toffees first-team when he joined the club aged just 18, but has featured only 21 times for the senior side and hasn’t exactly impressed out on loan either.

You can tell just from the Twitter reactions just how highly fans had rated the youngster, and you can find some of the best of those reactions down below…

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This article is part of Football FanCast’s In Numbers series, which takes a statistical look at performances, season-long form and reported transfer targets…

Liverpool hitman Sadio Mane seems to be enjoying his time at the Africa Cup of Nations.

The 5 foot 9 forward has the most goal involvements out of any player left in the tournament, having found the back of the net three times whilst assisting once.

Perhaps his best performance of the tournament without actually grabbing a goal came yesterday evening, where the former Southampton man was in inspired form.

The 27-year-old seemed keen to test Saturnin Allagbe in between the sticks for Benin having had three shots on goal, whilst he was also pivotal in helping set up the game’s only goal – the 2018/19 Premier League Golden Boot winner was awarded the Man of the Match award by WhoScored with a 7.59 rating.

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Mane slid a wonderful through ball into Idrissa Gueye’s path after the Everton man played a quick one-two, before he slotted home confidently to send Senegal through to the semi-finals.

Whilst Liverpool will presumably be proud to see their No.10 make it to the latter stages of AFCON whilst playing a starring role, his success at the tournament will be bittersweet for the European champions.

His continued involvement at AFCON means that Mane will be returning late to the club’s pre-season schedule – he would already have been granted an extended holiday due to his participation, but the longer he is involved the smaller his pre-season becomes.

It is certainly a possibility that Mane will miss the start of the Premier League season. If Senegal progress to the final, which is certainly feasible given the talent they have in their ranks, then Mane will be playing until July 19.

Jurgen Klopp insists on his players having three weeks of holiday, which means that Mane will not make the Community Shield against Chelsea on August 4, nor will he be around for the first league game against Norwich five days later.

The Reds will surely be proud of their 26-goal forward for making it this far at AFCON, but his continued involvement will leave a bittersweet feeling in the Merseysiders’ mouth.