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According to Portuguese television broadcaster SIC Noticias TV, as relayed by O Jogo, Sport Witness and Goal Point, there has been a big transfer update out of Tottenham involving FC Porto forward Luis Diaz.

The Lowdown: Spurs eyeing frontmen…

As explained by reliable sources, Tottenham transfer chief Fabio Paratici and manager Antonio Conte have their eyes on new forward additions this January transfer window.

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Indeed, the likes of Fiorentina striker Dusan Vlahovic and Paris-Saint Germain star Mauro Icardi have been linked in recent months as well as more obscure names like Genk striker Paul Onuachu.

It is believed that a striker is among Conte’s priority signings for Spurs as he seeks an alternative to star frontman Harry Kane, with broadcast network SIC Noticias now sharing a big development in their hunt.

The Latest: Spurs table bid…

According to the Portuguese broadcaster, as relayed by O Jogo, Sport Witness and Goal Point, Tottenham have tabled a €60 million (£50.1m) offer to sign Porto star Diaz.

Indeed, this is apparently the only ‘formal offer’ they have received so far for their attacker, with the club swiftly rejecting Paratici’s advances.

If the Primeira Liga giants are to consider selling Diaz, it is claimed that it will take a bid closer to the player’s €80million (£66.8m) release clause to reach an agreement.

The Verdict: Big claim…

Diaz is turning heads all over Europe with his sensational form for Porto this season, attracting serious interest from the Premier League also as Liverpool are repeatedly linked.

It’s not hard to see why Tottenham have taken a serious interest either as they allegedly make an offer.

According to WhoScored, he’s outscored every Spurs player in terms of league strikes so far this season – finding the net 12 times for Porto whilst averaging an impressive 3.1 attempts per 90.

This is more than any Lilywhites man, including the likes of Harry Kane and Son Heung-min (WhoScored), with Diaz’s teammate, Sergio Oliveira, calling him ‘extraordinary’.

It’s little wonder the Colombian is a sought-after player, but it appears Tottenham will have to smash their transfer record if they wish to seal a sensational January move.

In other news: Tottenham ‘working strongly’ for ‘phenomenal signing’ as reporter drops Twitter claim, find out more here.

An update has emerged on Rangers’ pursuit of a new manager, regarding a possible candidate for the role…

What’s the talk?

According to the Daily Record, 53-year-old Bodo Glimt boss Kjetil Knutsen is a coach who has caught Ross Wilson’s eye in his search for Steven Gerrard’s replacement.

The report claims that he is also on Norwich’s shortlist to take over at Carrow Road, whilst the Gers are also plotting talks with ex-Feyenoord man Gio van Bronckhorst.

Dream for Rangers

Wilson could discover a dream Rangers boss in Knutsen with his progressive, front-foot, style and impressive C.V in Norway with Glimt. He broke the goalscoring record in the Norweigan top-flight as his side found the back of the net a whopping 103 times last season as they won the title, whilst his team also beat Jose Mourinho’s Roma 6-1 in the Conference League earlier this term.

This shows that he is capable of setting up a team to play exciting, free-flowing, football to score goals at a ridiculous rate, which could excite Rangers fans and explain why he could be a dream appointment. He could carry on where Gerrard left off and help the likes of Alfredo Morelos, Fashion Sakala and Kemar Roofe thrive, as he has shown that he can organise a team to flourish in front of goal.

Glimt captain Ulrick Saltnes described Knutsen’s style as ‘kamikaze’ and the man himself outlined his demands for the players on the pitch, wanting his side to dominate all aspects of the game. He said:

“Dominating doesn’t just mean scoring but also having the possession of the ball and dictating the rules of the game.

“We want to create a team identity that encompasses everyone; players, staff, managers, fans. We must confront ourselves to be able to create this ‘Bodo model’.”

This goes further to show that he wants his team to play in a defined style and will try to employ a dominant, attack-orientated, system at Ibrox. Therefore, he could be an excellent appointment by Wilson if he is able to translate his success over to Scotland.

The Gers chief should, at the very least, explore the move and see if he is a viable option in the coming days as his background suggests that he could be a great addition to the dugout. Supporters could get excited about the prospect of their team firing in the goals on a consistent basis and winning titles under him, following on from what he has achieved in Norway.

AND in other news, Wilson heading for Rangers disaster over 43y/o boss with 0 trophies, fans surely livid…

On-loan Wolves striker Hwang Hee-chan has ‘caught the eye’ of Manchester City, according to The Mirror’s chief sports reporter Tom Hopkinson.

The lowdown

The 25-year-old is on loan at Molineux from RB Leipzig, and Bruno Lage’s side have the option to sign permanently for £13m at the end of that spell (via Sky Sports).

The South Korea international has begun the campaign in fine form, netting four goals in his first six starts for the club. By contrast, while City are second in the table, their top scorers are Bernardo Silva and Phil Foden with three each.

Hwang may have first caught the attention of English audiences when Salzburg faced Liverpool in the group stages of the 2019/20 Champions League. He scored in a 4-3 defeat at Anfield, having sent Virgil van Dijk ‘out for a hot dog’, as per a Telegraph report from John Percy.

The latest

As per The Mirror, City and title rivals Liverpool are both said to be interested in Hwang, with Pep Guardiola ‘keen to add more firepower up top’.

Wolves are trying to fend them off by sealing a permanent deal for the forward in January rather than waiting until the end of the season when his loan expires.

The verdict

Hwang isn’t just a goalscorer. According to WhoScored, he also excels at dribbling, passing and defensive contributions, indicating that he is a very well-rounded forward player who’s not averse to doing some of the dirty work for the good of his team.

He is also a versatile player, having operated as a winger 36 times during his career. That could well please Guardiola, who has utilised the likes of Foden, Raheem Sterling, Gabriel Jesus and Ferran Torres in wide attacking roles as well as at centre-forward.

You can see why the Korean an attractive option for elite clubs, but it wouldn’t be a surprise if there is a sharp hike in his relatively modest price tag if he were to join Wolves on a permanent basis.

In other news, fans loved these KDB comments.

An update has emerged on PSG striker Mauro Icardi, regarding the chances of him signing for Newcastle in January…

What’s the talk?

According to Foot Mercato, the Argentine striker has been offered to the Magpies, along with Barcelona, Tottenham and Juventus as he attempts to leave the Ligue 1 outfit.

The report claims that he would like to find a ‘quieter’ club where he can be an important player for the side, rather than being a small fish in a big pond in France.

Complete Howe’s attack

The signing of Icardi could complete Howe’s attack by allowing him to deploy his favoured 4-4-2 formation. At the moment, the Magpies do not have two natural strikers who can effectively play alongside each other at the top end of the pitch, with Joelinton finding more success elsewhere and Allan Saint-Maximin at his best out wide.

Callum Wilson could find a dream partner in the Argentine striker, who has proven that he can score goals at the top level. In 296 games for Inter and PSG, he has scored a whopping 160 goals and provided 39 assists – showing his quality as a finisher.

Juventus and Italy centre-back Giorgio Chiellini lauded the Argentine in his autobiography, comparing him to French icon David Trezeguet. He said:

“Among the great attackers I have faced, I highly value Icardi, who inside the area is almost impossible to mark. Mauro against Juve has often scored, it hurt me.

“He’s a world-class centre-forward, even if he lacks something in the collective game, he’s a Trezeguet but with different characteristics, lethal in the aerial game but perfectible outside the surface.”

Trezeguet scored 34 goals in 71 caps for France and 171 goals in 320 games for Juventus during his playing days as a striker, which emphasises how highly Chiellini rates the Argentina international as he has been willing to compare him to such a legend of the Turin club.

This, along with his statistics for Inter and PSG, shows why the £31.5m-rated beast could be able to complete Howe’s attack at St. James’ Park.

Having a lethal finisher with a proven track record of scoring goals could take some of the pressure off Wilson and allow him to thrive, with defenders potentially offering him more space as they pay attention to Icardi. It would also leave Saint-Maximin and Joelinton to play out wide in midfield, with Ryan Fraser and Miguel Almiron also pushing to start.

Therefore, Howe must ensure that Newcastle are able to get a deal over the line for Icardi in January to bolster their striking options and complete his attack heading into the second half of the season.

AND in other news, Discussions underway: NUFC must land £100k-p/w beast compared to “Ballack” and “Gazza”…

Carlo Ancelotti should urge Marcel Brands to launch a summer swoop for Everton to sign a second Richarlison-type player in VfB Stuttgart forward Silas Wamangituka.

What’s the word?

According to Eurosport, Wamangituka has caught the attention of a clutch of Premier League clubs with his dazzling efforts in the Bundesliga this season.

The 21-year-old has been the star of Stuttgart’s campaign since Die Roten returned to the German top-flight last summer, netting 11 of his side’s 44 goals while providing three assists.

Wamangituka, who is under contract at the Mercedes-Benz Arena until 2024, is considered to be one of the most exciting talents across the Bundesliga, having delivered an instant impact while tackling matches with a distinctive style of play.

His pace and finishing excellence from a wide position is thought to have Everton and Fulham on alert, along with talent spotters from some of Germany’s bigger clubs.

The DR Congo native is likened to Arsenal’s £72m forward Nicolas Pepe for the way he broke out at LOSC Lille to seal his move to the Emirates Stadium in 2019, having provided 22 goals and 11 assists in 38 Ligue 1 appearances.

Should Everton sign Wamangituka?

Ancelotti urging Everton’s Director of Football Brands to launch a pursuit to sign Wamangituka this summer could see the Dutch chief acquire a versatile dynamo, who is capable of playing on either wing as well as in behind the striker.

The £22.5m-rated speedster is able to find the back of the net on either wing, too, having struck nine goals and produced three assists from 19 games on the right-flank along with two goals in two Bundesliga outings from the left.

Fitness rarely seems an issue for the 21-year-old, either, with the energetic winger starting 21 of his 22 appearances while sitting out just one fixture to date this term.

Arsenal’s Pepe is not the only player Wamangituka has been likened to, as well, with former Gunners Head of Scouting Sven Mislintat, now Stuttgart’s Sporting Director, comparing the Paris FC product with Gabon star Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

“There are some differences between them, of course, but also many, many similar things,” Mislintat told Bundesliga.com. “His father was a player, defensive midfielder, playing for the national team of Gabon, hard worker and Auba got this attitude.

“And he has learned quite a lot also from Jurgen Klopp in working defensively. If they adopt this and they are able to do this, then they will become big, big stars in football with their qualities and their mindsets. And this is what Silas did as well.”

Mislintat also describes Wamangituka as a “scoring machine”, along with being “humble, hungry for success, [and] he would like to improve his game every day.”

Wamangituka’s drive, output, style and versatility would not be too dissimilar to Richarlison if brought to Everton, offering Ancelotti two high-calibre options for either wing.

“I think he [Richarlison] cannot play centre-forward because he is really good at attacking the line and to play centre-forward, most of the time you have your back to the goal,” Ancelotti said, via quotes by the Liverpool Echo. “I think for him, better is centre-left.”

The Toffees boss has also praised his star Brazilian for his defensive contribution, noting via quotes by the Mirror: “I was not happy with him against Newcastle because I think he could work more. Against Leeds, he did fantastic defensive work and I was pleased with that performance.”

It remains to be seen how much Stuttgart would value Wamangituka at the end of the season, but Everton should certainly sound out the Bundesliga side’s position.

AND in other news, Everton are tracking a prolific 15-goal winger backed to reach another level…

Carlton Palmer does not believe that Tottenham Hotspur will sack Jose Mourinho, telling Football FanCast in an exclusive interview that the ex-Chelsea boss will be given at least two seasons to prove his worth in north London.

Spurs have endured a difficult spell this season and fell as low as ninth in the Premier League table.

That has led to reports of interest in rival managers, including both Leicester City boss Brendan Rodgers and RB Leipzig manager Julian Nagelsmann.

Palmer, though, does not think that Spurs will be looking to sack Mourinho any time soon.

Indeed, reports suggest that it would cost the club around £30m to sack the Portuguese.

While Palmer, an ex-England international, thinks that Mourinho’s position may come into doubt if the club fail to finish in the top four, he expects him to be given the 2021/22 season to shape Spurs in his own image.

He told FFC: “I don’t think Spurs will be looking to relieve Mourinho of his duties. But I certainly think that they’ll be, with the money that’s been invested in bringing Mourinho in, I think they would have been expecting to finish in the top four.

“I don’t know if that’s possible for Spurs this season. If you’re looking at Man United and Man City, Chelsea, they’ve taken a very, very strong manager. And so I see them finishing in the top four. And that leaves one space.

“So what would happen if they’ve finished outside the top four for Mourinho? I don’t know.

“But listen, I’m a big fan of Mourinho and it takes time to build a winning mentality, to build a winning team. And he should be at least given two seasons and I think he will be given two seasons to try and improve Spurs’ fortunes.”

Spurs’ link with Rodgers is interesting, given that one report has claimed that chairman Daniel Levy attempted to appoint him after he sacked Harry Redknapp, but ended up bringing in Andre Villas-Boas instead.

Palmer is surprised by the link, and he has pointed out that the ex-Liverpool boss seems to be touted as a potential appointment whenever a top manager runs into difficulties.

He added: “Well, Brendan Rodgers must have a brilliant agent, every top job when the manager is in slightly a bit of doubt, he gets linked with, he got linked with the Arsenal job before Arteta went in there.

“He must have a brilliant agent for doing that. But I mean, don’t get me wrong, Brendan Rodgers has done a fantastic job at Leicester City.”

Tottenham Hotspur could also sell an ‘important’ player who manager Antonio Conte ‘raves about’, according to journalist Alasdair Gold.

The Lowdown: Lilywhites exodus?

This upcoming Spurs transfer window looks set to be the most interesting one in quite some time.

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Lilywhites transfer chief Fabio Paratici and chairman Daniel Levy, tasked with backing Conte ahead of the 2022/2023 Premier League season, are reportedly going to sit down with the Italian as he eyes six major signings (The Telegraph).

However, amid their financial complications off the pitch, with club debt mounting to around £706 million, it is imperative that the club offload surplus players to balance the books and bolster Conte’s transfer kitty.

Their homegrown quota also presents a complication with reliable journalist Matt Law recently claiming that, if Spurs want to sign an overseas forward this summer, one of Steven Bergwijn or Lucas Moura may have to be offloaded.

The Latest: Gold backs possible Bergwijn exit…

Writing for football.london in the last 24 hours, another credible source in Tottenham correspondent Gold has now backed that Bergwijn could also leave north London amid consistent exit links surrounding other players.

This is despite the fact Conte ‘raves about’ his Dutch winger, even calling him an ‘important’ player, with Gold adding that Bergwijn is unlikely to want to stay for 22/23 amid his lack of minutes.

The Verdict: Stick or twist?

The Netherlands international has proven to be a useful option for Conte over this campaign.

His added time brace to clinch a dramatic 3-2 win at Leicester City in late January is evidence of the player’s impact and quality when given an opportunity, and could even be the moment that secures Champions League football come the end of the campaign.

Bergwijn’s versatility as an attacking outlet from the wide positions and further forward is another incentive for Spurs to keep hold of the former PSV Eindhoven star.

Despite his quality, though, a mooted move back to the Eredivisie with footballing giants Ajax could be too enticing to ignore – and if the 24-year-old pushes for a move – Spurs may well need to consider a sale depending on their possible offer.

In other news: Source: Tottenham edge closer to ‘top signing’, he really wants to join Conte! Find out more here.

The transfer window is now just a matter of weeks away, and for Wolves, completing business in one specific area will be of utmost importance.

After hitting a sticking point, spending in a position lacking depth simply has to happen.

What’s the word?

Wolves sensationally beat Arsenal a few weeks ago but they have now suffered back to back defeats, failing to score in the process.

They were battered 4-0 by Liverpool and then somehow failed to beat Aston Villa despite a succession of goal scoring opportunities.

Nuno Santo’s men eventually lost 1-0 and it’s clear to see why they’re struggling – they have no Raul Jimenez. The Mexican suffered a fractured skull at the Emirates and thus, Wolves are having to rely on club-record signing Fabio Silva.

That shouldn’t be a bad thing but he’s just 18 years of age so it’s not ideal. Thus, the transfer window could provide the Midlands side with some respite.

The Sun are reporting that one man on their radar for the short-term is former West Brom and Newcastle striker Salomon Rondon.

He is currently plying his trade in China for Dalian Pro and it’s said that they may well consider a deal in January.

Rondon is currently valued at £7.2m by Transfermarkt.

Ideal replacement

Of course, Rondon is not a 20-goal striker but that’s not exactly what they require. Instead, they need an experienced centre-forward capable of filling in for Jimenez while he sits on the treatment table.

Silva has yet to show much in his fledgeling Wolves career but given his potential, he will surely come good sooner rather than later.

Therefore, signing someone like Rondon in the meantime would be phenomenal business from Wolves.

The Venezuela striker scored 11 goals for Newcastle in the Premier League during the 2018/19 season and his bullish nature would be perfect for an Old Gold team accustomed to the way Jimenez plays.

Rondon is an aggressive forward capable of unnerving defenders and has even been compared to one of the great strikers we’ve seen on English soil.

Lee Clark once said: “I was fortunate enough to play with Les Ferdinand and Rondon reminds me of him. They’re both swashbuckling centre forwards, who hold the ball up well and provide a focal point for their team-mates.”

That’s exactly what Wolves need and his record in China demonstrates that he’s in form. For Dalian, the 31-year-old has scored nine in 16 outings this season.

This is superb short-term thinking from Nuno and Fosun.

In other news, Wolves’ £60k-p/w dynamo was their ONLY positive against Aston Villa…

Steven Gerrard has confirmed that Jack Simpson will start for Glasgow Rangers in the Old Firm derby on Sunday.

Simpson to start

Simpson has barely been seen in Glasgow, starting just one game for the Ibrox outfit since signing in January, playing the full 90 minutes during the Gers’ recent 1-1 draw with St. Johnstone (Transfermarkt).

However, Filip Helander is unavailable this weekend, while Leon Balogun and Nikola Katic are already out injured. As such, Gerrard has confirmed Simpson will step in at centre-back (via Sportsmole.co.uk).

Chance to impress

While the Premiership title is already wrapped up, the clash against Celtic remains an important one. Every Old Firm derby has an edge, and the Gers are still in with a chance of going the whole league campaign unbeaten (BBC) – the last thing they will want is to miss out on that by losing to their fierce city rivals.

As such, this is the perfect chance for Simpson to impress. Called a “lovely footballer” by former Bournemouth managed Eddie Howe (via The Scotsman), the 24-year-old moved to Rangers because Ross Wilson and Gerrard saw something special in him. A good performance against Celtic would be the perfect way for him to kickstart his career with the 55-time Scottish champions and show he can be a serious part of the squad next season.

In other news, Rangers are interested in signing this goalscoring midfielder.

Many West Ham United fans were shocked as it emerged that Tomas Soucek won 17 aerial duels against Burnley on Monday night.

The Hammers were in action against Sean Dyche’s team as they aimed to preserve their hopes of earning a European berth for next season. They went behind to a Chris Wood penalty but a brace from Michail Antonio saw them emerge victorious. The Irons have now moved back up to fifth in the table as they trail Chelsea in fourth by just three points (Sky Sports).

Soucel, valued at £36m by Transfermarkt, started the match and won 17 of his 21 aerial duels – incredibly, no other player won more than eight (SofaScore). That means the Czech international has won 204 such battles throughout the season, which is 37 more than Christian Benteke, the next-best performer in the Premier League for this statistic (WhoScored). Soucek is truly unstoppable in the air, it seems.

These West Ham fans were in awe of the stat, as you can imagine, and they took to social media platform Twitter to share their thoughts.

Let’s see what these fans had to say about Soucek’s feat

“Animal”

Credit: @alex_light1

“Soucek my hero”

Credit: @ClaireTeresa1

“Are you serious? That’s amazing. The dude’s a machine.”

Credit: @RalphMHarrison

“@ExWHUemployee @DaveWalkerWHU I know you guys don’t like stats but wow!”

Credit: @Arber_007

“That’s actually hilarious.”

Credit: @SamJimW

“Soucek won 17 aerial duels against Burnley. Insane.”

Credit: @_thejacobc_

In other news, many West Ham fans want this player signed.