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Tottenham Hotspur are set to be dealt a frustrating transfer blow, with Sassuolo midfielder Manuel Locatelli wanting to pursue a move to Juventus over Spurs, according to Calciomercato. 

The lowdown: Spurs keen on deal to sign midfielder flourishing at the European Championships

Sassuolo star Locatelli has previously emerged as a potential transfer target for both Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur this season, as they look to bolster their midfield options heading towards the 2021/22 Premier League campaign.

Locatelli has shone for the Italian national side at this summer’s European Championships, and will be keen to pick up another win when they take on Belgium in their quarter final on Friday evening.

The 23-year-old is valued at £31.5million (as per Transfermarkt), and Tottenham’s new sporting director, Fabio Paratici has reportedly been keen to strike a deal to land Locatelli’s signature this summer.

The latest: Locatelli chooses Turin over London

Locatelli is reportedly keen on a move to Juventus over Spurs or Arsenal, according to Calciomercato.

Juventus finished fourth in the Serie A table in the 2020/21 season, and although the Gunners have submitted an offer while Tottenham lie in wait, it seems he has chosen Turin over a switch to England.

This will be an irritating update for Spurs supporters to hear of this summer, with their midfield potentially needing additional depth in the future, with Harry Winks recently being linked with a move to Aston Villa.

The verdict: Frustrating

For any player, you’re going to want to be playing at the highest possible level in your footballing career, and for Locatelli, a move to Juventus will present him with the opportunity to do just that.

The midfielder has been a regular for Italian side Sassuolo in recent seasons, but his strong showings for the Italian national side this summer at the European Championships have certainly warranted attention from higher up the Serie A ladder.

A move to the Premier League could have been a tempting proposition for the central midfielder, but you can’t blame him for opting for a side who had won nine consecutive league titles before Inter claimed the 2020/21 crown.

Tottenham also do not have immediate Champions League football to offer, and so it appears they will miss out on the man stunning pundits this summer – BBC hailed the ‘intelligent’ maestro as the key to everything Roberto Mancini’s side do this summer.

Newcastle United would need a complete disaster to unfold in order to suffer relegation this season, as the appointment of Eddie Howe has turned their season around – with the Magpies currently sitting 15th in the Premier League table.

And, the club could now be set for a further boost over their remaining games.

What’s the latest?

Eddie Howe took to his pre-match press conference ahead of tomorrow’s clash with Leicester City to give an important update on both Kieran Trippier and Callum Wilson.

Howe confirmed on Trippier: “Kieran, I think, is very slightly ahead of schedule. He’s beginning to run back on the grass with his boots on, so that’s a great sign for us.”

Adding a further promising update on Wilson: “Callum’s the same. He’s gradually building up to where he wants to be which is great to see.

“Personally, they’re OK because they’re both in a good place. They’re both improving in line with probably what we expected.”

Howe will be buzzingBoth players have made a great impact at St James’ Park during their time at the club, so Howe will be buzzing that they will be back in training and likely back on the pitch before the end of the season.Wilson has struggled with his fitness throughout his time in the North East, but has still bagged 18 goals and registered five assists in 43 appearances so far, with a goal contribution every 147 minutes played – an incredibly impressive feat considering he has spent 257 days on the injury table since joining in 2020.Trippier joined in January and was integral in the four Premier League outings he has made so far, with two goals from left-back in the 318 minutes he has played. Indeed, it was a huge disappointment when the influential 31-year-old broke his left metatarsal against Aston Villa back in February.Whilst it’s highly unlikely that the pair will be back imminently, their respective returns to the squad for training at Darsley Park and picking up some minutes in the last few games of the campaign would be a huge boost to see out the season.However, the Magpies will take on Leicester City without the duo on Sunday afternoon – with Howe certainly hoping that his team can pick up some form to further influence their move away from the relegation zone.Indeed, a win would put them on 37 points, something that could see the Magpies finish the weekend as high as 12th – if results go their way.AND in other news: Newcastle could finally axe shocking £55k-p/w liability with £40.5m-rated “tank”

Manchester United seemingly have a never-ending stream of highly-rated talent coming out of their famed youth academy, and Charlie McNeil could be the latest gem to make the step up to the senior ranks.

The 18-year-old’s journey has been far from straightforward, though. In 2013, the boyhood United fan decided to turn his back on the Red Devils and sign for local rivals Manchester City instead.

It’s believed that the clinical striker bagged over 600 goals for the Cityzens during his seven-year stay before turning down an extremely lucrative contract offer in order to return to the Old Trafford outfit.

A report in Goal outlined City’s hopes for the youngster a couple of years ago, claiming McNeil could fill the gap that Brahim Diaz and Jadon Sancho left following their departues to Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund, respectively.

“McNeill is just 14 but has been making a name for himself in the City academy for the past few years,” Sam Lee wrote – now of The Athletic – in a piece titled ‘Brahim and Sancho gone – but Man City have other teenage sensations’.

“The tall forward has proven to be impressive with both feet and has scored a bagful of goals at all junior levels: 110 goals and 38 assists in 72 games for City’s U15s and England‘s U16s.

“Those familiar with the City youth set-up believe he is one of the best prospects of any age group and is definitely one to keep an eye on in the coming years.”

However, Pep Guardiola’s charges were forced to wave goodbye to a third talented prospect in quick succession after McNeil turned down their offer in favour of making his United comeback.

And the teenager has certainly lived up to expectations in the red half of Manchester. In 23 appearances for the Under-18s last term. McNeil bagged an incredible 25 goals, providing a further six assists for his teammates.

His outstanding displays for Travis Binnion’s charges earned him a call-up to the U23s setup for the current campaign, although he’s finding life slightly tougher.

A return of two goals and one assist in 10 has left room for improvement, but given time to adapt and mature, McNeil will surely prove himself to be as deadly as ever in the weeks and months to come.

The Telegraph have previously described the attacker as a ‘lethal finisher’ who is ‘comfortable with both feet’, giving United fans plenty of reasons to be excited over the Englishman’s future prospects.

And, in other news…Reliable journo drops big update on Solskjaer’s future, Man Utd fans will be intrigued 

Leeds United have been dealt a late setback ahead of their Premier League meeting with Crystal Palace this evening.

What’s the latest?

Speaking in his pre-match press conference (via the Yorkshire Evening Post), Patrick Vieira revealed that, despite being withdrawn in Palace’s 1-0 defeat to Newcastle United last week, Michael Olise could yet feature against Leeds at Selhurst Park tonight – with the winger due to undergo a late fitness test ahead of the clash.

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Concerning the winger’s current condition, the Frenchman said: “With Michael Olise – we were off [Thursay and Friday], so we have to wait until [Saturday]. But, yes, we took him off early in the [Newcastle] game as he wasn’t feeling 100 per cent.”

Marsch will be gutted

Considering how impressive the 20-year-old has been for Palace following his £8m move to south London last summer, the news that the Olise could yet play a role against Leeds on Monday evening is sure to have left Jesse Marsch gutted.

Indeed, over his 23 Premier League appearances this term, the £25m-rated talent has been a livewire in the Eagles’ attack, bagging two goals, providing five assists and creating seven big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 0.7 shots and making 0.8 key passes per game.

These returns have seen the £47.5k-per-week forward average a SofaScore match rating of 6.87, ranking him as the Vieira’s seventh-best outfielder in the top flight of English football.

As such, should the France U21 international indeed be available for selection tonight, it is clear to see that this would come as a huge blow to Marsch’s hopes of taking something back to Elland Road – with a loss at Selhurst Park being a result that would leave the Whites’ hopes of survival this season very much in the balance.

AND in other news: Marsch must now unleash Leeds’ “next big thing” vs Palace, he’s “banging on the door”

Everton boss Rafa Benitez could be heading for an unforgivable transfer howler at Goodison Park amid a damning report over Allan…

What’s the story?

According to Italian publication Il Mattino, it’s suggested that the Toffees would be willing to let the Brazilian midfielder go amid some interest from Serie A giants Lazio.

The report adds that the 31-year-old is keen to reunite with former manager Maurizio Sarri at the Italian side – the duo worked together while at Napoli – and that talks have already begun between the two clubs.

Last straw for Benitez

Having managed to ostracise Digne and see the Frenchman on his way to fellow Premier League side Aston Villa, losing another key cornerstone of this Everton side in Allan would surely be the final straw for Toffees fans.

The Brazilian has been a key cog of the Everton midfield since Carlo Ancelotti brought him in a couple of years ago from Napoli, playing 43 times for the club, including featuring in every single Premier League game this campaign until early December.

It’s no surprise then that his teammates absolutely love him for the kind of dirty work that he does in midfield, with Michael Keane even saying: “He is a defender’s dream. He is always there on the striker’s toes, winning the ball back. He does a lot of running, puts in a lot of tackles.”

And, speaking during commentary for Everton’s clash against Sheffield United last season, Darren Fletcher said: “It does show these days how the role of the central midfielder has changed. He hasn’t got an assist or a goal yet this season for Everton, Allan, but nobody would tell you that he hasn’t been a vital piece of the picture for them in central midfield.”

Benitez is already in hot water with Everton fans for the club’s woeful run of form in the Premier League this season – the Toffees find currently themselves in 15th place – and his recent axing of Digne is hardly going to have made him more popular than he already was.

Signing off an exit for Allan would surely see Everton fans be completely unable to forgive him.

Meanwhile, Everton could finally axe this star by signing James Garner…

Craig Hope has now dropped an update on Newcastle United’s proposed arbitration case with the Premier League over the initially stalled takeover deal.

The Lowdown: Announcement imminent

As per Sky Sports, an announcement confirming the takeover of the St. James’ Park faithful by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) consortium is now imminent after recent work being done behind the scenes by all of the parties involved.

It is not yet clear how this would affect the arbitration hearing, which is due to take place on January 3rd.

The Latest: Arbitration update

According to Hope, sources have of course indicated that the proposed takeover is expected to go through, but The Daily Mail journalist also gave an update on arbitration:

“Sources indicate NUFC takeover is expected to go through after settlement of piracy issues between Saudi/beIN. I’m told arbitration may not be needed now piracy is resolved.”

The Verdict: Relief

It will certainly come as a relief to the Toon Army not only that it looks like that the takeover will now go through, but that the whole saga is coming to an end after years of waiting.

It is not clear whether the arbitration proceedings will still go ahead assuming an official announcement is made, but at least it looks like a deal will finally be completed soon.

Nonetheless, these are very exciting times for Magpies fans, who will no doubt want the deal to be concluded as quickly as possible.

In other news, find out when Steve Bruce could now be sacked here!

Nikola Milenkovic’s agent has reportedly travelled to Milan in an effort to try and close a transfer to West Ham United for his client [Viola News].

Giving a good account of himself in 2021/22, the Fiorentina colossus registered four goal contributions in 37 appearances in all competitions; one goal and three assists [Transfermarkt].

Now, he could be on his way to East London if recent media suggestions in Italy are anything to go by.

The 23-year-old’s agent is said to have been in Milan to try and secure a deal on Milenkovic’s behalf, whilst Schalke defender Matija Nastasic is expected to sign for Fiorentina as a replacement [Viola News].

In light of this news, loads of West Ham United diehards flocked to social media to share their opinions about the reported update.

West Ham United FC fans react:

Replying to popular West Ham United outlet West Ham Transfers, here is what some fans had to say about the Milenkovic news, with many seemingly skeptical of the agent’s movements in Italy:

“Why?”

Credit: @Peter_Zwill_9″Ah yes the famous Milan branch of the GSB empire”Credit: @stuseeds”Not happening”Credit: @Joe_Parker0″Not getting my hopes up”Credit: @dv0nch”This agent sounds as dodgy as Sully”Credit: @RobF_WHU”One more inch closer!! Should get our man by the close of transfer window in Jan 2022″Credit: @chingtoaIn other news, West Ham United are keen on a Czech top-flight ace. 

A massive update has emerged on Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe, ahead of the club’s clash with Arsenal this weekend.

What’s the talk?

Daily Mail reporter Craig Hope has confirmed that the ex-Bournemouth boss is set to lead his team out against the Gunners on Saturday.

Hope has revealed that Howe has tested negative for Covid-19, after he missed last weekend’s draw with Brentford due to a positive result, and will now be in the dugout to face off against Mikel Arteta.

Delight

Newcastle fans will surely be delighted with this news as it means that they will be given their first chance to see him managing the club in the flesh. He was forced to watch on from isolation at home against the Bees as his side were held to a 3-3 draw, but now he can have an influence on the sidelines in his dugout debut for the Magpies.

It also means that he will be available to be at St. James’ Park for the home clash with Norwich City next Tuesday night. As it stands, Newcastle are rooted to the bottom of the Premier League table and the Canaries are two points ahead of them, which could make next week’s game a huge match in the battle against relegation.

Of course, the table could change after this weekend’s matches, provided both teams do not lose, but it will still be a big opportunity for Howe to get some points on the board in what is set to be his first home game in charge. The supporters will surely want to create a vibrant, electric, atmosphere for his debut at St. James’ and that could provide a boost to the players in what could be a vital game.

Whilst the atmosphere created by Howe’s presence may not be as prominent in an away match against Arsenal, his voice on the touchline and in the dressing room before kick-off and at half-time could give the players a big lift. It could bring an added touch of motivation to the minds of the players knowing that he is there in person watching their performance and making key decisions on tactics and what he wants from the players from the sidelines during the game.

If he sees someone he doesn’t like from a player then he will be able to have a quick word with them during the game or mention it at half-time. Whereas, this was not as easy for him to do in isolation and not in attendance last Saturday, which is why it will be a massive boost to have him in the dugout.

AND in other news, PIF can land Howe’s dream NUFC deal with “world class” £126m gem, he’s the next Suarez…

Tottenham Hotspur could finally fill the void left behind by Christian Eriksen after they were handed a timely January transfer boost this week.

The north Londoners have recently been linked with a move for Juventus outcast Dejan Kulusevski, who Spurs sporting director Fabio Paratici originally signed during his time at the Serie A giants.

According to Italian outlet Calciomercato, the 21-year-old attacking midfielder is now likely to be allowed to leave the Turin club, with them currently valuing him at €35m (£30m).

A temporary exit in January isn’t out of the question either, as the report claims that the Sweden international is unhappy at the club and would like a ‘change of scenery.’

The most likely destination appears to be the Premier League, with arch-rivals Arsenal also keen to secure him, as the Old Lady do not want him to thrive at a league rival.

Newly-appointed Spurs boss Antonio Conte needs to find a creative fix as quickly as possible because it has been their main Achilles heel this season – no side is averaging fewer shots per game (10.1), not even the three teams in the relegation zone, and their last shot on target was nearly four hours ago, against West Ham.

There is an argument to be made that Eriksen has never been properly replaced, with neither of their club-record signings, Tanguy Ndombele nor Giovani Lo Celso, stepping up to the mark. In two-and-a-half seasons, neither has recorded more than eight assists altogether.

[snack-amp-story url = “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/spurs-latest-news-updates-transfers-antonio-conte-thfc” title=”Read the latest Spurs news, transfer updates and much, much more!”]

By comparison, the Dane hit double figures for assists in each of his last four full Premier League seasons at the club.

Kulusevski, who has been branded as “explosive” and compared to Mohamed Salah, could be the solution. His career average of 1.8 shots and 2.1 key passes per 90 minutes makes for encouraging reading as it suggests that he’s a real thorn in the final third, and evidently one who can create chances.

In 2020/21, when he was entrusted to feature regularly, the young £31.5m-rated gem registered 14 direct goal contributions across 47 matches in all competitions and did so playing no fewer than seven different roles, as per Transfermarkt.

By comparison, Lo Celso has managed only 13 direct contributions since summer 2019, while Ndombele is just four contributions ahead in a longer time frame, too.

Meanwhile, football scout Jacek Kulig has previously lauded Kulusevski as an “athletic phenomenon”, an “advanced playmaker” and a “complete player”, which only bolsters the claims to sign him all that more.

Paratici knows exactly what Spurs would be getting, so he must do all he can to seal the 21-year-old’s signature in January, regardless of whether it’s on loan or on a permanent basis.

AND in other news, “Understand”: Alasdair Gold reveals major behind-scenes Spurs development…

Southampton have been dealt a blow in their hopes of keeping Jannik Vestergaard this summer, with reports claiming that the Danish centre-back remains an option for Tottenham Hotspur.

What’s the word?

According to the Daily Mail, the former Borussia Monchengladbach man could still be targeted by Nuno Espirito Santo’s side this summer if moves for other defensive options fall through.

Fortunately for Southampton, the North London club are in for Cristian Romero from Atalanta and also have the likes of Takehiro Tomiyasu and Nikola Milenkovic on their shortlist, but Saints fans will undoubtedly still be worried that the 28-year-old could leave the south coast at the last minute.

Will Vestergaard leave?

Vestergaard has now entered the final year of his contract at St Mary’s, and with no new deal on the horizon, it has been no surprise to see several clubs across Europe being linked with him so far this summer.

He enjoyed an excellent 2020/21 season with Southampton, contributing three goals in 28 Premier League appearances and averaging a solid 6.89 rating from WhoScored for his efforts, which was enough to rank him as the third-best performer in Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side. It also led to him being dubbed “outstanding” by former Tottenham manager Tim Sherwood back in January.

He was also a key part of Denmark’s success in the European Championship this summer, as he helped Kasper Hjulmand’s side to the semi-finals before they were knocked out by England in extra time at Wembley, and his performances there will also surely have caught the eye of some top clubs.

Therefore, Saints fans would surely be gutted to see him leave, especially if he were to follow former captain Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg to Spurs, so they will be keeping a close eye on how potential Tottenham deals for Romero and Tomiyasu progress in the next few weeks.

[freshpress-quiz id=“594431”]

However, even if the Danish defender doesn’t sign for Tottenham this summer, Southampton should be concerned that he could potentially leave for a free next season. If he doesn’t show any willingness to sign a new deal, perhaps those on the St Mary’s board should consider cashing in on Vestergaard so the blow of his departure could at least be cushioned by the receipt of a transfer fee.

In other news… Semmens heading for Saints transfer disaster with £17m shocker, fans will be fuming