A pundit has been left thrilled by Aston Villa's potential move for a "marquee" forward, which would be after Unai Emery's side attempt to seal deals for Hull City winger Jaden Philogene and Everton midfielder Amadou Onana.
Aston Villa closing in on deals for Philogene and Onana
The club's announcement of a near-£120 million loss in their latest set of financial accounts has not stopped them from spending big, as the Villans attempt to back Emery and reinforce the squad ahead of Champions League participation next campaign.
Deal being finalised as £50m star agrees to join Aston Villa with Philogene
Emery’s side are on the verge of a major signing.
ByEmilio Galantini Jul 13, 2024
Ian Maatsen, Samuel Iling-Junior, Cameron Archer, Lewis Dobbin, Enzo Barrenechea and Ross Barkley have all been announced and confirmed as Villa signings, with the six new squad members costing a combined £86 million.
Going the other way, Villa have managed to offload Douglas Luiz, Tim Iroegbunam and Morgan Sanson for around £56 million – with Calum Chambers leaving the club by mutual consent and Philippe Coutinho sealing a move to Vasco de Gama as well.
Ian Maatsen
£38 million
Cameron Archer
£14 million
Samuel Iling-Junior
£12 million
Lewis Dobbin
£10 million
Enzo Barrenechea
£7 million
Ross Barkley
£5 million
Despite their PSR concerns, Villa have wasted no time at all in identifying two more major signings on top of the aforementioned bunch. In the last 48 hours, Fabrizio Romano shared news that Monchi has activated matching rights as they seal a reunion with Philogene.
The Hull City winger will re-join Villa for around £13 million, due to a 30 per cent sell-on clause in his contract, with Emery personally wanting the 22-year-old back as Monchi grants the Spaniard's wish.
Following on from one of the Championship's star wingers of last season, it now appears Everton midfielder Amadou Onana is on the verge of joining Emery as well.
Indeed, reliable journalist David Ornstein broke news this morning that Villa are finalising a £50 million deal for Onana, with personal terms already agreed on a long-term contract and the Belgian keen to join.
Pundit thrilled as Villa also eye Joao Felix move
Speaking to Villa News, amid this clamor of transfer activity, pundit and podcaster Ty Bracey has endorsed a move for Atletico Madrid forward Joao Felix.
Villa have been heavily linked with a move for Felix as they look to add a new striker and potentially replace Jhon Duran. Bracey says Felix would be a good signing for Villa, but cautions that he'll likely cost a "marquee" sum.
“I do think it would be a good signing but an expensive one for sure, his wage would probably be in excess of £180,000-a-week, that wouldn’t surprise me," said Bracey.
“He’d definitely be a marquee signing, I think he’d be great but it all hinges on if he wants to join. He brings Champions League experience, he’s played at the highest level so the pressure side of the game wouldn’t be a problem.
“He’s a very talented footballer, very skilful and we know he’s capable of scoring goals so he’s not someone I would say no to.“
Interestingly, recent reports have even claimed that both Monchi and Emery believe they can turn Felix into a star at Villa.
As Daniel Farke looks to make up for last season's heartbreak by securing a place in the Premier League in the coming campaign, Leeds United have reportedly tabled their first bid to sign a new reinforcement from the Bundesliga.
Leeds transfer news
The Whites and the 49ers Enterprises have endured a mixed summer transfer window. Whilst they'll still be recovering from losing academy graduate Archie Gray to Tottenham Hotspur, they have at least kept hold of the likes of Crysencio Summerville and Wilfred Gnonto for now, alongside welcoming Jayden Bogle, Joe Rodon, Alex Cairns and Joe Rothwell.
Of course, there's still plenty of time for things to change, given Gnonto's recent links to Everton, but as it stands, those at Elland Road can focus on the positives.
The latest to arrive, Bogle told Leeds' official website: "It’s amazing [to sign for Leeds]. It’s a great feeling, a massive club and a massive opportunity, I can’t wait to get going. I knew there was interest and since I heard it, this is where I wanted to be. As I said, it’s a massive club and opportunity, a fantastic team, great staff, so I am really excited."
Leeds could unearth new star duo by landing Szmodics and "ridiculous" star
The Whites have been linked with an interest in both players, who starred in the Championship last season.
ByDan Emery Jul 25, 2024
The former Sheffield United right-back may not be the last to come through the door at Elland Road this summer. According to Bild via Sport Witness, Leeds have tabled a £3.4m bid to sign Dejan Ljubicic, but have already seen their first offer rejected by FC Koln director Christian Keller.
That rejection has not stopped them in their pursuit of the central midfielder, however, and the Whites are expected to line up a second bid to sign Ljubicic, who does not want to sign a new contract at Koln. Given that his current deal expires next summer, Leeds could be in a strong position to land a deal this summer.
"Special" Ljubicic can replace Kamara
Following Glen Kamara's departure to Ligue 1 side Stade Rennais, Leeds can swoop in and land a simple replacement in the form of Ljubicic this summer.
The Austrian, even after suffering Bundesliga relegation alongside his Koln teammates last season, earned the praise of new manager Gerhard Struber, who told the German club's official website: "Dejan is a player who has performed great for FC in recent years and can help us very, very well on the way back to the Bundesliga. Great. Simply great. The overall package is special. I'm very happy for him."
Offering a different type of midfield option to the more defensive Kamara, Ljubicic could yet offer the Whites a surprise attacking boost at the heart of midfield if he completes a move before deadline day at the end of August.
Progressive Carries
1.80
1.57
Key Passes
1.23
1.30
Ball Recoveries
4.91
5.10
Shots
1.67
0.17
A midfielder who loves to shoot compared to the more reserved and safer Kamara, Leeds may welcome a player who provides something different in their pursuit of promotion this season.
Whilst the early passages of the summer window have seen Birmingham City make numerous new signings, it could soon be the Blues' turn to be the selling party as multiple clubs enquire about one of their star players.
Blues not afraid of spending big this summer
In spite of their recent relegation to League One, Birmingham have not shied away from opening their chequebook during the summer window. The first month of business has seen the Blues bring a number of fresh faces to St Andrew's with many of these players fetching seven-figure fees.
Davies must cash in on Birmingham star who's worth more than Bielik
Chris Davies could opt to sell on this Birmingham City dud soon.
1 ByKelan Sarson Jul 21, 2024
Christoph Klarer
Darmstadt 98
€4.15million (£3.5million)
Willum Thór Willumsson
Go Ahead Eagles
€4.0million (£3.4million)
Emil Hansson
Heracles Almelo
€1.75million (£1.5million)
Ryan Allsop
Hull City
€980,000 (£830,000)
Alex Cochrane
Hearts
€1.20million (£1.0million)
Alfie May
Charlton
€915,000 (£773,000)
Marc Leonard
Brighton
€590,000 (£500,000)
Bailey Peacock-Farrell
Burnley
€530,000 (£448,000)
Whilst Birmingham are still likely to make further additions before the season kicks off next week, it looks as if the headlines in the West Midlands are being dominated by potential departures from St Andrew's.
The most recent rumours have surrounded the future of Jordan James with the Blues' young talent attracting interest from both Ipswich Town and Leeds United. With recent reports suggesting that Birmingham would part ways with the Wales international for a fee in the region of £10million, the Blues may struggle to turn down an offer for the player this summer.
With clubs in higher divisions eager to go shopping for some of Birmingham's top talents, it appears as if Championship sides are now queueing up to sign another of the Blues' stars.
Multiple clubs make contact for Dembele
As first reported on the X account of Darren Witcoop, Birmingham winger Siriki Dembele has been the subject of enquiries from five Championship clubs. Witcoop goes on to name both Swansea City and Blackburn Rovers as two clubs who have made contact over a deal for the 27-year-old.
The post claims that Dembele is valued at around £1.5million, meaning that whichever side ends up signing the winger may have to fork out a handsome fee to do so.
The forward only arrived at St Andrew's last summer in a move from Premier League side Bournemouth. In his first campaign with the Blues, Dembele featured 37 times in all competitions, contributing six goals and one assist in the process.
Despite only making a handful of appearances during his time in the Premier League, Dembele still earned praise from the higher ups at Bournemouth with former Cherries boss Scott Parker branding the winger as "first class" back in 2022.
With the Blues spending big over the summer window, the departure of Dembele could be a necessary casualty in order to get even more new players through the door before the window shuts at the end of this month.
Arsenal have looked into signing a Real Madrid superstar to shore up one key area of Mikel Arteta's team this summer, and there is a belief that sporting director Edu Gaspar may well bring in one more addition after the heavily linked Mikel Merino.
Arsenal could make eleventh-hour move for attacker after Merino
The north Londoners are apparently prepared to make an eleventh-hour move to sign a new attacker for Arteta, once they finally seal an agreement for Merino, after weeks of rumoured talks with Real Sociedad.
Real Sociedad make "ambitious" Merino demand after failed £26m Arsenal bid
The La Liga side are playing hardball.
ByEmilio Galantini Aug 16, 2024
Arsenal remain locked in discussions over a deal for Merino, with the Spaniard already agreeing personal terms over a move to north London (Fabrizio Romano), so the transfer appears to rest on whether Edu can find a Sociedad compromise in negotiations.
Once, or if, they get a deal for Merino finalised at long last – then attention will switch to whether Arteta's side can bring in a new forward before the summer transfer cut-off at the end of this month.
Team
Date
Wolves (home)
August 17
Aston Villa (away)
August 24
Brighton (home)
August 31
Tottenham (away)
September 15
Man City (away)
September 22
Various reports this week have claimed that Arsenal could lodge a last-minute summer bid to sign a forward after Merino, with journalist Steve Kay claiming that his sources expect the Gunners to do something "big" near the end of August.
"I’m expecting a midfielder to come in and I’m expecting someone up front to come in," said Kay.
"I have a funny feeling they’re working on something big, I have this sneaky feeling from speaking to people and how we’ve been doing our business, people I’m talking to seem to think something big is going to happen."
A wide array of wide players, who could help to alleviate the pressure on Bukayo Saka's shoulders, have been linked throughout the summer. Arsenal held a keen interest in Athletic Bilbao starlet Nico Williams, but the Spaniard now appears set to remain at his current club.
Edu also considered Pedro Neto before he joined London rivals Chelsea, but a very high-profile star in Real Madrid winger Rodrygo is someone they also pondered moving for.
Arsenal have looked at signing Rodrygo from Real Madrid
That is according to journalist Dean Jones, who told GiveMeSport that Arsenal looked into doing a deal for Rodrygo "a while back" in the transfer window.
The £205,000-per-week Brazil sensation scored 17 goals and assisted nine others across 51 appearances in all competitions under Carlo Ancelotti last season, so it would've been a phenomenal coup by Edu to get a move for the "special" Rodrygo over the line.
Considering just how crucial he is for Real, this transfer always looked a very difficult one to pull off, as his sky-high salary and £136 million price tag appear pretty unattainable from an Arsenal perspective.
The 23-year-old has been linked with a Bernabeu exit this summer, but Rodrygo has played down reports linking him with a Real Madrid departure.
West Ham United and technical director Tim Steidten have agreed another big-money signing, according to Fabrizio Romano.
West Ham’s summer business so far – all ins and outs
The Hammers have been one of the busiest Premier League sides in the transfer market, bringing in six new players ahead of Julen Lopetegui’s first season in charge at the London Stadium.
Max Kilman
Wolves
€47.5m
Crysencio Summerville
Leeds United
€29.3m
Niclas Fullkrug
Borussia Dortmund
€27m
Luis Guilherme
Palmeiras
€23m
Wes Foderingham
Sheffield United
Free transfer
Guido Rodriguez
Real Betis
Free transfer
Flynn Downes
Southampton
€17.85m
Said Benrahma
Lyon
€14.4m
Thilo Kehrer
Monaco
€11m
Nathan Trott
FC Copenhagen
€1.5m
Ben Johnson
Ipswich Town
Free transfer
Joseph Anang
St. Patrick's Athletic
Free transfer
As can be seen, the club have also let a number of players go, with Kurt Zouma likely to become the next player to leave, moving to the United Arab Emirates with Shabab Al-Ahli.
With the Frenchman on course to depart the London Stadium, a replacement will be required, with Nice’s Jean-Clair Todibo a long-term target.
Reports last month claimed that West Ham had agreed a deal to sign Todibo on a season-long loan with an option to buy. However, the player preferred a move to Juventus at the time and was holding out for the two clubs to agree a deal. Now, there has been a big twist, with Steidten stepping in.
West Ham agree permanent Todibo transfer
According to transfer expert Romano, West Ham have now agreed a deal to sign Todibo. Steidten personally travelled to Nice to hijack any transfer with Juventus, with Todibo now on course to move to the London Stadium.
“West Ham director Tim Steidten travels to Nice as WHUFC are hijacking Jean-Clair Todibo deal! Juventus in talks for weeks but no green light from Nice. Agreement West Ham-Nice now DONE for €40m plus sell-on clause. West Ham trying to book medical on Friday!”
Romano has since added that a deal will be a loan with an obligation to buy for €40m (£34.2m) plus a sell-on clause, with Todibo, his agent and Steidten returning to England on Friday to finalise a transfer and for the player to complete a medical.
With Zouma on the way out, West Ham and Steidten have acted swiftly and have seemingly got their top target, who has been called a “complete package” by Football Talent Scout Jacek Kulig. Todibo has also been praised by former teammate Aaron Ramsey, who said:
“Jean-Clair is a very interesting character; he’s very confident and he’s a great guy around the dressing room and he’s a very, very talented player, who can go all the way to the top. For him, it is important to keep his feet on the ground, strive for more, and take in as much information as possible.”
Who knows, Todibo may now partner Max Kilman at centre-back against Aston Villa next weekend, providing the deal officially goes through without any issues.
Manchester United’s first Premier League game of the season saw the Red Devils run out 1-0 winners over Fulham at Old Trafford. It was a close affair on a sunny Friday night in Manchester, with the Cottagers giving United a good game, but failing to capitalise on some good chances, with Erik ten Hag’s side eventually scoring the winner late on thanks to a debut goal from Joshua Zirkzee.
Manchester United's Joshua Zirkzee scores vs Fulham
Indeed, United were just about the dominant side against Marco Silva’s men, with SofaScore confirming such a theory. United had slightly more possession than the Cottagers, with 55% to 45%, and had slightly more shots, with 14 compared to Fulham’s ten. Where the Red Devils did considerably better than Fulham was with the number of big chances created, specifically four to the visitor’s none.
Ten Hag will no doubt be pleased his side have got off to a winning start with improvements on last season’s disastrous showings. However, in order to climb the table and push for the top four, they may well dip into the transfer market again to add to their four signings so far.
Erik ten Hag
United have recently been linked with someone who could return to the club and add depth and quality to midfield.
Man United target Serie A midfielder
The player in question here is Fiorentina and Morocco international midfielder Sofyan Amrabat. The 27-year-old has been linked with a move away from Florence this summer, after spending the last campaign on loan at Old Trafford.
Indeed, according to a report from Fabrizio Romano, in conversation with GiveMeSport, the Red Devils view Amrabat as an ‘alternative’ signing to PSG midfielder Manuel Ugarte, who appears to be their main target this summer.
Romano explains in his exclusive report that the Old Trafford club ‘maintain contacts’ with the Morocco international’s entourage, and would still consider doing a deal for the La Viola midfielder before the deadline on the 30th of August.
Whilst a price for the former Utrecht midfielder has not been named, it could end up being a similar fee to the £17m option to buy the Red Devila had in Amrabat’s loan contract, which also included add-ons of around £4.2m. However, it would not be surprising to see United try and negotiate a lower fee or bring the player back to the club on loan.
Why Amrabat would be a good signing
Strangely, although he pushed for the signing last summer, Ten Hag never really gave Amarabat, whom he worked with in the Netherlands at Utrecht, many opportunities. This was even more surprising when you consider the 45 separate injuries United had last term, the most in the Premier League, as per BBC Sport.
Sofyan Amrabat
In fact, the 27-year-old made just 30 appearances in all competitions for United, with 21 of those coming in the Premier League. That worked out at just 1,545 minutes altogether and equated to only 17.1 full 90 minutes.
Amrabat’s lack of game time last term was even stranger after he put in a superb performance in the FA Cup final, in what was his last appearance donning that famous red shirt. In fact, he was so good that MEN journalist Samuel Luckhurst gave him a 9/10 match rating, praising the Moroccan for being 'an impregnable shield' in United's 2-1 win.
The Fiorentina midfielder could certainly be a cost-effective option if Ugarte becomes unattainable for United this summer. A report from The Guardian on Monday suggested PSG want £51m for the Uruguayan this summer, although with Amrabat costing approximately £30m less than the former Sporting man, he could be a shrewd option.
Not only would Amrabat be a cost-efficient alternative to Ugarte when considering their transfer fees, but he would likely demand less money a week. As per Capology, the Moroccan currently eans £32k per week in Florence, with the Uruguay international earning around three times that amount, with £101k per week.
Should the Red Devils bring Amrabat back to Old Trafford this summer, he could be perfect to play behind talented United youngster Kobbie Mainoo. The 19-year-old midfielder enjoyed a breakthrough campaign in 2023/24 and is now a key player for Ten Hag in the heart of the midfield.
Of course, the duo already have plenty of experience playing next to each other in midfield, given Amarabat spent the previous season in Manchester on loan. They played ten times together and started each of United’s last four games of the 2023/24 campaign, including the FA Cup final.
Kobbie Mainoo scores for Manchester United
However, his profile is also complimentary of United’s number 37, who can play in a deeper role but excels when playing in advanced areas of the pitch, as he showed last term for both the Red Devils and United.
Amrabat is a superb sitting midfielder, an “engine in midfield” as football statistician Statman Dave described him. From a defensive point of view, the Moroccan is a brilliant ball-winner, and in the Premier League last season tackled 1.63 dribblers per 90 minutes, which ranked him in the top 7%. He also made 1.92 blocks per 90, ranking him in the top 9%, as per FBref.
Stat (per 90)
Number
Dribblers tackles
1.63
Blocks
1.92
Tackles and interceptions
3.36
Ball recoveries
5.76
Tackles won
1.54
Aside from his impressive defensive numbers, the 27-year-old is also a potent threat on the ball. He is a progressive number six, averaging 5.95 passes into the final third each game which ranked him in the top 11% of Premier League midfielders. The former Utrecht midfielder also played 6.33 progressive passes, which placed him in the top 18% of midfielders.
With this defensive nous in mind, Amarabat would certainly allow Mainoo to venture forward with less defensive pressure on his shoulders and get involved more in the final third. The United youngster is a wonderful ball carrier and, as per FBref, within the past 365 days, attempted an average of 2.81 take-ons per 90 and completed 1.58 of those. That ranks him in the top 8% and 7% of midfielders in Europe respectively.
Sofyan Amrabat
Given he already has an established relationship to build on with Mainoo and is a very cost-efficient signing both in the sense of his fee and wage, re-signing Amrabat could be a smart move for the Red Devils this summer.
He would provide an excellent option as a number six for Ten Hag’s squad and showed his quality as United won the FA Cup last season. It could certainly be a shrewd move for the Red Devils, and it would be unsurprising to see him in that famous red shirt again next season, despite the clamour for Ugarte.
Man Utd struck gold on "baller" worth way more than McTominay & Casemiro
The incredible talent looks set to become a superstar.
A whole host of new signings ended up entering the door at Leeds United this summer, balancing out somewhat the number of high-profile departures that also exited the building.
Daniel Farke's men made eight fresh purchases in total during the turbulent window, with the likes of Joe Rodon, Largie Ramazani and Ao Tanaka all bolstering the squad, hopeful they won't flop under the immense strain of being favourites for promotion in the Championship.
Leeds have been hurt in the past when it comes to signings eventually turning out to be duds, with Tyler Roberts a notable recent example, after he was purchased just a few months before the wild reign of Marcelo Bielsa began and was tipped for great things.
Roberts' time at Leeds
The iconic manager would end up handing Roberts his first taste of men's football at Elland Road, after exciting those who had watched him at U21 level in West Yorkshire when signing from West Bromwich Albion in 2018.
Helping himself to an impressive five goals from just seven games in that age bracket, Bielsa decided that he could hack the bright lights of the Championship under his early regime, and the beloved South American was right to throw him into the deep end initially.
In only his second senior game for the Whites, Roberts would fire home two strikes against Preston North End to help his new side overcome the visitors from Lancashire with ease in an emphatic 3-0 win.
He would bow out from his first full campaign in the men's team with three goals and six assists next to his name, a promising return for an attacker who was noted for having "big potential" by former Leeds hero Pablo Hernandez.
However, it wouldn't be all smooth sailing for Roberts when pulling on a Leeds strip, as only six more goals and four more assists would come his way when playing at Elland Road, as he gradually fell down the pecking order at the club.
Injury issues and inconsistent form would result in Roberts only starting seven league games for the Whites during the 2021/22 campaign and that would end up being his swansong season for the West Yorkshire titans.
Roberts' career since Leeds
Now, the once highly tipped Leeds youngster is struggling down in League One, having been loaned out to Northampton Town for the season ahead after failing to breathe life into his stuttering playing days at Birmingham City last campaign.
Amazingly, after bursting onto the scene as a young livewire for Bielsa back in 2018 with two goals on only his second-ever Leeds start, Roberts is now deep into a barren patch of 19 months without a single strike, after last scoring for another of his ex-clubs in Queens Park Rangers early last year.
He wasn't helped by his circumstances last season, however, as a toxic Birmingham environment started by Wayne Rooney's shock arrival at St. Andrew's contributed to the Blues slipping down a division, but Roberts still only managed to tally up one assist from 21 forgettable appearances.
Leeds
108
9
10
Birmingham
21
0
1
QPR
20
4
0
The Wales international will hope a spell away with the Cobblers can see him get back to his best, after finding every move since he lined up for Leeds inevitably ends up petering out.
Still, the 25-year-old has plenty of years on his side to try and resurrect his playing days and a move away from St. Andrews could see him regain that fire in his belly again to succeed.
If he doesn't perform well at Sixfields during his stint though, it would be another club that Roberts has struggled at since leaving Leeds, in a career that continues to have new lows.
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Your star player or biggest flop has left the club but what are they doing in the present day? This article is part of Football FanCast's Where Are They Now series.
Liverpool have reportedly sent officials to watch a “progressive” young defensive midfielder in action, as they look to snap him up in the January or summer 2025 transfer window.
Liverpool's midfield search goes on
The Reds made it clear that they wanted to complete the signing of Real Sociedad ace Martin Zubimendi during the summer transfer window, with the Spaniard considered the primary target to master the No.6 role in front of the defence. He ended up deciding to remain at his current club, however, acting as a blow to Arne Slot.
No other midfielder arrived, and while Slot still has a plethora of options at his disposal in his squad, Liverpool continue to be linked with new signings in the middle of the park.
Martin Zubimendi in action
Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton is another player who has been mentioned as a target is the last month or so, having burst onto the scene at Selhurst Park midway through last season after arriving from Blackburn Rovers, even being named in England’s squad for Euro 2024, but he would be extremely expensive.
Representatives of free agent Adrien Rabiot are also believed to have approached Liverpool about a move for the 29-year-old, but the Reds didn’t show an interest in him, despite his pedigree as a top-level midfielder.
Liverpool send scouts to watch "progressive" midfielder
According to a fresh report from TEAMtalk, Liverpool are among the clubs to have sent scouts to watch Angel Gomes in action, with Michael Edwards ensuring there were representatives from Anfield watching Lille’s 1-0 defeat at Saint-Étienne this past week as they eye a January move.
The 24-year-old’s profile has grown in recent weeks because of his call-up to Lee Carsley’s England squad, with the former Manchester United ace now plying his trade in Ligue 1.
Gomes could be such an intriguing signing for Liverpool, not least because of the controversial nature of his United past, and he showed on England duty what he is capable of. Against the Finland earlier this month, he completed 94% of his passes and played three out of four accurate long balls, while Ian Wright heaped praised on him after the game.
“Seeing Angel Gomes in that midfield, constantly on the move whether he’s high up, middle, or at the back for us in the six. He was doing progressive things, everything he was doing was very progressive. And again, all the time, constantly available in any area, wanting the ball.”
At 24, Gomes is at the perfect age to come in and be a success straight away, possessing enough experience in his career and also being young enough to improve further under Slot in the No.6 role.
England
2
0
England Under-21s
18
0
England Under-20s
6
2
England Under-19s
6
1
England Under-18s
1
0
England Under-17s
13
6
England Under-16s
9
2
A return to the Premier League may also appeal to him, in terms of keeping his profile high and enhancing his hopes of featuring prominently in an England shirt, so it is a move that would make plenty of sense for all parties.
Tottenham Hotspur centre-forward Dominic Solanke opened his goalscoring account for the club with a strike against Brentford in the Premier League on Saturday. The England international rebounded James Maddison’s miss to tap the ball into an empty net, after failing to score in his first three appearances for Spurs.
Daniel Levy agreed a club-record fee of up to £65m to sign the former Chelsea and Liverpool prospect from fellow top-flight side Bournemouth in the summer transfer window.
Spurs could now turn to another player from lower down in the Premier League table, as they are reportedly eyeing up a Southampton starlet to further boost the attacking depth at the manager’s disposal.
Latest Tottenham transfer news
According to HITC, Tottenham are showing an interest in Southampton midfielder Tyler Dibling ahead of the upcoming January transfer window. The report claims that Spurs were one of a number of Premier League sides to send scouts to watch the winger in action against Ipswich Town on Saturday, as they watched him open the scoring for Russell Martin’s side.
Newcastle United, Crystal Palace, Brighton, West Ham, and Manchester United were also keeping tabs on the 18-year-old whiz, which shows that he is attracting plenty of interest already this season.
The outlet does not, however, reveal how much Southampton would demand for his services, should any of those teams come in with a formal approach for him in January. It now remains to be seen whether or not Spurs are prepared to act upon their interest by swooping to secure his signature ahead of the second half of the season.
Why Tyler Dibling would be an exciting signing
During TalkSPORT’s commentary of Manchester United’s 3-0 win over the Saints earlier this month, Sam Matterface claimed the teenager has a “classic” winger style and “looks a little bit like Chris Waddle back in the day with his shirt untucked”.
Tyler Dibling for Southampton.
If Dibling goes on to be anywhere near as good as Waddle, who scored 41 goals in 165 games for Spurs and earned 62 caps for England, then the Southampton starlet will have done well.
The teenage ace won a penalty in that defeat to the Red Devils, beating Diogo Dalot and forcing the defender into a foul, but it was subsequently missed by Cameron Archer.
Appearances
5
Starts
2
Goals
1
Big chances created
1
Key passes
5
Assists
0
Dribbles completed per game
1.8
Dibling has only started two league matches for the Saints but has already scored his first goal in the division, created five chances and completed nine dribbles. The England U19 international, who was described as an “elegant” talent by scout Jacek Kulig, earned his chance in the first-team after a return of eight goals and six assists in 27 games for Southampton B and already looks ready to contribute at the top end of the pitch at Premier League level.
Tottenham could, therefore, bring him in as an exciting prospect for Ange Postecoglou to coach and develop over the coming years, as Dibling still has plenty of time left to improve at the age of 18 and would not be expected to make an immediate huge impact for Spurs.
Spurs closely tracking £25m new transfer target likened to Gareth Bale
The Lilywhites are reportedly keeping tabs on the impressive forward ahead of January.
Following a difficult start to their Championship campaign, which has featured just one win in seven games, Queens Park Rangers are set to hand their fans some positive news on the contract front, according to reports.
QPR's difficult start
Whilst they should see their place outside of the relegation zone as a positive, QPR were left just two points shy of it following their lunchtime defeat to Blackburn Rovers, with their form providing manager Marti Cifuentes with plenty of concerns.
Having flirted with relegation last time season too, finishing just six points clear of the dreaded drop, a full season under the Spaniard ought to have brought some brighter days ahead.
Their latest defeat against high-flying Rovers continued a run of just one win in their last five games in all competitions, which came against fellow strugglers Luton Town at the end of August. Danny Batth’s strike to double Blackburn’s lead, alongside Jonathan Varane’s red card put the nail in the coffin in their latest attempt to get back to winning ways.
Among those disappointing results, though, those at Loftus Road are at least reportedly set for some good news. According to Pete O’Rourke of Football Insider, Jake Clarke-Salter is in advanced talks to sign a new contract at QPR, which should secure his long-term future at the west London club.
As things stand, the central defender’s current deal is set to expire in 2026, but any concerns over a potential exit now look set to be eased by a fresh deal at the club. Currently earning a reported £10,000 a week at QPR, it remains to be seen whether the Chelsea academy graduate will receive a significant pay rise with his new terms.
"Important" Clarke-Salter is key to QPR survival
If QPR do want to avoid relegation from the Championship once again, then Clarke-Salter will continue to be a key player under Cifuentes. The 27-year-old missed out as they suffered defeat against Blackburn, having helped his side earn a point against Millwall in the game prior, and QPR looked far more vulnerable within their backline.
Cifuentes has been well aware of his defender’s importance for some time too, telling reporters last season (via West London Sports): “I knew Jake already from his time (on loan) at Birmingham because Xavi Calm, my assistant, was working at Birmingham for a lot of his games.
“We knew of his quality so I am not surprised about the level of performances he has had over the last few games. But at the same time, we need to realise he came from a period when I first arrived where he was coming back from an injury.
“But we have a fantastic medical department and physios who have all contributed to give me a good picture on what are the risks and opportunities for each player on weeks like this.
“That all contributes to the puzzle because it’s about keeping the mood of the squad and my way of coaching is always to give people the opportunities to show and play in games. But there is no doubt he is a very important player for us and we want him to be fit and be in as many games as he can.”