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Tottenham Hotspur colossus Cristian Romero was the only shining light as the north London outfit were held by Brentford on Saturday evening.

Antonio Conte’s side were struck an almighty blow in the race for a top-four finish in the Premier League as they couldn’t find a way past Christian Eriksen and co, failing to even register a shot on target all game.

It now puts the Lilywhites two points behind their arch-rivals, Arsenal, with only five matches left to play – including the derby on May 12th – meaning it is now out of Spurs’ hands completely.

Despite dominating possession (56%), Tottenham failed to create anything of note, whilst their former playmaking Dane effectively ran the show for the Bees.

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Harry Kane and Heung-min Son were starved of service from the Italian’s wing-backs, the former even putting in a last-ditch goal-line clearance to save the clean sheet, at the very least.

Although it was the Argentine defender, who has been lauded as an “animal” in the past by his teammate Pierluigi Gollini, who ensured that Spurs walked away with a point rather than nothing whatsoever.

The £36m-rated warrior was an absolute rock defensively, often mopping up behind the error-prone Emerson on the right side of the defence.

As per SofaScore, the 23-year-old centre-back earned a ‘Man of the Match’ 8.1 rating, having made a game-high five interceptions, on top of three blocks, two clearances and one tackle.

Not only was he solid at the back, having won 75% of his ground and aerial battles but he was also influential with the ball at his feet, registering 74 touches, which included one key chance created – as many as Kane and Dejan Kulusevski combined – from 51 successful passes (93% total accuracy).

Romero’s performance earned quite the praise indeed, justifiably so.

Alasdair Gold of football.london graded him an 8/10 in his post-match ratings column and claimed that he ‘was by far Spurs’ best player on the day.’

There weren’t many players that could come away from such a display with their head held high but on the above evidence, the Argentina international was a cut above his teammates and without him, they may well have returned to N17 with an even worse result.

Romero was certainly Conte’s one and only positive from such a drab display.

AND in other news, Forget Emerson: “Really poor” Spurs lightweight who lost possession 19x failed Conte…

Daniel Farke’s Norwich City side are considering a loan move for Brandon Williams this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by The Sun, who claim that the Championship winners are admirers of the Manchester United full-back, who is also believed to be attracting the interest of both West Ham United and Southampton.

It is also reported that the £9 million-rated 20-year-old would be open to a temporary move away from Old Trafford this summer in order to increase his game time, something that could open the door for a move from the Canaries.

One condition

While Williams has found game time hard to come by under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer so far this season, with the defender making a total of just 11 appearances in all competitions for the Red Devils, the youngster’s promising performances last term are likely to be the reason why a number of clubs are keen on a move for the England U21 international this summer.

Over his 17 appearances in United’s 2019/20 Premier League campaign, the full-back made an average of 0.9 interceptions, 1.2 tackles and 0.8 clearances per game, helping his side to keep four clean sheets.

The 20-year-old, whom Gary Lineker dubbed an “exciting” talent, also impressed going forwards, scoring one goal and making an average of 0.8 key passes per match, in addition to completing 84% of his attempted passes.

As such, the £43,000-per-week defender, who is comfortable operating from both the left and right of defence, would appear to be a fine addition to Daniel Farke’s options at full-back this summer.

However, a move for Williams should only be sanctioned if Stuart Webber accepts a bid for Max Aarons, which could be possible as the defender is, rather ironically, attracting interest from Manchester United.

If Aarons is not sold, there would appear to be very little need for the signing of Williams, as the Canaries currently have both Jacob Lungi Sorensen and Dimitrios Giannoulis – as well as Xavi Quintilla, although he returns to Villarreal this summer – as options at left-back, as well as Sam Byram and Bali Mumba, and Aarons himself, at right-back.

However, if Norwich cash in on Aarons and can get Williams in on loan, that could free up funds to spend on other areas of the team, without reducing the depth of Farke’s available defensive options.

In other news: Forget Hanley: Webber must launch NCFC bid for £2.4k-p/w ace dubbed “one of the best” – opinion

Southampton have been linked with a move for Metz centre-back Boubakar Kouyate recently and he could be an upgrade on Jan Bednarek in Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side should he make the move to St Mary’s this summer.

According to French news outlet L’Equipe (via The Pink Un), both Southampton and Norwich City are considering moves for the 24-year-old defender this summer, as they look to strengthen their squads ahead of the 2021/22 Premier League campaign.

The £4.5m-rated defender has enjoyed an excellent debut campaign with Metz having joined from Ligue 2 side Troyes last summer, so it is no surprise to see him attracting interest from the Premier League ahead of next season.

In 24 appearances in the French top-flight, Kouyate has averaged an impressive 7.10 rating from WhoScored for his performances, with one goal and no assists to his name.

If we compare him with Bednarek, who has struggled immensely in recent weeks for Southampton, there is a clear winner, which suggests that should Kouyate arrive at St Mary’s in the near future, he could oust the Poland international from the first-team.

As per WhoScored, Kouyate has averaged 2.4 tackles, 2.3 interceptions, 5.3 clearances and 3.8 aerials won per game in Ligue 1 this season.

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For comparison, Bednarek has managed just 1 tackle, 2.4 interceptions, 3.8 clearances and 2.8 aerials won per game in the Premier League this season, averaging a less impressive 6.83 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

This gives Kouyate the edge in every defensive aspect other than interceptions where Bednarek has a slight edge, which suggests that the Mali international could help solidify Southampton’s leaky defence next season.

Only relegated West Bromwich Albion and Sheffield United have conceded more goals than Southampton in the English top-flight this season, which suggests that defensive additions are a must this summer, and given their respective performances, it seems clear that Kouyate would be a better option than Bednarek in Hasenhuttl’s side.

Therefore, vice-chairman Martin Semmens should definitely look at bringing the 24-year-old to the South Coast this summer, thus beating Norwich to the punch.

And, in other news… Southampton gem’s future looks bleak after Hasenhuttl admission, he’s the “weak link”

As per a source close to Flamengo forward Gabriel Barbosa, speaking in an interview with Globo Esporte, there has been more news involving West Ham United and the player.

The Lowdown: West Ham enter talks…

The 25-year-old is a name we keep hearing through the press as David Moyes aims to bolster his attacking options before the January 31 deadline.

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Sky Sports first broke news of West Ham’s interest in Barbosa as they went on to lift the lid on talks and a loan-to-buy offer for him earlier this month.

Indeed, the Irons and recruitment chief Rob Newman lodged a proposal to take the striker on a temporary spell for 18 months with the option to make his stay permanent for €30m (£25m), according to Sky Sports.

Sharing an update, a source very close to Barbosa has now made a further admission.

The Latest: Agent confirms Barbosa offer…

Speaking to South American news outlet Globo Esporte, the former Inter Milan striker’s representative Junior Pedroso has claimed that West Ham have indeed tabled a formal offer to take Barbosa on loan.

First revealing an approach from Newcastle, Pedroso then went on to confirm West Ham’s involvement, saying: “The other club that actually went about with a formalization of a loan offer was West Ham. And then I didn’t even take that offer to Gabriel, I directed it to Flamengo , who gave a negative.

“Flamengo doesn’t see a loan as a possibility, even paying a fortune, and we wouldn’t consider a loan issue at the moment either.”

The Verdict: Time to move on…

The prolific forward has been nothing short of a revelation in Brazil, having scored a phenomenal 29 goals in all competitions throughout 2021, but he could be a gamble in the English top flight.

Barbosa’s only spell in Europe to date came at Inter, which was a regrettable one to say the least, so you can understand why Moyes and co want to test the waters with a loan deal before discussing any permanent move.

According to journalist Pete O’Rourke, West Ham are still interested in a loan deal for the ‘big name’ striker, as Graeme Bailey worded it. However, after this interview with his agent, it could be time for the Irons to move on to other targets.

In 0ther news: ExWHUemployee claims West Ham are eyeing ‘absolutely incredible’ ace with loan-to-buy move in discussion, find out more here.

Newcastle United are reportedly eyeing up a move to sign Alan Velasco in the summer transfer window.

The Lowdown: Velasco impressing

Velasco is certainly impressing in his native Argentina with Independiente, so much so that he seems to be attracting plenty of interest from clubs around Europe.

Averaging no fewer than 1.8 successful dribbles per game in the Copa de la Liga Profesional (Sofascore), the 18-year-old is certainly showing plenty of confidence and flair despite being so young.

Previously dubbed as ‘the future Kun Aguero’ by the vice president of Independiente, he seemingly has the potential to become a top player, and given what Aguero managed to achieve with Manchester City, Velasco may be more than capable of delivering in the Premier League as well.

The Latest: Newcastle eye Velasco

As per Football Insider, the St. James’ Park faithful are eyeing a move to bring Velasco to the North East, but face stiff competition from Brighton and Hove Albion for his signature.

The Seagulls are reportedly preparing a new bid for the teenage talent, having had a £6m one rejected, with his current deal at Independiente set to expire on New Year’s Eve in 2023.

The Verdict: Newcastle should sign Velasco

Currently rated at £10.8m by Transfermarkt, Velasco could potentially be available on the cheap given just how much potential he has.

The Tyneside club should take advantage of this if they can, and get one over on their top-flight rivals by beating them to his signature.

Velasco has been playing men’s football since 2019, which is rather remarkable considering that he is only 18, and so he is well prepared to make the step up to the Premier League, which will demand more of him physically as well as his technical ability.

Nonetheless, the Magpies should really be pouncing on the opportunity to sign the winger at all costs, even if they plan to sell him on in a few years for a profit.

In other news, find out what advantage NUFC have in pursuit of this ‘brilliant’ target here!

Many Glasgow Rangers fans were livid after it was revealed that Porto have made a €12m (£10.3m) bid for Alfredo Morelos, with the offer also including a 20% sell-on clause.

The Colombia international has been heavily linked with a move away from Ibrox this summer, with him even said to have agreed personal terms with the Portuguese outfit (Antena 1). The 25-year-old has been a hugely important player for the 55-time Scottish champions since joining in 2017, scoring 94 times in 182 matches (Transfermarkt), but the Gers will know that he will depart at some point.

Whenever he does, they will be looking to get the best possible fee for him. As per Ekrem Konur, Porto believe that sum to be €12m (£10.3m), something which has irked many Gers supporters.

The news was shared on Twitter by Konur, and it attracted plenty of attention from the Ibrox faithful. These fans took to the social media platform to share their thoughts on the update.

Let’s see what these fans had to say about Porto’s Morelos bid

“12 million? Not a chance we’ll be accepting that. Ridiculous offer if legit”

Credit: @Scotty24891

“PATHETIC & embarrassing offer for Alfredo, they’ve got the 2 & 1 the wrong way round £21m”

Credit: @davidstrikee

“Are Porto stupid ?”

Credit: @camtrublue

“An insult of a bid , start at £15m”

Credit: @boxing_rugby

“12m is miles away from his valuation”

Credit: @basilbolisbro

“€12 million wouldn’t even buy his big toe!!!! They should make serious bids or he’s going nowhere.”

Credit: @Barrybaxter20

In other news, Gerrard provides this Ibrox transfer tease.

Luke Hatfield, who covers Wolves for The Express and Star, believes the club aren’t as open to selling goalkeeper Rui Patricio as reports suggest.

Patricio has been a crucial part of Wolves’ success following their promotion to the Premier League, missing just two games in total, but widespread reports believe that he could be leaving this summer.

Sky in Italy said last month that the Portuguese shotstopper, who played every minute for his nation at Euro 2020, is on the verge of signing for Roma, with the two clubs close to agreeing a price for him.

But contrast to several rumours and stories, Hatfield told Football FanCast that the Midlands outfit are keeping their cool over Patricio’s possible Wolves exit:

“I don’t think Wolves are as open to selling him as some of the reports maybe say. I think they will probably look at the offer and then will consider them.

“Obviously, goalkeepers last a little bit longer than their outfield counterparts, but maybe they look at it and say, ‘Patricio has done really well for us and let him go for x amount of money and buy someone cheaper’.”

When the reports of Patricio leaving came about, it came as a huge surprise, not least to Wolves fans.

Whilst the opportunity to work with recently-appointed Roma boss Jose Mourinho doesn’t come around often, the Italian giants aren’t even in the Champions League or Europa League, so it would appear a strange to leave the Premier League having enjoyed so much success in the last three years.

Many Glasgow Rangers fans have been left slamming the display of Alfredo Morelos despite their 2-0 win in the UEFA Europa League on Thursday night.

It was overall a very good performance from the team to get three points on the board at Ibrox, with Leon Balogun and Kemar Roofe the scorers in the first half.

Morelos was unlucky to hit the post for one of his chances, but was again pretty wasteful overall, not being able to score from four of his shots on goal, as his 100th goal for the Light Blues still escapes him.

The Colombia international was also guilty of losing possession of the ball on no fewer than on 13 separate occasions in total in the game, the fourth-most out of his teammates (Sofascore).

Rangers fans on Morelos display

These supporters slammed his performance on Twitter, with one Ger even going as far as to claim that the striker was ‘horrendous’:

“Morelos? Really! Not for me….poor performance again”

Credit: @willstorrie

“Massive result, & bar a couple of defensive howlers, thoroughly deserved, more like it at times. Big Aribo unplayable at times, sensational, but Alfredo Morelos folks, absolutely horrendous. The only thing for him now is the bench I’m afraid. Imperative that Balogun is fit.”

Credit: @cozy1872

“Alfredo Morelos poor show tonight”

Credit: @michellemacrae2

“Morelos poor again, we can’t really justify starting him on Sunday.”

Credit: @Rangers_View

“Morelos having a nightmare”

Credit: @Rf1195401550

“Morelos, Roofe and Hagi have been less than satisfactory!”

Credit: @penfoldcommando

In other news, find out whose first-half display had Gers stunned here!

The Athletic’s David Ornstein has dropped an Arsenal transfer update on Inter striker Lautaro Martinez which will leave fans buzzing.

What’s the story?

Taking to Twitter, he said: “In speaking with Inter Milan about Bellerin, Arsenal enquired on Lautaro Martinez. 23yo striker (contract 2023) is for sale & #AFC thought to have mentioned Lacazette, but #Inter need cash + hope it helps them keep Chelsea target Lukaku @TheAthleticUK #CFC.”

An accompanying article from The Athletic read: “A move has previously been considered unrealistic but The Athletic understands Arsenal have long held Lautaro in high regard. With the north London club and Inter Milan in contact about a prospective deal for Hector Bellerin, sources indicate that Arsenal have enquired about Lautaro’s availability.

“It is thought Lautaro would be interested in a move to Arsenal if Inter want to sell him.”

Arsenal fans will be buzzing

The £72m-rated Martinez has been one of the outstanding strikers in Italian football in recent seasons, and enjoyed an impressive campaign for Inter in 2020/21, with 17 goals and ten assists in Serie A alone.

Meanwhile, Barcelona star Lionel Messi is also a big fan of his Argentina teammate, telling Mundo Deportivo: “Lautaro is an impressive forward, especially because I think he is a very complete striker: he is strong, he dribbles well, he has a goal, he knows how to protect the ball.”

Messi added: “He’s spectacular. He has impressive qualities. You could tell he was going to be a great player, and he is showing that He’s very strong, really good one on one, scores a lot of goals, and in the area he fights with anyone, holds it up, he can turn, scrap to win it all on his own. He has a lot of quality. He’s very complete.”

Given his track record with Inter, Martinez would be the kind of striker signing which will surely have Arsenal fans excited. It’s exactly why Ornstein’s update that the club are in for him, and that the Argentine himself would be interested in the move if Inter want to sell him, should have the Gunners faithful buzzing.

Meanwhile, Fabrizio Romano has dropped an Arsenal transfer update…

Express and Star journalist Luke Hatfield believes that Aston Villa’s transfer window has been very good but would have been outstanding if they had managed to keep Jack Grealish. 

Dean Smith and sporting director Johan Lange made some terrific signings this summer with Danny Ings, Emi Buendia, Axel Tuanzebe, Leon Bailey and Ashley Young all penning deals at Villa Park.

In terms of outgoings, Villa saw a number of players depart the club either permanently or on loan during the transfer window with the most high profile of those exits being Jack Grealish to Manchester City.

He joined the Cityzens for a British record £100m and signed a six-year deal at the Etihad Stadium.

Hatfield graded Villa’s transfer window as a good to great one, telling Transfer Tavern: “Very good. I think Villa have managed to deal with a loss of such a substantial player in Jack Grealish really well, they’ve signed plenty of exciting players.  

“You could argue that they’re now more balanced this squad in comparison to the way they were last year. Jack Grealish was so relied upon by Villa, you could pretty much tell how Villa were going to play, the ball was going to go to Jack Grealish on the left flank and he was going to run the game from there.

“Now when Villa are fully fit and they’ve got the likes of Buendia, Bailey, Ings and Watkins all playing they’ve got so many more threats, so they’re a much more balanced side because of this window.

“Despite the loss of Jack Grealish in there, if they managed to keep him it would have been an outstanding window for them, but it’s still been a good to great one. 

Villa have bounced back from an opening day Premier League defeat to Watford, with a win and a draw in their next two matches against Newcastle United and Brentford.

Dean Smith’s side currently have four points and sit 11th in the league table which is where they finished last season and after a summer of good recruitment everybody connected with the club will be looking to improve on their league position this season.