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Brendan Rodgers remains one of Tottenham Hotspur’s top managerial targets, according to reports…

What’s the word?

That’s the latest claim from 90min, who suggested that the 48-year-old is still in the running to take over from Jose Mourinho despite his reluctance to leave Leicester City.

Daniel Levy will not appoint Spurs’ next manager until the summer, with the club’s former midfielder Ryan Mason in caretaker charge until then, and the chairman is believed to be infatuated by the Foxes chief.

It is also claimed that he would be prepared to make Rodgers the second-highest paid manager in the Premier League behind Man City’s Pep Guardiola, who is thought to be on around £15m per year.

Pay whatever it takes

As targets keep coming and going, Levy could have his work cut out to find a viable and attractive manager to fill the vacant role at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Julian Nagelsmann and Erik ten Hag have quickly been ruled out of the running, and even though he seems committed to Leicester, there cannot be many better candidates out there than Rodgers.

Speaking about the interest in his services last month, the former Celtic and Liverpool boss praised Spurs as a club, claiming: “Tottenham is a great club, one of the biggest clubs in Britain but for me, I’m just in a really, really happy place in my life.”

Of course, he’s not going to come straight out and claim he’d be keen on swapping the King Power Stadium for north London, especially as the Foxes are battling for a top four finish, and that will be the centre of his focus.

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You can never strictly rule it out, though. Levy has to throw the chequebook at him and do all he can to convince him to sign on the dotted line. If he wants Spurs back competing in Europe, particularly in the Champions League, then he must turn to Rodgers.

The 48-year-old has completely transformed Leicester on and off the pitch. It is looking like back-to-back seasons qualifying for Europe and he’s done that despite losing his best players every summer.

Stars such as Ben Chilwell, Harry Maguire, N’Golo Kante and Riyad Mahrez were all replaced adequately and it’s like the Foxes have never missed out on their presence. This sort of recruitment is desperately needed at Spurs, with the club in dire need of a rebuild.

Another one of his key abilities is to develop players, and there isn’t a better example than Kelechi Iheanacho, who until this campaign very much looked like he wouldn’t hit the potential with which he was once touted at Manchester City.

The 24-year-old has scored 18 goals and provided seven assists in all competitions this term, via Transfermarkt, leading to Dean Windass lauding Rodgers’ influence as “unbelievable” in an exclusive interview with Football FanCast.

With players like Dele Alli, Joe Rodon, Dane Scarlett and many more at Spurs, Rodgers would be very well placed to continue such a trend.

Furthermore, Mourinho has previously waxed lyrical about his former Chelsea coach, suggesting he is “creative” and a “very good coach.”

Only Sir Alex Ferguson has a better win percentage of any British manager to take charge of 50 or more games since 2000 in the Premier League, leading to Gary Neville lauding the 48-year-old “one of the outstanding managers in the league”.

It’s no wonder that Rodgers, who has won 54% of his games in charge of the Foxes, would be a dream candidate for Levy and Spurs. It could cost them an extraordinary amount of money to land him but, if it’s the price they have to pay to get a top contender, so be it.

Rodgers is absolutely perfect for Spurs; it’s as simple as that.

AND in other news, 45 y/o who left “a lasting impression on Spurs would bring shades of Pochettino to North London…

Crystal Palace shared important travel details for supporters ahead of Saturday’s clash with Aston Villa on their official Twitter channel on Thursday evening, and the club’s post has duly had plenty of Eagles and Villa fans talking.

The Eagles are yet to lose at Selhurst Park under Patrick Vieira and will be hoping to continue that run when they host Steven Gerrard’s side on Saturday afternoon. A win could lift Palace up into sixth in the Premier League on 19 points, with referee Michael Salisbury set to take charge of his first top-flight fixture.

However, the club have urged fans to arrive at the stadium with plenty of time to spare, as train disruptions are expected. Trains to Selhurst and Thornton Heath stations will be limited prior to the game due to engineering works, and they will be shut following the fixture.

Palace fans react

Palace posted all the essential information on their website and shared details on Twitter. Here is what these disgruntled Eagles supporters had to say in reply, with one labelling it as ‘important news’ for those whose travel plans could be disrupted.

“Ridiculous, it will be chaos, you have Palace fans like me, Villa wanting to get to the ground, Leeds on the way to Brighton, what bright spark decided this weekend to take place”

Credit: @JohnOZ50996584

“Do it at night! Ridiculous doing it on Saturday.”

Credit: @Djh2210Hart

“Grim”

Credit: @James_Pratt_1

“Important news people!!!! Those buses will be packed!!!”

Credit: @cjbearcpfc

“This will be fun”

Credit: @Benn_murphy96

“Great planning as usual from the train companies”

Credit: @MickeyT_CPFC

In other news: Palace in talks with £9m worth of talent after Vieira gives the ‘green light’

Leeds United are reportedly interested in signing Juventus midfielder Aaron Ramsey in January, with a loan move potentially in the offing.

The Lowdown: Ramsey struggling at Juve

The 71-time capped Wales international has not had the happiest time of things at Juve of late, starting just once in Serie A so far this season.

It has led to rumours linking him with a move away from the Italian giants, with Ramsey struggling to settle there ever since joining from Arsenal in 2019.

With Leeds potentially eyeing up new midfield signings in January, it appears as though the 30-year-old is considered a target.

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The Latest: Leeds linked with move

That’s according to Calciomercato, who claim that a loan move to Elland Road could take place next month.

It is stated that Everton and Newcastle United are also seen as possible suitors and that paths to both them and the Whites ‘remain valid’ currently.

The report also claims that Leeds could possibly sign Ramsey permanently in the summer if he joined on loan initially.

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The Verdict: Proven top-level pedigree

At 30, Ramsey doesn’t necessarily represent the long-term future for Leeds, but if a player of his quality is available they would be wise to make a move for him.

The former Arsenal man has been described as ‘world class’ by Wales teammate and Tottenham defender Ben Davies and he has a Serie A title and three FA Cup winners’ medals to show for that quality.

Ramsey’s ability to score goals from midfield would give Leeds a different option in the middle of the park – 20 goals for Wales speaks volumes – with Kalvin Phillips, Adam Forshaw and Stuart Dallas yet to net once between them in the Premier League this season.

In other news, a journalist has backed Leeds to sign one specific player in January. Read more here.

Mark Douglas has revealed what Eddie Howe has now told him about an injury to Newcastle United ace Allan Saint-Maximin.

The Lowdown: Injury scare

Saint-Maximin did come off for Callum Wilson in the 79th minute of their 3-1 loss away at Liverpool in the Premier League in midweek because of an injury scare.

Of course, there is no denying the fact that he is such an important player to the team, as underlined by being their second-top scorer in the top flight with three goals, and has averaged the joint-most shots (two) and the most dribbles (4.1) per game, with WhoScored rating him as their best player (7.14) overall.

Nonetheless, with a game at home to the reigning champions Manchester City to come on Sunday afternoon, it will be interesting to see if he is deemed fit enough to play.

The Latest: What Howe has said…

Speaking to journalist Douglas for the inews newspaper, Howe has now revealed that he is ‘not sure’ whether the injury Saint-Maximin suffered is related to the ‘nasty’ tackle on him against the Reds or whether it is more muscular.

He did try to speak to the Frenchman about it, but did not get any clarification.

Howe now has his ‘fingers crossed’ for someone who he described is a ‘big player’ for the St. James’ Park faithful.

The Verdict: Big blow

It is a big, big blow if the North East club are without Saint-Maximin for any prolonged period of time.

He has already shown this season how key he is to the side, and with them currently fighting a relegation battle, they simply need their best players on the pitch.

That is no different for their clash against City tomorrow, and if the winger is confirmed to be out, then it is even more of an uphill task for them to take any points.

In other news, find out who looks certain to miss the City clash here!

In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, Dean Windass thinks that keeping their front-three fit could be the key to Tottenham’s top-four chances.

Jose Mourinho’s side looked down and out following five defeats across six matches in January and February, but three victories on the bounce before the loss to Arsenal has seen Spurs emerge as genuine Champions League contenders once more – they are currently six points adrift of fourth-placed Chelsea.

Having thrashed Burnley and then scrapped past Fulham, Tottenham made it nine points in eight days after putting four past Crystal Palace to move within touching distance of Chelsea.

Harry Kane and Gareth Bale both scored twice, whilst the final piece of their attacking trio, Heung Min Son, grabbed his third assist in as many games.

And with those three all in outstanding form at present, Windass admitted that keeping them fit could result in Spurs finishing in the top-four, although they may have suffered a dent to that with Son Heung-min going off injured against the Gunners.

He told Football FanCast:

“Mourinho doesn’t take any prisoners, like Dier at the back, he’s made a few mistakes and he’s dropped him. The players know if they don’t perform then he will take you out. But I think if they keep Gareth Bale fit and the front-three fit, then I think they can get in the top-four.”

It’s all about momentum at this time in the campaign, and Tottenham have that in abundance at present.

Bale, Son and Kane have started together four times this season, and Spurs have managed maximum points in each of those games.

If Mourinho can keep those three fit for the majority of the run-in, then this year might end in glory for the north London outfit, only weeks after their season appeared to be petering out into a mid-table finish.

In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, Rob Lee, who scored 34 Premier League goals, claims Newcastle United fans being in attendance for their final home game against Sheffield United could prove to be either very good or very bad for the team.

Newcastle have been labelled as “wild” by former manager Graeme Souness and Lee claims every team knows if you can silence the crowd for the first 10-15 minutes then the Newcastle fans can turn on their team.

There have not been any fans inside St James’ Park for over 12 months now as they’ve had to sit and watch their team freefall closer to the relegation zone on their TV screens every week, but the Premier League are hoping they will be back for the clash against the Blades in May.

Speaking on how having fans back could impact the Newcastle players and the one bit of advice Kevin Keegan used to give his players, Lee told FFC exclusively:

“I think it could go either way but the fans will 100% be behind the team from kick-off. However, Sheffield United will know if they go there and can quieten the crowd then it could be detrimental to the Newcastle players.

“Kevin Keegan used to say to us in the first 10-15 minutes go out and entertain the crowd and get them on your side and then they’ll be behind you for the entire match.

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“That’s what Newcastle fans want to see right from the off their team flying into players, pressing the opposition and creating chances and then they’ll get behind you.”

Newcastle fans will be looking at their final two games of the season and will be hoping they are safe before that as they face the Blades and Fulham.

The relegation battle appears to be between Fulham, Newcastle, Brighton and Burnley, with the latter two starting to put positive results together when it matters.

Rangers secured, arguably, one of their best-ever transfer deals at Ibrox back in 2017 when they signed striker Alfredo Morelos.

Having gone on to score 113 goals in 224 games, the Colombian has undoubtedly been a critical player for the Gers since his arrival.

Even though he’s only 25 and still has until the summer of 2023 before his deal with Rangers expires, it seems as though the club already have their eye on signing someone that could go on to become an ideal long-term replacement for Morelos.

What’s the news?

According to a recent report from A Bola (via Daily Record) Rangers are one of the clubs keeping an eye on the development of Brazil youngster Antony Alves.

Originally from Brazilian side Joinville-SC, the 20-year-old is currently on loan with Portuguese team Arouca.

Their new Morelos?

Despite only starting four of the 17 league games he’s appeared in this season, the attacker has managed to score two goals.

The youngster has also racked up 13 crosses in total and been able to draw 15 fouls, showing how dangerous he can be going forward and what a tricky figure he can be to play against.

The Brazilian has not shirked away from his defensive duties this season either, having won 11 tackles and made seven interceptions.

In addition to this, the £180k-rated starlet has shown how versatile he can be on the pitch by playing in numerous attacking positions throughout his short career so far.

Thus, if the Gers end up selling Morelos anytime soon for the £13m fee that they would reportedly want for him, snapping up Alves as another young south American talent that has a knack for goal could be a great bit of business for them.

However, with the report claiming that FC Basel are also interested in signing the youngster, Rangers could have a challenge on their hands getting him to Ibrox.

If Ross Wilson is able to get the Brazilian to make a move to Scotland, he’ll certainly have some big shoes to fill should Morelos find himself leaving.

Having had a total of 113 shots at goal in the league this season, more than any other player in the SPFL, any player would find it hard to immediately replace Rangers’ prolific striker.

In other news: Sources: Shock Rangers transfer claim emerges that will leave Wilson excited…

Tottenham Hotspur boss Jose Mourinho is thought to be interested in bringing Eder Militao to north London, according to Mundo Deportivo.

The ‘Special One’ wants central defensive reinforcements during the January transfer window, which is hardly a surprise given his lack of faith in Davinson Sanchez, who has been snubbed from his Premier League starting XI 11 times, and Joe Rodon, who was signed as one for the future.

Over at Real Madrid, the Brazillian centre-back just isn’t getting regular game time under Zinedine Zidane having featured for only 224 minutes this term.

Despite costing the La Liga giants €50m (£45m) from Porto, Militao is still fourth-choice, so a switch to Spurs could prove to be beneficial for all involved.

And we’ve already seen first-hand how successful that can be when Daniel Levy clinched the signing of Sergio Reguilon out of nowhere.

In September, the 23-year-old flew into north London on the chairman’s private jet alongside Gareth Bale, who himself sealed a sensational return to the club.

He cost a total of £32m, as per Sky Sports, and has arguably been one of Spurs’ players of the season alongside Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg.

The Spaniard is the only player not named Harry Kane or Heung-min Son to record more than one assist, and is averaging 1.8 tackles per game in the Premier League, which shows he’s doing his defensive duties just as well too, via WhoScored.

In reality, Mourinho didn’t really need Reguilon as they had Ben Davies, Ryan Sessegnon and Danny Rose under contract and in some ways, it’s a similar situation in the middle as he isn’t really light on options.

But when a player of Militao’s quality is reportedly available, then you cannot turn your nose up at him so if Levy was to move, he’d be repeating this exact masterstroke.

Barcelona superstar and Madrid arch-rival Lionel Messi dubbed the £104k-per-week beast a “phenomenal talent and a fierce competitor” to Give Me Sport.

That’s as glowing of an endorsement as you’ll ever get.

The 22-year-old defender is averaging more tackles (2.2) and interceptions (1.9) per game throughout his career than either of Mourinho’s first-choice pairing, Eric Dier and Toby Alderweireld, this season – so clearly he’d be a welcome alternative in the role.

Spurs could find themselves another Reguilon with a swoop for the £27m-rated gem.

AND in other news, 16% duels won: Spurs must think twice on pathetic £30m star, Mourinho surely fuming…

According to a report by Football Insider, West Ham United and GSB have made an approach to sign Liverpool attacker Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – with the club ultimately assessing his availability this summer. 

The Lowdown: Oxlade-Chamberlain emerges as target?

Links to the Liverpool midfielder have emerged as fairly new, with the wider consensus being manager David Moyes’ top priorities are both a permanent deal for Jesse Lingard and a new striker.

However, ExWHUemployee did recently claim that Moyes will look to strengthen at left-back, centre-back and in central midfield once he has acquired a new forward in particular (Patreon).

The Latest: GSB make approach…

Now, a West Ham United source has told Football Insider that GSB could look at Oxlade-Chamberlain as an option to bolster their midfield options.

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It is said that the club have made an approach to ultimately assess his availability whilst also making third party contact over the possibility of signing Oxlade-Chamberlain this summer.

The Anfield club, however, value him at around £22 million and West Ham will have to invest considerably if they wish to bring him to the London Stadium.

He comes as a possible alternative to Lingard with the Irons loanee attracting plenty of suitors after a stellar few months in Claret and Blue.

The Verdict: Avoid…

On a reported £120,000-per-week, if Oxlade-Chamberlain were to command a similar salary in east London, it would make him the highest paid player at West Ham (spotrac.com).

Blighted by a serious knee injury this season, the 27-year-old missed 20 matches for Liverpool over 2020/2021 (Transfermarkt) and the last thing West Ham need is an injury prone signing.

Reds boss Jurgen Klopp, speaking on Oxlade-Chamberlain at the end of last year, was adamant that the Englishman is still an ‘outstanding player’ despite his fitness issues (The Guardian).

However, with the £22m price tag and salary, we believe that he is simply not worth the price for West Ham.

In other news: West Ham fans blast this ace who lost the ball 17 times against WBA,  find out more here.

Some Liverpool supporters are delighted after it emerged that Diogo Jota could play a part in the Reds’ crucial clash with Crystal Palace.

The Reds face an enormous game on Sunday afternoon as a hugely challenging Premier League season reaches its conclusion. Jurgen Klopp’s men welcome Palace to Anfield, knowing that a win should all but guarantee a place in the top four unless Leicester City thrash Tottenham.

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Liverpool have found a strong run of form just when they needed it, not losing in the league since early March and picking up crucial victories against West Brom and Burnley in the last week.

Jota was expected to miss out for the remainder of the season, but The Athletic now claim he could play a part in proceedings at Anfield today. If true, it would be a massive boost for Liverpool, potentially allowing the prolific Portuguese to come on in the second half should a goal be needed, or if one of the front three is underperforming.

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Liverpool fans react to Jota update

These Liverpool supporters were delighted with the “huge” news, taking to Twitter to provide their thoughts.

“Fastest recovery ever”

Credit: @RJensen71

“Having both on the bench is a huge plus”

Credit: @LFC_9ja

“In a massive fitness boost for Jurgen Klopp, Diogo Jota is in contention to play against Crystal Palace tomorrow”

Credit: @MattThielen

“Let’s get it boyyyyysssss”

Credit: @AidaHamsad

“Everybody watch out”

Credit: @charliemens01

“Fingers crossed he plays in place of Mane”

Credit: @kevowens64

In other news, some Liverpool fans have been reacting positively to training ground photos that recently emerged. Read more here.