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Nottingham Forest are in ‘talks’ to sign Watford forward Emmanuel Dennis this summer, according to The Athletic’s Adam Leventhal.

The Lowdown: Dennis’ departure expected

According to The Athletic, Watford are willing to sell the 24-year-old this window, which has been their stance since their relegation from the Premier League was confirmed.

The Nigeria international expects to leave this summer and the club seem to be in agreement that this will be the case.

The Hornets striker is available for a fee in the region of £20m, guaranteeing the club a considerable profit on the player, given they paid £3m for his services just last summer.

The Latest: Leventhal’s news

Leventhal has shared the latest news surrounding Dennis’ heavy transfer interest. Taking to Twitter, the reliable journalist claimed West Ham, Fulham, Everton and Forest are all in “talks” over a move and both Watford and the player are “optimistic deal will still be struck before end of window”.

The Verdict: Great signing for Forest

When analysing the Nigerian’s underlying stats, it is easy to see why Steve Cooper’s side are keen on bringing the striker to the City Ground this summer.

As per FBRef, compared with positional peers across Europe over the past year, Dennis ranks in the 95th percentile for aerials won, in the 89th percentile for dribbles completed and in the 81st percentile for non-penalty goals.

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Having scored 46 goals throughout his senior career, the forward continued to impress after arriving in the Premier League, for which he was hailed “a superb signing for Watford” by members of the media.

And he could be an equally great signing for Forest, given that he is a proven source of end product in the English top-flight.

Leeds United have been dealt yet another injury setback ahead of their Premier League meeting with Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday.

What’s the latest?

That’s according to Phil Hay, who revealed in a recent article for The Athletic that, after being withdrawn in the 37th minute of the 3-0 loss to Chelsea on Wednesday evening, Jack Harrison now looks as if will be ruled out of the weekend’s clash with the Seagulls.

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Concerning the 25-year-old’s injury, Hay wrote: “Others are simply injured, like Harrison, who went down in the 37th minute and is probably beyond Marsch’s reach for the meeting with Brighton.”

Marsch will be fuming

With Leeds now in need of something of a miracle if they are to secure Premier League survival following their recent run of three straight losses, the news that Harrison could now be ruled out of what is undoubtedly a season-defining fixture this Sunday is sure to have left Jesse Marsch fuming.

Indeed, with Daniel James being ruled out for the remainder of the season after receiving a straight red card against Chelsea on Wednesday, as well as both Tyler Roberts and Crysencio Summerville being unavailable for the last two fixtures of the current campaign due to injury, the further loss of Harrison in the Whites’ attacking arsenal will undoubtedly come as a huge blow.

And, while it is true that the £13.5m-rated winger has not been in the best form of his career this season, the 25-year-old has still scored seven goals, registered one assist and created three big chances over his 33 Premier League outings – with the £60k-per-week forward being Leeds’ second-top scorer in the top flight this term.

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As such, with it now being absolutely essential that the Whites secure all three points against Brighton this weekend, it is clear to see that the loss of Harrison would come as a huge blow to Marsch’s chances of doing so – with a loss at Elland Road, coupled with a Burnley win over Tottenham Hotspur, being enough to condemn Leeds to the Championship.

AND in other news: Forget James: “Completely anonymous” dud should’ve just played his last game for Leeds

According to a report by Foot Mercato, Tottenham Hotspur have ‘taken steps’ to sign Atletico Madrid star Yannick Carrasco at the end of this transfer window.

The Lowdown: Conte eyes last minute moves…

Deadline day is in full swing at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, with Antonio Conte already linked with a few more additions.

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The Italian is said to be eyeing a sensational late move for Brighton midfielder Yves Bissouma, with links also having emerged to Barcelona winger Ousmane Dembele.

Sharing more news, Foot Mercato reporter Santi Aouna has made a claim involving Belgium international winger Carrasco.

The Latest: Tottenham have ‘taken steps’…

According to the French news source, Spurs and transfer chief Fabio Paratici have ‘taken steps’ for the 28-year-old at the end of the January window.

Alongside Newcastle United, the Lilywhites are ‘very interested’ in Carrasco – so much so that both clubs ‘were even ready to lift’ his €60 million (£49.8m) release clause. However, while the ‘principal concerned’ is ‘open to a departure’, it is believed that he ‘will not sign anywhere’ as things stand.

In the event that a move ‘cannot be completed by tonight’, he could leave next summer, with Chelsea, Manchester United or Barcelona already holding discussions over a move later in the year.

The Verdict: Get it done?

The 54-cap attacker would certainly be an eye-opening capture for Tottenham, and if they cannot complete any move by 11pm, he could be worth revisiting in the summer.

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He would come as a versatile option for Conte given he can play in a variety of roles across the attacking line, including as a centre-forward, and the fact Paratici is prepared to pay his sky-high release clause perhaps backs how highly Spurs rate him.

In other news: Tottenham match £16.6m offer as they enter last gasp battle for ‘crazy’ player, find out more here

Leeds failed to build on their first Premier League win of the season against Watford as they lost 1-0 to Southampton at the weekend.

Marcelo Bielsa was without Raphinha, Kalvin Phillips and Patrick Bamford as Armando Broja’s goal was enough to secure the points for the home side.

The Whites clearly missed their key players as they failed to register a single shot on target in the entire match, managing three efforts overall – all off-target.

This is despite £24m summer signing Dan James playing out wide on the left. He created zero chances in the game as he completed 25% of his attempted crosses and missed one ‘big chance’, with the Welshman yet to score or assist a goal in six appearances.

James was unable to provide the spark for Leeds that Raphinha often produces from out wide. The Brazilian has nine goals and nine assists since the start of last season, demonstrating that he can show up in key moments to deliver the goods for Leeds. Unfortunately, James has come in and, so far, failed to do the same, and this suggests that Victor Orta could need to dip into the market in January to rectify the situation.

Leeds reportedly sent scouts to watch Villarreal forward Arnaut Danjuma earlier this month and he could be the ideal player to come in and solve this problem. Orta could land a Raphinha alternative, or Raphinha 2.0 if you will, by bringing the Dutch international in to bolster Bielsa’s options out wide and that is why he must strike in the next window.

Clinton Morrison lauded the ex-Bournemouth man when speaking about him on Quest, via Football League World, saying: “Danjuma is an excellent player. Whatever happens, he will be playing Premier League football next year, whether it’s with Bournemouth or without them. He’s an exceptional talent.”

Danjuma has produced five goals and one assist in six starts since moving to Villarreal across the Champions League and La Liga this season, after managing 17 strikes and seven assists in the Championship for the Cherries last term. This shows that, like Raphinha, he has the ability to bully defenders.

Therefore, the £22.5m-rated man could be the Raphinha 2.0 Bielsa needs at Elland Road. Not only could he help Leeds cope without the ex-Rennes man when he is unavailable, but he could also link up with his fellow winger to terrorize opposition defences in the top-flight with their combined ability on the ball.

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He has already shown that he can perform in England, albeit in the second tier, and is now proving himself at the very top level for Villarreal. This is why Orta must bring him to the club in January to improve the team and ensure that Leeds do not become unstuck at Premier League level because of Raphinha’s fitness or availability in the second half of the campaign.

AND in other news, oncerning injury update emerges on £35k-p/w Leeds powerhouse, fans surely devastated…

Many Everton fans have been left slamming a transfer update involving Harry Winks.

Speaking on his Twitch channel (via The Everton End), transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has claimed that it is a ‘possibility’ that the Tottenham Hotspur man could end up at Goodison Park in the summer window.

With a mere four goals and just four assists in 173 games for Spurs over all competitions across the last seven consecutive seasons (Transfermarkt), the signing of Winks would not really be an inspiring one for the Merseyside club, and it is also arguably a position which they do not need to prioritise.

Rafa Benitez already has the likes of Abdoulaye Doucoure, Allan, Andre Gomes and Tom Davies who he can call upon in the centre of midfield, and so the Toffees should perhaps be focusing on other areas of the pitch.

Everton fans on Winks transfer update

These Blues supporters slammed the transfer update by Romano on Winks as it was shared on Twitter:

“Not what we need at all. We need someone who can carry the ball forward not move it side to side.”

Credit: @bluetom_tom

“Maybe I was too hard on Mike Ashley… Rafa already losing the plot if this is true”

Credit: @1878_Shirts

“After a tough month I honestly think this may tip me over the Everton edge”

Credit: @GJS41991

“No absolutely not we don’t need him”

Credit: @mxrganhulme7

“Another Tom Cleverley for me. No thanks.”

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Credit: @scepticrealist

“Was accepting the other ones but this is a disgrace he is shocking”

Credit: @LiamAnderson66

In other news, find out what recent exit Evertonians are celebrating here!

At long last, Celtic supporters can crawl into hibernation and hide for the next few months.

Their long gruelling campaign has come to a close with little fight from the Hoops, drawing their final game 0-0 in a match that typified their woeful season.

This has been a shambolic term from start to finish for the Bhoys as they failed to lift silverware for the first time in a decade.

You can blame Peter Lawwell for the appointment of Neil Lennon or you can blame Nick Hammond for his shoddy transfer policy.

Whatever way you look at it, negativity has found a way to engulf Paradise. Celtic’s home hasn’t lived up to its name this season, housing languid football and toxic protests.

That said, there is a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel.

Eddie Howe looks set to arrive as the next Celtic boss and with him, he’ll bring a number of new coaches with fresh and vibrant ideas.

After all, the backroom staff he hopes to bring in has been part of a Bournemouth team who have earned a place in the Championship play-offs.

Howe had great success at Bournemouth, a stint that embodied a Football Manager simulation in the real world. He took the Cherries from League Two to the Premier League and then managed to sustain their top-flight status for five years.

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Playing an aesthetically pleasing brand of football, the south coast side liked to play with the ball on the deck and with lots of possession.

By doing so, the 43-year-old manager developed Nathan Ake into one of the eye-catching central defenders in England.

Previously of Chelsea, the Dutchman found a home for himself under Howe, developing astutely before Manchester City paid £40m for him last summer.

Ake was a key cog in the machine at the Vitality Stadium, playing out from the back and starting attacks with his incisive passing. During his final season with Bournemouth, he completed over 87% of his passes, a number that’s only improved since joining the Premier League Champions.

At Man City this term, the defender has completed 93.1% of his passes; a particularly impressive number.

With that in mind, it wouldn’t be a great surprise if Howe wanted his defenders to play out from the back at Celtic.

This would be perfect for Kristoffer Ajer, someone who registered a pass success rate of 97% against Hibernian last weekend. It would also be ideal for the Norwegian’s protégé; Leo Hjelde.

Dubbed the next Virgil van Dijk by Ross County boss John Hughes, the 17-year-old has caught the eye while on loan at Dingwall during the second half of the season.

He is a special talent, a player that Howe simply has to turn to if he’s handed the reins at Paradise.

Hjelde is a centre-back by trade and plays in a very similar way to Ajer, pressing relentlessly and marauding forward.

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Speaking earlier this season, the teenager commented: “Kristoffer is a very good player and he had the same career path like me too.”

He added: “I like to be on the ball and try to create things too but my main priority always has to be defending. I keep in contact with him still. He has been very good to me and he still gets in touch and gives me advice.”

With this in mind, Howe would be foolish not to unleash him at Parkhead next season.

His style of football and the way he developed a promising centre half like Ake suggests he could turn Hjelde into something special too.

In the words of Hughes, he’s got a “massive future.” Celtic need to nurture him and ensure he lives up to the Van Dijk billing.

AND in other news, Celtic can axe Griffiths by landing “terrific” 18-goal gem, he once embarrassed Bitton…

It would be fair to surmise that Jesse Lingard’s recent loan move to Manchester United has been pivotal in his career.

The Red Devils midfielder moved to West Ham United in the January transfer window in an effort to revive his stuttering career.

Having not made a single Premier League appearance for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in 2020/21, though, he has enjoyed an instant impact in the capital, bagging four goals and providing two assists.

Former Manchester United manager and current Irons boss David Moyes has hailed the 28-year-old’s “quality” due to his exciting performances for his adoptive employers.

Despite the terms of his loan deal ruling him out for the teams’ meeting on Sunday night, Lingard could fire a stark reminder to Solskjaer about his importance to not only West Ham but also to the Red Devils.

Since the £9m-rated winger arrived in London, the Hammers have only lost one match, with Lingard’s goals alone being worth four points already. Without him, Moyes’ men would more than likely not be in contention for the top four.

In fact, since Lingard arrived, the Hammers’ goalscoring rate has increased from 1.6 per game to 1.8.

It is that form which has triggered reminders of Lingard’s thrilling 2017/18 season under Jose Mourinho. Throughout that campaign, he was a key performer as the Red Devils finished second in the table, scoring eight goals and providing six assists in the process.

His goals throughout the campaign were actually worth seven points to the Red Devils. Without Lingard, they would have finished as low as fourth.

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In not lining up for the opposition, Lingard could actually show Solskjaer that he is deserving of a first team place at United should his teammates struggle to create opportunities to score, such has been his impact on the Hammers.

He could find it tough to break in once again once he returns to Old Trafford, but his form could convince Solskjaer that the Red Devils were slightly too quick to jettison him.

In more news, a swoop for AS Roma’s Mancini could see a current Red Devils star thrive…

West Bromwich Albion have a wealth of riches when it comes to their youth team and they certainly know a promising striker when they see one.

Whilst first-team regulars Dara O’Shea and Nathan Ferguson were breaking the trend being defenders making it at the Baggies, the club have undoubtedly produced more attackers.

Sadio Berahino, Izzy Brown, Chris Wood, Kemar Roofe, Morgan Rogers, Louie Barry are some that have come through the system and gone onto play professionally elsewhere.

Whilst the likes of Rayhaan Tulloch, Jovane Malcolm and Jamie Soule look like a trio of players that could be on the fringes of the senior squad come next year.

But now there’s a new name making a lot of noise right now, and that’s Owen Windsor, who is quietly impressing during a loan spell at League Two outfit Grimsby Town.

The 19-year-old has scored and assisted one goal apiece from two starts whilst also averaging one dribble, shot and key pass per appearance, via WhoScored.

His latest outing at the weekend was particularly eye-catching as he played an instrumental role in the Mariners’ 3-2 victory over Leyton Orient – per SofaScore, Windsor won 50% of his ground duels, won three free-kicks, won a penalty and also recorded one dribble, one shot and one key pass.

Such a display earned him a 7.4 rating, which was the third-highest of any player that featured on the day.

GrimsbyLive claimed the Albion starlet shined and named him as their Man of the Match: “Outstanding performance. For 19 years old, his strength in holding off defenders was incredible, the through ball for Williams was delectable, and of course he created the decisive moment with superb run at the death. Looks a perfect fit in professional football.”

Upon his arrival, Ian Holloway lauded Windsor as a “bull of a number nine” and added: “He’s full of running, absolutely fresh as a daisy and he is going to complement what we already have here.”

That sort of emphatic work-rate surely draws some similarities to former Baggies forward Shane Long, so just maybe, the Midlands outfit have found a gem.

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In Charlie Austin and Kenneth Zohore, Albion have lacked an energetic presence in attack and that’s evidently what Windsor is already bringing so early on in his professional career.

He will be well worth a look after this valuable season-long loan in the EFL.

AND in other news, Controversial EXIT now looking a masterstroke from Dowling…

What proved to certainly be a fruitful move for Kyle Walker has turned out to be problematic for Tottenham Hotspur across their backline.

The right-back departed the club back in 2017 for a sum of £45million after Mauricio Pochettino decided to cash in, and the Englishman has certainly reaped the rewards of the transfer. Since his arrival at the Etihad, Walker has enjoyed tremendous achievements, including two Premier League titles and an FA Cup win.

However, it hasn’t been rosy for both parties. Since the 29-year-old left London, Spurs have increasingly let in more goals as they struggle to plug the defensive leak. In Walker’s final season with the club, Tottenham finished second in the Premier League and conceded just 26 goals, less than champions Chelsea and the lowest amount in the entire league.

But following his departure, defensive issues presented themselves and each campaign since Walker’s absence has seen Spurs let in more and more goals. The 2017/18 season – the first without their right-back – saw Spurs concede 36 goals, followed by 39 goals in 2018/19 and their worst yet this campaign having already let in 40 goals.

Despite veteran internationals Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen, as well as replacement right-back Serge Aurier, Spurs can’t seem to stop leaking goals. Meanwhile, Walker has contributed to Man City’s extremely low tally of conceded goals since he joined, including their +72 goal difference last season after conceding just 23 times.

Spot the fact from the fib: Are these Premier League records true or false?

World Class score: 95% | Expert score: 80% | Veteran score: 65% | Intermediate score: 45% | Amateur score: 30% | Try Again: 5%

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In fact, City’s No.2 has registered an average pass rate of 88.9% which is much higher than his usurper Aurier (78.3%). Walker also averages more passes per match (67.5) than the Ivorian (37.7) – (via WhoScored).

Although Tottenham made a tidy £39m profit on the Sheffield-born ace, the repercussions have been costly with the London side struggling to get near the second-place finish they managed in 2017. They are currently having a torrid season, sitting eighth in the league table, just two points ahead of Burnley and Crystal Palace.

As reported by The Chronicle journalist Lee Ryder, Newcastle United manager Steve Bruce has hinted that going on an unlikely cup run is one of his main priorities before he leaves the Magpies in the future – with some supporters mocking the verdict that they have any hope in doing so. 

Bruce, who guided Hull City to an unlikely FA Cup final against Arsenal back in 2014, eventually losing 3-2 despite the Tigers grabbing an early two-goal advantage, is apparently looking to replicate that underdog story with Newcastle United – should they get past Rochdale in their third-round replay.

The Magpies haven’t made it as far as the fifth round since Mike Ashley’s takeover back in 2007, with on-lookers hopeful they can end that voodoo this season given they will face Oxford should they manage to beat the Dale at home. However, judging by the response of these Newcastle supporters, it doesn’t seem like they hold out much hope for the magic of the cup considering what’s gone on in general under the Ashley regime.

Here’s how they damned Bruce’s optimism on Twitter, with one supporter simply stating that the boss is being ‘naive’ while another predicted an upset against Rochdale.

Newcastle fans, is an heroic cup run likely this season? Join the discussion by commenting below…