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West Ham United’s recent defeat to Crystal Palace saw summer signing Thilo Kehrer deputise at right-back, with Vladamir Coufal forced to watch on from the bench.

The German, clearly playing out of position, was handed the worst SofaScore rating of anyone on the pitch (5.9) yet still managed the full 90 minutes.

Whether Moyes has an issue with the Czech Republic international, or just wanted added defensive solidity up against the Eagles’ fluid front three, he blundered massively with this tactical decision.

If he is so keen on leaving Coufal out of the side, perhaps he could turn to the academy to unearth a success story similar to the one Ben Johnson has enjoyed in recent years.

Another fine right back in the making is young Harrison Ashby, who will be hoping to build on his seven senior appearances for the Hammers.

Upon first making his debut for the first team back in 2020, journalists Sam Delaney and Roshane Thomas spent time on the U Irons Podcast to praise his talents (via This Is Futbol).

Labelling him “one to watch”, the former was particularly vocal in his praise, stating: “He’s big as well. He’s like a big unit. He’s only young, but he’s like a giant.

“Usually, you’re used to seeing smaller players in those wing-back positions, but he looked big, strong, he was very fearless, decent on the ball.”

The powerful 20-year-old full-back has endured a tumultuous year, struggling for consistency given his constant swap between the youth and senior team. This has resulted in a lack of goal contributions, of which he recorded nine last season.

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What was a previously crowded position at right wing-back seems to be thinning out with each season, and soon Ashby could announce himself as the outstanding candidate for the position for the foreseeable future.

With Moyes clearly keen on handing youngsters a chance to show what they are capable of, outlined in the four academy graduates that started in their midweek win over FCSB, there is a huge possibility that soon this bombing Scotsman could be ready to set the Premier League alight.

It has already proven a busy summer for Scottish champions Celtic with seven major deals having been wrapped up thus far, although the indication is that more incomings could be on their way, with manager Ange Postecoglou having even hinted as much at the weekend.

One name that has emerged as a surprise target of late is Marseille starlet Bamba Dieng, with the Parkhead outfit believed to be one of a number of clubs who are keen on signing the 22-year-old in the coming weeks.

The Senegal international is courting a great deal of attention due to his uncertain future at the Stade Velodrome, having been given the cold shoulder by new boss Igor Tudor despite enjoying a breakthrough season last term.

The suggestion is that the 5 foot 10 menace could be available for a fee of around £15m with a departure seemingly inevitable, ensuring that the Hoops would have to potentially pull off a club record deal to secure his signature.

That sizeable asking price may appear hefty for a player who has made just 42 senior appearances for his current side thus far, although on the basis of his recent form it would surely prove a worthwhile investment.

Last season saw the “serious talent” – as described by journalist Graeme Bailey – score eight goals and provide three assists in all competitions for the Ligue 1 outfit, proving himself a real livewire under former boss Jorge Sampaoli.

Capable of featuring anywhere across the front line, the youngster’s versatility would no doubt suit the often fluid attacking approach that Postecoglou favours, with the 56-year-old also likely to be demanding even further attacking depth with the start of their Champions League voyage to come in the near future.

The hope will be that the “explosive” asset – as dubbed by Sampaoli – can replicate the success of another striker who arrived in Glasgow from France in Odsonne Edouard, with the current Crystal Palace marksman having thrived in Scottish football.

After joining the Hoops – initially on loan – in 2017 from Paris Saint-Germain, the 24-year-old went on to score a remarkable haul of 86 goals and provide a further 39 assists in 179 games in all competitions, winning a plethora of major honours in that time.

Much like Dieng, the Frenchman had limited senior experience prior to his move to Scotland, having scored just once in 17 games while on loan at Toulouse, after failing to ever make a first-team outing at the Parc des Princes.

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That lack of experience mattered little, however, as he became a key figure for the club over the next four years, before joining the Eagles on a £14m deal last summer – with Celtic making a profit on their £9m investment.

Although Postecoglou won’t be thinking about losing Dieng before he’s even signed, there will be a consideration as to how they could potentially recoup a greater fee later down the line, while hoping to reap the benefits of his impressive displays in the short-term.

As the club saw with the case of Edouard, the French market can be particularly fruitful.

According to Daily Express journalist Ryan Taylor, Tottenham Hotspur manager Antonio Conte is finished with left-back Sergio Reguilon after the arrival of Ivan Perisic.

The Lowdown: Reguilon out of favour

The 25-year-old swapped the Bernabeu for the Premier League when he joined the Lilywhites on a five-year deal from Spanish giants Real Madrid in 2020, where he has made a total of 67 senior appearances during his two years at the club to date.

The appointment of Conte as Spurs manager in November of last year doesn’t appear to have helped the Spaniard, who has fallen down the pecking order under the Italian since his entrance at N17.

Following the recent announcement confirming the signing of Inter Milan’s Perisic, The Times have claimed that this has now moved the full-back even closer to the exit door than originally thought, with the report stating that the £25.2m-rated star could return to Real as a result of their buyback clause.

The Latest: Reguil-gone

Taylor says the Croatian’s arrival in the capital will have a huge impact on the future of Reguilon. He told GiveMeSport: “I think Sergio Reguilon will be moved on now.

“Sessegnon is still very much a part of Conte’s plans and it’ll just be a balancing act between them two for the Premier League and Champions League.”

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/tottenham-latest-developments-2/” title=”Tottenham latest developments!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Verdict: Perisic a better option

Ever since Conte replaced former manager Nuno Espirito Santo in the Tottenham dugout, the six-cap Spain international has only made 20 outings under the Italian and hasn’t been a hugely regular feature of his starting XI.

As per FBRef, Perisic has a much better defensive record than Reguilon, and considering the World Cup finalist also managed 15 goal involvements in Serie A this season, you could comfortably say he’s better on both sides of the ball.

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Despite still having three years remaining on his current contract in north London, Reguilon’s time at Spurs looks like it could well be coming to an end, but whether he’s sent back to Madrid or gets another move remains to be seen.

In other news… Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that there has been a ‘deal agreed’ for Spurs’ next signing.

Manchester United will travel to Spain to take on a huge clash against Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid side in the Champions League round of 16 first leg today, and Ralf Rangnick will be hoping his side can get off to a good start away from home ahead of the knockout game at Old Trafford in a few weeks.

The team have had players return from injury and illness in recent weeks with Paul Pogba, Edinson Cavani and Raphael Varane all returning to full fitness, meaning the German coach will have the pick of his best players for the challenging game.

With that being said, this is how Football FanCast expects Rangnick to set up his side against Atletico on Wednesday evening…

We expect to see three changes from the team that beat Leeds United 4-2 at Elland Road at the weekend, with the manager combining Champions League experience with young talent.

The first change we predict is Raphael Varane coming into the side for Victor Lindelof, which would be a no brainer at this stage of the European competition, with the defender one of the most successful player’s in the history of the Champions League, winning four titles, so his experience will be hugely influential in the defensive line.

The second change we expect to see is Diego Dalot in the side over Aaron Wan-Bissaka. Rangnick has been able to rely on Dalot during the time that his positional competitor has been injured, and despite being dropped from the starting line-up against Leeds United, it would be surprising if the Red Devils manager didn’t show his loyalty to the reliable right-back by giving him the starting position in the Champions League clash.

Last but not least, youngster Anthony Elanga could be given a golden opportunity to start against Atletico after coming on in the 65th minute against Leeds United to replace a struggling Jesse Lingard.

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He had a much better impact on the game, as the player hailed a “nightmare” by Gary Neville bagged the fourth goal in the victory and we think that Rangnick may reward the young forward’s hard work by axing Lingard, and starting the £3.6m-rated gem in Madrid tonight.

In other news: Rangnick must unleash Varane against Atletico Madrid

Despite losing their previous Premier League game 3-2 against West Ham United going into the latest international break, Liverpool have had a fairly good start to their 2021/22 season, with 22 points on the board in the league and remaining unbeaten in the Champions League and Carabao Cup.

One man who has played a big part in Liverpool’s campaign and deserves a lot of credit is Diogo Jota. With 14 appearances under his belt for the Reds this season across all competitions, the 24-year-old has scored five goals and provided two assists in the process.

As well as his goals and assists, the winger – who is currently valued at £40.5m by Transfermarkt – has averaged 2.2 shots and 1.6 key passes in the league, showing how much of a danger he can pose to opponents.

The Portuguese forward has also showed his worth to Jurgen Klopp in the Champions League this season by either providing an assist or scoring a goal in Liverpool’s group games against his former club Atletico Madrid.

With this in mind, it seems as though Jota is having a similar sort of season to last year after joining the Reds from fellow Premier League side Wolves in a deal worth a reported fee of £41m, with 13 goals in 30 appearances in the 2020/21 campaign.

Even though fellow Reds wingers Sadio Mane (eight) and Mohamed Salah (15) have scored more than Jota at this point in the season, the former Wolves man – who has been described as “incredible” by fellow Reds teammate Adrian – has certainly proven himself to be an unsung hero for Klopp who can step up to the plate whenever he’s called upon.

Looking ahead to the rest of the season, with Salah and Mane set to spend a period of time away from Anfield in January to take part in the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations, it’s safe to say that Klopp will be relying on Jota to fill in for the duo when that time comes.

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Thankfully, the 24-year-old has proven during his time on Merseyside  that he is capable of doing just that, and he could help the team push closer to the top of the table in the forthcoming absence of Salah and Mane.

In other news: Liverpool handed huge injury boost ahead of Arsenal clash, Klopp will be buzzing

An update has emerged on Sunderland target Daniel Jebbison…

What’s the talk?

According to the Sheffield Star, Sunderland have been put off by Sheffield United’s loan fee demands for the 18-year-old striker.

The report claims that the Black Cats have held talks over a swoop for the forward, but they are baulking at the Championship’s side £1m loan fee that they want in exchange to send him out on loan.

Fans will be livid

Sunderland fans will be livid with this news as it seems to all but rule out a deal for Jebbison before the end of the window, unless Sheffield United decide to lower their demands.

A £1m loan fee for a player with four senior league appearances for his name is steep, as there is no solid evidence to suggest that he will be a star player in League One.

Transfermarkt value him at a little less, around £900k, for example.

That is not to say he does not have the potential to be, but Sunderland would surely want a degree of certainty about what they are getting if they are shelling out seven figures to have a player for less than a year.

Therefore, the club’s stance on this move is understandable. It has the possibility of being a waste of money, which may be why they are not interested in meeting United’s demands for the player.

This will not stop fans from being gutted that Jebbison may not be coming to the Stadium of Light, though, as he is a talented young player.

Ex-Manchester City defender Micah Richards hailed Jebbison as the shining light in Sheffield United’s squad as they were relegated from the Premier League. He told Sky Sports (via the Examiner):

“I really like the look of him. He just gets in the right areas, and they needed that with all the negativity that’s gone on at the club.

“You want to bounce back straight away, and you want to go to the end of the season with positivity.

“They’re playing for pride, and he’s the shining light.”

He scored one goal in four Premier League appearances for Sheffield United at the backend of last season, winning 1.3 aerial battles and 1.5 tackles per game.

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This is an impressive return for an 18-year-old striker and suggests that he could have the quality to make an impact in League One, which is why fans would be excited to see him come through the door.

However, you have to consider the financial element that comes along with it and – as it stands – the deal would be too much of a gamble for it to make sense for Kristjaan Speakman and Lee Johnson to pull the trigger.

So, the fans will be livid but it looks to be the correct decision on paper.

AND in other news, Forget Stewart: £3.6k-p/w SAFC beast who won 87% of duels stole the show vs MK Dons…

Wolves legend Steve Bull insists that the next Wolves manager has plenty to live up to following the departure of Nuno Espirito Santo.

The 47-year-old departed the Molineux club following the final game of the season, bringing to an end a four-year spell with the Midlands club.

In that time, Santo took Wolves from the Championship into the Premier League and kept them there, establishing the side as a genuine force in the top-flight.

This season, though, Wolves have struggled somewhat and limped to a 13th-placed finish in the Premier League.

Nuno was forced to blood the youngster Fabio Silva up front after the horrific head injury sustained by Raul Jimenez and Bull believes that the season actually ended in a reasonable manner because of the sheer amount of bad luck Wolves suffered through.

As a result, he feels that Nuno’s replacement faces a mighty job as he looks to fill the Portuguese’s shoes.

Speaking exclusively to The Transfer Tavern, he said: “Whoever comes in, I just think the club have got to get behind them.

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“We’ve got a bunch of youngsters at the moment learning their trade, and whoever comes in, they’ve got a job and a half to do, because of the transformation this year.

“Nuno had players going out, young players coming in, injuries, and I don’t think we’ve had a bad season overall with what we’ve gone through.”

Sky Sports’ Laura Hunter slammed Alexander Isak as “anonymous” as Liverpool suffered defeat at Anfield against Nottingham Forest for the second consecutive campaign.

The international break handed Liverpool some much-needed reprieve and there was plenty of hope that the Reds would finally bounce back from recent woes upon their return. Nottingham Forest had other ideas, however, as the Premier League champions were dealt another blow.

Arne Slot’s side initially got off to a solid start, creating chances and largely looking rejuvenated. But the threat from Nottingham Forest was always lurking and once again Liverpool were found wanting from a set piece. After Ibrahima Konate needlessly conceded the corner, Liverpool watched on as Murillo headed home. It has been the story of their season.

The Tricky Trees then thought they had a second, only for Igor Jesus’ effort to be controversially ruled out for handball in a decision that will be at the centre of debate in the coming days.

VAR couldn’t hold the visitors back forever though, and second-half goals from Nicolo Savona and a shocking third from Morgan Gibbs-White soon put Forest out of sight in the worst performance of Liverpool’s season.

It’s become worse before it’s got better for the Reds and there will be serious question marks surrounding several performances. The Premier League champions have not only seen their crown slip, they’ve seen it torn apart this season and record signing Isak has been a shadow of the player that so often caused Virgil van Dijk trouble.

Sky Sports reporter slams "anonymous" Alexander Isak

When Isak’s name appeared in the starting line-up, there would have been a growing excitement amongst Liverpool fans. Their £280,000-a-week star signing was finally set to have lift off, so they thoughtr. That was their dream, but the reality is that Slot’s side once again struggled to connect with the Swede, who took fewer touches than goalkeeper Alisson Becker.

Where Liverpool go from here is the big question. They didn’t just lose against Nottingham Forest, they were shoved aside for the umpteenth time this season. Despite all the money that they finally spent in the summer, it is not clicking at Anfield.

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For Isak, patience is also wearing out. Whilst he could be excused for a slow start after missing pre-season and striking at Newcastle United, he’s now had plenty of time to get back to full fitness, yet remains without a credible performance.

Related Liverpool now eyeing Mateta deal amid fresh Crystal Palace contract concern

The Reds know all about his quality.

Posts ByTom Cunningham

With Hugo Ekitike waiting in the wings, the former Newcastle man may struggle to keep hold of his place as Slot looks to solve his side’s problems and turn to the few bright sparks in his squad.

Slot's own Luis Suarez is now "offering Liverpool less than Darwin Nunez did"

Sunderland now lead West Ham in the race to sign a brand-new £22 million “magician” after making an approach, according to a recent report.

Sunderland plan to continue spending spree after passing £100m mark

The Black Cats got their pre-season underway over the weekend, beating non-league side South Shields 4-0 in what has been an epic summer for the club so far. Sunderland have added six new players to their squad already this summer, passing the £100 million mark, with midfielder Habib Diarra being the club’s most expensive capture so far.

Related Contact made: Sunderland prepare bid to sign £25m star who is open to move

The Black Cats are making plenty of impressive moves…

Posts 1 BySean Markus Clifford

Despite the heavy investment, the Premier League newcomers are not stopping there, as Sunderland are interested in signing Charlie Cresswell from French side Toulouse. The defender is already known in English football, after spending time at Leeds United, and now the Black Cats are keen to bring him back to England in a deal that could cost them as much as £18 million.

As well as looking to improve their central defence, Regis Le Bris and co are also looking at potential new goalkeepers, despite Anthony Patterson impressing last season. Sunderland have made contact with representatives of Aaron Ramsdale and are now preparing an offer to Southampton. The 27-year-old is said to be open to a move to the Stadium of Light, as he would remain in the Premier League, but it could cost Sunderland £25 million to get a deal completed.

Sunderland lead West Ham in race to sign new £22m "magician" after approach

The new arrivals may not even stop there, as according to L’Equipe, via Get French Football News, Sunderland have approached Leicester City over the signing of midfielder Bilal El Khannouss.

The report states that as well as the Black Cats, West Ham United and AS Monaco have made enquiries about signing the 21-year-old, who has just suffered relegation with the Foxes. However, it is Sunderland who are considered to be leading the race to sign El Khannouss.

The Moroccan international, who was dubbed a “magician” after his performance against Southampton last season, only joined Leicester last summer from KRC Genk. El Khannouss contributed to five goals despite the Foxes struggling all season at the bottom end of the Premier League.

Bilal El Khannouss’ 24/25 Premier League stats

Apps

32

Goals

2

Shots per game

0.9

Goal conversion

9%

Assists

3

Touches

42.5

Big chances created

8

Key passes

1.3

Interceptions per game

0.2

Tackles per game

1.6

El Khannouss is still under contract until 2028, and it’s been reported previously that the Foxes would be looking to get around £22 million should he leave during this transfer window. Sunderland have already added a couple of midfielders to their ranks this summer, but El Khannouss’ potential arrival could be another way the Black Cats try to fill the void left by Jobe Bellingham, featuring in an attacking midfield role or out on the wing if needed.

Sunderland have agreed a deal to sell a first-team player who is on his way to seal a Stadium of Light exit in the coming days.

Sunderland exit rumours

The Black Cats are on course to finish in the Championship playoff places at the very least in what has been a successful season on the whole so far under Regis Le Bris.

Sunderland have been in the automatic promotion picture for large parts of the season, however, defeats to Leeds United and Hull City last month have seen them fall eight points behind second-place Sheffield United.

Sunderland’s next 5 Championship fixtures

Date

Sunderland vs Cardiff City

March 8

Sunderland vs Preston North End

March 11

Coventry City vs Sunderland

March 15

Sunderland vs Millwall

March 29

West Brom vs Sunderland

April 5

Should Le Bris’ side fail to be promoted, then it looks as if numerous clubs could come sniffing for some of their exciting young stars in the summer transfer market.

For example, it has been claimed recently that Crystal Palace already have their eyes on both Chris Rigg and Jobe Bellingham, whereas Eliezer Mayenda is the subject of “interest” from several Premier League clubs.

Another attacker who has been heavily linked with a move away has been winger Jewison Bennette. There have been talks with Ukrainian side LNZ Cherkasy for the 20-year-old’s services, and the transfer market in Ukraine doesn’t close until March 11.

Now, it looks as if there has been a breakthrough in regards to an exit for Bennette, who is currently on £5,000-a-week at the Stadium of Light.

Sunderland agree deal to sell £5,000-a-week player

According to Ihor Burbas, relayed by Sunderland AFC News, Bennette is on his way to LNZ Cherkasy from Sunderland after the two clubs seemingly agreed on a transfer fee.

It is stated that the Black Cats are set to bring in €500,000 (£418,000) for the attacker’s services, a loss on the reported €1.2m (£1m) they paid to sign Bennette back in 2022.

It does appear to make sense for the winger to move on, especially as he saw a January deadline day move to Charlton Athletic fall through, with Le Bris playing him just once all season.

Bennette did have a fan in former boss Tony Mowbray, though, who praised the youngster for getting on the bus home with fans after a match against Preston North End back in 2022.

Related "From what I hear" – Ex-scout reveals two Sunderland prospects could leave

This will be a concern for Regis Le Bris.

Posts 1 ByHenry Jackson

“The legendary Sunderland players of the past. They used to get on the bus. I thought it was great – he’s a lad who is acclimatising and he’s got his dad with him.

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“After Watford and his dad hadn’t arranged his trip home. He’d got to Watford and he was stood there and he didn’t know how he was getting home so we allowed him to come on the team coach with us and sit with his son.

“I mean, just the reality of it, he’s come round the world from Costa Rica to watch his son play footy. He didn’t have a clue where Watford was! I was trying to get across to him ‘you’re not on the team bus every game’! But yeah, great that there he is getting on public transport.”