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After their impressive 4-1 victory over fellow relegation rivals Wolves on Saturday, Newcastle United have moved one step closer to Premier League survival in their first season back in the top flight. The Magpies find themselves sitting 9th in the table – a healthy seven points clear of the trapdoor with seven games remaining. While safety is undoubtedly the paramount objective, there is still the potential of European football. Is this a realistic prospect for Newcastle, or is it a bridge too far for the Toon Army?

It’s only four days since club owner Mike Ashley came out and stated his ambition to consolidate Newcastle’s position in the top ten year after year. Ashley expects the team to be challenging for European football on a consistent basis and only time will tell if his wish comes to fruition. I personally feel that this season is not one in which Newcastle should be considering the possibility of European football – as the number one priority is still to secure the club’s Premier League status. Let’s just say that hypothetically Newcastle did defy the odds and qualify for Europe this season, would the demands of European football be welcomed by the fans? Of course they would, what fan wouldn’t want to see their team in Europe, but would the impact of the consequences prove to be detrimental?

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It’s a well known fact that the league form of clubs such as Arsenal and Manchester United has suffered in the past the following Saturday after European nights. So I would suggest that Newcastle would be even more prone to feeling the demands that are attached with European action. It should also be pointed out that the Champions League and the Europa League that Newcastle would find themselves in, differ somewhat in terms of the calibre of opposition. However, the fact remains the burn out factor is still viable. Birmingham City may not have been in European competition this season but their Carling Cup campaign is a similar example, and one that could be viewed as a contributing cause to their poor league form this term.

This season is all about Newcastle re-establishing themselves as a Premier League club and in my view Europe is only a very slim possibility and one that I feel would be a poisoned chalice. In the summer months Newcastle can spend some of the war chest from the Andy Carroll transfer and then look towards building a team with plenty of strength in depth that is capable of pushing for a European spot next year. Newcastle’s remaining fixtures will ultimately determine where the club finish this season and with the inconsistent form that has encapsulated this season for the Toon, a mid table finish would be a good accomplishment. What makes European football even more inconceivable is the team still have to pit their wits against Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool.

Taking all the points that have been raised into consideration I think Newcastle fans will all be happy with a respectable mid table position this season. Most will side with me in agreement that Europe is not only a very unlikely scenario, but at this stage in the club’s rebuilding process it would prove to be a stumbling block that the club could do without. Having said this, in the future there is the prospect of some great European nights at St James’ Park given the right investment and stable foundations which the club has previously lacked for as long as I can remember.

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Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand is still six weeks away from returning to action.

Ferdinand looks set to miss the start of the new season despite previous suggestions of a full recovery from the knee injury he picked up at the World Cup before the mid-August domestic kick-off.

The 31-year-old missed the tournament after damaging knee ligaments during England's first training session in South Africa.

He now seems highly unlikely to be fit for the first Premier League game of the season against Newcastle United on August 16.

"Rio is probably around six weeks away from playing," Ferguson told the club's official website.

Meanwhile, Ferguson has revealed that Gary Neville and Antonio Valencia have both returned to full training following knocks.

He also spoke of the need to "stock up" on defenders following the injury problems of last season.

The Red Devils have signed 20-year-old prospect Chris Smalling from Fulham since the last season ended.

"We prepared some months ago by signing Smalling if eventually should we have injuries in the department," explained Ferguson.

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"Last season we did not do our chances in the league a lot of good by the number of injuries we had to defenders.

"So we felt we should stock up in that department. It has turned out to be pretty important."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email

With the job still there for the taking, one candidate is now reportedly keen to become Rangers manager as soon as possible ahead of Kevin Muscat.

Rangers manager shortlist explained

​​Now that Steven Gerrard has taken himself out of contention, the race to become the next Rangers manager has been blown wide open. The 49ers have just a few days before the Gers return to action against Dundee, but find themselves back at the drawing board and assessing their current options.

Several names have been mentioned as a result, ranging from Graham Potter and Kieran McKenna all the way to current favourite Muscat. All three of those options certainly have strong points too, handing those at Ibrox quite the task ahead.

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Potter, for example, has managed at the highest level compared to any other candidates, but his time at that level wasn’t exactly the most successful of his career. Now, after struggling at West Ham United before facing the sack, his stock is at its very lowest.

McKenna, meanwhile, is almost Gerrard-esque. Going from Manchester United coach to a managerial role elsewhere, he made history at Ipswich Town in 2024 by becoming the fifth manager in English football history to achieve back-to-back promotions from the third division to the top flight. Although since relegated back to the Championship, that achievement still stands.

Neither of those names are the current favourites, however. Instead, that’s where Muscat comes in. The Shanghai Port boss was previously in contention for the role before Philippe Clement jumped ahead in 2023, and could now finally get his chance.

That said, whether Rangers are keen to play the waiting game as the Chinese Super League campaign approaches its conclusion is another question entirely. Instead, they could turn towards a manager who’s keen to start as soon as possible.

Chris Jack: Danny Rohl wants Rangers job ASAP

As reported by Rangers Review’s Chris Jack, Danny Rohl now wants to take the Rangers job as soon as possible ahead of Muscat and other candidates. The ex-Sheffield Wednesday boss, who rose to prominence as Hansi Flick’s assistant at Bayern Munich, has been out of a job since leaving Hillsborough at the end of last season and represents an exciting young manager.

If Muscat forces Rangers to wait until mid-November to arrive, then the door could open for Rohl to arrive instead. The last thing that the 49ers should want is more uncertainty and hiring their next manager sooner rather than later will be the key to avoiding that.

Whether Rohl is the right man for the job is the question. The 36-year-old is by far the most inexperienced candidate for the job, but perhaps the most exciting. It ultimately comes down to whether the 49ers want to take another risk after already failing with their appointment of Russell Martin.

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Described as “brilliant” by Sheffield Wednesday star Barry Bannan, Rohl could yet receive the biggest opportunity of his career courtesy of Rangers.

Tottenham Hotspur have now held direct talks to appoint an “outstanding” manager, with Ange Postecoglou heading for the exit door, according to a report.

Ange could be set to leave despite Europa League triumph

One year ago, INEOS arguably made the mistake of keeping Erik ten Hag in the Manchester United job after the Dutchman led them to victory in the FA Cup, and it appears as though Daniel Levy doesn’t want to make the same error this summer.

Indeed, widespread reports are now suggesting that Levy is set to sack Postecoglou, despite the historic Europa League triumph against Manchester United last month, which puts captain Son Heung-min among some esteemed company.

It may be a divisive decision to sack the manager responsible for leading Spurs to their first trophy in 17 years, but appointing a top-quality replacement could go some way to getting the fans back on side, and contact has now been made with a coach who could be in that category.

According to Foot Mercato journalist Santi Aouna on X, Tottenham have now made “direct contact” with Brentford manager Thomas Frank, who spoke about his project and potential targets for the summer transfer window.

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Several candidates are said to be under consideration as potential replacements for Ange, but Frank is believed to be “high” on the list, and Spurs have now made their first move to appoint the Danish manager.

In another report from France, it is detailed that Ange’s future remains very much up in the air, with talks to discuss his position as manager due to take place at some point in the next week.

Frank could be "outstanding" Ange replacement

Deciding whether to sack the 59-year-old will no doubt be a difficult decision for Levy, given that Tottenham’s torrid Premier League form cannot be ignored, finishing 17th as a result of collecting just 38 points across the entire 2024-25 campaign.

However, the former Celtic boss has suggested his side’s first experience of success will make them more eager to make sure they’re in the same position again, saying: “I also wanted us to think about what’s next, you know — don’t settle for this. We’ve got a taste of it now. My players have got a taste for it. The club’s got a taste for it. Well, let’s make sure we’re back here again.”

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Should Levy decide to sack Ange, there are signs Frank could be a fantastic replacement, having been lauded as an “outstanding” manager by Troy Deeney, while leading Brentford to a very respectable 10th-placed finish last season.

Having transformed the Bees from a Championship club into a solid Premier League side, the 51-year-old, who utilises a 4-3-3 formation, has earned the opportunity to prove himself at the top level, showing a knack for turning attacking talents into some of the biggest stars in their division.

Said Benrahma, Ivan Toney, Ollie Watkins and Neal Maupay all thrived under his guidance, with only Watkins able to replicate that form elsewhere, while current forwards Yoane Wissa (19) and Bryan Mbeumo (20) combined for nearly 40 top flight goals this season.

Leeds United have the chance to move four points clear at the top of the Championship table this evening as they prepare to take on Burnley at Turf Moor.

Sheffield United lost 3-0 to Hull City on Friday and Sunderland were held to a 2-2 draw by Plymouth Argyle on Saturday, which has opened the door for the Whites to extend their lead with a win over the Clarets, who can move level on points with the Whites if they secure the victory.

Daniel Farke will be hoping that his side are as effective and solid as they were in their last outing in the second tier, beating Norwich City 2-0 at Elland Road on Wednesday night.

It is a huge clash at the top of the Championship table and one that could set Leeds well on their way to securing automatic promotion up to the Premier League.

A loss, however, could create panic, given that Burnley would move level on points with them, and there could be calls for action in the January transfer window ahead of next week’s deadline, given that the Clarets, Sunderland, and Sheffield United have all been busy.

Irrespective of what happens tonight, the West Yorkshire outfit are reportedly looking at adding a midfielder to their playing squad before the deadline.

Leeds eyeing Brazilian midfielder

According to the printed edition of The Sunday Mirror (26/01/2025), as relayed by The Star, Leeds are one of a number of teams lining up a swoop to sign Botofogo midfielder Danilo Barbosa.

The report claims that fellow Championship promotion hopefuls Sheffield United and Premier League side Everton are also in the running to sign the 28-year-old star before the end of the January transfer window.

It states that Botofogo are looking to cash in on the Brazilian ace in the coming days to avoid losing him for nothing at the end of the year, as his contract is due to expire at the end of December, which means that he would be free to sign a pre-contract in the upcoming summer window.

The Sunday Mirror adds that the Serie A team would be willing to cash in on the former Nice titan for a fee of £2m, which could make him a bargain addition for Leeds, the Blades, or the Toffees ahead of the second half of the season.

However, it remains to be seen whether or not any of the three interested clubs are prepared to move in with a firm offer for his services before the end of the current window, or if they will wait to sign him for nothing at the start of next year.

Transfer Focus

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Leeds could, though, enjoy a Raphinha repeat with Barbosa, by signing another Brazilian who has excelled in Ligue 1 in the past, as they did with the left-footed magician.

Leeds United's Raphinha masterclass

In the summer of 2020, Victor Orta swooped to sign the winger from French side Rennes for a reported fee of £17m to bolster Marcelo Bielsa’s squad.

Raphinha started his career in Brazil, with Avai FC, before a spell in Portugal with Vitoria Guimaraes and Sporting, which led to his move to Rennes in Ligue 1.

During his time in France, the forward racked up eight goals and seven assists in 36 appearances in all competitions, and that convinced the Whites to swoop in to secure his services.

Raphinha was, then, able to translate his form in Ligue 1 over to the Premier League with Leeds, as he scored 17 goals and provided 12 assists in 67 outings across his two seasons in West Yorkshire.

As you can see in the clips above, the Brazil international was capable of the sublime in the Premier League and won many points for the Whites with his fantastic qualities at the top end of the pitch.

Barcelona then swooped in to sign him for a reported fee of £55m in the summer of 2022, which meant that Leeds made a gigantic profit on the winger after just two years of service at Elland Road – making the initial £17m deal a masterclass from Orta.

Why Danilo Barbosa could be a Raphinha repeat

The 49ers could come close to repeating the masterclass that the club played with Raphinha by signing Danilo Barbosa for £2m from Botofogo this month, because he is another Brazilian who could come in having already impressed in Ligue 1.

Unlike the current Barcelona superstar, the 28-year-old brute would come in as an experienced player without much potential for a sell-on and plays in defensive positions, as a midfielder or as a centre-back, rather than on the wing.

However, his form for Botafogo in 2024 and his previous form in Ligue 1 for Nice, where Raphinha also shined, suggests that he could come in to make an immediate impact – as the forward did.

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Barbosa made 25 appearances in the Serie A in 2024 and caught the eye with 2.2 tackles and interceptions per game, without making a single error that led to a shot or goal for the opposition, to go along with a duel success rate of 55%, which shows that is a reliable holding midfielder who is strong in physical battles.

The Brazilian ace, who reportedly had a release clause of €70m (£59m) at Nice after his move from Portuguese side Braga, impressed as a centre-back in the 2019/20 campaign in France.

2019/20 Ligue 1

Danilo Barbosa per 90

Percentile rank vs CBs

Shot-creating actions

1.60

Top 2%

Pass accuracy

91.4%

Top 7%

Progressive passes

5.29

Top 10%

Progressive carries

1.68

Top 6%

Blocks

1.68

Top 2%

Stats via FBref

As you can see in the table above, Barbosa excelled against his positional peers in the French top-flight that term, particularly at playing out from the back, which would be crucial in a Farke team that dominates the ball.

These statistics suggest that he has the potential to be a good fit for the German’s style of play as a centre-back option, whilst his current form for Botofogo in midfield shows that he still has the defensive quality to operate effectively in the middle of the park as well.

Therefore, Barbosa, who made three interceptions and one block against Raphinha in a 1-1 draw between Nice and Rennes in 2020, could be the second Brazilian to arrive at Elland Road via Ligue 1 to become a successful signing for the Whites.

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He was once valued at £59m, given his release clause at Nice, which is even more than Barcelona paid for Raphinha, but Leeds now have the chance to land the 28-year-old for just £2m, which could end up being a bargain for the club this month.

Liverpool’s interest in completing the signing of an “incredible” player who’s been likened to Lionel Messi has now gone up a notch, according to a fresh transfer claim.

Liverpool transfer news

The Reds are still being linked with possible new signings despite the window closing several weeks ago, as Arne Slot looks to bolster what is already a squad brimming with elite-level quality.

Fulham left-back Antonee Robinson has been targeted by Liverpool in the past and has again emerged as an option, as they look to pip rivals Manchester United to his signature in 2025. Andy Robertson is now 30 years of age and arguably not quite the world-class force he was a few years ago, so it is important that a long-term replacement is lined up.

Another left-back in the form of Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez is also thought to be being eyed up by the Reds, with the Hungarian playing alongside Dominik Szoboszlai at international level. United are once again keen, so there could be a battle to snap him up. Meanwhile, another former target, Nicolo Barella, is also being linked with a switch to Anfield in one of the upcoming transfer windows, with the Italian reportedly seen as the ideal profile of midfielder for Slot to bring in.

Liverpool ready to splash the cash on "incredible" Wirtz

According to a new report from Caught Offside, Liverpool are still looking to sign Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz, having shown interest in him in the past. The Reds’ willingness to snap up the 21-year-old is believed to be “strengthening”, with the Germany international “understood to be open to a move to the Premier League” and the Reds now “xpected to be willing to pay the €100m required”, which is roughly £83.5m.

Wirtz could be a phenomenal addition for Liverpool, having shone so much for Leverkusen in their title-winning Bundesliga season last time around. The German scored and assisted 15 times apiece in the league and Europa League, not only winning the former but also reaching the final of the latter.

Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso has even compared aspects of his game to Messi, in terms of his choice of pass, and Joe Cole said of him back in May: “Incredible. I’ve watched him three times this year now and he’s blown me away every time. He’s got a South American flair with a German efficiency about him. We’ve all heard of Jude Bellingham, Cole Palmer and Phil Foden, and Musiala. This lad will be new to the British viewers. Let me tell you, he is every bit as talented as those players. He could go on to be anything.”

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Still only 21, the sky feels like the limit for Wirtz, and he could add an extra dimension to Liverpool’s attack, battling Szoboszlai for minutes in a central attacking midfield role, as well as being able to shine out on the left wing, if required.

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Leverkusen will clearly be desperate to keep hold of their star man, so it won’t be easy for the Reds to get him, while Real Madrid and Bayern Munich also represent great options for him, but he should be considered a primary addition.

The last few years have been transformational for Arsenal football club.

Mikel Arteta has taken a team that looked utterly hopeless and destined for years of underachieving and has guided them into back-to-back Premier League title races.

The road to this point has been paved with new signings and littered with discarded old ones, and while the squad is significantly better today than even two years ago, a few players need to be let go, one of whom is earning more than Leandro Trossard.

Aaron Ramsdale's Arsenal career

The player in question is goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, who signed for the Gunners from Sheffield United in 2021 for around £30m.

At the time, this raised a lot of eyebrows as the Englishman had just been relegated with the Blades and Bernd Leno was seen as a reliable pair of hands at the Emirates.

However, it didn't take long for others to see what Arteta and Edu Gaspar saw in the Chesterton-born ace as not long into his first season with the North Londoners, the "phenomenal" shotstopper, as described by former Arsenal keeper David Seaman, was putting in brilliant performances, with his display away to Leicester City a clear highlight in his early career.

By the end of the 2021/22 campaign, it was blindingly obvious that the 25-year-old was good enough to be Arsenal's number one keeper going forward. Throughout most of last season, he continued to show that, with his performance at Anfield being another standout moment for him, notably making a number of jaw-dropping saves late on.

However, the key word there is 'most' as there were a few worrying signs from the 6 foot 2 titan as well, such as at home against Southampton, when he was entirely to blame for the Saints' opening goal and, therefore, ultimately cost the team two points in a period in which the team was slipping further from the title.

With doubts about Ramsdale's ability to cope with a title challenge starting to creep in, Arteta made the surprise decision to bring in David Raya from Brentford last summer.

While the Spaniard told the media that he did not consider either keeper to be number one, it was very quickly apparent that his compatriot would be starting for most of the season, and so far, Ramsdale has only made 11 appearances, while Raya has made 40.

Overall, the Englishman's time as the number one keeper is clearly up, and given his significant wages, he simply has to be moved on in the summer.

Aaron Ramsdale's wages at Arsenal

According to Capology, Ramsdale earns around £120k-per-week at the Emirates, making him the highest-paid backup goalkeeper out of the traditional 'big six'.

Big six backup keepers' wages

Position

Player

Wage

Club

1

Aaron Ramsdale

£120k-per-week

Arsenal

2

Fraser Forster

£75K-per-week

Tottenham Hotspur

3

Robert Sanchez

£60k-per-week

Chelsea

4

Stefan Ortega

£55k-per-week

Manchester City

5

Altay Bayındır

£35k-per-week

Manchester United

6

Caoimhín Kelleher

£10k-per-week

Liverpool

All Wages via Capology

Although, closer to home, he is also earning £30k-per-week more than Leandro Trossard, who currently makes £90k-per-week.

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Now, while the Belgian can't really complain about the amount he is making, it does seem odd that he is earning so much less than the man who has effectively become the club's backup keeper, especially when he has been so effective for the club since joining from Brighton & Hove Albion last year.

Trossard's Arsenal career

Season

2022/23

2023/24

Appearances

22

45

Goals

1

17

Assists

10

2

Goal Involvements per Match

0.5

0.42

All Stats via Transfermarkt

In all, the former Seagulls ace has scored 18 goals and provided 12 assists in 67 games for the North Londoners so far in his career and in the last couple of months he has become a crucial player in Arteta's preferred starting lineup.

Ultimately, while Ramsdale deserves a lot of praise for the two seasons he regularly started at Arsenal, the fact that he has clearly fallen down the pecking order while maintaining his lofty wages is the reason he should be moved on in the summer, even if he is still a well-loved player.

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Manchester United are keen to strengthen this month and are now reportedly willing to pay the release clause of one of their well-documented targets.

Manchester United January transfers

Given his side's inability to consistently carve out results this campaign, Erik ten Hag will be keen to utilise the January window as a launchpad to reboot Manchester United's campaign as the Dutchman endeavours to elevate their standing in the Premier League.

Speculation has already ran wild over who the Red Devils could look to recruit this window, especially in the forward areas, as identifying and acquiring support for Rasmus Hojlund and Anthony Martial in attack creeps up the priority list at Old Trafford.

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Speaking in his Daily Briefing via CaughtOffside, transfer insider Fabrizio Romano has claimed that Manchester United are keeping informed on Bayern Munich striker Eric Choupo-Moting as they look to add variety in the final third.

Romano stated: "Bayern Munich striker Eric Choupo-Moting is one of many names being discussed internally. It’s nothing concrete, nothing advanced yet. Still, Bayern have Harry Kane and Mathys Tel as options up front, so obviously there’s not so much space for Choupo-Moting and Man United have been informed of his situation. At the moment it’s not a negotiation, from what I’m told, but it may become one to watch."

The Cameroon international is believed to be part of a four-man shortlist of strikers who the Red Devils could try to entice to the North West, with Timo Werner, Thomas Muller and Serhou Guirassy also in their thinking.

United willing to pay Guirassy release clause

According to reports in Spain, via The Faithful MUFC, Manchester United are ready to pay a fee of £15.1 million to sign Stuttgart striker Guirassy this month, which is in line with his release clause at the Bundesliga outfit.

Serhou Guirassy in-game statistics – Bundesliga (Sofascore)

Goals per game

1.2

Shots per game

3.4

Shots on target per game

1.8

Expected goals

11.56

Big chances missed

10

Average match rating

7.86/10

The outlet claim that the Guinea international has been on the radar at Old Trafford for quite some time and is now viewed as an option the Red Devils could look to invest in; however, he will not be available during January as he is on international duty at the African Cup of Nations.

Previously dubbed "incredible" by Dean Jones on the Ranks FC podcast, the 27-year-old has already notched 19 goals and two assists in 16 appearances this campaign across all competitions (Guirassy statistics – Transfermarkt).

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Looking ahead, Guirassy could provide a spark in attack at Manchester United if he were to move to England this month, though we will need to wait and see on that front.

Journalist Paul Brown has shared some detail behind a "serious" last-gasp deadline day Fulham bid to sign Tottenham star Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg.

Fulham deadline day signings

Despite the links to a plethora of stars very late in the window, Fulham did little business yesterday but did manage to seal a dramatic late loan move for AC Milan defender Fode Ballo-Toure.

The Senegal international, who plays as a left-back, joins Adama Traore, Raul Jimenez, Calvin Bassey, Steven Benda, Alex Iwobi and former Leicester City defender Timothy Castagne as Marco Silva's main summer signings.

Fulham were also boosted by star midfielder Joao Palhinha remaining at the club, as his proposed move to Bayern Munich collapsed in the eleventh hour.

The Portugal international had even travelled for a medical with Bayern, but the Whites ultimately didn't give the green light to the move, possibly because they couldn't source a late replacement.

Hojbjerg, who was a mainstay for Spurs under Antonio Conte last season, has found game time difficult to come by in Ange Postecoglou's new-look Tottenham system.

The Dane, as a result, was being chased by Fulham during the latter stages of the summer window – with journalist Brown sharing what he's heard on the matter to GiveMeSport.

Indeed, it is believed Fulham were the "last club" to make a "serious" last-ditch offer to sign Hojbjerg, but the move didn't come to fruition.

The former Southampton star is now left in "limbo" as a result of this, as explained by Brown to GMS:

“Hojbjerg is also one who isn't going to be allowed to leave. I think Fulham were the last club to make a serious offer, but they no longer need to decide what to do about how they replace Joao Palhinha, and I'm not sure he was their first choice there.

“So, he's currently in limbo. It is interesting that Ange Postecoglou also said today that he's not going to be freezing anyone out. If any of the fringe players they're trying to sell end up staying beyond the deadline, they will be reintegrated.

“He's not quite as strict on squad numbers as other managers and he is willing to work with a slightly bigger squad, while he says that right now it's not a problem in terms of numbers in training or anything like that.

How good is Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg?

While Palhinha staying reduces the need for Hojbjerg, in a hypothetical universe, he may well have been a capable deputy for the ex-Sporting CP ace.

The Denmark international ranked as one of Spurs' best-performing players per 90 last term, according to WhoScored, with Hojbjerg also registering the highest pass accuracy (88.6%) of any Tottenham player with over 10 starts.

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He chipped in with nine goal contributions in the league, four goals and five assists specifically, and former Spurs keeper Paul Robinson praised Hojbjerg for his performances at the back end of last year.

"I’ve been surprised by how much he has stepped up this year," said Robinson to Football Insider.

“I thought he was the one who would make way for Yves Bissouma. The club spent a lot of money on Bissouma. I think Hojbjerg recognised that and stepped up.

“He is playing to a level that we have never seen before. He is playing his best football in a Spurs shirt."

Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane is open to a potential move away from north London this summer but he and his camp are not agitating for a move.

Who wants to sign Harry Kane?

The 29-year-old striker is now coming into the final year of his deal with his boyhood club and speculation as to whether he will see that final season out remains rife.

Indeed, the England captain has finished his campaign for the Lilywhites having shone in what was a seriously underwhelming term for the club.

Kane was able to net a whopping 30 goals in the Premier League which was just six off the league's top scorer Erling Haaland who was playing Pep Guardiola's extraordinary Manchester City side.

And having impressed once again in a Spurs shirt, Kane is believed to have attracted the interest from Manchester United and Real Madrid.

This comes two years after the England captain was believed to be pushing for a move away from north London amid the interest from City.

However, speaking on the Five YouTube channel, David Ornstein has claimed this is not the case this summer with the striker's camp very much in contact with the chairman Daniel Levy:

"As far as I know, he is open to all opportunities, including Real Madrid, I'm not aware that he would not play outside the Premier League like some have suggested."

"Harry Kane, his family, they love Spurs, they're Tottenham supporters, it would do them no greater pleasure than to succeed, win trophies, compete in the Champions League with Tottenham, that is their ideal scenario.

"But we're not living in an ideal world. And that's why they are open to everything. I don't sense they're agitating, like some perceive them to be in the summer of 2021. I think there is communication on this occasion with Daniel Levy, which there wasn't at that time. And so I think things are very calm."

Will Kane sign a new deal?

There are contrasting reports over the interest coming from Madrid now with some claims from Spain suggesting Los Blancos could be willing to wait until next summer to make their move for Kylian Mbappe.

If this is the case then it could possibly halve Kane's options this summer to just United as Erik ten Hag looks to solve their issues up top.

However, it is believed Levy would be willing to allow Kane to run his contract down next season rather than allowing him to leave this summer for the Red Devils.

Given United are said to be so desperate to address their issues at striker this summer, missing out on Kane could potentially see them find an alternative long-term option.

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If this were to be the case, then it could put some serious question marks as to where Kane could actually move.

And there is certainly potential for this to work in Tottenham's favour if Kane's options are to fade away as it could leave the £200k-per-week striker open to signing a new deal in north London.

As Ornstein suggests, it appears the striker would be open to staying at Spurs this summer and there is no burning desire to force a move, currently.

So if his options are to fade over the coming months, it could possibly leave Spurs his most attractive offer.