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West Bromwich Albion are nearing a deal that would see Trevoh Chalobah move to The Hawthorns this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by London News Online, who claim that the Chelsea defensive midfielder looks set to complete a move to West Brom within the next week.

The report goes on to state that Thomas Tuchel’s side are more than happy to part with the 22-year-old this summer, with Blues not thought to even be demanding a transfer fee for the former England U21 international, despite having two years left to run on his current deal at Stamford Bridge.

Ismael will be buzzing

With Valerien Ismael being extremely short of options in both defensive and central midfield ahead of next season – with only Jake Livermore, Alex Mowatt and Romaine Sawyers capable of playing in the middle of the park – the fact that the club are believed to be nearing a deal for Chalobah is sure to have left the Frenchman buzzing, particularly as it appears the Chelsea youngster will not cost Albion a penny.

Indeed, considering how impressive Chalobah was while on loan at FC Lorient last term, if the £3.15m-rated man can go on to replicate his form at The Hawthorns next season, it is not a difficult scenario to imagine the 22-year-old being considered one of the signings of the season.

Over his 29 Ligue 1 appearances for Christophe Pelissier’s side, the defensive midfielder made an average of 2.4 interceptions, 1.6 tackles, 1.9 clearances and won a whopping 5.2 duels per game.

The £12k-per-week man also impressed going forwards, scoring two goals, providing two assists and creating one big chance for his teammates, in addition to making an average of 0.3 key passes and taking 0.5 shots per league fixture.

These metrics saw the man Paul Lambert dubbed a “complete” midfielder earn an average SofaScore match rating of 6.87, ranking him as Lorient’s joint fourth-best performer in Ligue 1, playing a huge part in the club impressively avoiding the drop.

As such, it would very much seem as if the Chelsea man would be a fantastic addition to Ismael’s side for a figure of somewhere around £5m, let alone costing the club absolutely nothing.

In other news: Crook confirms transfer news on £450k-rated beast, it’s good news for West Brom

Tottenham Hotspur are preparing an offer to bring Franck Kessie to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the January transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by SportMediaset (via Milan News), who claim that Antonio Conte and Fabio Paratici are hoping to secure a deal for the AC Milan midfielder this January, and have offered I Rossoneri the services of Tanguy Ndombele as a makeweight in their bid to sign the 25-year-old immediately.

Previous reports had claimed that Spurs were preparing a lucrative pre-contract offer for the Ivory Coast international ahead of a potential switch to north London at the end of the season, however, it would now appear as if Conte is actually attempting to seal a deal for the midfielder in the current transfer window.

Conte’s next Pogba

Considering just how impressive Kessie has been for Milan in recent seasons, it is not difficult to understand why Conte is reported to be so eager to secure the midfielder’s arrival at Tottenham before the end of the month.

Indeed, over his 37 Serie A appearances last time out, the £25m-rated man was in remarkable form for his side, scoring an astonishing 13 goals, registering four assists and creating five big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 1.3 shots and making 0.8 key passes per game.

These returns saw the player who Antonio Cassano dubbed a “devastating” talent earn a seasonal SofaScore match rating of 7.18, ranking him as Milan’s third-best performer in the top flight of Serie A last season.

The £69k-per-week midfielder has continued this impressive form over his 16 league outings in the current campaign, having already bagged five goals and created one big chance for his teammates, with these metrics seeing the 25-year-old average a SofaScore match rating of 7.19.

In fact, Kessie’s returns are not dissimilar to those of Paul Pogba during his first season under Conte at Juventus, when the France international scored seven goals and registered 11 assists over his 36 Serie A appearances back in 2013/14.

As such, should Spurs manage to get a deal over the line for the 52-capped international this January, the 52-year-old could well go on to unearth his next Pogba at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the second half of the Premier League season – an outcome that would undoubtedly be worth the cost of signing the midfielder now rather than waiting until the summer.

In other news: “In talks…”: Fabrizio Romano drops teasing Spurs update that will leave fans buzzing

According to a report from 90min, Wolves are interested in signing Newcastle United winger Allan Saint-Maximin in the summer transfer window. 

The lowdown: Eye-catching impact

Since arriving in England from Ligue 1 side Nice for £16.5m in 2019 (Sky Sports), the 25-year-old has been a revelation in the northeast. The Frenchman has scored 12 times and provided 14 assists for the St James’ Park outfit, becoming a fan favourite in the process.

However, the Toon Army could be set to lose their flamboyant talent as Premier League clubs look on with intent…

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The latest: Wolves keen on Saint-Maximin

As per the report from 90min journalist Graeme Bailey, Wolves are believed to be among the clubs interested in signing the 25-year-old monster.

It’s claimed that Newcastle would be ‘open’ to the possibility of a sale as Everton and indeed the Old Gold look on at the £28.8m-valued Saint-Maximin (Transfermarkt).

The report added that Bruno Lage is looking to ‘replace’ Adama Traore, who has ‘no future’ at Molineux regardless of what happens regarding an ongoing loan switch at Barcelona.

The verdict: An improvement on Traore?

Under contract until 2026, prising the mercurial former France under-21 star away from Newcastle may prove an expensive venture for the Midlands club.

However, should adequate funds come in from the sale of Traore, who had attracted January interest from Tottenham Hotspur, a move for the man once hailed as ‘breathtaking’ by Gary Neville could become a reality as Lage attempts to further improve the Wolves squad.

So far this season, Saint-Maximin has registered eight direct goal contributions in 27 league outings, all whilst producing a Premier League high of 4.3 successful dribbles per game (Sofascore) – ahead of Traore in second with 4.2, with the Spain international contributing just one goal and zero assists in the English top flight prior to his mid-season loan move.

Therefore, it seems that the Newcastle maestro would be an upgrade on the 26-year-old, if that’s the transition which comes about at Molineux.

In other news, Journalist claims key Wolves player could be staying put. Read more here.

As per Mundo Deportivo, an enticing transfer claim has emerged involving Tottenham Hotspur and Barcelona forward Ousmane Dembele.

The Lowdown: Paratici eyes free moves…

Tottenham’s transfer chief has certainly been hard at work behind the scenes going by his numerous links to potential 2022 free agents over these last few months.

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Franck Kessie, Marcelo Brozovic, Lorenzo Insigne and Jesse Lingard are just a handful of names attracting Tottenham’s interest who could all leave their clubs for nothing next year.

Another player who seemingly fits Paratici’s description, Catalans star Dembele, is also out of contract at the end of this season with Spurs’ managing director now making a pre-January move.

The Latest: Paratici offers ‘a lot of money’ to Dembele…

As per Spanish news outlet Mundo, Paratici ‘wants to give Antonio Conte quality players at zero cost’ and it is believed that the France international has now been ‘tempted’ by Spurs as a result.

Tottenham have apparently ‘approached’ Dembele with ‘a lot of money’ as Paratici personally promises the 24-year-old he’ll be a ‘key piece’ in the N17 project.

The Verdict: Get it done?

Spurs’ official sets out a transfer plan of signing stars for little to no cost, we believe a swoop for Dembele could certainly come as an astute bit of business but a slight gamble.

Indeed, on the one hand, Paratici could bypass the player’s estimated £45m Transfermarkt valuation and sign a player Lionel Messi called a ‘phenomenon’ for free.

On the other, the former Borussia Dortmund sensation’s injury record doesn’t paint a pretty picture going by his history of serious hamstring problems (Transfermarkt).

Amassing 27 caps for France in a very competitive squad when it comes to depth, it’s clear Dembele has the ability, with the only question being will he be able to support Conte on a regular enough basis?

In other news: Conte as Spurs enter talks to sign ‘sensational’ player with the physique of a ‘horse’, find out more here.

With Dean Smith the front runner to become the new Norwich City head coach, there are many questions on how he could develop the talent brewing at Carrow Road.

The Canaries are currently struggling to pick up points in the league, and after their first win away to Brentford, the board pulled the plug on head coach, Daniel Farke, after four seasons. The decision came after a number of poor performances, that has seen some popular players dropped from the team this season, including local talent, Todd Cantwell.

It isn’t completely clear why Cantwell has been dropped to the U23’s as of late, but there have been many rumours surrounding his removal from the first team.

Farke did briefly speak out about Cantwell’s absence after the 7-0 loss to Chelsea.

The German coach said: “The rules are clear for each player. You have to be physically and mentally prepared and show consistency in training and be available. The standards and the levels are the same for every player.”

Meanwhile, the young gem’s former coach Gary Cockaday noticed his ability from a young age, he told The Athletic: “He did things every week that were just special. It was God-given. No one taught it.”

Cantwell reportedly impressed a number of Premier League established clubs in his previous season in the top flight, and has often been the topic of transfer rumours to Arsenal, but nothing materialised, with Norwich not happy to sell for less than £30m.

The 23-year-old midfielder, was previously linked to Villa under Smith after Jack Grealish made his move to Manchester City in the Summer. Speculation suggested that the Villians were poised to make a move for the Norwich star, but after signing his teammate, Emiliano Buendia, for £38M, interest died off.

Dean Smith’s work at Aston Villa with their very own local talent, Grealish, is one of his most famous accomplishments. Guiding the Championship playing teenager into becoming a £100m Premier League player, who is now a household name and starter in the England and Manchester City team.

The £19.8m-rated dynamo displays similar capabilities and positioning attributes to the former Villa coaches prodigy, but has failed to reach his full potential under Farke.

The appointment of Smith at Norwich would surely be of huge advantage to Cantwell, who earns £25k-per-week, with the opportunity to work under a coach who clearly understands how to tap into the potential of a young attacking midfielder needing structure and guidance to elevate their performance and career.

The Canaries are yet to announce their new manager, but are expected to make a decision before the end of the international break.

AND in other news, ex-PL man now the front-runner for Norwich City job…

Lots of Everton fans have been left slamming some quotes which have emerged from Bill Kenwright.

As per The Athletic, the chairman at Goodison Park was particularly vocal during the Premier League meeting about the proposed European Super League (ESL), in which all clubs from the top flight apart from the six involved (Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur) attended.

Kenwright allegedly quoted William Shakespeare at one point and claimed later in the meeting that ‘we’re all in the Twilight Zone now’.

The quotes have left several supporters of the Merseyside club embarrassed, and it is not the first time that he has come under fire from sections of the Toffees support.

After the disappointing 1-0 loss at home to West Ham United in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon, these were comments that Blues probably did not want to read from their chairman.

Everton fans on Kenwright quotes

These EFC fans slammed the quotes as they were shared on Twitter, with one Evertonian even going as far as to claim that this is ’embarrassing’:

“He’s fully lost the plot”

Credit: @bobmarl03974950

“He has lost the plot he has”

Credit: @VSFDaniel123

“Embarrassing”

Credit: @arrow9116

“Call it a day Bill man”

Credit: @JamesQualtrough

“Of course he did. Clown.”

Credit: @glioriginali_

“This man is an utter embarrassment get out of the club”

Credit: @richythepigeon

In other news, find out what contract news has Toffees talking here!

Jack Harrison could be left out of Leeds United’s starting XI to face Wolves on Saturday, according to former Sunderland striker Kevin Phillips.

The Lowdown: Leeds host Wolves

The Whites are back in Premier League action this afternoon, as they look to finally kick their 2021/22 season into gear.

Last Saturday’s 1-0 defeat at Southampton was the latest disappointing showing in a string of worrying results, which have them languishing in 17th place in the table.

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The Latest: Harrison tipped to be left out

A win is much-needed against a Wolves side who have won their last three league matches and it will be interesting to see how Marcelo Bielsa’s starting lineup looks.

Speaking to Football Insider, Phillips , 48, claimed Harrison could be the man to make way, allowing Raphinha and Dan James to start out wide, even though he didn’t rule out the prospect of all three starting:

“It wouldn’t surprise me if Bielsa played all three [Raphinha, James and Harrison] to go all-out to win the match. But if someone were to make way, it would have to be Harrison.

“With James coming in for big money, you’d like to think he will start. Raphinha will play, he’s one of their best players.

“I would have thought it will be a straight swap for Harrison.”

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The Verdict: Right decision?

Harrison hasn’t made a big enough impact yet this season, failing to score or register an assist in six league appearances to date.

For that reason, Bielsa leaving him out would feel justified, allowing Raphinha and James to prove their worth and show that they should be the first-choice wide pairing moving forward.

Given the former’s brilliance, both for Leeds and Brazil, and the latter’s big-money move from Manchester United in the summer, it certainly feels like that could be the case moving forward.

In other news, a worrying update regarding Bielsa’s Leeds future has emerged. Read more here.

Leeds United transfer target Nahitan Nandez has been linked with a move to Atalanta, with reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano providing the update.

The Lowdown: Nandez linked with Leeds move

The Whites have seemingly been doing their utmost to sign Nandez this summer, with endless reports claiming that he could move to Elland Road.

The Uruguay international has stayed put at Cagliari for the time being, although it looks as though he will move on before the transfer window closes.

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The Latest: Atalanta emerge as suitors

Taking to Twitter to provide an update on the situation, Romano claimed that Atalanta could now acquire Nandez’s signature, buying him in a swap deal with Sam Lammers.

The journalist posted:

“Atalanta are in talks with Cagliari for potential swap deal: Nahitan Nández to Atalanta, Sam Lammers to Cagliari. Both clubs are considering this chance.

“Tottenham are out of the race for Nández – still working to complete Pape Sarr deal in the next hours/days.”

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The Verdict: Increasingly unlikely

With each passing day, it looks increasingly unlikely that Nandez will become a Leeds player, which is an undoubted blow for Marcelo Bielsa.

The 25-year-old, who earns £42,000 per week at Cagliari, would be a perfect signing in the middle of the park, complementing Kalvin Phillips and making the Whites a more formidable outfit. A total of eight yellow cards and one red in Serie A last season outline his tenacious style, but he is also a talented footballer, averaging one key pass and 1.2 dribbles per game.

Alas, after unsuccessfully courting him for several weeks and with a Champions League club like Atalanta in talks with the Uruguayan, it’s hard to envisage Leeds winning his particular transfer battle.

In other news, Leeds ‘ hopes of signing one Premier League player have suffered a blow. Find out who it is here.

Many Everton fans have been left fuming over a transfer revelation involving Tino Livramento and Denzel Dumfries.

As per The Athletic, both Rafa Benitez and Marcel Brands found it difficult to agree over transfer targets, with the recruitment team suggesting that they should sign Denzel Dumfries and Tino Livramento.

However, Benitez wanted to bring in a more experienced option at right-back, so ended up not signing one at all.

Dumfries is pretty experienced at 25 years of age though, and the fact that Seamus Coleman is 33 suggests that they should have signed someone much younger.

Nonetheless, both Dumfries and Livramento would have offered the Goodison Park faithful much more of an attacking threat than the Republic of Ireland international, given that they have more recorded goals and assists, and have averaged more shots and key passes and a higher pass success rate so far this season (WhoScored).

Everton fans on transfer revelation

These supporters of the Merseyside club fumed as the transfer revelation was shared on Twitter, with one Toffee even going as far as to claim that it was ’embarrassing’:

“Absolute embarrassment of a manager.”

Credit: @bluesofgoodison

“We’re in trouble”

Credit: @efc_alex18

“Rafa Benitez wanted to bring in a more experienced option, so decided not to bring in a right-back at all. Benitez out.”

Credit: @Owens_EFC

“Livramento…well that’s my day ruined”

Credit: @greenallefc

“We are a laughing stock”

Credit: @jamie_finegan

“Embarrassing, the FA Youth Cup game vs Chelsea was enough to show Livramento could make it at the top”

Credit: @jwilliam31

In other news, find out what transfer news has Blues gushing here!

David Norris believes Leeds United boss Marcelo Bielsa has missed a trick by splashing out on another inexperienced goalkeeper rather than targeting Joe Hart.

Bielsa has added competition for first-choice shot-stopper Illan Meslier by signing Kristoffer Klaesson from Norwegian side Valerenga.

The move came after Kiko Casilla, who was previously 21-year-old Meslier’s understudy, completed a season-long loan switch to Spanish outfit Elche last month.

However, with Klaesson being a year younger than Meslier, former Leeds midfielder Norris feels the Yorkshire side should have plumped for a more experienced goalkeeper who was available.

Hart, who boasts 75 England caps, was deemed surplus to requirements at Tottenham Hotspur after the loan arrival of Atalanta’s Pierluigi Gollini.

While Leeds headed to Norway to secure Klaesson’s services, Scottish Premiership giants Celtic pounced on Hart’s situation and confirmed the ex-Manchester City goalkeeper’s acquisition earlier this week.

Norris thinks Bielsa missed a glorious opportunity to add a Premier League champion to his ranks.

He exclusively told Football FanCast: “I think that he would have been perfect. He’s a good goalkeeper and had a great career.

“He wouldn’t have been desperate to play because he probably knows he’s on the way down but he has so much experience, is in good shape and is a good pro. I think that would have been a great signing.”