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Tottenham Hotspur will be looking to extend their lead at the top of Group G in the UEFA Conference League later this evening.

Nuno Santo will take a much-changed squad to the Netherlands to face Vitesse and they head into kickoff on the back of three straight wins in all competitions, including a 5-1 whitewash against NS Mura in this very competition last time out.

Spurs defeated Newcastle United on Sunday to go fifth in the Premier League standings but none of the starting XI are expected to feature today.

But what sort of lineup could the Portuguese head coach select? Here’s what we are predicting…

As already mentioned, there could be a whole new 11 starting in Holland.

Between the sticks, club captain Hugo Lloris is replaced by Pierluigi Gollini, who has started all four of their matches in this tournament, whilst there could be a new back four of Ben Davies, Davinson Sanchez, Joe Rodon and Japhet Tanganga.

They come in for first-choice quartet of Sergio Reguilon, Eric Dier, Cristian Romero and Japhet Tanganga. The latter of which gets the nod over Matt Doherty, despite the Northern Irishman featuring regularly in this competition as he misses out through injury, along with Ryan Sessegnon.

Giovani Lo Celso was one player who did not see any minutes on the pitch at St James’ Park, so he is likely to come in to partner Harry Winks, with Dele Alli also coming back into the starting XI, likely as captain, despite being snubbed in their last two league outings.

Nuno has already confirmed that Steven Bergwijn will be back after injury, so he lines up on the right over Lucas Moura, as 20-year-old “big talent” Bryan Gil takes the place of Heung-min Son on the other flank.

Teenage starlet Dane Scarlett is in line for an opportunity as the only other centre-forward available to the manager. His involvement means Harry Kane is rested ahead of the weekend.

The likes of Dilan Markanday, Nile John, Jack Clarke and Harvey White could be involved from the bench.

AND in other news, Paratici could fix Nuno’s biggest problem with Spurs swoop for £31.5m-rated “animal”…

West Bromwich Albion have been handed a significant boost regarding the fitness of Grady Diangana.

What’s the latest?

In recent comments cited by Birmingham Live, Valerien Ismael revealed that, after being left out of the Baggies squad for the 1-0 win over Birmingham City on Friday evening, the winger had suffered a slight hamstring strain.

However, the Frenchman went on to state that he expects the 23-year-old to be available for Albion’s trip to Swansea City on Wednesday evening.

Speaking about the condition of Diangana, Ismael said: “Grady has a hamstring issue, not too bad. It’s a small issue, we didn’t want to take any risks for this game. My expectation is that he will come back for the next game against Swansea.”

Ismael will be buzzing

While Diangana has not exactly been in the best form of his career this season, being yet to score a goal and providing just one assist over his 11 Championship appearances, the winger nevertheless proved during West Brom’s last promotion-winning campaign that he is a player who possesses the ability to fire the Baggies back to the Premier League.

Indeed, over his 30 Championship appearances in 2019/20, the £9m-rated man scored eight goals, registered six assists and created eight big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 1.6 shots and making 1.4 key passes per game.

These returns saw the player who Lee Hendrie dubbed a “magnificent” talent earn a seasonal SofaScore match rating of 7.06, ranking the £36k-per-week winger as West Brom’s third-best performer in the league that season.

As such, Diangana is clearly a player with the ability to win any particular match in an instant, and, with the former England U21 international looking to be available for Wednesday’s clash with Swansea, Ismael will certainly be hoping for the winger to do so at the Liberty Stadium – an outcome that would leave both the 46-year-old manager and fans of the club buzzing.

In other news: Signed for £750k, now worth £1.8m: West Brom struck gold on “amazing” £14k-p/w dynamo

While Leeds United will no doubt be hoping Kalvin Phillips will remain playing at Elland Road for the years to come, Marcelo Bielsa may already have the Whites’ new talisman in one of their academy stars: Nohan Kenneh.

The 18-year-old has already admitted to modelling himself on Phillips, while he also added that he’s a fan of Arsenal Invincible Patrick Vieira too. He said: “Currently I look up to Kalvin Phillips as (we) both play in a similar position, but I occasionally watch videos of Patrick Vieira for his qualities in midfield.”

The Athletic’s Phil Hay dubbed the teenager as “supremely gifted”, and he’s capable of playing in holding midfield as well as further back in central defence.

Also, at a imposing 6 foot 2, he seems to have the physical attributes to hold his own at Premier League level.

Describing himself as someone who is “aggressive and hard-working who likes to break down play”, but also likes “getting forward and scoring long-range goals”, Kenneh seems like he could thrive in the anchor man role if given the chance by Bielsa.

And, speaking on The Roaring Peacock Youth Pod, Matty Ingham, said: “One of the biggest prospects in the academy if we’re being honest. Big, physical presence, can carry the ball and he’s powerful and quick.”

Last season saw him spend all of his time with the club’s academy side, making 11 appearances at Premier League 2 level and helping them clinch the Division 2 title.

While this campaign has seen him play his first couple of games at centre-back, Kenneh could be moulded into Leeds’ next Phillips with a bit more training and coaching from the likes of Bielsa.

With those raw physical attributes, the Leeds boss could give Kenneh the kind of footballing education that he won’t be able to get anywhere else, and build the perfect holding midfielder at Elland Road.

Meanwhile, this Leeds ace has seen his market value decrease dramatically…

A number of Liverpool supporters have been showing their love for Kostas Tsimikas’ brilliant celebration against Wolves, as the Reds picked up a huge 1-0 win.

Jurgen Klopp’s men were boosted by Chelsea’s 3-2 defeat away to West Ham earlier in the day, knowing victory would take them top of the Premier League, for the time being at least.

For much of the afternoon, it looked as though Liverpool would drop two precious points, only for a dramatic ending to take place at Molineux.

[freshpress-quiz id=“375258″]

Divock Origi buried a last-gasp finish to seal a memorable win for the Reds, with the celebrations on the pitch and in the stands unforgettable.

Klopp, his coaches and the substitutes also celebrated wildly, and in a video by the club’s official Twitter account, Tsimikas arguably looks happier than anyone, jumping around with his manager.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-liverpool-transfer-news-copy/” title=”Latest Liverpool transfer news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

Liverpool fans love Tsimikas celebration

The Greek’s celebrations stood out and these Liverpool fans took to Twitter to show their admiration for him.

“Greek scouser representing every Liverpool supporter ever”

Credit: @crashmycar2020

“Kostas went absolutely berserk! Priceless”

Credit: @Marrvine_

“Tsimikas is all of us”

Credit: @baheramsyahh

“Kostas is such a Red”

Credit: @LivHERpool

“How can you not love Tsimikas, most players would have been sulking about been left out”

Credit: @Corballyred

“Kostas is such a gem”

Credit: @Andyjm0509

In other news, one Liverpool player could reportedly leave in January. Find out who it is here.

Loads of Everton fans have been making their feelings known as a transfer update emerged on Denzel Dumfries.

As per Italian football journalist and transfer expert Gianluca Di Marzio, Inter Milan have reopened talks to try and sign the PSV ace, who remains their first-choice signing for right-back.

There have been a number of reports throughout the window so far of both Everton and Inter fighting over the signature of Dumfries, but it now looks as if the latter may beat the Toffees to him.

It would be a real shame for Rafa Benitez’s team to lose out on signing Dumfries, as he has shown just how much of an attacking threat he can possess from right-back. He scored two goals in the group stage at Euro 2020 for the Netherlands (Sofascore), with a further four goals and nine assists in 41 matches for PSV across the 2020/21 season (Transfermarkt).

Everton fans on Dumfries transfer update

These Toffees fans raged as the transfer update was shared on Twitter, with one Evertonian describing the latest turn of events as ‘awful’:

“Needed a RB for 3 seasons now and STILL its not sorted…every club is going to target the right-hand side. Awful”

Credit: @matthew53366583

“Do you not realise Brands is killing us? He’s a massive reason why we can’t spend this summer”

Credit: @Everton1878___

“Been a really great day this for Everton. Another season of Coleman and the Ken Ken it is then”

Credit: @efcsam16

“Here we go again”

Credit: @efcbenji

“Here we go.”

Credit: @Jackdoggydogg

“Please no”

Credit: @ParrettGost

In other news, check out what footage has left these Everton fans fuming

New Crystal Palace manager Patrick Vieira could return cap in hand to former club Arsenal this summer after being linked with a move for winger Reiss Nelson.

What’s the story?

According to The Sun, the Eagles want to sign the 21-year-old on loan over the coming months as they continue to overhaul their first team squad.

Nelson struggled for game-time last term and is not expected to be part of Mikel Arteta’s plans at the Emirates Stadium this time around, meaning that an imminent exit could be on the cards.

Heir to Andros Towsend

The England under-21 international burst onto the scene in 2018/19 when he contributed to nine goals in 31 appearances for Hoffenheim during a season-long loan spell with the Bundesliga outfit.

However, Nelson failed to reproduce his impressive performances upon his return to north London, finding himself behind the likes of Nicolas Pepe, Willian and Bukayo Saka in the Arsenal pecking order.

In 39 outings over the last two seasons, the £8.1m-rated wing wizard has found the back of the net on just six occasions, laying on a further four assists, not the sort of return which is going to force himself into the Gunners’ starting line-up.

Despite his struggles at his boyhood club, Nelson has shown glimpses of his lofty potential in an Arsenal shirt, drawing praise from Arteta.

“We have pace in a few players up front. Reiss (Nelson) is a special player and can eliminate players one on one. He’s been out for a while, but he’s back now, and he showed what he’s capable of doing,” said the Spanish tactician following an impressive 2-0 FA Cup win at Portsmouth in March 2020.

Last summer, fellow Arsenal striker Alexandre Lacazette also chimed in with high praise for his team-mate, saying: “He is a big talent and does a lot of work behind [the scenes]. I trust in him, he is working a lot in every training session.”

With Andros Townsend departing Selhurst Park on a free transfer following a five-year stint in south London, the Eagles are on the search for his successor to fill the right-wing berth, and Nelson could be the ideal candidate.

He’s young, fast and exciting, perfectly fitting the bill for the new profile of player the Eagles are targeting in the current window and giving them a much-needed option on that side of the pitch.

The likes of Marc Guehi, Joachim Andersen and Conor Gallagher have already joined Vieira’s new-look Palace ahead of the upcoming campaign, and hopefully Nelson can be the next fresh face to arrive at the capital club.

In other news… Parish must sanction Palace swoop for 23 y/o wizard with “unbelievable quality” 

Noel Whelan reckons that Harry Kane will almost certainly depart the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this window [Football Insider].

The Lowdown: Kane crucial to Spurs success in 2021/22

Plenty of onlookers, Spurs fans or not, will be intrigued to see what shirt Kane is wearing come the start of the season.

Despite being a boyhood supporter of the club, long-standing reports have linked the England international with a ground-breaking move to Premier League rivals Manchester City [Manchester Evening News].

Given his alleged desire to leave, Lilywhites fans could be in for a tumultuous few weeks once Kane returns from England duty.

The Latest: Whelan reckons Tottenham have ‘no chance’ of keeping their star man

Former Leeds striker Whelan has backed Kane to jump ship this summer in a recent interview with Football Insider. Commenting on the goal machine’s prospective future aspirations, the 46-year-old stated:

“They have no chance of keeping Kane. I know Tottenham fans will hate to hear that but it is the truth.

“Kane has made it quite clear why he wants to leave and his reasons are good enough for me.

“Spurs are not going to win anything significant in the next few years. They will be playing in this Europa Conference League next season, that is not place for Harry Kane.

“This taste of the European Championships will only deepen his desire to leave Spurs. He wants to compete at the top level every week. He wants to be in the Champions League and competing for the Premier League.

“His career has been amazing but he has nothing to show for it yet. I cannot see him staying there, not for the new manager or the new director of football.

“Kane wants to win things and Tottenham are miles off it at the moment.” [Football Insider].

The Verdict: Hard to disagree…

On balance, Whelan correctly points out the temptation that could creep into the Tottenham skipper’s head should interest in his services continue to develop in prominent circles.

As Tottenham Hotspur prepare for life in the UEFA Conference League, he may envisage testing his European credentials at a higher level.

One of the best players in the Premier League, he registered an unbelievable 50 goal contributions from 49 appearances for the Lilywhites [Transfermarkt] last season.

Further illustrative of his abilities, he recorded the highest rating out of the WhoScored Premier League 2020/21 team of the season, averaging 7.8 out of 10 across the 20/21 campaign.

Only time will tell with regards to Kane’s eventual decision, but you feel Tottenham will have to show some incredible ambition in the transfer market to convince him to stay.

In other news, Tottenham Hotspur have opened talks with a 28-year-old defender.

The agent of Donny van de Beek has revealed that he was in talks with Everton in regards to a move during the transfer window, but a switch was vetoed by Manchester United.

The Lowdown: Business done on final day

On the final day of the transfer window, the Toffees completed the signing of Salomon Rondon from Dalian Professional.

However, it seems that they also were interested in capturing the services of the £27m-valued Netherlands international (Transfermarkt) from the Red Devils.

The Latest: Van de Beek speaks to Toffees

Speaking to Ziggo Sport (via The Daily Express), Van de Beek’s representative Guido Albers revealed talks with the Merseyside club. He said:

“We took the initiative to find a club and our search ended up at Everton. We opened talks with Marcel Brands and Farhad Moshiri.

“On Monday night [before deadline day] we received a call from Solskjær and the club who told us that a transfer was out of the question and that he had to report himself to training the next morning.

“The perspective now is that we stated that Donny is not a Carabao Cup player, or FA Cup player, or to play only in European games.”

The Verdict: Crying shame

Although he made the move to Old Trafford from Ajax in September 2020 for a fee of £35m (BBC), Van de Beek has had to make do with a bit-part role at the club. He managed just 36 appearances in all competitions last season, the majority of which came from the bench, and he has yet to feature for a single minute in the current campaign (Transfermarkt).

He has often impressed whenever he has featured, though, with Owen Hargreaves calling him “close to perfect” after a match in the Champions League against Istanbul Basaksehir last autumn.

At Everton, you would have thought he would be close to a guaranteed starter under Rafael Benitez. While Ole Gunnar Solskjaer may eventually be ready to incorporate the midfielder into his plans, it feels like a transfer would have been the 24-year-old’s best chances of playing regularly, and he would have brought plenty of quality to Goodison Park judging by Hargreaves’ glowing praise.

In other news, Everton also wanted to sign this England international during the transfer window.

A major boost has emerged for Sheffield Wednesday, one that could lead to the club keeping a sought-after dynamo this summer.

What’s the talk?

According to The Star, Sheffield Wednesday have held positive talks with young forward Charles Hagan and thsy are closing in on agreement to keep the academy starlet at the club. Hagan’s current deal is due to expire at the end of the month and Wednesday are working hard to avoid losing him on a free transfer.

The report claims that Hagan is highly-rated by Darren Moore and that he could have a chance to seal regular first-team minutes in League One if he remains at the club. He has also had interest from Premier League, Championship and League One clubs, with Brentford, Stoke and Charlton said to be monitoring his situation.

Hagan’s preference is to stay at Hillsborough and compete for his spot in the first-team as the 19-year-old eyes the next step in his development. This, however, is not the case with Osaze Urhoghide as the young defender has decided to reject the club’s efforts to keep him at the club and as such, he will leave at the end of June.

Moore will be buzzing

Moore will be buzzing with this update as it now appears likely that Hagan will be in his Sheffield Wednesday squad next season. Given all the doom and gloom surrounding the wage situation at the club, with the PFA stepping in to help, this is a much-needed boost for Wednesday and Moore. Hagan signing a new contract at Hillsborough is good news, the type that has come few and far between since relegation to League One was confirmed earlier this year.

Hagan putting pen to paper on an extended deal could also be a signal of intent to other academy products considering their futures at the club. Whilst Urhoghide has already opted against a new deal at Sheffield Wednesday, other players could look at Hagan and see him potentially progressing into becoming a regular first-team player and follow suit.

The £530-per-week attacker made his senior debut for Wednesday last season in the League Cup and the report above mentions that Moore rates him very highly. This suggests that next term could be a breakthrough year for Hagan if he plays his cards right.

If Moore gives him the chance then he will need to take it in League One and if he can make the grade, then the Wednesday boss will be all the more delighted that the 19-year-old has committed his future to the club.

AND in other news, SWFC dealt major blow with “instrumental” £800-p/w beast, Moore will be fuming…

Manchester United have been linked with a move for Atalanta defender Christian Romero as the summer transfer window approaches.

What’s the story?

According to Italian outlet Eco Di Bergamo (via Sport Witness), the Old Trafford outfit have already made a “super offer” worth €45 million (£38.5m) for the 23-year-old.

The aforementioned fee would make Romero Atalanta’s record sale, and the local paper claim it would be impossible for Gian Piero Gasperini’s side to turn down the offer.

Imagine him and Maguire

Centre-back has been a problem position for the Red Devils for a number of years now, with several expensive flops failing to have the desired effect upon the United backline.

While club captain Harry Maguire has slowly won over the majority of the club’s supporters, putting in consistently impressive displays for many months now, the England internationals string of partners have left a lot to be desired.

Victor Lindelof has shown glimpses of star quality, but those performances have been undermined by lapses in concentration, and his limited physical attributes are a constant source of problems for the 20-time English champions.

The likes of Eric Bailly, Axel Tuanzebe and Phil Jones have also done little to convince Solskjaer, or the fans, that they’re capable of being Maguire’s long-term partner at the heart of defence – either through a lack of form, injury issues, or both – and therefore a new centre-back is believed to be high up on United’s wish list this summer.

Romero could be the answer to the club’s defensive woes after impressing throughout the 2020/21 campaign. The Argentine beast made 31 league appearances, achieving a 7.14 WhoScored rating as Atalanta finished third in Serie A.

He combines the traditional, tough-tackling duties of a centre-back with the role’s modern responsibilities to perfection, often launching into tackles before picking himself up and playing a composed pass.

Although this style leads to frequent bookings – he picked up 15 in all competitions last season – it’s something which can be worked on, and the positives to Romero’s game certainly outweigh the negatives.

The South American’s pace, ability with the ball at his feet and love for a challenge would make him the perfect partner for Maguire and should see him adapt to the demands of the Premier League with ease.

It’s a move that Ed Woodward must sanction over the coming months if United want to challenge for major honours again and could prove to be the final piece in the jigsaw for Solskjaer’s side.

In other news…Man Utd must swoop for £18m-rated beast this summer, he has “outstanding quality”