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Tottenham Hotspur have been offered the chance to sign Mauro Icardi in the January transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Foot Mercato (via Sport Witness), who claim that the Paris Saint-Germain centre-forward’s agents have contacted Spurs regarding the possibility of a move to the club in the upcoming winter market.

The report added that PSG are open to parting with the 28-year-old in January, although Sport Witness suggested that Antonio Conte and Fabio Paratici’s preferred target for the position is Fiorentina striker Dusan Vlahovic.

Icardi would solve Spurs’ issue

Considering that Conte has only the option of Harry Kane as a natural centre-forward in his first-team squad, it is clear that the position is one in which the Italian must strengthen this winter if he is to realistically give Tottenham a chance of securing a top-four finish this season.

Indeed, with Kane having somewhat struggled for form of late, scoring just one goal over his 12 Premier League appearances, Spurs have often struggled to find the back of the net in the current campaign, with their 13 goals scored fewer than the likes of Newcastle United and Burnley in the bottom three.

As such, while Icardi has found his game-time limited at PSG following the arrival of Lionel Messi this summer, the £31.5m-rated marksman has nevertheless proven in his career that he could well be the solution to Conte’s centre-forward headache.

Indeed, following his initial season-long loan switch to Paris back in the 2019/20 campaign, the £157k-per-week forward demonstrated that he is something of a perfect rotation option up top, bagging 12 goals, providing two assists and creating four big chances over just 20 Ligue 1 appearances – only 14 of which came as starts.

These returns saw the player who legendary centre-back Giorgio Chiellini claimed is “almost impossible to mark” earn a seasonal SofaScore match rating of 7.04, something which demonstrates the Argentina international’s capacity for having a huge influence on his team’s results even if he is not selected continuously.

As such, should Conte and Paratici indeed go on to seal a deal for Icardi this winter, it would very much appear as if the duo would be taking a massive step towards finally solving one of Spurs’ biggest issues.

In other news: Conte must make “incredible” £60m dynamo his first signing, he’d revolutionise Spurs

As if the transfer window hasn’t already been an exciting state of affairs for Aston Villa, it could yet end with even triumph and satisfaction for Steven Gerrard and the club’s supporters.

Philippe Coutinho and Lucas Digne have already arrived but a major name from within the game is now being closely linked to Villa.

What’s the word?

Reports emerged late on Tuesday evening that the Villans had tabled an offer to bring Suarez back to England and as a result of Gerrard, they were ahead of a number of Brazilian clubs in the race to secure his signature.

Now, the Villa boss and Johan Lange have been given further hope of concluding a deal by Spanish football expert, Alvaro Montero, who was speaking live on Sky Sports on Wednesday.

He claimed that Suarez was looking to leave his current employers, Atletico Madrid, and in a captivating four-word claim, suggested that Villa “could be an option” for the veteran striker.

The Uruguayan’s contract expires at the end of the season so there is a chance that the Midlands outfit could sign for free in the summer.

Fans surely buzzing

After the signings of Digne and Coutinho, fans will have rightfully been on cloud nine given their international experience and previous exploits in the game.

However, if you combine that with the potential for Suarez to arrive at Bodymoor Heath in the next six months, supporters will simply be ecstatic.

Of course, the forward is now 34 years of age now and is no spring chicken, but there is no escaping from the fact that he is still a wonderful goalscorer.

He has regularly beaten the goalkeeper throughout his career and at the top level no less, scoring 69 Premier League goals, while also racking up a phenomenal 195 strikes during his stay with Barcelona.

Furthermore, Suarez is an incredibly decorated player. This is someone who has won the Spanish top-flight on five occasions, an individual who has won Copa del Rey four times and has also taken home both the Champions League and Club World Cup.

That is quite the honours list and based on experience alone, he’d be a wonderful player to have in the dressing room.

On top of that, his superb ability to make something extraordinary happen out of nothing is almost second to none. He has terrorised English defences before and there is every chance he could do the same in the claret and blue of Villa.

A move still feels unlikely but what a coup he’d be if they could get a deal across the line. Coutinho was a landmark signing but this would surely blow that out of the water, consequently leaving supporters elated with their recruitment team.

AND in other news, Sky Sports journo drops exciting AVFC transfer update on live TV, fans surely buzzing…

Swansea City gave their slim automatic promotion hopes a boost as they defeated relegation-threatened Sheffield Wednesday 2-0 on Tuesday night.

Goals from Jamal Lowe and Jay Fulton secured an important win for Steve Cooper’s side, who made it back-to-back wins on the road with the three points in Yorkshire.

Whilst there were plenty of excellent performances from the Swansea players who featured at Hillsborough, none were more impressive than Fulton in midfield, who was having a superb game even before he made the game safe with his second-half goal.

As per SofaScore, the Scottish midfielder would earn a 7.8/10 match rating for his display, which was comfortably the best of any player who featured in the game.

The 27-year-old completed 26/35 of his passes, resulting in a sold 74% pass accuracy, which is a step up on the 71.8% pass accuracy he has averaged in the Championship so far this season.

Fulton would also contribute an impressive four tackles during the game, as he regularly won the ball back for his side, which again is a significant improvement on the 2.6 tackles per game he has averaged in the second tier this season.

This was also the most tackles made by any player on the pitch, which emphasises that the Swansea midfielder was a level above at times on Tuesday.

The former Falkirk man would also win 6/8 of his duels during the game, resulting in an impressive 75% success rate, which suggests that he had the better of the Sheffield Wednesday midfielders during the game, as they all registered worse success rates.

Cooper was full of praise for Fulton earlier in the season, saying:

“Jay Fulton was excellent and showed what a quality player he is. He is a brilliant professional and teammate.”

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This was clear to see on Tuesday night and after some impressive performances of late, it seems as if the Scottish midfielder will be an important player for the Swans as we reach the critical point of the season.And, in other news… Swansea could sign their ideal Guehi heir in 24 y/o beast, he won’t cost a penny

Newcastle United have reportedly looked at Benfica striker Darwin Nunez ahead of the summer transfer window, according to Sky Sports’ Keith Downie.

What’s the story?

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, the Sky Sports reporter said: “Nunez is someone they’ve looked at, they’ve watched. I think a proven goalscorer on the European stage will be one of the main priorities, if not the priority in the summer.”

It was recently reported by The Athletic that Manchester United, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain were the current frontrunners for Nunez’s signature. However, Newcastle could find themselves in the mix.

The Magpies will certainly seek to add at least one new striker to their ranks this summer with £25m January signing Chris Wood finding the back of the net just twice thus far whilst Callum Wilson is still sidelined but could return before the end of the season.

Moreover, with the upcoming transfer window being PIF’s first at the helm of Newcastle United, big names are expected to be linked with the Toon Army seemingly having bottomless pockets at their disposal.

Therefore, there’s little surprise that a forward of the Uruguayan’s calibre has been linked.

Supporters will be excited

With the summer window the first of the PIF dynasty, Newcastle supporters will be beside themselves regarding potential transfers with the possibilities seemingly endless, at least in the media.

Adding Nunez to his ranks would single-handedly revolutionise Howe’s side with the forward one of Europe’s current hottest properties and is valued at around £60m.

The Benfica hotshot has scored 31 goals in 37 matches across all competitions, including an impressive 25 strikes in 25 league games in the Portuguese top flight.

At just 22 years of age, Nunez has already scored in the Champions League against the likes of Barcelona, Ajax and Liverpool, alerting some of Europe’s juggernauts to the Uruguayan’s talent.

In fact, the striker netted twice against the Reds, in both legs of their recent quarter-final, with manager Jurgen Klopp purring over the Benfica man’s ability.

“Really good, really good. I knew before, of course, but he played pretty much in front of me with his tough battles with Ibrahima Konate,” the German said.

“He was physically strong, quick, was calm around his finish. Good, really good. I always say in these situations if he is healthy, it’s a big career ahead of him.”

With a mouth-watering transfer kitty ready to spend, Newcastle will certainly be keen to add a top-level centre-forward to their roster and Nunez certainly meets the requirements.

AND in other news: Howe and PIF are now heading for their first big NUFC error, it would be a disaster

Some Liverpool supporters are angry that Craig Pawson will take charge of the Reds’ Premier League clash with Wolves.

The champions make the trip to Molineux on Monday evening, looking to get back to winning ways in the league, following their dismal 1-0 defeat at home to Fulham last weekend.

If Jurgen Klopp’s men are to have any chance of getting back into the top four battle this season, victory will be paramount on Monday.

It has been announced that Pawson will take charge of the game – Andy Madley will be on the dreaded VAR duty – with both Jurgen Klopp and Nuno Espirito Santo no doubt keen for controversy to be avoided.

Pawson was actually the referee for the corresponding fixture at Anfield back in December, with Liverpool cruising to a 4-0 victory and looking on course to defend their league title at that point.

Liverpool fans react to Pawson appointment

Here’s how Reds supporters reacted to the news on Twitter, with negativity the order of the day.

“I’m hurt more by who the referee is. He never gives us anything in home games let alone away games.”

Credit: @Alivirgtrentbob

“Handy 1 for Wolves”

Credit: @albarr1978

“Good job I don’t care anymore”

Credit: @Jonofitz

“Did a great job last time giving them a pen for Mane’s legit clearance albeit overturned. He’s hopeless.”

Credit: @themoney86

“Craig and Martin just don’t like us, also I think we are also victimized by the VAR decisions.”

Credit: @Mahomed64720744

“Horrible ref, hate him, the mail wrote, there were 13 50/50 decisions, he gave all 13 against (us)”

Credit: @ManniBerg

Italy star Domenico Berardi is attracting interest from Tottenham Hotspur this summer…

What’s the word?

That’s according to Gazzetta dello Sport (via Sport Witness), who claim that Spurs’ newly-appointed director of football Fabio Paratici is a huge admirer of the 26-year-old Sassuolo winger.

It’s thought that Berardi has been intriguing Premier League teams for quite some time, with Gazzetta dello Sport reporting that his value likely to be in the region of €50m (£45m).

Tottenham are one of three English sides to knock on the door, thanks to Paratici, whilst they face competition from Italian giants Juventus and AC Milan.

Imagine him and Kane

Harry Kane’s future in North London may be severely under threat right now but a swoop for the 12-cap Italy international could surely make him think twice about leaving this year.

Spurs could well be in the market for a new winger this summer as Gareth Bale has returned to parent club Real Madrid, whilst Lucas Moura and Erik Lamela have been linked with exits themselves in recent weeks.

There’s also the disappointing returns of Steven Bergwijn to consider, with the Dutchman scoring just once in the league since June 2020.

Berardi could provide Kane with the service he’ll be desperately craving, and if chairman Daniel Levy and co want to keep him at the club, then it’s signings like this one that they need to make.

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The £36m-rated dynamo has been in electric form this campaign, scoring 17 goals and providing eight assists in 30 Serie A appearances, via Transfermarkt.

That’s as many goals as Heung-min Son and considerably more than the three aforementioned Spurs stars combined.

Perhaps more interestingly, Berardi has proven to be a more reliable source of creativity on the flank, averaging one cross and 1.9 key passes per league outing, via WhoScored.

Again, only Son manages as many accurate crosses and key chances for Kane, so it’s clear that he’d be an instant upgrade in all aspects.

It’s no wonder he’s received plenty of glowing endorsements over the course of his career.

Legendary manager Arrigo Sacchi, formerly of Italy and Milan, described the Sassuolo star as “a player of great talent, a modern footballer who constantly plays with and for the team all over the field.”

Whilst football talent scout Jacek Kulig claimed he was an “outrageous talent” only last year.

The 6-foot winger played a crucial part in Italy’s Euro 2020 opener on Friday too, when he was lauded as a “machine” by the Independent, having been central to all of their good work.

Berardi cut inside and powered in a dangerous ball that ricocheted off Turkey defender Merih Demiral into the back of the net to open the scoring to kickstart their second-half rout.

He’d be the perfect foil for Kane in North London, so Paratici and Levy must do all they can to secure the Italian this summer.

AND in other news, Fabrizio Romano drops major Spurs manager update…

An update has emerged on Blackburn’s transfer plans this summer and it could positively impact Southampton’s pursuit of Adam Armstrong.

What’s the talk?

According to the Lancashire Telegraph, Blackburn have identified Toulouse striker Rhys Healey as a replacement for Southampton target Adam Armstrong. The report claims that Blackburn are ready to swoop for Healey if they cash in on Armstrong in the coming weeks, news which could come as a boost to Southampton and to Raplph Hasenhuttl, who would love to add another goalscoring threat to his side.

Earlier this month, Football Insider reported that Southampton and Norwich are leading the race to sign Armstrong from Blackburn. Football Insider claimed that Blackburn are willing to sell Armstrong for £15m this summer as his contract expires in 2022.

Former Blackburn midfielder Richie Smallwood labelled Armstrong as a “special” player and claimed that he could do damage against any team in the Championship. He told the Lancashire Telegraph:

“He’s a special player with the ability to hurt any team in this league.

“He’s on fire at the moment, player of the month, and hopefully that continues.

“The lay-off to Adam was great – it had the perfect weight on it. The finish was brilliant.”

Mane 2.0

Southampton could find their next Sadio Mane by signing Armstrong this summer. Since Mane left Southampton to join Liverpool, the Saints have not been able to find another exciting winger who is able to regularly contribute in the final third of the pitch. Mane scored 21 goals in the two Premier League seasons for Southampton, whilst Stuart Armstong was the club’s top-scoring wide man with four in the season just gone.

Armstrong has already proven himself at the Championship level. The former Newcastle man has scored 44 goals in the second tier since the start of the 2019/20 campaign, showing that he is far too good to not be playing at the top level.

He has a similar style to Mane in that he is electric with his movement and is able to make intelligent runs in behind to create chances for himself. Whilst Armstrong was mainly deployed down the middle for Blackburn, he has also played as a left-winger and this is where he could thrive for the Saints, as Mane did during his time at St. Mary’s.

The £14k-per-week dynamo could play in the left attacking midfield position in Hasenhuttl’s set-up and provide a far greater goal threat than the likes of Armstrong, Theo Walcott and Nathan Redmond. His goalscoring record at Championship level is phenomenal and if he can replicate even in the slightest in the top-flight, then Southampton could find their next Mane.

Saints must get a deal over the line as Hasenhuttl would love it if he is able to work with the dynamic forward next season.

AND in other news, Semmens should seal Saints swoop for versatile £14.4m-rated gem, Ralph would love him…

Paul Robinson has dropped a big transfer claim on Karl Darlow as he told Football Insider that he thinks he will exit Newcastle United in the summer window.

The former Nottingham Forest man has recently lost his spot in the starting eleven for the St. James’ Park faithful, and Robinson believes that he will leave in the summer in search of more regular first-team football, given how close he was to receiving an England call-up under Gareth Southgate:

“I think he was in with a serious shout of getting in the England squad before he got dropped.

“It would have been between him and Sam Johnstone. Johnstone has been exceptional this season but so has Karl Darlow. His performances gave himself a great opportunity of getting into Gareth Southgate’s plans but Bruce dropped him after an indifferent performance at Manchester United.

“It is always going to be difficult for Darlow with someone of Dubravka’s quality behind him. Manager’s tend to have a loyalty to their number one goalkeeper. It is almost like a comfort blanket.

“Darlow was very highly rated when he was young but he has struggled for game time at Newcastle.

“I think the way he has played this season, and how close he got to an England call up will give him the hunger and desire to go and play regular football.

“I think regardless of whether Newcastle stay up, he will leave this summer.” 

Darlow should leave Newcastle

Given the injury that Jordan Pickford sustained which meant that he was not called up to the Three Lions squad ahead of their 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, it was always going to be likely to be between Darlow and Johnstone over who was going to get the third goalkeeping spot as Robinson has claimed.

Darlow was on a decent run of form for Steve Bruce’s team before he was dropped for Dubravka, and since he has been dropped to the bench, the Tyneside club have not won a game, conceding five goals in the process (Transfermarkt).

The 30-year-old may not get a better opportunity to play for his country ever again over the course of his career, and so it may be a wise move for him to leave the North East in the summer.

In other news, find out what inside Mike Ashley claim Mark Douglas has dropped from takeover sources here!

A number of Liverpool supporters cannot believe that Jamie Carragher hasn’t included Mohamed Salah in his Premier League Team of the Season.

It has been an extremely difficult campaign for the Reds, who went into the campaign full of confidence having just been crowned champions. Everything seems to have gone wrong, however, with endless injuries to key players halting their progress, while VAR and no fans in stadia have made for a poor spectacle.

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One man who has continued to perform at a high level is Salah, with the Egyptian scoring 29 goals in all competitions. He hasn’t been totally blameless when it comes to Liverpool’s profligacy in front of goal, but he has stood well above his teammates this season.

Bizarrely, Carragher decided not to pick him in his Team of the Season on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football, instead opting for Phil Foden, Son Heung-min and Harry Kane in attack.

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Liverpool fans fume at Carragher

These Liverpool supporters were hugely frustrated with Salah’s omission, taking to Twitter to vent their anger at Carragher, who has attracted the ire of many Kopites in recent weeks for other viewpoints.

“Son had a great season individually sure but still not better than Salah. Victim of his own success”

Credit: @plus7end

“Oh, Carra”

Credit: @MexicoCityLFC

“Boo this man. Mo Salah walks into it. Fabinho has had a better season than Kante too although Gundogan should take the 3rd midfield spot”

Credit: @ShakirSH35dv5e7

“I reckon Mo Salah could be THE most underrated player ever in the Premier League”

Credit: @Kjones1892

“The Salah agenda is real”

Credit: @GerrardEra

“No Salah, and Mount? What a clown”

Credit: @salim9081

In other news, Liverpool have received a potential major blow ahead of their clash with Man United. Read more here.

Relaying an announcement by the club, and one that arguably went under the radar on deadline day, Tottenham Hotspur journalist Alasdair Gold has lavished praise on a ‘great move’ for talented but barely-seen youngster J’Neil Bennett (Twitter).

The Lowdown: Bennett announcement made…

As confirmed by Tottenham, the 19-year-old has joined League One side Crewe Alexandra on loan until January, going out to gain some much-needed experience at senior level.

The teenager has featured just once for Spurs’ first team, making a brief nine-minute cameo in the Europa Conference League Qualifiers (Transfermarkt).

Now, Gold has heaped praise on this news as Tottenham allow Bennett to gain some valuable experience elsewhere.

The Latest: Gold praises ‘great move’…

Taking to Twitter, the Spurs journalist has lavished praise on both Bennett and Spurs whilst claiming this is a ‘great move’ for the youngster.

“One Spurs loan from the academy does get done tonight,” he explained on deadline day when sharing the announcement.

“Great move for J’Neil Bennett until January.

“The 19-year-old has got plenty of talent. Really looking forward to seeing what he can do with first team football.”

The Verdict: Exciting times for the Spurs academy…

Amid the plethora of young stars coming through in north London, including the likes of Nile John, Oliver Skipp and Dane Scarlett, it appears Tottenham may have even more on the horizon.

Bennett has been a regular in Spurs’ academy since the beginning of 2018/2019 but arguably needs to ply his trade at senior level to give Nuno Espirito Santo something to think about.

The left-winger could well thrive in England’s third tier as Tottenham seemingly continue to grow their brilliant crop of youngsters.

In other news: Spurs chiefs left seething over N17 exit gaffe as Alasdair Gold drops behind the scenes reveal, find out more here.