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According to The Daily Star, Antonio Conte has personally set his sights on a new top transfer target for Tottenham Hotspur.

The Lowdown: Conte wants backing…

Following his arrival in north London, an appointment which came with much promise given his record of winning silverware, much has been made of whether Spurs chairman Daniel Levy will back Conte to bring in fresh faces.

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The January transfer window saw both Dejan Kulusevski and Rodrigo Bentancur arrive from Juventus but moves for both Adama Traore and Luis Diaz were unceremoniously hijacked.

A mixed window puts much emphasis on the summer as pundits and fans alike urge Tottenham to give Conte what he needs.

The Latest: Levy pressured to ‘strike a £30 million deal’ for Botman

As per The Daily Star, the Italian has now set his sights on a new top target. According to their sources, Conte is ‘still to be convinced’ that Tottenham’s ‘hierarchy’ will back him.

This is apparently ‘cranking up the pressure’ on Spurs chiefs and chairman Daniel Levy to ‘strike a £30million deal’ to sign Lille star Sven Botman before Newcastle United, as they wish to ‘appease’ their manager.

The Italian is ‘demanding’ that Spurs sign Botman as an ‘absolute priority’ this summer, green-lighting a bid as he gives ‘his seal of approval’ to move for the 22-year-old.

The Verdict: Get it done…

One of the most highly sought-after left-footed central defenders in Europe, Spurs and Levy will face a battle to sign the Dutchman. However, for a reported £30m, Conte is certainly right to prioritise a swoop given just how brilliant Botman has been at the top level despite his tender age.

Already lauded as an ‘established Champions League player’ by pundit Noel Whelan, the defender has averaged more clearances per 90 in France than any Spurs regular has in the Premier League (prior to Lille’s clash with Lyon tonight), including the rejuvenated Eric Dier (WhoScored).

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He has also found a higher percentage of his passes to team-mates (87.7%) than Spurs’ entire defensive crop, highlighting his composure and maturity (WhoScored).

If Conte can win the race for Botman’s signature, there is no doubting that he would be a stellar capture.

In other news: ‘Worrying’…Insider shares what ‘in the know’ source is ‘reporting’ at Tottenham, find out more here.

Aston Villa were involved in one of the biggest transfer deals that the Premier League has ever seen during the previous summer transfer window when Jack Grealish made the move to Manchester City for a British record fee of £100m.

Understandably, not every player that leaves the Midlands club gets as much coverage as the former Villa captain got.

One player that left the club in recent years in a much more low-key affair that has gone under the radar is Andre Green, who was released as a free agent back in the 2020 summer transfer window.

As a product of Villa’s youth academy, the winger racked up 89 appearances across their U18, U23 and senior teams, scoring nine goals and providing nine assists along the way as well as having loan spells with Portsmouth, Preston North End and Charlton Athletic.

Described as a player that has “got ridiculous pace and goes past people like [Cristiano] Ronaldo used to,” by former Villa manager Tim Sherwood, the attacker ultimately never got his senior career at the club going.

A few months after leaving the Villans, Green joined Sheffield Wednesday in the 2021 January transfer window, only to leave in the summer after making just 15 appearances with no goals to his name.

Moving on from the Yorkshire club, the 23-year-old joined Slovakian club Slovan Bratislava in the summer, where he has made 26 appearances across all competitions, scoring ten goals and providing five assists in the process.

While it took him a fair amount of time to do so, it seems as though the Englishman has finally found his feet in Slovakia after failing to make a mark on British shores.

Taking into account how little he offered the club he started his career at in their first team, it’s safe to say that Wes Edens and Nassef Sawiris had a lucky escape and were right to let him go when they did, as he would have been nothing but a drain on the club’s finances if they kept loaning him out for more unsuccessful spells away from Villa Park.

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Moving forward, while the former youth prospect is seemingly having a good time at his current club, it seems unlikely that he will be making a return to the Midlands club in the future.

In other news: Lange plotting bargain AVFC swoop for “monstrous” £6m-rated gem, he’d be a big upgrade – opinion

While Leeds United have improved immeasurably since Andrea Radrizzani’s purchase of the club from Massimo Cellino back in 2016, there are nevertheless a number of scars that have been left on the Premier League side from the Italian’s disastrous two-year spell in control of the Whites.

And, while the vast majority of these are financial, there are also some very tangible transfer decisions made by the 65-year-old that are still haunting the club to this day, such as Cellino’s decision not to pay the £7m fee required to prise Michail Antonio away from Nottingham Forest back in 2015.

Cellino had a nightmare on Antonio

Indeed, since his move to West Ham United, the 31-year-old centre-forward has gone from strength to strength, becoming one of the most feared strikers in the Premier League due to his strength, speed and clinical nature in the final third.

All three of these traits have been prominent over his 28 top-flight appearances this season, with the £25m-rated hitman having bagged eight goals, registered seven assists and created seven big chances for his teammates, as well as taken an average of 2.4 shots and made 1.5 key passes per game.

These returns have seen the £69k-per-week forward average an extremely impressive SofaScore match rating of 7.04, ranking him as David Moyes’ fifth-best performer in the Premier League – playing a crucial role in the Hammers’ push to secure a top-four finish.

And, with Patrick Bamford having missed the best part of six months of the current campaign due to injury, something that has undoubtedly contributed towards Leeds finding themselves in the midst of a relegation scrap this season, it would very much appear as if the Whites could have used the services of the player who Rio Ferdinand dubbed “absolute fire” in leading their line.

However, it has not only been this season in which Antonio has been in excellent form for the Irons, with the Jamaica international having scored 58 goals and registered 36 assists over his 215 appearances for the East London outfit – a highly impressive feat considering the 31-year-old is a converted winger.

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As such, while hindsight is a wonderful thing, considering the fact that Cellino had the chance to land Antonio for just £7m back in 2015, it is clear for all to see that the Italian’s decision not to make a move for the centre-forward has cost Leeds greatly in the long-term.

AND in other news: Marsch can save Leeds millions with “massive” 18 y/o who could “be the next Van Dijk”

During his latest press conference, Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has shared some ‘really good’ news in the hours building up to the Magpies’ clash against Southampton.

The Lowdown: Howe’s tenure

Things got off to a rocky start when Eddie Howe arrived at the Tyneside club at the end of November. In his first six Premier League matches in charge, the Magpies lost four. It was at this time when fans were patiently waiting until January, when the new leadership could be unleashed upon the transfer market.

Newcastle were quick to act, bringing in five additions to bolster the squad’s options and boost its quality. As a result, Kieran Trippier, Chris Wood, Bruno Guimaraes, Dan Burn and Matt Targett all arrived at St. James’ Park.

Following on from this, Newcastle have seen a drastic change in their results. In their last eight league games, the Magpies have picked up 18 points.

The Latest: Howe’s news…

Ahead of Newcastle’s away fixture to Southampton, Howe took to his press conference to confirm the team news, revealing some ‘really good’ information.

As quoted by Chris Waugh, of The Athletic, Howe claimed:

“Nothing new of major concern. We have a few niggles. Matt Ritchie has returned to training, which is a really good thing.”

This comes after the Scot was spotted in training this week, so we can safely assume he is now an option for the boss against Southampton.

The Verdict: Boost for NUFC

This follows Ritchie sustainment of a knee injury in January’s shock FA Cup defeat to Cambridge United.

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This news will come as a boost to the Newcastle squad, as they are set to enter a congested schedule, where they will undertake three games in a seven-day period.

The 32-year-old, who has featured for the Magpies 186 times, will bring a calming and experienced presence to the side, even if only as a rotational option in a hectic flurry of games.

In other news: Newcastle United: Magpies agree fee for first summer signing

Jesse Marsch could bring CF Montreal midfielder Djordje Mihailovic to Leeds United in the summer transfer window, according to journalist Dean Jones.

The Lowdown: Mihailovic impressing in MLS

The 23-year-old American has made a name for himself in MLS, catching the eye with his creativity in the middle of the park.

Mihailovic has registered 16 assists in just 41 appearances for Montreal, not to mention chipping in with five goals for good measure.

Wirth Marsch now in charge at Leeds, it could be that the American looks to bring in some compatriots this summer, with Brenden Aaronson one such player who has been linked with a move to Yorkshire.

[freshpress-quiz id=“383507″]

The Latest: Journalist talks up American signings

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Jones claimed that he could easily see American players making their way to Elland Road in the near future, with Mihailovic tipped to join the Whites recently.

The journalist stated: “It wouldn’t surprise me if they signed one from MLS because of the way that the club is being built. But I don’t think they foresee that as a path to success right now.”

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The Verdict: Strong summer addition

Mihailovic may be unproven in European football but he has arguably done enough to show that he could be a shrewd potential signing by Marsch in the summer window.

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His aforementioned goals and assists tally speaks for itself and he plays in an area of the pitch where Leeds are arguably lacking currently, with Mateusz Klich their most creative midfielder in the Premier League this season with just two assists.

At 23, Mihailovic would also be a player who can mature into a formidable midfielder under Marsch, rather than being a short-term fix.

In other news, a Premier League club have been linked with a move for a Leeds star. Read more here.

Paddy Kenny has claimed that Tottenham Hotspur now have ‘every chance’ of signing Paulo Dybala in the summer.

The Lowdown: Dybala will leave

As per Italian football journalist and transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, Dybala will now leave Juventus as a free agent this summer, as he is ‘not happy’ with the contract proposals that the Old Lady are offering him.

He will now ‘open talks’ with other clubs, and Spurs are thought to be one of the teams that are strongly interested in his signature.

The Latest: Kenny reacts

Speaking to Football Insider, former Leeds United and Premier League goalkeeper Kenny has since given his reaction to the news, and the 43-year-old has claimed that the North London club now have ‘every chance’ of signing Dybala:

“Tottenham have every chance of signing Dybala, there are clearly good links with Juve and Spurs.

“There is just one thing that worries me. Look at what happened in January.

“Spurs went for these players, Traore and Diaz. They went to Barcelona and Liverpool instead.

“So there are other clubs who could sign these players ahead of Tottenham.

“But you look at the players Tottenham did sign, two of them from Juventus.

“Conte was at Juve as well so if he stays at Tottenham then maybe he can convince Dybala to join.

“What a statement that would be, by the way, he’s a brilliant player and one Tottenham would love to have.”

The Verdict: Exciting

These are certainly exciting times for the Lilywhites faithful, as they could now stand a realistic chance in signing a top, top player in Dybala, even better for no transfer fee.

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THFC have already negotiated deals with Juve to bring in both Dejan Kulusevski and Rodrigo Bentancur in the January transfer window, and of course Fabio Paratici used to be their Managing Director.

Thus, the clubs should be on good terms, and Dybala is another player who could make the switch.

Nonetheless, he would be such a good coup, given what he has won, and his overall pedigree in the game.

In other news, find out which Tottenham target surely impressed Daniel Levy on international duty here!

West Ham United are interested in a deal to bring Nikola Milenkovic to the London Stadium in the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Italian publication Corriere Fiorentino (via Sport Witness), who claim that, after failing to land the centre-back last summer, David Moyes is once again plotting a move for the ACF Fiorentina defender at the end of the current campaign.

The report goes on to state that the Hammers are currently leading the race to sign the 24-year-old, who is believed to be open to a move away from the Artemio Franchi Stadium this summer, as the Serbia international is keen to join a side who are competing in European competition next season.

Moyes can axe Diop with Milenkovic

With Craig Dawson turning 32 and Angelo Ogbonna turning 34 in May, as well as the Italian sustaining an ACL injury last November, in addition to Issa Diop having failed to live up to initial expectations following his £22m signing back in 2018, it is easy to understand why Moyes would be interested in a move for Milenkovic this summer.

Indeed, over his 25 Serie A appearances so far this season, the £20.7m-rated defender has been in imperious form in the heart of the Fiorentina backline, helping his side keep five clean sheets, as well as making an average of 1.3 interceptions, 1.6 tackles, 3.1 clearances, 54.9 passes and winning 5.5 duels – at a success rate of 69% – per game.

These returns have seen the £75k-per-week Serbian who Sacha Pisani dubbed a “beast” average an extremely impressive SofaScore match rating of 7.04, ranking him as Vincenzo Italiano’s third-best performer in the top flight of Italian football.

In comparison, over Diop’s 11 Premier League outings this term, the £10.8m-rated centre-back has been in rather less impressive form, helping his side keep just two clean sheets, in addition to making an average of 0.5 interceptions, 0.8 tackles, three clearances and winning 2.4 duels – at a success rate of 53% – per fixture.

These returns have seen the £67k-per-week Frenchman who Toby Cudworth dubbed “shocking” average an extremely disappointing SofaScore match rating of just 6.64, ranking him as Moyes’ sixth-worst player in the division.

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As such, with Diop having been linked with a move away from east London this summer, it would appear extremely wise for Moyes to cash in on the 25-year-old while the interest is there, before subsequently reinvesting the funds received from the former French youth international’s sale into a move for the player who Dejan Stankovic claimed is “better than Vidic.”

AND in other news: West Ham handed huge boost in race for £17m Haaland alternative, he’s a goal “machine”

Manchester United are now leading the race for a “world-class” star, and they are prepared to make a huge bid in the January transfer window.

Man Utd keen to strengthen attacking options in January

There was certainly no shortage of attacking quality on show at Old Trafford on Monday night, with Man United drawing 4-4 in a thriller against AFC Bournemouth, and Bruno Fernandes continued his fantastic form.

Indeed, the Portugal international bagged his fifth Premier League goal of the season, while also registering his seventh assist, but he now finds himself in a difficult position, with his recent comments leaving the United hierarchy ‘frustrated’.

Fernandes suggested he felt he was being forced to move to Saudi Arabia, which hasn’t gone down well, although there are no plans to sell him anytime soon.

With the 31-year-old playing in a slightly deeper role this season, Mason Mount has been utlised further forward, but the Red Devils are now looking to sign a new attacker, with Ruben Amorim clearly keen to deepen his attacking options.

According to a report from Spain, Man Untied have now taken the lead in the race for AFC Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo, whose £65m release clause becomes active in the January transfer window.

United are prepared to spend big to get a deal over the line next month, despite his release clause dropping in the summer, as they look to beat the likes of Manchester City, Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur to his signature.

The Red Devils’ sporting directors have taken a liking to the Ghanaian due to his versatility, while he has also displayed a keen eye for goal in the Premier League this season…

"World-class" Semenyo tearing it up in the Premier League

The London-born forward is the joint-third top scorer in the Premier League this term, having already scored seven goals, most recently finding the back of the net in the Cherries’ 4-4 draw at Old Trafford.

Related Man Utd open talks to sign "magnificent" star who's been compared to Yaya

He’s one for the future.

Posts 1 ByTom Cunningham

Lauded as “world-class” by teammate Justin Kluivert, the signing of the 25-year-old has also been endorsed by United legend Rio Ferdinand.

Man United opted to recruit proven Premier League players in the summer, signing Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, and the latter has made a flying start to life at Old Trafford, chipping in with seven goals and one assist in all competitions.

Subscribe to the newsletter for transfer market insight Get transfer-market clarity—subscribe to the newsletter for expert breakdowns of Premier League targets, release clauses, tactical fits and club strategy, offering focused coverage of Semenyo, United and similar transfer stories. Subscribe Subscribe to the newsletter for transfer market insight Get transfer-market clarity—subscribe to the newsletter for expert breakdowns of Premier League targets, release clauses, tactical fits and club strategy, offering focused coverage of Semenyo, United and similar transfer stories.

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Semenyo could be a similar type of signing for United, given his exploits with Bournemouth this season, and the Red Devils should shell out the £65m next month, rather than waiting until the summer, at which point a rival Premier League club could swoop in.

West Ham are in desperate need of a striker following Niclas Fullkrug’s loan move to AC Milan, and they’ve now been handed a chance to sign one.

The 32-year-old, who scored just three goals in 29 total appearances for the Hammers before his Rossoneri switch, will go down as one of the club’s worst striker signings in recent memory.

Signed by former technical director Tim Steidten, who talked up Fullkrug as the perfect striker for West Ham, his stay at the London Stadium was eventually marred by repeated and long-term injury problems.

The German could never quite display his best in Claret and Blue, having been dealt very unlucky cards when it came to his own fitness, but now the search is on for Fullkrug’s replacement.

Related West Ham now looking at signing Chelsea striker in 'odd' development

There’s been a fresh report this morning.

Posts ByEmilio Galantini

A host of number nines have been linked with moves to east London in the last week alone, including Coventry City duo Hadji Wright and Ellis Simms, as Nuno Espírito Santo reportedly prioritises strikers with English football experience (ExWHUemployee).

This explains their interest in Wolves’ Jorgen Strand Larsen, who was subject to an approach from West Ham recently, according to the reliable David Ornstein.

Strand Larsen is believed to be open to the West Ham move, but Wolves’ £45 million asking price represents a significant barrier in negotiations.

Chelsea’s Marc Guiu has also emerged as a West Ham target this week, but given he’s already swapped clubs twice this season, the Spaniard cannot join until next summer.

Nuno isn’t completely averse to signing strikers outside of England, though, with Viktoria Plzen’s Rafiu Durosinmi believed to be on the club’s shortlist if they decide to pursue options from abroad (ExWHUemployee).

Another intriguing opportunity could be Roma’s Artem Dovbyk, who ended 2023/2024 as La Liga’s top scorer when Girona briefly contended for the title.

West Ham 'offered' Artem Dovbyk as Roma tell him to leave in January

Dovbyk signed for Roma from Girona in the summer of 2024 following an historic season.

The 28-year-old fired the Catalan club to Champions League qualification, with Dovbyk’s physical presence and clinical finishing making him one of Spanish football’s most coveted strikers at the time.

However, things have not worked out as planned since his move to Italy.

Dovbyk has struggled for continuity and his impact has fallen well short of the expectations generated by his explosive performances in Spain.

The lack of confidence from manager Gian Piero Gasperini has marked his brief tenure in Rome, and the club’s sporting director has informed Dovbyk’s representatives to find a new club next month.

As a result, the Ukraine international is now available in January after falling out of favour at the Serie A club.

Follow West Ham’s striker hunt – subscribe to the newsletter Subscribing to the newsletter delivers in-depth transfer coverage and clear analysis of West Ham’s striker hunt and related market moves, so you can track plausible targets, valuation issues and realistic club options. Subscribe Follow West Ham’s striker hunt – subscribe to the newsletter Subscribing to the newsletter delivers in-depth transfer coverage and clear analysis of West Ham’s striker hunt and related market moves, so you can track plausible targets, valuation issues and realistic club options.

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That is according to reports from Spain, which explain that West Ham have been ‘offered’ the chance to sign Dovbyk this winter.

West Ham, Everton and Sunderland have all received ‘detailed reports’ about the striker ‘in recent days’, with the Premier League trio seriously considering a mid-season deal.

The competition for his signature means West Ham cannot afford to delay if they decide to pursue the deal seriously.

Roma want quick resolution to allow them to reshape their own squad before the window closes, and the Italian club are ready to green-light a loan or ‘low-cost’ transfer given the circumstances.

For Dovbyk, the opportunity to salvage his season with a Premier League move holds obvious appeal. He turns 29 next year, and cannot afford to waste another six months of his career on Roma’s fringes.

Related "Could happen" – Player admits he may join West Ham as agent works on transfer

He’s made a January admission.

Posts ByEmilio Galantini

After first approaching him in the middle of last season, Everton have finally confirmed the arrival of former Watford manager Marco Silva as their new manager following the departure of Sam Allardyce.

The Portuguese boss, who measures up at 5ft 11in, will attempt to oversee a more successful season at Goodison Park next time around and try to avoid the instability that saw Ronald Koeman sacked mid-season after a heavy summer of investment before firefighter Sam Allardyce was brought in to ensure that the Toffees didn’t get relegated.

In reality, the Merseysiders were never in any grave danger of relegation but it was still a season to forget for their fans and the exact opposite of how their nouveau-riche regime was supposed to kick off.

That has only served to stoke the excitement, also fuelled by the months of build-up and anticipation and the fact that Allardyce was a deeply unpopular figure at Goodison Park.

We’ve taken a closer look at the most optimistic of the reaction to Silva’s appointment on a three-year contract…

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