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Writing on Twitter, sharing his piece for football.london, reliable correspondent Alasdair Gold has listed the Tottenham Hotspur players who ‘could be sold’ this summer as part of a rebuild – with winger Erik Lamela making the list.

The Lowdown: Servant to Spurs…

Lamela signed for Spurs as a member of ‘The Magnificent Seven’ brought in to replace Gareth Bale after he completed his sensational £85 million move to Spanish giants Real Madrid in 2013.

Since then, the Argentine has stood out as the longest serving member of that player influx and has gone to make 257 appearances for Spurs in all competitions (Transfermarkt).

He has scored 37 goals and has assisted his teammates 47 times over this period (Transfermarkt), but a combination of disciplinary issues and a poor injury record have somewhat marred his stay in north London.

The Latest: Lamela ‘could be sold’…

Spurs need to adopt a sell-to-buy policy in a difficult market, especially considering their documented financial troubles, and Gold has revealed that Lamela ‘could be sold’ this summer.

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Dele Alli, Lucas Moura, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Moussa Sissoko, Juan Foyth, Harry Winks, Serge Aurier and a centre-back could also be offloaded, according to the football.london journalist.

Lamela is apparently a ‘popular figure’ within Tottenham and ‘loves’ the club himself, but his fairly lofty salary combined with a lack of Premier League starts this season could mean his eight-year stay in the English capital may be coming to an end.

The Verdict: Time to go…

There have been points over 2020/2021 where Lamela showcased his true quality, most notably the sensational rabona against Arsenal during Spurs’ 2-1 north London derby loss.

However, during that same game, the 29-year-old was sent off for a second yellow card after aggressively fending off Kieran Tierney – perhaps summing up his Tottenham career overall.

It’s no doubt that the Argentine can turn it on, as evident by former Spurs goalkeeper Paul Robinson calling him a ‘fantastic player’ earlier this season (Football Insider), but it may be time for Lamela to be shown the door.

In other news: Spurs could now be offered this ‘phenomenal player’ for Kane, find out more here.

Portsmouth manager Danny Cowley is making a shrewd decision as it has been revealed that the club are not looking to sign QPR right-back Todd Kane this summer.

What’s the talk?

London Football News had reported that Portsmouth were one of the clubs trying to sign Kane from QPR. Sunderland and Charlton were also named in the report, with Kane set for an exit from the London-based club in the upcoming transfer window after losing his place in the starting XI earlier this year.

Hampshire Live have cleared up the situation by revealing that Kane is not a player Portsmouth have on their list at the moment.

Whilst Pompey are pursuing the market in search of potential additions to their squad for the 2021/22 campaign, Kane is not one of the players they are considering. It remains to be seen whether or not Charlton and Sunderland’s interest in the defender is genuine or not.

Shrewd call

Kane’s performances in the Championship in the past three seasons have been dismal. In three campaigns for Hull and QPR, Kane highest average WhoScored rating was 6.52. In 2018/19, he averaged a score of 6.48 in 39 appearances for Hull, before dropping to a shocking 6.33 in 32 games for QPR.

His best score came in the season just gone, averaging a score of 6.52 in 28 games, which shows how low of a bar he has set himself since leaving Chelsea in 2019. QPR dropped Kane to deploy Osman Kaykay at right-back as they clearly felt he was not performing at a high enough level to start for them.

Pompey already have Callum Johnson in their squad going into next season. The 24-year-old started 37 of Portsmouth’s games at right-back in League One, recording a solid WhoScored rating of 6.76. Johnson has also been able to fill in at wing-back and centre-back, showing off his versatility to go along with his steady displays at right-back for Cowley’s side. 26-year-old James Bolton has also been able to provide back-up and competition to Johnson.

Therefore, Cowley is making a shrewd call by not pursuing Kane, who is on £7k-per-week at QPR. Kane’s statistics at QPR and Hull do not suggest that he is a good performer at Championship level and that is the division Pompey should be aiming to get to.

Portsmouth will need players who have the quality to shine in League One with the potential to play in a higher tier and Kane has already proven that he does not have the latter. At the age of 27, it is unlikely that he will be able to improve much further beyond his current level, so it is a good call by Portsmouth to avoid this move.

AND in other news, Pompey could be heading for disaster as 14-goal star could leave

Manchester City fans are far from happy with Sergio Aguero’s father Leonel del Castillo after comments he made about Pep Guardiola.

Aguero recently left the Citizens after a 10-spell at the Etihad Stadium. His performances at the club have made him a legend – he netted 260 goals in 390 games for City (Transfermarkt), becoming their highest-ever goalscorer in the process (mancity.com), while his last-minute goal against QPR to win the 2011/2012 Premier League title will be forever etched into the memory of the supporters.

At 33, he has departed for pastures new, and his exit from City was met with tears by Guardiola.

However, Aguero’s father does not believe the manager, questioning his integrity. Not only that, he suggested Guardiola only cares about himself and was not interested in winning the Champions League and instead wants to be the protagonist.

The comments were shared on Twitter by @City_Xtra, and they attracted plenty of attention from the fans. They took to the social media platform to share their thoughts.

Let’s see what the fans had to say about the comments on Guardiola below

“can he relax”

Credit: @kunsologist

“Muppet”

Credit: @bobwright56

“He never wanted the UCL?!? C’mon man”

Credit: @Feeezy

“Aguero is a grown man. Why is his father talking like a parent complains against the class teacher? Geez. Parents should not come to workplace.”

Credit: @oddity1912

“Kuns legacy being ripped apart by his family first his brother and now his dad”

Credit: @WOKENimAndrewB

“Never understand why people do these interviews. It only comes across bitter and doesn’t achieve anything. Pep clearly valued Aguero and if anything elevated his game to even higher level. Moving him on for a younger striker isn’t an insult, esp. now he’s at Barca.”

Credit: @jparkes1991

In other news, Man City fans are livid at this transfer report.

Crystal Palace are poised to make a bid for Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher as the summer transfer window approaches.

What’s the story?

With Palace still to appoint a successor to Roy Hodgson, chairman Steve Parish is overseeing a major squad rebuild, and Gallagher could be the first addition, according to The Sun.

A £15 million offer is set to be tabled by the south London outfit, although the report claims that the England U21 international is keen on staying and fighting for his place at Stamford Bridge.

Palace need him

The 21-year-old impressed throughout a season-long loan at West Bromwich Albion in 2020/21 and has attracted the attention of several top-flight sides in recent weeks.

Gallagher made 30 Premier League appearances for the Baggies last season, scoring two goals and laying on a further two assists but was unable to prevent Sam Allardyce’s side from suffering relegation.

However, his overall performances boosted his reputation considerably, and Palace are thought to see the youngster as someone who can play a pivotal part in their engine room for years to come.

Central midfielders James McCarthy and James McArthur are set to depart Selhurst Park at the end of the month when their contracts expire, meaning fresh legs will be needed ahead of the new campaign.

The report goes on to claim that the capital club could be aided in their pursuit of Gallagher if either Frank Lampard or Swansea City manager Steve Cooper are appointed as Hodgson’s replacement in the coming weeks.

Lampard has experience of managing the box-to-box midfielder during his time at Chelsea, while Cooper has done so in the England youth set-up.

That isn’t the only connection between Gallagher and the former Blues boss, though, after ex-West Brom tactician Slaven Bilic addressed comparisons between the pair.
“It isn’t going to help the boy to have so much praise, and I’m not a big fan of that, but you can’t help but notice it,” Bilic said on the Lampard comparison.

“He ticks those boxes. He plays in the same position, he has everything, and it’s not a little bit of everything, it’s a lot of everything.”

Bringing in Gallagher would be seen as a significant coup by Parish this summer. Palace need the youngster with players leaving and his arrival could help to retain their Premier League status next season.

And, in other news…Worse than Nuno: Palace must avoid potential Hodgson successor with 42.51% win record 

A number of Liverpool supporters have been laughing at rivals Manchester United, following claims that they tried to bring Ibrahima Konate to Old Trafford.

The Reds have made a positive start to their summer transfer business, signing Konate from RB Leipzig last month, in what looks an exciting move.

The young Frenchman is seen as a centre-back with huge potential and the hope is that he can be a top player for many years to come at Anfield.

It has been claimed by Anfield Central that United contacted Konate over a move to Old Trafford, only to find out that he had already agreed personal terms with Liverpool.

In many ways, it sums up the contrast in how both clubs are run currently, with the Reds mostly getting their business done smoothly and United often flattering to deceive, leading to the departure of Ed Woodward.

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Liverpool fans mock Man United

These Reds fans took to Twitter (via LFC Transfer Room) to mock their bitter rivals, having beaten them to the signing of Konate.

“Ha ha ha”

Credit: @possibilities86

“It’s happened again”

Credit: @ciangarrehy24

“It’s VVD’s episode all over again”

Credit: @DarthMaulVII

“Things you absolutely love to see”

Credit: @ZK_Sim

“United finished on and off the pitch”

Credit: @Ctsthtat01

“Ooops!”

Credit: @olori_lfc

In other news, some Liverpool fans are delighted after a key update regarding one Reds player. Find out who it is here. 

According to a report by Italian news outlet La Gazzetta dello Sport, via Sport Witness, West Ham United are in the ‘front row’ to sign Juventus ace Aaron Ramsey alongside Crystal Palace.

The Lowdown: Ramsey shining for Wales…

The midfielder has endured a mixed few seasons in Italy since his move to Turin from Arsenal, suffering consistent injury issues and playing a somewhat bit-part role.

Ramsey, however, has been shining for Wales on the international stage lately and starred during their 2-0 victory over Turkey in the group stage on Wednesday afternoon.

He bagged the opening goal for Rob Page’s side and really impressed alongside fellow star man Gareth Bale (Wales Online).

The Latest: West Ham now in ‘front row’ for player

West Ham, as explained by La Gazzetta, are ‘in the front row’ for Ramsey alongside Premier League competitors Crystal Palace.

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It is also claimed that the Irons have ‘already moved to test the waters’, presumably meaning an enquiry of some kind has been made.

The outlet is in full belief that Ramsey will definitely leave Juventus this summer with his time ‘coming to an end’.

Juventus, however, may face a battle to offload given his €7 million-per-year (£6 million) salary – which roughly translates to around €134,000-per-week (£115,000).

The Verdict: Bigger priorities…

There are three non-negotiable West Ham positions which need strengthening this summer.

Indeed, the club’s priorities should certainly be a permanent deal for Jesse Lingard, a new centre-back and, last but certainly not least, the long overdue acquisition of a star centre-forward.

Other positions arguably take less precedent and swooping for Ramsey would still be a huge gamble regardless of his form at international level.

Sol Campbell, speaking to talkSPORT after Ramsey’s performance against Turkey, called him a ‘top, top class player’ – but we believe he isn’t top class enough for West Ham to prioritise this summer given his injury record.

In other news: ‘I’m hearing’…McAvennie makes major transfer claim involving reported West Ham target, find out more here.

Liverpool midfielder Thiago has hinted that he is unhappy playing a deep-lying midfield role for the Reds, wanting more freedom in the middle of the park. 

The Lowdown: Thiago key for Reds

The 30-year-old joined Liverpool from Bayern Munich last September in what looked like a hugely exciting signing at the time.

Thiago took time to settle at Anfield, partly due to injuries, but by the end of the campaign, he was arguably one of the Reds’ best players.

The Spaniard was often used in a number six role by Jurgen Klopp, allowing him to sit deep and dictate games with his playmaking brilliance.

The Latest: Superstar hints at unhappiness

It appears as though Thiago wants more attacking freedom, however, after he told L’Equipe [via Sport Witness] that he likes playing as a number 10. He said:

“I would say it (his ability to create) has been more limited because of a positional issue.

“If I play number 6 instead of number 10, I’ll have less room to manoeuvre, less freedom to dribble, because I’ll have to take fewer risks.

“In the history of football, strikers have always been admired more than defenders. Because a defender can’t make a mistake, unlike the striker (who can try harder).

“So, for me, it’s a question of position.”

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The Verdict: No major issue

Not too much should be made of Thiago’s remarks, with the Spain international very much a team player who is happy to do what is best for Liverpool.

That being said, it seems fairly clear where he enjoys playing most, and there are occasions when his guile could be most devastating when he is let off the leash.

Thiago’s versatility can only be a good thing for Klopp and Liverpool, though, allowing him to excel across two different positions.

In other news, Liverpool are believed to be interested in signing a prolific attacking player this summer. Read more here. 

An update has emerged on Sunderland transfer target Owen Dale, regarding Portsmouth’s interest in his services.

What’s the talk?

The Sun journalist Alan Nixon has reported that Portsmouth are set to join the race for Crewe Alexandra winger Owen Dale if they sell Ronan Curtis before the end of the transfer window. Nixon has also stated that fellow League One outfits Wycombe and Ipswich are out of the running for financial reasons.

Earlier this summer, Football Insider claimed that Sunderland are one of a number of clubs eyeing up the attacker following his impressive season for Crewe. He is under contract at the League One club until the summer of 2022 after a 12-month extension clause was triggered by the club this year.

Johnson needs him

Sunderland sporting director Kristjaan Speakman must sanction a swoop for Dale this summer because Lee Johnson needs him. The Black Cats boss was working with a squad bereft of regular goalscorers last season, with Charlie Wyke the only player who managed more than five goals excluding penalties.

This suggests that Speakman bringing in a wide player who can contribute with goals could be a major boost to the former Bristol City head coach.

If Pompey are waiting to cash in on Curtis before moving for Dale then that could give Speakman a window of opportunity to make his move.

The Wearside chief could swiftly wrap up a deal before Danny Cowley is even able to think about using any money from the Irishman’s exit to swoop for him.

Dale could be exactly what Johnson needs. The 22-year-old provided the League One outfit with 13 direct goal involvements last season, including 11 goals and two assists. Last year, his Crewe boss Dave Artell hailed him as being “very brave” and praised how ambitious he is with what he tries to do on the pitch. 

He told Cheshire Live:

“He is very brave. He is physically brave in terms of he wants to head the ball and he is not afraid of tackling and all that. But he is actually brave in what he tries to do, he is ambitious.

“When he reflects, sometimes he is very critical of himself and beats himself up about it. But he is trying things that a lot of people don’t see or can’t do. Well, that’s alright.

“There is a consistency element, the right time and the right place.”

This shows that the wing wizard could be a terrific signing for Sunderland solve a key problem for Johnson next season.

He could be the player to provide a regular goal threat from the wide positions, to supplement the strikers and give teams something else to think about instead of just worrying about Charlie Wyke or whoever else may be the number nine at the Stadium of Light.

AND in other news, Speakman dealt huge transfer blow over “fantastic” 21 G/A gem, SAFC fans surely gutted…

West Brom’s board will try and back new manager Valerien Ismael this transfer window, journalist Luke Hatfield has told The Transfer Tavern.

Ismael was appointed as West Brom boss at the end of last month and has already got to work in the market, with Alex Mowatt, who he managed at Barnsley, set to be playing his football at The Hawthorns this upcoming season.

On a free transfer, Mowatt looks like he could be a very good signing after scoring eight goals and providing seven assists from midfield in the last Championship campaign.

Ismael’s work is unlikely to be done there, though, with the 45-year-old set to be fully backed, according to Hatfield.

“The Albion board will try and back him with what they can in terms of funds,” the Express & Star journalist said.

“How much money he’s going to have in his budget is another question, but I think they’re excited by what they saw from Ismael at Barnsley.”

Indeed, even if he was not their first choice, it is easy to see why owner Guochuan Lai and the rest of the West Brom board have a lot of belief in Ismael. On a very low budget, the Frenchman was able to guide Barnsley to the play-offs last season.

It’s ‘likely’ that Newcastle United will be offered the chance to sign long-term transfer target Andrea Belotti on a cut-price deal, according to Chronicle Live journalist Lee Ryder.

The lowdown

The 27-year-old has been a prolific striker for Serie A club Torino, scoring 105 goals in 228 appearances and finishing third in the race for the league’s Golden Boot in 2016/17. He’s currently on Euro 2020 duty with semi-finalists Italy as a back-up to favoured centre-forward Ciro Immobile.

Belotti has now entered the final year of his contract at Torino, who will be wary of the risk that he leaves on a free transfer next summer.

Former Torino boss Davide Nicola has labelled him a ‘unique’ forward and a ‘great finisher’.

The latest

Ryder says that Newcastle have long ‘kept tabs’ on Belotti, who was ‘scouted before [the] pandemic’.

The 27-year-old’s contract contains an £85m release clause, but Torino are now thought to have slashed their demands to £29m with less than 12 months left on the deal, a 66% reduction in his asking price. [Chronicle Live]

However, Ryder expresses doubt as to whether Newcastle will take up the opportunity to bring him in. With transfer funds in ‘short supply’ and the club shrouded in a ‘veil of uncertainty’, it may not be realistic. [Chronicle Live]

The verdict

Belotti will surely have no shortage of suitors at that price tag, and a move to a Premier League club could leave Newcastle pondering what might have been.

If this deal had been available 12 months ago, you’d have been urging the club to pounce. However, the £20m addition of the prolific Callum Wilson means that the centre-forward position is no longer a transfer priority, and even if Bruce wanted to play two up top, it would be sensible to use an in-house option for the moment and invest in improving the squad elsewhere.

In other news, could this be when Newcastle learn their arbitration result?