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Fresh off the back of two dismal 3-0 defeats at Old Trafford, Manchester United found solace on the road with a narrow, 1-0 victory over Fulham in the Premier League this afternoon, as Bruno Fernandes struck a late blow at Craven Cottage.

That well-placed strike from the Portuguese playmaker in stoppage time may well have papered over the cracks of another limp showing from Erik ten Hag's men, in truth, with the Red Devils hardly inspiring much confidence for much of the 90-plus minutes.

As such, despite the end result, the former Ajax boss will need to reflect on the overall performance from his side on the day, with £86m man, Antony, among the worst performers yet again in his right-wing berth.

Antony's game vs Fulham in numbers

It remains frankly head-scratching that United forked out such a sizeable fee for a player who seemingly offers nothing in an attacking sense, with another game going by in which the 23-year-old failed to score or register an assist.

With no goal contributions to his name in all competitions this season – as well as just four goals and two assists in the Premier League in total since the start of last season – it beggars belief that Ten Hag continues to select such a misfiring asset week-in, week-out.

While options on the right flank are limited, the one-time Sao Paulo man must find himself ditched moving forward following an "abysmal" performance – according to journalist Samuel Luckhurst – having been hooked after 63 minutes after making few inroads in attack.

The one-footed enigma notably failed to provide a single key pass and completed just one of his four attempted dribbles, while defensively he was also rather suspect, having been branded "pathetic" by TNT Sports pundit Jermaine Jenas in commentary for failing to prevent his compatriot, Willian, from firing at goal in the first half.

His replacement, by contrast, made the most of his limited time on the pitch, with Facundo Pellistri having arguably been Ten Hag's "unsung hero" on the day and now "needs to start games ahead of the woeful Antony", according to Forbes' Sam Pilger.

Facundo Pellistri's stats vs Fulham

As Statman Dave noted on Twitter, the young Uruguayan made a "big difference" after entering the fray off the bench, having even gone close to getting himself on the scoresheet after seeing his weak-foot attempt saved by Bernd Leno at the near post.

While the 5 foot 9 gamechanger was unable to open up his scoring tally for United, he did register a first Premier League assist after teeing up Fernandes for the game's decisive goal, having initially shown real endeavour and fight down the right flank in the build-up to that clincher.

Aside from that stunning contribution, the former Penarol ace did only make 15 touches in total – while also committing two fouls – yet there was enough there for both Ten Hag and supporters to be encouraged by moving forward.

As someone who arguably "offers more than Antony", Pellistri now seemingly just "needs a proper run in the team" – in the words of journalist Jay Motty – having thus far played second fiddle to his fellow South American over the past 18 months or so.

On the evidence of today's showing, however, it must well be time for Antony to be ruthlessly dropped moving forward, with a change in attack needed if United's frontline are to start truly firing this season.

Real Bedford FC (RBFC) has secured a significant Bitcoin investment of $4.5 million from Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss, the Crypto billionaires.

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• Real Bedford FC get new co-owners
• Winklevoss Capital makes a massive investment
• Gemini was already sponsoring Bedford since 2022

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The acquisition of RBFC by podcaster Peter McCormack in 2021 marked a pivotal moment for the club, currently in the ninth tier of English football. With aspirations to elevate RBFC to the prestigious Premier League, McCormack's vision has now received a substantial boost with the Winklevoss twins stepping in as co-owners post-investment. Their vision closely resembles that of Ryan Reynolds & Rob McElhenney's vision at Wrexham who are striving to qualify for the English top flight within the next few years after stellar performances in League Two this season.

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  Gemini commenced its sponsorship of RBFC in January 2022, marking the beginning of a transformative partnership. The infusion of capital from Winklevoss Capital will fuel various initiatives aimed at advancing the club's infrastructure and community engagement efforts. Plans include the development of a state-of-the-art training centre, the launch of a football academy to nurture emerging talent, and continued support for girls' and youth football programs. Furthermore, RBFC disclosed intentions to establish a "Bitcoin treasury" to underpin the club's long-term objectives, signalling a pioneering approach to financial management in the sports industry.

• WHAT WINKLEVOSS SAID

  “We share in Peter’s deep conviction in Bitcoin and its ability to supercharge RBFC’s quest to make it into the Premier League," he said.

  His brother added: "We’re not just investing in a football club. We’re investing in a dream to bring Premier League football to Bedford."

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• DID YOU KNOW?

  Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss famously clashed with Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg over the origins of the social media platform during their time at Harvard University. The ensuing legal battle culminated in a settlement that awarded the twins $20 million (£16 million) in cash and shares of Facebook.

  Beyond their legal endeavours, the Winklevoss brothers have amassed considerable wealth through their extensive Bitcoin holdings and the establishment of Gemini, a cryptocurrency exchange platform akin to a stock exchange for digital assets. However, their journey with Gemini has encountered challenges, including a recent directive to refund over $1 billion (£800 million) to customers due to issues with a discontinued lending program and regulatory fines for lapses in safety practices.

Leeds United could be involved in a familiar tale at Elland Road as one of their players is being lined up for a loan exit in January, according to recent reports.

Leeds United's new era under Daniel Farke

Despite suffering relegation last term amid a backdrop of uncertainty at Elland Road, Leeds United have reacted superbly to life in the Sky Bet Championship as Daniel Farke continues to put his stamp on the Yorkshire-based outfit. Winning nine and drawing four of their opening 16 matches in the English second-tier, the Whites sit third in the league standings and have put themselves in contention for promotion to the Premier League at the first time of asking.

Nevertheless, Ipswich Town hold an eight-point advantage over Leeds United in the hunt for automatic access to the riches of the Premier League and Farke's men will need to put together an imperious run of form to catch the Tractor Boys. Part of the precariousness that surrounded Leeds United heading into 2023/24 was down to the sheer number of players that left the club in the summer, either on a loan basis or permanently.

In particular, some of the loan departures caused some debate among the Elland Road faithful, who weren't all keen to see some of their best assets leave the building not long after the club spent considerable money to acquire their services in the first place.

Now, the mood has changed due to Farke's sterling work in the transfer market, which has helped to adequately replace some of those who chose to seek refuge elsewhere. However, they could be about to embark on a familiar tale, according to a fresh report involving one of their players.

Lazio eye Wilfried Gnonto loan deal

According to Calcio Style, Lazio are keen on Leeds United attacker Wilfried Gnonto and could look to enact an initial loan deal with a potential option to activate a buyout clause for the Italy international in the summer for a fee totalling around €15 million. The report states that Gnonto would be open to a move elsewhere and is looking around for alternative destinations as he seeks to perform at the highest level possible.

Once labelled "special" by former Leeds United boss Jesse Marsch, Gnonto has endured a frustrating time of things this term for his current employers, registering one goal and a solitary assist in 11 appearances across all competitions (Gnonto statistics – Transfermarkt).

Despite this, the Verbania-born forward has managed to record an average of 1.1 shots taken and 1.4 completed dribbles per match in the English second-tier, demonstrating his potency in attack (Gnonto statistics – WhoScored).

Leeds will be keen to avoid being stuck in an awkward position regarding Gnonto's future, though it will be intriguing to see if he is still at Elland Road beyond January.

Bayern Munich managerial target Ralf Rangnick reportedly has 'concerns' about accepting the German giants' offer after confirming talks are ongoing.

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• Tuchel leaving Bayern at end of the season
• Ex-Man Utd boss Rangnick eyed as replacement
• Austrian manager has reservations about role

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  According to Austrian publication , the Austria national team boss has reservations about accepting Bayern's offer. The report claims the 65-year-old would only move to the Bavarians if he had a 'very important say' in transfers and the support staff and that may not be guaranteed there. SN add the Austrian Football Association is unlikely to stop Rangnick leaving after Euro 2024 this summer, so long as there is a compensation fee.

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  Bayern have been struggling to find a replacement for Thomas Tuchel ever since the German announced he was stepping down from his managerial role at the end of the campaign. Xabi Alonso turned them down to stay at Bayer Leverkusen, former boss Julian Nagelsmann signed a new deal with the German national side, and now this Rangnick pursuit could be an unfruitful one, too.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Despite Rangnick – whose contract with Austria runs until 2026 – confirming talks have begun between himself and Bayern, thousands of fans have signed a petition calling for Tuchel to stay at the club next season. While the former Chelsea boss was flattered, he was focusing on trying to save their season.

  He told reporters this week:  “Even though this topic is good for me when they [the fans] wish you to stay, it's not something that is a priority and it isn't allowed to be a priority. In the next 11 days it's only about football, nothing else."

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  WHAT NEXT?

  While talks with Rangnick are likely to continue, Harry Kane's Bayern side host Eintracht Frankfurt on Saturday afternoon in the Bundesliga before facing Real Madrid on Tuesday in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final.

Newcastle United have struggled for consistency so far this season, with some seriously impressive wins and some thoroughly disappointing defeats all within the first months of the campaign.

They have beaten Manchester City in the League Cup, Manchester United and Arsenal in the Premier League, and Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League. Still, they have also lost to Borussia Dortmund home and away, drawn with West Ham and Wolverhampton Wanderers and most recently lost to Bournemouth on the south coast.

Eddie Howe will be hoping that his side can refind their form following the international break and that their injury list starts shrinking as soon as possible.

Football FanCast has previewed and predicted their next six encounters, including four Premier League games and two Champions League games.

Newcastle United v Chelsea

25th November, Premier League, St James' Park

Howe's side welcome the visiting Chelsea in their final league match of November.

The pair couldn't be split in their last meeting, which came at Stamford Bridge on the final day of last season. Kieran Trippier's own goal cancelled out Anthony Gordon's opener that afternoon, as the West Londoners were resigned to a 12th placed finish.

Five months on, the Blues are all changed, having appointed a new manager to the dugout. Former Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino has replaced interim manager Frank Lampard whilst the club brought in several new additions over the summer.

One of those being Cole Palmer, who has impressed since joining from Manchester City in a £42.5m deal. The left-footed playmaker has scored four goals and provided two assists in six league starts so far this season, so the hosts will need to be wary of his threat.

Additionally, an away win over London rivals Tottenham Hotspur and a 4-4 draw with treble-winning Manchester City in their previous two games is sure to have given the side a confidence boost after their abysmal start to the season.

However, with home advantage, the Tynesiders could just edge this one in a cagey affair as the goal-shy visitors may find it difficult to break down one of the division's best defences.

Prediction: Newcastle 1-0 Chelsea

Paris Saint-Germain vs Newcastle United

28th November, Champions League, Parc de Princes

The tests keep coming in November as just a few days after hosting Chelsea, Newcastle will be jetting off to Paris for their Champions League group match against the French champions, Paris Saint-Germain.

While the Toon did lose to Borussia Dortmund home and away, they should be full of confidence for this encounter given their total domination of the side last time they met at St James' Park.

That game saw the hosts emerge as 4-1 winners in a result that stunned the Parisian side and the wider footballing community.

However, with their home win over AC Milan, PSG now find themselves one point off the top of the group and with home advantage, it's hard to see the game going the same way it did in England.

Add to that the fact that Kylian Mbappe is unlikely to have as bad a game as he did that day, and the ferocious home fans, we are struggling to see how the Toon can come away as winners from this one.

It'll be an entertaining game, with plenty of goals, but we think it might just be a step too far for this Newcastle side.

Prediction: Paris Saint-Germain 3-2 Newcastle United

Newcastle United vs Manchester United

2nd December, Premier League, St James' Park

There is no chance for Newcastle United to catch their breath after a hectic November, as their first game of an equally challenging December sees them welcome Manchester United to St James' Park in the Premier League.

We reckon it would be fair to say that while the Toon have had a few issues so far this campaign, Erik ten Hag's side haven't exactly had the best of seasons either.

Historically, it would usually be the Red Devils that go into this fixture as the favourites, but with how they have been playing this season and how good the Toon have looked when they are in full flow, the home side should be full of confidence for this one.

If they want some extra encouragement, they only have to think back a few weeks as they blew United away in the Carabao Cup, beating them 3-0 at Old Trafford.

That said, there is no such thing as an easy game against Manchester United, and the one thing ten Hag's team will have on their side is history.

In their last ten encounters, United have emerged victorious five times, while the Toon have won just three times. Although, they have won the two most recent.

Ultimately, it should be an enthralling encounter, and given that it's a Saturday night game, you can be sure that the fans will be in full voice. It might not be as good a result as they picked up at Old Trafford, but the Toon will have enough to pick up all three points.

Prediction: Newcastle United 3-1 Manchester United

Everton vs Newcastle United

7th December, Premier League, Goodison Park

Newcastle United will have five days to recover from their game against Manchester United on 2nd December before making the 119-mile trip to Goodison Park to take on a resurgent Everton side.

Now, had this game been taking place a month or two earlier, we might have predicted an easy win for the Toon, but with the Toffees' recent performances, we reckon this will be more of a challenge than it was last season.

The men in blue have started to look genuinely quite good under the management of Sean Dyche in recent weeks, and their results have backed that up. Three wins, one draw and one loss from their last five games is a vast improvement compared to where they were last season and is the kind of form they'll need to stay up this season.

Additionally, their recent points deduction could end up firing up the team and making them even more of a threat for travelling teams who aren't ready for the cauldron that Goodison is now sure to become.

That said, the Toon currently sit in seventh place with six wins to their name, and they have already beaten Arsenal, Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City this season, so while it won't be an easy game, they should have just about enough to get the job done.

Prediction: Everton 1-3 Newcastle United

Tottenham Hotspur vs Newcastle United

10th December, Premier League, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

Just three days after their game at Goodison Park, Eddie Howe's Newcastle United will have to travel down to London to take on the Premier League's surprise package this year: Ange Postecoglou's high-flying Tottenham Hotspur.

The Lilywhites have gone from struggling in mid-table under the likes of Antonio Conte and Ryan Mason to spending most of this season atop the table and scoring for fun.

There is no doubt that the north Londoners have looked like one of, if not the best team in the league so far this year, but following their 4-1 loss to Chelsea that saw Micky van de Ven pull up with what looked like a hamstring problem and a potential injury to James Maddison, they could well be at their weakest when they host the Toon.

That said, the Magpies certainly have their own injuries to worry about, but with the memory of what they did to Spurs last time the two sides met still fresh in the memory, Howe's men could come away from this one with all three points yet again.

The prospect of Maddison not featuring should only further encourage the Toon, especially considering they have won two of the last three encounters between the two sides; we still think they'll have just enough to edge it, even away from home.

Prediction: Tottenham Hotspur 2-3 Newcastle United

Newcastle United vs AC Milan

13th December, Champions League, St James' Park

Three days after their trip to north London, Newcastle United play host as Italian giants AC Milan come to St James' Park in what could be a must-win game for both sides.

Should the Toon lose to Paris Saint-Germain on November 28th, their chances of reaching the knockout stages of the Champions League will become slim to none, but that doesn't mean there is nothing to play for against Milan.

While they wouldn't be able to go further in this competition, they would have the chance to drop into the Europa League instead, and if anything, that might be the better option at this point in time, as they would undoubtedly be one of the favourites to win that, and what better way to end a trophy drought than with a European one?

In terms of the game itself, the Toon will be hoping to do one better than their draw away in Milan and considering how they have dispatched PSG, Manchester City, Arsenal and several others at home this season, we don't see why they can't do the same to an inconsistent Milan side.

The Italians are third in Serie A but have only collected three more points than Newcastle, so we reckon that the Magpies will have just enough to come away with all three points from this one and qualify for the Europa League if progressing from the group is out of the question.

Prediction: Newcastle United 2-1 AC Milan

Harry Kane has claimed that he could have convinced Bayern Munich colleague Jamal Musiala to play for England instead of Germany.

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• Musiala made choice to represent Germany
• Kane claims he could've persuaded him otherwise
• Two countries amongst Euro 2024 favourites

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Musiala was born in Stuttgart, Germany, but raised in London until the age of 16, when he joined Bayern Munich. The youngster was therefore eligible to play for England or Germany, and after representing the Three Lions at youth level he opted for Germany in 2021. Now, his Bayern team-mate Kane has joked to that he could have convinced Musiala to join the England squad had he met him earlier.

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• WHAT KANE SAID

  Kane said: “I joke a bit with Jamal Musiala about him choosing Germany over England. Obviously he could have played for England. But maybe if I were here a few years ago, I could’ve put my arm around his shoulder and got him for us. But Jamal is a great player.”

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  Kane's comments are clearly meant as a joke, but you can understand why Musiala made the decision to represent Germany. Aside from the fact that he's been living and playing there since 2019, the 21-year-old will also know that the Germans have a far better tournament record than the Three Lions, with five World Cup wins and three Euros triumphs to date. They'll be hoping to add to that collection this summer.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR MUSIALA?

  Musiala made his choice, and as it stands he's landed on the side that looks slightly weaker going into Euro 2024. England are the favourites to win the tournament, but Germany have plenty of talent in their ranks and will be hoping that the home advantage makes a difference. The European Championship is set to kick off on 14 June.

As the Champions League anthem rang out around the Emirates Stadium on match day one of the competition, Arsenal fans rejoiced.

It had been a tough wait for more continental football at Europe's top table but oh how they've made a marker since returning to the competition.

Mikel Arteta's men haven't had a perfect record this season, notably losing away at Lens, but they have won every other match, including the return fixture with the Ligue 1 side on Wednesday night at home.

How Arsenal beat Lens

It was a scintillating performance from the Gunners who ran out 6-0 winners, just one goal shy of equalling their record win in the competition.

Kai Havertz, fresh from winning the game against Brentford last weekend, opened the scoring by prodding home from close range and then it was goal after goal from that moment onwards.

Gabriel Jesus then put two Lens defenders on the ground before sliding the ball home for a two goal advantage, with further goals from Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, Martin Odegaard and Jorginho rounding off proceedings.

The Londoners led 4-0 after just 27 minutes played, before Odegaard's superb volley on the stroke of half-time made it five.

Unsurprisingly, Arteta's men were not as rampant in the second period, with Jorginho's late penalty after a handball ended the game in the best way possible.

It was a landmark moment for many in red and white, not least Havertz who arguably delivered his best performance in an Arsenal shirt yet, while Saka's goal and assist means he is now the leading contributor of goal involvements in the Champions League this term. Not bad for a youngster making his debut in the competition.

9/10 star delivers best Arsenal display yet in Gunners player ratings vs Lens

Arsenal romped to a 6-0 victory over Lens in the Champions League.

By
Matt Dawson

Nov 29, 2023

That said, there was one man who didn't get on the scoresheet but deserved just as much praise for his showing at the Emirates; Takehiro Tomiyasu.

Tomiyasu's performance in numbers vs Lens

The Japanese defender has had to be patient for regular opportunities during his time in the English capital.

When he first signed from Bologna in a bargain £16m move, Sky Sports reporter Kaveh Solekhol memorably suggested that sources didn't know whether he was a right-back or centre-back.

Well, how that has come back to bite him. Indeed, Tomiyasu is perhaps one of the most underappreciated and under-the-radar members of this Arsenal squad.

That said, there is a reason Arteta once suggested that he thinks the full-back is one of the finest defenders he's seen.

Commenting on Tomiyasu earlier this term, the Spaniard said: "He can play in any position in the backline, any formation in the backline – we don’t have a player like him. His defending is probably one of the best that I’ve seen in many situations."

That has been seen first-hand in recent weeks, but the 25-year-old saved his best performance of the season – certainly from an offensive point of view – for Lens on Wednesday evening.

His athleticism and power is rather staggering. You wouldn't look at him and expect that to be the case. Indeed, Tomiyasu is an understated character but when tasked with defending a tricky attacker or running with the ball at his feet, he comes alive.

Truth be told, he didn't have a huge amount of defending to do in midweek, faced with just two defensive duels – of which he lost both – but going forward he was as good as anyone we've seen in that position at Arsenal down the years.

Tomiyasu became an "assist machine" – as per reporter Connor Humm – creating two goals for his troubles, the first of which was a miraculous cross-field ball.

Whether or not he meant it merely as a clearance, it was still a fabulous delivery to the left-hand channel where Martinelli was waiting. The Brazilian drove at the Lens defence before curling the ball beyond Brice Samba. Liquid football.

The second assist was just as nice. Supporting Saka down the right-hand side, the former Bologna man galloped forward like a champion horse before laying a dinked cross on a plate for Odegaard to slam home.

Substituted at half-time, it was a testament to just how important he has become to this Arsenal team, leaving the field with a 100% cross success, as well as supplying three key passes, the most of anyone on the pitch. That's quite something from a defender in a 6-0 victory, but it proved Tomiyasu is certainly not a one-trick pony. He offers just about everything you could want from a full-back.

Mauricio Pochettino says he expects to find out whether he will continue as Chelsea boss at the end of the Premier League season in a week's time.

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• Pochettino's Chelsea future is uncertain
• Blues still have three Premier League games left
• Decision to be made on Pochettino imminently

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Pochettino has endured a turbulent first season in charge of Chelsea which has led to speculation he could be fired. However, the Argentine has insisted he does not fear the sack if he is moved on after just 12 months in charge at Stamford Bridge. A decision is expected soon, with Pochettino admitting he expects to know what his future holds within the next week.

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  Chelsea have enjoyed an upturn in results in recent weeks to move into seventh place and have the chance of securing European football for next season. Co-owner Todd Boehly has praised the team's recent "beautiful football" in comments that suggest Pochettino could stay on after all. Pochettino signed a two-year deal at the club when he arrived in 2023.

• WHAT POCHETTINO SAID

  He told reporters: "We are so comfortable. In the way we are not comfortable is to put in doubt — like are you are talking — are going to be here or not here? First, it is not my decision because if the owners are thinking to change — yes, for sure in one week [at the end of the season] we will know.

  “That’s an instability with which we are comfortable working. We are going to be very strong in our efforts to help. It’s true that in the last few months, like we were talking, that question has always come up. You need to kill the rumours; if that’s not true, if not, the rumour is there for a different strategy.

  "If you ask, is it affecting me? It is not affecting me. Is it affecting the people working with us? I think yes because, in the end, you can kill the rumour and sack me, and that’s not a problem. It happens in a lot of clubs.”

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  WHAT NEXT FOR CHELSEA

  Chelsea travel to relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest next and then head to Brighton on Wednesday. The Blues' final game of the season is at home to Bournemouth on Sunday, May 19. Pochettino is then expected to learn if he has earned himself another season in west London.

Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou has been handed a transfer boost over one of his targets, coming after "further talks" behind-the-scenes.

Spurs identify signing priority for January

The north Londoners are very keen to shore up their fragile backline next month, coming after a long-term injury to Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero's absence crippled them for a time.

Van de ven remains on the treatment table but is reportedly fighting to make his comeback next month, while Romero is often walking a tightrope when it comes to risking suspension.

Tottenham favourites to sign "serious" defender who's "similar" to Maldini

Mauro Tassotti thinks he resembles the Milan legend.

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Emilio Galantini

Dec 16, 2023

Postecoglou has publicly admitted to wanting a new centre-half as a result, and it's believed they have their eyes on a few names heading into the January window.

Everton star Jarrad Branthwaite, Genoa defender Radu Dragusin and others stand out as the most regularly mentioned centre-backs linked with Tottenham lately, but Nice defender Jean-Clair Todibo appear to have climbed his way to the top of sporting director Johan Lange's target list recently.

The Frenchman has been an imperious member of Francesco Farioli's side, who are contending near the top of Ligue 1. Commanding a fee of around £35 million, Todibo represents both a quality and affordable option for chairman Daniel Levy.

Spurs hold "further" Todibo talks

According to an update by The Daily Mail and journalist Simon Jones, Spurs have held "further talks" to sign Todibo with the player's representatives. Indeed, they appear to be moving for the player quickly as Postecoglou seeks to make signings as soon as possible, rather than wait nearer to deadline day.

The Australian wants three new additions in the winter; a defender, midfielder and forward. In a boost for Tottenham's head coach, Todibo is believed to be keen on joining Spurs and Postecoglou's rejuvenated squad.

Todibo is one of a number of options being discussed behind the scenes, but the in-form ace is pretty enticing given his age, quality and £35m price tag. He's also been praised by numerous high-profile figures, like former Arsenal star Aaron Ramsey and ex-Bayern Munich defender Dante.

“Of course, we would like Todibo to stay," said Dante when speaking at a recent press conference.

"But it can be complicated. We have to wait to see who will want to buy him and if everyone finds himself there. He is a leader, a very strong player mentally, he has improved a lot and he is ready to reach the very top level."

Ramsey, meanwhile, is convinced Todibo can reach the very peak.

“Jean-Clair is a very interesting character; he’s very confident and he’s a great guy around the dressing room and he’s a very, very talented player, who can go all the way to the top," said Ramsey (via Get French Football news).

"For him, it is important to keep his feet on the ground, strive for more, and take in as much information as possible."

The defender, going by recent reports, may be edging closer to making an English move – and it could well be Tottenham.

Winning the Championship in style last season, Vincent Kompany's Burnley side entered the Premier League in the hope of kicking on even further. As we approach the halfway mark, however, the Clarets sit 19th and five points adrift of safety, having endured a disastrous start to the season. A recent 5-0 thumping of Sheffield United gave them a much-needed boost, before a solid draw against Brighton & Hove Albion, but Komany's side still have a lot of work to do.

Reinforcements could be the key to their improvement, whether that be sticking to their summer transfer tactic of welcoming young players or, instead, perhaps those more experienced this time around. That said, reports suggest that the Clarets are eyeing one particular in-demand player.

Burnley transfer news

Those at Turf Moor opted for players with the potential to turn into Premier League regulars such as James Trafford and Zeki Amdouni rather than those more established in England's top flight and have since faced the short-term consequences of relegation trouble.

Burnley now lining up cut-price move for "outstanding" player in January

The Clarets aren’t the only side keen.

By
Sean Markus Clifford

Dec 6, 2023

Burnley have won just twice all season, with one of those victories coming recently, highlighting just how slowly they started the current campaign. In that run, Kompany may have learned a lot about his players, which could see him target one specific reinforcement.

According to The Daily Mail, Burnley are eyeing a move for KAA Gent left-back Archie Brown, who has also attracted the interest of Leeds United, Everton and clubs in both the Bundesliga and Serie A in what could be a tough battle for his signature. If Burnley want to sign the former Derby County left-back, however, they may have to wait until the summer, with Gent reportedly set to keep hold of their player until the end of the season at the very least.

Kompany could finally replace Maatsen with Archie Brown

Since the end of Ian Maatsen's loan spell at the club, Burnley have struggled to replicate the left-back's work within their back four, with Charlie Taylor failing to replace the current Chelsea man. The arrival of Brown would finally solve that problem for Kompany, however. Here's how Brown's stats compare to Taylor and Maatsen:

Looking at the numbers, the Gent man wouldn't just finally fill the void left by Maatsen, but he'd potentially do an even better job. Brown's versatility would also hand Kompany a major boost, given that he can play left-back, centre-back and left-midfield. So, when the January transfer window swings open, before the summer hands clubs another attempt, the left-footed Brown certainly looks like one to keep an eye on.

Burnley may need improvements and Brown would be exactly that. At 22 years of age, the Englishman also fits in with the club's apparent transfer tactic of signing stars for the future. Every way you look at it, Burnley could pursue the fullback's signature sooner rather than later, making this one to watch.