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Writing on his personal Twitter feed, Sportitalia TV journalist Rudy Galetti has made a major Tottenham Hotspur exit claim involving club-record signing Tanguy Ndombele.

The Lowdown: Tanguy on the move?

Spurs manager Antonio Conte has recently left Ndombele out in the wilderness at N17, even forcing him to train alone at Hotspur Way as the Lilywhites enter talks with Ligue 1 giants Paris-Saint Germain over his possible transfer (The Guardian).

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PSG apparently want the 25-year-old on loan until the end of the season, with former Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino keen on a reunion with his former star.

There has even been talk of a potential swap deal, with journalist Jason Burt of The Telegraph claiming that Tottenham and transfer chief Fabio Paratici have been ‘offered’ midfielder Leandro Paredes.

In an update on the transfer saga, Galetti has made a significant claim on social media.

The Latest: Ndombele ‘so close’ to leaving…

According to his sources, the France international has ‘never been so close’ to leaving Tottenham, with negotiations now at an advanced stage.

The reporter claimed on Twitter: “Ndombele has never been so close to PSG. Talks advanced with Tottenham for a 6-months loan. Evolving situation.”

The Verdict: Right move…

Given Ndombele’s turbulent time at Spurs since he asked to leave in the summer, Lilywhites fans may be hoping that this move goes through despite the midfielder’s obvious quality.

No Spurs player completed more successful take-ons last season than the former Lyon sensation (WhoScored), yet there have always been doubts surrounding his attitude and application.

He turned on the style at times under former Tottenham manager Jose Mourinho, but these glimpses of talent haven’t been enough to make his stay in north London a success thus far. Letting him go out on a temporary deal may just be the right move for all parties.

In other news: Spurs edging closer to signing ‘massive’ £15m defender, find out more here.

Newcastle have initiated talks with Tottenham over the possible loan signing of midfielder Dele Alli, according to The Telegraph.

The Lowdown: Dele’s decline

At 22 years old, the midfielder was showing world-class potential, with his transfer market valuation highlighting his rapid rise to the top, having skyrocketed to an incredible £90million.

In the 2016/17 Premier League season, the Englishman scored an emphatic 18 goals, ranking him sixth in the entire league, grouped with the likes of Harry Kane and Romelu Lukaku.

However, Alli’s career has seen a huge decline since he burst onto the scene after arriving as a youngster from MK Dons in 2015, with that valuation now sitting at just £22.5m.

In recent years, the midfielder’s game time at Spurs has continually decreased. This is illustrated by the stark contrast between his career-high 37 Premier League appearances during the 2016/17 campaign and his meagre 2020/21 total, when he amassed just 15 appearances, eight of which came off the bench.

There was a glimmer of hope surrounding manager Antonio Conte’s arrival and what it meant for the 25-year-old’s Tottenham career. However, the situation remains unchanged, and Alli’s two starts under the Italian has confirmed his position at the club.

The Latest: Newcastle open Alli loan talks

In December, The Telegraph reported that Tottenham had given the midfielder the green light to leave Hotspur Way in the January transfer window, sparking rumours with a number of English clubs over potential permanent and loan deals.

According to a fresh report by The Telegraph’s reliable Luke Edwards, Newcastle have opened talks with Tottenham over the possibility of signing Alli on a loan deal.

This succeeds strong rumours linking Manchester United player Jesse Lingard with the Magpies, but it remains to be seen whether the relegation-threatened side will sign both midfielders

Alli would be the second departure under Conte this month after Dilan Markanday joined Blackburn Rovers.

The Verdict: A good opportunity

A transfer to another top-flight club, whether English or further afield, would certainly help Alli in the pursuit of reviving his career, with the hope of making Gareth Southgate’s England squad surely a key motivation in the move.

The midfielder has never lacked technical ability, with Brazilian legend Roberto Carlos previously claiming that he is ‘undoubtedly good enough for Real Madrid’. The issue lies in the player’s hunger to succeed, facing criticism over his work ethic from former boss Jose Mourinho.

If Alli is given the ability to demonstrate a newfound determination elsewhere, then a reprised career in the Premier League would not be surprising in the least, and a move to Newcastle could be the perfect place to do it, with the Magpies themselves desperately in need of some creative spark.

As per French sources, who spoke to Get French Football News, there has been a big exit update out of Tottenham Hotspur with an agreement in principle now reached for the transfer of Tanguy Ndombele.

The Lowdown: Spurs in exit talks…

Spurs transfer chief Fabio Paratici is looking to offload certain members of Antonio Conte’s squad in what could be a major final week overhaul in north London, with some players very close to leaving.

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It is believed that winger Jack Clarke is on the verge of a transfer to Sunderland on loan and he is not the only player who may well depart N17 before deadline day.

The likes of Dele All, Matt Doherty and Ndombele have repeatedly been linked with a move away before January 31 as the Lilywhites enter crunch talks with Paris-Saint Germain over the latter star.

Tottenham’s club record signing has been training alone at Hotspur Way amid all the speculation surrounding his future with GFFN now sharing what could be a crucial development.

The Latest: Tottenham reach agreement in principle…

As per their information, the Lilywhites have reached an agreement in principle to offload the 25-year-old to PSG on loan with the option to make his stay permanent.

It is believed that Maurico Pochettino’s side will cover all of his wages and Ndombele has personally ‘green lit’ a switch to Ligue 1.

However, one obstacle remains in Spurs chairman Daniel Levy as they wait on his ‘final sign-off’ – with the Lilywhites chief apparently ‘still trying’ for an outright permanent deal.

The Verdict: Get it done…

As Tottenham approach the eleventh hour of this window, we believe Levy should settle for temporarily ridding Ndombele’s £200,000-per-week salary off the club’s books and then try for an indefinite exit in the summer.

Depending on the player’s performances under Pochettino, PSG could well opt to trigger the option to secure Tottenham’s club record signing on a permanent basis anyway.

As they attempt multiple new incomings before this window closes, the time to haggle is decreasing and sealing an Ndombele exit for squad room is simply a must.

In other news: Reliable reporter: Tottenham now preparing bid to sign ‘match-winner’ once valued at £100m, find out more here. 

Celtic captain Callum McGregor could feature against rivals Rangers this evening, Anthony Joseph reports.  

The Lowdown: McGregor a regular under Ange

McGregor, who Ange Postecoglou praised for the ‘massive’ role the midfielder plays both on and off the pitch, has made 33 appearances this season.

The 28-year-old had to be replaced against Alloa Athletic last month with a facial injury, which has kept him out of the wins against Hearts and Dundee United.

Postecoglou initially labelled the injury as ‘significant’ and expected the club captain to be out long term, but it seems as if he could make a surprise return this evening.

The Latest: Joseph’s post

Joseph took to Twitter on Tuesday ahead of the crucial Glasgow Derby to relay comments from Postecoglou on McGregor.

He posted:

“Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou has told Sky Sports News that captain Callum McGregor has been recovering well from his facial injury and there is “a chance” he could be involved tomorrow against Rangers.”

The Verdict: Brilliant

Postecoglou is expected to make a late call on McGregor, who would have to play with a protective mask, but it’s brilliant to see that he has a chance.

Some Celtic supporters may have been fearing the worst when Postecoglou labelled the injury as ‘significant’ just last week, but he is back on the training pitch and doesn’t seem to be far away from a full return.

Hopefully, he’ll be able to feature in some capacity tonight, with a win at Parkhead taking the Hoops back to the top of the Scottish Premiership.

In other news: ‘I can tell you…’ – BBC Radio 5 Live man shares key on-air info on ‘unbelievable’ Celtic ace. 

Leeds United have been linked with a summer move for Barcelona midfielder Riqui Puig.

The Lowdown: Puig profiled

Puig is 22 years of age and has made 51 senior appearances for the Catalan giants after progressing through the club’s famous academy.

Turning out in defensive, central and attacking midfield roles this season, Puig, labelled as a ‘spectacle’ by Gennaro Gattuso, has made just one La Liga start in 2021/22.

His contract at the Camp Nou has less than 18 months remaining, and it seems as if the Spanish giants are keen on cashing in on the player before that deal ticks down.

The Latest: Leeds showing interest

As reported by Fichajes in the early hours of Wednesday morning, Barcelona want to move Puig on in the summer.

The report credits Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds United with an interest in the Spaniard along with three La Liga sides and Italian giants AC Milan.

The Verdict: Alongside Aaronson?

Leeds missed out on RB Salzburg midfielder Brenden Aaronson last month but are confident of finalising a summer move for the American, and it seems as if Puig could be another midfield arrival for the Whites over the coming months.

However, they first need to guarantee a third season of Premier League football at Elland Road as they are currently flirting with the relegation zone.

Bielsa has just four midfielders on the books, one of which is Kalvin Phillips who has been injured since December, so reinforcements in the middle of the park appear to be crucial.

Puig’s versatility could be extremely handy in Yorkshire due to the lack of options, and Barcelona could be open to doing business with the Whites once again following a move for Junior Firpo last summer.

In other news: Leeds employee shares how much longer Bamford may be out for; ‘it’s a big worry’. 

Helder Costa’s struggles are continuing, even away from Leeds United.

After a hard start to life at Elland Road following a £15m move from Wolverhampton Wanderers, the Angolan winger was shipped out on loan to the Spanish top-flight, joining Valencia on loan for the 2021/22 campaign.

And it’s hard to envisage them wanting to make the temporary stint a permanent one as he’s failed to make his mark at the Mestalla this season.

The 28-year-old, who is now valued at just £7.2m, has contributed only two assists across 20 appearances for the LaLiga outfit, as per Transfermarkt. That’s one direct goal involvement every 525 minutes – once every 5.8 games.

His performances for Los Che have been so bad that the Spanish press have often lambasted him with criticism – one outlet urged the wide man to ‘wake up’ and ‘get his act together’, as relayed by Sport Witness.

If Costa does return to Leeds in the summer, then he’s unlikely to garner much interest as a result of his labours, meaning he could well be back competing for a place in Marcelo Bielsa’s squad next term, or whoever is in the dugout.

But according to journalist Pete O’Rourke, the Jorge Mendes client doesn’t feature in the Argentine’s plans whatsoever. He told GIVEMESPORT:

“I think Leeds need to cut their losses, see what money they can get in for him and use that to maybe strengthen the squad elsewhere, because Helder Costa doesn’t figure in the plans of Bielsa going forward, so it makes sense for all parties to move on.”

The 5 foot 10 winger, who was also dubbed a “forgotten man” by the reporter, will likely continue to ransack chairman Andrea Radrizzani’s pockets for the foreseeable future as he remains under contract until the summer of 2024.

Costa earns reported wages of around £46k-per-week at Elland Road, meaning that he has cost Leeds around £20.2m in total, when factoring in his £15m fee on top of his salary before his loan move away.

If Leeds are paying a chunk of his wages, as they did when he was initially on loan, then it could be far more than that aforementioned fee.

Either way, he has bled Radrizzani dry for an awful lot of money and you’d have to say that it’s been one hell of a waste, especially when you consider that player of the season so far Raphinha cost just £17m from Stade Rennes.

It’s £20.2m blown, £2.5m per goal for Leeds, across 113 weeks – and counting. An absolute disastrous signing indeed.

AND in other news, Leeds suffer crushing injury blow ahead of Liverpool and Spurs games, Bielsa will be gutted…

Liverpool are set to feature in their first League Cup final since 2016 when they take on Chelsea at Wembley this afternoon, looking to win their first domestic cup in ten years, having last won the trophy in 2012.

Manager Jurgen Klopp will be looking to win the fifth major honour of his tenure with the Merseyside outfit, having already won the Champions League, Premier League, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup.

However, it will certainly be a tall task against one of the Premier League’s best sides, who have also received some major injury news ahead of the final.

What’s the latest?

The Blues had concerns regarding the availability of four players ahead of the Wembley showdown, however, all of which have been deemed fit with long-term absentee Ben Chilwell the only player unavailable for Thomas Tuchel’s side.

Reece James, Mason Mount, Hakim Ziyech and Mateo Kovacic had previously been doubts for the game. However, James returned to training this week after two months out whilst Mount was on the bench for the 2-0 Champions League win over Lille on Tuesday.

Both Ziyech and Kovacic hobbled off the pitch against the French outfit, but have been passed fit.

On the availability of the duo, Tuchel said on Friday: “We had training today with everyone out on the pitch except for Ben Chilwell which is brilliant news and this is pretty much it. Both okay, since today.

“They were not only on the pitch with separate programmes, everybody joined team training from the first to the last minute. We have no reactions at the moment but positive reactions.

“I hope it stays like this, we have another training tomorrow and everybody is available for Sunday.”

Klopp will be gutted

Marginal gains are huge when it comes to winning a cup final and facing a Chelsea side with a handful of injuries to key players would’ve certainly been an advantage for Jurgen Klopp’s side.

He himself could have striker Diogo Jota available with the Portuguese battling to prove his fitness in time but fellow centre-forward Roberto Firmino has been ruled out with a muscle issue.

“Bobby we have to see in the next two days. He is pushing himself really hard but he will not be available for the final, to reach the squad,” assistant manager Pep Lijnders revealed on Friday afternoon.

“We hope he will be back really soon because you all see and know and feel how important he is for our way of playing, so I am happy that he is pushing himself. Hopefully he is soon back.

“Jota, so far no reaction on the things he did, so the straight-line running, the changes of direction and the ball work he did, so that’s a good sign. He isn’t ruled out but still it will be a challenge.”

However, to see some of their opponents’ key players come back into contention will no doubt leave him feeling a little gutted.

Reece James seems unlikely to start but between Ziyech, Mount and Kovacic, the trio have a combined 92 appearances thus far across all competitions for the West London side, proving to be important fixtures in the team.

The former is in particularly strong form too, scoring in his last three Premier League appearances against Brighton, Tottenham and Crystal Palace whilst also registering an assist on Tuesday against Lille.

As a result, he could prove a menacing prospect for the Liverpool defence, one they’d much rather have not had on such a big stage.

The showpiece fixture is set to be an incredibly close contest as second and third in the Premier League go head to head to win a trophy they haven’t won for ten and seven years respectively.

Meanwhile, this Liverpool star has seen his value soar…

A worrying update has emerged on Newcastle United attacker Allan Saint-Maximin ahead of the club’s clash with Brentford.

What’s the latest?

Magpies boss Eddie Howe has stated that they will make a “late call” on the forward and that the knock will not keep him out for a significant period of time.

Alistair Magowan quoted him as saying: “He’s been away getting intensive treatment. He said when he suffered the injury, it wouldn’t be long term. So we will keep our fingers crossed on him.”

This comes after he was absent for the 1-1 draw with West Ham, having picked up a blow against Aston Villa in the previous outing.

Newcastle will be gutted

Newcastle fans will surely be gutted by this news as Saint-Maximin being ruled out of this match would be a big blow to the side.

Only Callum Wilson (six) has scored more goals for the Magpies than the Frenchman (five) this season and the ex-Bournemouth striker is currently sidelined through injury. The club’s next top scorer is Jonjo Shelvey with just two Premier League strikes and this suggests that losing Saint-Maximin would be a major blow to the side’s chances of scoring.

Not only is he a goal threat himself but he is also the chief creator. His tally of three assists in the top-flight is more than any other player in the squad has managed and his 4.6 dribbles per game place him 3.2 clear of any other in the team, highlighting how impressive he has been in comparison to his teammates.

This shows that Howe would be missing out on a player with a huge attacking threat and someone who can counter quickly with the ball at his feet. Saint-Maximin’s exciting ability to take the ball past defenders on the dribble opens up so much space for himself and others and they would sorely miss that if he is unable to play today.

Therefore, the news that it will be a “late call” over his fitness is worrying for the supporters as it suggests that he could miss out on the XI and his talent in the final third will not be on show against Thomas Frank’s side. They may also be concerned that he could end up playing through pain and causing more damage, although Howe will surely not want to risk losing him for an extended period of time.

AND in other news, Howe could unearth Coloccini 2.0 in “commanding” NUFC tank, he’s “captain” material…

As per InterLive.it, as also translated and shared by Sport Witness, there has been a big update on Tottenham Hotspur’s transfer plans involving Inter Milan star Stefan de Vrij.

The Lowdown: Tottenham eye move…

The Lilywhites have been heavily linked with a move for de Vrij for the better part of a few months with reports as far back as November 2021 detailing interest from Tottenham.

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Inter’s star defender is out of contract in 2023, hardly affording the Nerazzurri much time to make a profit off of his sale, with Football Insider reporting near the end of last year that his price tag was set at around £40 million.

In an update, Inter Live.it (via SW) say that figure has now plummeted by nearly half.

The Latest: Conte green-lights move…

According to their sources, Tottenham boss Antonio Conte has personally requested the signing of de Vrij as he green-lights a move.

As well as this, with Fabio Paratici willing to offer the Netherlands international a €6.5 million-per-year deal (£5.3m), Inter will now sanction his sale for around €25-30m (£20.7m-£24.8m).

The Verdict: Get it done…

Amid this near 50% drop in asking price, it would be foolish for Paratici and co not to make a move.

Despite being 30-years-old, de Vrij could come in as a brilliant short term option to bolster Tottenham’s central defensive roster – especially considering just how pivotal he was for Conte during the Italian’s time at Inter.

Lauded as a ‘world-beater’ by former Leeds striker Noel Whelan, we believe potentially landing him for as little as £20.7m could be a steal this summer.

In other news: ‘Really hotting up’…ex-BBC man says Conte could now freeze out ‘monster’ Spurs player, find out more here.

According to a report from the Daily Star, West Ham and by extension club owners GSB are plotting a move for Everton centre-back Michael Keane in the summer transfer window. 

The lowdown: Difficult season

The 29-year-old has endured a turbulent spell at Goodison Park following a then record-equalling £30million switch from Burnley in 2017 (BBC).

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Having amassed 181 appearances for the Merseyside club and earning England recognition in the process, Keane has struggled for any semblance of form this term as Everton battles against relegation from the Premier League.

Despite the issues, Irons’ boss David Moyes could be about to turn to Keane to bolster the defensive department at the London Stadium…

The latest: Daily Star makes claim…

As per the report from the Daily Star, the Hammers and GSB ‘will make a summer swoop’ for the 12-cap England man should Everton be relegated out of the top flight – plotting a bid behind-the-scenes.

It’s claimed that West Ham will ‘make an attempt’ to bring Keane to east London as Moyes looks to strengthen the centre-back ranks with Angelo Ogbonna sidelined through a serious knee injury.

Furthermore, the report states that the Scot is a ‘big admirer’ of the man once tipped to become a ‘top player’ by Rio Ferdinand having worked together at Manchester United.

The verdict: Another career rekindled?

Moyes has developed a penchant for revitalising stalling careers in east London, with the resurgence of Jesse Lingard during a loan spell with the Irons the most poignant example.

Whilst Keane has continued to feature for Everton, making 33 appearances across all competitions this term, a lowly 6.90 average Sofascore rating from 27 league games underlines the problems the Englishman has faced.

Under contract until 2025 (Transfermarkt), he would cost around £20 million, signing Keane wouldn’t be an inexpensive move for the Hammers and perhaps transfer chief Rob Newman would be best served to find an alternative option.

In other news: Agreement reached: ExWHUemployee also has some promising player news for West Ham supporters! Find out more here.