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As per The Sun, La Liga giants Barcelona have now given the green-light for Tottenham target Ousmane Dembele to leave on loan until the end of this season.

The Lowdown: Spurs eye move…

The Lilywhites and manager Antonio Conte have been heavily linked with a possible move for the Catalans forward with Mundo Deportivo (via Sport Witness) even lifting the lid on an offer from Spurs chief Fabio Paratici.

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In another update, the same outlet claimed that Spurs were set to push for his signing in January, with Paratici apparently eyeing ‘quality players zero cost’ for the north London club.

Barcelona director Mateu Alemany recently confirmed that Dembele has no future at Barca after new contract talks stalled, claiming that the player has been told to ‘leave immediately’ as the club ‘expect’ him to move before deadline day (The Sun).

In a possible boost for Spurs, The Sun have now shared what Barca are willing to do to make that happen.

The Latest: Barca green-light loan…

According to their sources, the Spanish side ‘will let him go in a £3m loan deal’ until the end of 2021/2022 when his current deal expires.

However, Spurs may face competition from the likes of Chelsea and Newcastle – who The Sun claim are interested parties in the race to sign Dembele this month.

The Verdict: Time to pounce?

It looks more than likely that the 24-year-old, signed for a huge £97 million in 2017, may well be on his way out of the Catalan club – but should Tottenham take advantage and sign him on a temporary deal?

The France international’s history of hamstring problems combined with a lucrative £210,000-per-week wage packet point to a risky bit of business from Spurs’ perspective, but on loan, these factors are mitigated somewhat given they won’t be investing in a permanent transfer.

While pundit Carlton Palmer thinks he would be a ‘crazy signing’ due to the reasons mentioned above, Dembele’s quality could also be of use to Conte over an initial end-of-season period.

Called ‘better’ than Paris-Saint Germain superstar Kylian Mbappe by Barca president Joan Laporta, he is very highly rated within some sectors and perhaps he could find another home under Conte at Spurs – even for a short time.

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

A worrying Newcastle United injury update has emerged, after Jamal Lewis suffered a blow against Liverpool on Thursday…

What’s the latest?

Magpies boss Eddie Howe has revealed what caused the young defender to be withdrawn from the match in the first-half. He told The Chronicle:

“It looked bad.

“It’s a hamstring injury, which is a surprise with Jamal because he’s obviously so athletic. He’s been excellent in terms of his athletic work for us so far, so for that to happen so early in the game, I was surprised.”

Gutted

Newcastle fans will surely be gutted with this update for multiple reasons. Firstly, the fact that it is a hamstring injury is a worrying prospect, as they can range from days, to weeks, to months, of recovery being needed before the player is able to return.

This means that Lewis could potentially miss a large chunk of the campaign, especially given Howe’s claim that it “looked bad”. Supporters will now be concerned about the severity of the injury and just how many matches he will be out for.

Secondly, they will be disappointed for the player himself. He had only been back in the side for three Premier League matches prior to Thursday night, playing against Norwich, Burnley and Leicester. His resurgence has now been stopped in its tracks and it is a major shame for the young full-back, as he could have established himself in the side and enjoyed a run of games in the team, revitalised under the new leadership.

Finally, fans will be gutted because it means that Matt Ritchie may be required to come back in at left-back for the foreseeable future. He gave the supporters a glimpse of what they have not been missing with a disappointing display off the bench against Liverpool.

In 75 minutes on the pitch, he failed to compete in a single ground or aerial duel. He made zero tackles and completed just 19 passes, attempting zero crosses from left-back in the match. This shows that he struggled to make a positive impact at either end, which is another reason why fans will be gutted by this injury to Lewis.

Hopefully, it will not keep the Northern Ireland international out for a prolonged period of time and he will be able to return for the start of January, or even Boxing Day if he is able to complete a speedy recovery.

AND in other news, NUFC liability who lost 83% duels badly betrayed Howe, Shearer thinks he’s a “danger”…

A number of Manchester United fans have urged out-of-favour Anthony Martial to leave the club, following an update on his future by Fabrizio Romano.

The Frenchman’s Old Trafford career has never quite taken off in the manner that many predicted back in 2015 when he made a big-money move from Monaco. Martial famously scored on his debut against Liverpool but he has flattered to deceive too often since, despite his tally of 79 goals in 268 appearances for the club.

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The 26-year-old has fallen increasingly out of favour at United, starting just two Premier League games this season, and a January exit could be on the cards.

According to Romano on Twitter on Monday, Sevilla are keen on signing Martial after he informed Ralf Rangnick that he wants to leave next month, although his salary is proving to be an issue. The Red Devils interim boss has reportedly said: “I understand him but it should not only be in the interest of the player, it should also be in the interest of the club”.

Man United fans call for Martial to leave

These United fans reacted to the update on Twitter, with many keen to see the back of the enigmatic 26-year-old, who has netted just eight times in all competitions since the start of last season.

“It’s definitely in the interest of the club if he clears off”

Credit: @TomPatrick_

“Let him go… Same as Pogba if their head is not at 100% at United then their performances won’t be 100% and we only want and need players that give that week in and week out”

Credit: @Acro_ManUtd

“Quite sad but he’s flopped hard here. He’ll smash it in La Liga”

Credit: @FredFC__

“Martial is deadwood and he should stop talking about leaving like he will be missed, he’s been bad for a while now”

Credit: @easyrouge

“Martial has done gegenpressing in one training session and he can’t take it no more”

Credit: @JakeIntrovert

“Martial is finished, based on facts only”

Credit: @UTDGrey11

In other news, Romano has also provided an update on another rumoured United target. Find out who it is here.

West Ham are interested in signing Sevilla and Morocco striker Youssef En-Nesyri in the January transfer window, according to a new report from Fichajes.

The Lowdown: Potential January reinforcements

The Hammers are enjoying an excellent season so far but squad additions in the winter could help take them to another level. David Moyes’ side will hope to continue challenging for a top-four finish, but that could be a struggle without changes to the current squad.

An exciting new report has emerged regarding El-Nesyri, who scored an impressive 18 goals in La Liga last season and a further six in the Champions League and has been given the nickname ‘Hurricane Youssef’.

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The Latest: En-Nesyri linked with West Ham move

According to Fichajes, West Ham are eyeing up a move for the 24-year-old, who could be available for €50m (£42m), which would almost break the club’s record transfer fee set by £45m man Sebastien Haller.

Daniel Kretinsky’s investment in the Hammers means that funds could be available to snap up the Moroccan, who has scored 11 goals in 39 caps for his country and was the subject of an unsuccessful €35m (£29.5m) bid from the east London club during the summer transfer window.

The Verdict: Perfect mid-season addition

This is the kind of signing which would feel like a statement of intent by West Ham at a time when they are looking to complete with the most successful teams in the country.

En-Nesyri is a proven striker who has delivered in La Liga for a number of seasons now and he could provide strong competition for Michail Antonio in attack, something which is sorely lacking at the moment.

With both domestic and Europa League commitments for the Hammers over the winter and into the New Year, it could also allow Moyes to shuffle his pack more regularly. It’s hard to feel that a move for En-Nesyri wouldn’t make perfect sense.

In other news, some West Ham fans are excited about another transfer rumour. Read more here.

Wolverhampton Wanderers managed to hold off a nightmare scoreline against Premier League champions Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday afternoon, especially after going down to ten men just before half-time.

Raul Jimenez could’ve opened the floodgates for a thrashing by getting sent off in the last moments of the first half after obstructing play whilst Manchester City attempted to take a free kick as a result of a foul the Mexican had committed only moments earlier, for which the striker was shown a yellow card. The 30-year-old went on to see his second yellow in a matter of seconds after refusing to allow the free kick to take place.

Rio Ferdinand spoke after the game on BT Sport about Jimenez’s reaction that caused the avoidable red card, saying: “It was schoolboy errors and he was playing to the crowd but there must have been a tinge of embarrassment at what he’d done. It was silly, 44 seconds from the yellow card to the red card. Stupid.”

In terms of more positive contributions from Bruno Lage’s side, Conor Coady might have been the man to produce a sensational goal-line clearance to deny Ilkay Gundogan, but another man who made an outstanding defensive contribution today was Jose Sa.

As per SofaScore, the goalkeeper made eight saves, with six of those coming from inside the box, and won 100% of his duels throughout the game, resulting in him earning the highest rating of 8.3 for Wolves, which was fully deserved.

The Athletic journalist Tim Spiers took to Twitter to express his amazement at one of the many saves that the 28-year-old made at the Etihad, commenting: “Jesus looks set to score but Sa is in with another big boy save at the near post.”

Manchester City had 24 shots, with 10 on target, giving Sa a busy shift in goal for Wolves this afternoon. After his performance which saw him concede just one goal, as well as having more touches and completing twice as many passes than Adama Traore throughout the game with only ten men on the pitch for Wolves, it’s safe to say that Sa was an absolute credit to his team today.

Based on this display, City boss Pep Guardiola will be having nightmares about having to face the Portuguese ‘keeper when the champions go to Molineux later in the season.

In other news: One of Sa’s team-mates had a rather different afternoon at the Etihad

Aston Villa’s Leon Bailey was ‘blowing’ after returning from injury last time out against Arsenal, manager Dean Smith says. 

Bailey was introduced at half-time at The Emirates, with Villa trailing 2-0.

It was his first appearance since a goalscoring cameo in the 3-0 win over Everton on 18 September.

A hamstring injury had sidelined him for three games.

Finally a full debut for Bailey?

Bailey could be in line to make his start for the club since his £30million summer move from Bayer Leverkusen in Sunday’s clash with West Ham United.

But that will only be if Smith believes he is fit enough after he undergoes an assessment on Saturday.

Selecting a winger in Bailey could see Smith change formation, moving away from 3-5-2 in favour of a front three.

Villa are looking to halt a run of three consecutive defeats against the Hammers, who travel to the Midlands buoyed by back-to-back wins.

Birmingham Mail journalist Ashley Preece relayed Smith’s press conference comments, and here’s what Villa supporters made of them.

These Villa fans want to see Bailey start

“Bailey needs to play a few games before is contract runs out if possible, him and Sanson have hardly kicked a ball this season”

Credit: @FabledSage

“Only way to build up his fitness is game time. Start him and try and get an hour or so out of him”

Credit: @Avillafan

“Even if he’s blowing he still better than anything we saw in that wretched first half. If Deano persists with this flawed, unbalanced 352 he will alienate the fans and eventually the owners.”

Credit: @willsterdavies1

“The hope of Bailey starting and us going back to 4 at the back with wingers is the main thing keeping me attending Sunday with positivity”

Credit: @matty__jeff

“Can see exactly where this is going, more of that 3-5-2 to look forward to then”

Credit: @MarkRee37875029

“If he doesn’t start Bailey he’s going to get it in the neck from the fans. Time to be bold, or at least pander to the fans a bit!”

Credit: @PeterStevens82

“Pain”

Credit: @Joe_E_Young

In other news, what did fans think of Smith’s Morgan Sanson reveal?

An update has emerged on Newcastle target Dean Henderson, regarding Manchester United’s stance on his future.

What’s the talk?

According to The Sun, the Red Devils are willing to allow the shot-stopper to leave on an 18-month loan to stop him from wasting his career on the bench at Old Trafford.

Newcastle are reportedly interested in a January swoop for the England international as they look to bolster their squad in the upcoming transfer window, with United now opening the door to a potential deal.

Get it done

Eddie Howe must sanction a Newcastle deal to sign Henderson following this update on United’s plans for him, as it could be a shrewd piece of business for the club moving forward.

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A loan for 18 months could be an ideal agreement for the Magpies given their current situation in the goalkeeping department. Freddie Woodman, Martin Dubravka and Karl Darlow all remain on the books at St. James’ Park and having Henderson on loan for 18 months would provide the club with ample time to shift one or two of them on to fund a permanent move for the young Englishman.

Newcastle could sign him on a permanent deal if he impresses enough in the year-and-a-half, using money they rake in from the potential sales of Woodman, Darlow and/or Dubravka. However, if they paid for Henderson in full straight away instead of landing him on loan, they could have four permanent goalkeepers at the club at the same time.

This could cause issues both in terms of the finances and the mood on the training pitch. A loan deal means that Newcastle can pull the plug on him if they are unable to shift others on, or if his arrival brings the best out of one of the three shot-stoppers already at the club.

In terms of his quality, Toon legend Alan Shearer previously gave a glowing endorsement of the £120k-per-week beast following his spell on loan at Sheffield United, naming him in his Premier League Team of the Season. He said:

“It was tough to leave out Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson, but Sheffield United’s season has been one of the best stories of the campaign and Henderson has been key to their success.

“The Manchester United loanee has kept 10 clean sheets and his bravery and confidence beyond his 23 years. He is a star in the making.”

This suggests that he could also have the quality to come in and be a success on the pitch, whilst also helping the club financially, as he impressed Shearer enough to name him as the best goalkeeper in the 2019/20 campaign. Therefore, Howe must ensure that he can seal a loan deal for Henderson when the January window opens in under two months.

AND in other news, Howe could win over NUFC fans by axing £41k-p/w dud and landing “magnificent” beast…

Flocking to Twitter, many Manchester City supporters have gone wild as a fresh claim emerges on the future of striking target Erling Braut Haaland.

The Sky Blues have been eyeing Haaland throughout 2021 with reports of their interest resurfacing in recent weeks, coming after they couldn’t quite manage to land a natural centre-forward in the summer.

Sporting director Txiki Begiristain had his eye on Harry Kane for the majority of the window, and after that move failed to materialise, they briefly contemplated a move for Cristiano Ronaldo.

Alas, manager Pep Guardiola didn’t get his striker wish and he could now have to wait another year until he signs the perfect heir to club legend Sergio Aguero at Eastlands.

In a silver lining for the Spaniard, it appears there has been a major development in the pursuit of Haaland.

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According to journalist Constantin Eckner of The Times, the Norway star’s agent, Mino Raiola, is now expected to hold talks with City over a potential move for his client next summer.

The dazzling 21-year-old’s release clause of £64 million is a sticking point as it comes into effect next year and Haaland is top of Begiristain’s transfer wishlist.

Flocking to this claim involving one of the best strikers in world football, it’s little wonder there are plenty of City supporters talking on social media.

Find all of the best reactions from Twitter down below.

Man City fans go wild for Haaland claim…

“now this is soooo amazing to hear”

Credit: @morison24383619

“Incredible.”

Credit: @FutbolGlobal

“About time”

Credit: @CitySlick4

“All is forgiven Txiki if you somehow manage to do this”

Credit: @crystallan21

“Good news”

Credit: @Musekere1

“We’re overdue a Txiki masterclass”

Credit: @MrUwais

“No wayyyyyyy it’s actually happening”

Credit: @rated07_

“This is exciting and obviously the club will go into this in good faith. But it’s still so unlikely any Haaland offer from Raiola would fit City’s wage structure. I’m not optimistic, but this is good news.”

Credit: @skramerwrites

In other news: ‘Vamosss’, ‘Best news today’, ‘Lets goooo’…Man City fans erupt over ‘beautiful’ development out of Eastlands, find out more here.

Celtic have been dealt a huge injury blow ahead of their upcoming Premiership clash.

What’s the latest?

In recent comments cited by the Glasgow Evening Times, Ange Postecoglou revealed that Greg Taylor, who has not featured for Celtic since the club’s 3-0 win over Ross County back in September, could be sidelined until 2022 as the left-back has undergone surgery on a shoulder injury and is still a couple of months away from making a return.

Speaking about the defender’s current condition, the Hoops manager said: “Greg’s had an operation on his shoulder, it’s about four weeks since he started rehab so he’s still a good couple of months away. It’s a contact thing where we have to be careful.”

Fans will be gutted

While the emergence of 19-year-old left-back Adam Montgomery has helped to cover the loss of Taylor, the news that the 23-year-old looks set to miss Wednesday night’s trip to Hibernian, along with several important fixtures in Celtic’s season, is sure to have left the Parkhead faithful gutted.

Indeed, prior to his injury, the £1.8m-rated man had impressed over his four Premiership appearances this term, helping his side to keep one clean sheet, registering one assist and creating one big chance for his teammates, as well as making two key passes, 1.5 interceptions and 1.5 tackles per game.

These returns saw the £8.2k-per-week defender average a SofaScore match rating of 7.15, ranking him as Postecoglou’s 11th-best performer in the Scottish top flight.

However, it would now seem as if the 56-year-old will have to make do without the Scotland international for a significant portion of the season, which will undoubtedly come as a huge blow to the Bhoys’ chances of reclaiming their Premiership crown this term, as well as making it out of their Europa League group.

In other news: Ange must ruthlessly axe “outstanding” £3.15m-rated Celtic ace for the greater good

If you were to rank all of Leeds United’s signings over the past few years, you’d be hard pressed to find someone arguing for anyone other than Raphinha being near the top of that list, if not at the very top.

The Brazilian has been an absolute revelation for Marcelo Bielsa’s side since joining in a £17m deal from French outfit Stade Rennes just under 12 months ago, enjoying a superb debut campaign in English football which saw him net six goals and provide another nine assists in the Premier League alone.

Dubbed as “star dust” and a “matchwinner” by The Athletic’s Phil Hay, the journalist also shed some more light on just how the Whites were able to sign him for so cheap.

He said: “My understanding of what went on at Rennes was that he was as happy to leave as they were to sell him, and it felt like, in the end, all sides got pretty much what they wanted.

“I was asking a couple of journalists over there, ‘why have they done this deal at this price?’ They said because, basically, if they get their money back on him, they would be happy with that, because they don’t think he’s been that outstanding.”

Raphinha’s displays had Leeds teammate Patrick Bamford hailing him after the 2-0 win over Crystal Palace back in February, with the Englishman telling Sky Sports: “I think, to be honest, he has been a steal for Leeds. I am surprised. As soon as he came in, you saw him in training, you know sometimes with players whether they are good or they are top class, and he really was. He stood out straightaway.

“I am surprised that bigger teams, more established Premier League teams I should say, haven’t taken a punt on him because he really is someone special, and he is young.”

The £27m-rated Raphinha has been an absolute masterclass of a signing from Victor Orta and co.

Meanwhile, Phil Hay has delivered an update on this former key figure at Elland Road…