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Gers demand £6m for Helander

As per Football Insider, Glasgow Rangers will demand at least £6m to part ways with Filip Helander this summer.

Gers set Helander price-tag

In recent days, Champions League chasers Leicester City, as well as Aston Villa, have been linked with a move for Gers defender Helander (Sportbladet).

As per this latest report, it has been suggested the Gers will demand at least £6m to let the Sweden international leave. That would represent a minimum 42% profit on the £3.5m they paid for him in 2019 (The Scottish Sun).

Potential bargain

This is a potential bargain for any club looking to sign the 27-year-old. Incredibly, despite this now being his second season at Ibrox, he is yet to lose a single Premiership match (Transfermarkt). Injuries have reduced him to just 29 appearances in the Scottish top flight, but that is still an impressive record.

The former Bologna centre-back has two years left on his contract at Rangers and regularly appears for his country – he has started both of Sweden’s 2022 World Cup qualifiers this month. Although he plays in Scotland, the Gers could demand considerably more than £6m for him.

As such, Ross Wilson and co should perhaps revisit this demand. If they do not, it may send the wrong message to clubs who are interested in other talents at Ibrox.

In other news, some Rangers fans react to this bizarre news on an Ibrox hero.

Tottenham touted for ‘big signing’

Speaking to Football Insider, former Tottenham Hotspur defender Alan Hutton expects Spurs to swoop for a ‘big signing’ to fill the ‘problem position’ of right-back – coming after the same outlet revealed that Daniel Levy is plotting to sell Serge Aurier in the summer.

Aurier, despite being much improved this season, could be offloaded at the end of the season – with a Tottenham source apparently explaining that a new contract offer is unlikely (Football Insider).

Matt Doherty, meanwhile, has struggled to nail down a permanent place in Jose Mourinho’s team this season.

Hutton touts possible ‘big signing’ for Tottenham

As a result, Hutton now expects Tottenham to swoop for a ‘big signing’ in order to fix that area of the squad for Spurs – claiming the right-back position will ‘definitely’ be ‘up for grabs’.

“I think it’s been a problem area for Tottenham this season,” explained Hutton to Football Insider.

“I genuinely thought Doherty would come in and make a difference.

“We know how well he played at Wolves. Yes, it’s difficult going from a 3-4-3 at Wolves to change into a four at Spurs.

“That position is definitely up for grabs and a big signing is likely.

“Whether they look at the summer to bring someone in or whether one of those two players really kick on and make it their own.”

Transfer Tavern take

Tipping a potential new arrival to succeed either Aurier or Doherty, it remains to be seen if a right-back does enter the Tottenham radar.

Spurs have been linked with a move for Max Aarons recently, but only time will tell who they opt to target in the summer.

In other news: Tottenham offered a contract to this rising starlet, find out more here.

MCFC fans react to Haaland news

Some Manchester City fans have been reacting to the news that Borussia Dortmund reportedly want €150m (£128m) for their star striker Erling Haaland if they are to sell him this summer.

The Citizens have been heavily linked with a move for Haaland (The Mirror via BeSoccer), who has been in stunning form for Dortmund so far this campaign. In 30 games in all competitions, he has 31 strikes to his name, meaning he has 47 goals in just 48 matches for Die Schwarzgelben since signing for them in January of last year (Transfermarkt). Not only that, he has managed to hit the back of the net 20 times in just 14 Champions League games throughout his career.

It is common knowledge that the 20-year-old Norwegian has a €75m (£64.2m) release clause which comes into play next summer, but Dortmund would let him go for €150m (£128m) in just a few months according to German outlet Bild (via CBS Sports).

This news was shared by Twitter account @City_Chief, and it attracted plenty of attention from these City supporters, who took to the social media platform to share their thoughts.

Let’s see what the fans had to say about the Haaland news below

“Write that check!”

Credit: @MatthewShehorn

“That’s a steal, to us he is worth twice that. Just get it done!”

Credit: @FplVester

“Just pay what they want!”

Credit: @peko3141

“That’s it? Let’s get this going ASAP!!”

Credit: @DaOGMuffinMan

“pay it and get him signed up….”

Credit: @mcfc_matty

“Worth that price tag no point waiting for the release clause he will be gone by then”

Credit: @dkrobinson2398

In other news, some Manchester City fans slammed this player against Fulham.

Why Spurs should sign Konate

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly one of the sides taking an interest in RB Leipzig centre-back Ibrahima Konate ahead of the summer when the 21-year-old’s release clause will become active, and he could be the man to finally replace Jan Vertonghen at the North London club.

What’s the word?

According to journalist Christian Falk on Twitter, Spurs, Manchester United and Liverpool are all interested in the young defender, who will be available for €40 million (£36 million) in the summer.

Spurs’ Vertonghen replacement?

Spurs are arguably yet to replace Vertonghen in their side since the Belgian’s departure in the summer, and Konate could be the man to step up in Jose Mourinho’s side as his long-term replacement.

During his time with Spurs, the former Ajax man would make 315 appearances for the club, contributing 14 goals and seven assists but he lost his place in Mourinho’s side last season and departed on a free transfer after his contract expired, eventually joining Benfica.

Spurs did add Joe Rodon from Swansea City to their side during the summer transfer window but the Welsh international has only recently broken into the first-team and showed his inexperience in the midweek defeat against Liverpool for Sadio Mane’s goal – even if it was a rare blip in an impressive showing.

Konate has struggled with injury issues in the past two seasons but was excellent during the 2018/19 season for Julian Nagelsmann’s side in the Bundesliga, averaging a superb 7.19 rating.

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Even though he has only managed six appearances in the German top-flight this season, his average rating of 6.81 would rate him above all of Spurs’ centre-back options, other than Toby Alderweireld – who has averaged a solid 6.97 rating.

Even though he is only 21, Konate has plenty of experience in the Bundesliga and the Champions League, which is something that the likes of Rodon and Japhet Tanganga cannot offer in this Spurs side.

Former Leipzig coach Ralf Ragnick suggested that Konate was just as good as Dayot Upamecano in 2020, saying when comparing the two:

“There are a few others in Leipzig: I see Ibrahim Konaté on the same level.”

Therefore, the 21-year-old would arrive with a big reputation despite being so young, and if he achieves his obvious potential with Spurs should Daniel Levy deliver him during next summer’s transfer window, then he could be the man to finally replace Vertonghen at the North London club.

And, in other news… “Could be a replacement for Alli” – Exclusive: Pundit tips 23 y/o beast who “scores goals” to join Spurs

Leeds want Real Madrid’s Lucas Vazquez

According to reports, Leeds United are one of the sides interested in signing Real Madrid ace Lucas Vazquez this summer, and he could prove to be the ideal replacement if the linked-away Raphinha does end up leaving Elland Road.

What’s the story?

The Spain international’s contract at the Santiago Bernabeu is expiring come the end of the season, and it appears he looks set for an exit from the European giants.

According to Deportes Cuatro, Marcelo Bielsa’s side are ready to take advantage of the contract stalemate between Vazquez and Madrid, and swoop in on a potential free transfer.

The report claims that Vazquez doesn’t want to decide his next club in the summer, and is keen on making a decision in March, with the likes of Leeds, Everton, Napoli and Milan all interested in signing him.

Bargain replacement for Raphinha

While Leeds fans will undoubtedly be buzzing at seeing Raphinha continue to produce eye-catching displays week-in and week-out following his arrival last summer – his latest seeing him net a stunning free-kick against Southampton on Tuesday night – it’s inevitable that some of European football’s heavyweights are keeping a close eye on him.

Reports in recent weeks have suggested that reigning Premier League champions Liverpool have been blown away by his progress, and are assessing him as a target ahead of a potential summer move for him.

If the Brazilian does end up leaving Elland Road after just one season, clinching Vazquez on a free transfer would be a fairly shrewd move to make. Not only would owner Andrea Radrizzani not have to pay a penny in signing him in terms of a transfer fee, but he would be getting someone with tonnes of experience at the highest level with both Madrid and Spain.

Vazquez has played Champions League football year-in and year-out at the Bernabeu, and the £155k-a-week earning speedster would offer this Leeds side plenty of know-how and insight.

If the Whites do have to wave goodbye to Raphinha in the summer, then Vazquez should be considered a serious option to replace him.

Liverpool transfer target David Alaba showed his class for Bayern Munich vs Mainz

Liverpool are reportedly one of the sides interested in signing David Alaba from Bayern Munich in the summer when his contract with the Bundesliga side expires and if his recent performance against Mainz is anything to go by, he would be a superb signing for the Reds.

According to Italian football journalist Fabrizio Romano in The Guardian, the Reds are pushing hard to sign the Austrian international this summer, although Real Madrid are currently leading the race, as they seek a replacement for the seemingly outgoing Sergio Ramos.

Whilst Romano suggests a January move is unlikely, which is a blow for Jurgen Klopp’s side due to their current injury crisis in defence, they should still be doing everything they can to sign the £58.5 million-rated centre-back on a Bosman transfer next summer.

Alaba’s superb ability on the ball was exemplified by his excellent performance in Bayern Munich’s 5-2 win against Mainz recently, with the 28-year-old helping to build attacks from the back with his world-class passing ability.

As per SofaScore, Alaba would have 108 touches of the ball against Mainz, completing an impressive 97 passes from the 105 he attempted, resulting in a pass accuracy rate of 92%.

He is also willing to take a risk with his long balls, something Liverpool have arguably been lacking in the absence of Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez, and eight of the 12 he attempted during the 90 minutes would find a Bayern Munich shirt.

Although Hans Dieter-Flick’s side found themselves 2-0 down at half-time, this was more to do with Jerome Boateng having a nightmare than Alaba being poor defensively, as they fought back to win 5-2 once Boateng was replaced by Niklas Sule at half-time.

During Pep Guardiola’s time managing the Austrian international, he was full of praise for him, saying:

“He’s an unbelievable talent. He can play anywhere. He’s quick, good in the build-up and always 100 per cent focused. Without doubt he can be one of the best centre-backs in the world. He’s a huge gift for Bayern.”

Therefore, with Alaba’s versatility and experience, he would be a world-class addition to Klopp’s side in the summer and would work superbly alongside the more physically dominating Van Dijk.

AND, in other news, Edwards can solve LFC crisis by signing £16.5m “leader” likened to Vidic…

Rangers must swoop for Billy Gilmour

According to The Sun, former Glasgow Rangers wonderkid Billy Gilmour could leave Chelsea on loan in the January transfer window, and the Ibrox giants should swoop in having been linked with him by The Scottish Sun last month.

What’s the word?

Speaking to reporters at the time, the then-Blues boss Frank Lampard said on Sunday: “At the moment, he won’t go on loan but we will keep it open until the end of the month.”

However, as we all know by now, a lot can change between now and the end of the transfer window, as Lampard has subsequently been sacked by Chelsea and looks set to be replaced by Thomas Tuchel.

Ross Wilson could in fact capitalise on the situation to sign Gilmour on a temporary basis before the transfer market closes this week for the rest of the season as Rangers may look to use Lampard’s sacking to their advantage.

Better than Bongani Zungu?

Bongani Zungu’s struggles at Rangers look set to continue after the Bafana-Bafana midfielder made yet another substitute appearance under Steven Gerrard against Ross County; this being his tenth of the season so far.

Despite his age, it’s fair to say that Gilmour would be an immediate upgrade on Zungu, who has struggled to make much of an impact at Ibrox – since his arrival last year, the 28-year-old is barely averaging 0.1 tackles per game, via WhoScored. For context, the teenager is currently averaging more tackles (at least one) per match in the Premier League and commits fewer fouls than Zungu.

The comparisons don’t stop there, either, as he has made more attacking contributions as well, averaging at least one shot and one key pass per game in the Champions League as well as successfully completing at least one dribble per match.

Lampard was effusive in his praise for his former charge, even going so far as to dub him “outstanding” for his impressive display against Luton in the FA Cup in his last game in charge of the club at Stamford Bridge.

Gerrard arguably needs another backup option for the seasoned veteran Steven Davis and Gilmour’s youthful exuberance could be a fine fit for the 54-time Scottish champions.

Snapping up a player of his untapped potential to play second-fiddle to Davis would be a shrewd bit of business by the board. Whether or not they will be able to complete a deal before the transfer window shuts its doors at the end of the week is another matter altogether.

AND in other news, Rangers made right decision sending Glenn Middleton out on loan…

Felipe Anderson: Moyes and Sullivan must resolve West Ham winger’s FC Porto crisis

David Sullivan and David Moyes must take action in the January window to resolve Felipe Anderson’s continued nightmare with the West Ham United winger still frozen out at FC Porto.

What’s the word?

Anderson moved to the Estadio do Dragao on a season-long loan this summer but has featured only three times for the Liga NOS giants, with Sergio Conceicao awarding the Brazilian just 110 minutes of action to date.

Conceicao handed Anderson his full Porto debut against third-tier minnows Fabril Barreiro in the Taca de Portugal last month, only to then omit the 27-year-old from his following two league fixtures.

Anderson has not featured in one of Conceicao’s Liga NOS squads since serving as a late substitute in a 3-2 loss to Pacos Ferreira in October, sparking the Irons’ former club-record £36million signing’s sister to hit out at Porto.

“Felipe was brought to Portugal by agents who are no longer part of his career. Only I can I speak officially on his behalf,” Juliana Gomes, who is also Anderson’s agent, said, via quotes by Record.

“I will have a meeting with the club to inform them of this new scenario and also to try to understand if we can do something so that Felipe can do as quickly as possible what he came to do in Portugal, which is to play his football and help FC Porto.”

Conceicao responded to Anderson’s agent by stating, via quotes by O Jogo: “Nobody spoke to me, now what they [want to] talk to the Board.

“I am not going to ask the President what he said to Felipe Anderson’s sister. Why his sister says she needs a meeting, I don’t know, he has to ask, she is not me. If it’s about adapting Felipe, it’s up to me, I can talk, it’s up to me. There are some who adapt faster than others, it’s normal.”

Action needed

With Anderson’s nightmare situation only continuing with a third straight omission from Porto’s Liga NOS squad, tensions must be on the rise in east London fearing that the winger may never establish himself at the Estadio do Dragao in the manner that will support their cause.

Anderson, who his former SS Lazio teammate Bruno Pereirinha describes as “an extremely unbalanced and explosive player”, will return to West Ham at the end of the season with just a year remaining on his £85,000-per-week contract.

The Irons will find it hard to see a reason to offer the forward an extension to his terms after falling out of favour under Moyes last term, making just eight appearances, but may struggle to secure a representative fee in the transfer market unless they find a new home for the £22.5m-rated outcast this winter.

It is not expected that Anderson will return to the London Stadium in January with the Hammers holding no interest in a mid-season reunion, though a move away from Porto simply has to be on the cards amid his crisis.

AND in other news, a “powerful” West Ham dud has given David Moyes all the evidence in the world to why he will never be trusted.

Leeds: Radrizzani must move for free agent Danny Rose next summer

Kevin Phillips has tipped newly-promoted Leeds United to bring exiled Spurs left-back, Danny Rose, back to Elland Road.

The England international is approaching the final six months of his contract in north London and after slipping drastically down the pecking order, this summer will call time on his 13-year era with the Lilywhites.

It’s a tough pill to swallow for Rose who has only had two permanent clubs in his professional career.

He joined Spurs from Leeds back in 2007 and he now finds himself being shown the door by Daniel Levy.

The 30-year-old hasn’t made a single appearance for Tottenham this season and has been demoted to the reserve league, which is a huge slap in the face.

Why Leeds should sign Danny Rose

Speaking to Football Insider, Phillips thinks that snapping up Rose next summer would be a “no brainer” for Andrea Radrizzani.

“I imagine Leeds would look at Danny Rose. It will not be about money for him at this stage,” the ex-striker said. “He will want to play football and I am sure he would love to play in a Marcelo Bielsa side. A specialised, experience left-back who is good on the ball. He could slot in quite nicely.”

Indeed, with things turning extremely sour down in London, Rose will likely take a wage cut in order to secure regular playing time. With no transfer fee to pay next year, it’s an extremely attractive bit of business for Leeds.

Bielsa is also struggling with an injury-stricken squad at the moment, with both Robin Koch and Diego Llorente on the sidelines.

This has forced Luke Ayling to cover the centre-back position, with Stuart Dallas moving to right-back. Whilst it’s a testament to these players’ versatility, it’s alarming that Leeds have such little depth when it comes to their defensive options.

Rose would be a huge boost in this department and would likely get regular minutes with Dallas now taking on a new midfield role.

Re-signing the 30-year-old dynamo in the summer should be an option that Radrizzani is already considering, as it would benefit all parties involved in the move.

In other news, Andrea Radrizzani update could spell huge news for the Whites…

Nuno must unleash Wolves monster Adama Traore against Palace

Wolverhampton Wanderers are back in Premier League action this evening as they welcome Crystal Palace to Molineux.

Nuno Santo will be looking to build on their three-game unbeaten run against an Eagles side who could be there for the taking, should the Portuguese play his cards right.

Since being embarrassed by West Ham, the Midlands outfit have effectively shut up shop defensively, very nearly keeping three clean sheets in a row but for Jacob Murphy’s tricky free-kick.

However, it has come at the expense of scoring goals. Wolves have not scored more than one goal in a match since the opening day, a 2-0 victory over Sheffield United.

Given their lack of firepower, Nuno should consider changing his frontline – that partnership of Raul Jimenez and Adama Traore needs to be unearthed once more.

In 68 Premier League matches playing together, the duo have combined for ten goals, via Transfermarkt, but the newly-capped Spaniard hasn’t started any of their last three outings.

Only one team inside the top 13 have leaked more goals than Palace this season, surprisingly it’s Liverpool. One factor this could boil down to is the lack of experience and quality in their backline.

If Traore is handed a start, he’ll be coming up against 21-year-old Tyrick Mitchell, who has committed at least one foul and is dribbled past an average of once per game, via WhoScored.

No player recorded more successful take-ons than the Wolves monster last season as he completed a whopping 183 – that’s 20 more than Wilfried Zaha.

It means he averaged five dribbles per game, so he will have the ability to cause the inexperienced defender all sorts of nightmares under the lights at Molineux.

Premier League winner Jurgen Klopp believes the £36m-rated beast is “unplayable in moments,” so much so that it’s “unbelievable.”

Traore versus Mitchell would be a worrying match-up for Roy Hodgson, which is why Nuno absolutely has to unleash his enigmatic weapon tonight.

AND in other news, £45m-rated “top player” was one that got away for Wolves…

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