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Football finance expert Kieran Maguire says events such as Anthony Joshua’s fight against Oleksandr Usyk could help Tottenham sell the naming rights to their stadium for the £250,000,000 they are looking for.

The Lowdown: Spurs host huge bout

Recently, Joshua’s heavyweight boxing bout with Usyk took place in front a full capacity crowd at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Joshua lost the fight, but the glamour of the event can only be good news for Tottenham as a brand.

The Latest: Maguire impressed

Speaking to Football Insider, Maguire discussed Tottenham’s ability to attract naming rights offers for their stadium. He said:

“I think it helps Spurs from a negotiation perspective.

“It was a spectacular event, with the exception of the result. That can only enhance the club’s ability to broaden the global scope of what they can offer.

“That therefore makes it more attractive to a sponsor. But it seems a lot of money, however, £25m.

“Man City got more than that, but that was on the back of the stadium that people were looking for a name for.

“But they are calling it the Tottenham stadium deliberately. As soon as people start calling it White Hart Lane, it becomes much harder to get a deal.

“That’s because people will not refer to it by its new name. That means the sponsor doesn’t get as much publicity.

“If you can’t persuade people to use the corporate name, that is to the detriment of their negotiating position.”

The Verdict: Financial boost

It was recently revealed Tottenham are looking for £25m per year over 10 years, which would end up seeing Tottenham receive a fee of £250m. As per 90min.com, that would make Spurs’ ground the most lucrative in terms of sponsorship.

Of course, that is a huge amount. However, given the stadium is already luring in massive corporations like the NFL (nfl.com), it is clear it can be used for more than just football matches, which makes it an interesting proposition for plenty of companies. For Daniel Levy and co, therefore, a financial boost could be just around the corner.

In other news, this man has been urged to leave Tottenham.

Marcelo Bielsa is reportedly becoming frustrated with the failure to bring Lewis O’Brien to the club in time for the season opener [Football Insider].

The Lowdown: Leeds United prepare for second successive top-flight campaign

Ahead of the start of the Premier League campaign this weekend, the Argentinian will be keen to add quality to his ranks to ensure a second successful top-flight season in the English top-flight.

Adopting an approach of quality over quantity, the Whites hierarchy have sanctioned deals for Junior Firpo, Jack Harrison and Kristoffer Klaesson respectively [Transfermarkt].

However, they may have now run into difficulty regarding making a fourth summer signing.

The Latest: Bielsa growing frustrated in pursuit of O’Brien

As revealed by a recruitment source at Football Insider, Bielsa is said to be growing “exasperated” at his employers’ inability to offer a suitable financial package to the Terriers for O’Brien.

His disappointment stems from the fact he has not been able to bring in O’Brien with plenty time to bed him in during pre-season, whilst simultaneously expecting the club to make a bigger effort to get their man.

Huddersfield asked for a fee in advance of £10 million for the creative midfielder, far above Leeds’ opening offer of £2-3million.

The Verdict: Blow for Leeds

Looking to strengthen for the challenges that lie ahead, this news will come as a bitter disappointment to the Whites support.

In 2020/21, the 22-year-old ace registered six goal contributions in 42 games for his current employers; three goals and three assists [Transfermarkt].

He has continued this form into 2021/22, putting in a man of the match performance in Huddersfield’s penalty victory after a 0-0 draw vs Sheffield Wednesday in the EFL Cup first round [BBC].

Once labelled as ‘incredible’ by Yorkshire Live writer Steven Chicken, Leeds United should look to close out a deal as soon as possible for his signature [Lancashire Live].

In other news, a Leeds United ace has been tipped to recapture his best form in 2021/22.

Crystal Palace have suffered a significant injury blow ahead of their Premier League encounter against Burnley this afternoon after key midfielder James McArthur was ruled out of action.

What’s the word?

The Eagles will be looking to extend their six-game unbeaten run when they travel to Turf Moor but will have to do so without their 34-year-old maestro in the middle of the park.

“James (McArthur) has a hamstring issue, and he is going to be out for the next couple of weeks,” Patrick Vieira confirmed in Friday’s press conference.

However, it wasn’t all bad news on the fitness front as far as the Eagles were concerned. Joachim Andersen was declared fit after returning early from international duty, while Eberechi Eze is set to be part of the matchday squad for the first time since May.

“They are both doing well,” the Frenchman confirmed. “Joachim trained with the team, and he will be part of the group that travels to Burnley. Eze is doing really well. He played two games, 90 minutes, and has been training. He will be part of the group as well.”

Patrick Vieira will be gutted

Despite the positive updates on those two players, the news that McArthur will be sidelined for a few more weeks will leave Vieira feeling gutted, given the veteran’s importance to the team.

The former Scotland international has started every Premier League game for Palace this season, captaining the side on six occasions, and his underlying numbers are evidence of his influence over proceedings.

As per WhoScored, McArthur has averaged 50.6 passes, 2.3 tackles, 1.2 interceptions, 1.4 dribbles and 0.6 blocks per league game in 2021/22, placing him in the top four for each metric when compared to his teammates.

Therefore, his enforced absence against Burnley will be a huge blow for Palace and Vieira, potentially hampering their hopes of recording three consecutive victories.

In other news… Parish could seal dream Palace deal with £31.5m-rated wizard who “makes things happen”

Celtic will be without striker Giorgos Giakoumakis for their League Cup semi-final with St Johnstone, Alison Conroy reports.

The Lowdown: Giakoumakis under Postecoglou

Giakoumakis made the move to Celtic Park on deadline day in a deal worth £2.5m from VVV-Venlo.

However, since then, he has had his fair share of issues after initially struggling to get up to fitness before injuring his calf in the warm-up against Raith Rovers in September.

The 26-year-old, labelled as a ‘phenomenon’ by a Dutch reporter, has started twice under Ange Postecoglou, with his only goal coming against Saturday’s opponents in the Scottish Premiership.

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The Latest: Conroy’s update

Sky Sports reporter Conroy shared an injury update on Twitter following comments from Postecoglou.

Giakoumakis will be out for at least another week due to a knee issue, whereas Carl Starfelt and Tom Rogic are unlikely to be ready in time following hamstring problems.

“Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou says Giorgos Giakoumakis will be out for at least another week with a knee injury. League Cup semi likely to be too soon for Carl Starfelt & Tom Rogic.”

The Verdict: Not ideal…

Postecoglou will have his first taste of Hampden Park this weekend, and being without three first-team members on top of long-term absentees Christopher Jullien and Greg Taylor isn’t exactly ideal.

Giakoumakis, Starfelt and Rogic all started in the 2-0 win over St Johnstone last month, so Postecoglou will now have to find a way to win without the trio.

In terms of Giakoumakis’ latest injury, you’d expect Kyogo Furuhashi will almost certainly occupy a central role, with all but one of his 13 Hoops goals coming as a centre-forward as opposed to out wide.

In other news: Ange now wants to sign another forward for Celtic in January; came through same academy as Rogic. 

West Bromwich Albion will not be returning for 2020/21 loanee Okay Yokuslu of Celta Vigo, as reported by Birmingham Mail.

The Lowdown: West Brom set for life under Valerien Ismael

Gliding ever closer to the 2021/22 campaign, Valerien Ismael will be keen to put his stamp on a squad who will be desperate to bounce back to the Premier League at the first time of asking.

Getting busy in the transfer market, the 45-year-old has sanctioned deals for Matt Clarke and Alex Mowatt [Transfermarkt].

However, one man he will not bring back to the Hawthorns this window is 27-year-old Yokuslu.

The Latest: Yokuslu will not return to West Brom this summer

In spite of numerous suggestions otherwise, the Turkey international is not someone who will pitch up in the Midlands once again for the forthcoming campaign [Birmingham Mail].

Despite giving a good account of himself with the Baggies last year, West Brom currently do not have the money necessary to bring the 6 foot 3 midfield maestro aboard.

Furthermore, newly appointed Ismael is said to want to shape the side in his own way, a vision that does not include Yokuslu.

The Verdict: Clean break

For both parties, a clean break may be the best scenario here. Though a very talented midfielder who performed admirably last term, Yokuslu joining up with West Brom would take a significant chunk out of their respective transfer and wage budgets.

In 2020/21, he impressed with his desire to win possession, successfully winning an average of 2.4 tackles per game in the Premier League across the year [WhoScored].

Once labelled as ‘excellent’ by West Brom journalist Adrian Goldberg [This is Futbol], he is a talented player no doubt, but one talented player does not earn promotion.

If Ismael is allowed to redirect whatever funds were plotted for Yokuslu’s return elsewhere instead, this could turn out to be a very wise decision indeed.

In other news, West Brom have been linked with a free agent.

A number of Liverpool supporters believe Kylian Mbappe may have hinted at leaving Paris Saint-Germain, talking up the Reds’ chances of signing him.

Jurgen Klopp will hopefully make a number of additions to try and take back the Premier League title, with centre-back Ibrahima Konate already arriving from RB Leipzig.

Another attacking player may be on the agenda, providing even more competition for places for the likes of Mohamed Salah, Diogo Jota, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino.

The latter two in particular struggled last term, scoring just 20 league goals between them.

One player who has been constantly linked with a stunning move to Anfield is Mbappe, with the Paris Saint-Germain superstar one of the most exciting players in world football.

It remains to be seen if the 22-year-old will stay put at PSG beyond the summer, but speaking to France Football [via journalist Fabrizio Romano on Twitter], the forward seemed to hint at moving on and enjoying a fresh challenge:

“I have to make the right decision, which is difficult, and give myself every chance to decide well. I am in a place where I like myself, feel good. But is it the best place for me? I don’t have the answer yet.”

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Liverpool fans excited after Mbappe comments

These Liverpool fans took to Twitter to talk up the Reds’ hopes of signing Mbappe.

“He’s leaving PSG soon”

Credit: @LwazmeroDlams

“The best place for you is @LFC, Kylian @KMbappe”

Credit: @hafizvdin

“He’s basically saying ‘come get me Liverpool…I’m ready'”

Credit: @Liverpool_NYC

“Umm, @LFC quit dilly dallying and get after it!”

Credit: @Ralph_Seegobin

“Mbappe 2021”

Credit: @A_Watson7

“He’s literally begging for us to sign him @LFC”

Credit: @ziyaadofficial_

In other news, some Liverpool fans have reacted positively to a key update ahead of next season. Read more here.

According to The Sun, Tottenham Hotspur manager, Nuno Espirito Santo has been impressed with midfielder Harry Winks since his arrival at the club – after the player was outcasted by ex-boss Jose Mourinho last season.

The Lowdown: Winks shunned…

The Englishman was heavily out of favour under Mourinho over 2020/2021, starting just nine Premier League matches all season.

His situation was similar to that of another homegrown Tottenham talent in Dele Alli as both men’s futures in north London became the subject of debate last year.

Winks reportedly attracted interest from the likes of Manchester United while sources suggested that Spurs were also open to selling him in the summer window (football.london).

The Latest: Nuno blown away by Winks…

As per The Sun, new Lilywhites boss Nuno has been impressed by Winks since he took over from Mourinho this summer, as the player seeks to rebuild his Spurs career.

The 25-year-old apparently wanted to stay as long as he had a chance of playing regularly and it appears that Winks is back in contention despite only playing one Premier League minute so far (WhoScored).

Winks did start both Europa Conference League qualifying games against Pacos de Ferreira as Tottenham overturned a first leg defeat to reach the group stages.

The Verdict: Comeback season?

After Alli, we could be about to see another former Spurs outcast fight his way back into the side, judging by this report.

It will certainly be interesting to see whether Winks does become more of a fixture in Nuno’s starting eleven domestically as well as in Europe, but so far, it appears he is turning heads.

The midfield maestro, who averaged an impressive 90.3% pass accuracy over 26 league starts the season before last (WhoScored), could prove a viable asset for Nuno as he seeks to maintain an impressive Spurs start.

In other news: ‘Finished article’ – Sky pundit in awe of Spurs starlet who’s an ‘improved version of Ndombele’…find out more here.

Journalist Anthony Haggerty has told Football FanCast that Celtic should have looked to sign Gary Cahill.

Ange Postecoglou has already made a couple of defensive additions but has been unable to add another centre-back to his ranks as he looks to improve on last season’s struggles at the back.

And prior to Gary Cahill signing for Bournemouth following his release from Crystal Palace, the 6 ft 4 centre-half was available on a free transfer.

The 35-year-old had been a regular at Palace since leaving for Chelsea two years ago and would not only have brought a wealth of experience in both the Premier League and Champions League – competitions his defending has helped the Blues to win – but he’s also already got a relationship with Joe Hart following their time together with England.

Stephen Welsh and Carl Starfelt have started the last five matches in all competitions together, but those two are just 19 and 26 respectively.

With that in mind, Haggerty told Football FanCast:

“I would still like them to bring in another centre-back and the one I have been talking about his Gary Cahill – I think he could do a job for Celtic.

“Gary Cahill is an ideal short-term signing for Celtic.  And all that experience that he could bring to the backline would’ve been phenomenal.”

Wolves midfielder Vitinha helped Portugal to reach the semi-finals of the European Under-21 Championship on Monday night. 

He played all 120 minutes as they beat Italy 5-3 in Ljubljana to set up a meeting with Spain in the last four.

Wolves signed Vitinha on a season-long loan deal last September, and their agreement with FC Porto included an option to make the deal permanent.

Hope for Vitinha at Wolves after little gametime

Vitinha was limited to 511 Premier League minutes under Nuno Espirito Santo, making three further appearances in the cup competitions.

However, Nuno left Molineux at the end of the season, and Fabrizio Romano reported in May that the club were working to complete the appointment of former Benfica boss Bruno Lage.

A new manager may be able to offer Vitinha assurances of a far greater role, while Wolves looked like a team in need of being revitalised as they slipped from seventh in the previous two seasons to 13th this time around.

Wolves fans react to Vitinha’s victorious tweet

After Portugal under-21s’ victory, Vitinha tweeted a celebratory message, and here’s how some Wolves fans reacted.

“Please stay here”

Credit: @laurennandoo

“Stay, scary man has gone. Lage will play you.”

Credit: @haydenbd_

“Hope you’re staying at Wolves mate”

Credit: @outofdarkness12

“You are the best player of all time”

Credit: @hxpkins_

“Write how many zeros you want”

Credit: @jshwwfc

“Nuno is gone, Lage will have you thrive”

Credit: @lewis_wwfc7

“Vitor mate, tell Lage to play you in every game”

Credit: @FinsabuWWFC

In other news, read these Wolves fans’ reaction to Chelsea’s reported interest in one of their star players. 

Everton reportedly now risk losing Dominic Calvert-Lewin to Arsenal in the summer.

The Lowdown: Injury misery

Calvert-Lewin has endured an injury-plagued season, playing just 14 times in total over all competitions.

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In turn, the Goodison Park faithful have struggled massively, lurking just outside of the relegation zone.

There is no doubting his ability and how vital is to the team, after all, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has hailed him as ‘one of the best’ in his position ahead of the Merseyside derby on Sunday afternoon.

The Latest: Arsenal lurking

Taking to Twitter, The Athletic journalist and transfer expert David Ornstein has revealed that Calvert-Lewin is now among the options considered by Arsenal to strengthen their attack this summer.

However, the Gunners are also considering signing Gabriel Jesus from Manchester City.

The Verdict: Keep

Yes, Calvert-Lewin has struggled with injuries this term, but he has already shown his worth to the Toffees and remains one of their key players.

The striker has 56 goals in total for the club over six consecutive campaigns, while also contributing a handy 17 assists (Transfermarkt).

At 25 years of age, the England international still has his best years ahead of him, and so Frank Lampard’s side will not want to let him go cheaply, especially to another club in the Premier League.

However, if they were to get relegated, they may not have a choice.

In other news, find out which Blues ace has been ‘clubbing too much’ here!