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Southampton have once again been linked with a move for Real Sociedad winger Adnan Januzaj, and he could offer Ralph Hasenhuttl something completely new on the right-hand side of his team should he make the switch to St Mary’s this summer.

According to reports from Spain (via Sport Witness), the Saints and Brighton are set to to do battle for the former Manchester United man this summer.

The report claims that, due to the Belgian winger’s contract being set to expire at the end of the season, Sociedad would consider any bid of more than €8.5m (£7.3m) this summer, so he could be a very reasonable option for the Saints if they are looking to strengthen their options out wide.

It would also fit in with Hasenhuttl’s plans to target players for under £10m this summer, and considering Januzaj already has plenty of experience in the Premier League from his time at Manchester United, he could be an excellent addition ahead of next season.

The 26-year-old made 63 appearances for the Red Devils during his time at Old Trafford, contributing a disappointing five goals and five assists, whilst he also struggled in loan spells with Borussia Dortmund and Sunderland.

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He has subsequently found his feet in Spain, though, contributing 18 goals and 18 assists in 124 appearances for Real Sociedad, and United legend Paul Scholes shared his confusion as to why the Belgian never really made it at Old Trafford when they faced the Spanish club in the Europa League last season, saying:

“He’s been brilliant tonight. I never understood why it didn’t work out for him because he had such talent, but it didn’t.

“He’s gone on to good things and tonight he’s been excellent.

“I knew this kid had ability and he’s showing it.”

It certainly seems as if Januzaj has the ability to make a difference in the Premier League, and he could offer Hasenhuttl a very different option in his team should he join the Saints.

The Austrian currently has Stuart Armstrong, Theo Walcott and Nathan Tella as natural right-sided options in his squad, whilst Moussa Djenepo and Nathan Redmond also featured there on occasion last season.

All of these players are right-footed and all bar Armstrong struggled for regular goals and assists last season, whereas Januzaj managed four goals and five assists in just 1,011 La Liga minutes.

Therefore, to have a left-footed player on the right-hand side who can cut in and provide more of a goal threat than Southampton’s current wingers could be a great option for Hasenhuttl to have next season, so the Saints should definitely consider bringing in the Real Sociedad ace.

In other news… Romano provides huge update on £6.3m-rated gem which will surely leave Saints fans gutted

Manchester United midfielder Jesse Lingard posted a picture in West Ham colours on his Instagram story recently.

A number of Red Devils fans have hit out at the 29-year-old as a result, with the player wanted back at the London Stadium in a possible January switch.

Lingard is yet to feature under Ralf Rangnick in the Premier League and has made just two starts all season. The Englishman is out of contract at the end of the campaign, meaning that he could technically pen pre-contract terms now with a club outside of England ahead of a free transfer in the summer.

However, the Hammers are still interested in Lingard, who relayed a Premier League post on his Instagram story alongside Declan Rice, Pablo Fornals and Tomas Soucek from when he was on loan with the east London club last season.

United fans react

The United Stand shared the screenshot of Lingard’s social media post on Twitter. Here is what these United supporters had to say in reply, with many not pleased and one describing it as ‘disrespectful’ to his current club.

Indeed, it is not the first time that the 29-year-old has enraged some of the Old Trafford fan base over his social media antics, and given his inactivity this season, some supporters feel that it is time for him to be moved on.

“Genuinely can’t believe we didn’t sell Lingard in the summer. Sell him in January. Try and get something for him.”

Credit: @Daniaal_7

“He’s becoming disrespectful”

Credit: @YourstrulyKemar

“get this man out of the club”

Credit: @lwsn___

“He should be banned from kicking ball at my club for life”

Credit: @Dope_Sbu

“Let him go, we don’t need him, we don’t play him, get him off the books”

Credit: @Acro_ManUtd

“I really hope he leave this club”

Credit: @AidanUTD7

In other news: ‘Pathetic’ – Many Man Utd fans fume over ’embarrassing’ behind-the-scenes revelation

Leeds United will ‘definitely’ target a new striker this summer to provide cover and competition for Patrick Bamford.

That’s according to transfer insider Dean Jones, who was speaking to This Is Futbol.

The lowdown

Bamford enjoyed a fine 2020/21 season upon Leeds’ return to the Premier League, scoring 17 goals, providing eight assists and – crucially – featuring in every single game (via Transfermarkt). However, this season he has been ravaged by injury, limiting him to just seven starts out of a possible 32 in the top flight.

An ankle injury kept Bamford out from the end of September until the start of December, and he then suffered a hamstring problem upon his return against Brentford. Having returned to the fold in March, he was forced off in the win away to Wolves and has missed the team’s subsequent two games (via Transfermarkt).

Amidst these woes, Leeds have often turned to summer signing Dan James – who is predominantly a winger – to lead the line, and the Welshman has only scored four goals.

The latest

Jones has said that Leeds believe they need a more effective centre-forward ‘backup’ for Bamford and have made it a priority ahead of the summer transfer window.

He told This Is Futbol: “Leeds are definitely going to look to sign a new striker. I think irrelevant of whether Bamford is fit or not. We’ve seen that you have to have backup for him.”

The verdict

Bamford’s availability was excellent in 2020/21 but his injury nightmare this season has exposed a hole in Leeds’ squad, so who could they potentially sign to strengthen their centre-forward ranks?

According to a recent report from TEAMtalk, the Whites have entered the race to sign Ben Brereton Diaz from Blackburn Rovers. The £9m-rated Chile international has been prolific for the Lancashire club in the Championship, bagging 20 goals in 34 appearances so far this season.

In addition to his goalscoring, the 22-year-old offers an ‘extraordinary’ work rate, according to his manager Tony Mowbray, so he could potentially be a favourite at Elland Road if he were to join Leeds and carry across that industrious trait.

In other news, Phil Hay has shared an update on this injured Leeds midfielder

An update has emerged regarding interest from Newcastle United in RC Lens beast Seko Fofana.

What’s the talk?

According to Foot Mercato, via Get French Football News, the Magpies are showing an interest in the Ivorian as they consider their options ahead of the January transfer window.

The report claims AC Milan and Marseille are among the other clubs keen on the midfielder, whilst Lens will only cash in on him if they receive a huge offer.

Sissoko 2.0

Eddie Howe could land Moussa Sissoko 2.0 for Newcastle by securing a deal for Fofana, whilst solving a major issue for the club.

Isaac Hayden’s average WhoScored rating of 6.53 is the highest out of all of Newcastle’s midfielders in the Premier League this season, whilst Jonjoe Shelvey topped the list with 6.80 last term. This suggests that the Magpies are desperately lacking in quality options in the middle of the park, and Howe could solve that problem by signing Fofana as he has shown his class for Lens.

Foot Mercato claims that he is fourth in Ligue 1 for distance covered this season, on 143.5 kilometres; whilst it was revealed in 2015 that Sissoko was the fastest player in the Premier League for Newcastle, clocking in at 35.3 kilometres per hour as his top speed.

The 6 foot 1 Sissoko averaged an excellent WhoScored rating of 7.04 in his final season on Tyneside, playing 37 of their 38 league matches in 2015/16. Fofana, who stands at 6 foot tall, is a rangey midfielder in a similar style to the 32-year-old and has averaged a sublime rating of 7.22 for Lens in Ligue 1 this term.

Fofana previously admitted that Manchester City legend Yaya Toure inspired him, admitting that the Ivory Coast legend was one of his role models whilst at the Etihad Stadium.

The 26-year-old said: “He inspired me a lot. When we went on tour, we spoke about everything and nothing. I had some times that I will never forget. And on the pitch, he was a role model for me, with his long runs forward, his assists, his goals. He was able to do almost everything, he was complete.”

Fofana’s form for Lens this season shows that he has the quality to impress at the top level, averaging 3.9 key passes and dribbles per game, along with 1.7 tackles and interceptions. Much like Sissoko was for Newcastle, he has proven that he can make an impact as a box-to-box midfielder and perform consistently, which is why Howe must ensure that he can get a deal over the line for him in January.

AND in other news, Offer on the table: PIF working to land NUFC deal for beast which will leave fans buzzing…

Celtic’s majority shareholder Dermot Desmond has been described as a ‘benevolent dictator’ by financial football expert Kieran Maguire.

The Lowdown: Desmond oversees glorious period

The 71-year-old has a 35% stake in the Hoops, who he has supported throughout his life, having initially owned a chunk of Manchester United during the 2000s before selling his share to Malcolm Glazer.

Desmond has overseen a great period in Celtic’s history, with trophies coming thick and fast and another Scottish Premiership title looking likely to arrive next month.

At a time when billionaires own clubs and don’t necessarily care deeply about them, Demsond’s Hoops roots make it a different situation at Parkhead.

The Latest: Maguire praises ownership

Speaking to Football Insider, Maguire discussed the Irishman’s frugal ownership style, praising it overall:

“If you’re a fan first and an owner second, you’re going to do what you think’s best for the club’s best interests. I’ve always said that the best ownership model is one of a benevolent dictator, who will act in the best interest at heart.

“He’s a billionaire that happens to be a fan, rather than a billionaire who wants an executive toy.  It’s slightly different because he is a very prudent owner. Could Celtic have accelerated the gap between them and Rangers in recent years? Perhaps.

“But I think they have always taken the view that they have got the biggest stadium and some of the biggest commercial deals, and that is sufficient.”

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The Verdict: Positives outweigh negatives

Football club owners are almost never universally popular among supporters and that is no different with Desmond, with fans criticising him numerous times in the past.

That being said, the positives outweigh the negatives with him and he is ensuring Celtic are run in a sensible fashion, often spending within their means.

Desmond cares deeply about the Hoops, which immediately works in their favour, and when he eventually sells up, it could be a case of only appreciating him when he’s gone.

In other news, a report has made an exciting Celtic transfer claim. Read more here.

Flocking to Twitter, many Fulham fans have erupted over their side’s six-word message involving Jean Michael Seri.

Marco Silva’s men, looking to bounce straight back to the English top flight after being relegated last season, have certainly made a brilliant start – currently sitting third and well in contention for an automatic spot.

The Cottagers have many players to thank for their start to the Championship campaign but one of the main men is arguably Seri.

Starting 10/12 second tier games under Silva, the 30-year-old has been a composed and assured figure in the middle of the park – averaging the highest pass accuracy (89.1%) out of any Fulham player who’s played more than 90 minutes (WhoScored).

Now, in recognition of his fine form, Fulham have dropped the six-word message ‘Ladies and gentlemen…Jean Michaël Seri’ whilst sharing an exclusive interview with the midfield man.

Indeed, Seri shared his gratitude for the backing of Fulham fans with many erupting in response.

Some are even overjoyed that they ‘finally’ get to hear more from the player.

Find all of their reactions from Twitter down below.

Fulham fans erupt over Seri post…

“Best midfielder in the division. The Seri revival has been glorious”

Credit: @SeeJayFFC

“weeeeve got seriiii”

Credit: @DanFoard1

“Great to finally hear from him. Fans need to be able to understand who our players are as people, not just what they do on the pitch”

Credit: @AdamBrightPhoto

“Great to hear such positivity. We are now seeing why the club spent so much on him.”

Credit: @RogerBurbridge

“What a hero, glad he is enjoying his stay now even if it isn’t for a long time top man”

Credit: @Nathan_Footy

“I love this man more than words could possibly describe. The revival of his fulham career has been nothing short of glorious.”

Credit: @SumptuousSeri

“I am in love”

Credit: @AFreitas1308

“Top lad! inspirational! COYW”

Credit: @secravencottage

Paddy Kenny thinks Everton have a chance of pulling off ‘an unbelievable deal’ for Real Madrid’s Isco. 

The former Sheffield United and Leeds United goalkeeper was speaking to Football Insider.

The lowdown

According to a report from Mundo Deportivo last week, Isco is facing an ‘untenable situation’ at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Real Madrid are keen to sell him in January in order to prevent him walking away for nothing when he reaches the end of his contract come June.

And so it’s down to the player to decide whether he’ll leave mid-season, with Everton one of his ‘more likely’ destinations.

Isco was limited to just eight La Liga starts last season in Zinedine Zidane’s final season at the helm, and new boss Carlo Ancelotti has only picked him for two of the first eight top-flight fixtures (via WhoScored).

The 29-year-old, who’s valued at £16.2million by Transfermarkt, has made 342 appearances for Los Blancos, scored 52 goals and provided 56 assists.

The latest

Kenny was effusive in his praise of Isco despite his struggles for gametime in the Spanish capital.

He thinks the player’s previous experience of working with Rafael Benitez could give Everton an ‘edge’ if there proves to be a battle for his signature.

“I think if this one comes off, it would be an unbelievable deal,” he said.

“You don’t play all those games for Real Madrid over the last ten years without being an absolute superstar.

“He is a talented player, someone I’ve always looked up to as a fantastic midfielder. What a player.

“If there is an opportunity to sign him, he’s someone the fans would like to see play for them.

“Benitez managed him when he was at Real Madrid too, which could give them a bit of an edge.”

The verdict

The parallels with the James Rodriguez are hard to ignore.

James was also 29 when he swapped Madrid for Merseyside, having fallen down the pecking order.

The Colombian did show his quality on the pitch, but his wages soon become a real problem for Everton.

Isco’s £225,000 pay packet should force the Toffees to think twice, especially when they compare his extensive injury history to that of Rodriguez.

In other news, Greg O’Keeffe offers his insight on reported Donny van de Beek interest.

Leeds United have made ‘no progression’ in their efforts to sign Noa Lang, with a financial issue being the hold-up on any potential deal, a source close to the player revealed to LUFC Fanzone.

The lowdown

Lang has only been with Club Brugge permanently since July 2021, after the Belgian club opted to sign him for good following an impressive loan stay.

He has made 41 appearances in total for Club Brugge, chipping in with 18 goals and 13 assists.

Leeds United have held an interest in signing the young forward, with The Telegraph reporting that Marcelo Bielsa’s side are in the mix to land his signature.

The latest

Leeds’ potential move for Lang has made no progression though, with a ‘financial issue’ to blame according to LUFC Fanzone.

“There has been no progression in the last month regarding Leeds.

“From what I understand, there is a financial issue from inside Leeds which is why they are moving slow in the market.”

The verdict

It’ll be interesting to see whether they can reach an agreement to land his signature this summer, and you would imagine that it could be a sizeable fee involved in any potential deal.

He’s only just signed permanently for Club Brugge, and is contracted with the Belgian side until the summer of 2024, which means they’re likely to command a high price to move him on.

Lang was lauded as a ‘phenomenon’ by Belgian journalist Peter Vandenbempt back in April 2021, and it appears as though his strong performances haven’t gone unnoticed – perhaps Victor Orta and co may have to change tact and offer a player-plus-cash deal to have any hope with this one.

As per Football Insider, there has been a rather exciting update on Tottenham Hotspur’s transfer plans ahead of January.

The Lowdown: Conte’s first transfer window looms…

There is just over a month until the mid-season window opens for business and all eyes will be on new Spurs boss Antonio Conte and how he will begin to reshape his current squad.

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After their humbling 2-1 defeat in the Europa Conference League to Slovenian minnows NS Mura, the Italian head coach sent a stern message to his players and admitted that he’s making ‘evaluations’ on the squad (Daily Mirror).

As well as outgoings, Tottenham have been tipped to strengthen, and Serie A looks like itcould be a profitable source of incoming quality for Conte, according to claims from the continent (Calciomercato).

Netherlands duo Stefan de Vrij and Matthijs de Ligt have been repeatedly linked with moves to north London and Football Insider now bring news on what the 52-year-old could do in the New Year.

The Latest: Conte plotting sensational double move…

As per their information, Tottenham’s manager has personally identified both defenders as top targets ahead of January and is now plotting to sign the pair, who he believes are ‘world class’.

De Vrij in particular has been earmarked as his possible ‘lieutenant’ at the north London club as transfer chief Fabio Paratici backs Conte’s call to make landing the defensive duo a priority.

The Verdict: Big claim…

If Spurs are going to pull off this double swoop mid-season, it will take all of Paratici’s negotiation skills and Conte’s pulling power to make it happen.

Valued at £40m by Inter Milan, De Vrij is a key player for the Nerazzurri, with his contract not expiring until 2023 – potentially meaning that the Serie A giants are in no rush to offload him.

Meanwhile, De Ligt’s deal at Juventus runs all the way through to 2024 and his estimated £63m valuation by Transfermarkt means that Spurs would potentially need to smash their transfer record.

After Tottenham recorded an £80.2m pre-tax loss for the last financial year, taking their overall club debt to £706m in total (The Guardian), completing these moves would certainly be a statement of intent by the club.

Both players could well strengthen the Lilywhites’ defence but whether or not Spurs can actually get it done is another matter entirely.

In other news: Eight players now safe from Spurs axe after wowing Conte behind the scenes, find out more here.

An update has emerged on Flamengo forward Gabriel Barbosa, regarding Everton’s interest in his services.

What’s the talk?

According to Turkish journalist Ekrem Konur, Everton manager Rafa Benitez is keeping tabs on Flamengo centre-forward Gabriel Barbosa.

The former Newcastle boss is going in search of additions to his squad before the end of the window and has identified the Brazilian striker as a potential target.

Get it done

Marcel Brands must get a deal done for Barbosa this summer as he could complete Everton’s attack. The Toffees already have James Rodriguez, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison, but the Flamengo forward could be the missing piece to form a mouth-watering front four.

Imagine a 4-3-3 variation with Rodriguez as the most advanced of the midfield three behind Barbosa on the right, Calvert-Lewin through the middle and Richarlison on the left. That could be a lethal strike force for Benitez, especially given Gabigol’s record for Flamengo.

The ex-Inter man has 68 goals and 18 assists in 96 appearances for the club, including 14 goals and assists in 15 games in the 2020/21 campaign. He has shown that he can score goals at an eye-catching rate, whilst he also has the versatility to play as a striker, on either wing, or as an attacking midfielder. This means that Benitez could utilise him in a variety of ways and have flexibility with his frontline options.

Former Brazil international Zico once claimed Barbosa “has everything” and said that he can make himself one of the greats with Flamengo. He told O Dia (via TNT Sports):

“I think Gabigol has everything to be the greatest striker in Flamengo’s history. It’s getting there. His performance got better and better, consolidating himself as one of the greats.

“He’s already gone down in history. He is young and can do much more, and hopefully, he can do it. Doing this is always good to give joy to the Rubro-Negro fan and, logically, we always expect this from a guy who has the potential that he has.”

This is why Brands must swoop for the Brazilian this summer, as he is highly rated in Brazil and his statistics back up the hype.

He has shown that he is too good for the league he is currently playing in with his sublime goalscoring record and Everton fans would love to see him showing off his skills alongside the club’s current forwards.

AND in other news, “That was the disappointment” – Exclusive: Ball fires warning to Rafa on £18m-rated Everton ace…