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According to The Telegraph, Tottenham are set to target a bargain move for Los Angeles FC striker Diego Rossi as Daniel Levy and co search for summer reinforcements.

The Lowdown: Spurs target a striker

Harry Kane has indicated his desire to leave the club this summer (Sky Sports), which means Levy will need to sign a new striker to replace him if he departs.

It appears Spurs now have their eyes on an unexpected but interesting option who is currently plying his trade in the United States.

The Latest: Spurs eye Rossi surprise

It is being reported that Spurs are interested in signing Rossi from MLS outfit LAFC this summer.

It is believed the 23-year-old would cost Tottenham around £10m – far less than the £36m Benfica want to part ways with Carlos Vinicius, so perhaps Rossi could arrive as the new deputy, rather than a direct replacement for Kane.

It would certainly be a surprise to see the Lilywhites splash out on a player from such an inferior league, but Rossi has shown a lot of promise.

The Verdict: Bargain move

Rossi may be a generally unknown name in Europe, but has been enjoying himself in the MLS. He has 56 goals in 107 games for his current club since making the switch from Uruguayan giants Penarol three years ago (Transfermarkt), while he won the league’s Young Player of the Year last season.

Teammate Pablo Sisniega called him a “special” player after Rossi netted four times in a 6-2 win over LA Galaxy (via angelsonparade.com).

Of course, the MLS lacks the competition and quality of the Premier League, but at £10m and aged just 23, Rossi could represent a bargain deal for Tottenham, which would even enable them to go out and bring in another top class forward as well.

In other news, Tottenham are interested in signing this 22-year-old star.

Leeds United midfielder Owen Bray is set to depart Elland Road at the end of the season, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

The Lowdown: Bray profiled

Bray is 19 years of age and is primarily a central midfielder who has made eight appearances in the club’s academy.

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He is out of contract at the end of June after having had his scholarship extended last summer alongside Taylor Ragan. Bray has made just one appearance for the U23s, and it looks as if he’ll now move on over the coming months.

The Latest: O’Rourke’s post

O’Rourke took to Twitter on Tuesday morning to provide an update on Bray, revealing that the teenager is set to depart the Whites soon.

“Leeds midfielder Owen Bray is set to leave Elland Road at the end of the season when his contract expires.”

Reports have suggested that League One side Wigan Athletic are looking at Bray ahead of a possible move, with the Whites youngster set to turn out for Wigan’s U23s against Hull City.

The Verdict: Makes sense?

Leeds have a number of promising midfielders coming through at Thorp Arch, including Lewis Bate, Sean McGurk and Jack Jenkins, so allowing Bray to depart could suit all parties.

He’s struggled to become a regular in the U23s squad, with his only appearance coming in a 7-0 EFL Trophy defeat to Accrington Stanley back in 2020.

On that basis, moving to the lower leagues in search of first-team football could be a wise call by Bray, after limited opportunities at Elland Road.

In other news: Leeds and Orta want ‘extraordinary’ ace in Bosman move; same agent as Bamford. 

In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, David Norris, who made 36 appearances for Leeds United, has praised Jack Harrison for the way he’s stepped up his performances this season.

Harrison is currently on his third loan spell with the Lillywhites, making 124 appearances in that time, and it’s expected that the 24-year old will finally make the move permanent this summer.

The former New York City winger has been part of Leeds’ terrifying front three this season, which has seen himself, Patrick Bamford and Raphinha score 27 goals between them in the Premier League.

Speaking on how people at Leeds have been amazed at how much Harrison has stepped up and that people rate him very highly at the club, Norris exclusively told FFC:

“I think from the people I’ve spoken to at the club, he certainly hasn’t gone under the radar because they like him and I think he’s stepped it up a level this year.

“He’s done a couple of brilliant pieces of skill and has scored some great goals but he’s really direct, quick and exciting to watch.”

Having signed for Manchester City from New York City in 2018, Harrison has failed to make an appearance for his parent club, but he has certainly found a home at Leeds.

His future may be impacted by what Marcelo Bielsa decides to do as his contract is set to expire at the end of the season, with some reports linking him with the vacant Tottenham Hotspur job.

Tottenham Hotspur are closing in on their first signing of the January transfer window…

What’s the word?

They have left it late but with just a few days remaining, it appears as if Spurs are finally about to land a new player for manager Antonio Conte.

According to Italian newspaper Corriere Fiorentino (via Sport Witness), an agreement has been reached with Fiorentina over a move for midfielder Sofyan Amrabat, who is currently away on Africa Cup of Nations duty.

The Lilywhites are expected to pay a €1.5m (£1.25m) loan fee with a €15m (£13.5m) option to buy in the summer. It’s thought that the Moroccan international is happy to join the north London outfit with Conte waiting for him to be confirmed in the coming days.

Conte wants him

Earlier this month, football.london reported that Conte wanted signings in three key roles – wing-back, striker and in central midfield – and Amrabat has recently emerged as a key target for the Italian as a result.

Matt Law of the Telegraph believes that Conte is a big fan of the Viola star and has even requested sporting director Fabio Paratici to sign him before the end of the month.

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He will be absolutely delighted to see this one edge closer to completion and whilst some supporters around N17 will be underwhelmed by this arrival, there’s plenty of factors pointing towards this being pretty decent business.

The 25-year-old has been restricted to only 211 minutes in the Serie A this season but has featured in three full 90-minute games for his country in Group C and the round of 16 as they make the quarter-finals of AFCON.

Conte has lacked a presence in engine room that can link defence to the attack, one that can drive the ball forward and he’ll get that in Amrabat.

Of the 39 players to have attempted 150 or more dribbles since the start of the 2019/20 Serie A campaign,  only one player (Ismael Bennacer, 79.6%) has managed a better dribble success rate than the Viola enforcer (70.3%), per WhoScored.

That is also above every single one of Spurs’ current central options as Oliver Skipp leads the way on 66.7% and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg isn’t too far behind on 62.2%. Tanguy Ndombele sits down at 55%, which is rather telling.

The Frenchman has been linked with an exit to Paris Saint-Germain, so it could be a case of one-in, one-out.

If Conte wants him, then he should be backed. The 52-year-old must be very excited as the club close in on their first January arrival.

AND in other news, “Tottenham are..”: Fabrizio Romano delivers huge transfer update, fans will be buzzing…

Crystal Palace have suffered a potentially significant blow in their pursuit of Parma winger Yann Karamoh.

What’s the story?

The Eagles have been linked with a move for the pacey 23-year-old in recent weeks as new manager Patrick Vieira looks to bolster his forward line.

However, according to Italian outlet Sport Parma (as relayed by Sport Witness), Karamoh is edging towards Ligue 1 champions Lille rather than Selhurst Park.

The report claims that both Palace and Les Dogues have made contact with the player’s representatives but that his entourage is ‘working’ to get the transfer to Lille, with a £5 million price tag muted.

Patrick Vieira will be fuming

Karamoh rose to prominence after a string of impressive performances for boyhood club Caen earned him a permanent move to Italian giants Inter back in 2018 following a successful loan spell at San Siro.

He struggled to make an impact in Milan, though, scoring just once in 18 appearances for the Nerazzurri before a move back to French football with Bordeaux resurrected his career.

His impressive performances with Les Girondins earned several plaudits, including former manager Eric Bedouet.

“Yann has qualities that are not ordinary. He has a great intensity,” stated Bedouet. “He can make the difference when you need it most, which is not a common trait amongst most players. He is a fantastic dribbler and is still growing. He is a very interesting prospect.”

With Andros Townsend joining fellow Premier League side Everton and Eberechi Eze sidelined through injury until January at the earliest, Vieira is thought to be in the market for a new wide man this summer.

However, it’s looking increasingly unlikely that Karamoh will be joining Vieira’s revolution in south London, which is sure to leave the former Nice boss fuming.

Although Palace have undoubtedly had a solid transfer window so far, bringing in the likes of Joachim Andersen and Marc Guehi, the capital club are still in desperate need of attacking reinforcements.

Recent reports have revealed that Southampton have beaten them to the signature of Adam Armstrong, while Brighton and Hove Albion are in pole position for Eddie Nketiah, seemingly leaving Vieira no closer to signing another forward.

This latest setback will surely infuriate the Arsenal legend further, increasing the pressure of the club to get some business done as the new Premier League campaign approaches.

And, in other news…Imagine him and Zaha: Parish must approve CPFC move for “outstanding” £15.3m-rated gem 

Graham Roberts has claimed that Steven Gerrard would be an excellent appointment for Tottenham Hotspur this summer in an exclusive interview with Football FanCast.

The Liverpool legend has done superb work at the Scottish club this term.

They have won the Scottish Premiership at a canter, finishing the season unbeaten and with 102 points from 38 games.

Rangers ended the campaign 25 points ahead of Old Firm rivals Celtic and Spurs are, of course, on the lookout for a new manager after sacking Jose Mourinho.

Ryan Mason is currently in interim charge of the club but it is expected that he will step aside for the next permanent boss, whomever they may be.

Roberts played for Spurs between 1980 and 1986 before making the move to Rangers, and spending two years with the Scottish giants.

It remains to be seen if Gerrard, who said that he ‘loved’ Kane back in 2017, would be willing to leave the club with whom he has just won his first ever league title, especially for a rival to Liverpool, but Roberts believes he would be an exceptional appointment.

He told FFC: “You’ve got Steven Gerrard at Rangers.

“I think he’ll stay there but he’s done absolutely unbelievable. He would be a great choice.”

An update has emerged on Southampton forward Danny Ings, regarding Tottenham’s interest in his services.

What’s the talk?

According to The Athletic, Tottenham are one of three Premier League clubs showing an interest in Southampton centre-forward Danny Ings. The attacker has opted against signing a new contract at the south coast club in hope that a big club will make a move for him, with Aston Villa, West Ham and Spurs all said to be in the running.

The report, however, claims that Ings is eyeing up a Champions League club, with Liverpool, Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea all qualified for Europe’s premier competition next season.

Robbie Keane 2.0

Daniel Levy could land a dream deal by bringing Ings to the club this summer following this latest update. He is out of contract next summer and is seemingly keen on a move from St. Mary’s and although it remains to be seen if he sees Tottenham as a viable option, Levy could use that to his advantage.

Whilst Southampton would not allow him to leave on the cheap, it could be a far less expensive deal than if he had a few years left on his contract.

The England international could be a much-needed addition to Nuno Santo’s squad. After Gareth Bale’s departure, Heung-Min Son and Harry Kane are the only players in Santo’s roster who scored more than three times in the Premier League last season. This suggests that the Portuguese boss is in dire need of players who know how to find the back of the net.

Clinton Morrison once compared Ings to former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane and said that the Saints star has the same “first-class” movement as the ex-Spurs man, making him capable of playing for a top-four club.

He said:

“Yes, I would say Danny Ings is top-four quality, most definitely. The season he’s had at Southampton, if you put him in one of the teams at the top four, he’d easily score goals like that.”

“I used to play with a striker who used to play like Danny Ings – Robbie Keane.

“I look at the way Ings plays at the moment, his movement is first class and I used to say to Robbie Keane, ‘how do you get in behind defenders when you’re not rapid?’ His movement was first-class and Danny Ings is like that.”

This is some comparison by Morrison given what Keane achieved at White Hart Lane. The Irish centre-forward scored an incredible 122 goals in 305 games for Spurs, whilst also providing 25 assists for his teammates. Keane managed double figures for goals in six separate Premier League campaigns for the club, highlighting his quality as a goalscorer during his time in North London.

Ings, meanwhile, has hit double figures in three of his four full seasons in the top-flight. He plundered 12 in the season just gone for the Saints, having been a goal machine the previous year with 22 Premier League goals to his name in the 2019/20 campaign.

This suggests that he could have the goalscoring knack Keane had at Spurs and, therefore, he could be Robbie Keane 2.0 if Levy brings him to the club. Spurs need another forward to ease the burden on Kane, or perhaps even to replace him. Ings is the ideal man fo them.

AND in other news, Levy must sanction Spurs swoop for “wonderful” £19.8m-rated gem, fans would love it…

A number of West Ham supporters have hailed exciting Hammers youngster Pierre Ekwah, following footage of his brilliant goal for the Under-23s on Monday night.

David Moyes’ first team are enjoying another impressive season in the Premier League to date, winning 1-0 away to Everton on Sunday afternoon.

The victory leaves West Ham sitting seventh in the table and again looking likely to compete for a European finish.

Away from the senior side, however, the young Hammers enjoyed a memorable win on Monday, picking up a 4-3 victory away to Tottenham U23s.

One player who shone on the night was 19-year-old Ekwah, who scored a stunning left-footed half-volley [via the club’s official Twitter update] to put West Ham 1-0 up.

The midfielder joined from Chelsea in the summer and already appears to be making a positive impression in east London.

West Ham fans laud Ekwah

These West Ham fans took to Twitter to laud Ekwah’s moment of brilliance.

“This lad looks decent to be fair”

Credit: @JoeyTalksFooty

“He’s a beast! Heard he’s very highly rated. New Declan perhaps if he goes? If so, great vision by the club to bring him in”

Credit: @pwhitters

“Ping!”

Credit: @beewestwood

“GOOOAAALLLL! Pierre Ekwah scores a brilliant goal from 20 yards out to make it 1-0 to West Ham”

Credit: @RoshaneSport

“Great goal”

Credit: @RoshaneSport

“Great backup”

Credit: @Caseynewsonnn

In other news, some West Ham fans have reacted to a gruesome injury update. Read more here.

Birmingham City have confirmed that Dion Sanderson will be playing his football at St Andrew’s next season.

What’s the latest?

In a statement posted on the club website, the Blues announced that they were “delighted” to confirm the signing of the Wolverhampton Wanderers centre-back, who will be joining Lee Bowyer’s side on a season-long loan deal.

The statement continued by saying that the 21-year-old was very much a player “in demand” this summer, with Newcastle United, Sheffield United and Sunderland all reported to be keen on the defender.

Finally, the club relayed the comments of Sanderson speaking in reaction to his switch to St Andrew’s, with the centre-back stating: “I am delighted and so excited. Once I heard the news, I couldn’t wait to get it done. As soon as I came in today, I have just had a big smile on my face. It’s unbelievable to be here.

“I think they have a great team [here] and it’s a big club. Hopefully, it’s a chance for me to play, to impress the head coach and help the team out and fight their way up the table.”

Bowyer surely buzzing

Considering just how impressive Sanderson had been while on loan at Sunderland last season, along with the significant amount of interest in his services from a number of clubs in the summer transfer window, the fact that the Blues have managed to get a deal over the line for the 21-year-old can easily be viewed as a massive coup for Birmingham, with the signing sure to have left Bowyer buzzing.

Indeed, over his 26 League One appearances for Lee Johnson’s side last term, the £135k-rated defender helped his side to keep eight clean sheets, along with averaging 0.9 interceptions, one tackle and 2.7 clearances and winning 4.3 duels per game.

These returns saw the man Kevin Phillips dubbed a “superb” player earn an average SofaScore match rating of 6.92, ranking him as the Black Cats’ 13th-best performer in the third tier of English football.

His displays played a key role in helping Sunderland reach the League One play-off semi-finals, as well as seeing him pick up the club’s Supporters Young Player of the Year award.

As such, it would very much seem as if Sanderson is yet another fantastic addition to Bowyer’s side ahead of the upcoming Championship campaign, with the 44-year-old having already secured the arrivals of Jordan Graham, Chuks Aneke, Juan Familia-Castillo, Tahith Chong and Ryan Woods this summer.

Indeed, with Birmingham very much appearing to be a club on the up under the leadership of Bowyer, it is looking increasingly unlikely that the Blues will be facing a relegation fight once again next season, with the signing of Sanderson perhaps even creating the possibility of the club mounting a push for a top-six finish.

In other news: Bowyer drops 17-word transfer hint that will surely leave Birmingham City fans buzzing

Aston Villa must land Liverpool starlet Curtis Jones in the January transfer window amid Alan Nixon’s recent claim.

What’s the story?

In a tweet posted just before transfer deadline day, Nixon said: “Aston Villa. Big interest in Curtis Jones at Liverpool. A bit of the Grealish about that talented lad. Might be one for next window. Not in squad yesterday…”

In response to that news, former Arsenal striker Kevin Campbell has suggested that Jones could be a very intriguing transfer target for Smith if the club are having a disappointing season.

He said: “It’s going to be an interesting few months, January especially. It depends how Villa do, if they do ok they might wait until the end of the season.

“If they aren’t doing as well as they want to, they will have to really push for Curtis Jones. Villa like young players and Jones is exactly that, he’s got real quality. Villa are looking to buy smart, buy young and looking to buy players with something to prove which is smart.”

He has shades of Jack Grealish

While Jack Grealish may not be Villa’s darling anymore following his big-money move to Premier League champions Manchester City, there’s no questioning that he is a massive loss on the pitch.

In Jones, Smith could get someone who has all the intangibles to bring that same level of excitement that Grealish brought to the table, while he’s already amassed more big-game experience by playing in the Champions League unlike his older counterpart.

Indeed, after Liverpool’s win over Everton in January 2020, when the teenage talent scored a stunning decisive goal, Jurgen Klopp sang the 19-year-old’s praises and tipped him to reach the big time provided that “nothing strange happens”.

He said: “It was an absolutely sensational goal, I love it. Let me speak about Curtis. Unbelievable player, Scouser, very confident, can’t wait to play in the first team. Rightly so. He is in a very good way, I’ve known him for three-and-a half years. He has made big steps, he will be a Liverpool player if nothing strange happens 100%. You sometimes forget, and we forget it in training, that he is only 18. Unbelievable.”

The Liverpool boss went so far as to dub Jones an “exceptional talent”, and that kind of praise is indicative of the kind of lofty heights Klopp expects the talented starlet to reach.

The £27m-rated ace’s ability to come up with something spectacular, like he did against Everton 20 months ago, has real shades of Grealish.

Jones steps up when the spotlight shines brightest, reserving his best performances for Liverpool last season in the Champions League. As per WhoScored, he averaged an impressive 7.37 match rating, scoring one goal and providing two assists in five games – no other Liverpool player bettered his match rating out of those who featured more than three times in the competition.

If Smith goes in for Jones in the January transfer window, they could move quickly to replacing Grealish in this team.

Meanwhile, Ashley Preece has confirmed a major Aston Villa boost…