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Retired English footballer Dean Windass has offered Southampton some advice regarding a possible move for Tottenham’s Harry Winks.

What’s the talk?

Windass has suggested that Tottenham midfielder Harry Winks could be a good signing for Southampton. The former Hull City star believes that Winks could come in and be Ralph Hasenhuttl’s holding midfielder, thus freeing up James Ward-Prowse to get involved in more attacks. He told This is Futbol:

“That would be a great move for him, Southampton will be up against it this year, but whoever comes in (at Spurs_ will determine who wants to keep Harry, but it will also be up to Daniel Levy.

“But should Southampton come calling, he could sit in front of the defence and he would allow Ward-Prowse to get forward.”

Former Arsenal player Stewart Robson claimed Harry Winks always “goes backwards” with his passes and has no penetration to his play. He told ESPN, as relayed by GMS:

“I’m not sure what he gives Spurs.

”I think he’s too square with his passing. He goes backwards. He keeps the ball, but there’s no penetration with his passing and he was one of the major problems with Spurs’ performance today.”

Fans would hate it

Martin Semmens must avoid making an error by avoiding a deal for Winks. Football Insider have reported that Tottenham are willing to sell Winks for £30m this summer. Southampton should be going nowhere near that deal. Fans would hate it if the club broke their transfer record to bring in Winks when he has been underperforming at Spurs.

Winks would be Southampton’s record signing if the £30m price tag is accurate. According to Transfermarkt, Jannik Vestergaard currently holds that title following his £22.5m move from Borussia Monchengladbach in 2018. Southampton have signed a host of players valued between £15m and Vestergaard’s £22.5m, including successes like Danny Ings and Sadio Mane, and flops like Guido Carrillo and Mo Elyounoussi. £30m would blow all of those deals out of the water, though, and Winks’ recent form does not suggest that he would be worth it.

The £30m-valued dud averaged a dreadful WhoScored rating of 6.37 in the Premier League. This is after he managed ratings of 6.55 and 6.57 respectively in the two previous league campaigns for Tottenham, with all three of those scores lower than the ratings 10 Southampton players produced in the 2020/21 campaign. 16 Southampton players achieved higher scores than 6.37, which highlights how badly Winks performed for Spurs.

Winks has gone from being an England player to being almost an afterthought at Spurs and whilst some clubs, including Southampton, could be interested in taking a chance on him to help revive his career, the fact that Spurs want £30m means it would simply be too big a gamble. For that piece, Saints should be getting a player of genuine quality, not a declining cast-off who needs revitalising.

This is why Southampton fans would be livid if the club splashed out a record fee on Winks and why Semmens must avoid making a mistake this summer. Semmens should opt against making a move for Winks and, if he is looking at central midfielder, he needs to pursue alternative targets who either do not come with such lavish price tags or who have played at a standard worthy of such a large transfer fee.

AND in other news, Mane 2.0: Southampton must seal swoop for “special” £14k-p/w ace, Ralph would love it…

Yorkshire Live journalist Dom Howson has reported that Sheffield Wednesday possess a ‘genuine interest’ in Doncaster Rovers defender Reece James.

The lowdown

The 27-year-old is predominantly a left-back but can also play in central midfield and in a more advanced position on the flank. Indeed, he played 11 matches as a number six and a further 10 as a left attacking midfielder in the 2020/21 season (via WhoScored).

Across 43 appearances, James scored seven goals and provided a further two assists for Doncaster. He averaged 1.7 tackles and 1.6 clearances per 90 and also chipped in with 0.9 key passes.

James is valued at a mere £540,000 by Transfermarkt but, crucially, his contract expires in June.

The latest

Sheffield Wednesday like the 27-year-old but Howson admits that the move appears to be a ‘long shot’, as the player’s ‘preference’ would be to move to a club in the Championship.

The journalist added that Cheltenham Town’s Will Boyle ‘was on their radar’ but confirmed that they have ‘moved on’ from the 25-year-old.

More generally, Wednesday are shopping in the free transfer and loan market, and they may be forced into a ‘waiting game’.

The verdict

James looks to be an excellent asset but, as Howson noted, he may be out of Wednesday’s reach following their relegation to League One.

The Owls’ pulling power has inevitably taken a significant hit, but this does underline that there are some very good options available on free transfers and that, even with limited spending power, Wednesday may be able to make some shrewd additions.

In other news, Carlton Palmer says this man must start for the Owls. 

Incoming sporting director Fabio Paratici is aiming to make an instant impact at Tottenham Hotspur if emerging reports are to be believed…

What’s the word?

According to Calciomercato, the Italian is on the verge of joining the North London outfit following 11 successful years at Serie A giants Juventus and he’s planning to bring a player or two with him.

One of whom is claimed to be attacking midfielder Dejan Kulusevski, who only joined the Turin-based club last summer following a £30m move from Atalanta.

He had been on loan to Parma, where he won the league’s Best Young Player of the Year award for the 2019/20 campaign.

It remains to be seen how much Daniel Levy would have to fork out for the 21-year-old, with Transfermarkt currently valuing his prospects at £36m.

Shades of Salah

The 13-time Sweden international is a hugely promising and versatile talent that could offer Spurs plenty in attack, especially considering the fact that he has drawn inspiration from Kevin de Bruyne.

In this campaign, Kulusevski has provided 14 direct goal contributions in 47 appearances in all competitions, playing in no fewer than seven different roles. They range from playing in behind the striker, on both flanks and in a deeper central midfield role.

Spurs have arguably lacked that cutting edge in the final third in the past 18 months, hardly a coincidence as that’s when Christian Eriksen swapped North London for Milan.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-spurs-news-manager-gossip-transfer-rumours-team-and-injury-updates-and-much-more” title= “Read the latest Spurs news, manager gossip, transfer rumours, team and injury updates and more!”]

In the 21-year-old gem, Paratici could deliver an instant statement of his intentions.

According to experienced Italian coach Pierpaolo Bisoli, Kulusevski has shades of Mohamed Salah about him, which should give Spurs plenty of confidence in any swoop for him as the Egyptian winger has been a major hit in the Premier League ever since arriving from the Serie A in 2017.

“He has incredible physical strength. He reminds me of a young Salah for the way he shakes off opponents in the first ten metres,” the former Bologna and Cesena boss claimed.

Meanwhile, his form at the Allianz Stadium has earned the praise of Cristiano Ronaldo, who has often benefitted from his creative presence in attack. He dubbed the Swedish star a “great talent” with “great potential” to the club’s official website.

Kulusevski finished the campaign amongst Juventus’ most creative outlets, having averaged 1.5 key passes per outing, which was only bettered by one other player – Juan Cuadrado (two).

Paratici is largely credited for being a big part of their success in recent times and this includes his activity in the transfer market, so he should be trusted with whatever names he puts forward to Levy.

This is the sort of signing that could put Spurs back on track and it’ll certainly help the 48-year-old sporting director make an instant and positive impact on the fanbase after yet another abysmal season in the capital.

AND in other news, Alasdair Gold delivers frustrating Spurs manager update…

West Ham United know that four points from their final two matches of the 2020/21 Premier League season will secure them a place in Europe, and there won’t be a better time to pick up three of them than this evening.

The Irons head north to face former manager Sam Allardyce and his already-relegated West Brom side at the Hawthorns.

David Moyes will certainly need to see an improvement, with his side faltering in recent weeks having won just one of their last five matches in the top-flight.

In that run, the Hammers have struggled to find the goalscoring touch that saw them mount a serious challenge at the top-four, so some changes in attack would not come as a surprise.

One name that should be facing an axe from Moyes’ starting XI is Jarrod Bowen, who hugely disappointed in the draw over Brighton and Hove Albion.

Not only did he struggle to make much of an impact, recording only ten passes in 64 minutes on the pitch but he also failed to provide an accurate cross for Michail Antonio, couldn’t manage a successful dribble and did not register a single shot, as per SofaScore.

The 24-year-old dynamo usually averages just shy of one dribble each outing, as well as 1.5 shots per game, so evidently, he was way below his best on the south coast on Saturday night.

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His replacement, Said Benrahma, came on and bagged the vital equaliser, only further proving why a switch on the wing could be an easy decision to make right now.

Bowen, who is currently valued at £27m by Transfermarkt, has now gone four straight league games without a goal contribution, which will come as a major concern considering he scored three and assisted two in the four games prior to this barren spell.

He should be doing a lot better, especially as he’s amongst Moyes’ highest-earners on a reported £60k-per-week.

Earlier in the campaign, Bowen drew glowing praise from many across football – Gabby Agbonlahor described him as “quality” and “outstanding” to Football Insider, whilst Gary Neville told Sky Sports (21st December, 19:56) that he is “brilliant to watch.”

However, there have been lingering concerns about one aspect of his game, as Kevin Phillips suggested to Football Insider.

“In possession, he’s great. But ultimately out of possession, you’ve got to know your positions, you’ve got to know when to press, you’ve got to know where to show someone and where not to show them,” he said. “If you don’t get it quite right at this level, you get punished. It’s no surprise because he’s more of an offensive player, defending’s not his main duty. But we all know that nowadays you’ve got to be able to do both.”

Bowen has underperformed in recent matches and failed to make a point during his 64 minutes against Brighton.

Moyes must show no mercy and ruthlessly axe him from his starting XI tonight.

AND in other news, Sullivan must seal bargain West Ham swoop for 11-goal beast who’s “like Didier Drogba”…

Liverpool fans were delighted with the performance of Sadio Mane during the first half of their match with Crystal Palace on Sunday.

The Reds are in a battle with Chelsea and Leicester City to qualify for the Champions League on the final day of the Premier League season. A win will be enough for them to reach Europe’s premier club competition, and the Reds are leading after the first 45 minutes thanks to Mane’s goal.

29-year-old Mane was selected by Jurgen Klopp to feature in the starting XI, and he looked back to his best against the Eagles. Although he has nine goals and eight assists this term (Transfermarkt), it has been one of his worst seasons at the club – with him at his best, it is hard to see Liverpool being in the position they are currently in. However, his goal could be vital for the Reds in making the Champions League.

The fans were happy with the Senegal international, and the fans took to social media platform Twitter to share their thoughts.

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

“Mane loving the supporters being back, he’s got his mojo back”

Credit: @busterkelly

“Missed seeing Mane like this, he’s actually back to his best”

Credit: @YJAMJ1

“Omo only Mane and Thiago has sense on this pitch”

Credit: @M_borlarjorko

“Mane been the best player on the pitch so far.”

Credit: @fate_champ

“As stressed out as I am I must say Mané is balling rn”

Credit: @Auxanooo

“Mane is playing so well, could have something to do with the fans return to the stadium.”

Credit: @Chuka_emordi

In other news, Liverpool fans don’t want to sign this man.

Heading into Leicester City’s FA Cup semi-final against Southampton on Sunday, Jamie Vardy’s run as the Foxes’ top goalscorer is under serious threat.

The former Fleetwood Town forward has been the club’s highest goalscorer in each of the last five campaigns but, with his brace against West Ham United last weekend, Kelechi Iheanacho moved level with him on 14 strikes for the season in all competitions.

Whilst the Nigerian is in hot form, the same cannot be said of Vardy, who has scored just once in 2021, potentially leading to question marks over his inclusion in the Leicester line-up.

However, he has the perfect chance to end his barren run and send Brendan Rodgers a message over his eye for goal by finding the net against the Saints. After all, considering the striker’s record at Wembley, he will certainly be fancied to do that.

For both the Foxes and the England national side, Vardy has plundered eight goals at the national stadium whilst providing two assists.

These have all come in various competitions, with the striker having netted in each of his three club appearances at the national stadium.

Whilst that is an impressive record, when looking at the minutes in which that the 34-year-old has done that, it takes on a completely different complexion.

He has played a total of 734 minutes at Wembley for both Leicester and England combined, meaning he has averaged a direct goal contribution every 73.4 minutes – an unbelievable rate of consistency and one that he will certainly be aiming to continue against Southampton.

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Whilst Vardy’s current position at the top of the Leicester tree is under severe threat, he has the perfect opportunity to remind Rodgers of his “wonderful” talents this weekend as Leicester travel for their first FA Cup semi-final since 1982.

AND in more news, find out why Leicester must hold firm over interest in one of their stars…

Many Middlesbrough fans hailed the performance of Everton loanee Yannick Bolasie in their 3-1 home win over Sheffield Wednesday this weekend.

The DR Congo international grabbed the opening goal of the Championship clash on Saturday afternoon, which left numerous Boro supporters begging for him to be signed on a permanent deal once his loan spell from the Toffees expires.

Bolasie had a very good game aside from the goal, also managing to register an assist, while he had five shots on goal in total, the most of any player to set foot on the pitch, and also made the joint-most clearances (four) for Neil Warnock’s side despite playing up top (Sofascore).

Middlesbrough fans on Bolasie display

These Boro fans lauded his performance on Twitter, with one claiming that the 31-year-old Everton loanee was ‘excellent’:

“Please stay forever @YannickBolasie x”

Credit: @tom_mcgarry17

“He actually is the best player in the league”

Credit: @Kai22_x

“Give the man everything he wants”

Credit: @MercilessMendez

“Never leave us. A decent attacking set up bought for next season, goalkeeper and Neil Warnock will celebrate his last year as a manager with promotion.”

Credit: @andrewduffy505

“Head and shoulders above anything at the club, struggle to keep hold of him next season!”

Credit: @storrzy_10

“I actually quite enjoyed that today! I know it was poor in terms of quality football but plenty of goalmouth incident and a few goals is always nice to see. Bolasie excellent get him signed up! And of course well done @Jcoburn06 #oneofourown #UTB”

Credit: @wallsendredicko

In other news, one Everton man’s performance Arsenal was slammed by many supporters.

West Brom are eyeing up a new manager should they be relegated back to the Championship, according to reports…

What’s the word?

West Brom News have revealed that former U23 head coach Michael Appleton is their top target to replace Sam Allardyce at the Hawthorns this summer.

The 45-year-old is currently in charge of League One promotion hopefuls Lincoln City and will be eyed up for the Baggies gig as Big Sam is likely to quit if they’re relegated.

He signed an 18-month contract in December, but that contains a break-out clause that can be activated by both parties.

Out-of-work duo Derek McInnes, who was axed by Aberdeen, and Chris Wilder, formerly of Sheffield United, are also in the running.

Forget Wilder

However, it is the Imps boss that Luke Dowling should be targeting over any other name.

Of course, there is the obvious benefit of having the former academy man and first-team coach back as he’ll have worked with many of the current names amongst Albion’s first-team set-up, including Romaine Sawyers, Jake Livermore, Kyle Bartley, Dara O’Shea, Kyle Edwards and Birmingham loanee Rekeem Harper.

He’s also kept a harmonious relationship with the sporting and technical director, something that didn’t appear to be the case with Slaven Bilic as the pair clashed over summer transfer targets, according to some reports.

Appleton has had varying success in management but the bulk of his struggles came well before 2014, some six to seven seasons ago. He has since rebuilt his coaching career, enjoying a 100% record as Leicester City caretaker boss in the Premier League before making his impact with the Hawthorns’ next crop of youngsters, and now with Lincoln.

Speaking about his potential back in the Midlands, former Birmingham Mail journalist Chris Lepkowski claims he would be “quite excited” by the prospect of the 45-year-old being appointed.

“I’ve always been really impressed by Michael Appleton. He’s a very progressive coach, he doesn’t rest and he’s not a [Tony] Pulis, he has evolved as a manager and introduced different styles, he told The Liquidator podcast. “I know he’s worked with Luke Dowling before, quite harmoniously I believe which certainly helps his credentials in that respect.”

WhoScored describe the Imps’ playing style as a quick-tempo, counter-attack based system and that has led to them having the sixth-best attack in League One – a stark contrast to Big Sam and his attacking struggles.

This is the sort of progressive and attractive appointment that could get the Hawthorns faithful back on side after an abysmal campaign.

Dowling must swoop for Appleton this summer.

AND in other news, Exclusive: Steve Bull reveals he never wanted to leave West Brom…

Many Crystal Palace fans have been buzzing at a confirmed update involving Tyrick Mitchell.

The official Crystal Palace Twitter account confirmed the news on Mitchell, revealing that the youngster has now signed a new deal at the club that will keep him at Selhurst Park until the summer of 2025.

The 21-year-old Mitchell has made 13 Premier League appearances this season, also playing once in the FA Cup. Apart from excelling at left-back, he has even played on the left side of the midfield on one occasion.

He has grabbed a rating of 6.61 in the Premier League, which makes him the eighth-highest rated player for Roy Hodgson’s side (as per Whoscored), but he has led the way in tackles, managing a whopping 3.6 per game for the Eagles.

The tweet about Mitchell drew the attention of many Palace fans, who made their opinion clear about the youngster, with one supporter hailing it as ‘brilliant news’.

What did Palace fans make of Mitchell’s contract extension?

“YES!”

Credit: @cpfc_xtra

“Great. Now get Roy signed up and buy him a right winger, a creative midfielder, a striker and another season of Clyne.”Credit: @brucemillington”GET INNN!!!”Credit: @ExhilaratingEZE”This is brilliant news.”Credit: @michaeltulley64″nice now play him.”Credit: @palacejacob“Love to see it.”Credit: @colournoir3″Building for the future.”Credit: @CPFCChris19In other news, Report: Crystal Palace source drops major Eddie Howe claim following Celtic U-turn