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Tim Spiers makes double Wolves injury claim

Wolves pair Daniel Podence and Leander Dendoncker should be fit for the Premier League clash with Burnley, reliable journalist Tim Spiers has confirmed.

The Lowdown: Double blow for Wolves

Bruno Lage’s side returned to action on Friday evening, making the trip to Newcastle United for another important game.

Wolves produced a hugely forgettable performance, however, mustering just two shots on target and falling to a 1-0 defeat at St James’ Park.

It was a big blow in the race for European football this season and Wanderers were without both Podence (foot) and Dendoncker (illness), which didn’t help their cause.

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The Latest: Spiers drops late-night news

Taking to Twitter late after the game on Friday, Spiers provided a positive five-word update, saying the Wolves duo should return for the trip to Burnley on April 24th:

“Should be fine for Burnley.”

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The Verdict: Must-win game

There is now a two-week break for Lage and his players to stew over a bitterly disappointing result, as their chances of playing in the Europa League next season took a big hit.

The Burnley clash now becomes a must-win game for Wanderers, who need a strong end to the season if they are to clinch a place in Europe.

Sean Dyche’s side are facing a massive relegation battle and will make life tough for Wolves, so if they produce another display like the Newcastle one, it could be a bad day at the office once more.

In other news, Wolves are in a four-way battle to sign one player this summer. Find out who it is here.

Tottenham: Gold reveals Skipp details

Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Oliver Skipp could make a return from his ‘painful’ injury against Brighton on April 16, as per football.london journalist Alasdair Gold.

The lowdown: Progress halted

The 21-year-old has been enjoying a breakthrough campaign in N17 following a stellar loan spell at Norwich City last season.

Having started on 14 occasions from 18 Premier League appearances, Skipp had appeared to be growing into life in the top flight before a pelvic issue took hold.

The defensive-minded midfielder has now not featured for Antonio Conte’s side since their 2-0 defeat at the hand of Chelsea in January and continues to toil against the injury.

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Further light has now been shed on the problem as well as a potential return date.

The latest: ‘painful’ complications

Gold took to Twitter to share a corresponding article from football.london regarding the England youth starlet in the build-up to Sunday’s meeting with Newcastle, which will come too soon.

The journalist tweeted: “A piece on the full story of Oliver Skipp’s painful problem, the light at the end of the tunnel and why Antonio Conte loves him.”

The report adds that Skipp has endured an ‘awkward’ pelvic problem but could be ‘back in action within a fortnight’ and ‘perhaps’ in time for the clash with Brighton & Hove Albion at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

It’s also added that Conte has a particular admiration for the 12-cap ace and regards the defensive midfielder as an ‘important player’ in the Spurs ranks.

The verdict: Huge boost

There can be little doubting that the workaholic engine room operator has been missed by Spurs, particularly for standout showings such as the one against Crystal Palace on Boxing Day, when the youngster was singled out for praise by Conte following a ‘very strong’ display.

Overall the academy graduate has earned an impressive 6.81 rating this season (Sofascore), playing an average of 75 minutes per game.

With an opportunity to earn a place top-four still on the horizon, welcoming the £18million valued Skipp back for the run-in would be a wholly welcome boost.

In other news, Italian source delivers an update on Tottenham’s pursuit of Serie A star. Find out more here!

Liverpool fans happy at Milner update

A number of Liverpool supporters are happy after journalist Neil Jones claimed James Milner would leave the Reds in the summer.

The 36-year-old has proved to be a fantastic servant for Liverpool since arriving on a free transfer from Manchester City back in the summer of 2015.

Milner has made a total of 272 appearances for the Reds, using his experience to great use and winning both the Premier League and the Champions League.

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The midfielder’s current deal expires this summer, however, and it may be that his time at Anfield comes to an end at that point.

That certainly seems to be the opinion of Goal‘s Jones [via Anfield Watch on Twitter], who claims that Milner is ‘expected to leave’ once the season reaches its conclusion.

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Liverpool fans react to Milner claim

It’s fair to say the versatile veteran hasn’t been at his best this season, and these Liverpool fans reacted to the news positively on Twitter, claiming it is the right time for him to move on.

“Great news”

Credit: @2kelo_tuks

“Thank you Lord”

Credit: @charmokwana

“This is the best news of the year so far. Strip #7 off of him and give it to Harvey or Diaz”

Credit: @Sabista_

“Good”

Credit: @Smartooski

“Milner off to Leeds where he’ll be a player-coach”

Credit: @yemoisakop

“Give Diaz no.7 then I beg”

Credit: @BSSLFC

In other news, Liverpool have reportedly made an ‘official proposal’ for one player. Find out who it is here.

Liverpool receive Trent injury boost

Trent Alexander-Arnold could be fit for Liverpool’s vital Premier League clash with Manchester City, according to journalist James Pearce.

The Lowdown: Liverpool suffer Trent blow

The Reds are firing on all cylinders at the moment, with their quadruple chances still alive going into April, in what could be a legendary season at Anfield.

They suffered a blow recently, however, with Alexander-Arnold suffering a hamstring issue in the 2-0 win away to Arsenal in the Premier League.

It was reported that he would miss ‘weeks’ and therefore the potentially season-defining trip to City on April 10th, but that may have changed.

The Latest: Promising update emerges

Taking to Twitter on Tuesday, The Athletic‘s Pearce claimed that Alexander-Arnold could now be available, in what is a significant update:

“Trent Alexander-Arnold’s rehab progressing well. Chance he could be fit for crunch clash at the Etihad on April 10 – but that would be a quick return. Important hurdles still to clear. (Includes an update on Naby Keita too).”

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The Verdict: Potentially result-defining

Alexander-Arnold’s influence is absolutely enormous, so him starting at the Etihad a week on Sunday has the potential to alter Liverpool’s title chances.

The 23-year-old is the Reds’ main creative force, registering 15 assists this season, with so much of their play coming through his wand of a right foot, in terms of his passing, crossing and energy down the flank.

Alexander-Arnold being fit would give City so much more to worry about than if Joe Gomez plays at right-back, with all due respect to the makeshift full-back, and it would enhance Liverpool’s hopes of picking up one of their biggest Premier League wins of all time.

In other news, Fabrizio Romano has dropped a key Liverpool transfer claim. Read more here.

Everton transfer news: Richarlison & DCL

A source from Everton has revealed that Farhad Moshiri is now plotting a ‘major’ overhaul of the squad in the summer.

The Lowdown: Change coming?

After the season that the Goodison Park faithful have had, big changes are needed on the pitch to ensure that they do not find themselves in a relegation battle again.

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The likes of James Tarkowski and Florian Grillitsch have recently been linked as potential incomings, while Jarrad Branthwaite has been linked with a move away from Merseyside.

The Latest: Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison out

As per Football Insider, a source with knowledge of their recruitment has revealed that Moshiri is now ‘plotting’ a ‘major’ overhaul for the Toffees this summer, and both Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison could be two ‘star’ names that may leave in a mass exodus.

They are thought of as the Blues’ ‘most valuable’ assets, as evident by their market values compared to the rest of the squad.

The Verdict: Sell one, keep one

Given their values, Frank Lampard’s team could potentially afford to sell one of them for a premium price, but if they were to lose both, they would be very difficult to replace.

Despite the miserable season, Richarlison still remains their joint-top scorer with seven goals in total over all competitions, while in an injury-hit campaign, Calvert-Lewin managed to score previous seasons his scoring credentials for the club.

Nonetheless, EFC could sell one to raise funds for strengthening in other key areas of the pitch, and keep the other to hopefully get them firing again.

In other news, find out what big Everton update before Leicester City now has this ex-BBC man fuming here!

Spurs officials sent on Thursday mission

Tottenham Hotspur officials have travelled to Portugal this week as the club, and by extension manager Antonio Conte, allegedly eye one of the division’s top players.

The Lowdown: Lilywhites eye Nunes move?

Sporting Lisbon midfielder and star man Matheus Nunes, as per a plethora of reports, is a transfer target for Tottenham as Conte plots a major summer rebuild.

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The Telegraph claim that Spurs’ head coach wants as many as six major signings, including two new midfielders, with many Portuguese sources claiming Nunes is a man firmly on their radar.

O Jogo (via Sport Witness), back in March, stated that the Lilywhites have already made contact with Sporting over the 23-year-old pre-summer.

Meanwhile, Jornal de Notícias (via Sport Witness), more recently relayed that Nunes is still attracting real interest from Spurs managing director Fabio Paratici and Conte.

The Latest: Tottenham officials dispatched…

Now, another Portuguese newspaper in A Bola (via Sport Witness) spotted that Tottenham officials were at the Estadio do Dragão on Thursday for Sporting’s big cup clash with FC Porto.

While this report doesn’t state who Spurs employees were there to run the rule over, this midweek mission comes amid heavy links to Nunes with Conte allegedly eyeing the midfield ace.

The Verdict: Make a move?

With the rising star likely to still be on Tottenham’s radar, we believe he would seriously upgrade Conte’s options in the middle and Paratici should spare no expense in bringing him to the Premier League.

Man City boss Pep Guardiola, after his Sky Blues side thrashed Sporting in the first leg of their last 16 Champions League tie earlier this season, branded Nunes ‘one of the best players in the world’ – serious praise from such an elite coach.

His numbers back up this theory, as WhoScored reveal, with the starlet ranking as one of manager Ruben Amorim’s top five performers in the league going by average match rating (7.07).

He also completes more successful take-ons per 90 (2.4) than any Sporting star, attracting the joint-most fouls and proving to be a real nightmare to play against (WhoScored).

Valued at around €40 million (£33m) by the Portuguese giants and called ‘unbelievable’ by former teammate Goncalo Santos, he certainly stands at as a realistic and quality target from a Spurs perspective.

In other news: Paratici advancing: Tottenham line up fresh bid money bid after personal Conte request! Find out more here.

Quick read: Alderweireld must retain place for Burnley clash

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Tottenham Hotspur face a tough visit to Turf Moor to take on Burnley on Saturday in a Premier League encounter. Realistically, Spurs have to win in order to maintain their status of title contenders.

On paper, Mauricio Pochettino’s men will be heavy favourites, but Sean Dyche’s team can be extremely hard to beat, especially on their own patch.

Watch how to cross the road like a boss with freestyler Ben Nuttall in the video below…

The Clarets are very physical, and with the likes of Chris Wood, Ashley Barnes and Peter Crouch in their ranks they pose a serious aerial threat in the final third. For that reason, Toby Alderweireld must retain his place in Spurs’ starting XI.

The 29-year-old centre-back started against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League last time out, but did not start the previous league outing against Leicester City. Pochettino has rotated his defence frequently recently and having huge games against Arsenal, Chelsea and Dortmund on the horizon – along with the return to fitness of Danny Rose, which could allow Jan Vertonghen to resume his favoured central berth – could tempt the manager into resting Alderweireld against Burnley.

That would be a mistake though, as the Belgian’s experience and aerial prowess make him better suited to dealing with this specific opposition than the likes of Juan Foyth or Davinson Sanchez. Without him, Spurs will struggle.

Behind-scenes Conte claim emerges at Spurs

Tottenham Hotspur fans will love the latest claim surrounding Antonio Conte…

What’s the word?

It was a ruthless January transfer window for the north London outfit as it was very much more about the outgoings than the incomings but either way, it truly signalled the start of the Italian’s era at the club.

Dejan Kulusevski and Rodrigo Bentancur were his only signings in a whirlwind deadline day, both signing from sporting director Fabio Paratici’s former club, Juventus.

Meanwhile, the bulk of the deadwood was shifted on – largely on loan – as club-record flop Tanguy Ndombele returned to Lyon, whilst Giovani Lo Celso and Bryan Gil were shipped back to Spain, with Dele Alli being the only permanent exit as he joined top-flight rivals, Everton.

There were fears emerging throughout the window that Conte could walk if he wasn’t sufficiently backed by the board and on the face of it, only two signings would leave that situation somewhat in the lurch.

However, new claims behind the scenes suggest that he’s very pleased with the business Spurs have conducted – as revealed by the ever-reliable Alasdair Gold of football.london, who wrote:

‘While all managers will always want more in a transfer window, and Conte is no different, those around the Italian have told football.london that he is content with the early changes made at his behest in his first transfer window.’

Very encouraging

Conte may be left with a smaller squad but he’s got two solid additions in Kulusevski and Bentancur, and is likely to be left with a more harmonious dressing room, one full of players who are fully behind his relentless ethic on the training pitch.

There is an acceptance that the summer will be the window to truly transform things right across the club and you’re inclined to agree. Truth be told, it’ll take many more windows to elevate Spurs back into the Champions League equation.

It is a good start as the bulk of the players that saw the exit door on deadline day were rarely featuring under the Italian anyway.

Supporters can now rest at ease about their world-class coach as he truly appears to be in it for the long haul and considering he’s already worked his magic – losing just one league game since his arrival in November – then Gold’s update will be music to the ears of many.

Such fears can now be forgotten with Spurs just two points adrift of fourth-placed Manchester United, whom they hold two games in hand over, too.

Conte’s refreshed squad returns to action on Saturday evening, where they face Brighton and Hove Albion in the FA Cup fourth round, their final chance of securing instant silverware under the former Chelsea boss.

AND in other news, Fabrizio Romano reveals gutting Spurs transfer update late on deadline day…

Leeds eyeing Josko Gvardiol move

Leeds United are keen on signing RB Leipzig defender Josko Gvardiol, according to Football Insider.

The Lowdown: Previous interest

The Whites were linked with a move for Gvardiol following promotion back to the Premier League. However, the 20-year-old, who journalist Izak Ante Sucic told BBC Sport is “built like a tank”, snubbed a move to Elland Road to sign for RB Leipzig.

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Gvardiol made 18 appearances under Jesse Marsch at Leipzig, and with the American now in charge at Elland Road, it looks as if the Croatia international is wanted once again in Yorkshire.

The Latest: Source reveal

FI shared a story on Thursday morning regarding Leeds and Gvardiol after being informed by a Whites source.

They claimed that Leeds are stepping up their interest in the defender and Victor Orta has had scouts watching him at recent matches ahead of a potential summer move.

The Verdict: Club-record deal?

The report adds that Leipzig now value Gvardiol at £27m, so it looks as if Leeds will need to hit their club record to sign the centre-back this summer, matching or eclipsing the £27m they spent on Rodrigo.

A defensive overhaul is in the pipeline over the coming months, with Robin Koch a player who could be set to leave the club ahead of Marsch’s first full season in charge.

Gvardiol may well be the man to arrive as a marquee signing, so a move could once again be one to watch closely.

In other news: Fabrizio Romano reveals big transfer blow for Leeds as key 21 y/o target now set to move elsewhere

West Ham bid for Barbosa

West Ham United have reportedly made a bid for Flamengo striker Gabriel Barbosa as David Moyes looks to add to his squad ahead of the January transfer window closing in just over a week.

What’s the latest?

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, journalist Peter O’Rourke has confirmed that the Hammers have been negotiating a deal to sign Barbosa on an initial loan deal from the Brazilian outfit.

“They’re still in and around Gabigol but the problem is Flamengo would prefer a straight-up sale for the Brazilian striker,” said O’Rourke.

“West Ham are trying to negotiate a loan deal with an option to buy and so far Flamengo are not interested in that, so it’s a bit of a stalemate at the minute.”

The east London club have just one senior striker in Michail Antonio and are yet to make a signing this window, meaning that Moyes and co. could be set for a dramatic final week.

West Ham must sign Barbosa

Chasing Champions League football with one senior striker is a disaster waiting to happen for the Irons. Luckily, Antonio has only missed one Premier League game for West Ham this season but could easily pick up an injury or suspension over the final months of the season.

The Hammers have been able to find goals of late from their wingers, with Jarred Bowen in particularly hot form, scoring four goals in his last four games. However, that isn’t sustainable and the east Londoners will need to add depth to their attack.

Valued at £23.4m by Transfermarkt, Barbosa’s record for Flamengo is particularly impressive, scoring 84 goals in 123 appearances for current employers Flamengo, with the Brazilian outfit signing the 25-year-old from Inter Milan two years ago.

In fact, Flamengo legend Zico showered the striker in high praise, stating: “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.”

Granted, the Brazilian has already endured spells in Europe which proved unsuccessful, making just ten appearances for Inter Milan and scoring once as well as playing in five matches for Benfica, also scoring once.

However, West Ham, in the predicament that they’re in, cannot ignore a goal record like the one Barbosa has at Flamengo, regardless of the level at which he has been playing.

Not only is Antonio Moyes’ only senior striker, but he hasn’t exactly set the world alight this campaign. After a prolific start to the season where he scored five goals in his first six Premier League games of the season, the Jamaica international has only found the back of the net on three occasions in the top-flight since.

If the Hammers are serious about making a push for a top-four finish, it is vital that they add at least one reinforcement up front.

Meanwhile, West Ham target is made available for sale…

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