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Writing for The Sun, journalist Paul Jiggins has dropped a damning behind-the-scenes Tottenham Hotspur claim involving senior players at N17.

The Lowdown: Nuno back in the firing line…

Following two consecutive Premier League wins against Aston Villa and Newcastle, the pressure on Nuno Espírito Santo was slightly eased as he aims to guide Spurs into his very own era.

However, this last week has seemingly placed the Portuguese back in the firing line with another two losses now on the board – this time to Conference League minnows Vitesse and bitter London rivals West Ham.

After the regrettable last round of fixtures for Tottenham’s head coach, reporter Jiggins has now dropped a damning behind-the-scenes reveal in another blow for Nuno.

The Latest: Senior Spurs players ‘seriously angered’…

As per the journalist, writing in The Sun, senior members of Nuno’s Europa Conference League squad have been left ‘seriously angered’ due to the manager’s tendency to think too far ahead.

This has apparently created a ‘needless chasm’ at Hotspur way and left the team’s morale in ‘tatters’ – coming after he decided to field a second-string team against Vitesse and rest key players for West Ham only to lose both anyway.

Jiggins also believes the Spurs squad is now ‘divided’ under Nuno amid increasing pressure.

The Verdict: Blow for Nuno…

The external pressure from critics alone is one huge obstacle the 47-year-old must face and harbouring furious senior squad members will do little to help his cause.

There is still time for him to steer the Spurs ship back around, especially considering they lie just three points away from a top four place and are keeping fair chase statistically.

However, a swift revival in terms of both results and performances is needed – starting with Burnley in the Carabao Cup tonight.

In other news: Paratici may now be willing to offer ‘frightening’ player over £200,000-per-week to join Tottenham, find out more here.

Leeds United missed out on the signing of now Liverpool star Luis Diaz according to claims made by Stewart Downing…

What’s the story?

He said: “Diaz has been brilliant. The first thing I look at when a player comes to the Premier League is the physicality. How do they handle all that? But he looks like he likes it. He gets stuck in, he bounces straight back up, he goes again.

“He looks like he’s been here for years. It says a lot about him that he’s been able to do that. A lot of clubs were chasing Diaz – I know Everton, Spurs, Leeds were all looking – but it couldn’t have turned out better for him, I don’t think. He’s got the best move and Liverpool have got a great player.”

Bielsa’s last blunder at Elland Road?

Marcelo Bielsa is, and always will be, a Leeds United icon.

The Argentine took the Whites from the Championship to the riches of the Premier League, and guided the club to an impressive first season back in English football’s top-flight.

His start to the current campaign though, went downhill rapidly, and his departure came amid a torrid run of results that left Leeds staring down the barrel of relegation.

But while on the whole, he got so many things right, missing out on Diaz may go down as final mistake at Elland Road.

The exciting winger joined Liverpool in the January transfer window, and while Diaz choosing the Reds would have been understandable if it was a straight battle, Leeds may have shown a bit more pro-activeness and tried to get a deal as soon as they were left impressed by him.

Instead, they chose not to act on their interest, and Diaz has proven to be a superb signing in his short time at Anfield thus far.

The 31-cap Colombia international was in scintillating form for his former side Porto this season, registering a very impressive 16 goals and six assists in only 29 appearances for the Liga NOS giants.

It was no surprise that he would earn a high-profile move to the Premier League in January, and he has certainly hit the ground running at Anfield, scoring two goals in his first six games for Liverpool.

Now valued at £58.5m by CIES, the 5 foot 10 star has been dubbed a “livewire” and as being “phenomenal” by Portuguese football expert Alex Goncalves – exactly the kind of rave reviews that would have had the Leeds faithful very excited.

Having Diaz and Raphinha line up on the flanks would have been a frightening prospect, but Leeds’ loss is very much Liverpool’s gain.

AND in other news – Leeds must finally offload £15k-p/w outcast who last played at Elland Road in 2018

A number of Liverpool fans are calling for the Reds to sign Harvey Barnes after he scored in Leicester City’s Europa League clash with Napoli.

Jurgen Klopp is arguably a little light in terms of attacking options in his squad, especially with Roberto Firmino currently out injured.

It was frustrating not to see Liverpool add depth in that area during the summer transfer window and it could potentially become an issue as the season progresses.

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One player the Reds were linked with as a target in the summer was Barnes, who has become a key player for Leicester under former Reds manager Brendan Rodgers.

On Thursday night, the winger scored in the Foxes’ draw 2-2 with Napoli at the King Power Stadium, as he continues to shine.

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Liverpool fans want Barnes to join Reds

Some Liverpool fans were keeping tabs on the game and immediately called for the Reds to snap up Barnes in the near future, replying to a tweet by LFC Transfer Room.

“Hope the club keeps tabs on him”

Credit: @EJ_Farrell_LFC

“Adeyemi in January, Kessie for free and Barnes in the summer, Bellingham in 2023”

Credit: @BCarauleanu

“Go all out for Harvey Barnes in January”

Credit: @t_gxdberLFC

“I think Liverpool need to pay whatever is needed to get Harvey Barnes. Would be immense being able to bring him off the bench or rest Mane and bring him off the bench”

Credit: @Daniel_Greaves2

“I’d love Harvey Barnes at Liverpool”

Credit: @Lewedwards12

“Harvey Barnes would be fantastic at Liverpool”

Credit: @KeiferMacd

In other news, some Liverpool fans are excited about a transfer rumour that has emerged. Read more here.

Lee Johnson could not have asked for much of a better start to the 2021/22 campaign. The Black Cats ended the fifth matchday top of the League One table with 12 points, winning four of their first five games.

The Black Cats came out on top against Wigan, AFC Wimbledon, MK Dons and Wycombe, with their solitary defeat in August coming away to Burton Albion.

Many plaudits will rightly go to Scottish striker Ross Stewart as he found the back of the net four times in five matches. However, one player who perhaps stole the show from the big Scot is Elliot Embleton.

The Sunderland academy product, who was on loan at Blackpool last season, has made the number 10 position his own and kept summer signing Alex Pritchard out of the team with his terrific performances in August.

He averaged a SofaScore rating of 7.22 across his five starts in League One, scoring two goals and creating another two for his teammates. His excellent displays in midfield have helped string together some superb team performances from the Black Cats.

In terms of his finishing, Embleton has been fairly efficient in front of goal. The midfielder has scored two goals from eight shots and missed one big chance, compared to Stewart’s four goals from 15 shots and two big chances missed this season. This shows that he could have the potential to end the campaign with a respectable, potentially double-figure return in the goals column.

However, it was creatively where Embleton displayed his best qualities. As per SofaScore, he created 11 chances in five games (2.2 per match) and set up one key opening, highlighting the quality of his passes in the final third. This resulted in him picking up two assists, with the midfielder ending the month with four direct goal involvements in five matches.

This shows that the 22-year-old was key to much of what Sunderland did in attack during August as he was at the heart of the action in terms of scoring and creating goals for Johnson’s side. This is why he perhaps stole the show from Stewart, as he coupled scoring with creativity, something the Scot was unable to do with zero assists.

It is now up to Embleton to show that he can be consistent over a longer period of time, but for now we can appreciate the excellence he displayed during August.

AND in other news, Possession lost 89x: Sunderland disaster with 0 goals let Johnson down badly in August…

Leeds United pundit Noel Whelan has been giving his thoughts for this weekend’s clash with Norwich City following Marcelo Bielsa’s early team news, Football Insider report.

The Lowdown: Raphinha and Shackleton expected to be fit

Raphinha suffered an injury last weekend against Wolves but posted a positive update on social media revealing his knock is nothing serious.

The Brazilian was left out of the squad against Arsenal in the week, with youngster Jamie Shackleton was also missing.

Bielsa admitted after the defeat at the Emirates that he ‘thinks’ both Raphinha and Shackleton will be fit to take on the Canaries, a potentially huge boost.

The Latest: Whelan’s comments

Whelan was talking to Football Insider after learning of the two injury boosts ahead of the trip to Carrow Road.

This is what the BBC Radio Leeds man had to say, labelling who gets the first goal of the game as ‘massive’.

“They should be aiming for no less than three points.

“It’s so important that we take something away from the away games. They’ll be hurting after conceding seven, and they’ll have worked on defending after that defeat.

“We may have to stay patient during the game, but I do think that the first goal will be massive – especially away from home. We need to go there and take the confidence from last week – because that Wolves result felt like a win.

“The players should be full of confidence and belief that they can win the game.

“They’re a wounded animal but we need to step up and be better than the last two games.”

The Verdict: Good news

Shackleton, who Bielsa described as ‘important’ earlier this year, has started the last four Premier League games, and with Luke Ayling out, his availability could be crucial.

Cody Drameh made his debut in the week, but if fit, you’d expect Bielsa would select Shackleton over Drameh – the former has much more experience in senior football.

It seems as if Raphinha may also be available from the off, so the pair could play a crucial role as Leeds look to get their second Premier League win of the campaign – Dan James was disappointing in the Brazilian’s absence against Arsenal, so getting Raphinha back is massive.

In other news: Pundit spots Bielsa fury at something 18-cap Leeds man did. 

Former Premier League striker Nigel Jemson was surprised by the deal to sign Ben Davies after he was loaned to Sheffield United.

The defender has moved to the Championship club on a short-term deal and made his debut at the weekend as the Blades lost 2-1 to Huddersfield Town.

The centre-back arrived at Anfield from Preston North End in February of 2021, in a deal that cost them £500,000 up front. Sky Sports reported at the time that the deal could rise to £1.6m with add-ons.

However, Davies has never played a single minute for Liverpool.

Jemson was surprised by the deal to bring him to the club, as the Reds were linked with a higher calibre of defender, including Ben White, who has since joined Arsenal for £50m.

However, the deal was done at a time when Jurgen Klopp was battling an injury crisis in defence.

Jemson told The Transfer Tavern: “I think it was reflected in the price. They paid £500,000 for him. So I’m sure, people were talking about Ben White, getting him from Brighton, they’re the people that are more likely to have turned up at Anfield when the window was open.

“That didn’t happen. So they got someone in that they thought maybe they could work on.”

Writing for 90min, transfer reporter Graeme Bailey has shared a West Ham United transfer update involving Flamengo striker Gabriel Barbosa.

The Lowdown: West Ham enter negotiations…

Sky Sports broke news that the Hammers and manager David Moyes had set their sights on the South American striker earlier this week with journalist Dharmesh Sheth revealing negotiations.

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It is believed that the in-form striker prefers a move to England as his next destination as he eyes a place in Brazil’s squad for the 2022 World Cup.

Barbosa apparently watches every West Ham game and it is a big admirer of how Moyes has turned the club’s fortunes around (Sky Sports), with Bailey now sharing what he knows for 90min.

The Latest: Bailey shares news…

According to his information, both West Ham and Newcastle are the ‘most advanced’ in negotiations to sign the 25-year-old who cost ‘in the region’ of £30 million.

The Irons have apparently ‘held talks’ with Barbosa’s entourage but manager Moyes would also like to consider other options before taking it a step further.

The Verdict: Get it done?

Scoring a 84 goals and 26 assists in total for Flamengo across all competitions since his move from Inter Milan, it is no secret that the Brazilian has resurrected his career following his forgetful Serie A spell.

Barbosa’s phenomenal 29-goal haul over 2021 would motivate most clubs to pay his possible £30m fee there and then with the fact he is still only in his mid-20s pointing to a possible bargain.

The 17-cap international could certainly be an astute option for Moyes and West Ham as they seek to end their year-long search for a Michail Antonio-alternative.

In other news: ‘Yes, yes, yes’, ‘Our best ever window’…West Ham fans flock to ‘sensational’ transfer claim, find out more here.

Sky Sports have relayed news live on TV regarding Manchester United midfielder Nemanja Matic and his decision to leave the club at the end of the season.

The Lowdown: Matic’s Old Trafford career

Matic made the move to United back in 2017 from Chelsea in a deal worth over £40m. Since then, the holding midfielder has gone on to make more than 180 appearances for the Red Devils, with 27 of those coming this season.

His current contract still has over 12 months left to run, however, Matic has now announced that he will leave the club over the coming months.

The Latest: Sky Sports relay on-air news

United shared the news on their official website, with Sky Sports News sharing the update live on TV.

They labelled it as ‘significant if you support Man Utd’, describing the midfielder as ‘the first out of the door’ at Old Trafford.

The Verdict: First of many?

Erik ten Hag looks set to come in to replace Ralf Rangnick in the summer and may well have plenty of key decisions to make on a number of players.

United have five players who will be out of contract at the end of June, including Paul Pogba and Jesse Lingard, while Cristiano Ronaldo’s future is also in doubt.

Matic’s departure could prove to be the first of many in a major Old Trafford shake-up under Ten Hag, and a new defensive midfielder could now be a priority heading into the summer.

In other news: ‘Expected’ – Fabrizio Romano drops first blow for Ten Hag at Man Utd with appointment ‘imminent’. 

A fresh claim has emerged about injured Tottenham Hotspur star Cristian Romero this week…

What’s the latest?

The 23-year-old centre-back suffered a hamstring injury playing for Argentina in a World Cup qualifier against Brazil during last month’s international break.

Spurs boss Antonio Conte described the problem as “very serious” and would not put a date on his return, though the Italian did rule him out for the remainder of the year.

“It will take time before we see him again. Surely next year, we have to check his injury week by week, but the injury is serious,” he said (via Sky Sports).

“Now he is trying to recover, but he needs a long time to recover. It is a pity because he is an important player for us, the injury is very serious. I don’t know, January, February. But for 2021, he has finished. We have to wait and recover well.”

But in a fresh development, Sky Sports reporter Michael Bridge provided some encouragement that it isn’t as ‘serious’ as expected. He told GIVEMESPORT:

“I kind of thought the worst when Conte said we will know more in seven to 10 days, but I’m told it’s not a tear, it’s a serious strain. So, is that January? He did say January or February.”

A glimmer of hope?

Having Romero out until February would certainly be a devastating blow to Spurs and their chances of breaking into the top four – something they have a huge chance to do in the coming weeks as they sit just two points behind West Ham, with one game in hand, too.

Indeed, just as Conte claimed, the Argentina international is a crucial player for the club and you could argue that he is very much their best central defender.

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On the back of a player of the year campaign at Serie A outfit Atalanta, Romero had continued his fine form across to north London, where he is currently averaging 2.3 tackles (third-best), 1.7 interceptions (second-best) and 2.4 aerials won (third-best) in the squad, per WhoScored.

“This guy is an animal, I swear. He’s perfect for the Premier League,” claimed his teammate, Pierluigi Gollini, back in September. “He’s played for many years with three at the back and especially when you play with a very aggressive style and play man for man, it’s a completely different to thing to in a four.”

His absence has seen the 52-year-old head coach tryout both Davinson Sanchez and Japhet Tanganga, as well as a very brief spell for Joe Rodon outside of the Premier League.

Sanchez along with Eric Dier were part of Spurs’ defensive error-prone backline last season under Jose Mourinho, so pairing them up again could be a recipe for disaster, especially with the change to a back three, rather than four.

But the fact that Bridge believes Romero’s injury isn’t as bad as what the club are saying, with the defender suffering a strain, rather than a more severe tear, is surely a glimmer of hope. Consequently, that should leave many around the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium a little more optimistic and ultimately, quite excited heading into 2022.

AND in other news, Paratici can seal Conte’s dream Spurs signing in 6 ft 1 beast he dubbed “outstanding”…

Calciomercato.it have now shared an interesting transfer update out of Roma as Tottenham Hotspur chief Fabio Paratici emerges in the running for big name playmaker Nicolo Zaniolo.

The Lowdown: Conte a big fan…

Links to one of Italy’s most hyped talents of the last few years haven’t been in short supply from Spurs’ perspective, with their interest having been reported as far back as the Mauricio Pochettino era.

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In more recent times, Tottenham’s new head coach in Antonio Conte is reportedly a big fan of Zaniolo, so much so that reports suggest he wants to see him make the move to north London.

Newspaper Corriere dello Sport, as shared by Sport Witness, recently claimed that the 52-year-old ‘really likes’ Jose Mourinho’s starlet and would ‘really like him’ in the Lilywhites squad.

Now, sharing an update, Calciomercato.it say Paratici could grant Conte’s wish this summer.

The Latest: Calciomercato share update…

The Italian source claims that Zaniolo, who is valued at around €70 million (£58m) by Roma, is subject to interest from Juventus, AC Milan, Sevilla and Atletico Madrid.

However, as stated by the report, Spurs and Paratici are by ‘no means excluded’ from ‘trying to bring him to Tottenham’ as the transfer chief plots a move.

The Verdict: Ambitious move…

Attempting a coup for Zaniolo, arguably one of Serie A’s brightest big name talents, would be a real statement of ambition from Spurs given his price tag.

Lauded as a ‘prominent’ and ‘excellent’ player by ex-Liverpool midfielder Moussa Sissoko (Foot Italia), there is no denying his talent.

Still young and finding his feet again after missing the whole of 2020/2021 due to a Cruciate Ligament Rupture (Transfermarkt), Zaniolo still ranks in as one of Mourinho’s most-threatening Serie A players.

According to WhoScored, none of the Portuguese’s squad have completed more successful take-ons per 90 this season (2.2) with only Tammy Abraham and Lorenzo Pellegrini averaging more attempts at goal.

Snatching the 22-year-old from Spurs’ former boss could be a huge statement on behalf of Conte.

In other news: Conte personally approves ‘monster’ player move as Tottenham take pre-summer action, find out more here.