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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 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. 

West Bromwich Albion have been dealt a blow regarding the fitness of Kean Bryan ahead of their Championship fixture on Tuesday night.

What’s the latest?

That’s according to a report by Birmingham Live, who claimed that the centre-back does not look likely to be deemed fit enough to feature in the clash against Derby County at The Hawthorns.

As a result, the report suggests it looks more than likely that Valerien Ismael will stick with the trio of Cedric Kipre, Kyle Bartley and Semi Ajayi for the match – the same defensive three who started Albion’s disappointing 1-1 draw with Millwall last weekend.

Ismael will be gutted

Considering that Bryan was signed as a result of the respective injuries to the Frenchman’s first-choice centre-backs Matt Clarke and Dara O’Shea, the potential absence of the 24-year-old for tonight’s clash against the Rams is sure to have left the 45-year-old manager gutted.

Indeed, neither Kipre nor Ajayi did much in the Millwall fixture to convince Ismael that they would be worthy of keeping their places in the starting XI. The former lost 56% of his duels, ceding possession of the ball on 14 occasions and earning a SofaScore match rating of 6.7, while Ajayi made an error which led to a shot and gave away the ball 15 times, receiving a SofaScore match rating of just 6.4.

As such, the addition of Bryan to Ismael’s back three for the Derby game would have almost certainly provided the Frenchman with a considerable boost to his chances of getting the Baggies back to winning ways in the fixture.

However, unfortunately for the Albion manager, it looks as if he will have to once again make do without the former Sheffield United man, which will undoubtedly come as a blow to the 45-year-old.

In other news: Journalist reveals how “complete” 27 y/o failed to secure WBA move, he would’ve been a huge coup

Flocking to Twitter, many Manchester City fans have been left buzzing as some news emerges on Gabriel Jesus and his future at Eastlands.

The Brazilian has become a regular under Pep Guardiola this season, shining in a new role on the right hand side of City’s forward line.

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Jesus, grabbing more assists than any Sky Blues player in the Premier League over 2021/2022 so far, has been rejuvenated and arguably one of City’s most improved players.

Averaging the joint-third most shots per 90 out of City’s squad in that time (WhoScored), the 24-year-old is a consistent threat, leaving little wonder some news has emerged on what sporting director Txiki Begiristain could now offer the player.

According to 90min, the club are now preparing to offer Jesus a new deal and are ready to open talks with his entourage over fresh terms.

His current contract has 18 months left to run and it is believed that City are now lining up a move to tie him down for the foreseeable future.

City fans buzz…

Given how much the South American ace has thrived under Guardiola in a new role out wide, it’s little wonder City supporters are buzzing at this news.

City value Jesus at up to €65 million (£55m) and that should only increase with these consistent performances – especially considering he’s still fairly young.

Amassing over half a century of international caps for Brazil already, the striker’s quality is obvious, with many fans very keen to see him extend his stay at Eastlands.

Find all of their best reactions down below:

“Ah yes, finally getting our priorities straight “

Credit: @BFordiniho

“Excellent news and well deserved”

Credit: @MillerMattu

“PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE HAPPEN”

Credit: @gabbyjesus_9

“One of our big game players, get it done asap”

Credit: @10jackyG

“Great news, love Gabby.”

Credit: @JustKiam

“Yesssssss”

Credit: @MosesOnduso5

“I begggg this happens”

Credit: @gabbyjesus_9

In other news: ‘Let’s goooo’, ‘Coming home’, ‘I beg’…Sky’s news on Haaland has many Man City fans excited, find out more here.

Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou is working hard to win over the supporters at Parkhead after a difficult start to the 2021/22 campaign.

In their first three competitive games of the season, the Hoops were knocked out of the Champions League and lost their opening Scottish Premiership match to Hearts. This meant that the Australian coach started on the back foot and has had to work hard to regain momentum.

Recent results suggest that they are now on the up, with four straight wins in all competitions. Celtic have beaten Jablonec twice, scoring seven goals, Hearts and Dundee in their last four matches. They scored 16 goals in total in that period, bringing attacking football back to Celtic Park.

However, a tough test against Eredivisie outfit AZ Alkmaar awaits them tonight as they bid to progress through to the group stages of the Europa League.

Will Postecoglou switch it up from the 3-2 win over Hearts? Here is our predicted XI for the match…

We are predicting that he will make two changes to his starting XI, with Liel Abada and Ismaila Soro coming into the team for James Forrest and Tom Rogic.

Starting with Soro, this was a tough call to make but one that could be needed. Rogic was subbed off after 75 minutes against Hearts and after 74 minutes against Jablonec in the second-leg. This suggests that the midfielder has been tiring in games, which indicates that Celtic could benefit from bringing in some fresh legs in midfield who will be able to see out the 90 minutes without breaking down.

James McCarthy made his Celtic debut against Hearts in the League Cup with a 15-minute cameo, whilst Soro has racked up 386 competitive minutes across six games this season. Therefore, he could be fresher than the £16k-per-week Australian international whilst also being more match-fit than the ex-Everton man.

The second and final change we are predicting is Abada for Forrest. We published an article urging Postecoglou to unleash the teenage attacker against Alkmaar, given his recent form for Celtic and the amount of game time Forrest has had in recent weeks.

Abada has two goals and two assists in five appearances for the Hoops this season, proving that he can provide quality at this level. Forrest, 30, meanwhile has already played 446 minutes and could benefit from a game on the sidelines. Start the youngster and allow him to strut his stuff, before potentially bringing the Scotland international on for the final 20 minutes or so to run at a tiring defence.

We are predicting the rest of the team to stay the same, as it does not make much sense to make wholesale changes to a winning side.

AND in other news, “Decision to make”: Manager’s update on 23 y/o gem will potentially excite Celtic fans…

Odsonne Edouard suffered an injury shortly after Celtic’s 6-0 win over Dundee on Sunday, The Daily Record report.

The Lowdown: Exit latest

Edouard has featured in every competitive game under Ange Postecoglou this season but is still thought to be working on a Parkhead exit after a move to Leicester City fell through earlier this summer.

Brighton are the favourites to land the 23-year-old, with Crystal Palace, Newcastle United and AS Roma also interested.

The Daily Record believe his future could be resolved by the end of the week, however, the forward recently suffered an injury at Parkhead.

The Latest: Edouard’s injury

According to The Daily Record, Edouard, who scored his first of the season from the penalty spot, picked up a knock during the warm down after the final whistle.

The report doesn’t specify the severity of Edouard’s injury, but they do believe he is a major doubt for Celtic’s Europa League qualifier second-leg against Jablonec.

The Verdict: Last time we’ve seen Edouard in a Celtic shirt?

With an injury and transfer update in one provided by The Daily Record, Sunday could well have been the last time Hoops fans will see Edouard in a Celtic shirt.

He could be missing completely on Thursday and may well have his future wrapped up by the end of the week.

Thomas Henry looks likely to be the man to replace Edouard, so it’s good to see Celtic already putting plans in place without their centre-forward.

In other news: Loan to buy: Journalist in Turkey claims Celtic could now move for ‘dangerous’ ace.

An update has emerged on Sunderland transfer target Owen Dale, regarding Portsmouth’s interest in his services.

What’s the talk?

The Sun journalist Alan Nixon has reported that Portsmouth are set to join the race for Crewe Alexandra winger Owen Dale if they sell Ronan Curtis before the end of the transfer window. Nixon has also stated that fellow League One outfits Wycombe and Ipswich are out of the running for financial reasons.

Earlier this summer, Football Insider claimed that Sunderland are one of a number of clubs eyeing up the attacker following his impressive season for Crewe. He is under contract at the League One club until the summer of 2022 after a 12-month extension clause was triggered by the club this year.

Johnson needs him

Sunderland sporting director Kristjaan Speakman must sanction a swoop for Dale this summer because Lee Johnson needs him. The Black Cats boss was working with a squad bereft of regular goalscorers last season, with Charlie Wyke the only player who managed more than five goals excluding penalties.

This suggests that Speakman bringing in a wide player who can contribute with goals could be a major boost to the former Bristol City head coach.

If Pompey are waiting to cash in on Curtis before moving for Dale then that could give Speakman a window of opportunity to make his move.

The Wearside chief could swiftly wrap up a deal before Danny Cowley is even able to think about using any money from the Irishman’s exit to swoop for him.

Dale could be exactly what Johnson needs. The 22-year-old provided the League One outfit with 13 direct goal involvements last season, including 11 goals and two assists. Last year, his Crewe boss Dave Artell hailed him as being “very brave” and praised how ambitious he is with what he tries to do on the pitch. 

He told Cheshire Live:

“He is very brave. He is physically brave in terms of he wants to head the ball and he is not afraid of tackling and all that. But he is actually brave in what he tries to do, he is ambitious.

“When he reflects, sometimes he is very critical of himself and beats himself up about it. But he is trying things that a lot of people don’t see or can’t do. Well, that’s alright.

“There is a consistency element, the right time and the right place.”

This shows that the wing wizard could be a terrific signing for Sunderland solve a key problem for Johnson next season.

He could be the player to provide a regular goal threat from the wide positions, to supplement the strikers and give teams something else to think about instead of just worrying about Charlie Wyke or whoever else may be the number nine at the Stadium of Light.

AND in other news, Speakman dealt huge transfer blow over “fantastic” 21 G/A gem, SAFC fans surely gutted…

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.

Chelsea star Ross Barkley will not revive his career at West Ham, warns former Premier League midfielder Carlton Palmer.

Barkley spent the 2020/21 season on loan at Aston Villa, but it does not look like he will be staying at the Midlands club after falling out of favour in the second half of the campaign.

The £96,000-a-week attacking midfielder is now being linked with a move to the London Stadium, with the MailOnline reporting that West Ham have an interest.

With David Moyes knowing the player well from their time at Everton together, the Hammers boss may feel he can get the best out of Barkley.

However, Palmer has his concerns, especially when it comes to Barkley’s injury record, comparing him to an ex-West Ham player who struggled to stay fit during his time in east London.

“Everybody keeps saying everywhere he goes, ‘Can he revive his career, can he revive his career?’ Ross doesn’t play enough football games,” Palmer told FFC.

“He’s a quality football player, quality football player. He just has too many injuries, similar to Jack Wilshere – quality football player, just too many injuries.”

A hamstring injury saw Barkley miss quite a few games in the season that has just gone, while a foot problem the campaign prior also resulted in him missing a lot of action, so it is easy to understand Palmer’s concerns.

Leeds United manager Jesse Marsch could look to bring Manchester United assistant Chris Armas to Elland Road this summer, according to Phil Hay.

The Lowdown: Armas profiled

The 49-year-old worked under Marsch at New York Red Bulls, serving as his assistant for 151 games.

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Armas, labelled as a ‘winner’ with ‘infectious positivity’, has since gone on to manage Toronto and has been at Old Trafford under Ralf Rangnick since December.

His services in Manchester may no longer be needed after Erik ten Hag was announced as Manchester United’s new manager, and it looks as if Marsch could take full advantage ahead of his first full season in charge.

The Latest: Hay’s claim

Hay shared a story on The Athletic on Saturday morning, looking at Leeds’ U23s following a record PL2 attendance at Elland Road on Friday night.

Within his report, he claimed that Marsch looks set to make further alterations to his backroom staff this summer, revealing Armas is under consideration for a permanent post.

The Verdict: Makes sense

The pair know each other well following their time back in the USA and Marsch is clearly a fan of Armas, so a reunion in Yorkshire appears to be a shrewd move.

Marsch has already brought Franz Schiemer and Cameron Toshack to Thorp Arch, while Mark Jackson has been promoted from the U23s, so Amas could be the missing piece in the backroom staff jigsaw.

Hopefully, Leeds will be preparing for a first full season under the American as a Premier League side, which could persuade Armas to remain in England.

In other news: Phil Hay: Marsch now eyeing Leeds move for ‘quality’ rising star alongside Aaronson.