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Not only is Sergio Reguilon saving lives, but he may have also saved Nuno Santo’s bacon as Tottenham Hotspur made it three wins on the bounce this weekend, despite reports of the Portuguese being under intense pressure in north London.

It wasn’t too long ago that an embarrassing 3-1 defeat to arch-rivals Arsenal saw many outlets, including The Evening Standard and The Sun, claim that the 47-year-old was fighting to keep his job, just months into his reign.

Spurs have now thrashed NS Mura in the UEFA Conference League and secured wins against Aston Villa and Newcastle United in the Premier League, scoring a whopping ten goals in the process.

By comparison, the Lilywhites had only scored four goals in their opening six league games beforehand.

Nuno has largely relied on the attacking exploits of Heung-min Son, who currently sits as their top goalscorer on four goals, three more than the prolific Harry Kane, who only opened his 2021/22 account at St James’ Park on Sunday.

The South Korean sensation rates out as Spurs’ second-best player (7.15), per WhoScored ratings, and he ranks first for shots (2.9) and key passes (2) per game, proving to be a major influence in the attack.

However, it is the Spaniard at left-back who has proven to be a bit of an unsung hero and that’s not just because of his urgency in the northeast to alert the referee.

He’s been delivering the same sort of intelligence on the pitch, particularly in their recent outings. And after a concerning dip in form last season following injury, it’s certainly a welcome return to the Reguilon they know and love.

Averaging a rating of 6.93 for the campaign, the 24-year-old provided one assist on Spurs’ way to victory against the Magpies and he has also notched six clearances, five tackles, three interceptions across their last two league games, via WhoScored.

So not only is he doing his defensive duties but he is also getting up the pitch to provide some extra creativity in the attack. He’s delivered just as many assists as Son in those games, for further context.

Previously lauded as a “complete player” by his former Sevilla boss Julen Lopetegui and dubbed a “phenomenal” left-back who “everyone loves at the club” by football.london reporter Alasdair Gold, it’s clear to see that Reguilon has a major influence in north London.

The £36m-rated dynamo has certainly been Nuno’s saving grace, ever since he started to appear on the hot seat in the dugout.

AND in other news, Bye-bye Winks: Paratici can form formidable Spurs unit with “complete” £26m-rated gem…

The international break perhaps came at the wrong time for Bruno Lage’s Wolverhampton Wanderers side, as things seemed like they were beginning to click under the leadership of the 45-year-old, with Wolves picking up nine points from a possible 12 over their last four fixtures.

With a West Midlands derby against Aston Villa coming up this afternoon, not only will Lage be hoping for a positive result in order to continue his team’s impressive run of form, he will also want to provide fans with the bragging rights of a win over one of their more prominent rivals.

Ahead of what is sure to be a challenging fixture for Wolves, will Lage decide to make any changes from the team which started the 2-1 win over Newcastle United last time out?

Here’s how we think the Portuguese could line up against Villa, along with the latest team and injury news…

With Francisco Trincao being ruled out of the trip to Villa Park after falling ill while on international duty with Portugal, Lage will be forced into at least one change this afternoon, and we predict that the 45-year-old will also make one other alteration to his starting XI against Newcastle United last time out.

The back three of Romain Saiss, Conor Coady and Max Kilman remains untouched, as do the left and right wing-back duo of Fernando Marcal and Nelson Semedo, while Jose Sa also retains his place between the sticks.

The first change comes alongside Ruben Neves in the middle of the park, with the £100k-per-week Joao Moutinho dropping out of the XI and 26-year-old Leander Dendoncker taking his place. That is to provide Wolves with a bit more defensive stability and energy against what is likely to be a rather attack-minded Villa midfield, which conjured four key passes against Spurs recently.

In the front three, Hwang Hee-chan keeps his spot following his brace against Newcastle, while dribbling king Adama Traore is reintroduced on the right as Trincao’s replacement, and Raul Jimenez starts up top.

In other news: Huge Wolves blow confirmed ahead of Aston Villa clash, Lage will be gutted

Leicester City travel to the London Stadium for their second Premier League game of the season tonight, and they’ll be hoping to make it back-to-back victories when they take on West Ham United.

The Foxes began their 2021/22 campaign with a satisfying 1-0 victory over Wolves last weekend, getting their hunt for a top-four finish off to a solid start.

What’s the word?

Their victory over Bruno Lage’s men was made even more impressive by the fact that they were missing several key first team players for the match, and Rodgers has revealed that he’s set to be without summer signing Ryan Bertrand once again as the 32-year-old recovers from a viral infection.

“The squad will be about what we had last weekend,” the manager said in Friday’s press conference. “Ryan Bertrand won’t be available. It’s mostly the same, but Timothy Castagne will be available.”

Castagne’s return will be warmly received by the Leicester manager and fans alike, with fellow full-back James Justin also sidelined through a serious knee injury.

However, the Northern Irishman confirmed that compatriot Jonny Evans has not recovered in time from a foot complaint to make his first appearance of the season.

“(Evans) is out (on the grass) but he’s not training with the team. It’s just ongoing with Jonny and the injury. We said we would see where he’s at after the international break. He’s not near to playing as of yet,” Rodgers said.

More bad news has filtered through over the course of the weekend, as The Athletic’s David Ornstein disclosed that Jannik Vestergaard will also miss tonight’s clash with West Ham due to injury.

The 6 ft 5 centre-back was brought into the club to provide cover for Wesley Fofana, who isn’t expected to feature for the remainder of the year, but then he picked up a problem himself in training, ruling him out of action.

Brendan Rodgers will be gutted

Despite Castagne’s return offering a brief reprieve on the fitness front, Vestergaard’s absence on top of those of Evans and Bertrand will leave Rodgers feeling gutted as their defensive injury crisis continues to plague the club.

A string of absences contributed to the Midlands outfit missing out on a Champions League qualification spot in the last two consecutive seasons, and the former Celtic boss must already be worried that history could repeat itself once again this time around.

In other news… Forget Perez: Rodgers must unleash Leicester’s “incredible” £18m-rated gem versus West Ham 

An update has emerged regarding Paris Saint-Germain’s plans for reported Newcastle United transfer target Mauro Icardi.

What’s the talk?

According to L’Equipe’s Friday edition, via Sport Witness, the Ligue 1 giants are open to offers for the attacker ahead of the January transfer window and are looking for a fee in the region of €50m (£42.7m), whilst they could also be tempted into a loan move with an option to buy at the end of the season.

The Magpies have been touted with the centre-forward recently, with Eddie Howe plotting his targets ahead of next month.

Dream deal

PIF could seal a dream deal for Newcastle in multiple ways by landing a swoop for the Argentina international in January.

Firstly, the structure of the move could work perfectly for them. If PSG are willing to allow him to join on loan with an option to buy, that would alleviate the added financial pressure which would be forced upon them if they were relegated to the Championship with Icardi’s wages on the books.

The Magpies would be able to opt against signing him permanently if they finish in the bottom three, or they could pin him down to a long-term contract if his contributions help to keep them in the top flight, which is why this could be a dream deal for the club.

His goalscoring record throughout his career suggests that he has the ability to keep them up. The marksman scored 124 goals in 219 games for Inter and has now found the back of the net 36 times in 79 games for PSG, highlighting his class in front of goal.

Italy centre-back Giorgio Chiellini had previously lavished praise on the 28-year-old, saying: “Among the great attackers I have faced, I highly value Icardi, who inside the area is almost impossible to mark. Mauro against Juve has often scored, it hurt me.

“He’s a world-class centre-forward, even if he lacks something in the collective game, he’s a Trezeguet but with different characteristics, lethal in the aerial game but perfectible outside the surface.”

This suggests that Icardi has the ability to come in and score goals for Newcastle, as he has proven that he can do it at the top level in France and Italy, with Chiellini’s comments showing how much of a threat the 28-year-old can be to defenders. Therefore, he could be a dream signing for PIF both in terms of the financial aspects of the move and what he could bring to Howe’s side on the pitch.

AND in other news, Dream come true: PIF could leave the Toon Army buzzing with major NUFC appointment…

Dean Smith will not want to let midfielder Marvelous Nakamba go this summer, Aston Villa journalist Luke Hatfield has told Football FanCast.

Last month, the MailOnline reported that both Everton and Crystal Palace are interested in signing Nakamba before the transfer window closes.

The 27-year-old, who joined Villa from Club Brugge back in 2019, was not one of the first names on Smith’s teamsheet last season.

In total, he made just 13 appearances in the Premier League, spending a lot of the campaign on the bench.

Despite that, Hatfield expects the Villa boss to keep hold of the Zimbabwe international.

“I think Dean Smith is happy with having Nakamba there as an option,” the Express & Star reporter said.

“I don’t think he’d want to see him go at all. It might leave them a bit light in that department.”

All in all, Smith does look pleased with his midfield options. While Villa have targeted Southampton’s James Ward-Prowse, attack has been the former Brentford manager’s priority.

He has signed Ward-Prowse’s ex-Southampton team-mate Danny Ings, Leon Bailey and Emiliano Buendia to improve the Villans’ forward line.

Anything can, of course, still happen before the transfer window slams shut, but it looks like Nakamba will be remaining at Villa Park.

Norwich City have confirmed the permanent signing of Southampton goalkeeper Angus Gunn on a four-year-contract [Sky Sports].

The Lowdown: Southampton re-shuffle the pack ahead of 2021/22

As the Saints move into 2021/22 with pre-season fast approaching, many will be keen to see how Raplh Hasenhüttl re-designs his squad after a disappointing 15th placed finish last time out.

Not wasting any time, Southampton have already ratified the departures of Wesley Hoedt, Ryan Bertrand, Jake Hesketh and Josh Sims to free up wages for prospective additions [Transfermarkt].

Following recent developments, the 25-year-old stopper has now joined the list of outgoings at St Mary’s following three years at the club after signing in 2018 [BBC].

The Latest: Gunn makes permanent switch to familiar territory

A familiar face at Carrow Road, Gunn has made the move to his boyhood heroes as they plot Premier League survival next campaign [Sky Sports].

No stranger to the Canaries, he spent his youth career in Norfolk before joining Manchester City in 2011, whilst also returned on loan to Daniel Farke’s side in 2017/18, plying his trade in the Sky Bet Championship [Sky Sports].

Though the official terms of the fee for the Englishman remain undisclosed, Transfermarkt cite that Southampton will receive around £5.27 million for the 6ft 5in goalkeeper.

The Verdict: Gunn’s departure is a good deal for both Norwich City and Southampton

All things considered, there is an agreeable nature to this transfer on both sides of the deal.

For the Saints, they have pulled in a reasonable sum of money for an individual who is surplus to requirements on the South Coast. In 2020/21, he made 15 appearances on loan at Stoke City in the Sky Bet Championship [Transfermarkt], and is down the pecking order at St. Mary’s.

As for Norwich City, they gain a long-term option between the sticks who will be desperate to prove a point in East Anglia.

Once labelled a ‘great talent’ by head coach Farke, Gunn could be a key player for the top flight newcomers for years to come [Norwich City FC Official].

In other news, Southampton fans react to their links with a 29-goal striker.

The Athletic’s Phil Hay has confirmed a major Leeds United boost over Raphinha ahead of their Premier League clash against Liverpool later today.

What’s the story?

Marcelo Bielsa’s side appeared to be heading into the game against the Reds on Sunday afternoon without one of their talismans, with the Brazilian FA and FIFA looking to impose sanctions on those Premier League clubs who opted against sending their players out for international duty.

The likes of Raphinha, and Alisson, Fabinho and Roberto Firmino for Liverpool, were all in danger of missing today’s game, but Hay has confirmed that everything has now been cleared for the South Americans to play this weekend.

On Saturday morning, he tweeted: “Raphinha’s available for tomorrow’s game. Everyone placated and approval for him to play against Liverpool came through just before before midnight yesterday. #lufc”

Fans will be buzzing

Make no mistake about it, having Raphinha cleared to play against Jurgen Klopp’s side is a massive boost for Bielsa and Leeds’ chances of beating the Merseysiders.

Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson has previously lauded the bargain that Leeds got in Raphinha, declaring: “He’s full of energy, he’s got a (good) work ethic as well where he works for the team, he just does everything right.

“I’m a big fan of his and the recruitment there to find that player, because for £17m, there will be people now scratching their head going ‘why didn’t we get him?'”

It was quite the debut campaign at Elland Road for the former Rennes man, becoming a real game-changer for Bielsa’s side in their first campaign back in the top-flight.

He ranked fourth for goals and first for his assists among his teammates in 2020/21, and his willingness to take players on and try and make things happen for his side was reflected by him averaging the most dribbles of any Leeds player with 1.9 per game.

That sort of attacking impact is exactly why Leeds fans will be absolutely buzzing at the news that Raphinha has been cleared to play against Liverpool today.

Meanwhile, Adam Pope has dropped a Leeds United transfer update…

West Ham United fans won’t be impressed with the latest claim surrounding PAI Capital’s reported second takeover bid…

What’s the word?

Over the weekend, The Sunday Times reported that the consortium would be preparing another offer for the east London outfit after they saw a £400m attempt rejected by majority shareholder David Sullivan.

A spokesman for the firm told them: “PAI Capital has assembled a top-tier team of respected executives … the group has carefully prepared and submitted a second innovative bid which it believes will be successful and crafts a new vision for the club, stadium and park …We hope to be able to share positive news very soon.”

However, Irons insider Sean Whetstone at Claret and Hugh has poured cold water on this suggestion in a series of tweets.

“Sorry but I guarantee that it will not! The board never considered the first approach as a formal bid & there is no chance that further bids will be accepted, absolutely none! No proof of funds have been provided in the formal legal sense & they have not had full access to books,” he said.

He then added: “Does TC release statements through Central now? I had no idea he had become his spokesman. Internet rumours that a second bid has been verbally agreed are nonsense. Too many people are being misled with misinformation. Time will soon tell but you could be waiting a while!”

Fans won’t be happy

This latest development will certainly leave many around the London Stadium absolutely reeling.

There are mixed emotions about the potential takeover of the Hammers, particularly as ex-players like Rio Ferdinand are involved, and that leaves a sour taste in the mouth of some.

However, the vast majority of supporters have been longing to see GSB out the door.

During back end of the 2019/20 season when West Ham were staring down the barrel of relegation to the Championship, the Irons faithful protested against the board.

In one game against Liverpool at Anfield, fans unfurled banners that were very much anti-GSB – One read: “Run like a circus – Owned by clowns”, whilst another read: “GSB out – Sold a dream, delivered a nightmare.”

Later that summer, after David Moyes pulled off a miracle with one game to spare, the fans were furious with the club’s hierarchy once more. This time, the exit of Grady Diangana on a permanent basis caused another protest.

And it doesn’t stop there as fan group Hammers United are planning another display against GSB ahead of their clash with Manchester United later this month.

It’s clear that people want GSB gone from the club and this interest from PAI Capital poses a very good chance of that happening, so this claim from an inside source is unlikely to go down well.

He suggests that there will be no second bid and that it is all “nonsense”, so that’ll seriously dent the hopes of those that are in the aforementioned camp.

Now with the transfer window over, this saga could well rumble on for the foreseeable future.

AND in other news, Moyes must mercilessly axe West Ham’s forgotten £70k-p/w dud, he’s stealing a living…

Former West Brom midfielder Carlton Palmer has completely ruled out Slaven Bilic returning to the Hawthorns as manager.

The Croatian was appointed as Baggies boss almost exactly two years ago following their failure to get promoted back to the Premier League under both Darren Moore and then caretaker James Shan.

But Bilic did achieve exactly that, securing a top-two finish on the final day of the 2019-2020 campaign after drawing with Queens Park Rangers.

However, Bilic endured a tricky start to life in the Premier League, with West Brom taking just two points from their opening nine matches despite splashing the cash on the likes of Matheus Pereira, Grady Diangana and Karlan Grant last summer.

Bilic’s Baggies would eventually collect their first victory at the tenth time of asking, before picking up an impressive draw at Manchester City last December.

Less than 24 hours later, though, the former West Ham manager was sacked from his post after just 18 months at the helm despite West Brom sitting just two points from safety.

Six months later, the Baggies are looking to appoint another manager after Sam Allardyce left last month following their relegation back to the Championship.

But Palmer told Football FanCast that there’s no chance Bilic would return:

“Bilic won’t go back there. There is no chance. I know Slaven, and I know what he’s like as a bloke, and he’s a very stand-up guy.

“You can’t treat somebody how they treated him and expect him to come back to the club, that would never happen.”

Celtic reestablished their six-point lead at the top of the Premiership table as they won 2-0 away from Parkhead on Sunday.

Ange Postecoglou’s men continued their march towards the title with a comfortable win as Kyogo Furuhashi and Jota scored the only goals of the game.

The Hoops dominated the match and had the majority of the chances but were unable to make the most of their opportunities as they were forced to settle for just the two goals.

Despite the positive performance overall and the win, not every player on the pitch caught the eye in the right way. One dud who struggled for the Hoops was central midfielder Reo Hatate as he failed to give a good account of himself in the middle of the park.

Ally McCoist noted in the Sky Sports commentary of Celtic’s Scottish Cup semi-final clash with Rangers that he was “absolutely spent” in the second half and that is how he looked again in this match.

On and off the ball, he was not up to the standard required. He was unable to make a big impact in the final third when he had possession and was completely outmuscled off of it as he was carried by his teammates throughout the match before being taken off in the 74th minute.

Defensively, Hatate was a lightweight. Via SofaScore, he lost 100% of his individual duels as he lost all three of his battles on the ground and both of his ones in the air. He also failed to make a single block, interception or tackle in the game as he found himself being second-best to everything in midfield.

In possession, he did very little. As per SofaScore, he only created one chance and did not have a single shot on target, whilst failing with both of his attempted dribbles, his one cross and losing the ball 14 times. This shows that he offered almost nothing with the ball at his feet, which meant that he did nothing to offset his awful display off the ball.

Therefore, he let Postecoglou down badly in the end as he struggled at both ends of the pitch. Just as he did against the Gers in the last Old Firm clash, he looked spent and it may be time to drop him from the starting XI until he can prove that he deserves to be playing regularly.

AND in other news, Source: Celtic on course to seal “immense” summer signing, Ange will be buzzing…