Spurs fans flock to Bergwijn development

According to a report by Dutch news outlet De Telegraaf, via Hotspur Related, Tottenham winger Steven Bergwijn is attracting serious interest from Ajax and it is believed the Eredivisie champions will make a move for him this summer.

Bergwijn started just 13 Premier League matches under both Jose Mourinho and Ryan Mason over 2020/21, scoring one goal and setting up three others in that time (WhoScored).

Tottenham signed him from PSV Eindhoven in January 2020, with the 23-year-old going on to make an immediate impact. He scored a sumptuous volley against Manchester City on his debut for Spurs in a 2-0 win, but it is arguable that he hasn’t really been given a consistent enough run in the side since then.

Now, as per De Telegraaf, it is understood that Ajax are seriously interested despite his PSV roots, and they believe they could land Bergwijn for as little as €15m (£12.8m). However, Spurs chairman Daniel Levy wants at least €25m (£21.4m) and refuses to take a loss on the attacker after signing him for around £27m.

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Flocking to this development on Ajax’s interest in Bergwijn, some Spurs supporters have had mixed responses on social media, with a few believing it would be foolish to sell whilst others plead for it to happen.

Still young and with plenty of potential, you can see why there are many Lilywhites supporters who don’t want him to leave. From the other side, Bergwijn hasn’t exactly lit up north London since his arrival, barring a slender handful of fine moments.

Check out a flavour of the fans’ verdicts from social media below.

Tottenham fans flock to Bergwijn development

“Best news I have heard in a while!”

Credit: @kaneszn1

“Sell please”

Credit: @tradesTM

“Noooooooooooo”

Credit: @freckliano

“Yes please”

Credit: @_Deji27

“Why would this even be a question? I wouldn’t sell him!! We have Lamela and Moura to shift first… Bergwijn stays for me and has a higher ceiling”

Credit: @leefriend21

“Wowwwww do not sell”

Credit: @irishpostmalone

“A chance to cut out losses & move him on as clearly he’s not good enough. No doubt will price him out of move & we’re left with more deadwood we can’t shift from our squad”

Credit: @Sunny_THFC_

“No way we should be selling him”

Credit: @lUKE_c0ys

In other news: Alasdair Gold says Spurs could swoop for this ‘incredible’ star this summer, find out more here.

Rangers transfer news on Antony

Glasgow Rangers are reportedly now following Brazilian youngster Antony as Giovanni van Bronckhorst targets his first signing of the summer transfer window.

The Lowdown: Busy summer?

In his first summer transfer window at Ibrox, van Bronckhorst will want to put his own stamp on the squad, and so there should be expected to be plenty of incomings and outgoings before the new season starts.

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The Teddy Bears have recently been linked with a loan move for Billy Gilmour, but the likes of Alex Lowry, Joe Aribo and Filip Helander are reportedly attracting interest from the Premier League.

The Latest: Rangers following

As per A Bola, the Light Blues, as well as Basel, are now following young forward Antony ahead of a potential move in the summer.

Described as an ‘offensive weapon’, the Gers have ‘collected some notes’ on the versatile talent as they look to start their business straight away.

The Verdict: Exciting

It certainly is exciting for the supporters that the club seem to be looking at summer recruitment already, despite the season not being over.

A Brazilian who is just 20 years of age, Antony is an interesting albeit relatively unknown prospect, having scored two goals while on loan at Arouca in the Portuguese top flight from Corinthians.

Capable of playing virtually anywhere in the attack, from second striker to both wings, RFC will be hoping to add more depth to the squad once the window officially opens, and perhaps the young South American could be a good start.

In other news, find out what ‘disappointing’ Rangers update has now emerged here!

Hutton on Keane to Celtic

Alan Hutton has dropped a big claim on Roy Keane after a source from Celtic told Football Insider that he has growing support as an alternative to Eddie Howe as the club’s next manager.

That is the view within the boardroom at Parkhead, and Hutton has since suggested to Football Insider that the former Manchester United captain would not be such a bad appointment for the Hoops. The former Scotland right-back said:

“He’s a character alright.

“I’ll tell you one thing. There wouldn’t have been any long periods of silence in the dressing room if he was there. He’s obviously got the experience, he’s got the know-how, he’s played at the highest level possible.

“He’ll ruffle the feathers, get people going and get them up for it. That, there is no doubt. It’s a huge job with a lot of pressure and a lot of pressure to start quickly. I know his name keeps getting bandied about, so does Eddie Howe.”

Celtic should consider Keane

Celtic should seriously consider hiring Keane as their next manager should a deal for Howe fall through.

A man who has played for the Bhoys before, albeit for just 10 games in what was a somewhat frustrating spell for him in Scotland, the 49-year-old knows just how much the Glasgow club means to the fans, and so he should be able to echo that through to his players on the pitch.

A serial winner in his playing days as well, with multiple trophies to his name, Keane certainly knows what it takes to win, which would help Celtic hugely in their bid to wrestle the Premiership title back from their arch rivals Rangers.

This is not to mention his managerial experience too, having near the bottom of the Championship to the top within eight months.

With all that in mind, Keane would appear to be a shrewd appointment by the Hoops if he is the man chosen to succeed Neil Lennon.

In other news, find out what big Fergal Harkin update has been dropped!

West Ham make approach for Kortney Hause

West Ham have approached Aston Villa over a move for centre-back Kortney Hause, according to Football Insider.

The Lowdown: El Ghazi interest

The 26-year-old isn’t the first Villa player with whom the Hammers have been linked during the January transfer window. David Moyes is also thought to be keen on signing Anwar El Ghazi, with the Irons manager viewing the Dutchman as a versatile attacking option at the London Stadium.

Villa are willing to part ways with the Netherlands international and would prefer a permanent sale, and it now seems as if Hause is also a player of interest.

The Latest: Source shares Hause update

Football Insider, who were informed by a West Ham source, shared a story on Saturday morning regarding Hause.

They claimed that the Hammers have approached Villa over a possible deal, but Steven Gerrard’s side have the option to extend the defender’s stay in the Midlands by a further 12 months.

The report added that, should Villa activate the clause, it would enable them to secure a significantly higher fee for Hause, with his manager open to moving him on if the club can bring in a replacement.

The Verdict: New addition needed first

Villa recently lost Axel Tuanzebe’s services after he cut short his season-long loan spell to join Italian side Napoli. That has left Gerrard with Hause, Tyrone Mings and Ezri Konsa as first team options in the centre of defence, so Villa certainly need one and possibly two additions at the back if they are to part ways with the 26-year-old.

The £25,000-a-week earner, who journalist Pat Rowe called a defender who ‘dominates players’, made his first start under Gerrard in the recent 2-1 defeat to Brentford, with a number of fans criticising his performance that day.

Incomings are needed at Villa Park before possibly letting Hause leave, but it seems as if a move to the capital could have legs, making it a transfer rumour to watch.

In other news: ‘Heartbroken’ – Many Villa fans react to Gregg Evans’ big transfer development

Celtic: Hoops open talks for Joe Hart

Celtic have opened talks with Tottenham to sign goalkeeper Joe Hart, according to reliable reporter Fabrizio Romano.

The Lowdown: Hart’s lack of game time

The 34-year-old made the move to north London last summer but has less than 12 months left on his Spurs deal.

Over the last three seasons, Hart has made just 34 senior appearances in all competitions, 21 of which came for Burnley during the 2018/19 campaign.

He’s struggled for game time since then, and it seems as if the Hoops want to possibly offer him that at Parkhead, with Ange Postecoglou dropping Vasilis Barkas for Scott Bain against FC Midtjylland on Wednesday.

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The Latest: Romano’s claim

Transfer expert Romano, who was the first to share the Hoops’ talks with defender Carl Starfelt at the beginning of the month, posted the news on Hart on Wednesday.

He claimed that ‘negotiations are ongoing between the two clubs’ after talks opened.

Romano also added that Aurelio Buta is still the main target at right-back with Celtic working on an agreement for the 24-year-old.

The Verdict: Sign

Celtic need a goalkeeper who Postecoglou can rely on all season instead of chopping and changing between Barkas, Bain and Conor Hazard as Neil Lennon did last year.

Signing Hart, who was described as ‘one of world’s best’ by Gianluigi Buffon, could be an ideal move by the Hoops as he has plenty of experience in the Premier League and at international level.

His knowledge over the years could help a young Celtic squad, with a number of Postecoglou’s signings this summer under the age of 21.

In other news: Report claims Celtic now want forward Bielsa signed for Leeds. 

Newcastle could receive Armstrong windfall

Blackburn Rovers manager Tony Mowbray has invited ‘ridiculous’ offers for former Newcastle United striker Adam Armstrong this summer.

The lowdown

The 24-year-old finished the season with two hat-tricks in three games to post a tally of 28 league goals for the campaign. That left him second in the Championship scoring charts, just three adrift of another former Newcastle player in Ivan Toney.

Armstrong made the permanent switch to Ewood Park in 2018, having racked up 21 appearances in black and white without getting on the scoresheet.

However, Newcastle inserted a 40% sell-on clause into their agreement with Rovers, and Armstrong is now valued at £14.4m by Transfermarkt, even though he is about to enter the final year of his contract.

Intriguingly, it has also been reported that the Magpies are considering an attempt to bring him back to St James’ Park.

The latest

After Blackburn’s 5-2 victory over Birmingham City on Saturday, Mowbray sent a message to Armstrong’s suitors.

“They’re not doing their job if they’re not looking at Adam Armstrong,” he told the Lancashire Telegraph.

“That’s out of my control. For Adam’s sake, let’s hope the phone rings and someone offers us a ridiculous amount of money, we shake him by the hand and we say go bang in loads of goals in the Premier League.

“We’ll use some of that money in the team and can find another striker who can bang loads of goals in.”

The verdict

According to The Athletic, Newcastle have discussed the possibility of signing Tammy Abraham this summer but have been put off to Chelsea’s £40m price tag.

If that’s an indication that they’re after a striker, Armstrong would be a far cheaper, but still prolific, option.

You could argue that it’s a win-win situation anyway. If they don’t pursue the move, they could still net somewhere around £5.76m (40% of £14.4m) from a sale to another Premier League club due to the aforementioned sell-on clause.

In hindsight, it was a clever piece of business they struck with Blackburn three years ago.

In other news, this Newcastle youngster has reportedly been offered to Premier League rivals.

Windass: Crystal Palace would welcome Joshua King - Exclusive

Crystal Palace would take former Everton attacker Joshua King “all day long”, claims former Premier League striker Dean Windass.

Everton signed King on a short-term deal from Bournemouth at the beginning of February and had an option to extend it.

However, the Merseyside club have opted against doing so and he will now leave Goodison Park at the end of the month.

It leaves the 29-year-old now needing to find a new team, and Windass believes he would be welcomed warmly at a side like Crystal Palace.

Speaking exclusively to TT about the player’s future, the ex-Hull City star said:

“Crystal Palace would take him all day long, but he needs to be playing, he needs to be proving he’s a goalscorer.

“Listen, it’s hard when you’ve done ever so well for Bournemouth and you’re scoring goals, you get a move and you hardly play. And then people think you’re a bad player overnight.

“It doesn’t work like that. You need to be playing week in, week out to be scoring goals.”

Indeed, it was hard for King to get any sort of real rhythm last season at Everton, with the Norway international receiving limited minutes.

In contrast, during his time at Bournemouth, King did play when fit and delivered. While he was not at his best in the Cherries’ last Premier League season, he did manage to score 16 goals in the 2016/17 campaign before hitting double digits again in the 2018/19 campaign.

So, on a free transfer, perhaps it is something worth exploring for Palace’s new manager.

Robinson believes West Ham could sign Lingard

Speaking to Football Insider, pundit Paul Robinson has shared his Jesse Lingard belief amid yet more reports linking him with a return to West Ham United.

The Lowdown: West Ham still eyeing Lingard?

Despite the signing of Croatia international Nikola Vlasic, some reports have come out over the last month linking the Hammers with a possible return swoop.

Lingard is out of contract at the end of this season as talks remain ongoing over a possible Old Trafford extension, but as it stands, he could leave for free in 2022.

According to The Sun, United will consider a cut price £15 million offer for the forward if he continues to refuse new deal offers – coming after Football Insider claimed last month that West Ham are still interested.

Lingard himself admitted he needs to playing regularly to stand any chance of going to next year’s World Cup with England, with Robinson now reacting to this message and sharing his belief.

The Latest: Robinson shares Lingard belief…

Speaking to FI, the former Premier League goalkeeper insists a return to the London Stadium ‘could be on the cards’ next year.

“A return to West Ham could be on the cards judging by that,” explained Robinson when asked about Lingard’s admission.

“If Lingard wants any kind of international career he needs to be getting regular starts. I don’t think a bit-part role at Man United is going to be enough for him.

“He played well against Andorra. I’m a big fan of his. I really like the way he plays. He looks a completely different player since he’s come back from West Ham.

“The worry would be that he regresses again as his game time reduces. He is not getting the minutes that he wants.

“There will be a couple of exits from Man United in January. Lingard could well be one of them. I think there will be activity there.”

The Verdict: Get it done?

The 28-year-old’s spell on loan under David Moyes last season certainly seemed to be a game-changer for his career.

Even now, despite the lack of game time, Lingard has bagged a brilliant two league goals in just 45 minutes of Premier League action for the Red Devils this season and he may well need to get more of a look-in.

If West Ham do decide to take a punt in January, especially for a mooted £15m, it may well pay off – former Hammer Nigel Winterburn lauded him as ‘sensational’, and his displays on loan last term certainly back up that description.

In other news: West Ham plotting big money bid to sign 115-goal striker who Moyes personally wants, find out more here.

Howey believes Daka could be long-term replacement for Vardy

Steve Howey believes Patson Daka could be the ideal long-term replacement for Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy.

The 22-year-old Zambian striker has joined the Foxes from RB Salzburg in a £23million deal.

Daka was prolific during his spell in Austria, with him scoring 54 goals in 82 appearances in the top flight.

While Vardy is continuing to score goals for Leicester, having hit the back of the net 17 times in 42 outings last term, he is now 34 and boss Brendan Rodgers could be looking at who will be the former non-league star’s long-term successor as the Foxes’ first-choice frontman.

Daka has penned a five-year contract at the King Power Stadium and will further Rodgers’ attacking options after Kelechi Iheanacho found his best form in Leicester colours towards the end of last season.

Leicester agonisingly missed out on a Champions League place after suffering a final day defeat to Tottenham Hotspur last term, but former Foxes defender Howey is excited by what Daka could bring to the side.

Speaking exclusively to The Transfer Tavern, he said: “He is only 22 so is a good long-term option.

“I think Jamie Vardy still has a lot to offer. I would have thought Brendan Rodgers will start to rest Vardy at times and put him on the bench.”

Leeds could have a new Rio Ferdinand in Cresswell

After putting pen to paper on a new contract, Leeds United starlet Charlie Cresswell will be hoping of making his breakthrough under Marcelo Bielsa over the coming seasons.

The Whites confirmed earlier in the week that the 18-year-old had signed a new four-year deal to stay at Elland Road, and was of course named on the bench for the club’s Premier League clash against Everton last weekend.

Leeds have had many a great centre-back over their history, and in terms of the Premier League era, Rio Ferdinand is certainly up there with being the pick of the bunch.

While he eventually ended up joining rivals Manchester United, the former England international was a Rolls-Royce of a centre-back: quick, strong and superb on the ball.

Ferdinand was also a vocal presence that saw him eventually become captain at Old Trafford, and that innate leadership quality is something Cresswell possesses.

Speaking after signing his new contract, the centre-back himself said: “I’m confident, I’m a leader, I like to play and I like to head it! There’s lots of players in the first team that I look up to, the likes of Coops, Bill, they lead by example and that is what I want to try and follow.”

Dubbed a “dying breed” for his leadership and communication skills at the back, Leeds U23’s boss Mark Jackson added: “Charlie’s got that, he understands how to lead and we’ve been working with him a long time, in the academy even, when he first broke through in the 18s as a 16-year-old, (working) on his leadership skills.

“Even on the bench in the second half, he’s still talking behind me so that’s a positive because you don’t find many of them these days and we’ve got to try and embrace that, he’s got to try embrace it and develop it as well – and that’s a real positive within his game.”

The 6 foot 1 teenager appears to have all the tools in his locker to become the Whites’ next centre-back success story like Ferdinand at Elland Road.

Given Bielsa already appears to be integrating him into the first-team set-up after naming him on the bench against the Toffees last week, Cresswell could come on leaps and bounds learning directly from the Argentine.

The 18-year-old could be set for great things.

Meanwhile, Leeds United are eyeing a move for this “relentless” star…

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