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Alasdair Gold has been left criticising the display of Matt Doherty, grading him the worst Tottenham Hotspur player on the night as the Lilywhites cruised to victory in the UEFA Europa Conference League.

The Lowdown: Much-needed win

It was a much-needed win for Spurs and Nuno Espirito Santo after the very disappointing 3-1 loss away at Arsenal in the North London derby on Sunday afternoon.

They dispatched of NS Mura comfortably in the end, with Harry Kane bagging himself a hat-trick after coming on from the bench.

The Latest: Gold not impressed by Doherty

While there were some decent performances among the Lilywhites, Doherty came under some criticism from Gold.

Writing in his latest piece for football.london, the journalist claimed that the former Wolves man ‘struggled’ with his attacking endeavours down the flank and also with his passing at times, giving him a mere 5/10 overall rating, the lowest out of any THFC player.

The Verdict: Disappointing

Doherty has not really kicked on since signing from the Midlands, and the game gave him the perfect chance against lesser opposition to stake his claim in the first team.

The right-back lost out on four of his duels, and only managed to make one out of three accurate crosses in the match, while he also lost possession of the ball on no fewer than on 11 separate occasions, the fourth-most out of any of his teammates (Sofascore), worrying signs considering the level of opposition.

He needs to do much better if he is going to stand any chance of displacing Emerson Royal or Japhet Tanganga in Nuno’s preferred starting eleven.

In other news, find out which Tottenham player has been shredded recently here!

David Norris insists that Raphinha could leave Leeds United in the summer transfer window if the club continue to struggle.

Marcelo Bielsa’s side have endured a difficult start to the campaign, only collecting their first Premier League win against Watford at Elland Road on Saturday.

Leeds were in the bottom three prior to that crucial three points, and they will be aiming to build on that success when they face fellow strugglers Southampton at St Mary’s after the international break.

Raphinha, even still, has enjoyed an excellent beginning to the campaign and has scored three goals in seven games.

He was linked with Liverpool in the summer transfer window and Norris could see him departing if Leeds continue to endure poor form in the Premier League.

Raphinha is currently valued at £27m by Transfermarkt but his contract runs until 2024, meaning Leeds may not be under pressure to sell.

He said: “Absolutely. I think if he continues the way he does and Leeds do struggle this season and they finish in that bottom half or even towards relegation, they’re going to find it difficult to keep him.”

Leeds winger Raphinha made his debut for Brazil during the international break as he featured in their matches against Venezuela and Colombia.

The Whites forward picked up two assists against Venezuela and racked up four chances created over the course of the two games.

Despite this impressive achievement from the former Rennes man, another Leeds forward may have caught Marcelo Bielsa’s eye with his performances on international duty.

Welsh winger Dan James found his best form for his county over the break, with the summer signing from Manchester United excelling against the Czech Republic and Estonia.

In the first match against the Czech Republic, James was given the highest SofaScore rating in the game as he recorded a score of 8.2. He scored a goal in the 2-2 draw with a crisp finish from the right-handside and, per SofaScore, created an eye-catching four chances for his teammates.

On top of that, he also won 50% of his duels and completed 100% of his attempted dribbles – causing constant problems for the Czech defence.

James followed up on that display by putting in another solid showing against Estonia on Monday night. He completed 50% of his attempted dribbles and won four of his seven duels. Once again, he created another four chances for his teammates. This shows that he was sharp in the final third of the pitch and smart with his pass selection as he created multiple openings for other players to score.

Over the course of the two games, he scored once and created eight chances for Wales over the international break, whilst Raphinha failed to score and registered two assists from four key passes.

Therefore, James showed more than the Brazilian in the final third for his country and stole the show for Robert Pages’ men.

Bielsa will surely be delighted with James’ displays for Wales as it could give him a confidence boost heading into the next batch of Premier League matches. The forward is yet to pick up a goal or assist for the Whites since joining from Manchester United, making five appearances, and his superb form for his country could help him get off the mark against Southampton on Saturday.

The thought of him and Raphinha linking up together is now becoming a mouth-watering one.

AND in other news, £11.5m profit: Leeds pulled off transfer blinder with “first-class” £50k-p/w colossus…

Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie has dropped the latest news on Paulo Fonseca’s links with Newcastle United, confirming that talks are on hold while the consortium explore other candidates.

The lowdown: New era on Tyneside

With Steve Bruce’s reign in the St. James’ Park dugout now officially over, attention turns to who will replace the 60 year-old at the helm.

The Magpies have been linked with endless names, from Wayne Rooney to Antonio Conte, and while we know Graeme Jones will take charge for the trip to Crystal Palace, there isn’t much certainty on what happens after that.

One name that has cropped up more than most is Fonseca, with Downie brining an update on the former Roma boss live to Sky Sports on Friday.

The verdict: Other candidates in the mix

Via Football Daily, Downie reported from outside the stadium: “We reported yesterday that Paulo Fonseca had held initial discussions with Newcastle.

“It’s my understanding that there have been no further talks since then and certainly no offer.”

He continued: “Fonseca has been spoken to, but I think Newcastle’s new consortium want to make the right decision, they want to make sure they go about things properly, and they do plan to speak to other candidates before making a decision.”

The verdict: Take your time

One can only applaud the new owners for not rushing into what is an absolutely crucial first big decision in Newcastle’s new era.

With Bruce leaving the club locked deep in a relegation battle, the wrong replacement could set the new owners’ plans back years if the Magpies drop into the Championship.

Fonseca certainly has his plaudits, with Ex-Roma striker Antonio Cassano hailing him as an ‘exceptional’ manager, but one name to keep an eye on as an alternative is Roberto Martinez, who has worked with Graeme Jones in the past and is said to be keen on the role.

Want to read more about the links to Martinez? Click here…

Rangers should be ‘on the phone’ to Chelsea in January if Billy Gilmour continues to struggle for game time at Norwich City, Kris Commons says. 

The lowdown

Gilmour was part of Rangers’ youth set-up before he left for Chelsea in July 2017.

The European champions have loaned him out to the newly-promoted Canaries for the 2021/22 season.

But the midfielder has only started four of Norwich City’s first nine Premier League matches and last made an appearance over a month ago in an EFL Cup defeat against Liverpool.

In fact, he’s actually clocked up more minutes for Scotland this term than he has for Daniel Farke’s side.

And according to international team-mate John McGinn, Gilmour is ‘frustrated’ with his current situation at Carrow Road.

The latest

Writing in his Daily Mail column, Commons floated the possibility of a temporary return to Ibrox.

He dismissed any suggestions it would be a ‘backwards step’ and argued that he would represent an upgrade on the veteran Steven Davis.

“If Gilmour is still twiddling his thumbs in January, Rangers should get on the phone to Chelsea and at least ask the question,” he wrote, as quoted by The Daily Record.

“Some people might think it would be a backward step to return to his old club. But Rangers are a different animal now compared to when Gilmour left in 2017.

“I’m a big fan of Steven Davis and he’s been brilliant for Rangers. But I would have Gilmour ahead of him all day.

“That’s how good the boy is.

“He could transform the Ibrox midfield and offer a whole new dynamic as the deep-lying playmaker.”

The verdict

According to The Athletic, Rangers were among the teams who wanted Gilmour in the summer but, along with the likes of Newcastle United and Southampton, they lost out to Norwich.

Chelsea were given assurances that Gilmour would ‘feature regularly’, so if the current situation continues, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him recalled.

And if that happens, Rangers may well be in the conversation again.

In other news, fans were unhappy with this player’s conduct.

Celtic have been handed a major injury boost ahead of their upcoming Scottish Premiership clash.

What’s the latest?

According to a recent report by the Daily Record, James McCarthy looks set to make a return to Ange Postecoglou’s matchday squad for Celtic’s trip to Hibernian on Wednesday evening, as the midfielder appears to have recovered from an injury that has kept him sidelined since the club’s 4-0 Europa League defeat to Bayer Leverkusen back in September.

Speaking about the condition of the 30-year-old ahead of the midweek fixture, Postecoglou said: “James McCarthy is training well too. It’s just a matter of finding the right opportunity for him.”

Fans will be buzzing

While McCarthy has so far struggled to make any real impression at Celtic following his summer move to Parkhead, with the Republic of Ireland international having made just three appearances in the Scottish Premiership as a result of his recurring injury problems, the news that the midfielder finally looks to be available for selection once again will undoubtedly have left Hoops fans buzzing.

Indeed, the £2.7m-rated man’s return will provide Postecoglou with yet another highly impressive option in the middle of the park, with McCarthy having the experience of 272 Premier League appearances over spells with both Everton and Crystal Palace behind him, as well as 42 international appearances for Ireland.

As such, with the 56-year-old Bhoys manager certainly hoping that his side can continue their excellent run of recent form against Hibs on Wednesday night, and subsequently closing the gap on the Premiership league leaders, the availability of the midfielder will undoubtedly come as a major boost to the Greek-Australian manager’s chances of picking up a positive result in what could well be a tricky fixture at Easter Road – something that would delight everyone involved with the club.

In other news: Ange must unleash £2.7m-rated Celtic “phenomenon” vs Hibs, he’s a game-changer

Spurs will have to shell out a full €70m (£59.8m) to sign Dusan Vlahovic from Fiorentina in January, according to La Nazione (via Sport Witness).

The lowdown

The 21-year-old’s contract is up at the end of next season and he has rejected an offer which would have made him the highest-paid player in the Italian club’s history.

The striker has been in devastating form since the start of the 2020/21 season, bagging 29 goals in 46 Serie A starts in that time (via WhoScored).

Conor Clancy, the editor-in-chief at Forza Italian Football, has hailed Vlahovic as ‘incredible’ and a ‘complete number nine’.

The latest

According to La Nazione (via Sport Witness), Fiorentina want to retain Vlahovic until the end of the season and will only consider letting him leave in January if they’re offered at least €70m (£59.8m).

Among his suitors, Spurs are said to be in the ‘front row’, along with their arch-rivals Arsenal, while Fiorentina have already begun drawing up a list of possible replacements for Vlahovic.

The verdict

If you go by Transfermarkt figures, a £59.8m outlay on Vlahovic would make him the most expensive signing in Tottenham’s history, eclipsing the £54m they paid for Tanguy Ndombele.

If they wait until the summer, his price tag may drop. The pressure will be on Fiorentina to cash in, and there won’t be any mid-season premium.

The flip side, though, is that his stock will only continue to rise if he continues to play like he has been for the last few months, potentially bringing more competitors into the equation. You could then argue that it’s better for Spurs to pay up now and strike a fateful blow to other prospective suitors by landing the 2020 Golden Boy nominee.

Considering Harry Kane’s loss of form this season, along with summer reports of him pining for an exit from the club and the lack of natural centre-forward alternatives, Spurs cannot afford to let Vlahovic slip through their fingers easily.

In other news, Spurs have held a meeting over this reported transfer target

Newcastle United are lining up a move for Niklas Sule, according to reports…

What’s the word?

NewcastleWorld journalist Liam Kennedy has revealed that the Magpies have entered talks with the Germany and Bayern Munich defender ahead of the January transfer window.

The northeast outfit are keen to bolster Eddie Howe’s backline this winter and it is believed the central defender is open to a move despite the club occupying a place in the relegation zone.

Sule, who has also been a target for Chelsea in recent times, is out of contract at the Allianz Arena in the summer and the Bundesliga giants are yet to strike a fresh long-term agreement with him.

Bayern haven’t been afraid to let some of their big names depart for nothing after David Alaba was allowed to leave for Real Madrid this off-season.

Defensive fix

Howe has a massive task on his hands, not at least because of the pressure that he will be under to lead this exciting new era to glory. Indeed, United occupy a place in the dropzone and will likely be in a dogfight for the remainder of the current campaign.

One of their biggest issues has been in defence, where Steve Bruce’s backline has leaked goals for fun.

Only rock-bottom Norwich City (20) have conceded more times from open play than the Magpies (16), whilst the side have been amongst the most error-prone in the division, having conceded more goals from penalties (four) than any other team and committed the most fouls (24), as per WhoScored.

Bruce and then Graeme Jones often opted for a back three, in which Ciaran Clark (6.50), Jamaal Lascelles (6.40) and Federico Fernandez (6.37) have racked up the most minutes but all three are outside the Magpies’ top-seven best performers, via WhoScored ratings.

It’s evident that a new centre-back or two is required in January, certainly if Howe is to stand a chance at keeping the Saudi-backed giants in the big time.

Sule has vast experience across Europe’s biggest competitions as well as on the international stage – the £31.5m-rated beast has racked up 37 caps, and has a Champions League winners’ medal and four Bundesliga titles to his name.

Even though he has been at a stalemate with the club, Julian Nagelsmann has still trusted him to start regularly in the league, earning a respectable average WhoScored rating of 7.00.

“He also has everything that a world-class central defender needs,” claimed the Bayern boss to Sport Bild (via the Metro).

At 6 foot 5, Sule still offers a rare combination of pace and power that has led to teammate Thomas Muller describing him as “difficult to stop”, whilst he has also earned the praise of being “world-class” from Jupp Heynkes and a “great defender” by Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk.

If PIF want to hand Howe the best chances of turning things around, then they must sanction a move for the German powerhouse this January.

AND in other news, PIF can revolutionise Newcastle United by hiring 56 y/o supreme in “huge coup”…

Celtic summer signings Liam Shaw and Osaze Urhoghide could leave Parkhead on loan during the January transfer window, John McGinley reports.

The Lowdown: Hoops to cut ties with Ajeti and Barkas?

The Hoops could be busy once again in the winter window following a number of incomings and outgoings over the summer.

Reports in recent weeks have suggested that Celtic are ready to cut their losses on striker Albian Ajeti, while Vasilis Barkas is also expected to depart Parkhead.

The club are also getting organised for any potential signings in the winter window, but it appears as if two more players could depart Glasgow on a temporary basis.

The Latest: Ange open to loan exits

McGinley took to Twitter on Monday afternoon, sharing comments from manager Ange Postecoglou following a media event.

Postecoglou admitted the pair are improving every day at Lennoxtown following a difficult period in the summer.

McGinley also reported that the Hoops are ‘open’ to the possibility of Shaw and Urhoghide leaving on loan, however, a decision is yet to be made.

The Verdict: Loan out

Shaw, described as ‘aggressive’, and Urhoghide, labelled as ‘quick’, both arrived over the summer but the pair are yet to make a senior appearance in green and white.

They were getting regular game time for Sheffield Wednesday in the Championship last season, with Shaw making 19 second-tier appearances and Urhoghide 16, so it seems as if senior football for the second half of the current campaign could help their development.

Adding to their experience of first-team football, you’d expect, would only benefit them ahead of a possible breakthrough next season, so the Hoops hierarchy should be looking to find the youngsters a new temporary home.

In other news: Celtic now lining up January move for 6 ft 4 international. 

Celtic have been handed a significant boost ahead of their upcoming Scottish League Cup semi-final.

What’s the latest?

That’s according to a report by BT Sport, who claim that St. Johnstone look set to be without key attacking duo Glenn Middleton and Stevie May for Saturday’s Premier Sports Cup semi-final against Celtic.

The report goes on to state that May will be sidelined for around six weeks due to a knee injury, while on-loan Rangers winger Middleton suffered a hamstring injury in Scotland U21’s 2-0 loss to Belgium in midweek.

Speaking about the injuries, St. Johnstone manager Callum Davidson said: “Stevie suffered a knee injury in training so he’s going to be out for a while, probably up until Christmas.

“That’s a blow for us because we want good competition for places and he’s someone who either plays with energy or comes off the bench with energy. He’s going to be sorely missed. I’m gutted to lose him because he was just coming into a bit of form.

“Glenn is struggling. I was cursing at the television when I saw him limp off. It’s a slight hamstring injury. He’s been in getting assessed today and hopefully it’s not as bad as first feared, but I think Saturday will come too soon for him, which, again, is a blow.”

Postecoglou will be delighted

Considering just how important both May and Middleton have been to St. Johnstone so far this season, the news that neither player looks set to feature in the League Cup semi-final is sure to have left Ange Postecoglou delighted.

Indeed, over May’s 13 Scottish Premiership appearances this term, the centre-forward has scored two goals, registered one assist and created one big chance for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 1.3 shots and making 0.6 key passes per game.

With Celtic’s defence looking rather depleted with Carl Starfelt a doubt, and Stephen Welsh nursing his own issues, this should come as a huge relief to the Bhoys manager.

Meanwhile, over Middleton’s own 13 league fixtures this season, the on-loan winger has taken an average of 1.2 shots and made 0.6 key passes per game. His absence will certainly make it an easier afternoon for the likes of Anthony Ralston and Josip Juranovic.

As such, the fact that St. Johnstone will be without the duo for Saturday’s fixture will undoubtedly come as a substantial boost for Celtic, who will very much fancy their chances of making the final following their opponents’ injury blow.

In other news: Ange may be heading for Celtic nightmare over 20 y/o sensation who’s a “real presence”