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An update has emerged on Southampton forward Danny Ings, regarding Tottenham’s interest in his services.

What’s the talk?

According to The Athletic, Tottenham are one of three Premier League clubs showing an interest in Southampton centre-forward Danny Ings. The attacker has opted against signing a new contract at the south coast club in hope that a big club will make a move for him, with Aston Villa, West Ham and Spurs all said to be in the running.

The report, however, claims that Ings is eyeing up a Champions League club, with Liverpool, Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea all qualified for Europe’s premier competition next season.

Robbie Keane 2.0

Daniel Levy could land a dream deal by bringing Ings to the club this summer following this latest update. He is out of contract next summer and is seemingly keen on a move from St. Mary’s and although it remains to be seen if he sees Tottenham as a viable option, Levy could use that to his advantage.

Whilst Southampton would not allow him to leave on the cheap, it could be a far less expensive deal than if he had a few years left on his contract.

The England international could be a much-needed addition to Nuno Santo’s squad. After Gareth Bale’s departure, Heung-Min Son and Harry Kane are the only players in Santo’s roster who scored more than three times in the Premier League last season. This suggests that the Portuguese boss is in dire need of players who know how to find the back of the net.

Clinton Morrison once compared Ings to former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane and said that the Saints star has the same “first-class” movement as the ex-Spurs man, making him capable of playing for a top-four club.

He said:

“Yes, I would say Danny Ings is top-four quality, most definitely. The season he’s had at Southampton, if you put him in one of the teams at the top four, he’d easily score goals like that.”

“I used to play with a striker who used to play like Danny Ings – Robbie Keane.

“I look at the way Ings plays at the moment, his movement is first class and I used to say to Robbie Keane, ‘how do you get in behind defenders when you’re not rapid?’ His movement was first-class and Danny Ings is like that.”

This is some comparison by Morrison given what Keane achieved at White Hart Lane. The Irish centre-forward scored an incredible 122 goals in 305 games for Spurs, whilst also providing 25 assists for his teammates. Keane managed double figures for goals in six separate Premier League campaigns for the club, highlighting his quality as a goalscorer during his time in North London.

Ings, meanwhile, has hit double figures in three of his four full seasons in the top-flight. He plundered 12 in the season just gone for the Saints, having been a goal machine the previous year with 22 Premier League goals to his name in the 2019/20 campaign.

This suggests that he could have the goalscoring knack Keane had at Spurs and, therefore, he could be Robbie Keane 2.0 if Levy brings him to the club. Spurs need another forward to ease the burden on Kane, or perhaps even to replace him. Ings is the ideal man fo them.

AND in other news, Levy must sanction Spurs swoop for “wonderful” £19.8m-rated gem, fans would love it…

Celtic have initiated talks regarding a deal to bring Cameron Carter-Vickers to Parkhead on a permanent basis.

What’s the talk?

According to recent reports (via The Celtic Bhoys), Ange Postecoglou’s side have started talks with Tottenham Hotspur about making the centre-back’s season-long loan switch a permanent move ahead of the January transfer window.

A previous report by the Daily Record revealed that Celtic have an option-to-buy clause in the 23-year-old’s temporary contract at Parkhead, with £10m reported as the figure that the Bhoys would need to shell out in order to sign the USA international permanently.

However, Sky Sports journalist Anthony Joseph then claimed in a post on Twitter that the Hoops’ clause to purchase Carter-Vickers is actually £6m.

“Great move”

Considering just how impressive Carter-Vickers has been since his arrival in Glasgow earlier this year, reports that Celtic have initiated talks to sign the defender on a permanent basis are sure to have left Hoops fans buzzing.

Indeed, over his 15 Premiership appearances so far this season, the £1.8m-rated centre-back has helped his side to keep seven clean sheets, scored two goals and provided his teammates with one assist. He has also averaged 1.4 interceptions, 0.7 tackles and 85.2 passes per match – the second-most of any player in the league for the latter – and won 71% of his duels.

These returns have seen the £20k-per-week loanee, who former Spurs team-mate Jan Vertonghen dubbed an “absolute beast”, average a tremendous SofaScore match rating of 7.45, ranking him as the fourth-best performer in the Scottish top flight.

As such, it would very much seem as if Postecoglou’s claim that Celtic’s signing of the defender was a “great move” by the club is bang on the money, while the addition of the 23-year-old on a permanent basis in January would undoubtedly be a very positive one for the future of the Bhoys based on how his loan spell has gone so far.

In other news: Postecoglou drops four-word injury update which will delight Celtic fans

As West Ham United manager David Moyes gears up for a crunch clash with Lyon in the Europa League tonight, it appears he is now been dealt a big blow.

The Lowdown: Hammers hunt for history…

Following their historic last 16 tie with Sevilla, which resulted in West Ham knocking out the competition’s most successful ever side, Moyes’ men now prepare for their quarter-final second leg clash with Lyon.

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Their first bout at the London Stadium ended 1-1 after Tanguy Ndombele’s equaliser cancelled out an opening goal courtesy of Jarrod Bowen, finely balancing the second leg in France tonight.

In terms of team news, Moyes has been potentially boosted by the absence of key Lyon stars, with goalkeeper Anthony Lopes and attacker Lucas Paqueta set to miss the crunch clash.

However, in a major blow, the Scotsman will now be without his mainstay defender Kurt Zouma – who joins Angelo Ogbonna on the sidelines.

The Latest: Irons confirm blow…

Indeed, as confirmed by the club, West Ham’s centre-back will miss tonight through injury alongside Ogbonna who’s still recovering from knee surgery.

“West Ham confirm that Kurt Zouma is ruled out for Thursday’s second leg vs Lyon,” relayed Jack Rosser of The Evening Standard.

“He’ll stay in London for further tests on his ankle.”

The Verdict: Major setback…

Without both Ogbonna and Zouma, the Irons may have to turn to a defensive partnership of Issa Diop and Craig Dawson, with Moyes even hinting at the possibility of using Rice in that role.

The former Chelsea star’s absence seems set to cause a major headache for West Ham with the player’s quality also undeniable.

According to WhoScored, no Hammers player has averaged a better rate of clearances per 90 in the Premier League than Zouma this term – backing just how solid and dependable he can be at the back.

French football correspondent Jonathan Johnson for CBS Sports heaped praise on the 27-year-old during his rise to becoming a star defender, branding Zouma a ‘sensational player’ with a ‘bright future’ for France (Twitter).

He was proven right going by his performances in the Premier League over these last few seasons and there is little denying he will be a big miss for West Ham and Moyes.

In other news: Sky Sports: West Ham now eyeing in-demand £21.6 million-rated star for Moyes, he’s set to move…find out more here.

With Ralf Rangnick’s appointment as Manchester United’s new interim manager confirmed, a new era has begun at the Theatre of Dreams, and it’s one that could alter several ingrained perceptions.

Former manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer deserves a huge amount of credit for the good work he oversaw during his two-and-a-half-year reign, but there’s no doubt that a change was needed.

The Norwegian’s tenure had become sour in the final months of his reign as things began to unfold at unprecedented speed.

His preference for allowing individuals the freedom to express themselves and showcase their talent without the constraints of a set system could only take United so far and ultimately became exposed.

And Solskjaer’s style and lack of specific instructions also left certain players vulnerable and susceptible to criticism from frustrated onlookers.

While creative talents such as Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood thrived, less technically gifted stars such as Fred often looked like square pegs in round holes.

At times, it was hard to pinpoint what sort of player the Brazil international actually was.

Not physically imposing enough to be a true box-to-box player, not defensively astute enough to be a sole No.6 and lacking the imagination and ability to be an attack-minded playmaker.

However, the 28-year-old appears to have a certain set of skills that should make him the ideal fit for Rangnick’s famous Gegenpressing system, making his once mocked £52m price tag look like a dream deal for United.

Rangnick’s high-intensity, counter-pressing system revolves around winning the ball back high up the pitch, taking a shot within ten seconds of regaining possession and always attacking vertically.

It requires a set of players capable of carrying out the extensive physical workload placed upon them, but with the footballing IQ to match.

“Our idea is clear, it’s very, very similar to my coaching friend Jurgen Klopp,” Rangnick told the Coaches’ Voice YouTube channel (as relayed by inews). “Our Red Bull football is heavy metal, rock and roll, it’s not a slow waltz. We hate square passes, back passes, just having the ball ourselves doesn’t make sense.”

And when assessing Fred’s underlying numbers, it’s clear that the South American – who was once described as “outstanding” by MUTV pundit Ben Thornley – could turn into Rangnick’s main man during their time together in the red half of Manchester.

As per FBref.com, no player with over 270 minutes of top-flight action has bettered his total of 26.2 successful pressures per 90 this season, while he also ranks second for tackles won (2.23) and fourth for progressive passes (4.36).

With a new set of principles introduced for players to be judged on, Rangnick’s arrival could see Fred’s position in this United side transformed over the coming months, transforming his status as the much-maligned scapegoat into an undroppable pillar for the ‘Godfather of German coaching’ to build around.

And, in other news…MUFC can get rocking again with “absolutely exceptional” £33m gem who Rangnick loves

Leeds United are interested in a deal to bring Valentin Castellanos to Elland Road in the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Leeds Live, who state that, following reports back in February suggesting that Victor Orta is willing to pay around €12m (£10m) in order to seal the signing of the New York City FC centre-forward, the Whites could likely get a deal for Castellanos done this summer.

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The report goes on to profile the 23-year-old as an “all-round number nine in the shape of [Patrick] Bamford,” as well as suggesting that the Argentina U23 international’s signing would “fit the profile needed” for Leeds.

Imagine him & Gelhardt

Considering just how exciting a talent Castellanos is, the prospect of the centre-forward linking up with Leeds’ own attacking prodigy, Joe Gelhardt, will certainly be a mouthwatering one for the Elland Road faithful.

Indeed, over his 35 MLS appearances last season, the £10.8m-rated striker was in devastating form for NYCFC, scoring 22 goals, registering eight assists and creating eight big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 4.1 shots – the most of any player in the division – and making 1.1 key passes per game.

These returns saw the 23-year-old who Ronnie Delia claimed “does everything right all the time” average a breathtaking SofaScore match rating of 7.28, ranking the Argentine as the 21st-best player in the MLS last term.

As such, while the 28-year-old Bamford is still undoubtedly Leeds’ first choice up top, with Castellanos being five years the England international’s junior, the NYCFC hitman could well prove to become the Whites’ next leader of their attacking line.

And, alongside 19-year-old Gelhardt – who journalist Beren Cross claimed “the hype around is just incredible” – in Jesse Marsch’s two-man attack, should Orta manage to get a deal over the line for Castellanos this summer, the sporting director could well have secured Leeds’ front two for the foreseeable future.

AND in other news: Huge boost: Beren Cross drops early Leeds United team news hint, it’s a game-changer

With four draws and three defeats in their opening seven Premier League games of the season, it’s safe to say that Southampton have not had the best of starts, especially with Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side also conceding 10 goals in that time.

In addition to this poor start to the season, the Saints were also struck with some bad news after Jack Stephens picked up a serious knee injury during the 0-0 draw against Manchester City which will see him ruled out of action for 12 weeks.

Taking all of this into account, along with the sale of Jannik Vestergaard to Premier League rivals Leicester City during the recent summer transfer window, it’s looking pretty bleak for the club from a defensive point of view.

However, we feel that the club have a good defensive option to call on for the time being or at some point in the future with 19-year-old centre-back Dynel Simeu.

Southampton signed the teenager back in July on a three-year contract from fellow Premier League club Chelsea.

Since then, Simeu – who was once described as a “monster” by journalist Neil Moxley during his time with the west Londoners’ youth team – has played 90 minutes in all of Southampton under-23s’ matches across all competitions, showing how important he has been for them in his short time there, even though they haven’t managed to win any of those games.

In the two appearances Simeu has made so far this season in the EFL Trophy, the defender – who is currently valued at £900k by Transfermarkt – has averaged two interceptions, 3.5 tackles and an impressive seven clearances per game, showing that he has plenty of defensive ability in him at such a young age.

In comparison with Vestergaard, the 29-year-old Dane racked up a not too dissimilar average of 1.4 interceptions, 1.7 tackles and four clearances per game throughout Southampton’s 2020/21 Premier League campaign.

Moving forward, if Simeu can continue playing regularly and improving for Southampton’s under-23 side, we see no reason why he couldn’t go on become a regular first team player for the Saints as an ideal long-term replacement for Vestergaard if given the chance.

In other news: Ralph must unleash “super-talented” Southampton ace v Leeds, he could be game-changing

When Jack Grealish departed Aston Villa over the summer, tears will have been streaming down the face of many supporters.

The dynamic playmaker was the poster boy of the Midlands, he was their academy gem, boyhood fan and club captain but he still departed Villa Park.

It was a difficult decision for Grealish to make but ultimately, money talks. As does the opportunity to win silverware, something he’ll have at Manchester City on a yearly basis.

He is already a star in Pep Guardiola’s team, scoring in the Champions League after a mega £100m move.

A major clause in his contract allowed the youngster to depart if that valuation was met and as a consequence, it’s set Villa up nicely from a financial point of view.

Christian Purslow’s plan was to use that money on several new players, identifying performers who each had a little piece of Grealish’s unique qualities.

Emiliano Buendia brought the supreme technical skills and creativity, Danny Ings the finishing ability and Leon Bailey the speed.

However, there is another player currently in their academy vying to become the certified next Grealish.

That happens to be Carney Chukwuemeka, a 17-year-old talent with the world at his feet.

The teenager has only played five times for Dean Smith’s first-team but it’s only a matter of time before he starts to make more waves at senior level.

Chukwuemeka is the definition of a wonderkid, someone who’s not only held in high esteem by coaches but also the club’s hierarchy.

Speaking about the talented midfielder in 2020, Purslow went as far as describing the youngster as the ‘best 16-year-old in the country’.

That’s incredibly high praise but it speaks volumes about the level of talent and potential he’s got in his locker.

Capable of playing as an attacking midfielder, the Villa academy starlet has a wonderful chance of making a name for himself in the Midlands.

He’s caught the eye of many pundits, including Paul Merson. His description and praise of Chukwuemeka was incredibly similar to how somebody assesses Grealish’s game.

Merson said: “He will be an absolute star. He glides across the pitch. He is a nice size. He gets on the ball. He looks for it and makes runs without the ball. I think Villa fans going away will definitely be talking about him.”

If there is one element of Grealish’s game that sticks out the most, it’s his ability to pick up the ball and elegantly flow across the pitch that makes him one of the most outstanding players in the English game.

The U23s manager Mark Delaney has also reserved special words for Chukwuemeka, commenting: “He’s a confident lad; will receive the ball anywhere on the pitch, under pressure and not under pressure. That’s what the manager likes; he comes into an environment and settles in quickly.”

With those assessments ringing fresh in your ears, it’s clear to see why he could be their next Grealish.

He is mesmeric with the ball at his feet and he also knows how to score goals, finding the net twice in three Premier League 2 outings this season.

Chukwuemeka is certainly one to watch out for.

AND in other news, Dean Smith could seal dream Villa midfield with “absolutely phenomenal” £75k-p/w beast…

Sky Sports journalist Michael Bridge believes Emerson Royal fits the bill of what Tottenham were looking for. 

Spurs signed Royal on deadline day from Barcelona, with the right-back signing a contract at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium until 2026. BBC Sport reported that the agreed fee for the right-back was €30m (£25.8m).

Tottenham manager Nuno Espirito Santo added five new faces to his squad this summer, with Cristian Romero, Pierluigi Gollini, Bryan Gil, Pape Matar Sarr and Emerson Royal all penning deals with Spurs.

Michael Bridge believes the latter ticks a lot of boxes for Tottenham, telling Football FanCast: “Nuno knows him quite well. He’s had a very good reputation from Real Betis, sort of fits the bill of what Tottenham are looking for – good defender, but can bomb forward, he’s six foot as well so quiet a decent height. He’s 22 which is a fantastic age, so he ticks a lot of boxes.”

It’s been a good summer transfer window for Spurs and they’ve also had the perfect start to the Premier League campaign, as Nuno Espirito Santo’s side currently sit top of the league and are the only team with maximum points from their opening three matches.

Alongside being successful domestically, Spurs have also progressed to the group stage of the UEFA Europa Conference League, after beating Pacos de Ferreira 3-1 on aggregate over two legs and have been drawn to face Rennes, Muta and Vitesse in Group G.

Giovanni van Bronckhorst has enjoyed a perfect start to life at Ibrox with two wins out of two in charge of Rangers this month.

The Dutch head coach led his team to a 2-0 victory against Sparta Prague in the Europa League last week, before beating Livingston 3-1 away from home on Sunday in the Scottish Premiership.

Prominence

One player who has immediately benefitted from his arrival is Calvin Bassey, who has started both games for the Gers as a centre-back despite being a left-back by trade and has duly shot to prominence.

Borna Barisic and the ex-Leicester man have been battling it out to start on the left-side of the defence this season, with Steven Gerrard often alternating between them. However, Bassey may have found his new place in the team on a regular basis in a centre-back role.

An injury to Leon Balogun after the 3-1 defeat to Hibernian caused an issue for Van Bronckhorst ahead of his first game. Instead of making the easy decision of playing natural centre-back Jack Simpson alongside Connor Goldson, he put his faith in Bassey and has been rewarded so far.

Leicester City under-23 manager Steven Beaglehole previously dubbed the 21-year-old “phenomenal” and that would be a great way to describe his application to playing at the heart of defence in the last two games.

In the win over Sparta, he was outstanding at the back. As per SofaScore, he won all three of his duels on the pitch, as he made two clearances and one tackle. He also had 66 touches of the ball and completed 84% of his passes as he showed that he could play out from the back effectively against good opposition.

Van Bronckhorst then placed his trust in him again as he started against Livingston. As per SofaScore, he won eight of his 11 duels and made one clearance, three tackles and two blocks as the Gers won 3-1. He also had a whopping 93 touches and completed 91% of his attempted passes, including all three of his long passes.

In the two games combined, he has won 11 duels out of 14 competed and had 159 touches of the ball. This shows how important he has been to Rangers both defensively and in possession in Van Bronckhorst’s first two games in charge, as he has been pivotal to their defending and their progressive play on the ball from centre-back.

Hopefully he will continue to shine in this position and go from strength to strength under the Dutchman. Whilst he has played in the role previously for Gerrard, he has never had a sustained run of games there, and this could be his opportunity to do so.

AND in other news, “Rangers are planning”: Journo drops exciting Ibrox update that fans will surely love…

Sky Sports journalist Michael Bridge has confirmed that Norwich City right-back Max Aarons remains on Tottenham Hotspur’s shortlist of potential signings this summer.

Spurs have been attempting to strengthen their squad in this transfer window after the appointment of Nuno Espirito Santo as manager, and Fabio Paratici as Director of Football.

The Italian has been aggressive in the summer transfer window, bringing in goalkeeper Pierluigi Gollini on loan from Atalanta with an option to buy, and Bryan Gil from Sevilla in a deal that has seen Erik Lamela move to the Liga club.

Per noted transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, Spurs are in talks with Atalanta over another deal, this time for Cristian Romero, with the Italian club demanding €55m (£46.8m) for his signature.

Bologna defender Takehiro Tomiyasu is also said to be a target, a player who can play as both a centre-back and a right-back.

But Bridge has revealed that Norwich’s Aarons remains on the club’s shortlist of potential acquisitions in this transfer window.

Aarons impressed for the Canaries last season as they were promoted from the Championship into the Premier League and is valued at £19.8m by Transfermarkt.

Bridge confirmed: “Aarons is always on their radar, he’s always on their list.”