After battling the threat of relegation and eventually fighting back to finish in 16th in the Premier League last season, this summer transfer window was always going to be a big one for Southampton.
Despite the end of the season being barely a month in the rear-view mirror, the Saints announced their first signing with Mali winger Moussa Djenepo joining from Standard Liege.
After confirmation of his move, the 20-year-old took to
/ByqNM86ISdP/” data-lasso->Instagram to share a snap of him wearing his new Southampton kit and expressed his delight to be joining the Premier League side.
Djenepo scored 11 times across all competitions last season to help his former team to a very respectable third in the Belgian top-flight and is a part of the Mali squad that will take part in the Africa Cup of Nations starting next week.
Having signed the winger, Saints boss Ralph Hasenhuttl said via BBC Sport: “He is an exciting player, with tremendous pace and good finishing. We have been impressed with how he has adapted to football in Europe and the impact he has had in many games, and we had an interest in him as recently as January, so I am pleased we are able to bring him into the club.”
Frank Lampard’s difficult start to life with the Toffees continued after his side were smashed 5-0 away from home last night at the hands of Antonio Conte’s Tottenham.
Going in at half-time, the Blues were already 3-0 down. The former Chelsea boss tried to turn things around with a substitution ready for the second half, before being humbled 41 second after the restart, with Sergio Reguilon sweeping home Dejan Kulusevski’s cross.
Harry Kane finalised the embarrassing result for the Toffees, who remain just one point above the relegation zone.
The Transfer Tavern have now used statistical experts SofaScore to analyse who Everton’s three worst performers were on the day (to have played 45 minutes), with Lampard perhaps looking at these three players for possible changes ahead of a difficult clash against Wolves this weekend…
Michael Keane (5.8)
Keane was ranked as the third worst Toffees player with a 5.8 overall rating from SofaScore.
The defender scored an own goal before being shipped off at half-time, as Lampard tried desperately to provide more solidity at the back.
The former Burnley man failed to register a single one in any of the key four defensive statistics – clearances, blocks, tackles and interceptions – while he was also dribbled past and lost the ball once apiece and won just a single duel.
Seamus Coleman (5.8)
Admittedly tied with Keane in terms of rating (5.8), Coleman played the full 90 minutes compared to the centre-back’s one half – so the Irishman ranks second worst for the day.
The Everton captain also failed to make a single tackle or interception during the game.
More damagingly though, he lost the ball 16 times and failed to make a single key pass or accurate cross, offering just as little going forward as both he and Keane did defensively.
Jordan Pickford (4.9)
With a poor 4.9 rating, Pickford was ranked as the Toffees’ worst performer against Tottenham.
This comes as little to no surprise, having conceded five goals within the first 55 minutes.
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The goalkeeper lost the ball on 11 occasions, with a 54% pass accuracy affecting Everton’s play right from the very back.
He failed to make a single punch or high claim throughout the match, and even made an error which led to a goal – topping off a performance which he would have been disappointed with, regardless of the score-line.
In other news: Everton: Lampard gives injury update ahead of Wolves
Tyler Roberts won’t play again for Leeds United this season because of a serious hamstring injury, as per The Athletic’s Phil Hay.
The Lowdown: Roberts injured at Leicester
The Welshman picked up the knock in Saturday’s 1-0 defeat away to Leicester City in the Premier League, having only come on as the third and final substitute, meaning he continued playing while clearly badly hampered.
It was a result that left Leeds further in the relegation mire, as Jesse Marsch lost his first match in charge after replacing Marcelo Bielsa as manager.
The hope was of course that Roberts would only be out for a number of weeks but a fresh update is far worse than that.
[freshpress-quiz id=“383507″]
The Latest: Hay confirms bad news
Taking to Twitter on Monday night, Hay confirmed that the attacking midfielder isn’t expected to play again this season:
“Looks like Tyler Roberts’ season is over. Has undergone surgery on the hamstring injury he suffered at Leicester. Three-month recovery period.”
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The Verdict: Another blow for Marsch
While Roberts isn’t as vital as fellow absent teammates such as Liam Cooper, Kalvin Phillips and Patrick Bamford, this is still undoubtedly another big injury blow due to the impact on the depth at Marsch’s disposal.
Fitness issues have played a big part in Leeds’ struggles this season, with important figures unavailable too often and it clearly taking its toll on results, with fatigue and inconsistency often prevalent amongst overworked players.
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Roberts has come off the bench 16 times in the top flight this term, so Marsch will now be without one of Bielsa’s first options when a change is needed for the remainder of the season.
For Roberts, it could even be that he has played his game for Leeds, with reports linking him with an exit in the past and Marsch likely to bring in his own attacking signings this summer, such as Brenden Aaronson.
In other news, Leeds have been backed to sign one British player this summer. Find out who it is here.
Speaking to Football Insider, Tottenham insider John Wenham – who regularly breaks news on his Lilywhites Rose social media channels – has hinted at a possible stadium naming rights boost amid ‘huge news’.
The Lowdown: Chelsea greenlight sale…
There have been numerous dramatic developments across London at Stamford Bridge over the last week after Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich was sanctioned by the UK government on Thursday.
The Russian oligarch duly had his assets frozen, putting the sale of Tottenham’s rivals briefly on hold before Chelsea were once again permitted to find a buyer.
In the last 48 hours, despite the aforementioned sanctions, Abramovich has now given his approval for the sale of Chelsea to go ahead, with Sports Keeda journalist and verified Twitter personality Sripad describing it as ‘huge news’.
Amid this major development, Wenham has claimed that the auction of the west London club could inadvertently lead to Spurs sealing a stadium naming rights agreement.
The Latest: Wenham hints at potential Spurs boost…
Speaking to Football Insider, the insider said that consortiums who fail in their attempt to buy Chelsea could turn to agreeing a naming rights deal with Tottenham as a way of investing into the Premier League.
He explained: “There are all these consortiums trying to buy Chelsea. I’m not saying Tottenham could be taken over but there are a lot of investors looking to invest in English football.
“Someone who is interested but ultimately fails to buy Chelsea might come up with the idea to sponsor the stadium.
“That is another good way to invest in English football and it could be done through a consortium or a subsidiary company.
“If you want to do something football-based in London, that is a great option. Tottenham are a very big club with global recognition, just like Chelsea.”
The Verdict: Top priority for Levy…
Spurs chairman Daniel Levy has been on the search for a £25m-per-year agreement for the club’s stadium since it opened in 2019. Talks have been held with various blue-chip companies, including links with Amazon and Nike, but Tottenham still haven’t been able to find a buyer.
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News emerged last week that Spurs reportedly held £500m discussions with an unnamed company over a 20-year agreement, with no update yet on whether those negotiations led to anything more advanced.
As the club aim to alleviate some of their mounting debt, Spurs will need all the help they can get, and supporters may well be hoping that a consortium could turn to investing in the stadium as an alternative to buying Chelsea.
In other news: Tottenham make pre-summer move as they chase ‘massive’ signing for Conte, find out more here
Leeds United will look to sign a replacement for Tyler Roberts in the summer transfer window.
What’s the talk?
That’s according to a claim made by Danny Mills, with the former Leeds full-back stating his belief in a recent interview with Football Insider that, after the attacking midfielder sustained a hamstring injury that is set to keep him out of action for around three months, Jesse Marsch could look to sign a replacement for the 23-year-old at the end of the season.
Speaking about the Wales international’s future at Elland Road, Mills said: “It’s not like he’s got an unbelievable history of fantastic performances under his belt. He hasn’t got a back catalogue to fall back on and say: ‘Look, this is what I can offer, this is what I can deliver more often than not.’
“I look at that and think a new manager will clearly bring in new players in the summer. There were the two links with the Red Bull [Salzburg] players in the January transfer window. We can see why now, it was long-term recruitment planning. There’s every chance that if [he’s] out for a while, it’s very, very difficult to get back in.”
Marsch must axe Roberts
Considering how poor Roberts has generally been since Victor Orta spent £2.5m to bring the 23-year-old to Elland Road back in January 2018, it would appear a very wise move for Marsch to look to move the midfielder on this summer.
Indeed, over his three complete campaigns with Leeds, the £7.2m-rated Welshman has failed to stand out, earning seasonal SofaScore match ratings of 6.86 over his 28 Championship appearances in 2018/19, 6.86 over his 23 second-tier outings in 2019/20 and 6.76 over his 27 Premier League fixtures last term – ratings which ranked him as the club’s 14th-best, 13th-best and 16th-best player in each season respectively.
It has been a similar case for the £45k-per-week man over his 23 top-flight matches this time out, with Roberts having scored one goal, registered one assist and created two big chances for his teammates, with these metrics seeing the 23-year-old average a SofaScore match rating of 6.74 – ranking him as the Whites’ joint 11th-best player in the division.
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As such, it is clear to see that the player who Gabby Agbonlahor dubbed “shocking” and “not good enough” for the Premier League is exactly this, leading us to believe that Marsch should indeed do all he can to finally move the midfielder on this summer.
AND in other news: Fabrizio Romano drops huge Leeds United update that will leave supporters devastated
Everton are reportedly now eyeing up a move to sign Joe Worrall from Nottingham Forest.
The Lowdown: Standout season
Worrall is having a standout season at Forest, where he has been a mainstay in the team that are pushing for a play-off place in the Championship.
It is not just in the league that he has impressed either, recently putting in a ‘magnificent’ Man of the Match performance in the FA Cup against Liverpool, as he won three-quarters of his duels and made a team-high four clearances and five interceptions, while also contributing four tackles and five accurate long balls (SofaScore).
The Latest: Everton lurking
As per The Daily Mirror, the Goodison Park faithful have now joined the race to try and sign Worrall along with West Ham United, from whom former Toffees manager David Moyes is a ‘long-term admirer’.
Brentford and Burnley also thought to be interested in his signature.
Forest may struggle to hold onto the six-foot-four colossus if they fail to gain promotion, and if the Merseyside club were to survive, then he is certainly a player that they will be looking at.
The Verdict: Sign
Given how poor the Blues have been this campaign, especially defensively, Worrall is a player that would certainly strengthen their XI.
The Englishman is currently averaging more interceptions per game than Ben Godfrey, Mason Holgate and Yerry Mina in their respective domestic leagues this term, with Michael Keane the only EFC centre-back able to match him, while no Everton centre-half is matching him in terms of passes and long balls per match (WhoScored).
It shows that Worrall can do both sides of the game very well; he is comfortable in playing out from the back, while he also possesses a no-nonsense attitude to defending.
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Nonetheless, the Toffees could do no wrong by signing the 25-year-old.
In other news, find out what other Blues injury update has now been dropped after Andros Townsend here!
Manchester United have had a difficult season so far and now face a challenge to qualify for the Champions League next season, but they may have just had another setback to their season as Fabrizio Romano delivers some bad news from the World Cup qualifiers.
What’s the word?
The popular transfer insider revealed that Man United striker Edinson Cavani has picked up an injury during international duty for Uruguay.
Romano tweeted: “Bad news for Manchester United as Edinson Cavani leaves the pitch with an injury during Uruguay game.”
Worrying for United
Despite lacking in game time for Manchester United this season due to the arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo, Ralf Rangnick will surely be worried that the attacker won’t be able to provide depth as an option for the team in the front line ahead of their desperate chase for a top four spot this season.
The 35-year-old has fallen out of favour at Old Trafford, but has also been on the receiving end of numerous injury issues this term which has led to reduced game time, but there is no doubt that when he has been available for selection that he has been a reliable attacking threat in the team.
Cavani has scored 19 goals and delivered seven assists for his Man United team-mates in 56 appearances over the last two campaigns, with a goal involvement every 113 minutes. The majority of his contributions at the club led them to a second place finish last season under Ole Gunnar Solksjaer, scoring ten Premier League goals.
With that being said, in the moments where Rangnick’s side may be in need of a late goal, having Cavani as an option off the bench to come on and deliver would have been advantageous to the Man United boss over the remaining Premier League fixtures.
They cannot afford to drop points in their pursuit of top four with Arsenal and Spurs bringing tight competition to the Red Devils.
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According to Manchester Evening News, the extent of the injury is currently unknown, however it seems unlikely Cavani will feature against Leicester at Old Trafford this weekend.
In other news: Rangnick must wield the axe on “embarrassing” £180k-p/w MUFC dud this summer – opinion
Tottenham Hotspur have now launched contact to sign an attacking target ahead of arch-rivals Arsenal, according to reports.
Tottenham launch contact to sign £5m-a-year attacker
The Lilywhites have it all to do in the January transfer window. Thomas Frank is yet to win over the fans, both thanks to results and thanks to his more pragmatic style at times. The transfer window provides the Dane with the perfect opportunity to turn a corner before it’s too late, however.
They need an attacking addition, first and foremost. Although Dominic Solanke is still fighting to make his first appearance under Frank, there’s no guarantee that he will be the one to solve Spurs’ problems.
The same can be said about Richarlison and Randal Kolo Muani, who have scored two goals and eight goals respectively so far this season.
So, the solution could lie in the transfer market and potentially in Germany following recent reports that they’re chasing Yan Diomande. The young winger has enjoyed an excellent campaign so far, breaking out and becoming a key target for several sides.
If Spurs are to finally replace Heung-min Son’s impact, then signing a winger who’s scored seven goals and created another four in all competitions would certainly go a long way.
Add Kenan Yildiz onto that and Frank’s attack suddenly looks far more promising. According to TuttoJuve, as relayed by Sport Witness, Tottenham have now made contact to sign Yildiz ahead of Arsenal in 2026.
The North London rivals are reportedly in a tug-of-war to sign the Juventus star, but Tottenham will be hoping that their contact puts them ahead of Arsenal.
Yildiz would ignite Tottenham's frontline
The 20-year-old is reportedly causing Juventus quite the dilemma with his wage demands of over £5m a season. Arsenal and Tottenham, however, would reportedly have no issue paying the versatile winger that asking price.
Given his ability to play as both a winger and a No.10, the 20-year-old could be the player to finally spark Spurs’ attack into life, especially next to summer signing Xavi Simons. The Dutchman is beginning to show signs of his best, but his red card against Liverpool was undoubtedly a setback.
League stats 25/26
Simons
Yildiz
Minutes
924
1,247
Goals
1
5
Assists
2
4
Key Passes
10
34
The numbers do the talking for Yildiz. Even as Juventus have struggled to rediscover their best form from years of old, he has been an impressive standout.
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With nine goal involvements to his name in Serie A this season, the Turkish attacker is more than ready to make his mark elsewhere and has certainly justified a wage rise.
David Ornstein reveals major Tottenham salary offer to Antoine Semenyo
The Lilywhites made a sizeable offer…
1 ByBen Goodwin
Whether Spurs can fend off interest from Arsenal is the big question. The last thing they need is to watch a key target join their rivals yet again.
Manchester United have now opened talks to sign an “unbelievable” midfielder, who Ruben Amorim has been pushing INEOS to sign.
Man Utd eyeing new midfielder amid Mainoo controversy
Kobbie Mainoo’s brother, Jordan Mainoo-Hames, has sparked controversy after wearing a ‘Free Kobbie Mainoo’ to Man United’s 4-4 draw against AFC Bournemouth, with talkSPORT’s Adrian Durham slamming the former Love Island contestant.
Durham said: “Can you imagine his brother doing that when Fergie was in charge? Fergie would have had Kobbie Mainoo out of the club by the next morning.
“It was an utterly insane thing for him to do, it’s selfish for him to do that, the brother. It’s totally about him getting attention, it doesn’t help Kobbie Mainoo, it doesn’t help Manchester United.”
The midfielder has already been struggling for game time this season, with his only start coming in the EFL Cup defeat against Grimsby Town, and it remains to be seen what effect his brother’s stunt has on his future.
With Mainoo’s future in doubt heading into the January transfer window, amid interest from Everton, Chelsea and Bayern Munich, the Red Devils have now stepped up their pursuit of a new midfielder.
That is according to a report from TEAMtalk, which reveals Man United have opened talks over a deal for Al-Hilal’s Ruben Neves, with the Saudi Pro League side now ready to sell the midfielder in the January transfer window.
Al-Hilal have been unable to agree terms on a new contract with the Portuguese maestro, and given that his current deal is set to expire at the end of the season, a return to Europe is on the cards next month.
Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United have also held talks over a deal for the central midfielder, so there could be competition for his signature, but Amorim will be hoping United can win the race, having personally been pushing to sign him.
"Unbelievable" Neves impressing in Saudi Arabia
It is no wonder Al-Hilal were keen to extend the 63-time Portugal international’s contract, given that he has impressed from an attacking point of view this season, recording five goals and one assist in five matches in all competitions.
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Journalist Raj Chohan also waxed lyrical about the former Wolverhampton Wanderers man during his previous stint in the Premier League, suggesting he has the ability to play for a top club.
It is unclear what sort of fee Al-Hilal are looking to receive for the 28-year-old, but with his contract due to expire in the summer, they aren’t exactly in a strong negotiating position.
As such, Man United should try their luck in the January transfer window, particularly if Mainoo leaves, amid widespread interest in the 19-year-old.
Real Madrid talisman Sergio Ramos has given his verdict on the comparisons between Mo Salah and Cristiano Ronaldo, and Liverpool fans are bashing the 32 year-old.
It seems to happen every year at the moment. Someone has a fantastic season, and they immediately get compared to Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.
With all due respect to the likes of Neymar and Eden Hazard, who have both drawn such comparisons after great seasons in recent years, those comparisons are usually a bit far-fetched.
In the case of Mohamed Salah though, it’s sort of hard to argue against the Egyptian, who has grabbed a remarkable 44 goals in his first season at Anfield.
The “Egyptian King” could make himself the favourite for the Ballon d’Or with a winning goal in Saturday’s Champions League final, but Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos clearly thinks the comparisons are undeserved.
“Compare players with Cristiano and Messi? They are in another orbit,” the Madrid skipper said in his pre-match conference.
“Some are in fashion, some are not. Some are there briefly and then disappear. Others stay and become great players.”
While Ramos does have a point about the sheer consistency of Ronaldo and Messi, his comments are certainly making some noise in the red half of Kiev.
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While a few Liverpool fans are finding it hard to disagree, others are bashing the Real Madrid man, who is well known as a master of football’s dark arts.
Either way, some of the best Twitter reactions can be found below…