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Writing on Twitter, journalist Alasdair Gold has claimed that ‘those within the club believe’ Tottenham can lift a first Premier League crown this season, with Gareth Bale making players and staff ‘excited’ in training. 

Bale, who is apparently ‘raring to go’ after his injury rehabilitation, has impressing players and staff members in training after he returned to north London last month in a headline-grabbing deal. 

The 31-year-old was consistently linked with a move back to Tottenham, but Real Madrid’s asking price along with the Welshman’s lucrative salary had been stumbling blocks.

Gareth Bale could be a serious coup for Spurs

However, when reports surfaced that the Galacticos were willing to subsidise half of his wages, Spurs chairman Daniel Levy couldn’t resist a swoop and managed to negotiate arguably one of the summer’s best deals.

After the Welshman’s progress behind the scenes at Hotspur Way, there is a ‘real belief’ Tottenham can lift their first league title since 1961.

Bale is joined by Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Joe Hart, Matt Doherty, Sergio Reguilon and Carlos Vinicius in signing for the north Londoners during the summer transfer window.

Arguably Spurs’ best summer window in years, club figures are apparently in dreamland over what they could achieve this season, including a Premier League triumph, despite finishing 40 points behind champions Liverpool in 2019/2020. 

talkSPORT pundit Darren Gough described the feat as a would-be ‘absolute miracle’, but Tottenham are under the belief they can certainly challenge and do the unthinkable, according to Gold.

Transfer Tavern take

Of course, strengthening in key areas was a major factor over the summer, with Levy doing particularly well to shore up the weakened left-back and striker positions.

Spurs appear to have captured an ideal blend of youth, quality and experience, including free agent Hart who provides a winning mentality that he garnered at Manchester City.

Whether or not Mourinho’s men properly push for the title remains to be seen, but judging by their fine start to 2020/2021, it’s certainly possible.

Lilywhites, will Spurs win the Premier League this season? Have your say in the comments section below…

After suffering a disappointing 4-0 defeat to Manchester City last time out, Liverpool no doubt wanted to put things right as they played their first game at Anfield following their crowning as Premier League champions.

But for much of their clash against Aston Villa on Sunday afternoon, the Reds just didn’t look at all like their normal selves, and by the end of the 90 minutes, had mustered just six shots on goal.

Jurgen Klopp’s side did manage to secure a 2-0 win, but it’s fair to say some Liverpool fans weren’t all too impressed with a few of the players’ performances, including that of Divock Origi.

The Belgian had a forgettable outing starting in place of Roberto Firmino. As per Sofascore, in the 60 minutes that he was on the pitch, managed no shots on goal, no dribbles, no key passes, and must 13 total passes.

And after seeing his display, Liverpool fans flooded to Twitter to share their reactions.

One Liverpool fan took particular aim at Origi’s lack of runs in behind the Villa defence, describing him as a “statue”.

Another couple of Liverpool fans felt enough is enough and urged the club to sell him this summer.

The big question for Klopp is whether Origi is good enough to lead the line in Firmino’s absence.

Can you spot your Xabi Alonso from your Bruno Cheyrou? This Liverpool quiz will have you questioning your knowledge…

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The Belgian has of course cemented his legacy as somewhat of a Liverpool icon for his big goals in Champions League games in particular, but with other teams trying to close the gap for next season, does he represent the kind of quality to be the number two striker at Anfield.

It’s a conundrum Klopp will have to consider this summer.

According to Voetbal 24, Rangers remain interested in Anderlecht attacker Kemar Roofe.

What’s the word?

With Alfredo Morelos’ long-term future at Ibrox still fairly uncertain, Steven Gerrard will surely be in the market for a new striker. And according to Voetbal 24, the man they seem keen on bringing to Scotland, is Roofe.

The report claims that Anderlecht may be willing to cash in this summer in order to bring in some money of their own and reinvest, and that Rangers have not given up the fight in signing him.

Can you name every one of the Rangers’ top goalscorers from the past 15 seasons? It’s a tricky one…

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It also claims the Gers would have to pay at least €6m (£5.4m) in order to convince their Belgian counterparts to part ways with him.

Much-needed striker

Speaking after a 4-0 pre-season triumph over Motherwell, Gerrard admitted that Jermain Defoe’s injury could mean they further step up their interest in a new centre-forward.

He said: “First and foremost we just need to stay calm and find out the extent of the injury. I went on record last week to say I’d like to add in that area in terms of having extra fire power so who knows? It might push us even further in that direction to try and get something done.”

With seven goals in 16 games in the 2019/2020 season for Anderlecht, Roofe has proven that he can be a reliable goal-getter. And with his experience of playing for the likes of Leeds United in English football has given him the kind of pedigree that could see him acclimatise to Rangers with ease.

His former manager at Leeds, Thomas Christiansen spoke glowingly about what Roofe can bring to the table late last year. He said: “Kemar is able to push forward, defend with it and still turn up in the sixteen. His height seems a disadvantage, but that is it is not. Kemar is strong and jumps high. He will score with his head. He is a goal-getter. He will score at least twenty. Kemar is cold-blooded for the goal. And he can also finish with his left and right.”

If Gerrard needed any more convincing that Roofe could be his man, then Christiansen’s words should surely act as a seal of approval. The 27-year-old should be Rangers sporting director, Ross Wilson’s first port of call when looking for a new centre-forward.

Houssem Aouar to Liverpool has been a long-running saga that has dominated the headlines in previous transfer windows, but it appears the Frenchman may finally be set for a move away from his home country.

According to French publication L’Equipe, Lyon are ready to cash in on their prized asset this summer, and that they are looking for a fee around €50m (£43m).

Stuck in isolation? Our mega footy quiz will cure any boredom…

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The report claims that along with Liverpool, Manchester City are keen suitors for the attacking midfielder and have been closely following the 21-year-old in action.

After hearing about how Aouar may finally be allowed to leave Lyon, Liverpool fans took to Twitter to voice their thoughts on the situation.

One Liverpool fan simply insisted that Aouar is a major upgrade on current Reds star Adam Lallana.

What with football feeling the financial impacts of the current climate, it’s difficult to see whether Liverpool could meet the asking price that Lyon seemingly want.

Clubs are understandably going to be a lot more frugal with their spending this summer, and so committing around £43m on one player does seem like a bit of a stretch.

But it could well be the key to ensuring Liverpool’s place at the top of the tree for next season.

The proposed takeover of Newcastle United has been put into doubt by David Sugden, director of corporate affairs at the beIN Media Group, after he claimed that if Saudi Arabia secured a place in English football’s top table, it would be like “letting the fox into the hen house”.

The company’s response to the World Trade Organisation’s (WTO) report on the Middle Eastern country’s protection of intellectual property rights was published by the Financial Times as the outlet explained why the piracy ruling from the body raised a new doubt over whether the prospective deal between Amanda Staveley’s Saudi-led group and current club owner Mike Ashley would still be approved by the Premier League.

Sophie Jordan, general counsel at beIN Media Group, also added her tuppence worth into the ruling by claiming that Qatar’s accusations of the Kingdom were “not allegations” and she described the WTO as “one of the most important international tribunals” as they made their decision on the accusations against the Saudis.

Indeed, the crown prince of the country and head of the Public Investment Fund (PIF) Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) is one of the main front runners in trying to get the £300m bid over the line alongside businesswoman and head of PCP Capital Partners Staveley as well as the billionaire Reuben brothers, who are based in London.

However, due to MBS’s associations with Saudi Arabia, in addition to the pirate television channel beoutQ – which broadcasts and streams English top flight games illegally – also being accused of being associated with the country, the Premier League now have a big decision to make as to whether they should approve of the takeover at St. James’ Park given the findings.

Geordies, are you worried that the takeover won’t go through? Comment below with your views!

This article is part of Football FanCast’s In Numbers series, which takes a statistical look at performances, season-long form and reported transfer targets… 

West Bromwich Albion extended their reign at the top of the Championship table with a third successive victory, but it was by no means an easy game.

The Baggies defeated Sheffield Wednesday 2-1 at the Hawthorns on Saturday afternoon after substitute Charlie Austin tucked home an 88th-minute penalty to hand the league leaders all three points.

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Hal Robson-Kanu had opened the scoring after Matheus Pereira’s pass cut through the Owls’ defence like a hot knife through butter – it really was that exquisite.

But in the second half, striker Steven Fletcher levelled things with a spot-kick of his own before the 30-year-old was called upon to net just his second of the season.

Albion boss Slaven Bilic was enforced into two changes as Jake Livermore and Romaine Sawyers both faced suspension. He opted for Filip Krovinovic and Semi Ajayi at the base of midfield with Ahmed Hegazi returning for the first time since injury.

However, the 28-year-old looked particularly off the mark, which in some ways is no surprise given his lack of competitive action this campaign, although he’s been trusted to play for his national team, Egypt, during that time.

Per SofaScore, Hegazi managed to win just 40% of his duels, both aerially and on the ground. He was also dribbled past once, made an error that luckily only led to a shot and lost possession four times.

Having played 40 times last season, the centre-back was somewhat sluggish, and it seems as if that pre-season surgery has knocked his chances of making a mark under the Croatian back a little.

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With the influential midfield duo set to return in midweek, Ajayi will inevitably be pushed back into defence as they had looked like they were turning a corner with back-to-back clean sheets before the international break.

This was Hegazi’s opportunity to stake a claim as a first-choice centre-back, but now he may well have to wait until the next chance, which may not fall anytime soon.

He is certainly in need of some more minutes, whether that be in the U23 squad or not remains to be seen.

Meanwhile, is Hegazi the player brandished as a ‘liability’ following WBA’s victory over Sheffield Wednesday?

Paul Scholes has made a surprising admission about former Manchester United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy, and his latest comments have resulted in loads of reactions from the Red Devils fan base.Â

Speaking on the official UTD Podcast, the club legend revealed his old teammate used to sulk if Arsenal striker Thierry Henry had scored, as the Dutchman was hellbent on becoming the best striker in the world.

Scholes said “I played No.10 with Ruud van Nistelrooy for a season and I loved it. “He’s just a ruthless, ruthless goalscorer. He just lived for scoring goals.”

“Whenever he did score or didn’t score, the first thing he would do when we got on the team bus after the game was see if Thierry Henry scored.”

He concluded “if Thierry Henry had scored he wouldn’t talk to anybody for the full trip home because he was so engrossed in being the leading goalscorer, not just at United but in the league, in the world, everywhere.”

After arriving at Old Trafford from PSV Eindhoven in the summer of 2001 for £25.65m, Van Nistelrooy went on to make over 200 appearances for Sir Alex Ferguson’s side, scoring 150 goals, providing 22 assists, as well as winning the Premier League, FA Cup and League Cup, before departing for La Liga giants Real Madrid in 2006 (Transfermarkt).

The ex-Dutch international is currently in charge of the U-19 youth team at his old Eredivisie club, and some United fans will be hoping the iconic goal machine will return to Manchester in some capacity in the future.

As expected, a large number of supporters responded to Scholes’ revelation on Twitter, with one dubbing the “ruthless” striker as an “absolute legend,” and another recognising the “elite mentality.”

Take a look at some of the best reactions down below…

United fans, do you think Ruud van Nistelrooy is the best striker in the history of United? Join the discussion in the comments!

Everton fans are getting excited at the recent news regarding the club’s plans for the new stadium.

The idea to move from Goodison Park to build a new arena for Everton has been in the pipeline for some time and it appears that the dream is starting to translate into something more tangible.

Reports back in 2017 stated how plans for the new ground would cost around £300m, and now it seems the fans finally have some exciting news on the subject.

Everton have reported that 98% of respondents were in favour of the Bramley-Moore Dock waterfront stadium design. The club also told how 96% of voters were in favour of the new stadium and a community-led legacy project over at Goodison Park.

This now means that the club are in a very positive position to submit planning for the new stadium by the end of 2019. As a result, it seems as if the fans have finally heard some good news during this torrid season. One fan suggested “this is one thing Everton are getting very right”, whilst another follower said this is an “unreal Christmas present”.

With such a high number of positive responses for the new stadium, it looks like most fans are on board with the idea of leaving Goodison Park behind. The current home of the Toffees is England’s first major football ground, however, fans are seemingly happy to move on.

Here’s what some have had to say…

Having arrived from Portuguese giants Porto in a a £19m deal in the summer of 2018, Diogo Dalot hasn’t quite lived up the hype and expectation that Jose Mourinho placed upon his shoulders.

Upon the confirmation of his signing, the former Manchester United boss revealed the 20-year-old is the “best full-back in Europe” and that he is an “an extremely talented young defender with all the qualities to quickly become a great player for this club”.

Unfortunately for the Red Devils, more than a year later and Dalot has struggled to really consistently show his worth to the United team. Last season saw him make just 25 appearances across all competitions, whilst a combination of Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s summer arrival, and his own injury problems, have restricted to him taking the field only three times this campaign.

After posting an injury update on social media of him working his way back to fitness, United fans took to Twitter to slam the former Porto man.

Many supporters of the Manchester side simply insisted that they had completely forgotten he is still at the club, and mockingly suggested he would just get injured again after his comeback.

Some Red Devils fans even felt he may be better off heading out the Old Trafford exit door.

Check out some of the reaction of United fans below:

Unai Emery is under pressure at the Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal started the season quite well, winning their opening two matches in the Premier League against Newcastle and Burnley, but they have been victorious in just two of their last eight.

Just like against Watford, the Gunners were unable to hold on to a 2-0 lead against Crystal Palace and could only come away with a 2-2 draw.

Arsenal fans have started to turn on Unai Emery, find out who they’d rather have in charge in the video below…

The club’s supporters clearly want the former Sevilla boss to leave their club, but it looks as though he will not be departing any time soon, at least according to journalist David Ornstein.

Writing for The Athletic, he says that the 47-year-old still has the support of the Emirates Stadium outfit’s hierarchy and that he could even be given until the end of the season.

This has gone down like a lead balloon amongst a large group of the team’s fans. They took to Twitter to share their thoughts, and you can see some of the best comments from the social media platform below.