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Fabio Paratici is expected to sell Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Harry Winks this summer, according to reports…

What’s the word?

Football Insider claimed that the incoming sporting director will tell the Spurs academy product that the north London outfit will listen to offers for him, and he could be sold for less than £30m.

The 25-year-old slipped down the pecking order last season and that isn’t expected to change under a new manager, so the Italian has been tasked with negotiating his departure.

Whilst no interested parties are mentioned in the report, it is suggested that behind-the-scenes talks have already commenced about a potential move.

In the past, Premier League rivals Southampton and Manchester United have been linked with the midfielder, whilst there has also been some interest from La Liga.

Time to go

Winks has gone from being one of Mauricio Pochettino’s favourites to a forgotten figure at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in just a few years.

The former Spurs boss once described him as the “perfect midfield player”, drawing comparisons to Spanish greats Andres Iniesta and Xavi, via the Evening Standard.

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However, in 2020/21, the ten-cap England international was restricted to a mere nine league starts, with just one appearance coming in Jose Mourinho’s final 13 games in charge. In total, he registered 1,995 minutes of action in all competitions, primarily playing in Europe, as per Transfermarkt.

This could be the first sign that Spurs are indeed heading towards a new era, and Paratici will need to offload plenty of deadwood if he’s to transform the faltering Lilywhites.

Winks is still young and is a player who could certainly help generate some much-needed finances ahead of the summer transfer window. If the new sporting director can get in excess of £25m-£30m for him, then it’ll be his first masterclass at the club.

The £18m-rated midfielder has never really set the place alight in north London, failing to average above a mediocre 6.57 WhoScored rating in any of his five Premier League campaigns since making his debut in November 2014.

In response to Football Insider’s report, plenty of supporters were rather delighted by reports that Winks could be moved on. As relayed by This is Futbol, many were behind the decision, claiming that he’s “not good enough,” that he’s “one of many players” Paratici needs to offload, and that it was “finally some good news” from the club.

All in all, if the former Juventus chief can get rid of Winks for a decent fee, he could become a hit with the fans right off the bat.

AND in other news, Worse than Gross: Levy risks further Spurs fury over “abysmal” coach with 52% win rate…

Former Leeds United goalkeeper Paul Robinson thinks Mateusz Klich could be left out of Jesse Marsch’s starting line-up against Crystal Palace on Monday.

The Lowdown: Klich a regular

Klich has made 31 appearances in all competitions this season, taking his Leeds tally to 173.

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The 31-year-old has turned out as a defensive, central and attacking midfielder and is yet to miss a game under new boss Jesse Marsch.

He played alongside Robin Koch in the 3-0 win over Watford last time out but made way on the hour mark for Kalvin Phillips.

The Latest: Robinson’s reacts to Phillips image

Talking to MOT Leeds News after seeing an image of Phillips back in full training, Robinson, who contributes for Sky Sports, gave his thoughts on how Leeds’ midfield could shape up at Selhurst Park.

He believes Phillips, who was spotted in full flow at Thorp Arch this week, could make a first start since December alongside Koch, which would mean Klich would drop out.

“For me, Phillips and [Adam] Forshaw both come in if they’re fit and able to play 90 minutes.

“I know they played well at Watford so I don’t think both Phillips and Forshaw will come back in.

“Forshaw’s been out so he’ll probably have to get his game-time off the bench.

“Phillips should come in alongside either Klich or Koch.

“It’ll probably be alongside Koch if Jesse Marsch is going to play that way again.”

The Verdict: Right call?

Bringing back Phillips from the off could be a wise by Marsch move following Leeds’ 16-day break.

Klich also had an afternoon to forget at Vicarage Road last time out. As per SofaScore, he was Leeds’ worst-rated player in the 3-0 victory, losing possession 16 times and failing to complete any of his attempted long balls.

The central midfielder was also second best in nine of his 12 duels, so it could be a wise move to leave him out of the starting XI at Selhurst Park as Leeds look to take a step closer to safety.

In other news: Approach made: 49ers and Radz now in exit talks with club for ‘awful’ Leeds defender. 

Leeds could solve one of Marcelo Bielsa’s major problems at Elland Road by signing Fenerbahce midfielder Ozan Tufan this summer.

What’s the story?

The Whites have been heavily reliant on Kalvin Phillips as the club’s sole, quality holding midfielder, and Robin Koch’s involvement in that role at the weekend against Brighton just highlighted the glaring lack of depth in that position.

And now, according to Turkish publication Fotomac (via Sport Witness), the Premier League side have got their sights set on Tufan, although they are set to face competition from the likes of Crystal Palace and Norwich City too.

Solving Bielsa’s problem

Some of the big issues that has plagued Bielsa’s side this season, is the lack of cover for Phillips, and the real dearth of goals from central midfield, with the likes of Patrick Bamford and Raphinha having to shoulder much of the burden.

That issue with having no Phillips is something Leon Osman laid bare after Leeds’ 4-2 defeat at the hands of Arsenal earlier this year.

He said: “They didn’t know how to operate without him (Phillips). When they got into good positions, Kalvin Phillips is the one who dictates play. He passes the ball forward and he sits. We call it a quarterback position.

“You see Raphinha getting frustrated that they are moving it and they are playing a backwards pass. It’s nothing against Struijk, he is just a centre-back playing in those positions – they weren’t quite sure how to get around that in the first half.”

But in the versatile Tufan, Bielsa could plug two gaps with one move.

The Turkey international is capable of playing in holding midfield as he is playing further forward, and has this season, really added a goal-scoring touch to his game – in 34 league games for Fenerbahce, he’s scored five goals and provided a further nine assists (both of those totals are significantly higher than anything any of Leeds’ midfield options have produced this campaign).

Dubbed as “quality” by Turkey legend Emre Belozoglu, the 58-cap ace’s manager at Fenerbahce, Vitor Pereira, has lauded him with considerable praise, saying: “He still has a lot to learn and that is my job, but the world will soon have a central midfielder on the level of (Yaya Toure) on their hands.”

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Comparisons with Premier League and Champions League great Yaya Toure is certainly a lofty comparison to make, but Tufan’s ability to break into the box and get onto the end of things is very much reminiscent of the Ivorian.

And, given that he averages more than one tackle, interception, shot, key pass and dribble per game in the Turkish Super Lig for Fenerbahce, Tufan has got the all-round midfield ability that Bielsa could desperately do with.

Meanwhile, Leeds must land this Premier League striker after Noel Whelan’s claim…

An update has emerged on Rangers midfielder Scott Arfield, regarding plans for his future at Ibrox…

What’s the talk?

According to the Glasgow Evening Times [29 January, page 47], the Gers are poised to enter contract talks with the Canada international.

His contract is up at the end of the season and the Scottish giants now want to offer him fresh terms in an attempt to keep him at the club moving forward.

GvB needs it

Gio van Bronckhorst will be buzzing with this news as he needs Arfield to put pen to paper on a contract extension before his deal expires in the summer.

The 33-year-old has dipped in and out of form this season and there have been moments where it has looked as if he needs replacing. He has lost 59% of his duels this term and missed a whopping five ‘big chances’ in front of goal, which highlights some of the issues he has had throughout the campaign.

However, just when you may think his time is up at Ibrox he pops up with another moment to show why he needs to stay. He came off the bench against Livingston earlier this week and scored the winning goal with a sublime first-time, improvised, finish into the far corner in a 1-0 win for the Gers, proving that he still has it in him to be a huge player for the club.

Earlier this month, van Bronckhorst admitted that he does not want to see the veteran leave at the end of the campaign, saying: “Scott is an important player to have around. He is definitely someone I want to have longer at Rangers.

“Hopefully we can welcome him next season as well.”

The £16k-per-week beast is still capable of producing moments of magic to win vital points for Rangers and that is why the Dutch head coach needs this key deal to go through. Arfield still has value to offer to the Light Blues and Ross Wilson must ensure that he is able to agree terms with the midfielder over a contract extension in the coming weeks and months.

Hopefully, the ex-Burnley man will continue to provide big goals to help Rangers on their way to another Premiership title and can then celebrate with the trophy and a new contract to head into the 2022/23 campaign.

AND in other news, Rangers could replicate Amad masterclass with swoop for “exceptional” £3.1k-p/w gem…

TMW Radio reporter Niccolò Ceccarini, speaking to Firenze Viola, has dropped an encouraging West Ham United transfer claim involving Fiorentina defender Nikola Milenkovic.

The Lowdown: West Ham in Milenkovic talks…

The Hammers have been in negotiations to sign the Serbian over this last week and it appears the move has been edging closer and closer, as per reliable reports.

The Evening Standard claim that West Ham are ‘closing in’ on the transfer of Milenkovic, despite also re-opening tentative talks for Kurt Zouma, while TUTTOmercatoWEB say only the ‘last details’ remain in terms of agent fees.

Now, TMW Radio journalist, Ceccarini, has brought another update – and an encouraging one at that.

The Latest: Milenkovic says ‘yes’ to West Ham…

Speaking to Firenze Viola, the reporter explains that Milenkovic has already said ‘yes’ to West Ham and an agreement has been ‘found’ with Fiorentina.

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He backs that the only remaining hurdle, or ‘last knot’ as he puts it, concerns ‘discussions relating to the commissions and intermediaries’ of the move.

“The agreement between Fiorentina and West Ham is there. They have already found it,” Ceccarini explains.

“Now we will have to manage the discussions relating to the commissions and intermediaries of the operation, which is the last knot to be resolved. The deal should be resolved, on the basis of €17-18m.

“There are continuous contacts between the two clubs, who have sorted everything out, and the player has already given his yes to the London club”.

The Verdict: Good news for West Ham…

West Ham fans will be eager to see manager David Moyes make his second major summer signing of the window as quickly as possible so he can move on to the striker hunt.

Milenkovic’s possible acquisition is crucial in terms of the season ahead, though, especially given West Ham’s lack of depth at centre-half with only Issa Diop, Angelo Ogbonna and Craig Dawson to pick from as senior first team options.

Their participation in the Europa League over 2021/2022 requires significant squad investment in key areas, so this update on their main defensive target could come as an encouraging one.

In other news: West Ham now weighing swoop to sign ‘world class’ striker, club prepare to sell…find out more here.

In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, former Leicester City striker Brian Deane has hailed the East Midlands club’s recruitment.

In the last summer transfer window, Leicester signed defenders Wesley Fofana and Timothy Castagne from Saint-Etienne and Atalanta respectively, with both players going on to help the Foxes win their first FA Cup.

Fofana arrived to strengthen the team’s central defence, while the versatile Castagne joined as a replacement for left-back Ben Chilwell, who departed the King Power for Chelsea in a £50m deal.

The duo have undoubtedly been successes for the club this season, featuring regularly for their side, and Deane has since praised Brendan Rodgers and his recruitment team for signing the two defenders and their overall work in recent transfer windows.

The ex-Leicester player, who feels his old side are setting the right example in the transfer market, told FFC:

“It [Leicester’s success] comes down to good recruitment. If Leicester can do it, then you think to yourself, ‘Why do clubs always look at paying the premium for players? Are they waiting to see how they do at a club and then go in for them?’

“That costs more money. You know, why not be more proactive? But you have to say, Leicester have got their recruitment spot on again.”

As well as Fofana and Castagne, Rodgers has also brought in the likes of James Justin, Ayoze Perez and Youri Tielemans permanently – the latter winning the FA Cup for his side and arguably epitomising Leicester’s recruitment success.

Celtic are holding out for a £15m fee for Kristoffer Ajer, with Norwich City keen to take the defender to Carrow Road, according to Football Insider.

The Lowdown: Rejected bids

Ajer has made it clear that he wants to leave Celtic this summer, but the Hoops aren’t making a transfer straightforward. They rejected £10m bids from Norwich and Bayer Leverkusen at the end of June, with the Norwegian unhappy about those turned down offers (The Athletic).

It now seems as if Celtic are holding out for £5m more, with Norwich pushing hard for the 23-year-old’s services.

The Latest: Source shares update

According to Football Insider, who were informed by a Celtic source, the Hoops have made it clear to agents and intermediaries that they want to secure a £15m fee for Ajer.

Celtic are looking to drive up the price with more than one club interested and Norwich are set to return with an improved offer as the Canaries have made a centre-back signing their priority.

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The Verdict: McKay playing a dangerous game

Ajer has just 12 months remaining on his Celtic Park contract and is valued at £6.3m by Transfermarkt.

Celtic CEO Dominic McKay appears to be playing a dangerous game, for if both Norwich and Leverkusen move on to other targets, Ajer could end up securing a free transfer in January for next summer. That would leave the Hoops with nothing, so it may be wise to accept an improved offer from Norwich, even if it doesn’t match Celtic’s £15m valuation.

It will be a masterstroke if McKay manages to secure £15m for the Norwegian, but the CEO seems to be playing with fire at this moment in time.

In other news: UEFA Pro Licence coach keen to work with Ange Postecoglou at Celtic, find out more here. 

Flocking to social media, many Liverpool fans have erupted as reliable reporter Fabrizio Romano shares a message surrounding target Jude Bellingham (Twitter).

Jurgen Klopp’s side have started the 2021/2022 season in fine form and are well in contention to grab the Premier League title back off current champions Manchester City.

The Reds suffered their fair share of injury woes combined with poor form last year but they have begun their road to redemption in electric fashion this time round.

Scoring 37 goals in all competitions already this season, their last Premier League outing, in which they thrashed bitter rivals Man United 5-0 at Old Trafford, only sums up their current run of form.

However, as the Reds set one eye on the future, reliable reporter Romano has shared a message on Twitter from Borussia Dortmund head of first team Sebastian Kehl.

It concerns Bellingham, who has reportedly been at the centre of interest from FSG, with it looking like Kehl has now confirmed those reports.

He explained to Sport 1 (via Romano): “There’s lot of interest around Jude Bellingham, not only Liverpool. But there is no bottom line and no exit clause. He is loved, he enjoys that. There are no signs he could leave BVB soon.”

Flocking to what one fan has called ‘interesting’ news, many Reds supporters have erupted on Twitter.

Find all of their best verdicts down below.

Liverpool fans flock to Bellingham news…

“He’s ours”

Credit: @tylfc1

“Named us directly, hmm interesting.”

Credit: @AllezAllezAllez

“So we are actually interested then till they tell us the price tag no doubt”

Credit: @DylanR777

“Liverpool in January”

Credit: @BigLad1080

“Yes finally fabrizio confirmed”

Credit: @Ata95436042

“Bellingham will play for Liverpool either this year or next year”

Credit: @JordanDelurey

“If we win the title or champs league again and we want him I think he comes to Liverpool”

Credit: @1969_lfc

“Mad so we actually are interested”

Credit: @lfcrobbie

Everton’s transfer window has burst into life during the last 24 hours with Rafa Benitez finally getting to work in the market.

Andros Townsend has arrived on a free transfer to bolster their wide options while Asmir Begovic has signed as a back-up in the goalkeeping department.What’s the word?With Richarlison and James Rodriguez mooted as potential departures from Goodison Park this summer, Benitez needs to continue searching for offensive players in the window.Demarai Gray has been a name on their shortlist but another name has now come to the centre of their attention.According to The Athletic, Villarreal winger Samuel Chukwueze is interesting Everton.They suggest that the Toffees have ‘extensively assessed and have garnered positive feedback’ on the 22-year-old.However, they will hope to negotiate a lower fee than his buy-out clause of £55m.A player to set Everton on fireChukwueze’s numbers for goals and assists don’t point to an enormously productive player but judging by his talent and ability, he’d be a wonderful capture for Everton.The youngster has immense potential and showed against Arsenal in last season’s Europa League that he can dominate Premier League defences.He limped off injured in the second leg of the semi-final between the two teams but was a rampant threat in the first match.[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/check-out-the-latest-everton-news-benitez-kamara-romero-dumfries” title= “Read the latest Everton transfer news!”]Chukwueze supplied the opener for Manu Trigueros while attempting nine dribbles and providing two key passes.He is a wily character who is capable of tormenting even the very best defenders. He recorded 2.4 dribbles per match in Europe last term, a number that usurps every player at Goodison.Described as “exciting” by ex-footballer Mutiu Adepoju, he’s also rapid. He’s been recorded at a speed of 34.58 km/h which would put him among the quickest players in Benitez’s side. For context, Dominic Calvert-Lewin has been tracked at 35.1 km/h.With dribbling and speed as eye-catching as that, he could whip up a storm in offensive areas for Everton.Quotes from West Brom defender Semi Ajayi also put him in a particularly good light. He once said:“I’m on the B team [at Nigeria], not in the starting lineup, and Samuel Chukwueze is in my team and he destroyed the whole first team on his own, just give him the ball, he kept destroying them to the point the coach changed his mind, that he doesn’t think it’s three at the back, it won’t work.“These times, the pitch that we were on, one pitch in Asaba, the pitch is terrible, anyone that plays for Nigeria would tell you how bad the pitch is, you cannot dribble on it.“Chukwueze got the ball at his feet, dribbling around people as it’s nothing, like he’s playing at Old Trafford.”With 17 senior career goals to his name, he does need to improve in that department but that will come with time. At the moment, he is still an incredibly dangerous player.Supporters should relish a potential opportunity to see him in Merseyside next season.

AND in other news, Rafa could discover Everton’s new Leon Osman by signing “special” 34-cap maestro…

Orlando City forward Daryl Dike remains on the radar of Crystal Palace, with a swoop in the January transfer window potentially on the cards to bring him to south London according to The Sun journalist Alan Nixon [via Inside Futbol].

The United States international has enjoyed a goal-laden 12 months, registering 12 goals in 28 appearances between his current club and his loan spell at Barnsley last season [Transfermarkt].

He is said to be still courting the attention of Crystal Palace, with the Eagles potentially looking to make a move for the striker in January [Alan Nixon].

Any move to acquire Dike would provide the Palace frontline with added strength following the signing of Odsonne Edouard from Celtic on transfer deadline day.

In light of these rumours, plenty of Crystal Palace fans took to Twitter to comment on the news. However, despite Dike’s rich vein of form in recent months, many failed to summon any excitement over the Eagles’ links with the 21-year-old.

Crystal Palace fans react

Replying to popular Crystal Palace fan outlet CPFC Transfers HQ on Twitter, here is what some fans had to say about Nixon’s update, with one supporter believing that Dike would be a “strange” signing given Patrick Vieira’s current depth of centre-forward options:

“Can’t see it”

Credit: @cam_cpfc”I’ll be waiting”Credit: @Sumo08112″Parish wants Palace to be the first ever team to field a formation without a single wide player”Credit: @Benteke_SZN”Where does he play with current squad? He and Edouard up top and sit Tekkers? Strange one for me this if any truth at all.”Credit: @CHSCPFC”Why”Credit: @IocaIpIa999tic”No truth in it, it’s the Sun. Only reason we’d go for him is if we’re shipping off Mateta”Credit: @SomePalaceGuyIn other news, one player considered leaving Crystal Palace this summer. Find out more here.