Tottenham Hotspur have confirmed that Erik Lamela will be unavailable for Wednesday’s Champions League clash with Red Star Belgrade.
The Argentine has missed Spurs’ last two matches with a hamstring injury.
Lamela was excellent when Mauricio Pochettino’s side welcomed Red Star to London – scoring once and providing two assists in a 5-0 win.
Which North London club is facing the biggest crisis at the moment? Decide for yourself by watching the video below…
The attacker has missed Tottenham’s last two Premier League games with Liverpool and Everton, though, and will not be available on Wednesday night.
Indeed, the London club’s official Twitter account confirmed the news on Tuesday afternoon, stating that Lamela would miss the Champions League tie but could be available for this weekend’s Premier League clash with Sheffield United.
A number of Spurs fans took to social media to comment on the news, and whilst some were upset, others are not all that surprised due to the 27-year-old’s injury problems in recent seasons – particularly last term as he made just 19 league appearances.
A selection of the Twitter reaction can be seen below:
This article is part of Football FanCast’s Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers…
As quoted by Sky Sports, Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has raved over his side’s “exhilarating, attacking football” in their win over Brighton on Sunday.
What did he say?
The Red Devils produced a commanding display at Old Trafford to dispatch Graham Potter’s men 3-1, with the side registering an impressive 21 total shots on goal, with 11 of them on target.
And, speaking after the match, Solskjaer couldn’t contain his delight at his team’s performance going forward, and insisted they should have won by a much larger margin.
He said: “It was a great performance and we should have won by a bigger distance. We attacked superbly – it was exhilarating, attacking football. The boys were so quick and we created chances. We scored three but it should have been six or seven, especially in the second half.
“It’s a young team and you can see they enjoyed themselves. When you have a young team you need to get into the game quickly. We know we’re not in a position we want to be. And we’re far away from where we want to be. We have to keep on improving and challenge for the top four.”
Ruthlessness
As Solskjaer suggests, the Red Devils really could have, and perhaps should have, put the game well beyond Brighton’s side. The fact the Seagulls got it back to 2-1 at one point in the second-half will be a major concern to Solskjaer. United created enough chances to win the game quite comfortably, and will no doubt be disappointed that they didn’t really boost their goal difference on Sunday.
Ultimately, it comes down to a bit of ruthlessness in front of goal. Making the most of clear-cut opportunities, and making the opposition for their mistakes. The Red Devils currently have five wins in their last six, and if they can keep their momentum going, the confidence that their forwards currently have will soar dramatically. And that may just be the added ingredient to turn these more slender margins of victory into something much higher.
Nottingham Forest are looking to progress contract talks with one of their star players and make him a top earner, according to a new report.
The Reds have made a decent start to the new Premier League season, as they are unbeaten in their opening three games, which comes after a busy summer of transfer activity.
Marinakis eyes inter club swap with Nottingham Forest set to lose £8m ace
Departures from Nottingham Forest may not be finished yet.
2 ByBrett Worthington Sep 3, 2024 Nottingham Forest transfer latest
Nottingham Forest were one of the busiest sides in the Premier League over the summer, as they brought in 11 players to the club. James Ward-Prowse was one of the last and most notable additions, as he joined them on loan from West Ham.
Elliot Anderson
Newcastle
Morato
Benfica
Nikola Milenkovic
Fiorentina
Ramon Sosa
CA Talleres
David Carmo
FC Porto
Jota Silva
Vit. Guimaraes
Marko Stamenic
Red Star
Calos Miguel
Corinthians
Eric da Silva Moreira
FC St. Pauli
James Ward-Prowse
West Ham
Alex Moreno
Aston Villa
The transfer window has now shut in England, but Forest still have their eye on a possible transfer, this time involving a player leaving the football club. It was reported earlier this week that Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis is close to taking midfielder Nicolas Dominguez from the Premier League to Greek side Olympiacos.
Marinakis owns both football clubs, and despite Forest only signing Dominguez in 2023 from Bologna, they are now ready to part ways with the midfielder. The Argentine played 26 times for the Reds last season, but with upgrades joining the club this summer, it is believed that he has fallen down the pecking order.
Nottingham Forest plan contract talks with £70m star
According to the Daily Mail, Nottingham Forest are planning new contract talks with Morgan Gibbs-White. The report states that talks are expected to “progress” over this season and would take Gibbs-White to the top of the club’s pay scale.
Forest’s current highest earner at the club – not including loan players – is defender Nikola Milenkovic, who earns £5.4 million a year, so Gibbs-White should be expected to overtake that number in the coming months.
This update goes on to add that Newcastle United and Aston Villa made “tentative” enquiries for the midfielder, who was described as being “sensational” by football writer Josh Bunting, but he is seen as being in his element at Forest, while it has also been reported that Forest are looking to get around £70 million for the player were he to leave.
Gibbs-White has made a strong start to the new season, scoring one goal in three league appearances, and his performances from this campaign and last season have now earned him his first call-up to the England national team, where he will be hoping to collect his first cap in this international break.
With just one day to go until the transfer window slams shut, Aston Villa are reportedly plotting to end their summer as it started by pursuing an impressive reinforcement.
Aston Villa transfer news
The Villans have undoubtedly been among the winners in the summer transfer window, welcoming the likes of Ian Maatsen and Amadou Onana, who eased any blow caused by Douglas Luiz's departure to Juventus. Heading into their first appearance in the modern Champions League, those in the Midlands have built Unai Emery a squad which could yet be at the centre of some shocking upsets.
Now in the final stages of a busy window, Villa may not be done there with arrivals, especially on the attacking front.
He's like Salah: Aston Villa chasing late move for Joao Felix upgrade
Unai Emery may have some more transfer business to conduct between now and the Friday evening deadline
1 ByRoss Kilvington Aug 29, 2024
According to Football Insider, Aston Villa are plotting a late hijack to sign Tammy Abraham from AS Roma if Jhon Duran leaves before the window closes. The forward reportedly prefers a return to Villa Park, where he spent the 2018/19 season on loan, despite reportedly closing in on a move to AC Milan.
Villa aren't the only club interested either, with West Ham United also reportedly in negotiations with Roma over a deal for the England international throughout the summer, only to so far miss out on his signature. As the window closes, Abraham will undoubtedly be one to keep an eye on.
"Incredible" Abraham would complete Aston Villa attack
As if Ollie Watkins isn't a dangerous enough option in his own right, signing Abraham would complete Emery's frontline once and for all, particularly if it's in the absence of Duran. The Roma forward has been there and done it in the Premier League and at Villa Park, making a return something that certainly makes sense on paper this summer.
Appearances
40
Goals
26
Assists
3
It was during a clinical season at Villa Park that Abraham set course for a starting place at Chelsea, where he earned significant praise from then-manager Frank Lampard.
Tammy Abraham on loan at Aston Villa
Lampard previously told Sky Sports: "It's the work ethic behind the scenes that gets him in such good nick. He's not just an incredible handful for defenders – he's running them, he's holding the ball up, he's controlling it, he's got good feet – he's also getting his goals, which is brilliant for him. I trusted in Tammy at the start of the season. I felt it was his time to come back to Chelsea."
Of course, Milan's pursuit of Abraham's signature makes any deal that much more difficult to chase, but Villa would be wise to at least attempt a headline-stealing hijack for the forward this week.
Everton are believed to be preparing an offer for a "top-level" Premier League player before the end of the transfer window, according to a new claim.
Everton transfer news
The Blues made a disastrous start to their 2024/25 campaign on Saturday afternoon, being beaten 3-0 at home to Brighton, with Ashley Young sent off to compound Sean Dyche's misery. It is an early blow for the supporters, who have been hoping for a more successful season, and it arguably highlighted the need for more new signings between now and the end of the month.
Roma midfielder Edoardo Bove has emerged as one rumoured transfer target for Everton, with a £13m move potentially on the cards. In May 2023, he became the youngest-ever player to score in a European semi-final, highlighting what an exciting talent the 22-year-old is.
Meanwhile, Arthur Melo has been linked with a move to Goodison Park in the coming weeks, although his brief time as a Liverpool player could make it a tricky piece of business to get done. Currently at Juventus, the Brazilian could be seen as an alternative to Kalvin Phillips, who has joined Ipswich Town on loan.
Everton must keep hold of the most important players at the club currently, one of whom is Dominic Calvert-Lewin. One report has claimed that the 27-year-old could still leave the club before the deadline.
Everton ready loan offer for Arsenal striker
According to a fresh report from Football Insider, Everton are preparing a bid for Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah this summer, with a season-long loan move from the Emirates in the offing. The move "could depend on whether Calvert-Lewin leaves the club before the window closes", though.
The Blues "could be given a free run at the striker", with Marseille and Bournemouth seemingly out of the race to sign him, but Crystal Palace and Wolves are mentioned as potential suitors.
Nketiah could be a really astute signing for Everton for the 2024/25 campaign, possessing proven Premier League pedigree and nerveless finishing.
It is wholly understandable why the Englishman could do with a temporary move away from Arsenal, given the quality ahead of him in the pecking order, but Gunners boss Mikel Arteta has still heaped praise on him, saying:
"Well to me he is top level. He’s started nine out of our ten Premier League games, so that tells you how much we trust him and the importance he has in the team. I’m really happy for him, an academy player to experience a Premier League hat-trick. He needs to enjoy the moment, he fully deserves it, and hopefully there are many more to come."
The £100,000-a-week Nketiah has scored 38 goals in 168 appearances for Arsenal, two of which have come vs Everton, which is a good return for a player who is often introduced from the substitutes' bench, and he also netted a highly impressive 16 times in just 17 caps for England's Under-21s.
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He couldn’t get into the game as the Toffees slipped to an opening weekend defeat.
1 ByJoe Nuttall Aug 17, 2024
This further shows why the 25-year-old could be a good addition for Dyche, providing him with additional firepower and a player who is desperate to prove his worth to his current employers.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp could be poised to enrich his central ranks by swooping for one of Europe's most coveted prospects in Celta Vigo's Gabri Veiga.
What's the latest on Gabri Veiga to Liverpool?
At least, that's according to transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano, who recently took to Twitter to reaffirm that Liverpool are "informed on the conditions" of a move for the 21-year-old, who has a buyout clause of €40m (£34m) with the Sky Blues.
Newcastle – while Romano quashed claims that a deal had been concluded – remain firmly in the race for the dynamic midfielder and boast the allure of Champions League football next year to entice Veiga, something Liverpool cannot offer next term.
Despite this, Klopp's Reds have been reported to be 'firm favourites' for the Spaniard's signature by the Northern Echo, and there is a sense that the race will enter the crucial stages over the coming weeks.
How good is Gabri Veiga?
The Spain U21 international has been riding the crest of a wave this season after plundering 11 goals and four assists from just 28 starting appearances in LaLiga.
Only last year, he plied his trade in the Spanish third tier before earning a call-up to Celta Vigo's senior side, playing seven top-flight matches, and now looks set for a career of great prosperity at the highest level.
Should he join the crowd at Liverpool, he will be provided with a platform to flourish and cement a prominent role in Klopp's system, with James Milner, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain all departing upon the expiry of their contracts this summer.
And given his box-surging style of play draws parallels to the latter, Oxlade-Chamberlain, he could prove to be an almighty upgrade on the injury-stricken England international, who has been riddled with setbacks over the past few seasons after looking so promising during the early phases of his Merseyside career following his £35m switch from Arsenal.
The one-time Southampton youngster averages 1.2 shots and 1.7 dribbles per game across the duration of his professional career, as per WhoScored, also completing 81.8% of his passes and once being lauded for his ball-carrying prowess and offering "something totally different" by Rio Ferdinand, but his inhibition has resulted in nothing more than a peripheral role over the past few years.
Suffocating pressure and high-octane intensity are staple points of Klopp's system when it is firing on all cylinders, and Veiga, who has been hailed as a "top talent" by Romano, certainly looks like he embodies this.
As per FBref, the prodigy ranks among the top 1% of midfielders across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for rate of non-penalty goals, the top 2% for total shots, the top 20% for rate of assists, the top 12% for both progressive carries and successful take-ons, and the top 11% for touches in the opposing box per 90.
Dubbed "baby Kaka" by football content creator Rimedi, Veiga wields the whole gamut of tools to craft a formidable career path for himself, and under Klopp's wing, he could be the destructive midfield force needed to rekindle the once burning furnace that was the nucleus of Liverpool's illustrious success.
Chelsea are going to "push very hard" for the signing of Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo this summer, according to journalist Ben Jacobs.
Is Caicedo leaving Brighton this summer?
The future of the 21-year-old has been a big talking point in recent weeks and months, with a move away from the Amex Stadium expected soon.
Caicedo's Brighton teammate Alexis Mac Allister has already sealed a switch to Liverpool and it would be a big surprise if he hadn't also completed a transfer sooner rather than later.
Chelsea are one of numerous top Premier League clubs who are reportedly in the mix to sign the £15,000-a-week Ecuadorian – Arsenal arguably appear to be the favourites to snap him up – but given the level of interest in him, it won't be easy for the west Londoners to get their man.
It certainly looks as though they are not going to give up without a fight, however, with a fresh update offering encouragement to Blues supporters.
Brighton's Moises Caicedo
Are Chelsea going to sign Caicedo?
Speaking to Give Me Sport, Jacobs claimed that Chelsea are going to really try to sign Caicedo before the start of the new season:
"We know that they tried for Ugarte before pulling out. Caicedo will be a high priority, as he was in January, and Chelsea bid £55million back then. I expect Chelsea to enter the race for Moises Caicedo and push very hard on that front because he has been a long-standing target.
"He is exactly what Chelsea need – a number six with strong defensive qualities and, on top of that, the ability to get box-to-box. But they will want one more, for sure."
Caicedo, who was called an "old school" player by Garth Crooks, could be an absolutely superb summer addition by Chelsea – he has been hailed as "fantastic" by former Brighton and Blues manager Graham Potter – at a time when N'Golo Kante has sealed a move to Saudi Arabia, and Mateo Kovacic could also move on.
The 30-cap Ecuador international clearly isn't going to be available on the cheap, but he could be worth every penny, having averaged 2.7 tackles in the league in 2022/23, which was a higher tally than any other Brighton player.
There is also the issue of Chelsea not having any European football to offer Caicedo, following a dire domestic campaign, which has the potential to work against them, considering some of their rivals than offer him playing time in the Champions League. They must do all they can to get him, though, in what would be such a significant piece of business.
Tottenham Hotspur can now look forward to the start of a new regime under newly-appointed boss, Ange Postecoglou, with the 57-year-old set to be tasked with reviving the fortunes of the club following what proved a rather dour, 2022/23 campaign.
One prominent issue that will be on the agenda for the former Celtic boss will be to secure a resolution regarding the future of talisman, Harry Kane, with the England captain having been linked with moves to both Manchester United and Real Madrid amid his expiring contract.
If the 29-year-old does opt to leave the Lilywhites this summer in search of a new challenge, Postecoglou will no doubt need to find a suitable replacement for the club's leading scorer ahead of the start of next season, with £60m addition, Richarlison, hardly looking like the man to fill the void after scoring just one league this season.
Amid the potential need to acquire a new centre-forward, recent reports in Spain suggested that Aston Villa marksman, Ollie Watkins has emerged as a possible target for the north London outfit, with the 27-year-old having enjoyed an impressive campaign with the Midlands side after bagging 15 top-flight goals.
The former Brentford ace – who has been valued at around £70m – has proven himself something of a "machine" in front of goal of late, according to iNews journalist, Daniel Storey, as he now boasts 40 league goals since the start of the 2020/21 season.
Interestingly, as far as Spurs supporters are concerned, the Englishman has been likened to a previously prolific striker who shone at White Hart Lane, in the form of Jermain Defoe, with pundit Trevor Sinclair stating back in 2020 that Watkins "reminds [him] of Defoe in and around the 18 yard box".
That comparison bodes well for the impact that the Villa man could make in the capital, with Defoe having been a truly clinical attacking weapon across his two spells at the club.
How good was Defoe at Tottenham?
Having begun life on the books at London rivals West Ham United – where he also scored 19 goals in 30 appearances while on loan at Bournemouth in 2000/01 – the now-retired ace was snapped up by Tottenham on a £7m deal in February 2004, before quickly endearing himself to Spurs supporters after bagging seven goals in just 15 league appearances in the second half of that season.
The 5 foot 7 menace would go on to score 36 league goals across the next three-and-a-half seasons before joining Portsmouth on an initial loan deal in 2008, albeit while then making a swift return to north London in the summer of 2009.
Tottenham's Jermain Defoe
That return paid instant dividends as the ace scored 18 goals during the 2009/10 campaign, helping to secure an overall tally for the club of 143 goals in 363 games in all competitions, prior to joining MLS side, Toronto in 2014.
An undoubtedly "prolific striker" – according to former boss Andre Villas-Boas – a key feature of Defoe's game was his ability to stretch a defence, with his former Rangers boss Steven Gerrard describing the Englishman's movement as "fantastic", while also stating that "he’s a dream for a midfielder because his movement tells you where to play the ball."
That quality is seemingly shared by his compatriot Watkins – as Sinclair alluded to – with journalist Josh Bunting having heaped praise on the one-time Exeter City man for his intelligence when leading the line:
"His movement opens up the centre-backs and it allows him to make those direct runs in between."
That likeness between the pair, due to their movement and finishing prowess, would seemingly suggest that Watkins could prove to be Tottenham's next Defoe, if Postecoglou does push for a move for the £75k-per-week speedster this summer.
Newcastle United have joined the long line of suitors for Barcelona centre-back Jules Kounde, with the France international allegedly unhappy at Camp Nou despite winning LaLiga this season.
What's the latest on Jules Kounde to Newcastle?
According to Spanish outlet AS (via Chronicle Live), Magpies manager Eddie Howe is an admirer of the dynamic defender and could look to commence a transfer bid in the coming weeks, with Barcelona asking for at least €75m (£65m) for his signature.
With reports that Kounde is disgruntled in Catalonia and seeks clarity over his future role under Xavi's tutelage after spending the majority of the campaign at right-back, Newcastle could take advantage and entice the 24-year-old into a switch to the Premier League.
Chelsea looked poised to complete a deal for the defender last summer before he completed a £50m move to La Blaugrana, but now Newcastle could prise him away after offering a central role in the club's ambitious sporting project.
How good is Jules Kounde?
The 5 foot 11 machine is a burgeoning force in European football and is a defender with genuine "world-class potential" – as lauded by talent scout Jacek Kulig – having played 38 matches across all competitions since joining Barca from Sevilla, scoring once and providing six assists.
The 19-cap Frenchman has clinched the LaLiga title to complement his Europa League success with The Red and Whites in 2019/20, but indeed played 21 matches at full-back as opposed to 17 at his preferred central deployment and could now be seeking a route out of Barcelona after just one season.
As per FBref, he ranks among the top 1% of central defenders across Europe's top five leagues for rate of assists, the top 2% for shot-creating actions and the top 2% for progressive passes per 90, though it is important to remember that he has fluctuated between central and wide defensive positions this term.
Regardless, the £226k-per-week phenom is one of the best ball-playing defenders around and has been hailed as "sensational" by analyst Marcus Bring, with one tactical report once illustrating his agility and efficacy in contributing with crisp passing during offensive transitions.
Dubbed a "warrior" by Frank Leboeuf, the one-time Bordeaux prospect could be the perfect heir to Fabian Schar's position in Howe's Tyneside team.
Jules Kounde
Schar has been transformational for the Toon this season and has been integral in securing top four, starting 36 Premier League matches.
The 31-year-old is out of contract in one year however, and while technical director Dan Ashworth might be inclined to offer him a new deal, maintaining the ascension could warrant the arrival of a gem of Kounde's ilk.
The £40k-per-week Newcastle titan ranks among the top 6% of positional peers over the past year for rate of assists, the top 2% for shot-creating actions and the top 9% for aerials won per 90, with a knack for contributing from an attacking standpoint that Kounde could replicate, as the evidence suggests.
With Newcastle seeking clarity over their future among Europe's elite, Kounde would be a "simply awesome" addition, as also described by Kulig, and Howe must complete a swoop this summer.
Tottenham Hotspur are monitoring Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher ahead of a potential move this summer, according to reports.
Is Caoimhin Kelleher leaving Liverpool?
The Irishman is an academy graduate at Anfield having worked his way up through the various youth ranks to get promoted to the first-team four years ago, and despite establishing himself as Jurgen Klopp’s firm second choice behind Alisson Becker, he’s made zero appearances this season in the Premier League.
The Reds shot-stopper primarily only gets a chance to feature during the likes of the EFL Cup and FA Cup and therefore, back in December, the 24-year-old admitted that he’ll have to consider his options at the end of the season should he want to receive more regular game time.
Speaking during a recent interview, Klopp publicly claimed that he can’t see the 6 foot 2 colossus leaving during the upcoming window, but should he end up on the market looking for a permanent move elsewhere, there are already a trio of top-flight clubs queuing up to sign him.
Who is signing Kelleher?
According to Football Insider, Spurs, Brentford and Brighton and Hove Albion are all “keeping tabs” on the situation of Kelleher ahead of the summer. Liverpool are “braced for offers” for the goalkeeper, although are “determined” not to let him go for a cut-price fee, despite it being stated that is “attracting interest” from the name-checked potential suitors above.
The Cork native, however, could create a scenario where he “forces the issue” to sanction his sale to become a number one at a new club, so this could be one to watch.
Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher.
Tottenham are reportedly on the hunt for a new goalkeeper with Hugo Lloris expected to depart upon the conclusion of the current campaign, and whilst he’s still not got bags of experience in the Premier League, Kelleher could be a great signing for the long-term future of the club.
Liverpool’s titan has kept ten clean sheets in 20 senior appearances on Merseyside and recorded a 75% success percentage in 2021/22 having made six saves from eight shots on target against, as per FBRef, not to mention that he is a “hero” when it comes to penalty shootouts, as lauded by journalist Josh Bunting.
The Champions League participant, who earns £10k-per-week, also shares the same agency, CAA Stellar, as Fraser Forster and Ben Davies, so this existing representative connection could potentially give the Lilywhites the edge over their fellow competitors when attempting to get a deal over the line in the months ahead.