Tottenham Hotspur Head Coach Jose Mourinho said midfielder Moussa Sissoko “was different than my needs” when explaining his decision to start Harry Winks and Eric Dier in central midfield against West Ham United, and Spurs fans have been quick to react.
Speaking post-match as reported by BBC’s Football Daily (3:40), the former Manchester United and Chelsea manager said that he wanted one positional player and one who could pass the ball in the middle of the park against the Irons, and Sissoko was the one to miss out.
It was one of the Portuguese’s first major changes since replacing Mauricio Pochettino at the helm, given he had started all 12 of their Premier League matches this season previously, only failing to complete the full 90 minutes once.
While he was clearly a favourite of the Argentine in that regard, it appears as though it could be a completely different story under Mourinho – something that hasn’t gone unnoticed by Tottenham supporters reacting to his comments.
One individual stated that “Jose doesn’t rate him”, while another believe the remarks mean that “he’s gone”.
It will be interesting to see how regularly the France international features in the next few matches.
Here is just a selection of the Twitter reaction…
In other news, Tottenham fans were quick to react to a notable absentee on the training pitch on Monday…
Looking to get back among Europe’s elite both on and off the pitch, Manchester United now reportedly want to beat some European heavyweights in the race to sign an attacking reinforcement.
Man Utd transfer news
The Red Devils had an impressive transfer window this summer. On paper, every one of their weaknesses was strengthened in some capacity. They welcomed Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui to solve their defensive issues, Manuel Ugarte to replace Casemiro, and Joshua Zirkzee to sharpen an otherwise blunt frontline. Yet, five games into their Premier League campaign, not much has changed.
Whilst some may believe that the summer transfer window was enough to see Manchester United take a large step towards returning to Europe’s elite, those at Old Trafford are seemingly only just getting started, with one attacking reinforcement reportedly eyed for 2025.
According to reports in Spain, sporting director Dan Ashworth now wants to beat Real Madrid and Liverpool in the race to sign Kevin Zenon for Manchester United in 2025. The Red Devils have reportedly scouted the Boca Juniors star, who has a low release clause amid the interest of several parties from around European football.
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Just 23 years old, Zenon would fit into the profile of players that INEOS want to focus their transfer strategy on, given that he is under 26 years old and a cheaper alternative to more established stars. The left-hand side is a position that is arguably up for grabs under Erik ten Hag following Marcus Rashford’s year-long struggle to find form, which could see Zenon steal a starting spot.
"Underrated" Zenon is ready for Man Utd move
Completing a move to Old Trafford is often one full of pressure – a pressure that several players have been crushed by. Zenon could now be next in a long line of attacking reinforcements to have his turn at boosting Ten Hag’s frontline once and for all. With that pressure, Manchester United could unearth a diamond, whom analyst Ben Mattinson previously dubbed “underrated”.
That said, the Argentine is yet to reach his full potential and is not a player who’d be making an instant impact at Old Trafford as a finished product. Instead, the Red Devils would need to work on developing and unearthing their potential new star if they secure his signature in 2025.
With four goals and seven assists for Boca Juniors since January, it’s clear that Ten Hag would need to work on Zenon’s output first and foremost. The last thing that Manchester United’s current attack needs is another winger who struggles in front of goal.
A major update on the future of Everton boss Sean Dyche has been forthcoming amid pressure to sack the Toffees boss after their poor start to the Premier League season.
Everton endure tough summer
After narrowly avoiding relegation last season, it was not the summer that many hoped for at Goodison Park. Parting ways with midfielder Amadou Onana for £50m, Everton replaced him with Tim Iroegbunam, while they also added Jesper Lindstrom on loan to bolster their attack, alongside marquee addition Iliman Ndiaye, who arrived from Marseille in a deal worth £15m.
Everton target Jesper Lindstrom in action for Napoli.
Jake O’Brien’s arrival added further depth to the Everton backline, while in one massive positive the club were able to keep hold of young talent Jarrad Branthwaite, who enjoyed an excellent breakthrough campaign at Goodison Park last time out. Deadline day bought two more new faces in the shape of ex-Forest midfielder Orel Mangala, who arrived on loan from Lyon, as well as Chelsea striker Armando Broja.
Everton’s summer additions
Player
Fee
Iliman Ndiaye
€18m
Jake O’Brien
€19.5m
Tim Iroegbunam
€10.7m
Orel Mangala
Loan
Jesper Lindstrom
Loan
Armando Broja
Loan
Asmir Begovic
Free
However, the latter is sidelined until mid-October with a pre-existing injury, leaving a hole in Everton’s attack that Ndiaye, Beto, Dominic Calvert-Lewin or Youssef Chermiti are yet to fill properly this season.
It’s left them rooted to the bottom of the table, having conceded 13 goals in four games and without a point to their name. The trip to Aston Villa brought a familiar woe too, as the Blues surrended a 2-0 lead for the second consecutive game courtesy of a wonder goal from Jhon Duran.
The latest on Sean Dyche's tenure
Despite the poor start to the season, the Telegraph report that Dyche is under no pressure from the Everton hierarchy, who still have full belief that he will turn things around on Merseyside.
According to their report, there is no prospect of the former Burnley boss being given his marching orders any time soon, with the club “determined to stand by Sean Dyche for at least the rest of the season”, despite the “prospect of the situation deteriorating before it improves”.
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They add that “Dyche has enough credit in the bank with the Everton hierarchy to buy him considerable time”, with both majority owner Farhad Moshiri and Director of Football Kevin Thelwell aligned in their desire to keep him at the club.
Speaking ahead of the loss against Aston Villa, Dyche revealed he wasn’t thinking about his own future at present.
“The bigger picture of the club is the main focus. The club is still nowhere near where it wants to be. We want to win games – that’s my first thought. It’s not about myself or contracts. It’s about my staff and the players aligning to win games.”
It remains to be seen whether the decision to keep or sack the Englishman will be taken out of the hierarchy’s hands should Everton’s poor early season form continue and/or a takeover go through, but as it stands it appears that Dyche will be taking to the helm for the forseeable future.
Wolves suffered their third defeat in four Premier League games on Sunday, but one player was given special recognition for his performance in the game against Newcastle United.
It has been a frustrating start to the new campaign for Gary O’Neil’s side, as they are yet to win a game, picking up just one point from a possible 12.
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It was a very mixed summer for Wolves and O’Neil, as the Premier League side lost Max Kilman and Pedro Neto, two important players, but they finished the transfer window by adding Andre and Carlos Forbs to their squad.
Those additions are yet to have the impact the club had wished for, but given time, they could turn out to be shrewd additions. The poor start to the season will be putting pressure on O’Neil and the board, and they may already be putting plans in place for January as they eye potentially more arrivals to strengthen the team.
Wolves manager Gary O'Neil
According to a recent report, Wolves are keen on signing Souleymane Sidibe from Stoke City. If the Midlands side were able to get a deal over the line, they could beat the likes of rivals Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest, as well as Manchester City and Arsenal, to the signing.
At 17, Sidibe is already part of the Potters’ midfield, and he played an important role in the first game of the season, as he provided the assist in their 1-0 win over Plymouth Argyle. His performances don’t seem to have gone unnoticed, as Wolves are now keen on signing the youngster in what you would presume to be in January. Wolves may enter January in a relegation battle given how their season has started, and it didn’t get much easier on Sunday, but one player earned special praise despite suffering a 2-1 loss.
Paul Merson left stunned at Wolves star and makes Messi comparison
As stated, Wolves suffered a 2-1 defeat on Sunday to Newcastle United in a game that saw the Midlands side take the lead through Mario Lemina but were overcome by late goals from Fabian Schar and Harvey Barnes.
Wolves’ only goal of the game was a very fine move by the home side, as Lemina finished off what was a well-worked goal that involved fellow midfielder Joao Gomes producing an excellent dummy.
Gomes won the ball in the midfield; he then allowed Matheus Cunha to carry the ball before playing out wide; the ball was then delivered into the path of Lemina, with Gomes producing a moment of magic in the box with the ball before Lemina slotted it home.
Apps
53
Goals
3
Assists
1
That move and in particular the piece of skill from Gomes left Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson amazed, and he was full of praise for the player. Merson labelled the moment as “unbelievable” and even went on to compare Gomes to the great Lionel Messi.
Merson said, relayed by Molineux News: “That is unbelievable.
“If Messi did that, we’d be going mad. Everything about it is phenomenal.”
Bayer Leverkusen star Edmond Tapsoba is “also” in talks to join Tottenham Hotspur amid their serious interest in Wolfsburg’s Micky van de Ven, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Who are Spurs signing this summer?
The north Londoners, much to new manager Ange Postecoglou’s delight, have sealed three major signings already in Guglielmo Vicario from Empoli, James Maddison from Leicester City and Dejan Kulusevski in a permanent deal from Juventus.
The trio will boost Spurs in their attempts to make a success of Postecoglou’s reign and, potentially, fight their way back into European football. The Lilywhites also haven’t won a major trophy since 2008, when they beat Chelsea in the League Cup final.
Both Maddison and Vicario’s arrivals were praised by Postecoglou, who claimed that the duo have a perfect mentality for the Tottenham team he is trying to build.
“It’s not just about the talent they bring as footballers,” said Postecoglou (Spurs official via football.london).
“It’s what they bring as people as well because we are going to play football that requires a certain type of personality and character.
“Both those guys have got it in abundance. I could hear it in their voices when I spoke to them. I had a couple of chats with both of them before we signed them and I knew that they were the right types to bring into the dressing room.”
Spurs are also set to sign Manor Solomon on a free transfer, hijacking Fulham in the process, with Postecoglou’s side now chasing a star centre-back to shore up their leaky defence.
Tottenham conceded more top flight goals than any other side above Bournemouth in 15th last season, numbers which are clearly not good enough for an elite side.
Sharing a message on Spurs’ hunt for new defenders, reliable transfer reporter has some news on their links to Tapsoba, who is believed to be of interest.
Bayer Leverkusen defender Edmond Tapsoba.
Romano says that, as well as Wolfsburg defender Micky van de Ven, the Burkina Faso international is “also” in talks to join Tottenham this summer.
Despite reports that van de Ven has already agreed a five-year contract, the race is clearly an open once going by this update.
Who is Edmond Tapsoba?
The 24-year-old was an ever-present in Xabi Alonso’s Leverkusen side last season and seemingly undroppable, as only goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky played more German top flight minutes than the centre-back (WhoScored).
Called “top quality” by members of the press, the Bundesliga website have even likened him to former Bayern Munich defender Jerome Boateng.
The site wrote:
“The legendary Bayern Munich defender, who made 364 appearances across 11 seasons for the Bavarian giants, was as cool and calm as it gets both on the ball and in the tackle while he was also famed for his pinpoint long passing that set up many an attack for the record champions. Tapsoba has similar traits and such is his eagerness to start forward thrusts, he has often been referred to as a defensive playmaker.”
Everton have initiated contact to enquire about a summer deal to sign Leeds United forward Wilfried Gnonto, according to reports.
Is Wilfried Gnonto leaving Leeds?
The Whites’ left-sided winger only arrived in the Premier League from FC Zurich last summer and showed plenty of promising signs during his 28 appearances in his debut season, but after suffering relegation to the Championship, there’s a chance he could be on the move elsewhere.
The Italy international’s agent, Claudio Vigorelli, has publicly admitted that whilst his client is focusing on his displays for his country at this moment in time, he’s aware that he will have options to leave and is set to "talk" with the hierarchy at the earliest opportunity regarding his future at Elland Road.
Yorkshire Evening Post reporter Graham Smyth recently revealed that the club are yet to receive any bids for the 19-year-old and “hope to keep” him beyond the ongoing transfer window, but it sounds like Sean Dyche might have other ideas to try to entice him to Goodison Park.
Are Everton signing Gnonto?
According to Gazzetta Dello Sport (via Sport Witness), Everton have made contact to ask what it would take to complete a summer deal for Gnonto.
Leeds are believed to be demanding a fee of €15-20m (£12-17m) to sanction his sale. The Merseyside outfit have already made “concrete moves” for the teenager, but they aren’t alone in their pursuit, with Bundesliga club Freiburg also chasing him.
Leeds United forward Wilfried Gnonto.
Would Gnonto be a good signing for Everton?
Everton have to remember that Gnonto is still only 19 years of age and has just one season of top-flight experience under his belt, but he’s definitely got bags of potential to offer so he could be a wonderful signing for the long-term future of the club.
The Puma-sponsored dynamo clocked up six goal contributions (four assists and two goals) in 24 Premier League outings last season and recorded 50 shot-creating actions, which was the fourth-highest total throughout his squad in LS11, as per FBRef.
Leeds’ “diamond”, as lauded by journalist Antonio Mango, is also a versatile operator having been deployed in seven different positions since the start of his career, including everywhere across the frontline and even three roles in the midfield, so he would be an excellent option for the boss to have at his disposal should any unexpected injuries occur, as he’d be able to cover in several other places for his teammates.
West Ham United have set their sights on a new defensive midfielder this summer – Manchester City's Kalvin Phillips.
Is Kalvin Phillips going to join West Ham?
After a debut season at the Etihad that was plagued by injury and fitness concerns, Phillips had to endure some tough times last campaign. For the most part, he could only sit and watch as his teammates went on to win the treble, managing only 593 minutes across all competitions for Man City.
Despite this, journalist Dean Jones has stated that West Ham are interested in signing the 27-year-old, perhaps offering him a second chance at a fresh start.
Discussing Declan Rice's potential move to the Premier League champions, Jones told The Football Terrace YouTube channel: "I think that is another factor that comes into this equation that we have to weigh up. And one that for West Ham it would absolutely appeal to. I know that we're talking about £100m here all the time in terms of the figure."
"Man City have a player that they're interested in. So maybe there is some manoeuvring that could be done here."
Whether Phillips would be used as a makeweight in Man City's push to sign Rice is unclear, but with Rodri already ahead of the Englishman in the pecking order, and Mateo Kovacic's imminent arrival at the Etihad, Phillips may consider a move away to aid his opportunities of getting first-team football.
The £150k-per-week England international is a firm favourite of Gareth Southgate's, but the England boss may have a dilemma over selecting him for the 2024 European Championship if he endures another season of minimal game time. This could be of benefit to West Ham, who could certainly promise him regular minutes.
Why would West Ham want Phillips?
Ignoring Phillips' stuttering performances last season, which were adversely affected by injuries, it is clear to see why West Ham would be interested in the holding midfielder. Dubbed the "Yorkshire Pirlo" during his time at Leeds United, Phillips quickly established himself as a top-quality Premier League player.
Analysing his debut Premier League season with Leeds, it is obvious why Manchester City, and now West Ham, love him so much.
While his short passing is only slightly above average (88.7% accuracy), his long and medium passing sets him apart from others. Compared to Premier League midfielders during the 2020/21 season, he was in the top 4% for long passes completed per 90 (8.15) and the top 20% for medium passes completed per 90 (21.61).
His ability to play long diagonal passes out to the wing made him a great asset for Leeds, and teamed with his defensive work it made him a phenomenal all-round midfielder.
Defensively, during the 2020/21 season, he was in the top 15% or higher per 90 for tackles (2.74), blocks (1.82), clearances (1.96) and tackles in the defensive third (1.41). Considering Phillips featured in a mid-table Leeds side during that campaign, it's obvious to see why the midfielder is in such high demand.
Everton are in desperate need of reinforcements following another hard-fought Premier League relegation scrap and now a new update has emerged on a potential transfer target.
What's the latest on Everton's interest in Wilfried Gnonto?
Everton are in ongoing talks with Leeds United to sign their winger Wilfried Gnonto according to one journalist.
As per a report, it's claimed that Everton are keen to sign the young talent this summer, however, there is a need to compromise on the price of the player with a €30m (£26m) fee touted elsewhere.
Who would Gnonto replace in the Everton team?
There is no doubt that Sean Dyche will be keen to strengthen his attacking threat at Goodison Park this summer after failing to compete comfortably in the top flight last season.
The Toffees finished 17th with just two points saving them from a drop into the Championship and only Wolverhampton Wanderers scored fewer goals than the Everton side over the 38-game campaign, demonstrating a real need to improve the performances in front of goal.
It was reported by Sky Sports last week that Fulham are keen to sign winger Demarai Gray this summer and with just 12 months remaining on his current contract, it could be a real opportunity for the Merseysiders to cash in and earn a profit on their £1.7m signing, especially if they can secure a deal for Gnonto.
Over 24 Premier League appearances last season, the 19-year-old talent scored two goals, registered four assists and created three big chances, as well as averaging one key pass, 1.2 tackles and four duels won per game.
Coincidentally, Gray has been named as one of the most comparable players to Gnonto over the last 12 months – as per FBref – with the pair boasting a number of similarities.
When comparing the attacking duo's output throughout 2022/23 in the top flight, there are several key attributes that they match up on including shot-creating actions per 90 (3.32 v 3.37), goal contributions (6 v 5), shots on target (33.3% v 38.6%) and pass completion (72.3% v 69.1%).
Despite Leeds' troubles, the teenage sensation has attracted a lot of attention in his breakout season, with former Hibernian striker Tam McManus lavishing praise on the Italy international:
"He just looks like a little pocket rocket. He looks like he has a real low centre of gravity and he looks absolutely tremendous."
With that being said, if Dyche is happy to sanction an exit for Gray this summer then the signing of Gnonto would be a major coup and if the Italian can continue to develop his skills with consistent football at Goodison Park next season, there is no reason why he can't have a huge impact on improving the performances in front of goal.
Nottingham Forest are interested in signing Monza left back Carlos Augusto this summer, journalist Fabrizio Romano has claimed.
Who is Carlos Augusto?
The £12,000-a-week defender was a key player for Monza throughout the 2022/23 season, starting 35 of his side's 38 Serie A matches mostly on the left of a back five. In that time, he scored six goals and registered five assists, highlighted his attacking pedigree from his defensive role, also winning four Man of the Match awards from WhoScored.
Augusto's performances throughout the campaign are likely to have caught the eye of a number of clubs – he led his squad in direct goal contributions and overall match rating from wing-back – and with his current deal expiring next year, he finds himself at a potential crossroads in his career.
It means his current club will either have to sell him this summer, in order to receive a healthy fee for his services, or risky losing him for free in 2024, should he fail to agree an extension.
That's where Forest come into play, as the Reds look to make significant reinforcements in the summer transfer window. They could soon have to replace loan star Renan Lodi, with reports suggesting they may miss out on a permanent deal for the Brazilian.
Are Forest signing Augusto?
Writing on Twitter on Sunday, Romano claimed that Forest are keen on the idea of signing Augusto, although Inter Milan are ahead of them in the pecking order:
"Inter will continue talks with Monza for Carlo Augusto next week. He’s concrete target as new left back — no issues on personal terms. Nottingham Forest also appreciate the Brazilian LB but Inter are now ahead."
Augusto could be a really shrewd signing by Forest if they could get a deal over the line, although the presence of Inter is clearly a possible issue, given their status as recent Champions League finalists.
At 24, the Brazilian would be arriving at the City Ground at a good age, with plenty of time to mature under Steve Cooper, and his aforementioned quality going forward could make Forest more of a force in the attacking area of the pitch.
That's not to say that Augusto isn't also an effective defensive player, however, averaging 2.1 tackles and clearances apiece in Serie A in 2022/23, so the Reds could be signing an impressive all-round package who could help take Cooper's side up a gear once next season gets underway.
Augusto looks like the perfect replacement for Lodi if Evangelos Marinakis cannot tie the latter down to a permanent stay.
Newcastle United are “informed” on the situation of Napoli defender Kim Min-Jae ahead of the summer, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.
Is Kim Min-Jae leaving Napoli?
Since joining from Fenerbahce last summer, the centre-back has been a regular feature of Luciano Spalletti’s former side, making 45 appearances across all competitions during his debut season at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium.
In his CaughtOffside Daily Briefing last month, Romano stated that the Magpies had sent scouts to watch the 26-year-old and suggested that Eddie Howe and Dan Ashworth could compete with Manchester United in the race to bring him to the Premier League.
Journalist Raimondo De Magistris has since claimed that the Red Devils have offered the South Korean a “huge salary” so the northeast outfit will have to act fast, but with his contract including a £52m release clause that’s set to become active next month, anything can still happen.
Are Newcastle signing Kim?
Taking to Twitter, Romano revealed that Newcastle are keeping close tabs on Kim as they weigh up a potential hijack this summer. He wrote:
“Manchester United have Kim Min-jae on their list since October and remains the main target. Release clause, only valid in July as United are in contact with agents; Newcastle are informed too. Understand Man Utd are also monitoring the French market for plan B options.”
Napoli defender Kim Min-Jae.
Could Kim be a good addition for Howe?
Newcastle obviously hold a clear interest in Kim to be considering a swoop during the upcoming window, and having been dubbed a real “leader” by former professional Park Ji-Sung, the centre-back putting pen to paper would be a massive coup for PIF.
The Serie A champion averaged 3.5 clearances and 2.6 aerial wins per league game last season, alongside recording a 91% pass success rate, via WhoScored, which was higher than any of the black and white striped players, highlighting his calmness and composure on the ball.
The Nike-sponsored ace is also capable of contributing to his team’s efforts at the opposite end of the pitch having clocked up four league goal contributions (two goals and the same number of assists) in 35 appearances last term.
Finally, Kim has spent the majority of his career playing in the heart of the defence but he also has the versatility to operate out wide at right-back so he would be a great option for Howe to have at his disposal should rotation be needed as a result of an injury crisis, in a similar way to how the gaffer has used Dan Burn this season.