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Speaking to Football Insider, former Tottenham midfielder Michael Brown has criticised Tanguy Ndombele over his debut campaign for the club.

What did he say?

The Frenchman has come under fire from his own manager, Jose Mourinho, this season amid a difficult campaign since his arrival from Lyon last summer.

Mourinho publicly chastised the 5 foot 11 star after a game away at Turf Moor against Burnley, and Brown has further criticised the midfielder for his lack of consistency in his performances.

The Greatest Bargains in Premier League history – How much did they cost?

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He said: “The criticism has been quite strong on Ndombele from Jose Mourinho so can he handle that, is he up for the challenge. I think first and foremost, we need to see where that ends up and if it’s something where he can take the criticism. He does need to do better, he does need to be fitter.

“The criticism that comes out is harsh and perhaps could have been kept in the club but let’s be honest, he could do more. He’s unbelievable at times when you see him on the ball but you have to contribute more consistency throughout the game, throughout the season at that sort of level. I really expected a good season out of him. With that ability and flair, clubs will always be interested in an Ndombele.”

Crossroads

This summer promises to be a real crossroads in the career of Tanguy Ndombele, not just in his time at Spurs but as a professional footballer too.

If he makes the decision to stay and fight to prove his worth at Spurs then he will have the opportunity to change perceptions about him. But if he decides to leave, then his career will be tarnished with the brush of him making the choice to effectively quit when the going got tough.

Perhaps with a season in English football under his belt now, Ndombele can really begin to shine in his second year and go about trying to silence the doubters.

This article is part of Football FanCast’s Transfer Focus series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent transfer news…

West Ham United are considering a move for Eintracht Frankfurt centre-back Martin Hinteregger, according to Football Insider.

Having paid a club-record fee to sign Sebastien Haller from the Bundesliga outfit during the summer, the Hammers are now said to have his former teammate firmly on their radar for the January transfer window.

The Austria international could be a useful addition to Manuel Pellegrini’s side, for the defensive contributions he makes, which are obviously important due to the position he plays, but also his goal threat.

Watch West Ham United Live Streams With StreamFootball.tv Below

Standing at 186cm tall, Hinteregger has used his frame to become a real goal threat for Frankfurt this campaign, having already notched four goals across the Europa League and Bundesliga.

That Hinteregger is a left-sided centre-back could also play into his favour if he eventually makes the move to London Stadium, as Issa Diop has started every league game this season, while the spot next to the Frenchman is seemingly up for grabs.

With Fabian Balbuena having recently dethroned Angelo Ogbonna to be Diop’s partner, starting the last two games, Hinteregger would likely need to do the same to the Paraguayan.

As shown in the infographic above, the Frankurt man has outdone Balbuena in all of the defensive categories mentioned, apart from clearances per game.

This comes in a Frankfurt team that has conceded 15 goals in 10 league matches this term, whereas the Hammers have shipped 17 goals in 11.

Hinteregger’s statistics indicate that he could help West Ham bring that number down, while he could also raise the number of goals scored from set-pieces, which already stands at 3, the sixth-highest total in the Premier League.

With this in mind, the towering defender would certainly be a useful addition for the club if a move can be completed.

After looking like he was heading for the Old Trafford exit door earlier in the summer, Marcos Rojo appears to have turned his Manchester United career well and truly around.

The Argentina international is featuring more prominently in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s plans for the first-team, and has already made eight appearances across all competitions this season.

Against Partizan Belgrade on Thursday night in the Europa League, the 29-year-old was at his rugged best, making two interceptions, two clearances and one block as per Sofascore.

Speaking after the game, Solskjaer hailed his defender for his “excellent” performance, and insisted the display proved exactly why the Red Devils kept him.

After seeing his display, United fans flooded to Twitter to voice their thoughts on the forming Sporting CP ace.

Many Red Devils supporters praised his fine performance, and insisted he has really begun to produce consistently good performances for the side.

Check out some of the reaction of United fans below:

After fending off interest from Newcastle United to keep hold of Marc Guehi, Crystal Palace have now reportedly reached an agreement to sign a new partner for the England international.

Crystal Palace transfer news

The Eagles have endured a mixed summer. Whilst they have managed to keep hold of Eberechi Eze and Guehi, despite a number of hefty reported bids from Newcastle, they did have to bid farewell to both Joachim Andersen and Michael Olise to Fulham and Bayern Munich respectively.

Fabrizio Romano: Crystal Palace agree £15m+ deal to sign "elite" new player

It could be a busy end to the window at Selhurst Park.

ByCharlie Smith Aug 29, 2024

Having welcomed the likes of Maxence Lacroix and Daichi Kamada in between, however, they should sum up the last few months as fairly successful.

After putting pen to paper to complete a move from Wolfsburg, Lacroix told Palace's official website: "It’s like a dream for a young football player. I’m really happy to be here and arrive at this good team.

“I watched Palace’s last games and I was really happy for the coach, because I’d played under him before. I think it’s the right moment to move to the Premier League.”

Following his arrival, it wouldn't be absurd to suggest that the London club were done on the defensive incomings front. But that's far from the case. According to The Athletic's David Ornstein, Crystal Palace have reached an agreement to sign Trevoh Chalobah on loan from London rivals Chelsea for a small fee on deadline day.

The defender was among those frozen out at Stamford Bridge and told to find a move if he wants minutes this season. And with that being the case, Palace have stepped up to land a loan move without an obligation or option to buy next summer.

"Excellent" Chalobah can form formidable Guehi partnership

It's easy to forget just how sold a centre-back Chalobah is due to how he's been cast aside under Enzo Maresca. Earning a reported £50k-a-week, Chelsea academy graduate is someone who has experience at the very top and is still only 25 years old.

With Palace saving him from the mess that is the current Chelsea setup, for at least this season anyway, he could return to his best and form quite the partnership with Guehi.

Earning plenty of praise before Maresca arrived in London, Chalobah's form was described as "excellent" during Thomas Tuchel's reign. The former Chelsea boss said via Football365: "Fantastic. He gets all the praise and it’s well deserved. Two excellent matches.

"He played against Arsenal and Tottenham in friendlies, then 120 minutes on Wednesday, then 90 today and scores. It’s fantastic these things happen in sports. A perfect day for him."

All of a sudden, from the threat of losing Guehi, Palace are set to have three solid options to turn to in the form of the England international, Chalobah and Lacroix when it comes to Oliver Glasner's defensive duo.

Aston Villa kicked off their 2024//25 Premier League season with a highly impressive win over West Ham United last weekend

Unai Emery’s side looked like they were going to have to settle for a share of the spoils against the Irons, that was until Jhon Duran popped up with just 11 minutes left to score the winner.

In what was a tricky opening match, Villa securing all three points will give them plenty of confidence heading into their game against Arsenal this evening.

There could be a few changes to the starting XI, however, as some of the players failed to really shine last weekend, most notably John McGinn.

John McGinn’s game in numbers vs West Ham United

The Scot started on the left of a three-man attack to support Oliie Watkins yet struggled to really make much of an impact during his time on the pitch.

Metric

John McGinn

Morgan Rogers

Leon Bailey

Goals

0

0

0

Assists

0

0

0

Key passes

0

2

2

Big chances created

0

0

0

Dribble attempts (successful)

0 (0)

2 (1)

2 (2)

During his 62 minutes on the field, McGinn completed just 12 passes, took 26 touches and attempted zero dribbles.

The midfielder also lost possession three times while delivering zero accurate crosses, and it was clear his spell out wide wasn’t going to carve any openings for Watkins.

Emery’s attacking players will need to be excellent from the very first whistle against the Gunners today to stand any chance of securing a positive result. Could this see McGinn potentially dropped from the starting XI for a homegrown talent?

The player who could replace McGinn vs Arsenal

Ramsey was brought on for the ineffective McGinn with just half an hour of the game to be played last weekend, making a wonderful impact.

He was the one that set up Duran to score what turned out to be the winner, while he also was successful with 100% of his passes, showcasing his excellent distribution.

The Englishman looked much brighter going forwards than McGinn, as he created a big chance, made one key pass and succeeded with 100% of his dribble attempts during his second half cameo.

This is the sort of performance that Emery will be demanding from the start as the Gunners travel to the Midlands this evening, which could see Ramsey given a starting berth.

The Athletic journalist Seb Stafford-Bloor lauded Ramsey as “sensational” back in 2021, but the academy graduate didn’t enjoy the most productive of spells last term as he missed 35 matches due to a series of niggling injury issues.

His impressive showing on the first weekend of the season will surely have bolstered his confidence, knowing that he is back fit and firing, ready to establish himself in Emery’s side.

The clash against the title-chasing Gunners will be difficult, but Villa did win 2-0 during their last meeting, a result which arguably cost the Emirates side the 2023/24 Premier League title.

If they channel this type of performance tonight, then there is no reason why they cannot replicate that stunning result from the end of last term.

Willing to pay: Aston Villa want £30m "beast" who'd send Duran packing

He almost joined a PL rival this summer

1 ByJoe Nuttall Aug 23, 2024

Wolverhampton Wanderers have reportedly agreed a deal to sign a left-footed attacking gem for Gary O’Neil, following on from their £10m agreement for Crystal Palace goalkeeper Sam Johnstone.

Wolves signings so far

The Old Gold have made three permanent signings so far this summer, with Rodrigo Gomes, Pedro Lima and Tommy Doyle signing from SC Braga, Sport Recife and Manchester City respectively. Jorgen Strand Larsen also arrived on loan from Celta Vigo and scored his first Premier League goal for Wolves in the club’s heavy 6-2 defeat to Chelsea.

In regards to exits, Wolves have once again cashed in on a number of stars, with centre-back Max Kilman joining West Ham in a £40m deal and winger Pedro Neto signing for Chelsea for around £54m.

Speaking after the loss at Molineux on Sunday, O’Neil addressed the club’s transfer plans, saying: "Everyone knows the financial restrictions we have and have been there since I arrived. We have raised good funds in this window and the squad will need help.

"Once the window shuts it doesn't open for a good few months, when it shuts we need to be comfortable with where we are. There's a lot of work for myself, I need to get more out of the group we have. Then there's an understanding the Premier League is tough and if you sell good players it makes you weaker.

"We'll see if it's a breakeven window by the time it shuts next Friday. We have raised some good funds and hopefully we can use them well in the next few days."

Better than O'Shea: Wolves looking at late move for "dominant" defender

He is rumoured to have a release clause in his contract

ByJoe Nuttall Aug 28, 2024

A transfer breakthrough has now been made for Wolves though, with an agreement reached on Wednesday for Johnstone, but they also look to be closing in on one who may not bolster O’Neil’s first-team squad straight away.

Wolves agree deal to sign Ethan Sutherland

According to Football Insider on Wednesday, Wolves have agreed a permanent deal to sign 18-year-old winger Ethan Sutherland from St Mirren. The report claims that the youngster is heading south for a medical, with personal terms also agreed over a transfer. Since then, Sky Sports reporter Anthony Joseph has added that a fee will be in the region of £300,000.

Sutherland is a left-footed winger who has progressed through the St Mirren youth system since 2022 after leaving Rangers. He spent the second half of last season on loan with League One side Alloa Athletic, scoring two goals and registering six assists.

You'd expect Sutherland could start out in the Molineux academy after signing, but he’ll be looking to progress into Wolves’ first-team setup in years to come. Hopefully, Wolves will follow this deal up with a few more senior signings before the deadline to keep O'Neil happy over the coming months and heading into 2025, possibly looking to replace Neto and Kilman.

Leeds United want to sign West Brom midfielder Jayson Molumby, according to reliable reporter Alan Nixon.

What’s the latest Leeds transfer news?

The Whites, and by extension new owners the 49ers Enterprises, are currently busy looking for a new manager, while also attempting to move some players on.

Out-of-favour forward Tyler Roberts and defender Diego Llorente could soon be joining Birmingham City and AS Roma respectively, whereas Robin Koch could be on course to leave Elland Road for free.

When it comes to midfielders, Adam Forshaw is set to be released this summer but has been invited back for pre-season training, whereas star man Tyler Adams is being linked with a number of clubs, including Liverpool, Manchester United and Newcastle United.

Therefore, new midfielders look set to be high on the transfer wishlist for Leeds and the 49ers, and by the looks of it, they want to go after proven Championship talent, with Molumby a target.

According to Nixon, via MOT Leeds News, those at Elland Road are keen on signing the West Brom man, who is available to leave The Hawthorns at the right price.

“Leeds United are keen on West Brom’s Republic of Ireland midfield enforcer Jayson Molumby.

“The Elland Road club are looking to recruit proven players to toughen up their team and Molumby is available at the right price.”

Who is Jayson Molumby?

Molumby is 23 years of age and is primarily a central midfielder who can also play in defensive and attacking roles if needed.

The Republic of Ireland international made a permanent move to the Midlands last summer from Brighton & Hove Albion and appears to be at the top of his game with a career-high €3.2m Transfermarkt valuation.

He has made 125 appearances in the Championship and has an admirer in West Brom boss and Leeds target Carlos Corberan, who called Molumby an “animal” back in January after his display against Reading.

“It’s important for every player to go on to the pitch when they’re in the first XI with the mentality to compete, this is what Molumby is doing.

“He is working as an animal and that’s what football demands of you.”

It looks as if a transfer will be one to keep an eye on, especially if Corberan gets the job in Yorkshire, and who knows, Molumby may not be the only central midfielder to arrive at Leeds over the coming months.

Following Leicester’s relegation from the Premier League, The Foxes now have the task of choosing a permanent manager to try and guide the former Premier League champions back to England’s top division.

Per Mike McGrath of The Telegraph, former Fulham and AFC Bournemouth manager Scott Parker is named on the shortlist of targets that includes Manchester City coach Enzo Maresca, former Manchester United coach Scott McKenna and current interim head coach Dean Smith.

Who will be Leicester’s next manager?

According to McGrath, Smith has 'some support' from within the organisation despite his failure to keep Leicester in the Premier League.

The club have held talks with Smith over his future after the former Aston Villa manager achieved two wins and three draws in his eight matches in charge at the King Power Stadium.

Smith is a name on a long list of potential targets, including former Premier League manager Scott Parker.

According to McGrath, other targets include Man City first-team head coach Maresca, who was considered by Southampton earlier in the season as their potential head coach following the departure of Ralph Hasenhuttl.

Leicester will have to wait until after this weekend’s Champions League final if they want to speak to the 43-year-old.

McGrath names McKenna, the current Ipswich manager and former assistant coach at Man Utd, as well as former Villa and Rangers boss Steven Gerrard as potential candidates to become Leicester manager for the upcoming season too.

Should Scott Parker become Leicester manager?

It’s hard to think Parker would be a popular choice to become manager amongst the Leicester faithful.

Parker was sacked by AFC Bournemouth after a 9-0 loss to Liverpool at the end of August and moved to Belgium to manage Club Brugge following the disappointment with The Cherries.

Parker would go on to manager Club Brugge after the Bournemouth sacking, but his stint in Belgium proved to be a disaster.

The former West Ham and Spurs midfielder, now 42, received his second sacking of the season in March following a 7-1 aggregate defeat to Benfica in the Champions League round of 16.

In a brief club statement, Club Brugge stated: 'In 12 games, the Briton could only win 2 times' – that's a win rate of just 16%.

The former England international has been without a club since his disappointing tenure in Belgium, but the opening at Leicester could present an opportunity for the Englishman to bounce back.

No matter who becomes The Foxes' next boss, they will have a serious rebuilding job on their hands.

The club confirmed the departures of Youri Tielemans, Caglar Soyuncu, Ayoze Perez, Tete, Ryan Bertrand, Nampalys Mendy and Daniel Amartey on Monday night.

It also looks likely that stars James Maddison and Harvey Barnes will be leaving the King Power Stadium this summer.

Liverpool could be in the hunt to sign Nice midfielder Khephren Thuram this summer as they eye midfield reinforcements, according to journalist Ben Jacobs.

What's the latest transfer news involving Khephren Thuram?

According to L'Equipe via The Daily Mail, Liverpool are keen on signing Thuram as part of a midfield overhaul this summer by Jurgen Klopp at Anfield.

The report states that Nice will try to command around £52 million before letting the 22-year-old depart; nevertheless, the Reds are said to have already met with his representatives over a potential deal.

As per 90min, Thuram has already commented on transfer speculation linking him with a move to Liverpool, stating in an interview: "I want to progress, go on the field, have fun. For now, I'm in Nice. It's going very well. I really like the club, so I still see myself in Nice. I am very well in Nice. There are noises, I hear, but I'm happy in Nice. I hope to grow with this club. I would like him [Didier Digard, manager] to stay because he brought a lot to this group when it was in a difficult period."

Cited by the same outlet, Liverpool have already 'opened talks' with the France international alongside Borussia Monchengladbach ace Manu Kone, with several additions expected in midfield for the Reds in the off-season.

Speaking to Football FanCast, journalist Jacobs thinks that it may take a significant fee to prize Thuram away from the Allianz Riviera this summer.

Jacobs said: "Thuram, we're hearing links. I think that still has to develop a little bit before we can say that there's anything concrete there. The thing about Thuram, for any suitors really, is that I sense that there might be a deal to be had at a relatively strong value, because I think Nice have to sell. We're hearing figures being banded around of £55-60 million, I think it'll be more like £50 million or slightly under. That's my sense, that's my feeling and that might be of appeal to a Premier League club."

Would Khephren Thuram be a good signing for Liverpool?

Thuram has enjoyed an impressive campaign over in France and would add some fresh legs to a jaded Liverpool midfield in need of surgery this summer.

In 2022/23, the 22-year-old has made 48 appearances in all competitions, registering two goals and eight assists in total, as per Transfermarkt.

WhoScored also take into account that Thuram is comfortable in possession and has managed to maintain a pass success rate of 86.9% in Ligue 1 this term.

FBRef report that Thuram is also capable of driving forward from midfield and has successfully carried out 106 shot-creating actions this campaign.

In what is set to be an exciting next few months at Anfield, bringing in Thuram could help to get optimism flowing among Liverpool supporters ahead of 2023/24.

Tottenham Hotspur are happy to listen to any incoming bids for Ben Davies this summer, according to reports.

Is Ben Davies leaving Spurs?

The Welshman first arrived in N17 from Swansea City back in 2014 and has since gone on to make a total of 310 appearances to date, making him Ryan Mason’s third longest-serving player slightly behind Harry Kane and Hugo Lloris.

The Lilywhites left-back has been a regular feature in the Premier League this season, registering 25 starts and five substitute outings, as per WhoScored, but despite him still having another two years to run on his contract, his future is currently uncertain.

Daniel Levy is reportedly planning a major squad overhaul this summer alongside whoever his new permanent manager will be, and with the 30-year-old not getting any younger, it would appear that he could be one of the first to get the chop if the following update is to be believed.

Are Spurs selling Davies?

According to Football Insider, Tottenham will "listen to offers" for Davies this summer no matter which manager is in the dugout ahead of the 2023/24 campaign. Spurs "recognise" that they need a squad transformation of the "core" of the first-team given the disappointment of this season, and the defender is one of the players that the board are "likely" to cash in on should they receive an offer of £15m as per a "well-placed source".

Tottenham are certainly in desperate need of a clear out having failed to qualify for any kind of European football this season, so despite being a great servant under the various managers over the years, Davies departing during the upcoming window would be the right decision moving forward.

The Spurs veteran is currently ranked by WhoScored as Mason’s 13th worst defensive player where he’s averaging just 0.8 tackles per top-flight game having won only nine of the 25 he’s made since the start of the term, poor form which has seen him. recently described as “weak” in one-on-one situations by journalist Nacho Gonzalez.

Davies, who is a natural left-back, has also played as a centre-back on 27 occasions this season so can’t even establish himself as the manager’s first-choice option in his usual role, therefore highlighting that the club probably want to enter the market for a fresh face in that area, meaning that he would only be out of favour should he remain beyond the summer.