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[ad_pod ]Tottenham Hotspur confirmed that left winger Georges-Kevin N’Koudou had joined AS Monaco on loan for the remainder of the season on Thursday, via a tweet from their official account.

What’s the word?

N’Koudou has struggled for minutes since joining Spurs in 2016Âand spent a portion of last season on loan at Burnley.

Despite being given a chance by Mauricio Pochettino in recent weeks – N’Koudou played against Fulham and Crystal Palace, as well as against West Ham United in October of last year – the Frenchman will now head back to Ligue 1.

Pl>ymaker FC’s Matchday with Max caught up with Jamaica’s women’s team. See what happened when he met the history makers in the video below…

Spurs signed the 23-year-old from Marseille, as per the BBC, but he has struggled to stamp his authority on the left flank and remains behind Son Heung-Min in the pecking order.

He will now spend the second half of this season in France, with Monaco looking to turn around a season that has threatened to implode; the club are currently second-from-bottom in Ligue 1.

Son set for burnout?

Spurs now have a very weak looking left-hand side.

Son Heung-Min has returned from the Asian Cup but he cannot do it all on his own.

Christian Eriksen has the ability to play on the left flank but it seems as though Pochettino is betting on The South Korea international remaining fit for the remainder of the season.

It is a bold strategy, given some of the injury issues Pochettino has had to deal with already this term.

Southampton have joined a clutch of Premier League teams in the race to sign FC Koln defender Timo Hubers this summer.

The Lowdown: Hubers’ career so far

In 2015, the 25-year-old left the Hannover 96 under-19s to join FC Koln II, before returning to Hannover the following year. The 6 foot 2 defender played five seasons for Die Roten before rejoining Koln, but this time for the latter’s first team.

Hubers has made 15 appearances in the Bundesliga this season and has left a great impression on Steffen Baumgart’s defence. As a result, WhoScored have ranked him as Koln’s best player this season, having averaged a 7.13 rating.

However, at the end of the season, Hubers will enter into the final 12 months of his current contract.

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The Latest: Saints interested in Hubers

According to the Daily Mail, Newcastle, Leeds and Crystal Palace are all understood to be closely tracking the 25-year-old centre-back, whilst West Ham, Southampton and Championship promotion favourites Fulham are also monitoring his situation.

It is said that the Hammers and the Saints are likely to prioritise bringing in a centre-back during the summer transfer window, with Hubers set to command a £6m fee.

The Verdict: Good for rotation…or maybe more

The central defenders currently at Ralph Hasenhuttl’s disposal are Mohammed Salisu, Jan Bednarek, Jack Stephens and Lyanco. Furthermore, the Saints also have Dynel Simeu, who joined from Chelsea last summer, and his loan deal with Carlisle United is set to expire at the end of May.

However, with Lyanco and Stephens only featuring sporadically this season and with another loan deal potentially in the offing for Simeu, Southampton may well be looking to reshuffle their options at the back in search of more first-team quality.

Therefore, the addition of Hubers could provide Hasenhuttl with a stronger option for rotation – or possibly an immediate first-team starter, with the 25-year-old reportedly tailor-made for the Saints manager’s preference for playing the ball out from the back.

In other news: Dan Sheldon has criticised one Saints player during the 1-1 draw at Leeds

Aston Villa have seen numerous players leave the Midlands club over the past few years such as Jack Grealish, Ally Samatta and Bjorn Engels among many others.

With the upcoming summer transfer window on the horizon, it seems as though the Villans could be set to wave goodbye to another one of their players.

According to a recent report from Italy (via Sport Witness) Serie A club are still interested in signing Douglas Luiz in the summer after previously being linked with the Brazilian.

Should the former Manchester City midfielder call an end to his time with the Villans in the summer, this may not be a big disaster for Steven Gerrard as he already has a potential replacement for Luiz.

Signed during the previous summer transfer window from fellow Midlands club West Bromwich Albion, 18-year-old midfielder Tim Iroegbunam has made 19 appearances for Villa’s U23 side.

In those appearances, the Englishman has scored one goal and provided one assist in the process.

Since December, the teenager has been involved in Villa’s senior matchday squads, making his Premier League debut during their 2-0 win over Brighton & Hove Albion back in February.

This shows that he is on the fringes of becoming a fairly regular first-team player for the Villans and is trusted by Gerrard to be in and amongst the senior squad.

Labelled as a “super impressive” person by Michael Beale as well as a “top young footballer” who has a “very bright future ahead” of him, the 18-year-old could find his pathway to regular senior minutes at Villa Park made clearer should Luiz find himself on the move in the summer.

Even though the Midlands club have not been shy when it comes to spending money on bringing new players to the club over the past few years, giving Iroegbunam the chance to show what he’s capable of in Luiz’s potential absence could be the way forward and save them millions.

Having done this with Jacob Ramsey, who has now scored six goals in 28 league appearances this season after working his way through the youth ranks, the club know what benefits can arise from giving young players the chance to shine on the main stage.

In other news: £8.1m down the drain: Sherwood’s “menacing” £28k-p/w flop rinsed AVFC dry for 523 days

Everton gained a vital three points in their fight to avoid relegation by beating Manchester United 1-0 at home in the Premier League at lunchtime.

Anthony Gordon grabbed the only goal of the game with a deflected effort in the first half, as some of the players really huffed and puffed to get the result that they needed.

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As such, some Toffees struggled at times individually, as The Transfer Tavern have now used statistical experts SofaScore to analyse who the three worst performers (to have played at least 45 minutes) were for the hosts on the day – could any of these players be worried about their places in the XI going forward?

Allan

Given a 6.8 overall rating, Allan ranked as the Goodison Park faithful’s third-worst player.

The Brazilian lost out on five of his duels, and failed to record any clearances, interceptions or key passes, losing possession 13 times.

Allan was also dribbled past three times, the most out of any Blues player on the pitch.

Alex Iwobi

This one feels mightily harsh given the energy and commitment that he showed in the match, but Iwobi was only given a 6.7 rating.

Playing as a makeshift central midfielder, the Nigeria international lost four duels, was dribbled past once, and also failed to record a single shot on goal, accurate cross or long ball, giving it away 15 times in total.

Iwobi’s day is perhaps the quintessential evidence that the statistics don’t always back up what we see on the pitch.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin

Calvert-Lewin ranked as the worst performer for the Merseyside club after being given a 6.6 rating.

The striker lost a mammoth 12 duels, and never managed a shot on goal or key pass, as he was also dribbled past once and lost possession 14 times.

With no goal since the opening month of the season, the England international is surely running out of time to show Frank Lampard he is the man to lead the line long-term.

In other news, find out whose display Adam Jones hailed here!

BBC journalist David Burns has now shared an interesting Tottenham Hotspur transfer update as their ‘scouting guru’ David Pleat is spotted on a Monday mission.

The Lowdown: Lilywhites eye Championship stars…

Over the last few months, there have been no shortage of links to some of the second tier’s most promising young stars.

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Indeed, the likes of Ronnie Edwards (Peterborough) and Nottingham Forest defender Djed Spence, currently on loan there from Middlesbrough, have been repeatedly mentioned as Spurs targets for the summer.

Lilywhites transfer chief Fabio Paratici and manager Antonio Conte are seemingly leaving no stone unturned as they scour the market for fresh additions at N17.

Keane Lewis-Potter, who was subject to a possible bid from Spurs in the January transfer window, is another head-turning young name on their radar.

Tottenham, and by extension Conte, are believed to still be eyeing the forward past their winter links (The Mail), with Burns now sharing another update on their interest.

The Latest: Burns shares Lewis-Potter update involving Pleat…

It appears that Tottenham are firmly keeping watch over Lewis-Potter with the BBC Radio Humberside reporter claiming their ‘scouting guru’ Pleat was running the rule over him on Monday as Hull faced off against Millwall.

As well as the 21-year-old, Burns suspects that Tigers centre-back Jacob Greaves was also being monitored by Pleat and Spurs.

“Very interested to see David Pleat, Spurs scouting guru, coming into the ground,” he explained (via Twitter).

“He’s watching KLP and I suspect Greaves.”

The Verdict: Take it further?

Reportedly worth around £20 million, Lewis-Potter could require significant investment on part of Paratici and chairman Daniel Levy.

However, still very young and homegrown, the Englishman has also been a real mainstay under head coach Shota Arveladze over 2021/2022 – even notching the most goals and assists (9G, 3A) combined for Hull in the Championship (WhoScored).

Averaging more shots at goal per 90 than any Tigers ace in that time (2.2), it’s clear Lewis-Potter is a proven threat, with his rapid progress in a tough division elevating the starlet’s value.

As Paratici and co reportedly eye around five major signings for Conte in the summer, it will be interesting to see whether Tottenham take more concrete action over the winger who former manager Grant McCann called ‘special’.

In other news: Conte personally approves ‘monster’ player move as Tottenham take pre-summer action, find out more here.

Sky Sports News’ Dharmesh Sheth says that Aston Villa are negotiating with West Ham United over a potential deal for goalkeeper Darren Randolph. 

The lowdown

The Athletic’s Gregg Evans reported on Friday, following confirmation that a loan deal had been agreed for Barcelona’s Philippe Coutinho, that Villa also wanted to sign a goalkeeper in January.

Randolph,  who is currently third choice at West Ham behind Lukasz Fabianski and Alphonse Areola, appears to be a primary target. The 34-year-old has 18 months left on his £42,000-per-week contract and is valued at £900,000 by Transfermarkt.

A move to Villa Park would see him provide further competition and cover for incumbent first-choice Emiliano Martinez, the club’s Player of the Season for 2020/21.

The latest

Speaking live on The Transfer Show on Sky Sports [via Football Daily], Sheth revealed that discussions were underway between the two clubs. He added that the prospective signing of Randolph could trigger the departure of current Villa deputy Jed Steer.

The journalist outlined: “We’re told they’re in talks to sign the West Ham United goalkeeper Darren Randolph. If a deal can be struck between Aston Villa and West Ham United, then Villa could allow their second choice keeper Jed Steer to move on loan so that he can get more regular first team football.”

The verdict

Randolph may be well down the pecking order at West Ham, but he is a solid goalkeeper with plenty of experience, including 34 Premier League games to Steer’s three. He also enjoyed a lengthy stint as Republic of Ireland’s number one, a post he held during Euro 2016, and he has racked up half a century of caps overall (via Transfermarkt).

He’d arrive with the endorsement of former Villa and Ireland boss Martin O’Neill, who called him a ‘very fine’ goalkeeper after an ‘excellent’ performance in a 2017 World Cup play-off clash against Denmark.

Furthermore, Ryan Shotton, a team-mate of Randolph’s at Middlesbrough, dubbed him ‘unbelievable’ and capable of making ‘ridiculous’ saves’.

As backups to Martinez go, Villa would do an awful lot worse than bringing in the Irish veteran from West Ham.

In other news, Villa are also in talks over this potential signing

Newcastle United all but ensured safety in the Premier League for another season with a 1-0 win at home to Crystal Palace on Wednesday night.

A fine goal from Miguel Almiron in the first half sealed the points at St. James’ Park, but it was not always plain-sailing for Eddie Howe’s team, who gave up the majority of the possession to the visitors, and also faced ten shots at their goal (SofaScore) as the hosts retreated in the second half.

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The Transfer Tavern have used statistical experts SofaScore to now analyse who the three worst performers (to have played at least 45 minutes) were for the hosts on the night, perhaps now looking over their shoulders regarding their long-term futures in Howe’s first choice XI…

Jonjo Shelvey

Given a 6.7 overall rating, Shelvey ranked as the North East club’s third-worst player.

The central midfielder lost out on two of his duels, and also failed to record a single shot on goal, dribble, clearance, interception or key pass, making one foul and giving the ball away nine times in total.

Joelinton

Admittedly tied with Chris Wood in terms of rating (6.5), Joelinton ranks in second here having helped keep the clean sheet as a midfielder.

However, the Brazilian lost a total of six individual duels, and was off target with all three of his shots, while he also never managed a tackle, committed two fouls and lost possession on nine separate occasions.

Chris Wood

With a 6.5 rating, Wood ranked as the Tyneside outfit’s worst performer.

The striker was unsuccessful in seven duels, and never managed a shot, successful dribble or key pass, amassing just 34 touches of the ball in total and giving it away with 15 of those.

He also missed a huge chance in the first-half only to be spared by the offside flag.

In other news, find out which ‘outstanding’ target NUFC are now set to ‘miss out’ on here!

An update has emerged on Newcastle United and their interest in Fiorentina centre-back Nikola Milenkovic…

What’s the talk?

According to the Daily Mail, the Magpies are now plotting a move to sign the central defender to bolster their squad this month.

The report claims that it will take £32m for the Italian side to part ways with him, whilst Southampton’s Jan Bednarek is also mentioned as an option.

Vidic 2.0

Eddie Howe could find his own Nemanja Vidic in a deal to sign the Serbian colossus, as the Serie A beast has previously been compared to his compatriot.

In reaction to those comparisons, Milenkovic said: “It is magnificent to be compared to the likes of Vidic and I have to stay humble with both feet firmly on the ground.

“Vidic was one hell of a player while I am in the fledgeling stage of my career and hence I have to keep working hard in order to climb that mountain. Krstajic’s praise means so much because it’s an impetus to keep improving.”

Pol Lirola previously lauded the defender’s talents as “extraordinary” and his statistics in Italy back up that claim as he has consistently impressed.

In the Serie A this season, he has averaged a SofaScore rating of 7.13. He has won an excellent 71% of his duels overall in the division, making 3.1 tackles and interceptions per game along with 3.2 clearances – as per SofaScore.

This shows that he has the ability to perform consistently to a high standard at the top level. Therefore, he could improve Newcastle’s defence and hand them a greater chance of keeping clean sheets and picking up points in the Premier League, aiding their bid to avoid relegation.

At the age of 24, he also has plenty of time left to develop and progress further as a player. This means that he could fulfil his potential and become the new Vidic and end his career as a Premier League icon by delivering the goods over the course of a number of years at Newcastle.

Therefore, Howe must ensure that the club are able to match the £32m price tag Fiorentina have placed on his head to get a deal done in the coming days. The comparisons to Vidic and his performance data in the Serie A suggest that he could be a strong addition to the team and they must work hard to bring him to St. James’ Park.

AND in other news, Newcastle could get SJP rocking by signing “top class” £50m beast who has “everything”…

Celtic pundit Frank McAvennie believes the Hoops will sign a defender after a move for Matt O’Riley is finalised, Football Insider report.

The Lowdown: O’Riley move; another forward wanted

The Hoops have already made four signings in 2022 and are closing in on a fifth in O’Riley.

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The MK Dons midfielder has passed a Celtic medical and looks set to join in a deal worth £1.5m, with the Hoops pipping a number of clubs to the Englishman’s services.

A source recently informed Football Insider that Celtic also want two wide forwards before the end of the month, one of which is expected to be Jota, however, McAvennie thinks Ange Postecoglou should now be looking at defensive reinforcements.

The Latest: McAvennie comments

McAvennie was talking to Football Insider regarding the source’s claim on new attackers.

He urged Postecoglou to look at the club’s defensive ranks and backed the Hoops manager to bring in a defender before the month is out.

“Strikers are great, I just think we’re a bit short at the back.

“Jullien isn’t back from his injury yet and even when he’s back it will take a while for him to get back up to speed.

“If he’s going to be missing, I would like to see the club go out and bring in another centre-back.

“I think the manager is clever enough to know that’s what he needs so, yeah, I think that will happen soon.

“We have such a talented attack and midfield now. I would just like to see a little bit more quality and depth in the defence.

“Take nothing away from Starfelt and Carter-Vickers, I thought they were both good against Hibs.

“But we are one injury away from the defence being a little bit shaky, in my opinion.”

The Verdict: Left-back?

Should Celtic make Cameron Carter-Vickers’ loan move permanent and keep hold of Stephen Welsh, then they will have more than enough when it comes to centre-backs options.

However, if Adam Montgomery leaves on loan, as expected, and Boli Bolingoli finds a new club, then the Hoops could do with a new left-back.

Greg Taylor would be the only recognised left-back remaining if Montgomery and Bolingoli depart, and although Josip Juranovic can provide cover from right-back a new left-back to rival Taylor could be a shrewd move.

In other news: ‘Wolves are…’ – Journalist makes big claim with Celtic gem now wanted at Molineux. 

A significant Rangers transfer update has emerged regarding Scott Arfield’s future at Ibrox… 

What’s the talk?

According to the Daily Mail, Turkish duo Hatayspor and Alanyaspor are both in talks over a deal to sign the midfielder this month.

The report claims that negotiations are ongoing between all parties, with both Turkish clubs willing to offer a small fee to the Gers instead of him leaving on a free transfer in the summer once his contract expires.

Fans will be delighted

Rangers fans will surely be delighted with this news, as it offers the club the perfect opportunity to part ways with the veteran midfielder.

Whilst Arfield is a useful player to call upon, he is out of contract in the summer and the Gers now have two clubs willing to offer fees to sign him this month. This could increase Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s own spending power to go out and add further players to his own squad, without majorly weakening his preferred XI.

The Gers have already strengthened their options in the middle of the park this month. James Sands has arrived on an 18-month loan from New York City FC, and he could scoop up all the minutes that Arfield would accrue in the second half of the campaign.

Sands averaged a SofaScore rating of 6.91 and won 1.5 tackles per game in the MLS last year and could slot in as one of the holding midfield players at Ibrox. This would then free up Aribo or Glen Kamara to play further forward in Arfield’s role, or it could allow someone like Ianis Hagi to get minutes in the number 10 berth.

This season, the Canada international has produced only two goals in 13 league games for the club, averaging a SofaScore rating of 6.78. In that time, he has missed a whopping five ‘big chances’ to score and only created 0.6 chances per game, whilst also losing 65% of his duels, suggesting that the time is right for him to be moved on as his performances have left plenty to be desired.

Therefore, Rangers fans may well be buzzing with the interest in Arfield, along with the news that negotiations are ongoing over a potential deal for him to leave this month. His exit in January would avoid the club missing out on a transfer fee if he left for nothing at the end of the season, and it appears to be the best possible solution for parties involved.

AND in other news, Bye-bye Hagi: Rangers could find new creative maestro in £1.2m-rated gem with 31 G/A…