According to a recent report from The Daily Mirror, Tottenham are interested in a summer move for attacker James Maddison. The 22-year-old currently plays his football at fellow Premier League outfit Leicester City and has done so since leaving Norwich City last summer, with his mightily impressive efforts for Claude Puel’s side seemingly attracting the interest of Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino. 

And that’s because a recent report from The Daily Mirror suggests that the North Londoners are eyeing up a possible move for the Englishman were Christian Eriksen to leave the club during the summer, and with that seeming an increasingly likely outcome, a summer pursuit for Maddison is a move Tottenham simply have to make.

The Breakdown

Ultimately, there is no denying just how influential and integral Eriksen has been in Spurs’ rise up the Premier League in the last few seasons, what with the 26-year-old regularly their go-to man in making things happen in the middle of the park.

In fact, the Denmark international has scored 62 goals and laid on 79 assists in just 257 matches for the North London outfit since his arrival from Ajax back in 2013, 45 goals and 60 assists of which have come in the Premier League in helping Spurs become one of the best teams in the country.

And with much influence again this time round, having scored six goals and laid on ten assists in all competitions, it’s plainly obvious just how big a loss his possible departure this summer would be for Tottenham – and with Spurs themselves reportedly fearing the worst in terms of Eriksen’s future (as per The Daily Mirror), a replacement this summer appears absolutely vital.

And in Leicester’s Maddison, he would represent the perfect heir to Eriksen at the Premier League title-chasers.

The 22-year-old may only have six months of Premier League football under his belt after his move to the King Power Stadium last summer, but in that time he has proven to be hugely adept at top-flight level, and very much someone who looks set to only get better the more football he plays.

And that’s because the Englishman, called up to Gareth Southgate’s senior squad at the rear end of last year, albeit he didn’t feature, has scored five goals and laid on four assists in 23 league appearances for the Foxes this term – only Jamie Vardy (seven) has netted more for the Midlanders so far this season.

And with undoubted quality in the final third of the field, be it from open play in picking a pass or indeed from set pieces, Maddison appears to have it all to go extremely far in the game – and under Pochettino’s guidance at Tottenham, he will surely flourish and only get better and better.

Yes, expecting him to fill Eriksen’s shoes immediately is something of a stretch, given the quality the Danish star possesses, but there is certainly a top player in Maddison who could well go on and emulate the 26-year-old at Spurs.

And that is why a summer raid for the £27 million-rated sensation (as per Transfermarkt) is exactly the move Tottenham must seek to make come the end of the season.

Tottenham fans… what do you think? Let us know!

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Crystal Palace are eyeing up a move for Montpellier right-back Ruben Aguilar, whilst Everton have also expressed an interest in signing the player as reported by Calciomercato.

What’s the word, then?

The Frenchman has excelled in defence for the Ligue 1 side this season, recording one goal and two assists in his 21 league appearances so far this season.

Aguilar’s impressive form has attracted the Eagles’ attention as well as the Toffees’, amid Seamus Coleman’s uninspiring season so far.

The full-back joined Montpellier from Auxerre in 2017 and has been a regular in defence ever since, whilst he has clearly done well as a result of the Premier League interest in him – he is yet to be capped at senior international level for France, however.

Palace planning for life after Aaron Wan-Bissaka?

The south London side have received plenty of interest in their rising star Wan-Bissaka, most notably from Manchester City, Chelsea and even Bundesliga leaders Borussia Dortmund, who are all chasing the £40m-rated full-back.

The England Under-21 international has been a phenomenon since breaking into the first-team at the start of last year, following an injury to first-choice right-back Joel Ward.

Wan-Bissaka is statistically the best tackler in Europe and has shown defensive ability beyond his 21 years since his first team debut.

His first few games in senior football saw him come up against the likes of Marcus Rashford, Eden Hazard and Christian Eriksen, but he handled them all admirably and convincingly before going on to be one of the Premier League’s standout players in the 2018/19 season so far.

Palace are also said to be keeping tabs on Chelsea star Reece James, who is currently on loan at Wigan, which suggests Palace are considering right-backs who could step in and replace Wan-Bissaka if an offer comes in that the Eagles cannot turn down.

He’s a popular figure at Selhurst Park, but right-backs are always expendable for the right price.

Antonio Valencia’s time is surely up at Manchester United.

After falling out of favour from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s progressive system, he must see himself staring at an exit from Old Trafford after a decade of service, over the course of which the Ecuadorian has performed a number of roles. Originally a winger, he even took up the legendary No.7 shirt at the Theatre of Dreams, though was pushed back into a full-back role not long after and now looks done at this level.

He was even linked with a late exit over the course of the January transfer window (as per the Sun) during which he reportedly snubbed moves to Newcastle United and Fulham.

The United captain’s hardly appeared under Solskjaer, with injuries and inconsistency plaguing his season and it’s time the Red Devils move on. We’ve seen just how important full-backs are to top-level teams these days and it’s time decision makers in Manchester splashed the cash to truly move on.

Valencia’s mistake-prone manner and drop in performance-level mean he’s not needed at United anymore, it’s simple.

So, with that in mind, we’ll look at THREE suitable replacements the club must consider.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka

A breakthrough star for Crystal Palace, Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s performances have attracted a lot of attention. He’s been a commendable part of their defence while showing promise going forward.

Wan-Bissaka only has one assist this season, yet his movement on the right-flank and ability to create chances is impressive. He’s helped Palace keep almost nine clean-sheets and possesses all the tools to succeed at Manchester United. Indeed, he’s got quite the future ahead of him.

Thomas Meunier

Meunier’s been a solid right-back for Paris-Saint German and shown fantastic capability going forward, while also maintaining his defensive duties well.

He’s scored three goals and assisted three in 16 appearances while helping them keep 8 clean-sheets. Meunier’s an asset for any attack-minded side and having voiced his liking for United, the Red Devils shouldn’t hesitate to sign him up.

Djibril Sidibe

Why not replace an experienced candidate with another one?

The World-Cup winning defender’s had a season to forget with Monaco, who are somehow struggling to survive relegation.

However, he wouldn’t hesitate if United came calling. Sidibe’s solid defensive knowledge along with his ability to go forward could help him fit in at United and help bring experience to their young defensive line.

West Bromwich Albion failed to secure any points at the Hawthorns last time out as they were beaten by Tony Pulis’ Middlesbrough.

The Baggies now find themselves seven points off the automatic promotion places, with Norwich City and Leeds United both sitting on 57 points at this moment in time.

Indeed, the Midlands club managed to secure the likes of Mason Holgate, Stefan Johansen, Jacob Murphy and Jefferson Montero during the January transfer window.

However, Murphy failed to impress in the Premier League and he wasn’t able to secure too many minutes before moving to the Hawthorns, so it remains to be seen as to whether he’ll have much of an impact from here on in.

Instead, the Baggies should have tried to sign Nottingham Forest’s Joe Lolley after being credited with an interest back in December of last year.

Lolley has been one of the standout performers in the Championship this season as he continues to play a monumental part at the City Ground, with eight goals and eight assists to his name at this moment in time. He has the ability to operate on either flank, as well as down the middle, so the Baggies could have secured themselves a potential replacement for Harvey Barnes, despite signing Johansen.

Indeed, the Englishman should arguably be playing in the Premier League after witnessing his quality performances in the current campaign. He would have slotted right into Darren Moore’s style, and his pace, dribbling and creativity would’ve worked wonders in behind the likes of Jay Rodriguez and Dwight Gayle.

It’s safe to say that the 26-year-old would’ve sent the Baggies towards the Premier League had he made the move to the Hawthorns, as he’s very similar to Harvey Barnes with the ability to score goals and provide.

West Brom fans – thoughts on whether you should have signed Lolley? 

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Tottenham Hotspur boss Mauricio Pochettino believes the club have been underestimated this season, per BBC Sport.

Spurs remain in the title race in the closing stages of the season, sitting third in the Premier League, five points behind Manchester City and Liverpool.

It would take a major effort for the club to win the league, of course, with it likely that they will have to win all of their games to have any chance.

Pochettino, though, believes that he and his players were written off before the season began, having gone through the summer transfer window without spending a penny on new players, while also being forced to play at Wembley for asecond successive season.

Per BBC, he said: “I think from the beginning of the season, no one believed in this team. People maybe had different thoughts about us.

“This team with no signings, with the stadium not ready… come on, it’s not an important team, it’s not a team that is going to be ready to fight.

“People underestimate a little bit, only I want to translate that. Of course, the people recognise our job now.

“They are giving us the praise or the recognition that we deserve.”

Spurs face Burnley this weekend before a run of games that will see them play Chelsea and Arsenal in back-to-back London derbies and Borussia Dortmund in the second leg of their Champions League Round of 16 tie. Pochettino’s men won the first leg 3-0 at Wembley.

But Arsenal fans believe that the Argentine should not be blowing his own horn, particularly given that he is yet to win a trophy at the club.

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Mauricio Pochettino has confirmed that Eric Dier is unlikely to start against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League.

The midfielder has missed the club’s last four Premier League outings and played a single minute in the 1-0 win over Newcastle United in February.

What’s the word?

Dier has struggled with injury throughout the 2018-19 season and has missed games with both appendicitis and tonsilitis.

Spurs have won just one of the last four games the England midfielder has missed, against Leicester City, and have lost to Burnley and Chelsea and drawn with Arsenal in the north London derby.

He could make the bench, however, with Pochettino confirming that he will be assessed before Tuesday’s second leg, with Spurs holding a 3-0 lead.

Harry Winks, too, could feature after missing the north London derby with a hip injury.

“We need to assess both,” Pochettino said, per Football.London.

“They are here because we still need one day more to assess if they can. Dier has been out for a while and maybe on the bench. Winks we need to see tomorrow.”

Pochettino has also confirmed that Dele Alli is nearing a return after suffering a thigh muscle strain against Fulham in January.

“Dele is close, we will see if it is possible for Saturday to be involved with the team against Southampton,” he added, per Football.London.

A timely boost

Spurs have missed genuine physicality in midfield, with performances against Chelsea and Arsenal lacking the bite needed in the centre of the pitch.

Dier coming back, particularly against Dortmund, would be a massive boost, especially with Victor Wanyama looking out of his depth against the Gunners.

Alli, too, could be back for the quarter-finals if Spurs progress and his unique skillset has not been effectively replaced since his injury.

Dier, Winks and Alli all returning to action could come at just the right time with the club looking to pull off a shock European triumph.

تأهل فريق أستون فيلا إلى دور الـ 16 من بطولة كأس رابطة الأندية الإنجليزية، عقب فوزه على بريستول سيتي، مساء اليوم بثلاثة أهداف دون رد.

سجل الهدف الأول للضيوف أنور الغازي في الدقيقة 11، قبل أن يضاعف زميله بيرتراند تراوري النتيجة بهدف ثانِ في الدقيقة 14، ليسجل في أولى مبارياته مع الفيلانز.

وشهدت الدقيقة 73 صناعة المصري محمود حسن تريزيجيه الهدف الثالث لـ أستون فيلا، بعد مشاركته كبديل في الدقيقة 70، حيث سجله زميله أولي واتكينز. أسيست تريزيجيه أمام بريستول

وشارك المدافع المصري أحمد المحمدي في المباراة كأساسي مع أستون فيلا، وخاض المباراة بأكملها.

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EFL pundit Dean Ashton believes that West Bromwich Albion are missing former loanee Harvey Barnes, in an exclusive interview with Football League World.

What’s the word, then?

Well, the Leicester City attacker scored nine goals and provided a further seven assists in 26 Championship appearances for the Baggies before being recalled by his parent club during the January transfer window.

His displays and contribution in the final third had helped the west Midlands outfit into automatic promotion contention, but successive defeats against fellow high-flying rivals Sheffield United and Leeds United – the latter a 4-0 thrashing – have left them seven points adrift of the top two.

Ashton believes the departure of the 21-year-old has played a big part, telling Football League World: “I thought at first they weren’t missing Harvey Barnes but the more you look at it the more you realise they are particularly at home when teams are going to sit back and make it difficult.

“He was tending to be the difference with the way he drifted in off the line and picked up positions and Darren Moore hasn’t been able to figure out a solution for that.”

Is he right?

It is probably a simplistic thing to say, but it seems apparent that West Brom don’t look the same without Barnes.

He was obviously a key player when it came to finding the net and creating chances for the likes of Jay Rodriguez and Dwight Gayle, and they haven’t quite been the same threat in the final third since even if they have beaten the likes of Stoke City and Aston Villa.

While the Baggies won’t give up with 11 matches left, it is looking increasingly likely that they will be contesting the play-offs come what May.

For an established manager coming into a new League, Unai Emery has had a fairly typical first season as of yet. He is trying to mould players into his philosophy, which takes time, as well as realising who just won’t fit ahead of next season.

One of those players, unfortunately, is Petr Cech. The 36-year-old has been a fantastic servant for Arsenal, but adapting to Emery’s ideologies has not been easy as although he has remarkable goalkeeping abilities, he is not very accomplished with the ball at his feet, which has meant he has struggled at times this season.

Just over a month ago, Cech announced he will be retiring at the end of the season and that he will call time on his phenomenal career. This obviously leaves the number two ‘keeper spot free for next season and it should be someone who can truly challenge Bernd Leno.

The Sun have reported Arsenal could move for out-of-favour Burnley ‘keeper Nick Pope. However, if they do not, here are two options they should consider…

Fernando Pacheco

This is a name which will not be renown in England, but it is certainly being banded about in Spain in high-regard.

Pacheco is Alaves’ number one, who are currently sixth in La Liga and his form is one of the reasons that the side find themselves at such a position in the division.

The 26-year-old is an athletic shot-stopper and adept with the ball at his feet. He has the exact qualities needed to play in Emery’s system and could certainly challenge Leno in the process.

Emiliano Martinez

Martinez was brought to Reading on loan from Arsenal by new boss Jose Manuel Gomes in January and he has started their past five games, in which the Royals have only lost once.

If he can continue his solid form for Reading and potentially help to push them out of the relegation zone, albeit a tough ask, he should certainly be considered for the number two spot next season and to put the pressure on Leno to deliver in his performances.

[ad_pod ]Ryan Mason is set to be in the dugout for the first ever football match to be held at Tottenham Hotspur’s new stadium, the club have confirmed.The former Spurs star will join Head of Player Development John McDermott on the sidelines as the club’s Under-18 side take on Southampton.Mason enjoyed something of a meteoric rise at Tottenham, making a total of 70 first-team appearances for the club, scoring four goals.He made his full first-team debut for the club in the north London derby against Arsenal at the age of 23, after spending a total of six years within the academy system.Mason left Spurs in 2016 and joined Hull City, though he was forced into retirement after an accidental clash with Chelsea defender Gary Cahill that left him with a fractured skull.

The ex-midfielder was something of a cult hero at Spurs and returned in a coaching capacity in April 2018.

Fans have unsurprisingly reacted with genuine delight at the news that he will be at the new stadium on March 24th.