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Tottenham Hotspur are keen to sign AS Roma star Patrik Schick, according to Gazzetta Dello Sport. 

Spurs, Everton and Newcastle United are all interested in signing Schick, who has spent the past season on loan at RB Leipzig.

Schick joined die Roten Bullen on a loan-to-buy deal last summer.

He initially struggled at his parent club, as he only scored 8 goals in 58 appearances for Roma, but has gone on to hit new heights with Leipzig.

Jose Mourinho is desperate to find a backup for Spurs talisman Harry Kane, as the England international hasn’t played a Premier League game since New Year’s Day.

As it stands, this latest development could be bad news for Troy Parrott.

After arriving at the Red Bull Arena in 2019, Schick has been in sensational form for the Bundesliga challengers, bagging 10 goals and 2 assists in 20 games so far.

Moreover, the Czech Republic international has started four out of the last five games since the restart, scoring three goals in a row up until now.

While Leipzig had the chance to sign the forward in the summer, the clauses have now expired, and Spurs are now in a position to hold talks with the Giallorossi.

Meanwhile, Parrott has struggled for game time this season.

Mourinho has been unwilling to use the young Irishman at the time of writing, despite the fact he was the only recognised striker at the club during Kane’s absence.

Although the 18-year-old signed a new contract with Tottenham earlier this year, he has only played five minutes of league football this season (Transfermarkt).

Spurs recently revealed the teenager has undergone surgery to remove his appendix after scans indicated appendicitis, which has ruled him out of action for several weeks.

However, it is fair to say it is unlikely he was going to be a part of Mourinho’s plans anyway, as Harry Kane and Son Heung-min have both recovered from injury.

Nevertheless, the arrival of another striker could be the final nail in the coffin for Parrott.

For whatever reason, he has arguably failed to convince the Spurs boss to give him a chance anytime soon.

He needs to be playing regularly in order to develop as a player, and Schick could supplant him in the squad if he moves to north London in the summer.

Tottenham fans, do you think that Troy Parrott needs to go out on loan? Let us know below…

According to The Daily Mail, Newcastle are interested in Crystal Palace star Wilfried Zaha.

What’s the word?

The Ivory Coast international has long been linked with a move away from Selhurst Park, with reports last year suggesting that Arsenal were very much interested in luring him to the Emirates.

But, a move failed to materialise before the end of the deadline, leaving Zaha stuck with Palace. Now, The Daily Mail claim that the winger is primed for another summer of uncertainty, with the likes of Newcastle, Everton, Atletico Madrid and Bayern Munich all interested in securing his signature.

Can you name every one of the Magpies’ top goalscorers from the past 15 seasons? It’s a tricky one…

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The report further adds that Steve Bruce’s side in particular are “monitoring” the situation, “though any move would likely be dependent on their protracted takeover”.

Exciting

With Zaha’s ability to play on either flank and even through the middle, the Magpies could well have an incredibly exciting attack of the Ivorian, Allan Saint-Maximin and Miguel Almiron – the kind of fluid front three that could terrify most Premier League defences with their pace and directness.

In fact, Zaha’s Palace teammate James McArthur waxed lyrical about his abilities back in 2018, saying: “He is just unplayable at times and I wouldn’t like to be a defender playing against him. For us, he is a great asset when you can give someone the ball and he can run 40 yards with it.” Essentially, Zaha would bring a lot of the same characteristics that Saint-Maximin has in his locker.

In fact, his average of 4.5 dribbles per game in the Premier League this season is only bettered by two players: Wolves’ Adama Traore, and Saint-Maximin himself. Their abilities to play across the front-line could see them interchange positions, and make for the kind of modern forward-line used by the likes of Liverpool and Barcelona of yesteryear.

Zaha has been the standard-bearer at Palace for a number of years now, playing a whopping 359 games for the Eagles and scoring 57 times. Newcastle of course have had their own inspirational figure before in Hatem Ben Arfa, and the 27-year-old could bring that too.

Ben Arfa had his fair share of magic moments at St James’ Park, not least that wonderful solo goal against Bolton. Zaha is capable of similar magic, netting a beauty in Ivory Coast’s win over Russia. That ability to pick the ball up, drive forward but then deliver a superb finish is something the duo have shown in abundance. And so if Newcastle needed someone to be the final piece of their attacking jigsaw, then the Palace star could very well be that man.

Newcastle United’s prospective £300m takeover is fast-approaching into a third month of deliberations as the situation continues to rumble on – and on.But why is it?The Athletic’s George Caulkin has hinted that it’s down to the piracy issues surrounding the Saudi state. He tweeted the following on Tuesday afternoon…

This process has been a long and tiresome one for the Magpies faithful and it doesn’t appear to be easing up anytime soon.

Last week, the Guardian revealed the World Trade Organisation’s findings into beoutQ – the pirate TV service that’s thought to be holding up the deal.

They believe the Saudi government is behind the illegal streaming service, which broadcasts worldwide sporting events such as the Premier League.

Think you’re a big Magpies fan? Can you name these former players by looking at their careers? Go on, give it a go…

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Although it must be proven that any party involved in buying the northeast outfit is indeed involved in the aforementioned service. Something that is yet to be resolved.

There are also reports suggesting that the Middle Eastern country could attempt to purchase TV rights to the English top-flight, which should alleviate such matters.

AND in other news,ÂLee Ryder provides Charnley update amidst Newcastle takeover…

Newcastle United fans were already loving the idea of Mike Ashley departing the club after a 13-year spell at the helm, and their excitement has only increased tenfold after comments from the buying side involved in the takeover.

Stuck in isolation? Our mega footy quiz will cure any boredom…

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The Athletic’s George Caulkin relayed the remarks on a recent episode of ‘Pod on the Tyne’ this week (41m), he said:

“[Newcastle] are the last great uncut diamond in the PL. It just needs cutting and polishing. The diamond has been there all along but nobody has wanted to spend the time, effort, money to show that jewel in the best light.”

Amanda Staveley is heading the consortium that is in negotiations to take over the Magpies. Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund and Crown Prince Mohamed bin Salman is also involved as are the Reuben Brothers. The BBC believe the deal is worth approximately £300m.

Many supporters at St James’ Park have been drooling over the prospect of the above group taking charge of their club, even more so after their comments.

Here’s how they have been reacting to the information…

AND in other news, Newcastle’s prospective owners target new manager…

Romelu Lukaku is trying to convince Tottenham Hotspur star Jan Vertonghen to join him at Inter Milan, according to Gazzetta dello Sport via @RickSpur. 

Lukaku is attempting to persuade three of his Belgium international teammates to reunite with the striker at the San Siro Stadium this summer.

Dries Mertens is at the top of the list, but the former Manchester United forward is keen to bring Vertonghen to the Serie A to plug the gap in the Nerazzurri’s defence.

Antonio Conte’s side have let in 24 goals this season, joint with league leaders Juventus, although the Black and Blues have conceded 0.96 per match, which is fractionally higher than Maurizio Sarri’s team (FootyStats).

Ever since he arrived at White Hart Lane from Ajax for £11.25m all the way back in 2012, the 33-year-old has formed a formidable partnership with fellow veteran Toby Alderweireld, making more than 300 appearances for Spurs, scoring 14 goals and producing seven assists in all competitions.

Vertoghen became a firm favourite under Mauricio Pochettino, playing in over 200 games for the Argentine, and has starred in 19 matches in the Premier League this season, making 2.1 tackles per game, averaging 1.6 interceptions, and completing a staggering 5 clearances on average (WhoScored).

It is unlikely the interest will bother Jose Mourinho, as the Belgian defender’s contract is set to expire in June, and he is expected to look for an exit in the upcoming transfer window.

As expected, lots of Spurs fans have been discussing Vertonghen’s transfer update, with one supporter tweeting they “hate this” as it “breaks my heart,” in reference to the image used alongside the news of the defender looking sad and like a man accepting his time at the club is over.

Take a look at some of the mixed reactions down below…

Tottenham fans, do you think the board should allow Jan Vertonghen to leave in the summer? Let us know in the comments section!

It’s hard to ignore the impact Carlo Ancelotti has had on this Everton side in just four months.

A shell of the team they used to be, Marco Silva’s reign ended with the Merseyside outfit fighting a relegation battle. Now Everton are sitting nicely in 12th place, just six points behind sixth-place Wolves and a ticket into the Europa League looking more than attainable.

But the squad the Toffees are still faring is in need of some desperate refurbishment, and it’s likely Ancelotti will start with a summer overhaul.

Everton’s midfield appears to be their biggest cause for concern this season, particularly with players like Gylfi Sigurdsson and Tom Davies who have played 47 Premier League goals between them this term and tallied a measly combined two goals and two assists.

According to Football Insider, both Everton and Manchester United are linked to swoop for Aston Villa captain Jack Grealish, with the Toffees confident they can come up with a better offer than the Reds. Despite currently being valued at just £27.4million, both parties are looking to place a bid in excess of £50m for the 24-year-old this summer, with Spurs also willing to meet that price (via Daily Star).

Aston Villa are currently fighting a difficult relegation battle, with Grealish playing his part in trying to keep his side in the Premier League. The Englishman currently has seven goals and six assists this campaign, more than Everton’s entire midfield combined.

A young playmaker is exactly what the Toffees have been crying out for as they’ve struggled with woeful performances from Sigurdsson who – despite sporting the captain’s armband – has been the most disappointing.

His most recent outing against Chelsea will have been the final straw for a lot of Everton fans after the Icelandic international attempted no dribbles, no shots and no tackles.

Everton expert? Prove it by naming these obscure Toffees…

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The addition of Grealish would make a positive difference to Ancelotti’s team and judging by his stats this season, would add a much more potent threat from midfield that the Everton’s chiefs current options.

Aston Villa will be welcoming the news that two first-team players look set to return to action against Newcastle United on Monday night, and a number of fans have been reacting to the injury update on Twitter. 

Dean Smith’s men will be aiming to halt a run of three successive league defeats when they host the Magpies at Villa Park, and the West Midlands outfit will likely be doing so with the help of Jack Grealish and Bjorn Engels. 

Smith has revealed that both players are expected to be available, although he was a little cautious in outright declaring Grealish’s fitness with the midfielder narrowly missing out on previous fixtures, and The Athletic’s Gregg Evans has been sharing the news on Twitter.

These fans were certainly pleased to hear of the impending return of the duo…

Villa crumbled last time out against Wolves, with both the club’s captain and centre-back Engels absent from the squad. But some Villa fans are keen to see Smith retain his faith in Ezri Konsa, despite Engels’ availability…

West Ham United haven’t had the best start to the season. The east London club are currently 16th in the Premier League after 12 games, just five points clear of the drop-zone. 

It has led to speculation surrounding manager Manuel Pellegrini, and whether or not he is the correct man to take the Hammers forward this term, with the manager even feeling the need to respond directly to the uncertainty around his future.

Considering the amount of investment that West Ham put into their side during the summer – spending over £70m on signings such as Sebastien Haller (£36m), Pablo Fornals for (£27m) and Albian Ajeti (£7.8m) per Transfermarkt, the club would have expected to be in a much better position than they are at the moment.

In a recent podcast recorded by fans of the club, potential replacements for Pellegrini were mentioned. Among them was current Leeds United boss Marcelo Bielsa, who had previously been linked with the managerial role in east London before the club appointed Slaven Bilic back in 2015.

Here’s what Hammers fans had to say about the situation on Twitter:

West Ham fans, who would you like to see in charge at the London Stadium? Comment below…

Giovani Lo Celso scored his first goal for Tottenham Hotspur in Wednesday night’s 4-0 win over Red Star Belgrade in the Champions League.

A hip injury saw the summer arrival miss a lot of football earlier this season, but he has now featured in Tottenham’s last two Premier League matches and was given the nod from the start against Red Star.

Lo Celso made the breakthrough in the 34th minute of the match before a double from Son Heung-min and late Christian Eriksen strike saw Spurs record a four-goal success.

And it would be fair to say that the Tottenham fans were absolutely delighted with what they saw from the versatile attacker during his 86 minutes on the field.

According to WhoScored, the 23-year-old made five tackles, had three shots and boasted a pass success rate of 90% before being replaced by Oliver Skipp in the latter stages.

A selection of the Twitter reaction to his performance can be seen below:

So many incredible players have graced the England shirt over the years and also some not-so-incredible players and it’s the latter that we’re going to be focussing on today.

When some stars make their Three Lions debuts, it’s easy to predict that you’re going to see plenty more from them on the international stage and that often turns out to be the case.

However, there are also many that show enough form at club level to get into the England international set-up and make their promising bow, before falling off the face of the Earth.

But equally, you know with many England international debutants that this could well be the only time you see them with three lions on the shirt, whilst you wonder how the hell they got into the team.

So with Gareth Southgate’s men’s 1000th international match against Montenegro at Wembley on Thursday 14 November fast approaching, we’re going to look at 20 one-cap wonders you forgot ever had an England call-up…

Michael Ball

Like many on this list, former Manchester City left-back Michael Ball was called up by and received his one and only England cap under Sven-Goran Eriksson.

Ball’s big night came in an impressive 3-0 friendly victory over Spain at Villa Park in late February 2001 but he was clearly not cut out for the regular international stage and finished his career with Leicester City in 2012.

David Dunn

What? David Dunn played for England? That bloke who used to play in central midfield for Blackburn Rovers? Yes, Eriksson strikes again.

This time he was looking to shake up the squad following crashing out of the quarter-finals of the 2002 FIFA World Cup and Dunn’s only minutes with the three lions on his chest at senior level would come in the second half of a friendly draw with Portugal in September 2002.

Jon Flanagan

Copyright: MirrorPix

If you would have told a young Jon Flanagan when he made his England debut in the run-up to the 2014 World Cup that just five years later he would be struggling for game time in the Scottish Premiership and swamped in off-field controversy, he probably wouldn’t have believed you.

But his career has spiralled downwards after what appears likely to be his only ever Three Lions appearance and he’s got a lot of work to do if he wants to shake off the dreaded one-cap wonder tag.

Chris Kirkland

If ex-goalkeeper Chris Kirkland wasn’t good enough for Liverpool, he was never going to be good enough for the Three Lions and so it proved.

But this didn’t stop the former Wigan Athletic and Sheffield Wednesday shot-stopper from winning at least one cap, replacing Paul Robinson at half-time in the summer 2006 home friendly thrashing of Greece.

Matt Jarvis

Ex-winger Matt Jarvis is a one-cap wonder in every sense of the word and one of the many examples of players on this list who failed to live up to their potential.

The current 33-year-old free agent struggled after a big move from Wolverhampton Wanderers to West Ham United in 2012, just over a year after his Three Lions berth in a Wembley friendly against Ghana, and amid injuries faded away.

Carl Jenkinson

Copyright: MirrorPix

As Carl Jenkinson once again fights injuries at his new club Nottingham Forest in the Sky Bet Championship, the time he was considered the future of England’s right-back position seems like a very distant memory.

The Arsenal academy product was given 15 minutes by Roy Hodgson in a friendly defeat at Sweden in November 2012, replacing Glen Johnson in a match that’s remembered by most for Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s mesmerising 30-yard overhead kick.

John Ruddy

Perhaps bad luck is to blame for John Ruddy going down in the history books as an England one-cap wonder, after all, he was due to be in the squad for EURO 2012 before a broken finger ruled him out of the tournament.

His only taste of senior Three Lions football arrived a couple of months later in a friendly with Italy in Switzerland, keeping out the Italians for the whole second period.

Although, he could never fight his way back onto the pitch at international level amid of strong crop of shot-stoppers coming through the ranks at that time.

Ryan Shawcross

Copyright: MirrorPix

If you asked the percentage of football fans, we’re sure they’d claim Ryan Shawcross should never have been anywhere the England squad and some wouldn’t even remember that he ever was.

But the long-time Stoke City centre-back was too given his one and only international cap at the opening of the Friends Arena in Stockholm seven years ago, replacing another member of this list Steven Caulker in the 75th minute.

Jay Rodriguez

Copyright: MirrorPix

Jay Rodriguez’s tale is similar to that of Ruddy, oh how different his international career could have been had he not picked up an injury just before an international tournament he could have played in and just after his debut against Chile.

The then Southampton hitman was poised for Hodgson’s squad for Brazil 2014 before doing his ACL in the spring and hasn’t been able to return to the fold since and likely never will currently struggling for minutes at Burnley. There’s little to suggest he would have made it big on the international stage anyway though.

Jay Bothroyd

It’s hard to remember the fact that current Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo striker Jay Bothroyd ever played at the top level in England, let alone for the Three Lions – that’s Fabio Capello selection for you.

The 37-year-old spent most of his career either abroad or in the Football League and to be still playing in Japan at his age is some achievement but his England career was something of a flash in the pan, limited to a cameo at home to France in winter 2010.