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This article is part of Football FanCast’s In Numbers series, which takes a statistical look at performances, season-long form and reported transfer targets…

Barcelona are seemingly preparing for another busy transfer window ahead of them.

According to Mundo Deportivo, the Catalan giants are still attentive on Chelsea’s 31-year-old star, Willian, and they see him as suitable incorporation in the not so distant future.

Of course, the Brazilian’s contract with the Blues is slowly but surely running out, and that could give the Blaugrana a chance to secure his services on a discount or completely for free, depending on the timing of their potential deal.

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But even though the sheer idea of Willian’s arrival to Catalonia has many fans in disbelief – seeing how they seem pretty adamant in actually not getting the winger into their club – the Brazilian is still more than capable of bringing quite a lot to his potential new home.

He is not really young for a footballer anymore, granted, but that doesn’t really take anything away from the fact that he is still a major part of Frank Lampard’s current team and could bring that edge over to Barcelona as well.

So far, he has played a total of 15 games for the Blues in the 2019/20 season across all competitions and has managed to bag three goals and three assists in 1088 minutes of game time.

But despite being a good goalscorer, rattling the net is not nearly the only thing he does on the pitch.

Willian is a threat for the opposition’s goal, for sure, and his tally of 2.3 shots, 1.6 key passes and 1.5 dribbles per game can surely attest to that.

He is also quite a capable passer of the ball with an average accuracy of 83% and 36.4 passes per game in the Premier League as well, while he is also more than happy to track back and help his team defensively, too.

That aspect might be crucial for his potential arrival at the Camp Nou, considering Barcelona are all about keeping possession and outplaying their opponent.

Willian might not be a bet for the future but he can definitely still make a big impact right here and right now, and maybe that’s exactly what Ernesto Valverde’s troops need.

Someone who will give them a push in the present so they can calmly build for the future behind the scenes.

Not to mention that he would probably come cheap with his contract due to expire next summer.

This article is part of Football FanCast’s Opinion series, which provides analysis, insight and opinion on any issue within the beautiful game, from Paul Pogba’s haircuts to League Two relegation battles…

Tottenham Hotspur have targeted Luis Campos as a potential acquisition as their new Sporting Director, per Sky Sports.

The Lille Sporting Director is said to be willing to work with Jose Mourinho, the club’s new manager, and there are a number of reasons as to why Spurs fans and chairman Daniel Levy should be excited about his potential appointment.

Not only is he said to be a possible ally of Mourinho, but he is also a transfer guru.

During his time with Monaco, where he was technical director between 2013 and 2016, he unearthed a number of stars, and is attempting to do the same at Lille.

Football FanCast takes a look at five of his best signings.

Anthony Martial

Now a star at Manchester United, Martial was signed by Campos prior to the 2013/14 season.

The deal cost Monaco £4.5m and he went on to score 15 goals in 70 appearances prior to a massive £36m move to United.

The principality club subsequently turned a profit of £31.5m.

Fabinho

Now a Champions League winner at Liverpool, the Brazilian was initially signed on loan from Rio Ave at the age of 19 before the move was made permanent in 15/16 for just £5.4m.

Fabinho made over 230 appearances for Monaco, winning Ligue 1 in 2016/17, and sealed a £39m move to Anfield.

The profit? A cool £33.6m.

Bernardo Silva

Now dazzling Manchester City supporters at the Etihad Stadium, Silva was snapped up by Campos and Monaco for £14.1m from Benfica when he was just 20.

He made close to 150 appearances for the French club, scoring 28 goals and registering 19 assists.

City paid £43m to extricate him from Ligue 1, leaving Monaco with a profit of £28.9m.

Thomas Lemar

Lemar joined Monaco as a teenager in a £3.6m deal from SM Caen.

The France international made 127 appearances for the club, scoring 22 goals and registering 33 assists in all competitions.

Atletico Madrid subsequently paid £52.7m to take him to Spain, leaving Campos with a profit of £49.1m, which is simply staggering.

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Nicolas Pepe

Now at Arsenal, Pepe was scooped up by Lille in 2017/18 for just £9m.

He scored 37 goals in 79 games for the French club before his massive move to the Gunners.

They paid a stunning £72m for his signature, leaving Lille with just the £63m profit.

Joe Gomez was selected to start at right-back for Liverpool in last night’s 1-1 draw at home to Napoli in the Champions League, with regular first choice Trent Alexander-Arnold named among the substitutes.

The 22-year-old ex-Charlton defender has chiefly played at centre-back whenever he has featured this season, although this was the third time he had played on the right during the 2019/20 campaign. [via TransferMarkt]

However, Gomez was substituted by Jurgen Klopp in the 57th minute with Liverpool a goal down and The Athletic reporter James Pearce tweeted that the defender looked “short of confidence”. [via @JamesPearceLFC]

Gomez did not find a team-mate with any of the five crosses that he attempted in the game against Napoli, while his performance drew unforgiving assessments from several reporters.

James Nalton of This Is Anfield wrote that he “didn’t look at all comfortable in the position” of right-back and “offered little in attack”, while Sky Sports’ Nick Wright felt that he did not offer as effective an attacking threat as Alexander-Arnold and said that he “did not provide defensive stability either, showing a lack of focus on several occasions”.

These Liverpool fans on Twitter believe that Klopp got it wrong by picking Gomez in a right-back role:

Do you think Gomez plays better at centre-back than on the right? Have your say by commenting below!

Sky Sports commentator Gary Weaver claimed that Liverpool have had scouts watch Ben White regularly this season, during a recent episode of the Sky Sports EFL Podcast.

What did he say?

According to Sky Sports, Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea have all been monitoring the Brighton & Hove Albion defender this season during his loan spell at Leeds United.

White has made 37 starts for Marcelo Bielsa’s side in the Championship this season, with his consistent performances attracting plenty of attention.

Liverpool are particularly interested, according to Weaver, who claimed that they have sent scout Andy O’Brien to watch almost every game White has played this season.

“I think Andy O’Brien, who’s a Liverpool scout, has watched almost every single game of Ben White,” Weaver told the Sky Sports EFL Podcast.

“He’s obviously at parent club Brighton, but the big teams are interested. He’s taken everything in his stride, and he’s a top, top-quality player.”

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Wanted man

It is no surprise to see how the interest in White has grown this season, with his technical and defensive qualities a real strength in his game.

White’s technical ability is perhaps what has attracted Premier League sides most, while at 22 years of age he has plenty of room to improve and develop.

As the Premier League rides the current conveyor belt into uncertain waters, many clubs, including clubs like Manchester United, are wondering how the current global crisis will affect their next transfer window.

For some, their financial worries will be of a much greater magnitude and could involve offloading players in order to make back some summer funds. Another option to help minimise costs would be to turn to the out-of-contract players who are set to depart their teams at the end of the campaign.

The Premier League has 57 free agents who have not been offered new contracts and Football FanCast has looked at three players who could fit the bill for Manchester United if buying big is not an option.

Ryan Fraser

A surprising name on the list of out-of-contract players this season is Ryan Fraser. The winger has enjoyed some impressive seasons with Bournemouth as of late – his 2018/19 campaign has been his most successful in red and black. The Scotsman tallied seven goals and 14 assists in the league, finishing with the second highest assist record that season, behind only Eden Hazard with 15.

According to the Daily Record, Man United were reportedly looking to sign Fraser in January before turning their attention to teammate Joshua King. With the summer transfer window looming, Bournemouth could regret not selling earlier this year as it looks likely Fraser will depart as a free agent.

United should use this opportunity to reopen their interest in the wide-man as they look to bolster their attack. Fraser would be a much cheaper and more sensible option than priority target Jadon Sancho who has a €140m (£123m) price tag (Per Bild, via Diario AS).

While football recovers from the current events, the Reds may have to opt for a smarter signing over a big money move.

Willian

Another former target of Man United’s could become available free of cost this summer. A 2018 report from Tuttosport via Manchester Evening News claimed that the two parties had agreed terms and Willian was set for a move to Old Trafford. The move of course didn’t come to fruition but the Brazilian could be playing out his seventh and final year with the Blues.

United have been linked to some top talent over the last few months, with Sancho and Timo Werner taking the front of stage. However, even if clubs weren’t suffering with monetary struggles right now, there was never a guarantee the two Bundesliga players would arrive in England and immediately recreate their fine form.

The Reds could instead look to sign a Premier League-proven forward who has won five trophies with Chelsea, including two league titles. Willian also boasts 59 goals and 59 assists in blue, as well as five goals and five assists this campaign. The addition of the 31-year-old and his ability to play on both wings as well as in an attacking midfield role could really bolster United’s attack, at the expense of just his wages.

Many will remember Xabi Alonso tearing it up for Real Madrid and Spain, but it was with Liverpool where he first made himself known to a wider audience.

The Reds signed the midfielder in 2004 for £10.5m. From that point, he would go on to make 210 appearances in all competitions for the Anfield outfit, racking up 18 goals and nine assists during that time. Not only that, he started the match against AC Milan in the 2005 Champions League final, scoring as the Merseyside club won on penalties.

Now retired from football, there has been a report linking him to Manchester City, with him being touted to replace Mikel Arteta as part of Pep Guardiola’s backroom staff. This news has been shared on the Empire of the Kop Twitter page, and it is fair to say it has not gone down too well with Liverpool supporters.

They have taken to the social media platform to share their thoughts, and you can see some of the best comments below.

Let us know what you think!

Newcastle United’s prospective takeover by a Saudi Arabian-backed consortium has not been without some silly and outrageous rumours given their likely wealth.

They’ve been linked with superstars such as Gareth Bale, Kalidou Koulibaly and Edinson Cavani but now that has moved into the realms of management.

Mauricio Pochettino was previously reported to be the new owners’ number one choice to replace Steve Bruce but news from Spain has linked the Magpies with Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane.

According to Defensa Central, Newcastle will offer the Frenchman a ‘gargantuan’ offer to take charge at St James’ Park.

While it remains to be seen how accurate this claim is, it would certainly be a massive coup by the northeast giants considering Zidane has won three successive Champions League trophies as well as a La Liga title.

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Much of the Magpies faithful have been reacting to the news on social media and it’s fair to say many are torn over it.

Here’s what has been said…

AND in other news, Paul Smith delivers PL claim amid Newcastle takeover…

When you’ve got a striker like Harry Kane, convincing someone to join Tottenham as his number two is an incredibly difficult job.

And based on the latest comments from the agent of Lille forward Victor Osimhen, it’s an issue Spurs are going to run into this summer too.

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Speaking to Nigerian publication The Cable, Osimhen’s agent said (as quoted by The Evening Standard): “We told Mourinho that if he wants Victor, will Harry Kane be leaving?

“If Kane is still playing for Tottenham will Victor play? Because he will always be benched for him. Kane is their number one striker and he is the captain of England. All of these will always work for him in the club but at Victor’s detriment. He needs a club where he will always play full game week in, week out. Not to be kept on the bench.”

And after hearing what he had to say, Spurs fans took to Twitter to share their reactions.

Some Spurs fans slammed Osimhen and his agent for his poor mentality, and suggested that if he isn’t willing to fight for his place at the club, then they wouldn’t want him to join.

One fan in particular insisted that Osimhen is exactly what they need, and pointed to his pace and movement as attributes that “would trump Kane”.

With 18 goals in 38 games, Osimhen has certainly proven he’s got the potential to be a more than worthy back-up to Kane at Spurs.

But as his agent alludes to, convincing players they will be nothing more than second fiddle to the England international means the north Londoners may have to settle for a quality of striker below what they would ideally want.

Tottenham Hotspur have been handed a major boost after Jan Vertonghen agreed to extend his contract until the end of the 2019/2020 Premier League season.

Jose Mourinho told Sky Sports last week that Spurs had been unable to reach an agreement with Vertonghen’s representatives so far, and he didn’t feature against Manchester United on Friday.

Football Insider revealed the veteran has received two rival offers, but Tottenham have confirmed he has signed an extension, which means he will be able to play for the remainder of the season.

As it stands, this latest update could benefit Japhet Tanganga.

Vertonghen was a firm favourite of Mauricio Pochettino, starring in over 200 games for the Argentine, but he has fallen out of favour with Pochettino’s successor.

Nevertheless, the Belgian has stayed defiant, playing 19 Premier League games this season, winning 2.1 tackles per game, averaging 1.6 interceptions and completing 5 clearances on average (via WhoScored).

Meanwhile, Tanganga has been one of the few success stories in a difficult season for the club. The 21-year-old has played in a variety of different positions across the back line and impressed Mourinho during his debut against Liverpool.

Unfortunately, the Englishman was ruled out of Tottenham’s restart with a back injury, and no date has been set for his return.

Although Tanganga will likely save the club several millions in the future, he is still at an early stage in his career.

Tottenham may benefit from Vertonghen’s experience, as he could offer counsel to the youngster while he works on his recovery from this latest setback.

Furthermore, the Belgium international could share some of the workload if Tanganga returns before the end of the season.

Moreover, Mourinho picked a back four consisting of Serge Aurier, Davinson Sanchez, Eric Dier and Ben Davies in the draw with Manchester United (BBC).

Therefore, the veteran may drafted in to provide cover for some of his teammates if an opportunity arises, as it is unlikely he will play in every game anyway.

Spurs next face West Ham on Tuesday, knowing they must beat David Moyes’ side in order to keep their chances of qualifying for Champions League football alive.

Tottenham fans, do you think Daniel Levy should let Jan Vertonghen leave? Let us know down below!

Liverpool may be one of the most successful teams in the world over the past two seasons, but they haven’t spent all that much as of late.Indeed, the only players the Reds have shelled out a fee for over the past 12 months have been Takumi Minamino and Sepp van der Berg, but that may change this summer.The Premier League champions have been linked with a sensational move for Napoli’s 6 ft 5 centre half Kalidou Koulibaly, as reports in Italy have stated that his asking priced has dropped from €100m to between €70-80m.The idea of the Senegal international partnering Virgil van Dijk at the back is a mouth-watering prospect, after all, Koulibaly was named Serie A’s best defender last term, and he received the third-most Ballon d’Or votes amongst any centre-backs in 2019, sitting only behind van Dijk and Mathijs de Ligt.However, despite the Napoli star possessing such pedigree, a number of fans were against the idea of signing him this summer, and you can understand why.Koulibaly may be fantastic, but he turns 30 next year, and such a hefty outlay for a side with the best defensive record in the division seems a little unnecessary.Van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip have proven to be a brilliant options at the back this season for Jurgen Klopp’s side, conceding just 26 league goals in 34 games, and due to this fact, some supporters believe that Koulibaly would be an unnecessary signing.

Other supporters weren’t happy with the fact the club are reportedly looking to spend such a hefty fee on the defender after reportedly being hesitant to make a move for Thiago who would apparently only cost them €33.5m (£30m).

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These supporters certainly have a point, the Reds’ defence is the best in the division, and it doesn’t really need bolstering, especially when Koulibaly will cost them at least double what Thiago is reportedly available for.