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Antonio Conte may need to take Lucas Moura out of the team, football.london’s Alasdair Gold has claimed.

The lowdown

The Brazilian has started both matches since the 52-year-old took over from Nuno Espirito Santo last week. He scored in the 3-2 Europa Conference League win over Vitesse, but his impact was limited in Sunday’s goalless draw away to Everton.

In his 71 minutes on the pitch before being replaced by Giovani Lo Celso, he only attempted one shot, which was blocked, and created just one chance. Overall, he lost five of his nine ground duels against the Toffees (via SofaScore).

Former Spurs keeper Paul Robinson has recently hailed the application of the £80,000-per-week forward, insisting that he always gives ‘150%’.

The latest

Writing for football.london, Gold has identified a ‘problem’ with the shape used at Goodison Park, which relies on wing-backs to provide width. He said that it forces Son Heung-min and the opposite winger ‘into a congested area’ with Harry Kane.

As an alternative, the journalist suggested that Conte could switch to a front two of Son and Kane with a central playmaker in behind them.

“It would be harsh on Lucas, who is one the most determined and energetic players in the Spurs side, capable of creating attacking situations out of nothing,” Gold wrote.

“However, the Brazilian’s decision-making also lets him down during passing moves and against Everton, Tottenham’s moves sometimes floundered at his feet.”

He later added: “With Conte’s admiration for Skipp already in place and Hojbjerg being a leader in the team and a key figure, Lucas could end up being the fall guy and revert to being an impact sub and rotational starter as the games come thick and fast.”

The verdict

Could Lucas possibly find joy in another role? The Athletic’s Charlie Eccleshare suggested last week that he could potentially slot in at wing-back, just as Victor Moses did during Conte’s spell at Chelsea.

Eccleshare wrote that giving Lucas the space to ‘build up a head of steam’ could be a ‘frightening proposition’ for defenders if he doesn’t appear a perfect fit for the position. He could probably operate as part of a front two as well, given that he’s been used as a centre forward or second striker 61 times over the course of his career.

Therefore, while Gold’s reservations are understandable, there is enough to suggest that the 28-year-old might not need to be hastily jettisoned from Conte’s starting line-up.

In other news, here’s what Daniel Levy has promised to Conte

Inter Milan defender Stefan de Vrij is keen to talk to Tottenham ahead of a possible January window transfer, Football Insider report.

The Lowdown: De Vrij’s comments

De Vrij has been linked with a move to north London following Antonio Conte’s arrival in north London.

The Dutch centre-back, on £116,000-a-week, worked with Conte at Inter Milan for two years between 2019-2021, winning the Serie A title in Conte’s second season.

He made 66 Serie A appearances in those two campaigns and it seems as if he is keen on talking to Spurs chiefs ahead of a possible reunion with Conte.

The Latest: Source shares update

Football Insider shared a story on Monday morning after being informed by a source close to the situation.

They claimed that De Vrij is aware of Tottenham’s interest and is personally interested in talking to Spurs with a January move labelled as possible.

The Verdict: If it’s what Conte wants…

Conte has five senior centre-backs to choose from at this moment in time, however, he’s selected left-back Ben Davies alongside Eric Dier and Cristian Romero in his first two games in charge.

That’s meant no place for Davinson Sanchez, Japhet Tanganga or Joe Rodon, so if Conte wants a new centre-back in January, that’s what Spurs chiefs should give him.

All signs are pointing in a positive direction regarding a reunion between De Vrij and Conte, so it could be time for Daniel Levy to get the chequebook out and make the 29-year-old the first marquee signing of Conte’s era in charge.

In other news: ‘Complete and utter nonsense’ – 48 y/o fumes at ‘ridiculous’ thing Conte has done at Tottenham. 

Many Nottingham Forest fans have been slamming the performance of Gaetan Bong in their 0-0 draw at West Brom in the Championship on Friday night.

It was a spirited performance from the visitors to come away from The Hawthorns with a point, although they would have perhaps thought that they should have had all three when Albion midfielder Jayson Molumby was sent off in the 70th minute after getting his second yellow card of the night.

Nonetheless, while there were some impressive performances in a Forest shirt, Bong flattered to deceive, losing out on four of his duels and failing to record a single dribble, blocked shot, interception, key pass or accurate cross from the left wing-back position (SofaScore).

The former Brighton defender was also guilty of losing the ball 22 times in total, the second-most out of any of his teammates on the pitch (SofaScore).

Nottingham Forest fans on Bong display

These Nottingham Forest fans slammed Bong’s performance on Twitter, with one supporter going as far as to claim that the Cameroonian has been a ‘liability’:

“Gaetan Bong stresses me out!”

Credit: @leefarny

“Thought our attacking players were poor tonight. One of those days. Bong is the worst player I’ve ever seen for Forest.”

Credit: @Callum_shaw

“Bong’s so bad he makes Yates look like peak Zinedine Zidane!”

Credit: @Hatwell88

“Get Bong off the pitch, absolute liability”

Credit: @barkerc31

“Not being mean but watching Bong head a ball is painful”

Credit: @scarletone77

“Unreal just how poor Bong is”

Credit: @AbbottAshley

In other news, find out whose display against Luton was blasted by many Forest fans

After securing a win in their previous League One match at the weekend against Ipswich Town thanks to two late goals from Luke O’Nien and Aiden McGeady, Sunderland are back in action once again with an away clash against Shrewsbury Town this evening.

On the chalkboard

In terms of which players Black Cats manager Lee Johnson could select to be a part of his starting XI on this occasion, one player that featured in the win at Ipswich that should not be in the starting XI this evening is Nathan Broadhead.

Before being replaced at the 80-minute mark last weekend, Broadhead had just 29 touches of the ball, fewer than goalkeeper Ron-Thorben Hoffmann who had 33 touches.

In those 29 touches, Broadhead only managed to make 11 passes with no crosses, key passes or even a shot at goal.

The 23-year-old also failed to complete any of the three dribbles he attempted, ultimately earning himself a rather uninspiring overall match rating of 6.3/10, making him one of Sunderland’s lowest-rated players on the day according to SofaScore.

Despite playing out of his normal centre-forward position against Ipswich where he played in the left-midfield position, it could be in Sunderland’s best interest if Johnson takes him out of the starting XI for the match against Shrewsbury and potentially bring him on as a second-half substitute if they need another attacking option on the pitch depending on what the scoreline is.

Since joining the Wearside club on a loan deal from Premier League side Everton back in August, the Englishman, who has been described as a “unique” player by Johnson, has started just two of the nine league appearances he’s made and has failed to score a goal or provide an assist in the league but has managed to score once for the club in their 2-0 win over Wigan Athletic in the Carabao Cup back in September.

Taking into account his rather unimpressive performance against Ipswich and his lack of goal contributions in the league so far this season, it could cost Sunderland dearly if they start Broadhead and he isn’t able to secure them a win given how the team are five points off the top of the league table.

In other news: McGeady returns, £2.9K-p/w star axed in 2 changes: Predicted Sunderland starting XI – opinion

West Ham United have been dealt a late fitness concern ahead of their upcoming Premier League clash.

What’s the latest?

Speaking in his pre-match press conference, David Moyes revealed that, after missing the midweek draw with Brighton & Hove Albion as a result of a back injury picked up against Manchester City, Aaron Cresswell resumed light training on Friday ahead of the London derby against Chelsea.

However, the 58-year-old went on to state that the left-back would be assessed this morning to determine whether or not he is fit to play a part against the Blues, with the Hammers boss stating: “Aaron Cresswell is back in training, he’s done a bit of light training, so we’ll have a look at that.”

Moyes will be gutted

Considering just how impressive Cresswell has been for West Ham so far this season, should the defender not be deemed fit enough for the crunch match against Chelsea this afternoon, Moyes would undoubtedly be gutted.

Indeed, over his 13 Premier League appearances so far this season, the £4.5m-rated man has helped his side keep three clean sheets, scored one goal and registered one assist, as well as making an average of 1.2 key passes, 0.9 interceptions, 1.1 tackles and winning 3.2 duels per game.

These returns have seen the former England international average a rather remarkable SofaScore match rating of 7.15, ranking him as the Hammers’ fourth-best performer in the top flight.

As such, once again being without the defender, particularly in a fixture which could result in West Ham being completely cut adrift from the top three, would undoubtedly come as a huge blow to David Moyes and his side, who can send a clear message to the rest of the league that they really are a serious Champions League contender with a win against the current table-toppers.

In other news: Moyes must ruthlessly axe shocking West Ham liability vs Chelsea, he could get bullied

A fresh update has emerged regarding Manchester City’s interest in Fiorentina striker Dusan Vlahovic, with a transfer potentially on the cards.

The Lowdown: Constant Vlahovic links

The Serbian is enjoying another superb season for Fiorentina, scoring 12 goals in his first 15 Serie A appearances and outlining his status as one of Europe’s best young strikers.

City have been continually linked with a move for the 21-year-old in recent times, as Pep Guardiola looks to bring in an out-and-out striker.

Vlahovic has been hailed as ‘unbelievable’ by journalist Fabrizio Romano and his record of 43 goals in 100 appearances for Fiorentina speaks for itself.

The Latest: New update emerges

According to Corriere dello Sport [via Sport Witness], City are ‘ready to launch the attack’ to sign Vlahovic, with the figures ‘being prepared’.

A move to Juventus is thought to be favoured by the attacker’s representatives, but Fiorentina would prefer that a move to City materialises.

Guardiola is reportedly ‘in love’ with Vlahovic as a player and wants him at the club.

The Verdict: Ideal striker option

While Harry Kane has been heavily linked with a move to the Etihad, Vlahovic would be a better addition because of his long-term potential.

At 21, he is not only someone who could make an immediate impact but also a player who could be a star figure for many years to come, unlike Kane, who turns 29 next summer.

The one area City look short in is strikers, so acquiring Vlahovic’s signature midway through the season could only strengthen their Premier League and Champions League challenges, given them an extra dimension in the final third.

In other news, some City fans have flocked to another transfer update. Read more here.

Wolves shouldn’t consider making a move for Tottenham midfielder Dele Alli in the January transfer window, according to journalist Luke Hatfield.

The Lowdown: Alli linked with Spurs exit

The 25-year-old’s stock has fallen rapidly in recent years, going from one of England’s World Cup stars in 2018 to an outcast at Spurs.

Alli could leave the north London club in January in order to earn more playing time, considering that he has only started six Premier League games this season, and none since the end of September.

While Wolves haven’t officially been linked with a move for the midfielder, Paul Merson recently said on Sky Sports (via Molineux News) that the Old Gold should consider him as a prospective signing.

The Latest: Hatfield plays down interest

Alas, Hatfield has been quick to play down this potential transfer. Speaking to Give Me Sport, the journalist had no doubt that Alli would jump at the chance to join Wanderers but doubted that it would work out well for the Black Country outfit

He said: “It wouldn’t work if you’re Wolves. I could understand it from the player’s perspective because he’d want to go to a club where they’re not worried about relegation.”

[freshpress-quiz id=“375704”]

The Verdict: Not worth the risk

It is sad to see what has happened to Alli’s career, given the potential he had as a teenager, but the fire in him appears to have gone out, despite being hailed as a ‘machine’ by Rio Ferdinand.

While the 25-year-old’s natural talent is undeniable – he once scored 18 goals in a Premier League season in north London – he simply isn’t worth the risk for Wolves, with far too many ineffective performances thrown in for Tottenham under the likes of Jose Mourinho and Nuno Espirito Santo.

Alli has only scored three league goals since the beginning of last season, which sums up his struggles considering that he is an attack-minded player, and he hasn’t completed 90 minutes in a league outing since September. When you also factor in criticism of his application at times, it’s easy to see why Hatfield has his reservations about the Spurs playmaker succeeding at Molineux.

In other news, some Wolves fans are buzzing over an injury update. Read more here.

A major injury setback has emerged regarding Wolves striker Hwang Hee-chan, who is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

What’s the latest?

The club have officially confirmed that the attacker will be out of action until February after injuring his hamstring in the win over Brighton earlier this month.

He was subbed off in the 16th minute against the Seagulls after pulling up whilst holding his leg and he is now set to be out for the next five weeks at least.

Fans will be fuming

Wolves fans will surely be fuming with this update, which comes as a big body blow to the club heading into the January fixtures.

Bruno Lage’s side have only scored 13 goals in their 18 league matches to date and Hwang has netted four of those, which highlights both the club’s struggles in front of goal and how important the Korean has been. He has been a bright spark in a side devoid of attacking quality and they will now miss his talents throughout January and potentially some of February.

The 25-year-old has four goals in 11 Premier League starts, whilst also creating seven chances – including one ‘big chance’ – to show off the other side of his game. Although he is yet to register an assist, his underlying statistics suggest that he is doing almost everything he can to link up the play at the top end of the pitch.

Raul Jimenez (three) is the only other player in the squad who has scored more than two league goals, which shows how much they have relied on Hwang to find the back of the net.

His absence will leave a sizeable hole up front and the other players in the squad now need to step up to show that they are good enough to be relied upon by Lage moving forward. The likes of Francisco Trincao, Adama Traore, Daniel Podence and Fabio Silva are all yet to score their first league goal of the campaign, but now is their time to shine.

Hwang’s team-mates’ lack of quality in the final third this season is why Wolves fans will be fuming that he is now set to miss a number of matches. The others are yet to show that they have what it takes to win matches, whereas the 25-year-old has, and supporters will be gutted that the loanee will not be lining out at Molineux in the coming weeks.

AND in other news, Wolves can repeat Neves masterclass with “exceptionally good” £27m-rated destroyer…

Speaking to Football Insider, Tottenham Hotspur pundit Paul Robinson has been left thrilled as managing director Fabio Paratici allegedly plots talks to sign Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger as a free agent.

The Lowdown: Paratici prepared…

According to Football Insider, Tottenham will step up their bid to sign Rudiger ‘this week’ with Paratici talks ‘lined up’ as his contract winds down at Stamford Bridge.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/spurs-latest-updates-5/” title=”Spurs latest updates!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Germany international, who’s deal expires in the summer of 2022 as things stand, could leave west London as a free agent at the end of this season – alerting both Spurs and Paratici.

It is believed that Spurs discussions to sign Rudiger will take place behind the scenes, according to Football Insider, with Robinson thrilled by this latest N17 transfer development.

The Latest: Robinson reacts…

The former Spurs goalkeeper, speaking to FI, claims Chelsea’s star defender would be a ‘big signing’ for Spurs and a ‘statement’.

“He is a player I really admire. He is one of the Premier League’s best centre-halves.

“If they can attract him to move across London, wow, what a great signing it would be. I think they can persuade him to join with Conte being there.

“I don’t think for one minute it will be easy business to do though. Chelsea and Spurs do not do business.

“If they can pick him up on a free in the summer it would be a big signing. A big statement as well. There are not many better than Rudiger.”

The Verdict: Get it done…

Signing Rudiger on a free, even despite how difficult it could be to do, would be a fantastic bit of business for the club and a real boost for manager Antonio Conte.

Rejuvenated under Thomas Tuchel over 2021, pundit Rio Ferdinand has likened him to Man City star Ruben Dias whilst calling him ‘unbelievable’ and an ‘animal’ – perhaps summing up his obvious quality (FIVE via The Mirror).

The £100,000-per-week ace, depending on his demands, could also have a realistic salary expectation going by his current wages with the 28-year-old also in his prime.

In other news: £135,000-per-week star now eyeing move to Spurs after Conte contacted him! Find out more here.

With the 2022 January transfer window now open, this could see a number of Premier League clubs jump into action and make some business deals to strengthen their squads for the second half of the current season.

While it could be an exciting time for some teams, it seems as though Leeds United and Marcelo Bielsa could be heading for a major transfer calamity that would surely disappoint a lot of fans at Elland Road.

According to a recent report in The Sun by journalist Alan Nixon, Leeds defender Charlie Cresswell has caught the attention of fellow Premier League clubs Manchester United and Liverpool.

As a product of Leeds’ youth academy, the 19-year-old has made 36 appearances across the club’s U18 and U23 sides, scoring four goals and providing one assist along the way.

Cresswell has also made six senior appearances for Leeds with four of them coming in the Premier League this season, the first of which being in their 2-1 defeat against West Ham United where he completed the full 90 minutes and had his performance described as “one of the finest debuts by a teenager in Leeds white for years” by Leeds Live.

His performance against the East London club was also labelled as “unbelievable” by Leeds YouTuber Joe Wainman, showing how capable he is of playing in the Premier League.

Taking all of this into account, it would be nothing short of a disaster for the club and potentially heartbreaking for the fans if Cresswell were to leave Leeds anytime soon, especially for a move to rival club Manchester United given how young he is and the potential he has to grow and develop into a regular first-team player at Elland Road.

Given how his current contract at Leeds isn’t set to expire until the summer of 2025 and the fact that Bielsa hasn’t been shy in giving Cresswell the chance to prove himself in the team, this should be reassuring for any fans that may be concerned about the teenager’s future in Yorkshire.

Even though he has missed Leeds’ two previous league games against Arsenal and Burnley with a shoulder injury, it would be good to see the centre-back get some regular playing time under his belt before the end of the season when he recovers to show that he can be a regular figure for the team in the future.

If he leaves, however, the club would be staring down the barrel of an early transfer blunder in the January market.

In other news: 10 defensive actions: £53k-p/w Leeds beast who had 70 touches stole the show v Burnley