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Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur should start against Arsenal this weekend despite strong competition, club insider John Wenham has claimed.

The Lowdown: Massive game ahead

Spurs have a massive game on the horizon on Saturday lunchtime as they make the short trip to the Emirates Stadium to take on the Gunners.

It is one of the biggest Premier League matches of the season so far, with Antonio Conte knowing that victory for his team will see them overtake their table-topping rivals.

The manager may have a few selection headaches going into the game, not least in midfield, with Yves Bissouma and Oliver Skipp both hoping to feature.

The Latest: Bentancur backed to start

However, speaking to Football Insider, Wenham backed Bentancur to get the nod in the middle of the park at the Emirates this weekend, having scored in the 6-2 thrashing of Leicester in Tottenham’s last match.

The Spurs insider, who regularly breaks news about the club on his Lilywhite Rose social media channels – said:

“It was brilliant to see Bentancur on the scoresheet. He doesn’t get many goals, he hadn’t scored in such a long time but he took the finish really, really well. He’s never even looked like scoring for Tottenham before that.

“That’s fine though, he is a holding midfielder. We have other players to get the goals and we saw that with Son when he came on.

“I just think Bentancur is such an important player. When he didn’t play against West Ham a few weeks ago we just didn’t look the same and, obviously, we couldn’t get the win in that one.

“The goal helped his chances of staying in the side too. Bissouma is still chomping at the bit to be involved and we have Skippy coming back too.

“So he has made a strong and huge case because, as I have said before, I think Skipp will come back in once he is fit.”

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The Verdict: Makes complete sense

It is very healthy to have such strong competition for places in midfield, but it makes perfect sense for Conte to go with Bentancur alongside Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg against Arsenal.

Bissouma is still adjusting to his new surroundings, having only started one league match so far this season, while Skipp is lacking match fitness after returning from injury.

As Welham referenced, Bentancur was missed against West Ham as Spurs could only manage a 1-1 draw, while Cristian Romero has described his team-mate as an ‘animal’, and it would be a surprise if he didn’t take to the field from the start this weekend.

With a goal and assist against Leicester seeing him ranked as Tottenham’s second-best player that day according to Sofascore, it would make perfect sense to keep him in the team for the crunch North London Derby.

An update has emerged on Newcastle United and their pursuit of Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher in the summer transfer window…

What’s the talk?

Sky Sports journalist Keith Downie has revealed that the Magpies want to sign the England international to bolster their squad this season.

However, the reporter has added that the situation is complicated as his current club are looking to bring in a replacement first before sanctioning a move.

He Tweeted: “Newcastle are keen on Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher, but The Blues unlikely to entertain anything until they bring in another midfielder of their own. Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong still Chelsea’s main midfield target. Similar situation with NUFC’s interest in Armando Broja.”

It is unclear as to whether the Toon are eyeing a permanent or loan deal for the gem, but it has been reported that he is valued at £40m by the Blues.

Imagine him & Bruno Guimaraes

If Newcastle can swoop in for the midfield machine after Chelsea bring in their own target, Eddie Howe could form an exciting partnership in the middle of the park with Gallagher and Guimaraes.

The pair could form a brilliant pairing in midfield due to their similar skillsets and ability to function in a high-energy system.

In Europe’s top five leagues over the last 365 days, Guimaraes ranks in the 88th percentile for pressures and the 99th for tackles won per 90 in his position. Gallagher, meanwhile, ranks in the 93rd percentile for pressures and the 94th for tackles won in the final third per 90.

This shows that both players excel at pressing the opposition and making tackles to win the ball back high up the pitch in dangerous positions.

They could, therefore, be vital in games when Howe feels counter-pressing will be key to winning the match. The head coach would have two players capable of effectively winning possession back in critical areas, but what could they do when they get the ball back?

Guimaraes scored five goals and set up one in 11 Premier League starts last season, whilst Gallagher – who Patrick Vieira dubbed “special” – scored eight goals and provided three assists on loan to Crystal Palace in the top-flight.

This shows that both players are central midfielders with the quality to make a big impact at the top end of the pitch when they have the ball at their feet.

Therefore, they could be an exciting pairing for the Magpies as they have the potential to be a terrific high-pressing duo in the Premier League – winning possession in the final third and contributing to counter-pressing goals.

Aston Villa have been linked with a move for Ibrahim Sangare this summer, however, a new update from a reliable source has put a dampener on the club’s chase to sign the player this summer.

What’s the latest?

In an update from Italian journalist and transfer insider Fabrizio Romano it has been revealed that Ibrahim Sangare has signed a new contract with his current club PSV Eindhoven.

Romano tweeted: “Official. Ibrahim Sangaré signs new contract with PSV Eindhoven until June 2027, strong message from the club after so many rumours on the Ivorian midfielder.”

It was reported by Football Insider a few weeks ago that Aston Villa had made enquiries about Sangare and registered their interest in the player.

It’s a blow for Gerrard

This will be a blow for Steven Gerrard who is reportedly keen to add another midfielder to his team before the transfer window closes, and that may have become a more pressing area to strengthen now that Carney Chukwuemeka has made a move to Chelsea.

Gerrard spoke out last month, before Chukwuemeka’s exit, about his desire to potentially add another central player this summer, saying:

“It’s still an area we’re looking to strengthen and we want to challenge the lads that have done well for us in the last six months since we’ve been here.”

“We want to make it really difficult for people to have guaranteed places. We want to challenge every area of the team to make us stronger.”

As a result, it will likely be disappointing for the Villa boss that Sangare who was dubbed “very complete” by former Toulouse boss Alain Casanova and an “unbelievable baller” by one journalist has secured his future with his current club, as he would’ve added some great depth to the centre of the pitch for the midlands club this season.

The £34m talent could have been the perfect competitor or midfield partner for Douglas Luiz or Boubacar Kamara, as Sangare displays most of his dominance deep in the midfield role and over his own half just like the Villa duo.

Over 29 appearances in the Eredivisie last season, Sangare averaged 89.3 touches while producing a mammoth 3.3 tackles and a mighty 2.6 interceptions per game.

Those numbers indicate that he is not only a fabulous reader of the game but also a brute capable of dominating his opponent. The fact he won the majority of his ground duels (63%) paints the same picture while his 69% dribble rate show he is technical on the ball too.

The 6 foot 2 star also scored three goals and delivered two assists last term, as well as taking 1.4 shots on goal per game, proving that he is the perfect all-rounder that could’ve been a great asset to Villa over the season ahead.

With that being said, if Gerrard is indeed keen to sign another midfielder this summer he will now need to turn his attentions elsewhere or keep the option open to potentially push for the seemingly settled Sangare this time next year.

Wolverhampton Wanderers are reportedly interested in signing Inter Milan striker Edin Dzeko, according to Gazzetta dello Sport (via TuttoMercatoWeb). 

The lowdown: Career so far

Signed from AS Roma in 2021, the Bosnia veteran has also spent time at Manchester City, Wolfsburg, Teplice and Zeljeznicar during a trophy-filled career.

The 36-year-old frontman has scored a colossus 308 goals and registered 141 assists in 681 club career outings whilst winning the Premier League twice, along with the Bundesliga, Coppa Italia and FA Cup.

Now into the final 12 months of his deal at Inter (Transfermarkt), Dzeko could be set for a sensational return to England…

The latest: Wolves in the mix for Dzeko

As per Gazzetta dello Sport, translated by TuttoMercatoWeb, Wolves, Everton and Leicester are all interested in acquiring the 124-cap Bosnian’s services.

It’s claimed that there is also admiration from Germany along with numerous suitors in Italy, but all approaches so far have been rejected by the Serie A giants.

Juventus have also had a move rebuffed for the man described as one of the ‘most underrated players in the 21st century’ by football talent scout Jacek Kulig in recent months.

The verdict: Short-term fix

Albeit very much in the twilight of his illustrious career, Bruno Lage’s Wolves squad could certainly accommodate someone of Dzeko’s clinical nature given their lacklustre performance when it came to goalscoring during 2021/22, ending the campaign with just 38 Premier League goals.

With misfiring youngster Fabio Silva expected to confirm a loan move to Anderlecht, there is more space for additional firepower, and the Bosnia veteran seems the ideal candidate to fill the void on a temporary basis.

Last season, the 6 foot 3 centre-forward defied his advancing years to score 17 times and provide another 10 assists in 48 appearances across all competitions – proof of a continued clinical threat and durability which will be useful in order to play a major role at Molineux.

Valued at £3.6m and earning a mooted £152,000 per week (Salary Sport), the Wolves hierarchy would likely be looking to reduce the Bosnian’s wage demands in order to fall in line with the rest of the Old Gold squad. However, if that were to be a possibility, this would be a short-term solution to a long-standing issue which would make plenty of sense.

Gianluigi Longari has dropped an update on the future of Tottenham defender Japhet Tanganga.

What’s the latest?

In a recent post on Twitter, the Italian journalist revealed that, following reports of AC Milan’s interest in the 23-year-old centre-back, the Serie A champions are now planning fresh talks with Fabio Paratici and his Spurs transfer team regarding a deal for the former England under-21 international next week.

Further reports have claimed that, with further incomings in north London now dependent on player departures, Antonio Conte would be willing to part with the academy graduate this summer for an offer in the region of €12m (£10m).

In his tweet (translated from Italian), Longari said: “New contact planned for next week between Milan and Tottenham to understand the possible costs of Tanganga. Operation is possible on loan with redemption. The player is also a survey of Valencia.”

Big boost for Spurs

It is undeniable that Tanganga is an exceptionally talented young footballer. However, considering just how little the 23-year-old featured under Conte last season, and with further summer signings depending upon the sale of current Spurs players, Longari’s suggestion that Milan are set to step up their interest in the defender next week will come as a big boost to Fabio Paratici and Tottenham.

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Indeed, following the 52-year-old’s appointment as Nuno Espirito Santo’s successor in the Tottenham dugout last November, the £10.8m-rated talent made just 11 appearances under the Italian, with only six of those coming in the Premier League.

It is true that a £23k-per-week centre-back – who can also operate at right-back – out of action for most of the 2021/22 campaign, but following the summer arrivals of Clement Lenglet and Djed Spence, Tanganga’s game-time looks set to be even more limited heading into 2022/23.

Waving goodbye to one of the club’s more recent academy graduates might come as a blow to some Spurs supporters, but should Paratici manage to bring in a £10m fee from AC Milan for the 23-year-old, it would appear a very smart piece of business for all parties involved in the deal.

AND in other news: O’Keefe reveals Spurs are “seriously considering” £60m deal, supporters surely buzzing

Tottenham Hotspur have edged closer to pulling off another signing this summer…

What’s the word?

As the north London outfit near a swoop for Everton forward Richarlison, who would become Antonio Conte’s fourth arrival of the transfer window, it appears that they have been given the green light to seal a fifth addition.

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According to talkSPORT transfer expert Alex Crook, Spurs have agreed on personal terms with mooted target Djed Spence ahead of a potential move to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

“It’s a long window, there’s still two months to go. There were more talks last week, they still haven’t yet been able to agree a fee, but I think it will happen,” he told GIVEMESPORT.

“Djed Spence has already agreed personal terms with Tottenham, it’s just a case of the two clubs coming together.”

Conte delight

With the Lilywhites competing in the Champions League this upcoming season, it’s hugely encouraging to see the board back their manager with an array of fresh faces, as strength in depth will be needed to compete on all fronts.

What will make Conte even happier is the fact that he could finally be getting a solution to the right wing-back problem that he inherited back in November when he took over from Nuno Santo in N17.

By January, it became pretty clear that the Italian head coach – who had won the Serie A title with Inter Milan a season earlier – did not trust his options in the role, as reported by The Times.

The 52-year-old targeted a move for Adama Traore prior to his loan switch to boyhood club Barcelona; seemingly he has been unconvinced by the attacking exploits of Emerson Royal, whilst Matt Doherty has been injured.

Spence is an interesting solution, just as football.london reporter Alasdair Gold once claimed, the 21-year-old dynamo “ticks the homegrown box” and is a “talented young defender with plenty of attacking potential”.

During his loan stint at Championship play-off winners Nottingham Forest, he made six goal contributions in 41 starts, earning a sixth-highest average WhoScored rating of 7.05, also averaging 1.8 dribbles, 1.6 interceptions, 1.5 tackles and one key pass per game, which would back up Gold’s claims.

One particularly standout showing – an FA Cup win over Spurs’ arch-rivals Arsenal – saw Gunners legend Ian Wright wax lyrical about his credentials, deeming him “combative” and “swashbuckling.”

Valued at £7.2m by Transfermarkt, Spence could be an ideal solution at a snip to end Conte’s wing-back woes. He will surely be buzzing that the club have settled on personal terms with the player, as it means that only a fee needs to be agreed upon.

AND in other news, Spurs now have another “done deal” after Richarlison…

Reliable journalist Pete O’Rourke has backed Nottingham Forest to reach an agreement with Tottenham Hotspur over the transfer of Joe Rodon this summer.

The Lowdown: Rodon out of favour

After the Reds successfully secured promotion to the Premier League following their 1-0 play-off victory against Huddersfield Town last month, Steve Cooper will now be looking for some new reinforcements to strengthen his squad as he prepares for life in the top flight.

This summer hasn’t exactly gotten off to the best of starts though, with moves for Connor Goldson and Djed Spence seemingly off.

The 24-year-old Rodon meanwhile has fallen down the pecking order under Antonio Conte at Spurs, having only made three league appearances this season, something which has seen him now being linked with a move away from N17.

The Latest: O’Rourke’s transfer claim

Speaking to Football League World, O’Rourke hinted that Rodon’s existing relationship with the Forest boss could benefit the club when it comes to arranging a deal. He said:

“Steve Cooper knows all about him from his time at Swansea as well.

“So there’s links there and if Forest were to get him, I’m sure they would get a young hungry Joe Rodon who will be determined to be playing regularly next season ahead of the winter’s World Cup in Qatar with Wales.

“So yeah, it could be a go with this one. Could be a move to suit all parties.”

The Verdict: Chance of a fresh start

It’s been a disappointing season for Rodon at Tottenham, but making the move to Forest would give him the perfect opportunity to revive his club career, where he would likely be part of the starting XI each week.

It’s important for the 6 foot 4 colossus to be getting regular game time as he looks set to be heavily involved in Wales’ squad for the forthcoming World Cup later this year – his form on the international stage has been praised by Gareth Bale, while Ashley Williams even tipped him to become Wales captain one day (Ian Mitchelmore).

The centre-back’s connection to Cooper could also prove to be a big deciding factor when it comes down to choosing where his next destination will be, and impressive form for Cooper at the Swansea.com Stadium suggests he could re-capture that level at Forest.

In other news… Forest have been dealt a huge blow in their quest to complete the permanent signing of Djed Spence.

Allan Saint-Maximin will reportedly now be allowed to leave Newcastle United in the summer for the right price.

The Lowdown: Summer rebuild

It is anyone’s guess just how many players the St James’ Park faithful will be looking to bring through the doors this summer, with the likes of Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Dean Henderson and Sven Botman all being linked with moves to the North East recently.

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The fact that they all play in different areas of the pitch also suggests that multiple first-team additions will be made, but the club may need to offload one or two players in order to help fund a big spending spree.

The Latest: Saint-Maximin transfer latest

Writing in his latest piece for i News, journalist Mark Douglas has revealed that Saint-Maximin will be ‘available’ for sale this summer, providing that the Tyneside outfit’s valuation is met.

Aston Villa are thought to be one of the teams interested in the Frenchman’s signature, and he should attract plenty of other admirers given his exploits in the Premier League.

The Verdict: Keep him

Saint-Maximin has shown his worth time and again for the Magpies, so they should not be looking to let him go so easily.

Hailed as a ‘top-class‘ player by former top-flight striker Kevin Phillips, the 25-year-old’s influence at Newcastle is unquestionable. He ranked as their second-best performer in the Premier League before their trip to Burnley on the final day, and top in terms of shots and dribbles per match, while also grabbing himself five goals and four assists (WhoScored).

The Frenchman would not be easy to replace, so the Magpies’ board should be looking at keeping him as part of the project.

In other news, find out what ‘brilliant news’ for Eddie Howe has now emerged here!

Wolves are believed to be interested in signing Shakhtar Donetsk winger Pedrinho, according to a report from Goal Brasil (via Sport Witness). 

The lowdown: Career so far

The 24-year-old arrived in Europe in August 2020 upon signing for Portuguese giants Benfica from Corinthians.

Having made just 31 appearances for the Primeira Liga side, Pedrinho was on the move once more as Shakhtar paid £16.2million to sign the Brazilian – he has directly contributed to seven goals in just 19 outings for the Ukrainian side.

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Now, amidst the ongoing conflict in the nation, it appears that a summer move to the Midlands could be on the cards…

The latest: Wolves interested

As per Goal Brasil, translated by SW, the Molineux club are in ‘advanced talks’ to sign Pedrinho.

The report claims that the Wanderers are confident that the discussions ‘should have a positive outcome’ in the upcoming transfer window.

It’s suggested that the move will be at the request of Wolves manager Bruno Lage as the Portuguese coach looks to add the forward hailed as a ‘diamond’ by journalist Zach Lowy to the ranks.

The verdict: Make it happen

Despite enduring a difficult career so far in Europe, Pedrinho possesses a host of impressive attacking attributes including key passes, set pieces and long shots (WhoScored).

As the future of Adama Traore at Molineux remains in doubt, Lage is wise to consider bolstering the options at his disposal and the 14-cap Brazil Under 23 starlet is a viable contender.

Capable of playing across the frontline, including as a centre-forward, the gifted Brazilian would be a superb addition to the Wolves squad at almost any price.

In other news, Wolves are reportedly eyeing up a move for an exciting player. Find out who it is here.

Fakhar Zaman became Pakistan’s first double-centurion while putting on the highest ever opening stand by any team

Gaurav Sundararaman20-Jul-2018Pakistan openers’ historic standFakhar Zaman and Imam-ul-Haq added 304 runs for the first wicket in the fourth ODI in Bulawayo. This is the highest ever opening stand in ODIs, going past the 286 runs added by Sanath Jayasuriya and Upul Tharanga against England in 2006. This is also the highest partnership for any wicket for Pakistan, superseding the 263 runs added by Inzamam-ul-Haq and Aamer Sohail against New Zealand, in 1994.ESPNcricinfo LtdFakhar and Imam became only the fourth pair across teams to add 300 or more runs for any wicket in ODIs. They also struck their third individual ODI centuries each, making it only the seventh instance of both openers scoring centuries for Pakistan.The 323 combined runs scored by the two openers is the second most ever in ODIs and 90 runs more than Pakistan’s previous record. Fakhar breaks a 21-year-old Pakistan record Fakhar became the first Pakistan player to score a double-century in ODIs and the sixth overall. The previous highest score for Pakistan was Saeed Anwar’s 194, against India in 1997. Fakhar now has 980 runs from just 17 innings in ODIs and averages 75.38. Five players have reached 1000 runs in ODIs from 21 innings and Fakhar needs just 20 runs from the next three innings to become the first to do it in 20 innings. Fakhar ‘s innings consisted of 24 fours and five sixes which is the most for Pakistan. A record team score for Pakistan Pakistan’s total of 399 is their highest team score in ODIs, going past the 385 runs they scored against Bangladesh in June 2010. This is only the fifth instance of any team putting together a total in excess of 300 while losing only one wicket. Sri Lanka have achieved this feat thrice earlier but Pakistan’s score is the highest for any team going past the 362 for 1 made by India against Australia in 2013.