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Tottenham Hotspur are keeping on tabs on West Ham United winger Jarrod Bowen, according to The Independent.

The Lowdown: Dynamic player

Bowen, 24, has been with the Hammers since they paid £19.7million in January 2020 from Championship side Hull City – Bowen scored 54 times in 131 appearances for the Tigers.

In just under two years at the London Stadium, he has scored nine goals and made 11 assists in 59 games – with eight goals coming last season as the Hammers reached the Europa League group stages.

The English winger’s performance as of late have caused speculation to increase, with Liverpool linked throughout the summer.

The Latest: Spurs circling

According to the Independent’s Melissa Reddy, Spurs scouts have been watching Bowen for a while now, alongside Liverpool and Leicester City.

His impressive performance against Manchester United on Sunday will have increased the interest for the £60k-per-week winger, who will be hoping to receive a call-up for Gareth Southgate’s England side soon.

Reddy has stated in her article that Bowen’s work off the ball is one of his most impressive attributes, praising his ‘dynamic, tireless display’ against United.

The Verdict: Next step

With Spurs already possessing quality in the wide areas with the likes of Heung-Min Son, Lucas Moura and Steven Bergwijn, a move for Bowen would bolster Nuno Espirito Santo’s options for the future to avoid any problems with injuries.

Bowen’s quality of carving chances out of nowhere has seen him construct a lethal relationship with Michail Antonio, as the former Hull starlet is creating 2.4 chances per game (Whoscored), while also boasting a remarkable 3 dribbles per game.

To put those numbers into perspective, Son is averaging just one created chance and 1.8 dribbles per match this term (Whoscored).

With Liverpool and Leicester monitoring the situation, Spurs will need to have a unique offer to persuade Bowen to pick them, but ultimately, West Ham don’t need to sell and the ball remains very firmly in their court.

In other news, this ex-Premier League striker has made a claim about this Tottenham player following defeat to Chelsea. Find out more here.

Many Glasgow Rangers fans have been left unhappy on social media over some news which has emerged on Steven Davis.

As per the official Twitter page of the Northern Ireland national side, the central midfield player has now been called up for his country to play in their FIFA World Cup qualifying games against Switzerland and Bulgaria.

At 36 years of age, it is always a honour for Davis to still be representing his country, but several Light Blues have expressed their concern that he might burn out when he returns to the club after the international break has finished.

He has played in 11 matches in total over all competitions for Steven Gerrard’s side so far this season, scoring one goal (Transfermarkt), and there may be a question mark over his fitness given his age.

Rangers fans on Davis news

These Gers supporters erupted as the news of Davis’ call-up was shared by the club on Twitter:

“Not exactly what we need though is it?”

Credit: @jpt0692

“Wish he would retire from international football”

Credit: @Faz_50

“Be much better if he wasn’t as the rest would be good during these breaks for him”

Credit: @gspeirs1

“So proud of the best CM in Scotland but at what point does he say he needs to focus on us? Heading into a busy part of the season 2/3 games a week and they will make him play both those games which for a 37 y/o can’t be good”

Credit: @jakehowie98

“That’s all well and good but from a Rangers point of view any chance he can retire from international to benefit us?”

Credit: @5G_Rfc

“Time he chucked it.”

Credit: @sommey1

In other news, find out which £25.2m-rated Premier League ace admitted was going to join RFC here!

Rangers travel away to face Sparta Prague in the Europa League on Thursday night as they go in search of their first points in the group stage.

The Gers lost 2-0 to French side Lyon in their opening match, with Steven Gerrard’s side unable to make Ibrox a fortress from the off.

They are coming into this clash with Sparta off the back of a 1-0 win over Dundee FC in the Scottish Premiership at the weekend, with Joe Aribo scoring the only goal of the game.

One player who could lose his place in the team for this match in the Europa League is attacking midfielder Ianis Hagi.

Gerrard could look to make changes to his XI in order to give his side the best chance of winning their first group stage game and that could result in Hagi dropping out of the team. The Romanian only recently returned to first-team action after a Covid-related absence and he struggled to find his best form against Dundee at the weekend.

Hagi was handed a SofaScore rating of 6.6 for his performance, the lowest in the Rangers side. Per SofaScore, he provided zero key passes and had all three of his attempted shots blocked. He also gave possession of the ball away 16 times and failed to make a single defensive contribution, with zero clearances, interceptions, tackles or blocks.

This shows how he was unable to make an impact at either end of the pitch. It was a disastrous display from the playmaker and one that should make Gerrard ruthlessly axe him from the XI against Sparta Prague.

If Rangers are going to go and get a result against the Czech side, they could need all of their players to be at 100% and the  £21k-per-week dud’s performance against Dundee suggests that he is not there yet.

AND in other news, Genius Gerrard: Rangers dynamo has seen value soar 3150% since arriving at Ibrox…

A source from Newcastle United has revealed that the new owners are now interested in bringing in Rafa Benitez as their new manager.

The Lowdown: Bruce out?

According to 90min, the new owners at St. James’ Park are now ready to put in place a brand new management team following their takeover, which is set to see Steve Bruce leave the North East ‘within weeks, if not sooner’.

It means that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) consortium are now on a manager hunt, and a new one could well be appointed as early as before their game at home to Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League on Sunday 17th October.

The Latest: Benitez move

Speaking to Football Insider, a Tyneside source has now revealed that one of the first things that the new owners want to do is ascertain Benitez’s interest, in what would be a stunning appointment given that he was a fan favourite once before but only just took the job at Everton in the summer.

The Verdict: Ambitious

Hailed as a ‘proven winner’ by majority shareholder Farhad Moshiri upon his appointment at the Blues, a return for Benitez to the Magpies should appease a lot of the Toon Army.

They still idolise him after bringing them straight back up from the EFL Championship as champions and then finishing in the top half of the table in their first season back in the Premier League (Transfermarkt).

However, it would be a very ambitious move, as the Spaniard is still only just settling in at the Toffees, and has started off well there, currently sitting in fifth spot in the top-flight table.

Also, the consortium may want to try out someone new to mark the new era, with plenty of other candidates, including England boss Gareth Southgate, now being linked with the job.

In other news, find out what ‘big boost’ NUFC have now received here!

Flocking to Twitter, many Liverpool fans have erupted over some ‘behind-the-scenes’ news involving The Reds and Borussia Dortmund sensation Jude Bellingham.

Jurgen Klopp’s side have started the season off in solid fashion after what was a regrettable 2020/2021 Premier League title defence – a season where they suffered a plethora of injury woes.

Indeed, Liverpool will be looking to challenge once again for the English top flight crown among fellow competitors Man City, Man United and Chelsea.

One small caveat could be their lack of summer business with FSG making just one major signing in centre-back Ibrahima Konate.

There have been concerns over their squad depth, particularly after last campaign, but that hasn’t stopped Liverpool looking to the future as they contemplate reinforcing Klopp’s options.

Sharing news on FSG’s transfer plans, reliable reporter Fabrizio Romano has now leaked some information regarding Bellingham.

Taking to YouTube, as transcribed by This is Futbol, the Italian journalist backs Liverpool have their eye on the dazzling 18-year-old amid reports.

“It’s time to talk about behind-the-scenes content,” he explained.

“Because first of all, I want to start from the end, Premier League clubs are looking for Bellingham and I’m sure that in the coming months, they will try and try to convince Borussia Dortmund to sell to Bellingham next summer.

“Of course, in the future, top Champions League, Premier League clubs are already working to sign Jude Bellingham. And we can mention many – Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester clubs, many and many clubs are really looking at this boy, he’s really special and many clubs are interested.”

Flocking to Twitter, it’s safe to say this claim that Liverpool are ‘really looking’ at the teenager has many fans talking.

Find all of their best reactions down below, after the comments were shared by The Anfield Talk.

Liverpool fans flock to Bellingham claim…

“The things I would do to see this happen”

Credit: @Alcxntara10

“PLS PLS PLS PLS”

Credit: @LfcMarlu

“I beg you”

Credit: @aaronjacko

“Wes are far too late on this again. We should’ve bought him last season. His price will be outrageous now. Plus the English tax.”

Credit: @LfcBallers

“ayyyyyyyy Jude ringing from the kop gose hand in hand”

Credit: @LiamGranby

“He is a must next season… along with another CM”

Credit: @CousinCAH

“BRING THE BELLINGHAM TO THE LIVERPOOL FC KLOPP.”

Credit: @cornelltheking

In other news: ‘No way’, ‘We are filthy rich’…Many Liverpool fans flocked to this ‘interesting’ bid news, find out more here.

Manchester United extended their winless run in the Premier League to four games in dramatic fashion over the weekend after they were thrashed 5-0 by fierce rivals Liverpool.

The Red Devils were picked apart by their far superior opponents during a dreadful 90 minutes, increasing the pressure on under-fire manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Naby Keita opened the scoring after just five minutes at Old Trafford after the visitors ruthlessly exposed the gaping holes in United’s defence, and it was a sign of things to come.

Before half-time, a Diogo Jota tap in and a Mohamed Salah brace had already put Jurgen Klopp’s charges out of sight, but things got even worse following the interval.

The Eygpt international completed his hat-trick on the 50-minute mark, and Paul Pogba’s red card ten minutes later rounded off a humiliating afternoon for the 20-time English champions.

It’s a result and performance that ultimately puts Solskjaer’s position in the dugout under intense scrutiny, but the players on the pitch also have to take a share of the blame.

And arguably nobody was more underwhelming on Sunday than club captain Harry Maguire. He clumsily collided with left-back Luke Shaw for the second goal – who also had a nightmare against the Reds – and was unable to prevent the onslaught as he failed to lay a glove on Liverpool’s ruthless attack.

The England international was slow to react to almost every situation throughout the 90 minutes and was outwitted by Roberto Firmino on numerous occasions.

As a result of his below-par display, Maguire was awarded a match rating of just 4.8 out of 10 by FotMob, the lowest total received by any outfield player.

And when looking at his underlying numbers, it’s easy to see why. The 28-year-old attempted just one tackle which he lost, failed to block a single shot or make an interception, and made just two clearances, highlighting his hugely ineffective performance.

Since returning from a calf injury following the international break, the usually dependable centre-back has put in three calamitous showings against Leicester City, Atalanta and Liverpool, and Solskjaer will be hoping his leader can return to form as soon as possible.

And, in other news…Forget De Gea: Man Utd liability who lost possession 13x had a shocker against LFC

Manchester United may have shown great resilience in their recent victory over Tottenham Hotspur, but there is still a lot of work to be done for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s charges.

The Red Devils bounced back commendably from their humiliating defeat at the hands of fierce rivals Liverpool, defeating Spurs 3-0 over the weekend with a disciplined display in north London.

However, that result only masks the issues that have been plaguing Solskjaer’s side all season and beyond.

Question marks rightly remain over the Norwegian’s tactical prowess, while the need for a new defensive midfielder was arguably illustrated in his setup against an out-of-form Tottenham.

After shipping five goals in their previous outing, Solskjaer lineup up with three centre-backs and two holding midfielders in order to protect David de Gea’s net, sacrificing both of his natural wingers as a result.

And while this proved to be an effective and intelligent way to play over the weekend, such a defensive-first, pragmatic approach is unlikely to win him many fans or major trophies in the long term.

Therefore, United’s hierarchy must grant their manager’s wish and add further reinforcements to his engine room over the coming months.

It was reported by the Manchester Evening News back in September that United’s hierarchy had identified West Ham United’s Declan Rice as a priority signing after missing out during the summer.

“Rice is contracted to West Ham until 2024, but he is not expected to sign a new contract, making a move probable next summer as the Londoners would be under pressure to cash in,” the report read.

“United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wanted a new midfielder in the recently closed summer window but accepted there was a high possibility the club would not sign one, as United had prioritised a right-winger and a centre-back.”

But now, with Raphael Varane and Jadon Sancho firmly in the door at Old Trafford, football director John Murtough must turn his attention to the ever-improving Rice.

The England international has been in stellar form over the last couple of campaigns but has taken his game to another level in the opening weeks of 2021/22, with Gary Lineker labelling his latest performance “magnificent”.

Rice has played a pivotal part in the Hammers’ fast start to the season, and it’s clear he’d offer an upgrade to Solskjaer’s current options at the base of the midfield.

As per fbref.com, the 22-year-old has recorded a combined total of five tackles and interceptions per 90 this term, bettering Scott McTominay’s tally of 3.05 and Fred’s total of 4.47.

But in a side that is expected to be on the front foot as much as United are, it’s also vital that Rice has the ability to cause the opposition some damage when in possession of the ball, and his underlying numbers show that he’s more than capable of doing just that.

Not only has he recorded three assists already, but the youngster has produced two Shot Creating Actions per 90 and carried the ball into the final third of the pitch 3.22 times per 90, outperforming McTominay’s figures of 1.85 and 2.88 and Fred’s 1.59 and 0.39, respectively.

And Rice also appears to be a better passer of the ball than his Red Devil counterparts.

Not only has he got a pass completion ratio of 91% to McTominay’s 86.4% and Fred’s 84.7%, but he also fires the ball into the final third of the pitch more often too, doing so on 6.67 occasions per 90, whereas United’s Scottish and Brazilian duo do so 4.75 and 4.61 times on average.

With that in mind, it’s hardly a surprise that he’s been compared to a United stalwart of the past. Teddy Sheringham once commented: “He’s in the mould of Roy Keane and Michael Carrick, who were two top, top players.”

While Rice would not automatically solve all of Solskjaer’s problems and his purchase would undoubtedly be an expensive one, a player of his ilk is badly needed at Old Trafford, and Murtough must revive his interest in the £63m-rated beast before another potential suitor snaps him up.

And, in other news…Imagine him & Rashford: Man Utd can form frightening duo with “potent” £76m-rated gem 

Plenty of Aston Villa supporters have been reacting to Ashley Preece’s predicted XI for the game against West Ham this weekend.

Villa play host to David Moyes’ side, who have just come off the back of dumping holders Manchester City out of the Carabao Cup.

The Hammers are also impressing in the Premier League and in the Europa League, whereas Dean Smith’s men have lost their last three.

Preece shared a story on Tuesday evening, believing Smith will ring the changes this weekend following the 3-1 defeat to Arsenal.

The reliable reporter has tipped Smith to return to a back four, with Leon Bailey and Jacob Ramsey coming in for Axel Tuanzebe and Emiliano Buendia.

That would allow Smith to go with a 4-3-3 system, with Ollie Watkins out on the left and Douglas Luiz holding in front of a back four.

Villa fans react

This is what these Villa fans had to say in reply to Preece’s Twitter post, with some picking out Tyrone Mings for criticism and another labelling the decision to play Buendia centrally as opposed to out wide as ‘bizarre’.

“Mings only had 4 yellow cards all last season and already has four this… I’m not entirely sure what that says, but it isn’t positive.”

Credit: @CaptainScott87

“All Norwich fans said to us Buendia has to play on the wing and yet we’ve played him in the middle, really bizarre.”

Credit: @MartinRammer

“9 games and already 1 yellow away from a ban.. makes that ridiculous time wasting a bit more ridiculous.”

Credit: @lvad78

“No Buendia… there is a surprise! Pathetic agenda against him despite not playing in his favoured (or most used to) position or formation. Grealish was right…”

Credit: @AlBlanch

“Definitely useful for Mings to have a game out. He’s been a liability this season. Needless fouls, constantly giving the ball away, regularly out of position. I close my eyes when the ball comes near him at the moment.”

Credit: @RossMatthewman7

“Mings should be dropped but he won’t be”

Credit: @TaylorMods

In other news: ‘The best’ – Many AVFC fans go wild as Fabrizio Romano shares ‘official’ Villa news. 

Aston Villa manager Dean Smith has suffered a triple injury blow before their Premier League clash against Southampton on Friday night.

What’s the story?

The Athletic’s Gregg Evans confirmed that Villa will be missing the likes of Bertrand Traore, Danny Ings and Douglas Luiz for the trip to the south coast, with the Midlands club having tasted defeat in their past four top-flight games.

Ings already has three goals to his name in his embryonic Villa Park career and would surely have relished going back to his old stomping ground, while the scale of Luiz’s absence is reflected in him being the squad’s best performer so far in 2021/22 according to WhoScored metrics. Traore could also have packed a threat with his dribbling ability, completing a joint squad-high 1.8 per game, so to be deprived of the trio will come as a massive blow, especially given Villa’s recent struggles.

Dean Smith will be worried

Speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of the game against Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side, Smith tried to play down the speculation suggesting that he was coming under increasing pressure.

He said: “I think the perception from outside of the football club is always different. If you’re asking me if I sleep well, yes, I sleep well. I still play well at golf. My wife is still talking to me so, if that answers your question, then yeah, I feel fine.

“There is no panic, we’re in control and determined to put things right. There has been a reaction from all the players because they are disappointed with the results. We are not far from turning it around and we are in a determined mood, that’s for sure. There is a collective responsibility and the players have been working hard.”
Smith will be hoping that his positive outlook can inspire some much-needed confidence in his players after their recent decline, and while he may have put on a happy face for his press conference, the Villa boss will no doubt be worried about tonight’s game, not least due to the significant injuries with which he has had to contend.

Meanwhile, Villa must unleash this academy starlet tonight…

Flocking to Twitter, many West Ham United fans have been left overjoyed as their club shared news on star striker Michail Antonio.

The 31-year-old has been in electric form for the Irons so far this season, scoring six goals and setting up three others in just 10 Premier League starts (WhoScored).

He has also been West Ham’s most threatening player overall in terms of numbers, having racked up an average of 3.6 shots on goal per 90 over 2021/22 (WhoScored).

Antonio’s scintillating performances since the start of the campaign didn’t go unnoticed, either, with the Irons frontman even clinching August’s Premier League Player of the Month award.

Having elected to represent Jamaica at international level this year, he is currently away with the Reggae Boyz on their World Cup qualifying tour as they seek to qualify from the CONCACAF region.

He only made his debut for the Caribbean nation in September but now, as shared by the club’s official Twitter channel, Antonio is off the mark for his country as he helped them to a 1-1 draw against El Salvador.

In scoring his first goal for Jamaica, the forward dispossessed an opposition player just past the halfway line before surging past two defenders, eventually dinking a cool effort over El Salvador’s keeper (CBS Sports).

Following his sublime goal, many West Ham fans have raved over what is a personal milestone for Antonio, and one which should help to maintain his confidence heading into the busy winter period.

One Hammers fan called it ‘fantastic news’ as many others celebrated – check out some of their reactions below.

West Ham fans rave over Antonio news…

“Absolutely loved wearing my Antonio shirt in Jamaica on my honeymoon. All the locals absolutely love him. So pleased for him!”

Credit: @KrisProwse182

“Top man, well deserved”

Credit: @yougosmavarous

“Our little island boy”

Credit: @TravisBabb__

“Never in doubt”

Credit: @1bbyWHU

“BALLER”

Credit: @TD_H_

“BEAST MODE”

Credit: @LocksmithDuude

“That’s fantastic news! Many congratulations Micky Antonio, international player properly on the world map of football. Very proud of him, just come home safe and sound to West Ham United family”

Credit: @ZaynafamilyMary

“Proud of him, he is too good for England. He should have had a call up a few times for us. Happy for him getting international football with Jamaica”

Credit: @RyanHil98488904

In other news: Italian source leaks transfer news out of West Ham involving ‘extraordinary’ £22.5 million-valued beast, find out more here.