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Tottenham Hotspur return to action this lunchtime as they make the short trip to the Emirates Stadium to face arch-rivals Arsenal in the Premier League.

Just one point separates the two teams heading into kick-off with the Gunners just taking the edge as the division’s leaders after seven matches.

The north London derby is usually a fiery affair packed full of goals, so it will be interesting to see what sort of lineup manager Antonio Conte opts for as he looks to get another win over the club’s biggest nemesis.

There has been a lot of doubt over the fitness of club captain and no.1 shot-stopper Hugo Lloris after he pulled out of international duty but the Italian said during his pre-game press conference that he hoped “to see him on Saturday.”

He should, therefore, be fit to feature in what will be a late and big decision.

One player who won’t, however, is likely to be Ben Davies, meaning Barcelona loanee Clement Lenglet is set to continue in his place alongside England international Eric Dier and Cristian Romero.

There’s a choice to make at wing-back as, perhaps intriguingly, Conte started both Ivan Perisic and Ryan Sessegnon last time out, with the former starting on the right. This time, though, the Croatian veteran could be on the left as Emerson Royal returns to the fold.

The 22-year-old, once dubbed a “big talent” by former Fulham teammate Stefan Johansen, will be dropped, as a result.

In midfield, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Rodrigo Bentancur have been mainstays, so it’s hard to envisage either of Oliver Skipp or summer signing Yves Bissouma breaking that trend, whilst in the attack, another doubt has emerged.

Nice one, Son! Show your love for Heung-min Son with this awesome t-shirt! Click here to buy…

Dejan Kulusevski, who started in the 6-2 demolition of basement boys Leicester City, could be absent, so it would make sense for hat-trick hero Heung-min Son to come straight back into the starting XI, having bagged all three of his goals from the bench against the Foxes.

He would be the second and final change to the side.

Predicted Spurs XI (3-4-3): Lloris; Lenglet, Dier, Romero; Perisic, Hojbjerg, Bentancur, Emerson; Son, Richarlison, Kane.

AND in other news, Spurs dealt injury worry ahead of Arsenal…

Newcastle United’s club-record arrival Alexander Isak is still waiting to receive his work permit ahead of Wednesday night’s Premier League clash against Liverpool, according to Daily Mail journalist Craig Hope.

The Lowdown: Recent results

The Magpies emerged from the weekend with an extra point after Allan Saint-Maximin saved the side from defeat with a 1-1 draw against Wolverhampton Wanderers, scoring a sensational strike in the 90th minute.

The Tyneside outfit now sit seventh place in the Premier League table, having gained six points from their opening four games.

The Toon make the trip to Anfield on Wednesday night following Liverpool’s emphatic 9-0 demolition of Bournemouth at the weekend.

The Latest: Isak’s work permit

Having arrived at St James’ Park on Friday, fans were hoping to see new signing Isak in action in their upcoming clash against the Reds.

However, Hope has shared an update ahead of the Liverpool game, possibly dealing a blow for Eddie Howe and his team selection.

Taking to Twitter, the reliable journalist claimed:

“Alexander Isak has not yet received his work permit & Newcastle can wait until 75mins before kick-off at Liverpool tomorrow for it to arrive. Eddie Howe said: ‘I desperately hope (it comes through). There is no guarantee as I sit here now. It could go down to the wire.’”

The Verdict: Wilson also missing…

If the 22-year-old is unable to play Wednesday night, this will come as a big blow to Howe, as he is already without number nine Callum Wilson.

The former Bournemouth frontman limped off the pitch against Manchester City in the 70th minute with a hamstring injury.

Having already missed the Magpies’ EFL Cup clash against Tranmere Rovers and Sunday’s Premier League visit to the Molineux, Wilson is still expected to miss a couple of weeks whilst he recovers.

Therefore, with Howe expecting Isak to take his place in the starting line-up, the wait for his work permit will be a tentative one for the Newcastle boss.

Celtic are reportedly battling it out with their Old Firm foes to land Queen’s Park starlet Cameron Bruce, although the Premiership champions face competition from clubs south of the border.

What’s the word?

According to The Scottish Sun, the Hoops have seen bids rejected for the promising 16-year-old, with a handful of Premier League sides also said to be keeping a close eye on the left-back.

Also in the hunt for the youngster are Celtic’s crosstown arch-rivals Rangers, who have had a bid of their own knocked back by Queen’s Park.

The report suggests that his current club have ‘no intention’ of parting ways with the exciting talent any time soon, with the Championship outfit having only handed him a two-year professional contract in May.

The Glasgow-born full-back has been with the Spiders since joining the youth setup at under-9 level, eventually going on to make his senior debut off the bench in March.

Taylor heir

Such clamour for his signature is a marker of just what a talent the youngster truly is, with those at Parkhead likely to have a real gem on their hands if they can poach him amid such intense rival interest.

While his first-team involvement has been fleeting to date – with the Scotland under-17 international making just two senior outings in total – he has clearly caught the eye with his displays at academy level.

Bruce was lauded by Queen’s Park director of football Marijn Beuker after penning professional terms in May, with the club chief saying: “Cameron is a modern wing back, who possesses a lot of technical skills and game intelligence that not only make him a graceful player, but above all with which he has the potential to grow into an excellent wing-back.”

The young Scotsman would undoubtedly be a player for the future if he were to join Ange Postecoglou’s ranks this summer, although the hope will be that he could be the long-term successor to compatriot and Celtic’s current first-choice left-back Greg Taylor.

The 24-year-old – who signed from Kilmarnock in 2019 – has established himself as the first-choice in his full-back berth at Parkhead, offering a dynamic and relentless attacking threat down the left flank.

In 88 games for the club so far, the £2.25m-rated ace has chipped in with a respectable tally of 16 assists in all competitions, having notably been lauded for his “unbelievable” form in the early weeks of the new season by team-mate Jota.

Also labelled “very, very consistent” by Matt O’Riley, the Scotland international is beginning to really blossom at Celtic Park at present, with the addition of youngster Alexandro Bernabei having potentially spurred him on even further.

Should Bruce join him at the club in the near future, Taylor could well be the man to help guide the youngster as he eventually emerges into the first team, with the teenager seemingly the perfect heir to the 5 foot 9 sensation.

Wolves youngster Luke Cundle will be able to leave Molineux on loan during the summer transfer window, according to a fresh transfer claim.

The Lowdown: Cundle an exciting talent

The 20-year-old is one of the most exciting young players at the Wanderers’ disposal, having caught the eye with his performances for the first team and in the academy.

Cundle has made seven appearances for the senior side to date, while he has also scored nine goals and chipped in with 13 assists in 52 matches for the Under-23s.

Playing time is still going to be tough for the midfielder at Wolves this season, however, so a temporary move looks on the cards.

The Latest: Loan move expected

According to Football Insider, Wanderers are ‘ready’ to send Cundle out on loan this summer, with a number of EFL clubs interested in signing him.

Wolves see it as an ideal opportunity for the youngster to mature as a player, enjoying regular minutes and being tested week in week out in the senior game.

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The Verdict: Ideal for experience

Loan moves can be hugely beneficial for a player’s development, so this update is a positive one, allowing Cundle to enjoy a key chapter in his blossoming career.

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He has been hailed as ‘magnificent’ by James Collins in the past and he is someone who has the potential to light up one of the lower leagues with his quality.

The hope is that Cundle returns to Wolves next summer an even more polished footballer, at which point he could then be considered a genuine part of their first-team plans.

Manchester United are reportedly getting closer to their second summer signing, as they remain in talks with Christian Eriksen over his move to Old Trafford.

What’s the word?

After his impressive performances in the second half of last season with Brentford, Eriksen has been a man-in-demand so far this summer, with the vast majority of the Premier League linked with signing him at one point or another.

The 30-year-old is available on a free transfer having only signed a six-month deal with the Bees in January and while they are understandably keen on keeping him, it seems as if United are in pole position to bring him in.

Sky Sports journalist Dharmesh Sheth recently revealed that:

“I’ve been told today that the signing of Christian Eriksen is progressing positively. Three-year deal we know has been agreed in principle, it will formally be signed off once Christian Eriksen completes that medical with Manchester United.”

The news comes amid United’s pursuit of Frenkie de Jong with talks ongoing in Barcelona between the respective parties.

Ten Hag will love him

Eriksen has proven himself to be a world-class player over the past decade, contributing 69 goals and 90 assists during his time at Tottenham Hotspur, and to sign him on a free transfer represents excellent business for United.

The Denmark international was in inspired form for Thomas Frank’s side last season, helping them comfortably avoid relegation, as he contributed one goal and four assists in 11 Premier League appearances, averaging a superb 7.37 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

No player in United’s side would average as many key passes (2.7) per game than Eriksen last season, which emphasises just what he will add to Erik ten Hag’s midfield.

Considering the Dane came through Ajax’s famous academy, he will already be aware of how Ten Hag will want to play at United next season, and his immense ability on the ball suggests that he could be a perfect midfield player for the new manager.

If he can carry on his form with Brentford at Old Trafford next season, he will surely prove to be a quality signing for the Red Devils.

AND, in other news: BBC journalist drops big Man United transfer update, supporters will be buzzing…

Aston Villa have suffered a setback in their pre-season preparations, with defender Kortney Hause set to be absent for an extended period of time.

What’s the word?

As per the Express and Star, the 26-year-old recently underwent surgery for a ‘minor operation on his right knee’ and is now expected to be absent for around four to six weeks, essentially ruling him out of the club’s summer schedule.

That absence could also make him a doubt for the start of the new Premier League campaign, which kicks off for the Midlands outfit on 6 August away to Bournemouth, leaving Steven Gerrard with a potential shortage of centre-back options for that trip to the Vitality Stadium.

The Liverpool legend will seemingly head into pre-season without the former Wolverhampton Wanderers man and fellow defender Ezri Konsa in tow, the latter set to be absent until early September after sustaining a knee injury of his own in May against Crystal Palace.

Gerrard will be gutted

Although the Villa manager will still have Calum Chambers and Tyrone Mings to call upon, along with summer signing Diego Carlos, it is far from an ideal circumstance to head into a new campaign without a full complement of players, with the 42-year-old seemingly praying for no further injury woes in the coming weeks.

In the case of Hause, the former England under-21 international – who has been linked with an exit from the club – may not have been a regular starter a Villa Park since his move (initially on loan) from Molineux in 2019, although the £25k-per-week colossus has proven himself a valuable squad asset in that time.

He has scored four goals in 55 appearances in all competitions in that time, notably netting a late winner in the 1-0 victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford back in September, having featured on the left of a back three in that clash.

While he has largely had to play second fiddle over the past three seasons, he could well take on a more prominent role amid doubts over the futures of both Mings and Konsa, hence the further frustration for all concerned that the 26-year-old won’t be able to showcase his talent in pre-season.

The £3.6m-rated defender’s qualities and attributes have previously been highlighted by journalist Pat Rowe, who stated last September: “He’s another player that’s just developed tenfold under Smith.

“He always looks so assured now this season, and physically, he just dominates players, he’s got the pace.”

That glowing assessment illustrates the scale of the 6 foot 3 brute’s talent, and both he and his manager will no doubt frustrated that he won’t be able to demonstrate that quality in Gerrard’s first full pre-season at the helm of Aston Villa.

AND in other news, Lange eyeing Villa move for £30m “goalscoring machine”, he’d be their own Darwin Nunez

Liverpool have been heavily linked with securing a deal for Darwin Nunez, and now a new update has been revealed on the next steps in the club’s pursuit of the player.

What’s the latest?

According to Italian journalist Gianluigi Longari, Liverpool have now agreed on personal terms with Nunez.

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Taking to his Twitter account the journalist claimed:

“Liverpool close to reach an agreement with Benfica for striker Darwin Nunez. Agreement on personal terms.”

Longari then further followed up with another tweet stating: “Confirmed by some other reliable sources: Darwin Nunez has a total agreement with Liverpool on personal terms (2027). First offer from LFC to Benfica to find a total agreement.

“Darwin Nunez never been so close to Liverpool.”

Klopp will be delighted

With the unexpected news that Sadio Mane wants to Liverpool this summer, Jurgen Klopp will surely be delighted that FSG are making the right moves to replace the Senegalese winger’s massive goal contributions ahead of next season with Nunez proving to be more than capable of bagging crucial goals.

The Uruguayan striker scored 34 goals and contributed four assists in all competitions from his striker role for Portuguese giants Benfica this season, but it is the importance of some of his strikes specifically that make him a game-changer like his potential predecessor Mane.

In the Champions League, Nunez was the catalyst in his team’s progression through the prestigious European competition that landed Benfica their first quarter-final since 2016.

The 22-year-old scored big goals in big games against some of the most elite clubs in the tournament with two goals against Barcelona, a goal versus both Bayern Munich and Ajax, and two strikes over the quarter-final tie with Liverpool.

That said, despite his hard work was unable to knock out the Merseyside club and crashed out of the competition at Anfield.

Klopp spoke out on his admiration for the young goal machine in a Champions League press conference, saying (via Metro):

“Really good, really good. I knew it before but he played pretty much in front of me. Physically strong, quick, was calm with his finish. Really good. If he stays healthy, it’s a big career ahead of him.”

Following the comments from the German coach, Nunez probably would never have imagined he would become a target and potential player for the six-time Champions League winners and now he could sign a record-breaking deal reported to be worth €100m (£85.5m) making him the most expensive signing ever for the Reds.

AND in other news: Liverpool trying to sign £102m-rated “game-changer” as well as Nunez, he’s Mane 2.0

Newcastle United have been quoted an asking price of over £40m for Brentford striker Ivan Toney, claims Daily Telegraph journalist Luke Edwards.

The Lowdown: Newcastle’s striker hunt

Following the addition of Burnley’s Chris Wood, the Magpies sought to bring in another fresh face to their front line in January.

However, deals for Reims’ Hugo Ekitike and Arsenal’s Eddie Nketiah fell through at the last moment.

As a result, Eddie Howe’s side have been linked with numerous strikers since the end of the Premier League season.

The Latest: Edwards’ news

Daily Telegraph journalist Luke Edwards took to Twitter to share the latest update on Newcastle’s striker search.

Adding further information about well-known target Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Edwards revealed another player that the Magpies have made contact with for a valuation.

“I was told #nufc quoted asking prices of £40m+ for both Toney and Calvert-Lewin in the last few days.”

The Verdict: Great signing

When compared with positional peers across Europe over the past year, Toney ranks in the 88th percentile for aerials won, whilst Calvert-Lewin leads in the 95th percentile (via FB Ref).

Whilst the Everton man takes the win in the aerial department, Toney tops various other stats including clearances, interceptions and progressive passes (via FB Ref).

Therefore, it can be argued that with the Brentford striker, you are getting a more well-rounded player for the money, who can contribute both defensively and as a playmaker.

Hailed by Brentford boss Thomas Frank as a “special player”, it is no wonder the London club are demanding so much for their star man, who is said to have the “mindset of a lion”.

In other news: Newcastle United: Magpies target Hugo Ekitike ‘told’ he can leave Reims

A big claim has been made on Newcastle striker Dwight Gayle’s future heading into the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

Sky Sports journalist Keith Downie has revealed that the £10m signing from Crystal Palace in 2016 will leave the club ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

He told GIVEMESPORT: “Dwight Gayle will go in the summer, and then if he wants three strikers, you’d have Callum Wilson, Chris Wood and then another coming in and then maybe even a fourth who can play off one of the wings, but I think he’d be an option, a good option to have off the bench.”

Eddie Howe will be delighted

The Toon manager will be delighted with the news that Gayle will be on his way out of St. James’ Park in the coming months. He is wasting a space in the squad because he has had a minimal impact on the pitch throughout the campaign and it is the right time for him to depart.

In eight Premier League appearances this season, the striker has accrued just 30 minutes of action and this indicates that Howe does not trust him to play a significant portion of games. He has not shown the head coach that he offers enough on the pitch to justify regular game time and his situation seems unlikely to change as he turns 33 later this year.

Noel Whelan claimed it was “bewildering” when he was given a new deal last year and cited Steve Bruce’s potential exit as one of the reasons why it was a strange decision. Of course, the current West Brom manager was relieved of his duties later in the year and now Howe has been left to deal with the ramifications of that call. 

His previous contract was due to expire in the summer of 2021 and these fresh terms take him through to the end of the 2023/24 campaign.

He has one goal in his 26 top-flight outings since the start of last season and five goals in his last 46 games for the Magpies in the Premier League, illustrating just how baffling the decision to extend his deal was.

This is why Howe will be buzzing to axe Gayle from his squad this summer as he will be able to recoup some money for his services and replace him with a player who can have more of an impact on the pitch for the club.

AND in other news, Howe can get SJP rocking with NUFC swoop for £21m predator with the “scoring nose”…

Manchester City right-back Kyle Walker was absent from training this morning ahead of Tuesday night’s Champions League clash against Sevilla, according to Manchester Evening News journalist Simon Bajkowski.

The Lowdown: Walker’s injury

The England international endured a tough afternoon at Villa Park on Saturday in the Citizens’ 1-1 draw against Steven Gerrard’s side.

After wasting a great chance to put City ahead early on in the game, the full-back visibly struggled to compete and was replaced by Nathan Ake with ten minutes to go.

It seemed initially that Pep Guardiola’s decision to withdraw the 32-year-old was performance-related. However, the 51-year-old confirmed after the match that the defender was replaced due to an injury, rather than a tactical change.

The Latest: Bajkowski’s update

Ahead of City’s Champions League clash against Sevilla, Bajkowski shared an update on the defender on Monday.

Taking to Twitter, the reliable journalist stated: “Kalvin Phillips and Manuel Akanji training with #mcfc this morning. No sign of Kyle Walker, who limped off with an injury at Villa.”

The Verdict: Big loss

Walker’s injury will come as a big loss to City, as he has proven to be a crucial member of Guardiola’s favoured starting XI. The 32-year-old has started all six Premier League games so far this season, having also played the full 90 minutes in the Sky Blues’ Community Shield defeat against Liverpool.

When looking at the right-back’s underlying statistics, it is also clear to see how important he is to City’s style of play.

As per FBRef, compared with positional peers across Europe over the past year, Walker ranks in the 98th percentile for passes attempted, the 97th percentile for pass completion and the 85th percentile for progressive passes.

With the 32-year-old seemingly likely to be absent from the matchday squad tomorrow night against Sevilla, Guardiola will be hoping that Walker can make a swift recovery for City’s upcoming Premier League clash against Tottenham on Saturday, the result of which could prove to be an early indicator in the outcome of the title race.