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Manchester United appear to have turned a corner in terms of their recruitment since the arrival of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, and one purchase stands out amongst them all.

For years, it appeared as though the Red Devils hierarchy were playing a game of Football Manager when it came to their dealings in the transfer market.

Whenever a big name became available, such as Angel di Maria, Radamel Falcao, or Bastien Schweinsteiger, United snapped them up without any consideration as to whether they would fit in the current manager’s plans.

However, after many seasons spent meandering post-Sir Alex Ferguson, the arrival of Bruno Fernandes back in January 2020 marked a new era for the English giants.

After joining the Old Trafford outfit via a £46.5m move from Sporting Lisbon, Fernandes couldn’t hide his love for the club and promised to inspire Solskjaer’s charges to silverware.

“For me to now play for Manchester United feels incredible,” said the Portugal international. “My love of Manchester United really started when I used to watch Cristiano Ronaldo play and ever since then I have been a big fan of this great club.

“I have worked hard to get to this moment, and I can promise the fans that I will give everything for the badge to help bring us more success and trophies.”

And Fernandes certainly delivered on his pledge to give everything. The now 27-year-old produced an astonishing return of eight goals and seven assists in his first 14 Premier League games for United, impressing a whole host of onlookers, including Roy Keane.

“He’s lifted everybody at the club. It’s as if he’s been there 20 years. He’s got pure quality,” claimed the Sy Sports pundit and former United legend.

“The big plus for Ole over the last year or so is that the recruitment seems to be getting better. He looks like he’s going to be a big player for United for the next few years.”

Fernandes has continued in the same vein ever since, taking his tallies up to 44 goals and 28 assists in just 90 outings for the Red Devils, an outrageous output that has seen his market value skyrocket to £81m.

There’s no doubt that United struck gold over the £180,000-per-week beast, but now he must deliver on his promise to secure a major trophy, ending the club’s longest drought in over 30 years.

And, in other news…Report reveals worrying Man United update that should leave Ole feeling concerned 

A ‘substantial’ new kit deal for Liverpool would allow even more money to be generated for new signings, according to Leeds United employee and club ambassador and Noel Whelan.

The Lowdown: New kit deal coming?

The Reds’ kit is currently sponsored by Standard Chartered, with their deal running out at the end of the next season and bringing them around £40million a year at the moment.

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Recent reports have claimed that Liverpool are on the lookout for an even bigger deal, however – one that could earn them as much as £50 million every 12 months.

With Jurgen Klopp’s men flying on the pitch, it would be a surprise if the Reds weren’t without suitors, as they look to continue battling for Premier League titles.

The Latest: Whelan makes claim

Speaking to Football Insider, reacting to recent news that Liverpool are currently in talks with multiple companies over a possible big money off-field agreement worth around £50million-per-year, Whelan got behind the idea of a new kit sponsor.

He claims that it’s a ‘no-brainer’ for companies to be attached to the Anfield club and Klopp’s side will ‘for sure’ never be short of options.

“Look, they’re a very marketable football club. One that many, many businesses would want to be attached to.

“Liverpool is a club that pretty much sells itself. It’s like Man United, Man City these days, Chelsea. Those big four sell themselves to companies because they want to be attached to that brand.

“They’re never going to be without a sponsor, that’s for sure, because of how successful they are. Because of the history behind the club, because of the demand worldwide support that they have.

“It’s a no brainer for a company to be attached and have a logo on the Liverpool shirt. It’s one of the biggest selling shirts in the world, not just in the country.

“That is going to be something substantial to the football club that’s going to help bring players in and give them the finances to push further and stay right there at the top of world football.”

The Verdict: Reds in a great place

There was a time when a £50million-a-year deal felt like a pipe dream for Liverpool but Klopp has transformed the club since arriving as manager back in October 2015.

The German has turned them into one of Europe’s best teams on current form, creating a team spirit and togetherness that should appeal to any possible sponsor.

It could be a case of Liverpool taking their pick from those interested in sponsoring their kit from 2023 onwards, such is their position of strength these days.

In other news, a pundit has backed one Liverpool player to sign a new deal. Find out who it is here.

Tottenham Hotspur have been handed a massive boost in their pursuit of mooted transfer target Andrea Belotti this week…

What’s the word?

During the summer transfer window, the north London outfit were reportedly ‘observing’ the 27-year-old’s situation as he entered the final year of his current contract at Serie A outfit Torino, as per Corriere dello Sport (via Sport Witness).

They were once again linked ahead of January and now it seems as if they have been gifted their biggest boost yet, should sporting director Fabio Paratici still retain such interest.

According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, the Bulls have offered him a new deal but nothing has been agreed, as he also relayed comments from club president Urbano Cairo, who said: “I don’t see big chances to extend his contract, but we’ll see.”

Should they swoop?

It would not be a surprise to see Spurs make a move for a striker in the near future, considering an out-of-form Harry Kane is their only senior option. He’s scored just once in the Premier League all season and that has to be a cause for concern to manager Antonio Conte.

Belotti is increasingly likely to be available for nothing in the summer, and that means foreign clubs like Tottenham can submit pre-contract offers to the Torino talisman as early as January.

Valued at a whopping £31.5m by Transfermarkt, the Italy international would be quite the steal, especially fresh off the back of winning Euro 2020. He has proven to be a very prolific goalscorer over recent times.

The forward has bagged double figures in every season since 2015/16, including a career-best tally of 28 goals in the 2016/17 campaign, via Transfermarkt.

Ex-Spurs shot-stopper Joe Hart briefly played with Belotti at the Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino and described the frontman as a unique talent, different to the big names we usually see mentioned across Europe.

“Andrea is similar to all the great strikers, English and not. It’s hard to compare him to someone else because he’s special,” he lauded to journalist Gianluca Di Marzio. “He’s Belotti and that’s it. He has [an] instinct for goals, personality and he’s a team player: he’s always focused on his team and plays hard to help it.”

Things have not gone to plan for him this campaign, managing only two goals and five starts, but injuries have somewhat hampered his season so far and that doesn’t take away from his impressive and consistent goalscoring record over the years; not to mention his role as captain, either.

It’s evident that Spurs are in desperate need of alternatives to the misfiring Kane and Belotti could be a bargain solution, even more so after the door has seemingly opened for them to strike a deal at the turn of the year.

Paratici and Conte should act after this latest development from Romano. They have been gifted a massive boost, so it would be foolish to not at least try and lure the Italian to north London.

AND in other news, Sky Sports reporter Michael Bridge drops Spurs update on Joe Rodon…

Aston Villa have reportedly joined some Premier League and European behemoths in the race to sign Denis Zakaria.

The Daily Mail listed the defensive midfielder as a player of interest to Steven Gerrard’s side on Saturday evening, and it has since had a number of Villa supporters talking on social media.

Zakaria, who plies his trade with Bundesliga side Borussia Monchengladbach, is out of contract at the end of June. The 25-year-old is valued at £24.3m and has made 144 appearances for his current employers, attracting interest from the likes of Liverpool, Manchester United, Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund.

However, it now seems as if Villa are also keen on the Switzerland international as they look to bolster their defensive midfield ranks following Marvelous Nakamba’s injury. The Daily Mail named 10 players who are of interest to Villa, one of which was Zakaria.

Villa fans react

The AVFC Faithful shared the links on Twitter regarding the 6 foot 2 beast, whose 90.1% passing accuracy rate is better than any player to have started a league match for Villa this term. Here is what these fans had to say in reply, with many keen to see a move materialise.

“FINALLY, WHAT WE’VE BEEN MISSING”

Credit: @OP4C

“Please be true man”

Credit: @BallyLDM

“OHHH ITS MUSIC TO MY EARS”

Credit: @charliepowellm1

“WAIT WHATTTTTT”

Credit: @LordMillman29

“Things you love to see”

Credit: @K6Lion1874

“Exactly what we need”

Credit: @AJJ8Villa

In other news: Villa’s rivals now set sights on signing 6 ft 2 beast who has ‘put on a lot of weight’. 

West Ham United are reportedly interested in acquiring the services of Bayer Leverkusen striker Patrick Schick this month, with the Hammers looking to add depth to their squad given their participation in three competitions.

What’s the story?

According to Italian outlet Calcio Mercato, the East London club are looking to sign the Leverkusen forward this window, having not signed a striker since Sebastien Haller’s departure for Ajax last year.

The £36m-rated striker has been in exceptional form this term, having netted 18 goals in 16 Bundesliga appearances.

Schick joined Leverkusen in September 2020 from Italian outfit AS Roma, having spent the previous season on loan at their Bundesliga rivals RB Leipzig, where the Czech Republic international scored ten goals in 28 appearances.

Since his move, the striker labelled a “genius” by his national team coach Jaroslav Silhavy, has scored 31 times in 56 appearances, an astounding tally.

However, the 25-year-old could seek a new challenge and make the move to the Premier League by joining David Moyes’ side.

West Ham fans will love him

It is no secret that the East Londoners could do with a new striker with winger Jarrod Bowen being their main goal output of late.

Michail Antonio started the season excellently, scoring five goals in his first six Premier League games of the campaign. However, the Jamaica international has only scored three league goals since September.

With Moyes’ side still juggling three competitions and possessing genuine ambition of securing Champions League football by May, the Hammers will need a recognised goal scorer that they can rely on.

West Ham have managed to find goals from all over the pitch, scoring 41 in their 20 league games thus far. However, that may not prove sustainable and the Irons could do with adding a recognised goalscorer up front to help secure a top-four finish and progress in the Europa League and FA Cup.

Schick has had an immense start to the season, scoring more goals than games played. Should West Ham be able to find a fee suitable to bring the Czech from Germany to England, they could be a serious force during the second half of the season.

Moreover, the Irons have already had two Czech stars succeed at the London Stadium with Tomas Soucek and Vladimir Coufal being key contributors. Thus, fans would surely warm the forward pretty instantly should he make the move.

AND in other news, West Ham flop who lost the ball every 2 touches v Leeds may be costing Moyes top-four…

Arsenal are right in the mix challenging for the top four under new manager Unai Emery, who continues to impress in his first season over in English football.

The Gunners have put in some excellent performances at times, although once again inconsistencies have robbed them of a real chance of making a run at the top positions in the Premier League.

However, things are looking up in the long-term, and Emery will be confident of being a success with the Gunners as he continues to adjust to life on these shores.

With January very much a write off though in terms of new additions for the club, we here in the Tavern think the club need to start planning for the summer, and one man we feel would be a superb signing is PSV winger Hirving Lozano.

The Mexican winger, has been in quite superb form over in Holland this term, smashing in 15 goals and adding nine assists across all competitions, and his stock is definitely on the rise.

Lozano, who predominantly operates down the left, would be a superb addition for Arsenal, who often face a dilemma down that side of the field, with Aubameyang asked to fill the role or the under used Alex Iwobi sometimes slotting into the inside forward position.

The speedy PSV man would bring direct pace to the Gunners line up, something the team have lacked really since the days of Marc Overmars.

He’s bound to be a wanted man come the summer if he continues to perform as is, and Arsenal need to have their wits about them to ensure they sign the 23-year-old ahead of the competition.

Arsenal fans, what do you think? Good signing? Let us know in the comments!

Lots of Glasgow Rangers fans have been left fuming over an incident involving Joe Aribo in their 2-0 win in the UEFA Europa League on Thursday night.

The Nigeria international went down inside the box early on in the second half of their match against Brondby, but no penalty was given after a check from VAR.

It would have capped off what was a very good overall performance from Aribo, who impressed many members of the Ibrox faithful particularly for his display in the first half.

Luckily for Steven Gerrard’s team, they were already 2-0 up at that stage thanks to goals in the first half from Leon Balogun and Kemar Roofe, but if goal difference becomes a factor in terms of qualifying for the knockout phase, then Light Blues supporters will surely go back to this incident.

Rangers fans on Aribo penalty claim

These Teddy Bears fumed on Twitter after the penalty was not given, with one Ger even going as far as to claim that it was a ‘shocking’ decision:

“Baffling outcome. Is it because we kept possession for ages afterwards n there was no stoppage so they just didn’t bother and assumed everybody would forget about it?”

Credit: @NYCRFC

“That’s embarrassing from VAR. Stonewall penalty”

Credit: @Alanmstar1

“Shocking decision!”

Credit: @PurpleStandard

“That’s a terrible decision”

Credit: @dylboy72

“VAR shambles”

Credit: @Rainbowquest2

“Jeez”

Credit: @Beesh24240265

In other news, find out whose performance was slammed here!

Liverpool are interested in signing dominant Torino centre-back Gleison Bremer in the summer transfer window, according to reliable journalist Neil Jones.

The Lowdown: Bremer shining at Torino

The Brazilian has become a key player for the Serie A side, starting 28 games in the league this season and proving to be a colossal presence, even being described as an ‘animal’ by teammate Mergim Vojvoda.

Indeed, Bremer has averaged a monstrous 4.1 aerial duel wins per game – Joel Matip (3.9) leads the way for Liverpool in the Premier League this season – as well as 3.4 interceptions per match.

Liverpool have been linked with a move for Bremer in the past and now a fresh update has emerged.

The Latest: Reds eyeing up move

According to Goal‘s Jones on Twitter, the Reds are ‘tracking’ the 25-year-old ahead of a potential summer move. Inter Milan are the front-runners to sign him currently, however, with numerous clubs showing an interest.

His current Torino deal expires in the summer of 2024.

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The Verdict: Goodbye, Joe Gomez?

It looks as though Liverpool’s interest is genuine, given Jones’ reliability, which surely suggests that one current centre-back could be moving on this summer.

With Virgil van Dijk, Joel Matip and Ibrahima Konate all undisputed key men, that points towards Joe Gomez potentially enjoying a new challenge.

Reports have suggested that the 24-year-old could leave due to being desperate to make England’s World Cup squad, and it is hard to see that happening if he stays put, sadly.

Gomez is an excellent player but his current situation is unlikely to change unless injuries to others occur, meaning a summer exit makes the most sense.

In other news, an Italian source has made a Liverpool transfer claim. Read more here.

Taking to Twitter, Portuguese reporter Pedro Almeida has made a major Tottenham Hotspur exit claim involving winger Steven Bergwijn.

The Lowdown: Spurs exodus in January?

As manager Antonio Conte makes his squad ‘evaluations’ and decides who deserves to stay or leave, there are a fair few Tottenham players who could be shown the door.

Most recently, the likes of Dele Alli, Tanguy Ndombele and Matt Doherty have been most heavily tipped to leave north London before January 31 either on loan or in a permanent switch.

Bergwijn is another as Ajax table an official bid for the player, according to transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano.

In an update, reporter Almeida has now shared how advanced that move could be as he drops a major claim.

The Latest: Spurs exit agreement ‘close’…

Taking to Twitter, the reporter says that an agreement between Spurs and Ajax over Bergwijn is now ‘close’ with talks at the ‘final stages’.

He goes on to explain this will be a permanent exit from north London and not a temporary deal with the Eredivisie giants also close to offloading winger David Neres.

It is believed the latter man will join Shahktar Donetsk for €16 million (£13.3m).

The Verdict: Mistake?

Recently dazzling against West Ham in the Carabao Cup and drawing real praise from former boss Nuno Espirito Santo, who called Bergwijn ‘unique’, selling Bergwijn permanently could be a mistake.

Depending on the transfer fee, Tottenham and Conte could have been better served handing more chances to the Netherlands international who is still fairly young with room for improvement.

Conte has also previously praised the 24-year-old, calling him ‘quick’ and ‘quality’ with a real eye for goal, attributes the Italian could have used as he seeks to guide Tottenham into a top four finish.

In other news: Spurs agree £33.4m option for ‘sensational player’ after loan spell with EPL rivals, find out more here.

Manchester United have not contacted former Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane over possibly replacing Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, according to Fabrizio Romano.

And, as to be expected, a number of United fans have been reacting to the update on social media.

Rumours emerged in recent days from Duncan Castles of The Times claiming United have stepped up their attempts to lure the Frenchman to Old Trafford.

The Red Devils hierarchy are reportedly ‘hopeful’ that his close relationships with Cristiano Ronaldo and Raphael Varane can help to convince him to join, however, Romano has a different take.

He claimed that United are yet to contact Zidane, who is enjoying his private life and isn’t desperate to work again during the current campaign without a pre-season under his belt.

This is of course not the news fans wanted to hear, given the former Real Madrid boss won a remarkable two league titles and three Champions Leagues during his time in the Spanish capital.

United fans react

@utdreport shared Romano’s update on Zidane on Twitter on Sunday lunchtime.

This is what these United fans had to say in reply, with many making their views known.

“Fabrizio hype. Di Marzio is the only Italian journo we trust these days soz”

Credit: @LaPiochey

“Make it happen @Cristiano”

Credit: @lenh0ff

“I knew it. We are getting Rodgers.”

Credit: @andromedaUtd

“All I know is pain”

Credit: @LethuTheLegend

“Ah sigh we can never have good things”

Credit: @UTDTrey

“Fabrizio is behind the curve he’s tier 5 these days”

Credit: @OIeOutNow