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Even though their season wasn’t crowned with any silverware in the end, Inter Milan were still quite successful overall. Alongside the surging Atalanta, they pushed Juventus to the final days of Serie A and were a genuine threat to their domestic dominance.

But Antonio Conte might still have to revamp the squad if they are to move forward and according to Sport Mediaset (via Sempre Inter), the Nerazzurri are willing to sell their prized asset, Milan Skriniar, and Tottenham Hotspur are among the teams who have taken a liking to the defender.

The Slovakian star has seemingly slipped down the pecking order over in Italy and that could make him available in the ongoing summer transfer window. Alongside Spurs, teams like Real Madrid, Manchester City and Manchester United were mentioned, meaning Jose Mourinho could face stern competition for the centre-back’s signature.

For that reason, he’s willing to sweeten the deal by potentially including Tanguy Ndombele in the negotiations, as the same source claims, in an attempt to maybe lower the Italian’s asking price of €50m (£45.2m).

Still, the papers don’t exactly say whether this is a deal that Inter would indeed accept but it is a way for Mourinho to make it a bit more attractive if nothing else.

It would be quite difficult for Spurs to compete with the likes of Real, City and United financially so this could be the way to go for the Special One and his crew.

Only time will tell how successful they’ll be in that.

Verdict

He may have fallen down the pecking order just a bit but Skriniar is still very much a top-quality defender who would undoubtedly boost Spurs’ backline. After all, they are in need of reinforcements and this signing could be a big statement for the Premier League side.

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But first, however, they will have to fend off other European giants and convince Inter they are the club to do business with.

As Liverpool close in on a historic Premier League title, naturally, a lot of the plaudits have gone towards Jurgen Klopp and his players – after all, these are the men doing the business on the pitch.

Former Red, Jan Molby, even remarked that “in the big scheme of things”, they would go down as “one of the best football teams we have ever seen”. Quite the impressive statement to make, but when looking at how the Merseyside outfit remain unbeaten after 27 Premier League games, it doesn’t seem so outlandish.

But when the title does eventually make its way to Anfield this season, perhaps those who are rushing to praise the Reds should look to steer some of the limelight to a man who has been working in the shadows: Michael Edwards.

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Liverpool’s sporting director is rarely seen in the public eye, but has been a major part of why Klopp’s men have risen to the summit of both English and European football in recent times.

Whilst ensuring you have a top-level coach like Klopp who can get the best out of his players is important, bringing the right players in – both in terms of their technical quality and attitude – is similarly vital. And the Reds have absolutely nailed this to perfection under Edwards.

When they’ve splashed the cash, they have done so wisely, and on players who are now performing key roles for the team. The likes of Virgil van Dijk and Alisson have arrived in moves worth more than a combined £100m, but have justified their price tags with aplomb – the Reds have the best defensive record in the league with just 17 goals conceded.

Can you remember how much each of these transfer icons cost? Only experts will get 100% on our quiz…

But they haven’t just got their big-money signings right either. Andy Robertson, at an initial £8m from Hull, is the prime example of getting more than what you paid for. Despite playing at left-back, he has managed seven assists across all competitions this season, including one each in wins over Manchester United and Manchester City this season.

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Edwards has been the mastermind behind Liverpool’s superb transfer activity, and it’s exactly why the Reds have him to thank for. The likes of Klopp and Van Dijk may be at the top of the list when it comes to people singing their praises, but the Reds should not forget the incredible contributions their sporting director has made, away from the spotlight.

Meanwhile, Liverpool’s chase for this striker is “in Jurgen Klopp’s hands”.

Newcastle have been without some key performers at the back this season but those who have come in to replace them have stepped up to the plate in remarkable fashion.

Steve Bruce could have been forgiven for fearing the worst after Jamaal Lascelles was ruled out until January 2020 a few weeks ago and though they lost the following game against Aston Villa they have bounced back empathically.

Federico Fernandez has played a big part in that, as the Argentine has barely put a foot wrong and has conducted himself with composure at the back, which is much-needed with the captain’s absence.

He is working very well alongside Ciaran Clark and fans are beginning to recognise their importance, though perhaps the credit ought to be directed at Bruce for his organisation and motivation of the players.

Regardless, Fernandez is a worthy target of praise considering he has averaged 6.9 clearances per league game this term and kept Lys Mousset quiet against Sheffield United.

Fernandez has worked hard to get into the position he’s in but he may need to work even harder if he is to maintain his place in the team, as Newcastle have several other capable centre-backs who will challenge his place once they are fully fit.

He has proved to Bruce that he can be relied upon though and he is key to Newcastle’s defensive style, as they invite a lot of pressure and balls into the box, which he is capable of dealing with if you look at his clearances stat.

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The 30-year-old has now swayed the thinking of some Magpies’ fans too as they doubted him when he first joined, only to become one of their better and more important defenders.

Newcastle fans also took time to praise another star performer after the Sheffield United match, here is what they have had to say.

Ayling posed with Victor Orta and Angus Kinnear as he signed his new deal.

He made no secret of how happy he was to be extending his stay at Elland Road as he said he was ‘buzzing’ about signing his new contract.

Unfortunately, injuries have meant Leeds supporters are yet to see Ayling on the pitch this season, but he’s assured fans that he will be back – declaring that he’s looking forward to getting back playing.

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This article is part of Football FanCast’s Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers…

Speaking to Football Insider, former Leeds United defender Danny Mills relayed information he had been given about the Whites’ upcoming transfer plans.

The ex-England international stated that the Yorkshire outfit will be signing a new centre-back very soon, and that should be music to the ears of many Leeds supporters, some of whom were far from happy on Twitter with the departure of Liam Kitching this week.

What’s been said then?

Mills stated that he expects a new defender to arrive at Elland Road.

“I would definitely expect Leeds to bring in a new centre-back,” he told Football Insider.

“I’m pretty sure the recruitment team is out there looking already and I’m convinced there will be a new signing in the offing fairly soon. That’s what I’ve been told by Leeds.

“Leeds have clearly known for a while that Pontus Jansson was creating one or two issues. This situation hasn’t happened overnight, it’s been going on for some time.

“Leeds have known this was coming and were trying to target a new centre-back.”

Exactly what they need

Many United supporters should be buzzing about these comments from their former player.

There is a huge need for a centre-back in the Whites’ squad as they lack depth in that position – Liam Cooper, Gaetano Berardi and Ben White are the only senior players capable of playing in that role at the moment.

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Marcelo Bielsa’s side had a number of injury worries last season, and with Berardi being the joint-most red carded player in the club’s history, there is no guarantee that these players will be fit and available all season.

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Luckily Mills has stated that the club are working on bringing in a new centre-half, and during a week where Leeds fans have had plenty to complain about following Pontus Jansson’s exit to Brentford, this may be the best news they could have received.

Liverpool fans must be in dreamland right now as their side breezed past FC Porto in the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie last night. 

It’s safe to say that Liverpool are now one of Europe’s elite as Jurgen Klopp continues to bring fans’ wildest dreams to life, with the Premier League title and silverware in the Champions League well within their reach.

The Reds’ midfield has been the driving force at times but you can’t help but feel as if there’s a creative spark missing. Of course, Philippe Coutinho’s exit last January certainly didn’t help and the Merseyside club are still yet to really find their next Steven Gerrard, despite Jordan Henderson’s rise in form.

However, FSG could bag themselves the next Gerrard if they’re willing to spend in the summer.

One player who may be able to fill the void at Anfield is Cagliari’s Nicolo Barella, who is valued at £27 million (by Transfermarkt).

Liverpool were reportedly (as per Football Italia, via The Mirror) interested in the midfielder ahead of the most recent January transfer window but he ended up staying in his home country.

Interestingly, the 22-year-old was once dubbed as the ‘next Steven Gerrard’ by Gazzetta dello Sport (via Anfield Edition), so there’s already an incentive to go out and bring him to England.

It’s safe to say that his playing style is very similar to the Liverpool legend’s as he loves to get on the ball and make things happen, with his passing ability often unlocking the oppositions defence. He may not be as prolific as Gerrard when it comes to finding the back of the net but he’s already shown he can produce in the final third.

Henderson lacks creativity at times as he’s gotten so used to playing in a defensive role that he looks a bit rusty in the final third, so bringing Barella to Anfield must be a no-brainer as he could be the missing spark in the Reds’ midfield.

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He’s only 22 years of age with his best years ahead of him and he’s already managed to earn five caps with the Italian national side, so he could be the real deal.

Liverpool fans, do you think Barella could follow in Steven Gerrard’s footsteps? Join the discussion by commenting down below!

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Leeds United’s week ended in disappointment on Saturday evening as they were completely exposed by Norwich City in an enthralling encounter at Elland Road.

News breaking on transfer deadline day suggested that Daniel James was nailed on to complete a switch to Leeds, but the disappointment over the collapsed deal fell into insignificance when Norwich fired home a killer third goal on Saturday to consign Bielsa’s promotion chasers to their third defeat in five outings.

Daniel Farke’s side arrived with a coherent game plan and, with little by way of protection sitting in front of Leeds’ back-four, his strong contingent of skilful attacking players sliced the hosts open time and time again.

How can Bielsa resolve the problem against Middlesbrough?

The expectation which preceded the gargantuan top of the table clash was perhaps too much for the players to handle, but one major factor was undoubtedly at play.

Bielsa, for all of his plaudits, made a fundamental error by omitting Kalvin Phillips from the starting eleven. In the absence of a midfield enforcer Leeds were hopelessly exposed, with kamikaze style defending arising from a glaring lack of protection in front of the back-four.

Fortunately, though, there is an incredibly easy and simple solution to the obvious problem: bring back Phillips against Boro.

Back to basics 

After watching his side crumble defensively, recalling Phillips will be one of the easiest decisions Bielsa has had to make in his transient Leeds career.

The midfield combination of Mateusz Klich and Adam Forshaw simply couldn’t handle Norwich’s fine selection of attacking players, as Onel Hernandez, in particular, managed to drift in from the touchline to exploit space in the hole between Leeds’ line of defence and midfield.

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After conceding three goals at home it’s time for Bielsa to go back to basics; solidifying his defensive unit should be the priority ahead of the weekend.

Boro’s physicality and style of play necessitates the inclusion of a midfield anchor in Phillips who will protect the back-four and provide a commanding physical presence to deal with long balls.

Despite his decent showing against Norwich, Tyler Roberts could be the player to make way for Phillips, forcing Klich forward into a more attacking-minded midfield role.

Everton’s good run of form came to an end last Sunday following their 2-1 defeat to Manchester United at Old Trafford.

The Toffees had enjoyed three straight Premier League wins over Fulham, Leicester City and Crystal Palace but were unable to add to that after coming up against Jose Mourinho’s men, and manager Marco Silva has since come out to say that he could now make some changes to his team selection going forward.

The Breakdown

Speaking ahead of Everton’s Premier League clash versus Brighton at Goodison Park on Saturday, Silva told Press Association (BT Sport): “He [Ademola Lookman] is pushing, pushing not just Theo [Walcott] but Theo and Bernard because of the way he is working now but it is the same thing I want in other positions as well.”

In recent weeks, £18m-rated (via Transfermarkt) Walcott has not been at his sharpest, so bringing Lookman into the side ahead of the former Arsenal man could be a very clever move.

Lookman has impressed in the cameos he has made for Everton so far this season, setting up Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s opener in a 2-0 win over Crystal Palace last month after coming on as a second-half substitute.

The English youngster was unable to make a similar impact in Everton’s recent loss to Manchester United but, with the pace and dribbling ability he possesses, he is definitely a player Silva should be looking towards more often.

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And Brighton’s visit to Goodison Park could provide a great opportunity to get the ball rolling.

Aston Villa are fighting a host of Championship rivals for the signature of Dijon striker Julio Tavares, according to HITC.

What’s the word?

Steve Bruce is seeking further additions to his Aston Villa side before the loan market closes on August 31st as he seeks to bolster his ranks for a gruelling Championship campaign that lies ahead – and a fight could develop on the transfer front.

HITC claim Villa, Wigan Athletic, Blackburn Rovers and Norwich City are all chasing Dijon striker Julio Tavares, with the Canaries currently ranked as the favourites to secure a deal for the 29-year-old Cape Verde international.

Tavares scored 11 times in Ligue 1 last season and has begun the new campaign in blistering form, finding the back of the net three times in two matches – a record that includes the brace he scored in a 2-0 win over Nantes at the weekend.

It’s claimed that Villa had agreed on a fee with the French side on Deadline Day but did not have time to complete a deal, though Bruce hopes to agree to a loan in the next week that includes an option to buy at the end of the current campaign.

Should he be signed?

Villa need attacking reinforcements to bolster their push for a return to the Premier League and the experience of Tavares could prove to be decisive, especially with the superb form he has shown in the past 12 months.

[brid autoplay=”true” video=”257600″ player=”12034″ title=”Watch Aston Villa’s opening fixtures for the 201819 Championship season”]

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Established as Dijon’s all-time record goalscorer with 67 goals since joining the club in 2012, Taveres looks ready for the next challenge and a move to England seems to be the logical next step – and Villa cannot afford to miss out to one of their rivals.

With HITC adding that the player is keen on a move across the English channel, Villa should certainly not let this opportunity pass them by.

Winning the North London derby is one of the best feelings there is if you’re a fan of Arsenal or Tottenham.

Forget ‘bragging rights’ and the other cliches that they throw up around football. It’s the raw animalistic emotion that matters when it comes to derby day: an irrational hatred that doesn’t get any duller with the passing years.

Indeed, Arsenal are on a bit of a high at the moment. Beating an abject Everton wasn’t exactly proof of a team who can crack the top four and win two trophies come the end of the season. It’s not evidence of much of a revival. But it did hammer home the excitement felt at signing Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. After all, Arsenal won the transfer window, right?

And just a week later, after a rest week earned by virtue of having been dumped out of the FA Cup at the first possible hurdle, the Gunners come into a derby rested up and ready to continue their current rise, stamping their authority over North London once again. And once they’ve done London, they can take on the world.

The most obvious symptom of Arsenal’s problems over the last few years has been the fact that they seem to be repeating the same season over and over again. More recently, that loop may have shortened to Arsene Wenger’s team doomed to suffer a repeat of the exact same month over again. It’s almost Kafkaesque.

But winning the derby – even chasing down Spurs and a top four spot come the end of the season and reinstating St Totteringham’s day – would do one thing and one thing only: it would give Arsene Wenger a free pass for next season and perhaps even more to come.

Perhaps he would deserve it. After all, from the position Arsenal were in around the New Year, when they were comfortably adrift of the rest of the top six, the Gunners are now a player again. If there’s optimism perhaps that’s just a regression towards the mean – if there was despair just a few weeks ago, since then they are now in a cup final, gaining ground on those ahead of them in the league and even optimistic for European success. If Wenger were to deliver two trophies, Champions League football and a place above Tottenham in the league, that would surely be worthy of praise. It would be a great season, all things considered. And certainly something to build on.

But what are the chances of that? And where’s the evidence for such optimism?

Victory over Tottenham on Saturday would not amount to anything in the short term. Arsenal would stay behind their rivals and would remain in sixth place. But longer term, it would put them within striking distance, give them momentum and crucially rob Spurs of theirs.

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Yet maybe that just shows how far Arsenal have fallen. Maybe that just means the Gunners are simply fighting to get back to the position they held last season or in the years of stagnation and fourth place.

All a reinstatement of St Totteringham’s Day would do this season – barring two trophies to go with it – is reinforce Arsene Wenger’s stubbornness in his ways.

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