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Nuno Santo has hinted that Tottenham Hotspur have some injury doubts ahead of their return to Premier League action on Sunday…

What’s the latest?

Spurs head to the northeast to face Newcastle United at St James’ Park for their first game back after the international break, having won last time out when defeating Aston Villa 2-1.

That put an end to a run of three successive heavy league defeats, though the pressure is surely still on the Portuguese boss. The Magpies will be no easy test either after their long-awaited Saudi-backed takeover was finally announced last week.

Speaking in his pre-game press conference, the Lilywhites head coach told reporters (via football.london): “After the international break, there are always huge issues that happen. We have problems but I will not say before the game.”

Potential blow

This will come as worrying news to the Spurs faithful, even if it’s anyone’s guess as to who Nuno is on about.

The north London outfit had plenty of their first-team stars out on international duty during the past week or so.

Argentina duo Giovani Lo Celso and Cristian Romero, Brazil right-back Emerson Royal and Colombia centre-back Davinson Sanchez are all on their way back, having played their final matches on Thursday night and into the early hours of Friday. They will be assessed upon their return to England.

Harry Kane featured for England, Heung-min Son was in goalscoring form for South Korea, and club captain Hugo Lloris won the Nations League with France.

Sergio Reguilon and Bryan Gil (Spain), Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg (Denmark), Matt Doherty (Northern Ireland), Joe Rodon and Ben Davies (Wales) and Oliver Skipp (England U21) were all also involved in some form of international action in recent days, too.

The vast majority of these are first-choice starters for Nuno, so it’ll certainly be a blow to Spurs if any have returned with an injury or even a knock.

Supporters may be feeling a little anxious heading into kick-off now. We will soon see who – if any – is missing when the teamsheet is announced on Sunday afternoon.

AND in other news, 87 touches, 89% duels won: “Phenomenal” Spurs beast has now handed Nuno a huge dilemma…

Wolves could sign Sporting Lisbon midfielder Joao Palhinha as a potential Ruben Neves replacement, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

The Lowdown: Palhinha impressing for Sporting

The 26-year-old has been an influential figure at the heart of Sporting’s midfield this season, with 16 Primeira Liga appearances to his name, not to mention three goals.

Palhinha has been linked with a move to Wolves in recent days, as Bruno Lage continues to eye up squad reinforcements moving forward.

It could be that the Portuguese is viewed as a long-term successor to compatriot Neves, who has been tipped to move to Arsenal at the end of the season.

The Latest: Journalist talks up move

Speaking to Give Me Sport, O’Rourke claimed that Palhinha could be the ideal man to come in and fill the possible void left by Neves this summer:

“In the summer, if Ruben Neves wants to leave, Palhinha might be a ready-made replacement.”

The Verdict: Ideal Neves replacement

The hope is that Neves stays put at Wolves for many years, given his quality, but there is always the risk that his head could be turned by a big move elsewhere.

Should that happen, Palhinha looks tailor-made to come in as a replacement, having been described as a ‘special player’ by Sporting manager Ruben Amorim.

The midfielder has enjoyed an 86.7% pass completion rate in the league this season, as well as averaging a hugely impressive 3.4 tackles.

In comparison, Neves has 82.6% passing and 2.2 challenges per game, showing that the Sporting star could even prove to be an upgrade if he transitions well into English football.

In other news, some Wolves fans have gushed over a key transfer update. Read more here.

Former Southampton star Carlton Palmer insists that goalkeeper Fraser Forster could join Celtic on a free transfer next summer once his contract expires.

The 6 ft 7 goalkeeper has enjoyed a number of spells at the Scottish champions in recent seasons.

Forster spent the 2010/11 and 2011/12 seasons on loan at the club, before making that move permanent in 2012. He remained there for two years and joined Southampton, but returned to the Hoops for the 2019/20 season.

In the 19/20 season, Forster made 39 appearances for the club, but he struggled for minutes upon his return to Southampton, playing 13 times in all competitions.

He has been on the bench thus far this term, apart from the EFL Cup clash with Newport County, which the Saints won 8-0.

His contract is set to expire at the end of this season and Palmer believes that a move to Celtic could happen once the season is over.

Speaking exclusively to The Transfer Tavern, he said: “Absolutely, he’s got an affinity with the supporters there so, yeah, I could easily see that happening, with Celtic also in the financial position that they’re in, I think he’d be a good fit on a free.

“I could definitely see that happening.”

Premier League champions Manchester City have been linked with a shock summer move for rumoured Sheffield Wednesday transfer target Kyle Hudlin.

The Lowdown: Owls linked with Hudlin move

The Owls have had a busy summer in the transfer window, bringing in 13 new players in order to aid their League One promotion bid.

One player who hasn’t joined yet but has been linked with a move to Hillsborough in recent months is Hudlin, who is a remarkable 6 foot 9 tall and has scored 10 goals in 36 appearances for National League side Solihull Moors.

The Latest: City emerge as shock suitors

A surprise update has now emerged, with The Athletic claiming that Manchester City are considering signing the striker, who has been reported as ‘the tallest outfield professional player in Britain’.

The Premier League giants have sent representatives to watch Hudlin in action, with Middlesbrough and Cardiff City also mentioned as possible suitors.

The Verdict: Surely not?

It remains to be seen whether Wednesday’s prior interest in Hudlin remains strong, but it would be a huge shock if he went to Manchester City.

Pep Guardiola’s side are known for their huge spending and are keen on signing Harry Kane from Tottenham, who as England captain and a renowned Premier League goalscorer is a few levels above Hudlin, with the greatest of respect to the Solihull Moors marksman.

At 21, he does represent an exciting young prospect, though, and he could be a very useful option for Wednesday, given his extraordinary height and proven scoring ability. Perhaps the Owls remain more realistic candidates than Man City despite the Premier League champions’ apparent interest.

In other news, some Sheff Wed fans have criticised an Owls player despite their win over Doncaster Rovers. Read more here.

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West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice reserved special praise for teammate Michail Antonio after his side’s 1-1 draw with Premier League leaders Liverpool at the London Stadium on Monday night.

What’s the word, then?

Well, the Irons went into the clash against Jurgen Klopp’s men having suffered three successive defeats against Bournemouth, AFC Wimbledon and Wolverhampton Wanderers respectively, and were looking to bounce back against their Merseyside opponents.

Despite falling behind early on to a Sadio Mane goal – which shouldn’t have counted given James Milner was clearly offside in the build-up – the hosts fought back well and Antonio got on the score-sheet following a clever free-kick routine, and they certainly had other chances to take all three points, including a headed effort by Rice.

Speaking to whufc.com post-match, the 20-year-old picked out his attacking teammate as one of the top performers on the night: “Mick was outstanding. Some of the stuff he was doing, like bringing down Lukasz’s goal kicks and switching the play… When Mick is confident, he is unplayable and you saw that and I’m delighted for him.”

How good was Antonio?

He was certainly very impressive, as he has been at various points during the current campaign.

The 28-year-old has featured in a number of different roles including at right-back, on the wing and as a centre-forward this term, and you certainly can never fault his work-rate and effort – and it was the same case on Monday.

Antonio held the ball up and used it well against tough opposition, and of course got the goal that meant that his side got the point they deserved.

Who is West Ham’s worst ever signing? Check out the video below for a pretty strong candidate for the dubious honour…

David Norris has offered his thoughts on Leeds United winger Raphinha’s future at Elland Road… 

What’s the talk?

Former Leeds player Norris has suggested that Raphinha could depart Yorkshire at the end of the season, predicting that ‘big clubs’ will be in for him.

Norris believes that Leeds will be able to keep hold of him throughout the January window, but could struggle next summer.

He told This is Futbol:

“I think they’ll get through this January window. Hopefully if they turn it around a little bit, get a few results, there’ll be enough to keep him there.

“But come the end of the season, I’m sure there’ll be plenty of big clubs after him.”

Fans would be devastated

Victor Orta must avoid a Leeds disaster with Raphinha following these comments from Norris. The supporters would be devastated if the club decided to cash in on the winger as soon as some, perceived, bigger clubs come knocking for him.

Raphinha is a key player for Leeds and the £58k-per-week gem would leave a gigantic hole to fill for Orta and Marcelo Bielsa. The 24-year-old has scored three times in seven Premier League games this term, having provided six goals and nine assists in 26 starts in the league last season.

In the 2020/21 campaign, Patrick Bamford hailed the Brazilian and admitted that other Premier League teams should have signed him. He told Sky Sports:

“I think, to be honest, he has been a steal for Leeds. I am surprised. As soon as he came in, you saw him in training, you know sometimes with players whether they are good or they are top-class, and he really was. He stood out straight away.

“I am surprised that bigger teams, more established Premier League teams I should say, haven’t taken a punt on him because he really is someone special, and he is young.”

These quotes and his statistics from the start of last season to now highlight the quality he is able to bring to the Leeds side. This is why fans would be frustrated at his departure and why Orta must avoid selling him and causing a disaster at the end of the season.

If Leeds want to push on and compete for the top positions in the Premier League then keeping hold of their best players could be the way to go. Orta should be looking to build on the likes of Kalvin Phillips and Raphinha, rather than trying to replace them.

AND in other news,  Orta must sanction Leeds deal for £42k-p/w “machine”, Bielsa would love him…

Leeds United could battle Newcastle United in the race to sign Tottenham defender Joe Rodon in January, The Telegraph report.  

The Lowdown: Rodon profiled

Rodon, labelled as ‘flawless’ by journalist Ian Mitchelmore after an impressive performance for Wales, is 24 years of age and has 22 caps under his belt for his country.

Valued at £9m by Transfermarkt, the centre-back has made 20 appearances for Spurs after joining from Swansea City last October.

He’s yet to make a domestic start during the current campaign and has played just 78 minutes of Premier League football – with none of those coming under Antonio Conte.

Leeds currently have Liam Cooper, Pascal Struijk and Charlie Cresswell out through injury, and it seems as if Rodon could well be on Victor Orta’s radar along with two midfielders.

The Latest: Leeds links

The Telegraph’s Mike McGrath shared a transfer notebook online, with Rodon one of the players he provided an update on.

He suggested that Newcastle were leading the race to sign Rodon on loan in January before adding that Leeds are also in the race and are monitoring the situation – possibly meaning they are keen on his services.

Spurs are likely to give the green light to a temporary exit, and it is accepted it will benefit the defender to be playing regularly.

The Verdict: Needed?

Although Leeds are currently without Cooper, Struijk and Cresswell through injury and Diego Llorente due to Covid-19, a new defender may not be the main priority in the New Year.

That’s because the Whites have just four senior midfielders on the books at this moment in time, two of which are injured in Kalvin Phillips and Jamie Shackleton.

Orta is after a defensive and attacking midfielder in January, and should he get those early, then perhaps the club could look at loan deals in other areas, but before then, their focus should be solely on bolstering the middle of the pitch with Phillips out for two months.

In other news: ‘Superb’ injured Leeds defender back in training as Bielsa now gets positive Thorp Arch update. 

Numerous Premier League clubs are interested in signing Benfica striker and reported Liverpool transfer target Darwin Nunez this summer, according to reliable journalist David Ornstein.

The Lowdown: Nunez on fire this season

The 22-year-old has emerged as one of the best young strikers in Europe this season, catching the eye with his performances for the Lisbon club.

Nunez has scored an incredible 24 goals in just 20 Primeira Liga starts, also netting in the Champions League quarter-final clash with Liverpool last week and being described as a ‘top, top boy’ by Jurgen Klopp.

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The Uruguayan has been linked with a move to Anfield in recent days, with the Reds ‘convinced’ that they should sign him, and a fresh update on the player’s future has now been provided.

The Latest: Nunez a wanted man

Taking to Twitter on Monday morning as he shared a corresponding article from The Athletic, Ornstein revealed that a number of top English clubs are leading the race to snap up Nunez, for whom Benfica want £58.6m, but Liverpool weren’t specifically mentioned.

The journalist tweeted: “Uruguay striker Darwin Nunez has interest from many clubs for summer move but current leading contenders Man Utd, Chelsea, #PSG. None of those can move yet so just initial dialogue. Benfica seeking ~€70m & sale early in window.”

The Verdict: Do Liverpool need him?

Nunez is clearly a special young talent with a big future, as evidenced by his goal record and much sought-after status, but there is a strong argument to say that more big-name attacking signings aren’t needed at Liverpool this summer.

Klopp arguably has five world-class attacking options at his disposal already, and unless someone leaves in the summer, it would be almost impossible to keep six forwards happy if the Uruguayan were to join.

Midfield should be the main area of focus instead, with players ageing in the middle of the park – Jordan Henderson, Thiago and James Milner are in their 30s, while Fabinho and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain turn 29 this year – and an injection of youth needed to take Liverpool forward.

In other news, Fabrizio Romano has provided a key Liverpool transfer update. Read more here.

Manchester United will be hoping to maintain their upturn in fortunes when they take on Atalanta in the Champions League tonight.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s charges bounced back from their humiliating 5-0 defeat at the hands of Liverpool with a comfortable victory over Tottenham Hotspur last time out, providing hope that they’ve turned a corner under the Norwegian’s tutelage.

Goals from Cristiano Ronaldo, Edinson Cavani and Marcus Rashford wrapped up a much-needed three points against Spurs, and the Red Devils will be firmly focussed on putting in a similar performance against tonight’s opponents.

The two sides clashed at Old Trafford just a couple of weeks ago in what turned out to be a hugely entertaining encounter. United’s dramatic comeback win after being 2-0 down at half-time moved the Red Devils to the top of Group F, but with just three points separating all four teams, there’s still all to play for.

Solskjaer confirmed in his recent press conference that he has no fresh injury concerns ahead of the game in Italy, so Anthony Martial’s lack of match sharpness is his only concern.

With that in mind, here’s how Football FanCast expects United to line up in Bergamo as Solskjaer attempts to build some momentum…

David de Gea is set to remain between the sticks for United after maintaining his fast start to the season, so Dean Henderson will once again have to settle for a place on the bench.

Ahead of the Spanish shot-stopper, Solskjaer has some big decisions to make. He had great success playing a back five against Spurs, but we fancy him to be slightly more ambitious this time around. That means Victor Lindelof will watch on from the sidelines while Luke Shaw, Harry Maguire, Raphael Varane and Aaron Wan-Bissaka comprise the defensive unit.

In midfield, the pragmatic double pivot of Fred and Scott McTominay is likely to remain as United adopt a safety-first approach, allowing Bruno Fernandes the freedom to join in the attacks ahead of him.

Completing the starting lineup is Rashford, Mason Greenwood and Ronaldo, so the £5.4m-rated Edinson Cavani misses out in favour of the 24-year-old, who comes into the side after scoring on Saturday.

In other news… Ole must controversially unleash “dreadful” £19.8m-rated MUFC dud, he’s a game-changer 

Now that the 2022 January transfer window has opened, this could spark a flurry of transfer activity between a range of clubs with lots of players on the move.

Despite having the joint-second smallest senior squad in the Premier League with 25 players according to Transfermarkt, it seems as though Leeds United could be saying goodbye, albeit temporarily, to one of their current players.

According to the Daily Mail (via Glasgow Times), Leeds winger Crysencio Summerville is being considered for a potential loan move to Scottish club Rangers this month.

Since joining Leeds’ U23 side back in September 2020, the winger has made 24 appearances for the Yorkshire club’s youth team in which he has managed to score nine goals and provide eight assists in the process, highlighting his attacking talents and why Rangers apparently have their eyes on him.Even though the 20-year-old, who is currently earning a weekly wage of £8.4k-per-week according to Salary Sport, has made seven senior appearances for Leeds so far this season, none of the five league appearances he’s made in this current campaign have seen him start, which suggests that he is not a crucial figure for Bielsa at this moment in time.This also suggests that a potential loan move to Rangers this month could be beneficial for the player if he gets regular playing time there.Labelled as a “runaway train” in the past by Leeds journalist Beren Cross, Summerville could find his chances to play in the first team at Elland Road hard to come by throughout the remainder of the season given the presence of Raphinha and the fact that Jack Harrison and Dan James managed to get on the scoresheet in their recent 3-1 win over Burnley in the Premier League.With this in mind, it could be worth Leeds loaning the Dutchman out this month to give him the chance to show what he’s capable of in a senior team that can give him regular playing time.If Summerville does go to Rangers on loan this month until the end of the season and manages to make the best use of his time there, this could give Victor Orta the chance to save Leeds and Bielsa millions in potential future transfer fees if he can come back to Elland Road and immediately take a place in their starting XI on a consistent basis.In other news: Orta can seal Bielsa’s dream LUFC deal with £18m-rated gem who has a “fighting spirit” – opinion