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After failing to score a goal in their opening three Premier League games of the season, Wolves have since managed to net five in their previous four matches, winning three and losing just one in the process.

Their previous match saw Bruno Lage’s side secure a 2-1 victory over Newcastle United at Molineux. Once the current international break comes to an end, the Old Gold will take on Aston Villa in their next league fixture as they look to secure another win.

Hwang made a big difference v Newcastle

One man who played a significant part in the victory against Newcastle and who we feel should be starting against Dean Smith’s side at the weekend is Hwang Hee-chan, who scored both of Wolves’ goals against the Magpies.

Since joining the Old Gold on a loan deal from German club RB Leipzig back in August, the 25-year-old, who is currently valued at £9.9m by Transfermarkt, has managed to score three goals in his four Premier League appearances.

In the match against Newcastle, Hwang made one key pass, created one big chance and racked up a pass accuracy percentage of 83% in addition to his two goals, ultimately earning him an overall match rating of 8.5/10,which made him the highest-rated Wolves player on the day according to SofaScore. This shows that Wolves made a good decision to bring the attacker to Molineux over the summer.

Looking ahead to the Villa clash, we feel that Hwang – who Match of the Day pundit Ian Wright said has “got everything” in his game – should definitely keep his place in the starting XI to face Villa.

Specifically, with all of Hwang’s league goals coming from him playing in the left wing position despite him predominantly being a centre-forward, we think he should stay on the wing playing alongside Wolves striker Raul Jimenez. The Mexican assisted both goals against Newcastle, which shows that the duo could have a good partnership going which could develop and improve throughout the campaign.

Looking even further down the line, we feel that if Hwang can continue playing regularly for Wolves and manages to keep scoring goals, the Old Gold should definitely use their option to buy the player on a permanent basis when his current loan deal ends.

In other news: Wolves may launch January move for “world-class” 68-cap maestro, he’d fix a big hole

Tottenham Hotspur are ready to hand academy graduate Oliver Skipp a new contract, according to emerging reports…

What’s the word?

The Sun claim that the north London outfit would like to reward the 21-year-old midfielder for breaking into the first-team as a regular under Nuno Santo, despite only signing an extension last summer.

It’s thought that the England U21 international could see his wages increase from £25k-per-week to between £35k-per-week and £40k-per-week.

Skipp spent time out on loan to Norwich City last season and whilst they were keen to sign him permanently, there was no way Spurs were letting go of one of their most talented youngsters.

Exciting news

The Hotspur Way youth product has quickly cemented himself in as one of the Portuguese’s favourites, having started four of their five Premier League outings, as well as their UEFA Europa Conference League group opener.

His emergence has kept Harry Winks, 25, out of the side completely and their faith in Skipp led to the club’s willingness to listen to offers for the fellow English midfielder.

Skipp was once lauded as the future leader of the Lilywhites by ex-manager Jose Mourinho.

After signing his new deal last year, the departed Spurs boss told reporters (via the Evening Standard): “I think he’s genuinely Tottenham’s future. He’s one of these players by human quality, by personality, he is one of these kids that I have no doubt he will be an important player for Tottenham.”

He then added: “I see this kid being one day a future captain here by his character, by his personality. I feel really happy that he signed.”

Skipp has also been a hit with the fanbase, with plenty of supporters waxing lyrical about his qualities in recent games – “future Spurs legend” and “deserves Winks’ wages” were just two comments from many about the young midfielder.

As evident above, both Nuno and the Spurs faithful should be delighted by this latest development as it looks as if Skipp will be here for the long term.

The Portuguese head coach will also be set for a massive boost as he looks to shape his squad alongside sporting director Fabio Paratici. Tying Skipp down with a better deal helps massively.

AND in other news, 83.3% ground duels won: £31.5m-rated Spurs colossus was Nuno’s one shining light vs Chelsea…

Lots of Everton fans have been left fuming as some injury news emerged on Lucas Digne.

The former FC Barcelona man was substituted off late on in the second half of their loss away at Queens Park Rangers on penalties in the Carabao Cup third round on Tuesday night, and Rafa Benitez has since given an update on his injury: “I don’t think it is very serious. We will see when we check tomorrow.”

Even if it does not turn out to be serious, it would certainly give the Goodison Park faithful a scare, given that he is the only senior left-back in the squad at the moment.

Nonetheless, given his goal and the fact that he was the second-highest rated Toffees player on Sofascore after the game, Digne has shown how key he is to the team, and losing him for any amount of time would be a big blow.

Everton fans on Digne injury news

These Blues supporters fumed as the injury news was shared on Twitter:

“Well done Marcel getting rid of our 2 backup LB’s”

Credit: @jay_smith190

“The whole team made of glass or something?”

Credit: @Jakecheesey9

“We are so cursed”

Credit: @EFC_Robinson

“Marcel Brands has done a shocking job… U23’s are in a state too. Needs the boot”

Credit: @Paul_M__H

“There will be no one left. What’s going on?”

Credit: @RichyDaily

“Do us a favour give that joke of a DOF a pat on the back for leaving us with 1 RB and 1 LB and not getting Dumfries”

Credit: @paulh_2021

In other news, find out whose display was slammed by Evertonians here!

The Athletic’s Phil Hay has dropped a big Leeds United update on Kalvin Phillips which will have Marcelo Bielsa delighted.

What’s the story?

The England international missed the opening game of the Premier League season, with the Whites being thrashed by rivals Manchester United at Old Trafford in his absence.

However, Hay has claimed that Phillips is getting set for an immediate return to action.

Writing on Twitter, the journalist said: “Phillips is getting closer to starting. Llorente likely to be back next week. Bielsa says the responsibility for the defeat at Old Trafford was his. Too much of what he asked for from the players went wrong. #lufc”

Bielsa will be relieved

Such is the importance Phillips has on this Leeds side, former Whites man Andrew Hughes said: “The only way to get someone who can cover and do the same job perfectly is to spend £50m, at least. That’s what a player like him costs. Rather than talking about how other players match up, you just have to accept he’s very special.”

While it would be far too easy to suggest that the Whites got hammered against Manchester United mainly down to Phillips being out, the midfielder’s absence did play a large role in that defeat, not least because it meant Bielsa fielded a centre-back in Robin Koch in the anchor man role.

The German struggled immensely both in and out of possession, and let his manager down with a woeful display, and Bielsa would no doubt have been desperately hoping all through this week that Phillips would be back.

With Everton next up at Elland Road, the news from Hay that Leeds’ talisman is “getting closer to starting” is sure to have Bielsa absolutely delighted.

Meanwhile, Leeds United have made an approach for this ace…

Fabrizio Romano has dropped an exciting Arsenal transfer update about the terms of their deal to sign Takehiro Tomiyasu on deadline day.

What’s the story?

The Gunners rounded off their summer transfer window by signing the Japan international from Serie A side Bologna, and now Romano has revealed the cost of the deal.

Writing on Twitter, he revealed: “Official and confirmed. Takehiro Tomiyasu joins Arsenal on a permanent move from Bologna for €18m. Paperworks signed, deal completed. #AFC #DeadlineDay”

Arsenal fans will be buzzing

At just €18m (£15.5m), Tomiyasu certainly isn’t the most expensive player Arsenal have brought in this summer, but once again, he fits the bill in terms of the kind of profile of player they are looking for: young, lots of potential and with versatility too.

The Japanese ace is just 22, and can play anywhere across the back-line and in holding midfield too, and he could quite feasibly play as a right-back or as the right-sided centre-back in a back-three if Arteta chooses to go down that route.

His teammate at the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara, Mitchell Dijks, dubbed him “very strong” and a “true Japanese warrior” at a press conference, via Tuttosport.

In fact, speaking about the defender’s potential, former Japan coach Alberto Zaccheroni said: “He is a complete player and Bologna got a real bargain with Tomiyasu. He’s a good player and was compared to Maya Yoshida, who has been playing in Europe for a decade. He’s got the quality to be a real star.”

And, speaking after confirmation of the signing, Arteta himself said: “Takehiro is a strong defender with good experience in Serie A and at international level. He’s a versatile defender with great defensive qualities, high technical ability and composure on the ball. He will be an important member of our squad. We look forward to Takehiro joining up with us when he returns from international duty.”

Romano’s update that Tomiyasu will just £15.5m, especially in this market where the Gunners spent £50m on someone like Ben White, is sure to have Arsenal fans buzzing.

Not only does the low fee ensure the pressure and scrutiny on the Japanese defender is much lower than the pressure on White, but it also allows the Gunners to chance to make a genuine profit on him if he were to really develop and another side comes in for him in the future.

A win-win all round.

Rangers should act quickly and sign Heerenveen midfielder Joey Veerman before his value skyrockets, according to Michael Ball.

The reigning Scottish Premiership champions have been heavily linked with Veerman throughout the transfer window, with the club expecting he could cost up to £7million.

Veerman has sprung to Gers manager Steven Gerrard’s attention after registering nine goals and 11 assists in 35 Heerenveen appearances last season.

Rangers have faced competition for the Dutchman’s services, with an unnamed club lodging a bid last month.

Hellas Verona have also been interested and, after the Italian club saw a €5million offer pushed back having fallen short of the midfielder’s €12million price tag, Veerman criticised his current employers by telling Dutch media outlet VI he was being priced out of a move by Heerenveen.

It appears Rangers have been handed a boost in their pursuit of the 22-year-old as Feyenoord have pulled out of the race for Veerman.

Former Gers left-back Ball insists Veerman has the potential to break into the Netherlands’ international squad, when his price tag will increase further if a move to Ibrox has not already been completed.

Speaking exclusively to The Transfer Tavern, Ball said: “It’s a huge opportunity for Rangers, financially, to try and get a guy like Joey in.

“If he moves to PSV or Ajax, he would go straight into the Dutch side and that’s when his transfer fee would jump up. Then Rangers would miss the boat. 

“It’s an opportunity to get a guy who seems to be hungry to play for Rangers and wants the move to happen.”

Tottenham Hotspur are keen on moving for Sporting Lisbon central midfielder Joao Palhinha this summer. [A Bola via Sport Witness].

The Lowdown: Spurs make positive start to life under Nuno Espirito Santo

Starting off 2021/22 with an opening day triumph over Premier League holders Manchester City, Nuno Espirito Santo will have been provided plenty of inspiration to Spurs fans that he is the man to rectify their sub-par league performance last term.

Making smart additions to the squad, the Portuguese boss has elected for quality over quantity, acquiring three bodies in the form of Pierluigi Gollini, Bryan Gil and Cristian Romero [Transfermarkt].

Could he now be set to bring in one of his fellow countrymen following recent reports?

The Latest: Tottenham are ‘attentive’ to Palhinha’s situation at Sporting

As cited by Sport Witness, the Lilywhites are said to be ‘attentive’ to Palhinha’s situation in Lisbon this window [A Bola via Sport Witness].

He is said to have a release clause worth roughly €60 million (£51 million), however the Primeira Liga champions would be willing to accept a bid for his services in the region of €30 million (£25.5 million) to €40m (£34 million).

Should no suitable offer arise, Palhinha could be gifted a 25% pay increase to stay put in Lisbon for the time being.

The Verdict: Palhinha would be a very good signing for Tottenham Hotspur

While the midfield selected by Nuno against Manchester City performed admirably, the fact that 20 year-old Oliver Skipp was thrust straight into one of the toughest contests of the season suggests the new manager could use more depth in that area.

In 2020/21, the Lisbon-born anchor man Palhinha registered two goals in 38 appearances across all competitions [Transfermarkt], but he really shone with his all-round ability, earning nine man of the match awards for his exploits across the season [WhoScored].

With the window due to close in just two weeks’ time, Spurs should look to sign up the enforcer who was once labelled a ‘special player’ by his current manager Ruben Amorim [Record via Football Fancast].

In other news, Tottenham Hotspur are in advanced talks to sign a towering Serie A ace. Find out more here.

Rangers make their return to the Champions League on Tuesday evening as they travel to take on Malmo, with Steven Gerrard’s side looking to avoid a repeat of 2011 when they suffered defeat against the same club in their last Champions League venture.

Gerrard’s side kicked off their 2021/22 campaign with a routine 3-0 victory against Livingston at Ibrox on Saturday but will face a much sterner test against Jon Dahl Tomasson’s side, who beat HJK Helsinki and Riga to earn their place in the third qualifying round.

The Rangers boss will be without some key players for the trip to the Eleda Stadium but will still be hoping to pick up a positive result ahead of the second leg at Ibrox next week.

Here’s how Football FanCast expects the 41-year-old manager to line his side up in Sweden, with five changes from the team which started against Livingston…

After being rested against Livingston at the weekend, it seems likely that 2020/21 first choice Allan McGregor will return in between the sticks, with Jon McLaughlin dropping to the bench.

There are two changes in defence, as Borna Barisic makes his return at left-back in place of Calvin Bassey, who lost possession 24 times at the weekend, whilst Filip Helander comes in for the suspended Leon Balogun at centre-back against his former club.

Gerrard was full of praise for the £3.15m-rated Sweden defender in 2019, dubbing him a “leader”, and his and Connor Goldson’s partnership at the back could be crucial in the Gers keeping another clean sheet on Tuesday evening.

In midfield, Gerrard will be without Glen Kamara due to his suspension, so John Lundstram makes his first competitive start as a Rangers player in his absence.

[freshpress-quiz id=“593776”]

Finally, Scott Wright comes in for Ianis Hagi on the right-hand side after the Romanian was forced off against Livingston, with Ryan Kent and Fashion Sakala keeping their places while Alfredo Morelos and Kemar Roofe are unavailable due to self-isolation and suspension respectively.

In other news… Rangers miss out on “fantastic” gem, Gerrard must be fuming

Former Tottenham defender Alan Hutton has backed Harry Winks to force his way into Nuno Espirito Santo’s plans in the forthcoming campaign.

The Lowdown: Spurs gear up for life under Nuno

Looking towards 2021/22, many Spurs fans will be eager to witness the direction in which their new manager can take them after missing out on Champions League football for a second successive season.

Acquiring top talent will be key to prospective improvement, but revitalising existing playing assets at the club will also carry great importance.

The Latest: Hutton tips Winks to thrive under new management

One man who Hutton reckons could make an impression on Nuno is midfielder Harry Winks, who last month was reportedly told by Fabio Paratici that he was free to find a new club.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with Football Insider, the Scot was very complimentary regarding the Englishman’s capabilities, stating:

“You always need someone like Winks in your team, in my opinion.

“If I’m Winks with a new manager coming in, you sit and you think ‘What kind of football does he play? What style of player does he like?’ I always did that when I was at Villa and a new manager came in ‘Does he like attacking full-backs? Or, does he just want them to stay back? Does he play a back three?’ You figure all this out in your head.

“At Wolves, he did like to play with that midfielder who drops back, gets the ball and make things happen. He liked someone to keep the ball ticking around the pitch”.

The Verdict: Winks should be a key part of Spurs’ first team proceedings

Winks enjoyed a relatively productive 2020/21 season, registering four goal contributions in 30 outings with two goals and two assists [Transfermarkt]. Demonstrating his propensity to rotate the ball effectively, the Tottenham academy product recorded an impressive 84.9% passing accuracy across the campaign [WhoScored], the fourth-highest in the entire squad [WhoScored].

Proving his defensive worth, he averaged 1.8 interceptions per game in the Europa League, often stifling opposition attacks [WhoScored] – only three of his team-mates bettered that figure in European action [WhoScored].

Progressing further into pre-season, Nuno should incorporate Winks into his first team plans due to his composure and ability to keep the midfield area ticking over. Hutton is right to appeal to the new manager not to jettison the 25-year-old.

In other news, Spurs are interested in this wonderkid striker.

Flocking to Twitter, some West Ham United fans have reacted to an ExWHUemployee update involving Chelsea striker and transfer target Tammy Abraham.

The 23-year-old, who has been heavily linked with a move to east London this summer as his club eye a sale, remains on the radar of manager David Moyes as he seeks a new striker.

Journalist Ekrem Konur even claimed that he is the priority summer target for West Ham with the club set to open talks ‘next week’.

The Irons need to sign a new forward given Michail Antonio’s concerning injury record over 2020/2021, with ExWHUemployee now dropping another update on their pursuit of Abraham.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/west-ham-news/” title=”West Ham news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

He explained, via his West Ham Way Podcast, that the forward is their number one striker choice this summer and is actually very keen to join the club.

In reaction to this update, some Hammers fans had their say on social media with the majority seemingly eager to land Abraham as their new striker signing.

Find all of their best verdicts, in reply to West Ham Central, down below.

ExWHUemployee’s update has some West Ham fans talking

“Get it done!”

Credit: @louiefootball

“Serious player”

Credit: @ellisreidwhu

“To come home to all this news from @ExWHUemployee what a day”

Credit: @joshcaine9

“On my knees”

Credit: @whuryan_

“PLEASE”

Credit: @NathKHart

“Tammy and Pereira”

Credit: @_thejacobc_

In other news: Talks opened – West Ham source shares news as Moyes transfer-lists yet another player, find out more here.