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Speaking to Tribal Football, journalist Rudy Galetti has shared an update on Tottenham Hotspur’s transfer plans involving Juventus star Juan Cuadrado.

The Lowdown: Paratici eyeing free deals…

Spurs and transfer chief Fabio Paratici have reportedly been eyeing up players on dwindling contracts as the club aim to back manager Antonio Conte with low cost, effective options.

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There have been many links to soon to be out-of-contract stars over the last few months with the likes of Paulo Dybala (Juventus) and Sam Johnstone (West Brom) coming up as most recent examples.

Ahead of Conte’s first full campaign in 2022/2023, this summer window could be crucial as the club and chairman Daniel Levy aim to back the Italian in transforming Spurs back into an elite Premier League side.

The Latest: Galetti makes Cuadrado claim…

Speaking to TF, journalist Galetti says Paratici and co are ‘chasing’ another imminent free agent in Cuadrado.

Tottenham have apparently made contact with the Colombian’s representative, Alessandro Lucci, with Conte ‘crying out’ for a new right-wing-back option amid his dis-satisfaction over Emerson Royal.

Despite the electric form of Matt Doherty, Spurs’ head coach still wants to strengthen on the right-hand side, resulting in the Lilywhites now ‘working hard’ to sign his former player in Cuadrado.

The Verdict: Good option?

Tottenham and Paratici spent a lot of January attempting to negotiate a deal to sign Adama Traore with Conte seeking a makeshift RWB option.

After Barcelona hijacked that move, you could say Doherty’s brilliant performances have arguably masked over Spurs’ transfer blunder, but Conte may need to re-visit the position again to add further steel.

Cuadrado, who could join for free if he doesn’t extend in Turin, may well be a shrewd option.

Indeed, the South American has averaged a higher league match rating (7.21) than any Spurs player over 2021/2022 bar Harry Kane (7.36) and Son Heung-min (7.38), according to WhoScored.

He’s a consistent threat in the attacking positions with only Son and Dejan Kulusevski making more key passes per 90 in the final third than Cuadrado this season (WhoScored).

The £152,000-per-week star may well be a suitable solution for Conte on the right.

In other news: Tottenham eye agreement ‘in the coming weeks’ as they make offer for exciting midfielder, find out more here.

Adama Traore’s long-term future is unlikely to belong at Wolves after a lack of playing time recently, according to journalist Luke Hatfield.

The Lowdown: Traore loses place

Bruno Lage’s side are in a good place at the moment, sixth in the Premier League after winning 1-0 at home to high-flying West Ham on Saturday.

However, Traore isn’t a key part of Wolves’ plans at the moment, having fallen out of favour in recent weeks. The winger hasn’t started a game this month, with the likes of Francisco Trincao and Daniel Podence preferred to him out wide, and he featured for just 14 minutes against the Hammers.

The Latest: Hatfield makes Traore exit prediction

Recent reports have linked Traore with a move away from Molineux, and speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Hatfield said that he expects the Spain winger to move on

The journalist claimed: “If I was a betting man, I would probably say that his future lies away from Molineux.”

The Verdict: Time to move on?

The £27m-rated Traore is an exciting player renowned for his pace and power – indeed, Jurgen Klopp once called him “unplayable” – but it appears as though Lage doesn’t rate him as highly.

If that is the case, it is pointless keeping hold of him, especially as Wolves could earn a healthy fee for his signature, with his current deal not expiring until 2023.

Allowing Traore to leave would suit all parties, giving Lage additional transfer funds on players he wants around and giving the Spaniard an opportunity for regular football elsewhere.

It could be argued that it is no coincidence that Wolves’ form has improved without Traore in the team, with the winger failing to contribute to a goal in 13 appearances this term despite his aforementioned traits.

In other news, Wolves have been tipped to sign one player. Find out who it is here.

Crystal Palace will be aiming to extend their three-game unbeaten run when they host Newcastle United in the Premier League this afternoon.

The Eagles conceded a hugely disappointing last-minute equaliser against Arsenal last time out, condemning Patrick Vieira’s charges to a third consecutive draw.

However, there are plenty of positives to take from their recent displays, and the return of star man Wilfried Zaha following a short illness will be a huge boost to their chances of securing a much-needed victory.

Vieira may be tempted to make a few alterations to his starting XI for the visit of Newcastle given their recent woes, with the Magpies currently 19th in the top flight table.

A run of eight games without a victory to begin 2021/22 cost Steve Bruce his job this week, and Palace will be desperate to take advantage of the situation in which their managerless opponents currently find themselves.

With that in mind, here’s how Football FanCast expects Vieira to line up at Selhurst Park, with three changes from the side which started against the Gunners…

In goal, the ever-dependable Vicente Guaita is set to start between the sticks once again as he goes in search of his first clean sheet in five games.

Ahead of the Spanish shot-stopper will be an unchanged back four consisting of Tyrick Mitchell, Marc Guehi, Joachim Andersen and Joel Ward after a string of promising displays from the defensive unit at the start of the season.

However, Vieira could opt for a more attack-minded trio in midfield. Jeffrey Schlupp may get a rare opportunity to impress from the off as Palace go in search of three points, relegating Luka Milivojevic to the bench.

Completing the engine room will be the dependable duo of James McArthur and Conor Gallagher due to their impressive recent form in the middle of the pitch.

In attack, the return of Zaha will be a big relief to Vieira, and it’s likely to see the £8.1m-rated Christian Benteke forced to watch from the sidelines despite bagging his first goal of the season on Monday night.

Summer signings Odsonne Edouard and Michael Olise are likely to complete the starting XI after their outstanding contributions in front of goal in recent weeks, giving Palace a very threatening forward line.

In other news… Parish must sanction bargain Palace swoop for 6 ft 2 colossus, Vieira needs him 

Antonio Conte is reportedly very keen on signing Adama Traore for Tottenham Hotspur.

The Lowdown: Off the boil

There is no doubt that Traore has gone off the boil this season after his six goal and 12 assist haul in the 2019/20 term, with no goals or assists so far this campaign (Transfermarkt).

He can still be a right menace on his day, as Jurgen Klopp even went as far as to claim that he is ‘undefendable’ after an impressive display against Liverpool at Molineux back in March, and he still averages the most dribbles per game (4.7) out of any player in the Premier League.

Nonetheless, Traore is a unique asset despite his lack of numbers in terms of end product, and so it is no surprise at all to see Spurs interested in his signature.

The Latest: Conte keen

As per The Daily Telegraph, Conte is very keen on a move for Traore, and is a long-term admirer of the Wolves machine.

They cite that the North London club tried to get him on loan in the summer transfer window when Nuno Espirito Santo was still in charge, and now Conte wants Daniel Levy to table an offer that would make the Wanderers think about selling him.

Football.London journalist Alasdair Gold has also claimed that Fabio Paratici is ‘a fan’ of Traore, and so it is a move that certainly looks possible.

The Verdict: Makes sense

Given that Traore is used to playing in a preferred formation should be natural to him.

He is a player that Conte likes, and so the Italian manager will surely already have plans to get the best out of him and suit his style of play, perhaps in the right-wing back role that Victor Moses thrived in at Chelsea.

Nonetheless, with his superior dribbling ability, Traore would offer the Lilywhites something different and more direct going forward, and at 25 years of age, still has a lot of room for improvement.

Of course, he needs to work on being more ruthless in front of goal, but it is no less exciting to see what Conte could do with him on and off the field.

In other news, find out which THFC player Conte is particularly in awe of here!

According to a report by West Ham United insiders Claret & Hugh, via West Ham News, manager David Moyes will be rewarded with a new two-year contract this summer – but Irons supporters aren’t impressed with GSB as they spot a questionable clause in this alleged offer.

Moyes has debatably done a brilliant job at the London Stadium this season as the Hammers stay within touching distance of a potential European qualifying spot – unprecedented at the start of 2020/2021.

As a result, GSB are reportedly set to offer the Scotsman a new two-year deal this summer – and Moyes will apparently have the option to extend his stay by another 12 months if West Ham finish just ’13th or above’ in his final year.

This latter extension option in the reported deal has prompted much backlash from Irons supporters, who have bashed their owners’ lack of ambition on social media in response.

One Hammers supporter even labelled it as ‘laughable’ – and you can see why given West Ham appear capable of a much higher league finish, as proven by this campaign.

Find all of their reactions to the news down below.

West Ham fans erupt at GSB

“@davidgold 13th? Great ambition you disgrace”

Credit: @Rolphyy14

“13th or above, crikey

That’s real ambition from the owners”

Credit: @JasonHo94454369

“13th or above? Well, it says it all right there. Our owners have no ambition.”

Credit: @SkinSpecialist

“GSB ambition is outstanding.”

Credit: @ScottDavidson26

“Talk about showing ambition eh! Will get an extra year if finish above 13th. Laughable.”

Credit: @AzamWHUFC

“Why GSB have to go . Not because they are offering Moyes a well deserved deal but how low they set the bar for renewal option. No ambition.”

Credit: @WHUFCGeezer

“This tells you everything about their ambitions”

Credit: @AlexFynn

“13th or above. Wow. Shows the owners ambitions right there”

Credit: @Lawrenceee_B

In other news: West Ham insider shares big injury boost, find out more here.

In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, former Newcastle United midfielder Rob Lee has blasted Anthony Martial for not performing consistently at Old Trafford, comparing him to a Sunday League player.

Manchester United are reportedly looking to offload the France international as his performances and output continue to not improve despite him being at the club since he was 19-years-old.

Martial has been deployed as a striker, left and a right-winger this season which has seen his responsibilities differ each game and could be a cause for his poor goal output this season – just four in the Premier League.

Speaking on Martial’s level of ability and how he can go from one extreme to the other game by game, Lee told FFC exclusively:

“I look at him some games and think he’s unstoppable, but then I look at him other games and I think he should be playing Sunday League football.

“I honestly do and I think if you can’t get yourself up to play for a club, like Manchester United, then where are you going to go and what you’re going to do?”

Anthony Martial is currently experiencing his joint-worst goalscoring season since moving to Manchester United under Louis van Gaal in 2015, having scored just seven goals in 36 games this campaign.

Martial has only played 90 minutes eight times in the league this season which has seen him subbed on and off in most games, as well as picking up a red card against Tottenham Hotspur back in October.

Tottenham Hotspur are interested in a deal to bring Nicolo Zaniolo to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Italian publication Gazzetta dello Sport (via Sport Witness), who claim that Fabio Paratici and Antonio Conte are planning to send a club official to watch the AS Roma midfielder in action against Leicester City on Thursday night – when Brendan Rodgers’ side face Jose Mourinho’s men in the Europa Conference League semi-final first leg at the King Power Stadium.

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Further reports claim that Newcastle United and Manchester United are also tracking the 22-year-old, with whom the Serie A side may be willing to part this summer – as long as they were to receive a figure of £40m for his services, while the Italy international himself is believed to be demanding a deal worth £95k-per-week in a move away from the Stadio Olimpico.

He’s perfect for Conteball

With Zaniolo being a versatile, creative and forward-thinking midfielder – the type of player which, at present, Tottenham’s midfield is desperately lacking – it is easy to see why Paratici and Conte would be interested in a move for the Roma prodigy this summer.

While it is true that the 22-year-old has suffered a number of injury setbacks in his short career – something which has seen his game time limited this season – it is undeniable that the former Inter Milan starlet is a player who boasts a significant amount of both ability and potential.

Indeed, this is talent the £29.7m-rated dynamo has demonstrated over his seven Conference League outings this term, scoring four goals, registering four assists and creating three big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 2.3 shots, making 1.6 key passes and completing 0.7 dribbles per game.

These returns have seen the £75k-per-week sensation who Stefano Vecchi dubbed a “part-Gerrard, part-Lampard” midfielder average a quite breathtaking SofaScore match rating of 7.31, not only ranking him as Roma’s second-best performer in the competition but also as the joint 15th-best player in the tournament as a whole.

The Italian has also impressed over his 25 Serie A outings this season, scoring two goals, providing two assists and creating three big chances for his teammates, in addition to taking 2.6 shots, making one key pass and completing 2.2 dribbles – the joint second-most in the league – per fixture.

Furthermore, despite suffering two ACL ruptures and still being just 22 years of age, Zaniolo – who is comfortable when deployed in central midfield, attacking midfield, on the right-wing or up top – has already racked up 105 appearances for the Giallorossi, scoring 21 goals and registering 14 assists along the way.

As such, it is clear for all to see that the player who Cristiano Masitto labelled “ingenious,” “devastating” and a “game-changer” is very much all three of these things, while it is also evident that a talent with Zaniolo’s skillset would be something of a perfect fit for Conteball.

This, then, leads us to believe that Paratici must do all he can to get a deal over the line for the 22-year-old this summer, as £40m could very quickly look to be something of a steal for a prospect as bright as the Roma starlet.

AND in other news: Source: Close friend of Conte now drops significant Spurs exit claim, it’s a big twist

West Ham United have been urged to not continue their chase of Blackburn Rovers striker Adam Armstrong.

Former Premier Leauge striker Kevin Phillips has recently talked about West Ham’s links with a move to sign Armstrong and he believes that the Hammers shouldn’t sign the Blackburn forward.

Armstrong may not fit West Ham

Phillips was recently talking to Football Insider and he talked about the club’s links with a move for the forward. He believes that Armstrong is not the sort of forward that David Moyes’ would be looking for. He feels that Moyes is looking for a forward who is taller than Armstrong, as they are looking to replace Sebastian Haller.

He said: “I do not think Adam Armstrong fits the mould at West Ham. Would Moyes even consider it? If I am being totally honest, I do not think he would.

“I think Moyes would be going down the route of a 6 foot plus striker. Of course, Haller was that type of player and it did not work, but Armstrong? I do not think he would suit the way Moyesy wants to play.”

Armstrong, currently 23, has made 27 appearances in all competitions this season. He has scored 17 times, getting seven assists. In the Championship, he has scored 16 goals while picking up three assists. This is a reflection of how he is a prolific contributor to goals.

Queens Park Rangers manager Mark Warburton has praised Armstrong quite a bit. He said:

“He’s a top quality player. I’m sure Tony was desperate for him to get on the teamsheet, as much as we were desperate for him to not be on the teamsheet.

“But that’s what he can do to teams. I thought we done well to stop him in the opening half but you can’t afford to give someone of that calibre any decent opportunities. That’s the quality of the Championship.”

West Ham can make do with Armstrong

Armstrong boasts of a very good record for Rovers. In 144 games for the Lancashire-based side, he has scored 52 goals while also picking up 17 assists on the way. This is a reflection of the qualities of the player and he is only valued at £9 million.

This shows that if West Ham did make a move for him, he might not be a costly investment and he is still only 23 right now. He has a very good goalscoring record but Phillips thinks that he is not the type of player that Moyes would want, but time will tell if he’s correct.

In other news, West Ham are eyeing a move for a Danish international – read more here.

Adam Armstrong was sold by Newcastle United in 2018 and has gone onto prove why they were wrong to not keep him at the club and Newcastle Hall of Famer, Rob Lee, has exclusively told Football FanCast that he would want to see the striker back at the club.

The Newcastle academy graduate was in scintillating form for Blackburn Rovers this season as he finished with 28 goals and runner up in the Championship Golden Boot race, only beaten by Ivan Toney, who was also sold by Rafa Benitez for not being good enough.

When the Magpies sold Armstrong to Blackburn they inserted a 40% sell-on clause, so if anyone other than Newcastle sign the 24-year old, his current club will only receive 60% of the total transfer fee.

Armstrong has been linked with a move back to Tyneside and Lee spoke to FFC about how he would love Newcastle to bring the striker back home. He said:

“Newcastle probably won’t want him but I don’t know if it is best for him to go back there or go somewhere else. He left Newcastle when they didn’t want him and he’s proved that he’s a very good player.

“Can he now push onto the next level now? Would it be best for him to do that away from Newcastle at the moment? I don’t know, but I’d sign him. However, he’s one of these players that you’ve got to play in the right position as he’s a goalscorer.”

The Magpies are not the only club to be credited with an interest in Armstrong as reports have suggested that David Moyes wants to bring the Rovers star to the London Stadium.

Armstrong’s current deal is set to expire next summer so Blackburn will be wanting to sell him before the start of next season so they can receive a substantial transfer fee and rebuild their squad.

When Nuno Santo decided to leave Wolves, it sent shockwaves throughout the city of Wolverhampton.

It was a huge surprise to see him depart Molineux but it now gives the entire club a fresh start, something that’s needed after their bottom-half finish.

What’s the word?

With Wolves in the hunt for a new manager, a number of coaches have been fed through to Fosun by super-agent Jorge Mendes.

Paulo Fonseca is in the hunt but former Benfica manager Bruno Lage appears to be at the top of the pile right now.

However, in recent days, Wolves have begun talking to former Chelsea boss Frank Lampard.

That’s according to reporter Alex Crook who was speaking on talkSPORT this week: “I was told by a very reliable source that Wolves have started to make enquiries about Frank Lampard,” he commented.

The 42-year-old was sacked from his role as manager of Chelsea back in January and is yet to find new work.

A good appointment

Lampard may have lost his job at Stamford Bridge but that doesn’t mean he wouldn’t be a strong appointment for Wolves.

After all, he’s proven to be impressive with both Derby and the Blues.

He nearly achieved promotion with the Rams, developing a bold play-style that centred around young players in Fikayo Tomori, Harry Wilson and Mason Mount.

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Lampard then secured Champions League qualification with Chelsea despite being in the middle of a transfer embargo.

Used to working with a smaller budget, that could suit a Wolves team who are looking to operate shrewdly in the upcoming window.

After all, the main reason Nuno left was due to a lack of resources that were going to be handed to him this summer.

On top of that, Jeff Shi has always had a desire to improve the club from the academy upwards. It’s seen the likes of Diogo Jota and Pedro Neto develop from promising young talents into genuine Premier League stars.

Lage has proven adept at improving some of the biggest names around including Joao Felix and Ruben Dias but Lampard also has a similar ability in his locker.

He helped turn Mason Mount into one of England’s key players and aided Tammy Abraham in his cause to become Chelsea’s top goalscorer in consecutive years.

Crucially, he also has experience of managing in England.

Lage may have won the league in Portugal but coaching in the Premier League is a whole different ball game. If you’re not ready, it’ll swallow you whole and spit you back out.

Lampard also appears to be wise to the way Wolves want to play. Speaking about them in 2019, the ex-midfielder said: “I am very impressed by Nuno, looking from the outside and the way that he shows himself in the media and the unity they have. They have a style they believe in and I like the way he operates.”

With that in mind, perhaps the former England international could bring a similar swagger to their counter-attacking play.

Both would be smart appointments but Lampard should hold the upper hand. His methods and experience could well revive Wolves next season.

AND in other news, Wolves can take Traore to the next level by appointing “brave” 48 y/o Mendes client…