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Tottenham Hotspur manager Antonio Conte has shared a pre-Sporting Lisbon update on the fitness of star duo Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Cristian Romero.

The Lowdown: Injury concerns

The Lilywhites pair were left out of the matchday squad for the 2-1 Premier League defeat to Newcastle United last weekend, causing concern that they may have picked up injuries.

However, Antonio Conte has since confirmed that the players were simply fatigued and needed to be rested, with a late decision expected to be made on their fitness ahead of tonight’s game.

The Latest: Conte’s fitness update

Speaking to SPURSPLAY on Tuesday, the boss revealed that Hojbjerg and Romero have only participated in half of a training session, with a last-minute call set to be made on whether they can be involved.

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As quoted by the club’s official website, he said:

“You know about Kulusevski and Richy, they are out, not a possibility, not available. They need a bit of time to recover.

“About Pierre and Cuti, tomorrow morning, we will see. Today, they had half of a training session, and the situation wasn’t so positive, but, we are talking about two important players for us and it’s right to wait until the end, because tomorrow’s game is really important.

“We want to go to the next round, and we have an important opportunity with a win to do that. It will be a great achievement for us, and, for this reason, I want to wait until tomorrow morning and, together, also with players who haven’t played for a long time like Lucas Moura, I need to understand and to pick the best starting XI.”

The Verdict: Massive opportunity

Tottenham are currently in a slump of form having suffered back-to-back league defeats, but the European game vs Ruben Amorim’s side presents an opportunity to turn things around.

Victory in the capital tonight would mean that Spurs finish top of their group and therefore advance to the last 16 of the competition.

The potential return of Romero and Hojbjerg would only increase the chances of that happening, though time will tell whether or not they’ll be in contention to take to the field.

Despite losing the services of key duo Kalvin Phillips and Raphinha, Leeds United enjoyed a largely successful summer transfer window, with the Whites’ director of football Victor Orta adding no less than nine fresh faces to Jesse Marsch’s squad.

One of these summer additions was the £25m signing of Red Bull Salzburg forward Brenden Aaronson, the 21-year-old who had been lighting it up for the Austrian side ever since his £11.43m January 2021 move from Philadelphia Union.

Indeed, over his 66 appearances for Salzburg, the USA international scored an eye-catching 13 goals and registered 15 assists – averaging a direct goal involvement every 170 minutes for the Austrian Bundesliga side.

And, despite having only made the move to Elland Road a mere 12 weeks ago, the £30.7m-rated talent has already started to show glimpses of his undoubted ability for Marsch’s side.

Indeed, the attacking midfielder has started all six of the Whites’ Premier League fixtures thus far in 2022/23, having already scored one goal – coming as a direct result of his relentless pressing against Chelsea – providing one assist – teeing up Luis Sinisterra for the equaliser against Everton – and creating one big chance for his side.

The player who Red Bull Salzburg Sporting Director, Christoph Freund, dubbed “extraordinary” has also taken an average of 1.2 shots – 0.5 of which have hit the target – made an impressive 1.5 key passes – the second-most in the Leeds squad – and completed 1.8 dribbles – at a success rate of 100% – per league game so far this season.

Furthermore, the 21-year-old’s suitability for Marsch’s high-pressing system at Elland Road is clear for all to see, with FBref ranking the American in the top 2% of attacking midfielders and wingers in Europe’s big five leagues and European competitions for pressures per 90 over the past 365 days.

As such, considering his remarkable returns thus far for the Whites, coupled with the fact the attacker currently has a market valuation that is already 23% greater than the fee Leeds paid Salzburg for his services around three months ago, it is evident that Orta very much hit the jackpot when landing Aaronson.

Indeed, not only does the 21-cap international look to possess the potential to become an extremely influential player for Marsch over the coming years, but he could also be an incredibly sellable asset for the Whites further down the line.

Celtic have enjoyed a stunning recruitment record in recent times, having secured a raft of top-class talent on the cheap who have since gone on to become key figures in manager Ange Postecoglou’s side.

One of the most astute captures that chief executive Michael Nicholson has made over the past year or so has been that of Reo Hatate, with the diminutive midfielder having been signed for just £1.4m from Kawasaki Frontale in January.

Part of a triple J-League swoop alongside compatriots Daizen Maeda and Yosuke Ideguchi, the 24-year-old took little time to settle following his arrival in the winter window, scoring four goals and laying on three assists in 21 games in all competitions during the second half of last term.

That tally included a brace on his Old Firm derby debut back in February, with that stunning display quickly endearing him to the Parkhead faithful.

Following that outing, pundit Gabby Agbonlahor suggested that the one-cap gem would have already “tripled in value”, with the playmaker’s price tag likely to have only risen further having continued to thrive since then.

The 5 foot 8 “baller” – as described by journalist Stephen McIlkenny – has particularly caught the eye in this season’s Champions League journey thus far, playing a crucial hand in the Hoops’ early goal in the recent 1-1 draw with Shakhtar Donetsk.

Prior to that, the £2.25m-rated ace had sparkled in the defeat to holders Real Madrid on home soil, with Football Scotland reporter Euan Robertson writing that he ‘didn’t look out of place’ up against the likes of Luka Modric and Toni Kroos in the centre of the park.

The £14.5k-per-week man has impressed with both his silky quality in possession as well as his willingness to make an impact in the final third, having already laid on two assists in just six games so far this term.

Such standout form has seen him lauded as “one of the biggest bargains in football” by journalist Will Lancaster, who also made the suggestion that Hatate could command an asking price of around £25m at present.

While Nicholson and co won’t be looking to cash in on the dynamic asset any time soon, such a statement seemingly reflects what a remarkable piece of business it was to bring him to the club for such a small fee.

Everton may have already found their Anthony Gordon replacement…

What’s the word?

According to journalist Simon Phillips, the Toffees are already preparing for life without their homegrown starlet. They could be set to pull off a huge coup, though, swooping in for one of Manchester United’s targets as their Premier League rivals occupy themselves with the Antony saga.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Phillips claimed in relation to Everton: “There’s interest in Cody Gakpo, that’s one name given to me that they could turn to, to replace Gordon.”

The 23-year-old will reportedly be available for £35m, just over half the reported fee that the Merseyside club look set to receive for Gordon.

He’s way better than Gordon

At just two years his senior, Gakpo boasts far better stats than the 21-year-old Englishman.

In 35 Premier League games for Everton last term, Gordon managed just four goals and two assists in a struggling team. Meanwhile, the Dutchman recorded an exceptional 21 goals and 15 assists across various competitions for PSV Eindhoven.

Although the Eredivisie ranks notably lower than the Premier League in UEFA’s association club coefficient, the disparity between their numbers is so insurmountable that it overcomes the gap in quality between the respective divisions.

Gakpo shows no signs of slowing down either, recording two goals and one assist in his first two Eredivisie starts this season.

His performance against Rangers earlier this month also drew praise, as journalist Josh Bunting claimed that the 23-year-old was “so quick and always looking to take on the full-backs, Cody Gakpo is electric, his close control is absolutely outstanding”.

Meanwhile, Gordon has missed one big chance, creating none, and has recorded a disappointing 27% dribble success rate in his opening three Premier League games this term.

Ultimately, the Merseyside maverick only truly excels in the defensive side of the game. He sits in the top 6% for pressures, top 4% for tackles and top 1% for blocks per 90 among positional peers in Europe’s top five leagues over the past 12 months, but Lampard will want more offensive output from his team, who have struggled in front of goal this season.

Since the Chelsea rumours emerged, his productivity in front of goal has evaded him, although it remains to be seen whether he ever possessed it.

To trade in this raw English talent for the young but accomplished Dutchman would be a stroke of genius by Everton, especially considering that it would leave money left over for further additions. Gakpo is clearly better than Gordon already, with arguably a higher ceiling too.

Newcastle United have made an improved bid for Leicester City midfielder James Maddison, according to The Telegraph’s Luke Edwards.

The Lowdown: Newcastle’s initial bid

On Saturday, Sky Sports reported that the Foxes had rejected a £40m bid from the Magpies for the 25-year-old playmaker.

As per the report, Eddie Howe’s side were considering whether to make an improved bid for the one-cap England international.

It is believed that Leicester value Maddison closer to the £60m mark.

The Latest: Improved bid made

Edwards has shared a fresh update on Newcastle’s pursuit of the player, revealing that the Magpies have proceeded in making an improved bid to Leicester.

Taking to Twitter on Monday afternoon, the reliable journalist claimed: “#nufc have made a second improved bid for Leicester City’s James Maddison today. Fee is in excess of £45m but payments are staggered. As I’ve said all along, they have been led to believe Maddison wants the move. We shall see. He might also want a new contract!!”

The Verdict: Go for it

When analysing Maddison’s underlying statistics, it is clear to see why Howe is so keen on bringing the 25-year-old to St James’ Park this summer.

As per FBRef, compared with positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year, the midfielder ranks in the 90th percentile for non-penalty goals, the 88th percentile for assists and the 84th percentile for total shots.

Meanwhile, his haul of 18 goals in all competitions in 2021/22 was more than double Newcastle’s leading scorer for the campaign and equal to the Toon’s top three scorers combined, so he could certainly make them a more lethal outfit.

With the Magpies boss keen on adding a versatile attacker to his ranks, Maddison’s arrival on Tyneside would provide Howe with a playmaker who could dictate the play in the middle of the park, whilst being able to excel in a goalscoring position further up the pitch.

Therefore, having been hailed by The Times’ chief football writer Henry Winter as a ‘special talent’ , this could be a great signing for Newcastle to make, if they can get closer to Leicester’s valuation of the player.

Former Premier League goalkeeper Paul Robinson has been reacting to Newcastle United’s attempts to sign Brentford star Ivan Toney this summer. 

The lowdown: Magpies interested

A report from iNews claims that the Toon are among the suitors for Toney during the ongoing window after failing to sign Alexander Isak, although Brentford will be holding out for offers in excess of £40million for their prized asset.

Formerly a member of the youth system in the North East, the 26-year-old marksman has forged a prolific career for himself including fruitful spells at Peterborough, Northampton Town and Scunthorpe prior to finding a permanent Premier League home in London.

Upon hearing about the interest in bringing Toney back to St James’ Park, one intrigued onlooker has suggested that it could be the ideal option for all parties…

The latest: Robinson reacts

Speaking to Football Insider, ex-Tottenham and England stopper turned Sky Sports pundit Robinson endorsed the potential transfer swoop from the Magpies.

He said: “Toney is a very good player. He is yet to take the Premier League by storm but his opportunities were limited last season. He did not get the amount of chances he did in the Championship.

“In the Championship you get more games and the level of opposition was not as good so he was getting more chances. He is a top player though and I have no doubt that he can do it at the top level. If Newcastle are looking at him, he would be a great signing for them.

“The players they have in behind. They could create chances for him. Toney is a finisher. He knows where the goal is. He could do a job with quality players around him.”

The verdict: At the right price

At a reduced asking price from the currently mooted £40million valuation, Toney would be the ideal candidate to bolster the central attacking ranks at St James’ Park, offering support to Chris Wood and Callum Wilson as Dwight Gayle seemingly nears the exit door.

Strong, direct and capable of running in behind a defence, the workmanlike striker has been described as ‘exceptional’ by Peterborough icon Barry Fry in the past and took to life in the top-flight with apparent ease when netting 12 times and supplying five assists last season from 33 appearances.

Furthermore, boasting an enviable penalty record, having never missed a spot-kick since signing for Brentford, scoring all 17 efforts, the ever-bullish Toney – who has also been indexed to Manchester United this summer – would be a surefire option for Howe when it comes to choosing who is on duty from 12 yards.

Sharing similar stylistic traits to highly regarded Premier League names from the past and present such as Raul Jimenez, Che Adams and Alvaro Negredo (Fbref), the talented marksman certainly appears to have what it takes to make the next step in his career and a return to Tyneside, where there remains unfinished business, could be the ideal landing spot.

Manchester United have been linked with a whole host of former Erik ten Hag favourites this summer, and it seems as if Chelsea winger Hakim Ziyech could be the latest man on the Red Devils’ shortlist.

What’s the word?

United have already brought in Tyrell Malacia and Christian Eriksen this summer, while Ajax defender Lisandro Martinez is also imminent, which suggests that the new manager at Old Trafford is targeting players that he knows he can trust.

Ziyech was another star in Ten Hag’s side as they reached the Champions League semi-finals in 2019, so it would not be a surprise if he was keen to be reunited with the Dutchman in Manchester, especially as his time at Stamford Bridge appears to be up.

In an interview with GiveMeSport, journalist Dean Jones has suggested that United could be an option for the 29-year-old  this summer, saying: “The Ziyech move to AC Milan has stuttered a little and if that situation drags on let’s not rule out the idea that Ten Hag looks to take him to United instead.”

Ten Hag would love him

United have been tipped to sign a new winger for most of the summer, with Antony seemingly the number one target for Ten Hag.

However, the 52-year-old will know just what Ziyech is capable of, as the Moroccan contributed 39 goals and 53 assists in 100 appearances under Ten Hag at Ajax.

His time at Chelsea has been less successful, though, with just 14 goals and 10 assists in 83 appearances for the Blues, although he could reignite his career with a move to Old Trafford.

Ajax youngster Naci Unuvar was full of praise for Ziyech last year, saying: “I think he is a fantastic player. He is so decisive at Chelsea for a reason; he did a great job at Ajax as well.”

Although the 29-year-old’s game-time was limited at Chelsea last season, he still managed four goals and three assists in 23 league appearances, averaging a solid 6.92 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

Ten Hag may well be a fan of the Morocco international from their mutual time at Ajax, and it will be interesting to see if United do make a bid to bring him in this summer.

AND in other news – After Martinez: MUFC could sign their own Jota as Ten Hag eyes “absolute phenomenon”

Rangers have a track record when it comes to signing players from other clubs on free transfers during previous summer and winter windows.

Their most recent Bosman signing saw the Ibrox side complete a deal for John Souttar after he signed a pre-contract in January.

Should the Gerst look to continue their theme of bringing free agents to Glasgow, one man with whom they have been linked recently and who could be a solid addition to Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s squad is Tom Lawrence.

After working his way through Manchester United’s youth ranks and having loan spells with Carlisle United and Yeovil Town, the winger joined Leicester City on a permanent basis in 2014.

Having then had periods on loan with the likes of Rotherham United, Blackburn Rovers, Cardiff City and Ipswich Town, the Welshman joined Derby in the summer of 2017.

With 185 appearances to his name for the Rams, the 28-year-old has scored 37 goals and delivered 25 assists along the way.

His latest season with the Midlands club saw the attacker find the net 11 times and provide five assists in 38 league appearances.

Praised for his “inspirational” form by journalist Jake Barker on Twitter, Lawrence’s potential arrival at Ibrox this summer could give Van Bronckhorst the chance to form what could be a scintillating partnership at the top of the pitch alongside one of Rangers’ top attacking talents.

Taking into account how Gers striker Alfredo Morelos has been in double figures in terms of contract at the end of June – in the same team could make Van Bronckhorst’s side a much deadlier outfit.

Bearing in mind how the Welshman has played in numerous attacking positions throughout his career, this sort of versatility could make it easier for the Rangers boss to get him and the Colombian striker in the same team to create what could be a frightening partnership.

If Ross Wilson is able to strike another free transfer this summer, this time for Lawrence, it could be a fine bit of business which would suit the manager, the fans and the club’s finances.

AND in other news: Rangers can land their own David Silva as Van Bronckhorst eyes move for “massive” £2.7m-rated gem

A Turkish top flight club are now very keen to sign Borna Barisic from Glasgow Rangers this summer.

The Lowdown: Not the best season

Barisic did not have the best season individually for the Ibrox outfit, despite them getting to the UEFA Europa League final and winning the Scottish Cup.

BBC Scotland’s chief sports writer Tom English described him as looking ‘punch-drunk‘ during an abject performance against bitter rivals Celtic in the Scottish Premiership, while he was also criticised by The Rangers Review journalist Jonny McFarlane during the UEL final loss against Frankfurt.

It is safe to say that the Croatia international has struggled in big games, and so Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s team may now be looking to part ways.

The Latest: Trabzonspor interest

As per Football Scotland, Trabzonspor are now ‘weighing up’ a move for Barisic, and are ‘very keen’ to lure him to Turkey.

They are ‘likely’ to come in with an offer, which comes after the Light Blues rejected a £2m bid from Watford for Barisic in the January transfer window.

The Verdict: Get rid

The Teddy Bears have been heavily linked with a move for Stoke City left-back Josh Tymon, and so should they sign him and manage to keep Calvin Bassey on their books, then Barisic will no longer be needed.

The 29-year-old only has two years left remaining on his contract with the Gers, and so the summer provides the optimum time to sell in order to get his maximum worth.

Nonetheless, some of his performances last term were quite frankly disappointing, and so his time at the club could well be up.

In other news, find out what ‘massive, massive blow’ for RFC has now emerged here!

Manchester City secured their fourth Premier League title in five years yesterday as they came back from 2-0 down to secure a dramatic 3-2 win over Aston Villa at the Etihad Stadium.

With the summer transfer window around the corner, this will once again give Pep Guardiola the chance to strengthen his squad and put them in the best shape possible to try and secure as many trophies as they can moving forward.

Looking back to the previous summer window, City grabbed headlines by securing a club-record £100m deal for Jack Grealish.

During his debut season with the Citizens, the Englishman scored three goals and provided three assists in 26 league appearances whilst predominantly playing on the left wing.

Despite the inconsistency of his goal contributions, the England international still proved himself to be a deadly attacking figure for City as only Kevin De Bruyne (5.68) ended the campaign with a higher rate of shot-creating actions per 90 minutes than Grealish (5.17) in the entire league.

Looking ahead to this summer window, one figure that has recently been linked with a £30m move to the Etihad is Brighton left-back Marc Cucurella.

With 35 league appearances to his name throughout the season, no other outfield player at the AMEX Stadium played more minutes than the 23-year-old, highlighting just how important he has been for the south coast club.

His overall performances in those appearances have earned him a season rating of 6.94/10 from WhoScored, making him the third-highest rated player at the club.

The Spaniard has now ended his debut campaign at Brighton with more passes completed, tackles, interceptions and successful pressures than any of his teammates.

Taking into account how City have averaged more possession and pass success percentage than any other team in the top flight this season, a player such as Cucurella who is comfortable on the ball and very efficient when it comes to winning it back, could be the ideal signing for the recently crowned league champions.

He also has the third-highest number of shot-creating actions per game in Graham Potter’s squad, showing that he is a very capable all-around full-back up and down the pitch.

Labelled as a “refreshing” player by former Brighton star Dan Burn, Cucurella could potentially make a deadly pairing with Grealish on the left-hand side of the pitch for City given the duo’s attacking talent and the full-back defensive capabilities.

With those defensive talents, he could potentially give Grealish more license to get forward more so he can start racking up more goals and assists.

In other news: In talks: Man City eye “special” £54m-rated “phenomenon”, just imagine him & Dias