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According to the Chief Football Writer at the PA, Simon Peach, Southampton are lining up Japhet Tanganga as a deadline day transfer alternative to Arsenal’s Ainsley Maitland-Niles.

What’s the story?

Reports during the early hours of deadline day seemed to suggest that Maitland-Niles was on his way to Southampton, with Football.London’s Arsenal correspondent Chris Wheatley even claiming that the Saints were “growing in confidence” over his signing.

But after it was revealed that Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side had pulled out of the race to sign Maitland-Niles, it’s now being suggested by Peach that Tottenham’s Tanganga is being viewed as a potential alternative.

A boost for Hasenhuttl

After seeing his side pull out of negotiations for Maitland-Niles, Hasenhuttl would have been very worried about his club’s transfer committee would look to strengthen his squad before the end of deadline day.

In Tanganga, the Saints boss would be getting someone who is more than capable of playing at centre-back and as a right-back, and that makes him an intriguing alternative to someone like Maitland-Niles.

The £7.2m-rated Tanganga has been described as “highly coachable” by a source to The Athletic, and at 21, would bring a similar sense of youth and energy like a Maitland-Niles.

Crucially, the Spurs ace’s ability to operate as a full-back would be much appreciated by Hasenhuttl who has seen the likes of Kyle Walker-Peters go down with injury.

Whether Southampton can get a deal done remains to be seen, but it must be reassuring for the Saints boss that his club appear to be doing everything they can to get some kind of reinforcement in.

Meanwhile, David Ornstein has revealed Southampton are in for this Championship star…

For Leeds United, their January transfer window has been a quiet affair. They have been linked with plenty of new faces but we know this is a period Victor Orta and Marcelo Bielsa generally ignore.

We’ve not seen any outgoings yet either, that’s despite pleas for Helder Costa to move on before the window commenced.

That being said, with contracts expiring in the summer, players are free to discuss terms with clubs abroad. That’s been the case for Gjanni Alioski and if you believe reports, he’s already wrapped up an agreement to sign for Galatasaray in the summer.

Leeds guru Phil Hay revealed the Whites are still discussing new terms for the left-back but if he does indeed leave, then Bielsa must begin to unshackle a player in the academy as his successor.

Now, Leif Davis may appear to be the most ready-made choice given he’s already appeared in the first-team, but we think the duty should be handed to another young player in Niall Huggins.

The 20-year-old has never made a senior appearance for the club but he’s made some important strides in recent months. The left-back penned a new deal in December and was Leeds’ 19th man in the squad when they faced Everton earlier this term.

Clearly, he’s a player that Bielsa likes and it’s unsurprising when you assess Huggins’ versatility. He has played at left-back, left-wing back, right-back and even further forward as a striker.

However, it’s in a more defensive role where he’s impressed the most. Kalvin Phillips is also a fan of the youngster, revealing he could be set for a first-team role in the not too distant future.

He commented last summer: “We’ve got a few younger lads called Niall Huggins and Alfie McCalmont. They’re really good young players as well. They’ll be in the team in the next year or so, definitely.”

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-this-weeks-latest-leeds-news” title=”Read this week’s latest Leeds news!”]

Playing further forward, he once scored 12 times in 29 outings for the U18s across a single season but he’s now being deployed in defence for Mark Jackson’s U23s. This has significantly developed his understanding of the game and judging by his qualities, he’d make a perfect Alioski replacement.

FocusOnLeeds wrote last year: “His pace across a short distance combined with his tenacious attitude means that he’s a real problem for defenders.”

Those words have been backed up by his performances in 2020/21 for the academy. During the U23s 4-1 dispatching of Burnley a few weeks ago, Leeds Live reporter Joe Donnohue said: “Niall Huggins has been a constant thorn in Burnley’s side, sprinting all over the pitch, winning fouls and maintaining his balance well in challenges.”

Meanwhile, Joe Mewis of the same publication gave Huggins the following review after Leeds’ Papa John’s Trophy defeat to Blackpool in November: “Injected energy and pace to the side after his half-time introduction. Came in at left-back but was constantly trying to attack and move the ball forwards.”

That’s a massive plus point for Bielsa, someone who loves his full-backs to bomb forward.

If Alioski does indeed leave, Huggins would represent a cut-price way of replacing him. He simply has to be readied for first-team action.

AND in other news, Leeds could have their ready-made Pablo heir in 17 y/o gem who possesses a “dying art”…

According to a report by The Daily Mail, Tottenham players have been left baffled behind the scenes following Jose Mourinho’s treatment of Gareth Bale and Dele Alli – with there allegedly being several ‘disillusioned’ members of the squad.

The Portuguese boss is allegedly facing mounting pressure following his side’s stumble to ninth in the Premier League table, but he is somewhat shielded by the fact chairman Daniel Levy would face huge costs for his early dismissal (The Daily Mail).

Tottenham players baffled by Jose call

Exiting Europe and losing more ground in the top four race, however, would increase the pressure on Mourinho ten-fold – with The Daily Mail now claiming there are ‘several’ disillusioned players behind the scenes.

While some players are generally supportive of their boss, some squad members in particular have been taken aback by Mourinho’s call to shun both Alli and Bale to the fringes.

The Spurs duo have started just three Premier League games combined this season (WhoScored), leaving players who were particularly close under Mauricio Pochettino’s reign surprised by this move not to play them.

Alli and Bale breakdown

Bale was signed in the summer from Real Madrid on a season-long loan, with Levy having dreamed of bringing him back to north London (Eurosport).

Alli, meanwhile, was heavily linked with a move to Paris-Saint Germain in the January transfer window but Tottenham would not let him go without finding a replacement (Fabrizio Romano).

Time will tell whether Mourinho will feature the pair in his plans as he looks to climb back up the Premier League table.

In other news: Tottenham are eyeing this Premier League ace, find out more here.

Leeds United striker Patrick Bamford has had a great season and this has seen him mentioned in the discussions for the England Euro 2020 squad. Phil Hay has been discussing how likely this could be.

What Hay had to say about Bamford

The Athletic journalist tweeted: “Gareth Southgate’s last two looks at Patrick Bamford, including yesterday, have been flat. But a fine season leaves Bamford crossing fingers ahead of the next England squad”

Should Bamford be on the plane?

Leeds have been somewhat reliant on Bamford to score the goals this season. He has been in great form for the Whites so far in the Premier League, scoring 13 goals and picking up five assists in 26 appearances (WhoScored). The Englishman has also managed an average of 3.2 shots per game, which is by far the highest of any player in this current Leeds squad.

With the forward having such a good season in the Premier League for the first time in his career, it is not a shock to see him being mentioned when it comes to the Euros this summer. Marcelo Bielsa has raved over the forward this season, calling him a  ‘complete mature professional’.

When it comes to English strikers, he is level on goals with Dominic Calvert-Lewin and only one behind Harry Kane, whilst he has one more than Jamie Vardy (Premier League), and if he can continue his goalscoring form, then he should definitely be in the mix to be included in Gareth Southgate’s summer plans.

In other Leeds news, the club have managed to tie down an exciting prospect. Have a read here!

Many Liverpool fans reacted in delight regarding news concerning Reds’ youngster Harvey Blair.

The club announced on Wednesday morning that the 17-year-old has put pen to paper on a new contract extension after just one season with the U18s squad.

Blair has scored twice from just four U18 Premier League appearances and is currently working his way through the club’s academy setup at the AXA Training Centre.

The English youngster is a versatile attacker that typically plays as a winger, but can also play through the middle with his pace and technical ability.

With this in mind, supporters were overjoyed with the announcement and are looking forward to seeing what he can do in the future with this abundance of potential, as one fan hailed the starlet as a ‘baller’ and others joked his deal means they will win the league.

Fans celebrate Blair’s new deal

“Baller”

Credit: @lfcfamz

“WE’RE WINNING THE LEAGUE”

Credit: @Daniel04139099

“What a player”

Credit: @GerrardThings

“YNWA Harvey lad”

Credit: @KLigaf

“Nice what a player”

Credit: @lfcthursto

“Way to go young lad YNWA”

Credit: @kunmisconsult

“Wow What a player”

Credit: @fenday27

In other news, Liverpool fans in their droves to Premier League appointment for Chelsea crunch clash.

Manchester United will be coming up against one of their own players on Thursday evening as they do battle with AC Milan.

The Red Devils welcome the Italian giants to Old Trafford for the first-leg of their UEFA Europa League last-16 tie. They will be also welcoming back a familiar face in the form of right-back Diogo Dalot.

The young Portuguese joined Milan on-loan at the start of 2020/21 season and he has certainly impressed in his time in Italy, form that could see him stake a claim for a place in the Manchester United squad next season.

So far this season, he has made 21 appearances in all competitions, scoring two goals and getting as many assists, an impressive count for a full-back.

He has also played a role in Milan racking up one of the most impressive defensive statistics of the season having only conceded 30 goals – only more than Napoli, Inter Milan and Juventus.

His individual statistics have also caught the eye having improved considerably from his time with the Red Devils. Between 2018 and 2020, the 21-year-old was only averaging 1.2 tackles, 0.9 interceptions, 1.7 clearances and 0.2 blocks per game according to WhoScored.

These numbers have increased to 1.8, 1.8, 1.8 and 0.3 respectively – a huge improvement.

As a matter of fact, current first-choice right back at Old Trafford, Aaron Wan-Bissaka only comfortably beats Dalot in terms of tackles, with the Englishman boasting a rate of 2.6 per game.

Dalot’s numbers and performances suggest that the Portuguese ace could well be ready to return to Old Trafford and challenge for the right-back berth come the end of the campaign, despite his agent seemingly suggesting another loan deal is on the cards.

After all, former manager Jose Mourinho talked the full-back up, saying he was “fantastic” and that he could be in the United team for “ten years”.

Should Dalot not have proved Ole Gunnar Soslkjaer wrong yet with his performances in Milan, he could certainly do that with a sparkling display in the two team’s meeting at Old Trafford on Thursday.

He’s certainly done enough to warrant a place in the United squad next season, whether he’s given that place remains to be seen.

AND in more news have a look why it’s crucial that Manchester United commit Edinson Cavani to another year at Old Trafford…

In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, Rob Lee believes Roberto Firmino does not need to be a clinical striker, however, he must keep up the standards of the other parts of his game.

Liverpool’s problems have been well documented, however, the criticism of Firmino’s lack of goals has always been there but deflected away with his link-up play and movement.

However, Lee, who scored 34 Premier League goals, believes the Brazilian is not contributing enough on that part of the game anymore, which should be a cause for concern.

The 29-year-old has often been seen as the unselfish one of Liverpool’s front three with his movement to create space instead of getting into goalscoring positions himself.

This season has been different though with Lee noticing a lack of this from Firmino as well as his usually reliable touch often letting him down.

Firmino has six goals and five assists in 27 Premier League games this season. Lee thinks a striker always has to get goals, even if they aren’t in the team to do so, telling FFC.

“I would say he does have to chip in. 

“He does normally link up the play very well. However, I don’t think he’s been doing that this season. I think he’s been poor.

“I don’t think his touch has been good this year. It’s normally outstanding like his decision-making is, and when he chooses to play the ball or hold it.

“I think he hasn’t played well this year.”

The 29-year old usually defends from the front and allows Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane to get the goals and headlines.

However, none of the front three have been performing to their high standards which has been evident to see as Liverpool currently sit eighth in the Premier League.

Fans of Glasgow Rangers have been reacting to a post on Twitter, which highlighted footage of an Allan McGregor save in the club’s recent Europa League fixture.

In the footage, which was originally posted by the UEFA Europa League Twitter account, a Slavia Prague corner is whipped in during their clash against Rangers, with one of the attacking players subsequently getting a powerful header on target only for McGregor to somehow claw the ball out from the bottom corner, helping his side leave the Czech Republic with a 1-1 draw.

The Rangers Twitter account then quote-tweeted the footage, adding the comment: “Perfect from every angle.”

And, in response, fans of Rangers flocked to have their say on McGregor’s remarkable save, with many claiming that the 39-year-old’s acrobatics are up there with any save a goalkeeper has ever made, while others simply heaped praise on the ‘keeper for his general level of performance so far this season.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, one supporter even requested the club announce an extended contract for the Ibrox hero.

So, what exactly did these Rangers fans have to say in reaction to the footage of Allan McGregor’s save?

“Announce new contract for McGregor.”

@55ilverFox_55

“Incredible.”

@CraigCrgrob83

“Legend.”

@Theo93473341

“Insane goalkeeping Allan McGregor.”

@Blabber08756401

“Superglue gloves!”

@iain_renton

“Save of the century.”

@karentay3x

“Show me a better save…. I’ll wait.”

@Allan111Allan

“It gets better every time you see it.”

@legendsofibrox

In other news: many Rangers fans have slammed this Union Bears statement – find out more here!

Glasgow Rangers fans are gutted after Steven Gerrard revealed Nathan Patterson is a doubt for this weekend’s Old Firm Derby.

The Gers will travel to Parkhead on Sunday to face their fierce rivals Celtic. While they have already won the Premiership title, the Ibrox outfit are still on course to go the season unbeaten (BBC), so they will still be eager to get a positive result especially after their Europa League defeat on Thursday.

However, Gerrard has provided an injury blow ahead of the clash. He has revealed Patterson is a doubt for the match, and they therefore may be without him. The 19-year-old started the game against Slavia Prague in midweek, but he was taken off after 78 minutes to be replaced by Jack Simpson.

With James Tavernier already out injured, no Patterson would leave Gerrard dangerously short at right-back. The news was shared on the Gers official Twitter account, and the fans took to the social media platform to share their displeasure.

Let’s see what the fans had to say about the Patterson news below

“Pain”

Credit: @revanite72

“I AM NOT WATCHING THE OLD FIRM”

Credit: @JamieRFC14

“Pain.”

Credit: @Cammy_Blackk

“pain”

Credit: @_kylemorrison

“Just what we need.”

Credit: @Ellysse6

“Please be back in time”

Credit: @woofly32

In other news, Rangers fans slammed this man against Slavia.

In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, former Newcastle United midfielder Rob Lee believes the club will be regretting the day they sold Adam Armstrong to Blackburn Rovers.

It has been a breakout season for the Newcastle academy graduate as he is the Championship’s third top scorer with 19 goals in 33 games, despite his season being slightly derailed by an injury.

He has been linked with a remarkable return back to Tyneside after proving himself in the Championship for the last three seasons with 55 goals in 153 games with Rovers potentially preferring to sell him back to Newcastle to avoid paying out on the 40% sell-on clause.

Armstrong featured 21 times for the Magpies registering just one assist, however this included just four starts with three of those coming in cup competitions.

Speaking on how he predicted that Newcastle would regret selling Armstrong and what one thing would make him a more in-demand striker, Lee told FFC:

“When he left Newcastle, I said at the time that they’ll regret letting him go because he’s a goalscorer.

“People probably don’t give him the credit that he deserves because of his size and shape, but so what if he’s smaller? I don’t care what size or shape you are, you could be 20 stone as long as you score goals.

“It doesn’t matter what shape you are. I think if he was six-foot-four then he’d be worth £50 million so I don’t understand the logic.”

Armstrong was with his boyhood club from 2006 until Blackburn signed him permanently in 2018 for £1.7 million.

With Newcastle staring relegation in the face, it remains to be seen if Armstrong would still be an option either if they survive or if they go down.