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Reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano took to Twitter to make a huge claim regarding the potential permanent signing of current Tottenham loanee Dejan Kulusevski.

The Lowdown: Kulusevski’s instant impact

Since his arrival at Hotspur Way, the 21-year-old has gone on to make a fantastic impression at the club, demonstrated on the pitch by his instant impact. In 11 Premier League games this year, the winger has netted three goals and produced six assists, in the process becoming crucial to Antonio Conte’s starting XI.

Pundit Gabriel Agbonlahor has since claimed that “he’s been outstanding the whole time he’s been at Spurs”.

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The Latest: Romano’s update on Kulusevski

Taking to Twitter, Fabrizio Romano shared an update on the possibility of Spurs completing the permanent signing of Kulusevski, claiming that Tottenham sources believe it is only a ‘matter of time’ until the Sweden international is confirmed on a permanent deal which could be in the region of £29.3m.

Romano said: “Dejan Kulusevski’s impact has been something incredible. Tottenham sources considers his permanent signing ‘matter of time’, €35m fee is not gonna be an issue. #THFC”

The Verdict: Great move for Spurs

Following his electric start to life at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, the 21-year-old has proven to be a fantastic deadline day coup for Fabio Paratici.

Having ranked in the 98th percentile for assists among players in Europe’s top five leagues (via FBRef), Kulusevski could be the perfect accomplice to Harry Kane with the number of chances that he creates in the final third.

As a result, it seems that the £29.3m price tag could prove to be an absolute bargain for the club’s long-term future, if indeed Tottenham sign the Sweden international permanently.

In other news: Tottenham source shares big exit update

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Tottenham fans will absolutely love the latest transfer rumour out of Spain, as reports claim Gareth Bale could be open to a return to north London.

What’s the story?

According to Marca, via Sport Witness, Real Madrid are once again considering selling Bale.

The Welsh wing wizard was the source of plenty of speculation after last season’s Champions League final, but of course it was Cristiano Ronaldo who departed, with Bale supposedly set to take the helm in Madrid.

That hasn’t happened though, and the report from Marca claims Bale “doesn’t rule out” a return to Spurs, while also including the Lilywhites as one of the interested parties.

According to the report, Bale has been overshadowed by Karim Benzema and Brazilian youngster Vinicius, and he could be used as part of a swap deal to land Christian Eriksen.

Is he worth losing Eriksen?

Real Madrid paid around £90m for Bale back in 2013, and that was before the transfer market exploded due to players like Paul Pogba and Neymar, so they will be looking for a hefty fee even as the Welshman approaches his 30th birthday.

That said, it is likely that the Lilywhites would have to sacrifice Eriksen to land Bale just like Marca claims, with the Danish international yet to show any signs of penning a new deal at the club.

Eriksen will be out of contract in the summer of 2020, but Daniel Levy and Mauricio Pochettino should be doing everything in their power to stop him from leaving, as the fan favourite playmaker is far younger and less injury-prone than Bale.

Bale may be a world-renowned superstar, but he has suffered countless muscle injuries in his five-and-a-half years in Madrid, and Eriksen is a more proven fit in Pochettino’s system.

Eriksen must be the club’s priority, but all things considered Bale isn’t exactly a bad contingency plan.

Everton made five signings during the January transfer window, adding experienced players like Donny Van de Beek and Dele Alli, as well as securing the signature of young talents like Nathan Patterson; and now Frank Lampard has the opportunity to put together a team which can pick up vital wins and climb the Premier League into a safer position than their current placing of 16th.

The Toffees are currently just four points above the drop zone in the league, and the former Chelsea boss has been brought in for a fresh perspective in finding solutions to the mounting issues the club has faced this season, with an injury crisis, fans turning on the owners in multiple protests and the poor performances on the pitch from the players who have only secured five wins out of 20 league games.

When Lampard was at Chelsea, he had a strong ethos in developing young players and giving them opportunities in the first team. This contributed to the success of players like Mason Mount and Reece James, who were both instrumental in Chelsea’s Champions League-winning campaign last year.

Right-back James was given his Premier League debut by Lampard in 2019 at just 19 years of age and quickly became a first team regular. The Everton boss now has the opportunity to emulate his successful development of the Chelsea starlet by giving 20-year-old Patterson – who was dubbed “amazing” by Scotland team-mate Che Adams – his Premier League now as well.

The Scottish right-back was signed from Rangers in January by Rafael Benitez after having a fantastic start to his career for both club and country. His most notable performance came from his latest Scotland start, when he scored the opening goal and set up the second to help his nation secure a spot in the World Cup play-offs, which take place at the end of March.

With Seamus Coleman now 33 and into the final 18 months of his contract, the signing of Patterson could be the perfect opportunity to start phasing out the Irishman and integrating more youth into the defence.

That would allow Lampard to mould the youngster into the player he wants to see at right-back, which could be in the more offensive role that we have seen from James at Chelsea. Patterson has shown glimpses of his capability to achieve just that when you look at his aforementioned performance for Scotland.

It will be interesting to see how Lampard sets up his Everton team against Brentford on Saturday in the FA Cup, when the Toffees return to action at Goodison Park for the first time since the 43-year-old took on the head coach role. Hopefully Patterson will be granted a senior Blues debut, potentially the first step to becoming Everton’s answer to James.

In other news: Everton must finally offload this flop

The Athletic’s Phil Hay has delivered a behind-the-scenes update on how Leeds United’s players felt about Marcelo Bielsa’s reign coming to an end.

What’s the story?

In a Q&A for The Athletic, Hay revealed: “There was sadness that it came to an end, definitely, and not least because of how much Bielsa had done for so many of the squad. Players who never really expected to play in the Premier League appreciate that they made it there in no small way because of him.

“Form and confidence were suffering, though, and many in the dressing room understood the purpose of the change. I think they saw the potential impact of a refresh. But, as I’ve said before, in no way was there a mutiny.”

A Leeds icon

While things may have ended like a nightmare following a resounding 4-0 defeat at home to Spurs in Bielsa’s final game in charge, that should not take anything away from the Argentine’s incredible achievements at Elland Road.

Having come into the job when the Whites were still desperately trying to escape from Championship obscurity, Bielsa turned things around sharpish, instilling a real culture and identity at the Yorkshire club once again.

With his famous Bielsa-ball tactics and intense training methods, the veteran boss got Leeds back to the promised land of the Premier League, and in an astounding first campaign back in the top-flight, captured the attentions of people up and down the country with the club’s unique style of play.

His ability to connect with the fan-base on a more personal level with his work off the pitch as well, helped harbour a real sense of connection and unity on all fronts, so it’s no surprise that those who got to know him day-in and day-out like the Leeds players felt sad at his departure.

Hay’s update on Bielsa is certainly an emotional one for Leeds supporters.

AND in other news – “We’re told…”: Graham Smyth drops big Leeds United update which will delight supporters

Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Manchester United forward Edinson Cavani is still expected to leave Old Trafford, despite the imminent appointment of Erik ten Hag.

The Lowdown: Cavani’s struggles

The Uruguayan has been limited to just six Premier League starts this term, missing plenty of action due to a number of injuries.

Cavani picked up his latest problem with Uruguay during the recent international break and missed the draw with Leicester and defeat to Everton due to a calf problem.

The 35-year-old is one of a number of United players who are out of contract at the end of June, and it looks as if he’ll be one of the first to leave in what could be a major summer shake-up under Ten Hag.

The Latest: Romano’s post

Romano took to Twitter on Thursday morning to provide an update on Cavani.

He revealed that the ‘imminent appointment’ of Ten Hag won’t change Cavani’s mind when it comes to his future and he is ‘still expected to leave on a free transfer’ over the coming months, name-checking La Liga as a possible destination for the forward.

The Verdict: Blow

Although Cavani has missed the majority of the season due to various issues, he has shown his quality in England. He netted 17 goals during his first year as a United player, and should he depart, Ten Hag will be left with just Cristiano Ronaldo as the only senior centre-forward.

Ronaldo’s future at Old Trafford is also thought to be in doubt, so persuading Cavani to stay could have been on Ten Hag’s agenda due to his lack of options.

However, it doesn’t look like he’ll remain in England, so a new centre-forward could be a top priority for the Red Devils and Ten Hag over the coming months.

In other news: ‘Brilliant…’ – Sky Sports man buzzes at who Ten Hag may now bring to Man Utd; it’s ‘important’. 

Aston Villa could be ready to get rid of some deadwood in their squad as Steven Gerrard approaches his first summer transfer window with the Premier League side.

What’s the word?

That’s according to journalist Pete O’Rourke who claimed to GIVEMESPORT that Steven Gerrard will be “looking to strengthen” his options out wide ahead of his first full season in charge of Villa.

He said: “Villa are probably going to lose a couple of wingers in the summer with El Ghazi out on loan at Everton and Trezeguet out on loan in Turkey.

“So, that’s two wingers who the club will most likely look to move on. So, it’s going to be an area that Steven Gerrard will be looking to strengthen as well.”

Gerrard needs to bolster attacking options

El Ghazi and Trezeguet have both been out on loan at Everton and Istanbul Basaksehir FK respectively for the second half of the campaign with contrasting success.

Trezeguet has scored five times in just nine appearances for the Turkish side whilst El Ghazi has only played twice for Everton in what is an underwhelming loan spell, to say the least.

With both players making a combined three appearances under Steven Gerrard, then fans will be ecstatic to hear of the news that they could both depart at the end of the campaign.

Gerrard will undeniably want to bring in his own players, with Philippe Coutinho and Lucas Digne arriving in January, he is stamping his authority on this Villa squad.

Results have been mixed, however, with some bright periods intersected by poor spells and this has largely been the nature of their season.

Villa have been linked to attacking options such as Ryan Kent, via the Daily Mail and Foot Mercato reported on their interest in Bayer Leverkusen winger Moussa Diaby last summer, then there seem to be plenty of options out there for Gerrard to ponder.

The summer transfer window will be a key one for Villa, and if they have a bad start next season, then Gerrard will surely be feeling the pressure so recruitment must be excellent.

AND in other news, Gerrard now plotting AVFC bid for £46k-p/w “phenomenon”, he’s better than Phillips

Former Celtic striker Chris Sutton believes that the race for the Scottish Premiership title is far from over as he worries that ‘I don’t know’ how long Giorgos Giakoumakis will be out. 

The lowdown: As things stand

The Hoops currently sit six points clear of Old Firm rivals Rangers at the top of the Scottish top-flight with five games remaining.

Ange Postecoglou’s side, therefore, are seemingly on the brink of lifting the title for the 52nd time.

However, one ex-Celtic Park favourite thinks that the situation is more precarious than the table suggests, especially after the absence of Giakoumakis at Hampden Park left the Hoops without a focal point…

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The latest: Sutton not convinced

Speaking to The Monday Club on BBC 5 Live Sport (as relayed by Football Scotland), Sutton has stated that the race is far from a foregone conclusion and cited a ‘big’ injury concern that could haunt the Bhoys.

“I thought Celtic missed Giakoumakis and his physical presence. They couldn’t get up the pitch. I think Rangers played on that. I don’t know how long he is out for.

“I think that is a big deal Celtic getting him back. But the next game is so important.

“I still think there is a title race on.”

The verdict: No panic

Losing the league from this position would require a monumental collapse and one a manager of Postecoglou’s ilk would be devastated to oversee.

With 13 goals and one assist to his name so far this season across all competitions, missing a player of Giakoumakis’ quality at a vital stage of the campaign is undoubtedly a huge blow.

However, Postecoglou has somewhat of an embarrassment of riches in the goalscoring department having welcomed back top scorer Kyogo Furuhashi to the fold over the last fortnight.

Should Giakoumakis remain sidelined for a prolonged period, albeit the hamstring issue is reported to be minor, then a rotation of Liel Abada, Daizen Maeda, Jota and Kyogo should easily be enough firepower to see the Hoops over the line.

In other news, former Celtic striker Chris Sutton has been left fuming. Read more here.

Sunderland boss Alex Neil picked up another win in the third tier over the weekend as his side beat Gillingham 1-0 at the Stadium of Light.

Nathan Broadhead’s diving header in the last minute sealed the three points to keep the Black Cats in the race to land a play-off spot.

They are currently two points behind 5th-placed Sheffield Wednesday in the table as they attempt to land a top-six place between now and the end of the regular season.

If the Black Cats end up in the play-offs and Neil is able to guide them to the Championship this term, Kristjaan Speakman will be facing the daunting prospect of sorting out the club’s striking options heading into next season.

Ross Stewart has been linked with a move to Premier League side Norwich and Nathan Broadhead is set to return to Everton this summer. They have scored 28 goals between them in League One and losing both of them ahead of a campaign in the second tier would be a disaster, especially if they fail to bring in a player of the requisite quality to replace them.

One striker they have been credited with an interest in is 18-year-old Guiseley forward Josh Stones. The youngster has caught the eye this season with his goals at youth level and Sunderland are one of the clubs keen on a deal for him.

However, Football Insider recently reported that Wigan have agreed terms with the striker ahead of a summer switch to the DW Stadium. This means that, as it stands, Speakman is set to miss out on a deal for the teen as Wigan have swooped in ahead of them.

Stones has scored nine goals in his last five youth games for Guiseley, whilst he recently scored a hat-trick at youth level for England’s schoolboys team against Scotland. This means that he has found the back of the net 12 times in his last six matches in development football, which highlights his incredible potential as a player.

Therefore, missing out on a deal for him would be a big disaster for Speakman. Not only would it be to a League One rival, but it could also be at the same time they lose both Stewart and Broadhead – leaving Neil’s squad threadbare at the top end of the pitch.

The Stadium of Light supremo must do everything in his power to convince the 18-year-old phenomenon to turn Wigan down and sign a contract with Sunderland. His statistics at youth level suggest that he would be an excellent addition to the club’s ranks and they cannot allow their rivals to snap him up ahead of them.

AND in other news, SAFC made huge £600k blunder over “outstanding” machine who aged like “fine wine”…

Everton are one of the Premier League clubs ‘tracking’ Bristol City’s teenage midfielder Alex Scott, according to Football Insider. 

The lowdown

The 18-year-old has been used in a number of different positions this season by Robins manager Nigel Pearson. He has played most of his minutes as an attacking midfielder or right midfielder, but he can also occupy deeper central roles.

He broke into the team at the back end of the 2020/21 season and has gone to make 24 appearances so far this term. Scott is under contract at Ashton Gate until June 2025, with Transfermarkt valuing him at £270,000.

The latest

A recruitment source has told Football Insider that Scott features on the ‘target list’ of ‘many’ Premier League clubs, with Everton among them.

Scouts from Goodison Park, along with Leicester City, apparently watched him against Blackpool last Saturday. In light of this, Bristol City are said to be ‘bracing themselves’ for bids in the summer.

The verdict

Scott has contributed three goals and two assists in his 20 Championship starts, a decent return for a teenage midfielder.

He has earned comparisons to Jack Grealish, the most expensive player in Premier League history, because he plays with his socks rolled down and is frequently able to win free kicks in dangerous areas (via The Daily Mail). Indeed, his former coach Tony Vance has marvelled at the teenager’s ability to ‘float around the football pitch’.

There are still some weaknesses to iron out – WhoScored identify shortcomings in aerial duels and discipline – but that’s to be expected at this embryonic stage in his career.

He appears to be an ‘elite’ talent (to quote figures at Bristol City), and Frank Lampard would surely love to get his hands on him.

In other news, Frank McAvennie is already concerned about one of Everton’s January signings

Tottenham Hotspur have been handed a boost in their bid to bring Wilfried Singo 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 Spurs are one of a number of English clubs who have sent scouts to watch the Torino right wing-back in action ahead of a potential swoop at the end of the season.

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The report then goes on to specify Spurs’ interest in the 21-year-old, who is believed to consider a move to the Premier League this summer as an unmissable opportunity, while it is also stated that the Serie A side would be willing to part with the Ivory Coast international, as long as they were to receive an offer in the region of €30m (£25m).

Conte would love him

Considering how impressive Singo has been in Italy throughout the current campaign, it is easy to see why Antonio Conte would be interested in a deal to bring the right-back to north London this summer.

Indeed, over his 32 Serie A appearances this season, the £25m-rated wing-back has been in breathtaking form for Ivan Juric’s side, scoring three goals, providing four assists and creating four big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 1.2 shots, making 0.7 key passes and completing 1.1 dribbles per game.

The £5.4k-per-week defender has also impressed in metrics more typical of his position, making an average of 0.6 interceptions, 1.6 tackles, 1.3 clearances, and winning 5.7 duels – at a success rate of 58% – per fixture.

These returns have seen the player who Matteo Bonetti dubbed a “revelation” average an extremely impressive SofaScore match rating of 6.97, ranking him as Torino’s joint seventh-best performer in the Italian top flight.

As such, with Singo being a talent who is just as effective going forwards as he is sturdy in defence, it is clear to see that the 21-year-old would be something of a perfect fit for Conte’s right wing-back role.

And, with the player appearing to be extremely keen on a switch to north London, in addition to the fact that £25m is a very affordable figure for Spurs, it would seem as if Paratici is now on course to land a deal for the Ivorian starlet this summer.

AND in other news: “Not going to be at Tottenham…”: Gold drops update on £118m Spurs talent, time’s up