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Dele Alli has forced himself back into contention at Tottenham Hotspur in recent weeks and, if his impressive form under Jose Mourinho continues, then Giovani Lo Celso could well struggle to get back into the side when he returns from injury.

The England international made just his second league start of the season in Thursday’s 1-0 win against Fulham and played a key part in the only goal of the game, as his effort was diverted into the net by Tosin Adarabioyo.

The former MK Dons man was also superb in the recent 4-0 win against Wolfsberger and looked back to his best as he was involved throughout the game, whilst he also scored a superb overhead kick to open the scoring.

It had looked as if the 24-year-old’s time with Spurs could be coming to an end in the winter transfer window as PSG were heavily linked with a loan move for the attacking midfielder after he was regularly omitted from Mourinho’s matchday squads earlier in the season.

However, Spurs captain Hugo Lloris has suggested recently that Alli has “switched on” following his failed loan move away during the winter transfer window, and he has clearly impressed Mourinho with his performances in training and in the Europa League, slowly but surely starting to feature more regularly in the Premier League.

If his form continues, then it could prove to be bad news for Lo Celso, who is edging closer to a return after missing the last two months with a hamstring injury.

Injury problems have meant that the Argentine international has never really enjoyed a run of games in this Spurs side; and having joined in January last season after an initial loan spell, you could argue that he has become something of an outsider in his time with the club.

Whilst squad depth is no bad thing for Mourinho, he already has the likes of Alli, Lucas Moura, Erik Lamela and Tanguy Ndombele as options in the attacking midfield position, so it is difficult to see where the former Real Betis man fits in.

The 24-year-old has been limited to just four starts and seven substitute appearances in the Premier League so far this season, in which he has contributed one goal and one assist, averaging a less than impressive 6.56 WhoScored average match rating.

Last season saw the £31.5m-rated midfielder establish himself as a regular under Mourinho but he struggled to contribute in an attacking sense, managing no goals and just two assists in 28 appearances in the top flight.

Therefore, if Alli can rediscover his goalscoring touch, then you wonder where Lo Celso will fit in, especially with both Ndombele and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg having become mainstays with the Lilywhites this season.

Considering that Atletico Madrid have been linked with a move for him recently, if he cannot force his way into Mourinho’s plans when he returns, then perhaps we will see him depart the north London club in the near future.

And, in other news…  8 passes all game: £18m-rated Spurs gem was anonymous; Jose will be worried

Daylight robbery. If there was one phrase to describe Sunderland’s draw with Crewe on Saturday, it would be that.

The Mackems were 2-0 down after 38 minutes and following Grant Leadbitter’s dislocated shoulder, it looked as though there was no way back for the Black Cats.

However, cue four game-changing substitutions from Lee Johnson. He was fed up with a large portion of his side and who can blame him following the ease with which Crewe found proceedings at Gresty Road?

Jordan Jones and Chris Maguire stepped up to the plate, though, and scored two delightful goals. Jones fired in from long range before the latter popped up with a rare strike this season, volleying home.

It was a rescue act from the two attackers in what was a rare quiet day at the office for the likes of Aiden McGeady and Charlie Wyke.

We know they have the ability to provide quality and you can excuse their poor performances. That being said, you cannot excuse some of their defenders; namely Callum McFadzean.

The left-back has been particularly poor in recent months and once again on Saturday, he let Johnson and his teammates down. He was given a match rating of 2/10 by The Chronicle’s James Hunter, who gave him the following review; “Caught out time and again, and it was no surprise he was hooked on the hour.”

A quick look at the stats tells you just how poor McFadzean was. He completed only 54% of his passes, a tally that only Leadbitter had a worse record in.

On top of that, he lost possession of the ball on 26 occasions. Alongside Max Power, it was the worst number of anyone to take the field for Johnson’s side.

Defensively, he won two out of five ground duels but we shouldn’t be shocked by a performance as lackadaisical as this. McFadzean was guilty of giving away a penalty against Wimbledon back in November and hasn’t been too convincing since.

Both goals came down his side in the 2-1 defeat to Plymouth as he failed to get tight enough to his men.

His role in the side is becoming a big problem for Johnson, especially when you consider what else the manager has to contend with at left-back. Denver Hume is still out injured while Jake Vokins has hardly been convincing himself since a loan move from Southampton.

Like McFadzean, he can be a bit lazy in possession and had a torrid first game against MK Dons. Roker Report described it as one of the worst debuts they’ve seen from a Black Cats player.

If Sunderland want to get promoted, they will have to find an alternative solution from somewhere.

AND in other news, Imagine him & McGeady: Sunderland missed dream signing in “extremely talented” 27 y/o…

A finance expert has dropped a transfer claim on Tariq Lamptey, who has previously been linked with a move to Everton despite his new deal at Brighton.

Speaking to Football Insider, Kieran Maguire has claimed that his new contract at the Seagulls would not be an issue if the Goodison Park faithful or other linked clubs in Manchester City and Arsenal would wish to sign him in the near future, and also revealed the new wages that he has heard Lamptey is on and an estimated transfer fee for the England U21 international:

“It’s estimated at £40,000 a week. That would be about right, as far as what I’ve heard.

“The only issue would be if there is a release clause in the contract.

“If you look at the benchmark, Aaron Wan Bissaka went from Palace to Manchester United for £45million, I would imagine that’s going to be the ballpark figure in terms of a transfer.

“The new deal is a non-issue. It protects the player in that it guarantees him money in the event of a serious injury. It also keeps him happier as he’s now seen as a key part of the first-team squad and he’s being remunerated as such.

“But that kind of money is chicken feed for clubs like Everton. So it will not be an issue at all as far as potential suitors are concerned.

“I don’t know if Chelsea have a buyback clause but I think they’re probably on a share of the profits.”

Lamptey worth the money for Everton

Given that he is English and just 20 years of age, a transfer fee of around £45m would not be a bad one at all to pay for Lamptey, considering the potential that he has to become a top-class right-back.

Noel Whelan has previously labelled him as a ‘very exciting’ player and it is not a surprise that the likes of the Merseyside club as well as Arsenal and Manchester City are reportedly interested in his signature.

With Seamus Coleman being 32 years of age now, Carlo Ancelotti’s team need to start looking at a replacement for the Republic of Ireland international sooner rather than later, and Lamptey may well be a good fit.

In other news, find out which Toffees man has been linked with a move away here!

Speaking in a press conference before this afternoon’s FA Cup trip to Marine, Tottenham Hotspur boss Jose Mourinho confirmed the latest on Giovani Lo Celso and his absence – going on to say that he is ‘not going to play’ for the next few weeks due to his hamstring injury.

Lo Celso was shining in the number 10 role for Tottenham just before his lay-off, becoming a threat just behind star attackers Son Heung-min and Harry Kane.

Mourinho confirms Lo Celso latest

Alongside Tanguy Ndombele, the Argentine had been rotating as an attacking midfielder and put in some dazzling displays for the Lilywhites.

However, after picking up an injury to his hamstring, Lo Celso still faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines as Mourinho confirms the latest on his absence – with the Portuguese revealing he will remain unavailable for the next few weeks.

“Gio is injured. I don’t know for how long but he is not playing in the next few weeks, it is not a simple situation, he is not going to play in the next few weeks,” he said.

“Lamela maybe [will be involved]. I am waiting for tomorrow. So tomorrow, last day. Lamela possible.”

Transfer Tavern take

Described as ‘exciting’ by midfielder Harry Winks, Lo Celso had grown into a key attacking figure for the Lilywhites – but this news indicates that Spurs fans will not see him back in action for a while and will certainly miss this afternoon’s trip up north.

Gabriel Agbonlahor, speaking to Football Insider, reacted to this development and insists it is a ‘big blow’ for Tottenham.

When he will return for Spurs remains to be seen, but fans will be hoping it is soon rather than later.

In other news: Daniel Levy has entered talks to sign this ‘leader’ for Spurs, find out more here.

أصدر نادي برشلونة الإسباني، بيانًا رسميًا بشأن مباراته مع بايرن ميونخ الألماني في دوري أبطال أوروبا، المقرر لها يوم 8 ديسمبر الجاري.

ويحل برشلونة ضيفًا على بايرن ميونخ في الجولة السادسة والأخيرة لدور المجموعات بدوري أبطال أوروبا.

وأفاد برشلونة في بيانه، أن مباراة بايرن ميونخ ستقام خلف أبواب مغلقة بدون جماهير في الملعب بسبب الزيادة الخطيرة في حالات الإصابة بفيروس كورونا في منطقة بافاريا الألمانية في الأسابيع القليلة الماضية.

اقرأ أيضًا.. 5 غيابات في تدريبات برشلونة قبل مواجهة ريال بيتيس بالدوري الإسباني

سيلعب فريق تشافي هيرنانديز على مكان في دور الـ16 من المسابقة، إذا تمكن من الفوز في ميونخ، سيتأهل بغض النظر عما يحدث في المباراة الأخرى للمجموعة بين بنفيكا ودينامو كييف في لشبونة.

في المرة الأخيرة التي سافر فيها برشلونة إلى ملعب أليانز أرينا في ميونخ عام 2015، خسر البارسا 3-2 في نصف نهائي المسابقة لكنهم وصلوا إلى المباراة النهائية في برلين وتوجوا باللقب على حساب يوفنتوس.

Glasgow Rangers want to secure the services of Chelsea midfielder Billy Gilmour on loan next month and now the pressure is on Ross Wilson to deliver in the winter transfer market.

What’s the word?

According to The Sun’s Fraser Mackie, Chelsea are open to loaning the teenager back to the 54-time Scottish champions for the rest of the season.

Gilmour made a rare start against FC Krasnodar in the Champions League on Tuesday night after recovering from knee surgery that ended his breakthrough season with the Blues.

Frank Lampard admitted he has high hopes for the youngster after Chelsea drew 1-1 with Krasnodar in their Champions League dead rubber, as he said: “I thought Billy was outstanding. The way he played and how he trains, I see him growing with us. He’s going to be a Chelsea player so it’s just about making sure the pathway is right for him.”

But the 19-year-old has fallen down the pecking order after the arrival of Kai Havertz in the summer and Rangers have reignited their interest in their former academy player with the transfer window set to open in just a few weeks’ time.

Get it done, Gers

Leaving it so late is setting Wilson up for failure as it will only put him under pressure if he fails to deliver the goods.

Rangers are on a remarkable run of form, as they are currently unbeaten in all competitions, but a minor injury crisis in the midfield could somewhat curtail their strong start to the season.

Scott Arfield and Steven Davis are arguably entering the twilight of their careers, which means they could be more susceptible to injury problems, whilst Ryan Jack has struggled with injuries so far this season and there are doubts over Glen Kamara’s future at the club amid links abroad.

To continue with just Bongani Zungu, who himself has had his fair share of injury concerns, and Joe Aribo, who is predominantly an attacking midfielder by trade, would just be plain stupid as the season starts to heat up.

This phrase gets bandied about a bit too much for our liking but it’s as clear as day that Gilmour is a generational talent.

Despite his age, the Scotland starlet has already made 13 appearances for Chelsea – per SofaScore, he took 97 touches of the ball and clearly made all of that possession count, as he made 3 key passes, took one shot on target, provided 74 out of 83 passes (89%) and was fouled once, which suggests that he was a real menace throughout the game against Krasnodar.

By comparison, Aribo failed to register a single shot or record a key pass against Ross County in the Scottish Premiership last weekend, via SofaScore.

If they fail to regain the title for the first time since the 2010-11 season, Gerrard cannot entirely be held accountable, as Wilson will have to share some of the blame as well.

AND in other news,  Rangers boss Steven Gerrard must unleash Bongani Zungu against Lech Poznan in the Europa League…

Everton can put their panicky summer transfers right with a future swoop for Manchester United outcast Sergio Romero, as the Argentine goalkeeper plans showdown talks over his Old Trafford future.

What’s the word?

According to the Daily Star, Romero is seeking crunch talks with Manchester United Executive Vice-Chairman Ed Woodward after only being informed of his omission from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s 25-man Premier League squad through social media.

Romero is said to be “baffled and angry” with United bosses at their lack of communication, while already being frustrated after being dropped to the bench for last season’s Europa League Semi-Final defeat to Sevilla having kept seven clean sheets in the nine prior fixtures.

The 33-year-old has also fallen to fourth choice in Solskjaer’s plans behind David De Gea, Dean Henderson and Lee Grant, who has featured for the Red Devils just twice since his move to Old Trafford in 2018 for around £1.5million.

Romero had hoped to secure a move away from Manchester United this summer and grew ever keener to quit the Premier League giants following his omission from their Champions League squad, but saw a potential move to Everton collapse when the Red Devils refused to lower their £10m asking price.

The ‘keeper now intends to discuss tearing up his £100,000-per-week contract in order for United to allow him to leave on a free transfer, with talks with Solskjaer and Woodward likely scheduled for next week once Romero concludes a period of self-isolation after returning from Argentina.

Everton given a second chance

Everton’s intrigue in Romero was long-reported in the summer, with the shot-stopper the subject of interest as the Blues sought a cheap back-up for Jordan Pickford before returning with a loan approach on Deadline Day.

United’s demands ensured a deal could not be concluded for a goalkeeper Louis van Gaal lauded upon his capture in 2015, when the former Dutch international sought cover in case De Gea departed amid interest from Real Madrid.

“Sergio is a very talented goalkeeper,” Van Gaal said, via quotes by The Telegraph. “He was a young keeper during my time at AZ and I am delighted he is joining United.

“He will be a great addition to the team and I am looking forward to working with him once again.”

Manchester United’s refusal to accept offers below £10m ultimately led Everton to panic and brought Robin Olsen in on a season-long loan from AS Roma that features no option to buy and a responsibility to cover his wages in full.

The Blues’ deal offers Carlo Ancelotti an easy out next summer should Olsen fail to challenge Pickford, while now seemingly offering the Merseyside outfit a second chance to right the wrongs of this summer and secure Romero’s services if the Argentine is able to agree a mutual end to his contract.

It will be unlikely that Everton and Director of Football Marcel Brands do manage to lure Romero to Goodison Park, however, as their commitment to cover Olsen’s salary for the season will ensure they look poorly on the potential of signing another option and especially one who turns 34 in February.

Ancelotti also has Jonas Lossl and Under 23s prospect Joao Virginia to call on, making it unnecessary to sign a fifth goalkeeper in Romero unless Olsen’s loan deal can be terminated early.

AND in other news, Everton appear to have dodged a bullet in a £13.5m man courted by Marco Silva in 2019.

According to Football Insider, Aston Villa are making preparations in order to make a late move to sign Bournemouth striker Josh King.

What’s the word?

With the deadline for deals between Premier League and EFL clubs not until October 16, there remains the distinct possibility that further high-profile signings will be made.

And Football Insider claim that Villa have got their eyes on luring King away from the Vitality Stadium, saying that they are trying to clear up space in their wage bill to accommodate the Norway international.

The report further adds that Dean Smith’s side are intent on pushing West Ham for the forward’s signature, with Bournemouth having now slashed the asking price to between £10-£12m after failing to sell him during the international window.

Now or never

After the start that Smith has guided his new-look team to in the Premier League, the Villa boss can surely walk into the boardroom and demand whatever he wants.

Ollie Watkins has looked in superb touch since arriving from Brentford, with five goals in six games, but the side could do with a really top-class back-up option to their big-money summer signing.

Wesley remains out injured for the time being and of course will need sufficient time to recover match fitness, whilst Keinan Davis at 22, is still very much an unproven option at senior level.

Bringing in King, with all his experience in the Premier League with Bournemouth, can be the answer to that. And if Lange can convince the Cherries to part ways with the striker for the £10m that has been mooted, then that would be an absolute steal.

Leeds United may have just beaten Aston Villa 3-0, but one problem looks likely to persist at Elland Road.

Indeed, the Whites may have managed to win without Kalvin Phillips in their starting XI, but their quest to find a holding midfield replacement within their squad goes on.

Pascal Struijk was subbed off after just 20 minutes of playing in the defensive midfield role after picking up an early yellow card, and while Phillips’ absence wasn’t felt against the Villans, there will come a time where they miss him.

Unfortunately, this could have been avoided if they hadn’t have loaned out Alfie McCalmont.

McCalmont plays in the exact same role as Phillips, and he’s reportedly a player that Bielsa had earmarked to replace him if the Yorkshire Pirlo had departed the club in the summer of 2019.

It isn’t just Bielsa who’s a fan either, Noel Whelan waxed lyrical about the Northern Irishman earlier this year.

“McCalmont I have seen a few times now and he is very capable,” he told Football Insider.

“He was tipped to replace Kalvin or be that second string to Kalvin throughout the season.

“A very good player, great on the ball and a good football mind.

“He is one that is learning his trade from watching Kalvin and being in and around that first-team setup.”

If McCalmont was seen as Phillips’ successor by the higher-ups at Leeds, why was he allowed to go on loan without another defensive midfielder coming in?

Leeds have now been left in a difficult predicament with Phillips set to miss six weeks of action, and with no recognised defensive midfielder in the squad, they’re scrambling for someone to replace him.

Struijk proved within 20 minutes on Friday that he isn’t up to the task just yet, and that only adds more fuel to the argument that McCalmont shouldn’t have been loaned out.

Leeds have dropped the ball on this one.

And in other news, Leeds should have held off on selling this ace.

Everton must consider terminating the contract of yet another one of their fringe players by allowing Matthew Pennington to walk away as a free agent.

What’s the word?

Pennington has entered into the final year of his Everton contract but stands little chance of ending his time at Goodison Park with any further appearances in Royal Blue, four years on from his Premier League debut under Roberto Martinez.

The Spaniard gifted Pennington six of his nine first-team appearances, lauding him after a game against Leicester, before being replaced by Ronald Koeman, who handed out the final three, with each manager since opting to send the defender out on loan.

Pennington’s lack of a breakthrough left the 26-year-old hoping to sever his long-standing ties with Everton earlier in the summer whilst still on loan with Hull City, having informed the local media that he would use the off-season transfer window to find a new home.

“I’m thinking I need a home in the summer, somewhere to put my roots down and crack on with my career,” he said, via quotes by the Yorkshire Post. “I’ve been on loan quite a lot now so I’m looking for that place to settle down and really push on with my career.”

Everton chiefs had likewise been hopeful of finding Pennington a new club before Monday’s Deadline Day, and could yet still offload the Warrington-born centre-half to a Championship side before October 16 with the window still open between Premier League and EFL clubs.

But with interest so far appearing slim, Blues chiefs would be well advised seeking a mutual termination of the defender’s remaining contract after allowing Sandro Ramirez to join SD Huesca without a fee on Deadline Day to end his miserable stay on Merseyside.

Sandro scenario again

Everton have kept Pennington on tenterhooks for years with loan spells to Tranmere Rovers and Coventry as a youth, before deals to join Walsall, Leeds United, Ipswich Town and most recently Hull last term, where he made just 14 Championship outings after a lengthy spell on the bench.

His stock may never have been lower, and as such has yet to find the new home he desired so much if Everton have been adamant on receiving any form of fee for a defender that’s been on their books for 15 years.

But Everton chiefs must realise that interest in Pennington may only come once his Toffees days are over and accept that like Sandro, drastic measures are needed and that he must have his contract mutually terminated in the next week rather than waste another year of his career.

By doing so, the Blues will allow Pennington to secure a deal before EFL managers finalise their plans and there is no place left for the 26-year-old to ply his trade other than in Everton’s Under 23s – as he has so far this season, and that is no place for a 26-year-old to be on a regular basis.

AND in other news, a Premier League icon’s support of Everton’s £20m capture will come as good news for Carlo Ancelotti.