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Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane has returned to first-team training ahead of this weekend’s clash with Burnley, per the London Evening Standard.

The England captain sustained ankle ligament damage in January’s loss to Manchester United.

The BBC subsequently claimed that he could be out until March, but the aforementioned London Evening Standard report claims that he could even feature this weekend.

The London Evening Standard claim that Kane has been reminded previously that he must not push himself too hard and manager Mauricio Pochettino may subsequently start him on the bench, particularly with back-to-back derbies against Chelsea and Arsenal looming.

Indeed, Spurs have not lost a Premier League game since the forward was ruled out, beating Fulham, Watford, Newcastle United and Leicester City. They were eliminated from both the Carabao Cup and the FA Cup but beat Borussia Dortmund 3-0 in the first leg of their Champions League Round of 16 tie last week.

Nevertheless, Spurs are delighted that Kane is readying himself for a comeback. Take a look at the best reaction on Twitter below!

Rangers secured their place in the final of the Scottish Cup in an enthralling Old Firm clash with their rivals on Sunday.

Gio van Bronckhorst’s side came from behind to seal a 2-1 win and they now have a chance to lift silverware next month.

After failing to capitalise on their good play in the first 45, Rangers were made to pay for falling asleep at a free-kick as Callum McGregor was afforded the time and space to feed Greg Taylor and the full-back’s shot deflected in off Calvin Bassey.

However, they found their equaliser with just over 10 minutes left as substitute Scott Arfield found the back of the net from James Tavernier’s assist.

This allowed them to take the game to extra time and they found their winner in the 115th minute as Carl Starfelt turned the ball into his own net after a ball into the box by Bassey.

Whilst Arfield coming on to level the scores set-up the win for the Gers, the player who really stole the show was James Tavernier at right-back.

Former Gers man Neil McCann lauded his display, saying: “James Tavernier has defended really well, the fitness that the boy shows is absolutely out of this world.”

Journalist Joshua Barrie also dubbed his and Connor Goldson’s play as “superb” in the build-up to the equaliser as the full-back’s cross – aided by Kemar Roofe – set up Arfield to score.

The £24k-per-week Englishman held his own defensively and was a constant threat in possession as he put in a complete performance on Sunday. He did not allow the likes of Jota and Liel Abada to expose him at the back as he remained strong in his one-on-one duels and this meant that Jon McLaughlin was not troubled as much as he could have been, with Celtic managing two shots on target all game.

Along with his great work for the equalising goal, the machine also almost scored the winner in extra time. He hit the post late on as he came inches away from being the match-winner before Starfelt turned the ball into his own net a few minutes later.

Van Bronckhorst will surely be delighted with his captain’s performance as the ex-Newcastle man stood up to the test and led by example throughout the match. It is now down to him and his teammates to continue to produce on the pitch in the coming weeks to win as many trophies as they can.

AND in other news, £10.1m in the bank: Rangers hit the jackpot on “brutally ruthless” £31.5k-p/w machine…

According to journalist Rudy Galetti, speaking to Tribal Football, a big Tottenham Hotspur transfer update has come to light involving Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez.

The Lowdown: Spurs make 2021 Martinez bid…

Sharing news last summer, The Times broke reports of Tottenham agreeing a fee to sign the Nerazzurri star before his club pulled a U-turn and refused to green-light a move to north London.

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This resulted in Spurs transfer chief Fabio Paratici falling short in his attempts to back former boss Nuno Espirito Santo with a backup striker to Harry Kane.

There have been reports of Tottenham re-igniting their interest ahead of this summer’s transfer window and Galetti has now shared a big update for Lilywhites supporters.

The Latest: Inter CEO awaiting Spurs bid…

According to the journalist’s information [via Tribal Football], Inter CEO Giuseppe Marotta is ‘waiting for a new Tottenham move’ after declining their proposal last summer.

It is believed that the prospective sale of Martinez could help to make the Serie A champions’ efforts to sign Paulo Dybala this summer more sustainable, which is why they are now ‘ready to say goodbye’ to the 24-year-old as they green-light his sale.

The Verdict: Boost for Tottenham…

News of Marotta and Inter’s willingness to negotiate over the striker could come as a big boost for Spurs if they are to back Antonio Conte with a capable centre-forward signing.

The Argentina international, who has been called ‘magnificent’ and a ‘scary prospect’ who ‘oozes class’ by Islington Gazette journalist Josh Bunting, has certainly lived up to that tag.

Scoring 14 goals in 28 Serie A appearances this season, Martinez could be the ideal alternative to Kane up front, and Spurs supporters may well be hoping that Marotta is also willing to be flexible when it comes to the actual transfer fee.

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

Wolves currently find themselves in the midst of somewhat of a crisis at right-back with both Nelson Semedo and Ki-Jana Hoever sidelined with thigh injuries.

Luckily it appears as though the former could be back in contention after the international break whilst there is still no clear time frame on the latter’s return to action.

The injuries have meant that usual left-back Jonny Otto has had to play out of position at right-wing-back, with manager Bruno Lage not having a third senior option.

However, the West Midlands club does have an exciting young right-back coming through the ranks in 18-year-old Harry Birtwistle.

In the Pipeline

Birtwistle, who is of both British and Singaporean descent, signed his first professional contract back in October and has seriously impressed for Wolves’ U23s.

The right-back has made a combined 19 appearances for the U23s in both the Premier League 2 and EFL Trophy, scoring three goals and assisting twice with Wolves U23s currently sat third in the Premier League 2 Division 2 table.

Last season, the 18-year-old made 23 appearances for the U18s, impressing regularly and thus being handed a chance for the U23s, an opportunity that’s certainly been grabbed with both hands.

When Birtwistle signed his contract five months ago, Scott Sellars, Wolves technical director, said: “Looking forward, Harry needs to keep performing for the under-23s to a high standard and, when January comes, we will assess where he is in his journey; whether he needs to go out on loan or stay here and work with the under-23s and first-team.”

There’s certainly a pathway to the first-team for the young Singaporean, as well as his teammates in the U23s squad, but if injuries continue to be an issue for Wolves’ wing-backs, a first-team call-up may not be far away.

In Semedo, the West Midlands club have found a decent replacement for Matt Doherty, who left Molineux in 2020 to join Tottenham, having joined Wolves in 2010 as an 18-year-old.

The Irishman made 302 appearances for the club, overseeing two promotions as well as an FA Cup semi-final and an impressive run to the quarter-finals of the Europa League.

Doherty’s time at Wolves can be an example to Birtwistle as to how hard work can eventually lead to first-team opportunities, with the 18-year-old certainly being one of the West Midlands club’s brightest youth prospects. Described as “rapid” by Tim Spiers, the youngster has previously professed that he’s modelling himself on PSG wing-back Achraf Hakimi after stepping further back in his position on the pitch.

Supporters will always have a particularly soft spot for players in the first-team who have come through the youth ranks, with Luke Cundle being a recent example. There’s no reason as to why the same can’t apply for the right-back.

In other news: Lage can find Wolves’ next Traore in rarely-seen teen who does “things out of nothing”

Speaking to GiveMeSport, journalist Paul Brown has provided an update on the contract situation of West Ham midfielder Tomas Soucek. 

The lowdown: Instant hit

Signed for £19.1million from Slavia Prague on an initial four-year deal following a successful loan spell at the London Stadium in 2020 (BBC), the powerful midfield general has already been earmarked for new and improved terms.

However, recently it emerged in a report from 90min that the Hammers had placed negotiations over a new contract with the 26-year-old on hold until the summer at the earliest.

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As the end of the season comes into view, speculation as to whether those talks are forthcoming has begun…

The latest: Brown provides fresh update

In conversation with GMS, Brown has shared what he knows from the feeling inside the east London club, claiming they are ‘very relaxed’ over the Czech Republic international’s future.

“The club are very relaxed about it. They don’t seem to think there’s any prospect of him refusing and trying to go elsewhere.

“There’s obviously the question marks still over Declan Rice and there’s no way West Ham could afford to let both first-choice midfielders to leave in the same window. Whether they actually get a decent offer for Rice or not, they feel they could accept his future is up in the air anyway.

“I think all parties are basically being sensible at the moment and just seeing where they end up before agreeing the figures. I don’t think it’s likely that he leaves.”

The verdict: Sign him up

Whilst many would point towards the long-term future of Declan Rice as the highest priority for GSB this summer, securing the services of Soucek must not be far behind.

Since becoming an Iron, the 48-cap towering midfielder has scored 19 times in 99 appearances for the club, also missing just one game through injury in that time, the type of availability any manager would kill for.

Combative, powerful and with a knack for scoring important goals, whilst forging a stellar partnership alongside Rice at the heart of David Moyes’ side, Soucek has already attracted reported interest from German giants Bayern Munich and should therefore be regarded as a key man to get signed on the dotted line.

In other news: The Times: West Ham weighing ‘monster’ player move alongside three more potential signings! Find out more here.

Tottenham Hotspur could be about to end deadline day with a bang…

What’s the word?

According to Sky Sports reporter Aden-Jay Wood, Spurs are keen to sign Barcelona winger Ousmane Dembele before 11pm tonight, though any deal won’t be easy.

“Hearing Tottenham are interested in a deadline day move for Ousmane Dembele, not an easy deal to complete but Barcelona want him gone. Dele Alli to Everton almost completed,” he tweeted.

Late coup

This would certainly be a statement of intent from the north London outfit as they look to round off a busy day of activity.

Earlier this afternoon, the club announced the arrivals of Juventus duo Roman Bentancur, who has signed permanently in an initial £15.9m deal, and Dejan Kulusevski, who arrives on loan for £8.3m fee with an option to buy for £29.2m, via the BBC.

The Frenchman has been hindered by persistent injury problems during his time at the Nou Camp but whenever he has featured, he has been impressive.

Dembele has directly contributed towards 54 goals from 129 appearances (31 goals); a goal or assist every 139 minutes. By comparison, Heung-min Son’s record for Spurs sits at one direct contribution every 110 minutes. Not hugely different, all things considered.

The £27m-rated wide man has earned plenty of praise during his time in Spain, even despite not playing as many minutes as he’d probably like. Ex-teammate Lionel Messi dubbed him a “phenomenon”, whilst former club president Josep Maria Bartomeu once claimed “he is better than Neymar.”

Having let Bryan Gil depart on loan to Valencia to get some game time, there is certainly space in the squad for a versatile forward capable of playing up front and on both flanks, so Dembele would be a very nice signing indeed.

It remains to be seen if there’s enough time to get this one over the line but if it can happen, then it’s an exciting one. The Barca man could thrive under a manager like Conte.

AND in other news, Alasdair Gold offers Spurs update ahead of deadline…

Everton made a huge transfer mistake all the way back in 2009 when they failed to capture the signing of midfielder Ever Banega. It’s one that they will surely regret.

At the time Banega had just finished a loan spell with Atletico Madrid when Everton were interested in signing him on a permanent basis from his parent club Valencia.

Now 33 years old he would have been 20 at the time and a young prospect with a bright future ahead of him. However, according to The Daily Mail, the move fell through at the last minute with the Spanish club reluctant to let Banega leave after they had failed to secure a replacement for him.

He went on to stay at Valencia until 2014 making 185 appearances for the club and being directly involved in 41 goals before moving to Sevilla for £2.35m. It was here where he achieved a tremendous amount of success, winning the Europa League three times in two separate spells, lifting the trophy in 2015, 2016 and most recently 2020.

Arteta 2.0

At the time he was close to signing for the Toffees, he was compared to their star midfielder at the time Mikel Arteta, with special notice paid to his quality in possession and his playmaking ability.

Everton did have playmakers of their own under David Moyes such as Marouane Fellaini and Steven Pienaar, but Banega could have made a huge difference in the middle of the park sitting alongside Arteta.

After failing in their attempts to sign the Argentine “maestro” in the words of WhoScored when he was rated at just £7.2m, the Toffees subsequently had to rely on youngster Jack Rodwell at the time. The Englishman was 18 during that season and played 28 games for the club in the Premier League. He went on to have a good Everton career but at the time had much less ability than Banega.

Ultimately this is a signing that would have improved Everton greatly, with the 65-cap Argentine eventually going on to be worth a high of £18m. However, if the player had left he wouldn’t have gone on to achieve anywhere near as much as he did with Sevilla.

Although they got close, Everton didn’t win a trophy during Moyes’ time at Goodison Park and have gone without silverware since 1995.

Banega now plays in Saudi Arabia for Al-Shabab who he joined on a free transfer in 2020.

IN other news: More misery: Alan Myers drops four-word Everton claim that’ll leave supporters fuming…

Tottenham Hotspur announced the loan departure of club-record signing Tanguy Ndombele on deadline day and now further details have emerged surrounding his exit…

What’s the word?

The French midfielder, who cost a whopping £55m back in the summer of 2019, has returned to his former club Lyon on a short-term loan until the end of the season.

According to Italian transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, the Ligue 1 outfit have an option to buy for €65m (£54m), which could see Spurs recoup a substantial amount back in the summer, whilst they will also pay part of his £200k-per-week salary.

“Official and confirmed. Tanguy Ndombele joins OL on loan from Tottenham, including buy option not mandatory for €65m,” he tweeted. “OL will also cover part of the salary of Ndombele.”

Levy masterclass

This will be something of a masterclass from chairman Daniel Levy, who is known for his tough negotiating ability in the boardroom. To be able to garner much of what they paid for the midfield flop would be pretty remarkable indeed.

You’d just have to hope that the 25-year-old impresses enough at the Parc Olympique Lyonnais for them to sanction such a deal.

Over the past two and a half years, Ndombele has struggled to cement a regular place down in the starting XI. Four different managers ranging from Mauricio Pochettino, who signed him, to Antonio Conte now failed to get a tune out of Tottenham’s most expensive player ever.

As per Transfermarkt, the Frenchman provided only ten goals and nine assists across 91 appearances, which works out to be around one direct contribution every 271.5 minutes (or one every three games).

That’s an awfully disappointing return for someone who has often been dubbed a creative influence within this Spurs squad.

His time at the club will probably be most remembered for the way in which it ended. After two or three reports suggesting that he had demanded an exit, his final appearance for Spurs came during their FA Cup third-round win over Morecambe.

During the encounter with the north Londoners behind by one goal, Ndombele was substituted to a chorus of boos. He trudged off the pitch at a snail’s pace and as the jeers got louder, his walk got slower. Luckily, Spurs went on to win in his absence as he shot straight down the tunnel.

He was never seen again after that. He was even forced to train alone.

Once dubbed “unplayable” by ex-goalkeeper Joe Hart, the £34.2m-rated flop’s nightmare at Spurs has finally come to an end. Levy and co have done very well to shift him on this month and it could be even sweeter if they manage to secure 98% of their initial investment back despite his poor form.

AND in other news, Alasdair Gold drops huge behind-the-scenes Conte claim at Spurs, fans will be ecstatic…

Leeds United correspondent Phil Hay has shared his view on Robin Koch following the 3-0 win over Watford.

The Lowdown: Leeds ready to sell Koch

The 25-year-old made just his 15th appearance of the season at Vicarage Road on Saturday and his 11th in a defensive midfield role.

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The German partnered Mateusz Klich in a crucial victory but struggled throughout, losing possession 23 times and coming off second best in 12 duels, as per SofaScore.

Koch was also dribbled past five times and failed to complete any of his six attempted long balls, with this performance coming just a few days after reports suggested that Leeds are happy to move the 25-year-old on in the summer.

The Latest: Hay reacts

Hay shared a story on The Athletic on Sunday, with one fan in the comment section believing that Adam Forshaw’s presence was missed. This is what Hay had to say in reply, admitting that he ‘is not sold on Koch’ in midfield:

“Agreed, and the sooner Phillips can start the better. I’m not sold on Koch at CDM and Klich is always better further up the pitch. Cooper the stand out player yesterday. Genuinely excellent.”

The Verdict: Unfortunate

Koch has played in his natural centre-back position on just two occasions this season, so it isn’t a surprise that he is one of the club’s worst-performing players in the current campaign, as per WhoScored.

Labelled as ‘horrible’ to watch by Beren Cross in the opening day defeat to Manchester United, the German could be the one to make way over the summer, with the club planning a defensive overhaul.

The Whites have conceded 68 league goals this season, so you could argue that Koch being offloaded is unfortunate due to starting at the back just twice, but it looks as if that may well be the case.

In other news: ‘Outstanding…’ – Sky Sports man stunned at confirmed Leeds news regarding Radrizzani and 49ers 

Liverpool could still sign Fulham youngster Fabio Carvalho in January after they bring in Luis Diaz, according to journalist Graeme Bailey.

The Lowdown: Carvalho linked with move

The Reds have been linked with a move for the 19-year-old in recent days, seemingly seeing him as someone who could come in and provide added squad depth and be a part of an eventual rebuild once the likes of Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane are past their peaks.

Carvalho is enjoying an excellent season for a free-scoring Fulham side riding high at the top of the Championship, scoring seven goals and registering three assists.

While Liverpool are reportedly set to be complete the signing of Diaz from Porto imminently, it doesn’t look as though their interest in the English youngster has gone away.

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The Latest: Key update emerges

According to Bailey in a Twitter post on Friday, a move for Carvalho could still happen before Monday’s transfer deadline, depending on Fulham’s stance:

“They would also take Fabio Carvalho this month if Fulham agreed to deal.”

Bailey has proved to have his finger on the pulse in recent days, calling a halt to proceedings when the media jumped the gun over Newcastle’s move for Bruno Guimarães – Lyon released a statement backing the journalist’s claims shortly after his tweet.

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The Verdict: Perfect squad addition

Much like Harvey Elliott, who also arrived from Fulham back in 2019, Carvalho is a hugely exciting English teenager who could enjoy a similarly meteoric rise.

The attacking midfielder has been hailed as ‘fantastic’ by current manager Marco Silva and his average of 1.6 key passes and 1.2 dribbles per game in the Championship highlight his ability to break the lines and create chances.

No Liverpool midfielder has averaged more key passes in the Premier League this season, with Elliott and Jordan Henderson (both 1.3) leading the way, showing what the youngster could add to the team if he follows Diaz to Merseyside this month.

In other news, a foreign source has made a claim regarding one rumoured Liverpool target. Find out who it is here.