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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!

An insider at Tottenham Hotspur has now dropped some insight on their new signing Charlie Sayers.

The Lowdown: Sayers signs

As confirmed on Tuesday afternoon on the official website of the Spurs faithful, Sayers has now joined the Academy from Southend United on a scholarship programme.

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The North London club were reportedly ‘impressed’ with the young left-back, who has spent the last few weeks on trial with them, as per Lilywhites insider John Wenham.

He had played in six matches for Southend in the National League earlier this season, before making his debut for THFC’s U18s (Transfermarkt).

The Latest: Wenham on Sayers

Speaking to Football Insider, Wenham has now given some insight into Sayers, and claims that he could be promoted to the U23s soon:

“I knew he was going to sign as soon as he captained the Under 18s last week.

“We wouldn’t have given him the armband if he was still on trial.

“From what I understand he’s already trained with the Under 23s as well.

“Everything else I have heard about him is really exciting. He’s already played for Southend’s senior side.

“He can carry that experience into the Under 18s and he will be looking at a space in the Under 23s too.

“Dennis Cirkin left and joined Sunderland in the summer and we haven’t replaced him.

“So, is there a chance for him to go even further straight away? I wouldn’t rule it out.

“This is a really exciting move and I can’t wait to follow Sayers’ development.”

The Verdict: Bright future

The fact that he is only 17 years of age and could be promoted to the U23s already suggests that Sayers has a bright future on his hands.

Having already played senior football with Southend, he would have learned a lot from his experience, and playing in those physical games will only speed up his development.

If the Englishman can now impress with the U23s as well as the U18s, he should certainly catch the eye of Antonio Conte, who could use some cover for Sergio Reguilon at left-back, given that Ben Davies has been playing as a central defender in his new system.

Nonetheless, Sayers is a player that you can see coming through the Academy and into the senior squad at a later date.

In other news, find out which ‘unique’ ace could be leaving Tottenham in January here!

Leeds United have endured an underwhelming campaign in the Premier League thus far with Marcelo Bielsa’s side sitting in 16th place and in need of some life before the season turns even more torrid.

With the January transfer window set to open in under two weeks, the West Yorkshire side will be eyeing additions with Reading midfielder John Swift once again being linked with a move up to the top-flight.

What’s the story?

The 26-year-old midfielder has been in excellent form in what has been a difficult season for the Royals, who sit 21st in the Championship table after a six-point deduction.

Swift has contributed eight goals and nine assists in 21 league appearances for the Berkshire side and is attracting interest from Premier League outfit Leeds.

Leeds manager Marcelo Bielsa has publicly revealed his admiration for the Englishman back in February 2020, labelling him “a great player” and that “I [he] value a lot.”

However, according to the Reading Chronicle, Swift will opt to remain with the Royals for the remainder of the season as they look to avoid relegation to League One.

A potential move up the English football ladder may be looked at in the summer, but it is believed that Swift has no intention of leaving the club he has been at for over five years mid-campaign.

Leeds should swoop for Swift

With Marcelo Bielsa’s side seriously struggling for form and with a plethora of injuries, the West Yorkshire club will surely be looking to invest in the upcoming transfer window.

Playmaker Raphinha has scored eight of Leeds’ 18 Premier League goals so far and Bielsa could do with extra reinforcements should the Brazilian be unavailable, or worse, sold.

That said, he’d be a pretty huge upgrade on Mateusz Klich. The Pole has found life difficult this term with just a solitary goal and assist in the Premier League.

Swift, by comparison, has already racked up double figures in the second tier this term and with 31 goals for Reading to his name, would prove to be an incredibly shrewd addition by Victor Orta and co.

An eye-catching review from One Leeds Fan YouTuber Conor McGilligan tells you all you need to know about the Royals man, and why he could be such an exciting signing for supporters.

“[He’s] an absolute grafter, someone who’s worked his way up the football pyramid, someone who, for me, has the technical ability that would sort of replicate a Pablo Hernandez, a Samuel Saiz in tight pockets,” McGilligan said.

Swift would prove a clever signing and his signature would certainly please Leeds fans as it would add depth to a squad that is significantly suffering.

However, the midfielder is out of contract in the summer and therefore the Whites may have to be patient to secure the services of the 26-year-old who is clearly prioritising loyalty over a big move to the Premier League.

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”

Everton owner Farhad Moshiri is interested in a deal to appoint Jose Mourinho as the Toffees’ next manager.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a claim made by Kaveh Solhekol, with the Sky Sports journalist revealing on The Transfer Show that the AS Roma boss is one of the names under consideration for the vacant managerial position at Goodison Park following the sacking of Rafael Benitez last weekend.

Speaking about Everton’s shortlist of candidates, the transfer insider said: “This is a story that has just come in from our North West office. They are saying that Jose Mourinho is now under consideration to become the next Everton manager.

“An official approach has yet to be made to Mourinho’s current club Roma by the Everton owner Farhad Moshiri, but he is contemplating the prospect of bringing the former Chelsea, Manchester United and Spurs manager to Goodison Park.”

Fans will be livid

Considering the fact that Everton have just parted with a manager whose best days are quite clearly behind him, the prospect of appointing a new head coach in exactly the same mould is undoubtedly something that will leave the Goodison Park faithful livid.

Indeed, while Mourinho has enjoyed a remarkable amount of success in the game, winning a plethora of trophies throughout his career – including two Champions Leagues, one UEFA Cup, one Europa League, three Premier League titles, three LaLiga titles and two Serie A titles – it is an unavoidable fact that the last trophy the 58-year-old lifted was back in 2017, five years ago.

Furthermore, while the Portuguese manager has always had something of a reputation for rubbing people up the wrong way, this trait appears to have been exacerbated in recent years – with Tottenham Hotspur sacking Mourinho just 17 months into the job after reports of a players’ revolt against the management style of the former FC Porto boss.

This also appears to have been reflected on the pitch, with Jose only being able to guide Spurs to sixth in his first season in charge at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, as well as leaving the club languishing down in seventh place after 32 fixtures in 2020/21 – prior to his sacking.

Yet still, another reason against the appointment of Mourinho is the fact he would more than likely demand an extremely hefty wage to take the job at Goodison Park, with the 58-year-old earning around £10m-per-year during his time in North London – a figure which is just shy of £200k-per-week.

As such, while the legendary Portuguese coach may well be a “heavyweight” name, as Hayley McQueen suggests, should Everton wish to build towards a brighter future at Goodison Park, they should not be considering the appointment of a manager whose best days are in the past.

In other news: Everton urged to appoint “unbelievable” Big Dunc alternative, fans would surely fume

Many Glasgow Rangers fans have been left buzzing over some transfer news on Jack Simpson.

As per The Daily Record, the Ibrox faithful could let him leave on loan once the January transfer window opens, with a number of clubs in the English Championship thought to be interested in his signature.

Simpson has barely featured at all over the past two seasons for the Teddy Bears, with just four games played in total over all competitions so far this term (central defenders that they have at their disposal, it may be a wise idea just to get him off of the wage bill.

Moreover, some of his performances this campaign have been far from flattering, and so an exit could be best for all parties.

Nonetheless, the money gained could then be used to help fund other signings for other priority positions in the winter market.

Rangers fans on Simpson transfer news

These supporters of the Light Blues were left buzzing as the transfer news on Simpson was shared across Twitter:

“I’ll drive him down south myself – Stevie G’s biggest mistake.”

Credit: @BobMacCallum1

“I’ll pay for him to leave”

Credit: @morvenatkinson9

“I’ll lock him in my boot and drive him.”

Credit: @Baldy_Barisic

“Happy Thursday x”

Credit: @paula2561

“Happy New Year”

Credit: @johnnywasajunky

“Start the engine”

Credit: @kennygrfc

In other news, find out what club update has Gers buzzing here!

Newcastle United are reportedly now in ‘advanced talks’ to hire Ramon Planes as their new Director of Football (DoF).

The Lowdown: No Emenalo?

The Athletic reported last week that Michael Emenalo was thought to be the ‘leading candidate’ to take on the new DoF role at St James’ Park, but the progress to hire for the position has ‘slowed’ and may potentially be delayed until after the January transfer window.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) consortium was understood to have received a plan from Emenalo for January and beyond, and he is reportedly ‘ready and available to start immediately’.

However, given the delays, other candidates could well come into the equation for the role from now until next month.

The Latest: Planes talks

As per Ser Deportivos Valencia (via Super Deporte), former Barcelona technical secretary Planes is now in ‘advanced talks’ with both Newcastle and Paris Saint-Germain over potentially taking over as DoF, amid interest from Valencia, AS Roma and Bayer Leverkusen as well.

Planes’ ‘intention’ is for his next job to move abroad, meaning that St James’ Park is a possible destination for him.

The new owners on Tyneside are reportedly looking for a person with ‘experience and knowledge of the market’, and the 54-year-old seems to fit the bill.

The Verdict: Good fit

With the experience that Planes has gained at one of the top clubs in world football, he would certainly be a good fit for the consortium’s long-term project.

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Claimed as having done an ‘incredible job’ at Barcelona by Italian football journalist and transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, after discovering ‘top signings’ in both Pedri and Ronald Araujo, Planes would be very useful for the upcoming winter window, when Newcastle really need to get their recruitment spot-on if they are to avoid relegation to the Championship.

He is ready and available, so the Magpies need to pounce before another club takes him first.

In other news, NUFC are now targeting these four players

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.

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 failed in their quest for points today, as West Ham United got the better of them in a 2-1 affair that saw a Michael Keane red card as a result of two yellows.

The loss means that Lampard’s side have taken just three points from a possible 15, with their form potentially leaving them relegation-bound if they continue down this path.

The loss leaves them in 17th place and, although they are just three points away from the relegation zone, they do at least have two games in hand on Watford and Norwich respectively.

It is worth noting that whilst the Toffees find themselves four points above 19th place Burnley, the Clarets also have two games in hand on relegation rivals Watford and Norwich and could close the gap between themselves and Everton to just one point with a win when the two sides meet in three days time.

The next game against Burnley is crucial for Lampard’s men, and with the performance that he saw today, he will be no doubt be worried over the Toffees’ chances of ensuring their Premier League status, come next season.

Calvert-Lewin’s lacklustre display

Whilst it seemed like an odd decision from Lampard to bring off a player who has proven himself as an out-and-out goalscorer throughout the season prior, he had valid reason to do so.

Although he was replaced by Anthony Gordon with 22 minutes to go, Dominic Calvert-Lewin had plenty of time to assert his authority on the game.

But unfortunately for Lampard, he failed to repay his faith in starting him.

With just 23 touches, he failed to get into the game to the extent that both goalkeepers, Lukasz Fabianski and Jordan Pickford, alarmingly each had more touches than the 25-year-old.

Calvert-Lewin came close as he hit the woodwork, though it is worth noting that the shot had an xG total of 0.09 due to the crowded position that the Englishman struck it from.

Although they were in and around the same position, Richarlison had a much more positive impact on the game and registered 56 touches and 24 passes, as opposed to Calvert-Lewin’s measly 11 passes.

With Calvert-Lewin failing to score in yet another game, it means he is still yet to grab a goal in 2022.

Another disappointing display from Lampard’s Everton side, with the £72k-per-week forward offering very little.

In other news – Lamps can finally axe £30m “liability” as Everton plot bid for colossal 6ft6 ”monster”