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Flocking to Twitter, these Sunderland fans seemed less than impressed with the performance of defender Denver Hume against Manchester United’s Under-21s in the Papa John’s Trophy on Wednesday night.

Lee Johnson’s side, looking to retain the cup they won last season, have now secured qualification from Group F as they narrowly beat the Red Devils 2-1 yesterday evening.

Tyrese Dyce opened the scoring for Sunderland on Wearside but it didn’t take long for the visitors to draw level again through United youngster Zidane Iqbal.

Alas, just under ten minutes later, The Black Cats regained control of the contest with Stephen Wearne getting in on the act – a strike which eventually guided Sunderland through the group stage with a game to spare.

However, on what was a solid evening, one man who didn’t impress supporters was Hume – with the 23-year-old losing possession 17 times and losing more than half of his ground duels (SofaScore).

Here’s what Sunderland supporters had to say on the left-back as they took to social media.

Sunderland fans slam Hume…

“Hume looks like he’s just not trying to actually run when we need to defend”

Credit: @safcreportt

“Hume is even out of his depth at this level, he is totally useless. Gives the ball away at this level at an alarming rate. Should not be anywhere near 1st team squad.”

Credit: @DarkKnightFTM

“All Hume does is play the team into trouble time after time.”

Credit: @newby08

“Denver Hume is even out of his depth against Man Utd youngens. He is absolutely dink. He’d struggle in non-league he would”

Credit: @Brysa08

“I’d very much like to never seen him in a Sunderland shirt ever again, please and thank you”

Credit: @MKA97FTM

“Things I learnt tonight watching our kids vs there kids. Denver Hume is a million miles away from Dennis Cirkin, Dyce looks a better back up to Cirkin, thought he was brilliant tonight. Don’t get the fuss or hype over losing Hugill, thought he was ok tonight but nowt special”

Credit: @44stu

Everton have a number of hot prospects when it comes to young players coming through their academy, and despite the relegation challenge that the club are currently battling in the senior team, there is a bright future for one particular young player that has been impressing.

What’s the word?

Replying to a Toffees fan in a Q&A for The Liverpool Echo, journalist Adam Jones has given an update on contract negotiations at the club with youngster Lewis Warrington.

Jones confirmed;

“We believe that talks are ongoing with Lewis and his representatives over a potential new deal – which would make perfect sense after seeing the progression he’s made this season! Frank Lampard could easily be a big fan in the future, we’ll have to wait and see.”

Cahill 2.0

The Birkenhead-born midfielder has been impressing this season after being given his chance to shine at Tranmere Rovers and has been crucial in their pursuit for a play-off position in League Two, with the side currently just one point shy of the top seven with four games left to play.

Warrington, who was dubbed “highly rated” by Micky Mellon, has been effective in his midfield role at his loan club scoring one goal and contributing one assist, as well as making 0.7 key passes, 1.3 tackles and 1.3 clearances per game according to SofaScore, proving he can be effective in both defensive and offensive play.

The 19 year old claimed that Everton legend Tim Cahill was amongst his midfield heroes growing up in a club interview;

“When I was growing up, it was the 2010 Everton team – the likes of Mikel Arteta, Tim Cahill, Bainesy and Seamus.”

With Frank Lampard’s track record of giving chances to and developing young players like Reece James and Mason Mount, there is no reason why Warrington couldn’t benefit from being taken under the former Chelsea bosses wing and become the second coming of his hero Tim Cahill, if he commits his future with the club.

Everton reportedly need to sell up to 10 players in the summer to recoup for financial losses, so the youngsters chances to make his mark on the first team at Goodison Park could be increased next season with the potential to break through just like his fellow boyhood Evertonian Anthony Gordon.

In other news: Everton join the chase for “outstanding” £70k-p/w star, he’s a huge Keane upgrade

Leeds United could help answer Marcelo Bielsa’s prayers by finally signing Reading star John Swift in the upcoming January transfer window.

What’s the story?

According to reports over from the summer by The Sheffield Star, Bielsa’s side, along with the likes of Newcastle United and Brentford, have got their eye on the attacking midfielder.

And now, former Arsenal star Kevin Campbell has delivered his seal of approval over a move, and suggested that his signing could be key for the Whites to recapture their form.

He said: “Yes, I think they’ll have to go in for a John Swift or someone like that. January is gong to be so important for Leeds. They need to recruit wisely.

“Swift is have an amazing season at Reading. I think he could be one of two or three players who come in to bolster that squad.

“I know there is good youngsters coming through but this is the Premier League. You need proven quality. The players coming in need to be ready to fight. It is a big month for Leeds coming up.”

Leeds need him

If Leeds were in need of a central midfielder in the summer, then they are absolutely crying out for one now given the extent of their Premier League performances and recent injury crisis.

The Whites find themselves firmly in the mix of a relegation battle heading into Christmas, while they received the massive blow that talisman Kalvin Phillips will be out for the next couple of months.

While Swift isn’t likely to be a like-for-like replacement for the England international, he does offer something much-needed in the Leeds engine room.

The Reading ace has a track record of being someone who can offer a goal-scoring threat from attacking midfield, managing an impressive 65 goal contributions in 185 games – in fact, his start to the current campaign for Reading has been impressive to say the least, netting eight goals in the Championship as well as chipping in with nine assists too.

Speaking back in August after a 2-1 win over Preston, Royals manager, Veljko Paunovic, said: “Now he’s back, it is important we keep him healthy and motivated as he is now because that will help us a lot.

“He is super talented and he showed an urgency that he wanted to decide the game. The first couple of passes to Azeez and Joao were fantastic vision and execution of the final pass – something we’ve missed in the past. We missed those slick combinations through the middle when we progress forward so that’s something we have to keep up.”

With a record of 40 senior goals to his name in his professional career thus far, Swift could help answer Bielsa’s prayers of needing a new midfielder this January.

Meanwhile, this Leeds star must be axed vs Arsenal…

Tottenham Hotspur have been handed some encouragement ahead of the second leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final clash with Chelsea this week…

What’s the latest?

The club’s official Twitter account posted footage from their Hotspur Way training base on Monday evening as Antonio Conte’s squad went through some of their final preparations.

Just three seconds into the video, first-choice defender Eric Dier can be seen alongside Ben Davies.

The 27-year-old has missed the first-leg of tonight’s encounter and the weekend’s FA Cup victory over League One outfit Morecambe with an injury.

Huge boost

Dier has started all 18 of their Premier League outings this season, meaning the Italian has trusted him to start ever since he arrived in north London to replace Nuno Santo.

Therefore, he will surely be delighted to have the English colossus back in training ahead of a crucial fixture.

Spurs have a lot of work to do to overturn a two-goal deficit against the Champions of Europe but there chances, especially defensively are bolstered by the possible return of Dier to the squad.

In his absence last week, Conte had to deploy a dodgy-looking back three of Davinson Sanchez, Japhet Tanganga and Ben Davies, in which they conceded twice with the former two making key errors.

Just last month, the Lilywhites head coach waxed lyrical about Dier and his potential.

“Eric Dier can become one of the best players in the world in that position,” he claimed (via the Daily Mail). “For sure he needs to work and continue to improve and understand the movement with the defensive line

“He has to lead more, because in that position you have to speak a lot because you have to stay in the middle, at the back where you can see everything.

“He has a great space for improvement but we are talking about a really good player, strong physically with a good personality and good technically because he was a midfielder.”

This glowing endorsement only goes to show how much Dier is admired by Conte and why he is ever so crucial to their fortunes going forward.

The Italian will surely be buzzing to have him nearing full fitness, regardless of whether that comes against the Blues tonight or for their Premier League return on Sunday, when they’ll face Arsenal in the north London derby.

AND in other news, Sky Sports reporter drops huge Spurs transfer claim live on air, fans will be buzzing…

Wolves now have only a few days left to bring any new players into their squad before the January transfer window closes.

One potential deal that the Old Gold could look to finalise before the end of the month is for Barcelona midfielder Riqui Puig, a player with whom they have been linked in recent weeks.

With Adama Traore reportedly set to join the Spanish giants on loan until the end of the season with a view to a potential permanent deal waiting for him in the summer, these negotiations could give Wolves the opportunity to ask about the possibility of signing Puig, either before the upcoming transfer deadline or when the summer transfer window opens.

Having worked his way through Barcelona’s famous youth ranks, the 22-year-old – who is currently picking up £64k-per-week according to Salary Sport – has gone on to make 51 senior appearances for the La Liga club across all competitions, scoring one goal and providing three assists along the way.

Despite his experience, the midfielder hasn’t been a particularly important figure for Xavi this season with just two starts amid a total of 12 appearances across all competitions. That would suggest that a move from Barcelona to somewhere that he would obtain regular playing time would be beneficial for his career and development.

With that in mind, and given his young age, it could be worth Wolves trying to sign Puig – who has been labelled an “intelligent” player by his manager Xavi – on a long-term permanent deal to give him sufficient time to get accustomed to the Premier League and potentially become a regular figure in their team.

Taking all this into account, Jeff Shi now has the chance to sign Wolves’ next version of Ruben Neves as a young midfielder from a top European club who could come in and make a name for himself in the Premier League. The Portuguese midfielder has done just that since joining Wolves from FC Porto back in 2017, making a total of 197 appearances for the Old Gold.

Also, with Neves having been linked with a move away from Molineux, it could be an important piece of business from Wolves to bring Puig in if they end up selling their current midfield star any time soon.

Having had previous experience of signing young players from Barcelona as they did last summer with Francisco Trincao, a move for the current Blaugrana gem should definitely be considered either in the next few days or at the end of the season if his situation at Camp Nou doesn’t change.

In other news: Wolves eyeing transfer swoop for £14k-p/w “man mountain,” Lage would be delighted

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According to Calciomercato, Tottenham have reportedly declared their interest in €25m-rated Sampdoria centre-back Joachim Andersen, whilst Inter Milan are also keen on the defender.

What’s the word, then?

Spurs have declared their interest in the Dane with the future of Toby Alderweireld still an uncertain one. Tottenham triggered a one-year extension in the Belgian international’s contract in January, despite Alderweireld rejecting the offer on a new long-term contract.

However, the extension saw a £25m release clause come into play, which is certainly an achievable figure and one that a number of clubs could well meet given Alderweireld’s pedigree.

As a result, Tottenham have made headway in his attempts to bring 24-year-old Andersen to the new White Hart Lane having made his interest public, and if any potential bid is accepted, it would see the defender become the club’s first signing in over two transfer windows.

Could Christian Eriksen be key in negotiations?

As previously mentioned, Serie A giants Inter are also interested in signing the Sampdoria star, and one would assume that the famous Italian side could turn the head of most playing in Italy’s top-flight given their standing in the game.

As a result of that, it will be tough for Spurs to fend off such a prestigious club, although they do have a secret weapon up their sleeve in Eriksen.

The Danish international is unquestionably the star of the national team and the most famous Danish player right now. Andersen is yet to appear for the senior side, only appearing for the Denmark Under-21 team, and it wouldn’t be outrageous to presume that he is keen to play alongside his country’s main man at club as well as international level.

Spurs must ensure that they use Eriksen’s reputation in the Danish football world in order to secure what would be a big signing for them.

Many Everton fans have been left reacting to some news that has emerged on Salomon Rondon.

As per Marca, the Goodison Park faithful are now trying to get their striker to stay amid a likely call-up to the Venezuela national team for the next international break.

If he ends up going to play for his country, he will miss a game in the Premier League on his return due to quarantine guidelines.

Rondon has not exactly hit the ground running at the Merseyside club so far however, as he is Whoscored’s match rating system.

As such, a lot of Toffees supporters have been particularly critical of his performances, and so would like him to go and play for his country if it means that he misses a match on his return.

Everton fans on Rondon news

These Blues gave some fairly harsh reactions to the news as it was shared on Twitter, with one even going as far as to claim that he has ‘offered nothing’:

“I’ll pay for his flight”

Credit: @steefcGT4

“Let him go, let him have a 5 year holiday”

Credit: @JimMcCaffery6

“Let him go, he’s offered nothing. I’m not sure if he’s even had a shot for us since joining.”

Credit: @PatrickDrohan

“I’ll drive him to the airport!!!”

Credit: @Pcf4

“Get him gone!! Feel sorry for the Venezuelans”

Credit: @g4j4s4

“I’ll pay for him to go.”

Credit: @lewissefc

In other news, find out which U21 update has Evertonians fuming here!

Wolves could end up being short of wingers this window with Barcelona loanee Francisco Trincao reportedly unsatisfied at Molineux and won’t be signing a permanent deal whilst Adama Traore could see his loan move at the Spanish juggernaut made permanent.

In truth, neither player will be a loss for Wolves if they do depart with the duo both netting just one league goal each this season. However, it will leave a void that will need to be filled by Bruno Lage.

Granted, supporters will be keen to see the club show ambition and invest in exciting talents this summer after an impressive first campaign under Lage’s helm.

However, they should be aware that there are some top talents amongst the West Midlands club’s youth ranks, with winger Lee Harkin impressing for the U23s this term.

In the pipeline

The 18-year-old Northern Ireland starlet has featured 15 times in Premier League 2 for Wolves, netting four goals whilst also making two appearances in the EFL Trophy.

After mostly appearing off the bench at the start of the season, the winger is now a regular starter with the Black Country club sat in fifth in the Premier League 2 Division 2 table.

Harkin is very much on the radar of top clubs having burst onto the scene in Northern Ireland for Derry City as a 15-year-old. In a SuperCupNI match against Manchester United in 2018, the winger scored twice, having had a trial at Old Trafford, and was subject to serious praise from manager Martin Smith.

“Lee is a top player,” Smith said. “To have that much talent in the locker at 15 is something else. If he keeps his head and keeps progressing, he will do really well for himself.

“Manchester United know all about him, he was there on trial a month ago. He was very unlucky not to get his hat-trick.”

Lage has already demonstrated that he will offer opportunities to youngsters who are ready with Luke Cundle making three Premier League appearances this term.

With a potential shortage of wingers to come in the summer, the Portuguese manager should certainly be keeping tabs on the 18-year-old during pre-season with the youngster already demonstrating exciting potential.

In other news: Disaster: Lage sleepwalking into huge Wolves error that could have dire consequences

A number of West Ham fans have panicked at the latest transfer news linking Jarrod Bowen with a move to Liverpool.

According to The Athletic (relayed by Anfield Watch), Liverpool have continued to monitor Bowen’s progress since their interest last summer.

It has been revealed that Bowen is represented by the same PLG agency as Liverpool full-backs Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andrew Robertson.

In 22 Premier league appearances this season, Bowen has netted six times and has produced nine assists. This illustrates just how important the 25-year-old is to the Hammers, supported by his average Premier League match rating topping West Ham’s squad.

These West Ham fans panic at the Bowen transfer news

Anfield Watch relayed the Bowen transfer news reported by The Athletic on their Twitter account. West Ham Transfers proceeded to share their opinion on the matter, claiming that: “I have a feeling this’ll be our last season with Bowen.”

This sparked a number of Hammers fans to flood the comments with their reactions, with many fans reacting to the prospect of the Englishman’s departure.

Here’s what some of them had to say:

“Said it before, don’t really see Liverpool meeting the ludicrous price we’ll put on his head. All depends on how Kretinsky wants to run the club by summer, but 60m+ for a Mo Salah backup is mental for a traditionally sell to buy club”

Credit: @nathh_whu

“Fail to secure European football for next year and we could be in a bad place for sure. Fail to show any ambition to strengthen and doubly so. Plenty of time left in this window and season to head off potential trouble though.”

Credit: @GrazaWhu

“No European footy next year and we will lose Rice and Bowen defo. Areola will probs be on his way out too. Krals leaving already by the looks of it. Noble retires. I only see a downwards trend from here. Same old West Ham”

Credit: @HR_whuFC

“If we don’t improve our squad then I fear that he won’t be the only one.”

Credit: @neil_mccarthy

“Probably, let’s enjoy while he still with us”

Credit: @manelsaurio

“If he tries to chest it in from 1 yard again, we’ll have him for a few more seasons. It’ll be a shame to see him go. He’d be a bench warmer for LFC”

Credit: @mb7468

Celtic could form a dream duo at Parkhead in the January transfer window after being linked with a move for Shanghai SIPG midfielder Aaron Mooy.

According to the Daily Mail, the highly-rated 31-year-old is Ange Postecoglou’s top target ahead of the upcoming transfer window as the Bhoys manager looks to bolster his engine room options.

The Hoops are currently lacking strength in depth in the middle of the park after losing Ryan Christie and Olivier Ntcham over the summer, and Mooy could be the ideal solution.

After beginning his career in his homeland, the Australia international was picked up by Bolton Wanderers as a youngster before being loaned to St Mirren, where he made 30 appearances in all competitions.

However, things didn’t work out for Mooy during his first spell in England, and Western Sydney Wanderers brought him home in 2014.

The £6.75m-rated maestro then rose to prominence after earning a move to Manchester City’s sister club Melbourne City two years later. His eye-catching displays earned a move to Huddersfield Town, and Mooy played a pivotal part in their promotion to the Premier League.

A return of 11 goals and 15 assists in 120 outings in Yorkshire for Mooy saw David Wagner call him a “top-class” talent during his time at the John Smith’s Stadium, as the Australian become a crucial cog in his setup.

Nevertheless, following the Terriers’ relegation in 2019, the box-to-box dynamo moved to Brighton and Hove Albion, where he completed his most recent campaign in English football, and his underlying numbers highlight how influential he was.

As per WhoScored, Mooy averaged 0.7 crosses and 1.3 key passes per game in his 31 Premier League appearances throughout 2019/20, placing him in the top three for both metrics when compared to his former teammates.

Since then, he has continued to impress in China, and he could be reunited with his former international manager at Celtic as a result. However, perhaps it’s the prospect of the exciting midfielder linking up with Kyogo Furuhashi at Paradise which will really excite the Glaswegian fanbase.

The Japan international has already found the back of the net 13 times this season, and with the support of Mooy – a player who has proven record of providing defence-splitting passes at the highest level – Furuhashi’s goal threat could increase even further upon his potential arrival.

It remains to be seen if the Celtic hierarchy can entice Mooy back to Scottish football, but it’s certainly a move that the club’s chiefs should carefully consider.

In other news… Ange may be heading for Celtic nightmare over 20 y/o sensation who’s a “real presence”