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Tottenham Hotspur have been flying in both the Premier League and Champions League this season.

On Sunday, the team got back to winning ways against Crystal Palace following a recent defeat to Manchester United.

However, the performance will not go down as a memorable one for the North London outfit.

It was laboured and lacklustre, with Son Heung-min scoring the only goal during the 90-minute display.

The club posted a graphic of the match statistics following the final whistle, showing that Mauricio Pochettino’s men produced just two shots on target, while Palace created three.

Spurs dominated the ball, but they mustered just one more goalscoring opportunity than their opponents, who sit at the bottom of the league table.

As expected, Tottenham fans were pleased to pick up victory, but plenty were disappointed with the statistics.

Harry Kane has been their main source of goals this season having netted 13 so far, but the striker has failed to add to his tally in his last two appearances.

Aston Villa owner Tony Xia has warmed himself to the fanbase since the summer of 2016.

The Chinese businessman has now revealed plans to build a new stadium for the Midlands outfit once they return to the elite stage.

The club dropped into the second tier of English football at the end of the 2015-16 campaign after winning just three of their 38 Premier League matches.

The Villans struggled to launch a promotion bid in their first season in the Championship as they ended up finishing 13th in the standings.

In the current campaign, though, they are on course for the playoffs as they sit fourth in the table five points adrift of second-placed Cardiff City and nine behind leaders Wolverhampton Wanderers.

In an interview with Villa’s official website, Xia spoke in depth about his future plans for the club, which includes a new stadium.

“We have very big plans for Villa Park. We finished a plan in China a few weeks ago. We handed it to the management team here. It’s fair to say they were shocked.

“It will be something really different from what we can imagine from other clubs. One element will involve the North Stand, which I know people talk about a lot.

“The main point I want to make is it will have a very modern style but will definitely keep the historic feel, which is very important. But in terms of the whole plan? I am confident people will like it. People who have seen the plan love the plan.”

Villa Park has been the home of the Birmingham-based outfit since 1897.

It was a miserable night for Leeds United fans as they saw their side defeated 4-1 at high flying Wolves.

While a visit to Molineux was never going to be easy for Leeds United, considering the form that Wolves are in, the defeat was a reflection of the gulf between the two sides in terms of player quality.

Granted, Wolves have spent tens of millions of pounds creating a phenomenally talented squad. However, Leeds looked a class below their Championship rivals and have now lost 8 of their 18 league games already this season.

While it may not be time for drastic action yet, Leeds fans are clearly frustrated at the inconsistency of their side and judging by the reaction on Twitter, Thomas Christiansen would be a man on borrowed time, if some of the vocal Elland Road faithful had anything to do with the decision…

Liverpool’s victory over Spartak Moscow didn’t just see the Reds top their Champions League group, but it also extended their unbeaten record in all competitions to nine games.

Since their humbling defeat at Wembley against a rampant Spurs side in October, Jurgen Klopp’s side are yet to lose a game. But even more impressively, they’ve scored 32 goals in that time, that’s an average of 3.5 goals per game. Wednesday night was no exception, as Spartak were given a seven goal thumping.

And amongst the great performances, the plaudits will go to the likes of Philippe Coutinho, Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah. But even though he only played half of the game, James Milner’s performance after coming on for the injured Alberto Moreno may well get overlooked. It shouldn’t.

The versatile midfielder’s stats were really quite stunning. Three assists in only one half of football is mightily impressive, and although 53 touches may not seem like a case of utter domination, if you multiply it by two it gives you some insight into what the stats would look like hed he played the full 90 minutes. Coutinho, who played 90 minutes, managed 100 touches, the most of any player. Milner, adjusted for inflation, averaged more.

And yet, in a game in which Liverpool dominated and won with a massive scoreline, the former England man also managed to make two tackles – the only two he attempted.

It was an effective performance from a man who hasn’t featured too often for Liverpool this season, but if Moreno is injured for the Merseyside derby on Sunday, perhaps Milner will reprise his role at full-back again.

And even if the Spaniard is back, Milner’s stats show that he has been so effective that Jurgen Klopp probably can’t afford to leave him out against Everton, even if the former Manchester City player is now considered a central midfielder.

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West Ham United are closing in on the signing of midfielder Jack Wilshere, according to club insider ExWHUemployee.

What’s the word?

Ever since the England international announced that he was going to be leaving Arsenal this summer, speculation went into overdrive regarding his potential destination.

Various clubs from England and abroad have been touted in the media as possible suitors, and now it seems that a conclusion could be reached soon.

Who do you think will win the World Cup? Let us know here and win any World Cup shirt of your choice.

West Ham insider ExWHUemployee took to Twitter to reveal that a recent text message he received was regarding news that the club are on the verge of agreeing a deal for Wilshere.

The transfer itself will not cost the Hammers any money due to the fact that the midfielder is now a free agent, but there would have been a discussion about wages and bonuses etc.

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Is this a good idea?

Manuel Pellegrini will be taking a risk if the deal goes through mainly because of Wilshere’s injury history.

The 26-year-old has had some terrible luck in the past, which has seen him spend lengthy spells on the sidelines.

West Ham have experienced injury problems of their own within the squad – namely Andy Carroll – therefore adding another frustration is less than ideal.

However, Wilshere came through last season relatively unscathed and when fit he could be an influential figure in the middle of the park.

He will also have a point to prove and an added desire to win back a place in the England squad.

The Bournemouth fans around the Transfer Tavern are hoping that Eddie Howe can again lead his time to having a successful season in the top flight, having done just that for the last few seasons now. 

Ever since arriving in the top flight, little Bournemouth have made the league their own, proving football isn’t all about money but having a top manager and team togetherness is just as important. However to keep up with the huge spending that is happening this transfer window, our punters believe the Cherries should make a move for West Brom defender Ahmed Hegazi, who is valued at £4.5 million on Transfermarkt.

As the Baggies were relegated last season, a lot of attention has been paid to their players, specifically Hegazi. The Egyptian centre-back played in every single league game last season, doing his very best to help West Brom avoid relegation. The 27-year-old is a big, imposing defender that was seen as a brilliant buy and now our punters are hoping that Bournemouth can delve into the transfer market and prize him back to the top flight.

Bournemouth conceded the fourth highest amount of goals in the league last season, something that Eddie Howe will look to amend by signing Ahmed Hegazi. They know that he is now proven in the Premier League, so the move wouldn’t be seen as risky and alongside Nathan Ake at the heart of defence, the Cherries could start to form one of the better defences in the bottom half of the table, something that could massively pay off come the end of the season.

Thoughts… Let us know!

With Sergio Aguero not getting any younger at all, Manchester City need to find a replacement for their legendary forward.

Since joining from Atletico Madrid back in 2011, the Argentine has established himself as one of the greatest strikers to ever play in the Premier League. Scoring over 200 goals in all competitions for the Citizens, he became their highest ever goalscorer back in March with a goal against Napoli. With just two years on his contract, the 29-year-old has stated his desire to finish his playing days in Argentina.

Aguero will always be remembered at the Etihad after scoring the historic stoppage winner against QPR to hand City their first Premier League title. His eventual departure will leave huge shoes to be filled. Replacing such a prolific forward will no easy task for Pep Guardiola.

Indeed, there is only one man in the world who could replace him, PSG superstar – Kylian Mbappe. Valued at £135 by Transfermarkt, the 19-year-old has established himself as the biggest prospect in world football. Despite his tender age, Mbappe is already world-class, scoring 21 goals for the Parisiens last season. He continued his excellence into the FIFA World Cup with France, scoring four goals including a goal in the 4-2 final victory to become the youngster goalscorer in a World Cup final since Pele.

Few clubs in the world have the financial capabilities to finance a deal for Mbappe; City are one of the few sides whose resources could tempt PSG into selling their star player. It would take an eye-watering amount of money to bring him to the Premier League, but for a player of Mbappe’s quality and potential, it would no doubt be worth it.

Manchester City fans, thoughts?

Liverpool should make a move for free agent Max Meyer in order to add depth to their midfield options.

What’s the word?

Jurgen Klopp is not massively lacking in midfielders, but with a busy season ahead, the Liverpool boss needs to be able to rotate with quality players.

Meyer has been at Schalke for his entire career so far, but both parties called it quits at the end of the season.

Last season, the 22-year-old showed inconsistency on the pitch and as a result he failed to make Germany’s World Cup squad.

However, Meyer has shown across his development that he has the skill to thrive in central midfield, as well as in a number 10 role or in a more defensive position.

Why is this a good deal for Liverpool?

The Merseyside outfit were thought to be closing in on the signing of Nabil Fekir from Lyon, but the proposed deal collapsed.

Despite this, the Reds continue to be linked with the Frenchman’s signature, but perhaps the club should mull over other options.

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Meyer is not exactly a like-for-like alternative to Fekir, but Klopp allows fluidity in his midfield and attacking lines, which means that the German could do a job.

Financially it makes sense as Liverpool will not have a transfer fee to pay, and even though Meyer did not hugely impress last season, in total he still has a record of 17 goals and 17 assists in the Bundesliga.

Fulham will play in the Premier League this season for the first time since 2014.

The Cottagers finally earned promotion back to England’s highest division by defeating Aston Villa in the play-off final back in May. Owner Shahid Khan has insisted the club will not be in the Premier League to make up the numbers, and is hoping for further success this term, having spent £30 million on Jean Michael Seri and Maxime le Marchand this summer.

Manager Slavisa Jokanovic may also have a new goalkeeper at the top of his summer shopping list with the window closing at an earlier date of August 9. Marcus Bettinelli remains the only senior stopper at the club after David Button was sold to Brighton.

Therefore, a new goalkeeper surely has to be signed, and the perfect addition could be out-of-favour Liverpool stopper Simon Mignolet.

Valued at £9 million by Transfermarkt, the Belgian’s time at Anfield looks almost certain to come to an end this summer.

Mignolet was dropped as Liverpool’s number one earlier in the season, but has been pushed even further down the pecking order following the arrival of Alisson from Roma for £66.9 million – he now looks set to follow Danny Ward through the exit door.

The 30-year-old might not be cut out for life at Liverpool, but he could still be an astute signing by the Cottagers, as Mignolet has plenty of experience in the Premier League which could prove vital in their bid for survival.

He remains a decent goalkeeper and could thrive in an environment with less pressure, as he did to great effect at Sunderland to then earn him a move to Anfield.

And if available at a great price, this move makes complete sense, and would go some way to helping Fulham avoid an immediate return to the Championship this season.

Fulham fans… what do you make of the news? Let us know!

Newcastle United are clearly in need of investment after Rafa Benitez worked a minor miracle to guide them into the top half of the Premier League upon in their first season back in the big time, but appear to be operating on a sell-to-buy policy.

However, that approach could see them land Andros Townsend from Crystal Palace according to reports from the start of July, sparking a transfer triangle of wingers in the closing days of the transfer window. Football FanCast takes a closer look…

Townsend returns to Newcastle

Townsend enjoyed a successful period at Newcastle in the first part of 2016, joining Palace after he was unable to prevent their relegation to the Championship.

It was clear that Townsend thrived on the pressure and expectation at such a historic club and Sky Sports report that a £17m bid would be enough to secure his return to the North East.

Mirror Football, meanwhile, have more recently suggested Newcastle still have an interest signing the one-time England man, albeit describing the pursuit as ‘on the back burner until something gives’.

Matt Ritchie to Stoke

And that something could well be the sale of Ritchie. Sky Sports report that Mike Ashley will demand £15m from recently-relegated Stoke City for the wide man, who himself dropped down into the second tier to help the Magpies get back into the top flight in 2016.

Parachute payments may allow the Potters to go big and continue their spending, but the recent arrival of Tom Ince has surely taken a chunk from their budget.

Yannick Bolasie goes back to Palace

Bolasie moved to Goodison Park two summers ago but it is fair to say that the tricky wideman struggled to replicate his Palace form – even before the horrendous injury that sidelined him for an entire year.

Back to fitness and facing renewed competition out wide from Richarlison and Theo Walcott, Bolasie is reportedly a player Everton would be willing to let go.

In June, we asked Palace fans whether they would want him back and 90% of them said they would like to see him return to Selhurst Park.

Palace need to kickstart their summer activity and they could do a lot worse than securing the return of a popular player to replace the trickery of Townsend.

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